Exalted by Kandi J. Wyatt

Genre:  Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

 

COMING NOVEMBER 1, 2022

 

Exalted is the third book in the Four Stars Over Ardatz series. In book one, Uprooted, we meet Hest, an orphan stable boy who believes he is sold into slavery. He learns that the money paid to his employer was compensation for the lost wages she would earn from his services.  In the second book, Blessed, we find Hest has been elevated to the highest position in the kingdom. In this third book, Exalted, we find Hest riddled with nightmares.  Having killed the father of his enemy the son seeks revenge. He wants nothing less than to destroy the King, but not before the King watches everything and everyone he loves destroyed.

If you are unfamiliar with Kandi’s books, let me tell you that she creates fantasies that feature dragons in a way you would not believe. She is a true artist.  You feel at one with the dragon’s she creates. They are so realistic they seem almost human. The bond she creates between the dragon in the book and the King is a bond that is so strong that it has the power to destroy them both, or bring them victory. You will need to read this book. Kandi has created a glossary of words in the back for the specific vocabulary her characters speak. She has created worlds so realistic you feel you are there with the characters. I have loved all of her books. However, I believe she has gone over the moon in the writing of this series. There are five more books planned in this series and I can’t wait to read them all.

If you want to learn more about Kandi J. Wyatt then visit her website at https://kandijwyatt.com/

Blessed by Kandi J. Wyatt

 

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I thought the first book in this serieswas awesome. This one topped even that one. The book progressed in a way I was not expecting. New bonds are made, an old threat returns. A kingdom must change hands due to a prophecy. At times I sat on the edge of my seat wondering if the character would make it out alive, of a situation the author put them in. This is one of those books you need to set aside time to read because you won't want to stop once you start.  There are many more to come in this series and I can't wait for them to come out. I definitely recommend this book.

I absolutely love the character of Hest. He is honest, yet we see his fear. He is a loyal friend. I love the other characters as well. They are flawed yet well developed. I would never want to read a book where all the characters are perfect. Even in fantasy we want to feel some realism. As I have said before about Kandi's books, her world building is out of this world. I felt I was in this world. I could visualize it. I love her writing about dragons. There is something both beautiful yet terrifying about them. She makes them seem so realistic. 

I have not yet figured out how she creates her own languages for her characters. My most favorite thing about her books is that she brings her faith into it, yet is is not done in a way that is preachy at all. I have not found any of her books that I have not liked. She is a very talented author.

That Thing in the Sky by Christopher Francis

Genre: Upper Elementary, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Source: I received a copy from StoryOrigin. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. You have two ten year old children on their way home from school when they see something in the sky. Suddenly there is an explosion and black things dropping from the sky. A neigbor working on his farm is watching as well. They realize there is something in the haystack and go to investigate only to be chased by the strange broken horned, octopus looking alien. Both are kidnapped and place high up in a tree for the night.  Just what do the aliens want with them? Why are Bailey and Margaret so sure it doesn't mean them any harm?  

Christopher Francis has created an alien that on one hand is terrifying, yet you can't help but like. You start out scared, then you feel for the creature and want to help it.  He has left the end of the story nicely concluded, yet set up in case there is another one coming after it. (hint, hint)   I have not found a single one of his books that I didn't love. He does a great job with the setting.  I grew up on a farm in Indiana so I could picture the country setting he described.  When they first see the thing in the sky hovering over the silos and the cows acting strange I was taken to the night we saw a strange, quite hovering disk with lights all around it float over the trees along our driveway and hover over our hogs. The pigs were squealing like crazy. Like these kids I was scared, yet curious.  Then it just disappeared. No harm was done to our pigs. Every book I have read by this author has taken me back to my childhood. I believe that is why I love them so much and why I highly recommend them.

A Wonderful Series by Christopher Francis

 The Dream Catcher Series by Christopher Francis

Genre: Elementary, Fantasy

The Dream Catcher Series is based on a group of Dream Catchers whose job is to enter the dreams of children and help turn their scary negative dreams into something that is not scary, but fun and positive. There are five books in this series.

 

The Dream Catcher Rescue Squad: The Fear of Falling 

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

 In this first story we are introduced to Paisley a young Dream Catcher on her second assignment and Destiny her trainer. How she handles this assignment will determine whether she becomes a member of the Dream Catcher Rescue Squad.  This assignment is a young girl named Abigail who has a fear of falling. When they enter her dream they find her on a rope swing hanging on a thin branch over a high cliff. It is their job to help her change her fear into something positive.  One thing I really liked was at the beginning Paisley tells you the origin of the Dream Catchers and how humans often make dream catchers to hang in their room. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as an adult. I can only imagine how my grandsons are going to enjoy it.

 

 

The Dream Catcher Rescue Squad: The Basement
Source: I purchased a copy

Paisley has made it onto the Dream Catcher Rescue Squad. Destiny will continue to be her trainer until she had completed 200 assignments. Then Paisley will get to be a trainer.  The child’s fear in this story is a fear of going to the basement. Paisley learns it isn’t the basement he is afraid of. He is afraid of the toilet in the basement. I felt sorry for Bailey. He couldn’t use the bathroom upstairs because it was being remodeled. He imagined the toilet downstairs as being alive. One thing that was different was that Paisley failed in her mission and had to go back.  I keep trying to figure out how they will solve each kids nightmare but haven’t been successful in solving it before the Dream Catchers do.

 

The Dream Catcher Rescue Squad: The Fear of being Lost
Source: I purchased a copy

In this story Paisley and Destiny have a new job and her name is Trinity. In this story the first thing we learn is that they have a set up team that does things like open windows for them to slip into the house. Trinity’s nightmare is that she gets lost and can’t find her mommy. It doesn’t help that every time she has the nightmare and wakes her older sister up, her older sister decides to scare her the next day.  Each of these characters who have nightmares must learn a lesson to deal with what scares them. Such a subtle way to teach a valuable lesson.

 

The Dream Catcher Rescue Squad: Scary Noises
Source: I purchased a copy

Oscar is the Dream Catcher Rescue Squad’s newest job. Oscar is afraid of things during the day and during the night. They enter the dream hoop and shortly thereafter they see Moon Drifters. Moon Drifters steal good dreams and keep them for themselves. The Dream Catchers have got to show Oscar what is making the strange noises and shadows in his house before he wakes up. Who will win this one the Dream Catchers or the Moon Drifters?  This one resonated with me a lot. Growing up in a house that was over 100 years old made falling asleep difficult. I heard every creak and groan and saw shadows everywhere. As an adult I still jump at noises I hear at night and have to fight to not let my imagination run away with me.

 

The Dream Catcher Rescue Squad: The Fear of School
Source: I purchased a copy

Maslyn is the squad’s newest job. Before I say anything more I have to comment on the way the Dream Catchers get around. They have hair propellers. That is just the coolest thing. Not only that but I just learned that they have the ability to shape shift. Paisley and Destiny notice that Maslyn isn’t in bed yet. They fly around the farm and watch the parents. Dad is busy on his combine and mom is busy taking care of all of the animals. Maslyn’s dad comes in to get Maslyn ready for bed. She doesn’t want to go to sleep because she doesn’t want to go to school the next day. She has to give a presentation and she is scared.  This is a nightmare I often had as a child. It is something that as a teacher I still struggle with. I had no dream catcher squad to help me. I had great administrators who pushed me out of my comfort zone and stood there to support me.

 

Final Thoughts:

Oh my gosh what a wonderful series. The author has touched on fears not only kids, but also adults have. We have read about the fear of heights, falling, public speaking, scary noises or getting lost. These are perfect for younger elementary students. I will definitely recommend these books to our school media specialist. I believe my grandkids are going to love a copy of these as well.

I have read a multitude of elementary age books by this author and loved them. The illustrations are wonderful.  If you have a middle grade child or young adult you might want to check out his books for older children. Please check back here as I will be reviewing  five more books for the older population. This is definitely an author you need to check out.

Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons by I.K. Silver

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Once I started this book I couldn't stop reading it. Snowy is  a very small dwarf. He lives in a village where it snows all the time. He hates the cold. One day he decides he is going to leave. He packs his things and heads off to find the village of Origenem where there is supposedly a buried treasure. He read about it in a book.  On his trek he meets another dwarf who mistakes him for a young kid. Korkoro takes him home with him. Snowy stays for a while before deciding to join Snowy on his trip. The two encounter talking cats, a castle where everyone eats nothing but maple syrup, a wizard and a village that is cursed.  This was such an interesting book that I couldn't stop reading. I read it from beginning to end in one sitting. I can't wait until the next book comes out so I can continue to read the adventures of Snowy and Korkoro.

In A Dark, Dark Wood by Cece Louise

 Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mystery

Source: I received a copy from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I had a conversation with two colleagues on the last day of school. All three of us were discussing the types of books we like to read and our choices for the summer. None of us like gushy romance. What I read in Cece Louise’s book, In A Dark, Dark Wood is the exact type of book I will recommend to them. Calia is trying to save her sisters. She goes to the castle hoping to secure employment for herself and her sisters. Instead she concocts a plan that will secure her sister’s well-being, free her brother from a prisoner ship and solve an issue for the King and Queen. Since she resembles their missing daughter, she will go to Ebonwood to marry the prince in their daughter’s place. This is important since their kingdom is on the edge of ruin.

                Calia is not exactly welcomed by the Prince. At first he come off as very cynical.  As I read further into his story I realized the effect abusive words and betrayal had on him. It is Calia, a survivor who has the ability to change all of that. She is willing to sacrifice everything, including herself for her siblings. How far will she go to help this prince she is slowly falling in love with?

                This book had it all for me. A touch of romance that builds slowly and is not shoved in your face. A mystery that must be solve. Since I had not read this author before I was surprised by how well written the mystery is. I was completely blindsided. I loved the darkness of this book. To me there is a difference between downright evil feeling darkness in a book and mysterious, murderous darkness. This had that dark gothic feel that I love.  Can’t wait to share this with my two friends. I love this author enough I have purchased the first three books in this series to read.

Uprooted by Kandi J. Wyatt

Genre:  Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fantasy

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

As always Kandi Wyatt has created a series you have to read. Once I started the book I could not put it down. As I have said before, her world building is so realistic you find yourself along for the ride with the characters.  She has created a world where some lands are in almost total darkness, while some lands have too much light.  This creates a unique problem that kids who have taken science will understand. Without light you can’t grow products to help you life. On the other hand if you have too much light you have the same issue. She has created these worlds and the people who inhabit them with such skill.

Hest, the main character lives in a land where very little grows. He has never seen a tree. Any wood they have must be imported so it is limited.  His parents are dead so he works for a woman who runs the tavern. He has feelings for her daughter and her son is like a little brother to him. He is in charge of the stables and beyond  good with horses. One day a man shows up with a magnificent horse. Hest doesn’t get off to a very good start with him. The next day as the man prepares to leave he finds Hest working his horse. It is through this activity a life changing decision is made for Hest. He sees the man hand a bag of money to the woman who has been like a mother to him since his own died. He believes he has been sold.  He goes with the man.  It is along this trip he learns he is not a slave but something more.

Hest grew as a character and a man throughout this story.  However, knowing this is a new series I know there is so much more to learn about this character. He proves his loyalty not only to the people of the new land he now belongs to but also to a dragon.  Yes!  I knew the master storyteller of dragons would have to place one somewhere. At least I hoped she would.  I can not wait to read the next book and learn more about this new world she has built. I do hope I left enough teasers here to make you order your copy today. You won’t regret it.

The Robber Girl by Franny Billingsley

Genre: Middle Grades, Young Adult, Adult, Fantasy
Source: I purchased a copy

This is probably one of the harder reviews I've had to write. I absolutely loved this book. There are so many layers to it that make it hard to write about it. We have a young girl working alongside "Gentleman Jack" a known criminal. She believes he rescued her after her mother abandoned her. While trying to rob a stagecoach Gentleman Jack is caught. This young girl is taken home to the Judge's house. This is a house that has known sorrow. The judge and his wife lost their son and daughter to smallpox. As you read along you realize that things definitely are not what they seem.  The judge and his wife try to "tame" this wild girl. She communicates with her dagger who keeps reminding her how much Gentleman Jack has done for her. You know something is afoot whenever she begins to communicate with the dolls in a dollhouse the judge had made for his daughter. The dagger also doesn't like when she thinks she remembers things. It doesn't want her to remember.  There are definitely reasons Gentleman Jack has not named her. There are reasons she has been lied to for five years.   She is the only one who holds the key to what Gentleman Jack wants. Better than that she holds the key to who and what she is.  I tried to explain this to my students and had just as much trouble explaining it to them.  I recommend this one to everyone who loves beautiful language, fantasy and, unreliable characters.

Miraculous "A Whale of a Tale" by Walter Rouzer

 

Genre:  Middle Grade Fantasy

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review The opinions expressed here are my own.

Anyone who knows me as a reader knows I read books for two reasons. The first is because I love reading books of all genres and levels. The second is to pass on great books to my students.  This is one of those books. Hailee is a character I want my students to get to know. Why? I teach middle school and that is the most difficult time for most kids. Kids can be really cruel during this period of their life to others who are different.  Sometimes that cruelty, even though wrong is brought about by fear and a lack of understanding. That doesn’t justify it. It only explains why some kids are cruel when they see others who are different.

Hailee is born with physical issues as well as being mute. She is delivered by a veterinarian at a zoo who agrees to keep her because her parents reject her.  Trust me, the veterinarian is not really being kind to Hailee.  Hailee is put on display in the zoo like one of the animals. She is called the “Mushroom Monster”.  You would think that as she grows up she would be depressed and down.  Hailee is not this type of person. Mr. Higgins the zookeeper teaches Hailee that all beings have worth.  Hailee uses these lessons to help not only herself, but the animals around her. That is what I love about this story and this author. He created a character with a survival attitude full of hope. As sad and depressing as the story is at times it is also full of hope and a message about showing empathy and kindness.  Well done.

The Color Keepers by Catriona Crehan

Genre:  Middle Grade, Fantasy

Source: I received a copy to review

 

Emily, her brother James and her crush Sam are on a mission. When Emily’s mom brings home an antique mirror with 4 colors of stained glass, a gift for Emily she is shocked. She awakens to hear a humming and sees the colors on the mirror brighten. A note floats out from the mirror with Emily’s name on it. She touches the colors in the order described in the note and walks into another world. She sets free a girl who has been imprisoned, only to learn the prisoner was the Crow Queen.  Emily is told she will need to bring two people back the following night to stop the Crow Queen before she destroys the Flatlands and Emily’s world. The adventures were not bad. The world building was great. I felt the characters were not as developed as much as I would have liked them to be. However, I did enjoy

the book and would recommend it.

Dragon's Winter by Kandi J. Wyatt

Blurb:

Scout the area.

Plan the escape.
Rescue the slave.
What could possibly go wrong?

Mere's continuing her apprenticeship in San Valencia, but when a strange illness affects everyone in the dragon colony including dragons, she's forced to help a pregnant girl find safety. 

Rescuing slaves is all in a day's work for Jareem, until a new slaver in town takes exception to Jareem's interference. Now, sick and with a wounded dragon, Jareem must free the slave and find Mere and the pregnant girl before the slaver.

The clock is ticking. The baby's due any day, and the slaver's persistent. Mere and Jareem must reach beyond who they believe themselves to be in order to bring the former slaves home in one piece.

 

When I read most books the first question I ask myself is if this is a book I would put on my shelves for my students, and why.  I have every book in this series so far. My students love them.  When they found out Kandi was a teacher that was another boost.

The first thing I thought after finishing this book was that my students today would be able to make connections. That is important to me.  The idea that slavery still happens around the world is appalling. However, this is very prevalent in this book.  The idea of standing up for what is right no matter what the risk is something we want our kids to learn.  

I felt very at home in the world Kandi has created. I have said before she is a master at world-building. You don’t just read about these places, people and dragons.  You walk beside them throughout the story.  You are there alongside them fighting for what is right.

As far as her characters go, they are all not only believable, but lovable.  I absolutely felt like I was on an adventure with friends.  One more thing. When Kandi creates her antagonist he is a character that you love to hate. This is a book that I highly recommend to young and old alike.

Mythical Girls by Alex McGilvery

Genre: Young Adult, Adult, Fantasy

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I really enjoyed this anthology. All of the stories are about girls who find a magical object. I found it interesting that two of these stories had characters that found an object that was a version of Excalibur.  One of my favorites was a world where magic had been outlawed. When the young girl finds a magical bracelet and is found out, the bracelet is to be destroyed. Fortunately, it isn’t and the girl has to use it to help save her land.

One of my favorites was “An Unexpected Weapon” by Kandi J. Wyatt. Kandi has long been one of my favorite authors. Her story resonated with me for several reasons. Her main character had previously gone through a tornado that destroys everything she loved. Her character and her behavior when a storm comes up reminded me of a former student. Mallory had gone through a tornado over the summer while visiting relatives up north. The terror haunted her. Since we get a lot of storms in Florida she lived in constant fear. She needed to sit facing a window to watch the sky. I would have to have my students pull out a book to read and then sit and talk with her until she calmed down. Kandi’s character Karli reminded me of my student Mallory. Both of them had to face their fear to overcome it.

Each of these stories empower girls. Each of them has a relic of magic. There is a wonderful look at different cultures and beliefs through this book. I really loved how these authors demonstrated both the good and bad sides of magic. I highly recommend this book to all fantasy lovers.

Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Source: I won a copy from LibraryThing. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I loved this magical book. When Sophia's dad tells her they will spend the next day together to explore the island he had just purchased she was excited. Since her mother died she and her father spent very little time together.  I absolutely detested Sophia's dad because of his status attitude. Snobby is what you call it. Sophia spent most of her days at home with the housekeeper, even eating in her room alone. I was really hoping her that time on the island would help her and her dad bond.  When she chases a creature into the woods away from her dad and meets a light guardian her troubles begin. A dark guardian wants her dead. The quake on the island sends her dad running. She makes it to the beach in time to see her dad's boat fleeing.  She must make friends with strange creatures on the island if she is to survive. Loved the island, characters and how much Sophia changes and grows. Can't wait for my students to read this one. I'm sure they will enjoy this as much as I did.

Nevers Sara Cassidy

Genre: Elementary, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Source: I purchased a copy

This was a fun and funny book. I would say this is perfect for upper elementary and lower middle school. However, as an adult I found this a pleasure to read.

Odette is a  young girl who must take care of her mother Annalise. Annalise seems to have a habit of accidently killing people. They have come into the small French town of Nevers.  All Odette wants is to find a place they cans stay and call home and to fit in, maybe have a friend.  Odette finds a friend in a young boy named Nicois. The town is full of strange people. There is man who likes to smell people’s hands, and a man who wants to be a chicken. There is a pig and chick that have become inseparable, and then there is the donkey that brays in Latin every night. The strange thing is that Odette understands him. Odette’s mother has brought about some trouble for them because she has been looking for a box she hid under a bridge years before. Someone else is looking for it as well.

The book is a mixture of some fantasy, mystery and a bit of historical fiction all rolled into one great book. Kids will love this because they will be able to identify with the characters. This is a book I would highly recommend to readers of all ages.

Watch Hollow: The Alchemist's Shadow by Gregory Funaro

Gregory Funaro’s first book “Watch Hollow” was a book that had my students lining up to read it. It was full of everything a middle school student loves in a book. It had characters they could identify with and a mystery to be solved. When I told them that I had an advance reader’s copy of the next book "Watch Hollow: The Alchemist's Shadow" they wanted to know if I would be buying it. I will most definitely be buying it.  This is a creepy mystery that kept the action going.

The Tinker family managed to keep away the great evil and set the house right. We all know that it would be boring if things didn’t go south again. This happens when Agatha and Algeron, along with their governess show up claiming they are the heirs to the house.  Of course, you need to expect whenever something or someone strange shows up, there is going to be something that will create chaos in Blackford House once again. A new evil has created a labyrinth along with a minotaur.

The children must work together to solve this mystery, get the governess back and take care of the evil. This is a daunting task, but they will receive help from the wooden animals of the clock. I am really loving this author’s work. I am probably the biggest lover of mysteries and this one has all the elements that I love.  I am hoping there is a third book on its way. This is a must-read series.

Blue: Little Boy Blue by Elizabeth Rose

       I liked the fact that I could have read this book as a stand-alone. I was asked to read and review this book. It looked so interesting I purchased all three and started at the beginning. Since Raven Birchfield dug up an old nursery rhyme book and a quartz necklace things have not been the same. First, she was haunted by Mary, Mary Quite Contrary. Then she had to help her best friend who was being controlled by Miss Muffet. Who would have suspected she would now have to help her brother who is being controlled by Little Boy Blue. He found an old trumpet when they moved into his aunt’s house. He is not very good at playing it. However, Blue is definitely good at playing the trumpet. Johnny likes Blue so he is perfectly fine being stuck in this realm that Blue once lived in.

Everything happening to Johnny began when his sister found a blue jacket in an old trunk. It was given to her brother as a birthday gift. The jacket is all that is needed for Johnny to start behaving differently. There is a lesson to be learned in this one. This book talks about confidence or believing in oneself. I am liking the way these books are going and look forward to reading more by this author.

Muffet:Miss Muffet by Elizabeth Rose

           It wasn’t bad enough that Raven Birchfield was controlled by Mary, Mary Quite Contrary for a while. It all started when she found an old nursery rhyme book and a crystal in her back yard. The battle to keep Mary from over-taking her life was real. Now Raven has something more to worry about. Her best friend Candy is being controlled by Miss Muffet.

Candy is the best candidate for Miss Muffet. She has a lot of anger toward her step-father. He is abusive in many ways. Miss Muffet feeds off of that anger. Can Raven help her best friend overcome this terror known as Miss Muffet?
          This was another wonderful by Elizabeth Rose. I have always loved nursery rhymes. I was in high school when I learned there was a completely different reason for the nursery rhymes I grew up with. They were not originally created to entertain children. They were there to teach and to express feelings about what was going on during the time period.  This was the second book in the series so I am looking forward to reading the next one.

Mary, Mary (Quite Contrary) Nursery Rhyme Series by Elizabeth Rose

      

            Raven Birchfield is not real thrilled to move into a house once owned by her dead aunt. The house hasn’t been opened up in a long time. When Raven, her brother and mother arrive they realize how strange their aunt was. Raven begins school only to find herself bullied by one of the most popular girls in the school. She is placed in a horticulture class, which is not something she really had an interest in. After almost letting her flower for her horticulture class die, she brings it home and clears out an area in the back yard to plant it. In the process she makes a couple of discoveries. The first discovery is an old cemetery at the back of their yard along with a creepy raven. The second is an old book she digs up while digging the hole for her flower, and a quartz necklace. Both of these things will have a major effect on her life.

            Raven suddenly finds herself in the body of Mary from the nursery rhyme, but she learns how nasty this person was in real life. When Mary is in control of Raven’s body and mind she is not the most pleasant person. The battle to remain Raven and not Mary is real. The question is, who will be the strongest and win the battle?

            I loved that this was based on a nursery rhyme instead of a fairy tale. Most people don’t realize that nursery rhymes were an accepted way of talking about real people who were not the most pleasant. Everyone knows that bad-mouthing a queen could get your head taken off. Write a nursery rhyme that has a hidden meaning and you could spread your thoughts about that person all you want. This was the first book in the series. I loved it so much I purchased it and the other two books for my classroom.

            I loved that this book had a message about loving and accepting who you are. Maybe this will be the vehicle used by teens to learn this lesson.

Cover Reveal and Review: An Unexpected Exploit by Kandi J. Wyatt

Here it comes!  The release date, September 10th,  is almost here for the third book in the Myth Coast Adventure Trilogy.  Not only does it have a beautiful cover, but it has a wonderful story inside.

Review

In this third installment, we find Franklin out hunting. He sees what he believes is a bear. As he raises his gun to shoot, the creature disappears. Franklin goes to investigate and stumbles into another realm, Shinwano. When he doesn't return home his friends go to search for him.  In the alternate realm, Franklin is being trained to protect the portal and his new friends.  Franklin returns to his own realm. Unfortunately, Jack Collins, the poacher is up to his old tricks. This time he forces Franklin to show him the way in. Franklin's friends follow to help him out. Franklin is welcomed back into the village. The secret he carries about the danger he has brought into Shinwano is eating away at him. Will he do the right thing? Can he save those he loves?

This is a must-read when it comes out. I can't wait for it to come out in paperback so I can purchase it for my classroom and a couple of grandkids.

Pre-order a copy! Then go here and fill out this form: 

 http://bit.ly/preordergiveaway

Witch Catcher by Mary Downing Hahn

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Mystery
Source: I purchased a copy

When my granddaughter messaged me that she had found another Mary Downing Hahn book she wanted I bought it. You know how it goes, you order a book then find several more by the author that you need/want to read.  This was one of those jewels. What drew me in was the difference in the subject matter. Hahn is known for her ghost stories. In this book, we meet Jen and her father who have just moved into a house her dad inherited. It is full of antique artifacts from his eccentric uncle. Jen disobeys her father and visits the tower behind their house. There she finds a glass globe that she takes back to her house and hides.  Jen is surprised to learn that when her father had come to this small town to work on the house he had met an antique dealer and started a relationship with her. Jen is not thrilled. She is even more upset when she meets Moura. Something doesn't seem right.  Moura makes it clear that she wants the globe and knows that Jen has it. Jen's cat Tink accidentally breaks the globe releasing a fairy from inside. With Moura's reaction, the change in her father and Moura's mysterious friend Jen knows that she must get involved if she wants to save her dad and her new friend. I absolutely loved this book.  Hahn has an author's note in the back that explains witch catchers and her fascination with them. I am sure my students are going to love this one.