The Golden Spiral by Lisa Mangum

Review by Heather Moore

In The Golden Spiral, book two of the Hourglass Door trilogy, Abby’s life has made a 180 degree turn. Her boyfriend, Dante, has disappeared through a time portal, stuck in a between place that’s impossible to reach without the hourglass door. But the door has been destroyed, and Abby has only a small amount of time to create new one.

Problem is, the reality around her continues to change as Zo manipulates time, drastically altering Abby’s life. First it’s her friend, Justin, then her college scholarship. When her family is affected, Abby will take any risk to undo Zo’s destruction. Her friend, Valerie is the only one with answers, but she is under strict surveillance at a mental hospital.

As the second installment of this YA series, The Golden Spiral continues the fascinating and highly creative story of time travel. Mangum’s writing style is fresh, with a strong literary voice, and will draw readers into the psyche of the various characters and their struggles to understand who they can trust and who still holds dark secrets. Intriguing and suspenseful, The Golden Spiral is an engaging sequel, which will both please readers and leave them anxious for volume three, The Forgotten Locket.

The Stone Traveler by Kathi Oram Peterson

The Stone Traveler
By Kathi Oram Peterson
Covenant Communications, 2010
Review by Heather Moore

Sixteen year old Tag is trying to fit in with a new group of kids at school. Problem is they are troublemakers. When his cousin, Ethan, rats Tag out, he gets in real trouble with his mom and ends up at his Grandpa’s mountain cabin for the summer. Tag immediately makes plans to run away, but a bizarre set of events, including meeting three strangers and discovering a glowing stone, takes him to a new world. The new world turns out to be an ancient world set in Book of Mormon times.

Sabirah is a nineteen-year old militia leader with one goal in mind: to rescue her father and brother. Her father is the scripture legend Samuel the Lamanite, and he’s promised Sabirah that she’ll receive help on her quest in the form of a visitor, a wayfarer.

When Tag’s present collides with Sabirah’s world, he discovers his time travel mission was prophesied, and he is the wayfarer. Tag lands in the middle of a battle, assists Sabirah’s injured companion, and from there he’s caught up in an adventure that threatens his life as he tries to save others.

I was caught up in Tag’s character from the beginning. Despite the poor choices he was making, it was easy to sympathize with him, making his character very relatable. The descriptions and world-building were excellent and brought the various settings to life, whether we were in modern-day or Mesoamerica. The Stone Traveler is a compelling read with plenty of action, intrigue, and most importantly, an ending that will touch your heart.

Website HERE:

For a chance to win a Kindle, visit Kathi’s blog

To purchase online visit Deseret Book

The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S. Savage

The Fourth Nephite
By Jeffrey S. Savage
Published by Deseret Book, August 2010

Reviewed by Heather Moore

A story of a Mormon teenager, Kaleo Steele, who is about to play the biggest football game of his high school career. College scouts will be in the stands, watching and deciding if Kaleo is good enough for a scholarship. But the night before the game, he gets invited to an after-school party, where some temptations seem too hard to resist. When his seminary teacher catches him doing something that jeopardizes Kaleo’s ability to play in the football game, they strike a bargain--a bargain that will change Kaleo's life in remarkable ways.

The Fourth Nephite gave me a fascinating insight into the life of the prophet Joseph Smith as a young man. When Kaleo enters a time portal and finds himself right in the middle of the controversy surrounding the unearthing of the gold plates, I was caught up in the vibrant word created by Savage. I found myself looking at the life of the prophet through different eyes, and thinking about the incredible courage he had. Some of Kaleo’s questions about the gospel have been mine at one time or another, and I loved the way that Savage unobtrusively guided the learning curve that Kaleo went through. Great research, an exciting plotline, and superb storytelling combine into a book worth every minute. I’m now reading it for a second time with my teens.


**Jeff Savage is the author of the YA Farworld series (under J. Scott Savage), as well as the Shandra Covington mystery series (under Jeffrey S. Savage). Visit his website HERE.

Imprints by Rachel Ann Nunes

Review by Heather Moore

Autumn Rain is far from normal. She has a dangerous gift, at least one that can bring danger to her. Touching an object that is important to a missing, or even dead, person brings flashes of memories. But sometimes they are too disturbing for even Autumn to handle.

When a woman goes missing, her parents are desperate for help. Autumn gets caught up in the events, even when it means bringing danger to herself and those she loves. Although Autumn has the power to read imprints, she doesn't always rely on those who are the most honest.

Author Rachel Nunes paints an intriguing character in Imprints. A story that deviates from Nunes' usual array, I thoroughly enjoyed the characterization and ambiance of this novel. The plot is far from predictable and takes several surprising turns. Suspense, romance, and a touch of paranormal rolls into one enjoyable read.

Kudos to the publisher, Deseret Book/Shadow Mountain, for printing a paranormal story that it clean and uplifting.

Imprints is available HERE.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The long awaited sequel to The Hunger Games is out and just as terrifying and intriguing as the first. Warning: This is the second in a three book series and you are left hanging just as you were at the end of The Hunger Games.

Book Description:
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Farworld: Land Keep by J. Scott Savage

Farworld: Land Keep
By J. Scott Savage
Release Date: October 2009 (Shadow Mountain)

—Reviewed by Heather Moore

Category: YA Fantasy

“Water. Land. Air. Fire. Together, the balance of Farworld they keep.” Kyja and Marcus are on a quest to outdo the Dark Circle by convincing the four elementals of Farworld to work together. In the first book of the Farworld series, Water Keep, Marcus and Kyja were able to get the water elementals to cooperate, but now they have to travel to find the land elementals. Problem is, no one can tell them precisely where they are since they’ve been missing for thousands of years.

In this second installment, Land Keep, the captivating adventure continues. Marcus—a boy with magical powers, and Kyja—a girl who wants magic more than anything. The two soon find out that they each have to trade what’s most dear to them in order to survive.

Since Marcus’s birth, sacrifices have been made in his behalf that he is only now beginning to realize. But the longer he stays on Farworld, the faster his health declines. In a race against time, the characters must outsmart the Keepers and determine who is really on their side.

The plot is far from simple, but the complexity is rich and satisfying as questions proposed in Water Keep are answered in Land Keep. A clear picture of this new world emerges as the characters discover that things are not necessarily as they seem. Land Keep is highly visual, fast-paced, with multi-layered intrigue. But most importantly, the characters breathe life into the pages, pulling us into a magical realm. One that is truly powerful.

To preorder, go here.

Methods of Madness by Stephanie Black

Methods of Madness
by Stephanie Black
Covenant Communications, Aug 2009

Reviewed by Heather Moore

2008 Whitney Award winning author, Stephanie Black, is back with another fantastic mystery. This suspense novel is not what you'd expect. There's not one, but two murders to solve, and a strange disappearance that continues to haunt Emily Ramsey.

Even years later, after the death of her sister and the disappearance of her fiance on the same night, she still struggles to overcome her fealings of guilt. What if she hadn't held the bridal shower at her future in-laws? Then her sister wouldn't have been outside tying balloons to the mailbox where she was fatally hit by a car. Or what if she'd leant her more reliable car to her fiance, and his car didn't break down at the shopping center, only to never be seen again?

But a second chance has presented itself in the form of Zach Sullivan. The relationship grows slowly between Zach and Emily, but it is as real as anything she's known for a long time. yet, it seems that almost as soon as they announce their wedding plans, things go awry. Threatening letters are sent to Emily and she can only assume they are from Monica, Zach's former girlfriend, who is suddenly interested in Zach again.

Just like Black's previous novel, Fool Me Twice, it took me until nearly the end to discover "who-dunnit". The story was tightly-plotted and the characters intriguing. I congratulate the author for another job well done.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This was an absolutely fascinating book. It was terrifying but intriguing all at the same time. I couldn't put it down. The worst part about it was the sequel doesn't come out until September 1, 2009 (I originally read this about 6 months ago).

This book is advertised for young adults and I would recommend they be mature young adults. There is violence and death along with the goodness that is shown.

If this were a movie I would have to rate it PG-13.

Eyes Like Mine by Julie Wright

Eyes Like Mine by Julie Wright

Review by Heather Moore

A book that makes you think.
A book that makes you grateful.
A book that strengthens your faith.

Through a time-travel phenomenon, Constance Brown is transported from the pioneer trail into the life of her great grandaughter, Liz King. What unfolds is an incredible story as both women must find their destiny, together.

The last several chapters were just brilliant. This is a great YA novel and the characters were true-to-life. If you've read Julie Wright's other novels (especially My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life), you know she has the knack for getting inside the angst of the teenage mentality. She combines humor, heartache, romance, and great storytelling into a terrific read.

Visit Julie's Blog Here!

Dragon Spear by Jessica Day George

Dragon Spear by Jessica Day George
Bloomsbury, 2009

Reviewed by Heather Moore

Dragon Spear is a delightful third installment of the Dragon Slippers series. In book three, Creel and Luka go on a mission together to the new colony of dragons—the Far Isles. If you’ve read the other books in the series, you’ll know that Creel has a special relationship with the dragons. And although the creatures aren’t welcome everywhere and reasonably feared by most humans, Creel has managed to become their closest friend.

Yet, when the queen of the dragons is abducted by a warring dragon faction, Creel heads after them. In the wake of her adventures to free the queen dragon and her collection of newly hatched eggs, Creel must sacrifice something most precious and dear.

Young readers will find this series light-hearted and endearing, as well as older readers like me. Other books by Jessica Day George include: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow, and Princess of the Midnight Ball.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Review by Heather Moore

Wings, debut novel by Aprilynne Pike, should be well-received by the YA market. Of course, it has the usual storyline of new girl at school, who is found attractive by hot guy (but isn't this what all teenagers want to read about anyway, right?). Although this book is clever in its own right. The main character is a faerie, although she doesn't know it at first, and her faerie-ness is unique from other YA books with fey characters. I really enjoyed the biology explanations and the world which Pike created to accomodate fey and human alike.

I liked Laurel's character for the most part, but wished David contained a deeper persona. Yet for a first book, I certainly have to give kudos to the author. The writing style is nice--not overly gushy and not overly descriptive--which give the story a decent flow. I'm looking forward to the next installment and seeing the author's literary development.

Tower of Strength by Annette Lyon

Tower of Strength
By Annette Lyon

Covenant Communications

March 2009

Reviewed by Heather Moore

I’ve been waiting for this next historical by Annette Lyon for over a year. Even though I read it in draft form, I was excited to read the final version. It didn’t disappoint. In fact, I can confidently say that Annette Lyon is one of the best writers in her genre. Many of you know that the 2008 Whitney Award finalists have been announced. So I’ve decided to read them all—yes—it might sound crazy, but I only have 1 ½ books to go.

So you can say that I’ve immersed myself in the LDS genre this past month, or at least books by LDS writers. And sometimes these books are automatically labeled sub-par because of previous bad attempts by other authors.

But I’ve taken a critical eye, and read the genre for what it is (yes, most of the characters are LDS, yes, most of them go through faith-affirming trials, and yes, editorial comes into play with the smaller publishers).

So when I started reading Annette’s book, my antenna was on high. One thing I know is that Annette has learned the craft of writing, she understands the rules of fiction and she willing accepts feedback from alpha readers, editors, etc. Yet, she is able to produce such a natural story-telling style, that Tower of Strength runs seamless from scene to scene.

In Tower of Strength, I really enjoyed the characters. Tabitha is widowed at a young age and moves to Logan (from Manti) in order to start over with her infant son. Six years later, she’s asked to return and take over the town newspaper in Manti. I loved the historical tie-ins that Lyon includes—from the prejudice of some of the town members of having a “woman” head up the newspaper, to the building of the Manti temple.

Also impressive is the research that Lyon has done on this time period—to the common dialog phrases used at that time, to the clothing, the food, the thoughts and attitudes of some of the early settlers.

I was most impressed with the complex characterization of Tabitha and how she comes to terms with falling in love again. Samuel, an emigrant from England, is a fun, jaunty character who has his own past and lost love to overcome. He provides a lot of comic relief during the story with his complete lack of ability to care for horses—which happens to be his job. Also, Tabitha’s mother-in-law, “Mother Hall”, is another favorite character in which the reader has a complete change of heart toward this woman by the end of the book.

Overall, I’d highly recommend Lyon’s Tower of Strength, a nice anchor to her four-volume historical temple series.

To see my reviews of Lyon's other historical temple books, visit:

House on the Hill

At the Journey's End

Spires of Stone

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry.

Lucinda Chapdelaine's parents died in a carriage accident years ago, leaving her to live with a distant uncle. They toil in a jewelry shop under the direction of her demanding step-aunt.

One day, a mysterious lady comes into the shop with an even more unique jewel. This sets a chain of events into motion that will change Lucinda's life. She'll befriend a goat, find her childhood home, meet a prince, and be sent to her death.

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by LDS author, Julie Berry, so I contacted her for an interview, which I posted at my blog. You can view it here.

The Hourglass Door

The Hourglass Door
By Lisa Mangum

Shadow Mountain, May 2009

Review by Heather Moore
http://www.hbmoore.com/


Abby has always had a plan, and everything is running smoothly her senior year. She and her friends have applied to the state college together, her boyfriend takes her out every weekend like clock-work, and she even agrees to go bowling for her birthday—again—though she’s been doing it since she was four years old. Each day is predictable and Abby thinks that’s what she wants. Normal.

Until Dante, an exchange student from Italy, arrives at her school. Things start to change and Abby realizes it’s because of Dante. She’s ready to take risks, ready to dream, and she realizes that things aren’t what they seem—especially Dante. He keeps a fascinating, yet deadly secret, and in order for Abby to survive, she’ll have to trust her heart, and Dante.

From the first page, I was absorbed by this story. Abby is a witty character who hates her full name—Abigail Beatrice—until she discovers the role it might play. As she works at the assistant director on the play Much Ado About Nothing, then meets new student Dante, she begins to understand that classical literature transcends the parameters of time. Dante comes into the story as a mysterious character who seems only to pay attention to Abby—much to the dismay of the other girls in the school. But he has more reason than just a case of attraction—his dark secret will change Abby’s perception of life forever. A fascinating and highly creative story developed on connections between literature and time travel, I was impressed with Mangum’s debut novel. Just enough suspense, just enough intrigue, and of course romance, roll into one engaging read.

The Forgotten Warrior

The Forgotten Warrior
By Kathi Oram Peterson
Covenant Communications, 2009


Review by Heather Moore

Sixteen-year-old Sydney Morgan—a black belt in Karate—is unexpectedly transported to the land of Zarahemla. Dressed in her “strange” karate clothing, she is mistaken for a boy and thought to be a spy. Sydney has landed in the middle of Captain Helaman’s camp—where they are preparing for battle with the Lamanites. When Sydney finally earns Helaman’s trust, she is asked to help train the warriors to fight. As she tries to remember exactly what the result of the upcoming battle will be, Sydney finds herself liking chief warrior Tarik. But it seems doomed from the start as Sydney is caught between two worlds—with no answers in sight.

A fast-paced YA novel, this book relives the account of the stripling warriors in a unique way. Sydney and Tarik are strong and lively characters, set in one of the most volatile eras of the Book of Mormon. Adults and young adults alike will enjoy The Forgotten Warrior. A fun and engaging read, this book will especially appeal to fans of Chris Heimerdinger and Sariah Wilson.

The story seemed to end abruptly with several loose ends to be tied up, setting up the book for an obvious sequel. According to the author’s website, the next installment will be released Fall 2009.

The Hunt for Dark Infinity by James Dashner

The 13th Reality: The Hunt for Dark Infinity
By James Dashner
2009, Shadow Mountain


Review by Heather Moore


“The boy stared at his world gone mad.”—begins the second book of the bestselling 13th Reality series: The Hunt for Dark Infinity. The malicious Reginald Chu has devised a way to infiltrate the minds of people and creatures alike—controlling their thoughts, speech and actions.

New Realitants, Tick, Sophia, and Paul, must find a way to penetrate Chu’s destructive creation before he gains control over all the Realities. But they are at the mercy of Chu’s test—as they are winked from one reality to another—forced to decode strange messages and battle deadly creatures in order to save their own lives.

From a distance, Master George can provide aid when it’s most needed—but even he can’t stop the events from unfolding. For he knows that Tick needs to make whatever sacrifice necessary to stop Chu from succeeding.

From the first sentence to the last, Dark Infinity will propel you through fantastic Realities, spin you against another adventure just as you’re ready to take a breath, then deposit you in the middle of one of the most clever twists I’ve read in years.

This author also has another book coming out this year: The Maze Runner trilogy (Random House, 2009)

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

It's official. Jessica Day George is one of my favorite authors. From this point forward, I will be sure to own all of her books as soon as they are released. I loved Dragon Slippers and the sequels and Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow.

Besides loving her books, I've heard her speak and believe me, she's hilarious. Here's an interview I did with her a while back.

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

Review by Emily Beeson

Princess of the Midnight Ball is a retelling of the twelve dancing princesses. To be honest, I'm not familiar with the original tale, so I can't tell you how much this version deviates. However, I can certainly tell you that this version is very enjoyable.

Tall, handsome Galen is returning from war. His parents and sister have all been killed, so he is headed for his aunt and uncle's house in Westfalin.

When he arrives, he finds a welcoming home and a job as an under-gardener at the palace. While working in the gardens, he befriends the eldest princess, Princess Rose. He discovers that Rose has a secret. She is a prisoner and is required to dance every night from midnight until dawn, along with her eleven younger sisters.

A string of princes come to rescue the princesses from their unseen captor. When none of them are successful, Galen takes the matter into his own hands...but he doesn't know anything about magic...and the captor is certainly not a regular mortal.

Princess of the Midnight Ball is full of romance, humor, mystery, adventure, and fantasy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

It is perfectly clean (as long as an innocent kiss is clean to you :). I recommend it to fairy-tale-lovers of all ages.

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

Review by Emily Beeson of Deliciously Clean Reads

Be careful what you wish for. You might get it! My Fair Godmother, which just came out last week, is another fun romantic comedy by Janette Rallison.

When Savannah's boyfriend dumps her for her older sister, she idly wishes for a true prince. Chrissy, her fairy godmother, shows up. Only Chrissy is not a real fairy godmother. She's only a fair fairy student. In her attempts to grant three wishes for Savannah, Savannah is sent to the Middle Ages smack into the stories of Cinderella and Snow White.

When Savannah finally gets out of the Middle Age mess, she discovers that Tristan, a boy from school, has been sent back to prove himself a worthy prince for her. Together, Tristan and Savannah have to conquer mystical creatures and find a way back into the present day.

If you are a fan of fairy tales (which I definitely am), you'll enjoy My Fair Godmother. I recommend it for tweens and teens. It's a quick, unique read.

Enjoy!

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull

This is the third book in the Fablehaven series and it is fantastic. I love all the new creatures especially the Nipsies. Brandon Mull pulls you in and keeps you reading.

DESCRIPTION:

Strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem in its infancy, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long.

In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information that could lead to a cure but can she be trusted?

Meanwhile, Kendra and members of the Knights of the Dawn must journey to a distant preserve and retrieve another hidden artifact. Will the Society of the Evening Star recover it first? Will the plague eclipse all light at Fablehaven? Find out in Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague.

Ever by Gail Carson Levine

Ever by Gail Carson Levine
Review by Emily, head mama of Deliciously Clean Reads and ...whimsy...

Ever is a brand new fairy tale brought to you by the author of Ella Enchanted, Fairest, and many other great stories.Ever is told from both the perspective of Olus, god of winds, and the mortal girl he falls in love with, Kezi.

Olus lives a lonely life. None of the other gods are even close to his age. When he turns 17, he leaves the Akkan gods and seeks a life with the mortals. He becomes a goatherd for Kezi’s father. He watches Kezi and grows to care for her. The other gods tell Olus that it is a waste to care about mortals because they are soap bubbles. They are here one moment and die the next. But when Kezi’s life nears its end, Olus can’t stand the thought of it. He and Kezi embark on a hero’s journey to save her.

As I mentioned, Ever is an original fairy tale. The characters are fun and interesting, but I’m not sure they are as fleshed out as I would have liked. The plot is fresh. Seeing from each character’s point of view is intriguing, although occasionally confusing.

I definitely recommend Ever to teens and preteens who enjoy fairy tales. I didn't love it as much as Fairest and Ella Enchanted, but it is still worth reading.