Katy Huth Jones's Blog, page 8

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A perfect finish to an inspiring YA series!

The Book Dragon has finished 3 Things to Forget, the fourth and final installment in the Bird Face Series by Cynthia T. Toney and gives it a resounding 5 claws!
My 5 star review: "Having read the first 3 in the Bird Face series, I was eager to read this last book (but grew sadder and sadder as I neared the end, realizing this was the last book). Wendy's growth throughout the series has been so satisfying to watch, and her empathy and capacity for deep friendship is showcased against a backdrop of beautiful Alaska. As with the others in the series, the author writes honestly about the struggles as well as the triumphs of young people. In Book 4 the reader spends time with deaf teens, an adopted teen desperate for love, as well as advancing Alzheimer's in Wendy's beloved surrogate grandmother. All the elements, along with Wendy's volunteer summer job working with wildlife, combine in picture-perfect finish to a wonderful, inspiring series. Highly recommended!"

This book, along with the others in the series, are featured on Catholic Teen Books.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A chilling science fiction story

The Book Dragon has read Ashlynn's Dreams by Julie C. Gilbert and gives it a resounding 5 claws!
My review: "This is a stunning debut novel cleverly told in journal entries, which adds to its authentic feel even though it's science fiction in a contemporary setting. If the story had been written as a more traditional narrative, the horror of the situation and the terror experienced by the genetically-modified children would have been difficult to present as a "clean read." In this format, the suspense and drama is actually heightened and made this an unforgettable read.

"The title character, Ashlynn, has been raised as Jillian and had no idea she was created in a test tube until she was kidnapped at age 12, along with her babysitter Danielle, by the scientists who designed her and her "siblings." The details are realistic, and the reader feels tremendous empathy for Jillian, Danielle, and the other children. Moral issues are brought to light and make the reader wonder what would YOU do in a similar situation. Though not a comfortable story, it resonates deeply and will make me think for a long time. Although it's the first of a series, it does have a resolution, but the knowledge that Dr. Devya is still out there and Jillian probably hasn't seen the last of him will make this reader want to continue and find out what happens next....Recommended to readers who like thoughtful science fiction will find this story compelling."

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Mystery, mermaids, and more!

The Book Dragon has read Shallows by Denver Evans and gives it 5 claws!

My review: "4.5 stars for an unexpectedly delightful story about a young inventor's encounter with the mermaids everyone in his island village fears. I say 'unexpected' because the story took twists and turns that surprised me and made for a rich reading experience. The story has a 17th century feel with realistic details and a nail-biting climax! The MC begins the story as naive and affectionately absent-minded, but the villagers go from seeing him as an oddity or an annoyance to a threat after he discovers the truth about the "mermaids." Recommended for anyone who likes fantasy with a fairy tale feel and, of course, mermaids.

Here's a better shot of the beautiful cover:

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A Powerful, Disturbing YA Dystopian

The Book Dragon has read Corinna Turner's I Am Margaret and gives it 5 claws!
My review: "4.5 stars for this powerful, disturbing dystopian. The title character, Margaret (Margo) is an incredible young woman. Her faith and courage while facing unspeakable horrors is beyond inspiring. This reader will never forget her and hopes she could be half so brave if faced with similar persecution for her faith!

"A warning to parents: There are some graphic scenes of torture, not for the faint-hearted, and there is much more language than I am comfortable reading or would have wanted my children to read. Older teens will find Margaret's story unforgettable and inspiring, and they will want to continue with the next book in the series."

This book is also found on the Catholic Teen Books website.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A Heartwarming 3rd Installment in the Bird Face Series

The Book Dragon has read Cynthia T. Toney's 6 Dates to Disaster, the 3rd book in the Bird Face series and gives it 5 claws!
My 5 star review: "This was an excellent continuation of the Bird Face series and will greatly appeal to teens (and those of us who remember those years so clearly). The author continues Wendy's story with warmth and honesty as she deals with first love, a blended family, financial problems, desperately wanting to make enough money to visit an elderly friend and surrogate grandmother with Alzheimer's before it's too late, the unexpected problems that arise from her money-making scheme, and a friend's consequences to dating a boy with an alcohol problem. The story moves at a steady pace yet gives time to connect the reader to Wendy and her problems in a sympathetic way. Though part of a series, this book could be read without reading the first two (but it will be better if you read them first) and the ending, though perfect, will make the reader want to get the last book to find out what happens! A recommended clean book for teens."

This book is featured at Catholic Teen Books. Check out Ms. Toney's other books!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Unforgettable story about foster children

The Book Dragon has read The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch by T. M. Gaouette and gives it 5 claws!
My review: "4.5 stars for a story that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming about foster children and a place where ten of them found a home in which love and faith abounded. As a former foster parent, this story really touched my heart and made me wish I could give these fictional foster children a big hug! The story is mainly told through Benedict's POV, but in several places other POVs are given, which was mostly effective. I recommend this book to everyone with a heart for children. You will never forget it!"
Here's a better picture of the lovely cover. This book is also found on the Catholic Teen Books site.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Fantasy of Mythological Proportions!

The Book Dragon has read Coiled by H. L. Burke and gives it 5 claws!
My review: "4.5 stars for a fantasy that slithers into your heart (and I already liked snakes). Coiled has such a strong feel of Greek mythology, it could easily be titled "The Labors of Laidra" so she could take her place in the pantheon of mythological heroes. The MC, Princess Laidra, is an extremely sympathetic, yet strong and selfless character (the three "S's," rather snake-like). The members of the supporting cast, including humans and gods and monsters, are all individually drawn yet have enough similarity to their Greek counterparts that the story feels familiar in a fresh new way.

"Recommended for older teens and up, especially those who like Greek mythology and/or snakes!"

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A Purr-fect Fantasy Collection for Feline Lovers

The Book Dragon has read the fantasy anthology Paws, Claws, and Magic Tales, 16 short stories collected by the Fellowship of Fantasy and gives it 5 claws!
My review: "4.5 stars for a fun anthology centered around cats. The stories are as different as cats, so there will be one to suit most any reader's taste. Some I liked more than others, but nearly all of them made me wish I had a cat, even though I've never had one! My favorite stories were "Destined for Greatness," "The Honorable Retrieval of Miss Sunbeam Honeydew," "Whisker Width," and "The Cat-Dragon and the Unicorn." But "The Magic of Catnip" was clever, and "Death Always Collects" was especially poignant, even without reading the author's note. Recommended for fantasy lovers, whether or not you are already a cat lover! (This book can make you one, in that case.)"

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Knights and dragons and princesses...and zombies?

The Book Dragon has read Knight's Rebirth by Sarah Ashwood and gives it 5 claws!
My review: "4.5 stars for one of the most unusual and compelling stories I've ever read! Not your usual fantasy, but the two main characters became living, breathing people to me (well, one was breathing for some of the story, but I guess it wouldn't be a spoiler because he begins his story by telling you he's dead). If you like knights and dragons and princesses and a quirky love story, and adventure all over the place, including monsters and curses and mythology and zombies and life-and-death situations, you'll love this memorable tale!"
Here's a better image of the cover. Only 99 cents on Amazon!!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A Highly Original Snow White Retelling

As part of a special blog tour for Fantasy Month, all of Book Dragon's reviews this month will be fantasy books! Check out this site for more info on this special event. The Book Dragon has read Lea Doue's fascinating Mirrors and Pearls: A Retelling of Snow White (Fairytale Dragon Riders Book 1) and gives it 5 claws!
My review: "4.5 stars for a delightful and highly original retelling of Snow White. I loved the dragons and the pixie and the squirrel. The characters were so much fun, I wanted it to be longer. The ending felt a bit rushed, but don't let that stop you from reading this quirky, magical tale. It's SO much better than the Disney version. Recommended!"
Here's a better picture of the lovely cover!