YA Fantasy Romance Book Review ~ The Seahorse Legacy

About the Book

a Pirate
bound by a centuries-old oath

a Knight
determined to prove her calling

a Legacy
demanding surrender

As Keeper of the Seahorse Legacy, Cazien de Pollis is a King among pirates, divinely appointed to dispense justice on the seas. Bound by the sacred oath of a long-dead ancestor, he must fulfill a contract to wed the green-eyed Oracle’s Daughter named therein — or risk losing everything he and his people hold dear. But at nineteen, with the identity of his betrothed only recently revealed, Cazien resents the contract — and the urgency within him to see it satisfied.

Erielle de Gladiel returned from the quest for the Remedy, changed. Not only are her formerly-blue eyes now a brilliant shade of green, but she must don gloves to hide inky evidence that her prophetically-bestowed title, the Oracle’s Daughter, demands more from her than the task already completed. Erielle’s dearest-held dream is realized when she is knighted by her King, but unbeknownst to her, that very honor jeopardizes the prophesied purpose to which she and Cazien have been called.

Just as Cazien summons the courage to collect his bride, dark rumors and darker deeds crawl up the coasts, calling its guardians, the Seahorse Pirates, into action — and Cazien away from Erielle. But even though the Oracle’s Daughter knows nothing of the contract to which she has been consigned, Cazien’s enemies have somehow learned of his interest in Erielle. And if they reach her before his ancestor’s weighty oath is executed, the Seahorse Legacy will be forfeited . . . and darkness will be given reign.

Subtly paying homage to several classic tales including Peter Pan, Robin Hood, The Little Mermaid, Much Ado About Nothing, and even The Three Little Bears, THE SEAHORSE LEGACY begins an epic re-imagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, which will conclude in Eyes of E’veria, Book 4: THE SUNKEN REALM.

Amber's Review

Dark. Daring. Delightful! The Seahorse Legacy was everything I could have hoped for as a third installment in the "Eyes of E'veria" series and as the start of a new set within the series as a whole. Yes, I'm seriously desperate for the fourth installment (The Sunken Realm, releasing in 2015) - as there's a lot that still needs to be resolved. Yet, despite the setup (i.e.: background information) and the time the hero and heroine spend apart, I still found The Seahorse Legacy to be full of adventure and romance. While it doesn't necessarily stand alone, it's still satisfying enough on its own to warrant reading it now, even considering the wait for Book 4!

Erielle and Cazien are seriously an explosive pair. They each have their own dreams and duties - and a streak of independence as sharp as a dagger. Their story together is only just beginning, but the stories of their individual journeys of humility, obedience, and faith are quite powerful here. The scenes that brought me to tears were the ones where I could feel Erielle's embarrassment and devastation, so heartbreakingly authentic even as the pain is being used to bring her to the place where she needs to be.

Although there is quite a bit of time apart for these two, their chemistry sings when they're together. (Sometimes in a loud, rock-'n-roll sort of way, and sometimes in a boy-band love-song sort of way. *wink*) The anticipatory suspense between their "together" scenes made the Kindle pages fly for me. I wanted to see when they would meet up again, what would come of each new interaction, and when Cazien would finally come clean with Erielle!

We've got pirates (which means there are some rather violent scenes, just as a heads up); we've got danger and deception, a mystery, and a hero and heroine with a heart for others; and we've got a wild and intense ending that serves as a semi-pseudo HEA that's both touching and agonizing (keeping in mind the wait for The Sunken Realm). In other words, we've got another wonderful fantasy romance from Serena Chase!

*With thanks to the author for providing me with an e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Want More?

• You can purchase the book now in Kindle format on Amazon! Paperback coming soon.

• This review was first posted at Seasons of Humility. Be sure to check out the original post for a fun interview with the author and some great giveaways!

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YA Fantasy Book Review ~ Uncovering Cobbogoth

About the Book

Norah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city of Cobbogoth. After her archaeologist uncle’s murder, Norah is asked to translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder was a cover-up for something far more sinister.

When she turns to neighbor and only friend James Riley for help, she realizes that not only is their bitter-sweet past haunting her every step, but James is keeping dangerous secrets. Can Norah discover what they are before it's too late to share her own?

Readers old and young will love this YA Fantasy Romance set in Boston, MA, but full of mythical beings, magic, and lost secrets.

Amber's Review

Full of mystery, danger, and romance, Uncovering Cobbogoth is undeniably intriguing and imaginative. A lot of thought had to go into creating the Cobbogothian mythology and the connections between it and the story's heroine, Norah, and I applaud Clark for her creativity! The book contains many twists and tender moments.

There's definitely a "first book in a series" feel to this, as there are a lot of flashback scenes, back story, and explanations which often keep the pace reined in. I did enjoy learning more about James through the flashbacks - it's just that there are a lot of them. And I confess that some of the magical/mythical elements remained out of my complete grasp. The history is a little complex, and the Cobbogoth setting is rather different. But I appreciated the uniqueness of the imagery and the surprising ways plot elements fit together!

References to gods and goddesses, intense images (involving murder victims, etc.), and demon "possession" are a part of the story, but there are also themes of love and sacrifice. Clark has set up a very interesting supernatural YA fantasy series with Uncovering Cobbogoth, one that is sure to garner plenty of fans. 

*With thanks to Cedar Fort for providing me with a PDF copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Book Trailer



Extras

• You can read other reviews, spotlights, etc. during the Cedar Fort blog tour, which lasts through the whole month of May: Uncovering Cobbogoth Blog Tour

• You can connect with the author on her awesome website!

• You can purchase the book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble!

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YA Historical Interview & Giveaway ~ Alone Yet Not Alone

Please welcome Tracy Leininger Craven to the BB!  She's the author of the children's historical fiction book Alone Yet Not Alone, which has been made into a movie (coming to theaters this June). She's here to tell us more about the book and movie - and there's a giveaway at the end, so read on!

***

Amber: Welcome to “The Borrowed Book,” Tracy! Could you share with us what inspired your love for history and historical fiction?

Tracy: Growing up, story time was a regular bedtime ritual. It turned into a great motivator for my siblings and myself to get our nightly chores done quickly so that we could read as long as possible. My dad read a variety of books covering everything from the Bible to poetry to biographies to fiction. Historical fiction was one of my favorites genres.

Writing children’s historical fiction combines my love of writing and discovering true stories from the past. My goal is to make history come alive for my readers. I have come to realize the importance of taking the time to learn from those who came before us. As a Christian, I see history as God’s story through time. Seeing His faithfulness in people’s lives and discovering their stories gives a fresh look at the past. It becomes personal and alive. History is so much more than dates and events. I love to find true stories of God’s love and hope in the midst of suffering or trials and share them with others. My hope is to cultivate a similar love for history and learning in my readers.

Amber: Love it. :) Which era of history is your favorite?

Tracy: Good question. There are so many eras that fascinate me. But I will narrow it down to American history during the Colonial period with the Pioneers and settlers at the top of my list. The Great Depression is a close second. I’ve come across so many amazing stories of men, women and children who worked hard to make ends meet and shared what little they had with their neighbors. It was a difficult time in our history, but the stories of survival are truly incredible.

Amber: Oh, I agree about the Depression! Movies like The Journey of Natty Gann and Kit Kittredge have really captured my imagination and inspired me with their stories of desperation and surviving hope.

So what drew you to write for children? What do you like best about writing for younger readers?

Tracy: I’ve wanted to write children’s books for as long as I can remember. It probably stems from my love for children and from my love of reading as a child. I enjoy the beauty, innocence and creativity of young minds; their simple faith, wonder, vibrant love of life and desire to learn and discover. If I, even in a small way, can cultivate that love of learning and inspire children with stories that give hope and share God’s love and grace, I am fulfilled in my purpose as an author.

Amber: That's a great mindset!

How involved were you in the making of the movie version of Alone Yet Not Alone? I noticed that it’s currently rated PG-13. Do you believe the movie is meant for a different audience than the book?

Tracy: I was not very involved with the script or production of the movie. I was able to be on set for part of the filming and I actually have a small cameo in the film. It was really fun to dress up in the colonial American dress and act in a small scene. In a way, it felt like I stepped back in history and into my book. That feeling is a personal highlight.

The story takes place during the French and Indian War and follows the dramatic events of the Leininger sisters’ capture and escape from the Indians. The book tends to focus more on relationships and I describe the intense scenes with a younger audience in mind. The movie spends more time on action and adventure and I think it is intended for a broader audience. But either way, I think it would have been nearly impossible to create a war story on screen without some level of violence.

Amber: How fun about the cameo! And those are some great things to note about the differences between the movie and the book.What’s next for you in publishing?

Tracy: I do have a few ideas I am considering. We’ll have to wait and see if those thoughts develop and take flight.

Amber: I understand. We'll all just have to stay tuned for more details. :) Thanks for joining us today!

***

Giveaway!

Zondervan has put together a special movie edition of the book Alone Yet Not Alone, and the PR people at Media Connect wanted to offer a copy to one of our readers! Just leave a comment with your e-mail address (so we can get in touch with you if you win), and let us know what you think of YA (young adult) historical fiction, or if you're planning on seeing the movie this summer. You can learn more about the movie at www.aloneyetnotalone.com.

(Note: This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only. The winner will be announced next Monday, April 21st.)

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YA Book Review ~ Songstone

Lena Goldfinch’s Songstone ~ Reviewed 

Published by Indigo Road Teen 

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Kita can meld song into stone. In a world with no written word, storytelling—the ability to meld (or magically impress) song into stone—is greatly honored. The village honors her master as their medicine man, but Kita knows he's secretly a sorcerer who practices black magic using drops of her blood. She fears he'll use her beautiful gift for a killing spell, so she conceals it from him. Each day, his magic tightens around her neck like a rope. His spells blind the villagers, so they can't see him for what he really is.

Not that anyone would want to help her. She was found in the forest as a baby and would have died if a village girl hadn't brought her home. But the villagers saw Kita's unusual coloring and decided she belonged to the mysterious tribe who lives in the forests of the volcano, a people feared for their mystical powers. So they fear her too. Now seventeen, she can barely admit her deepest longing: to know who she really is and where she belongs.

Then Pono, a young journeyman, arrives from the other side of the island. He's come to fulfill a pact between their villages: to escort a storyteller back to his village—a storyteller who'll be chosen at the great assembly. Finally, in Pono, Kita sees her one slim chance at freedom and she'll risk her life to take it.

The story of a girl who yearns for freedom, a boy determined to be more than what's expected of him, and the desperate journey that will leave them both forever changed.

REVIEW: 

Though YA Fantasy is not always my first choice in reading material, I am quickly becoming a fan, and books like Lena Goldfinch’s Songstone is one reason why. In just a few well-written paragraphs, Goldfinch captured my interest and made me concerned for the plight of little Kita. Matiko is a satisfyingly evil villain, and the threat to Kita feels sufficiently real to drive the story forward. Pono’s arrival adds another element to an already imaginative tale, and I found myself hurrying toward the end, just to see what clever solution Goldfinch was able to dream up. I was not disappointed. I give Goldfinch’s latest offering a hearty thumbs up!

Review by Elizabeth Ludwig

(E-book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.) 

BLOG TOUR:

This book and other Lena Goldfinch titles are currently on tour in the blogosphere! Click the button below to view the schedule, find purchase links, and learn more about Lena's latest release, Take a Picture:

And if you'd like a chance to win one of Lena's books, be sure to enter the blog tour giveaway via the Rafflecopter form below! (The first prize drawing is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only; the second prize drawing is open internationally.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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YA Paranormal Book Spotlight ~ Haunting Joy

My cover designer is getting ready to release her next YA book in October - a light paranormal novella titled Haunting Joy, the first in a new series. I had the pleasure of editing the book, and I'm putting together the blog tour, which will be happening in a few weeks. If you're looking for an intriguing, quick, and meaningful read, Haunting Joy is your ticket to Halloween thrills!

About the Book

Joy’s new dress has a secret – one with a little supernatural history, one that’s a little more than she expected.

It all starts one ordinary afternoon, as seventeen-year-old Joy tries on some thrift-store clothes her grandmother gave her. The little white dress fits perfectly. Trouble is, now it won’t leave her alone. Soon Joy is swept up in an extraordinary journey to help a ghost complete some unfinished business. If only that didn’t involve Joy driving through dangerous intersections...or calling up her high-school crush, Nick...or getting stuck at a cemetery after dark.

Will Joy accept this ghostly challenge to be "more"? And just how far will she go to uncover the truth?

Light Paranormal Novella

About the Author/Cover Designer

Lena lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. She writes fiction for young adults, mostly light fantasy with a healthy dose of "sigh-worthy" romance. You can visit her online at www.lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com.

Want More?

• You can add the book on Goodreads!

• Check Seasons of Humility tomorrow for the reveal of the special edition (paperback) cover! And be sure to visit there again October 22nd for the start of the blog tour!

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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 Book Review ~ The Silent Swan

About the Book

"Once upon a time – better known as 'now' - Gabriel Pritz reigns as king of his high school. Easy grades, perfect baseball season, a pretty date for prom—he's coasting into a golden future. Until his parents demand he cook dinner once a week. Caught between kitchen fires and ballpark withdrawal, Gabe is thrown into Tam Swann's orbit. Hostile, friendless, and stubborn, she's exactly the sort of person he'd prefer to avoid.

Tam's sphere of influence expands beyond Gabe's sad domestic skills, rapidly invading everything from his favorite game to parts of his soul he didn't know existed. It's uncomfortable, it's hard work, it's...making him a better man. And that's just what she does to people she doesn't like. The better he gets to know her, the more he has to face the truth: this sharp, heart-breaking outcast is worth fighting for. How many families, fairy tales, and felons will he go through to ride to the rescue of the bravest person he's ever met?"

Amber's Review

The Silent Swan is an intriguing and refreshing fairytale retelling, albeit a story that I didn't completely "get." The tale begins with a senior boy who is very much caught up in his own world of baseball games and student government and girls. Unsurprisingly, his point of view is a bit annoying at first, but it truly made his character growth that much more enjoyable to witness. Having the whole story told from his perspective was an interesting twist - one that I applaud, but also one that might have kept me from being completely connected.

A lot of the dialogue between the brothers (and even between all of the characters at different times, really) felt like an "inside joke" I just wasn't comprehending - so there's one strike. The strange and at times disrespectful parent-children relationships constitutes strike two. And the book is quite long...a quality which did allow for some great character exploration, but alas, it just felt too unnecessarily dragged out at times, especially toward the end when scene after scene revolved around the same activity. Combined with my confusion over certain plot elements (again, it felt like some things were going over my head and just not "clicking"), there's strike three.

Does that mean the book is "out"? Nope - it just means that there were some obstacles that kept this from reaching "favorite" status for me, despite its promising moments.

I did love the mystery at the beginning. I loved Gabe's moral wrestling - his struggling with his conscience. I loved the camaraderie between brothers (both Gabe's and Tam's)...the fun cooking scenes...the sympathetic peek into a young man's mind (a tad bit frightening, but enlightening, LOL)...and even the baseball references and scenes did win me over with how they were portrayed, even though I'm not a huge fan of the game.

All in all, The Silent Swan was fascinating, although it didn't impress me as much as I thought it might and was hoping it would after being initially hooked by the story. It's certainly a unique retelling - entirely contemporary, no magic in sight. If you like generally clean YA (the male fixation on the physical is portrayed to some degree, and there are a few instances of minor crude language), and if you're looking for a different sort of story to lose yourself in for a while, you might want to check this one out!

*With thanks to the author and IFB Tours for providing me with an e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

About the Author

"Lex Keating has been engaged in a passionate affair with books ever since the Velveteen Rabbit wanted to be real. She graduated from a liberal arts college with a BA in literature, and currently resides near Charleston, South Carolina, in a swamp full of barbarians and all their cats. She has been a teacher, a paralegal, a computer programmer, and a hospice caregiver. She currently divides her time between studying old fairy tales and making up new ones." You can connect with the author on Facebook.

Extras

• You can pre-order the paperback, or you can purchase the book in Kindle format (currently only $.99!). 

• Check out the other blog tour post links HERE (or by clicking the image at the top of the post).

• Enter the blog tour giveaway for a paperback copy of the book (U.S. only) via the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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YA Book Spotlight ~ Songstone

Lena Goldfinch (my cover designer and self-publishing mentor) has just released a new YA fantasy romance novel! I had the pleasure of being one of the book's editors and putting the blog tour together. Read on to learn more about this captivating story and the tour...

About the Book

"Kita can meld song into stone. In a world with no written word, storytelling—the ability to meld (or magically impress) song into stone—is greatly honored. The village honors her master as their medicine man, but Kita knows he's secretly a sorcerer who practices black magic using drops of her blood. She fears he’ll use her beautiful gift for a killing spell, so she conceals it from him. Each day, his magic tightens around her neck like a rope. His spells blind the villagers, so they can’t see him for what he really is.

Not that anyone would want to help her. She was found in the forest as a baby and would have died if a village girl hadn't brought her home. But the villagers saw Kita's unusual coloring and decided she belonged to the mysterious tribe who lives in the forests of the volcano, a people feared for their mystical powers. So they fear her too. Now seventeen, she can barely admit her deepest longing: to know who she really is and where she belongs.

Then Pono, a young journeyman, arrives from the other side of the island. He's come to fulfill a pact between their villages: to escort a storyteller back to his village—a storyteller who'll be chosen at the great assembly. Finally, in Pono, Kita sees her one slim chance at freedom and she'll risk her life to take it.

A dark, twisty tale of sorcery, tummy-tingling romance, and adventure, inspired by the folklore of New Zealand's Māori people."

About the Author

"Lena lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. She writes fiction for young adults, mostly light fantasy with a healthy dose of "sigh-worthy" romance. You can visit her online at www.lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com."

Want More?

• There's a sweet summer blog tour going on right now with an epic giveaway, great reviews, and cool interviews! Catch up on the posts and enter the giveaway at the blog tour page.

• You can purchase the book in Kindle format for only $3.97 at Amazon!

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YA & MG Blog Tour Invites!

Happy Monday and 1st day of July, everyone!

Some of you may recall I have a freelance editing business (Editing Through the Seasons)...which I've recently expanded to also include some freelance publicity projects. I'm putting together a couple of blog tours for the latter half of this month. If you have a blog and would be interested in participating in either tour, please e-mail me at amberstokes@editingthroughtheseasons.com. Would love to have you on board!

(And even if you don't have a blog, I hope you'll still consider joining in the fun! Giveaways, reviews, interviews, cool activities...it's all happenin'! Check in at Seasons of Humility during the dates noted below for more details.)

"May the K9 Spy" E-books Blog Tour (Middle Grade)

Dates: July 15-26

Looking for: reviews, interviews, or spotlights

Includes: scavenger hunt, giveaways for blog readers and reviewers, free Kindle books promotion during the tour

Learn more: May's latest newsletter

Purchase: Book 1 on Amazon; Book 2 on Amazon

Songstone Blog Tour (Young Adult)

Dates: July 22 - August 2

Looking for: reviews, interviews, or spotlights

Includes: giveaways, summer beach-read theme

Learn more: Lena's website; Songstone on Goodreads

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YA Book Review ~ Swimming Through Clouds

About the Book (from Playlist YA Fiction)

"I live in the in between. Between what if and what is. It’s how I manage. It’s the only way I know. Everyone has their way. This is mine.
 
When high school cell phone disruption forces a classroom ban, the words on a Post-it note spark a sticky romance between two unlikely friends. Transfer student Talia Vanderbilt has one goal at her new school: to blend in with the walls. Lagan Desai, basketball captain and mathlete, would do just about anything to befriend the new girl. One Post-it note at a time, Lagan persuades Talia to peel back her heart, slowly revealing her treasure chest of pain—an absent mother, a bedridden brother, and an abusive father. In a world where hurt is inevitable, the two teens search for a safe place to weather the storms of life. Together."
  
Amber's Review

With vivid (sometimes painfully so) details and a plot that reads like poetry, Swimming Through Clouds is a story that pulls you under but allows enough sweet breaths of air to keep you from drowning in the sorrow. And there is a lot of sorrow - from terrifying flashbacks to present helplessness to future fears. Seeing the suffering that Talia and her brother face is troubling, and hearing about her mother's tragedies is heartbreaking.

Yet the blossoming friendship between Talia and Lagan is beautiful. Their moments together, and Lagan's steadfastness and thoughtfulness and patience, paint the sunset and sunrise colors on an otherwise black scene. They are an unconventional, unique couple, and their story - while surprising, in the sense of finding a young man with such maturity - is sweet, indeed.

The story is rather slow, perhaps a bit like the experience of swimming through clouds might be, but the gripping suspense and hope make it easy to be engaged through the whole book. The creative inclusion of a story from Scripture, as well as the focus on faith through a symbolic setting near and dear to Talia, is neat. And while the ending isn't the nicely wrapped happily-ever-after that can be enjoyable to read, it is fitting and not without hope, despite the uncertainties. Swimming Through Clouds is not a light read, but it is an eye-opening one full of difficult realities and compassion.

*With thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a copy of the e-book, which I won via a newsletter giveaway. I was not required to write a review.*

Extras

• Buy the e-book at Amazon or Smashwords!

• Connect with the author on Facebook or her blog, In Search of Waterfalls.

• Learn about similar books on the Playlist Young Adult Fiction website.

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May I Borrow From Your Book? ~ The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

About this Feature: Writing letters to characters and/or authors is nothing new, but here's the twist: these letters will be all about borrowing, in keeping with our blog title. They can be funny or serious, sweet or sassy, short or more in-depth. My hope is that the letters will be entertaining or inspiring to read and will show appreciation to authors - and to the Lord for giving us creativity! (You can click the button and then scroll down to read previously posted letters.)

If you'd like to submit a letter of your own to be posted here, feel free to e-mail me at amberstokes@corban.edu.

Today's letter is for Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight:

 

Dear Jennifer,

As I'm preparing to dive into edits for my WIP, I sure would love to borrow some of your creativity! It's so clever that The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is set over a 24-hour time period. So many possibilities with that! And yet, your writing had to be so tight and confident and engaging to accomplish such a feat. I've had suggestions from an early reader about playing around with the timing of my WIP... "Time is funny stuff," as Hap says in the movie Always. You convey that so well in your book. :)

I also love your "balance" in the book. Familial relationships and romantic relationships...time together and time apart...the present and the past...sweetness and pain. All mixed just so. The whole story is so quirky and yet so true to life - very memorable, in that way. (It also struck a chord with me because of my own unexpected airport miracle.) It's great to read books like yours that inspire and stir the imagination. I'm hoping I've borrowed a bit of your imagination just through the reading experience. 

And might I add that your book's title is just plain awesome? 

Sincerely,

Amber

You can purchase the book now at Amazon.com! 

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May I Borrow From Your Book? ~ Pieces of Me

About this Feature: Writing letters to characters and/or authors is nothing new, but here's the twist: these letters will be all about borrowing, in keeping with our blog title. They can be funny or serious, sweet or sassy, short or more in-depth. My hope is that the letters will be entertaining or inspiring to read and will show appreciation to authors - and to the Lord for giving us creativity! (You can click the button and then scroll down to read previously posted letters.)

If you'd like to submit a letter of your own to be posted here, feel free to e-mail me at amberstokes@corban.edu.

Today's letter is for Ian from Pieces of Me by Eisley Jacobs:

Dear Ian,

Everyone loves a good mystery, right? And you, Ian, enter Braidan's story as a mystery. (Of course, so does everyone else...including Braidan.) You're sweet and a bit of a flirt. But you're also tenacious, determined to discover truth and cling to it, as well as stand your ground for what is right. I admire that.

Of course, you sometimes have limited knowledge on which to move forward, and you aren't without a desire for affection and acknowledgment. (After all, you are human...right?) 

But I would love to borrow a handful of your drive for truth, as well as a pinch of your courage mixed with your compassion. With my work and my hobbies (editing and book reviewing and the like), it can be hard sometimes to balance honesty with encouragement. I want to motivate people to strive for truth - to not be satisfied with false impressions and hazy ideals. And yet, you and I both know that sometimes we are the ones most in need of accepting hard truths. 

At this busy time, I'll borrow however much of your tenacity you might be willing to share. 

Keep on motivating others and fighting and caring - you've got a lot to share with others besides me. And keep hold of that air of mystery around you. I think it's rather appealing. *wink*

~Amber

You can purchase Pieces of Me now on Amazon.com!

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YA Book Spotlight and Review ~ Aire

About the Book

"A tale of Legends reborn, royal intrigue, and an unforgettable, heart-melting romance that will sweep you away.

Annalisia is a seer, a princess with a courageous spirit—and a soft spot for Legends.

Jovanni is a Legend, a commoner with no patience for pampered royals.

Principessa Annalisia is stunned and conscience-stricken when an unknown enemy mistakenly abducts her maidservant. Determined to find the girl, Annalisia disguises herself as plain Anna and slips away from the palace. She tracks down Jovanni, her maidservant's daring older brother, and they soon begin to search together. As they uncover clues, Anna also discovers a kindred spirit in Jovanni. But would he be so free with her if he knew who she really was? Doubtful. Even so, she reveals her secret gift of visions to him, and in so doing disobeys the orders of her beloved grandmother, the queen.

With Jovanni, Anna can almost imagine she’s like any other seventeen year old girl, free to pursue the longings of her heart. When she learns that he also has a secret—he's a sentinel, an ancient shapeshifter who can take the form of a falcon—it seems as if they were destined to be together, as in the legends of il Sentiro. Though Anna is tempted to wish otherwise, she can’t forget that she’s a princess and it's her duty to marry another. Meanwhile, their hunt leads Anna ever closer to danger, for she is herself is being hunted.

A princess and a commoner. They never should have fallen in love, but they did.

Aire is a lush, romantic fantasy, inspired by ancient Italy and Turkey."

Amber's Review

Lena Goldfinch has a wonderful talent for creating vivid, beautifully imagined fantasy worlds. I loved the sweetness of her novella, The Language of Souls, and I love the added "epic" quality to this longer fantasy romance. Aire is an exciting story that expounds on the ideas of sacrificial love and the existence of realities beyond the common.

I had the pleasure and honor of being a beta reader for this story, and it was a treat to see it grow and to fall in love with it a little bit at a time. With great suspense, enjoyable romance, a grand setting, and some intriguing secondary characters, Aire is a wonderful read. This book has solidified my "fan" status, and I can't wait for Lena to share more of her stories with readers!

*With many thanks to the author for allowing me to read an early copy of the story in exchange for my feedback and my honest opinion.*

About the Author

From Lena's website: "I live in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with my husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. In my not-so-murky past, I've worked as a software engineer and a web designer, and now love writing fiction. I also love horses, Xbox Dance Central DC, and Tai Chi, a relaxing but challenging form of exercise/martial art (which is way harder than it looks! ;)).

For reading, I'm a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it be a traditional Regency, historical romance/mystery, or, naturally, young adult fantasy. I love watching movies with my family and going for walks around a nearby lake, with my very spoiled Black Lab, of course.

Besides wanting to be a writer, I always wanted to be an artist. Although I ended up enjoying a wonderfully fulfilling career in software engineering and web design, I still absolutely LOVE design. Nowadays, I employ both my computer and artistic skills designing my website and also book interiors & covers."

Want More?

• You can purchase the e-book version of Aire now on Amazon.com!

• Learn more about Lena's novella, The Language of Souls, in a previous book-spotlight post.

• Be sure to stop by here on Friday (April 5th) to complete a fun puzzle and enter for a chance to win an e-book version of Aire!

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YA Book Spotlight: Captives

About the Book (from Zondervan)

"One choice could destroy them all.

When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed by enforcers, and many---including his fiancée, Jem--taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Land, a walled city that seems anything but safe.

Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away to Denver City, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land like nomads and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Land has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.

Meanwhile, Jem is locked in a cell, awaiting the Safe Landers’ plan to protect their future by seizing her own. Can Levi uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Land’s façade before it’s too late?"

Book Trailer

About the Author

"Jill Williamson is a novelist, dreamer, and believer. Growing up in Alaska led to love books, and in 2010 her first novel, By Darkness Hid, won the Christy Award. She loves working with teenagers and gives writing workshops at libraries, schools, camps, and churches. Jill lives in Oregon with her husband and two children. Visit Jill online at www.jillwilliamson.com."

Want More?

• You can pre-order Captives now on Amazon.com! (Releases April 2, 2013)

• Here are my reviews of some of Jill's previous works: By Darkness Hid, Replication, The New Recruit

• Be looking for my review of Captives on my personal blog, Seasons of Humility - coming soon!

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May I Borrow From Your Book? ~ The Fairest Beauty

About this Feature: Writing letters to characters and/or authors is nothing new, but here's the twist: these letters will be all about borrowing, in keeping with our blog title. They can be funny or serious, sweet or sassy, short or more in-depth. My hope is that the letters will be entertaining or inspiring to read and will show appreciation to authors - and to the Lord for giving us creativity! (You can click the button and then scroll down to read previously posted letters.)

I'll plan on sharing a letter every other week. If you'd like to submit a letter of your own to be posted here, feel free to e-mail me at amberstokes@corban.edu.

Today's letter is for Sophie, the heroine of The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson:

Dear Sophie,

I really admire your strong spirit! You endured so much throughout your childhood, from spiteful words to physical cruelty. Yet when your story starts - at the age of seventeen - you are clinging to Scripture, showing humility in times of hardship, embracing the "family" of fellow servants, and refusing to give in to despair or thoughtless actions. 

I would love to borrow some of your bravery and fortitude. Such traits would be wonderful to have at all times, but there is one particular impending event in my life that I would love to have more courage to face: my behind-the-wheel driving test. Don't be alarmed by the foreign words! Driving is how many people travel in the 21st century. It's a much faster and more dangerous mode of travel than horseback. Fortunately for you, you never need worry about it! Although I imagine that if you ever did visit the future, you would have the wherewithal and the pluck to engage in the activity.

The beginning of the next month possibly heralds a new chapter in my life, one where I can be a little more independent and perhaps helpful to my family. The thought is exciting, but frightening in its way. I would appreciate any courage you could impart to me for a time. 

And should I fail, might Lord Gabehart be willing to let me borrow his horse, Gingerbread? 

With Admiration,
Amber

You can purchase The Fairest Beauty now at Amazon.com. (It just released January 22, 2013!)

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YA Book Spotlight ~ The Language of Souls

My first "May I Borrow From Your Book?" letter, which I posted last week, was for Lena Goldfinch. Today I'm pleased to share a little more with you about her novella, The Language of Souls, which was recently re-released as a YA read. Then on Friday, January 11th, Lena will be giving away an e-copy of the novella, and you can enter to win by completing a fun puzzle featuring the book's intriguing cover - so be sure to stop by!
 
About the Book

"Solena, a young healer with a generous heart, is desperate to heal her dying grandfather. When she ventures into hostile territory to find a rare herb, she finds out just how much she’s risked when she’s captured by the enemy and accused of being a spy.

As a soldier, Rundan has struggled all his life to please his father, a ruthless army commander, but when he’s ordered to take the beautiful trespasser to the royal courts, where she’ll be summarily tried and executed, he’s plagued by the most inconvenient desire to protect her.

Though terrified and anxious to escape, Solena is confused by the handsome young soldier who cruelly captures her and then displays uncommon kindness. When he risks his own life to save hers, she discovers she may have risked more than her life… she may have lost her heart.

YOUNG ADULT, FANTASY, ROMANCE
TEEN FICTION, ages 12 and up"

About the Author

From Lena's website: "I live in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with my husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. In my not-so-murky past, I've worked as a software engineer and a web designer, and now love writing fiction. I also love horses, Xbox Dance Central DC, and Tai Chi, a relaxing but challenging form of exercise/martial art (which is way harder than it looks! ;)).

For reading, I'm a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it be a traditional Regency, historical romance/mystery, or, naturally, young adult fantasy. I love watching movies with my family and going for walks around a nearby lake, with my very spoiled Black Lab, of course.

Besides wanting to be a writer, I always wanted to be an artist. Although I ended up enjoying a wonderfully fulfilling career in software engineering and web design, I still absolutely LOVE design. Nowadays, I employ both my computer and artistic skills designing my website and also book interiors & covers."
  
Want More?

• You can buy the book now on Amazon.com in e-book (only $.99!) or paperback format! 

• Check out Goodreads for a sneak peek at the cover and synopsis of Lena's next release - a full-length YA fantasy romance novel called Aire!

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YA Book Review: Right Where I Belong

Before we get to the review, the winner of last week's giveaway is...

Vince!

Thanks once again to May and KC for being our guests last week! Learn more about the K9 Spy and her author mom HERE! 

And now for the review...

 

About the Book

"Natalia’s about to discover her place in the world . . . and it’s not following in her father’s footsteps.

After watching her father jump from one marriage to the next, Natalia has completely written off love. And when her father divorces his third wife—the only one who has been a mother to her—Natalia is ready to write him off too.

 Needing a change of scenery, Natalia leaves her home in Spain and relocates with her stepmother to sun-soaked Florida. But she didn’t realize just how far a new school, a new culture, and a new lifestyle would push her out of her comfort zone.

One of her biggest surprises comes from Brian, a pastor’s son with an adorable smile, who loves God with a sincerity that astounds Natalia. She doesn’t want to fall for him, but she can’t seem to avoid him long enough to get him out of her mind.

Love is the last thing Natalia wants. Even so, God has her right where she belongs."

Amber's Review

With just enough elements of the story of Ruth from the Bible to make the connection, Right Where I Belong is a unique YA retelling that should find a place to belong in the hearts of Christian YA fiction fans. I think it's a bit easier to relate to than First Date, McGee's debut novel and an Esther retelling that features a girl unwillingly forced into the spotlight and onto a reality T.V. show.  

Right Where I Belong features Natalia, a girl who follows her soon-to-be-divorced stepmother to Florida, leaving her homeland of Spain and trying to grow in her new faith. But learning to fit in, dealing with her stepmother's grief and bitterness, and figuring out what to do about her feelings for her pastor's son make the move quite challenging.

While the basic storyline of Ruth becomes rather clear in the beginning, I love that McGee made this more of an "inspired by" story rather than a strict modern-day retelling. This is a story about finding one's place in the world - about discovering one's passion and opening one's heart to God's leading, while figuring out how to respond to the expectations of parents and society (a theme that hit home for me!). Some of the characters have more of a supporting role than a deeply explored, multi-faceted role, and there isn't a whole lot of suspense in this story. But for a gentle YA romance and a faith journey that takes some unexpected but understandable turns, Right Where I Belong is a sweet read that can pave the way for further discussion or application.

*With thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze program for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

[This review is also posted on Amber's personal blog, Seasons of Humility.]

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YA Urban Fantasy Book Spotlight: Shadow Eyes

About the Book

"Iris Kohl lives in a world populated by murky shadows that surround, harass, and entice unsuspecting individuals toward evil. But she is the only one who can see them. She’s had this ability to see the shadows, as well as brilliantly glowing light figures, ever since an obscure, tragic incident on her fourteenth birthday three years earlier.

Although she’s learned to cope, the view of her world begins to shift upon the arrival of three mysterious characters. First, a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows; second, a new friend with an awe-inspiring aura; and third, a mysterious and alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend.

As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, she must ultimately revisit the most horrific event of her life in order to learn her true identity and become the hero she was meant to be."

Book Trailer



About the Author

"Dusty Crabtree has been a high school English teacher at Yukon High School in Oklahoma since 2006, a challenge she thoroughly enjoys. She is also a youth sponsor at Cherokee Hills Christian Church in Oklahoma City and feels very blessed with the amazing opportunities she has to develop meaningful relationships with teens on a daily basis. Her passion for teens has poured into her writing as well. She is the author of the young adult urban fantasy, Shadow Eyes, through Musa Publishing, which she wrote in order to give teens an intriguing and provocative book series that promotes moral messages. She lives with her husband, Clayton, in Yukon, Oklahoma, where they often serve their community as foster parents."

Author's Note Regarding Her Writing

“I wanted to offer young adult books intriguing enough for teens from many walks of life to want to read, yet reflecting a Christian worldview about topics like purity, drinking, depression/anxiety, and hope. My desire is to write books that explore broken ways of living, yet show them in a different light. Instead of avoiding brokenness (which is fine for a strictly Christian audience) or making it seem acceptable (like many secular books do), I wanted to show harmful behavior for what it truly is – evil. I hope that as readers go through experiences with Iris, they will begin to see the nature of evil differently and also come to realize they, too, are never without hope and have the ability to rise above their pasts.”

Want More? 

• Find the author on her blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

• Buy the e-book on the publisher's website or on Amazon.com.

• Stop by this Friday (10/26) for a Shadow Eyes puzzle and a chance to win the book!

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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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YA Book Review: The New Recruit

About the Book:

"Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club.

These guys mean business.

Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to find the faith needed to save the Mission League from enemy infiltration."

Amber's Review:

For creativity in the overall presentation of the story and for ingenuity in depicting the cast of characters, The New Recruit gets a thumbs-up! Spencer Garmond is a teen with a passion for basketball and a penchant for getting into trouble. But there's much more to his background (and perhaps his future) than Spencer realizes...

An offer to join the Mission League sets him on a path that forces him to face who he is and decide what (if anything) he believes in. Forget trips to the principal's office or weekends doing nothing but playing video games - the life of a new recruit is a lot more exciting (and dangerous) than Spencer initially imagines!

And the people Spencer meets are much more interesting than they first appear to be, as well. Many of Spencer's fellow agents-in-training are fleshed out throughout the book in a way that makes those secondary characters more real. I enjoyed getting to see more behind the faces shown in the sketches in the front of the book, including their faults along with their more exemplary qualities. (I must say that Gabe is a favorite of mine! I love his gentle nature and his genuineness.)

Told in a series of reports on this first of four missions (that is, in this first of four books in "The Mission League" series, with this book representing "Mission 1: Moscow"), this book is quite clever. The various images and maps scattered throughout the pages add to the feel of reading confidential files - but the narrative style is too witty and personal to be dry, thankfully.

Most of the reports are written from Spencer's perspective (in first-person), and I must say that the author pulls off the teen-boy perspective well (at least as far as this female reader can tell!). The views on the various girl characters, the attitude, the observations...it all sort of "reeks" of teen boy, which may be intriguing or off-putting, I think, depending on the reader. (Of course, as all good characters change in some way throughout the course of a story - and go through moods - it doesn't have to be one or the other throughout the whole book.)

As for the general concept of this series - the League and its purpose - I think it's clever if not entirely realistic (a bit over-the-top, in some ways). The story includes a theme of spiritual warfare and talk of angels and demons. With such a strong emphasis on faith and on learning how to use one's spiritual gifts for God's glory, Christian teens should find this an engaging story. There are some good points throughout on respecting others' choices, on learning to work well in a community, and on seeking to serve in the best way each individual can. Plenty of topics for discussion - and the ending leaves plenty of questions and promise left for the rest of the series!

While this isn't exactly my favorite type of story, I enjoy Williamson's writing style, and this book has some great elements. The New Recruit brings something "new" to the Christian YA "table," and it's an overall fun reading experience!

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

Extras:

• Check out the previous book spotlight post for this book to learn more about the author and watch the book trailer!

• "The Mission League" series has its own website! Learn more about the books HERE.

• If you'd like a glimpse at the story, read the first chapter of The New Recruit HERE.

• You can purchase a copy of The New Recruit on Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle format.

• In celebration of this book's release, until October 29th you can enter the "Go Undercover Scavenger Hunt Contest" for a chance to win a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card! Click the image below to learn more.

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