Category Archives: Fantasy

Review: Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle by George Hagen

By | | , , ,
Comments Off on Review: Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle by George Hagen

Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle by George HagenGabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle (Gabriel Finley #1)
George Hagen
Random House Children’s/Schwartz and Wade Publishing
Published August 26, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

In a world in which men have all but forgotten their friendship with ravens, one twelve year-old boy rediscovers an ancient tradition. Gabriel’s adventure begins the day he rescues a young raven and answers its riddle. With the help of Gabriel’s friends, he and his raven will embark on a dangerous journey. They must battle evil creatures to save Gabriel’s missing father.

There are some slightly dark elements in the story surrounding the evil … Continue reading →

Review: The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

By | | , , ,
Comments Off on Review: The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. HolmThe Fourteenth Goldfish
Jennifer Holm
Random House Children’s
Published August 26, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

For eleven year-old Ellie, sixth grade brings new and uncomfortable changes. Her best friend seems to have left her behind. Her goldfish has died. And her mother brings home a strange, fussy teenage boy who claims to be her grandfather.

Grandpa Melvin claims to have discovered the secrets of eternal youth. Now that he’s a teenager, though, no one will take him seriously. With the help of Ellie and another student, he hopes to complete his research and finally win that Nobel prize.

Her grandfather’s passion … Continue reading →

Review: Through the Balustrade by M B Dahl

By | | , , , ,
Comments Off on Review: Through the Balustrade by M B Dahl

Through the Balustrade by M. B. DahlThrough the Balustrade
M. B. Dahl
Taberah Publishing
Published May 1, 2013

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

For the first time in her life, Roxan has a home of her very own. Safety. Control of her own space. Yet trouble isn’t far behind her. A shadowy figure threatens her from the window. Her new boss seems bent on punishing her. When a peddler offers her answers for the relentless persecution, she reluctantly agrees to follow him to a forbidden area. The journey jolts free memories which have been trapped in Roxan’s mind, but she wants nothing to do with the promises or responsibilities … Continue reading →

Review: Word Changers by Ashlee Willis

By | | , , , , ,
Comments Off on Review: Word Changers by Ashlee Willis

Word Changers by Ashlee WillisWord Changers
Ashlee Willis
Conquest Publishers
Published January 1, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

In an attempt to escape from the turmoil of her home, Posy hides in the library. She begins reading and wakes to find herself trapped within a story. The king and queen treat her as their daughter, but the king’s advisor and the prince know she is an imposter. Posy simply wants to return home, and the only way to do that is to find the real princess and bring her home.

Posy embarks on the journey to find Princess Evanthe, but she soon learns that treachery runs deep within … Continue reading →

Review: Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

By | | ,
2 Comments

Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip ReeveOliver and the Seawigs
Philip Reeve
Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
Random House BFYR
Available September 5, 2013

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

When Oliver’s parents disappear along with some islands in the bay outside his home, he decides to follow them. Raised by world-renowned explorers, Oliver isn’t daunted when the islands turn out to be living, migrating creatures or when a nearsighted mermaid blunders into his expedition. Oliver befriends the island and mer-girl and together they set off to rescue his parents.

Each character in the story faces an obstacle which requires courage to overcome. Oliver, who grew up simply wishing for a normal life, learns the value of his wilderness … Continue reading →

Review: Fire Wish by Amber Lough

By | | , , , ,
Comments Off on Review: Fire Wish by Amber Lough

Fire Wish by Amber LoughFire Wish (The Jinni Wars #1)
Amber Lough
Random House Books for Young Readers
Published July 22, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

When Zayele is promised to the prince against her will, she vows to escape her fate and return home to her family. The perfect opportunity arises when a curious jinni who wanders too close. Zayele seizes the girl and forces the jinni to take her place.

The jinni girl, Najwa, indeed takes Zayele’s place. Instead of returning home as she asked, Zayele finds herself trapped in the jinni world, where she is mistaken for Najwa. There she learns not all the rumors she’s … Continue reading →