Jamieson Wolf Pens Witchy Tale--Just in Time for Fall Gifting

The Ghost Mirror
By Jamieson Wolf
eTreasures Publishing
www.etreasurespublishing.com
Copyright 2007
Ebook/Paperback
YA/Dark Fantasy
Available on Amazon

Reviewed by Mayra Calvani, The Dark Phantom Review


Thirteen-year old Mave is no ordinary girl. For one thing, she happens to be a black-eyed, redheaded powerful witch, so much so that even her own parents fear her. Not understanding her powers, her mom and dad have chosen to ignore and neglect her to the point of emotional cruelty.

The only person in the world who seems to love and understand Mave is her grandmother, and when she takes Mave to live with her in her big mansion, the young girl couldn’t be happier. Soon, however, Mave discovers a strange and mysterious old mirror in the attic. Grandmother warns her to stay away from it, but sometimes curiosity can be more powerful than reason. Mave touches the mirror, with dangerous consequences. She’s transported into a dark and magical world and faced with a grand mission: she’s to destroy the evil Lavender Man… or die.

Talented author Jamieson Wolf has penned a dark, sometimes macabre, beautifully written novel for young adults and adults alike. His lyrical prose flows like the magic in his story and has an old-fashioned tone to it which perfectly complements the plot. Some of the vivid images in the book are quite haunting, like the Tree Lady of the forest and the Lavender Man sucking the spirit from his victims. Above all, the beauty of the language stands out, as well as the author’s obvious love for storytelling. I was drawn from start to finish into Wolf’s darkly magical world and look forward to reading the sequel soon.

A Romantic E-Ticket Adventure from Carrie Lynn Lyons

Dream Pictures
Carrie Lynn Lyons
Mundania Press LLC
www.mundania.com
ISBN-10 : 1-59426-234-9

Reviewed by: Suzette Jamison

Carrie Lynn Lyons blends a unique cast of characters with a story that touches heart and soul, and takes readers on an E-ticket adventure filled with goose bump chills of something other in “Dream Pictures,” book one of the Carnival Soul Trilogy.

An isolated road, a stormy night, and a grizzly murder, all pretty cliché. But the two men who interrupt the killers and sweep young Jamie Weston and the reader into their world aren’t cliché, aren’t ordinary, and are not about to let the killers get to their last victim.

Visitors to Cavanaugh’s Carnival and its oddities show come to see its starring attractions, Cavanaugh’s Midget Hunchback and Cavanaugh’s Frankenstein. Even most in the Show see only the personas they project. Solomon and Leon Cavanaugh, the owners of Cavanaugh’s Carnivals, four of the largest traveling shows in the United States, are more, much more, and they do anything to protect the child that came so willing into their arms, including opening the closed world of the carny to outsiders.

Devastated by the death of his best friend, Paul Randolph, will use all the resources at his command as the new CEO of the multi-billion dollar Weston Corporation to find the killer and his goddaughter. When he becomes a target, too, he finds himself under the protection of Jaime’s unusual rescuers.

The foreward in this book, written by John Robinson of Sideshow World, says, “It ‘s alive on the inside,” and so it is. Well written, fast paced, alive with character, adventure, thrills and chills and heart and soul, Carrie Lynn Lyons “Dream Pictures” sweeps you away for a few hours with the carnival, the characters, and their story.
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Carrie Lynn Lyons grew up is Southern Utah as Charlene Ruesch, married, traveled around courtesy of the Airforce and landed in Nevada, where she is employed in the health care industry and busy with her grandchildren and writing.

Have You Ever Heard the Name Goody Two Shoes?

The Inspiring Story of Little Goody Two Shoes
By Michael Levy
Publisher: Point of Life Inc.
ISBN Numbers 978-0-9668069-9-1
Number of Pages 139
Paperback 6x 9
Price $12.95
Distributors: Ingram's, Baker and Taylor


Book review by author Michael Levy ... Published by Point of Life Inc.
An English Classic Book Renewed for Children of All Ages ---



Many people have heard the name Goody Two Shoes, but very few people on earth have read the book ... It was as famous as the works of William Shakespeare and Harry Potter in a bygone age and forgotten for the past 60 years until now!


The story of Little Goody Two Shoes, was one of the most famous, popular and influential children's/adults books of the eighteenth century. It was first published in 1765 and had an unparalleled status for over two hundred years. At long last, Point of Life publishing house has renewed, refreshed, revitalized and recreated the literature masterpiece.

By the inspirational pen of Michael Levy, the creative publication has been gracefully transformed, while at the same time keeping to the original text and meaning as much as possible. It is an updated, encouraging book that is required inspiring reading for all children and adults.

From humble beginnings the little orphan girl teaches children and adults to learn to read and write with wisdom. The inspirational tale follows Little Goody Two Shoes on many adventures that challenge her sanity and survival. In the second part of the story, as an adult Miss Margery, becomes headmistress of the ABC College of education. She also teaches adults how to stop quarreling and live a peaceful, wholesome life... She invents a three cornered "Pals Hat" (Peace and Love - Smile) that has thought provoking words written on each side.

The hat helps people become aware of the differences in their opinions ... It conveys messages to them that allows time to stop and think about how they can meet each other in the middle of their opinions, so that together they can embrace peace and harmony.

The new edition has been restored and revitalized to its rightful place as one of the best children's books of all time and is sure to become a best seller for the next two hundred years and beyond.

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Michael Levy is the author of eight inspirational books. Michael's poetry and essays now grace many web sites, newspapers, journals and magazines throughout the world. He is a prominent speaker on health maintenance, stress eradication, wealth development, authentic happiness and inspirational poetry.

Quote "Beginners luck can last a lifetime once we understand how lucky we are to be born" _Michael Levy

From-the-Heart Mini Review from Brand New Author

Title: The Frugal Book Promoter
Subtitle: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't
Published as a trade paperback and e-book by Star Publish

Reviewed by Alexa Wolf

I read THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER from cover to cover, marked everything till I couldn't find anything, started over, carry the book everywhere, reread it constantly. No matter what page I turn to, I learn something new... again. This book is invaluable to any writer (except maybe C. J. Rowling, who probably doesn't need it).

A Fantasy That "Rackets" Along by Jon Baxley

title: THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY
author: Jon F. Baxley
publisher: Five Star (an imprint of Thomson Gale)
Hardcover, Fantasy
445 pages including maps and annotations
E-book publisher: Twilight Times
ISBN: 978-1594144516

Reviewed by Julia Hayden for Blogger News :Julia Hayden, aka Sgt. Mom, Blogger

The Blackgloom Bounty is one of those rambling, picaresque fantasies which makes occasional hectic detours into a universe strongly resembling the 10th Century border region of present-day Northern England and Southern Scotland. The story rackets along at a tremendous pace; rather like an amusement park ride or a fiendishly complicated Dungeons and Dragons game. At the end of it, you are dumped out with a spinning head and a perhaps not-quite accurate memory of everything that went on, but in no doubt that you and everyone else had a tremendously amusing ride.

The reader remembers that there was an enormous cast of characters, rushing about, and it was all something to do with curses, stolen inheritances, a stalwart young heir hidden away, a feisty wench, brave warriors, secret tombs, ghosts, wicked noblemen, spells and shape-changing, magic stones and a treasure of wonderful wealth, a sea-monster… and then, and then and then… the review would be about as long as the book itself, if I attempted to do even a short recapitulation. And it wouldn’t be anywhere near as amusing. Just think of “The Blackgloom Bounty” as the fantasy-novel equivalent of the stateroom scene in the old Marx Brothers movie “A Night at the Opera”.

When young Daynin and his grandfather find a curiously carved stone while plowing their field, they have little idea that it is the legendary Scythian Stone… but a wandering magician named Kruzurk Makshare does… and with a few brisk preliminaries, Daynin is off and running on the adventure of his life, to find and liberate an enormous treasure, and then to keep hold of it. The author has concocted an intricate yarn, briskly paced, and in a writing style which is always workmanlike and quite frequently sparkles. He also has an ear for conversation, which also serves the story well. This is the first volume of a projected series, and a worthwhile read for any devotee of the fantasy-adventure genre.

And there is a bit with a dog, too.

“The Blackgloom Bounty” is available through Amazon.com at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594144516.
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Sgt. Mom is a free-lance writer to blogs at The Daily Brief. More about her own books is at www.celiahayes.com.

Every Little Girl's Dream, "Meghan Rose On Stage"

Meghan Rose On Stage!
By Lori Z. Scott
ISBN: 9780784721032. 2007
Fiction: Juvenile, Humorous, Friendship, Christian life, Talent Show
Contact Reviewer: J. M. Sample jmsample@aol.com
Publisher: Standard Publishing; $4.99
Publisher site: www.standardpub.com


Reviewed by Jewel Sample for Amazon.com

I read "Meghan Rose on Stage" to my granddaughters who are five and seven years old. My granddaughter's were so enthralled with the story we had to read the whole book in one sitting. When we would come to the "really, really cool" (as my seven year old granddaughter phrased it) illustrations by Stacy Curtis, they would peer over the pages inspecting each character and chat about what was going on.

The book was definitely a hit and they could hardly wait to make a red volcano that Scott suggests along with other activities in the back of the book. I improvised by using a empty plastic 16 ounce pop bottle. We took the creative play experience outside and I was so glad we did because the volcano did erupt. The children squealed and howled as they watched their project in action.

Another thing that made this book so special was the "Chatter Matters" discussion questions in the back of the book. One granddaughter chatted about how cool it was to know Meghan prayed when she did not know what to do next. The other granddaughter discussed that it does not matter who you are anyone can share their talent! Sharing with others makes everyone happy.

Now they have a "really cool" memory about a girl named Meghan Rose, while on one of Grandma's play dates and a new phrase definition, "bouncy kangaroo," which they practiced all over my living room. A great adventure story with "bam" (as my five year phrased it) for elementary age children and of course, this Grandma enjoyed this fun read too.
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Reviewer Jewel Sample blogs at http://jewelsamples.blogspot.com

I Need To Be Safe--Practical and Kid-Friendly

I Need to be SAFE: I’m Worth It! How to Protect Your Child from Danger
By Janet Goliger
Publisher: Class Publications
ISBN: 978-0-9768273-2-0
144 pages
Cover Price: $19.95
Children Non-Fiction
Available at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and classpublications.com

Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/I-Need-SAFE-Im-Worth/dp/0976827328

Janet Goliger's I Need To Be Safe is full of information that fearful parents need to teach their kids, but it is likely this is information the parents themselves need. Almost all of us know someone who has been mugged. How much better each of them would have been had they read this book, even cursorily. I can't put it down. You'll learn about awareness and exactly what to do if you're being followed by a car or on foot. You'll learn about identifying suspicious strangers. But most of all, you'll love the fully illustrated (photos) of ways to fight off an attack.

Confidence? After only leafing through this book (well, OK, after thinking I would leaf through it and spending a much longer time studying the steps of self-defense!), I feel surer that I will not be a victim myself. And I intend to spread the word to young girls and boys, other women and, yes, men, too.

Workbooks and a teacher's manual are available.
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A Well Written Insight Into Human Suffering

Title: Sleep Before Evening
Author: Magdalena Ball
ISBN: 978-1-904492-96-2
Page count: 296
Format: paperback
Release Date: 24th July 2007
Available: http://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Before-Evening-Magdalena-Ball/dp/1904492967/


Review by Warren Thurston,
owner of Pentales


Sleep Before Evening is Magdalena Ball’s debut novel. It is a beautifully crafted piece dealing with rejection and betrayal. Those of us who have felt that someone we loved deeply betrayed us, will form an immediate bond with the main character.

Marianne is a vivacious nineteen year old, full of life and a brilliant scholar. She is at the peak of her powers when life decides it will test her character. Eric, her much loved grandfather and mentor, is suddenly struck down by a stroke. His death begins a series of events that takes Marianne into a world of darkness, filled with drugs and depression.

Hurting to the core about the loss of Eric, and the fact that she was denied the chance to say goodbye, Marianne hates the world. She also starts to hate herself and seeks solace in the arms of Miles. He is a struggling musician who for a time is the maestro who conducts her life.

Lily, Marianne’s mother, also has her own demons eating at her. She is so wrapped up in her struggle to find happiness and fulfillment, that she cannot see what is happening to her daughter. It is a flaw that many parents are guilty of, not through an act of selfishness, but one brought on by their own struggle to survive.

Confused and angry Marianne deteriorates to the stage where fantasy, reality and pain are so intermingled within her, that she loses contact with her real self. She was entering the stage of what the noted British psychiatrist Hall called, drifting back to the time before you are born. It is a stage along the path of mental recovery, where one’s mind is in an infantile state, as it retreats from the hurt it finds itself in. Then when it feels strong enough it comes forward again, out of the darkness and into the light. This usually brings with it a positive change in an individual, making them mentally stronger and enhancing their creativity.

This is a good story that makes the reader feel the highs and lows of Marianne as if they are their own. It reminds me of the style adopted by the Russian writer Dostoyevsky. He had the ability to get the reader to feel exactly what his characters felt; a gift Magdalena ball has too.

Sleep Before Evening is a well written insight into human suffering. The author shows an in-depth knowledge of how to hold readers attention, and make them eager to know more. This is a debut novel that shows the author has many more novels inside her, which will provoke strong emotions in readers of her work.

A Personal Review--Heart to Heart

The Fallen by Gigi Miner
By Gigi Miner
Publisher: Lulu
Supernatural Mystery - Erotic Aesop's Fable
ISBN: 978-1-4303-0182-0

Reviewed by Yvonne Perry

The Fallen, has made such an impression upon me. My love for humanity has been rekindled and my awareness heightened by reading it.

It may seem like a fiction novel, but the spiritual impact it carries, caused me to see that it indeed contains a greater truth. We are the fallen angels; you, me, and so many others regardless of what course our lives take.

The characters in your book have come to life in the faces of those I love; even in those I do not understand or particularly enjoy being around, because now I know and recognize them as kindred spirits. Already, I feel less judgmental and more compassionate towards those who have forgotten who they are.

You’ve bravely delved into a place of pain where we abuse ourselves and others by the choices we make. Your book will help many realize that all of life is about choice and free will. Hopefully humanity will begin to make better choices that will bring peace to this planet rather than continuing to destroy it with hatred and retaliation.

Thank you so much for sharing your book, your love and your heart with me and all your readers.

Sincerely,
Yvonne Perry
Author of More than Meets the Eye and owner of Write On! Creative Writing Services
Discuss spiritual topics on our blog at http://weareoneinspirit.blogspot.com/

College Instructor Reviews Western Creative Nonfiction

Fly With The Mourning Dove
By Velda Brotherton
Creative non fiction
ISBN 1-4241-5904-0
Publish America


REVIEW by Dr. Loren GruberOriginally published on Publish America's website

Velda Brotherton delivers again. Gleaned from the diaries of Cassie Smith and her daughter Edna, Fly with the Mourning Dove captures the struggles of two women to civilize their portions of the West.

Quoting material from their diaries, Brotherton reconstructs their lives at the beginning of the twentieth century.

They "cowboy up" as tuberculosis ravages the lungs of Finas, their husband and father; as drought ravages their land; as the Great Depression ravages the economy. While butchering a turkey, overcoming frontier loneliness, and eating porcupine, Cassie and Edna each learn to be as tough and tenacious as the West itself.
Brotherton recreates especially endearing scenes when Edna discovers herself. She roars through the boarding house with her Indian-scalping playmates, prepares for her first Communion, lives the life of a cowpuncher, and teaches her first grade school class.

Young Edna asks permission to accompany her father on his trip to fetch water at Taos Junction, New Mexico.

"No," her mother replies, "I said no. You stay here and we'll make some clothes for the fairies. They have missed you terribly and are practically going naked."
Although Edna thought the notion of naked fairies silly, one can imagine that she grew up with Palmer Cox's Brownie Books, Andrew Lang's Fairy Books, and perhaps Art Nouveau semi-nude fairies.

In her later years, Edna writes, "All my life has been packed away in little boxes." Lucky for us, she did.

Still luckier for us, Brotherton carefully unpacks each to display memorable scenes of Edna's life.

Fly with the Mourning Dove is a welcome addition to turn-of-the-century "civilized" memoirs that include Virginia Cary Hudson's O Ye Jigs and Juleps, Dorothy Daniel's Circle 'round the Square, and Clarence Day's Life with Father.

The difference is that Velda Brotherton draws us into the lives of two women who helped shape the West, Edna and Cassie Smith. We are all the richer for it.
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Loren Gruber is former Dean of the Arts and Humanities Division at Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Missouri. He continues to teach English there.

Courageous Souls, A Metaphysical Study

Courageous Souls: Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?
Robert Schwartz
Pre-Birth Contracts | Spiritism
$14.95
ISBN: 9780977679454,
327 pages
Whispering Winds Press, 800/742-0148, www.courageoussouls.com

Reviewed by New Age Retailer magazine June, 2007
Anna Jedrziewski, Spirit Connection New York, New York, N.Y.

The serene cover of Courageous Souls belies the punch with which Robert Schwartz communicates the results of his research into pre-birth planning. Working with four experienced channelers, he asked 10 people, each facing different challenges (AIDS, blindness, addiction, or death of a loved one), to delve into the reasons why they agreed, before birth, to put themselves in such difficult situations. Each entry begins with an interview in which the person’s story is told from his or her point-of-view. Information via a medium is used to provide insight and sometimes actual pre-birth conversations about the goals or life lessons desired, contributing past-life factors, and the people who contracted to play major roles in the person’s present incarnation. Moving us away from the idea of karma as punishment, Schwartz introduces the idea of learning through contrast, for instance, a soul wishing to fully experience her or his compassionate side might choose to be born into a family that lacks compassion.

In addition to the considerable wisdom provided from the spirit side, Schwartz writes a summary at the end of each chapter in which he adds some of his own insight garnered during years of metaphysical study. Overall, it is one of the best books of this kind I have come across.

Courageous Souls will trigger interest in both past lives and spirit-guide contact. Display alongside books by best-selling authors such as Brian Weiss, M.D., and Doreen Virtue Ph.D., or with Ruth Montgomery’s works, A Search for the Truth, A World Beyond, and Companions Along the Way.

Fate: Here's Why We All Believe In It, Even If Just a Little Bit

The Simple Touch of Fate:
How the Hand of Fate Touched
Our Lives Forever
Edited By Arlene Uslander and
Brenda Warneka
ISBN: 0-595-30283=1
Website: www.thefatesite.com


Reviewed by Glenda A. Bixler,
Independent Press Book Reviewer


Do you believe in fate? Fate, “the supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines events,” as defined by the dictionary, is known under many names¾destiny, kismet, predestination, foreordainment, foredoom, luck, or just coincidence¾and is often described by individuals around the world. Arlene Uslander and Brenda Warneka have experienced acts of fate in their lives. In The Simple Touch of Fate: How the Hand of Fate Touched our Lives Forever, they share not only their own stories but have gathered over fifty real stories by real people, in a thought-provoking anthology, that leaves you with one question: if it wasn’t fate, how and why did these events happen?

As a lover of suspense and mysteries, I enjoy reading or hearing about events or activities that leave us wondering and questioning. I especially enjoy “little” acts that happen. For instance, was it a coincidence that one of the authors chosen for this anthology, Patricia Patteson, had also been included in an anthology, Mist on the Mon, that had sat on my bookshelf for many years, unread, but was immediately pulled and enjoyed when it was included in this book?

Or was it fate that a daily newsletter I read before I began to write this review, covered a mysterious life-saving event, but in that story, the writer attributed her story to guardian angels? Personally, I no longer question such things. In fact, based upon a book, As You Wish by Christine Massot Simpson, a resident of Canada, for whom I had the privilege to help edit and publish her book, I now use her phrase, “A God Incident” whenever I confront such events.

Let me share a little about my favorites from The Simple Touch of Fate. If you don’t believe in fate, then these short stories just may force you to reconsider­is there something or someone, somewhere that controls events in our lives?

Jacob! Jacob! Reborn. The date was September 11, 2001. Jacob Herbst often traveled by plane; however, work-related activities prevented his taking a scheduled flight from Boston’s Logan Airport at 8:45, American Airlines, Flight 11, to Los Angeles. How do you thank a man who could not make an important meeting, causing an unexpected delay, for saving your life?

Desert Boomerang. Two soldiers meet in Iraq; one is standing guard at a barren traffic control point and helps the other by giving him directions. Months later, the same two soldiers meet at the site of an accident on a deserted road and the favor is returned. Only this time, lives are saved! For the man just happened to be part of a medical unit...

We all Cross Paths for a Reason. A birth mother and her now-grown daughter are reunited through an automobile accident and a woman’s willingness to work overtime. Just a coincidence?

Time for Life. A man and a woman, members of one family, but located in different places­both trying to catch the train­fail in their efforts due to various reasons. They missed the most disastrous train crash in the United Kingdom in 42 years.

“Honor, Courage, and Commitment”: Saving Jack Roush. When a small plane is in trouble, it happens to hit near the home of an ex-marine, specifically trained “to save a pilot in an upside-down plane from a watery grave.”

Grandmother Spirits. In a time of family distress, a woman prays to the spirits of grandmothers for the needs of a family. Was it a coincidence or a direct response to prayer that allowed a son just arriving in Hiroshima to be able to make a free call to his mother?

The Angel That Couldn’t Fly. My favorite! A wonderful answer to why the chicken crossed the road...

Uslander and Warneka have created an excellent, well-diversified anthology that provides heart-warming, happy, life-saving and sometimes-unbelievable tales. They are presented with an interesting continuity, yet broken with small offerings of people’s own definitions of fate. I found it informative, flawlessly presented to allow readers to form their own conclusions regarding these stories from “real people.” For those who continuously wonder... and search... I found this a must-read!

This books can be purchased for $16.95 on Amazon.com and other online bookstores, or ordered from the publisher 1-800-288-4677 or any brick-and-mortar bookstore.

An Unusual Romantic Heroine for a Summer's Read

THE BODYGUARD AND THE SHOW DOG
Christy Tillery French
Behler Publications
ISBN 193301637X
Romantic Suspense/Comedy
268 pages
$15.95
5 Stars

Reviewer: Brenda Edde, Romance Junkies
www.romancejunkies.com

Natasha Chamberlain is starting up her own bodyguard business and her first case is guarding a show dog. Ok, it is a dog, however, Natasha knows she has to start somewhere and after her last case working for her ex-boss Jonce Striker, where she ran into some trouble she believes this case will be a lot safer. WRONG!

Natasha is excited about starting her own business despite the complaints from Striker and her family that it is too dangerous for her. Her first case guarding Chumley, a champion show dog should be a piece of cake. However, whether it's Natasha’s style or just the fact that the case is jinxed, she runs into trouble at every turn. Jonce Striker, her ex-boss, now lover is having to pull her out of trouble almost daily and is not happy about it. Will this case cause a serious rift in their building relationship or will Natasha and Jonce manage to balance their individual needs for independence? As Natasha follows the clues to who has threatened she runs into an animal abuser, lands in the hospital and is thrown into jail, no wonder Jonce is a bit worried for her safety. Who would have thought guarding a dog would be such a challenge?

THE BODYGUARD AND THE SHOW DOG is a laugh a minute story in the best Janet Evanovich style. The situations that Natasha finds herself in are hilarious, her attempts to balance her career and her relationship are the makings of an Emmy winning sitcom. Ms. Tillery French’s Bodyguard series is one that will have you laughing and cheering Natasha’s bid for independence even as you feel complete sympathy for Jonce’s quest to keep her safe from herself. A wonderful book for an afternoon read.

Harry Potter Beware! This Fantasy Has Educational Value!

Title - Conor and the Crossworlds: Breaking the Barrier
Series - The Crossworlds Series
Author - Kevin Gerard
Author Wesite - http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.comGenre - Kids/Teens Fantasy Adventure
ISBN - 1425991831
Reviewer - The Reading Tub
Journal first published - The Reading Tub
Publisher - Authorhouse
Reviewer's rating - BUY!

Summary: Conor Jameson is 10 years old. He’s confused and angry because his favorite uncle Jake has died. On the night his Uncle was buried, Conor was in bed, crying, trying to understand why his uncle died. He was visited by a mystical beast from the Crossworlds, Purugama, who took him on a series of adventures aimed at explaining life’s choices and consequences. Their journies were exciting, challenging, scary, and informative. Their shared experiences developed a strong bond of gratitude, respect, and friendship. This is book one in an five-part fantasy adventure series.

Big Kid Reaction: This piece of teen fantasy is well done. It is well written and imaginative. There is also some education re civility, moral issues, etc. that make it a bit more meaty than some of the other Harry Potter wanabees.

Pros: The author knows his audience and captures them before the end of the first paragraph. Though its genre is teen fantasy, the authenticity of the plot, the integrity of the characters, and the quality and structure of the narrative set it apart from the typical teen fantasy works.

Cons: None.

Borrow or Buy: Buy. Fantasy literature is an extraordinarily popular genre among young teens these days. However, most of the works are simply variations on the Harry Potter theme. The author has demonstrated that there are fresh, imaginative, and creative ways to keep the genre interesting. His writing style provides the reader with an enjoyable experience. Not only does this work qualify for a “buy” recommendation, it also serves as a tickler to watch for the sequel.

If You Liked This Book, Try: RAIRARUBIA (The Rairarubia Tales, Book 1) , TOASTER POND , THE JOURNEY (Guardians of Ga’Hoole, Book Two)

Other Reviews: See reader feedback at borders.com. No Critics' Reviews found at bn.com (Barnes & Noble) or borders.com.

Educational Themes: This is essentially the story of mentor and student. Purugama, a mystical cougar, is charged with mentoring ten year old Conor Jameson about life, its challenges, choices, responsibilities and consequences. Each episode provides rich topics for discussion that will engage preteens and teenagers in thoughtful and personal conversation.

Ooooooh! A New Paranormal Awaits You!

Title: Gatekeeper's Realm
Book 2 in the Legacy Series
Author: Elena Dorothy Bowman
Genre: Paranormal
Print ISBN# 1-59431-451-9 : ebook ISBN# 1-59431-481-0
Publisher: Write Words, Inc., imprints: Cambridge Books, ebooksonthe.net
Available: www.amazon.com, www.cambridgebooks.us, and your favorite book
store.
Author's Website: http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
Reviewer's Name: Chrissy Dionne for Romance Junkies Reviews
Reviewer's Link: http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/paranormal/Gatekeeper_s_Realm_7970.shtml

An ancient relic granted by Divine Decree to a Noble Knight who had been mortally wounded is buried beneath the foundation of a home - this home had once been named Pierce House but now is known as THE HOUSE ON THE BLUFF. Only a direct descendant of the Noble Knight may take possession of the house - and even he or she will be tested by the house to deem if he or she is worthy.

Abigail and her consort, Ethan, have fulfilled the prophecy surrounding their current dwelling which they’ve converted into an Inn. It’s a beautiful house steeped in mystery and ghostly wonders - who cling to the old ways. There’s no electricity, no running water, no central heating system, no phone and no television. Abigail’s a bit apprehensive about their first guests. There’s a possibility they’ll get spooked and want to leave especially once the ghosts make themselves known. There’s no way of telling how the ghosts will react to guests at the Inn and Jacob, the apparitions’ "Ambassador," knows it will just depend. Many of the ghosts have been living there for centuries and may not like having visitors in their house.

As soon as the first guests arrives a shapeless apparition appears over the Inn. Abigail, Ethan, and Tony (town sheriff and sometime permanent resident of the Innwhen he’s not working) quickly realize that this apparition is not one of the ‘Others’ and they question who it is and what it wants. The ghostly appearance doesn’t scare off the guests though and is just the beginning of the bizarre appearances which will be taking place over the next couple of days. What will happen when the guests unexplainably begin to start disappearing - one or two at a time? Is the house holding them hostage?

I don’t normally read ghost stories but I have to tell you I was fascinated by this one! Elena Dorothy Bowmen’s GATEKEEPER’S REALM takes an ancient prophecy and brings it into a modern day setting with results that will steal your breath. I was enthralled by the ghost scenes and the guests reactions to each of them and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next or to whom it would happen. The storyline moved along at a quick pace but it never lacked enough descriptive information that
I was easily able to imagine each of the scenes.

I would highly recommend reading HOUSE ON THE BLUFF first simply because I believe it goes into more of the details of what Abigail had to endure in order to claim the house. Of course, I’m also going to recommend the third book, ADAM’S POINT, because there are questions that are left unanswered in this story and I’m dying to find out the answers. HOUSE ON THE BLUFF, GATEKEEPER’S REALM and ADAM’S POINT are all available now.

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