Book Review: Z. Apocalypse is an epic end.

Last review for the day. This book is the last of Steve Cole's Hunting Trilogy. And it is epic. Give it up for Z. Apocalypse!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
On their way to a meeting to give information about Geneflow Adam and his father are caught in the middle of an attack on Washington D.C., caused by super-evolved pterosaurs that are dubbed Z. dactyls. One of them is captured and the government gets to work trying to learn what they can from it. Meanwhile similar attacks are going on in countries across the world. After Geneflow tries to eliminate the captured Z. dactyl, dubbed Keera, Adam and his new friend Zoe are taken all the way to Siberia, where they meet up with Zed from the first book! After learning of Geneflow's plot to bring about the apocalypse Adam and his friends must work to stop Geneflow's demented plans, but can they really stop the end of the world?
In this epic finale Steve really doesn't hold back. Not only are there armies of super-evolved dinosaurs, but Geneflow's madness really shines forth. A plot to turn all world governments against each other, doubled with engineering species to be completely devoid of free will and thought. Science is shown at its worst here, and the stakes have been higher than ever before. If there was ever a book series that could use dinosaurs in an epic way, its The Hunting.
Caution:
Creature violence abounds. Blood is mentioned. A mad scientist clones people into human-reptile hybrids. Animals are fed to dinosaurs. Crashes and explosions may be a little intense.
Lessons:
It is wrong to force anyone to act against their will. It is okay to fight if you are not the offender and to protect your freedom and the freedom of those around you.

Book Review: Rise and Fall is exciting, fun, and unexpected.

Well, this next book I was surprised to find in the bookstore because I wasn't expecting this until next month. It's the next book in the Spirit Animals series, Rise and Fall:

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
The team has been split. Abeke and Meilin have been captured by the Conquerors and Rollan and Conor have to travel across Nilo to find Cabaro, the Great Beast who's not only powerful and dangerous, but is a known human-hater. Finding allies in Nilo is next-to-impossible as the Conquerors have almost conquered all of the continent. Still they must find a way to get the Golden Lion talisman from the lion before the Conquerors do, or else risk Kovo the Ape getting free of his prison. Friendships will be tested, lives will be lost, and no one will be prepared for what is coming.
I have been enjoying the Spirit Animals series because I enjoy how the world feels like Earth but is still different. Plus the ability to bond and work with your own animal is just plain cool. You can tell in this book the situation is growing worse as the Conquerors seem to be pretty much unstoppable. This book will take you on a roller coaster ride that will blow your mind away.
Caution:
Children are in peril. Animals and people are killed. A lion threatens everyone. A girl is killed for failing.
Lessons:
People will try to use our trust against us. Our friends can give us love and support. Deception can come from anywhere.

Book Review: Z.Raptor is a heart-pounding thrill.

Well, with all these fantasy books some of you might be thinking I've lost my interest in dinosaurs. Not a chance! I still love dinosaurs, and to prove it this next review is on a book that features dinosaurs.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Story:
While trying to enjoy Christmas with his dad in New York Adam Adlar finds himself abducted by the FBI. He and his dad learn that the company Geneflow has people trapped on an island off of Hawaii where there are super-evolved raptors. On their way to rescue the people one of the ships is attacked and sunk, and Adam finds himself stranded on Raptor Island. With a group of survivors Adam learns there's not one, but two super-evolved raptor species on the island that are battling each other for domination, and for the right to eat the people. With the help of the outcast raptor Loner, Adam and the survivors launch a plan to break into Geneflow's base and stop this diabolical plan of theirs.
I enjoyed these books because the dinosaurs are not your average stereotype. I enjoy reading how these species are evolved into deadly creatures. Perfect blend of science fiction and horror. Steve Cole has plenty of unexpected twists in the story, and you will be on the edge of your seat long before you get to the end.
Caution:
Raptors fight each other and blood is mention. Some violence between survivors and raptors might be a little intense for some. Some mild swearing.
Lessons:
If we let ambition blind us we may become monsters ourselves. Be careful when it comes to trusting others.

Book Review: Glinda of Oz is magical.

Hello. While I've been away I was able to finish up a book series. That's right. I read the last Oz book L. Frank Baum wrote, Glinda of Oz:

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
While visiting Glinda the Good Dorothy and Ozma learn that two people, the Flatheads and the Skeezers, are about to go to war with each other. Not wanting this to happen Ozma and Dorothy set out to make peace with the two nations. Along the way Dorothy learns some more about how magic works, and that everyone who can use magic has their limits. They have some adventures and mishaps along the way, but thanks to their friends and the good hearts of Oz's inhabitants everything manages to work out well.
This book features some elements that are usually not present in the books of Oz, like two people threatening war with each other, and Ozma and Dorothy both unable to figure a way out of a certain predicament. I think it does work because it allows their friends to come and help them. I also enjoy the philosophy L. Frank Baum puts in this book about magic because it holds true. While I found the Flatheads a little weird it still has that Oz feel about them.
Caution:
Spiders hold people captive, which may be a little scary. People threaten war with each other. A transforming witch might scare some.
Lessons:
We should always strive for peace. When we work hard for something we want we find joy in having accomplished what we set out to do. We should use our gifts and talents to help each other instead of ourselves.

Book Review: Ender's Game is a Sci-Fi must!

Well I was finally able to get this book read, and now I can review it.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Story:
After Earth has been invaded twice by the alien buggers the world has come together to train kids to fight battles in space for the impending third invasion. Andrew "Ender" Wiggin is one of the most promising cadets ever seen, and soon he is whisked off to Battle School, where he learns to fight as a soldier. As Ender progresses he learns that his battles are not just in the games, but in himself as well.
I'm sorry to say I saw the movie before I read the book, and I dislike it when I do that. I did notice several differences in the plot of both, but the book's spirit was still there. I could feel the pressure of war training on the mind of Ender Wiggin, and the conflict he has with himself feels incredibly realistic. This is definitely a book any fan of science fiction will want to read.
Caution:
Boys in battle school have some dirty humor. Some mild swearing. Kids bully and pick on each other. Some violence occurs.
Lessons:
When we love our enemies we lose all hatred for them. Forgiving others who have wronged us and loving them brings peace. There is nothing wrong with using self-defense as a last resort when we have offered our aggressors peace. Our words and actions can have consequences we do not foresee. Using others to satisfy our selfish gain is wrong.

Book Review: Sands of Nezza adds new levels to the series

Hi again. I've been doing a lot of reading lately, and that means new reviews. This review is for the fourth book in the Adventurers Wanted series, Sands of Nezza:

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
Alex Taylor is enjoying his new life in Alusia. However he receives a message from one of his friends, who is trapped in the land of Nezza. Alex sets out to find and rescue his friend, but Nezza is a land where adventurers are not trusted, and wizards are seen as evil. Both big problems for Alex as he is both. Not only must Alex work in secret to rescue his friends, but he must help them find the one who can unite the land of Nezza and end the evil that is at work here. Not only will this affect the future of Nezza, but all the lands, known and unknown, could be at risk.
I've been enjoying how the Adventurers Wanted series has been developing, and now we are seeing more of what the future could hold in this book. M.L. Forman is coming forward as a writer, and in this book we see that not everything works out well for adventurers or wizards. Distrust and political games are becoming more evident, and the bad guys are willing to go as far as it takes to get what they want. I look forward to reading what happens in book five.
Caution:
Soldiers try to stop the characters. A snake attacks people and eats someone. There is fighting and sword clashing, but there is little to no blood.
Lessons:
We should not be afraid to learn to use our gifts and talents to help those in need. We should accept responsibility.

Book Review: Eiathan's Heir raises the stakes

Hi everyone. It's late getting this up, but better late than never. This book review deals with the third book in the Legends of Astarkand series, Eiathan's Heir:

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
Bjorn Horsa has come to Hearthing Hall, and is trying to bring order to the land while waiting for the right moment to be crowned king. Not only does he have to deal with misguided heralds and political matters of the court, but there's a barber causing insurrection in the land that if not stopped will result in innocent people being sacrificed to Vodan. Unknown to Bjorn the sorceress and Vodan's own daughter Gunhild is spying on him, seeking to ruin his rule. Will Bjorn be able to save the folk of Firewind? Or will Astarkand forever fall under the shadow of Vodan?
I enjoyed this story as I've enjoyed the other books of Astarkand. Krystine manages to create an authentic medieval feel while still maintaining the elements of a high fantasy. Like in medieval times different religious views clash and find themselves at odds. Her heroes prove you don't need magic or super powers to save the day. All you need is faith and the courage to go forward.
Caution:
The word breast is used a few times. A woman is hinted to be pregnant. A man is hanged. A dragon attacks a town.
Lessons:
With God all things are possible. The Devil may try to slip us up and bring misfortune, but all will work out in the end. Sometimes doing what's right means going against what is popular.