Appointed by Kandi J. Wyatt

 

Appointed by Kandi J. Wyatt

 

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: I received an advanced copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is the seventh book in the “Four Stars Over Ardatz: Sovereigns” series. In this book we meet Shawnahur. His friends and family call him Shawn. He is the youngest of eight children. His three older brothers are away at war. Shawn is a drover of pucklings. He and his dog watch over these wooly haired duck like animals.  When his brothers come home on leave they love to tell stories of the battles they are fighting. One afternoon while watching his pucklings his dog begins to bark. Shawn checks out the situation looking for whatever danger may be headed toward his animals. What he finds is a small lizard like creature who has its leg stuck between two rocks. As he reaches to help it, the creature lowers his beak and touches Shawn's hand. A small burning sensation  goes through his hand. He keeps talking to the creature, hoping to gain his trust so that he can free him. Once freed, the creature starts speaking to him in his mind. He learns the creature is actually a silver dragon. The dragon, named Keenah had touched his hand to see whether he had a good heart. They both pledge to protect each other creating a bond between them. A rabid fox comes racing toward Shawn and he is able to quickly grab it by the mouth. Keenah helps direct his magic through Shawn’s hands killing it. This is the beginning of Shawn’s ability to use magic.

This is by far my favorite in this series. As we read further we see Shawn rise in power and in favor among the people. The story reminded me of several Bible stories. He takes supplies on the battlefield to his brothers. They are being taunted by a giant of a man. No one will challenge him. Shawn speaks up willing to do so. This reminded me of the David and Goliath story. Earlier in the story he is called upon to help the commander of the army while he is at home. The rains have put him in a foul mood and he has outbursts. Shawn’s flute playing calms him down. This reminded me of David playing to calm King Saul. I love the characters.  Shawn has quickly become one of my favorites.  The world building is outstanding as always.  This is a series you must read. If you have read the first six books then you must read this one.

Student Saturday: Shell Shocked by Kathleen Welton

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery

Student Reviewer: Rylee P.

"Shell shocked is a book about an underwater problem,  an ocean mystery. The main character, Alex, and her friend Avery found a turtle with scars on its back on the celebration of Alexs job and her birthday. They found clues linking her family to the hurting and killing of these turtles, so she confronts them but nothing comes out from her parents. A few weeks later, her and Avery find cracked and broken hatchling eggs in the sand, now this was a problem. But, how were they going to solve it? What will happen to the turtles from now on? What are the people of the island going to think? Will they help save the turtles and their hatchlings?" If I were to give this book to an audience it would most likely be a crowd of 5-7th graders. due to its Mysterious theme, I think it would be of great help to people of that range who are looking to find more themes to read or a guide line to writing a story on a mystery. My opinion on this book is... it was a great book but I personally am not great with cliff-hangers in books and that's what had me on the edge of my seat with this book.

Hidden by Olivia Gold

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review

This is a great middle grade book.

Xander is not happy to begin seventh grade with a flip phone. His parents don’t want him to have anything that might put him in danger. Both of his parents have government jobs that could attract the attention of unsavory people. Xander doesn’t really have any fear of this happening. His life changed in the blink of an eye.  Xander overhears  two men who were posing as dog groomers in his parents office across from his bedroom.  They are obviously looking for something. Xander’s mom ushers the two men out of her house as she and Xander try to clean up the mess they left. When Xander tells his mom what the men were doing and the next thing he knows they are in the witness protection program. Now he has to start school in a new state and try to fit in. This is not something Xander is real good at.  To make matters worse he is enrolled in the “Soda Club”. The members are trying to create a new soda flavor for a competition.

This was a fun book to read. Maybe it is because I teach middle school and see some of their antics each day. The story rang true in so many ways.  If you want to read something that is a fun book with an element of mystery then this is the book for you. Step into the story with Xander where it seems the disasters just keep coming his way.