Book review: The Chosen One captures real-life horror

Hello everyone. Back with a new book review. I read this for class, but I'm posting my thoughts on The Chosen One here:

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
Kyra is a young girl living in an isolated community. The people there claim to worship God and follow His commandments, living in family communities. Sounds peaceful, right? Wrong. Their community is cut off from the rest of the world, and the women are at the mercy of merciless old men who take as many wives as they can, even when the girls are sixty years younger than they are. Through her life, Kyra has been breaking some of the rules, like reading books and falling in love with a young man close to her age. However, when the man who calls himself the Prophet declares that Kyra is to marry her sixty-year old uncle, who already has six wives, she knows that she has to take a stand and take her own life into her own hands. 
I have read very few books where I encountered characters I ended up hating so much that I wanted to go into the story and beat them to a pulp. This book is now one of those stories. The villains are absolutely despicable, claiming to be Chosen of God when they do NOTHING to live as Christians should. All that community does is stagnate in what they have, refusing to change and seeing everyone else as damned to hell. I also found it insulting that Mark Childs claims to be a prophet, and that Kyra's uncle Hyrum is supposed to be an apostle, but NONE of them are that. It's very clear that these men are only wolves in sheep's clothing, having their own police force to enforce their rules upon the closed community while they make it seem like their ideas and philosophies are the will of God. I know for sure that the men leading this community are NOT holy men. They are criminals and thugs who try to make everyone living in the community into mindless robots who do nothing but what they're told to do. I so wanted to tear them limb from limb. That's how well these antagonists are written in the story. 
If there was anyone who could capture how a thirteen-year old girl must feel in this situation, it was Carol Lynch Williams. She has proven that she can write how a teen would feel, questioning what she knows, seeing evil men for who they are, and realizing that it's not safe for her to stay in the place she's lived all her life. I found myself worrying for her and getting scared that the story might not have a happy ending after all. Whether it does or not... you'll have to read this book to find out. 
Caution:
Old men try to marry teenage girls. Some "hells" and "damns". An old man beats a girl when she disobeys him, and a teenage boy is also beaten. Some deaths are mentioned but not seen. 
Lessons:
Judge people by their actions, and not their words. We should seek out the best books for comfort and education. Wicked men will try to twist the word of God to suit their own ends.

Book Review: A Feast for Crows continues the aftermath

Hi again. Got a book read and ready to review. Today's selections is A Feast for Crows.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Story:
Continuing where A Storm of Swords left off, Westeros is in disarray. Tywin Lannister has been murdered by his son Tyrion, and Cersei is determined to have the head of her brother. Brienne is determined to find the lost Stark girls and bring them to safety to keep the oaths she made with Catelyn Stark and Jaime Lannister. Even though sister and brother have been reunited, Cersei and Jaime grow further and further apart as they see that both of them have changed, and in ways they do not like. As her brother continues to act more like the knight he was supposed to be, Cersei continues to maneuver the politics of the seven kingdoms, using her son Tommen as a puppet king while she tries to put in power people she can control. Meanwhile, Arya arrives in Braavos and starts adopting a new lifestyle while Samwell Tarly travels to Oldtown to learn to be a maester for the Night's Watch. All around, the people struggle to rebuild life after the war of the Five Kings has all but ended. However, events are in motion that cannot be stopped. The Ironborn are moving to conquer the entire land, outlaws continue to plague the people, and ancient customs that were long banned are being brought back. One thing can be certain: all this will mean a feast for crows.
This book, to be honest, was not as well liked as the others were. That does not mean it's not important for the series. It shows the aftermath of a war that was won by the side no one wanted to win, and how the people suffer for it. George R. R. Martin has done a great job showing people desperate for order among all the chaos the war has brought on, from becoming outlaws to turning to religion for comfort. It was interesting to read from Cersei's viewpoint, even though she's one of my least favorite characters, because we get to see her reasoning for doing what she does, and it becomes clear who she truly cares about. Not to mention we learn things about her past that could set in motion the future. It was tedious to read a lot of the chapters because a lot of them felt like filler, but that's life for you. Gotta go through things that don't feel important at the moment, but will undoubtedly be so in the future. It's clear that Martin is setting the stage for something big, and all we can do is wait for the storm to hit.
Caution:
Large amounts of swearing, including use of the F-word. People have sex and discuss it with each other. Blood and gore abound.
Lessons:
The more we try to cover up our sins, the more they come back to haunt us. Nothing stays hidden forever. We must watch what we do and say, for there is a chance that they will be used against us.

Book Review: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a delightful read

This review is for a book I read some time ago. It also takes place in Westeros, but it follows different characters. That story is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
This book is actually three books merged into one. Taking place a century before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire, the story follows Ser Duncan, a man who was recently knighted before his master passed away. While traveling to a tourney, he meets a bald boy named Egg who, despite Duncan's efforts to have it otherwise, becomes his squire. Duncan learns some surprising things while at the tourney, but ends up making a name for himself in front of the Targaryans, who are the family of kings and queens in Westeros. Afterwards, he and Egg have several adventures, including trying to help a disgraced lord save his lands and his smallfolk (peasants) from a drought while a rival house is taking all the resources, and participating in a tourney while looking for a performer that is hinted that Duncan might have feelings for. Underneath it all is the threat of the embers of a rebellion that had been beaten years ago, but is struggling to rise to power again. Will Duncan and Egg be able to help the Seven Kingdoms?
I was pleased to see another story that takes place in Westeros, and isn't part of the main series. It helps add to the world's history, and allows us to see characters we read about in The World of Ice and Fire to get some attention. While not as intense as the series A Song of Ice and Fire, it still has that flare of Martin's to explore real people facing real medieval problems. The illustrations done by Gary Gianni also help bring this world and time period to life. It's definitely worth reading.
Caution:
Some swearing, including some uses of the F-word. Some violence and gore. Some people are seen naked in some of the illustrations (though one is the result of a dream and another is part of a marriage ceremony in Westeros).
Lessons:
Honor and nobility are found in the heart. You can find good people in unexpected places. The Devil will try to strike us when we are not expecting it.

Book review: A Storm of Swords is a must-read

Hello everyone. I'm back after a long absence. I've got some books to review with all of you. The first one today is A Storm of Swords.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
War continues to rage across the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Tyron Lannister has managed to repel the forces of Stannis Baratheon, and is left with nothing after his father and nephew take all the credit. Robb Stark continues to work to avenge his father, but his actions are causing problems in the ranks of his own men. Meanwhile, beyond the Wall, Jon Snow is trying to learn the plans of Mance Rayder, the King-Beyond-The-Wall, while he ends up getting too close to the wildling Ygritte. Arya Stark is still trying to get back to her mother and brother, but ends up having to deal with outlaws and bandits who have their own plans for her. Meanwhile, across the sea, Daenerys Targaryan is building an army of slaves and sellswords to sail to Westeros to take back the Iron Throne. In amongst all this conflict there is betrayal, conspiracies, schemes, and assassinations around every corner. Every man is looking out for himself while all around them the Storm of Swords rages on.
This book took me over a month to read, but it was worth every second. George R. R. Martin is a modern-day master of fantasy, stepping on the foundation that both J. R. R. Tolkien and history itself has laid, and combined the two of them to create one of the most realistic worlds in the realm of fantasy. In Westeros things are not black and white. There is a lot of grey in there, and you can see that in the people and the reasons they give for doing what they do. Characters you care about are not safe from the ravages of war and evil, and we see that even good people do bad things. His descriptions are very detailed and he really explores the psychological processes in each of his characters. So pick up a copy and be sure to join the adventure.
Caution:
Heavily language, including multiple use of the F-word. There is explicit sex and nudity, and often you'll have to skip entire pages before you can continue again. There is a lot of gore and violence, which would probably shock your parents if they could see the images your imagination projects with this book. Some terrifying moments.
Lessons:
As soon as men get a little power, they will exercise unrighteous dominion. Be careful of who you trust. Doing what is right sometimes means telling others no, and getting scorned for it.

Stories for English Heritage

Hi everyone. I've been wanting to do this post for a while now, and I figured now's the time to get it done. For a while I've been wanting to do more to honor my English/Scottish heritage, and I was thinking one way to do that was to familiarize myself with the traditional legends and stories of the countries. Below is a list of the stories I think would be good for anyone who would like to fill their libraries and/or minds with to honor their English heritage.

Starting off on this list is the tales of the legendary King Arthur. Everyone knows the name of this famous monarch and the deeds of his Knights of the Round Table. For generations people have written about King Arthur, his knights, the wizard Merlin, and the legendary city of Camelot. Authors never seem to get tired of writing books that focus on or involve these legendary heroes, and the legends have gone on to inspire countless fantasies throughout the years. Speaking of legendary heroes...

It would also be good for those wanting stories for their English heritage to become familiar with the exploits of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood. The Earl of Locksley as some tales have him became an outlaw due the laws made and enforced by Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham while King Richard was on one of his many crusades. Robin Hood and his Merry Men gave hope to the people by robbing from the rich to give to the poor, showing that sometimes doing what is right means going against what is popular or accepted by those around us.

Another well-known English figure is Sherlock Holmes. First created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle this tale has become known as the greatest detective who ever lived. Sherlock Holmes has set the standard for all detective novels with his knowledge of chemistry, ability to disguise himself, and extensive know-how of forensic science. While we're on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle let's look at another of his famous works.

One of my personal favorites, The Lost World was one of those novels that set the standard for later works of fiction. The story follows the adventures of Professor Challenger and his team as they explore a remote plateau in South America where dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals survived extinction. Since it's release countless authors and filmmakers have been inspired to create some remote corner of the planet where dinosaurs didn't go extinct. Edgar Rice Burroughs, James Gurney, and Michael Crichton have written something that can be seen as inspired by this novel. Michael Crichton admitted he loved the story so much he gave the sequel to Jurassic Park the same name as a way to honor the story.

We should not overlook these works when talking about English literature. J.R.R. Tolkein's stories of Middle-Earth have become increasingly popular over the years, but when they came out they set the standard for all future high fantasy stories. Wizards, dragons, evil seeking to take over the world...what's not to like about the series? Tolkein sometimes viewed what he was doing as making a mythology for England. Guess the tales of King Arthur and Robin Hood weren't good enough for him.

There's no way I'm including J.R.R. Tolkein's works on this post and ignoring the works of his friend C.S. Lewis. Everyone knows Lewis for his series The Chronicles of Narnia, which follows the adventures of children who often make their way from Earth to a realm of fantasy where they must work with an all-powerful lion to defeat the forces of evil and restore peace to this world. The series is loved by children and adults all around the world, and the combination of theology with fantasy makes it truly memorable.

This is more recent, but you can't ignore the huge popularity of the stories revolving around the boy wizard. Since it's initial release the stories have gained an incredible popularity around the world. I enjoy the stories about someone who's learning to use magic, and encountering a wide variety of magical creatures from folklore and mythology, and J.K. Rowling has created many fantastic characters, locations, and beasts in the course of seven books.

We may as well move on to stories that were written for younger audiences now. FYI I still enjoy these stories even though I'm an adult. Lewis Carroll's classic novel was one of the first in modern fiction to have someone travel from one world to another. Originally called Underland, the location in this fairy tale fantasy has over the years been renamed to Wonderland. Though the story lacks in a solid plot the locations and characters Alice meets on her adventures are amusing enough, and if anyone is familiar with the old nursery rhymes will see that Lewis Carroll was poking fun with them as well as at the British government. Oh look, the Cheshire Cat is behind you. Just kidding. Out of curiosity have any of you figured out why a raven is like a writing desk?

Another classic English story that has fallen under the category of fairy tales like Alice in Wonderland is J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. The story follows the adventures of Wendy Darling and her brothers John and Michael as they are taken by Peter Pan, the Boy Who Never Grew Up, to a magical place called Neverland. There they must join with the Lost Boys as they fight against Captain Hook and his band of pirates. People have continued to love this story for generations, and more adventures set on the island of Neverland are still being written, including the popular Peter and the Starcatchers series by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry. I've now got this song in my head so I'm sharing this clip with you (FYI some people consider this film the definitive version of J.M. Barrie's story):

Possibly my favorite song from the film. Now where was I? Oh yes. I was about to tell you about another famous island that comes from English literature.

The classic novel was written by Robert Louis Stevenson was first published May 23, 1883, and follows the adventures of young Jim Hawkins as he and others embark on a voyage to the legendary Treasure Island to find the lost loot of the infamous Captain Flint. However the crew turns out to be a band of pirates led by Long John Silver. I won't say any more in case you haven't read the book, but I imagine you all have seen at least one adaptation in film. This book is one of the classic examples of an adventure novel.

This story is a classic children's novel in England, so it is making it's way onto this list. Made famous by the works of Walt Disney Animation Studios, the books follow the adventures of Winnie the Pooh and his friends in the Hundred-Acre Woods. I never got to read the books, but one of my professors has and really enjoys it because it is full of great philosophy.

The last story I'll talk about on this post is The Wind in the Willows, another famous children's book. This follows the adventures of a group of animals as they try to help Mr. Toad with his money-spending problems. Again this is a novel I need to put on my to read list.
I know this isn't a definitive list of every novel from England, but these are stories that I think would be good for a person to be familiar with to honor their English heritage. If there are any that I missed that you think should be on this list please say so in the comments and if there's enough I'll do another post for those books. I'll also see if I can find any Scottish stories to do a blog post on.

Two Book reviews: Gods of Mars is out of this world and Magic of Oz is magical

I guys. I got two books that I'm reviewing today. They're a little older than what you might be used to, but if you enjoy reading you won't care. The first is the second book chronicling adventures on Barsoom, The Gods of Mars:

Rating: Four out of Five stars
Story:
John Carter finds himself back on Barsoom/Mars, except he's come to a heavily forested area. He meets up with the Green Martian Tars Tarkas while fighting off plant men and white apes. John learns he is in the valley Dor, which lies at the end of the river Iss, which all Barsoomians make a trip down when they are ready to die. While fighting his way through John learns of the mysterious but dangerous Therns, while encountering their enemies the Black Martians. Along the way John learns the truth surrounding the religion and superstitions of Barsoom and must expose it before it takes away everything from him.
Edgar Rice Burroughs is always creative with his adventures and his stories. I like how he used religion as a theme in this book and the warning of how people can use ideas and beliefs to manipulate others. It is not meant to demote religion, but to warn that people will try to use it to hide evil intentions. Racism is used as a tool to show the pride of various Martian races. Readers will find themselves with John Carter on a while roller coaster ride.
Caution:
It is mentioned that Barsoomians don't wear clothes, but that is not focused on. Characters are in constant peril. Some Martian races are described as being cannibals. Monsters attack several people, which may scare some readers.
Lessons:
We should not esteem ourselves as better than others. If we give in to pride, it will prove to be our ruin. We shouldn't be close-minded to new ideas. People may claim to have good intentions when they are hiding sinister purposes.

The next book to be reviewed today is The Magic of Oz:

Rating: Five out of Five stars
Story:
Excitement is in the Land of Oz as Dorothy and her many friends are getting ready to celebrate Ozma's birthday. However unknown to them in a corner of Munchkinland a Hyup boy named Kiki Aru has discovered a magic word that allows him to change his form as well as the forms of others. While flying around the countries that surround the Deadly Desert Kiki encounters Rugeddo, the former Nome King, who makes a deal with him for help to conquer Oz. Meanwhile Dorothy and the Wizard are making plans for a special cake for Ozma while her friends Trot and Cap'n Bill seek another gift. Along the way all parties will encounter unexpected magic and one will be wondering if this will all be fixed before Ozma's birthday.
While not as action packed as most stories, L. Frank Baum has certainly not lost his creativity when dealing with the magical land of Oz. Around the corners are characters and places you wouldn't expect. The magic used in this book is fun, but it is also dangerous as well. Truly reminiscing of the wonders and perils of the classic fairy tales, The Magic of Oz is definitely one for fantasy fans.
Caution:
Characters are transformed into animals, but this is more humorous than scary. A couple of characters are trapped on a magic island.
Lessons:
Wickedness never was happiness. We find greater joy when we help others instead of using them for our selfish gain.

Four book reviews! Oh my!

Hi everyone. I've managed to get through four books over the weekend and I was surprised at how fast I've read them. Well now's the time to get reviewing in order they were done.

The third book in the Spirit Animals series, Blood Ties is written by the Australian team of Garth Nix and Sean Williams. Meilin and her Spirit Animal Jhi have returned to Zhong to find her father and to try and weaken the Conqueror hold on the land. Her friends Conor, Abeke, and Rollan are also called to Zhong to find one of the Great Beasts and collect another talisman before it falls into the hands of the Conquerors. Well written, fast paced, and lots of action from beginning to the end, the book is a great resource for showing the bond between family and friends.
Caution
Children and people constantly in peril. Lots of fighting but not graphic.
Lessons
Our friends can be just as encouraging and loving as our biological families. Putting the needs of others before our own will lead to greater happiness. The greatest form of love is to give your life for another. Battling is okay when the cause is just (fighting to protect freedom, family, etc.).
Rating
Five out of Five stars

The fourth book in the Kingdom Keepers series, Power Play finds the Keepers enjoying their lives now that Maleficent and Chernabog have been captured by the Imagineers. However while Finn and Amanda are having a good time at the parks the ride goes horribly wrong. Worse fellow Kingdom Keeper Charlene is starting to act strange. They begin to suspect the Overtakers are back at work and are starting to expand their powers. While trying to learn of the plans of the Overtakers and trying to find out what's going on they will encounter many new enemies and will find new friends, both of which will please and amaze many fans. If you love anything Disney I would highly recommend you pick up these books.
Caution
People are in peril. Some scenes involving threats from Overtakers may be a little intense for some. When a mermaid changes to human form she's a little destitute in clothing (though she corrects this as soon as possible and it was done to stay true to the film she originally came from).
Lessons
Parents can be a great source of encouragement for their children. We can overcome our differences and work together to accomplish great things. Though the powers of evil are great they will eventually fall to the forces of good.
Rating
Four out of Five Stars

The twelfth book written by L. Frank Baum that takes place in the magical land of Oz, the story finds the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow living their lives peacefully in the Winkie country, or the western lands of Oz. When they are visited by a boy named Woot the Wanderer the Tin Woodman takes it upon himself to go and find the Munchkin girl he used to love before he became made of tin. Joined by the Scarecrow and Woot, the three journey across the Land of Oz and meet many characters, old and new, and have strange adventures before finding themselves in the Munchkin country where they encounter strange surprises that no one will see coming.
I've always enjoyed the Land of Oz, and though we meet several familiar characters in this story we're still treated to new friends as well. We also see new areas of Munchkin land that I doubt anyone who hasn't read the books existed. We also get to learn more of the past of one of Oz's most beloved characters.
Caution
People are changed into animals by a giantess. Later, a jaguar tries to eat the characters and one of them falls into a den of dragons. No one is harmed though.
Lessons
We should be grateful to those who show loyalty and goodness to us and others. The way we treat others will come back to us. We will be rewarded for our deeds, good and bad.
Rating
Five out of Five stars

Whispers In The Dark - Phantom's Lullaby is a beautiful story that brings heart again to the classic tale of The Phantom of the Opera. Chardonnay is a beautiful young woman with a promising career that gets torn away from her. However her belief in the music angel Erik and the love of her friend helps her to continue on. I liked how the characters in the story ended up meeting Erik and Christine as well as receiving help from them in their lives. I didn't like how detailed a lot of the antagonists' actions were given a lot of detail. However I know it was only to show his true colors and to show the difference between loving someone and lusting them. Still a good story for people who love The Phantom of the Opera or love stories about coming back from defeat.
Caution
The villain sleeps with and rapes a lot of women (I had to skip over those parts, though it was only included to show how evil he was). People use drugs, drink, and swear. A spirit scares people in many ways, though it's to help the characters. Story may be too mature for some readers. 
Lessons
Our ancestors care a great deal for our welfare and success, and are watching over us. If you let hate and anger rule your heart you will never find true happiness. Marriage and family life is ordained of God. A relationship were couples rely on physical intimacy instead of love and service is doomed to fail. Wickedness never was happiness. Lust is the opposite of love. We are all children of a loving Father in Heaven.
Rating
Four out of Five stars

Summer Reading List

Hi everyone. I wanted to get this up before General Conference tomorrow. I am not going to be available at all Saturday through Sunday. Anyway, I think I've kept you waiting long enough for this: my summer reading list! I'll add books as time goes on, but this is basically what I plan to read. I did separate the books between ones I need to read and review and those I would just like to read at some point.

Books I need to read before summer’s end

1.     The Bifrost Bridge by Jim Clarke

2.     A Shadow of the Land by Kristen Kercher

3.     The Creation Chronicles: The Dragon Within by Cindy Lyle

4.     Troublesome Neighbors by M.K. Theodoratus

5.     Awakening: The Ydron Saga by Raymond Bolton

6.     The Page: The Year of the Dragons by James W. McAllister

7.     The Silverwolf Chronicles: From Darkness to Destiny by Crystal Tyler

8.     The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches by Robert Stanek

9.     In My Wildest Dreams by Larynn Ford

10. The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch: Lady Danger by Glynnis Campbell

11. Ambassadors of Love by Patti Chiappa

12. The Haunting: One Silent Night by Patti Chiappa

Books I’d like to read

1.     Spirit Animals: Wild Born by Brandon Mull

2.     Spirit Animals: Hunted by Maggie Stiefvater

3.     Spirit Animals: Blood Ties by Garth Nix and Sean Williams

4.     Spirit Animals: Fire and Ice by Shannon Hale

5.     Adventurers Wanted: Albrek’s Tomb by M.L. Forman

6.     Adventurers Wanted: The Sands of Nezza by M.L. Forman

7.     Far World: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage

8.     Ambush by Obert Skye

9.     Beyond Foo: Geth and the Deception of Dreams by Obert Skye

10. Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris

11. Cragbridge Hall: The Avatar Battle by Chad Morris

12. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

13. Kingdom Keepers: Power Play by Ridley Pearson

14. Kingdom Keepers: Shell Game by Ridley Pearson

15. Kingdom Keepers: Dark Passage by Ridley Pearson

16. Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar by Edgar Rice Burroughs

17. Tarzan the Terrible by Edgar Rice Burroughs

18. The Gods of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

19. The Warlord of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

20. Thuvia, Maid of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

21. The Chessmen of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

22. The Cave Girl by Edgar Rice Burroughs

23. The Eternal Lover by Edgar Rice Burroughs

24. Dinosaur Wars: Earthfall by Thomas P. Hopp

25. The Tin Woodman of Oz by L. Frank Baum

26. The Magic of Oz by L. Frank Baum

27. Glinda of Oz by L. Frank Baum

28. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

29. Janitors by Tyler Whitesides

30. Janitors: Secrets of New Forest Academy by Tyler Whitesides

31. Janitors: Curse of the Broomstaff by Tyler Whitesides

32. The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

33. The Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

34. The Heroes of Olympus: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

35. The Heroes of Olympus: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

36. Satchel and Sword I: The Search for the Saluka Stone by Claudette Marco

37. Everville: The First Pillar by Roy Huff

38. Everville: The City of Worms by Roy Huff

39. The Sail Weaver by Muffy Morrigan

I know this is a big list and there's a very good chance I won't be able to read all of them before the end of August due to school and writing. However I will do what I can. Reviews will be posted on here and on Amazon.com and GoodReads. Until next time.