Review: In the Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane

In the Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane

* I got this book at NetGalley.  NetGalley books are available free of charge, but reviews are encouraged.

Amazon Product Description:
Two years ago, Brenna did the unthinkable. She witnessed the aftermath of a murder and accused her only true friend--the first boy she ever loved--of being a killer. 

Now sixteen, Brenna returns to Oklahoma only to discover that Isaac "White Bird" Henry isn't in juvie. The half-breed outcast is in a mental hospital, frozen in time, locked in his mind at the worst moment of his life. And when Brenna touches him, she's pulled into his hellish vision quest, seeing terrifying demons and illusions she doesn't understand. 

Feeling isolated and alone, she's up against the whole town, targeted by bullying former classmates, a bigoted small town sheriff, and a tribe who refuses to help one of their own. But when Brenna realizes she's as trapped by the past as White Bird is, this time she won't turn her back on him. She's the only one who can free them both. 

Even if she has to expose her secret--a "gift" she's kept hidden her whole life.


My thoughts:
     Wow!  I don't even know where to start or what to say about this remarkable story.  I finished reading it with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.   
      I have a friend who likes to ask me, "Bev, what have your read lately that was profound and thought provoking?" to which I usually answer, "Nothing Doug, you know I read fluff for pleasure."  If he was to ask me today, my answer would be different.  This story touched my heart and I will remember it always. 
     I usually talk about characters and world building and such when I write a review, but with this book... you truly MUST read it yourself and experience the power of what Jordan Dane has written.  I think this book should be read by everyone.  It encompasses so much in the worlds of so many.


So, for this one - here are some of my favorite quotes...


(Location 2818) Things that came from Joe always seemed important. Like White Bird, the man didn't waste words. "Stop questioning the tests that are put in your path. You're given only what you can handle. And those tests - making mistakes and figuring stuff out - that's what makes you stronger."  
"Quit looking back, Brenna. The only thing you can change is what's ahead of you."


(Location 3200)  "A journey takes time." The boy shrugged and looked him square in the eye. "And I guess the lessons we learn best, they come from the journey, not the destination."


(Location 3306) He looked tall and strong, the way he used to, but somewhere along the way, without me, he'd stepped into the shoes of a man.

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop!

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop

Click on the words above to go to the Hop Linky.

April 20th to 25th

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

& Once Upon a Twilight

Welcome to  #55 of the Hoppy Easter 

Eggstravaganza Blog Hop!

I am giving away a (brand new, never been read) copy of 

Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson

  (I have two and only need one!)

It's simple to win: 

1 -be a follower of this blog (The Wormhole)

2 - be over 13 years of age

3 - live in the US

4 - fill out the form

5 - be drawn the winning number by random.org

What's Beside Your Bed? Blog Hop!

What's Beside Your Bed? Wk #4

Hosted by Getting Naughty Between the Stacks.

This is my first time hopping in this one!  Go check it out and let's all see what's on nightstands!

Let's all be sure to link up and hop - this is a new hop!

I don't keep a special book on my nightstand.  I bring whatever I am reading with me to bed.  I am currently drowning in review books and so I am not reading a lot in bed, but that is because I am not getting there to read - I am still on the couch in the wee hours of morning!

What am I reading today? 

In the Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane

and

Forever Vampire by Michelle Hauf

Happy Publication Date Sir Gawain the True!

Happy Pub. Date!

The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True written by Gerald Morris publishes today from Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.  It's the third installment in The Knights Tales series.  It's a great read!!! 

Click HERE to go to my review!  Happy reading!

Review: Bound by Blood - - Cynthia Eden

Bound by Blood - - Cynthia Eden


Amazon Product Description:
It's an Immortal War...

Vampires and werewolves have been blood enemies for centuries, but now a new threat is rising...demons are escaping from hell and these demons are intent on wiping out both the vamps and the werewolves.

When you have no one to trust...

In order to stop the demons, pureblood vampire princess Morgan LaBeaux agrees to the treaty offered by werewolf alpha Jace Vaughn. She'll mate with him, share her blood with him...and in return, the wolves will aid the vampires in this battle.

The enemy of my enemy is my husband...

But Morgan doesn't realize just how dangerous the wolves can truly be. Jace has been waiting years to claim her. He's set a trap for his princess, and now that he has her, Jace doesn't plan to let her go.  He'll send the demons back to hell, and he'll keep his vampiress--forever.

Because the blood binds all.

Warning: This novella is a sexy paranormal romance. As such, it contains vampires, werewolves, and demons--oh, my! It also contains hot sex and adult language. You have been warned!


My thoughts:
The first thought when I finished this novella was, "I wish this wasn't over!"
The plot developed rapidly.  The storyline was interesting and the characters captivating!  I fell in love with Jace and Morgan right away.  Morgan is tough, brave, and determined.  Jace is a match for traits.  They are both strong willed and a bit jaded - perfect for each other.  Their relationship goes 0 to 60 in a couple seconds, but it had to to fit into the story.  They bring great things to each other, their relationship and their people.  With all the betrayal and conspiracy - trust and faith come hard to these characters - but they find both in each other.


The only downside to a story that I truly enjoyed was the length.  I feel that if the story had been fleshed out a bit more - background or more time between Morgan walking into the bar and her falling into hell - it could have developed into more.  


This was my first story by Cynthia Eden.  Can't wait to read more from this author!

Review: The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter by Frank L. Cole

The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter by Frank L. Cole

I received this ebook ARC free in return for an honest review and participating in the blog tour.
The blog tour is April 12-25, 2011 - be sure to check it out!

Amazon Product Description:
Amber never dreamed her archaeology class would turn into a top secret mission that would take her across the globe, but when her teacher goes missing, Amber realizes it's up to her to protect the Hidden Scepter or risk unleashing an ancient power too terrifying to imagine. This guaranteed page-turner from the bestselling author of the Hashbrown Winters series is perfect for the adventurer in your family.


My thoughts:

Wow!  Well written!  Edge of your seat adventure!  If you are an Indiana Jones fan, this one's for you!  Highly recommend this one for young adult readers!  


This is a story of teamwork, faith, friendship, betrayal, trust, mystery, struggle, and belief.  


I enjoyed every page!  The characters are great; thoughtfully created and charming in their own ways.  The storyline is fantastic!  This would be a great read-a-loud for middle school.  This is one of those stories that gets a person excited about reading.  This is one of those books that you read and then later ask yourself, "Did I read that or was that a movie?"  The writing is so descriptive and detailed that you find yourself easily able to "see" the story unfold in your mind's eye as you read.   


I love that the theme throughout the book is believe in yourself, but it also has this under-riding vein of not necessarily spiritualism, but again belief or perhaps the desire to do the right thing for the right reason is a better way of putting it.  The goal of the story is to save the artifact from the bad guys, but the Trendon and Amber have to decide on their own who the "bad guys" are, who the "good guys" are, and what the "right thing" to do is.  


The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter is a fantastic, empowering, young adult adventure.