Title: The Homecoming
Author: Kate Hasbrouck
Genre: Christian Fantasy Fiction
Plot: Kerana is being sent to Earth to begin her duty as an Eldurian. Hers are a perfect people, without flaw and without sin, never experiencing the fall of man. Created by God to shepherd His people on Earth, they remain in the shadows, unnoticed. Kerana looks human, speaks like them, and has been taught to act like them. Above all her mission is to serve the humans.
Arriving on Earth, Kerana meets Eli at school. He is an ordinary human, with a father suffering from alcoholism, and a past that threatens to ruin his life. A star scholarship lacrosse player, Eli has to forget his true passion and live in a shell that doesn’t let anyone in. Until he meets Kerana. They find themselves intertwined in a connection that neither can quite explain. When this connection puts the two of them in danger, they find comfort and protection from each other. When Eli discovers that there is more to Kerana than just her stunning looks and grace, the Eldurians and their home planet of Eden may not remain a secret for very long.
* Description is from craftybooksheeps.blogspot.com*
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book!
It was written from the perspectives of Kerana and Eli. I sometimes find that when a story is told from two different perspectives it can feel choppy or is hard to follow. That wasn't this case with this book.
I think it helped to show the differences and similarities between Eldurians and Humans.
It was also nice to see what Eli and Kerana thought about the events happening throughout the story.
I liked the way the author handled the spiritual aspects.
The relationship between Adonai ( God) and Eli was beautifully done and, I think, Biblically accurate.
I also thought that the relationship between Adonai and the Eldurians was wonderful. The Eldurians, especially Kerana's parents, were great examples of a strong and loyal faith.
All in all a great read! I recommend it to those who enjoy Christian Fantasy and Sci-Fi.
My rating: 3.5
*Disclaimer*
As a part of The Homecoming book tour I was given a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Title: The Hollow Kingdom
Series: The Hollow Kingdom Trilogy- book one
Author: Clare B. Dunkle
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Plot:
When Kate and Emily Winslow's father dies, they are sent to live with their great-aunts.
One night Kate and Emily meet mysterious strangers that scare them. After meeting them, they realize that they might the goblins from local folk lore. Can Kate protect herself and her sister from the monsters in the night?
My thoughts:
This book is a mix of fantasy and historical fiction. It kind of reminded me Entwined by Heather Dixon , only more gothic.
That's what, I think, made me intrigued about this book.
This book is short for a YA fantasy novel, but it's very well written.
It has a diverse set of characters, is very fast paced, and has a unique storyline.
The only thing I didn't like was the magic found in it. Spells, curses, and fortune telling are prominent themes.
My rating: 3
Title: Dreamtreaders
Series: Dreamtreaders series
Number in series: 1
Author: Wayne Thomas Batson
Genre: Young Adult Christian Fantasy
Plot: 14-year-old Archer Keaton is a dreamtreader, a person who has the ability to control dreams and fight against nightmares. With his power comes great responsibility, which is something Archer's leader, Gabriel, isn't sure Archer has. When the Nightmare Lord begins to create havock in the dreamworld, Archer thinks he knows the solution. Is it worth the risk?
My thoughts: I have been wanting to read more Christian Fantasy lately. I had heard great things about Wayne Thomas Batson's books, so I decided to give Dreamtreaders a read. I'm very glad I did!
This book was fast paced and action packed, but not in a way to make it confusing. The author took time explain describe things and events well, which I think is necessary in the fantasy genre.
I hadn't read a book revolving around a dream world, so I found this interesting. The author did a great job of bringing out the similarities and differences found in the real world and dream world.
Since this book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger I 'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Search for the Shadow Key.
My rating: 4
Title: Entwined
Author: Heather Dixon
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Plot: In this retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses
Princess Azalea's mother has died, leaving Azalea, her eleven younger sisters, and father heartbroken. The only thing that brings Azalea and her sisters joy is dancing, which they learned from their mother. When Azalea and her sisters discover a hidden room in their castle where a mysterious man lives they don't know what to think. Could danger be around the corner?
My thoughts:
I had read two other retellings of the Twelve Dancing Princesses
before reading this book. Because of that is wasn't really expecting this to be anything new or extra special. I was wrong, however.
This is an absolutely gorgeous book! The author did a fantastic job at describing scenery, food, clothing, and dances. She took an all ready well known fairytale and turned it into a beautiful and well told story. The characters were unique, relatable, and had interesting personalities.
All in all a lovely book.
My rating: 4
Title: Pegasus
Author : Robin McKinley
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Plot:
When Princess Sylviianel 'Sylvi' turns twelve she is bonded to a pegasus like her ansestors before her. Royalty of Balsinland are bonded to a Pegasus to ensure foreign relations between humans and pegasi stay healthy.
Sylvi is bonded to a black pegasus named Ebon. Their relationship is unusual because they can talk to each other without a translater, something that hasn't happened before to any human and pegasus. As Sylvi and Ebon grow closer they learn that not everyone is happy about they realtionship.
What I liked about this book:
This is a very interesting and complex books.
There are many characters and subplots that showcase the author's imagination nicely.
The characters soon become familiar and seem very real at times.
It's easy to sympathize and relate to both Sylvi and Ebon.
The subplots keep the story moving and changing.
What I didn't like about this book:
This was a pretty long book ( 404 pages to be exact).
Some parts dragged on , which made me wish that the author had cut out a few scenes that weren't necessary to the plot line.
There were also a lot of flashback scenes to past events, which could get annoying at times.
There is some content in it also; there are a few mild cuss words and a very subtle reference to homosexual relationships between pegasi. Magic and spells are part of the plotline.
My rating: 2
Title: The Door in the Hedge
Author: Robin McKinley
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Plot: This book contains four short stories.
The Stolen Princess is about a land that borders Faerieland.
In this land a few newborn baby boys and seventeen- year-old girls are stolen by fairies and never seen again.
The Crown Princess, who is seventeen, is stolen and brought to Faerieland. She soon falls in love and has to make a choice to either stay in Faerieland or go home.
The Princess and the Frog is a retelling of the classic story with a few new elements.
The Hunting of the Hind is about A mysterious creature called the Hind that can make you lose your mind if you try to follow it.
When the Crown Prince comes back from chasing the Hind he is weak and dying. Can his sister find a way to save him?
The Twelve Dancing Princesses is a retelling of the original story with a few changes.
What I liked about this book: I don't read books very often that have several short stories in them often, so this was refreshing.
My favorite story was The Hunting of the Hind. It reminded me of The Tales of Goldstone Woods series, which I liked.
What I didn't like about this book: Magic and new age elements were in some of the stories, but it wasn't emphasized much.
My rating: 3
Title: Fairest
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Plot: Aza , the adopted daughter of an Innkeeper and his wife, lives in the country of Ayortha, were singing is a major part of life.
Aza has the loveliest singing voice in her region, which you think would make her very popular. The only problem is that Aza is more than plain- she is ugly.
When Aza is given a chance to go to the royal court she hopes to make something of herself, despite her looks.
Will a young,foolish queen and a magic mirror stop Aza's chance of happiness?
What I liked about this book:
Aza is a very realistic character. She wasn't pretty, charming, or witty. Aza was loyal, caring, and self sacrificing.
The plot was really great. It was inspired by ' Snow White' ,but it was written in a way that made in new and interesting.
What I didn't like about this book:
There was some magic in this book, but it wasn't the witchcraft kind.
My rating: 3
Title: The False Princess
Author: Ellis O' Neal
Genre: Teen Fantasy
Plot: Sixteen-year-old Princess Nalia is the heir to the throne of Thorvaldor. Soon after Nalia's birthday she learns she is not really the princess- she was taking the real Nalia's place so that the real Princess would be safe. Nalia, whose real name is Sinda, is heartbroken that she has been lied to all of her life. Sinda is soon sent away to live with her aunt in a small village.
When Sinda learns the truth about the real Nalia, Sinda must decide if she is will to risk her life in order to save Thorvaldor.
What I like about this book: This book seemed like it's based or inspired by a fairytale.
The plot was very interesting and kept me guessing. The characters were great, and some of them reminded me of characters from the Dragonkeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul.
What I didn't like about this book: Magic and spells are mentioned quite a lot. Some characters make crude remarks.
My rating: 2 . 5
Title: Dragonlight
Series: Dragonkeeper Chronicles
Author: Donita K. Paul
Genre: Christian Fantasy
Plot: WARNING! CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Sir Bardon and Lady Kale are on a quest to help Regidor and Gilda find the mysterious meech colony. At the meech colony things aren't as ideal as Regidor and Gilda had hoped.The meech hold a dark secret that could completely destroy Amara.
What I liked about this book: It was a good end to the Dragonkeeper Chronicles. Some charcters' past, like Toopka, are finally revealed.
What I didn't like about this book: It was sad to know this would be the last book in the series.
Would I recommend this? Yes! I would highly recommend the entire Dragonkeeper Chronicles series to anyone who likes Lord of the Rings, the Chronicles of Narnia, and Tales of Goldstone Woods.
Title: Dragonfire
Series: Dragonkeepper Chronicles
Author: Domiat K. Paul
Genre: Christian Fantasy
Plot: WARNING! CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Sir Bardon and Kale have now been married three years.
When Paladin puts Bardon and Kale on two different missions, that could take years to complete, Kale begins to question her calling.
What I liked about this book: Bardon and Kale were more mature in this book than in the rest of the series. It was neat to see their interactions with each other.
Some of my favorite characters were back in this book, which made me glad.
What I didn't like about this book: It was a little sad and gory at times.
Would I recommend this? Yes.
Title: Dragonknight
Series: Dragonkeeper Chronicles
Author: Donita K. Paul
Genre: Christian Fantasy
Plot: WARNING! CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
Bardon, who is about to become a Knight in Paladin's army, is taking a break from the world to relax and study at cabin. When Bardon arrives at the cabin three women are living in it that need his help. Should Bardon help them or take his much needed break?
What I liked about this book: You got to know and understand Bardon a little better. It had good humor, adventure, and allegorical meanings.
What I didn't like about this book: Nothing.
Would I recommend this? Yes, to people who have read the fisrst two books in the series.
Title: The Hobbit or There and Back Again
Series: None
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Genre: Fantasy
Plot: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, is living a very comfortable life when Gandalf, a wizard, comes to stay at Bilbo's home.
Gandalf invites Bilbo to join him and fourteen dwarves on a quest to find gold in a dragon's lair. Bilbo reluctantly joins the quest, but he soon wonders if he has made the right decision.
What I liked about this book: Practically everything!!! My favorite about this book though is J.R.R. Tolkien's writing style.
What I didn't like about this book: The Chapters are really long (Some are thirty pages or more)
Would I recommend this? Of course!
Title: Dragonquest
Series: Dragonkeeper Chronicles
Author: Donita K.Paul
Genre: Christian Fantasy
Plot: WARNING! CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS!
Kale Allerion is now training at The Hall. Kale has only been at The Hall a few months when she, and some of her old friends, are sent to find a meech dragon egg.
A meech dragon is very special- it is very intelligent, talented, and strong.
If the meech egg falls into the hands Risto, evil may fall on Amara.
What I liked about this book: I really enjoyed this book. The characters really grew on me, and now I am fond of them.
The plot was much more fast paced than Dragonspell, so it was an easy read.
What I didn't like about this book: I can't think of anything.
Would I recommend this? Yes.
Title: Dragonspell
Series: Dragonkeeper Chronicles
Author: Donita K. Paul
Genre: Christian Fantasy
Plot: When Kale, a village slave, finds a dragon egg she is sent to tell the members of The Hall. On the way Kale is stopped by two of Paladin's warriors and she soon finds herself on a quest.
Can Kale accept this to be Wulder's will?
What I liked about this book: It reminded me of Lord of the Rings, but it isn't a copyoff. It has humor, fun adventures, and likable characters.
What I didn't like about this book: It was kind of hard to get into the first 50 or so pages, but after that it got more fast paced.
Would I recommend this? Yes, definitely.
Title: Dragonwitch
Series: Tales of Goldstone Wood - book five
Author: Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Genre: Christian Fantasy
Plot: A dragon has to die three times before it is truly dead. The Dragonwitch has only died twice. Can an odd band of misfits, with the help of the Prince of Farthestshore, conquer the Dragonwitch once and for all?
What I liked about this book: It was great!!!!! Most series start getting boring after the the third or fourth installment, but Anne Elisabeth Stengl manages to keep my attention in every book.
What I didn't like about this book: Nothing.
Would I recommend this? Yes!!!!
Title: Songstone
Series: None
Author: Lena Goldfinch
Genre: Teen Fiction
Pages: 304
Plot: Kita is a servant girl of the evil Matiko, whom she hates.
When Pono, a journeymen from a nearby village, rescues Kita she believes her worries are over. Unfortunently Kita worries have just begun. Kita and Pono are kidnapped by the mysterious Huwi, who, just like Kita, are pale and have red hair.
Has Kita finally found her long lost family or enemies?
What I liked about this book: The story line had many twists and turns so you couldn't really guess how ended. The ending didn't make the peoples lives completely perefect, which was a breath of fresh air.
The world the book was set in reminded me think of Hawaii.
Also the charcters seemed like they could be real people.
What I didn't like about this book: It has a lot of magic in it, but dark magic is shown in an evil light.
Would I recommend this? Yes, especially to people who like books set in a different culture.
I received a free e-book copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Title: Starflower
Author: Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Series: Tales of Goldstone wood book four
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 349
Plot: The Bard Eanrin is seeking to find his kidnapped love, Lady Gleamdren. While on his quest Eanrin meets Starflower, a mute.
Starflower comes from a land that leaves in fear of the viscous Wolf Lord.
Eanrin shows Starflower a different world where hope lives. Together they must overcome an evil that will change their way of lives permanently.
What I liked about this book: This is a great book!!! It is one of my favorite books from the series.
What I didn't like about this book: Nothing.
Would I recommend this book: Yes!!!!!!
Title: Doon
Authors: Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon
Series: A Doon Novel
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 400
Plot: Veronica is your typical high schooler, who is have untypical dreams;She keeps seeing a blonde guy in a kilt.
Veronica's friend, Mackenna, thinks Veronica is seeing this guy because they are going to Scotland, so it is filtering into her subconscious.
Veronica knows she isn't crazy and she thinks going to Scotland will prove it,
What I liked about this book: The world Veronica and Mackenna go to is Brigadoon, the same world in the Brigadoon musical. I like the Brigadoon musical, so that element in the book interested me
The writing style reminded me of Jenny B. Jones' books, which I liked a lot.
What I didn't like about it: This book contains language, a ton of innuendo, and quite a few inappropriate scenes.
Would I recommend this book? Because of the bad content, no.
