The Orphan King

The Orphan King is the first book in a series titled "Merlin's Immortals" written by Sigmund Brouwer and was published this year.

"My greatest fear was that they would find us and make us a sacrifice beneath a full moon. Now you, Thomas, must help us destroy the circle of evil."

The last words of a dying woman would change the life of young Thomas. Raised behind monastery walls, he knows nothing of his mysterious past or fulfilling his imminent destiny. But now, in the heart of medieval England, a darkness threatens to strangle the truth. An ancient order tightens their ghostly grip on power, creating fear and exiling those who oppose them. Determined to bring light into the mysterious world of the Druids, Thomas leaves the monastery on an important quest. 

He quickly finds himself in unfamiliar territory, as he must put his faith in unusual companions-a cryptic knight, a child thief, and the beautiful silent woman who may not be all she seems. From the solitary life of an orphan, Thomas now finds himself tangled in the roots of both camaraderie and suspicion. 

Can he trust those who would join him in battle....or will his fears force him to go on alone?

When I first read the summary for this book, I thought it was right up my ally. And don't get me wrong, I liked it a lot. It was an enjoyable quick read. But that's just what it was. A very quick read.

The overall story was good. The characters were well developed, the plot was very good, it wasn't poorly written, as I said, overall it was a good story. But it was so fast, their was no break or lull to build anticipation between plot twists, or any break in the plot whatsoever. It was one twist after the other and they were all so close together at times I got a little confused and was like, "Weren't they doing something else on the last page?"

And even though Brouwer could have put more content into the story, maybe added a few more chapters, I as a teenager liked it, and I will read all the sequels, and I would recommend it to others who enjoy the fantasy genre. And even then it's not just fantasy, it's action, adventure, and even a hint of romance. Who wouldn't like it? But, it is more geared toward the younger generation (highschoolers) then it is toward adults. But hey, I'm not adult, so I can't speak for them. If you don't like it, okay, but if you do, awesome!

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for writing a fair and honest review.

Eye of the Sword

Where angels walk the ground and the future is told in song, does a man of low rank have a chance at love with a princess?

In Camrithia, a land of shadows and mystical secrets, Trevin lives to serve King Laetham. But his heart belongs to the princess, Melaia. When the King sends Trevin on on a dangerous quest to find the missing comains—captains in the king’s army—he must leave Melaia to the advances of a swaggering Dregmoorian prince.

Challenged to prove his worth, Trevin throws himself into his quest. Striving to prove his love, Trevin undertakes a second mission—find the harps Melaia seeks in order to restore the stairway to heaven. Through fire caves, rogue winds, and murderous threats, Trevin remains steadfastly dedicated to his quest—even when he is falsely accused of a heinous crime. As Trevin’s time runs out, he realizes he must face the shame and horror of his own past and the nightmare that has come to life. Will he have the courage to finish what he has started?

Taken from the back of Eye of the Sword.


I had the privilege to review the first book in the Angelaeon Circle series, and so I was very happy to discover that the second was also available for review.


The novel picks up several months after the first one ended, but this time instead of Melaia being the main character, a person we saw for only a short period of time in Breath of Angel, Trevin, takes the stage so to speak.

He has just been appointed comain, which is a captain in the Kings army. Several days before his ceremony, however, he finds his drunken brother in a tavern surrounded by three strangers. Several unfortunate things happen to Trevin, and by the time he returns to the castle he smells like a pile of dung. Also, upon returning he discovers that his tormentors are in the castle on official business, for one of the three is the Prince of the Dregmoors.

Not only does the Dregmorian prince seek an aliance with Camrithia, he seeks the hand of the Nephili (half-human, half-angel) Melaia, whose father is the King of Camrithia. Trevin, who is in love with Melaia does everything he can to stop the wedding, until he is forced to flee do to being accused of a murder one of the Prince's henchmen committed. His flee for his life turns into a quest to find himself and save his love. Will Trevin succeed, clear his name, and get to be with Melaia?


I liked the sequel better then the firs. For one thing, the flow of the book is slower, and doesn't seem as rushed. And in Eye of the Sword, you are shown and taken to more locations in this world then in Breath of Angel. Also, you get a better look at Trevin the you did in the prequel, and also a better understanding of his character.

While the book was a bit slower than the last one, it still was a little fast and that disappointed me because it could've had more content. Also, it could have had more of the original characters included in the text. All in all, however, I enjoyed it as much as I usually do.

It was well written, and an excellent sequel, that had a good ending that left me wanting more.

Eye of the Sword will be available on March 13, 2012.

I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.

Sierra Jensen Vol. I by Robin Jones Gunn

Robin Jones Gunn is one of the greatest Christian authors whose works I have ever read. Her books aren't fantasy, they're a version of reality and this is shown though her characters, Christy Miller, and her good friends Sierra Jensen and Katie. Gunn has written a separate series for each of these fine young women, but the one I'm writing about today is Sierra.

Christy Miller knows a good friend when she meets her,

and so will you—

Get ready for Sierra Jensen!

*Only You, Sierra

The Europe mission trip brought Sierra Jensen the best gift possible: two new friends, Katie and Christy. But now Sierra is headed home, and she can’t help but wonder will her friendships last? And what about her new home? Her family moved while she was gone, and that means facing a new high school. And the biggest question of all: Will she ever find love? Then a chance meeting in a London airport answers that question. Paul makes her heart leap. But she’ll never see him again! Or will she?

*In Your Dreams

Sierra has had it! She’s done everything she can to find the right job, good friends, and most important, true love. But nothing is working out. Now she has to stay home to care for her grandmother. By herself. For the whole weekend! It will be terrible. But a series of startling surprises shows Sierra just how wrong she is—and before she knows it, she’s on her way to the perfect job, her first real date, and an encounter with a mysterious stranger.

*Don’t You Wish

Sierra has three wishes: visit her California friends; have her older sister, Tawni, disappear; and learn more about the mysterious stranger. When Easter break arrives, Sierra’s first wish comes true! She’s headed to Newport Beach for fun, sun, and surf. Unfortunately, not only does Tawni not disappear, she accompanies Sierra on her escape. What’s worse, everyone has a boyfriend except Sierra. But will her wishes begin to change as she realizes God wants to mold her according to His wishes?


We first meet Sierra in the last 'Christy' book, but you really can't get to know her until you read this, based on her very short appearance.
Only You, Sierra; In Your Dreams; and Don't you Wish give us a close look at the life of this wonderful young Christian. There's not as much of the original God Lovers in Sierra's books as I would like, but that's just my opinion. The balance Gunn created between the new characters and old is very good.

While Sierra is like Christy in some ways, they are as different as night and day. While Sierra became a Christian at a very young age, Christy wasn't saved until her teens. Sierra's free-spirited and isn't ashamed of saying what she thinks while Christy is more reserved and quiet.

But Sierra is just as lovable as any of the God Lovers, and it's easy to relate to her both as a person and as a Christian. Robin Jones Gunn's books and characters capture something that isn't found in most books today. They capture a sense of reality, of realism that makes the characters seem to truly exist.

Sierra Jensen, Volume I follows the story of a young woman as she deals with real-life problems and situations. Between work, school,friends, family, and a grandmother who hardly even knows who she is Sierra stays strong and faces it all with a courage that is truly admirable. Read as she encounters them head on with an attitude and flair that could only be Sierra. Travel with her on her journey to be closer to God, and closer to her family and friends. You won't be disappointed.


I received a free e-copy of this book for writing a honest review from Waterbrook Multnomah.

*Taken from the back of Sierra Jensen Volume I.

Departures by Robin Jones Gunn

Departures is a rediscovered book by Robin Jones Gunn, comprised of two novellas that feature her much beloved characters, Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen.




Now Boarding at Gate Ten



After her high school graduation, still aching from Todd's departure, Christy joins her family on a trip to Wisconsin to visit relatives. While there, she reunites with Matthew, and old friend from junior high. When Matthew starts to show a romantic interest in Christy, she realizes this summer vacation could change everything she thought her future would be.




In the Event of a Water Landing



Fifteen-year-old Sierra Jensen can't wait to spend her summer vacation with her best friend Jana at a pristine lake in Montana. But when they arrive, it becomes clear that Jana's only interest is acquiring a boyfriend. Sierra just wants to hang out with the guys as friends, but Jana turns every encounter into a possible romantic relationship. As their friendship begins to suffer, Sierra wonders if it's possible to find a Forever Friend who will listen to you, laugh with you, and keep your confidences.




It was a very good christian read, and as I love all of RJG's books I loved this one as well. At first it was a little weird, for me, because I've read all the books in the Sierra Jensen and Christy Miller series already. These novellas were set during those books, and I have to admit that I missed the usual characters and settings. When I started reading each of them in turn, it felt rather awakward. Several of the main characters did make appearences alongside Christy and Sierra, but the setting was different and if they did appear, it was only for a few pages so it wasn't really the same. However, it was nice to get a fresh look into the lives of the girls. But they were a great set of novella's all the same.



They were awsome little additions to the SJ and CM novels, and it was nice to be able to go back to the girls with a whole new story and new charaters to meet. All in all, I'd reccomend this and any other RJG books to all of my friends.




I recieved a free copy of this book from Waterbrookmultnomah in return for writng an honest review.

Breath Of Angel

Melaia is a priestess who lives in the Temple of Navia, with the young priestesses, and The High Priestess. Her life is perfect, until a stranger walks through the gates and is murdered in front of her.......... by a hawk. After this Melaia's world is spun out of control and she is thrust into one adventure after another as legends come to life right before her eyes. The stories she told to her friends all come to have a foothold in reality, as she meets both angels and immortals during her travels. Before long, she finds her self caught in a feud that has been going on for centuries, and everyone is saying that the only one who can end it is her.







Breath of Angel, written by Karyn Henley and published in the year 2011 os the first book in The Angeleon Circle series. I enjoyed reading this book, because it's action packed and has a hint of romance. For Melaia there seems to be danger at every turn, coupled with adventure and excitment. I was never bored, and always at the edge of my seat. Melaia makes both friends and enemies in this fantasy tale.



However, there are some downsides. While it's never boring, it seemed to go a little to fast, one minute someone's murdered and a few days later she's leaving the temple, her home, then suddenly she's here, there, everywhere. While I liked the adventures and adversaries she encountered, she had to face one after the other after the other all at once and when I got to the end I couldn't believe I had finished. And also, the author hardly used the word "said" and at times I got confused, I didn't know who was saying what unless I went back and read it again.

I would definitely recommend this book to my friends who like fantasy stories that keep them on the edges of their seat, but if you like a story that explains everything at a good steady pace, then this is not for you. But, considering it's faults and highlights, Breath Of Angel is something that I know I will read again, and I can't wait for the next book in The Angeleon Circle to be released.

I received a complimentary copy of Breath Of Angel from Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.

The Singing Tree

The Singing Tree was written and illustrated by Kate Seredy and was first published in the year 1939. The copyright was renewed once in 1967 and again in 1990 by Puffin Books. The book begins in the year 1914, a year many people will remember, and a year that the main characters, Jancsi and his cousin Kate will never forget.


"Life on the Hungarian plains is changing quickly for Jancsi and his cousin Kate. Father has given Jancsi permission to be in charge of his own herd, and Kate has begun to think about going to dances. Jancsi hardly even recognizes Kate when she appears at Peter and Mari's wedding wearing nearly as many petticoats as the older girls wear. And Jancsi himself, astride on his prized horse, doesn't seem to Kate to be quite so boyish anymore. Then, when Hungary must send troops to fight in the Great War and Jancsi's father is called to battle, the two cousins must grow up all the sooner in order to take care of the farm and all the relatives, Russian soldiers, and German war orphans who take refuge there."


Taken from the back of The Singing Tree, by Kate Seredy.


This book was a highly entertaining, coming of age story. Follow Kate and Jancsi as they experience the pains of growing up, run the farm, take charge of the Russian soldiers, experience grief and sorrow along with their village, watch lives be torn apart in the War. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with my mother. It was a great story, and I will cherish it forever. Anyone could read this book, but with mild violence and a bad word, I would recommend that if your child is younger than nine or ten you should read this book aloud to them. All in all, it was a great book, better than its' prequel, The Good Master.

The Lightning Thief

This book begins Rick Riordan's popular Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. Now that the movie has come out, more and more people want to read these great pieces of literature. The first book in the series is The Lightning Thief. This book was published in 2005 by Hyperion Paperbacks for Children. It portrays twelve year old Perseus (Per-see-us) Jackson, who discovers that he is far more than a kid who gets kicked out of every school he goes to, and far more than the son of nobody, as he is soon to learn.


"Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school......again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mt. Olympus seem to be walking straight out of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Now Percy and his friends have jut ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mt. Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief; he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves."





Taken from the back of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.





Is this a good book? Yes! When I first read it, five or six months ago, I couldn't wait to read the next one. This book keeps you at the edge of your seat, waiting for the next chapter. The comical chapter titles and the characters sense of humor and black comedy keep you entertained throughout the book. Rick Riordan draws readers into his story of friendship, adventure, drama, and treachery. The way Riordan wrote this book makes you feel as if you are Percy (females and males both!). Rick is a great author and I can't wait to read more of his work.

The Sight

There will be three, kin of your kin.....

The wild cats have flourished in their new home on the banks of the lake for several seasons, and the Clans are growing strong and healthy with new kits. The time has come for three kits of ThunderClan to become apprentices.

Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Lionpaw spring from a strong legacy: the children of Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw, two of the noblest ThunderClan warriors, and the grandchildren of the great leader Firestar himself. All three young cats posses unusual power and talent and seem certain to provide strength to the Clan for the next generation.

But there are dark secrets around the three, and a mysterious prophecy hints at trouble to come. An undercurrent of rage is rising against those who are not Clanborn, and the warrior code is in danger of being washed away by a river of blood. All the young cat's stregth will be needed if the Clans are to survive.

......who hold the power of the stars in their paws.

Taken from the inside flap of The Sight.


One of the many books by the trio who together write under the name of Erin Hunter, it was an enjoyable read. The words on the page drew me into the story, and as I read on I could see it a coming alive in my mind. With the air of mystery and adventure that all of Hunter's works provide, I know I will enjoy reading the rest of her books and reading this one again.