The Wish Thief

Title: The Wish Thief

Series: None (currently)

Year: 2016 (first published in 2012 under the title Glory Alley and the Star Riders)

Author: C.D. Verhoff

Summary: A girl on a quest for the perfect stone finds more than she ever imagined. A modern tale about the power of hope, courage and persistence.

Glory Alley is a young caving enthusiast on a personal mission. Since Mother's death, Father started drinking again and can't find employment. Her siblings constantly quarrel with each other, making home feel like a war zone. Labeled a loser by her peers, school isn't much better. Thinking money will solve their many problems, she sets off to find the legendary treasure of Queen's Mesa. Just as the prize appears within reach, otherworldly beings arrive to take it away, but they have met their match in Glory. 

A battle of wits versus magic ensues, unraveling the order of the universe. Only the girl who started the trouble can return things back to normal. Considering her unhappy situation back at home, surely there's a better option than 'normal', but can she find it before time runs out? (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Glory Alley
~ Clash
~ Bone
~ Needle
~ White Feather

Review: In truth, this review should have been up a month ago. Shame on me for finally getting to it.

The author contacted me about reviewing this book for her a few months ago. I will admit, I was instantly interested in this book based on the title alone. I mean, come on! The Wish Thief! Isn't that just epic? I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its title, but I think I may have. It sounded awesome. And then I went and looked it up, and judged the book by its cover, too. It sounded even more awesome. Of course I agreed to review it. 

All in all, this was one really cool adventure. Bits of it reminded me of Narnia, as Glory underwent tests and met interesting people in a new world. Other parts reminded me of a dystopian novel. There was even some sci-fi flair in there as well. Basically, a little bit of everything to please any reader.

Glory Alley isn't your typical heroine. In fact, for most of the book, she's not even the heroine. She's the bad guy. But the good guy all at the same time. Fascinating how that works. The fate of a world and perhaps much more of the universe rests in her hands, and her thoughts are for her family. That's one thing that I really liked about Glory. She's got a very keen love for her family, despite the hard times and arguments. Whatever she does, she does for her family.

The whole concept of the wish thief is so cool, and it got cooler with every page. Seriously. I could rave about that, but I won't. You'll just have to read that to figure it all out. Spoilers, ya know.

Most of the action goes along pretty quickly, and it's easy to get lost in the adventure. There was a section toward the middle where Glory is learning of the other worlds and the Elboni that is a lot of talking and information. There, the pace does slow down, and it gets a bit difficult to wade through, but its worth getting through. Trust me.

Also, shout-out to fantastic secondary characters! Clash was awesome. Which is why we need a sequel to this novel. And more of George. Which is also another reason for a sequel. *cough*

Advisory: Various characters use "fake profanity" and swear and cuss. Also, some adult comments from time to time. 

In addition, there is a scene where a character appears before people naked. Nothing is described, but following are multiple comments related to the unfortunate event. Just something to be aware of. 

As far as the magic is concerned (because magic is a big part of this story), it was the same as the magic in Narnia and similar stories. Glory comes from a world that doesn't use magic, so she doesn't know anything of it. It's not until she visits another world that she becomes aware of its existence. And even there, magic has strict regulations.

This book is categorized as "Christian Fiction" because it contains a lot of symbolism. At the end of the book, the author included a section explaining the symbols in depth. While I can't say I personally agree with all of it, I really enjoyed reading through that and understanding the story at a deeper level. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot)

Title: Murder on the Orient Express

Series: Hercule Poirot (#10)

Year: 1933

Author: Agatha Christie

Summary: One of Agatha Christie’s most famous mysteries, Murder on the Orient Express was inspired by two real-life crimes and the author’s own experience being stranded on the Orient Express during Christmas of 1931. While traveling to Paris, a wealthy American is stabbed to death in his cabin on the Orient Express. With the train stuck in a snowdrift, there is no easy escape for the killer. Fortunately, detective Hercule Poirot is aboard and launches a clever investigation into the curious assortment of passengers, of whom each seems to have a motive. (from Goodreads)

Main Characters: 
~ Hercule Poirot 

Review: To be completely honest, it took me years to get around to actually reading this book (which I can blame on the long time it took me to hunt down a copy of the book). I'm a new-ish fan of Agatha Christie, muchly provoked to read her works by one of my best friends. And yes *ahem* I say provoked. But Agatha Christie is well worth the read, provoked or not. However, I began reading this book with a complete knowledge of how it ended (i.e. who the murderer was). Thank you, creative writing teacher first semester. Despite knowing the outcome, I was eager to see *how* everything wove together.

I was not disappointed. 

It was amazing. 

I've always loved mystery novels, but for the most part, my experience with them has been limited to Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Bobbsey Twins (Boxcar Children really don't count). Sherlock Holmes didn't enter my life until high school. I didn't even know Agatha Christie existed until after I'd turned 20. I didn't realize how much I'd missed until one of my sisters gave me an Agatha Christie novel for Christmas. Murder on the Orient Express is my third AC novel (but my second Hercule Poirot), and it was thoroughly and absolutely amazing.

I won't say much about the story itself as it is hard to write a summary without giving too much away, but I will say that this definitely deserves the reputation it has garnered. A classic mystery, classic Agatha Christie, classic everything. I'll stop fangirling now. But I really want to go read more of her novels now. If you're any fan of mystery, read this book. If you're any fan of Agatha Christie, read this book. If you're any fan of classic and clever stories, read this book. You won't be disappointed. 

Hercule Poirot is a fantabulous detective, and I loved following him about as much as I've loved following Sherlock Holmes. While Murder on the Orient Express is the tenth book Agatha Christie penned about him, you don't necessarily need to read the previous nine books to understand what's going on. This novel stands completely on its own, so make sure you go read it.  

Advisory: Some typical murder mystery details of dead bodies and whatnot. Nothing alarming to report. Also, if my memory serves me correctly, there may have been a choice word or two to watch out for. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

King's Folly (The Kinsman Chronicles)

Title: King's Folly

Series: The Kinsman Chronicles (Book #1)

Year: 2016

Author: Jill Williamson

Summary: The gods are angry.

Volcanic eruptions, sinkholes, ground shakers--everything points to their unhappiness. At least that is what the king of Armania believes. His son, Prince Wilek, thinks his father's superstitions are nonsense, though he remains the ever dutiful heir apparent to the throne.When a messenger arrives and claims that the town of Farway has been swallowed by the earth, the king sends Wilek to investigate. But what Wilek discovers is more cataclysmic than one lost city. Even as the ground shifts beneath his feet, Wilek sets out on a desperate journey to save his people and his world. But can he do it before the entire land crumbles? (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Wilek 
~ Trevn 
~ Mielle
~ Charlon
~ Hinckdan 

Review: If I were to try to explain this book in one sentence, I'd say it was most like a parody of the End Times or Noah's Flood. The world has turned wicked in so many ways, and the one true god (Arman) is punishing the realms with the Five Woes, leaving a remnant behind and turning hearts back to good. 

This book is divided into three parts (Darkness Reigns, The Heir War, and The End of All Things), each of which was previously published in an ebook form. It was so nice to have the whole thing together in one book (bonus bragging points for getting to tote around a thick novel). In a nutshell, I have to say I really enjoyed reading this, and I'm hoping to get my hands on the next three parts, which are collected together under the title King's Blood. 

Wilek is a young prince (called a "sar") and in line to be named Heir by his father the king. However, his half-brother Janek is also a contestant in the Heir War. This begins as the central conflict of the story, yet the plot grows to include so much more. The false gods play a big part in this story, as each person, upon reaching maturity, picks five gods to serve out of a rather lengthy list. 

My favorite character, hands down, was Trevn. Energetic, fun-loving prince with a knack for running the roofs and annoying his mother in every way possible. Grayson, too, was pretty epic. I loved the character development, the easy-reading style, the action. Definitely all a plus! The abnormal amount of fragments on every page, I will admit, bothered me. Yes, it added to the fast pace of the book but, as a writer, my brain rebelled against reading all those incomplete sentences. *rant over*

There were, however, multiple things that made it really difficult to rate this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the characters and the world, but I struggled with putting the rating possibly at 3 stars or even 2. For two main reasons.

Advisory: First off, this book is of a world that has gone insanely wicked and against the teachings of truth. That being said, there is an awful lot of talk about prostitutes, concubines, and immoral affairs. It is common for the king and his of-age male heirs to have harems, and nobles at court talk about their different interactions with women. Nothing is described explicitly (other than a few kisses), but *much* is hinted at. I understand how the immorality was necessary to the plot, but reading about it made me uncomfortable. It was for this reason that I was tempted to rate this book at 2 stars. For this reason, I'd recommend this book for more mature readers. 

The other thing to take note of is the gods and magic. Yes, there is magic in this book. I was wary at first when it began showing up (and almost didn't finish the book because of it), but reading further helped me to understand how the author was using the magic. 

The gods that the people worship are shown as being false gods. Although the realms have turned away from Arman, he is the one true god over all. However, there is still demonic power in worshipping the false gods. The scenes describing the dark magic and spells I found really creepy, but they are all clearly shown in a very bad light. The people who use the demonic power/magic are called mantics, and they receive that power through the help of a god/goddess. To use the magic, the mantics have to ingest a poisonous drug (evenroot), after which they are able to see into the Veil (or the spiritworld). Demonic creatures known as shadirs help the mantics cast their spells from the Veil, although they cannot be seen by regular eyes.

So how do I stand on the issue of magic in this book? I do see it as necessary for the plot. In addition, I did think the author handled the issue very well. For most fantasy, it is difficult to use magic correctly without dabbling in something that our Lord condemns. The dark magic used in this book is shown clearly as being wicked, a power that is gained through complete submission to a demon. The magic cannot be used without the help of the demon and the consumption of the drug. It is excellently paralleled to the powers in our own world, the power of the Lord against the power of the devil. The devil does have power, and he does grant it to his servants for dark purposes, but in submitting to the devil, those people will never prosper nor receive the Lord's blessing. 

Also, please note fantasy violence. I didn't have a problem with any of it, but there are strange creatures who attack our heroes, people are injured/taken ill/killed, one man has his arm bitten off, but I thought it all handled well for the tone of the book. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*Please note I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

A Daring Sacrifice (An Uncertain Choice)

Title: A Daring Sacrifice

Series: An Uncertain Choice (Book #2)

Year: 2016

Author: Judy Hedlund

Summary: In a reverse twist on the Robin Hood story, a young medieval maiden stands up for the rights of the mistreated, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. All the while, she fights against her cruel uncle who has taken over the land that is rightfully hers. Forced to live in the woods and hide with the poor people she's grown to love, she works to save and protect them, but she never anticipates falling in love with the wealthy knight who represents all she's come to despise. (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Juliana Wessex
~ Collin Goodrich

Review: To be honest, I've gone back and forth with this review. Part of me really enjoyed this book, and the other part really didn't. I'll give you the low-down.

First of all, I really loved how the author twisted the beloved tale of Robin Hood to meet her own needs. Really. I thought it quite superbly done. There was a lot of recognizable Robin traits, and yet the novel had so much of its own spunk that it never tasted cliche. Definitely two thumbs up in that respect. I really do love it when novels claim to be retellings of favorite classics and then actually live up to that claim by holding onto everything I love so much about the aforementioned classics and also stand so well on their own that you don't need the original story to love the new one. So, if you're any fan of Robin Hood tales, put this one on your list.

The cast of characters were delightful. I actually liked our hero, Collin, when I fully expected not to. He's a great guy. Really. I loved watching how he grew throughout the story. Also, fantastic minor characters. I sense that's common for these types of books and me. 

This book is the second in a series; however, I haven't read the first. While it usually is a good idea to read books in order, I didn't find that I misunderstood anything in this book because I hadn't read the first one. Which was nice. *grins* I was a little worried at first to read the middle of a series first. 

Also: shout-out for the cover. It's just really cool and epic, and I really like it. Look at it again, folks. Don't you think so, too? Purple and green go really well together.

What I didn't like as much about this book was the romance. Yeah, I know. You guys are probably going to roll your eyes at me again and say, "We've heard this before." So, I'll keep my soap box short.

Lots of physical contact and mushy emotions as our two lovebirds got together. More than I found was comfortable for me. Juliana focused a lot on how Collin's touch made her feel, and I was, to be honest, disappointed. There's more to love than physical contact. *end rant*

Advisory: My romance soap box above, as well as some fantasy violence. Multiple characters are hurt/killed. If I recall correctly, there are also a few comments that I'd label for more mature readers.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received a free copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.*

The Bark of the Bog Owl (The Wilderking Trilogy)

Title: The Bark of the Bog Owl

Series: The Wilderking Trilogy (Book #1)

Year: 2004

Author: Jonathan Rogers

Summary: Twelve-year-old Aidan Errolson comes from a long line of adventurers. His grandparents were among the first settlers of Corenwald’s Eastern Frontier. His father had been one of the kingdom’s greatest warriors. Aidan, on the other hand, lives the quiet, comfortable life of a nobleman’s son. He never has any real adventures, and that, he believes, is the one great injustice of his otherwise happy life. All that will change the day he first hears the bark of the bog owl and meets Dobro Turtlebane. Dobro is one of the feechiefolk—a tribe of half-civilized swamp dwellers who fight too much, laugh too loud, cry too easily, and smell just terrible. But another meeting on that remarkable day may change Aidan’s life even more profoundly. Bayard the Truthspeaker arrives with a startling pronouncement: Aidan Errolson will grow to be the Wilderking—the long-prophesied wild man who will come out of Corenwald’s forests and swamps to lead the kingdom back to its former glory. There’s just one question: Is Bayard the Truthspeaker a prophet or a madman? This initial installment in The Wilderking Trilogy is sure to capture the hearts of young and old, boys and girls alike. Written in the same fashion as The Lord of the Rings or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Bark of the Bog Owl, as the author says, will help “direct a God-fearing boy’s sense of adventure and warrior spirit – his God-given wildness.” (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Aidan Errolson
~ Dobro Turtlebane
~ Arliss

Review: I'd seen this book floating around in a few of my favorite reading circles, and with such a strange title it picked up my interest. However, it was one of those books that seemed to be too difficult to procure right away, so I pushed it off as a "I-want-to-read-it-but-perhaps-later-if-I-find-a-copy-somewhere" type of book. I never expected to read it until years in the future.

Ha. I found it a few months ago at Goodwill. Gorgeous, like-brand-new copy. Just waiting to be read. Don't you just love Goodwills? And boy howdy, was this a good book!

First off, Aidan is your typical gotta-love-him-from-the-start hero. His opening letter of introduction to King Darrow immediately placed him on my favorite characters list -- and that was only on the first page of the book! And it only got better after that! He's funny, and smart, and reckless at times, and his adventures are so much fun to follow!

This story is based off of the Biblical account of David and Goliath, yet there's a lot more added in with Aidan's adventures with the feechiefolk, miners, alligators, and thunder powder. Yes, we all know the traditional tale of David and Goliath, but Jonathan Rogers did a superb job at taking the greatest tale of a little hero and twisting it so that the Biblical account is still very clear, yet at the same time, still feels incredibly fresh. Two thumbs up there in my opinion.

I loved the subplot that wove around the feechiefolk. They're a swamp people who really don't have much to do with the political affairs of the "civilizers." Even when war threatens the kingdom, they don't have much to do with the civilizers' war. And yet, when Aidan finds himself getting mixed in with them, and becoming great friends with one of their own, crazy things are bound to happen. And life in Corewald will never be the same again. I can promise you that. The rollicking tales of Aidan's adventures will keep you equally in suspense and in stitches. 

I also loved the miners. Plot twist. I did not see all of their importance coming. And it was amazing. Arliss definitely has that miner's head. If you want to understand that inside joke, go read the book.

If I were to complain about anything, it'd be just a little poke here at Jonathan Roger's style. The book is written in a very easy-to-read style, and I often got lost watching the movie playing inside my head, but there are a few parts that get a little bogged (no pun intended) down with details, and the story kinda stalls. A few awkward paragraphs and sentences, but they're easily forgivable, given the rest of the amazing novel.

Okay, I'm done gushing. Maybe. I have to go get my hands on the second book ASAP.

Advisory: Some fantasy violence/fighting scenes. True to the David and Goliath story, *spoiler alert* our Goliath here does die in the same way as the historic Goliath. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Dombey and Son

Title: Dombey and Son

Series: None

Year: 1848

Author: Charles Dickens

Summary: Mr. Dombey is a man obsessed with his firm. His son is groomed from birth to take his place within it, despite his visionary eccentricity and declining health. But Dombey also has a daughter, whose unfailing love for her father goes unreturned. 'Girls,' said Mr. Dombey, 'have nothing to do with Dombey and Son'.

When Walter Gay, a young clerk in her father's office, rescues her from a bewildering experience in the streets of London, his unforgettable friends believe he is well on his way to receiving her hand in marriage and inheriting the company. It is to be a very different type of story.

Dombey and Son moved grown men to tears (Thackeray despaired of ‘writing against such power as this’), but its rich, comic characters and their joyful explosions of language draw laughter with equally unerring magic. (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Mr. Paul Dombey
~ Florence Dombey
~ Walter Gay
~ Captain Cuttle
~ Miss Tox

Review: This is probably one of the lesser-known of Dickens' work, but I wasn't very far in this novel when I realized it was quickly becoming one of my favorites. True, I am a huge fan pretty much of anything Dickens, but this story really captured my interest from the beginning. It may have been that one of the main plots was very similar to one of my own (one that I had completed prior to reading this novel, mind you), but Dombey and Son rates on my list close to Our Mutual Friend and Little Dorrit, my two favorite Dickens ever. 

Can I just take this moment to say how talented a storyteller Dickens was? 

Dickens was a talented storyteller.

Okay, I'm good. Let's move on.

Mr. Dombey is quite a severe man, and his ultimate goal in life is to make his business succeed as Dombey and Son. That title, of course, requires a son, and much to his joy, after the disappointing birth of a healthy and beautiful daughter, he has a son. And then his wife dies. And his son, his pride and joy, isn't nearly as healthy as would be hoped. While doting on his sickly son, Mr. Dombey brushes aside his daughter, Florence, who grows up with the hope of one day earning her father's approval and love. 

Florence was one of my absolute favorite characters. She was so sweet and good, and with everything that she came up against, it was heart-wrenching to watch her struggle through. Walter, too, was a favorite. His uncle Sol and family friend Captain Cuttle were so much fun to follow as they plotted Walter's rise to wealth and prestige - all by becoming the next Dick Whittington. Many obstacles try to blow their plans apart, but the two old men love dear Walter too much too give up hope of his advantageous marriage. Walter, for his part, was content in merely being a friend to one who had no other friend. 

Susan Nipper was phenomenal. The Carkles, I'll admit, were a little confusing, as the two brothers (obviously) had the same name. I was forever trying to keep them apart. It was slightly easier to keep track of their sister. I wept (metaphorically) for poor Bunsby and his fate, but laughed (not so metaphorically) at how he accepted it. 

Writing a review of a Dickens' novel isn't always easy to write since there is so much that goes into one of these novels. Instead of just one main plot, Dickens weaves usually two main plots together with another ten subplots tied in the mix as fringe benefits. And, no matter how complicated the weave, and no matter how intrinsic and unique each plot is, every one of them manage to tie up nicely together at the end. It always baffles me how Dickens did it. Dombey and Son is no exception. You have a father who ignores his daughter, a "good" old woman bent with evil desires, a midshipman, a beloved dog, a grinder called Rob... and each one of their stories is connected to the others. 

Brilliant. Please go read it. That's all I have to say.

Advisory: As always, your typical Dickens advisory: some language, violence, deaths, and elopements. Nothing big to say, but I did feel that this novel was less dark than most of Dickens' works. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Click here to buy Dombey and Son on Amazon!

The Golden Braid (Hagenheim)

Title: The Golden Braid

Series: Hagenheim (Book #6)

Year: 2015

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Summary: Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man around. And her skills as an artist rival those of any artist she’s met. But for a woman in medieval times, the one skill she most desires is the hardest one to obtain: the ability to read.

After yet another young man asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides they need to move once again, but this time to a larger city. Rapunzel’s heart soars—surely there she can fulfill her dream. But Mother won’t let her close to a man. She claims that no man can be trusted.

After being rescued by a knight on the road to the city, and in turn rescuing him farther down the road, Rapunzel’s opportunity arrives at last. This knight, Sir Gerek, agrees to educate Rapunzel in order to pay back his debt. She just has to put up with his arrogant nature and single-minded focus on riches and prestige.

But this Rapunzel story is unlike any other and the mystery that she uncovers will change everything—except her happily ever after. (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Rapunzel
~ Sir Gerek

Review: Rapunzel is one of my absolute favorite fairy tales, but I will admit that I have found few retellings that did the original justice. True, there are multiple elements in the original that I don't approve of. The Golden Braid, as far as retellings go, I'm having mixed feelings about. 

First off, I did truly enjoy it. It's one of the best, in my opinion, that Melanie Dickerson has put out. The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest is still my favorite, but this one is a very close second. 

What did she do well? A very likable heroine, for one. I'm always concerned about going into a Rapunzel retelling and seeing a very poorly shod Tangled reproduction. This was not the case, thankfully. Rapunzel here is quite a girl, but not a cop-out copy of Disney's famous princess. She is opinionated, talented, gutsy, and all, but she's still feminine and enjoyable. She can throw a knife better than pretty much anyone she knows, her biggest dream is learning to read and write, but she still has believable fears. She's brave, but she's still human.

I went back and forth on my opinion of Sir Gerek. He's a bunch of a grump in the beginning, and it was rather fun to read of his interchanges with Rapunzel during the early stages of their friendships. He has a great heart, but I was constantly scowling at him for his determination to marry for money. I understand that was common for men to do in his time, but I felt that the situation surrounding his penniless state was very forced. I didn't see that it added much to the story other than drama.

This book also has a great host of minor characters. Brother Andrew and Cristobel were two of my favorites. Most of the middle of the book felt kinda rushed, though. The events there are linked directly to the plot of The Princess Spy, so it was almost like re-reading certain chapters from that book. But it was very interesting to see how the two stories were connected, especially since I am a huge fan of complicated stories weaving together.

One of my biggest complaints would be her hair. Rapunzel is famous for having long, blonde, beautiful hair. And she does in this story - gorgeous locks that flow to her ankles. But... we're never told why. Long hair is gorgeous, but why does Rapunzel wear her hair that long? Other than Disney's 2010 film, I've seen very few retellings actually give Rapunzel a reason for having hair that long. Not necessarily a con, but I would really love to have more reasons for no haircuts. *off soap box*

Advisory: Some fantasy action and violence. Several fights, both with sword and fists. But nothing out of Melanie Dickerson's style and I thought she handled it well. 

Also: some romance. It's still there, but it was played down in this novel - a definite plus, in my opinion. 

There is a rather large subplot surround a character named Balthasar. Rapunzel's knife throwing skills cheat him of a conquest, and he is bent for the rest of the book on getting his revenge on her. Not to kill her, mind you, but to pretty much ruin her. Nothing is explicitly stated, but please note that this is in there. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.*