Paper Towns

Author: John Green

Genre: YA/Fiction

Series: None

When Margo Roth Spiegelman beckons Quentin Jacobsen in the middle of the night—dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows her. Margo’s always planned extravagantly, and, until now, she’s always planned solo. After a lifetime of loving Margo from afar, things are finally looking up for Q . . . until day breaks and she has vanished. Always an enigma, Margo has now become a mystery. But there are clues. And they’re for Q.

Summary: It’s rare I’m harsh on a book. It honestly is. But I’m going to be pretty harsh.

This book was awful.

Now, the story idea was fantastic. It could have been amazing. But there was an abundance of language, crudeness, and worldliness around teens that made a book that could have been good – awful.

So my advice is?

Don’t read it.

Tags: fiction, ya

Entwined

Author: Heather Dixon

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Fiction/Rewritten Fairytale

Series: None

Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it’s taken away. All of it.

The Keeper understands. He’s trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.

But there is a cost.

The Keeper likes to keep things.

Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

Positive Content: Though burdened with the job of keeping the castle running, Azalea does her best to be a good sister to her ten younger sisters and keep her promise to her mother. She wants to do what’s right for everyone else. The sisters, though they can irritate and annoy each other, love each other very much. The King loves his daughters – and deceased wife – very much, and wants to keep them protected. Several characters protect others and go out of the way to be kind.

Negative Content: It is said that the first High King D’Eathe went mad with magic and tormented people in awful ways; even going so far as to trap their souls. (This is never confirmed). The sisters disobey their father and even go so far as to say they hate him (this is later rectified and put to rights, however). The sisters swear on silver (magic) when they promise to tell no one about a newly-discovered secret room where they can dance to their heart’s content, and this causes problems later on.

Summary: I loved this book. LOVED. I could relate to Azalea, and the sisters – as well as a certain lord Teddie Haftenravenscher, provided humor and laughs. It is easily – but well – written and an original take on the Twelve Dancing Princesses. The cover was candy to the eye – and I enjoyed the book so much that I’m reading it aloud to my younger sister. This is not a PERFECT book (Azalea curls her toes inside her shoes every other page or so) but my complaints are small and my praises loud. Huzzah!

Ages: 15+

5 out of 5 stars

Tags: fantasy, favorites, rewritten fairytale, young adult

The Gammage Cup

Author: Carol Kendall

Genre: Children/Fantasy/Fiction

Series: The Minnipins #1

The Minnipins have lost their past. And not only that, they’ve lost their heroes, individuality, and ability to think for themselves! Nobody realizes this, of course – nobody except Walter the Earl, the poet Gummy, the eccentric Curly Green, and the simple – but highly effective – Muggles, who even dares to wear an orange sash for everyday. They know something is coming over the mountains, but nobody will believe them. So these tiny heroes set out to do the unthinkable – and save their fellow Minnipins.

I”m not going to bother with a ‘positive content, negative content, etc.’ format here, because there is no negative content to be found in this book.  Heroism, doing what’s right even if it means dire consequences, perserverance, and friendship are the major themes in this adorable, humorous, adventurous book. It was completely clean, totally charming, and I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, “The Whisper of the Glocken.” I was wondering what all the hullabaloo was about, and now I know. This book is the perfect children’s book – and when you’re too old for children’s books, you’re dead. Read it. Read it now.

Ages: 8 – 800

5 out of 5 stars

Tags: children, fantasy, favorites

The Merchant’s Daughter

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Series: None

Genre: Young Adult/Christian/Fiction/Fairy Tale

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf’s bailiff—a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff’s vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf’s future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

 

Positive Elements: Annabel is a gentle, selfless girl whose highest desire is to know the word of God. Lord Ranulf shows gruff kindness and is clearly a noble person who risks his life for others. Themes of love, kindness, goodness, virtue, patience, gentleness, purity, and Christian thought run rampant (that’s a good thing ;) through the book.

 

Negative Elements: A few of the servant girls lust after Ranulf. The Bailiff lusts after Annabel and tries to catch her alone several times; one resulting in a knock on the head that sends him into a coma. Annabel’s family display characteristics of selfishness, cruelty, and laziness. A woman whom we never meet was unfaithful to her husband.

 

What I Thought: I loved “The Healer’s Apprentice,” also by Melanie Dickerson, and was not at all disappointed in this book. It is not a sequel, but both are in the same vein of fiction (historical retellings of fairytales with Christian – and Catholic - themes). It is well-written and I grew attached to the characters. It isn’t a ‘great book’ with amazing plot twists and stunning style, but I truly enjoyed it and will read it again.

 

Ages: 17+

 

4 out of 5 stars

 

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about the Merchant’s Daughter by clicking on the links below, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen.

 

The Librarian’s Bookshelf • Rachelle Rea • ADD Librarian • The Book Fae  • My Life with a Mission  • Katie McCurdy • Terri Harr • Book Nook 4 You • My Story Shelf • Sugar Peach  • Jill Williamson

 

Tags: Christian, fairy tale, favorites, fiction, young adult

Corus the Champion

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. 

Series: Legends of Korac Tor #2

Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult/Christian

He was once the greatest champion in the land.

Then he disappeared. 

With Nemesia’s defeat, the Barlows have helped turn the tide in the Hidden Lands. But the victory is short-lived. An even greater evil stirs in the north with a fierce new army bent on destruction. As the twins, Gabe and Garret, discover their own special powers, a thin thread of hope emerges: long ago, a fabled king was rescued from death on our world and hidden on Karac Tor. Who is he?

Each brother has their part to play. Hadyn must travel north to warn the land barons, which leaves Ewan with a bitter choice. Will he sacrifice what is most precious to discover whether Corus lives? Even more important, if Corus is alive, can he wake the Sleeping King of legend…before it’s too late?

Positive Content: Christian themes of love, bravery, courage, self-sacrifice and defeating evil are all very prevalent in the series. Good conquering evil is the biggest; and quite frankly, that’s a theme that never grows old. Also, as it is allegorical, God is also very highly viewed. Lying is frowned upon (as evidenced by the Creed’s sword).

Negative Content: The villains employ witchcraft and sometimes frightening means to draw evil (such as human sacrifices outside their homes). It sounds very dark, but it is tactfully dealt with in the book and not ‘delved into.’  Some disobedience and a bit of violence, but nothing to worry about. Also the Horned villain keeps Corus trapped in a constant state of torture which might prove disturbing for younger readers.

My Verdict: To put it simply – I enjoyd it. I love fantasy, and this was well-crafted with colorful characters I could like and relate to, and an adventure that drew me in. I thought that the mixture of Arthurian, Viking, and Celtic mythology was intriguing, if a bit blatant. (The villain was drawn from Cirnunnos, the Celtic spirit of the forest, for instance). One thing bugged me – even though I loved the character Cruedwyn – he seemed almost directly taken from Lloyd Alexandar’s beloved character, Fflewdur Fflam. Both are loveable, funny, and I adore them; but it seemed rather blatant, especially with the ‘true-telling’  objects both carry. Also in conjunction with the fact that the villain is a ‘horned lord.’ But I still found it a thoroughly enjoyable read, and want to read the first and third ones now!

There were a few mistakes: Chapter 22, page 207: Sorge snapped. He through (not threw) up his hands, exhausted.
And then there’s the already cited reference to Poplar Springs Baptist Church’s need for kettle drums on page 309.

Ages: 15+

4 out of 5 stars

For further reading:

Gillian Adams
Noah Arsenault
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
CSFF Blog Tour
Carol Bruce Collett
Theresa Dunlap
April Erwin
Victor Gentile
Nikole Hahn
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Christopher Hopper
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Marzabeth
Shannon McDermott
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Sarah Sawyer
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Rachel Wyant

Tags: allegory, fantasy, favorites, young adult

The Christmas Shoppe

 

Genre: Adult/Christmas/Christian/Fiction

Series: None

Author: Melody Carlson

Summary: The small town of Parrish Springs is not ready for Matilda Honeycutt. A strange older woman with scraggly gray hair and jewelry that jangles as she walks, Matilda is certainly not the most likely person to buy the old Barton Building on the town’s quaint main street. When it becomes apparent that her new shop doesn’t fit the expectations of Parrish Springs residents, a brouhaha erupts. After all, Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life and healing.

Verdict: Ordinarily, I’m not this harsh on books. Even less-than-great ones. But I have to say: RIPOFF! If you’ve seen the movie Chocolat, you’ll know where this story came from; right down to the cute little girl and the cranky old woman. The theme is different – it’s from a Christian standpoint and it’s been turned into a Christmas story – but it’s so, so close to the exact Chocolat storyline that it was difficult for me to enjoy it. Now, there weren’t really any negative things about it – good values are promoted all the way – so it’s a clean, if ‘older,’ read. But from someone who usually enjoys Melody’s books, this one.. . I just didn’t.

Age: 16+ (It’s written for adults, but there’s nothing ‘innapropriate’ in it. Ex. One woman’s husband had an affair with the neighbor woman, but details are never gone into.)

1 out of 5 stars

Book provided by Baker Publishing

Tags: Christian, Christmas, fiction

Lost in Dreams

Author: Roger Bruner

Series: Altered Hearts #2 (sequel to “Found in Translation“)

Genre: Christian/Young Adult/Fiction

Join eighteen-year-old Kim Hartlinger, as she arrives home from a life-changing mission trip to a remote Mexican village. This second novel in a new series for teen girls will challenge your faith-and capture your heart-as you journey with Kim through the biggest struggle of her life and faith.

 

 Positive Content: This is a thoughtful, deep story with many, many positive aspects promoting selflesness, courage, faith, trust, friendship, honesty, and love. It is excellent for anyone, but especially for those going through a difficult time or feeling a sense of guilt. The whole thing is one big, Christian learning curve.

 

Negative Content: None, really. Kim hides her guilt from her  father, but eventually confesses. She struggles from negative personal feelings, but these, too, are worked through. Aleesha and Jo get over their differences, in spite of a mean trick Jo tried to play on Aleesha (that backfired). There is a death, but it is non-graphic (though there is plenty of emotional trauma over it). They are working at a men’s prison, where some of the men are said to be murderers and rapists. One prison guard is blackmailing the inmates.

 

Summary: I liked this novel just as much as the first. It is deep, challenging and faith-building, with no real ‘negative’ content. It is well-written, though I ocassionally get the feeling that Mr. Bruner was trying too hard to get into a teenaged girl’s mind. However this is a minor flaw, I really enjoyed the book and have already recommended it to several people.

 

Ages: 16+

4 out of 5 stars

 

Visit the Author’s Website at http://www.rogerbruner.com

 

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Lost in Dreams by Roger Bruner by clicking on the links below, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen.

Tags: Christian, favorites, fiction, young adult

The God Girl Bible

The God Girl Bible is a new study Bible for teen girls, with devotionals, prayers, and other cool tidbits written by Hayley DiMarco, a popular author of Christian girl’s books.

You can even decorate the cover, how cool is that??

I’m used to reading the King James Version, and this Bible is much more modern. It’s closer to the Message translation than KJV. However, it puts everything in clear, simple language. I really like the devos and ‘extras’ that come with it, and it makes an excellent go-anywhere Bible.

It may not be as deep as others, but it’s fun, easy, and cheerful.

 

Tags: Bibles, Christian, favorites

The Christian Zombie Killer’s Handbook

Author: Jeff Kinley

Series: None

Genre: Fiction AND Christian non-fiction/Adult/Spiritual Living

Ben Forman was just an ordinary guy, a young professional starting his first job and falling in love with his girlfriend. Living in the outskirts of a southern city, he didn’t think the zombie activity so common in the major cities would hit so close to home. But it was becoming clear that the mysterious infection reanimating the deceased was a growing epidemic across the country. The question was, would he stay alive or become the undead?

In this one-of-kind approach to teaching about sin, grace, and salvation, The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook tracks the fictional life of Ben Forman and offers solid Bible teaching to help readers understand the gravity and consequences of life without God, of life as a zombie. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved.” Without the salvation Jesus offers, we are all as good as dead. But as this book teaches in a winsome, cutting-edge, culturally relevant style, anyone can kill the zombie inside, escape the clutches of the undead, and come alive by the supernatural power of God’s salvation.

Summary: Lots of blood, lots of gore, some stuff that would probably be deemed ‘disturbing’ by people with weak stomachs. Lots of spiritual relevancy, refreshing and eye-opening ways to look at things, and a new perspective on Christian faith. Does one cancel out the other? Not necessarily – if you’ve got a good constitution. This book is NOT for easily disturbed and/or young people!

Ages: 16+

 

3.5 out of 5 stars

Book provided by Booksneeze.com

Tags: Christian, fiction, non-fiction

Found in Translation

Author: Roger Bruner

Series: Altered Hearts #1

Genre: Christian/Fiction/Young Adult

When Kim Hartlinger arrives late on a mission trip to Mexico and discovers that the mission location has changed and now she will be doing construction in a remote village without plumbing and electricity. She can rough it with her designer clothes, or turn around and head home. With no English speaking villagers, Spanish speaking team members, or any translators, Kim worries they will not be able to reach the heart of the villagers in just 14 days. Will Kim be able to touch the villagers’ hearts with the Gospel? Or will her time in Mexico be up before she gets the chance?

 

Positive Elements: Where to begin? This is a book about finding God, rebelling against what YOU want, and serving others. Kim learns that not everything revolves around her, and ends up being a huge Christian influence on the village people. This book really spoke to me, as I have a tendency to be self-centered, just like Kim. I identified a lot with her, and this made me convince myself I would change.

 

Negative Elements: Kim has a tendency to swear (though none are ever actually written) even though her parents disapprove. She replaces her ‘swear’ words with milder things. One boy seems to have an ‘interest’ in her, though nothing ever happens. She is also, quite frankly, a brat at the beginning – but this is a book about learning and growing, therefore I don’t really think it’s a ‘negative’ element.

 

Summary: I was expecting a light, fluffy chick-lit “Latte Days” kind of book. What I got was a surprisingly deep, fun, thought-provoking and spiritually enlightening book that I finished in a couple of days. Thank you, Mr. Bruner! I hope to read the next one, Lost in Dreams, VERY soon!

 

Ages: 15+ (Not because there is really anything that should be avoided for younger teens, but I think this is about where the reading/spiritual understanding level starts)

 

4.5 out of 5 stars

 

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Found in Translation by Roger Bruner by clicking on the links below, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen

Tags: Christian, favorites, fiction, young adult