Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Review by Jill Williamson

A seventeen-year-old Senate page goes missing over Christmas break, and three friends—who call themselves The Triple Threat—take a personal and professional interest in the case. Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce, reporter Cassidy Shaw, and FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges each work the case from their own angle, occasionally working together. The case digs up personal experiences and for each woman, making things almost personal. Can they separate their own emotions from their jobs? And can they find the missing girl before it’s too late.

Awesome read! But not for the faint at heart. This book will stir up emotions, especially with female readers. Girls who love mysteries will benefit from getting a legal perspective on what can go wrong in male/female relationships. I enjoyed seeing the crime from three very different jobs: reporter, prosecutor, and investigator. I kept trying to guess who done it, and I was wrong, wrong, wrong. Well done, authors! This is an intriguing, stunning, and very real read. Highly recommended.

Age Range: 16 and up
Genre: Suspense
Part of a Series: A Triple Threat novel
Pages: 310
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: 2009

Review: The Curse of the Spider King by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

Review by Jill Williamson

In The Curse of the Spider King by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper, seven children go about their lives. With the exception of two siblings, these children do not know one another. But they all have two things in common. 1. An adult who has given them a very special book and, 2. A creepy man who watches them wherever they go. Tommy, the first to read his book, experiences a 3D history of Berinfell, a foreign world in the midst of a war between Gwar and Elves.

Stranger things start to happen to the seven children: they begin to experience supernatural abilities and dark creatures try to kill them. Their only hope for survival is to leave earth and face an unknown future in a distant world. For if they stay on earth, they risk their own lives and those of their families.

The premise of this novel is clever and fun. The characters were well-written, unique, and each one drew me into their story so that I hated to leave them. I loved the special book that comes to life to tell its story. There was also good mounting tension as the story built toward the action-packed ending, which I liked a great deal.

Because there are so many point of view characters, it took me a little while to get into the story. I kept trying to figure out who my main character was, but there are seven main characters. Each character was done well and drew me into his or her story, but it was difficult to keep them straight even when they finally got together (which was really fun, but the way). Plus, their names were similar. Three J names, three names that end in “y”, and two K names. Kiri Lee was a great name, though, and I never confused her with anyone. But I couldn’t keep the boys’ names straight.

The Curse of the Spider King is very well-written. The authors totally pulled off having so many main characters. If it weren’t for the similar names and the resulting confusion as to who was who, it would have been totally gripping, despite the ensemble cast. I’m really excited about this new series. I highly recommend it for readers of all ages who love a good contemporary fantasy. Looking forward to book two!

Age Range: 9 and up
Genre: Fantasy
Part of a Series: book one in the Berinfell Prophecies series
Pages: 372
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: 2009

 

 

Check out what other bloggers have to say about The Curse of the Spider King.
Brandon Barr, Justin Boyer, Amy Browning, Valerie Comer, Amy Cruson, CSFF Blog Tour, Stacey Dale, D. G. D. Davidson, Shane Deal, Jeff Draper, Emmalyn Edwards, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Todd Michael Greene, Ryan Heart, Timothy Hicks, Becky Jesse, Cris Jesse, Jason Joyner, Julie, Carol Keen, Krystine Kercher, Tina Kulesa, Melissa Lockcuff, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Mirtika, Nissa, John W. Otte, Cara Powers, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Speculative Faith, Robert Treskillard, Fred Warren, Jason Waguespac, Phyllis Wheeler, Jill Williamson, KM Wilsher

Book Trailer: The Curse of the Spider King by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

Bio: Wayne Thomas Batson

Wayne Thomas Batson is the author of several best-selling novels. He is well-known for his : The Door Within Trilogy and his Declan Ross pirate series. A middle school reading teacher in Maryland for eighteen years, Wayne tailors his stories to meet the needs of young people, whom he cares so deeply about. Wayne writes adventures set in imaginative locals because he believes that on a deep level we all dream of doing something that matters and long for another world. When last seen, Wayne was tromping around the Realm with his beautiful wife and four adventurous children. Learn more about Wayne on his website: http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/

Books by Wayne:
The Berinfell Prophecies
        Curse of the Spider King

Declan Ross Pirate Series
        Isle of Swords
        Isle of Fire

The Door Within Trilogy
        The Door Within
        The Rise of the Wyrm Lord
        The Final Storm

Check out what other bloggers have to say about Wayne Thomas Batson’s work.

Brandon Barr, Justin Boyer, Amy Browning, Valerie Comer, Amy Cruson, CSFF Blog Tour, Stacey Dale, D. G. D. Davidson, Shane Deal, Jeff Draper, Emmalyn Edwards, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Todd Michael Greene, Ryan Heart, Timothy Hicks, Becky Jesse, Cris Jesse, Jason Joyner, Julie, Carol Keen, Krystine Kercher, Tina Kulesa, Melissa Lockcuff, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Mirtika, Nissa, John W. Otte, Cara Powers, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Speculative Faith, Robert Treskillard, Fred Warren, Jason Waguespac, Phyllis Wheeler, Jill Williamson, KM Wilsher

 

Bio: Christopher Hopper

Christopher Hopper is a recording artist, record producer, author, motivational speaker and youth pastor. In 2006 Hopper published the first book of The White Lion Chronicles, Rise of The Dibor. Book two, The Lion Vrie, released June 2007. Since then he signed a multi-book deal with publishing giant Thomas Nelson, with his first co-authored novel, Curse of the Spider King, due out October 2009 with author Wayne Thomas Batson.

He travels internationally each year speaking and performing for schools, churches, and conferences with a message of hope for his generation. His various business and academic interests perpetuate his desire to have a positive impact on world culture, inspiring people to lead meaningful lives. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and three children in the 1,000 Islands of Northern, NY. Learn more about Christopher on his website: http://www.christopherhopper.com/

Books by Christopher:
The Berinfell Prophecies
        Curse of the Spider King

The White Lion Chronicles
        Rise of The Dibor
        The Lion Vrie

Check out what other bloggers have to say about Christopher Hopper’s work.

Brandon Barr, Justin Boyer, Amy Browning, Valerie Comer, Amy Cruson, CSFF Blog Tour, Stacey Dale, D. G. D. Davidson, Shane Deal, Jeff Draper, Emmalyn Edwards, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Todd Michael Greene, Ryan Heart, Timothy Hicks, Becky Jesse, Cris Jesse, Jason Joyner, Julie, Carol Keen, Krystine Kercher, Tina Kulesa, Melissa Lockcuff, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Mirtika, Nissa, John W. Otte, Cara Powers, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Speculative Faith, Robert Treskillard, Fred Warren, Jason Waguespac, Phyllis Wheeler, Jill Williamson, KM Wilsher

The Curse of the Spider King, first thoughts

I’m currently reading The Curse of the Spider King, an award winning new book from authors Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper. I should have finished it already, but I’ve been to Young Life fall camp and the Revolve Tour in Portland (and had to drive both times!) so I’ve not been able to read as much as I thought. That’s okay. I had fun with teenagers, which is always the point. Plus I showed them all the book I was reading–and that I’d be putting it in the church library when I finished it–so I got that going for Mr. Batson and Mr. Hopper, which is nice, right? 

So far I’ll say that I love, love the premise of this book. The idea of these elven heirs to the kingdom being raised as humans on earth is totally clever. My son would love this, and if my life wasn’t so crazy, I’d be reading it to him.  (He’s eight. He just read Wayside School by Louis Sachar all by himself, I’m so proud! And thrilled that God gave me a reader. So maybe Luke will read it to himself! *fingers crossed*)

My review will come Wednesday. If you want to know more before then, check out The Berinfell Prophecies website at:  http://www.heedtheprophcies.com. Or see what some other bloggers are saying about this new book.

Brandon Barr, Justin Boyer, Amy Browning, Valerie Comer, Amy Cruson, CSFF Blog Tour, Stacey Dale, D. G. D. Davidson, Shane Deal, Jeff Draper, Emmalyn Edwards, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Todd Michael Greene, Ryan Heart, Timothy Hicks, Becky Jesse, Cris Jesse, Jason Joyner, Julie, Carol Keen, Krystine Kercher, Tina Kulesa, Melissa Lockcuff, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Mirtika, Nissa, John W. Otte, Cara Powers, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Speculative Faith, Robert Treskillard, Fred Warren, Jason Waguespac, Phyllis Wheeler, Jill Williamson, KM Wilsher

Also, check out the invitation to Wayne and Christopher’s alternate reality game based on the The Curse of the Spider King. Anyone want to play?

  

 

The Shack by William P. Young

Review by Jill Williamson

While Mackenzie Philips is camping with his children at Wallowa State Park in Oregon, his youngest daughter, Missy, is abducted by a serial killer. Horrified and brokenhearted, Mac works with the police only to reach a dead end at an abandoned shack in the Oregon Wilderness. There the trail ends cold with no hope of ever finding Missy’s body or the killer.

Years pass and one day Mac gets a note inviting him to the shack for the weekend. It’s signed “Papa,” which is Mac’s wife’s term for God. Mac figures the note is from God, the killer, or he’s gone crazy. Either way, he can’t ignore it and packs up for a long drive to the shack where he discovers answers he never knew he was looking for.

The Shack is a very controversial book. From glancing over the hundreds of reviews online, Christians are pretty much divided. My recommendation: If you read this book knowing that it’s a fiction novel, that it’s one man’s understanding of God, and that it’s not necessarily Biblical truth, it is worth the read. Mr. Young offers an intriguing perspective on God’s loving nature. And through Mac’s discussions with God, many difficult concepts are explored, like “forgiving the unforgivable,” “why bad things happen,” and “how we get to heaven.” This is a great book to get you thinking about the wonders of God and gives you plenty of material to discuss God with others. Be sure to go to your Bible to check the facts and ask your pastor or youth pastor if you come up with questions you can’t answer. Recommended with caution for teens 16 and up.

Age Range: 16 and up
Genre: Contemporary fantasy
Part of a Series: No
Pages: 248
Publisher: Windblown Media
Released: 2007

First Light by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Review by Jill Williamson

As Rome rules ruthlessly, the people of Jerusalem wonder if Messiah will ever come. Susanna and Manaen wish to marry, but Herod Antipas has forbidden they be together. While Susanna resists being married to a wicked man, Manaen searches for a way he and Susanna can be together. There are two other stories in this novel, that of centurion Marcus and Peniel, the blind beggar boy.

First Light was an intriguing look at life during the time of Jesus. Yeshua of Nazareth was even a minor character in this book. I liked how the authors intertwined all three stories into one, though Marcus’ story felt a bit incomplete. Perhaps his story continues in one of the next books in the series? Jerusalem—or Yerushalayim, as the Jewish characters pronounced it—was fascinating. I really admired the research the Thoenes’ must have done to write such a gripping and accurate storyworld. I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a story of love, trust, and history all rolled into one.

Age Range: 16 and up
Genre: Historical fiction
Part of a Series: A.D. Chronicles, book one
Pages: 438
Publisher: Tyndale
Released: 2004

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt

Review by Jill Williamson

The Miracle Girls, Ana, Christine, Riley, and Zoe, grew closer than ever over the summer, but school is back in session and things are changing. Christine’s dad is still planning to marry Candace, even though it’s only been a year and a half since Christine’s mom died. Christine does everything in her power to break up the wedding. Unfortunately, what’s breaking up is the Miracle Girls. For some reason, they aren’t getting along. Are boys the problem or something deeper? Christine fights to keep her friends together and her dad’s future marriage apart, but she may not have the strength to do it all alone.

I really enjoyed this book, though it was tough to read. I mean that in a good way. I couldn’t put it down, then thought about it all day when I finished. A certain character made me SO MAD. (Yeah…I’m a sap!) I just wish guys wouldn’t play with girls’ hearts. I know many guys don’t realize they are, but carelessness isn’t an excuse. Every girl is different, but some girls never get over being hurt like that. So, “Boo!” to that certain character. J

But I do highly recommend this book. It’s a fun and thought-provoking story about a girl struggling with her mom’s death and her dad getting remarried. Two thumbs up!

Age Range: 12-16
Genre: contemporary
Part of a Series: Miracle Girls
Pages: 273
Publisher: Faith Words
Released: 2009

The Muse by Fred Warren

Review by Jill Williamson

Stan Marino and his friends Jilly and Davos make up the Seventh Circle of Hell Writers’ Society, a threesome critique group that meets at the Pensive Aardvark bookshop. Stan is working on his fantasy epic, Taron’s Crusade, Jilly writes vampire romances, and Davos writes science fiction and all things spacey. While discussing Stan’s latest bout of writer’s block at a meeting, Leila Starling interrupts with the perfect solution. Stan is so thrilled to have solved his writing crisis that he invites Leila into the group.

Instantly all three writers become more productive. And all three start experiencing black outs. One minute they are typing away, the next? They wake up to find that hours have passed and they’ve accomplished tons of work on their stories. Weird. But cool, right?

Until Stan’s wife, Charity, meets Leila Starling and the two women seem to hate each other. Charity warns Stan to stay away from Leila, but won’t say why. Leila sets up a meeting for Davos and Jilly, and both sign major contracts. Stan doesn’t see why Leila is so bad, and he wasn’t to make his big break, too. But if he gives Leila too much control, will he ever get it back?

What would you do to fulfill your artistic dreams? Fred Warren offers a humorous, yet mysterious, twist on the journey to success that warns: if the deal is too good to be true, it likely is. The Muse is unique and imaginative. I got caught up in the story of love and Divine inspiration, which totally took me by surprise. I loved the idea that you shouldn’t rush creativity, that it takes time to build art that entertains and gets people to think. A well-written delight, The Muse will inspire the readers to enjoy their own artistic gifts and the time it takes to create them.

Age Range: 16 and up
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Part of a Series: No
Pages: 180
Publisher: Splashdown Books
Released: November 2009