{ On The Bright Side by S R Johannes }

On The Bright Side by S R Johannes

January 31, 2012 by Coleman & Stott

Source: author for review

Format: ebook

From Goodreads:

As if the devil’s food cake at her wake and the white fat pants she’s stuck wearing for eternity weren’t bad enough, fourteen year-old Gabby is quick to discover that Cirrus, the main rung of Heaven, is a far cry from the Pearly Gates. Here, SkyFones and InnerNets are all the rage. At her first Bright ceremony, G.O.D., the automated assignment system, spits out Angela Black, Gabby’s arch nemesis and longtime fencing rival. As a Bright, Gabby has to protect Angela, her assigned mortal, in order to move up through the training levels of heaven.

Back on earth, Angela starts hitting on Michael, Gabby’s crush and should-have-been boyfriend. Gabby’s pranks to quell the love are harmless at first until the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, Celestial Sky Agent, Lawrence, who happens to have anger management issues of his own, steps into reveal that Angela has big problems, and what she really needs is Gabby’s help.

Determined to right her wrong and ease her mother’s grief, Gabby steals an ancient artifact that allows her to return to earth for just one day. But if Gabby’s not careful, her well-meaning mission just might shift the very foundation of Heaven, Earth, and every place in between, causing the danger of the dark side to roam free.

My Review:

First off, thank you to author S R Johannes for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. This was such a joy to read. What an outstanding addition to the world of middle grade reads.

Gabby is such a great character. She is strong, spunky, loving, funny and passionate about what she believes in. The great thing though is she is still very much flawed, like the majority of us. But, we get to see her grow and learn from her ever growing list of mistakes.

Not only did I adore Gabby, but we are treated to an array of equally lovable secondary characters. Like, Lawrence, Gabby's SKYagent. The relationship between these two is not only endearing, but downright funny at times. We have the 14 year old rebelling angel and her grouchy...yet, softy at heart...mentor. They really are a great pair. Then we have Gabby's best BITfriend, Jessica. Jessica is sweet, positive and very funny. It was so much fun to see the friendship develop throughout this story. They are the perfect partners in crime!

Of course with all this BRIGHTness, comes the dark. Author, S R Johannes, did an outstanding job of creating a unique version of Heaven(Cirrus) and Hell(Ignitus). It's something new and different. And something that I think will appeal to the middle grade readers out there. So much so, I have passed this one onto my 10 year old. She is a few chapters in already and loving it!

I think what I loved so much about this book is not only the new prospective of what Heaven could be like, but also all the great lesson's within the pages of this fun story. I definitely took away a feeling of always treating people with respect and dignity. We truly can never know what someone else's life is really like or what they may be feeling until we take the time to get to really know them. We need to tell the people in our lives how we feel about them. It can all be taken away so quickly. Living with regrets is never a good thing. Also? Sometimes things happen for a reason. Whether good or bad, there is always something to be learned from the experience.

If I had but one negative thing to say? It would be that at times the SKYisms were a bit over done. However, I think that may have just been me and my adult prospective. I have a pretty big suspicion that they will be very well received from the middle grade crowd.

In the end, I recommend On The Bright Side to all middle grade and above readers. I think Gabby is definitely a character young girls will fall for. Coming from an adult prospective? I loved it. It is a fun, light read. I really do look forward to seeing where Gabby's next phase of training takes her and very much look forward to the second book!

Rating: 4.5 stars

Griffin's Fire by Darby Karchut

Griffin's Fire by Darby Karchut

April 2012 by Twilight Times Books

Source: from author for review

Format: ebook ARC

From DarbyKarchut's Website:

For centuries, there have been rumors about a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, these warriors and their apprentices clandestinely serve as guardians for humans in danger.

Forced to become mortal, ex-teen angel Griffin has been banished from the Terrae Angeli. Struggling to adjust, he enrolls in the heaven-and-hell known as high school. In spite of his friends’ support, Centennial High proves to be a battleground, complete with a malicious math teacher.

And to make matters worse, his Mentor, Basil, has been ordered to take on a new apprentice, the gifted and egotistical seventeen-year-old Sergei, whose covert attacks on Griffin makes home life as bleak as a Siberian winter.

Trapped between school, Sergei, and a desperate secret, Griffin is certain of one thing: the only way to fight a Cold War is with Fire.

My mini review:

Once again author, Darby Karchut has created a great middle grade read! Griffin is adorable as ever and Basil is still such a great father figure and brilliant man. Griffin’s Fire was somewhat tamer than book one. This second installment dealt more with the ‘human’ aspects of the story. Griffin has to deal with the fact that he is no longer a Terrae Angeli and must learn to deal with the day to day life of a normal teenager. On top of all of the new experiences in his life, he also has to deal with a new intrusion at home. We are introduced to a new character, Sergei, Basil’s newly appointed Tiro. Sergei added a great new element to the story. Sergei was a great force, but not overly evil. Not only was he a pain in Griffin’s butt, but poor, poor Basil. Having two teenage Tiro’s, one Wind and Water and the other Earth and Fire? Ya gotta feel for the man.

We also have seen the relationship between Griffin and Katie grow to an even deeper level. It has been kept on a PG13 level, but we can definitely feel their connection growing to a greater degree. Griffin has to deal with not being an angel, living a ‘normal’ life and having these feelings for a mortal girl and then we see Katie’s point of view. She has to deal with her growing feelings for Griffin as a ‘normal’ boy, yet knowing he is having a hard time being ‘normal’. Knowing that your boyfriend wishes he was someone else, someone that you most likely could not have a future with, because you would grow old and die and he would live on forever. That’s a lot for a girl to deal with.

While I loved the whole development of the characters and story, I really enjoyed the ending. The action of the first book resurfaced towards the end and a few twists and turns has made me even more excited for book 3…Griffin’s Storm. We are treated to a sneak-peak into book 3 and I must admit? I was bouncing once again. I look forward to seeing where book 3 takes Griffin and Basil. Darby Karchut cannot write fast enough for me!

I highly recommend this series to all the middle graders in your life. It is such a nice escape from the norm of YA out there right now. It’s nice to see a book from a male point of view and one with such an original storyline too. Well done, Darby!

Rating: 4.5 stars!

I will be back with a more detailed review closer to the release date in April. Stay tuned...

Unnatural Law by Natasha Larry

Unnatural Law by Natasha Larry

Oct 26, 2011 by Penumbra Publishing

Format: Ebook from Author for review

From Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Jaycie Lerner’s psychokinetic power surge is over, and her astounding powers are under control for the time being – sort of. As she struggles to maintain her humanity in the face of the awesome terror and responsibility of her abilities, she also yearns for the chance at a normal life – and a relationship with Matt Carter, the best friend she had to leave behind. But Matt’s got a few tricks up his sleeve, and he’s not about to give up on his feelings for Jaycie.

As Jaycie and her family grapple with the day-to-day routine of trying to keep their world together, Jaycie’s mother figure, Allison Young, endures a personal crisis of her own. The superhuman blonde possesses the physical equivalent of Jaycie’s awesome psychic power. So evolved, at ninety-two she still looks twenty. But what good is extended life when everyone else around her is so fragile? With no one to share her unusual life, she’s a uniquely lonely woman yearning for the romantic love she sees all around her. But in a dream she gets her wish – and it quickly turns to a nightmare for everyone else in her life. The memory of a rose is all she can hold onto in the storm of obsession that nearly sweeps her away.

Things quickly turn deadly for the vampires, but the Dey-Vah Guard fairies refuse to acknowledge there’s an imbalance in the nature they protect. As the danger gets ever closer to Jaycie and her family, the race is on to find answers before a secret plot can destroy them all.

My Review:

First off, the cover. I must admit that the cover for this second installment is much more appealing than the first. This cover somehow offsets the first one and I am finding myself liking the Darwin's Children cover more as seen as a set rather than on it's own.

Shall we talk about what's inside the cover, though? I loved this book! Author, Natasha Larry has created such an amazing series. I love that the focus still remains to be on love and family...or at least for me it is. This series is full of great, believable characters, lots of humor and some kick butt action!

The relationships between these characters are what keeps me so in tune and invested in this story. This is a highly character driven series...which I love! We not only got to know the main characters on a deeper level, but were also introduced to some new and exciting characters along the way. I am really enjoying the romance between Jaycie and Matt though. Matt has really grown through this second book and I have developed a VERY strong liking to this young man. Not only is he hot and funny, but his brain is wickedly sexy as well! What more could a girl ask for, really?

I honestly believe that this book and this series will be a huge success. It is something totally different from most other YA paranormal out there right now. The main thing that I love so much about this series is the strong family core...something severely lacking in most YA books today.

I can not say more really. If you are a lover of YA Paranormal? You MUST give Unnatural Law and this series a read. You will not be disappointed! Honestly! And Natasha? I am anxiously awaiting book 3! No rush, but I am waiting! ;0)

Rating: 4.5 Stars!

Kevin's Point of View by Del Shannon

Kevin's Point of View by Del Shannon

October 26th 2010 by Flatiron View Books

Format: ebook from author for review

From Goodreads:

Kevin Tobin is a relatively ordinary 12-year-old dealing with the aftermath of his father's death in a mountain biking accident near their home in Boulder, Colorado. To escape from his emotional turmoil, Kevin has developed his imagination into a dangerous foil and a powerful ally. While he antagonizes his sister through his superhero antics on an average Wednesday morning, his ability to escape inside a character's head become critical to his survival after his life is once-again turned upside down a year after his father's death. A mysterious package arrives in the mail, Kevin and his best friend are hunted down by a ruthless villain set upon world domination, and after enlisting Kevin's teenage sister and her pizza-delivery boyfriend in a battle for control over time itself, the secret of Kevin's whole existence is revealed to him by a source we never expected. Del Shannon's imaginative story, appreciation for the powers of family and the desire of young boys to both escape reality and prove themselves within it, and fast-paced, adventure-filled storytelling style make this a book with wide appeal for readers of all ages.

My Review:

First off? What a fun, fun, fun read this was! Kevin's Point of View quite honestly surprised me. Kevin and his best friend Tony, gave me many laugh out-loud moments. I love Kevin! I had read some other reviewers mention that Kevin's little 'episodes' with his imagination were very confusing and they did not enjoy them. I for one LOVED it! I guess for me, Kevin reminded me a lot of my oldest daughter...she has quite the vivid imagination as well. I kept her in mind as I read this book and I will be handing this book off to her soon. I KNOW she will LOVE it as much as Mom did!

This book is a funny, non-stop adventure. This is the perfect book for those reluctant readers in your life...especially boys. Okay yes, there might be some silliness too, but we are talking about a 12 yr old boy...hello? I really don't want to say too much about this one, other than GO read it! Is it life changing? No. Is it thought provoking? No. What it is? Fun! Funny! Delightful! Heartwarming! Oh and did I mention Fun?

I never read as a kid...ever! I so wish there had been books like this when I was young. I am lucky that my oldest daughter has found a love of reading at a young age. My youngest one? Not so much. I am always on the lookout for books with them in mind. It is books like Kevin's Point of View that get me so excited. It is books like this one that truly are what reading is all about to me. I can't wait to share this one with my little adventure lover!

Note to Del Shannon...we will be anxiously awaiting to hear more about Kevin and Tony! :0)

Rating: 4.5 Stars!