Book Review: The Keeping Place (The Obernewtyn Chronicles #4) by Isobelle Carmody

After a kidnapping, Elspeth Gordie and the Misfits are forced to join the rebellion against the oppressive Council, using their extraordinary mind powers. But Elspeth must also seek out clues left by the long-dead seer, Kasanda, vital to her quest to destroy the Beforetime weaponmachines. One clue is lost in the past, forcing Elspeth to travel the Dreamtrails, stalked by a terrifying winged beast, with the cat, Maruman, as her guide and guardian. Only there can she learn more of the Beforetimer Misfits and their enemy, Govamen.

Gradually Elspeth realises her quest is intimately linked to the Misfits' refuge, Obernewtyn - its past and its future.

The Keeping Place is the fourth book in The Obernewtyn Chronicles series by Isobelle Carmody, originally published in 1999.  This one was a bit of a disappointment to me.  All the books in the series so far have had ups and downs in the pacing, but this one was slow most of the time.  The Dreamtrails parts of the story were not very exciting, even felt a little silly to me.  Dragon, the wild little girl, was kept out of all the real action in the book, which I think was a mistake as she's a great character and I missed her.  I've noticed that the books were published four-five years apart, so I expect more from the stories.  I still like the series, and I'm hoping for better in the next installment.

Here are links to my reviews for the first three books in the series:

1.  Obernewtyn 
2. The Farseekers
3. Ashling

 I give this book 3 Bookworms.

Book Review: Ashling (The Obernewtyn Chronicles #3) by Isobelle Carmody

Elspeth’s adventures continue as she tries to seal an alliance between the secret Misfit community at Obernewtyn and the rebel forces rumored to be hiding in the capital, right under the noses of the dreaded totalitarian Council.

Elspeth travels from the mountains reluctantly, for at any moment the long-awaited summons may come to find and destroy the dormant weapon machines left by the Beforetimers. Her journey takes her far beyond the borders of the Land, across the sea and into the heart of the mysterious desert region of Sador. Here she discovers that she cannot destroy the weapon machines alone—she needs the help of the Sadorians. But before her dark quest can begin, Elspeth must learn the truth of her dreams: she must understand why the Beforetimers destroyed their world

Ashling is the third book in The Obernwetyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody which was first published in 1995.  I'm really enjoying this series.  Elspeth is becoming a young woman in Ashling.  She is slowly learning and very slowly accepting her fate of being the savior of Obernewtyn and the animals.  It's a lot for someone only about eighteen to take on, but Elspeth takes on the necessary responsibilities and grows ever stronger as a result.  She knows she can rely on help from her friends, human and animal alike.  It's a good series for older children through adults to enjoy!


Here are my reviews for some other books in the series:

1.   Obernewtyn

2.   The Farseekers

4.   The Keeping Place

 I give this book 4 Bookworms.

Book Review: Child of the Mountains by Marilyn Sue Shank

It’s about keeping the faith.

Growing up poor in 1953 in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia doesn’t bother Lydia Hawkins. She treasures her tight-knit family. There’s her loving mama, now widowed; her whip-smart younger brother, BJ, who has cystic fibrosis; and wise old Gran. But everything falls apart after Gran and BJ die and mama is jailed unjustly. Suddenly Lydia has lost all those dearest to her.

Moving to a coal camp to live with her uncle William and aunt Ethel Mae only makes Lydia feel more alone. She is ridiculed at her new school for her outgrown homemade clothes and the way she talks, and for what the kids believe her mama did. And to make matters worse, she discovers that her uncle has been keeping a family secret—about her.

If only Lydia, with her resilient spirit and determination, could find a way to clear her mother’s name...

Child of the Mountains by Marilyn Sue Shank is a wonderful book narrated by a young girl from the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia.  It's written in her southern dialect, but that only adds to the richness of the story. Set in the '50s, the hard mountain life is shown.  Lydia's immediate family is taken away from her through death and jail.  She goes to live with her aunt and uncle who pay little attention to her, and supply her with barely what she needs.

Lydia tells her story, remembering the past and updating the present.  Through all the sorrowful things that happen, we see her steely resolution to survive and save her mother.  I wish the mother's personality had been fleshed out more.  Gran and Lydia's brother BJ were good strong characters, easy to connect with.

This is a beautiful southern story by a debut author.  I can't wait to see what she writes next!

 I give this book 4 Bookworms.

Mini Review: The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths. Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. 

 

But it's a rare, unique occurence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.

I found The Unwanteds an entertaining read.  I liked how the author, Lisa McMann, showed the Unwanted kids gaining self-esteem and self-respect as the story went along.  They learned to depend upon themselves and each other and solve threatening situations.  There's no "bad" language or extreme violence.  The Unwanteds is a fun fantasy for all ages, though I think will be more enjoyed by the younger ones. 

 

*Disclaimer:  I received this book from the publisher, Simon and Schuster for review.  I was not required to write a positive review.

I give this 4 Bookworms.

Reading Level:  Ages 9-12

Hardcover:  400 pages

Publisher:  Aladdin (August 30, 2011)

ISBN-10:  1442407689

ISBN-13:  978-1442407688

Ebook:  669 KB

Sold by:  Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc.

ASIN:  B004INH9VI

Book Review: May B. by Caroline Starr Rose

Mavis Elizabeth Betterly, or May B. as she is known, is helping out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead, “Just until Christmas,” says her Pa. Twelve-year-old May wants to contribute, but it's hard to be separated from her family by fifteen long, unfamiliar miles.

Then the unthinkable happens: May is abandoned to the oncoming winter, trapped all alone in a tiny snow-covered sod house without any way to let her family know and no neighbors to turn to. In her solitude, she wavers between relishing her freedom and succumbing to utter despair, while trying to survive in the harshest conditions. Her physical struggle to first withstand and then to escape her prison is matched by tormenting memories of her failures at school. Only a very strong girl will be able to stand up to both and emerge alive and well.

In this debut novel written in gripping verse, Caroline Starr Rose has given readers a new heroine to root for, one who never, ever gives up.

May B. by Caroline Starr Rose is an absolutely lovely novel written in verse.  I had never read a novel in verse before, but this was done so well, reading it was pure pleasure.  The story flowed effortlessly, the scenes described in detail such that I felt the cold of the blizzard.

May B. is a strong young girl to whom all young readers can relate.  She is mad at her parents for sending her away to help another family, but she loves and misses them anyway.  She has trouble reading, so she keeps working hard at it to show her teacher that she can do it.  She is left alone and afraid, yet she is able to take care of herself and survive.

This book reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie series that I loved reading as I grew up.  I found out at the end of May B. that the author was also inspired by the series, leading her to write her own take on life in Kansas in the prairie days.  This novel is bound to become a favorite for any child, especially young girls!

I received this book from the publisher, through Netgalley.

I give this book 4 Bookworms.

Reading Level:  Ages 9-12

Hardcover:  240 pages

Publisher:  Schwartz & Wade (January 10, 2012)

ISBN-10:  158246393X

ISBN-13:  978-1582463933

Format:  Ebook

File Size:  5 KB

Sold by:  Random House Digital, Inc.

ASIN:  B004X6PRDW

Book Review: Tales of Little Bear and Little Buffalo by Roy Naquin

 

Little Bear is a boy whose curiosity is matched only by his daring. He and his cousin, Little Buffalo, grow up in a changing world where they balance tradition - like earning the right to their own dugout canoes - with innovation.in the form of a new local schoolhouse. Little Bear's father is the tribal chief, but that doesn't stop Little Bear from getting into mischief. From acts of great bravery to gestures of deep compassion, Little Bear and Little Buffalo put themselves heart and soul into every moment of their lives, with contagious joy and spontaneous wisdom.

Roy Naquin's beautiful storytelling retains the clarity, cadence, and humor of these delightful family stories told to him by his father and grandfather. Tales of Little Bear and Little Buffalo is a treasure for children and adults alike.

This is a great book for kids.  Actually, it's a great book for adults, too.  The author, Roy Naquin, tells the reader stories that were told to him as a child.  They are written with a youthful enthusiasm that made me wish I was in on the adventures as well.  This book reminds me of the Little House on the Prairie books, except set in a later time period and revolving around boys.  But the stories are enjoyable for boys and girls of all ages!

*Disclaimer:  I received this book free from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review.

 

I give this book 4 Bookworms.

Paperback:  80 pages
Publisher:  Outskirts Press (April 26, 2011)
ISBN-10:  1432766279

ISBN-13:  978-1432766276

Book Review: Gladius and the Bartlett Trial by J.A. Paul

 When fifteen year-old Gladius Oldmont is thrust from his peaceful home into the dangerous Longwood Forest he finds himself pitted against a tyrant who has been terrorizing the lands in search of answers to an ancient secret that could unlock absolute power.


From the shadows of Longwood Forest to the Hills of the Moon, Gladius must survive encounters with a near extinct scimitar cat, an ornery dragon, a horde of death bats and a tumultuous underground river which leads to a subterranean labyrinth of tunnels. Along the way, he makes new acquaintances and discovers the true meaning of friendship, including Elle; a girl who captivates his heart.

Can Gladius and friends solve the riddle of the ancient secret before the evil Mulhurt does? If they can, will they be able to do anything about it?

Gladius and the Bartlett Trial is a fun and engaging story that kids, teenagers, and adults will love.  It's full of action right from the get-go and hardly lets you take a breath.  That's a good thing, especially for kids who may tend to get bored quickly with reading, this book should keep them entranced.

The characters are intriguing.  Gladius is a wonderful young hero that grows in maturity as the story progresses.  Elle is the strong female there to keep him in line with her witty repartee.  I absolutely loved the death bats!  They talk and acted just like the stereotypical mob gangster; it was hysterical!

This book is a great adventure  The world J.A. Paul has invented is ripe for many more stories, and they will be forthcoming.  So, grab a copy of Gladius and the Bartlett Trial and get started!  Also, check my next post out, I interviewed the author, he has some great comments!

*Disclaimer:  I received this book for free from the author.  I was not required to write a positive review.

I give this book 4 Bookworms.

Paperback:  296 pages

Publisher:  CreateSpace (April 14, 2011)

ISBN-10:  14610085573

ISBN-13:  978-1461008552

Format:  Ebook

File Size:  453 kb

ASIN:  B004XMP6O

Book Review: Thomas and Erin with Grandad Market Day by John Vasey

 

Children's book for children under five. It is a story about Grandad, his grandson Thomas, who is 3 1/2 and Erin his grandaughter who is 2 and their adventures.

 I see a lot of reviews that give this book high marks, but not from me.  Even though it's a children's book and doesn't need a complicated plot, I feel like it should at least have SOME plot, which this book doesn't.  There's no lesson for the children to learn.  The illustrations look like a  young child did them, which probably was the point, but I didn't care for them at all.  It's possible a child will relate well to this, but I can't say it's one of my favorite children's books.

*Disclaimer:  I received this book for free from the publisher, I was not required to write a positive review.

 I give this book 2 Bookworms.

 

Pages:  24

Publisher:  CreateSpace, (May 12, 2011)

ISBN-10:  1456411276

ISBN-13:  978-1456411275

Book Review: Skulduggery Pleasant: Scepter of the Ancients by Derek Landy

Stephanie led a pretty quiet existence until her uncle died. Not only did he leave her his mansion, he left her a new best friend--Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton detective (sorry, a supernatural skeleton detective)--who waltzes into her life for keeps. Now she's acquiring magical powers, endangering her life to fight evil, and trading snappy comebacks with something without a body. So much for her quiet existence. Stephanie's big job is to find the Scepter of the Ancients--a weapon capable of destroying anyone and anything--before the evil Faceless Ones steal it for themselves. She just has to defeat a bunch of ghouls, kick the butts of a clan of vampires, and hide her powers from the entire world (oh, and her parents). No worries. She's got a bunch of bones on her side. 

This is a children's book for ages 9-12.  It's a really fun story that children will love.  There's excitement, magic, and danger.  Stephanie meets Skulduggery, a detective who just happens to be a skeleton, and she gets caught up in the adventure of her life.  She learns magic and helps save the world.

This was a great book to read even as an adult.  The witty barbs that fly between Stephanie and Skulduggery will make you literally laugh out loud!  It's a wonderful book for kids!

I give this book 4 Bookworms!

Reading Level:  Ages 9-12

Pages:  416

Publisher:  Harper Trophy (March 25, 2008)

ISBN-10:  0061231177

ISBN-13:  978-0061231179

Book Review: A New Name for Worthless: A Hero is Born by Rocky Shepeard

 

Worthless is a chained dog who has never lived inside the house. He suffers through cold winters and hot summers only with the help of his two friends Otto and Sly Fox. His friends plot to free him and they set off on an adventure to look for a new life somewhere where there are no chains. They search for days in snow and ice until they find a place on the edge of a pond to hunker down for the winter. But fate intervenes and presents an opportunity for Worthless to finally prove to himself that he is worthy of love and a good home. Will Worthless have the courage to face his fears and become the dog he has always wanted to be?

This is a beautiful story.  It's told from Worthless' point of view.  He's just a sweet dog who wants friends and someone to love him.  He is freed by his friends Otto the Otter and Sly Fox and they run off on an adventure.  Their friendship and courage are tested along the way to finding a new home.

The story is written in a simple and easy way for children to understand.  The illustrations are gorgeous.  I think children and adults both will love this book!

I give this book 4 Bookworms.

Pages:  32
Publisher:  Crescent Renewal Resource; First edition (January 3, 2011)
ISBN-10:  0984289747
ISBN-13:  978-0984289745

Book Review: The House of Sherbet by Simon Dale

 

Thirteen year old Jake spends Christmas with his parents at the Oakhouse, the once grand, now decrepit home to his grandfather. Jake quickly begins to realize that the Oakhouse and Granddad Sherbet are not all they seem. On Christmas Eve, Jake's parents disappear, only to reappear six inches tall and having been turned to wood. Granddad Sherbet, together with his octogenarian friends, prepares to steal Jake's youth and nascent magical powers.

The House of Sherbet is a fun fantasy/supernatural book for children-young adults.  It started out a little slow for me as Jake and his parents traveled to Granddad Sherbet's house and got settled.  From the beginning, I could tell something was off with Granddad, even his humor was a little strange.

The action does pick up and keeps going throughout the book.  It's peppered with black humor, which I appreciate in any story.  There may be a few problems for American kids who read the book as there are several British terms used which they might not know.  But I'm sure they can figure it out.

The author, Simon Dale, did a great job with the imagery in the book.  It was easy to envision every scene and feel part of it.  I can't reveal much without spoiling the plot, but there are very unique ideas in this story.  I think kids will really enjoy reading it!

I give this book 4 Bookworms.

 

Reading level:  Childrens/Young Adult

Pages:  136

Ebook:  417kb

ASIN:  B004R1Q17E