The Sapphire Flute by Karen E. Hoover

The Sapphire Flute
by Karen E. Hoover

YA Fantasy
370 pages, hardbound
Target Reader: 14+

Valor Publishing Group
978-1-935546-07-8
Release Date: March 16, 2010



From the publisher:

It has been 3,000 years since a white mage has been seen upon Rasann.

In the midst of a volcanic eruption miles outside of her village, Ember discovers she can see magic and change the appearance of things at will. Against her mother's wishes, she leaves for the mage trials only to be kidnapped before arriving. In trying to escape, she discovers she has inherited her father's secret—a secret that places her in direct conflict with her father's greatest enemy.

At the same time, Kayla is given guardianship of the sapphire flute and told not to play it. The evil mage, C'Tan, has been searching for it for decades and the sound alone is enough to call her. For the flute to be truly safe, Kayla must find its birthplace in the mountains high above Javak. The girls' paths are set on a collision course...a course that C'Tan is determined to prevent at all costs.

I just had the pleasure of reading The Sapphire Flute (Book 1 of The Wolfchild Saga) by my friend, Karen E. Hoover. I love YA fantasy and I especially love it when there is a unique and believable world and strong female characters. This story had both.

Karen has created Rasann with a clever and diverse magical system, where each of the gods of the world are associated with a color and an object. In this book, we learn about the Sapphire Flute which creates magic when played.

The Sapphire Flute is the story of Ember and Kayla, both young women trying to find their way in a confusing world with the typical teenage angst and issues compounded by their newly acquired magical powers—all while avoiding the notice and wrath of C'Tan, the villain who wants to take their powers and use them for her own purposes.

Ember's father died when she was an infant and her mother keeps her sheltered from the world of magic. However, Ember soon discovers she's inherited some of her father's magical shape-shifting powers and her journey becomes one of learning who she is, where she came from, and how to wield the magic that is a part of her.

Kayla is mysteriously gifted the Sapphire Flute with the charge to keep it safe from C'Tan, at all costs. A bit impetuous, she must learn to control her impulses and her desire to play the flute, while figuring out what she's supposed to do with it.

Both girls take individual journeys that will eventually (I presume, in future books) bring them together for a final battle against evil.

For me, this was almost a 4 star book. Most of it was very good, but there were a few places where the pacing was off and the characterization a little confusing. The setting was pre-industrial but at times almost seemed too modern.

That said, for a debut book, Karen has done a good job creating this world and introducing us to characters that live and breathe. I'm looking forward to seeing more of their journey. I will definitely read book two in this series.

I think this book will appeal most to readers in the 12 to 14 age range, especially girls who like a good fantasy. Adult readers who love YA fantasy may also enjoy the book.

Plot:

Characters:

Ending:

Cover: The cover is way to modern for the story line.



Content Ratings

Language:

Violence: C'Tan is pretty evil. She kills her brother and other innocent people.

Drugs/Alcohol:

Immorality:

Values/Themes:

Age Appropriate:

Writing Mechanics: Slightly inconsistent.


*Valor Publishing provided me with an ARC for this review.


© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush
by Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

YA Paranormal Fantasy
400 pages, Hardcover
Target reader: 14+

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
978-1416989417
Release Date: October 13, 2009



From the publisher:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Read excerpt.

**NOTE: Some spoilers contained in this review.**

I heard so much about this book that I was really looking forward to reading it. While it was okay—basic plot is good and has potential, characters are okay, idea of fallen angels and nephilim is intriguing—it's not going on my all-time favorites list.

One complaint I have is that the book is uneven, inconsistent. Sometimes the plot is really good, sometimes it's predictable, sometimes confusing. Sometimes the pacing is good; sometimes it's too slow. Sometimes the characters are great; sometimes they're flat. There's some violence. I guess when you're dealing with fallen angels, you get that. There is also way too much sexual innuendo for my comfort.

Another complaint is the romantic relationship is so one-sided. Patch is mean, dangerous, and doesn't have Nora's best interests at heart. In fact, he tries to kill her more than once. And Nora knows it! Or at least, she's pretty sure about it. Patch is constantly rude to Nora, pushing her away—but every once in awhile, he gives her a little crumb of positive attention and she is such an idiot that she falls for it. And falls for him. Even though she is afraid of him. What is wrong with her?!?

But my biggest complaint is that it just is unbelievable in too many places. For example (there will be some spoilers):

• Nora takes iron pills when she's stressed and they work immediately to de-stress her. Really? Iron pills do that? Why haven't we heard of that before?
  
  
• The high school science teacher does a sex ed class, using students as examples. Totally inappropriate. He'd be fired—or worse.
  
  
• Nora is caught in the records office by the principal. She gives him a really lame excuse for being there and he buys it. No consequences. Seriously?
  
  
• Nora, who is portrayed as ultra-responsible, leaves her best friend at an amusement park with two guys they barely know so she can be with Patch. Who would do that?
  
  
• Nora calls her purse a handbag. My grandma calls her purse a handbag, but I don't know any 16 year old that would.
  
  
• Nora always keeps her cell phone in her pocket. Always. But when she needs to be caught without resources in the story line, she has conveniently left it in the car. Don't buy it.
  
  
• The previous school psychiatrist is calle DR. Hendrickson; the new one is MISS Greene. What? And she doesn't act like a psychiatrist at all, offering Nora orange juice, shaking her hand, offering up her back story with very little prompting.
  
  
• Nora lives out in the middle of nowhere, with the nearest house a mile away. Yet her mother regularly leaves her alone for weeks when she travels for work. No. No good mother would do that.

And there was so much more that just fell short of my willing suspension of disbelief. Clueless adults. Stupid girls. Unlikeable heroes. And yet...

Now that I've picked the book apart, I do have to say that the parts that were good, were good. This is my first book about fallen angels and nephilim, so that's a new idea for me. It was actually kind of fun to think about.

Nora and Patch have that same doomed, yet irresistible attraction that is so popular in the current paranormal fantasies. (Think Twilight.) I mostly like Nora, despite her idiocy at times. And when Patch isn't acting like a jerk, I like him. But I don't think Nora and Patch will replace Bella and Edward in the hearts of YA paranormal romance lovers.

Some parts of the plot were very good. There were some unexpected twists. It wasn't completely obvious who the bad boy was, or who Miss Greene would turn out to be. That was good. Also, it was a very easy read. Despite it's unbelievable parts, it was easy to get lost in the story. I also found the ending very intriguing and loaded with potential, and yes, I will be reading the next one in the series.

Plot:

Characters:

Ending:


Cover: Awesome cover!


Content Ratings

Language: Some light swearing; some sexual innuendo.

Violence: Murder, attempted murder. Masked men break in and terrorize teenage girls. There's a whole crazy demon scene at the end that's pretty violent.

Drugs/Alcohol: Trying to remember on this...I think there's some underage drinking.

Immorality: Begins with implied out-of-wedlock relationship; sex jokes and innuendo; steamy kissing scenes.

Values/Themes: This is another one of those books where the girl goes for the bad boy with no obvious redeeming characteristics because she feels like she knows him. This is stupid and dangerous behavior.

Age Appropriate: I'd say 16 or older.

Writing Mechanics: My editing fingers were really itching on this one.


© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins

Dark Pursuit
by Brandilyn Collins

Mystery/Suspense
288 pages, softcover
Target reader: Adult

Zondervan
978-0310302179
Release date: December 1, 2008



From the publisher:

'Ever hear the dead knocking?'

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, recluse and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she’s rebuilding her life.

But in Kaitlan’s town two women have been murdered, and she’s about to discover a third. She’s even more shocked to realize the culprit—her boyfriend, Craig, the police chief’s son.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he’ll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell’s muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan’s plight may be the stunning answer to the elusive plot he seeks...

Read an excerpt.

I almost loved this book. It had such potential. So many possible twists and turns. It was very suspenseful, so many times I was on the edge of my seat as I read it—and then something sort of ridiculous would happen. I've heard from others that this is their least favorite of Collins' books. While I liked Dark Pursuit as a one-day quick read that was a fun escape, it wasn't in the same category of yummy goodness as Exposure.

The characterization was okay. Kaitlyn was believable, although pretty gullible and naive. Although I didn't "like" Darrell, he stayed true to his grumpy, selfish, curmudgeon self. Craig was a bit of a caricature, as was his father the police chief, and Margaret, Darrell's live-in assistant.

There were some plot holes. Particularly the foreshadowing necessary for us to believe it when the killer is finally revealed. I can't say much more than that because I don't want to ruin it for anyone else, but I really didn't think Collins set the stage enough for us to be willing to accept the character she chose as the killer, without feeling a bit cheated. Yes. I said it. I felt cheated at the end and therefore, the overall enjoyment factor dipped.

I did enjoy the psychological construction of the aging author trying to relive his glory days, while losing his focus and memory. I also liked the theme of a family working out their problems and coming to a place of forgiveness and acceptance. As with Collins' other works, I like the theme of prayer and trusting God in the midst of your struggles. Definitely a Christian perspective but not at all preachy.

There is quite a bit of violence but no sensuality. There is a pre-marital affair. Kaitlyn is pregnant, but we don't go into the bedroom.

Overall, I don't recommend this book as Collins' best but it's okay for borrowing from the library to fill up a lazy afternoon.


Plot:

Characters:

Ending:

Cover: Kind of boring...



Content Ratings

Language:

Violence: Murders, shootings, descriptive photos of crime scenes, blood.

Drugs/Alcohol:

Immorality: Kaitlyn is pregnant and not married. No bedroom scenes.

Values/Themes:

Age Appropriate: Okay for older teens.

Writing Mechanics: Just a few glitches, but not too bad until the big reveal. The ending where the murderer is revealed gets a .


© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Exposure by Brandilyn Collins

Exposure
by Brandilyn Collins

Mystery/Suspense
272 pages, softcover
Target reader: Adult

Zondervan
978-0310561538
Release date: May 1, 2009



From the publisher:

When your worst fear comes true...

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone knows she's a little crazy. Kaycee's popular syndicated newspaper column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in her small town are well aware she makes money writing of her experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Pictures of a dead man mysteriously appear in her home—then vanish before police arrive. Multi-sensory images flood Kaycee's mind. Where is all this coming from?

Maybe she is going over the edge.

High action and psychological suspense collide in this story of terror, twists, and desperate faith. The startling questions surrounding Kaycee pile high. Her descent to answers may prove more than she can survive.

Read Chapter 1.

I was excited when DH gave me a Kindle for our anniversary. I sort of went crazy and downloaded a bunch of free or nearly free books. I found some good new authors I'd never heard of before. Brandilyn Collins is one of them.

Exposure is classic suspense with lots of thrills and chills but no swearing or immorality. I loved it!

Kaycee is phobic and someone is taking advantage. She's a bit of a whiner, but finds the courage to face her fears for the sake of someone she cares about. I really like that she prays for help. She's a woman of faith, but it's not preachy.

Most of the characterization is pretty good. A few of the secondary characters are light on depth, but the plot and the suspense more than makes up for it. There is something really cool about the plot twists—but I can't hint at it or it will ruin it for you. All I'll say is there was a point in the book where I thought the author/editors had made a mistake. When I discovered it was intentional, it made the book even better for me.

There is some violence—kidnappings, murders, beatings, bloody crime scenes. We get descriptions of the scenes and smells, but the visual gore is minimal and not over the top like some other authors I've read lately.

The only bad thing I can say is she really hits us over and over on the fear/phobia thing. I wanted to scream, "Yes! You're phobic! I get it!!!" And the epilogue was way too long. But other than that, I give Exposure 3.75 stars, almost a 4.

Plot:

Characters:

Ending:

Cover:



Content Ratings

Language:

Violence: Kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, beatings, some bloody crime scenes.

Drugs/Alcohol:

Immorality:

Values/Themes:

Age Appropriate: Okay for older teens.

Writing Mechanics: Just a few glitches, but not too bad.


© 2010 It's a Book Affair