Guy Erma and the Son of Empire: Kidnap ~ Review with Giveaway

Guy Erma and the Son of Empire
Kidnap Part 1
By Sally Ann Melia

Prince Teodor (Teo) is the King of Freyne, though he won't assume the throne until he is ready and of age.  He wants to ride his Gorans and to train with his blades.  And he is haunted by his father's death 2 years ago.

Guy Erma is a young man who is skilled with blades, with hopes that this skill will allow him entry into the Dome Elite.  But Guy is unregistered - an unclaimed child of Freyne.  Guy's hopes rest with one man - Chart Segat, but help from Chart comes with a cost.

When Teo and Guy's worlds collide in an unexpected way their lives will never be the same.  Betrayal has rocked Freyne and someone is about pay the price, the question is who...

Guy Erma and the Son of Empire: Kidnap takes place over a relatively short period of time - a day. And what a day it was - diplomatic duties with a Zaracan delegation (the Princess Simonelle Valvanchi), training, local expectations, an attack, a kidnapping, and threats.  Who will live to see another day?  Only time will tell...

Kidnap will appeal to teens who like action, fast pacing, and intrigue in their books.  Throughout the book artwork is interspersed helping the reader to visualize this world - a world with similarities to our own and yet vastly different.  The idea of the Dome is intriguing and has to be experienced through the author's descriptive language.

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Book Description:

I don’t want to go… Do I have to go?

13-year-old Prince Teodor of Freyne knows his duty to the memory of his father and his kingdom. Always, he must help those less fortunate than himself. Yet a frightening nightmare fills him with foreboding, but still he must do - into the Dome.

13-year-old Guy Erma lives in the shadow of the Dome, he has no father and no mother and his future is uncertain, he must start earning a living when he turns 14. He knows not where he will live or even how he will eat, and his only dream is to enter the military academy - at the heart of the Dome.

Two boys as different as any two boys might be. One act of cruelty will throw their lives together, but who dare they trust?

Author's Bio:

The author was born in Wallasey, England, in 1964, and moved to the South of France when she was eleven. She spent her teenage years living in the cosmopolitan city state of Monaco and became immersed in its many languages and cultures. An English girl in a French school, for three hours each week she would sit at the back of the class as her colleagues learnt English. To pass the time, she wrote stories. This led to a lifetime of writing novels, scripts, stories and articles.

In her working life, Sally writes marketing communications and manages large international websites.

In 2010, Sally joined the Hogs Back Writers, a club located on the outskirts of Guildford, and she set about turning an old manuscript into this novel: Guy Erma and the Son of Empire. Sally currently lives in Farnham, and she is married with two children.

Connect with Sally:  Website  ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Pinterest

Check-out the other tour stops for KIDNAP: Part One

Where to buy the book:

Amazon

KIDNAP: Part 1 of Guy Erma and The Son of Empire goes on sale today! Read on for more info on how to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

Andrea Carter's Tales from the Circle C Ranch ~ Review

Andrea Carter's
Tales from the Circle C Ranch
By Susan K. Marlow

This is fun compilation of story's from Andi's life - the first from 1873 while the last is from 1881.  This is the perfect introduction to Andrea Carter and her world.

Andi is not so different from many little girls who love horses. But she lives at a time when this is not considered proper for little girls fortunately for Andi her family especially her father and big brothers encourage this love.

Join Andi as she tries to get permission to wear britches (or in her case overalls), races in the July Fourth horse race, teaches a friend to ride, and exposes a two-time rat for who he really is.  Tales from the Circle C Ranch are a fun glimpse into the past.

Anyone who has read the Grandma's Attic series can find a familiarity with Andi Carter.  No these are not just like those books, but rather the feel of the books is similar.  Family is important, the kids aren't perfect but they don't go out of their way to be naughty.  And above all else these are clean reading that you don't have to worry about what your child will get out of the book - though their is an incident with a pet snake...

Fans of horse stories, historical fiction, or just plain fun reading will enjoy these books.  This is perfect for homeschoolers who are looking for newer fiction that fits the standards that they have come to expect from some of the older titles that they turn to.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Kregel through their blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

The independent tomboy Andrea Carter and her beloved horse, Taffy, were first introduced in Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home in 2005. Since then, popular author Susan Marlow has penned five more books in the Circle C Adventures series, filled in Andi's early years with the Circle C Beginnings series, and started a chronicle of Andrea's teen years in Circle C Milestones.

Published to celebrate the tenth anniversary of this positive role model for girls, Andrea Carter's Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a collection of short stories inspired by fan questions that fills in many of the gaps between Circle C Beginnings and Circle C Adventures. Taking place between 1873 and 1880, each story is prefaced by an explanatory note that pinpoints the action of the story in relation to events in the existing Andrea Carter books.

Wholesome fun, and with a clear Christian message throughout, Andrea Carter's Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a must-read for fans of the series and a fun introduction for those who haven't yet discovered these historical gems

Aoleon the Martian Girl: Illegal Aliens ~ Review

Aoléon the Martian Girl
Illegal Aliens Part 4
By Brent LeVasseur

In part 4 Illegal Aliens the action starts to intensify as Aoléon and Gilbert are being hunted and the invasion of Earth becomes imminent.  And Aoléon's friend Bizwat has been identified as a Martian of interest in regard to Aoléon and Gilbert.

Meanwhile Martian spies are targeting  Earth's cow population and milk supply.  Fortunately the Martian spies are just a tad inept, falling into the custody of the U.S. government.  And the U.S. is about to take action against these illegal aliens.

Together Aoléon, Gilbert, and Bizwat attempt to rescue Aoléon's parents from Cydonia.  Along the way they meet Kýrios, a Martian whom Pax said would help them, and if they are to survive this rescue they need help.  But there is an ancient danger in the desert of Mars that could end their rebellion/rescue. And there is a scene reminiscent to Star Wars Return of the Jedi that concludes Illegal Aliens.

Fun and intense you really need to read this series.  This is perfect for any libraries that are planning a Superhero Summer Reading theme this year.

Aoléon the Martian Girl should appeal to preteens and young teens alike.  The illustrations throughout are colorful and fun.  Though not a graphic novel the illustrations will be an added plus for those who appreciate illustrations throughout their reading journey.

Prepare for an exciting conclusion...

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Meet the Author:

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl 

Buy The Martian Girl Song!

Another World - Single

Featuring Élan Noelle

Download on iTunes

Aoleon the Martian Girl: Hollow Moon ~ Review

Aoléon the Martian Girl
The Hollow Moon Part 3
By Brent LeVasseur

Gilbert Sullivan is just an ordinary boy who lives in Nebraska.  At least he was until that night.  The night he met Aoléon, the night he went to Mars.

Something is wrong on Mars and Aoléon and Gilbert are about to investigate just what it is.  After all Pax, head of the resistence has specifically requested their assistance.  Their investigation will take them from within the Luminon to the Galactworks to the moon Phobos.

An ancient threat has hidden itself within Martian society and Aoléon and Gilbert may be the only hope for Mars, Earth and the Sol solar system.  But they need to survive and elude those who wish to stop them first.

The fate of the solar system and perhaps the universe depends on what Aoléon and Gilbert do next...

Aoléon the Martian Girl should appeal to preteens and young teens alike.  The illustrations throughout are colorful and fun.  Though not a graphic novel the illustrations will be an added plus for those who appreciate illustrations throughout their reading journey.

The danger and excitement continues...

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Meet the Author:

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl 

Buy The Martian Girl Song!

Another World - Single

Featuring Élan Noelle

Download on iTunes

Joseph: Beloved Son, Rejected Slave, Exalted Ruler ~ Review

Joseph: Beloved Son, 

                    Rejected Slave, 

                               Exalted Ruler

I was recently offered the chance to view and review Joseph: Beloved Son,
Rejected Slave, Exalted Ruler.  This video is an excellent way to share the story 
of Joseph with the little ones in your life.

Opening with Abraham receiving a vision from God about his descendants and their servitude in a foreign land.  
At the time Abraham had no children about which the vision could be about.

We are then taken forward 170 years, witnessing Abraham's great-grandson Joseph receiving a gift of a coat of 
many colors.   We see Joseph's pride in his position of favoured son and his brothers' resentment.  And we see 
the moment when his brothers decide that they have had enough of Joseph.

Going from favoured son, to hated brother, to foreign slave within a few hours time Joseph's life takes a sudden 
and dramatic change.  We see Joseph's pride even in Egypt until a remark about his pride opens his eyes to the 
sin in his own heart.  A noticeable difference in Joseph's attitude brings about a change in his position as a slave
until he is betrayed by his master's wife.

When Joseph's gift of interpreting dreams is revealed to Pharaoh, God's hand is again revealed in his life. Pharaoh's
dreams are the means of bringing Joseph's family once again into his life.   


This is an excellent teaching tool, perfect for homeschoolers, Sunday school, and the home setting.

About the Film:

releasing May 5, 2016 

by Media4Kids International 

distributed via Vision Video

Based on the powerful Old Testament story, the 90-minute animated feature film from the makers of Torchlighters 
and Jesus: He Lived Among Us recounts the story of Joseph, the favored son sold into slavery by his jealous 
brothers only to become second in command of Egypt.

Joseph is a young dreamer, spoiled by his father and so resented by his brothers that they secretly sell him to
a slave trader. Eventually landing in the dungeons of Egypt, the young man who lacked nothing suddenly finds himself alone, forgotten, and overwhelmed with despair. Yet it is in this deep prison that Joseph begins to change, and in his humility he cries out to God. 

 
As the years pass, his growing faith and gift for interpreting dreams bring him to the attention of the Pharoah, who exalts the young man to a prominent position. Having learned humble obedience to God, Joseph becomes instrumental not only in saving Egypt but the brothers who initially betrayed him. Joseph is a moving story that powerfully demonstrates God's hand in all things, big and small. 

 
For ages 5 and up.

Aoleon the Martian Girl: Luminess of Mars ~ Review

Aoléon the Martian Girl
The Luminess of Mars Part 2
By Brent LeVasseur

Gilbert Sullivan is just an ordinary boy who lives in Nebraska.  At least he was until that night.  The night he met Aoléon, the night he went to Mars.

Picking up where part 1 left us.  We experience Gilbert's first full day on Mars including attending the Martian Space Academy with Aoléon. Martian school is very similar to school here on Earth.  Disguised as a Martian all too soon Gilbert's disguise is seen through.  But this doesn't interfere in any way with Gilbert and Aoléon's day.

And even more exciting is attending Zero-G training - floating and spinning in a weightless environment is unlike anything Gilbert has ever experienced.

But all is not fun and games (or even school).  There is a threat on Mars and something is wrong. Gilbert experiences this when he briefly connects with the Lumimess.  And then there is the request that Aoléon received to spy on the Luminon.  What's a Martian girl and a farm boy from Nebraska to do?

Aoléon the Martian Girl should appeal to preteens and young teens alike.  The illustrations throughout are colorful and fun.  The images though are more than colorful - they are vivid!  They bring this world to life. Though not a graphic novel the illustrations will be an added plus for those who appreciate illustrations throughout their reading journey.

And the adventure continues...

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Meet the Author:

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl 

Buy The Martian Girl Song!

Another World - Single

Featuring Élan Noelle

Download on iTunes

Aoleon the Martian Girl: First Contact ~ Review

Aoléon the Martian Girl
First Contact Part 1
By Brent LeVasseur

Gilbert Sullivan is just an ordinary boy who lives in Nebraska.  At least he was until that night.  The night he met Aoléon, the night he went to Mars.

This is the story of that night and what a story it is.  UFOs, floating cows and a planetary chase just name a few of the things Gilbert experienced thanks to meeting Aoléon.

But the night started with a nightmare - the same one he had experienced two other times that very same week.  But thanks to the nightmare he was awake and saw the lights - the lights that lead him to Farmer Johnson's field and to Aoléon.

Aoléon the Martian Girl should appeal to preteens and young teens alike.  The illustrations throughout are colorful and fun.  Though not a graphic novel the illustrations will be an added plus for those who appreciate illustrations throughout their reading journey.

And this only the beginning...

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Meet the Author:

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl 

Buy The Martian Girl Song!

Another World - Single

Featuring Élan Noelle

Download on iTunes