Month: March 2016

Tobias (The Triptych Chronicle Book 1) by Prue Batten

Review - Submitted

WordsAPlenty received a copy of Tobias (The Triptych Chronicle Book 1) by Prue Batten in exchange for an honest review.  

 

Tobias and his twin brother, Tomas are dwarf minstrels traded at an early age to a Jewish merchant of Venice.  The merchant, Gisborne, has arranged many a dangerous adventures for Tomas and Tobias.  This adventure is no different – they seek to claim the Tyrian purple – a beautiful and controlled dye that only the most royal may possess and can only be found in Constantinople.

A slip from the lips of a small child, a greedy power seeking fool, and an empire that wishes to remove all those of the Komemna line create a most dangerous and deadly experience for the twin brothers.

An exciting book that introduces several characters all tied to one another in an intricate manner.  This is a wonderful piece of historical fiction filled with adventure, danger and twists.

Prue Batten does an excellent job of developing the plot, exposing raw emotions, and connecting to her readers.  Furthermore her character development is excellent.  From the beginning the reader feels a connection to the twins but also their connection to one another.  It is demonstrated throughout the book but most eloquently voiced by Sir Gisborne:

“Tobias, you and I have been kindred, have we not?  For a long time.  And I see in you what others may not.  I see a heart that is bigger than a giant’s and you take so much into that heart.  So I say this to you my friend.  Feel your pain.  Do not run from it but equally do not let it consume you.  Eventually there will be a blink of a tie when you notice something inherently lovely.  Do not reject it, let it enter your spirit.  In time, your rage will quench and you will be able to live with your loss.”

Batten eloquently expresses emotions and thoughts fluidly and clearly revealing the character in all their brutal honesty.

I enjoyed the book as it was well written and captivating. I hated to see the book end.  I cannot wait to read where life takes Mehmet, Ahmed, Tobias, Gisborne and the others.

WordsAPlenty gives this book a well-deserved five star rating.

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Annalise’s Up and Down Day by Denise L. Jenne

Review - Submitted

WordsAPlenty received a copy of Annalise’s Up and Down Day by Denise L. Jenne in exchange for an honest review.  

 

A fun, well, written children’s book that explores one day in the life of 3 year old Annalise and reinforces the different meanings of Up and Down.

The book is easy to read, short and written so that children can easily follow along, Annalise is a new favorite among my granddaughters (having read it to them last night several times). The words are printed large thus making it easy for children to learn letters as well as meanings.

Along with Annalise, children learn the meaning of up and down, through her daily adventure.  Denise Jenne captures the inner working of a child’s mind and takes the learning to their level in ways that most adults would miss.

The illustrations by Julie Iannone are wonderful!  Her use of color and details increases the children’s interest. To demonstrate the opposites the page is divided providing a visual distinction.  The drawing of the living room with a teddy bear, blocks, ball, guitar, crayons, dolls and tea set are delightful.  Toys down, Pick up is never what a child wants to do but Julie’s art makes it fun.

One of my favorite scenes in the book is Annalise reading with her father, Read Up, Eyelids Down.  The book includes both mom and dad interacting actively with Annalise.

A delightful book that children will love over and over and over!

WordsAPlenty gives this book a 5 star review.

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The Glen Paradox by M.L. Sanford – Available March 4, 2016

Review - Submitted

WordsAPlenty received a copy of The Glen Paradox by M. L. Sanford in exchange for an honest review.  

 

Crater and Mort are putting out their next volume of their Raw Crime magazine.  They know someone has been watching them but they don’t know who.

Someone is planning their next move…

Detective G. Q (short for Gunther Quinn) is stressed and seeks solace in a small secluded glen in the city park; this is where he goes to clear his head but it’s not too long before his safe place becomes one of many paradoxes found in this tale of murder and blood lust.  Quinn is faced with a serial killer that has young pretty women worried for their lives.  Running through the list of suspects, questioning witnesses, and hitting a dead end, Quinn is given a task team to help solve the crime.  Stumbling upon a clue they find themselves embroiled in a “who-done-it” with more twists and turns than a rock climbers belay knot!

The serial killer stays five steps ahead of Quinn and his team.  Just when they think they have the serial killer within their grasp, another paradox is revealed. The ending will blow your mind!

“The next time it might be me.  Despite his carefully designed and placed clues at the first three kills, no one, none of the city’s ‘finest’ had noticed.”

An exciting action packed murder mystery with a touch of the paranormal.  Sanford once again weaves a story with vivid imagery.

“Most observers were distracted from his ‘bowling ball’ appearance (a common insult among many that he endured growing up) by his forever flushed jowls which quivered slightly when he talked, and vibrated like cherry colored Jell-O whenever he laughed.”

The plot is detailed and flawless.  Character development is exemplary. Sanford’s imagination leaves the reader in a state of “OMG! I didn’t see that coming!”

M.L. Sanford’s writing skills and imagination is precise and true.  His ability to capture the reader is similar to being held hostage – you do not and cannot put the book down until the end!

I have had the pleasure of reading several of Mr. Sanford’s books.  He is truly an artist with words and storytelling.  WordsAPlenty and I award this book with a 5 star review!

Pre-order your copy today.

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