The Glimmer: Are you Listening by A.R. Bibeau

  

Genre: Young Adult, Traditional
Source: I won a copy from LibraryThing

Falk lost his mother and now his father is dead. His step-mother takes him outside of the village and abandons him. It was at this point I really despised her. The snow storm is vicious and Falk is lost. He hears the voices of children and follows them into a forest. Unfortunately the voices he hears are the voices of children who are already dead. He falls asleep with a glimmer of light in his hand. The children are determined to protect him. He becomes a part of their life and they become a part of him as does the glimmer. From this point forward change happens. I found this a strange book. It was difficult knowing that all of these children who had died had been abandoned or abused. I did enjoy the book even though it took me a while to read it because I had lost it.

Of Wise Oaks and Weeping Willows by Diane Robertson

 

Genre: Poetry
Source: I purchased a copy

This book of poetry is broken into several sections.  The first section about nature was probably one of my favorite sections. I grew up in the country in Indiana. I felt like I was back on our farm enjoying nature with everyone of her poems I read. She has the ebb and flow of the season down perfectly. The pictures that come to mind from her words are so vivid I felt I was standing in the scene.  I can’t wait to share some of these with my own students.

The section on Political and Social is a strong and powerful voice. Her poems tell of the depravity and promises brought to the masses by Hollywood. They tell of a time where our friendships were tested and tried by arguments, yet survived. A time now hindered by social medial and technology, no need to meet face to face to interact. In this section I found “King of all the Land” to be a very powerful poem about the power of individual choice. These are the kinds of poems teachers need to expose their students to. This author is an example of how powerful words can be.

The next section is titled “Religious”. Diane does not shy away from her Christian beliefs. Her poetry is full of reminders of what the Bible says. Her poem “Two Beasts” tells of end times. Her inspiration like many of her poems in this section is the last book of the Bible, Revelations. Oh if people would only read and take to heart the messages in her poetry.

The final section is called “Family and Love”. My favorite poem from this section was “Circling Back to Childhood”. She tells of a time in her life as a child where her imagination ruled. Then she grew up and those times were replaced. Then her children came along and she allowed their imaginations to grow and develop bringing back her own childhood.  I believe this poem is so precious to me because I grew up like this on our farm. I encouraged my children as I played with them to create their own worlds. Now I watch my daughter as she has done the same thing with her children. As a teacher I see so few children that remind me of my childhood. They are too caught up in technology where the creating has been done for them. It is so sad to see what they are missing out on.

My final say on this book of poetry is that it is  one I will revisit often. It is soothing to my soul, yet has so much to offer the reader. Well done, Diane Robertson.

Rise: Book one of the War Witch Saga by Cain S. Latrani

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

Source: I purchased a copy

WARNING; This book is full of erotic scenes.

I was asked to read and review this book. Let me make it clear that I do not usually read and review books that are erotic in nature. I was not aware of this at the time I agreed to read and review the book. I will not be reading any more in the series for this reason.

This was a hard book for me to review.  The writing itself is good. There is a great plotline, the world-building is awesome.  The story is reminiscent of Greek or Egyptian Gods.  In Greek mythology we often find the Gods playing with the lives of the humans as if it was all a game.  The characters, most who fall into the category of Heavenly Gods, or Demon Gods took on characteristics that reminded me of Egyptian gods.  You had a combination of characters you would not expect such as Trolls, Ogres, Werecats, etc.  Of course you have the humans within as well. 

The story opens with a young girl being hidden by her sister before she sees her violated and killed. She then sees her mother and younger brother burned alive in their house. The demon gods destroy everything they can. This young girl is saved by a heavenly god who saves her to teacher her to fight and bring vengeance on those who destroyed her village. Like I said the story line was great. What I didn't enjoy and skipped over was all the erotic scenes. I felt like the story would have been great if not for all of that. This is the first book in a series. No matter how great the story line I will not be reading the rest due the the sexual nature. I leave that decision up to other readers.