Saturday Snatch: The Sky Inside by Clare B. Dunkle

    The Sky Inside is a futuristic dystopian novel followed by its sequel, The Walls Have Eyes.

Cover Blurb:

The ads had started running on midmorning television the summer after Martin's fourth birthday. "Wonder babies are here!" they announced. ... Never had the arrival of the stork brought such excitement. Overflowing with charm and intelligence, Wonder Babies were like nothing the suburb had seen before.

But that didn't turn out to be a good thing.

Martin lives in a perfect world. Every year, a new generation of genetically-engineered children is shipped out to meet their parents. Every spring the residents of his town take down the snow they've stuck to their windows and put up the flowers. Every morning his family gathers around their television, and votes, like everyone else, for whatever matter of national importance the president has on the table. Today, it is the color of his drapes. It's business as usual under the protective dome of suburb HM1.
And it's all about to come crashing down.
Because a stranger has come to take away all the little children, including Martin's sister, Cassie, and no one wants to talk about where she has gone. The way Martin sees it, he has a choice. He can remain in the dubious safety of HM1, with danger lurking just beneath the surface, or he can actually break out of the suburb, into the mysterious land outside, rumored to be nothing but blowing sand for miles upon miles.
Acclaimed author Clare B. Dunkle has crafted a fresh and fast-paced science-fiction thriller, one that challenges her characters—and her readers—to look closer at the world they take for granted.


    I found this book in the corner of my library and instantly fell in love it. I ended up not liking The Walls Have Eyes very much, but The Sky Inside is definitely worth a read!
The Sky Inside: Prologue-Chapter 1
     Tell me what you think!

Book Review: Asenath by Anna Patricio

Excessive Cleavage Covered For Your Benefit :)  

 Asenath is a debut historical fiction novel based on Joseph (yes, the one with the coat)'s wife, Asenath.
Cover Blurb:
Two Destinies...One Journey of Love
    In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a
fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her
perfect world is shattered.
    When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her,
separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And
she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome
and kind steward named Joseph.
     Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that
Asenath comes to find solace…and love. But just as they are beginning
to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master’s wife and thrown
into prison.
     Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?


    I can honestly say that a small part of me has always wondered about Joseph's wife, and this provided a welcome sketch of how things might have been.
     Asenath was a girl who, while sometimes a wallflower, was very loyal to those she loved. In many  love-triangles the heroine is often portrayed as confused and helpless. But I didn't get that from Asenath, and I could clearly see how her actions were affected by her past. Joseph, though a bit too perfect to be realistic, was very romantic and interacted well with Asenath. I did feel that sometimes her parents weren't true to their characters, but it was refreshing to read a book where the parents are actively involved.
Characters: 3.5 Stars.
     Almost everyone knows the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, if not from the Bible then from Broadway. And, while building on that story, this book enlarged an aspect that is usually only lightly mentioned. As far as villains and action go, it wasn't as developed as it could have been. But the romantic scenes were enough to push it forward and it provided a good read for a slow day.
Plot: 3.5 Stars
      The setting and language of this book lent itself more towards King Arthur's court rather that Ancient Egypt, and it took away from the book considerably. But I could hear the author's voice throughout the story and could tell she definitely enjoyed writing. Her enthusiasm wore off and made it fun for me as the reader.
Style: 2.8 Stars


Rating: 3.2 Stars
Source: From Author For Review
Genre: Historical Fiction
YA Fiction

Author Info: Anna Patricio
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Must Read Monday (#13)

    Must Read Monday is a wildly fun meme hosted by Jenna atFans of Fiction!

"The goal of the Must Read Monday is to find share your love of great books with others in the hopes that they'll add a new title to their To Be Read list. 

Your job is to create intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?

On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).

For specific ways to build your puzzle, click here, but pretty much any style of acrostic is welcome.

When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.

It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god)."

     This week's topic: An amazing controversial/banned book

I had no clue this book was banned/controversial until I saw it on the list of books provided at Jenna's link. But I've always enjoyed the message of peace and redemption this story portrays, and it really was amazing. (Frankly, I was just glad there was a book on the list that I'd read recently enough to write an acrostic on) :)

All the time

Second best

Everyone knows it too

Perhaps his actions were justified

Actions against his best friend, taken in the blinding glare of    jealousy

Regretted an instant later 

And for a lifetime

Time slips away

   searching for an 

End to the pain

   searching for

Peace

   trying to find 

Excitement in life again

Apologies can't bring  back the dead

   but hope 

Can be found

   a  separate kind of 

pEace

by John Knowles

Saturday Snatch: Enchantress From the Stars by Sylvia Engdahl

     Enchantress From the Stars is a stand alone Sci-Fi / Fantasy novel from author Sylvia Louise Engdahl. Here's my review.

       I found this book sitting in the library and instantly fell in love with it. Now it's one of my favorites!

Cover Blurb:
The Federation Anthropological Service would never officially have allowed Elana to be on this mission to the medieval planet Andrecia. If Youngling peoples found out that a supremely advanced and enlightened society like the Federation existed, it would irreparably damage their evolution. Stowing away aboard her father's ship, Elana suddenly becomes the key to a dangerous plan to turn back the invasion of Andrecia by an aggressive, space-faring Youngling civilization. How can she possibly help the Andrecians, who still believe in magic and superstition, against a force armed with advanced technology -- without revealing her alien powers? 
          Apprentice medical officer Jarel wishes that the planet the Imperial Exploration Corps has chosen to colonize didn't have a "humanoid" population already living on it. The invaders don't consider the Andrecians to be human, and Jarel has seen the atrocious treatment the natives get from his people. How can he make a difference, when he alone regrets the destruction that his people bring? 
Georyn, youngest son of a poor Andrecian woodcutter, knows only that there is a terrible dragon on the other side of the enchanted forest, and he is prepared to do whatever it takes to defeat it. In his mind, Elana is the Enchantress from the Stars who has come to test him, to prove he is worthy of defeating the dragon and its powerful minions. Despite both Elana's and Jarel's inner turmoil, Georyn's burden is by far the heaviest. Ultimately, he must pit his innocent faith in the magic of his Enchantress from the Stars against foes who have come from a world beyond his comprehension. 


Hope your enjoy it as much as I did!
Excerpt: Enchantress From the Stars
(Scroll Down)

Interview & Giveaway: Michael D. Young

    Michael is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in German Teaching and a minor in Music. He puts his German to good use by working to build online German courses for High School students. Though he grew up traveling the world with his military father, he now lives in Utah with his wife, Jen, and his two sons. Michael enjoys acting in community theater, playing and writing music and spending time with his family. He played for several years with the handbell choir Bells on Temple Square and is now a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

He is the author of the novels THE CANTICLE KINGDOM and THE LAST ARCHANGEL. He is also the author of the inspirational pamphlet PORTRAIT OF A MOTHER. He has also had work featured in various online and print magazines such as Mindflights,The New Era, Allegory, and Ensign.

-Favorite reads?

I love the works of Brandon Sanderson, Terry Brooks, Orson Scott Card, Garth Nix, and David Farland.

-Inspirations for the book?

My time spent living as a missionary in Europe and learning about the vast religious traditions  and imagery from many different cultures.

-Did you know you wanted to be an author when you were little?

Yep. I still have very imaginative stories I wrote when I in Kindergarten. I didn’t get really serious about it until I hit high school, however.

-Pet Peeves: 

When people try to chase trends in writing without trying to infuse their stories with something unique.  When people try to put others down in order to try to lift themselves up.

-Chocolate or Peanut Butter? 

Peanut butter all the way.  Though, when the two team up, it is pretty tasty too.

-Is there a soundtrack to the book/Favorite music?

I would have to cite the music I used in my book trailer, which is called “Requiem for a Tower” and was first used in the movie trailer for “The Two Towers”, and was based on the song “Lux Aeterna” from the movie “Requiem for a Dream”.

-Do you need anything to write? (ex. chocolate, music, slippers) :) I usually listen to music, often soundtracks or things without words. I have a favorite recliner in which I do most of my writing.

-How long do you write on any average day?

I manage between two to three hours of writing on an average day.  I get most of it done after the kids go to bed and the house is quiet.

-Give us the number one reason to read your book.

The sheer amount of imagination that went in to crafting it.

Author Info: Michael D. Young

Twitter: @mdybyu

Facebook

Blog

Michael D. Young had written The Canticle Kingdom, The Last Archangel, and also has a prequel to The Canticle Kingdom featured as a new web serial story, called The Canticle of Night.

     Xandir has been exiled to earth until the end of time. But when his cherub trainee disappears, Xandir makes a deal with rogue angels and giants that could restore life to the mortal woman he loves and end his assignment as a destroying angel in exchange for helping them bring about the end of the world and all of mankind.

When a young blacksmith s apprentice named Johann discovers that his homeland is contained entirely within a small music box, it s up to him to protect the only home he s ever known. With the help of an impossibly ancient knight, his best friend, Brigitta, and his trusty homemade sword, Johann races to find the only people who can who can stop the dark power that threatens to destroy the Canticle Kingdom an unsuspecting family and an old woodcarver from the outside world. Enter a world full of magic, danger, loyalty and bravery in this exciting debut from Michael Young, and discover that even the most ordinary objects and people might be hiding something truly wonderful inside.

Michael Young has generously offered to give away one paperback copy of his book, The Canticle Kingdom!

*Giveaway*(US Only)
Ends Feb. 2 (2/2/12)

Mandatory:

Follow this blog through GFC

Extra:

Follow Michael D. Young on Twitter (+1)

Like Michael D. Young's author page on Facebook (+1)

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*Winner will be contacted by author. This blog is not responsible for the delivery or care of prizes.

Book Review: Untraceable by S.R. Johannes

Untraceable is a young adult wilderness thriller and the first in a series by S. R. Johannes.

Cover Blurb:
    16-year-old Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival. 
    When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him. 
    One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father. 
    Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves.


This book was a satisfying read and held so much more than I expected.
         While Grace (Main Character) was your average strong female lead, her first-person perspective allowed the reader clear insight into how her mind worked. I could feel her determination to save her father and her pain over her crumbling world. Mo (Romantic Interest) was very ... well, romantic but he seemed to fall for Grace a little fast. And there was one instance at the end, due to a plot twist, that I didn't think was consistent with his character. However, throughout the rest of the book there was very good chemistry between him and Grace. 

Characters: 4.3 Stars

          The starting premise is simple, Grace wants to find her missing dad or reach closure about the situation. But as she uncovers more and more clues, whole new dimensions of the mystery are unveiled. Dashing from one scene to the next, Grace barely manages to stay ahead. The climax was entrancing and the ending poignant! Untraceable will flow easily into the sequel.

Plot: 5 Stars

          S. R. Johannes' touch was subtle but strong. Somehow action-packed moments managed to convey a quiet thoughtfulness as well as painting a vivid picture of Grace's demons. As Grace tried to untangle her confused life, steady themes emerged and suddenly the title, Untraceable, held enormous importance.

Style: 5 Stars

Rating: 4.8

Source: From Author For Review

Genre: Thriller

YA Fiction

Author Info: S. R. Johannes

Twitter @SRJohannes

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Goodreads S. R. Johannes

Blog Market My Words

Book Review: The Last Archangel by Michael D. Young

    The Last Archangel is is a new novel from author Michael D. Young, who also wrote the Canticle Kingdom.


Cover Blurb:
Xandir has been exiled to earth until the end of time. But when his cherub trainee disappears, Xandir makes a deal with rogue angels and giants that could restore life to the mortal woman he loves and end his assignment as a destroying angel in exchange for helping them bring about the end of the world and all of mankind.


     I heard Michael Young speak at LTUE last year and have been wanting to read The Last Archangel since then.
     I really liked Xandir as the protagonist. He was witty, slightly sarcastic, and overall the under-dog I could root for. I felt his devotion to his love, Sempre, was genuine, and I could feel his pain and determination to do everything possible to get her back. The supporting characters did blur together and were sometimes hard to keep track of. But I enjoyed meeting Yearti, or as he is mistakenly called, Yeti.
Characters: 3 Stars
    The plot was a little slow at the start, but things really picked up towards the end. As Xandir's path crossed in and out of the underground the adversaries' plot slowly unfolded. It was hard to tell who he could trust and false faces were on everyone. But the last few pages finished with a bang. And, while still tying up the book, left good openings for a sequel.
Plot: 4 Stars
     Michael D. Young's The Last Archangel was a quick read It didn't require too much investment but was still interesting and a fun.
Style: 3 Stars


Rating: 3.3 Stars
Source: From Author For Review
Genre: Fantasy / Action
YA Fiction


Author Info:
Website
Twitter, @mdybyu
Goodreads

Must Read Monday

Must Read Monday is a fabulous weekly meme hosted by Jenna at Fans of Fiction.
To see how to participate and view the rules, check out her site
The goal of the Must Read Monday is to find share your love of great books with others in the hopes that they'll add a new title to their To Be Read list. Your job is to create intrigue for other hoppers. What makes your book so swoon-worthy? What do you absolutely have to mention so they'll read it?On your post, you'll make an acrostic puzzle (think of it as an overview/book blurb type of thing).
For specific ways to build your puzzle, click here, but pretty much any style of acrostic is welcome.
When you leave comments on other posts, be sure to mention whether you're adding that book to your TBR pile, and what part convinced you to do so.

It's all about powers of persuasion, people:) You might have to think a little, but channel that inner-creative goddess (or god).

Favorite Book You Had to Read for School:

To Kill a Mockingbird is the most heinous of crimes.

Observe this rule.

Scout and Jem think they 

Know Boo Radley's story.

     They 

Invent a game.

     Find presents 

Left for them

      But the 

Leaving stops.

Atticus, their father, defends the negro and is

Mocked for his choice.

Others understand, but most are rooted in the past.

      The 

Case is clear and hopeful.

      But they 

Kill the Mockingbird       

Interest turns away from Atticus's family

      Almost 

No one gives a second thought.

Goings are normal.

      But 

Bob Ewell will have his revenge.

In the night a knife flashes, someone saves-

      A quiet

Radley, left in the dark.

Do not kill a mockingbird.

By Harper Lee

Saturday Snatch: The Magi by Kevin Turner

The Magi is author Kevin Turner's debut novel and the first in a series planned for five.

Cover Blurb:

Thirteen-year-old Elijah Hawk has never heard of the Magi. He knows nothing about their three thousand-year-old secret. He has never been to Savenridge, the Magi city hidden deep inside the northern woods. Most of all, Elijah is unaware of the dangers hunting him. After one terrifying night, however, all of that changes! On a quest to solve the horrific murder of his parents, Elijah stumbles upon the land of the Magi. Learning their ancient secrets and training with their power is the least of his problems. In order to find out why his parents were killed, Elijah learns that he must confront the dangers that are hunting him, even though it means almost certain death. What's more terrifying is discovering that his journey to this new world may not have been an accident after all.

  I had fun reading this book, and, though I included links to this excerpt in my review, recently the sixth chapter was added. You can see my review of The Magi here and an interview with Kevin Turner here.
          I hope you enjoy the excerpt as much as I did!
The Magi: Prologue--Chapter 6
          What do you think?

Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

   Cinder is the debut novel of author Marissa Meyer set in the far future.
Cover Blurb:
   Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .
   Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.


    I've always had a soft spot for fairy tale remakes, but I must admit Cinderella was never my favorite. However, after reading Cinder, I just might change my mind. A spectacular read!
    It always bothered me that Cinderella acted like a doormat and never stood up for herself, but Cinder (Main Character) was entirely devoid of this problem. She knew who she was and new how she should be treated. And she expressed that while not grating on the reader. Kai (Romantic Interest, Also Prince of the Commonwealth) was developed in a way that made it clear he was a person and not just a Prince Charming. And with all the main and supporting characters I could perceive the motives behind their actions.
Characters: 5 Stars
     Marissa Meyer has crafted a story in a world so filled with detail and intrigue that I found myself reading straight through. With a plague, and a looming war with the Lunar people, the basic Cinderella story was very exciting. I did guess a big secret before it was revealed, but it was still fun to see the foreshadowing build on my hunch. I'm already counting down the days for the sequel, Scarlett, in 2013.
Plot: 5 Stars
      Cinder did not read like a debut. It read like maybe the fourth or fifth bestseller from an author experienced in where she wanted her book to go and the best way to get there. Cinder takes  place in the far future of China and I loved the mixture of past and future cultures. Very realistic,and I will be eagerly awaiting future books. (like seriously, you'd better move out of the way) 
Style: 5 Stars


Rating: 5 Stars
Source: Amazon
Genre: Sci-Fi
YA Fiction

Author Info:
Marissa Meyer Blog
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