The Selection

The Selection is the first book in it's series by Kiera Cass. I know I say this on like every post, but ahhh I enjoyed this one a ton!! It was soooo good!!! Forreal, if you are into girls becoming Princess, a cute prince, some action, or all of the above, go pick up this book asap.


So it's about a girl named America, "Mer" who get selected to be sent to the castle in hopes to become the Princes's bride. Except this isn't her hope. It's her moms, and 34 other girls, and basically all girls in the country's hope. Mer doesn't want to marry the prince, she is already in love. The only problem is that her family needs money, bad. If she participates in this selection, her family will receive money from the royal family. True love or helping her family? But when her "true love" tells her to join in the selection for his own benefit, she agrees to do it. She meets the prince, and he isn't so bad. In fact, they become fast friends....now she just has to beat the other 34 girls in the competition. No problem, right? The only problem is she still isn't sure if she wants to win....
AH okay so ya'll probably think it sounds lame! BUT IT'S NOT I SWEAR!! I've only read the 1st one! & I'm dying to read the other 5!
Okay okay, so we established it's good, but is it clean? I would call it a mostly clean book! While it occasionally hints at sex, there isn't ever any in the book. At least not in the first one. Once I read the other ones, I will keep ya updated! However, even though there isn't sex, there is some VERY passionate kissing. Kinda inappropriate... I tried to skim read the makeouts because I don't think make outs are the best.
Rate: PG 
      5 cuss words, a few make out scenes
GOOD? OR GOODBYE? 
        I would say GOOD!! 
Okay so I realize I am saying how good it is, yet mentioning there is a small amount of bad stuff. I'm not excusing the small amount of bad that's in the book. But, I do think this book is much much cleaner than alot of other literature. However I would recommend to skip the makeouts and/or wait until you're 14 & up to read. 

The Nitty-Gritty:
    Okay so when I say it hints at sex, I mean it doesn't happen in the book.  It really just hints at the idea of sex. However, it does have a couple makeout  parts, with her "true love" at the beginning of the book & towards the end.
    Cussing- it does say the H & D words a couple times. :/

Game Changer

Ahh!! I am so sorry that I didn't do a review last Thursday. Our family had a cattle sale that I had to help at :-) which was tons of fun, but tonssss of work!! Anyways to make up for last week, I have written up this extra review for you today! :-)

Game Changer by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Like the View From Saturday, Game Changer is a book for about middle school or older elementary school age. However, I read it and enjoyed it! It was just a shorter, easier read for me. I love Haddix books and bought this one solely on the fact that I enjoy the author. I was not disappointed.

KT Sutton's life revolves around sports. Particularly Softball. She's been planning her future Softball career for as long as she can remember. Her life is Softball. But during a championship game KT suddenly blacks out.
When she wakes up she seems to be in a whole different world. Everything looks the same, and yet everything is wrong. It seems that Sports became School and School became Sports. In other words, her whole life is changed. Instead of studying English in school, she studies running, and English is an after school event. Which doesn't seem too bad, until she finds out there is no Softball, or Basketball, or any other sport for that matter. It's all just practice.
To make matters worse, her parents, her all time biggest fans, can barely stand to look at her. In this crazy world, it's her little brother Max is the star of the family. He happens to be a math genius so all the "sporting events" are his math bowls.
How can she possibly make it out of this world? As she finds out that Max was taken here too, and as she works with him to find a solution, she starts to wonder if maybe real life is worse than this fake world.

Sorry that summary is a NOVEL! Ooops... it's a good book okay!! It's super cute and interesting. It definitely made me understand people who live and breathe for sports a lot better. I mean I'm sorta in between, I like sports, but I've never been just amazing at any, so I just goof off during them.
ANYWAYS, to get back on topic, I really think anyone would enjoy this book. Yes it's probably for a younger audience, but WHO CARES? I DON'T!! I will read any good book I can get my hands on. This is definitely one of those books.
Rate: PG/G
    No cussing, totally clean
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
  GOOD!! ALL AGES

The View From Saturday

The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg

A friend of mine used to be an English Teacher, and gave me a few books to read. The View From Saturday is one of them (keep a lookout for the Witch of Blackbird Pond) The View From Saturday is a very easy, short, and cute read for any age! I would say perfect for middle school and up! I'm sure anyone would enjoy.

6th Grade teacher Mrs. Olinski is returning to teaching after being paralyzed in a car accident 10 years ago. As she returns she must find a group of students to be her team for the Academic Bowl. Noah, Nadia, Ethan, and Julian seem unlikely friends, but the more she watches them, the more she knows that they are supposed to be her team. How did this unlikely friends-group go from team to champions?And why does it feel like they won more than the Academic Bowl?

So personally, I loved this book because it was a quick and easy read. It was cute, and showed the value of friendship. Honestly, for my younger audience, this book would be perfect for you! It is written a little different than normal books-- (which makes it more interesting!!). It has the present tense, and then the past tense right after.... I don't really know how to explain it, but it is good!!
Rate: PG
    Has 2 cuss words, but is otherwise clean
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
    GOOD!! 


NITTY GRITTY:
The two cuss words mentioned above, are the A word, and the B word. The B word is used in a definition way, (about a dog) but the A word is used as a curse word. :)

The Secret Journal of Brett Colton

Hi guys!! I'm gonna shake things up a bit...if you want a good tear-jerker, I would most definitely recommend "The Secret Journal of Brett Colton" by Kay Lynn Mangum! Here's a mini-summary: once upon a time, there was a boy named Brett Colton. When he was in high school, he was diagnosed with leukemia. During his treatment and time being sick, he expressed all of his feelings in a journal that he wrote to his then baby sister, Kathy, who he calls Kitty. Flash forward. Kathy is in high school and hates the brother who died when she was a toddler. She never even knew him, but she lives in his shadow. When she finds the journal, though, she begins to better understand and even love Brett. It's an awesome book, complete with a touch of romance!! 

Rating: PG (it's from Deseret Book, so nice and clean!)
Good or goodbye: Good! 

THANKS FOR READING! Hope you love it as much as I do!! :)

-Ashley 




Ah okay you guys! I recently read The Secret Journal of Brett Colton & I know that Ashley already reviewed it for us, BUT COME ON... HOW COULD I NOT REVIEW IT?!?! It was soooooo good! I literally cried during the whole thing! HAha no but seriously it was amazing!

Brett Colton died of Lukemia when he was 17 years old. This is a fact that Kathy Colton has to hear about ALL THE TIME. Could her family seriously not get over him? Kathy had much more important things to talk about-- LIKE HER LIFE! She was alive.. and yet the family spent more time talking about Brett than they did finding out about her life. Like how Kathy was tutoring one of the cutest, most popular boys at school... I mean Brett died when she was just 2 years old! 14 years ago! But they talk about him as if he died yesterday. Which drives Kathy up a wall. that is until on her 16th birthday she receives a gift left from Brett. A journal... written to her. Not only does Brett's journal change Kathy's life, but it changes the people around her too.

SOOO GOOD! Honestly, I think this book changed my life a little. It definitely made me grateful for the life that I have. I can't even express how much I loved it. Definitely a MUST READ!
Now, on a side note--- This book was written by a mormon, and there is some mormony stuff in it. HOWEVER I still think that even if you aren't mormon, you will enjoy this amazing story.


THANKS FOR READING MY TWO CENTS ON THIS BOOK! :) ENJOY
-Abby

Just Ella & Palace of Mirrors

Just Ella & Palace of Mirrors, both by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I read these two books & fell in love! They are very well written, and definitely keep your attention. Margaret Peterson Haddix is an author you don't wanna miss!! 

Again, I read this awhile ago, so in order to have an accurate summary, I will have to get it from Goodreads.com but HOW COULD I NOT REVIEW THESE TWO BOOKS WHEN A THIRD IS COMING OUT THIS APRIL!!!!!!!

Anyways, Just Ella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/162719.Just_Ella?from_search=true"You've heard the fairytale: a glass slipper, Prince Charming, happily ever after... 

Welcome to reality: royal genealogy lessons, needlepoint, acting like "a proper lady," and — worst of all — a prince who is not the least bit interesting, and certainly not charming.
As soon-to-be princess Ella deals with her newfound status, she comes to realize she is not "your majesty" material. But breaking off a royal engagement is no easy feat, especially when you're crushing on another boy in the palace.... For Ella to escape, it will take intelligence, determination, and spunk — and no ladylike behavior allowed."

Palace of Mirrors https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2208767.Palace_of_Mirrors :

"Cecilia knows that she is not just another peasant girl; she is actually the true princess, in hiding until the evil forces that killed her parents are vanquished. A commoner named Desmia is on the throne as a decoy.
As she gets older, Cecilia finds it harder to study statesmanship and palace protocol secretly at night and then pretend that she has nothing on her mind other than scrubbing the gruel stains out of her best apron by day.
Cecilia knows that it is time to take charge. Along with her best friend, Harper, she flees to the capital city, determined to reclaim her throne and face the danger head on.
When Harper and Cecilia reach the famed Palace of Mirrors, they discover complications: Princess Desmia believes an entirely different version of the story."

THEY ARE SO GOOD & I WANT TO RE READ BEFORE THE THIRD ONE COMES OUT!! 

Rate: PG

   Cleannnn!! Yay

GOOD OR GOODBYE?
   GREAT!! Good for all age girls! :) 

NITTY GRITTY: 

I remember both of these books being very clean! My 13 year old sister just recently read them & loved them as well! She said there were no cuss words :) 

THANKS FOR READING!

Double Identity

Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix

AH okay, I have read this book 2 times, and it is soo soo good! Initially I thought it was probably a book for just girls, but I changed my mind! I think boys would enjoy this book too!!


"As Bethany approaches her thirteenth birthday, her parents act more oddly than usual. Her mother cries constantly, and her father barely lets Bethany out of his sight. Then one morning he hustles the entire family into the car, drives across several state lines -- and leaves Bethany with an aunt she never knew existed. Bethany has no idea what's going on. She's worried her mom and dad are running from some kind of trouble, but she can't find out because they won't tell her where they are going.
Bethany's only clue is a few words she overheard her father tell her aunt: "She doesn't know anything about Elizabeth." But Aunt Myrlie won't tell Bethany who Elizabeth is, and she won't explain why people in her small town react to Bethany as if they've seen a ghost. The mystery intensifies when Bethany gets a package from her father containing four different birth certificates from four different states, with four different last names -- and thousands of dollars in cash. And when a strange man shows up asking questions, Bethany realizes the's not the only one who's desperate to unravel the secrets of her past."

LITERALLY SO GOOD!! AH I DON'T WANNA SAY MORE BECAUSE I DON'T WANNA RUIN IT!! BUT THIS IS A MUST READ! GOOD FOR ALL AGES!

Rate: PG

  Totes clean :-))

GOOD OR GOODBYE? GOOD!

   Good and Clean for any age

THANKS FOR READING!! 

The Running Dream

whale I haven't read anything new these past few days -- so sorry, but I do remember this book, The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen.
I really really loved this book. It taught me so much about getting through hard things. Wow I'm reminiscing right now &  ya'll should go read this book!!
Honestly since it's been a while, I don't wanna completely ruin this summary, sooo summary from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8354134-the-running-dream
"Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. She's not comforted by the news that she'll be able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. Who cares about walking when you live to run?
As she struggles to cope with crutches and a first cyborg-like prosthetic, Jessica feels oddly both in the spotlight and invisible. People who don't know what to say, act like she's not there. Which she could handle better if she weren't now keenly aware that she'd done the same thing herself to a girl with CP named Rosa. A girl who is going to tutor her through all the math she's missed. A girl who sees right into the heart of her.
With the support of family, friends, a coach, and her track teammates, Jessica may actually be able to run again. But that's not enough for her now. She doesn't just want to cross finish lines herself—she wants to take Rosa with her."

You know when people read books & say "you will laugh and cry along with the characters" well for this book, that was so true!! It is very well written & DUDE I JUST REALIZED ITS THE SAME AUTHOR AS FLIPPED!!!!!

Okay, so I do believe it had some cussing in it. I can't remember how many words though since its been a while. I will probably end up re-reading it soon, and then I will make modifications :-)

Rate: PG/PG13
   clean, depending on how many cuss words
GOOD OR GOODBYE?  GOOD! 
 very well written & thought provoking

NITTY GRITTY:
Like I said above, I can't remember how many cuss words there are. I don't believe it says the F word, but probably the H & D word.
Sorry I can't be of more help!


THANKS FOR READING!

Princess Academy

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
Alright, so if I'm being 100% honest, it took me a little while to really get into this book. There are books like Harry Potter, or Michael Vey that get you involved on page 1, but Shannon Hale books don't do that for me. HOWEVER, I know many people that pick it up and fall in love on the first word. So if you are more like me, push through because you will love it by the end!
Summary from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/85990.Princess_Academy?from_search=true
"Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have quarried stone and lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her small village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince himself will come and choose his bride from among the girls of the village. The king's ministers set up an academy on the mountain, and every teenage girl must attend and learn how to become a princess.
Miri soon finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires to be chosen and win the heart of her childhood best friend. But when bandits seek out the academy to kidnap the future princess, Miri must rally the girls together and use a power unique to the mountain dwellers to save herself and her classmates."

One thing I really appreciate about Shannon Hale is how clean she is. There is never any cussing or sexual things. Always very clean and I really appreciate that! I know my first remarks don't make the book seem very good, but honestly if you can get past the first couple chapters, I believe you will love the book :)

Rate: G

   Totally Clean

GOOD OR GOODBYE? 

  GOOD! 

THANKS FOR READING!! 

The Giver

The Giver by Lois Lowrey
Mmm the Giver, I will forever look book with fond memories of this one.
Personally, I thought it was a little boring at first, but the more I got into it, the more I liked it. Not to mention I lllloooovvveeedd the movie :-))
Jonas lives in a world where everything is chosen for him by the Elders. There are rules, lots of rules. But everyone is happy. They knew no other way. When kids graduate, the Elders choose their new role in the society: Birth-mother, Nurturer, Pilot, Doctor, etc... But on Jonas's graduation day, he isn't assigned a job, he is chosen. Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory. You see, all the old memories of war, music, dancing, animals, and everything before the present time was forgotten. Except by one person, the Receiver.
I really liked this book & it was very clean. There was only one awkward part I can think of, which will be mentioned in the Nitty Gritty below.
Rate: PG
   Clean, I don't remember any cuss words & no sex
GOOD OR GOODBYE? GOOD
   

NITTY GRITTY:
 There was one part that was a little uncomfortable. At one point, Jonas has a sorta inappropriate dream with his friend Fiona. This is to show that Jonas is getting "stirrings". The Elders don't want Jonas to feel any of that, so they give him medication to take away his feelings. Although it shows more of the storyline, you don't have to read it for the story to make sense. I don't remember it being terrible, but it's up to you.


THANKS FOR READING!

Penny from Heaven

JANUARY'S FOLLOWER OF THE MONTH IS ABBY HONE! Btw she has a really cool name ;-)
One of Abby's favorite books is called Penny from Heaven & she will be reviewing it for us below!

Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm.
So the book I have chosen is Penny From Heaven because it is just a very inspiring book. It's about a girl who loves baseball and always listens to it with her uncle in his truck. She's not allowed to go swimming in a public pool because her mom thinks she might get polio. One day she goes swimming and her mom gets mad. Later Penny finds out that her mom is dating the milk man, she is very upset, and wants to know more about her dad. Her dad had died in a concentration camp, because he was Italian. After she finds this out her arm gets stuck in a laundry roller and breaks it. As she is sent to the hospital, and going through a life-or-death situation, she realizes what life is all about.

I love the story because it's very inspiring and the girl acts a lot like me. It has a good theme or plot to it, and it is just a great book!!!

Rate: G

  Clean

GOOD OR GOODBYE? 

   GOOD!! 

THANKS FOR READING! THIS REVIEW WAS DONE BY ABBY HONE

Golly Whopper Games

The Golly Whopper Games by Jody Feldman
Sorry, to all my older readers, this is also a little bit of a younger teen book. But I just loved it & since I have readers of all ages, why not ;)

Summary from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2540640.The_Gollywhopper_Games?from_search=true
"Gil Goodson's future happiness depends on winning the Golly Toy & Game Company's ultimate competition. If Gil wins, his dad has promised that the family can move away from all the gossip, false friends, and bad press that have plagued them ever since "The Incident". Inside the toy company's fantastic headquarters, Gil will have to master trivia, solve puzzles, and complete physical stunts—and he'll have to do better than all of the other kids competing.
Oh, and did we mention that Gil's every step—and every mistake—will be broadcast on national television? Hold on tight, because the ride of his life is about to begin!"

I read the Gollywhopper Games in like 6th grade & thought it was the coolest thing! I don't know why, it just was!! So whatever age you are, if you're up for a short cute story this is a good one.

Rate: G

  Totally Clean

GOOD OR GOODBYE?

  GOOD!!! 

NITTY GRITTY:

None! Clean :)

THANKS FOR READING!! 

Dear America Series

So when I was in Elementary School and Middle School, these were my favorite books. They are very well written and teach more than it seems.
Each book is a diary based in a different time period during some major event in history. They are historical fiction, so they are entertaining and teach you all about what happened in that time. I know they are for pre-teens, but honestly I know a lot of people young and old that love them. Very good & very clean!! :)
Rate: G/PG
  Totally clean
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
   Definitely GOOD

THANKS FOR READING!
Sorry that was an uber short review, but there isn't much else to say! Just read these books ;)

Smile

Smile by Raina Telgemeier
Smile is such a cute story about being confident with yourself. I know I read this in like 5th grade, so it is a younger person story, but I just loved it! If you haven't read it, and are looking for a quick read, then go for it!!
Summary from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6393631-smile

"Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly."

So honestly, like I said, this isn't like a big-time popular book, like Harry Potter or PJO, but.. I loved it! And since I didn't have anymore reviews to do at the moment, this is what you end up with ;)
It is a comic book style, and it is very clean. No cuss words or bad stuff! Just an all around, good, cute book.

Rate:G/PG

     CLEANN
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
     GOOD

NITTY GRITTY:

None :))

THANKS FOR READING!! 

Flipped

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Flipped is such a cute little story. It's not very long, so it's a quick easy read. Our family got it from the library and read it together & we loved it! 

Bryce is just your normal boy. Cute, athletic, NORMAL. But then there's Julie. Julie Baker. She's crazy & in love with Bryce. She sniffs his hair. She's just a creep. But in a series of events, it seems their feelings toward each other get flipped. 

Honestly this was such a good story that really tells about how important it is to get to know someone before you judge them. The only problem with this book was the name of the brothers band. It's not a cuss word, but it's not a very nice word either. It says the word a lot when talking about the band, so if you can deal with that word then it's a great story. But it is definitely annoying that that word is used. Addition to that, the used two other cuss words :/ 

Rate: PG 

   clean! (Two cuss words) 

GOOD OR GOODBYE 

NITTY GRITTY: 

The word used in the brothers band is a P word for ticked off, or for like going to the bathroom. I know some people really doesn't use that word & doesn't think it's appropriate. But I also know many people don't care about the word, so it's totally up to you ;) 

THANKS FOR READING 

The Goose Girl

Goose Girl by Shannon Hale 

Goose Girl has been recommended to me by many many people & I just finished it :) 

When Ani, the crown princess, becomes just a princess and gets betrothed to a prince of an enemy land to make peace, she isn't very happy. Ani knows she's not amazing at this whole princess thing, but for her mother to just ship her away right after her fathers death is plain cruel. Not to mention she's never even left the palace grounds. Along the journey, Ani realizes that the guards escorting her, and her lady-in-waiting aren't loyal to her. Soon there's a massacre in the forest and Ani is running for her life. As Ani tries to make a plan to convince the King of her birth, she becomes the keeper of the Kings Geese, and makes many new friends, including the geese.

So personally, I had a really hard time getting involved in the story at first. It wasn't so much that it was a boring storyline, I guess just the writing style is a little slow. But as soon as I started getting into it, I couldn't put it down. Especially once some romance got involved ;) I would definitely say this is a good read for anyone of all ages :)) 

Rate: PG 

    Clean :) 

GOOD OR GOODBYE? 

   GOOD

NITTY GRITTY: 

There weren't any cuss words, but there was one word that isn't necessarily a cuss word but is a bad word. Haha it starts with a B. 

THANKS FOR READING!  

Percy Jackson

Ahhh the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan was so good! Honestly one of my favorite series. I know they sorta sound nerdy if you haven't read them, but they aren't! So good! They are exciting and adventurous, yet they teach you alot about ancient Greek gods & goddesses. Honestly that's the only way I even know about Zeus and Poseidon and all of the other Greek gods.
Partial summary from http://www.shmoop.com/percy-jackson-lightning-thief/summary.html
"Meet Percy Jackson. He is twelve years old, and he decides to tell us the story of his past year. On the first day of summer, just after his sixth-grade year, Percy discovers that something is wrong with him. Or rather, something is right with him. He learns that he is a half-blood: half-human, half-god. He is taken to Camp Half-Blood in New York, a camp for kids just like him that is safe from monsters that like to attack half-bloods..."

Throughout the book, and the series, Percy Jackson and his new half-blood friends must help save the world from the dangerous gods & all their drama, and of course all the monsters trying to kill them. 

AHH okay so like I said above, I really loved Percy Jackson & the Olympians. SO SO good! 

Rate: PG13

    Violence - when fighting monsters. Although honestly its not gory or grotesque.

GOOD OR GOODBYE?? Definitely GOOD!! 

   Clean and good for all ages, me and my siblings loved this series. Any age welcome :)) 

NITTY GRITTY:
I don't remember any cussing in the series, or it's follow up series. It does use the Greek gods name in vain sometimes, but since they are mythical, it didn't bother me ;-)
Also in the last two books: House of Hades & Blood of Olympus, there is a little same gender attraction... it made me pretty uncomfortable, however it didn't go into graphics at all, and no actions were committed. More just the idea of it..


THANK YOU FOR READING!! 

One for the Murphy's

If you want a book that will make you appreciate the life that you have & will make you cry, then you must read One for the Murphy's by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
Seriously so good! I teared up at least 3 times!!
Summary from inside cover of book:
"12 year old Carley Connors can take a lot. Growing up in Las Vegas with her fun-loving mother, she's learned to be tough. But she never expected a betrayal that would land her in foster care. When she's placed with the Murphy's, a lively family with three boys, she's blind sighted. Do happy families really exist? Carley knows she could never belong in their world, so she keeps her distance.
It's easy to stay suspicious of Daniel, the brother who is almost her age and is resentful she's there. But Mrs.Murphy makes her feel heard and seen for the first time, and the two younger boys seem determined to work their way into her heart. Before she knows it, Carley is protecting the boys from a neighborhood bully and even teaching Daniel how to play basketball. Then, just when she's feeling like she could truly be one of the Murphys, news from her mother shakes her world."
Okay honestly, this book just makes me so grateful for what I have in life. I should have read this book at like thanksgiving time. Please please please go read!
rate: PG
   Clean! However, it does say the Lord's name in vain many times....
GOOD OR GOODBYE? GOOOD!!!

THANKS FOR READING!!

Sora's Quest -- HOLLY

Sora's Quest by T. L. Shreffler

Review by Holly

The summary is stolen from Goodreads. Sora Fallcrest always dreamed of adventure, but as a member of the nobility, she learned the ways of a Lady instead. Now seventeen, she is expected to choose a husband and marry. She plots to run away, but just as she is stepping out the door, she runs into a mysterious man--and is kidnapped.

Abducted from her manor, Sora is plunged into a world of magical races, arcane jewelry and forgotten lore. She finds herself at the mercy of a dangerous assassin, haunted by an even darker past. She yearns for freedom, but he won't let her go--not when her Cat's Eye necklace is the only thing that can save his life.

But the necklace itself presents a problem. It is an ancient device from the long forgotten War of the Races, and its magic has the ability to steal souls. Can Sora learn to wield its power -- or will the power wield her? 

I really like like how there is  action, fantasy, and the beginnings of a CLEAN romance, all wrapped up in one book :) I do have to say, the beginning of the book was a little boring, but it got better as the plot progressed. I give it a PG rating for the fighting scenes.

The Nitty Gritty: I don't remember any cuss words, but there might be a few. There are some combat scenes, and one mildy gory part.

Good or goodbye? GOOD! Definitely worth the read!

ALSO ITS FREE ON KINDLE, APPLE, and AMAZON. 

THANKS FOR READING! REVIEW BY HOLLY

The Two Princesses of Bamarre

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

Since I had read some of the other books by Gail Carson Levine, (Ella Enchanted & Fairest) I decided to read this one as well. The Two Princesses of Bamarre took me a while to get into. It is very old timey, and is pretty slow at first. BUT, that being said, after I got into I enjoyed it.

"Twelve-year-old Addie admires her older sister Meryl, who aspires to rid the kingdom of Bamarre of gryphons, specters, and ogres. Addie, on the other hand, is fearful even of spiders and depends on Meryl for courage and protection. Waving her sword Bloodbiter, the older girl declaims in the garden from the heroic epic of Drualt to a thrilled audience of Addie, their governess, and the young sorcerer Rhys. 

But when Meryl falls ill with the dreaded Gray Death, Addie must gather her courage and set off alone on a quest to find the cure and save her beloved sister. Addie takes the seven-league boots and magic spyglass left to her by her mother and the enchanted tablecloth and cloak given to her by Rhys - along with a shy declaration of his love. She prevails in encounters with tricky specters (spiders too) and outwits a wickedly personable dragon in adventures touched with romance and a bittersweet ending."

(from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/183656.The_Two_Princesses_of_Bamarre)

Rate: PG

    Perfectly clean, some action

GOOD OR GOODBYE? GOOD! 

THANKS FOR READING! 

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

I realize that many schools make students read books. But most of the time, these books aren't ones that are popular... so I figured I should add the books I had to read at school to my blog. That way, if you have to read it for school, you will kinda be warned or whatever!


The first one I decided to do was the Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. Personally, I found this book pretty hard to get through.
Tom Sawyer is a havoc-wrecking orphan living with his Aunt. As he pulls pranks, and causes trouble, his adventures become more and more dangerous. These adventures lead him to slowly grow up. As he gets himself and others in to dangerous trouble, you see Tom becoming more mature due to his actions.
I know that really isn't a very good summary, but I don't know how else to describe it.
Rate: PG
    Pretty clean.
GOOD OR GOODBYE? GOOD
    If you have to read it for school, or just for fun, it is a clean read. Just hard to get through. At least for me.



NITTY GRITTY:
I don't remember many cuss words, however it does use the "N" word for an African-American. As this was written a long time ago, it used to be acceptable. But to me, today, this word is definitely not okay.
The only cuss words is the D word.