Dragon Stone by Kristian Alva

Dragon Stones by Kristian Alva

Defiant Press – July 14,2011

www.kristianalva.com

Facebook: not sure

Emperor Vosper has this plan to kill all of the dragons. They are driven to the edge of existence, almost forgotten about and only talked about in whispers as a wistful memory. When Elias Dorgumir finds a dragon stone, he gets more than he bargained for and his nice quiet life is completely shattered. Now he must escape the emperor and find safety with the dwarves.

 What can I say? I am so excited about this series! I can’t wait to get the second book to review. It has been my experience that fantasy books; regardless of the target age groups are always either really good or really bad. I don’t think that I have ever read one that was just “okay”. If I have, I don’t remember it.  This truly was an unexpected delight. Honestly, the only thing that really bothered me was the fact that the action was set in motion with the cliché kid who doesn’t listen to his grandmother because he wants to help out. It is a little cliché but man, nicely done.

            What I loved loved loved about this book was that it didn’t bog you down with the history of the land or the details of world building.  You start in a time when great battles have already been fought, the evil emperor is already in charge and the people of the land are simply trying to survive. The history is given in snippets at just the right time and you’re never given more than you need. Elias, what a character with potential! There wasn’t a lot of depth given to him, as far as the role that he will ultimately play in the story but I like him. There is clearly more to learn about him and the secrets of his family.

            The ending! Oh. My. Goodness. I was at work when I got to the last page, to the last sentence. Talk about a cliffhanger, a sentence that just totally baseball bat slammed to the face hit you. So not fair and I DEFINITELY want more- RIGHT NOW!

            There wasn’t a lot heart-pounding action, but there was definite flow. There was definite edge-of-your-seat-can’t-stop-turning-pages attraction with this book. And I definitely can’t wait to get my hands on the next one.

Recommendation: Middle grade/Young adult

Rating: Absolutely fantastic, a book that will definitely be kept and passed around to the youngsters in my life! (And probably even some adults)

This book was given to me, free, in exchange for my honest review.

Really? What are you waiting for, go get this book!!

Always Shine,

Starr K

Nick of Time by Tim Downs

Nick of Time by Tim Downs

Thomas Nelson – May 17, 2011

 Timdowns.net

Facebook: Yes

            Nick is going to be married, Saturday-if he solves the murder of a close and old friend and if he can stay alive that long. And if his fiancé doesn’t kill him first. An old friend contacts Nick and asks for his assistance in a cold case that his friend is very close to solving. Nick takes off to help his friend a week before he’s supposed to get married. In the true fashion of the previous Bug Man adventures, nothing is as it seems.

*For those who have not read Ends of the Earth, I will not reveal the name of Nick’s fiancé.*

Yes, I am completely biased and I only feel that I should I put that out there before I tell you what I think of this book.  I love Tim Downs’ books and always find myself completely surprised when reading his books.  I love the Bug Man himself, Nick. But more than that just when you think you know him and he won’t surprise, you find out something new about him. There are only a couple of Bug Man novels I haven’t gotten to, and they are sitting on my shelf waiting on my review list to shrink.

But being completely biased, I am not sure if I can truly capture my enthusiasm for this book completely, I am not sure if I can complete convey how fantastically happy this book made me. It took me a minute to get to this book, but when I started I couldn’t put it down. I don’t think it’s even possible to get enough of Nick and his adventures. No matter what they have in common (they always deal with solving some kind of crime) there’s always enough new and good stuff, that you can’t possible get tired of the Bug Man.

I am not a bug person, I don’t like them and to be honest when I see them I am more likely to kill them. But it is grossly fascinating how much information can be gathered from the simple presence (or absence) of a particular species of insects.

            This story has it all. A woman who go to the ends of the earth to find out the truth from the man that she loves and even willing to face the fact that he may have changed his mind about the wedding and her. One man who will risk it all for the sake of helping an old friend solve a long forgotten cold case. A best friend who will go to great lengths to show a soon-to-be groom the truth he’s running. Action and mystery to keep you engaged and turning the pages. Finally, an end that you never saw coming.

            No Bug Man novel would be the same without the side characters that you have gotten to know better over time. They help add humor and insight into Nick and his fiancé.

Rating: Thoroughly enjoyable read.

Recommendation: You definitely need to add this to your collection if you’re already a Tim Downs fan, and if not, what are you waiting for?

A free copy of this book was given to me in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to Booksneeze.

Always Shine,

Starr K.