His Majesty’s Dragon

Published on by Kathy Lauren MillerLeave a comment

untitled  Temeraire, an irrepressible dragon

From the high seas to the coverts of England, this novel is full of adventure, action and amazingly lovable dragons. There are many kinds of dragons, but Temeraire is special. He is an Imperial Chinese Dragon. The dragons are aviators in the service of his Majesty. Oh, and did I mention they all talk?  And all are very intelligent, as well as brave and loyal to their life long handlers. Laurence, a Navy Captain, is Temeraire’s handler, or co-pilot, if you will. It was happenstance that brought the two together and now they are bonded for life.

Beautifully written and faithfully adhering to the norms and language of the 18 century, Naomi Novik has penned yet another page turner. Adults will enjoy this story, but I think it will resonate even better with YA males and teens.  An enjoyable read.

A Lush and Rich Fantasy Novel

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Uprooted, by Naomi Novik is a lush and vibrant novel, rich with imagery.  I’ve learned a lesson here about first impressions because somewhere during the first chapter I went,  well, maybe this isn’t for me . . .  then I read on and on  and soon I was captured not only by the protagonist, who is not your average heroine, but by the unfolding story.  Our protagonist,  Agnieszka is awkward, clumsy and not a beauty. But she is determined, stubborn and she has a gift, a gift of magic, new, untried and untamed. Sarkan, the Dragon Lord of the country named, Polnya, is likable despite his asperity. He is a master of magic who holds back the evil that threatens to overrun the people and the country. The evil in the Wood is contagious, sending its vines and roots into the villages.
Ultimately, it is a fantastic story about the depth of friendship, love, betrayal, sacrifice and unyielding determination against the roots of evil.  While I’m not generally a fan of fantasy novels, I couldn’t stop reading this wonderful book.  I will note, however, despite the cover, which is beautiful and seemed clearly meant for tweens, is should be read primarily by young adults and adults due to some graphic sexual scenes.  I loved this author’s writing and I’ve no doubt I’ll be reading more of her works.

Young and Tragic Love

Published on by Kathy Lauren Miller1 Comment

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Jennifer Niven has crafted a gut wrenching story of young love. Funny and tragic by turns, it is the story of Violet and Finch, two high school seniors who meet on a roof top, both ready to give up on living. Violet blames herself for her sister’s accidental death . Finch, brilliant and enigmatic, has a love-hate relationship with his abusive father. Violet had become reclusive, a shadow of her former self. Finch, the boy who is determined to end his life,  eventually teaches Violet how to be alive again, though he fails to save himself. Niven’s writing is crystal and brilliant. I loved this novel and highly recommend it.  It is a must read.

A Haunting Tale of Young Love, Mystery and Murder

Published on by Kathy Lauren Miller1 Comment

61VJxokb2pL__SX331_BO1,204,203,200_  A Love that transcended time.

As James Joyce wrote in his novel, Ulysses: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

This extraordinary novel tells the story of Anna and Garrett, two young childhood friends who happen upon the ravaged body of a young girl while hiking through their beloved and possibly haunted forest. They are considered more than witnesses to the crime as suspicion falls heavily on Garrett, who many in their small town consider strange. Together, Anna and Garrett search for clues to find the killer as the mists of the past collides with the present. Karen Demers Dowdall weaves a magical and haunting tale of danger, suspense and mystery, and above all, an enduring love that ultimately transcends time.

 

A Magical and Thrilling Epic Fantasy

Published on by Kathy Lauren Miller3 Comments

M.L. LeGette, author of The Orphan and the Thief says, K.D Dowdall’s  fantasy novel is reminiscent of The Neverending Story and The Princess Bride.

Kirstin Lenane, author of The Scare: A Halloween Story, says K.D. Dowdall’s novel is beautifully done and should be picked up by any fan of epic fantasy stories.

An out-of-this world, magical, and thrilling epic fantasy

“This mysterious, magical, and thrilling first novel by K.D. Dowdall, is an epic fantasy adventure that will whisk you away by land, by sea, and to a far away realm that we sometimes conjure up in our dreams and nightmares. Dowdall’s vivid imagination and beautifully drawn scenarios are evocative of Tolkien’s, Lord of the Rings and Paolini’s, Eragon. I highly recommend this beautifully written epic fantasy and science fiction trilogy.”

K.L Miller, author of The Starling Trilogy

 

 

Mystery, Twists and Suspense

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The mystery hangs on the statement: Don’t Order Dog

The Ice Man Cometh is a well crafted mystery and suspense novel about corporate terrorists with a twist. Witty and horrifying at times, C.T. Wente keeps the reader engaged and guessing until the end.  From India to Amsterdam and China to a weathered old saloon in Flagstaff, AZ named, Joe’s Last Stand Saloon, the reader is catapulted across continents and back to the USA. Things get really interesting when the CIA, NSA and Homeland Security agencies spring into action as a result of misinformation and their missions collide causing a full scale investigation that brings down more than one agency. Both exciting and thought provoking, The Iceman Cometh is a great read and what’s more, a sequel is sure to cometh!

A Story within a Story

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I particularly related to Fangirl because like Cather and Wren, I have an identical twin sister, and boy did Rainbow nail their relationship. Especially telling is the construct of their split names, Catherine, as in they were different sides of the same coin. I loved the aspect of a story within a story where Simon and Bas deal with each other in their fantasy world just as Cather and Wren do in their real world. Rainbow’s telling is rich with humor, pathos, love and heartbreak, and as in all great reads, the power of love, in all its forms, heals even the most broken of hearts.

Award Winning Coming of Age Novel

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Printz Award-winning author Meg Rosoff’s coming of age novel is an unforgettable page turner about a very unusual girl. It is also about the relationship between her parents, love and loss and ultimately, betrayal.

The one person you trust the most to tell you the truth has kept a secret, one that would shed a light not only on their past, but would call into question everything you thought you knew about them.

Mila, our young protagonist, has an exceptionally strange talent. She has the ability to ferret out secrets and clues most other people overlook. She can read a room, body language and people’s emotions as she pieces together the mystery surrounding her father and his missing friend. Equally funny and irreverent, Picture Me Gone is a delightful read that pulls at your heartstrings.

 

 

Against the Odds

Published on by Kathy Lauren Miller1 Comment

41-YkFaghDL__SX302_BO1,204,203,200_ This is the ultimate survival story, with a twenty-first century Robinson Crusoe hero, but on Mars. Any Weir has crafted an amazing account of a what if scenario. What if one of our astronauts was stranded on Mars? What if a rescue was a big if? And even if a rescue was possible, it would take years to get back there. It reads like an actual account, filled with science and technology (which computer and math nerds will swoon over) and page turning suspense. Our hero, Mark Watney overcomes one daunting disaster after another. It’s funny and heartrending and utterly believable. I’m a Lit-chick, but honestly, I couldn’t put this down.