YA Book Review: Watercrossing

About the Book:

"I let the sharp side of the instrument nick the tender skin at his neck. 'I’m not playing around here,' I threatened.

'I realize that.' He gave a weak grin before his eyes turned serious. 'Let me be honest with you now.

Have you ever considered the idea that your father does not want to be found?'

Summer at Camp Fusion is rapidly coming to a close for Whitnee and her best friends, Morgan and Caleb. Working as mentors for troubled preteens all summer would have been adventurous enough, but discovering a secret portal on the forbidden side of the Frio River turned their idea of reality upside down. Now the three friends are determined to find a way back to the magical White Island in the hopes of recovering Whitnee’s missing father and setting things right once and for all. However, the journey back is complicated—especially since Morgan is hiding a terrible secret and Caleb is looking less like a best friend and more like a potential boyfriend. Whitnee is determined to stay focused this time and not get distracted, especially by a certain someone, but she is completely unprepared the moment she enters again into a deadly game of control on the Island. Can Whitnee navigate her way through the danger and survive the lies that threaten the people she loves?"

Amber's Review:

Dive in, my fellow YA/fantasy fans - the water is fine! Given the chance, there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity to visit Camp Fusion and the White Island again, and I am here to report with a grateful (albeit slightly impatient!) heart that I got swept back into the continuing adventures of Whitnee, Morgan, Caleb, and all of their friends - and I wish I didn't have to return to the Mainland!

While events came around full circle in Windchaser and Windfall (the first two books in the "Phantom Island" series), Watercrossing wraps up some loose ends and then adds some surprises and different perspectives that marks this as the first of a new chapter in this epic series. The story begins with Gabriel as he deals with the aftermath of his heroic choice to send Whitnee back to Camp Fusion. There's just enough curious dialogue to raise a bunch of questions about the Guardian's self-seeking plot, Gabriel's uncertain future, and the fate of Whitnee's dad...and then the reader is tossed back onto the Mainland, flopping about like a fish desperate for water - or in this case, more of the story.

And the following pages don't disappoint! Whitnee, Morgan, and Caleb burst onto the scene during the weekend of the Fourth of July, on a mission to meet the camper from long ago who had inadvertently visited the White Island - now a grown man living with his mom and with the heartbreaking, mind-shattering truth that everyone thinks he is crazy. Thus begins a new journey full of twists and turns, leaving the reader deliciously uncertain as to what will happen next.

Camp Fusion comes to an end - but it's only one more bend in this fast-paced river of secrets and revelations, tough decisions and flip-flopping emotions, despair and hope. Not to mention that wonderful whirlpool known as "the yum vortex".... Mmmm-hmm, you're just going to have to read the book to find out about that one! *Wink*

Water runs deep in this third installment of the "Phantom Island" series as the characters cross over into new ground in their relationships. Trust will be tested. Romance will be rejuvenated, repressed, and rediscovered. And with a special highlight on Morgan's character, sacrifices and secrets take on a whole new dimension.

Watercrossing is another intriguing and vivid step on this exotic journey, but be forewarned - take this next step and you'll want to be in it for the long haul. After powering through Watercrossing, I'm ready to take a swim in the next "Water" book. I took the bait when I first heard of this series, and now I'm hooked and ready to be reeled in, one delightful addition to the series at a time!

*With special thanks to the author for providing me with a PDF pre-release copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

About the Author:

"Krissi Dallas is the author of Windchaser and Windfall - the first two books in the Phantom Island series. Like her fictional heroine, Krissi is also a gray-eyed Aerodorian from Texas with a ridiculous fish phobia. Krissi teaches junior high Advanced English and enjoys hanging out with her husband, the teens at Fusion Student Ministries, and her two wicked Yorkies. Her life is currently overrun with teenagers and she likes it that way. Join Whitnee's adventures as the Phantom Island drama continues. Visit the author at KrissiDallas.com."

Extras!

• Visit Krissi's website and blog!

• Follow Krissi on Twitter or Facebook!

• Buy Windchaser, the first book in the series, in paperback or Kindle format! (You can read Amber's review of the first book in the series HERE.)
  

• Buy Windfall in paperback or Kindle format! (You can read Amber's review of the second book in the series HERE.)
  

• Look for Watercrossing to be released later this spring!
  

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YA Book Review: Windfall

About the Book:

"‘It is not time for you to go home yet, Whitnee,’ he told me, and I felt the annoyance bubble up inside of me again.

‘Who are you to decide that?’

‘And who are you to reject all that is ancient and sacred to our culture?’ he spat back. ’You think you just stumbled onto some other place and you can leave as you please. But we are real people with a real history. We have waited for generations for a prophecy to come true, and you act as if it is nothing!’

Transported along with four friends onto a mysterious and magical Island, Whitnee Terradora wants nothing more than to return home safely—until she starts performing supernatural feats such as cyclones, healing, and communicating with the plant she accidentally set on Fire.

Suddenly, finding the Island seems like more than just a coincidence. When an ancient prophecy causes a controversy among the leaders of the White Island, Whitnee questions who is looking out for her interests, and who is interested only in gaining power. Even Gabriel, her one ally on the Island, has secrets that both confuse and allure her.

Who can Whitnee really trust to find out the truth about herself and her missing father? Could Whitnee really be the answer to the White Island’s problems and if so, is it worth the danger of never returning home?"

Amber's Review:

Picking up right where Windchaser left off, Windfall drops the reader onto the White Island and straight into the unanswered questions still swirling around Whitnee and her friends. The new day brings even more questions as Whitnee becomes the center of the islanders' attention and discovers that she might be a possible key to their future - a development that muddles Whitnee's self-identity and sets events in motion for an exciting and dangerous adventure.

Whitnee, Caleb, Morgan, and their two campers, Amelia and Kevin - led by the fiery Gabriel, fun-loving Eden, and mysterious Thomas, as well as guards for added protection - get a grand tour of the island and a chance to meet some of its diverse people groups. The settings are inviting and intriguing, and the story alternates between the pleasures of the journey and the distrust that shadows their every move. Who should the Camp Fusion group believe? When should they call it quits and head home? And why is Whitnee seeing and hearing her long-lost father in this magical place?

This second installment of the "Phantom Island" series is a fast-paced read, with the romantic tension and the stakes heating up considerably. Windchaser and Windfall are two halves of one story, so the premise of Windfall would most likely be rather disorienting if read before the first book. But put these two together and you've got one beautiful and dynamic YA/fantasy story! There's a lot to learn at Camp Fusion and on the White Island about understanding and forgiveness, as well as cooperation and camaraderie.

Windchaser and Windfall are enjoyable and satisfying reads - but thankfully Windfall is not the end of the story! It's awesome to know that the Phantom Island adventures aren't over yet, and Watercrossing (the soon-to-be-released third book in the series) can't get here soon enough for this new fan!!

*With special thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

About the Author:

"Krissi Dallas is a gray-eyed Aerodorian who lives in Texas with her husband, Sam, and their two Yorkies. Krissi teaches junior high Advanced English and enjoys working with and serving alongside the teenagers at Fusion Student Ministries. Read about the beginning of Whitnee's adventures in Windchaser, the first book of the Phantom Island series."

Extras!

• Visit Krissi's website and blog!

• Follow Krissi on Twitter or Facebook!

• Buy Windchaser, the first book in the series, in paperback or Kindle format!

• Buy Windfall in paperback or Kindle format!

• Enter the Watercrossing (third book in the series) contest!

• Take the quiz to find out which Phantom Island tribe you belong to! (Click on the image below.)

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YA Book Review: Windchaser

About the Book:

"‘It is you…’ he murmured, coming closer. I was taken aback at the intensity in his face. He rested his wrinkled, but still very strong, hands on my bare shoulders. His gray eyes sought mine as if he expected me to recognize him.

‘You really are a Daughter of the Wind, are you not?’ Cautiously, I looked over at Gabriel, wondering if it was okay to admit the truth. He nodded as if to give me permission.

My voice came out as a whisper. ‘Yes.’

High school senior Whitnee has spent six years rebuilding her identity after her father’s mysterious disappearance left her with more questions than answers. With her two best friends, Morgan and Caleb, she returns as a mentor to the summer camp of her childhood. Nestled in the Texas hill country, Camp Fusion is everything Whitnee remembers—except for the haunting visions that only she can see. One fateful night, Whitnee and her friends embark on a magical voyage where unexpected adventure and heart-stopping romance collide—a journey that might unlock the dark, complicated mysteries of Whitnee’s family history. But will she find the answers she is looking for?"

Amber's Review:

On the hunt for a highly imaginative, highly engaging book? Then Windchaser is an adventure you won't want to miss! The cover, the description, and a friend's praise of the book made me eager to give the book a try, and I'm so very glad I did!

The story begins at Camp Fusion, the quintessential summer camp that shines in all its youthful promise. Whitnee, Morgan, and Caleb, three inseparable friends who met at Camp Fusion years ago, return to the place of renewal in order to help middle-school campers dealing with difficult issues on their journey to healing.

The trouble is, instead of healing, campers and counselors alike seem to be finding nothing but confusion and heartache. Young love goes awry, tender feelings are bruised by rejection, and - to top it all off - Whitnee is seeing things on the forbidden side of the river that are dredging up haunting memories and a dangerous curiosity. And that curiosity leads the three friends and two campers through a portal into a world full of strange legends and powers - and people who may or may not be trustworthy.

The White Island is a place where people have unique gifts and personalities - beautiful and necessary offerings to share with all of the others living on the island. But Windchaser is only the beginning...giving a small glimpse and tantalizing readers with a small taste of this exotic, enchanting, and quite mysterious land. Be forewarned - Windchaser and Windfall (the second book in the "Phantom Island" series) ought to be read together, as they complement each other and share one continuous story.

While it's difficult to keep Windchaser and Windfall separate, Windchaser still has a lot to offer on its own, including raw emotion, an exciting pace, and a study on understanding. First impressions are not necessarily correct impressions, and joining others on a journey can go a long way in learning more about them.

Through all of the challenges, Whitnee and her friends learn just how difficult it can be to face the past, the future, and especially the present - and how important it is to seek the truth and truly live. If you enjoy meaningful, romantic, and enjoyable young adult/fantasy books, I highly recommend Windchaser!

*With special thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

About the Author:

"Krissi Dallas is a gray-eyed Aerodorian who lives in Texas with her husband, Sam, and their two Yorkies. Krissi teaches junior high Advanced English and enjoys working with and serving alongside the teenagers at Fusion Student Ministries. Whitnee's adventure continues in the second book of the Phantom Island series, Windfall."

Extras!

• Visit Krissi's website and blog!

• Follow Krissi on Twitter or Facebook!

• Buy Windchaser in paperback or Kindle format!

• Take the quiz to find out which Phantom Island tribe you belong to!

• Enter the Watercrossing (third book in the series) contest!

*Don't forget to stop by next week for my review of Windfall, the second book in the "Phantom Island" series!*

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YA Book Review ~ Watermark

About the Book

I stared at her in frustration. “What is with you?!” I exploded. She was not acting like my best friend. Like my Morgan. “You’ve been so different this summer, and I don’t get it!” 

“Well, you’ve been different too! People change, you know,” she snapped back. 

“If I’ve changed, fine. But at least I’m still honest with you. You, however, have turned into a liar! If we don’t have trust between us, then what do we have, Morgan?” 

Relationships on the White Island are volatile and Whitnee, Morgan, and Caleb aren’t sure who they can trust—even each other. Politicians are lying, history is being rewritten, and motives are questionable. Whitnee sets out with Gabriel and a band of rebel spies to take back the enemy’s biggest weapon—Whitnee’s father. However, a shocking turn of events proves once again that the Island’s secrets have the power to destroy more than just the truth. Separated from her friends, Whitnee battles her own fears in order to survive and protect the ones she loves. But when Morgan’s illness finally comes to light, Whitnee faces a decision that could alter her future—and Morgan’s—forever. And whether she ultimately stays on the Island or leaves might not be her choice, after all.

Amber's Review

The White Island has been plunged into turmoil. Distrust is the catch of the day, and everyone from the Island's inhabitants to the three Mainland teens caught up in the Island's issues are struggling with personal and communal fears. In this fourth installment of the "Phantom Island" series - the close of the "Water" books and the first half of the series - everything comes to a head. Definitely a dramatic wrap-up that leaves a bit of magic in the reader's heart, waiting to come alive once again whenever the next "element" is revealed and the fifth book released.

In order to best appreciate and understand Watermark, Watercrossing should be fresh on the mind. Watermark dives right back in to the uncertainty that kept readers hanging at the end of the third book: What is to come of Gabriel's injuries? Are the ones who came to the cabin trustworthy? Who is the traitor in their midst? What secret is Morgan hiding? All these questions and more are dealt with in this book, keeping the action and relational tension high throughout the pages. For those invested in the series, there is much to intrigue, to frustrate, and to fascinate. Just be prepared to get a little wet along the way, as there are some tearful scenes.

Re-reading Watercrossing in preparation for reading this story reminded me of just how engaging Dallas's writing and characters are. Despite the fact that I had experienced the twists and turns before (even though it had been over a year since I'd read it), Watercrossing still managed to pull me in the second time around. The friendships and romance, the danger and descriptions of a creative world - all made me fall in love with this series from the first book and have left me excited and anxious for any news of what is to come for this series.

If you're a loyal fan, Watermark shouldn't disappoint. It's an allegorical addition to the series, full of intense revelations and reactions. And if this is the first you've heard of the White Island and you're now intrigued...don't miss out on the joy that is discovering a whole cast of colorful characters inhabiting a YA fantasy world that is both utterly relatable and wonderfully imagined. Start with Windchaser, devour the first half of this (most likely) eight-book series, and join me in anticipating the next Island adventure.

*With thanks to the author for providing me with a PDF pre-release copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Extras

• Learn more about author Krissi Dallas and the "Phantom Island" series at www.krissidallas.com.

• Purchase Watermark at Tate Publishing's website (official release date: October 29, 2013). Find the first three books in the series on Amazon, Krissi's website (White Island Shoppe at the top of the page), and Tate Publishing's website.

• Amber's reviews of the first three books: Windchaser, Windfall, and Watercrossing.

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YA Cover Candy!

How 'bout I throw another handful of cover candy your way?

September 2012 Release

Isn't this one so intriguing and eye-catching?? Kind of reminds me of Krissi Dallas' covers for the "Phantom Island" series - the bold color, the central focus on the image/title, and the symbolism. I haven't read this one yet, but I have it waiting for me on my Kindle (the only bummer thing about having the basic Kindle is not being able to see the cover in color - I'll just have to enjoy these computer pics!). 

I really enjoyed Elle's Clockwise and Clockwiser, and I'm eager to give this semi-dystopian (?) by her "alter ego," Lee, a try! It's recommended for those age 15 and up - a more mature audience than her previous books - and is currently $.99 on Amazon.com (today is October 15th, and I'm not sure how long this price reduction is going to last).

*This just in: Perception is going to be FREE on Amazon.com October 15th and 16th! Great opportunity to try it out!*

Visit Elle/Lee's website to learn more!

July 2012 Release

September 2012 Release

I have to include both of these covers in "The Last Year" series because they go together so nicely! With my personal blog and my freelance editing services, it's probably obvious that I like the "seasons" theme. That autumn cover really drew me in when I saw it, and I decided to give Whispers in Autumn a try - despite the fact that I don't generally care for alien stories. Turns out that I enjoyed it! It's certainly interesting how the seasons theme comes into play and I admire the author's imagination and creativity. Not sure how I feel about every aspect of the story...but it's pretty clean and rather thought-provoking. And I'm definitely curious to see the covers for "spring" and "summer"! 

Whispers in Autumn and Winter Omens are both currently priced at $3.99 each for the e-books on Amazon.com.

Visit Trisha's website to learn more!

December 2012 Release

I do love the dramatic flair on this cover! Mysterious and adventurous and pretty - it may be kind of simple, but I like it! I actually read this book through NetGalley, and my review will be coming on my personal blog in November. Probably best enjoyed by those who have read the first two books in the series, I still found it to be a fun read. And I loved the hero! 

Learn more on Goodreads!

So, tell me - which cover is your favorite? Do you prefer a symbolic image, a lovely close-up, or a gorgeous outfit? 

And if you are a YA fan, do you have any recommendations or cover candy to share?

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