Masters and Slayers

Author: Bryan Davis

Genre: Adult/Fantasy/Christian

Series: Tales of Starlight #1

The dragons of Starlight have been enslaving humans for over a century. At long last, warrior Adrian Masters and sword maiden Marcelle vow to find the mysterious portal where the Lost Ones disappeared—and save the slaves. Will they turn back when they learn that only the ultimate sacrifice can bring freedom to the oppressed?

Wow! I love Bryan Davis; anybody can testify to that. I was so excited when this came out, and even more excited when I received it in the mail. I read it in about two days – this book definitely kept me in its grip! With adventure, a bit of romance, intrigue, plot twists, imagination and well-developed characters, it was definitely an adventure to read.

Positive Elements: Where to begin? Characters sacrifice themselves for others unconditionally. Chivalry, as always, is a huge part of Davis’s books. Honor, valor, and godliness are things that the hero strives for, and the heroine learns her lessons as well, to stop and think before acting. Selflesness is also displayed by the hero as he strives to protect and free the slaves. He does his best to overcome the obstacles set in his way. Even the dragons show admirable qualities from time to time, which is a mystery hopefully revealed in the next book in the series. Two characters forced into the act of ‘breeding’ come up with a plan to escape so as not to shame themselves before the Lord.

Negative Elements: On the downside, well… it’s dark. Much darker than the Dragons in Our Midst series, probably because it’s adult. Also, there are references to the dragons ‘breeding’ the humans so as to populate the planet with slaves. Several characters are burned to death, or threatened with it. Some characters are whipped, some have their fingers removed, a few others are murdered, including children. Slavery is a huge deal, though of course it’s shown to be wrong.

The Verdict: This was an excellent book. It felt much more ‘polished’ than his previous books, and the world, characters, and storyline were well thought-out and written. It is an exciting, riveting view of good and evil and the attempt to overcome evil with good. However, this is NOT a children’s book, nor is it a book for younger teens. If you really want to read it and you ARE younger, I suggest having a parent read it first, or at least read this review.

Ages: 17+

5 out of 5 stars

The Little Red Book of Wisdom

Author: Mark DeMoss

Genre: Non-fiction/General/Adult/Christian

Series: None

The Little Red Book of Wisdom offers time-tested principles for professional and personal fulfillment.

Mark DeMoss gathers insights for living wisely from history, Scripture, and a lifetime of listening. The result is a handy, accessible book that gives readers a new way to enjoy lasting success in the work world and beyond. Topics include finding and keeping your focus in life, building a winning corporate culture, and setting aside time for good thinking.

Well, my review on this is not going to be very long. It seems to be full of good advice, though not exactly enthralling. If I were to sum it up in a nutshell – “It’s got good stuff to say.” There you have it. I didn’t catch anything inappropriate and all of it is God-honoring, which at least makes it a worthwhile read.

Ages: 16+

2 out of 5 stars

Trouble Shooter

Author: Louis L’Amour

Genre: Adult/Western/Fiction

Hopalong Cassidy isn’t your typical cowboy – he’s a gunslinger with a heart, and his friend Cindy Blair is in trouble. There’s nothing for it but to go and help her – even if it means going up against the most powerful man in town.

This book was so much fun – I enjoy some westerns, and this is one of them. I don’t recall ANY language – perhaps one or two instances – and there is zero sexual content.

There is some ‘western-style’ violence (shooting and brawling), but it is not gratuitous. I read this, and then my Mom read it, and then my aunt – and we all enjoyed it, despite our differing tastes in reading material.

Ages: 16+

4 out of 5 stars

I Know Why the Angels Dance

Author: Bryan Davis

Genre: Fiction/Adult/Christian

Tabitha is an extraordinary little girl with an unshakable faith in God. But when tragedy strikes, what is she supposed to think – about life, death, and heaven? God has the answers, and begins to tell her in ways she could never have imagined.

This book was REALLY good. I loved it. It’s a tearjerker, all right – but it also has humor thrown in, along with a lot of parts that will make you think. Hard.

It’s an ‘adult’ book, but there is nothing innapropriate for young adult readers. (There isn’t anything innapropriate for kids, either, but the subject matter is a bit ‘old’).

I highly recommend this book.

Ages: 15+

5 out of 5 stars

Book curtosy of Living Ink Publishers

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Genre: Horror/gothic/mystery/adult

We bought this book yesterday – and it was surprisingly short. Not even 90 pages long!

So I got it finished within an hour. I knew the main story and had seen the Veggie Tales (does that count?) but had never read the book – I enjoyed it, of course, but since I already knew the outcome, it wasn’t as thrilling as it might have been.

However, yes, it was fun, and it was clean (I think there were a couple swear words) and would recommend it for anyone looking for a short but mysterious and dark semi-horror read. Not that people often come up to me and say “Excuse me, do you have any recommendations for a short but mysterious and dark semi-horror book, please?”

No cover picture available :)

Ages: 15+

3.5 out of 5 stars

Just Jane

 

Author: Nancy Moser 

Genre: Historical Fiction/Adult/Romance/Christian 

Jane Austen was born to write. When she writes, her characters come alive – Elinor and Marianne and Elizabeth and Catherine – but there is one problem. Elinor has Edward. Marianne has Colonel Brandon. Elizabeth has Mr. Darcy. Catherine has Henry Tilney. 

But Jane has no one. 

This book is a fictional biography, per se – it recalls true events and true relations and political happenings from Jane Austen’s life, whilst giving it new life and a new story from the perspective of Jane Austen herself. 

This first caught my eye because of the cover, which I adored. My older sister started reading it, and found it very boring.  I started reading it, and, while it was very slloowww, I connected with Jane because she was an author, and I could relate to her. The main focus of this book is not romance, no matter what the genre is – the main focus is Jane’s life. Her family, her writing – her love interests are not large parts of the book. 

All in all, it was very enjoyable, with not even a hint of anything inappropriate, no swearing, and a Christian perspective (for Jane was, as you know, a Christian). 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a break from thrillers and read something relaxing – or for people who like slow books. Or for people who are authors. 

Or anybody. 

Age Rating: 16+ 

3.5 out of 5 stars

The Phantom of the Opera

Author: Gaston LeRoux

Genre: Romance/Mystery/Murder/Adult

A macabre tale of romance, horror, passion, love, and murder, the Phantom of the Opera follows the love triangle of young and beautiful opera singer Christine, the mysterious Erik, known as the Phantom of the Opera who loves her and teaches her the ‘music of the night,’ and the Viscount Raoul de Chagny, who also loves Christine.

  ”What happens next!? What happens next!? What happens next!?” That’s what you think the entire time reading this book. That, and “WOW, this is good!”  This book was simply fantastic. The imagery was beautiful - amazingly written, highly detailed, well-plotted, great characters – the Phantom of the Opera is a macabre love story that will stay with you. You won’t be likely to forget the sympathetic, love-tortured Erik or the heroic, passionate Raoul, or the innocent beauty Christine and her voice of an angel.

Age: 16+

5 out of 5 stars!!

Love on a Dime

Author: Cara Lynn James

Genre: Historical/Fiction/Adult/Romance/Christian

My Review: This book was a blast! It was written really well, and the premise was great – a high-society girl who pens disreputable dime novels and is constantly worried about being found out! Will she ever find her own romance? When the man she used to be in love with shows up and buys the publishing company that publishes her books, she is in terrible danger of  being found out! It was really very fun. A good, squeaky-clean romance with a historical twist is always welcome!

Happily Ever Laughter

  

Author: Ken Davis 

Genre: Non-fiction/humor/religious/adult 

Back Cover: “Happily Ever Laughter captures real-life stories from couples—stories chosen for their humor, variety of settings, and diversity of years married. As readers laugh along with each couple described, they will begin to understand that being able to see the humor in life helps greatly in keeping one’s marriage happy and healthy through the years. Includes stories from Chonda Pierce, Bob Stromberg, Daren Streblow, Kendra Smiley, Jeff Allen, John Branyan, Rhonda Rhea, David Dean, Dave Veerman, and Neil Wilson.”   

My Review: This book was very, very cute. I’m not married, so I’m sure it didn’t have quite the same meaning for me as it would for married couples, but I still enjoyed it. And is that cover not adorable?

 

Age: 15+

 

2 out of 5 stars

 

Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for the copy I received

Tuck

 

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead

Series: The King Raven trilogy

Genre: Adult/fiction/fantasy/historical

Back Cover: “The story of Rhi Bran y Hud concludes as Abbot Hugo and the Norman invaders attempt to wipe out King Raven and his flock once and for all. Their merciless attack, the first of many to come, heralds a dark and desperate day for the realm of Elfael. Bran and his few stalwarts desperately need encouragement and reinforcement if they are to survive. Bran and Friar Tuck, a most unconventional priest, ride north to rally the tribes of Wales to the fight, making new friends, and even more powerful enemies along the way . . . .

  The final instalment of the completely re-imagined epic of the man known as Robin  Hood-told in a far more eerie, earthy, and elemental way than ever before.”

My Review: *blush* I thought I posted the review on this after I fnished it a couple weeks ago…

…apparently, I did not. I’m so sorry! It was better than even Hood and Scarlet!  Impossible, right? Not so! This combined Rhi Bran’s genius, Allan-a-Dale’s humor, (he’s HILARIOUS, had me laughing from the time he showed up to the end of the book – “Oh, I speak like a beggar” “Oh, I speak like a nobleman” “Oh, I speak Ffreinc” “Oh, I speak Saxon” “Oh, I’m a minstrel!”) to Will Scarlet, Noin, and Nin. This was the BEST book of the series and concludes the trilogy BEAUTIFULLY!! It totally changed the way I viewed Robin Hood!!! Thank you, Stephen Lawhead! Oh, and for those of you who don’t know, I love poetic justice. LOVE it. (As long as it doesn’t happen to ME, but that’s another story…) but let me tell you, when Will gives the Sheriff his just desserts I was literally cheering!!!

Age: 16+

Ten out of Five Stars!!!