Category Archives: Adventure

Blockbuster Books ~ Middle Grade Mystery and Mahem!

25 Saturday Aug 2018

Posted by in Adventure, Book Reviews, Middle Grade, Mystery

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Summer reads should be full of fun! Great characters with can’t-wait-to-see-what-happens-next adventures, and stories that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Readers of any age will enjoy these books.

The Parker Inheritance

By Varian Johnson

When Candice finds a letter in an old attic in Lambert, South Carolina, she isn’t sure The Parker Inheritance covershe should read it. It’s addressed to her grandmother, who left the town in shame. But the letter describes a young woman. An injustice that happened decades ago. A mystery enfolding its writer. And the fortune that awaits the person who solves the puzzle.

With the help of Brandon, the quiet boy across the street, Candice begins to decipher the clues. The challenge leads them deep into Lambert’s history, full of ugly deeds, forgotten heroes, and one great love; and deeper into their own families, with their own unspoken secrets. Can they find the fortune and fulfill the letter’s promise before the answers slip into the past yet again? [Synopsis]

What makes this Story great

This story was quieter than I initially anticipated, but also deeper and thoroughly engaging.

  • The characters: Candice and Brandon could be the kids next door, who face real-life issues we can relate to. The parents and grandparents are a strong supporting cast, creating a tapestry of family history as the backdrop for the mystery.
  • The setting: Lambert, South Carolina is small-town USA. A town intertwined with histories from generations past, revealing its secrets to those who fall in love with its roots.
  • The mystery: It starts softly and gains momentum and voice as Candice and Brandon dig into the past to uncover one clue after another. The mystery spans generations, revealing dark injustices and heartwarming resolutions. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns leading to the satisfying ending.

I’d recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good mystery,
as well as those who appreciate realistic portraits of history.

 

The Lost Books ~ The Scroll of the Kings

By Sarah Prineas

The Lost Books: The Scroll of the Kings, coverTurn the page…and beware!

For years, all the libraries in the kingdom have been locked up. Is it to keep the books safe from readers? Or…is it to keep the readers safe from the books?

Alex, an apprentice librarian, suspects the books have a secret, powerful history. When his elderly master dies under extremely suspicious circumstances, Alex impersonates the old man so he can take up the position as Royal Librarian—a job far more dangerous than he could have ever imagined.

The young queen, Kenneret, is pretty sure this scruffy, obnoxious boy is not who he claims to be, but she gives Alex time to prove himself—enough time for him to discover that books aren’t just powerful, they’re alive. Even worse, some of the books possess an ancient magic that kills librarians.

Alex and Kenneret must figure out who, or what, is controlling the books and their power, or all is lost. The fate of the kingdom lies in their hands. [Synopsis]

What makes this Story great

An edge-of-your-seat fantasy—refreshing fun that’s hard to put down.

The characters: Alex was mysteriously marked as a librarian, a caretaker of books, and he’s not even 16. The other librarians are ancient, and no one takes him seriously, especially not the queen. Alex is strong in character, as is the young queen. Sparks fly in a battle of wills, until they join together to save the kingdom.

The setting: A medieval setting with enormous castles, warring kingdoms, dusty libraries with magical pages, and forgotten books with mystical powers. The richly crafted world sets the stage for this rollicking adventure.

The mystery: What is a Lost Book and how are they infecting other books with evil magic? Two unlikely friends must figure out who, or what, is controlling the books and their power, and stop them—in spite of the ensuing mayhem—before it’s too late.

Swashbuckling swordplay, beastly books, a snarky hero, a fast-paced and engaging adventure. What’s not to love?

Road trip! ~ Who paved the way for the American tradition?

15 Sunday Jul 2018

Posted by in Adventure, Nonfiction

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Car on a mapSummer and road trips are synonymous, with millions of Americans taking to the road in the spirit of unbridled adventure. Jack Kerouac’s 1957 novel, On the Road, fueled a generation with the romance of the open road.

But HOW did it all start?

WHO was the first to pave the way for this American tradition, WHEN, and WHY?

A Bet, Two Men, and a Dog in Goggles

On May 19, 1903, a heated debate at the exclusive University Club in San Francisco resulted in a $50.00 wager taken by Horatio Nelson Jackson. Horses and carriages were the main mode of transportation, and many thought the horseless carriage was a passing fancy of the well-to-do. Certainly not reliable enough to withstand a dangerous cross-country journey. Jackson had a grander vision and recruited Sewall Crocker to prove the automobile nay-sayers wrong.

Horatio Nelson Jackson in the VermontOn May 23, 1903 they set out to complete the trip from San Francisco to New York City in less than 90 days. [Horatio Nelson Jackson in the Vermont]

They packed a second-hand 20 horsepower, cherry red, Winton touring car (dubbed the Vermont) with sleeping bags, cooking gear, and supplies, then started on their daring journey. Crocker was a former bicycle racer and gasoline engine mechanic, skills they would need in the days ahead. At the time there were fewer than 150 miles of paved roads nationwide, no road signs, or gas stations. With the rigorous terrain, automobiles often breakdown. The Vermont was no different.

The Winton crossed streams and traversed winding mountain roads better suited for Bud the dog, with gogglesmules than man. They suffered mechanical failures early and often, and had to rely on stagecoaches to ferry new parts and blacksmiths to make repairs. In short, their trip was one obstacle after another, devoid of the amenities we take for granted on cross-country journeys today.

With mechanical fiasco after fiasco, it took 19 days to reach Idaho. There they met a bull-terrier named Bud, fitted him with motoring goggles to protect his eyes from dust, and hoped the new addition to their party would bring them luck. Bud wore his goggles, navigating from the front seat for the rest of the journey, but luck wasn’t quick to follow. [Bud sporting his motoring goggles]

Throughout bad directions that sent them days out of their way, getting stuck in a swamp, then lost in the Wyoming badlands, the team maintained a spirit of optimism. Possibly, due to the tremendous receptions they received along the way. For many, it was their first encounter with an automobile.

Fanfare swelled to a crescendo as they rolled into Chicago on July 17, and then Cleveland a few days later. In spite of the hoopla the adventure ignited along the way, the epic road trip ended as humbly as it began. The Vermont, and its three passengers, quietly rolled down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Sunday, July 26, 1903, at 4:30 am. The 4,500-mile journey had taken 63 days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes. Jackson won the $50.00 bet, but it cost him close to $8,000.00—including the price of the Winton, and all its repairs along the way.

Jackson, Crocker, and the adorable Bud in his motoring goggles became celebrities, pictured in newspapers across the country and featured in Winton advertisements for years to come. They proved a cross-country road trip was an attainable American dream, even if (at the time) it was beyond the means of any but the wealthy.

Route 66 became a reality decades later. After World War II, the American highway infrastructure expanded to support cross-country travel and cars became affordable for the average person. The dream of free spirited independence lived on, becoming a cultural ideal and American tradition. Vintage Route 66 poster

Dining with Giraffes… Are you game?

31 Sunday Aug 2014

Posted by in Adventure, Animals

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The world’s only giraffe hotel rests in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Yes, giraffe hotel.

Officially called Giraffe Manor, the estate is located near Nairobi, Kenya. Every morning the resident giraffes stroll up to the house, poking their heads through the windows in search of treats.

Giraffe Manor, exterior with giraffes poking their heads through windows

Can you think of anything more amazing than waking up to giraffes poking their heads through your bedroom window, and then having giraffes join you for breakfast? Seriously. Sign me up!

Breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe manor

The Makings of a Very Tall Tale

The original mansion was built in 1932 for a wealthy British family. But it wasn’t until 1974, when the property was purchased by Betty Leslie-Melville and her husband Jock, that the idea for a sanctuary dedicated to endangered Rothschild giraffes blossomed.

The first giraffe the Leslie-Melville’s took in was an 8-foot-tall (2.4 m), 450-pound baby they named Daisy, about whom Betty subsequently wrote the book Raising Daisy Rothschild that was later made into the film The Last Giraffe. So started the journey to protection for the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Giraffe Manor has been home to as many as 12 Rothschild giraffes at one time; currently there are eight in residence. The following image shows Betty Leslie-Melville having a quiet moment with Daisy Rothschild. [image: flicker.com]

Betty Leslie-Melville and Daisy Rothschild

In 1983, Betty’s son opened the Manor as a boutique hotel where guests could feed the giraffes from their breakfast table, through the front door, and from their bedroom windows. The Carr-Hartley family purchased Giraffe Manor in 1984 to continue the tradition of offering guests the rare opportunity to hang out with these gentle giants.

The hotel luxuriously caters to the resident giraffes and warthogs, as well the human guests who come from all over the world. A magical stay at Giraffe Manor is not cheap, but the one in a lifetime experience is priceless.

The proceeds generated by the hotel help to support a great cause: the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). Not only is Giraffe Manor a sanctuary for an endangered species, but they also participate in a breeding program which introduces breeding pairs back into the wild.

The Tallest Living Mammals

The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is native to Africa, and is the tallest living terrestrial animal.

Fully grown giraffes are approximately 16–20 ft tall, with an average weight of 2,628 lb) for an adult male and 1,825 lb) for an adult female. Giraffes have a lifespan of  up to 25 years in the wild. Because of their size, eyesight and powerful kicks, adult giraffes don’t have any predators, with the exception of man and lions.

Giraffes at Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

There are nine subspecies of giraffe, each with variations in markings that make them distinctly unique. Rothschild giraffes (that live at Giraffe Manor), named for Walter Rothschild, are also known as the Baringo or Ugandan giraffe. This subspecies’ natural habitat range includes parts of Uganda and Kenya. Fewer than 700 are believed to remain in the wild. Their endangered status makes the work done at Giraffe Manor for their protection all the more important. [image: Wikipedia, Rothschild’s giraffes at Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya]

A Sneak Peak at Giraffe Manor

A real-life sneak peek…

What’s your wildest dream adventure?

MMGM: “Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow” by James Rollins

07 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by in Adventure, Book Reviews, Middle Grade, MMGM, Thriller

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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow coverWhen a mysterious envelope arrives for Jake Ransom, he and his older sister, Kady, are plunged into a gripping chain of events. An artifact found by their parents—on the expedition from which they never returned—leads Jake and Kady to a strange world inhabited by a peculiar mix of long-lost civilizations, a world that may hold the key to their parents’ disappearance.

But even as they enter the gate to this extraordinary place, savage grackyls soar across the sky, diving to attack. Jake’s new friends, the pretty Mayan girl Marika and the Roman Pindor, say the grackyls were created by an evil alchemist—the Skull King. And as Jake struggles to find a way home, it becomes obvious that what the Skull King wants most is Jake and Kady—dead or alive. [Jacket Flap Synopsis]

Smart and Fun, Adventure for All Ages

James Rollins, New York Times bestselling master of adventure for adults, doesn’t hold back on the thrills in this middle-grade tale that will satisfy boys and girls of all ages. With amazing aplom, Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow delivers with authentic richness, as well as with the adrenaline fun factor.

Thirteen year-old Jake Ransom is ahead of his class when it comes to science, and has a special love for archeology. So when Jake and Kady are invited an exhibit at the British Museum in honor of their parents, he’s excited and intrigued. He’s also suspicious. The logo for the company sponsoring the exhibit reminds Jake of a recent nightmare. Is it a coincidence, or not?

The large golden pyramid at the exhibit, gives Jake a hunch about the artifact that came in the mysterious package. A hunch that sends him and Kady tumbing through time to a mythical city called Calypsos. Always a scientist, Jake assesses the situation with analytic detachment.

Fifteen year-old Kady isn’t as level-headed. She’s scared and angry. But who can blame her? Almost immediately, a dinosaur—that Jake knows the name of—decides they’re its next happy meal. Luckily, a Mayan girl and a Roman boy, about their same ages (Marika and Pindor), get Jake and Kady safely inside the protected walls of their city. Once in back in civilization, Kady adapts to her new surroundings with speed and grace. Her impulsive gutsiness provides a balance to Jake’s is rational straight-ahead approach.

And they need all the help they can get…

Jake and Kady tumbled through time, bringing them closer to the evil Skull King. In order to stay alive, Jake has to discover who the Skull King is and what he really wants. The stakes are raised when Colypsos is invaded by the Skull King’s mutant monsters. For Jake and Kady to outwit the Skull King, they must combine their strengths and trust in the support of their new friends.

What I Liked Most…

This is one of those books that after reading the first line, I didn’t want to put it down. Here’s a few reasons why:

  • The characters: Jake and Kady are strong in different ways, and both have their share of flaws. I especially liked how Rollins translated Kady’s high school twirl squad skills into an adeptness at swordsmanship. The secondary characters are unique individuals, who satisfactorily round out the story.
  • The world: Rollins’ knowledge of animals and love of science shines through on every page. I learned quite a bit, without even trying. The inhabitants of this world are created from a blend of historical facts from various time periods, grounding the fantasy in believability. Likewise, the science fiction elements of the story are woven through with scientific facts that bring along a refreshing dose of authenticity.
  • The mystery: Multiple threads intertwine to shape a story that is rich in intrigue and suspense. Where are Jake and Kady’s parents? Are they still alive? Who is the Skull King and why does he want Jake and Kady? How will they ever get back home? No spoilers here. You have to read the book to find out.
  • The adventure: This is an Indiana-Jones-esque thrill ride that girls as well as boys will enjoy. The fast pace would makes this an excellent choice for a reluctant reader, as well as for those of us who thrive on adrenaline spiked escapism.

The Adventure Continues…

Jake and Kady continue their search for their parents, as the threat of the Skull King presses closer in the next installment of this adventure: Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx.

Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx cover

8th YAppiest Giveaway! “The Lost Code” by Kevin Emerson

31 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by in Adventure, Atlantis, Book Reviews, YAppiest, Young Adult

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17 YA AUTHORS + DISNEYLAND = THE YAPPIEST DAY ON EARTH!

YAppiest Day on Earth icon

If you couldn’t make The YAppiest Day on Earth, never fear! The YAppiness keeps rolling with epic read giveaways by each of the 17 authors.

This is the 8th YAppiest Giveaway! For a chance to win a FREE copy of this book, see the “Here’s How” section below. The rules have changed slightly, so read them carefully. For a complete list of upcoming giveaways, go here.

“The Lost Code” Book One of the Atlanteans

The Lost Code -- First Book of the Atlanteans coverIt’s 2086, after the Great Rise, when the oceans rose, the ozone layer disintegrated, the sun turned deadly, and civilization unraveled into a harsh fight for survival.

15 year-old Owen Parker is familiar with hardship. He and his father have subsisted in an underground community called The Hub—beneath the sun-baked wasteland, once part of the United States—for as long as he can remember.

Owen’s never been lucky, that is until he wins the coveted Camp Eden summer camp lottery. Out of the thousands of entrants, Owen gets the opportunity to spend an idyllic summer in a world “like it was” before the Great Rise.

Camp Eden is located inside the EdenWest BioDome, an oasis of pine trees, cool water, that’s complete with 1950’s rustic summer camp charm. Only the wealthy can afford to live in biodomes, the only habitable environments safe from the sun’s deadly rays. Camp Eden is exclusive, even for those who can afford the price.

But Camp Eden isn’t as perfect as it seems.

Owen discovers this the hard way. An unfortunate drowning incident in Lake Eden results in weird wounds that appear on his neck. At least Owen thinks their wounds until Lilly, the gorgeous lifeguard, warns him to keep them secret. Owen soon learns that the “wounds” are a biological evolution, and they are the catalyst for his uncovering the secret buried deep beneath the lake. A secret from the distant past that is powerful enough to save the ailing planet.

The camp’s location is no coincidence, and sinister happening behind the summer camp facade are proof that the people running Camp Eden have ulterior motives. Owen won his camp scholarship based on his potential for unlocking the mysteries of the ancient civilization. And there are those who will do anything to posses that power. Owen soon realizes that the only way he can save the world is to escape from Camp Eden alive.

Edge-of-Your-Seat Adventure That’ll Rock Your World

What if Atlantis was real, and it’s lost technology could save the human race from imminent extinction? This is the fascinating, and shockingly plausible premise of “The Lost Code” Book One of the Atlanteans.

An advanced civilization fell thousands of years ago because of their misuse of power. To prevent the same thing from happening again, they sequestered their knowledge. Knowledge that Owen thinks can save their dying planet. But even if he can unlock the lost code to the secret knowledge of Atlantis, what is the price for exposing that power to the world?

Before the beginning, there was the end.
Three chosen to die.
And should the time come again when masters seek to bend the terra to their will, then the three shall awaken and save us all.

What I love about this book, besides the quirky characters, spot on summer camp scenes, steamy romance, and edge-of-your-seat suspense … is the way Kevin Emerson weaves scientific truths through the story to ground it in reality. The result is a bulletproof suspension of disbelief.

I’m super excited that “The Dark Shore” Book Two of the Atlanteans is already available. I’ve ordered my copy and can’t wait to find out what’s in store for Owen and Lilly!

Want to win an Author Signed Copy?

I have a special treat for one lucky winner… a band new copy of The Lost Code, Book One of the Atlanteans, signed by Kevin Emerson!

The Lost Code autographed by author

Here’s how to win…

NOTE: The FREE giveaway of a copy of this book is open to residents of the United States only, due to shipping costs. My sincere apologies.

  1. Leave a comment on this blog–explaining WHY you want to read this book— by midnight, August 7th (1 entry).
  2. Tweet about this giveaway, including #yappiest in your tweet (1 entry).

I’ll tally the entries and choose a winner, then announce it on this blog on Saturday August 10th. Good luck!

Stay tuned for more YAppiests Giveaways!

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