Reviewed By Michelle Ashman Bell and guest reviewer Heather Moore
The Forgotten Warrior
By Kathi Oram Peterson
Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.
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“Sydney Morgan is no wimp. A black belt in karate, her defensive moves help keep her tough even when her mom is diagnosed with cancer and her long-lost dad shows up to play nice guy. But when an unexpected gift transports her through space and time to the land of Zarahemla, Syd just might be in over her head. Accused of being a spy, she has to prove she’s no threat to the locals-including Captain Helaman himself! As war quickly approaches, Helaman calls Syd to help his stripling warriors prepare to fight. Torn between concerns for her family and for her new friends, Syd musters her wits, strength, and faith to face the coming battle-but her feelings for chief warrior Tarik put her heart on the line. Who will survive the Lamanites’ fierce onslaught? And will Syd ever make it home again?”
Teen fiction has a new voice! Kathi Oram Peterson has delivered a powerful novel for youth that will keep them enthralled as they experience one of the greatest stories in the Book of Mormon… Helaman and the Stripling Warriors.
I absolutely loved this book. Peterson cleverly takes us back in time and allows us to feel like we are immersed in the moment. Her attention to accuracy adds strength to the plot line which is filled with suspense and action. The main character, Sydney, is likeable and strong both physically and spiritually, yet vulnerable and full of pain as she deals with her mother’s struggle with cancer. As the story unfolds, we see Sydney grow and come to terms with her faith and strength and readers will marvel at her courage to face not only her personal battles, but real battles against the Lamanites.
Youth will thoroughly enjoy this story while, at the same time, gain insight into a vital period of time in the Book of Mormon. The message will ring true for them and hopefully strengthen the readers own resolve to stand strong during trials and have faith that with Heavenly Father’s help, they will triumph. The exciting ending will leave them anxious for the next installment of The Forgotten Warrior.
I Just Got a Letter from Allyson Pringle
By Anya Bateman
Published by Deseret Book
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“Kendall Archer, straight arrow, has started out his senior year with a bang. Allyson Pringle, the funniest and most popular girl in the school, is in two of his classes, and for some unknown reason she seems determined to pull him out of his shell. Her antics bring out the quirky humor in him, and he soon finds himself enjoying new and unexpected popularity.
“As their unlikely friendship blossoms, Kendall realizes that Allyson’s bright laughter is hiding some deeper pain. He wants to help her, and he thinks the gospel might have the answers she is looking for. But then one of Allyson’s pranks goes a step to far, and Kendall faces some hard choices. When integrity looks like it might cost more than he ever imagined, is perfect honesty really worth the price?”
Anya Bateman’s novels characteristically have strong characters, fun storylines and powerful emotions. I Just Got a Letter from Allyson Pringle is no exception. Youth will connect with Kendall and how it feels to be singled out because of his beliefs. They will also get a kick out of Allyson and her constant flow of craziness. The message of standing for what you believe in and being example of what integrity really means is a much needed and timely one for youth. With just enough fun and just enough depth, this is a great book that teens will enjoy and recommend to their friends.
As Always, Dave
By Jack Weyland
Published by Deseret Book
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“By the time Dave Beckstrom gets home from his mission, Abbie Tucker, his high school sweetheart and the girl he assumed would wait for him, has moved on. She’s been living in New York, working as a nanny, and is dating a new boyfriend. And when Dave shows up to see if he can win her back, he finds quite a different young woman than he had known in the small town of Ririe, Idaho.
“Set in a singles branch on Long Island, As Always, Dave is a contemporary novel that explores the pitfalls and challenges of the LDS young adult dating scene. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps a young man from seriously courting, you’ll find your answer here. At the same time, you’ll learn what some young women do to make the search for a marriage partner harder than it should be.
“Filled with humor, a first-hand look at the excitement of life near the Big Apple, and a realistic portrayal of how you fall in love and actually pursue the goal of getting married. As Always, Dave is not only an entertaining novel but an important book on a puzzling current phenomenon.”
I’ve sung Jack Weyland’s praises before and I’m not changing my tune for this book. Brother Weyland is the king of writing about what’s pertinent and crucial to Young Adults in today’s world. He dares to go there when tackling a subject and doesn’t hold back any punches. As Always, Dave gives us insight on the challenges that youth face today, but true to his nature, Brother Weyland serves it up with great humor on the side. I appreciate how well Brother Weyland keeps his finger on the pulse of today’s youth and what a the gifted storyteller he is. If you haven’t read it yet, pick up a copy of As Always, Dave- an important book for an important time.
Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog’s Gold
By M.L. Forman
Published by Shadow Mountain
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“The sign is small, tucked into the corner of Mr. Clutter’s bookshop window: Adventurers Wanted. Apply Within.’ No one but fifteen-year-old Alex Taylor even seems to notice it is there. And for Alex, who has wished for a change in his life, it is an irresistible invitation.
“Entering Mr. Clutter’s shop, Alex is swept away on an incredible adventure to a faraway land filled with strong warriors, mysterious elves, and hardworking dwarves.
“Alex becomes the eighth man in a band of adventurers seeking the lair of Slathbog the Red-an evil dragon with a legendary treasure. Along the way, Alex and his new friends must battle dangerous trolls and bandits, face undead wraiths, and seek the wisdom of the wise Oracle in her White Tower.
“Alex’s adventure takes him to distant lands where he learns about courage, integrity, honor, and, most importantly, friendship.
” Slathbog’s Gold is the first book in an exciting new YA epic fantasy series and heralds the arrival of a major new talent in the genre.”
Make no mistake about it Slathbog’s Gold is a guaranteed page turner and edge of your seat experience.
The story comes to life with out-of-this world (pun intended) characters that leap off the page. Plot twists, high adventure and excitement keep the reader engaged until the final page, just to discover that there is more adventure to come. This may be Forman’s first book, but it certainly won’t be his last, thank goodness. Let’s just hope he’s busy working on book two! Slathbog’s Gold is destined to become a favorite of fantasy book lovers everywhere.
Diamondback Cave
By K.L. Fogg
Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.
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“Imogene Vandergrift wants out of jail. And she’ll say or do about anything to make sure she can recover the millions in diamonds she has hidden away. Television reality-adventure star Jack Mackey wants nothing to do with Imogene-especially after what she has already put his son Wesley through. Jack has assured Wes that the evil woman who pretended for years to be his mother will remain behind bars. But that was before Alex Harris mysteriously disappeared. Now the rules have changed.
“Wesley and his best friend Amanda decide it is up to them to find Alex, Amanda’s soon-to-be stepfather. A little covert detective work leads them to Diamondback Cave. Although Imogene’s diamonds are hidden inside, it is named for the rattlesnakes that infest the black hole in the ground. However, the cavern holds other dangers-henchman who may be working for, or against, Imogene. Can Wesley’s friends and family survive these new attacks from Imogene Vandergrift? Will Amanda find Alex before it’s too late for him to become part of her family? Will you be able to catch your breath as you dive into Diamondback Cave ?”
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of K.L. Fogg’s writing including her previous two books, Serpent Tide and Widow’s Revenge. In Diamondback Cave we get to read the further adventures of Wesley and his ultra-cool dad Jack Mackey. Fogg has a way of weaving high-paced excitement with laugh-out-loud moments and clever plot twists. The hardest thing about this book is putting it down. The story will draw the reader in immediately and keep their attention to the very last page. Geared toward middle-grade readers, I highly recommend this book to boys and girls who want a story that will take them on a roller-coaster thrill ride of fun!
Farworld: Water Keep
By J. Scott Savage
Published by Shadow Mountain
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Reviewed by Heather Moore
“Take courage-the magic is already inside you.” This theme is reiterated throughout J. Scott Savage’s first book in his new YA Fantasy series, Far World. A book that I found enjoyable, adventurous, and captivating. The characters are unique and skillfully drawn. Meet thirteen year old Marcus-a nobody, an outcast, living on earth where he is passed from one foster home to another. A boy with magical powers.
Meet Kyja, a thirteen-year-old girl who lives in Far World, a magical place where horses tell jokes and the sun rises to dawn chimes. But Kyja is a girl who can do no magic, and isn’t affected by magic, or so she thinks.
Meet Master Therapass, a powerful wizard who has kept a dangerous secret for thirteen years. When the Dark Circle discovers the secret, the two worlds of Marcus and Kyja collide. Together they must outsmart the Dark Circle and travel to Water Keep-the first elemental that can help them defeat the Dark Circle.
Far World is full of suspense, humor, and surprising twists that will keep readers of any age guessing.
