Manga Review - Maximum Ride, Vol 6 by James Patterson @JP_Books

Maximum Ride, Vol. 6

Maximum Ride: The Manga #6

by James Patterson

Goodreads blurb:  The time has come for Max and her winged "Flock" to face their ultimate enemy and discover their original purpose: to defeat the takeover of "Re-evolution," a sinister experiment to re-engineer a select population into a scientifically superior master race...and to terminate the rest. Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel have always worked together to defeat the forces working against them-but can they save the world when they are torn apart, living in hiding and captivity, halfway across the globe from one another?

About the Author:  The subject of a Time magazine feature called, "The Man Who Can't Miss," James Patterson is the bestselling author of the past year, bar none, with more than 16 million books sold in North America alone. In 2007, one of every fifteen hardcover fiction books sold was a Patterson title. In the past three years, James has sold more books than any other author (according to Bookscan), and in total, James's books have sold an estimated 220 million copies worldwide. He is the first author to have #1 new titles simultaneously on The New York Times adult and children's lists and is the only author to have five new hardcover novels debut at #1 on the list in one year—a record-breaking feat he's accomplished every year since 2005. To date, James Patterson has had nineteen consecutive #1 New York Timesbestselling novels, and holds the New York Times record for most Hardcover Fiction bestselling titles by a single author (63 total), which is also a Guinness World Record.

From his James Patterson Pageturner Awards (which rewarded groups and individuals for creative and effective ways to spread the joy of reading) to his website ReadKiddoRead.com (which helps adults find books that kids are sure to love) to his regular donations of thousands of books to troops overseas, Patterson is a lifelong champion of books and reading. His first foray into books for all ages was the critically acclaimed Maximum Ride series, which debuted on the New York Times bestsellers list at #1 and remained there for twelve straight weeks. The series has so far made appearances on The New York Times bestsellers lists ninety-four cumulative times, proving that kids of all ages love page turners. He captured the attention of boy readers with the Daniel X series, and his third series for readers of all ages debuted in December 2009 with Witch & Wizard, which spent five consecutive weeks atop the New York Times bestsellers list.

Patterson is the creator of the #1 new detective series of the past dozen years, featuring Alex Cross and including the Hollywood-adapted "Along Came a Spider" and "Kiss the Girls," starring Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. He is also the creator of the #1 new detective series of the past five years, featuring Lindsay Boxer and the other members of the Women's Murder Club, from which the ABC television drama series was adapted. He has authored books behind six films on the Hollywood fast-track, including the upcoming Maximum Ride movie forthcoming from Avi Arad, the producer of X-Men and Spiderman.

He is the author of novels—from The Thomas Berryman Number (1976) to Honeymoon (2005)—that have won awards including the Edgar, the BCA Mystery Guild's Thriller of the Year, the International Thriller of the Year award, and the Reader's Digest Reader's Choice Award. And, he has won a Children's Choice Book Council's Children's Choice Awards "Author of the Year" award (2010).

One of Forbes magazine's Celebrity 100, James made a guest appearance on the popular FOX TV show "The Simpsons" in March, 2007.

Connect with James:

~ Website ~ YA Site ~ Middle School Site ~

~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 unicorns - I loved it!!

**Checked out from the high school library

Okay sadness because I just finished the last book my school library has.  I’m not sure when they will get book 7….sigh!!  As always the graphic novels/manga are hard to review because it is entirely too easy to give away what is going on.

I love this series!!  I haven’t found a book in the series that I didn’t love.  Max is totally awesome, but in this story, there is lots of flock drama.  Max does gets lots of answers, and she is of course always fighting for her and the flock’s lives.  The flock struggles with how to save the world from the crazed Re-Evolution planners.  Fang is doing his part with his blog.  There are new alliances, new drama, misinformation, battles, and so much more.

I can’t believe I have to wait now for book 7 L  I am definitely not a patient person when it comes to books I really want…sigh, but what choice do I have.  I will work on getting the book series and maybe that will tide me over.  My son has started re-reading the series.  He loved it the first time and wants to refresh his memory before he catches up on the ones he hasn’t read yet.

I highly recommend graphic novels/manga for all your reluctant readers and your kids who are very visual.  I also think they are a great break in between books or filler when you don’t have time to read a full novel.

Interested in reading??

~ Amazon ~ AmazonUK ~ B&N ~

See my review of book 1, HERE!!!

See my review of book 2, HERE!!!

See my review of book 3, HERE!!!

See my review of book 4, HERE!!!

See my review of book 5, HERE!!!

My First Mission for The Institute @GarnerChristina

Okay my first mission into becoming a Guardian is to let you know I joined The Institute and why!!

To be honest, I had no idea that The Institute existed until I was entering a giveaway, and it was one of the entries to enter the giveaway.  However, this is not why I joined just how I came to know it existed.  I looked up the book Gateway.  It intrigued me, and I wanted to read it.  When I find a book, an author, or a publisher that I like, I like to get involved and share it out to my book friends :)  So I joined :)

It even means more to me now that I have finished reading the Gateway because I really enjoyed the book, and Christina is a sweetheart :)  I always meet (mostly virtually) some of the most amazing authors, bloggers, and friends through books, so this is why I joined The Institute!!!

If you are a fan of the Gateway trilogy or Christina Garner, I recommend you do the same.   

Review - Gateway by Christina Garner @GarnerChristina

Gateway

by Christina Garner

Goodreads blurb:  Ember has always known she doesn't belong in this world. But when she tries to correct the mistake, she wakes to find herself in a mental institution.

She's soon drawn to Taren, the mysterious boy with hazel eyes. He's not what he seems, but what is he?

When chaos erupts, they are forced to flee the institution together, and the secret that Taren has been keeping brings Ember closer to understanding her own. And leads her to... the Gateway.

About the Author:  Christina Garner began writing stories at the age of six. At eighteen, her aspirations as an actor had her loading up her Buick and setting off for Hollywood. Since then she has written and directed 10 short films, including Rewind and Reminder, both of which received acclaim on the festival circuit. In 2007 she was hired to write her first feature film. May of 2011, her debut novel, Gateway became an Amazon Bestseller, followed by Chasm, Book 2 in The Gateway Trilogy. Look for Tether in late 2013.

Connect with Christina:

~ Website ~ Blog ~ Goodreads ~

~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 unicorns - I really liked it!!

***Gifted to me by the author

Okay, yes the author gifted this to me, but she didn’t ask me for anything in return.  She just knew I wanted to read it, but I always do reviews on the books I read.  I just think it is important to always fill you all in :)

The cover is simple but elegant though seems to evoke feelings of sadness because she does not seem happy.

This is a tough review to write because it touches on things most people do not want to talk about fear, mental diseases, mental institutions, and suicide.  When I started reading this book, it made me very sad because I am a teacher, and I never want to see a young person give up fighting.  I want them to preserve and overcome all through hard work and help from people who love them.

Ember starts as a floundering teen dealing with more than any teen should have to because it is more like she is taking care of her mom rather than the other way around.  The feelings she has are very real to life, and I see teens struggling with some of the very same issues.  I loved watching her grow stronger and start fighting.  She threw herself into learning and a new life.

This book shows Ember’s struggles with both internal and real life demons.  She learns all sorts of new things about herself and things she never new existed.  Taren throws her for several loops, but what boy doesn’t.  By the end of the book, I was totally sucked into the world Christina had created.  If you liked anything that I’ve said about this book, you should definitely check it out :)

I can’t wait to read Chasm which I just bought.  It will have to wait until I catch up on some other reviews first though.

Interested in reading???

~ Amazon ~ AmazonUK ~ B&N ~

Manga Review - Maximum Ride, Vol 5 by James Patterson @JP_Books

Maximum Ride, Vol. 5

Maximum Ride: The Manga #5

by James Patterson

Goodreads blurb:  Escaping ITEX in Florida, the Flock head west, with Max more burdened than ever by the knowledge that she's meant to save the world. But while their leader is keen to stay on the path leading to her destiny, Fang and the others are more interested in settling down and letting the chips fall where they may. With the Erasers eerily absent from their lives of late, has the Flock finally earned a bit of peace...or is this all just the calm before the storm?

About the Author:  The subject of a Time magazine feature called, "The Man Who Can't Miss," James Patterson is the bestselling author of the past year, bar none, with more than 16 million books sold in North America alone. In 2007, one of every fifteen hardcover fiction books sold was a Patterson title. In the past three years, James has sold more books than any other author (according to Bookscan), and in total, James's books have sold an estimated 220 million copies worldwide. He is the first author to have #1 new titles simultaneously on The New York Times adult and children's lists and is the only author to have five new hardcover novels debut at #1 on the list in one year—a record-breaking feat he's accomplished every year since 2005. To date, James Patterson has had nineteen consecutive #1 New York Timesbestselling novels, and holds the New York Times record for most Hardcover Fiction bestselling titles by a single author (63 total), which is also a Guinness World Record.

From his James Patterson Pageturner Awards (which rewarded groups and individuals for creative and effective ways to spread the joy of reading) to his website ReadKiddoRead.com (which helps adults find books that kids are sure to love) to his regular donations of thousands of books to troops overseas, Patterson is a lifelong champion of books and reading. His first foray into books for all ages was the critically acclaimed Maximum Ride series, which debuted on the New York Times bestsellers list at #1 and remained there for twelve straight weeks. The series has so far made appearances on The New York Times bestsellers lists ninety-four cumulative times, proving that kids of all ages love page turners. He captured the attention of boy readers with the Daniel X series, and his third series for readers of all ages debuted in December 2009 with Witch & Wizard, which spent five consecutive weeks atop the New York Times bestsellers list.

Patterson is the creator of the #1 new detective series of the past dozen years, featuring Alex Cross and including the Hollywood-adapted "Along Came a Spider" and "Kiss the Girls," starring Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. He is also the creator of the #1 new detective series of the past five years, featuring Lindsay Boxer and the other members of the Women's Murder Club, from which the ABC television drama series was adapted. He has authored books behind six films on the Hollywood fast-track, including the upcoming Maximum Ride movie forthcoming from Avi Arad, the producer of X-Men and Spiderman.

He is the author of novels—from The Thomas Berryman Number (1976) to Honeymoon (2005)—that have won awards including the Edgar, the BCA Mystery Guild's Thriller of the Year, the International Thriller of the Year award, and the Reader's Digest Reader's Choice Award. And, he has won a Children's Choice Book Council's Children's Choice Awards "Author of the Year" award (2010).

One of Forbes magazine's Celebrity 100, James made a guest appearance on the popular FOX TV show "The Simpsons" in March, 2007.

Connect with James:

~ Website ~ YA Site ~ Middle School Site ~

~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 unicorns - I loved it!!

**Checked out from the high school library

Another great addition to the series!!  Jammed packed with action, there is never a dull moment in Max’s life.  I love this series!  As always it is difficult to review these because I don’t want to give away the story and ruin the adventure for you. 

Max is amazing with her strength and not giving up her morals even though they are seen as deficits.  Unfortunately, her flock suffers an even bigger betrayal and more unusually things that confuse Max.  She always seems to have more questions than answers.  At times, it really doesn’t seem fair what Max and her flock have to go through.  I would hope people in the real world wouldn’t allow kids to be experiments and test subjects because they are not property.  This is an exciting series that I will definitely continue reading :)  Can’t wait to start the next book!!

I highly recommend graphic novels/manga for all your reluctant readers and your kids who are very visual.  I also think they are a great break in between books or filler when you don’t have time to read a full novel.

Interested in reading??

~ Amazon ~ AmazonUK ~ B&N ~

See my review of book 1, HERE!!!

See my review of book 2, HERE!!!

See my review of book 3, HERE!!!

See my review of book 4, HERE!!!

Manga Review - Maximum Ride, Vol 4 by James Patterson @JP_Books

Maximum Ride, Vol. 4

Maximum Ride: The Manga #4

by James Patterson

Goodreads blurb:  Despite their initial hesitation, living with Anne has softened the Flock, so Max is keenly aware that it's time to leave. With Thanksgiving so near, though, all of them want to stay, at least until they've had their first ever Thanksgiving turkey! But danger is on the horizon as Jeb's plan advances, and while the Flock's new school seems normal and safe, secrets are hidden beneath its prestigious facade...

About the Author:  The subject of a Time magazine feature called, "The Man Who Can't Miss," James Patterson is the bestselling author of the past year, bar none, with more than 16 million books sold in North America alone. In 2007, one of every fifteen hardcover fiction books sold was a Patterson title. In the past three years, James has sold more books than any other author (according to Bookscan), and in total, James's books have sold an estimated 220 million copies worldwide. He is the first author to have #1 new titles simultaneously on The New York Times adult and children's lists and is the only author to have five new hardcover novels debut at #1 on the list in one year—a record-breaking feat he's accomplished every year since 2005. To date, James Patterson has had nineteen consecutive #1 New York Timesbestselling novels, and holds the New York Times record for most Hardcover Fiction bestselling titles by a single author (63 total), which is also a Guinness World Record.

From his James Patterson Pageturner Awards (which rewarded groups and individuals for creative and effective ways to spread the joy of reading) to his website ReadKiddoRead.com (which helps adults find books that kids are sure to love) to his regular donations of thousands of books to troops overseas, Patterson is a lifelong champion of books and reading. His first foray into books for all ages was the critically acclaimed Maximum Ride series, which debuted on the New York Times bestsellers list at #1 and remained there for twelve straight weeks. The series has so far made appearances on The New York Times bestsellers lists ninety-four cumulative times, proving that kids of all ages love page turners. He captured the attention of boy readers with the Daniel X series, and his third series for readers of all ages debuted in December 2009 with Witch & Wizard, which spent five consecutive weeks atop the New York Times bestsellers list.

Patterson is the creator of the #1 new detective series of the past dozen years, featuring Alex Cross and including the Hollywood-adapted "Along Came a Spider" and "Kiss the Girls," starring Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. He is also the creator of the #1 new detective series of the past five years, featuring Lindsay Boxer and the other members of the Women's Murder Club, from which the ABC television drama series was adapted. He has authored books behind six films on the Hollywood fast-track, including the upcoming Maximum Ride movie forthcoming from Avi Arad, the producer of X-Men and Spiderman.

He is the author of novels—from The Thomas Berryman Number (1976) to Honeymoon (2005)—that have won awards including the Edgar, the BCA Mystery Guild's Thriller of the Year, the International Thriller of the Year award, and the Reader's Digest Reader's Choice Award. And, he has won a Children's Choice Book Council's Children's Choice Awards "Author of the Year" award (2010).

One of Forbes magazine's Celebrity 100, James made a guest appearance on the popular FOX TV show "The Simpsons" in March, 2007.

Connect with James:

~ Website ~ YA Site ~ Middle School Site ~

~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 unicorns - I loved it!!

**Checked out from the high school library

Okay this is book 4, and I still love this series :)  As always remember these reviews are tough for me because it is harder to talk about these without giving away too much.  They are a quick read for me as well.

Max and Fang are still awesome at protecting the flock, but Angel does help out with her special abilities when needed.  Total is full of surprises and his own talents.  Iggy had a surprise in this story.  And the flock is betrayed and lied to even more in this story.  I feel bad for them and wish I could adopt this kids.  They need someone who looks out for them instead of them being used.  Great story that keeps you intrigued and sucked into the story.  There are no boring parts in this series.

I can’t wait to read book 5!!  And this is going to happen very soon!!

I highly recommend graphic novels/manga for all your reluctant readers and your kids who are very visual.  I also think they are a great break in between books or filler when you don’t have time to read a full novel.

Interested in reading??

~ Amazon ~ AmazonUK ~ B&N ~

See my review of book 1, HERE!!!

See my review of book 2, HERE!!!

See my review of book 3, HERE!!!

Holiday Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer @toobusyreading

  

 Just in time for the HOLIDAYS - Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)   This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT! Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

      Holiday Kindle Fire Giveaway #1 Sponsors:

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6. Confessions of a Librarian in Training...
7. Bea's Book Nook
8. Author Kary Rader
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10. A Book Lover's Retreat
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  Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups   Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7". Ends 12/18/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Blast & $50 GC Giveaway - A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear by Mayra Calvani @mcalvani @toobusyreading

Reduced Price for 1 day!!!
99 cents on 11/20 ONLY!!!  

A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear 

On a very bad day, Little Bear offers Mama Bear various items to make her feel better, but she's too busy to notice-until he gives her his super, so good, so very special dolly. Silly humor, alliteration, repetition, and onomatopoeia make this a fun read-aloud story. Suggested age range for readers: 3-7

Amazon Kindle * Amazon Paperback

Amazon Hardcover

 

Praise "Mayra Calvani magically intertwines two generations perspectives of one's bad mad sad day through caring efforts and that together difficulties can be overcome. A Bad Mad Sad Day for Mama Bear is sure to be a delightful time shared by parents and their young muses." --Amazon reviewer "The humor of the story, married with the artwork, leaps off the page. After seeing the illustrations, you can't imagine the story any other way. With so much to read and see on every page, it is truly captivating - a delight for eye and ear." --Amazon reviewer "Enter Mayra Calvani's world with this sweet and funny story about a little bear that wants to help his overwhelmed mom, who is having a bad, sad and mad day. A great story teaching the little ones, in a fun way, that adults aren't perfect and can have bad days too. Children will enjoy the illustrations. A wonderful gift for this upcoming Christmas!" --Amazon reviewer 

  

Author Mayra Calvani 

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications like The Writer, Writer's Journal, Multicultural Review, Bloomsbury Review, and others. She lives in Belgium with her husband of 25+ years, two wonderful kids, and her two beloved pets. When she's not writing, editing, reading or reviewing, she enjoys walking with her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family. She's represented by Serendipity Literary.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Blog

   

Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/9/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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