Passion Can Turn to Magic

At first I wasn't sure of this book. I hadn't read the first book, but having two video game lovers and me being a book lover, the idea of that passion stemming a 'mancer level... well, it was just to intriguing to pass up. For those who love a good fantasy novel, this book is great. I enjoyed the hero being more a human than some battle hardened monster that could beat up anyone with just his pinky. I enjoyed Aliyah being a typical eight year old girl that had powers beyond what she could control. Her temper tantrums would make any parent go crazy. 

The plot was fresh and even the minor characters weren't just two dimensional like so many books can do. Language is common so those with sensitive ears beware. A killer story with just enough wow to make you crave more.

Sequel to The Cabinet of Wonders

Starting a few months after the events in The Cabinet of Wonders, The Celestial Globe prepares you to look deep into the pasts of both Petra and her companions, Neel and Tom. When she and her father are attacked, Petra along with her tin spider, Astro, are rescued by the mysterious John Dee. He whisks her off to London to study her and her powers. Petra discovers she is a Chimera, a soul with more than one magical talent and begins a rigorous training program with Dee in the forefront and Kit teaching her how to use a sword. Meanwhile, Neel the thief and Tom, Petra's best friend take to the high seas to find her and the elusive Celestial Globe. 

This book was definitely a good read as well as a pretty quick one. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy a good fantasy and who like mystery as well as some high sea fun. The romantic paths are very slight and are clean with a few kisses here and there. Gore is also minimal, but with sword play, you are going to get some blood. The characters are quick well described and the plot sucks you in. A page turner from the go....

12 Seconds Change Everything

12 seconds... that's all it takes to change the world...

Denny is lower class, at least according to the way his world classifies their citizens and low class do not get high class jobs. Unless, of course, you pass an exam you were not suppose to finish and proceed to do it again just as fast and as accurate. When strange people offer him a job that will stretch his imagination, Denny can't help but jump at the chance. Of course, that was before he was told he'd be a Rewinder.

I am not a huge time travel buff, though I love Dr. Who and Back to the Future, I don't tend to read those type books. This one, though, intrigued me. Denny is a great character, with a history many can relate to. From the wrong side of the tracks, he works hard and studies to be rewarded with a chance at greatest. Without giving too much away, I enjoy his inner struggles and was pleased that he was more human than some characters now tend to be.

Filled with a great deal of action and finding out your true self, the plot carries itself well and opens up the thought that a simple few seconds can change so much. We cross several centuries in this story and the author stays pretty true to each era.

Full of surprises and a well thought out time displacement, Rewinder is a great read for those wanting something different. Time travel buffs will definitely love it, though you don't have to be a fan to actually get something out of this story. A definite superb read...

Jellyfish Aliens And a Metal Dragon

Jellyfish aliens that send rain down from the sky, unique powers that give their bearers abilities to control the elements, metal creature that come to life, and a dangerous group trying to study and dissect them all... interested yet?! 

Sing Down the Stars is an epic story filled with intrigue, a fresh storyline, and unbelievable fun characters. Pen is the fifth daughter of Magus, the metal man. She is also compatible of calling down fire from the sky, though it's not perfected yet. Forced to be a 'boy' to protect her identity, she and her four sisters perform in The Show, a circus designed to hide their powers in plain sight. Her companions are also touched, like the man who loves snakes, the girl with the beautiful voice, and the magicians. Magnus, her metalworking father created monsters to protect them... a dragon, a gryphon, and a host of others. It works well until disaster strikes.

This book held my attention through its entirety, and will definitely make it to my reread pile. The characters both human and metal were endearing and memorable, Xerxes being my favorite. The mystery keeps you guessing to the end and the writing style will appeal to both young adults and adults alike. I sure hope there is sequel.

Spinning Starlight

*Received from Disney Hyperion through Netgalley for an honest review. Thank you!

   **You don't need to read Stitching Snow to understand Spinning Starlight, however, I urge you to definitely read both. 


Liddi and her eight brothers are always in the spotlight. Each one is beyond smart and are part of the very famous Jantzen family. It's not a perfect life, but Liddi knows she's pretty lucky to have brothers that love her... that is until they all seem to disappear and men in black suits come to take her away. Now, she is forced into a situation where to save her brothers, she must forfeit the use of her own voice and rely on a boy she knows very little about to discover that nothing is ever as it appears.

First and foremost, I must applaud the author for using a tale that is not mainstream. I love the tale of The Wild Swans by Andersen and was so happy to see someone adapt it to a sci fi story. Liddi was perfect in her role as the savior. She was quick witted, high spirited, and slowly found her own as the heroine her bothers always thought she could be. Tiav made a wonderful romantic interest and I loved his devotion to Liddi even though she couldn't speak. 

The atmosphere reminded me so much of the first novel and I am happy that Lewis always does a wonderful job of describing the surrounding as well as the different races. Details like that suck the reader deep inside the story and you forget you are sitting on the couch or wherever you might be reading. 

I loved Stitching Snow and was enthralled with Spinning Starlight and its characters. My hope is there are more to the series and that Snow and Liddi will return in another novel. Definitely for those with a love of fairy tales and those who love a good romp through space.  

The Eyes have It

Petra's father has magic to bring metal to life. He made her tin spider Astro and her best friend's dog along with several other critters that wander around their village. It is when her father builds a huge clock for the prince that things go bad. The prince orders his wizard to remove Petra's father's eyes and sends him back to the village blind. Without his eyes, how are they suppose to live and what does the prince need with them anyway? It's high time Petra found out.

This is a charming story filled with adventure and heart. Petra is a brave and often misunderstood girl with her little pal, Astro mumbling useful knowledge in her ear. Her partner in crime is a thief named Neel, who possesses the magic of ghost fingers, which allow entry into just about anywhere. Full of mystery and fun, this first story in the Kronos Chronicles is a gem for readers of all ages.

Ghosts, Brothers, and Dogs

This is an adorable book is about two brother wanting a big dog to pull their Wagon and finding out that even the 'wrong' dog can be pretty special. It is also a ghost story about a lonely man and an equally lonely sheepdog. Filled with great characters and a very good message,  this is a superb way to start kids reading chapter books. Loved it.