Tag: fiction

Book review: The Crafter: The Mysterious Game: A kid’s LitRPG/Gamelit adventure by Dan Sugralinov

If you’re looking for a holiday present for a middle schooler who is interested in learning about gaming, this newer release might be just the book for you.

4 out of 5 stars

The Crafter: The Mysterious Game: A Kid’s LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure by Dan Sugralinov is a wonderful read for middle schoolers who want an introduction to the gaming world. In this first installation of a series, Sugralinov spends time describing and developing the characters and building their world. He does so with age-appropriate colloquial language to provide a basis for what may be new gaming vocabulary for some young readers.

As every adventurer knows, you need a good sidekick and a group of people who will help you make decisions along the way. The main character, Kenny, has Whiskers the cat as his furry sidekick. Kenny and his mother are going through a lot of life changes, and Whiskers is a comforting constant that provides reassurance and wisdom. As Kenny and his mother move to a new town, Kenny meets a group of kids around his age who live near him. They each have a unique importance to help Kenny navigate a new school, town, and home base and suddenly, life without an active father figure. As Kenny spends time with his companions, he learns their strengths and weaknesses and how to help them overcome fears as well as accomplish tasks.

Sugralinov effortlessly combines game play lessons and real life lessons to provide a logic framework for young readers. Through the characters’ experiences, Sugralinov introduces readers to the basic game play rules in this first installment. While the book closes on a bit of a cliffhanger, the novel is the right size to capture and keep readers’ attention. The explanations of how Kenny arrives at his decision making are a bit slow for more experienced gamers; however, the less experienced will appreciate the descriptions of logical thinking and processes.

I received an advanced reader copy, and this review is honest and voluntary.

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Book review: The First Wordweaver by Rachael Waldburger

5 out of 5 stars

The First Wordweaver by Rachael Waldburger is a Viking-inspired YA fantasy novella that keeps the reader intrigued. The character depth and world development are detailed and add to the storyline in a wonderful manner. Waldburger also includes a pronunciation guide/dictionary at the beginning to aide understanding and to help delve deeper into the novella.

Vilden, Erlendr, Brann, Grye, and a group of Andreveien people arrive at the shore of a new land after traveling by sea for a fortnight. Upon landing, Grye has a vision that has a possibility of forever changing the future of the landing party. Vilden, Brann, and Grye work together to explore all that the new land offers and to unravel the mystery of Grye’s vision. Vilden is the arrogant son of the chief (Erlendr) who has serious misgivings about his role in the new Andreveien community. Brann is the stalwart companion who seems to do everything right at exactly the right time. Grye’s visions have helped her people and have helped shape her cutting wit and the strength of her willpower. All three adventurers mature and become better people throughout their short travels.

Waldburger creates a wonderful entry point for this world for YA and adult readers alike. This is just the beginning for Vilden and his people. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this group of intrepid adventurers.

I received an ARC from the author, and this review is honest and voluntary.

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Book review: Olawu by P.J. Leigh

5 out of 5 stars

Olawu by P.J. Leigh is a powerful story of growth, bravery, courage, love, and healing in pre-colonial Africa. This historical fiction follows titular character Olawu’s life as she travels through three cities: Kanakam, where girls and women are not allowed to learn to read or write or trade at the square; Borimbe, where girls and women are allowed a little more freedom to wander about within the city and are allowed to learn to read and write, but are not allowed to leave the city without a male escort without fear of being beaten; and Oloko Ekhaya, where women and men are treated as equals in every way.

As Olawu travels through these three cities, we are also introduced to two tribes: the Dikebe and the Oloko. Olawu’s experiences and discoveries as a healer help educate her and those around her throughout her interactions with both tribes. We follow as Olawu works to better her understanding of what healing can truly mean in every sense of the word as she navigates a time of war, hardship, and hatred.

For all those who ask, “Can one person really make a change in the world around them?”, this novel delivers a resounding yes. Leigh takes us on a journey of emotions through her descriptive language and fantastic character development. This inspirational novel should be a part of recommended reading for young adults and adults alike.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

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Book review: Mystery of L’Inconnu by Dan Grylles

4 out of 5 stars

Mystery and crime readers who have wished for a return to Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle style novels, you have caught a lucky break. Mystery of L’Inconnu by Dan Grylles is a well-researched, well-developed novel about tragedy on the high seas and how Lt. Detective Remington Ferguson and his team attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding the ill-fated cruise.

From Grylles’ introduction of characters (you must include the yacht as one of those characters) to his character and setting developments, the reader will be reminded of the intelligent writing of the aforementioned staple crime writers. Grylles adds his own touch of technological panache that brings the mystery and crime genre into the 21st century.

L’Inconnu is a luxury yacht from the Royal Knight Cruise Line, which caters to the very wealthy who might like to purchase their own luxury yacht. The esteemed guests are invited to enjoy a five-day trip showcasing the possible life aboard a yacht that leaves its passengers wanting for nothing. Each crew member is selected by Royal Knight Cruise Line for their singular expertise to enhance the passengers’ experiences from cuisine to marine life to social excursions.

Throughout the four parts of the novel (The Discovery, The Deception, The Detection, and The Disclosure), the reader learns about what it takes to run and maintain a yacht such as L’Inconnu as secrets about its crew and its guests are unraveled. Nothing is what it seems as what starts off as a sales pitch for a beautiful yacht turns into a nightmarish fight for survival for all involved. The guests and crew start turning against one another, and what is left for Lt. Detective Remy to figure out once the yacht is discovered will take all the expertise of his crime scene team and help from the US Coast Guard.

While a lengthy read, the story is intriguing enough to keep your attention and wanting for a little more at the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

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