S.W. Lothian's Blog, page 19
August 5, 2015
YA Book Review | Enclave (Razorland #1) | Ann Aguirre
July 29, 2015
New Kids Movie Trailer | Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip | 2015
Hiya, This is just a quick post to let you know that I’ve added a new kid’s movie trailer to my KIDS MOVIE TRAILERS page.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS | THE ROAD CHIP (2015)
Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in New York City – and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal.. (IMDB)
If you liked that, then click the MOVIE TRAILERS link at the top of this page or click on the MOVIES category in the right hand margin to see all of the other new and favourite trailer links I’ve posted.
PS. If you have already read the series, it would be great if you could take a couple of minutes to share your thoughts with a quick review at Amazon on the Omnibus Edition :)
July 22, 2015
YA Book Tour| Sons of the Sphinx | Cheryl Carpinello
I am very pleased to be part of a wonderful book tour organised by My Family’s Heart. I read this book late last year and would love to share my review. As a thank you for dropping by, My Family’s Heart and Cheryl Carpinello are offering a great prize of a $50 Amazon/ PayPal Gift Card in an exclusive giveaway. Look for the ‘enter to win’ button after my review.
SONS OF THE SPHINX
by Cheryl Carpinello
Kindle edition supplied by author
GENRE | YA Historical Time Travel
PUBLISHED | Oct 10, 2014
LENGTH | 192 pages
PUBLISHER | Beyond Today Educator
COVER ARTIST | Bernistevens Design
The Prophecy: Behold, when the last boy pharaoh is awakened, he will have one chance to right the wrong. United with a spirit vessel from the future, he must seek to find the one robbed of his reign, who will lead the way to the tomb of the boy pharaoh’s lost queen.
There must the confrontation with the usurper be held and the presentation of his confession to the old priests be given. If the usurper holds his tenth Jubilee and is allowed to acknowledge his son as his successor, the wrong will not be righted, and the queen will remain lost to her pharaoh forever.
Armed with what she considers her grandmother’s curse, 15-year-old Rosa agrees to help the ghost of King Tut find his lost queen Hesena. Thrust back into Ancient Egypt with Tut, Rosa discovers that finding Hesena is not all she must do. She must keep out of the reach of the living Horemheb – who crosses mortal boundaries using Seth’s evil magic – if she is to stay alive to make it back home. (Goodreads)
2014 Literary Classics Seal of Approval
2014 Finalist in Literary Classics Book Award
My Review
I have read and reviewed the prequel to this one, Tutankhamen Speaks, and was pleased to nab a copy from the author to continue the story. This is an original time travel adventure that gives a fresh new perspective from the view of Tut himself. The main character, Rosa, is a modern-day girl who has a gift that allows her to speak with the dead (a gift that she’s not really too thrilled about). Tut contacts her and convinces her that she has a role to play in reuniting his spirit with that of his great love, Hesena.
After a little convincing and debating within her own mind, Rosa agrees to help him. As they embark through time to find the clues she finds that Tut is at times rather cool towards her, and he never gives her much information. Just enough, but never too much. As she finds herself falling for him, she fights the feelings as she knows that there is no future for them to be together. The thing is, that she has part of Tut’s great love’s spirit within her, so it’s a battle in her mind to know which feelings are her and which are not. Tut is very guarded and he continually switches between his ruler persona and a more personal one. This becomes quite frustrating for Rosa.
The book effectively compares old to new life, revealing that the underlying needs of the characters are the same, whether ancient or modern. They all want to be with the ones they care for. Tut with Hesena, and Rosa to return home to her family. Rosa has always been a fan of ancient Egypt and had long built up the romance of Tut’s story within her own mind. It was a dream come true for her to actually become part of his story, and to help him reunite with his wife in the afterlife, but in reality it is home she craves for.
It’s obvious that Cheryl Carpinello has great interest in ancient Egypt and a great deal of research is evident. The book contained a lot of information and I probably only picked up half of the details, but enough to follow the story. I enjoyed the plot and the original time-travel angle. The book also gave me a different perspective of a curse, by showing it from the view of the curser (Tut’s spirit in his tomb) and it’s impact on the grave robber victims. Karma comes to mind. It also provoked thoughts as to whether archaeologists are any different to ancient grave robbers. They both disturb sacred sites to fulfil their own goals. The main difference (I hope) is the archaeologist’s ultimate goal is preservation rather than instant wealth.
This was an entertaining time-travel adventure with a twist. It succeeds with a nice blend of fact and fiction. Recommended for fans of ancient Egypt who like a little magic mixed in. A good story for teens and adults who are young at heart.
Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.
Buy & TBR Links
AMAZON KINDLE US | AMAZON KINDLE CA |
AMAZON KINDLE UK | AMAZON PAPERBACK |
BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK | GOODREADS | SHELFARI
If you’re keen to know more, then you can find more information at any of the following links.
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
WEBSITE – Main | WEBSITE – Shared
BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+
PINTEREST | GOODREADS | SHELFARI
Giveaway
Thanks for dropping by. You could win yourself a
$50 Amazon/PayPal Gift Card
courtesy of My Family’s Heart and Cheryl Carpinello
Just click below to enter.
This tour has been organized & hosted by
PS. If you have already read the series, it would be great if you could take a couple of minutes to share your thoughts with a quick review at Amazon on the Omnibus Edition :)
July 15, 2015
YA Book Review | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | J.K. Rowling
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
by J.K. Rowling
Kindle edition
Harry Potter is due to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is desperate to find out why his friends, Ron and Hermione, have been secretive all summer.
But before he even gets to school, Harry survives a terrifying encounter with two Dementors, attends a court hearing at the Ministry of Magic and is escorted on a night-time broomstick ride to the secret headquarters of a mysterious group called the Order of the Phoenix. – GOODREADS
My Review
Once a HP fan, always a HP fan. It’s one of those amazing series that has charmed the world and continues its magical spell long after the release of the final book. I think this is my fourth read of the series and I notice new details each time. The books are so rich with gems of detail that are waiting to be found. It was another great trip down memory lane, and even more vivid, given that I had travelled to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, at the end of 2014. Every HP fan should go there. The books absolutely come to life. (See some of my pics at the end of this review)
Harry is definitely a lot angrier in this one. It’s understandable, but frustrating at the same time. Sometimes I just wanted him to chill, and think things through logically. But I guess that was the whole point of this book, to explore how Harry coped with feeling that he had been abandoned. He was obviously super angry and frustrated and his feelings were mirrored by Sirius, who was in hiding and also deeply annoyed at his isolation and helplessness.
On the flipside, Ron and Hermione’s playful banter, bordering on annoyance, and tinged with a building affection added some balance. Plus there was Luna Lovegood.
“I think I’ll just go down and have some pudding and wait for it all to turn up – it always does in the end.”
She’s so cool – that’s all I need to say – fans of HP understand that she’s just so fascinating.
The introduction of such a nasty piece of work, Delores Umbridge, added another layer of opposition for Harry to contend with – right at the heart of where he felt the safest – Hogwarts. ‘I must not tell lies’ has been undoubtedly etched into the memory of all readers, along with a million opinions on how we would like to throttle her and her fluffy pink cardigan. Remember this… (Booya!)
DU “Potter, do something! Tell them I mean no harm!”
HP “I’m sorry, Professor… but I must not tell lies.”
DU “What are you doing! I am senior undersecretary Delores Jane Umbridge! LET… ME… GOOOOOOOO!”
So many things happen in this story; Hagrid returns from his giant hunt with a surprise; Mr Weasley is injured, and Harry quietly suspects that he’s Voldemort’s weapon. For some reason I didn’t remember much detail of St Mungo’s from previous reads, so those parts were like a whole new setting to behold.
It’s also a time of discovery for Harry, as he learns of his father’s school-day escapades, whilst attending his Occlumency lessons with Snape. It shows us another side of Snape and provides a window to why he’s like he is, and Harry begins to doubt his father’s character. He internalizes everything and doesn’t talk it over with Hermione and Ron. I’m sorry to say that Harry does annoy me in this book. He’s become too cocky and won’t listen to anyone else, even Dumbledore. So it’s not surprising that we see this climax in an explosive confrontation.
HP5 is a period of enormous growth for Harry. We’ve all seen how he has dealt with extreme situations since his wizarding life began in book 1. But in this book, Harry is growing up. So, in addition to the constant threat from Voldemort and his followers, he is also battling his own feelings and trying to find his way.
Each time I re-read these books I love them more. A great instalment to the series that takes us through the tough personal conflicts of our hero, while he continues to battle the darkness that lurks all around. It’s a no brainer that this book would appeal to all HP fans.
Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.
Checkout my other Harry Potter reviews:
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
As promised here are a few of my thousands of pics from my recent visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
WARNING: There’s lots!! It was a struggle to pick favourites.
July 9, 2015
New Kids Movie Trailer | The Secret Life of Pets | 2016
Hiya, This is just a quick post to let you know that I’ve added a new kid’s movie trailer to my KIDS MOVIE TRAILERS page.
THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (2016)
Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max’s life as a favorite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke. They have to put their quarrels behind when they find out that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners. (IMDB)
If you liked that, then click the MOVIE TRAILERS link at the top of this page or click on the MOVIES category in the right hand margin to see all of the other new and favourite trailer links I’ve posted.
PS. If you have already read the series, it would be great if you could take a couple of minutes to share your thoughts with a quick review at Amazon on the Omnibus Edition :)
July 2, 2015
New Kids Movie Trailer | Inside Out | 2015
Hiya, This is just a quick post to let you know that I’ve added a new kid’s movie trailer to my KIDS MOVIE TRAILERS page.
INSIDE OUT (2015)
After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness – conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school. (IMDB)
If you liked that, then click the MOVIE TRAILERS link at the top of this page or click on the MOVIES category in the right hand margin to see all of the other new and favourite trailer links I’ve posted.
| THE QUEST SERIES | OMNIBUS EDITION |
| Books 1-3 |
| CLICK THE BOX TO GET YOUR COPY |
The Quest Series is a time travel adventure that is packed full of exciting action, adventure and mystery. Since its release, it has delighted readers of all ages and received high praise along the way. The first book, The Golden Scarab, was a finalist in the 2013 Readers’ Favorite Awards.
Book 4, The Missing Link, is on the way, so this Omnibus Edition lets you catch up and get ready for the series finale.
PS. If you have already read the series, it would be great if you could take a couple of minutes to share your thoughts with a quick review at Amazon on the Omnibus Edition :)
June 24, 2015
Book Review | The Great Zoo of China| Matthew Reilly
THE GREAT ZOO OF CHINA
by Matthew Reilly
529 pages
Gift – Hardcover edition
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Barnes & Noble
Buy from Book Depository
It is a secret the Chinese government has been keeping for forty years. They have found a species of animal no one believed even existed. It will amaze the world. Now the Chinese are ready to unveil their astonishing discovery within the greatest zoo ever constructed.
A small group of VIPs and journalists has been brought to the zoo deep within China to see its fabulous creatures for the first time. Among them is Dr Cassandra Jane ‘CJ’ Cameron, a writer for National Geographic and an expert on reptiles.
The visitors are assured by their Chinese hosts that they will be struck with wonder at these beasts, that they are perfectly safe, and that nothing can go wrong…
GET READY FOR ACTION ON A GIGANTIC SCALE. – GOODREADS
My Review
There is no doubt that The Great Zoo of China is Jurassic World with dragons. Even Matthew Reilly notes the similarities at the end of the book, but also points out the differences. Similar, or not, I thought this was an exciting and entertaining read.
China has been quietly working for many years creating the most amazing zoo ever. It’s a place that they believe is destined to show the world that they can do anything. Given their ingenuity, I have no doubt they are really capable if creating something of such a scale.
The time to reveal the zoo to the world has come, and a group of influential VIP guests arrive for a sneak peek. These include U.S. Government officials, respected media representatives, and highly regarded animal (crocodile) experts. This is where our main characters, CJ, and her brother, Hamish, come into the story. China’s aim is to totally amaze their guests and let them tell the world about the zoo.
There is a little back story that crops up (something messy had already happened), but it has been swept under the covers. There is no way that China want the reputation of the new zoo tarnished.
It’s during the VIP visit that drama and action take front and centre stage when things start to go wrong and all hell breaks loose. We learn that dragons are actually very intelligent creatures and have their own goals. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’m sure it’s obvious that there are some hard fought battles between humans and beast. In addition to dealing with cranky dragons, there’s even more danger for the VIPs. The zoo officials are adamant that no word of the problems get out to the world.
Along the way, our heroine, CJ, befriends a yellow dragon and they work together to beat the enemy. This is the point where I had to suspend belief. A herpetologist veterinarian becoming a kick-ass action hero! Hmmmm. Talking to a dragon! Hmmmm. But, other than that it was the classic MR mix that I love, with lots of action, detailed maps, and impossible situations being overcome by sheer ingenuity.
One thing to note is that it’s the first MR book with a female as the main character. Whether the main protagonist is male or female doesn’t come into my radar, but for those readers who are swayed by the gender of the book’s hero, it’s good to see :)
The Great Zoo of China is a cool book with a wild plot, plenty of action and an impressive setting on a grand scale. I enjoyed the read, but not as much as MR’s other books.
Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.
If you’re keen to know more, then click below to head on over to Matthew Reilly’s website.
| THE QUEST SERIES | OMNIBUS EDITION |
| Books 1-3 |
| CLICK THE BOX TO BUY FOR JUST $4.99 usd |
The Quest Series is a time travel adventure that is packed full of exciting action, adventure and mystery. Since its release, it has delighted readers of all ages and received high praise along the way. The first book, The Golden Scarab, was a finalist in the 2013 Readers’ Favorite Awards.
Book 4, The Missing Link, is on the way, so this Omnibus Edition lets you catch up and get ready for the series finale.
PS. If you have already read the series, it would be great if you could take a couple of minutes to share your thoughts with a quick review at Amazon on the Omnibus Edition :)
June 18, 2015
New Kids Movie Trailer | The Peanuts Movie | 2015
Hiya, This is just a quick post to let you know that I’ve added a new kid’s movie trailer to my KIDS MOVIE TRAILERS page.
THE PEANUTS MOVIE (2016)
Snoopy embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home. (IMDB)
If you liked that, then click the MOVIE TRAILERS link at the top of this page or click on the MOVIES category in the right hand margin to see all of the other new and favourite trailer links I’ve posted.
| THE QUEST SERIES | OMNIBUS EDITION |
| Books 1-3 |
| CLICK THE BOX TO BUY FOR JUST $4.99 usd |
The Quest Series is a time travel adventure that is packed full of exciting action, adventure and mystery. Since its release, it has delighted readers of all ages and received high praise along the way. The first book, The Golden Scarab, was a finalist in the 2013 Readers’ Favorite Awards.
Book 4, The Missing Link, is on the way, so this Omnibus Edition lets you catch up and get ready for the series finale.
PS. If you have already read the series, it would be great if you could take a couple of minutes to share your thoughts with a quick review on the exclusive Amazon Omnibus Edition :)
June 17, 2015
The Quest Series | Omnibus Edition | Books 1-3 | Now Available
| Books 1-3 |
| NOW AVAILABLE |
The Quest Series is a time travel adventure that is packed full of exciting action, adventure and mystery. Since its release, it has delighted readers of all ages and received high praise along the way. The first book, The Golden Scarab, was a finalist in the 2013 Readers’ Favorite Awards. Book 4, The Missing Link, is on the way, so this Omnibus Edition (Exclusive to Amazon) lets you catch up and get ready for the series finale.
| CLICK THE BOX TO BUY FOR JUST $4.99 usd |
PS. If you have already read the series, it would be great if you could take a couple of minutes to share your thoughts with a quick review on the exclusive Amazon Omnibus Edition :)
June 12, 2015
New Kids Movie Trailer | Zootopia | 2016
Hiya, This is just a quick post to let you know that I’ve added a new kid’s movie trailer to my KIDS MOVIE TRAILERS page.
ZOOTOPIA (2016)
In the animal city of Zootopia, a fast-talking fox who’s trying to make it big goes on the run when he’s framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Zootopia’s top cop, a self-righteous rabbit, is hot on his tail, but when both become targets of a conspiracy, they’re forced to team up and discover even natural enemies can become best friends. (IMDB)
If you liked that, then click the MOVIE TRAILERS link at the top of this page or click on the MOVIES category in the right hand margin to see all of the other new and favourite trailer links I’ve posted.
