December Sidekick: Characters in Costume Challenge...

I joined the fun December Characters in Costume Challenge, that the talented Gillian Adams has lovingly created. 

This month we're focusing on our wonderful sidekick characters. They really don't get enough credit!


Challenge Guidelines: It's quite simple, really.

Pick one of your obstacle characters. Or, if you're not a writer, or not currently writing a story, feel free to choose an obstacle character from one of your favorite books.

Find a costume that fits your character and take a picture of yourself in said costume (and in character - i.e. if your character is prone to scowling, don't smile in the picture.)

Post the picture on your blog or somewhere online where the other Challenge members can see it. 

Feel free to write a little bit about your character too, or if it's a character from someone else's book, tell us why you chose that character!

 

Pretty cool huh?

 

Todays character is Katriel from my series The Chronicles of the Key Holders.

(Yes, that's me in the picture... hehe. And no it's not my best Photoshop job, but it was fun.)

 Katriel, like her mother is a healer, which is rare in her broken land. She along with her family fight in Prince Kaiden's army in hopes of saving their world from darkness. Being a healer isn't easy, for you are always hunted by the enemy for your gift. Always by her side is her beloved red fox, together they search for injured knights.

I know this is really short and doesn't really show her sidekickness ;-)... I'm sorry for that, I didn't have a lot of time today, but I love doing these. They're so much fun!

Please be sure to check out the other participants in this fun challenge. Thank you Gillian for letting me join in again on the fun and for putting it together. I hope to join in on your next character challenge. I'll be sure to give more teasers on my series The Chronicles of the Key Holders.

For those of you that are interested in finding out more about my series please "Like" my facebook page.

 

Don't Become "Such" A Person...

But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].

For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an... inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.

[They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.

[They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.

For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them]. ~2 Timothy 3:1-5

LET US NOT BECOME such a person! Do not let your heart turn ugly from this mad crazy world. Stand bold in the Light and hold onto the truth! There is indeed still beauty around us EVERY day. Turn off the media and step out. Love one another and care for those around you. Every person that is in your life, is in your life for a reason. Don't pass up any opportunity to share the ultimate gift. Don't forget what you were created for! You have a great purpose... if you choose it

Team Novel Teen: Anomaly by Krista McGee...

About the book
Age Range: 14+
Genre: dystopian
Part of a Series: book one in the Anomaly series
Author: Krista McGee
Pages: 303
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.

Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.

Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.

The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.

As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

My Review

All in all I really liked Anomaly. I loved the characters, especially Thalli, Berk, and John. I loved the story theme of love and "true" love, and I really loved the Christian touch throughout the book.

I am not usually a fan of dystopian, in fact I kind of hate it. Anomaly was for sure dystopian, but full of a lot of hope and beauty. Fans of dystopian will be sure to enjoy it also, but those who don't normally enjoy this genre might be surprised by it... I sure was.

This book is very Christian, the story theme is based on it so I highly doubt non Christians will enjoy it and those who don't liked to be "preached" to might not either. Personally I was really touched by the Christian message within it.

Anomaly was a beautiful read, with a lovely message. I highly recommend it and I greatly look forward to book two, Luminary, which comes out  January 7, 2014.


To purchase Anomaly go to... Amazon Paperback  or Amazon Kindle

To find our more about the author Krista McGee: http://www.kristamcgeebooks.com/

Become a fan on her Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/krista.a.mcgee

Be sure to see what others are saying about Anomaly...
Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Anomaly by Krista McGee by clicking on the links below

ADD Librarian • http://addlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Audacious Reader • http://audaciousreader.wordpress.com/
Blooming with Books • http://www.bloomingwithbooks.webs.com/
Bookworm Reading • http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/
Christian Book Review Blog • http://christianbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/
CTF Devourer • http://www.ctfdevourer.com/
Jill Williamson • http://www.jillwilliamson.com/jill-williamsons-blog/
Katie Clark Writes • http://www.katieclarkwrites.com/apps/blog/
Katie McCurdy • http://katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com/
The Life of a Teenage Writer • http://katelynthekreative.blogspot.com
The Ramblings of a Young Author • http://www.ramblingsbybethany.blogspot.com
Realm of Hearts • http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com/
Shadow Writer World • http://shadowwriterworld.blogspot.com/
Worthy2Read • http://worthy2read.wordpress.com/
Writing in Summertime • http://writinginsummertime.blogspot.co.uk/
 
In conjunction with the Team Novel Teen Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Jill Williamson and Thomas Nelson!

September Obstacle: Characters in Costume Challenge...

I joined the fun September Characters in Costume Challenge, that the talented Gillian Adams has lovingly put together. 

This month we're focusing on our obstacle characters.

What is an obstacle character? 

Good question because I didn't know until I joined this challenge.

An obstacle character is any character who stands in the way of the protagonist as he/she moves toward his/her goal. Obstacle characters are generally not the main antagonist, but could be anyone from a villain's minion to a random stranger in the street to the protagonist's best friend. Regardless of who the obstacle character is, his/her beliefs or own desires or goals set him/her in the protagonist's way.

Challenge Guidelines: It's quite simple, really.

Pick one of your obstacle characters. Or, if you're not a writer, or not currently writing a story, feel free to choose an obstacle character from one of your favorite books.

Find a costume that fits your character and take a picture of yourself in said costume (and in character - i.e. if your character is prone to scowling, don't smile in the picture.)

Post the picture on your blog or somewhere online where the other Challenge members can see it. 

Feel free to write a little bit about your character too, or if it's a character from someone else's book, tell us why you chose that character!

 

Pretty cool huh?

Todays character is Gretella from my book The Realm of Hearts, book one of my series The Chronicles of the Key Holders.

(Yes that's me in the picture... hehe. And no it's not my best Photoshop job, but it was fun. I also don't have lovely red hair, but Gretella does.)

Gretella is not only an obstacle character for my protagonist (main character) in book one of my series The Chronicles of the Key Holders, but she is also in book two. I wouldn't exactly call her a villain, but she isn't exactly good either. She's a "I don't know what I'm going to do next" kind of character.

Gretella's best friend is a sea dragon named Ormanda, who only obeys her commands and runs off of her masters emotions.

She is deadly in the art of sai, the weapon choice of her country.

Following in her twin brothers footsteps in hopes of not losing him, she pushes aside her own hearts desires in order to stay close to the last person in her family, even if that means hurting friends. Gretella struggles to do what is right, but doesn't always see what "right" should be. 

Gretella is in all three books of The Chronicles of the Key Holders. She is most definitely an obstacle character because she likes to throw a wrench into things and I like her for that.


 I don't want to give too much away so I'll stop there. Be sure to check out the other participants in this fun challenge. Thank you Gillian for letting me join in again on the fun and for putting it together. I hope to join in on your next character challenge. I'll be sure to give more teasers on TROH.

For those of you  that are interested in finding our more about TROH please "Like" my facebook page.

Review and GIVEAWAY: The Glimpse by Grant Carroll...

A few months back I was given an awesome opportunity and blessing by an author. Grant Carroll wrote me an email and asked if I would be interested in reviewing his book, The Glimpse.  I had never heard of it and I’m not sure if I would have come across it if he didn’t write me. This book was incredible and I don’t say that lightly.

About the book:
Author: Grant Carroll

Book: The Glimpse

Page Range: 211

Genre: Christian Fiction

Age Range: youth, young adults, parents, church leaders and the Christian Church at large. Its message is for you.

The Dream
In 2007, God gave Grant Carroll a critical end times message for the American church through a chilling dream his wife had. Not long after, he began to notice uncanny similarities between the dream and real world events happening to Christians in the news. Grant felt led to turn the dream into a piece of Christian fiction that would grab people's attention, so they would understand the dire warning of coming persecution, before it's too late. That story is called The Glimpse, and it's for youth, young adults, parents, church leaders and the Christian Church at large. Its message is for you.

Story Synopsis
Austin Kelly is about to learn a lesson: Be careful when you pray for God to change you, because He answers prayer. Even though he's a Sunday School teacher, Austin's faith in Jesus Christ is no match for his fear of rejection from others. Lizzie Kelly has more courage than her husband, but struggles to find fulfillment and meaning in her job at their church. The couple's friends aren't faring much better. Computer tech Daniel Cabrera fights disappointment with the direction his career has taken, and even more frustration with the church youth he teaches. His wife, Jackie, strives to maintain a sense of control over her life, but it's quickly faltering. Faced with churches dying across New York City, the four Christian teachers have a cry in their hearts for their lives to make a difference. God answers their cry by throwing them into a world that looks like a nightmare version of the United States. Everything is so similar, yet totally different, starting with the fact that Christians are nearly extinct after decades of persecution. They soon discover it is a fascist nation, where anyone who professes faith in Christ risks their life. The four travelers encounter a group of teenagers that turn out to be one of the last surviving churches, led by their high school teacher, Eric Peterson. With no visible way to get home, Austin, Lizzie and their friends join the underground church in their fight to spread the Gospel while avoiding the National Police. Their task is made even more difficult when revival breaks out in the local high school and draws unwanted attention, but they know they can't stop until their work is complete and the Lord makes a way for them to go home...if there is one.

  



From the Author
Growing up, I never saw myself writing Christian books, much less Christian fiction, but I've learned that sometimes God gives us dreams we never could have imagined ourselves. For most authors, a book starts off as an idea that grows over time into a storyline. For me, it was quite different. Early one morning, my wife woke me up saying she had just experienced the most vivid dream in her life, and she went on to tell me every detail. Her dream went on to become the outline for The Glimpse. I feel that I am just as much a scribe as a writer in this instance. While this story is not intended to give predictions of the future, the Lord has shown me several reasons why this story is so important and relevant to the American church right now.

•70-80% of Christian youth leave the Church once they reach college age. The result is that the American Church body is slowly dying out.

•For those in the Millennial generation  (born from 1982 to 2002) fewer than 1% hold to a biblical worldview. God's Word is no longer seen as absolute truth.

•There have been several instances in recent news where Christians in America were persecuted for publicly preaching the Gospel.

My prayer is that this book will make an impact on Christianity in America, and around the world for the sake of Christ's Kingdom. It's a big goal, but with God all things are possible.

Biography
I am a husband to my vivacious wife Nikki, proud father of four gorgeous children and owner of 3 vicious Chihuahuas. I love to write. I grew up in a little town called Claude, Texas and began writing poetry when I was a preteen. My poetry was published when I was 14. I began writing professionally in 2005. I wrote website content and believe me, it was nothing special.

In 2007, God placed a burden for the next generation on my heart. I began writing Christian plays to minster to the youth. Late in 2007, my wife and I started Child Refuge (www.childrefuge.org) to fight sexual abuse through awareness, prevention and empowerment.

We are currently launching a movement called Wear Christ on Your Sleeve (www.WearChristOnYourSleeve.com) to empower Christian youth and young adults to proudly wear the name of Jesus and live a Christ-like life.

 I'm excited to see where God is taking me and vigorously writing the words He tells me to. I never imagined that God would use my writing for His glory. I'm on an exciting journey with God. It takes trust and endurance, but I'm humbled to be in this race.

 My Review
This book had me intrigued from page one to the very end. The Glimpse is not a read that will leave you when the last words are done… it will move you and shape your faith into something greater.

This book had a lot of topics I’ve been thinking hard on this year. America is changing and not for the better. Christians are failing by not stepping out in faith and standing for the truth. Churches are dying… not just here, but everywhere. There are things in this book that are happening right now and things that might just come to be. It gave me goose bumps, but also made me want to rise up.

The Glimpse is a wakeup call to all us Christians and we really need to wake up. The church is just one generation from dying… one generation! I recently heard that the ages of 18 to 31 are known as the dead age. Meaning that is the biggest age group for having no faith and no God. Where did we fail?

The ending was bittersweet, you might just shed a few tears; I sure did. I was not expecting some of the shockers that were exposed at the end, but it truly tied the book together. Very well written Mr. Carroll.

We need to shine that Light that has been given to us and use every day as an opportunity to minister to others. Time is short, souls are being lost, and people are hungry.

I can honestly say I’m not the same after reading this. This book lit a fire in me and it won’t be blown out!

Because I like this book so much and I mean SO much, I’m doing a giveaway. One of you can win a free paperback copy.  Just enter the Rafflecopter below for chances to win and please tell your family and friends.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For those of you that would like to purchase The Glimpse please go to

http://www.amazon.com/The-Glimpse-Grant-Austin-Carroll/dp/0615644783/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375931344&sr=8-1&keywords=the+glimpse

Or

http://www.amazon.com/Glimpse-Vision-Americas-Future-ebook/dp/B0084QSNE2/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1375933102

The price is quite a steal for both e-book and paperback.

For more information on the author and The Glimpse please follow these links…

www.facebook.com/theglimpsebook

www.ChildRefuge.org

www.youtube.com/user/childrefuge

 I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not entitled to share a positive review. Thank you Grant Carroll for blessing me with an incredible tale! Your kindness will never be forgotten.

GIVEAWAY Merlin's Blade by Robert Treskillard...

About the book:

Author: Robert Treskillard
Series: The Merlin Spiral
Book One: Merlin's Blade
Pages:432 pages
Publisher: Zondervan

Genre: Fantasy/ YA/ Christian

Age Range: 14+

 A Strange Meteorite

A meteorite crashes near a small village in Britain and brings a mysterious black stone. Two worlds collide—Druids and Christians—and the stone is at the center of the conflict.

A Sinister Enchantment

Its lurid flames tempt and ensnare everyone except young Merlin, the blind son of a swordsmith. Soon, his village and all of Britain will be under its power.

And Only Merlin Can Destroy It

Merlin must face his fear, his disfigurement, and his blindness to take hold of the role ordained for him. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, with hope nearly lost, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil ... without losing his life?
 

My Review:

I knew Merlin's Blade was going to be good, but I didn't expect it to be this good! This was truly an epic tale and not one to pass by.

I've been eagerly awaiting for Merlin's Blade for a few years now. I was given a few teasers, which pulled me into wanting to read more of it.

I must admit I'm not really a King Arthur fan, especially a Merlin fan. He's usually always portrayed as a wizard or some freaky old dude. Mr. Treskillard's Merlin was... unique and beautiful.  I really loved his version of Merlin from the very  beginning to the end. Truly a great character!

I have noticed that a few reviews have complained about it's length. I personally found it to be just right and read it all in three days. I couldn't pull myself away from it. Four hundred and thirty two pages is a lot, but the book itself is small, making it thicker.

Mr. Treskillard is a very talented man and it shines throughout his book. A neat fact on the cover art, he personally casted and created that beautiful sword. Ya, I'm amazed too. He'll be doing a giveaway in the near future on one similar.

Personally I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone younger than 14. It has nothing sexual or any cursing/bad words in it, just some graphic war scenes. I sort of cringed over them due to Mr. Treskillard fantastic way of pulling you into his story. It also held a lot of symbolic undertones that I believe wouldn't be completely understood by a younger reader. I love the Christian messages woven through out.

The only thing I can kind of say I didn't like about the book was the ending. The ending was good, yet I felt like some things with Merlin could have been held off. Certain things were given to me too quickly for a series. I wanted it, yet I could have waited for it... perhaps. ;-) I'm not sure how far time passes in book two, so maybe that's why certain things were given earlier.

Merlin's Blade was truly an excellent read and one I would highly recommend. Because I enjoyed this tale so much I'm doing a giveaway. To join in the giveaway please follow the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

To purchase Merlin's Blade follow this amazon link (Paperback)

Ebook version is on sale for a great price (Kindle)

Authors websites: http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php

and http://www.kingarthur.org.uk/feastinghall/ remember you can win that epic sword, Contest details are coming soon.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and author. I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you!

GIVEAWAY Teen Novel Team: Captives by Jill Williamson...

About the Book:

Author: Jill Williamson
Series: The Safe Lands
Book One: Captives
Pages:416 pages
Publisher: Zondervan

Genre: Dystopian/ YA/ Christian

Age Range: Mature 14+

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 fiancee, 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 facade before it's too late?

 

My Review:
Captives was different from what I was expecting. Jill Williamson is a talented writer to say the least and has written another great story, yet it was not my personal favorite by her. Usually I get sucked into her characters world from the very first page. Captives took me some time to get into.

Captives was loosely inspired by the book of Daniel in the Bible and I can see it in the story theme, but it held a lot of issues I wasn’t expecting and I think that’s why it took me some time to get use to.

I noticed that a lot of reviews mentioned how they didn’t care for Levi. I don’t really understand why? He was the oldest out of the three brothers, he had a bit of a temper at times,  but was working on it, and always tried to do what was right.  He had a lot of responsibility and handled it all as best as he could. I think he would be better understood by older readers and perhaps us older siblings. ;-)

Omar whom I’m thinking is the middle brother was put into a bad place within the story.  He did something pretty horrible and Jill Williamson truly did a really good job at showing his heart within the pain. Deep down he had a heart. Omar was not my favorite character by far, but I did in a way care for him. I felt bad for him. He did so many stupid mistakes and all he really wanted was to be loved. So many of us I think can relate to him, especially the worldly non-Christian youth.  I hope he touches others and shows that no matter how bad you've messed up there is always hope… that is if you choose it.

Mason the youngest (I think ) brother, seems to be a favorite character among readers. I liked Mason,  and he is a great character, but I didn't love him like many readers did. 

Shaylinn. Now this girl was my favorite character. She seemed  so real and struggled with things many of us girls do. I loved her heart and greatly enjoyed her character even with her being the youngest within the story. Shaylinn you are beautiful!

One warning I have with Captives and perhaps it’s just a me thing. Captives holds a lot of mature content. Things like I have mentioned above, that I wasn’t expecting and I wouldn’t want a younger reader to read. Jill Williamson wrote it in a nice way and some of it might go over younger readers heads.  I was homeschooled so I was raised differently and I don’t have brothers so... yeah . Our youth are sadly different now days and Jill Williamson brought up a lot of issues that the world struggles with.  Sex, alcohol, drugs, and do what YOU want no matter the consequence.  “Have pleasure in life,” the Safe Lands motto, is something that seems to run pretty wild in the real world. If we aren’t careful it becomes our motto too.  Another thing which I might be getting picky on is the chip in the hand. It seems to be pretty popular theme within the Dystopian  genre. It's just too close to  what the mark of the beast might be and I think it could be very confusing to others, especially the youth. Just a personal thing that doesn't settle well with me.

Jill Williamson is a talented writer and Captives isn’t a tale to be missed, but forewarning, I recommend mature readers only or a parent reading first. I can tell that Jill  greatly loves the youth and holds a good heart, but I would feel bad if I didn't warn others about certain things mentioned within this story.

Jill Williamson's publicist has kindly offered a paperback giveaway for each blog reviewer.

If you would like to be entered to win a copy of Captives please leave a comment with your name and email address.
USA only Please!

 

Here is a link to her website: http://www.jillwilliamson.com

Here is the link for The Safe Lands website, as if you are online in The Safe Lands itself:  http://thesafelands.com 

To purchase a copy of Captives:  Amazon paperback

And be sure to see what others for this months blog tour are saying about Captives. :-)
 ADD Librarian • Blooming with Books • Bookworm Reading • Chris Kolmorgen • Christian Book Review Blog • Christian Bookshelf Reviews • CTF Devourer • Emily Rachelle Writes • Heavenward Reviews • Jessica Laurie • Labor Not in Vain • The Life of a Teenage Writer • The Maniacal Bookworm • Mrs. Southern Bride • Oh, Restless Bird • Pages from My Journal • The Pen and Parchment • Rachelle Rea • The Ramblings of a Young Author • Realm of Hearts • Shadow Writer World • A Simple Life, Really?! • Surrendering All of Me • Terri Harr • Verbosity Book Reviews • Who YA Reading? • Worthy2Read • The Writings of RosieI

 

In conjunction with the Team Novel Teen Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Jill Williamson, Team Novel Teen, and Zondervan.

Team Novel Teen: Storm...

About the book:
 

Series: The Swipe Series

Book Three: Storm

Author: Evan Angler

Reader Age Range: Amazon says 8 - 11 years? ( I recommend 13+ but that's just me.)  

Page Count: 288 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre:/Christian/ dystopian/Young Adult

In a future United States under the power of a charismatic leader, everyone gets the Mark at age thirteen. The Mark lets citizen shop, go to school, and even get medical care—without it, you are on your own. Few refuse to get the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.

Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Ever since, he’s been on the run from government agents and on a quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.

In Storm, Logan and his friends are the leaders of the Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor Cylis’ army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it's difficult for them to know who to trust, especially when they aren't sure if Logan's sister Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis' army, is on their side or not. And all across the nation—and the world—the weather has become less stable and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever imagined.
 

My Review:

Storm is book three of this dystopian series. A series that is fiction, yet doesn't stretch too far away from reality.

Lately I've been reading a lot of dystopian type books, all on a destroyed, lost America. Kinda depressing when you think about it... yet I can't stop.

In my opinion America is dying. Perhaps I'm getting political in this review, and I'm sorry if I may sound a bit crazy, but don't you, especially if you are a Christian feel it too?

Many of our rights are being taken away and someday this "mark" will happen. Will you be courageous enough like the Dust to say no? Or do you not know what I'm talking about? Read Revelations. Study it and wake up.

So many of our young adult books are about the end of the world, even tv shows, and movies are flooding into it. Perhaps this is preparing us or desensitizing us?

I know that is a lot to soak in and sort of odd for a review on what is called a "children's" book, but I think we really need to wake up.

All in all I enjoyed Storm, yet I wouldn't recommend it for a tween reader. I don't think they will completely understand it and in my opinion it's a bit graphic for that age. Kids are different now days, but we need to still protect their minds. Evan Angler is a talented writer and I enjoyed his own touch he has woven into the story. The letter of "warning" in the beginning of this book was very clever.

 

 

To purchase Storm... Amazon

Check out the author's and series website... http://evanangler.com/

Become a fan on... Facebook


And be sure to see what others for this months blog tour are saying about Storm. :-)
ADD Librarian • Blooming with Books • The Book Fae • Book Nook 4 You • Bookworm Reading • Christian Book Review Blog • Christian Bookshelf Reviews • CTF Devourer • Jill Williamson • Labor Not in Vain • The Life of a Teenage Writer • The Maniacal Bookworm • Oh, Restless Bird • The Ramblings of a Young Author • Realm of Hearts • Shadow Writer World • A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm • Who YA Reading? • Worthy2Read


In conjunction with the Team Novel Teen Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Jill Williamson, Team Novel Teen, Katie Powell, and Thomas Nelson.

April Antagonists: Characters in Costume Challenge...

I joined the fun April Characters in Costume Challenge, that the talented Gillian Adams has lovingly put together. Last month's was so much fun!

This month we're focusing on our villains.

Photo is not of me. :-)

The BIGGEST villain in my book series The Chronicles of the Key Holders is a character called Nyoka. He is in all three books and causes much trouble to my poor "good" guys. There is not one ounce of good in him. He is complete darkness and symbolizes all that is bad. His name has a fitting meaning behind it. No feeling pity for this villain!

A key characteristic of him is his hair color and voice. His hair is brilliantly blond and his voice always sounds lyrical, deceiving others of his dark soul.

Many have fallen to his lies, yet those who have stood up against him, know that the Light will conquer the darkness, even when all hope seems lost.

Be sure to check out the other participants in this fun challenge. Thank you Gillian for letting me join in on the fun and for putting it together. I hope to join in on your next character challenge in May. I'll be sure to give more teasers on TROH.
 

A short review on the movie Life of Pi…

Started off okay, quickly turned boring, then became scaring, flipped over to being good, became a little strange, and ended on a confusing story that I still can’t wrap my mind around. All in all I would NOT recommend it. The religious side to the movie was sad, confusing, and straight up wrong. There is only One True God and He doesn’t abide in every religion. I know that a lot of people are confused by this and it is truly dangerous. The writing was… mind boggling in the end. Was it symbolic or not? I’ll never know. The acting was well done and the special effects were beautiful, I loved the tiger, but this doesn’t make it worth seeing. Glad I didn’t spend money on it in theaters. It also should have been rated PG-13… some very disturbing parts in it for young minds.

Team Novel Teen: Search and Rescue...

About the Book:

Series: Rock Harbor
 

Book One: Search and Rescue

Author: Colleen Coble and Robin Caroll

Reader Age Range: 10 and up  

Page Count: 242

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre:/Christian/ Mystery/Adventure/Young Adult

 In "Rock Harbor Search and Rescue," a middle grade fiction novel based on Colleen Coble's bestselling Rock Harbor series for adults, kids will enjoy the mixture of pets, adventure, suspense, and a mystery.

Emily O'Reilly is obsessed with all things Search and Rescue. She volunteers with the team and goes on rescue missions with her stepmom. She is even selling homemade jewelry to save up for her own Search and Rescue puppy. But when an expensive necklace is stolen from a renowned jewelry artist at Rock Harbor's fall festival and Emily is accused of the crime, it looks like she'll never get her puppy and be able to join the Rock Harbor Search and Rescue team.

Emily isn't willing to give up on her Search and Rescue dreams that easily, and she sets out to find the real culprit and to restore her reputation. With a few suspects in mind, Emily is determined to uncover the truth, but she isn't prepared for the secrets she and the Search and Rescue dogs sniff out in the process. This exciting mystery is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and have them pining after a Search and Rescue puppy of their own!

 

My Review~

The truth is I wasn’t a fan of this book. I didn’t hate it… I just didn’t enjoy it.  One big thing I greatly disliked and is a complaint from most readers, was Emily's dad. No descent parent would be that mean to their daughter. If she was a known liar than I would understand, but she wasn’t. Emily’s character wasn’t bad and it made me dislike the dad throughout the entire book. In a big way he seemed abusive and I don’t mean to sound dramatic on that. Some things in the story line were just a bit too over dramatic for me, while others were things we all can relate with.

The good things I liked about this book was that it did have a Nancy Drew feel. Who doesn’t like Nancy Drew? ;-) I also liked the theme of Search and Rescue with canines. It was interesting and nicely put together. Girls who love their dogs would greatly enjoy it. The loyalty of true friendship was sweet and  siblings coming together in a time of need was also a nice plus. Emily was a very likable character and the mystery of who really stole the necklace was very well done.

All in all I would give this book a 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for a younger audience.

To purchase Search and Rescue go to: Amazon Book Link

To find out more about the author Colleen Coble check out her website: http://colleencoble.com/

To find out more about the author Robin Caroll check out her website: http://www.robincaroll.com/

And be sure to see what others for this months blog tour are saying about Search and Rescue. :-)
Book Nook 4 You • http://booknook4you.blogspot.com/
Blooming with Books • http://www.bloomingwithbooks.webs.com/
Christian Bookshelf Reviews • http://christianbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/
CTF Devourer • http://www.ctfdevourer.com/
Jill Williamson • http://www.jillwilliamson.com/?p=8624
The Ramblings of a Young Author • http://www.ramblingsbybethany.blogspot.com
Realm of Hearts • http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews.html
Terri Harr • http://terriharr.blogspot.com/
Worthy2Read • http://worthy2read.wordpress.com/

 

In conjunction with the Team Novel Teen Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Jill Williamson, Team Novel Teen, Katie Powell, and Thomas Nelson.

 

A “Christian “question?...

For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions. ~2 Timothy 4:3-4 <3

I have a question to ask and it’s not a very good one. Why are there so many different dominations within Christianity? I call myself a Christian, yet I am often categorized as a Catholic or a Mormon. I am neither and I see it confuses people… it confuses me.

 I Goggled, How many Christian denominations are there? The answer floored me…

There are about 40,000 different ‘’Christian” denominations. It's not even something that can be counted and kept track of. However, they can be roughly split into five major groups:

The Catholic Church

The Eastern Churches (Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Church of the East)

"Mainline" Protestant and Anglican churches

Evangelical (non-Pentecostal)

Pentecostal churches

These later two categories include a number of "non-denominational" or independent congregations. The first wave of “non-denominational” churches is in fact the third wave of the Pentecostal movement. Other independent congregations tend to be evangelical, and while may not belong to a denomination per se, often do belong to various parachurch organizations or adhere to a common set of standards and beliefs with other similar evangelical churches. Some megachurches, by engaging in 'church planting' set themselves up as a sui iuris "of one's own right" denomination while maintaining the "non-denominational" title.

Here are some examples:

Aaronic Order

African Methodist

Amish

Ancient Apostolic

Anglican

Anglo-Israelism

Antiochian

Apostolic

Armenian

Baptist Convention

Beachy Amish

Belarusian Greek Catholic

Black Primitive Baptist

Brazilian Catholic

Brethren

British Methodist

Bulgarian Greek Catholic

Byzantine (Constantinopolitan)

Calvinist

Celtic Catholic

Chaldean

Chinese Methodist

Christian Methodist

Congregationalist

Conservative Baptist

Coptic Catholic

Croatian Greek Catholic

Dunker

Eastern Orthodox

Episcopal

Exclusive Brethren

Free Catholic

Georgian Byzantine Catholic

Greek Byzantine Catholic

Greek Orthodox

Hungarian Greek

Indian Brethren

Italo-Albanian Catholic

Kerala Brethren

Latin Catholic

Latter Day

Liberal Catholic

Lutheran

Lutheran Orthodox

Macedonian Greek Catholic

Maronite

Melkite Greek Catholic

Mennonite

Methodist

Mexican National Catholic

Moravian

National Baptist

Nebraska Amish

Nestorians

Old Order Amish

Open Brethren

Oriental Orthodox

Orthodox Catholic

Palmarian Catholic

Polish National Catholic

Presbyterian

Primitive Methodist

Quaker (Friends)

Remnant

River Brethren

Roman Catholic

Romanian

Russian Byzantine Catholic

Russian Orthodox

Ruthenian Catholic

Salvationist

Seventh-day Adventist

Slovak Greek Catholic

Social Brethren

Southern Baptist

Southern Conservative

Spiritus Christi

Swartzendruber Amish

Syriac

Syro-Malabar

Syro-Malankara

Taborites

True Catholic

Ukrainian Greek Catholic

Unitarian

Utaquists

Waldensians

Wycliffites

Many of those I have never heard of, yet there are over 40,000 different forms of ‘’Christianity”. Is that mind boggling to you too, because it sure is to me?

What have we done? We have turned aside from hearing the truth and wandered off into myths and man-made fiction. We are in a time where very few of us stand on solid ground. We have failed in so many ways. So many awful ways, yet we’re not left without hope. God doesn’t give up easily on us humans and His anger is slow coming. He is patient beyond words and loving beyond anyone else.

So who am I? Who are you? What religion do I follow and what religion do you follow? I am just a follower of Christ, a beloved child of the Creator of the Universe, and one that followers His Holy word and His Holy word alone. I surly don’t have everything figured out, but this I know to be true! I will not make my own religion, nor follow another’s. What He says is what it shall be… not what I want, and not want anyone else wants. Why would we want to step away from the very best thing we can ever be given and follow after some man’s tradition?

Be careful with what you hear and what you see. We have been bounded with false traditions and false teachings. The truth is easy to find, but hidden behind our own selfishness and laziness. Study the Holy Word yourself and do not be afraid to ask questions. Pray for guidance and wisdom and it will be given to you. Seek it, seek truth, and most importantly seek Him.

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

~Jeremiah 29:13