MG Book Review: The Boy Who Flew With Eagles, by Ben Woodard

General Information
Publisher: Ben Woodard (self-published)
Year of publication: 2011
# of chapters: 10
# of pages: (e-book, 7500 words)
Genre: Myth/Fantasy
Website: www.booksbyben.com

Plot summary (from Goodreads):
Famine. A giant eagle. And a boy who would be prey.

The book combines excitement, adventure, and the dream of all humans. To fly. Naa'ki, a boy snatched by a giant eagle, must use his wits and knowledge to survive. And to save his people and animals from starvation. To succeed, he will have to give up his future.

Positive Points

This book had a traditional legend feel to it, even though it's a brand new, original story. The book starts with an old man telling this story to children around a campfire at midnight, and I could imagine sitting there with them, listening to this legend. The author definitely has storytelling talents to hook me right from the beginning and keep my attention until the end. The epilogue wrapped up the story well, bringing us back to the original scene where we're sitting around a fire listening to the old man.

I'm a big fan of stories set in nature, especially one that teaches about animals and their behaviors. This one had some fantastic elements woven into it but also a lot of true facts and realistic settings. I loved the values in this book, which I assume are typically Native American: respecting nature, communicating with animals, and sharing the resources. The story being a legend, I was already expecting some lesson to be learned through this story, and I was not disappointed. In contemporary novels, this would be perceived as a bit "preachy," but in a legend, it fits perfectly with the style and feels natural. It's even expected.

Negative Points
The only thing that bothered me was the punctuation (many, many misplaced commas, among other things) and sentence fragments. A little editing would make this story shine even more. I often decline reviewing (and even reading) a novel that has grammar errors in it, but I was intrigued by the setting and I just kept reading, turning off my internal editor.

What makes this book unique
The myth genre is one I don't come across very often (I had to look it up to find out if it was actually a genre). We live in a fast-paced culture where novels are often packed with nonstop action and dazzling scenes. It was refreshing to read this quiet story, told by an old man around a campfire.

Overall Impression
This book reminded me of My Side of the Mountain, by Jean Craighead George. It was very short and easy to read. The length was perfect for this type of story.

My Rating:

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MG Book Review: Greedy Jack Wallace, by Adam C. Veile

(The Dreamcatcher Adventures series, # 1)

General Information
Publisher: East Circle Publishing
Year of publication: 2012
# of chapters: 12 + Epilogue
# of pages: (e-book)
Genre: Adventure
Website: 
www.thedreamcatcheradventures.com

Plot summary (from the website):
He might not have the muscles, the mustache, or even the cool hat, but seventh-grader Blake Monroe has the heart of a cowboy. He just needs the chance to prove himself. So when the ghost of his rowdy Wild-West ancestor needs his help, Blake’s ready to ride. They begin their search for a long-hidden ransom, a treasure that Gray, the ghost, is determined to find . . . only life's a little more confusing for him than during the 1800s.

The duo sets out on the trail, but their adventure is derailed when they realize they aren’t the only ones after the ransom—Gray’s old enemy, a deadly outlaw named Jack Wallace, is in pursuit. And that’s when Blake realizes it is going to take more than a cool hat to get them out of this one.

Positive Points

The first chapter made me laugh so hard that my sides were hurting. Some other scenes in the book were equally funny, but there were also serious scenes, suspense, and a lot of action. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.

I always like treasure hunt stories, especially when the nature of the treasure is a mystery, like in this book. The story brings us from one clue to the next in search of a hidden ransom of some kind. At first, we have no clue what the ransom is; its nature is revealed to us little by little as we read.

This book reads like something published by a traditional publisher. It really stands out from many of the self-published books I've recently read. I'm impressed! I looked up the author on Amazon and was surprised to find out that this was his only novel. The characters' voices, the writing style, the consistent POV, the riveting plot, the hilarious humor, everything spells bestselling author.

Negative Points
I can't find anything negative to say about this book.

What makes this book unique
I haven't seen many Western movies, but this reads like a kid version of a classic Western to me, with paranormal elements added.

Overall Impression
I think this book would appeal to any middle grade child, but in particular to boys and reluctant readers. It's relatively short and easy to read and understand. I've enjoyed it as an adult, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves MG novels. You're never too old for a good adventure story!

My Rating:

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MG Book Review: Alligators Overhead, by C. Lee McKenzie

General Information
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
Year of publication: 2012
# of chapters: 30
# of pages: (e-book)
Genre: Fantasy
Website: www.cleemckenziebooks.com

Plot summary (from Goodreads):
Alligators, witches and a spooky mansion aren't your average neighbors . . . unless you live at the edge of the Ornofree swamp in the backwater town of Hadleyville. The town’s bad boy, Pete Riley, may only be twelve, but he’s up to his eyeballs in big trouble, and this time he isn’t the cause. This time the trouble arrives when a legendary hundred-year-old mansion materializes next door and the Ornofree alligators declare war to save their swamp from bulldozers. Things only get worse when Pete’s guardian aunt and several of her close friends vanish while trying to restore order using outdated witchcraft. Now Pete must find his aunt and stop the war. He might stand a chance if his one friend, Weasel, sticks with him, but even then, they may not have what it takes.

Positive Points

This book captures the essence of young boys. I love Pete's voice, and Weasel made me laugh out loud quite a few times. I could picture them well in my mind, as if they were real boys I knew when I went to school: Pete, the troublemaker trying hard to look and act innocent, and Weasel, the smart boy who doesn't want to get in trouble but who ends up always following Pete's ideas anyway.

The other characters are equally well-developed and unique. One of my favorites is hundred-year-old Miss Gladys in her motorized chair. Not the typical senior, let me tell you that!

Having alligators as characters is certainly unique and makes this book stand out from all the books about horses and puppies.

The author's writing skills are very strong. The POV is consistent, and the plot flows well. It was a pleasure to read this book.

Negative Points
There was one part I found confusing: the scene when they find themselves stuck to the ceiling as crackers. Crackers? I thought maybe it was an expression I wasn't familiar with, but my fourteen-year-old son was also confused. Throughout that whole scene, I wasn't quite sure what was happening. I had to read it twice, and I'm still not sure I get it. Other than that one part, the story had a good flow and was easy to understand.

I found several typos (about one or two per chapter), even though the book has been edited professionally. It happens, unfortunately, and I can't really blame the author for it. If the story hadn't been so interesting and well written, it might have bothered me to the point that I would have put the book down and read something else instead, but because the story hooked me right from the start and the author clearly has talent, I made an exception.

What makes this book unique
A mansion appearing in an empty field, witches blending in the community without anyone knowing of their special powers, alligators living in a swamp and helping the witches and the two boys in their mission, ... must I go on?

Overall Impression
Excellent read! My teenage son also enjoyed it.

My Rating:

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Book Marketing Strategy - Kurt Chambers

MG Fantasy writer Kurt Chambers has come up with an excellent idea to market his book. For a limited time, he's giving away 100% of his royalties in exchange for some help promoting his book!

Kurt's blog explains his reasoning behind this and gives a step-by-step guide on how to get started, which I've summarized below, adding my own thoughts.

I love his novel, Truth Teller, and I'm jumping in with a link on my blog. I'm happy to help him promote his wonderful book! So now, I'm officially a Truth Teller affiliate vendor. Wow! What an honor! And kudos to Kurt for coming up with such a creative promotion idea!

The Reasoning Behind This  

Many authors offer their first book for free in order to gain possible buyers for their next book, get reviews, and increase their sales ranking. That's one way to do it, but why offer a book for free, after spending so much time and energy working on it to bring it to a publishing standard? As a writer myself, I know how much is involved in getting a book either published the traditional way or self-published. So Kurt has thought of an alternative way of reaching his target audience that would benefit him as well as his readers.

How It Works

In brief, all you need is an affiliate vendor link (provided below) and a free account on two sites: Smashwords and PayPal.

Then you promote your link any way you want: on your website or blog, on any social networking site you use (for example, Facebook, Twitter, Google+), by e-mail, or by any other creative methods you can think of. Anyone who clicks on your link and buys the book will be paying you 100% of Kurt's royalties!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create a Smashwords account
Smashwords is the site where Kurt's book is being sold, in any e-book format the reader chooses. Signing up is free and very easy. You will have to type your e-mail, first name, last name, age (under 18 or 18 and over), and country, and you will need to choose a screen name and a password. That's it! It took me about two minutes to set up mine. Remember your screen name, because it will become part of your link to promote Kurt's book.

2. Create a PayPal account
Smashwords sends all the payments through PayPal. If you don't have a PayPal account, you will need to get one.  I signed up so long ago that I don't remember the exact process, but from what I remember, it was quick and easy. Another option if you're in the US is to get paid by check after reaching $75. PayPal has a threshold of $10.

3. Add your PayPal info on Smashwords
Then, add your PayPal account on Smashwords by clicking the Account tab, then Edit/update payee information. Or just click here. You'll have to scroll down to see the fields to fill in. Your PayPal account is the e-mail you used to create it.

4. Get your promotion link

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/119775?ref=yourScreenName

Replace the yourScreenName with your Smashwords screen name. To locate your screen name, click to your My Smashwords page, then on [Change your real name / pen name and/or location]. Your screen name is your username.

Mine is dutchhillgirl, so my link would be:

 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/119775?ref=dutchhillgirl

5. Use your link and the promotion material below to promote Truth Teller in any way you want. 
Kurt has set up Smashwords to pay 100% of the royalties to the affiliate (YOU). That is 81.5% of the book price. Each books sells for $2.99. When someone clicks your link and buys the book, you get paid the royalties. Please see Smashwords Affiliate Marketing Program Documentation for full details.

Promotion Material

Use as much or as little of the information as you wish. Remember to use YOUR LINK when you send a potential buyer to purchase the book. 

Book Cover

Truth Teller Award

Author Kurt Chambers

Author Kurt Chambers

Truth Teller Synopsis

How could a modern day girl like Charlotte ever envisage that magic really exists? Even with her own vivid imagination, the place for other realms belonged in a child’s fairy tale. Or so she thought, until she stumbled across a hidden curio shop and an even stranger shopkeeper. He gives her a gift that resembles an antique snow dome, but this is not an ordinary globe. The world Charlotte has always known disappears as she’s spirited away into a mystical land.

This is the beginning of a lifelong friendship that changes Charlotte’s life forever. Discovered by a young elf alone in the forest, she embarks on a journey in search of a group of travelling Entertainers. She encounters heart-stopping dangers and real life monsters, but a far greater threat shadows her every move. Even the strength and skill of her new found companions cannot protect her against a ruthless druid assassin. 

But in this realm, Charlotte is not the vulnerable little girl she thought she was.

Author Links

Truth Teller Fan Club Page

You can connect with the author at:

Author’s Web Page 

Author’s Blog  

Twitter

Facebook 

Double MG Book Review: Maggie Lyons

I normally don't review chapter books, but these two books by Maggie Lyons are well written and worth mentioning on my blog, especially since they are intended for middle grade children. I decided to combine the two reviews into one post because the books are so short.

Both were published by MuseItUp Publishing in 2012. Visit Maggie's website to find out more about her and her novels: www.maggielyons.yolasite.com

Vin and the Dorky Duet
# of chapters: 10
# of pages: 18,000-word e-book
Genre: Contemporary

Plot summary (from the website): 
The moment he walks through the door and sees the sharky grin on his older sister’s face, Vin suspects Meg’s hatching a plot. He’s right. Worse still, he’s central to the outcome.
Meg tells him that their music teachers, parents—everyone—expect him to play her duet for trumpet and piano at the upcoming student concert. Vin is horrified.

Meg insists that his only escape route is to persuade another trumpet player to take his place. She has the hunky Brad Stewart in mind, and she challenges Vin to introduce her to him.
Vin doesn’t know Brad any better than Meg does, but Meg points out that Vin takes a couple of classes at school with Brad’s nerdy brother. Eyeballs Stewart is the last person Vin wants to make friends with until Meg’s promise of a David Beckham autographed soccer jersey changes the seventh-grader’s mind. He has five days to accomplish his mission—Operation BS—before the concert practice schedule kicks in.

Vin's game plan, thwarted by exploding fish tanks, magnetic compost heaps, man-eating bubble baths, and other disasters, doesn’t work out exactly as he expects.

My Review

I love the relationship between Vin and his little sister, Meg. The author captures sibling rivalry/complicity very well. The novel is written in first person POV and has a good voice. It also has original similes that made me laugh. Very well written.

In this story, Vin has to make friends with Binkley, a nerdy guy nicknamed Eyeballs whom I found very likable and funny.

This book has many interesting elements: lies gone wrong, failed plans, forced friendship with a nerd, kids' views of adults and situations, embarrassing moments, a very untypical grandma, things going all wrong but still ending in a success, and a surprise ending. It's definitely set in modern days, with the mention of GPS, video games, and cell phones.

My Rating:

Dewi and the Seeds of Doom
# of chapters: 12
# of pages: 11,000-word e-book
Genre: Fantasy

Plot summary (from the website): 
When Dewi is clobbered by a falling rat, the wise-cracking, young Welsh dragon snoops his way into a challenging predicament. Helped by a toad with a passion for chemistry experiments, Dewi discovers a meglomaniac baron breeding mutant corn at an unfriendly castle. To thwart the baron's sickening plan, Dewi must use his wits, moxie, and firepower in a series of catastrophe-skirting capers.

My Review

This is a good book for younger middle grade and reluctant readers. The plot is simple and easy to read, and yet it has some elements of mystery that keeps the reader interested. It contains a few big words (such as symptom) that are defined in a creative, natural way. Very well done. And I love the cover!

The characters are very diverse: a dragon, a goat, a rat, a vole, a toad, a baron, a kestrel, and a dwarf. Did I forget any? Wow, all that in one short book. Never a boring moment!

The only thing I don't like is the lack of emotion. It has a fairy tale feel to it, and I guess the emphasis on action rather than emotion goes with the style, but I personally like diving deeper into the characters' emotions when I read. But then again, I'm not too familiar with chapter books, as I normally review only MG novels. I'm still giving it four stars.

My Rating: