Book Review: Phoenix by AJ Scudiere

I was immediately ensnared by Phoenix. This mystery created by AJ Scudiere is packed with suspense, action, and well-written details. 

Jason Mondy is a firefighter who is unwillingly in the spotlight after he heroically helped save two boys from a fire. His girlfriend broke up with him and to top it off, he is inundated with nightmares. The true mystery begins when his adoptive mother shares a secret that she has kept with him for the majority of his life.

My only critique was that I found the switching between a character's first and last names confusing at times when they were first introduced, but the chart with the fire station's lineup helped.

I have heard that the secret to writing engaging characters is to make them flawed. Scudiere's characters are just that and it makes a fictional character seem genuine and relatable. She filled Phoenix with flawless descriptions and even a smidgen of humor. 

I also love the symbolism behind the cover of the book and the title.

If you would like to purchase your own copy you can find it here: Phoenix

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Visionary

I had high hopes for The Visionary by Pamela Thibodeaux, but my interest started to falter approximately halfway through.

The story is centered on the successful twins, Trevor and Taylor Forrestier, who have suffered horrendous abuse as children. Alex Broussard approaches their enterprise and quickly inserts himself into their lives. The twins agree to do a job for him and Alex quickly discovers the extent of damage that their past has caused when it becomes to much for Trevor.

I understand that the basis of the book was that Trevor was supposed to turn to religion and stop suffering from trauma, however I feel as if marketing religion as a cure-all for problems is potentially dangerous. Although it may work for some, others should seek help in a psychiatrist or a counselor. The manner in which Trevor acts around Taylor made me feel awkward, it was almost as if they were in a relationship. 

Do not get me wrong, I enjoy Pamela Thibodeaux's writing style and her descriptions are fantastic, but I feel as if certain issues should not be ignored.

Find the book on Amazon: The Visionary
Pamela Thibodeaux's Website

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Watchers Book 2: Hidden Fire

The second book begins with Auriella attempting to fulfill her role as a Watcher, when her new (and rather irritating) king sends her on a dangerous mission. 

She reunites with old friends and meets some new characters who possess abilities that allow them to aid her on her fairy tale-esque adventure. Unfortunately, the reader still finds Auriella is still doubtful of herself; thankfully, she is willing to face her fears in order to save mankind.

Hidden Fire displays a few improvements on Knight of Light. Knight of Light offered little backstory, but Hidden Fire reveals more information and the descriptions are enhanced in comparison. However, I still wish that Auriella would stop doubting herself and provide a stronger female main character for young readers. 

Deirdra Eden delightfully mixes humor and fantasy adventure. Additionally, Hidden Fire is simple enough that middle school readers would have no trouble reading it on their own. Eden's story will captivate younger audiences.

If you would like your own copy, you can find one here: The Watchers: Hidden Fire (Smashwords)

or here: The Watchers: Hidden Fire (Amazon)

If you have not read Part 1, you can find your copy here: The Watchers: Knight of Light or here: The Watchers: Knight of Light (Amazon)

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Hunters: Monster Hunting 101

Anyone who knows me should know that I love Supernatural so it should not be a surprise that I enjoyed Richard A. Bamberg's book.

Jesse receives a call from his ex-girlfriend Gail who introduces him to the monsters of the world that she has been ganking for years. He was in the army and is thus perfectly suited to help her. There is a steady supply of action and a few unexpected twists that allow no shortage of danger. 

I felt as if certain aspects of their relationship were unnecessary, Both characters and the reader knew they were going to get back together so it quickly became tedious for them to pretend they weren't. However, I do not feel that this took away from the book as a whole and I actually have downloaded Kindle copies of Bamberg's other books and cannot wait to read part two. 

If you would like your own copy, you can find it on Amazon here: The Hunters: Monster Hunting 101
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: What Teens Want You to Know (but won't tell you)

There are countless books out there for new parents, but what about parents of teenagers?

Roy Petitfils has compiled several anecdotes from his experience as a counselor for individuals, couples, families, as well as some from when he was teaching for 10 years at the high school level. I believe that the wide array of his credentials allows Petitfils to offer sound advice to adults who find themselves in leadership roles of teens.

Each chapter follows a basic layout: A Bible verse, a quotation from a teen and an adult, an anecdote, advice, a summary, questions, and a prayer. It is important to note that you do not have to be religious to find something you can use and some advice can be useful for any relationships you may have.

There are some points that I did not necessarily find applicable to my former teenage self and a couple that I did not necessarily agree with but that is to be expected and it is part of the reason that parenting can be difficult.

If you would like to find your own copy you can find it on Amazon here: What Teens Want You to Know (but won't tell you)

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Upcoming Reviews

I have been busy! I am definitely not going to complain though.

I have some books that I have lined up to post reviews on:

What Teens Want You to Know (But Won't Tell You)

The Watchers Book 2: Hidden Fire

The Hunters: Monster Hunting 101

The Visionary

Phoenix

and The Shadow Constant

All reviews should be posted by the end of the month!

NippyLid Update

NippyLid has sent free bottles to the winners: Alyssa and Brittany! 

 If you are interested in getting a bottle for your little one, the company has provided me with a promo code for you to use.

Use the code nippy15 for 15% off your NippyLid order!