Book Review: The Key of Kilenya

Author: Andrea Pearson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Authors' Website: http://www.kilenyaseries.com

About the Book:

When two vicious wolves chase fourteen-year-old Jacob Clark down a path from our world into another, his life is forever changed.  He has no idea they have been sent by the Lorkon--evil, immortal beings who are jealous of powers he doesn't know he possesses--powers they desire to control.
The inhabitants of the new world desperately need Jacob's help in recovering a magical key that was stolen by the Lorkon and is somehow linked to him.  If he helps them, both our world and theirs will be in danger.  The Lorkon will stop at nothing to unleash the power of the key--and Jacob's special abilities.

My Review:

I was excited to get the opportunity to read this debut novel from author, Andrea Pearson.  Let me preface my comments by saying that I'm not a huge fan of fantasy.  I think it's because I don't like thinking outside the box and having to keep all the details of another, unfamiliar, world straight in my head.

The Key of Kilenya was a refreshing change of pace from my normal reading.  While it did involve a new world, and a variety of strange characters, it also included references to things with which I am familiar, like the NBA, cell phones, etc., so it was easier for me to relate to the story , and especially the main character, Jacob.  He was no different than any other 14 year old I know.   Okay, there are a few significant differences, but I'll let you discover those for yourself by reading the book.

I'm always amazed at the ingenuity of fantasy writers because my mind just does not think that way.  Andrea included many very creative elements in her book, like the glowing blue ring fingers, bears with human hands, mud bubbles, and more.

In my opinion, the Key of Kilenya is perfect for the younger YA reader.  It's a story full of adventure and twists and turns.  As a mother, it's refreshing to know there are authors writing fantasy, like The Key of Kilenya, that is not dark and depressing.  And now that I'm done with it, I can't wait to turn it over to my son.

If you'd like to learn more about Andrea Pearson and her upcoming books in this fun series, please visit her website.

The Key of Kilenya can be purchased here.

Deal of the Day!

What's at the bottom of your purse, backpack or laptop bag? Probably everything but the kitchen sink! Today's deal eliminates the "fumbling around your purse trying to find your lipstick/lotion/bandaid" problem!  

 

PAK (Personal Accessories Kit) comes LOADED with all the must have essentials that YOU need.  

Each PAK comes stocked with personal-care products and first-aid accessories, all designed to fit inside convenient kits sized for suitcases, gym bags, and purses. Available in three sizes and two colors, the PAK can carry myriad grooming trinkets, each slotted into its own retaining loop to prevent clutter, spillage, and inter-accouterment mingling.

  

 

More than 30 items come in the largest PAK ($50), from tweezers and nail clippers to bandages and a set of five miniature toiletry bottles. The vessels come prefilled-with body mist, hair spray, lotion, hand sanitizer, and breath spray-but boast screw tops and wide openings for easy refilling with your favorite products!  

   

The midsize mini PAK ($40) stows 23 goodies, and the wallet-sized micro PAK ($30) holds 16 on-the-go essentials. All three models feature a transparent window, perfect for displaying a driver's license or a wallet-size snapshot!  

 Today's Deal of the Day: $25 for $50 at thePAKstore.com

Click here to make a purchase or learn more!

That means you can SNAG these MUST have kits for 50% off! These are PERFECT gifts for the holiday season...from your hard to buy for mother-in-law, to your babysitter...everyone NEEDS a PAK of their own! And with three different sizes, there is a PAK for everyone!

*Deal will end 9/30/11 at 11:59pm MST

*Offer valid only to address in the U.S.

*Refill (RePAK) items not included in promotion 

*Shipping not included
*Texas Residents 8.25% sales tax at checkout

Book Review: Hang 'Em High

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Authors' Website: http://www.tristipinkston.com

About the Book:

When Ida Mae Babbitt receives an invitation to visit her son Keith's dude ranch in Montana, she's excited to mend their broken relationship, but not so excited about spending time with cows. Arlette and Tansy go along with her, ready to take a vacation that does not involve dead bodies or mysteries of any sort - one must have a break from time to time. But it seems a no-good scoundrel has moseyed into Dodge City and is bent on causing all sorts of trouble for the ranch. Unable to keep her curiosity in check - especially when it seems her own son is the most likely culprit - Ida Mae decides to investigate. Can she lasso the varmint and get him to the sheriff in time?

My Review:
First of all, for those who don't already know, a cozy mystery is a book involving a crime solver (generally a woman) who is an amateur sleuth.  It usually takes place in a small setting where the suspects know each other, and with characters you could envision as neighbors or friends.  The amateur sleuth is a likable character who is usually not taken very seriously.  Cozies are often written in a series, giving the reader time to fall in love with the characters.  Tristi Pinkston has accomplished all of this and more in her Secret Sisters mystery series.

Hang 'Em High is the third book in the series.  It's a fun read as Ida Mae and her cohorts, Arlette and Tansy, visit a Montana dude ranch.  In no time at all, they're sleuthing around trying to solve a mystery before it's too late.

The reader can't help falling in love with these little old ladies and their hilarious antics as they unknowingly gets themselves into difficult situations.  The book is humorous, and I found myself chuckling throughout the entire thing.  Hang 'Em High also includes some tender moments between Ida Mae and her son, Keith.  I think this is what made it my favorite book in the series so far, as it added depth to the story.

Tristi Pinkston is an outstanding author.  She has a well-developed voice and is an expert at characterization.   Throw in her amazing sense of humor, and you'll wish her stories extended far beyond the last page.  But lucky for you, there are two more books in the series which will be published soon.

Hang 'Em High can be purchased online at Deseret Book or Amazon.

Tristi is seriously one of the most talented people I know.  Not only is she a succesful author, but she's the mother of four beautiful children whom she homeschools, a cheerleader (no, not the short skirt and pom-poms kind) and friend, and the most awesome editor around!  I know because she was mine.  If you are a writer or know one, please read the details about Tristi's contest below.  She's giving away an amazing prize.

Contest Details:

To celebrate the release of Tristi's eighth book, she's holding a contest! If you leave a comment on this review, you will be entered into a drawing for a free manuscript evaluation, done by Tristi Pinkston Editing http://www.tristipinkstonediting.blogspot.com In fact, you can leave comments on all the blogs participating in this virtual book tour! Go to Tristi Pinkston's blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com for a list. The deadline is October 5th at midnight MST. If you win and you're not a writer, you can give this evaluation to a friend.