The Soulkeepers (Soulkeepers 1)

The Soulkeepers by G.P. Ching

When fifteen-year-old Jacob Lau is pulled from the crumpled remains of his mother’s car, no one can explain why he was driving or why the police can’t find his mother’s body. A beautiful and mysterious neighbor offers to use her unique abilities to help him find his mom. But in exchange she requires Jacob to train as a Soulkeeper, a protector of human souls. He agrees to her demands, desperate for any clue to the mystery of his mother’s disappearance. But soon Jacob finds himself trapped in a web of half-truths, and questions her motives for helping him.

Third Edition: January 16, 2012

Don’t miss WEAVING DESTINY, Book 2 in The Soulkeepers Series, available now!

The Soulkeepers (The Soulkeepers Series) is an amazing novel that I sorry it took me so long to read but I’m happy than it did. It believably blends religion, mystic, and faith into a hero’s origin story that is engrossing. I put it down once when nature called and I really didn’t want to stop then.

You root for the lead that is fallible in character, yet is redeemable. This character struggles with his destiny and faith, which I think most people struggle with at some point in their lives. This struggle is what made these characters believable in this young adult novel. It’s part of the issues that young adults face as they move into adulthood.

At the end of the eBook version there were questions for Book Club Discussion: “Are the prejudices of past generations more forgivable or understandable than those of today? For example, do you find it easier to gloss over a racial slur said by a grandparent than a peer? For me the racial slur in the book hurt me as much as the one my family calls me: An Oreo. I have a hard time forgiving grandparents than my peers.

My grandparents have been on this planet longer than me and have seen more than me. If I can follow a tenement of openness they should too. I don’t consider people my peer that would display such ignorance and bigotry.

Faith in something more than yourself that is a powerful message, wrapped in a young adult novel. It is universal and not just for young adults but for anyone that reads this novel. I can wait to read what G.P. Ching has in store in the next one in the series Weaving Destiny (Soulkeeprs 2).

Already out is the third novel in this series Return to Eden (Soulkeepers 3) found where books are sold.
I give The Soulkeepers (The Soulkeepers Series) 5 out 5 Gs.

Robin: Lady of Legend

Robin: Lady of Legend (The Classic Adventures of the Girl Who Became Robin Hood) by R.M. ArceJaeger

What if Robin Hood wasn’t the man you thought him to be—what if he wasn’t a man at all?

Robin of Locksley is young, headstrong, and about to receive the worst birthday present of her life. Still struggling to define herself in a society that believes women are fit for little more than governing a household and bearing children, she balks at her father’s plans for her future, but the consequences of her rebellion prove deadly. Hunted by both her father and the Sheriff, Robin is forced to hide her identity and seek refuge as an outlaw in Sherwood Forest.

Disguised as a lad for protection, Robin maintains a careful isolation from the world around her…until she chances upon a young boy being beaten to death by the Sheriff’s soldiers. Her rescue of the youth marks the beginning of her leadership in Sherwood forest and of the unfortunates who seek refuge therein. Robin’s endeavors to provide a life of honor and purpose for her people while aiding the land’s downtrodden win her high esteem, but enrage the Sheriff of Nottingham, who plots a deadly fate for her and her band.

As the Sheriff’s traps close in around her and assassins seek to bring her down, Robin must risk losing love, leadership, and life if she is to save her people and fulfill her destiny as one of history’s greatest heroes.

Alive with adventure and danger, sword fights and heists, hatred and love, Robin: Lady of Legend is the never-before-told tale of the girl who became Robin Hood.

Robin: Lady of Legend (The Classic Adventures of the Girl Who Became Robin Hood) is easily one of the best reimagining of the English legend. Although I’m not familiar with the story that inspired the author’s tale, I’m inspired by this one.

Although it goes against the traditional tale of this legendary hero, it should be placed within their same note. It captures the same things that make other adaptations captivating. This one has the added bonus of a female protagonist which I think will appeal to the same market as the Hunger Game. Reimagining Robin Hood as a girl has been done before, Princess of Thieves, but never as skillfully done. It’s a tale of female empowerment as much as it’s a sweeping action adventurer.

R.M. Arcejaeger crafts a Robin Hood that is truly believable as a girl, that could definitely lead a band of outlaws in the Sherwood Forest. The only real question is how long she can keep the masquerade up. More than anything Robin of Locksley is an outlaw because she has modern notions that have no place in medieval England.

If you’re looking for a new adaptation on the Robin Hood legend, an action adventure with a female lead, or something that will appeal to the Hunger Games crowd, Robin Hood: Lady of Legend is the novel for you.

I give Robin: Lady of Legend (The Classic Adventures of the Girl Who Became Robin Hood) 5 out 5Gs.

Winter’s Wrath: Sacrifice (Winter’s Saga 3)

Winter’s Wrath: Sacrifice (Winter’s Sage 3) by Karen Luellen

Tormented by evil.
Haunted by choice.
Searching for redemption.

******

Lines between good and evil blur as the Winter family fight for survival in Winter’s Wrath: Sacrifice. Book #3 in Winter’s Saga delves into the choices we make and the butterfly effect on the world around us. Meg Winter must cope with the caveats of her evolved gift or be consumed by them. Her family and friends watch helplessly as she struggles to find herself, learn what is worth fighting for and let go of things beyond her control. Will she break free of her own fears before it’s too late or let her insecurities rule them all?

Winter’s Wrath: Sacrifice is as amazing as the previous entries in this series by Karen Luellen. From the very first pages of the first book until now this has been an amazing journey. The Winters’ family and their allies are facing insurmountable odds against the demented Dr. Kevin Williams. You will instantly root for them and cheer with them each step of the way.

The series is as engross, to me as the Jumper Series by Steve Gould. They both are about kids growing up with amazing gifts and the pitfalls that come with them. It’s also about how family as it’s never as rigid as usually labeled.

They’re a family fighting for their survival against a man so filled with evil even the most desensitized person will cringe. I’ve actually watched a man bleed to death taking his last breathe in front of me at age 12. Dr. Williams described actions are more heinous than the person that stab that old man in his home.

This man is what I thought Cobra Commander looked like under his helmet, when I was a kid. I would rather watch Nightmare on Elm series on repeat that look this evil man in the face.

And this is who’s trying to kill our protagonists, evil incarnate. He’s a cancer to not only the Winters by humanity at a whole. He’s so evil that people are lining up to turn against him.

Winter’s Wrath: Sacrifice moves at an intense pace. Not one chapter is wasted. A lot of the story revolves around Meg’s evolution. As the unofficial rock of her family her changes affect everyone around her. There are many instants of her mental angst giving insight into the evolution of her power. At the rate of increase she may become the most dangers meta on the planet.

Winter’s Wrath: Sacrifice ends on an ambiguous note. Many things are left in the air. Although it’s written like a standalone, the ending is a cliffhanger. It feels like the first half of a story. You will want the next novel as soon as you finish.

I give Winter’s Wrath: Sacrifice 5 out 5.

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 10

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 10 by Chautona Havig

Past Forward is a serial novel released weekly on Kindle.

Alone without friends or family to comfort her after the death of her mother, Willow Finley’s idyllic life is over—and just beginning.

When Willow Finley awakes on a hot summer morning, she is unprepared for the grief that awaits her. Jerked from a life of isolation with her mother, Willow learns what alone really means when she finds her mother still in her bed, never to awaken again in this life.

From the moment Willow arrives in the police station with her startling announcement, Chad Tesdall fights the friendship he knows he can’t avoid.

In this episode, the hijinks around Willow’s house escalate into a surprising climax. Cheri introduces Willow to the all-American female sport of Shop-till-you-drop, and a late-night call sends Willow out into the freezing cold… on foot.

Warning: Here We Come spoilers in this episode.

Follow as Willow’s story unfolds past forward.

Released weekly as a serial novel.

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 10 is another perfect episode. This one goes by so fast because the drama is so engrossing. Solari plan comes to an abrupt ending. It made me laugh.

This episode illustrates just how unique Willow is. Things that would shake most people give Willow strength and resole. Solari machination are quickly turning him into a twirling mustachian villain; backfiring at every turn and he doesn’t even realize it.

Length wise it’s on par with previous episodes but it doesn’t read that way. At sixty-seven pages I blazed through this novel. This ends the most upbeat and hopeful of any previous episode. With Willow saying yes, I’m guessing the story will be heading toward the wedding.

It will be interesting to see how the Solari situation will play out. If anyone will find out that everything happening to Willow is Solari’s fault?

I give Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 10 5 out 5 Gs.

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Volume 2

Past Forward- A Serial Novel: Volume 2 by Chautona Havig

Alone without friends or family to comfort her after the death of her mother, Willow Finley’s idyllic life is over—and just beginning.

When Willow Finley awakes on a hot summer morning, she is unprepared for the grief that awaits her. Jerked from a life of isolation with her mother, Willow learns what alone really means when she finds her mother still in her bed, never to awaken again in this life.

From the moment Willow arrives in the police station with her startling announcement, Chad Tesdall fights the friendship he knows he can’t avoid.

This collection includes episodes six through nine of Past Forward. Willow, battling grief and anger, drives Chad from the farm, but he finds himself drawn back, despite her determination to keep a wall between them. An accident and the chance of a lifetime threaten everything she thought she held dear. As the walls crumble, Chad and Willow’s friendship deepens into something truly special, but to what end? Everyone around him pushes Chad into a relationship he both wants and fights, knowing that Willow simply is not ready.

Someone is wreaking havoc around her farm. Afraid for Willow’s safety, the police take turns guarding her place when off duty and she finds it hard to endure the disruption of her tranquility.

And then, Chad asks her to dance. Can she trust him? Find out in this second volume.

Follow as Willow’s story unfolds past forward.

Past Forward is a serial novel released weekly on Kindle.

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Volume 2 is the collection of episode six through nine of this serial novel. If you don’t like reading in little snippets this is for you. Encompassing about three hundred pages its novel length and the story isn’t even over. If you missed any episode since five this is also for you. The drama is revved up in this volume.

At first I was so disbelieving that Willow would be that naïve. Then I remember that she IS that naïve. Then it was like WOW. We live in a world, which the public has fostered us, to be intrusive on Public Figures’ personal lives.

More so than the previous volume I feel like a voyeur, reading about the development of a woman kept in captivity. I’m excited that she’s starting to adjust to being around larger groups. Even when nothing’s really happening I’m too invested to be disappointed.

When Christmas takes place its interesting how Chautona Havig addresses Willow’s isolation during the holidays. Her apparent naïveté to Christmas traditions is refreshing as a seven year old on Christmas Day. Willow’s grandparents are one of the “elephants in the room.” Their characterizations fall into the suspected coloring with their previous introduction to the reader. I’m shocked at the deceitfulness and depravity that doesn’t become known until the nearing of this volume.

It wasn’t until Aggie and the kids came over for Christmas that I realized this was interconnected in the same world as Chautona’s other works. There’s a plot developing subplot that I just can’t figure out it purpose. I don’t understand the motives of the character that’s driving this device or why.

I give Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Volume 2 4 out 5 Gs.

Darkly Dreaming Dexter (Dexter Morgan 1)

Darkly Dreaming Dexter (Dexter Morgan 1) by Jeff Lindsay

The Basis for a New Showtime® Original Series Starring Michael C. Hall

Meet Dexter Morgan, a polite wolf in sheep’s clothing. He’s handsome and charming, but something in his past has made him abide by a different set of rules. He’s a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likeable: he only kills bad people. And his job as a blood splatter expert for the Miami police department puts him in the perfect position to identify his victims. But when a series of brutal murders bearing a striking similarity to his own style start turning up, Dexter is caught between being flattered and being frightened–of himself or some other fiend.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

After spending two weeks rewatching 60+ hours of the serial killer we love. I was still jonesin’ like a crack addicted; God I can’t wait for Season 7 to start. So I decided to read Darkly Dreaming Dexter the book that inspired the series. I usually don’t read the books that inspire television show. With nearly a month between when I finished season 6 episode 12 and season 7 episode 1, my craving would have made me start the series over again.

Okay. So when I started I expected a condensed version of the television show. This is not it. For the most part you get the broad strokes of the Dexter season 1 in this novel with several changes. Dexter Morgan seems less principled in the novel than in show. I didn’t really like that aspect of the character. His Dark Passenger is also more of an entity than an aspect of his personality. It makes him seem more schizophrenic than psychopathic.

Even Deborah seemed less confident and capable in the novel. At least the show writers still managed to bring Deborah’s foul mouth. I think that was one of the highlights of this novel. Her foul mouth is a creation of Jeff Lindsay and not the show writers.

For the majority of this book it reads like a very condensed first season of the television show. It made for a very boring read. But it does have few twists toward the end that makes it worth the read.

There are several differences but two major ones that firmly separated the novel from the series. The death of a character at the end of this book; along with Debs discover of Dexter’s secret. It changes the dynamic of the novels going forward. Debs discovery is just now only being address whereas the novels has five or six more books to deal with this complication in Dexter’s life.

After reading this novel I’m less in enthused to read the next novel but at some point I will finish the series. As I sit here and write I’m starting to ask questions that weren’t addressed. Some come from the differences in the novel and series and others come from the novel itself.

I recommend this novel to those dedicated fans that love Dexter. Casual fans may not appreciate the differences between the two. I know that the novels came first and I still don’t like some of the differences, they enriched the characters.

I give Darkly Dreaming Dexter 3 out 5 Gs.

Serenity is MY Butterfly

Serenity would be standing here, if not for her wings.

There are days when I wonder, what would you be.

A doctor, a lawyer, or a singer on Glee, that future is unwritten but this I know.

You would be smart like your mother, which no one would be able to deny.

Athletic like your uncle, you would reach the sky.

And Mischevious like your father, defintely an apple of his eye.

I’m sorry you’re not here butterfly, it hurt my sister so.

But I know you’re in a better place, atlast your place is at his right hand.

Everytime I look to the sky it never ceases to amaze me, and I know its  in no small part to you.

Happy Birthday, Butterfly love Uncle Gary.

Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies 3)

Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies 3) by Pittacus Lore

Until the day I met John Smith, Number Four, I’d been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive.

Together, we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others. . . .

I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we’re looking for the others—including John.

But so are they.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They caught me in New York—but I escaped.
I am Number Six.
They want to finish what they started.

But they’ll have to fight us first.

After nearly two days shy of a year Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies 3) comes out. To me, it’s a resounding disappointment. Setrákus Ra is a Huckabee (see: Katt Williams’ It’s Pimpin Pimpin) villain. The revelation in this book answered many of the debated questions of the past year.

Setrákus Ra really isn’t a villain as much as he’s just a straight up bully. I understand villains’ not fighting fair. Setrákus Ra’s villainy comes across as common, uninspired and lacking the depth portrayed in the previous books. So far he’s only had to fight one Lorien at a time. If he faces three or more, he’s done. It won’t be much of a fight.

There are so many revelations in this book, but they really only add to the confusion of the mythology. One revelation I’m glad came out will end Sarah debate. Hopefully it will put an end to the Sarah hating. Man is there a lot of it.

The one that takes the cake is the governmental co-conspirators. You’re telling me the United States is that power hunger that they would side with the Mogadorians for technology. Not to mention none of the government agency seem to have a rational thought in their heads.

I just don’t know what happen to this series. The first two were amazing. I can’t consider it even okay. The character views were constantly changing with no regard for the reader. It would be several pages before I had a context of whose point of view I was reading.

There were too many narratives being told. It reads like someone with multiple personality disorder or dissociative identity disorder. Whatever you want to call the narratives need to be reined in. Pick two or less and tell it from their perspective. At the very less identify when changing perspectives.

I give Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies 3) 2 out 5.

The Mystic Wolves (Mystic Wolves 1)

The Mystic Wolves (Mystic Wolves 1) by Belinda Boring (Book 1)



What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?

Someone is trying to send a deadly message to Mason, arranging the deaths of those he loves and it puts the entire pack and Alpha on high alert. Darcy understands the primal instincts driving her beloved Mason’s commands. With the help of those he sets as protectors, she learns about herself and the things she’ll need to help support her Alpha and pack. When events turn dire however, one truth offers her strength – once given, oaths are unbreakable … even if it means risking it all.

Author Note ~ This is the combined NOVEL LENGTH version of the Without Mercy, Cherished, and Blood Oath installments. It is approx. 66,265 words long.

I purchased The Mystic Wolves (Mystic Wolves 1) for my Kindle just from the cover art and title. It wasn’t until after I finished reading that I read the description. I learned that it’s a combination of three short stories. Learning this explained a lot because it felt like two distinct stories being told. It was a reading rollercoaster.

Although this novel takes diggs at the Twilight Saga is like re-reading it with all the gushing and swooning, the demanding and overly protective mate in Edward Mason, and the perpetual damsel in distress, Bella Darcy. It even has a James archetype in Avery and even a Jacob too. Having the werewolves in the lead is a wanted change. But the fact remains even being a werewolf Darcy comes across as helpless as Bella.

Avery, and not to mention James, would fit perfectly with the vampires of Thicker than Water. His appearance is a pure delight to read. The way he incited chaos is worthy of calling him Loki, much to the chagrin of the one in Thicker than Water.

The highlights of this novel are the way Belinda Boring makes use of the werewolf and vampire mythology. It’s nothing new to paranormal readers but those subtle differences made it worth reading. After Avery leaves the story I was really disappointed until the very last chapter. That finally paragraph guaranteed that at some point I will read the next novel, Forget Get Me Not (Mystic Wolves 2). I can only hope that there’s a tonal change in the next book.

I give The Mystic Wolves (Mystic Wolves 1) 2 out 5.

Past Forward- A Serial Novel: Episode 8

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 8 by Chautona Havig

Past Forward is a serial novel released weekly on Kindle.

Alone without friends or family to comfort her after the death of her mother, Willow Finley’s idyllic life is over—and just beginning.

When Willow Finley awakes on a hot summer morning, she is unprepared for the grief that awaits her. Jerked from a life of isolation with her mother, Willow learns what alone really means when she finds her mother still in her bed, never to awaken again in this life.

From the moment Willow arrives in the police station with her startling announcement, Chad Tesdall fights the friendship he knows he can’t avoid.

In this episode, Chad wrestles with truths he’s not ready to acknowledge while Willow becomes a little better acquainted with both sets of grandparents, discovering things about each she wasn’t prepared to handle.

Follow as Willow’s story unfolds past forward.

Released weekly as a serial novel.

Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 8 is perfection. But this episode also has to be prefaced with the other seven episodes. This is the defining episode that marks the identity of this novel.

Unlike last weeks, this one had me engaged from the start. Taking place just before Christmas its interesting how Chautona Havig addresses Willow’s isolation during the holidays. Her apparent naïveté to Christmas traditions is refreshing.

This episode addresses one of the “elephants in the room,” Willow’s grandparents. Their characterizations fall into the suspected coloring with their previous introduction to the reader. I’m shocked at the deceitfulness and depravity that doesn’t become known until the end of this episode. And yet I should have, I mean if you can raise a man to rape a woman, that’s an reflection on the people you are.

The drama and conflict in this episode is more subtle than in the previous ones and you know it’s about to rise to the fan. It’s also developing more branches of conflict as ones from previous episodes come to a close.

If you haven’t started reading this serial novel you really should. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy taking the time to invest in a serial novel. As this is the first one I’ve ever read coming back to it is quickly becoming one of my sweet of the week.

I give Past Forward-A Serial Novel: Episode 8 5 out 5.