Invasion by Jon S. Lewis

Science fiction, fantasy, super heroes: I love books with all of these.  Suspense, mystery, intrigue: bring it on!  Invasion: quite a let down.

Colt is a normal, every day, surfer kid from California.  When he is taken to a top secret military training facility to undergo special testing to see if he has what it takes to be a CHAOS agent, he is very surprised to learn that all he thought was make believe about aliens and other worlds is really real.  But, when his memory is erased and he goes back to his ordinary life, things seem to be okay.  Until the death of his parents and his move to live with his Grandpa.  Then he realizes that things are not what they seem.  He and his friends are caught up in a diabolical plan of world domination.  Will Colt have what it takes to be a real CHAOS agent?

It sounds great, doesn't it?  Sounds like a really good read.  That's what I thought also when I read the description.  But, then I read the book.  If you are a movie buff, you may have watched Men in Black or Zoom.  If so, you'll find strikingly similar elements.  I know that many books really reuse the same basic plots over and over, but if you're going to do the same old thing, at least do it well.  Invasion doesn't do it well.  The whole "aliens are in our world and we never knew it" theme seems stilted and trite here.  Colt discovering that all the comic book characters were really real also seems unbelievable and overdone.

The book is marketed by Thomas Nelson, but the publisher is really the only thing that makes this a "Christian" title.  This may be a selling point for readers who want to enjoy the science fiction but aren't really looking for a book with a Christian message.  But, for parents who are hoping that this will be a catchy story for young people with some good moral lessons and discussion points, this will be a disappointment.

I make a point to fully finish every book that I review for a company.  Invasion made that difficult.  The characters seemed trite.  The story line was choppy and hard to get into.  The action scenes were hard to read and understand.  This was not a book I could really enjoy.

If you are a die hard sci fi fan and enjoy the comic book character stories, you may enjoy Invasion.  It is marketed as a young adult book (ages 11 and up), so perhaps teens or preteens may overlook the trite, been there done that, story line.  But, I think even my middle school kids would have a hard time getting into this one.

I rate Invasion with three stars because it may hae some appeal to sci fi fans.  And, I'd give it a PG rating because of some comic book style violence and suspense.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Year's Books in Numbers

Yesterday I wrote this post summing up my reading year for the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge.  Today's post is all my reading statistics for the year.  It's all about the numbers.

114 Total recorded books read this year  (Did I miss any?  Very likely.)
97 Fiction books
15 Nonfiction books
2 Recorded read aloud books (I know I read many more than these 2 as read alouds!)
58 Books reviewed for various sites- NetGalley, Tyndale, BookSneeze, Waterbrook, and Amazon Vine

It's hard to pick a favorite book read this year.  But, I'd have to say my favorite new author discovery was Diana Gabaldon with The Outlander books.

I'm a little ashamed to say I read nothing that could truly be considered a classic this year- unless you count my pitiful attempt at Northanger Abbey, which I didn't finish or Animal Farm which I'd already read but read aloud to the kids this year.

52 Books in 52 Weeks Wrap Up

As the year draws to a close, I'm going to wrap up the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge with a question and answer.

1. Did you reach the goal of 52 books or did you manage to beat your own personal best?   I actually finished up with 111 books this year.  I'm not sure that beats a personal best.
2. What book are you ending the year with? This week I read Blame it on the Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin.
3. Did you discover a new author or genre?  Did you love them or hate them? I discovered the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon.  I absolutely loved them.  I'll caution again for discerning readers:  they have some language and "adult" situations.  But, they are a superb Scottish, historical fiction series!
4. Did you challenge yourself to read more non fiction if prefer fiction or more fiction if you prefer non fiction? I always challenge myself to read more nonfiction and classics.  But, I'd say over two thirds of my list was still fiction and perhaps mostly twaddle.
5. Did you read from a list or wing it? Much of what I read this year were free Kindle books, so I didn't really have a list that I was going by.
6. How many classics did you read?  What did you think of the writing style or author? I am somewhat ashamed to confess that I didn't read anything at all this year that could really be called a classic.
7. Name one book that you thought you'd never read and was pleasantly surprised you like it.  Well, I'm not sure there was anything I didn't think I'd read that I read, but with the free Kindle books, I am constantly reading things that are new and different- outside of the typical kind of book that I'd choose.  That's how I found the Outlander books, actually.
8. What are your top ten favorite books?  Alice at Heart (Deborah Smith), The Outlander (Diana Gabaldon), In Constant Prayer (Robert Benson), Indelible (Kristen Heitzmann),The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow (Joyce Magnin), Forbidden (Dekker and Lee), Kiss of Adventure (Catherine Palmer), Dead Reckoning (Ronie Kendig), A Texan's Promise (Shelley Gray), The Preacher's Bride (Jody Hedlund)
9. What are your ten least favorite books? The Final Summit (Andy Andrews), Strings Attached (Judy Blundell), Pieces of Light (Julie Cave), The Light Horseman's Daughter (David Crookes), In This Hospitable Land (Lynmar Brock, Jr.), The Bone House (Stephen Lawhead), The Girl in the Lighthouse (Sanford), The Oak Leaves (Mareen Lang), For Time and Eternity (Allison Pittman), Babylon's Falling (Collins)
10. Did you start any books that you just simply couldn't finish?  Yes, I can't recall the names; however because I don't record those on my reading list.  I never would stop reading a book until recently.  With all of these free Kindle books, I begin some that I just can't keep reading.
11. What did you think of the mini challenges and did you join in or complete any? I didn't do any of the mini challenges.
12. Did your family join in on the fun?   My oldest daughter read at least as many books as I did over the year, but I don't think she kept a running total.
13. How many books have you added to your wishlist since the beginning of the year? I currently have about 175 books on my Kindle and about 30 books on my TBR shelf.  At this rate, considering I constantly add new books through Kindle free reads and through books I'm reviewing, I'll die before I ever run out of reading material. :-)
14. What was your favorite thing about the challenge?  Checking to see what others read- as if I need anymore books to add to my TBR list.

I'm looking forward to the new year's challenge and hopefully completing some of the mini challenges.

Blame it on the Mistletoe- Joyce Magnin

Blame it on the Mistletoe is another great Bright's Pond novel from Joyce Magnin.  Once again, the quirky, entertaining characters make an appearance in this holiday installment.  Something fishy is going on at the nursing home in Bright's Pond where Griselda Sparrow's very overweight sister Agnes is now living.  And the strange happenings seem to have something to do with a funny little man living in the Paradise Trailer Park.

This novel picks right up where the others have left off, but it would be very readable as a stand alone book.  It also is a holiday book in the sense that the story takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  But, I don't typically like "Christmas" novels, and I didn't feel that this was one.  I think it was a very fun and interesting story that could be read at any time of the year.

I've come to really love Magnin's delightful characters that live in the charming town of Bright's Pond.  Magnin has the ability to write a funny, quirky tale with loveable, entertaining characters that make readers want to come back for more.  Her stories are at times moving and funny.  Blame it on the Mistletoe was as delightful as the previous reads.  I was very excited to pick it up and read to find out what was happening with my favorite characters. Again, I don't particularly like holiday themed reads, but I didn't need to worry.  The story was sweetly Christmassy, but it was really easy and fun to read.

This book is G rated, appropriate for any reader.  And, I give it a strong 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

52 Books in 52 Weeks for the New Year

Having very successfully managed waaaay more than 52 books this year, I'll be joining the challenge again for 2012.  I plan to post next week a summary of the best and worst books I've read this year.  And then I can jump right in to reading in 2012.  Perhaps I'll try some of the mini challenges posted at 52 Books in 52 Weeks also.  We'll see.  Right now my Kindle holds at least 150 books waiting for me to read, and I download new freebies every day.  And I get new review books at least every other week.  So, perhaps I have enough on my reading plate.  But, there's no such thing as too many books.  That's my theory anyway.

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

The sleepy little town of Amaryllis has a dark secret.  A serial killer has been killing women in the town for three years- one every six months.  When another murder takes place, three women from the town each suspect someone.  But, all three can't be right about their suspicions.  Or can they?

Brandylin Collins has some great Christian suspense novels.  I was not disappointed by Gone to Ground.  In fact, I was spellbound and didn't want to stop reading.

The characters were interesting and believable.  The writing style- using the point of view of each of the main women- made the book extremely readable.   This was a read to keep me up at night.  No trite, predictable plot this!  The suspense was perfect, and I had no idea of the ending.

Collins novels are Christian but not blatantly so.  They do have references to God, church, and prayer.  But, they aren't preachy at all and would be appealing to Christian or secular readers. 

If you're looking for a page turning suspense in the James Patterson style, check out Gone to Ground.    It will be available for release in March of 2012.  It's definitely a good read!

I rate this one PG for violence and crime scene information, and I give it a strong five stars!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review purposes.  All opinions are entirely my own.

A Christian, Monster Read? And a Giveaway

What does a story about werewolves, vampires, and mad scientists have to do with living the Christian life?  Quite a lot, actually, when the story happens to be Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos.

Mikalatos crafts a clever story about the monsters he discovers in his neighborhood and his quest to help one of them, a werewolf, change before the monster hunter finds and kills him.  The tale uses humor and all the creepy elements of a classic monster movie to symbolize the monsters we all have inside. The creatively told monster tale clearly shows the reader how to recognize these monsters as well as offering solutions for defeating the monsters inside.  And the whole story is entertaining, not preachy.

When Matt, leader of his one man neighborhood watch program, stumbles upon an argument between his neighbor and his neighbor's wife, he takes it upon himself to be on the lookout for trouble in the neighborhood.  He meets a mad scientist and his robot sidekick who are looking for monsters in the neighborhood, and Matt discovers the truth about his neighbor.  When Matt and his new friends begin a quest to help their neighbor, they find more monsters in some unexpected places; but they also learn that Jesus Christ offers the ultimate solution to the monsters in us all.

I totally enjoyed this interesting tale.  I laughed and was entertained; but, at the same time, I was very moved and convicted in parts. Mikalatos has the ability to present the gospel, as well as truths about the Christian life, in an entertaining and non-threatening way.  This is a great read for mature Christians who need to see how we all have those sin monsters- that can sometimes be hidden away- and for seekers who have been burned by the church and the people in the church so many times that the whole thing is a turn off.

For more information about this really good read, check out the author's video here.
 

watch on tyndale.com

Visit the Tyndale website to purchase Night of the Living Dead Christian.  And, check out Mikalatos's blog for more information about him and about his previous book- My Imaginary Jesus. Finally, if you'd like to win your own copy of Night of the Living Dead Christian, please leave a comment below.  I'll be drawing for a winner this Saturday- the 17th of December!

I received a free copy of the book from Tyndale for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

To Be Perfectly Honest- Phil Callaway

Okay, I'll confess: nonfiction is not my favorite genre.  But, I found myself intrigued by the title of this book: To Be Perfectly Honest: One Man's Year of (Almost) Living Truthfully Could Change Your Life.  No Lie.  The picture on the front was a big draw too.

Phil Callaway- not an author I had read before- takes his editor's challenge to live truthfully for one year.  Despite some initial forebodings, Phil learns quite a bit about life, about God, and about himself over his year of living truthfully. He becomes more honest in prayer.  He becomes more graceful when he realizes God's grace to him.  And he learns some important things about confronting others.

I loved this book.  I felt like it was going to be a bit slow in the beginning.  A whole book written like a journal?  I wasn't sure I was going to like it.  But, I quickly found myself drawn in by Callaway's humor and wit.  And, despite the humor, the message isn't lacking.  I found myself alternating between belly laughs and teary eyes as I read this funny but inspiring book. Callaway has the ability to make us laugh while at the same time challenging us to grow closer to God. 

This nonfiction read was thoroughly enjoyable.  I'll be looking for more books by Phil Callaway.  This one receives a five star rating and is a definite G rated book.

I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Press for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

A Super Giveaway Contest From Tyndale

I often review books from Tyndale publishers, so I was excited to see a great contest/giveaway over on their Facebook page.  You can have the chance to win a family pack of study Bibles and an ipad!  My oldest daughter really wants a good study Bible, so I'm going to enter.  Hop over to the Facebook page and check it out, so you can enter also!

Here are the details:

Starting on November 29^th until December 24^th at the New Living Translation Facebook page we're giving away lots of great prizes and something free for you just for singing up.
By visiting the giveaway entry page (located on the NLT Facebook page, the link is under the profile picture) and entering your name and e-mail address you'll be entered to win the following prizes:

• One random person each day will win a Life Application Study Bible Family Pack (Guys Life Application Study Bible hc, Girls Life Application Study Bible hc, Student's Life Application Study Bible hc, Life Application Study Bible hc, Life Application Study Bible Large Print hc).
• One Random person each week will win an Apple iPad 2!

Everyone that signs up gets a free download copy of the Life Application Bible Study – Book of Luke!

Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise- Joyce Magnin

I discovered Joyce Magnin's delightful books earlier this year when I found The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow as a free Kindle read.  I've since received Griselda Takes Flight and now Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise as free reads.

In this, another charming, good read by Magnin, middle aged Charlotte Figg picks up and moves to Paradise Trailer Park after the death of her controlling and sometimes abusive husband.  Charlotte is timid and uncertain in her relationships with everyone and definitely confused when it comes to a relationship with God.  But, with the help of the quirky misfits from Paradise and the formation of a trailer park softball team, Charlotte learns to accept herself and her new friends while she is learning just what God has done for her.

From the beginning in The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, I've loved the charming town of Bright's Pond and the quirky but delightful characters that live there.  Charlotte Figg did not disappoint.  I loved her story of God's love and good friends bringing out the best in individuals and a community.  I hope there are more novels to come about Bright's Pond and Paradise!