Review: Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle

Published August 26th 2014 by Schwartz & Wade

Synopsis: How can twelve-year-old Gabriel find his missing father, who seems to have vanished without a trace? With the help of Paladin—a young raven with whom he has a magical bond that enables them to become one creature—he flies to the foreboding land of Aviopolis, where he must face a series of difficult challenges and unanswerable riddles that could lead to his father... or to his death.

Review: This was a book that I almost put down before I hit the halfway point. It seemed like two stories happening at the same time but had nothing to do with one another. I was getting confused an annoyed. What does a talking raven have to do with a walking desk? And why does no one think that either thing is weird?! But I am so so SO glad that I kept reading along. Because once the connection between the two ideas was made, this story got good. 

This is a middle-grade mystery/fantasy novel that is based upon riddles. Ravens love riddles. In order for a raven to trust another raven, they have to first solve a riddle. Lucky for Paladin, Gabriel is a world class riddle solver. He can also talk to ravens and more (but those would be spoilers so I won't go any further!) 

Though this story did have a good plot, the characters really made it for me. You have Gabriel, a boy whose father has been missing for years. Pamela, a 12 year old girl with an annoyingly controlling mother who makes her practice the violin 3 hours/night. Abby, the girl across the street whose shoes never match and hair is always crazy. Last but not least you have Somes, who has the saddest story of all throughout this book. He starts off as a bully but finds a way into your heart once you know more about him and his life. 

I would definitely have loved this book in about 4th-6th grade. Pick it up, read it with your kids, recommend it to teachers to have in their classrooms!

*I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Nest by Esther Ehrlich

Published September 9, 2014
Wendy Lamb Books

Synopsis: For fans of Jennifer Holm (Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise), a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship. In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi “Chirp” Orenstein, her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp’s mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes.
   Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.
   Nest is Esther Ehrlich’s stunning debut novel. Her lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish Nest, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you. 

Review: This book gave me the feels. For Chirp, her whole family, Joey. There were so many different emotions going on throughout the story they just all pulled at the heartstrings. I literally wanted to reach into this book and hug each character, protect them and make them feel better.

To have this much attachment to characters, you need beautiful writing. And that is exactly what I found in this book. From the language to the plot, this book is a well written story. The descriptions are vivid, especially of Chirp's birds, as well as different locations the characters are at throughout the story. 

This story would be a great parent-child read as it touches on many difficult topics and has the potential for great discussions.

Recommended For: Mature middle grade readers, any young adult or adult reader looking for a heartfelt story.

*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. 

Review: Bad Magic by Pseudonymous Bosch

Publish Date: September 16, 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Synopsis: Magic is BAD.
As in fake. Cheesy. Unreal. At least, that's what Clay, who has seen one magic show too many, thinks.

When words from his journal appear mysteriously on his school wall as graffiti, he never imagines that magic might be to blame. And when the same graffiti lands him at Earth Ranch, a camp for "troubled" kids on a remote volcanic island, magic is the last thing he expects to find there.

But at Earth Ranch, there is one strange surprise after another, until Clay no longer knows what to expect. Is he really talking to a llama? Did he really see a ghost? What is the scary secret hidden in the abandoned library? The only thing he knows for sure is that behind the clouds of vog (volcanic smog), nothing is as it seems. Can he solve the riddle of Earth Ranch before trouble erupts?

Elusive author Pseudonymous Bosch introduces an extraordinary new series that will have you believing in the unbelievable.
Review: This was a cute middle grade novel that had some twists, some turns, and some "what???" moments. Is Clay a magician? Is he not? Does he actually have magical powers, or is he just able to do simple tricks? And what is going on with this remote island? The island adds such a different spin onto what could have been a very basic concept. The cast of characters is light and friendly, easy to connect with. I would recommend this to any middle grade reader who likes fantasy. This would also be a good starter novel for those that don't already love the fantasy genre!

*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.