Cascade by Lisa T Bergren with North American giveaway

Synopsis:~

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. "Where did you get these clothes?"

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

My take:~ 

Lisa T Bergren's stunning River of Time series continues with Cascade as Gabi and Lia face further danger and betrayal as they return to medieval Italy and their fearless knights, Marcello and Luca, who just may be laying claim to their hearts.  The strength of Lisa's storytelling is in the intensity she generates in action scenes as Gabi confronts peril and pain, in the burgeoning romance as Marcello stakes his claim and in the conflict that battles in Gabi's soul as she faces a decision that may alter the future of her family forever.  The feisty Bettatini sisters, their intelligent mother, the charming Forelli men and even the villainous yet magnetic Lord Greco, are mesmerising characters who will enthrall you.  Be prepared to engage your senses, experience every emotion, feel each caress and ponder what might you might choose when faced with the man of your dreams in a century rife with civil war, the Black plague and only weekly baths!  Cascade is in equal parts, adventurous, witty, captivating, romantic and energising ~ I loved it and am praying Torrent won't be the last instalment!

EJ's take:~

Time travel.  Friendship.  Battle.  Love.  Sacrifice.  History.  Danger.  Life.  Deception.  Risk.

Each of these strong elements are cleverly woven into the literary feast that is Cascade.  The second novel in Lisa T Bergren's River of Time series is an enthralling read.  Gabriella and Lia Bettarini's story continues as they return to the beloved city of Siena, in 14th Century Italy, this time with their mother beside them.  More importantly, the sisters return to Marcello and Luca Forelli, the two knights they left behind.  As the plot thickens, their uncertain future twists in so many ways.  This is a work of sheer brilliance and the author accurately captures the mindset of the seventeen year old Gabi.  Cascade is a tale suited to the young and old that can't be missed.


Guest reviewer:~ my teen daughter, EJ
With thanks to Wynn~Wynn Media & David C. Cook for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character interviews with Lia, Gabi and Marcello
Review of Waterfall
Character spotlight on Gabi, Marcello, Luca & Lia
View the trailer for Cascade
Visit Lisa's author website and her travel website
Buy Lisa's books at Amazon or Koorong

The Map Across Time by CS Lakin ~ EJ's Take

Synopsis:~

An ancient curse plagues the kingdom of Sherbourne, and unless it is stopped, all will fall to ruin. The King, obsessed with greed, cannot see the danger. But his teenage twin children, Aletha and Adin, know they must act. A hermit leads Adin to a magical map that will send him back in time to discover the origin of the curse. Once back, Adin must find the Keeper, who protects the Gate of Heaven, but all he has is a symbol as a clue to guide him. Unbeknown to Adin, Aletha follows her brother, but they both arrive in Sherbourne’s past at the precipice of a great war, and there is little time to discover how to counteract the curse.

One unexpected disaster after another forces the twins to make difficult choices. Adin’s only hope to correct the past is to return to the future to manipulate events so his quest can succeed. Through his trials and failures, Adin learns that nothing can stop heaven from accomplishing its goal, and that all events work for the good of those who trust heaven. An epic fairy tale with surprising twists, embracing the enduring power of love and faith.

EJ's take:~

The Map Across Time is the second of three novels in the Gates of Heaven series. Though without many connections to the previous book, The Wolf of Tebron, I found it engaging and full of excitement, and ultimately, better than its predecessor. The tale of twin royals, Aletha and Adin, in search of the mysterious firebird and the answers to lifting the curse on the kingdom of Sherbourne, is enthralling and a very worthwhile read. The two must make difficult choices in their actions, determine who to trust, as well as facing trials that may separate them forever. The many twists that are cleverly woven throughout, bring a whole new meaning to the word 'fairytale'. The closure of the novel left some confusion for me, but in a world where time-travel is possible, there is no real surprise that it is the case. I would suggest adding this book to your personal collection. How does it end? Only time will tell.

With thanks to Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists for EJ's review copy

Guest reviewer:~ my daughter, EJ

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Someone to Blame

Visit CS Lakin's website and blog

Buy her books at Amazon or Koorong

Hospital blues

Thursday midnight heralded a bit of drama at our place with our 12 year old daughter, EJ, becoming very ill. Long story short she underwent surgery on Saturday morning for a perforated appendix and will be hospitalised for at least five days.

So don't expect any action here at Relz Reviewz this week while we care for her.

Your prayers for her speedy recovery would be so appreciated :)

Frenzy by Robert Liparulo ~ EJ's Take

Synopsis:~

It's time to enter the last story of the house.

There were things that seemed odd when the Kings first moved into their new house--but things got really strange when they realized the rooms upstairs were portals to other worlds. Even though the rooms were dangerous, it still seemed fun until people starting coming into the house and Mom was kidnapped. They've been desperately searching for her, but they risk their lives every time they enter a world.

EJ's take:~

Frenzy is the final instalment in the Dreamhouse Kings series I have been following so intently. I could not have asked for more in this enthralling story, it only took me one page to be swallowed inside of it.

This book exceeded all the others in the series and ended really well in my opinion. It continuously develops, going deeper, answering questions, and asking more until the end. It never ceases to impress, it's an absolute winner! I love the mystery that cradles this house and how I was constantly on my toes, fearing for what could happen next in all the danger that the characters faced, this book didn't slow down! One of my many favourite parts was in chapter 52, which held a strong meaning and stood out amongst some other portals. Unfortunately, I can't tell any other favourites or go into any detail for two reasons:

1. There are too many!

2. They would give away vital parts of the story.

Frenzy is in full acceleration mode from the very start and is easily my favourite book.

I promise, if you take the time to read it, you won't be disappointed!

With thanks to Thomas Nelson and CFBA for our review copy

Guest reviewer:~ my 12 year old, EJ

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit the Whirlwind website

Reviews of House of Dark Shadows, Watcher in the Woods, Gatekeepers & Whirlwind

Character spotlights on Taksidian, David,Toria and Xander King

Exclusive interview with Bob

Visit Bob's website and blog

Buy Bob's books at Amazon or Koorong

Whirlwind by Robert Liparulo ~ EJ's Take with signed giveaway

Synopsis:~

David, Xander, and Toria King never know where the mysterious portals in their house will take them; past, present or future. They have battled gladiators and the German army, dodged soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, and jumped from the sinking Titanic. They've also seen the stark future that awaits if they can't do something to change it-a destroyed city filled with mutant creatures.

And they've still got to find a way to bring Mom back and keep Takisdian from getting them out of the house. The dangers are hitting them like a whirlwind...but the answers are becoming apparent as well.

EJ's take:~

The Dreamhouse Kings books by Robert Liparulo are fantastic thrillers. The fifth book, Whirlwind, is no exception. It continues the story of the Kings, a family who have recently moved into a house with very strange properties, mysterious portals leading them into unknown times and worlds. There is never a dull moment in Whirlwind, it is a non-stop action story. It is fast paced and leaves you desperate for more. Something is always happening so no one will be bored. Without an overload of description, it is amazing how much you get to know the characters. Their personalities are different and react very realistically. Whirlwind is a great piece of fiction, and I would definitely recommend it.

With thanks to the author for EJ's review copy

Guest reviewer:~ my 12 year old, EJ

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit the Whirlwind website

Reviews of House of Dark Shadows, Watcher in the Woods & Gatekeepers

Character spotlights on Taksidian, David,Toria and Xander King

Exclusive interview with Bob

Visit Bob's website and blog

Buy Bob's books at Amazon or Koorong

Just released ~ Frenzy by Robert Liparulo

To celebrate the release of the final Dreamhouse Kings book, Frenzy, Bob is offering a signed and personalised copy of it to one of my readers!

To be eligible for a chance to win complete the form below on or before 9th May, 2010 :)

The Secret of Indigo Moon by G.P. Taylor ~ EJ's Take

My 11 year old daughter, EJ, had the pleasure of reading this book so I coerced her into sharing her thoughts with me here :)

Enjoy:~

Rel:~ How would you describe this book?

EJ:~ Unique, gripping and mysterious!

Describe the main characters in one word

Eric Ganger ~ adventurous

Saskia ~ mischievous

Sadie ~ determined

What did you enjoy most about this book?

I really enjoyed the different way of revealing the story with the comics, illustrations and the different fonts and print size which entertained me and left me hanging out to discover the next page.

What about the plot?

G.P. Taylor has written a story full of action and mystery. I devoured the story and was even worried for the characters as they tried to hide from the bad guys. The author alternates between what is happening to Sadie and Eric as they venture out to find Saskia, and Saskia herself. There was never a dull moment as things were happening all the time to all of them. For me, the characters came alive really well and that made it easy to relate to them although I have never been in their situation before! I would recommend this book to people who want a satisfying chapter book with the added bonus of Graphic elements, which give the book a movie like feel.

Thanks EJ!

With thanks to Tyndale for our review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit G.P. Taylor's website

Buy his books at Amazon or Koorong

Mesi by Pam Davis ~ EJ's Take

Mesi is a book written for young girls by Pam Davis in the Girls 'n Grace Collection.

Mesi is a 10-year-old girl living in Africa. She has a brother named Kojo, sister named Jamilah and a best friend called Kwasi. Kwasi goes to school and Mesi desperately wants to but her parents can’t afford it after a drought strikes and Mesi’s family cocoa field fails causing them to be poor.

Mesi is a exciting story crammed with a drought, a durbar, a wise lady, a fire and a corn doll named Toolie! I personally think the little story is fun and fascinating in different ways and really told me about some African customs and everyday life.

The story also reminded me to trust God even in the hardest of situations.

At the end of the book, there are real life pictures and facts of African life in villages and the person who inspired the character 'Miss Ama', Bathsheba.

Mesi is a short story that is easy to read yet the storyline is substantial enough for girls a bit older.

Available now from Authentic Books.

Guest reviewer: my 10 year old, EJ

Ryann Watters and the King's Sword by Eric Reinhold ~ EJ's Take

I am delighted to introduce my latest guest reviewer, my 10 year old daughter, EJ, along with her first review. When this book arrived, EJ's eyes lit up and three days later she was done! Proud mum, that I am, I think she has done a fantastic job!

Ryann Watters and the King’s Sword is a fantasy story written by Eric Reinhold. It is about a 12 year old boy named Ryann Watters, who is paid a remarkable visit by the Archangel Gabriel. Gabriel gives Ryan three supernatural objects, a ring, a staff and a horn. They may seem like regular objects but they aren’t.

The class bully, Drake Dunfellow, is visited by a dark angel who provides him with a cloak, a persuasion ring, a bow and a set of arrows. This sets both boys on an adventurous journey.

Ryann soon travels through a portal to the majestic land of Aeliana and is sent on a quest to find the King’s sword with the help of his friends from Earth, Liddy Thomas and Terell Peterson, and some new friends from Aeliana. He is pursued by Drake, who uses his ring to persuade some Aelianans to support his evil quest.

I was captivated by the book due to the descriptive language and the way Eric Reinhold created the characters with their individual personalities. The book starts with illustrations and descriptions of the main characters which were fascinating, together with a data page to record the powers or meanings that you find in the book about Ryann’s gifts. I enjoyed this interactive page. I stayed up late reading it as I couldn't put it down and that's a fact! I highly recommend this book to readers 10 to 14 years of age, but this exciting adventure novel would appeal to anyone. I am looking forward to reading about Ryann's further adventures.

Now available from Creation House

Guest reviewer:~ my eldest daughter, EJ