Lodestone Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars

I was introduced to the “Lodestone,” series by receiving book three first. Then I read the first one and it tells the readers how the characters came to be. So I had the beginning and the possible ending. It was when I read the second book it really all came together for me.

I have been told that writing a review should be like talking to a friend. This science fiction series has really been interesting to read. The characters seem to jump out at you. The plot is well constructed and you find yourself waiting to see how it plays out. You won’t want to put the book down until you are finished. I know a lot of people say that. But it is really true.

One thing that I have said before is that, each book has your imagination working to visualize each character. Plus you will travel to worlds that you could never imagine. Just thinking of the colors that the author has described was for me almost poetic. I wonder if Mr. Whiteway writes poetry.

While I have shared my perception of this book, you have to remember that there is adventure, fighting and the will to live. The characters are strong and fighting to save their world as they know it.

Thank you Mr. Whiteway, for another fascinating book! I hope there will be more to come in this series.
Rated G

Leaving Lukens

I have read Ms Wharton first book, “The Pirate’s Bastard.” I did enjoy it a lot. Yet as I began to read this book, I found she was not just a onetime author. In fact I enjoyed this book even more than the first.

I loved the characters in this book and the way, Ms. Wharton has created them. The flow of the story is excellent and l did not find even one page or paragraph that was boring. You are captured from the start.

The book starts on May 2000 at a reunion and then goes back to WWII. There we find adventure, love and intrigue. The ending blew me away. I had to read it twice and then it hit me. (It was a slap me silly moment for me.) Just one sentence told me what I longed to hear. I did not want this story to end. Nor do I think you will either, and that is why I am giving this book a five star rating.

The Circle of Sorcerers

From the very start of this book we are transported to a land far, far away called the Bloodmyr Isles. A place filled with Knights, Sorcerers, magic, intrigue and war. This book is so different than you usually find in this genre of epic fantasy.

It starts with a sixteen year old young man named Laedron Telpists, who is enjoying his last summer at home before he has to decide what school he will go to, to begin sorcery training. He is already a gifted mage and while he is leaning towards one school, his mom wants him to go to another.

Then one night by a knock on the door, his life is changed forever. I love the characters in this book and the storyline is exciting and interesting. I am glad this is the first of a series as it has me hooked already. It is the kind of book that you don’t want to read the last page as you know the book will be over.

Rated G

Lodestone Book one: The Sea of Storms

I have often wondered where ideas for books come from when an author begins to pen their book. Does it start from just one word? Or is it an idea that has been floating around in their mind for a long time, or just a few days.

As each chapter ends I can’t help but think, is this author a scientist? On the back of the book you will read the author built his story around the concept of negative matter-an extension of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. Of course we all know what that is?

Honestly, this is a good book! The story plays out so that even people like me can understand what is going on. The characters are fascinating and your imagination gets booted into high gear.

I think both adults and teenagers will enjoy this book.

The Tree of Bells

I have always enjoyed books set in a different time period. I love reading about how things were before I was born. The language that was used is fascinating to me.

This book is interesting and is set in the year 1922. We read about a young girl named Clare, who lives in a boarding house, with her mother and grandmother who own it. Clare is trying to figure out what she wants in life. In her heart she knows she secretly loves one of the tenants of the boarding house. She has no desire to go to college, even though she knows it is what her mother and grandmother expect. This book is not just a love story, we also learn about how child labor laws were ignored in some states.

For me personally that is a major reason that kept me reading. The characters were trying to keep their boarding house going and also help children. The story exposes the truths about how some children during that time period were treated. Children who are beaten by a parent or a boss, because they are not working as hard as they think they should. Children forced to work with little food to eat and barely clothe.

While I did enjoy this book the ending was terrible. I mean you are reading along and then just blank.

Spin the Plate

I enjoyed this book. The author did a good job of not just holding our attention, but also kept us on our toes as the story evolved. Jo was raped when she was five years old and it continued until her teens by her own father. The effect on her is profound to say the least. Even as a adult she still has nightmares.

She works as a tattoo artist but no one knows about her history. Jo does not trust anyone, and lives in a world filled with her animals. She has no desire to make friends or let anyone in her life. Especially men.

That is until one day she meets a man named Francis. No matter how many times she says no to his invitations he keeps asking. She finally says yes and that is when her world will gradually begin to change. Francis and Jo are as different as night and day.

It is what Jo does at night, that makes this book different than any I have read before. This is a fast and easy read. The story is one that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

Rated PG

How To Fight, Lie And, Cry Your Way To Popularity (And a Prom Date): Lousy Life Lessons From 50 Teen Movies

I have enjoyed all the short stories that Zest has put out when I get the chance too. This book is about teen movies from 1955-2010. It starts in my parent’s generation for two movies, and then mine, my kids and my grand kids. That makes four generations. Each movie they show a picture, and then they have a short synopses of the book. Then you will read some crazy, really bad life lessons.

This was so much fun to read. It brought back some fun memories of movies in my time period, and what was going on in my life.

This is a fast, fun, and easy read. If you want to walk down memory lane this is the book for you.