The Watchman's Keep by Alfred M.Struthers

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Mystery

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

Each book in this series gets better and better. The amount of research that goes into the details in the book are extensive. In this story we find Nathan once again in the thick of things. After the man who had tried to kill him is put in prison, Nathan goes back to his old job of sorting books.  His best friend and side-kick Gina is once again helping him solve a riddle.  Nathan's mentor in all things regarding the bookcase has flown to Europe. He is hot on the trail of Ginette, the sister of Edouard Dampierre who now sits in prison.  Tobe expected she is not there, but in the United States looking for Nathan. One call is all it took to keep Gina and Nathan confined to their house.  Jamieson is sure Ginette is after Nathan and to take over the business her brother was running in the states. Unfortunately for her things are not going to go as planned.

One thing I absolutely love about the books is the massive amount of research that goes into each one. The author has compiled information in the back of the book to help those less acquainted with fine art. I may not have known the artwork of many of them mentioned, but understood what sgrafitto and slump molds were. Both have been used by my husband and myself when we owned a ceramic business and my husband worked with glass.  The complexity of each book increases, which is why I said it is for young adults as well.  The danger level rises, more secrets are unpacked. I look forward to reading the next one in this series, "Tears of the Empress".  To learn more about this author and his wonderful books, check out his website.

Cover Reveal: Resolved

 

Blurb

If you had to lose everything, what day would you choose?

When ten-year-old Mairead asks about her father, Siobhan falters. How can she expose Mairead to the pain and rejection that shattered her world leaving them both with wounds Siobhan can’t find the strength to face? But keeping that loss at bay has also kept her daughter at a distance, and the future queen’s childhood is rapidly slipping away.

As if that wasn’t enough, their kingdom is on the brink of civil war, with discord being sown in its border regions and powerful magic-users threatening their dreams. Amidst the chaos, Siobhan finds that an old friend has become Mairead’s surrogate father—and Siobhan’s closest confidant—but trying to discern between her heart and the best interests of the realm has left her torn. It seems that whatever she chooses will require a courage she doesn’t possess.

With war on the horizon and a second chance at love awaiting her decision, Siobhan seeks peace in the pages of an old journal, but the first dragon king’s words convey a faith in Jeeah that defies anything Siobhan has ever experienced. Can she give up her fear and entrust herself—and her only child—to the one who has seen her this far? Or will the cost be too great to bear?

Resolved is the fifth book in the coming-of-age fantasy series, Four Stars over Ardatz: Sovereigns. If you like action, multi-dimensional clean romance, and addictive stories, you'll love Kandi J Wyatt's book.

Where to purchase Resolved

All outlets

About Kandi

Kandi J Wyatt lives with dragons, most in human form--and some even blow fire! She spends her days providing space for teens to be themselves, inspiring them to be more than meets the eye, and spilling hope into their world. When she's not hanging out with fictional characters, Kandi's chilling with family watching anime or playing games. Her toddler granddaughter keeps her running--often in circles--and full of joy.

Where to Find Kandi

Her website

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Student Saturday: Alone by Megan E. Freeman

 

 

Student Reviewer:  Alicia M.

Genre:  Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

     Maddie was a 12-year-old girl. She was normal and had a great relationship with her stepparents and her parents. She adored her siblings. Everything was fine, her routine was the same, her friendships were good. She lived in a town called Millerville.

    Unfortunately, something occurred causing everyone to evacuate. Maddie planned something with her best friends, but they couldn’t go. While Maddie was at her grandparents alone, everyone left without informing her. Maddie was left to take care of herself and thrive through major weather and disasters. In the end of evacuation, Maddie sought shelter at her mother's house and noticed her neighbor’s dog, George, was left behind unattended. She took him with her as a friend and for protection. They went through different obstacles together. At the end, something unexpected came. She finally reached her successful conclusion after 3 years of surviving alone.

    I didn’t expect to like this book a lot because of how thick the booked looks but it’s interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who feels discouraged when they feel alone. This book made me surprised when I read the big events that occurred. I really enjoyed reading this and I will be more than happy to read this again.