Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden

Hazzardous Universe
Written by Julie Wright & Illustrated by Kevin Wasden
Covenant Communications, 2011
Amazon Purchase Link

Reviewed by Heather Moore

My review:

A high-action, fast-paced sci-fi story for middle-grade kids. Illustrations for every chapter make this an even bigger treat. Entertaining all the way around.


From the cover:

A guy who works in his grandfather's magic shop expects weird things to happen. But Hap Hazzard has never had a day like this. First, a freaky old man in a cape who calls himself "Torval" visits the shop and somehow makes a trash can explode. Then Torval delivers an ominous message to Hap's grandfather, upsetting the old man so badly that he yells at Hap for the first time ever. Next, this girl Tara shows up to apply for a job, and for reasons Hap can't understand, his cool magic tricks send her away in tears. But that's nothing compared to what happens next. Under orders to apologize to Tara, Hap searches for the girl. But he can barely say he's sorry before three spaceships appear, the biggest of the three looking like a burnt slice of pizza.

The weirdness only ramps up as Hap and Tara soon find themselves aboard the pizza-shaped ship piloted by a pair of aliens. Even though they were accidentally abducted, the two humans are now forced to join an out-of-this-world mission that includes razor-toothed multilingual beetles, a psychic queen bee, manic ape frogs, a coveted crystal, and a hundred other bizarre things that just might make sense-if Hap could only remember and understand Torval's cryptic message. Join Hap and Tara as they begin a fantastic journey into the far reaches of the universe.

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.

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.

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.

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)

Found (Missing Series Book 1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I have been searching for books that my 8 year old would enjoy, are appropriate for his age and challenge his reading abillity (he is a high level reader).

In the process of that search I came across this book and was intrigued with it. I set out reading it to make sure it would be appropriate for him and found myself engrossed in the story. It is a mix of sci fi and mystery with an adoption twist thrown in. It is also the 1st in a series of which none of the other volumes have come out. I will be waiting for the next volume and will read this one again. I will also be checking out Ms. Haddix's other series.

DESCRIPTION:
Thirteen-year-old Jonah has always known that he was adopted, and he's never thought it was any big deal. Then he and a new friend, Chip, who's also adoped, begin receiving mysterious letters. The first one says, "You are one of the missing." The second one says, "Beware! They're coming back to get you."

Jonah, Chip, and Jonah's sister, Katherine, are plunged into a mystery that involves the FBI, a vast smuggling operation, an airplane that appeared out of nowhere—and people who seem to appear and disappear at will. The kids discover they are caught in a battle between two opposing forces that want very different things for Jonah and Chip's lives.

Do Jonah and Chip have any choice in the matter? And what should they choose when both alternatives are horrifying?

Far World: Water Keep by J. Scott Savage

This is a great book. I read it twice, David, my eight year old son read it and my 15 year old daughter, non-reader, read it. It is the only book my 15 year has finished in I don't know how long. And she enjoyed it.

David and I were able to meet (virtually) J. Scott Savage at the All Star Game and here is our interview:

Jennifer: Jeff it was nice of you to meet David and I here at Yankee Stadium for the All Star Game and to discuss your book Far World: Water Keep.

J. Scott: I’m excited to be here. The last All Star Game ever to be held here. Looks like the new stadium is coming along nicely though.

Jennifer: I am rooting for the National League what about you?

J. Scott: Uh, oh. I grew up watching the Oakland days back when they won three World Series in a row. So I’m kind of an AL guy. Sorry.

Jennifer: That's OK a little healthy compitition is good.

David: Where did you come up with the names Ishkabiddle, Bonesplinter, Frost Pinnois and everything else?

J. Scott: Making up names is one of the most fun parts of writing fantasy. You can really run wild. Some names are totally just made up. I just play with sounds until I find one I like. Others, like the Unmakers, Mist Steed, and Mimicker, are names that sound like what they are. With Ishkabiddle, there was a musician in the 40's who called himself Ish Kabibble which I understand is Yiddish for something like "What me worry?"

Jennifer: I read over on Inksplasher that the Ishkabiddle has received a clamoring of attention and your readers want more of her. David read the book before I did and I remember asking him if the Ishkabiddle is in any other part of the book. Why do you think a minor character is so popular?

J. Scott: I don’t really know. It’s makes me smile but it is so totally unexpected. It’s probably because I introduced her first thing in the book, so the reader gets an instant attachment. It’s funny. Originally she was just a plain old rabbit. But I needed it to be more clear that we were not on Earth from the start. So I invented the Ishkabiddle. And now look at her. She’s a rock star. Maybe we’ll have Ishkabiddle dolls one day. Huh?

J. Scott: I’m gonna go grab some hotdogs. Would you too like some?

David: Can I have three, please!

Jennifer: NL scores yeah!

J. Scott: Shoot. I knew I shouldn’t have left. Ten minutes away and my team gives up a run.

David: What gave you the idea of the scar on Marcus's arm?

J. Scott: That was actually a tough decision, because it instantly draws comparisons to HP. But it’s too important a part of the story to leave out. Not just how Marcus got the mark, but what it means.

Jennifer: NL scores again!

J. Scott: That hurts. Especially since it was an A’s pitcher. Hey, look a foul ball. David, get you mitt up. Nice catch!

Jennifer: Keep that ball David. What gave you the idea of referring to Harry Potter in this book? It does set the time period of the book as modern day.

J. Scott: Good question. No one else has asked me that. Some writers prefer to make their books “timeless” but not referring to pop culture. But my experience has been that things change so fast you can’t help but have your books take on a certain timeframe. Imagine, for example, that you had referred to a floppy disk fifteen years ago. At the same time, I also want realism, and in my mind if you told any kid today that there was “real magic” the first thing he’d think of is HP. So let’s do it.

David: I like that you brought HP into it.

J. Scott: Well so far the games been kind of quiet. But it was cool that David caught the foul ball. Maybe this is the NL’s year—finally.

Jennifer: AL scored two runs this inning

J. Scott: Heh. He. Just had to jinx your team a little by saying they were going to win. Uh, oh. That Mets fan over there is giving me the evil eye. I better get back to book questions.

Jennifer: Why is the magical world pre-technology? Even with magic it seems it would be easier to cook on a stove than a fire.

J. Scott: Another great question. In Farworld, magic is so prevalent that technology has really stagnated. If you can control how and where the fire cooks, and then keep the food warm days at a time through magic, why invent the stove. Magic is not infinitely powerful. For example you still have to tan a hide and cure it before you can add magic to the boots. But much of the manual labor is accomplished via magic. That’s why Kyja is such a total misfit there. It’s like having a girl on Earth who can’t use any machines of any kind. No technology.

Jennifer: Both teams scored now it is tied and the top of the 9th.

J. Scott: This is my kind of game. Hey, peanut guy! Two bags over here. Ouch! That guy’s got quite an arm. He should be playing right field.

David: Where did your original idea for Water Keep and the other Keeps come from?

J. Scott: When I first pitched my publisher on the idea of the elementals. They really liked that concept. It reminded Chris of a show called Avatar that his kids watch. Then I explained what the elementals really are and why they are, and it really blew him away. I’ve spent an inordinately large amount of time on the details of the elementals. All the way down to colors they prefer. I didn’t want them to just be the same thing but with fire instead of water. Going along with that, then, they needed different places to call home. And those places should reflect their natures. I originally called the home of the water elementals City Under the Water. But I really thought that was weak. When I came up with Water Keep, we all liked that.

David: I love Avatar and your book.

Jennifer: Extra innings here we come.

J. Scott: This could be a long night. Glad you came armed with lots of questions. Anyone for a giant #1 finger?

Jennifer: Any secrets about Elder Ephraim you would care to share? He certainly gives Marcus some good advice.

J. Scott: They may be more to him than we know. There are some interesting parallels between him and MT.

Jennifer: What an exciting inning (10th) bases loaded and no outs and the NL kept the AL scoreless, Wow

J. Scott: Yeah. I thought we had it won for sure. That’s not a voodoo doll your playing with over there is it, Jennifer?

Jennifer: When is the next Shandra Covington novel coming out and will there be any more after that?

J. Scott: Well, as you’ve probably heard, Farworld really slowed down Shandra. Only so many hours in the day. I’m hoping for a late 2009 Spring release. But it’s all on my shoulders at the moment. I think there will be at least one or two more books after this next one.

Jennifer: I am really looking forward to the next Shandra and am glad there will be more than one. What is happening with your horror novel?

J. Scott: Covenant has wisely told me to get Shandra done, then we can go back to the horror novel. It’s done, but it’s not the top priority.

Jennifer: Good finish Shandra first I'm not into horror novels though I will probably read yours. Drat the AL won but that was an exciting 15 innings. Thanks Jeff for joining David and I.

J. Scott: Thanks it was a blast. Now I just have to figure out where I threw my A’s hat in all the excitement. It’s got my address in it. You think someone will mail it to me?

Jennifer and David: Thanks Jeff.

Now for those of you who would like an ARC of Far World: Water Keep by J. Scott Savage. Leave a comment on this blog by Wednesday August 27th. One winner will be randomly drawn and will receive an autographed copy from J. Scott.