Tag Archive | survival

W is Will in Scarlet, by Matthew Cody (book review) – Robin Hood, from the beginning

Apr26

book cover of Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody published by Knopf Books for Young ReadersSwashbuckling revenge!
Concealed identities!
A legend in the making – Robin Hood!

While King Richard is Crusading, alliances in England twist and flip, forcing young Will from his home, into the arms of thieves in Sherwood Forest, then back to Shackley Castle with revenge burning in him.

This 2013 tale of a young lord forced to live like his vassals will have a new cover in its August 2014 paperback edition, but I prefer the hardback cover art.

What’s your favorite Robin Hood variation?
**kmm

Book info:  Will in Scarlet / Matthew Cody. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013.  [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Seized by evil King John’s men, Will flees into Sherwood Forest where he must gain the Merry Men’s trust before trying to recapture his own home castle.

With King Richard and his Crusaders captured for ransom abroad, Prince John’s grab for England’s throne punishes many loyal subjects. Will’s family is forced from Shackley Castle, but the young lord evades John’s men and meets up with a boy named Much, Little John, Rob the Drunk, and the other Merry Men.

Sneaking into the castle and filching the treasure of the man who took Will’s home at John’s bidding puts them on Sir Guy’s most wanted list and earns the Merry Men the wrath of Tom Crooked’s rival bandit gang.

Rob’s a great tactician when sober, Much is more than he seems, and now Will helps the vassals on Shackley land with silver stolen from Sir Guy.

Soon Sherwood Forest’s many hiding places may not be enough as the Sheriff of Nottingham joins in the hunt for Wolfslayer Will and his companions in this adventure tale of Robin Hood’s early days. (One of 7,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

V is Violet, trapped Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, by April Tucholke (book review)

Apr25

book cover of Between the Deviland the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke published by DialIntoxicating kisses,
Devil seen in the graveyard,
Suicide, blood, and madness –
O, the things that happen after River comes to town!

Such a summer of secrets and frights – River West woos 17-year-old Violet with his gorgeous eyes and tricksy talk, makes awful and outrageous things happen in her sleepy coastal town, smooths over things with her twin Luke as their artist parents stay and stay and stay in Europe.

Read an excerpt from this romance-slash-horror story here. The Speak paperback will be published July 2014, but you shouldn’t wait that long to travel to the old clifftop mansion and discover River’s secret since Between the Spark and the Burn  comes out in August 2014, and you must know the beginning of the tale before you can follow the trail…

**kmm

Book info: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea / April Genevieve Tucholke. Dial Books, 2013.  [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Violet and Luke expect another boring summer until River arrives to rent their guesthouse – then the teens experience a thrill ride of attraction, mystery, horror, and evil.

With their artist parents in Europe for months, the 17-year-old twins are cash-poor in the big cliffside house. Renting to River West makes perfect sense, until he lies with his charming smile, convinces Violet to stay near him always, and brings death to their sleepy town.

And then there’s the matter of the Devil seen in the cemetery… River’s brother coming to Echo… more death…

Secrets about Violet’s beloved grandmother and their artistic family’s ties to the townspeople must take a backseat to the horror which River’s arrival has unleashed – what evil will arrive on the next train or the next?

Followed by Between the Spark and the Burn  (August 2014), this Gothic romance/thriller makes the idea of ‘devil boys’ all too believable.

S is William Shakespeare’s Star Wars, by Ian Doescher (book review) – yea, Verily a New Hope!

Apr22

book cover of William Shakespeare's Star Wars Verily a New Hope by Ian Doescher published by Quirk BOoksIn a galaxy far, far away…
In iambic pentameter,
Hark! William Shakespeare’s Star Wars is nigh!

When Ian Doescher’s love of the original Star Wars movie collided with Shakespeare’s plays performed in new arrangements and Quirk Books’ celebrated mashups like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (a personal fave), he began this trilogy.

As Luke mourns the death of his mentor, Princess Leia observes “His heart breaks for a person, Obi-Wan — My heart breaks for a people, Alderaan…”

If Star Wars is your thing, you’ll definitely enjoy this 400-year throwback with its familiar plot; if Shakespearean style is your preference, you’ll have too much fun reading the famous film in this format.

Thou must view the book trailer – verily, a worthy way to celebrate the Bard’s birthday tomorrow!

**kmm

Book info:  William Shakespeare’s  Star Wars: Verily, a New Hope / Ian Doescher. Inspired by the work of George Lucas and William Shakespeare. Quirk Books, 2013. [author site]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: “Friends, rebels, starfighters, lend me your ears,” declaims Luke Skywalker as the rebellion begins its campaign against the Death Star.

Yes, this is the Star Wars story which started them all, retold in iambic pentameter as W. Shakespeare would have staged it!

The chorus sets the scene on Tatooine or in space, R2-D2’s asides give us insight into the plucky little droid’s character, and Chewbacca says “Auuggh!” as well he ought.

Already knowing the plot and details of this story allows readers unfamiliar with Shakespeare’s poetic play style to experience its rhythms and pacing with ease.

First in Doescher’s well-played series, Verily, a New Hope  is followed by The Empire Striketh Back  (Star Wars Part the Fifth), with the final volume of the trilogy, The Jedi Doth Return, scheduled for July 2014 publication.

As says Obi-Wan’s ghost, “Remember me, O Luke, remember me, And ever shall the Force remain with thee!”  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

R is Riese: Kingdom Falling, by Greg Cox (book review) – princess undercover, in danger

Apr21

book cover of Riese Kingdom Falling by Greg Cox published by Simon Schuster Books for Young ReadersWarring kingdoms,
A menacing cult,
Calm future shattered for this princess.

Riese doesn’t relish the tedium of running her kingdom some day, but she didn’t wish to become a fugitive with a price on her nearly 16-year-old head either. All because of a kiss?

Whether you’re already a fan of the Syfy.com series (all 10 webisodes free here) or new to the world of Eleysia, this steampunk-slash-fantasy is a journey into adventure you don’t want to miss.

And who wouldn’t want to have a telepathic wolf fighting on their side? Read chapter 1 here free.

**kmm

Book info:  Riese: Kingdom Falling / Greg Cox; concept by Ryan Copple and Kaleena Kiff. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012. [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk:  On the run, Riese and her wolf try to save her royal family and kingdom from a strange mechanical cult bent on world conquest.

Meeting a young artist while away from the palace in servant guise is thrilling for Riese, who dreads becoming Crown Princess soon and losing her freedom to ride and explore.  His intentions toward her are honorable; toward her kingdom…no.

Intricate clockwork gifts presented to the royal family by the Sect cannot hide the grumbling of kingdoms destabilized by the harsh goddess’s followers, and soon Eleysia’s borders are threatened.

Will the mind-bond between Riese and wolf cub Fenrir endure?
Can Riese convince the Queen that alliance with the Sect is folly?
Will the King allow his warrior-daughter to fight alongside him?

Ancestral tradition battles malign technology in Riese: Kingdom Falling, an action-packed adventure as well as a prequel to the Syfy web video series.

Q is The Wild Queen, by Carolyn Meyer (book review) – Mary Queen of Scots as a young royal

Apr19

book cover of The Wild Queen by Carolyn Meyer published by Houghton Mifflin HarcourtCatholic vs. Protestant,
Cousin vs. cousin,
Room for both in the British Isles?

Step into the glittering royal court of France, the bitterly cold winter of Scotland, and the push-pull relationship between Mary Queen of Scots and her cousin Queen Elizabeth I in this fascinating novel filled with intrigue, plots, and danger.

Which royal person’s story most fascinates you?
**kmm

Book info: The Wild Queen: The Days and Nights of Mary, Queen of Scots (Young Royals series)  / Carolyn Meyer. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012 (paperback, 2013).  [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Mary’s daring gamble for the Scottish throne could be her last royal act, but the risk is worth the reward.

Sent to France as a very young girl to be raised in the royal court and become wife of Francis I, Princess Mary is merely a bargaining chip to her ambitious relatives.

When widowed at age 18, Mary vows to rule over her homeland of Scotland as is her right, no matter who stands in the way.

However, she is not the only royal woman in the British Isles to master statecraft and subterfuge; her cousin Elizabeth is prepared to keep Mary’s ambitions from affecting her own reign, at any cost.

Another compelling tale of Young Royals in the acclaimed series by Carolyn Meyer, this Wild Queen‘s days (and nights) are surely numbered.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

N for Noggin, by John Corey Whaley (book review) – frozen 5 years, what’s new?

Apr16

book cover of Noggin by John Corey Whaley published by Atheneum Books for Young ReadersTime stood still for him;
Five years passed while he slept…

Head transplants, lost love, and faltering friendships – well, not everything about the near future is different from today.

Travis really has to use his Noggin  to cope with all the changes in his friends, family, and world which happened while his head was in cryogenic storage.

Would you have yourself frozen in hopes that future medicine could save you?
**kmm

Book info: Noggin / John Corey Whaley. Atheneum Books, 2014. [author site] [publisher site] [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: His head frozen for five years, Travis awakens with another guy’s body, the same high school schedule, and big questions about his girlfriend, his best friend, and life-the-second-time-around.

The head-freezing thing was experimental, trying to save the sixteen year old when cancer ravaged his body. His family, friends and girlfriend are attempting to move on with their lives when – much sooner than anticipated – medical technology reattaches his head to a donor body .

Fan mail (and some hate mail) floods in – is he a medical miracle, a messiah, a devil?
Travis wakes up expecting Cate to be his girlfriend, but she’s at college now, engaged to someone else.

Trying to win back Cate’s affections, go back to normal kidding-around with Kyle, and get used to his taller donor body, Travis wonders how he’ll make the most of his second chance at life in this funny and emotional sci-fi book. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

M is Maile Meloy’s The Apprentices (book review) – chasing mystery around the world

Apr15

book cover of The Apprentices by Maile Meloy published by GP Putnam This potion makes you a bird,
this one lets you enter another’s mind,
the apothecary of peace creates many powerful mixtures,
and evil persons want them all…

As the Cold War heats up, our friends Janie, Benjamin, and Pip must  travel the world to find one another and prevent the ancient secrets of the Apothecaries from becoming weapons!

Please do read the first book in the series, The Apothecary (my review here), before savoring The Apprentices in your choice of formats, including its June 2014 paperback edition.

Can peace prevail over the desire for power?
**kmm

Book info: The Apprentices (Apothecary, book 2) / Maile Meloy; illustrations by Ian Schoenherr. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2013.  [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: As Janie’s water desalination chemistry project succeeds in 1954, the teen knows that only her friend Benjamin can help her keep its true secrets from falling into the wrong hands.

Although halfway around the world, the friends can finally talk after 2 years of coded letters because Benjamin and his apothecary father have discovered an amazing instant communication method.

Janie realizes that the attack on her chemistry equipment and her expulsion from school were caused by her roommate’s greedy father who owns an island in Malaya.

Being kidnapped, flying in bird form between Pacific islands, eluding a cargo cult – Benjamin and Janie must prevail over terrible odds to prevent disaster in this exciting sequel to The Apothecary.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

L is Lucier’s tale of Spanish flu and fear: A Death-Struck Year (book review)

Apr14

book cover of A Death Struck Year by Makiaa Lucier published by Houghton Mifflin HarcourtSwift, deadly, merciless,
striking the young and healthy first,
the “Spanish” influenza killed 3 times more people than World War I did in 1918.

When Jack taught younger sister Cleo to drive, he couldn’t have imagined that she would soon be traveling into Portland’s poorest neighborhoods, trying to stop the flu’s rapid spread with pamphlets and cotton face masks…

This fascinating story of a little-discussed major historical event shows us the pandemic’s impact on just one city, through Cleo’s eyes.

Where is the line between courage and foolhardiness?
**kmm

Book info: A Death-Struck Year / Makiia Lucier. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers, 2014.   [author interview]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: In 1918, Cleo impulsively volunteers with the Red Cross and finds herself surrounded by the world’s deadliest disease.

The Spanish flu arrives in Oregon when her brother’s house is closed during his travels, but 17-year-old Cleo knows how to drive and won’t stay at boarding school another minute.

Volunteering to distribute face masks and information in Portland, she encounters homes where all have sickened and died in a day, brave nurses risking their lives to save others, and one particular young doctor wounded in the Great War and now fighting death on the home front.

As the flu strikes down more and more healthy young people, will Cleo survive? (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

I is India – All My Noble Dreams and Then What Happens, by Gloria Whelan (book review)

Apr10

book cover of All My Noble Dreams and Then What Happens by Gloria Whelan published by Simon Schuster Books for Young ReadersOppressed by outsiders,
India longs for independence,
Gandhi‘s eloquence speaks for millions.

In the 1920s, British young ladies like Rosy oughtn’t concern themselves with political matters, but she believes that her beloved India deserves freedom.

Even though All My Noble Dreams  is a sequel to Whelan’s 2011 Small Acts of Amazing Courage,  you’ll easily be able to follow Rosy’s journey without reading the first book.

Find this fictional look at a tumultuous historical era at your local library or independent bookstore in 2013 hardcover or the paperback edition published on April 1st.

When do you know that it’s time to stand up for what is right?
**kmm

Book info:  All My Noble Dreams and Then What Happens / Gloria Whelan. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2013 (paperback 2014). [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Rosy thinks it most unfair that India is ruled by England, but even she is surprised at what she will risk in 1921 for its independence.

Her British Army officer father tolerates the teen’s volunteer teaching of Indian children, but forbids her listening to Gandhi’s speeches, insisting that these people cannot govern themselves.

Rosalind agrees to take a letter from the independence leaders to the Prince of Wales himself when he visits. Sneaking the Prince out of his hotel in disguise to see India beyond the jeweled ceremonies is her own idea…

How much can one British girl do to help the land she now loves?

This well-crafted sequel to Small Acts of Amazing Courage  takes readers into the years of India’s struggle for independence with vivid accuracy and great heart.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

H is Hansen’s literary mystery The Butterfly Sister (book review)

Apr9

book cover of The Butterfly Sister by Amy Gail Hansen published by William MorrowNotes in the book margin,
clues to a missing person
or invitation back into disaster?

Ruby’s precipitous flight from college during her final semester kept her from going insane. Was the problem how intensely she studied suicidal writers or was it the married professor who broke her heart?

The Butterfly Sister mystery widens when Ruby ventures back onto the college campus for clues about a missing classmate and learns that her own story of jilted love and near-madness is well-known…and is happening once again.

Is blocking out memories the best way to stay sane?
**kmm

Book info:  The Butterfly Sister / Amy Gail Hansen.  William Morrow, 2013. [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: When a suitcase she borrowed once from a college friend arrives on her doorstep, Ruby tries to return it, but discovers that Beth has vanished. In the suitcase is a copy of A Room of One’s Own, with Beth’s cryptic notes, leading Ruby back to Tarble College for the first time since she fled during her senior year.

Studying women authors who drove themselves to suicide is a tricky business, Ruby had been warned, but her professor (handsome and married) was sure she could bring new light to the material. Instead, she had to escape from Tarble before she joined their sisterhood of madness and tragedy.

But why did Beth have that book in that suitcase, and where did she go?
What are the current Tarble professors trying to tell Ruby about their former colleague?
Will returning to the scene of her broken heart send Ruby into an emotional tailspin again?

Literature, love, mystery, and madness – follow The Butterfly Sister.