LEANN'S REVIEW: Dream On (M. Kircher)

Book Title: Dream On

Author Pen Name: M. Kircher

Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance

Age Group: Young Adult

Publish Date: April 22, 2014

Cover by Amanda L. Matthews, Am Design Studios

Publisher: Astraea Press

Tagline: Love is dangerous for Emily, even in her dreams.

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old dreamwalker, Em, might have to choose—leave her mother forever in the dreamworld or save the life of hot, rebel Gabe.

Emily Dal Monte and her mother, Lily, are special. They’re humans with a glitch in their genetic code that allows them to explore the fantastic, and often terrifying, world of their dreams for as long as they choose to remain asleep. But when Em’s father is killed in a tragic accident and her distraught mother loses herself more and more in the dreams of her crumbling mind, Em is forced to support the two of them the only way she knows how, by writing down her mother’s amazing dreams and selling them as books. Enter Gabriel Sobel, the handsome punk newcomer at Em’s high school who realizes Em is the daughter of his favorite, reclusive author. Gabe can’t figure out why Em keeps brushing him off and makes it his mission to find out what’s really going at the Dal Monte household. He stumbles upon their shocking family secret just as Lily takes a turn for the worse. It’s up to Em, Gabe, and one very nosy book editor to hop from one

extraordinary dream to the next to find Lily and convince her to wake up before she loses her mind…and before Em loses her first chance at love.

Excerpt:

Tiny shafts of sunlight stream down from the treetops above us, forming small rings that illuminate the red pine-covered ground below. It’s weird how quiet it is here. There are none of the sounds you’d normally associate with a forest, like the scurrying tread of small animals or the soft breeze rustling through the trees. Everything is completely still.

I rest my forehead against the warm bark of the tree and try to calm my racing thoughts. How do I get us out of this mess? Mom and Evan aren’t here with Gabe and me. At least, as far as I can tell, they aren’t here, and we don’t have any time to find them. Evan and Gabe need to wake up now, or they could die. It’s so simple, yet so complicated. Do I save Gabe’s life? Or do I continue to risk killing him and try to save everyone? If I pull Gabe out, I could risk losing both Mom and Evan inside this dream. I have no idea if Mom’s recognition of me was a moment’s clarity, or something more lasting. I might never be able to locate her and Evan again.

A sob rises in my throat. I can’t help it. I’m so tired and overwhelmed, and we’re all so deeply in trouble. Despite my best efforts, the sob escapes, and then I can’t seem to stop another one from bursting out of my mouth. And then another one. Huge, wrenching cries tear through me, and I double over, my face in my hands, as the tears stream through my fingertips.

It’s all just too much.

I hear Gabe come to stand beside me, and before I can protest, he draws me back into his arms. I can’t seem to stop crying. I’m so embarrassed, but I just can’t stop.

His rough fingers catch the bottom of my chin, and slowly he tilts my face up toward his, so we’re gazing into each other’s eyes. My breath hitches, and it’s not just from all the crying.

“I’m sorry, Em,” Gabe whispers, his soft words loud in the silence surrounding us. “But there’s no one I’d rather be with right now than you.”

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Review:

I really enjoyed this book. I have read many different paranormal books, but this is a first for me. Dreamwalkers. I love the idea of the book and hope that Kircher writes more on this amazing world. I find it a little sad that our leading lady had to basically raise herself, but it added to her character and made her stronger. I would have liked to seen more of that inner strength. 

The characters are strong. Gabe and our editor have very dominating personalities, which I enjoyed. Many times I see weak characters that aren't leads. Not the case here and I am thankful for it. I love Em. She is a great character to me. I love that she uses her mother's dreams to write books. Again the story line is a fascinating concept. Overall, a good read. One I definitely recommend to our YA readers out there! 

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About the Author

M. KIRCHER graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Gordon College. She devours YA, science fiction, fantasy, and romance on a regular basis and is immensely happy to pour her time and energy into creating stories for other people to enjoy. Bob Ross and J.R.R. Tolkien tie for her two favorite people of all time.

M. Kircher lives in Connecticut with her husband, energetic son, and new baby girl.

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Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Profile | Wattpad

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LISA'S REVIEW: The Offering (E.R. Arroyo) Sovereign #2

Book Title: The Offering

Author Pen Name: E.R. Arroyo

Genre: YA Dystopia

Age Group: 13+

Release Date: 3/25/2014

Cover by: Todd Yandell & Najla Qamber

Book synopsis:

Consumed by guilt from a war she started, Cori faces the aftermath of her destruction. The Mercy colony is in shambles as infection spreads and Dylan struggles to find a cure before it’s too late. Cori’s love and loyalties are put to the test when he asks her for the unthinkable. Now faced with impossible decisions, Cori must risk her friends and everything she’s ever cared about in order to put things right. She’ll go to unimaginable lengths to save the innocent, no matter the cost.

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Purchase Links

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About the Author

An entertainment junkie, E.R. Arroyo is equally passionate about books, music, and movies. Her favorite title is “mommy” and she loves to dabble in all-natural health, wellness, and homemade beauty products. Her bestselling debut novel, Sovereign, was published in 2012. She can’t wait to share more of her stories, and she loves to hear from readers!

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 Review:

This book is the second book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it better than the first. I loved the first so that is saying something. It has been read a YA so this book was the perfect book to jump back into the genre. 

Cori is a strong female lead with responsibility that would be tough for anyone. She is a great character that all readers will love. This book does have a love triangle which I feel is often over used but seems to make this story work out great. I liked the idea of the story best, it has everything a good book should have and will hook you in on page one. 

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LEANN'S REVIEW: The House of Hades (Rick Riordan) Heroes of Olympus #4

Title: The House of Hades

Author: Rick Riordan

Series: The Heroes of Olympus

Format: Hardcover

ISBN13: 9781423146728

Published October 8th 2013 by Hyperion Books

Summary:

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.



(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)
Review:

This book is as adventurous as its predecessors. I loved it. I can only imagine the sacrifices, love and loss of these brave demigods. Riordan impresses us yet again! A great read! And oh Nico! I feel for him deeply but admire his honesty.

All the characters grow and learn so much from these trials they face. Percy and Annabeth learning consequences and sacrifice. Leo, Nico, Jason and Frank love and trust. Hazel and Piper confidence. So much to take away form these great characters. This book brings Leo a possible girl... Frank faces many challenges in this book and possible changes the most.

Bob! *tear* The final scene in Tartarus is gut wrenching. Some choices are hard to make and even harder to live with. I admire Riordan for putting tough choices, strong love, and life with loss in his books. While its fiction we get real life emotions and friendship.

Again Riordan brings life to these classic mythological stories, putting a modern spin. I love his style and story lines. I can not wait an entire year for the next installment... At least this book doesn't end on the mother of all cliff hangers as Mark of Athena did. :)

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LEANN'S REVIEW: DOUBLE FEATURE The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2) & The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3)

Title: The Son of Neptune

Author: Rick Riordan

Series: Heroes of Olympus

Format: Hardcover

ISBN13: 9781423140597

Published October 4th 2011 by Hyperion Book CH

Summary:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem — when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery — although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely — enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.

(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)

Review:

I love that Percy is back... but he doesn't remember who he is... This book is a great read. I really enjoyed it. Riordan does it again and again, Never disappointing.

We meet all new characters and a new camp! I loved the Roman personalities and style. It was incredibly fun to compare the two camps.

Love Hazel and Frank! Hello Hazel is back from the dead! Thought only monsters did that! :) Nico is back as well! YAY. I just love this new spin off series and can't wait to see where this series takes us in the future.

Again Riordan brings to life ancient tales in a new and modern spin. This book is a must read for any youth fan out there!

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Title: The Mark of Athena

Author: Rick Riordan

Series: The Heroes of Olympus

Format: Hardcover

ISBN13: 9781423140603

Published October 2nd 2012 by Hyperion Book CH

Summary:

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)

Review:

Can Riordan let us down? NO! I love his style and stories time and time again. He has yet to disappoint.

The two camps are about to meet... and more importantly Annabeth and Percy will reunite! Characters from book 1 and 2 are brought together and we finally meet the 7. I really enjoyed that Annabeth finally has a book kind of to her self. I love her character and love hearing from her point of view. This might be my favorite book so far... maybe. It's a hard choice.

While this story has lots of action it takes a little different approach than the other stories. This book is truly about Annabeth getting back to Percy. I love the plot and cant wait to see what Riordan throws are way next. The wait for the next book might kill me.... Can you say mother of a cliff hanger?

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LEANN'S REVIEW: The Throne of Fire (Rick Riordan) Kane Chronicles #2

Title: The Throne of Fire
 
Author: Rick Riordan
 
Series: The Kane Chronicles
 
Format: Hardback
 
ISBN13: 9781423140566
 
Published May 3rd 2011 by Hyperion Books for Children
 
Summary:
 
Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians.

And now their most threatening enemy yet - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.

To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.

First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?

Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride.
 
(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)
 
Review:
 
Riordan does it again. I am completely hooked on his books. He can't seem to disappoint! Where do I even begin with this second installment of the Kane Chronicles?
 
Brother and Sister duo narrate another wild adventure. I love the point of views from each character. With this style of writing we get into a character's head like never before. I found myself completely caught up in the chaos and humor between these two siblings. We meet new characters and new gods are introduced.
 
Again Riordan has taken old mythology and put a new and fun spin to modernize these classic characters. I love this book. A great read... A must read for any YA fan out there.
 

 

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