Book Review | HERO AT THE FALL by Alwyn Hamilton

March 6th, 2018
 Viking Books for Young Readers

The breathless finale to the New York Times bestselling Rebel of the Sands series will have you on the edge of your seat until the dust from the final battle clears!

When gunslinging Amani Al'Hiza escaped her dead-end town, she never imagined she'd join a revolution, let alone lead one. But after the bloodthirsty Sultan of Miraji imprisoned the Rebel Prince Ahmed in the mythical city of Eremot, she doesn't have a choice. Armed with only her revolver, her wits, and her untameable Demdji powers, Amani must rally her skeleton crew of rebels for a rescue mission through the unforgiving desert to a place that, according to maps, doesn't exist. As she watches those she loves most lay their lives on the line against ghouls and enemy soldiers, Amani questions whether she can be the leader they need or if she is leading them all to their deaths.

I fall into a habit of reading sequels so far apart, sometimes I have to go back to my notes for references. The longest on record was eight years before I read the sequel. REBEL OF THE SANDS (Book #1) was one of the best books I read in April of last year. That’s why I was so happy that TFG’s genre for February was Fantasy, allowing me to finish the next two books in the trilogy in quick succession. (Yay, self!)

HERO AT THE FALL started where TRAITOR TO THE THRONE left off. Like the first two books, there is no downtime or slacking moments here, everything moved along fluidly. It’s my heart, actually, that needed keeping up. Highlights and action sequences were both given ample emphasis. I really admire how Amani and Jin’s relationship, incredible as it is, never overshadowed the storyline.

Since we are in the subject of relationship, I like how the characters meld together, while holding on to their identities and intended purpose. They were all developed nicely, good or bad, they were very convincing. Amani, indeed, came a long way – a rebellious young girl who wanted to escape out, into a fully-realized rebel fighting for the survival of her world.

And yes, heroes do fall along the way. I knew that I was really deep into the series, when I held onto every page of the book, fearing that the next page may be another goodbye for a character. Miss Hamilton is no fickle in killing off characters. Maybe, she’s related to GRRM? It made this series even more compelling because I held onto the notion that their death will not be for naught... that there will be a very rewarding ending. Overly dramatic? Of course, this series can turn any reader into one. We are speaking of Djinn and Demdji powers here.

And lastly, I am in awe of the worldbuilding. The seamless mapping of the place was so vivid. I never imagined falling for an imagined world, but I did fell for Miraji and its people. I even fell for Dustwalk, that remote town at the end of the desert. Did I mention Djinn and Demdji powers?

Stories. Some stories turn into legends. In some, details were impregnated as they were told along, down generations. But that is how stories endure. These stories will remain with me for a long time. Someday, I may have to reread them.

Congratulations, Alwyn Hamilton. Job well done.

*BTW, Is it just me? 'Cause I really want to see a graphic version of this series. I want to see all the characters in their various glorious colors.

Book details:

Title: Hero at the Fall
Author: Alwyn Hamilton
Publication: March 6th, 2018
                       Viking Books for Young Readers
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: ★★★★★

Rebel of the Sands series:
#1 Rebel of the Sands
#2 Traitor to the Throne
#3 Hero at the Fall

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Wednesday Spotlight | Around the World in 80 Tales by Dave Tomlinson

About the Book:

80 Stories, 25 Countries, 5 Continents, One Heck of a Ride! A journey of captivating true travel stories from that will inspire, amuse and amaze. This fascinating kaleidoscope of people, places, food and culture brings to life the colourful experiences of travelling the world on a budget!

Get your copy Amazon.

About the Author:

 

Dave Tomlinson is originally from beautiful New Zealand and now live in Brisbane Australia. His passion is for travel, outdoor adventure and cultural understanding. He explored over 50 countries across 5 continents of the world. Apart from photography, he used his love of travel to create his own website and wrote two books. There is plenty more information about him and his adventures on his website. 

You can find him here.

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Say It With A Book #11 | The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

With Guest Book Reviewer | Alexa Sienes

   

I've seen people constantly recommending Sarah Dessen books in my Goodreads feed for years now (most of the ladies in my book club have read at least one, I'm sure), and I always see her books in bookshops as well, but for some reason, I've never really been compelled to read any of them. I'd say perhaps I judged the books based on their cover, but I've read (more than) enough "trashy" books to know that isn't the case. At any rate, I've always found some other book to read other than Sarah Dessen's books. Until now.

It was pretty funny how it started, actually. We were challenged by our book moderator of the month at The Filipino Group, Maria, to read a YA book and post a review, and since this was one of the books I had on hand (I didn't say I didn't have copies, only that I never actually got around to reading them), I might as well read it, seeing as I didn't have the time to look for anything else.

Long story short, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I expected a tired romance plot with cliche characters that I've seen millions of times, but I'm happy to report that no, that's not really the case. Beyond Macy's development from a timid and mousy pushover to a strong and almost-fearless woman, I genuinely enjoyed her relationships with the other characters - her control freak mother, her daring sister Caroline, and especially the endearing Wish team: scatter-brained Delia, confident Kristy, "sa-woon"-worthy Wes, Bert who always looks at the dark side of life, and even half-robot Monica.

It wasn't a mystery, the way the story ended. It's something you can kind of expect from the beginning, but what I liked about this book was the process of how Macy started moving on. I liked seeing how she changed for the better, because even if at the start I was pretty frustrated with her life choices, I really couldn't help wishing the best for her. When she finally got to do what she had to do, I practically swelled with pride, even though it was inevitable anyway, which just goes to show how great Sarah Dessen is with her characters.

Beyond the sweet romance with Wes that I expected (which I got slow-burn style, just the way I liked it), I also got a story that dealt with loss, relationships, moving on, and the truth about forever with more depth and heart than I imagined. If the rest of Sarah Dessen's books are like this, then I can clearly see why there would always be people reading and reviewing them in my feed. I'm already one of them, after publishing this review. Who knows, this might not even be the last.


About Alexa:

   

Alexa is one of my TFG babies. I cannot tell you enough how much I am proud of her. She is very lively, talented, and a bad-ass doctor-in-the-making. And it's her birthday month.

TPW:  What is your favorite genre?

Alexa:   I love sci-fi and young/new adult. One brings me out of this world and the other helps me understand myself and my world better!

TPW:  How do you define yourself as a reader?

Alexa:  I'm a polygamist reader! I can't just stick to reading one book at a time, because I get antsy reading about the same thing after a while (unless the book is something I really can't put down). I always make it a point to finish everything I start though!

TPW:  Yes, I do say you are a finisher. You never back down from a challenge. Thank you for sharing your review and Godspeed to your studies. Happy birthday, again, baby!

Alexa:  Thanks so much for inviting me as well! :)

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Wednesday Spotlight | The Good Dictator by Gonçalo J. Nunes Dias

About the Book:

An unidentified object parked on the moon - and no one seems to know where it came from. Gustavo, a middle-aged computer programmer with a comfortable and grey life, decides to make a list of what he would need to survive a hypothetical attack. He becomes obsessed with the list, spends a fortune, robs a drugstore: his own family thinks he is going insane. However, after the attack, it’s the insane who are well prepared for a new era in society. First book of a trilogy.  

Get your copy Amazon.

About the Author:

Gonçalo JN Dias was born in Lisbon in 1977, and graduated from the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco with a degree in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources. The Good Dictator is his first novel and the first in a planned trilogy, named The Birth of An Empire.  Today, he lives in the Basque Country, Spain.

Find him here.

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Book Review | NEANDERTHAL OPENS THE DOOR TO THE UNIVERSE by Preston Norton

NEANDERTHAL OPENS THE DOOR TO THE UNIVERSE

BY PRESTON NORTON | PUBLICATION: JUNE 5, 2018
DISNEY HYPERION | GENRE: YA FICTION
RATING: ★★★★★

"It will take you on an emotional journey in various directions."

____________________________________________________________________

Cliff Hubbard is a huge loser. Literally. His nickname at Happy Valley High School is Neanderthal because he's so enormous-6'6" and 250 pounds to be exact. He has no one at school and life in his trailer park home has gone from bad to worse ever since his older brother's suicide.

There's no one Cliff hates more than the nauseatingly cool quarterback, Aaron Zimmerman. Then Aaron returns to school after a near-death experience with a bizarre claim: while he was unconscious he saw God, who gave him a list of things to do to make Happy Valley High suck less. And God said there's only one person who can help: Neanderthal.

To his own surprise, Cliff says he's in. As he and Aaron make their way through the List, which involves a vindictive English teacher, a mysterious computer hacker, a decidedly unchristian cult of Jesus Teens, the local drug dealers, and the meanest bully at HVHS--Cliff feels like he's part of something for the first time since losing his brother. But fixing a broken school isn't as simple as it seems, and just when Cliff thinks they've completed the List, he realizes their mission hits closer to home than he ever imagined.

____________________________________________________________________

NEANDERTHAL OPENS THE DOOR TO THE UNIVERSE addresses many elements common in contemporary high school dramas. It will take you on an emotional journey in various directions. Yet, high school wouldn’t be high school without its dramas. I appreciate how Preston Norton managed to weave everything together and deliver a thoughtful exploration. He was straightforward, and all the parts fit cohesively. The story contains intense emotions, and I genuinely believe many readers will find value in it, regardless of their belief in God.

Cliff is an extraordinary character. A Neanderthal. Everything about him is larger than life, including his kind heart and sharp mind. He has a balance (Luke Skywalker would be proud) that many overlook. However, he also carries pain and guilt. Often, I felt like embracing this giant and reassuring him that his intentions are good.

This book is both deeply touching and humorous. I found myself both sniffling and laughing at times, sometimes simultaneously. I highlighted numerous passages because I couldn’t get enough of Norton’s cleverness. He created a diverse cast of intriguing characters and tackled important topics, with BIAS being a central theme. This is a significant issue made up of many factors, making life difficult for many, especially young people.

I highly recommend this book. Sensitive readers should be aware that it contains a lot of swearing, but also understand that such language reflects real life.

We’re all going to die. And we only have so many cares to give in a lifetime. So care about what truly matters.

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About the Author:

Preston Norton teaches environmental science to fifth graders. He is the author of Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe, Where I End & You Begin, and Hopepunk. He is married with three cats.

*Thank you Disney Hyperion and Netgalley for the DRC,
in exchange for this unbiased review.
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Wednesday Spotlight | Traveller Inceptio by Rob Shackleford

About the Book:

If you were sent a thousand years into the past, would you survive? 

With the accidental development of the Transporter, university researchers determine that the device sends any subject one thousand years into the past. 

Or is it to a possible past? 

The enigmatic Transporter soon becomes known as a Time Machine, but with limitations. 

An audacious research project is devised to use the Transporter to investigate Medieval Saxon England, when a crack international team of Special Services soldiers undergo intensive training for their role as historical researchers. 

The special researchers, called Travellers, are to be sent into what is a very dangerous period in England's turbulent past.  

From the beaches of Australia to the forests of Saxon England, Traveller - Inceptio reveals how Travellers soon learn that they need more than combat skills and modern technology to survive the trails of early 11th Century life.

Get your copy from Amazon.

About the Author:

When I was a kid I used to be embarrassed about my surname.  I suppose being called ‘Shackleshit’ by school friends didn’t help. It is an unusual name so, why bother with it in this web site?

I have a fascination for history, especially as it applies to my family. My father is an ardent genealogist and has some amazing research successes that predated the modern fascination with genealogy and sites such as Ancestry.com. Through his diligence and hard work, Dad has documented our heritage back to the 1400’s when a few knights and Lords do make an appearance.

Poor Mum, a McGillycuddy,  hasn’t even been able to go any farther than three generations due to the destruction of records in Ireland.

So what do we know about the name Shackleford?

What is surprising is that much sounds like speculation.

Perhaps we were named after a ford at a river or creek.

or

We are simply named after the charming village of Shackleford in Surrey – England

or

We are named after the heroic knight Jacques leFort who joined the invader, William the Conqueror, in the Battle of Hastings in 1066 that heralded in the Norman rule of old Aengland.

Truth be told I always suspect the more fantastic story to be the imagination of a genealogist who wanted his client to think he had a glorious ancestry, but I welcome any proof in regard to any of these explanations and more.

I do know that my father is about 2 generations from proving an ancestral link to most of the Shacklefords in the USA as it seems the name is from one family line. Our family line comes from the same small area as the US family line, so who knows?

I have always been more interested in the historical aspects of our family rather than the almost biblical ‘so-and-so begat so-and-so’ and hope that, in a small way, this also explains my interest in the historical nature of some of my books.

Rob


Find Rob Shackleford here.

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Wednesday Spotlight | The Helper by M.N. SNow

About the Book:

The Helper is the story of John Sloan, a Marine Corps veteran with a life-long secret that is haunting him. He is a conduit to a healing light that draws him to people on the brink of emotional disintegration, people who are then healed and Helped by this light. His blue-collar world is shattered when he finds that his connection to this anonymous portal has vanished. He is alone, seemingly beyond aid, and in desperate need of a Helping himself.

The book tracks the intersecting lives of John and two other Helpers. His lifelong friend Dusty Hakalla is a mixed-blood Ojibwe, with a secret of his own. His power to help is remarkable, but was once destructively misused. A career Marine, his scarred childhood and momentary abuse of power have left him jaded and bereft. Deena Morrison, also a Helper, is John’s girlfriend. Adopted as an infant, she flees John to find her birth-mother, while carrying within herself her own secret. Another character shadows their lives as narrator, Nan’b’oozoo, the trickster god of Ojibwe legend—at times sarcastic and petulant, at others insightful and humorous.

Get your copy here.


About the Author:

The author’s bio includes years as a public radio host and anchor, primarily in the south Florida market, but also for Wisconsin Public Radio. M. N. has had various short stories published, and is also a published cartoonist, a former contributing writer for Reader Weekly  (Duluth, MN), and a former Marine Corps NCO. After spending some years at home, in the Twin Ports of Duluth, MN/Superior, WI, writing the book, the author is currently back living in Key West, FL.

*Content sent by the author for this blog's publication. This is a free ad.

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