Hunter Brown And The Consuming Fire

I randomly stopped into a library today. It's one of the larger Churches in town. Now that I have bookmarks I thought I'd see if they would give some out for me. While there I ran into a girl I knew - reading a book. So I teased and said I should put her to work writing reviews. She sat down and started writing. By the time I left the library I had a note with a full review on it! So this review is thanks to Archergwen!

#1 - Hunter Brown And The Consuming Fire by Christopher Miller and Allen Miller
 

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 12+

Subject: Trust in God

Summary: Hunter Brown again travels to Soldaica, under the Author's will. With new friends Trista and Rob and the same enemy, he finds the world changed since he left. The Author has a new job for him, new lessons, and will show him Hope where Hunter least expects.

Notes: This book is fantastic! The worst part? Cliffhanger! This book is the 2nd in the Codebears series.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: Archergwen

The Angel And The Ring

Historical fiction with a modern day commentary from an angel

A Supernatural Adventure

#1 - The Angel And The Ring Previously Dance of Darkness by Sigmund Brouwer, Harvest House Publishers, 2005

  

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 12-15

Subject: Salvation, trust in God and trust in others

Summary: Brin is born and raised as a gypsy. Then when pickpocketing the crowd a stranger appears and demands knowledge of the ring he has carried of his parents all his life. Soon Brin is on a journey that risks not only his life, but his soul!

Notes: This was a very good book - originally! This book was originally called Dance of Darkness, as book 8 of the Winds of Light series. It is now edited to include modern day commentary from an angel. Every few chapters, the angel who is watching over Brin interrupts the story to share insight into Brin, the Heavenly Father and angels. It turns into non-fiction a bit as the angels attempts to instruct or advise readers on issues of relationships, money, or trust in God.

Recommendation Scale: Original: 4, This version: 3
Reviewer: J:-)mi

The Spring Of Candy Apples

You know you're moving up in the world when you find yourself making candy apples rather than cotton candy. Or at least moving up in the amusement park world!

#1 - The Spring Of Candy Apples by Debbie Viguie, Zondervan, 2009

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 15-19

Subjects: Dating relationships, God's will

Summary: High school is almost over and decision time is on it's way: where do you go to college, what major do you pursue, and the all important: what guy should you date? Candace is a finalist for The Zone's college scholarship but that's not a guarantee and wouldn't be the place she plans to go with her friend anyway. Then there's Kurt -she enjoys being with him, but is realizing they want different things out of life. In the midst of it all Candace is learning more about who she is and who she wants to be.

Notes: This was definitely an enjoyable read and the author did bring God into the picture in terms of salvation and living life in such a way that others see Christ in you. However as far as theme of finding identity in Christ, it was a bit weak. The section where a character who does not even like Candance seeks Christ because of her is pretty awesome though! That's how I want to live my life - in such a way that others can SEE that there's something different about me - something they want! 

Recommendation Scale: 4

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Beautiful

Truth's Found When Beauty's Lost

#1 - Beautiful by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 15-20

Subject: Identity

Summary: "You know, Els, you don't open up. You're closed off - people don't know that. You're so nice and understanding. But who do you let understand you?". The words her boyfriend spoke to her that night set the tone of this entire book. Two sisters, as different as night and day in many ways, but in one important way they are the same - both of them are closed, unable to open themselves up to love. One night a tragic accident sets them on a new path though, a path searching for the truth. Who are they really? And how does God play into their identity?

Notes: This was a very well written book. It was harsh, dealing with things like death, abuse, sex, smoking, drinking, etc. But it was gentle, leading the girls along a path that leads to hope of identity. Unfortantely, most of the conclusion was focused on finding yourself rather than God. He's part of the picture, but not the answer Himself. It just isn't as strong of a spiritual focus as it could have been. If God had been the focus, the solution to the girls' search, this book would get a 5. It's very well done, just missing the spiritual element that could make it great.

Recommendation Scale: 3

Reviewer: J:-)mi

#2 - Island Girl by Sandra Byrd, Bethany House Publishers, 2005

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-19

Subject: Racial or cultural differences, fruit of the Spirit

Summary: It's summer and summer means staying on her grandparent's berry farm, and this summer it also means a new friend, a new job, and experiencing a new culture. Meg isn't so sure about the new girl whose father is working for her grandparents, but she gives her a chance. Soon Meg & Tia are friends, each learning about and experiencing the culture of the other. Meg invites Tia to the annual local celebration for those who've lived on the island for years. Tia invites Meg to a Quinceanera. In the midst of this, Meg has discovered Galatians 5:22-23 and is learning how to bear the kind of fruit she wants her life to have. 

Notes: This book is beautiful! It is well done, simple, gentle. It's as if you're right there on the island with Meg and Tia. Meg writes the first letter of each fruit of the spirit on her running shoes to remind her of them and as she encounters situations she applies a fruit to that situation. I highly recommend this one!

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Nothing But Drama, Blessings in Disguise and With Friends Like These

#1 -  Nothing But Drama (Good Girlz) by ReShonda Tate Billingsley 
  
Genre: Realistic Fiction 
Target Audience: Girls 14-18 
Subject: Dating Relationships, Parent Relationships, Friendships, Teen Pregnancy
Summary: Camille, Alexis and Jasmine all agree on one thing: They do NOT want to be a part of this "Good Girlz" group! Angel does, but she's desperate. However, the adults in their life have no intention whatsoever of giving them a choice in the matter. For various reasons, each is forced into participating. And the lack of desire to be there is about the only thing they can agree on! When problems occur though, it will take all of them to make it through.
Notes: This book deals with some pretty big issues - Camille is dating a convicted criminal, Alexis' parents are on the verge of a divorce, Angel is pregnant, and Jasmine is ready to beat up anyone who even looks at her funny. Faith and friendship can go a long ways towards life change and this story shows a picture of that. It also deals heavily with the issues of parents. I would recommend also reading the nonfiction book:
Stupid Parents: Why They Just Don't Understand and How You Can Help along with this book as it sheds some interesting light on the parent issues dealt with in this book.
Recommendation Scale:3.5
Reviewer: J:-)mi


#2 - Blessings in Disguise (Good Girlz)  by ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Pocket Books, 2007
 
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Target Audience: Girls 14-18
Subject: Shoplifting, friendships, dating relationships, relationships with parents
Summary: When money gets fight and the boyfriends promise the sky, a girl has no choice but to resort to drastic measures to look her best. Jasmine refuses to have any part in the shoplifting - originally anyway. But a boyfriend and no money make her think twice. Alexis of course has no need for the money, but she also has nothing to lose if her parents find out - they're too busy arguing with each other to care what she does. Angel and Camille aren't necessarily involved, but they know exactly what's going on and are keeping quiet. In the meantime, things at home are getting worse and worse for Jasmine. All responsibility is falling to her while her brothers play couch potato. When a chance to get to know her real dad appears, Jasmine leaps on it. But sometimes you don't know what you have until it's gone.
Notes:Each book in this series deals with one of the ten commandments. In this, book 2, Jasmine and Alexis are both having alot of parent troubles in this book. When relationships go sour between their parents, they suffer the results. Both girls wind up making some pretty poor choices that land them in trouble. 
Recommendation Scale: 4
Reviewer: J:-)mi


#3 - With Friends Like These (Good Girlz) by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
 
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Target Audience: Girls 14-18
Subject: Friendships, fame, betrayal, drugs
Summary: It's every girl's dream come true: a chance to star on a tv show dealing with issues that teens face today! Fashion, gossip and advice - the girl who gets the job will get to talk about it all on public television every week! That's the problem though: "the girl" - meaning only one of them will get the job! What all will they do to be sure they are the one who wins? Sabotage? Betrayal? Deceit? Yep! All of those are valid options when the price of not doing them is failure. 
Notes: Each of the girls competing has their own reasons for wanting desperately to win: Jasmine & Camille need the money, and Alexis needs the chance to succeed at something on her own. Tameka wants the popularity it would afford her. This book also deals more with Alexis and the trouble with her parents - to the point where she is ready to give drugs a chance. It also deals with loyalty to family vs. friends when Alexis starts dating Jasmine's brother.
Recommendation Scale:4
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Doubt At Daytona

#1 - Doubt at Daytona by Ken Stuckey, Baker Publishing, 1999

  

Target Audience: Boys 12-18
Subject: Bigotry
Summary: Paolo is excited! Orly just offered him a job on his racing team! He & Doug will be working together and rooming together. Bigotry and jealous cause problems at Daytona, his first race working for the Orly Mann Racing Team. Meanwhile, a young boy from Mexico is determined to make it to Florida for some reason he can’t tell anyone about. When his path crosses that of another member of the Team, he is in danger too.
Notes: This book deals a lot with the issues of bigory towards those different than you. A character in the story has a cruel attitude towards Palao for being different as well as towards this young boy. Orly does an awesome job of modeling loving those who’ve offended you, seeing the reason behind the anger and reaching out to help rather than punish.
Recommendation Scale: 3
Reviewer: J:-)mi

The Case Of The Flying Toenails

What happens when you tell a lie? You have to lie to cover up the lie, then lie to cover up that lie and it gets bigger and bigger. That's why Bernie has decided that the next time he lies someone should threaten to make him watch Blue's Clues or listen to the Barny theme song for a month if he lies!

#1 - The Case of the Flying Toenails (Secret Agent Dingledorf Series #3) by Bill Myers, Thomas Nelson, 2002
 
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy (What else can you call a disease that sends toenails flying)
Target Audience: Boys 8-13
Subject: The importance of telling the truth!
Summary: Bernie sneaks out of the house and is hanging out with Priscilla when a B.A.D.D. agent accidentally drops out of the tree where she is spying on him. The problem is that she has a contagious disease that affects everyone who's name starts with P. Rather than admit he snuck out and figure out how to stop the disease, Bernie denies knowing anything about it - time and time again! While he tells lies, anyone or anything starting with P starts floating around with toenails flying out attacking those nearby!
Notes: This book is about as crazy as they come! It's almost it's own genre: "Insanely Goofy". It is the 3rd in the Agent Dingledorf series.
Recommendation Scale: For humor of the target audience: 5, for any real depth or spiritual elements: 1
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Unsigned Hype

This book makes me think for a moment of a line from the Buttercream Gang song: "Life on the streets has taught you to see the world through different eyes". In Unsigned Hype, we get a picture of life for those living in urban areas of cities, those who may not have much, who live in a different culture than alot of the characters typically featured in novels. Welcome to the Terror Tory.

#1 - Unsigned Hype: A Novel by Booker T. Mattison, Revell, 2009

Genre: Realistic
Target Audience: Boys 13-18
Subject: Apologetics, Media choices, Family relationships, High School
Summary: Tory's dreams are coming true. His beats just got selected as the winner on hte Unsigned Hype Demo Contest on Power 97! He wanted to simply hold a few more parties and get a little closer to getting his name out there, but now he's doing beats with Bang Up Black for Mix Master Magic! Popularity ain't always so great though. Girls you never knew before hanging on you like you're best buds, guys getting jealous of you and jumping you outside the library, a mom getting after you for lying, and a girlfriend who wants nothing to do with secular music, along with her dad who is giving you a crash course in apologetics - the hard way!
Notes: Unsigned Hype takes an interesting look at the life of one boy living in an urban neighborhood. He has a passion for music - particularly rap/hip hop. His mother is a believer but he himself has never embraced Christ. His friendship with the girl he likes and her father causes him to think through things and consider it for himself. This book deals with the issues of apologetics, Christian vs. Secular music, relationships with parents, and friendships.
Recommendation Scale: 4.5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

A Way Through The Sea

Looking for books about the World Wars? This author has a number of books to offer you!

#1 - A Way Through the Sea (The Young Underground #1) (Book 1) by Robert Elmer, Bethany House Publishers, 1994
 
Genre: Historical Fiction
Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-16
Subject: Faith - salvation, prayer, trust in the midst of danger, standing up for what you believe in
Summary: Yeah there are Germans everywhere, prowling the streets of Denmark. Yeah you're supposed to follow stricter rules like lights out or reporting suspicious activities, but for Peter, his sister Elise and his Jewish friend Henrick, life is just life. They're kids. They bike around town, help out on his uncle's boat, raise and train carrier pigeons, go to school, try to get home in time for dinner - just normal kid stuff. There's a shadow overhanging them, especially seen on the faces of their parents though. And that shadow is about to come in closer. Hitler demands the round up of the Jews in Denmark, and there's very little time to smuggle their friends away to safety. Everyone rises to the occasion and does their part - even Peter and Elise - all the while aware that they are risking, possibly, their very lives.
Notes: This book deals specifically with the roundup of Jews in Denmark in 1943 and includes a note in the back about the history behind the fictional story. The Gospel message isn't prevalent all through the book, it carefully weaves it's way in through a conversation Peter has with his uncle, that he dwells on for a time afterward. This book is just the first in a series though, there's more for Peter to learn about his Savior. It is the first in the Young Underground series.
Recommendation Scale: 3.7
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Simply Divine

What happens when Hollywood meets Country? Divine is about to find out - much to her dismay!

#1 - Simply Divine by Jacquelin Thomas

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Target Audience: Girls 14-18
Subject: Forgiveness, loving those different than you, being content with less, consequences of choices
Summary: Divine is all drama. With both parents being Hollywood stars, Divine has grown up with the idea that she can have anything she wants, whenever she wants it. When her parents suddenly both reap the consequences of some negative choices, Divine is sent away to live with her relatives in a small country town. Divine can't stand living with these "country" people - who expect her to do chores, wear cheap clothes, and attend Church every week. They, especially her cousin Alyssa, are getting tired of all Divine's drama. However, these country people have a few things Divine does not - primarily, a relationship with Jesus!
Notes: This series deals with the issues of forgiveness as Divine struggles to forgive her dad for the impact his choices had on her. It also deals with the normal teenage girl issues - boys, friendships, and fashion.
Recommendation Scale: 3.5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Unpredictable

So many decisions! So many choices! How can you ever know which to choose?

Book: Unpredictable (TodaysGirls.com #11) by Tess Kindig and Terry K. Brown, Tommy Nelson (A division of Thomas Nelson Publishers), 2001
 
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Target Audience: Girls 13-18
Subject: Astrology, fortune telling, decision making
Summary: Bren is scared. She had two choices to make and without telling anyone about one of them, wound up making the wrong choice - a very wrong choice. She can't let it happen again, so all summer she's been indecisive - about everything from what size of lemonade to get to which boy to go to the dance with. She's found the answer though - at least she thinks she has: astrology! When a cute boy introduces her to looking up fortunes online and other forms of astrology, Bren is hooked. Finally, no more indecisiveness. She can confidently make decisions trusting in the stars to guide her. When all her decisions and advice to others comes crashing down on her she has to reconsider her source of trust. Perhaps there is something more dependable than the stars to guide us when facing tough choices...
Notes: This book is very well done, all the way up to the last chapter. Rather than show the true inadequacies of relying on fortunes, the author has Bren's friends pretend to follow her advice and get negative consequences. If the last chapter were left out it would be really good though.
Recommendation Scale: 3.5/5
Reviewer: J:-)m

If Only Dreams Would Do

Here's a book my dad picked up for me at a sidewalk sale at a Christian Bookstore once. I've only found 2 books by the author but have enjoyed both of them and re-read them many times through the years!

#1 - If Only Dreams Would Do (Teen Novels) by Maureen Taylor, Augsburg Fortress Pub, 1991
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Target Audience: Primarily girls, somewhat boys, 14-17
Issue: Parent relationships, loss of dreams, physical injury
Summary: Jill was a figure skater. That used to be her identity. An injury to her knee caused the loss of her dreams and her identity. Marc is tired of running. His dad is abusive and when his mom finally got tired of it they started running. Every time his dad finds them, they move again. This time he hasn't even gotten time to start school, let alone finish a school year! And it will be worse than ever this time. His brother is abandoning them to go to college. When Marc and Jillian meet on the ice, something seems to connect and pull them together, but dreams may have to be enough.
Notes: This book takes an interesting look at the effect parent decisions can have on a teenager, particularly in regards to Marc and his brother and the effect their parents' relationship has on them. Marc's brother talks about how unfair it is that no one ever asked him if he was ready to become the man of the house, ready to play, brother, father, husband all in one. Marc fears he will be torn away from a friend before he ever has the chance to develop the relationship. Jillian feels her brother's hatred for her parents spoiling her over him. It does a good job making Marc and Jillian ultimately responsible for their choices though, not their parents.
Recommendation Scale: 3.8
Reviewer: J:-)mi

The Portal

Today's book is the first book in a fantasy series by Bill Myers. It definitely has a few unique elements to it that aren't found in every other fantasy series out there and some very fun characters! Enjoy!

Book: The Portal (Book One) (The Imager Chronicles) by Bil Myers, Bethany House Publishers, 1991
 

Genre: Fantasy
Target Audience: Boys and Girls 12-15
Subject: Selfishness, Greed
Summary: Denise has never known anyone as greedy and selfish as Nathan! When a magic stone brings some creatures from Fayrah visiting, Denise and Nathan decide to take them up on their offer of help and visit Fayrah to learn about their strange idea of giving rather than getting. However, the bad guys are quite excited about this and have plans of their own that have nothing to do with helping!

Notes: This book is an excellent illustration of the power of selfishness and the power of love. One character even goes so far as to give up their life for another, the ultimate act of love. It is clearly designed to teach the lesson, but it does so in a unique, fun way!
The Portal is the first in the series known under three names: Journeys to Fayrah, The Bloodstone Chronicles and The Imager Chronicles. This series focuses on three characters who enter a fantasy world to learn about the love God (known in this world as The Imager) has for them. Each book focuses on one aspect of belonging to Him and trusting Him. This first book focuses heavily on the idea that the world was designed for people to serve one another rather than focus on themselves and getting all they can for themselves. Nathan is certain that looking out for himself is the way to get ahead in life. When he finds himself in danger and others risk their very lives to save him, he starts to see things differently. In this first book the characters get an introduction to the idea of The Imager but have not become what we would call Christians yet. That event occurs in the third book. It’s merely the start of their spiritual journey.
Recommendation Scale: 5/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 20:26-28 -  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Teen Girl From Mars

Jason Goldtrap is writing books wanting to be published and asked that this book be reviewed here. You can find his books at his website http://www.SarahConradofEagleCreek.com

#1 -Teen Girl From Mars by Jason Goldtrap
Genre: Futuristic Realistic Fiction
Target Audience: Teen Girls
Summary: This is a story about 3 teenage girls and the boys they like. The story is meant to sound old fashioned, but the setting is actually futuristic - people having colonized other planets and asteroids, etc. These girls live on Mars in a settlement where the people choose, like the Amish, to live a simpler life than the outside world. Sarah, Emily, and Lynn are all teenagers with major crushes on the boys in the town. Of course they're all crazy about the best looking one, but after a night at a carnival they settle more into each picking one. Lots of fights over the boys and discussions about them is the primary content.
Notes: There are some good role models in this book - parents who challenge their daughters to do what is right and only pursue boys that have a heart for God and will treat them like ladies.