Mommy and Daddy's Day with Ark of the Apocalypse by Tobin Marks

Every so often on Bookworm for Kids, I present a book, which is categorized in the adult category, because parents like to read too. These books do not contain any content, which is 'worse' than the average young adult novel. In other words, these are books which don't need to be hid in the back of a closet or underneath the bed. These books can easily be read by the young adult audience and enjoyed as well.

But my readers, which love to visit because of the younger audience end...have no worries! Later today, I also have a super cute (and I mean amazingly adorable) picture book to share with you, too.

Today's read slides into a fantasy/science fiction direction and explores a world, which is coming to an end and how the race plans to continue to survive...or so, that's the gist I'm getting from the blurb. It's been getting lovely reviews, and since I haven't had a book in this direction for awhile, I wanted to give it a read.

Ready to head into an apocalypse? 

ARK OF THE APOCALYPSE

The Magellan II Chronicles

Book One 

by Tobin Marks

Boyle and Dalton

Science Fiction

300 pages

Earth is on the verge of becoming a dead planet.

The polar ice caps melted long ago, and it's been decades since the last raindrop fell. Ocean levels rise a dozen meters, and forest fires rage on a global scale. Eleven billion people dying of thirst wage water wars against each other as extinction looms.

Humanity needs a new planet. As Earth deteriorates, the nation states desperately work together to build a mechanism for recolonization. And so the Magellan II is born, the first starship capable of interstellar travel.

The future of the human race is tasked to ten thousand colonists-now homeless but for the vastness of space and the decks of Magellan II. A distant planet offers hope of survival, but it's a strange, watery world inhabited by giant reptiles.

Humanity is starting over, but survival isn't guaranteed.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With strong world-building, this book takes the Earth to meet its end and explores the struggles  survivors have to continue mankind's survival on another planet.

Unlike many dystopian books, this one starts long before the world ends and the spacecraft sets off to find a new planet for the colonists. It begins in the 1930's and works its way quickly through history to make sure the necessary background and foundation is laid. The death of Earth takes time and so do the plans of those involved in its end. Everything is carefully laid out, creating a rich plot and story line. The processes are easy to follow and understandable, giving lots of food for thought before the journey into space even begins. So, this is definitely a well-planned and well-written novel.

For my taste, though, it was a bit slow. While the general pacing is steady, the journey of the colonists doesn't really take place until about 2/3rd's through the book. But considering this is the beginning to a series, that's not necessarily a problem. It just isn't completely my type of read. The author uses various points of view from differing positions and experiences to allow the reader to gain a well-woven understanding and view of what happens and how its handled. While it was very interesting, it also made many of the characters remain at an arm length's away, since their thoughts and feelings didn't really come into play. So, while the tale was intriguing, it was hard to gain an emotional connection, at  times.

The pacing picks up when the colonists launch into space. When they arrive at the strange world, there are intriguing problems to be faced and the book seems to jump into a slightly different direction...as if two books have formed one. I enjoyed the mix of science fiction with hints of fantasy, and found the entire setting original. The basis for future books in the series is well laid during this part as well.

While this isn't completely my type of read, it's very well done and is sure to delight readers who enjoy rich worlds, well-laid out plots, and look forward to being invited to ponder situations long after the book is laid down.

Review: The Leaning Tower of Pizza and The Little Monster from Whimsical World

I have two books today, which are the latest from the collection at Whimsical World .  The first is a type of travel guide with tons of humor surrounding food, and the second whirls around a tale about a monster, who needs to face his fears. This second one also has a glow-in-the-dark cover, which I found to be a nice touch.

But why don't we just dive in, since there is so much to explore today?

THE LEANING TOWER OF PIZZA

by Derek Taylor Kent

Illustrated by Bright Jungle Studios

Whimsical World

Picture Book

28 pages

ages 4 to 8

The perfect picture book to teach kids about the joys of travel, experiencing new cultures and foods, and learning about famous monuments, landmarks, and artwork.

A diverse group of kids tell one another about the amazing places they've heard about. The only problem is they may have misheard the names and their imaginations run wild with possibilities. This hilarious book is the perfect introduction to travel, delicious foods, and the wonders of the world.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON  

MY TIDBITS

Food and travel take on an entirely new meaning in a book, which displays well-known sites in the most unique way...and one kids won't easily forget.

While playing, a child suddenly announces the amazing thing he's heard about...a leaning tower of pizza! This does sound a bit too amazing, even to him, but after some silly consideration, he decides it could be true. Just as he's reaching this yummy conclusion, one of his friends tells about the amazing thing she's heard of. Soon, the diverse kids are traveling the world with their extreme food-delights.

This is a book, which holds goofy humor high-and-center and builds it in with well-known sites from around the world. The nonsense whirls to life through rhymed text, which already adds a whimsical note as some words flow smoother than others. Every aspect makes it clear that these pages rotate as much around fun as the information they hold. The kids tell of the amazing things they've heard about, give ridiculous reasons for why the sites are that way. All the while, they feed in a basic introduction to each place.

The illustrations let the food mold seamlessly into the real structures, but still, allow enough reality to seep through, so that young readers will recognize them in real life. It's a fun way to introduce the various areas to young readers and, by coating it with humor, makes sure it never nears boring and that each one isn't so easily forgotten.

THE LITTLE MONSTER

by Sheri Fink 

Whimsical World

Picture Book

28 pages

ages 4 to 8

A Glow-in-the-Dark Storybook about Being Afraid of the Dark

The Little Monster is counting down the days until his birthday. When his parents decide he’s finally old enough to get his own bedroom, he’s too embarrassed to admit that he’s afraid of the dark. Following a series of humorous missteps to cure his fear, the Little Monster discovers that he can have fun in the dark and relax at night in his own room… just in time for his big birthday sleepover party. This innovative glow-in-the-dark storybook empowers kids to face their fears, share their feelings, and find ways to sleep peacefully at night.

Features glow-in-the-dark elements on the cover and every page of the book!

Themes: Fear of the dark, Birthday, Family, Sibling Friendship, Sleepovers, Birthday Party, Overcoming anxiety, Halloween, Monsters, Sharing feelings, Overcoming being afraid of the dark, Social-Emotional learning

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A monster and that with a glow-in-the-dark cover...this is definitely one, I'd grab up and flip through if I saw it on the shelves.

Little Monster's birthday is coming up and while he's super excited about the surprises it might hold, one surprise ruins everything. Since he's now older, his parents decide that it's time him and his brother each have their own room. It's supposed to be great, but Little Monster doesn't really want to leave his brother, especially since he harbors a secret fear—the dark. He tries his best to get over it, but night after night, he can't sleep, and it's beginning to wear on him. But maybe, this isn't something he needs to hide after all.

This tale centers around fears and the message that it's better to tell others, so they can offer advice and help. First, I found the monsters very sweet. They have monsterly habits to keep them curious and intriguing, and yet, are super sweet and have a wonderful family dynamic. The brothers do like each other very much, leaving only a positive sibling relationship on display. It's hard not to identify with the Little Monster as he tries his best to be 'big', but still has troubles...it's simply something that many young readers will have no trouble relating to.

This is really a 'story' book, which works great as a read-aloud. Beginning readers might struggle a bit, but those more sure of the words can tackle this one on their own, too. The illustrations follow very nicely along with the tale, enabling younger listeners to explore the tale on their own. 

 

Learn more about Whimsical World and their books.... https://whimsicalworldbooks.com/

Wish by Victoria Harris with Giveaway!

  

WISH

The Otherworld Book 1

by Victoria Harris

Middle Grade Fantasy 

Most humans have forgotten their sparkle . . . hypnotized by the darkness that obscures it.

Twelve-year-old Cara O'Reilly always thought her father was teasing when he said she and her sister had fairy magic. But it's been nearly a week since he went on a mountain hike and vanished-right after an argument with Cara. She wished him gone, and now he is.

Cara's little sister Bri hasn't spoken a word since his disappearance. In fact, Cara feels like her whole family is under a curse. And it seems like all the adults in their family are keeping some sort of secret. Her world further tumbles into chaos when, after a close encounter with a living, breathing fairy, Cara realizes the old stories are all true. Now, she must find the door to the Otherworld to retrieve an ancient treasure. But can she battle the darkness to save her family-and the entire world?

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Bookshop.org

Victoria Harris, DPsych, MA, BSc, Cert. Child Psychotherapy, Graduate Diploma Humanistic & Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy, is a humanistic & integrative psychotherapist who specializes in using creative techniques for emotional healing. She works with children, adolescents, and adults.

Website * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner,

Print Copy of Wish – 5 winners!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Briar Girls by Rebecca Kim Wells

Today's read dives into a rich, fantasy world, which is supposed to go along the lines of a Sleeping Beauty retelling. It includes curses, blood magic, evil tyrants, betrayal, lies, friendship...and well, all sorts of grabbing things, which promise a great adventure. The blurb definitely caught my interest...

Well, let's take a peek, shall we? 

BRIAR GIRLS

by Rebecca Kim Wells

Simon & Schuster

Young Adult Fantasy

256 pages

COMING...

NOVEMBER 2nd!!!

Lena has a secret: the touch of her skin can kill. Cursed by a witch before she was born, Lena has always lived in fear and isolation. But after a devastating mistake, she and her father are forced to flee to a village near the Silence, a mysterious forest with a reputation for luring people into the trees, never to be seen again…​

Until the night an enigmatic girl stumbles out of the Silence and into Lena’s sheltered world. Miranda comes from the Gather, a city in the forest brimming with magic. She is on a quest to wake a sleeping princess believed to hold the key to liberating the Gather from its tyrannical ruler—and she offers Lena a bargain. If Lena assists her on her journey, Miranda will help her break the curse.

Mesmerized by Miranda and her promise of a new life, Lena jumps at the chance. But the deeper into the Silence she goes, the more she suspects she’s been lied to—about her family’s history, her curse, and her future. As the shadows close in, Lena must choose who to trust and decide whether it’s more important to have freedom…or power. 

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N    /    BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

Curses, a touch which kills, deceit, hidden magic, and a girl, who needs to figure everything out...this one promises everything to make an amazing adventure.

Lena is on the run with her father again, thanks to the curse a witch cast on her when she was born. Everyone she touches dies a horrifying death. Their new hiding spot sits on the edge of a forsaken land, the Silence. The mysterious forest calls to those who draw too close and makes them go insane if they don't give in and enter the deadly realm. Lena feels drawn, too, but not in the way others seem to be. When an injured girl crawls out of the forest, Lena learns that her father has been keeping the truth from her, and that her history isn't what it seems. In hope of finding a way to break her curse, she follows the girl into the forest. But deceit lies thick with those who seek power.

The writing in this book is very well done and drew me into the world from the very first page. In some ways, the atmosphere reminded me of  Shadow & Bone by Bardugo with it's dark tones, a girl who is more than she appears, a dangerous barrier, and those who lie and want to use her for their own power, but in a way mixed between true feelings and selfish interests. There is tons of potential in these pages and the tale does lure in. Combine that with the well-done world building of shadows and unexpected secrets, and it is a lovely read.

While this has so many aspects to make it a wonderful read, there were simply things which distract...and I think that much of this is due to the problem of trying to pack so much into one book. This could have made an awesome series. While we get to know Lena during the first chapters and gain sympathy for her situation, other characters are introduced a bit too superficially. Character depth and even the necessary depth to ground and explain many of the Lena's decisions is lacking. Several scenes come in and disappear again too quickly, leaving the sense that something more is missed and me wondering why they even happened in the first place. 

Lena's scars, thanks to the lack of physical contact, are well done and especially came across in one aspect of the romance. This also explained some of her over-willingness to find a friend in the beginning, but the deceit and betrayal should have impacted her more as the tale went on, and made her much more wary. This also caused issues with Lena's decisions concerning her final choice on the romance end.

I definitely enjoyed this author's writing style and did find many wonderful moments in these pages, which made it, despite the problems, more than an enjoyable read. 

And here she is...

Rebecca Kim Wells grew up in California before moving east in search of crisp autumns and snowy winters. She is the author of the Shatter the Sky duology and Briar Girls. Her debut novel, Shatter the Sky, was a New England Book Award Finalist, a Bisexual Book Award winner, a Rainbow List selection, an Indies Introduce selection, and a Kids’ Indie Next Pick. When not writing, she works at a fiercely independent bookstore in Massachusetts and spends too much time singing along to musicals. Learn more at RebeccaWellsWrites.com.

Review: The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher

There's no way Halloween can exist without its witches, and this tale takes a look at one, which touches upon an orphan, curses and a hint of romance, according to the blurb. I just liked the cover and thought it sounded like a fun read.

I was going to bring this one out to day as a 'Happy Book Birthday' post, but it seems that a pinch of magic had this one coming out a week earlier than predicted. Maybe some of you have already taken a peek at this one?

Grab that pointed hat and a broom, and let's soar into some October fun! 

THE ORPHAN WITCH

by Paige Crutcher

St. Martin's Griffin

Paranormal

352 pages

A deeper magic. A stronger curse. A family lost...and found.

Persephone May has been alone her entire life. Abandoned as an infant and dragged through the foster care system, she wants nothing more than to belong somewhere. To someone. However, Persephone is as strange as she is lonely. Unexplainable things happen when she’s around—changes in weather, inanimate objects taking flight—and those who seek to bring her into their family quickly cast her out. To cope, she never gets attached, never makes friends. And she certainly never dates. Working odd jobs and always keeping her suitcases half-packed, Persephone is used to moving around, leaving one town for another when curiosity over her eccentric behavior inevitably draws unwanted attention.

After an accidental and very public display of power, Persephone knows it’s time to move on once again. It’s lucky, then, when she receives an email from the one friend she’s managed to keep, inviting her to the elusive Wile Isle. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. However, upon arrival, Persephone quickly discovers that Wile is no ordinary island. In fact, it just might hold the very things she’s been searching for her entire life.

Answers. Family. Home.

And some things she did not want. Like 100-year-old curses and an even older family feud. With the clock running out, love might be the magic that saves them all

GOODREADS   /    B&N    /   KOBO    /   BOOK DEPOSITORY   /   AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

First off, I picked this one up sure it was intended for the young adult audience, and while I've noticed that it is placed in this category in some spots...it is not a young adult novel. Rather, this one takes with a Persephone in her mid-or so twenties. So, this is a solid adult novel. 

Persephone was an orphan, never knowing who her parents were, but harboring powers, which caused horrible things to happen. While working her latest job at a coffee shop, another incident, which leaves a kind man with burns, causes her to simply leave and run. Again. She ends up following an invitation she'd received long before from a woman to visit her on an island. Even the arrival to the island holds strange incidences, so when Persephone is told she's a witch, she's surprised but believes it might be true. However, she's more than a little uncertain, when she learns she's the third witch needed to end a hundred-year curse.

The blurb left me expecting a different tale, which, obviously, did change the way I read this novel, especially in the beginning. But I'm going to try to shove that aside as much as possible. This book has little to do with Persephone as an orphan, but rather, slides through her past with that bit included and sets off when she's already an adult in life. The tale isn't exactly as fast-paced as I usually prefer. Rather, Persephone's situation, background, and reasons for her emotions are well-introduced and give her that much more depth before the 'adventure' starts (about 10% into the tale). The author weaves poems, journal entries, and such into the tale to create lovely glimpse at what happened in the past. It is a lovely way to get needed information while keeping the information more interesting and giving it a mysterious touch. 

When Persephone joins the other two witches, the pacing picks up a bit (still, not as much as I like) and the tension builds. The atmosphere is haunting and magical, inviting to a darker story full of secrets. There's always an under-flowing uncertainty of who can be trusted and actual intentions, which I enjoyed. It's haunting and leaves Persephone to discover not only what her past is and the truth behind the curse, but also has her learning more about herself and dealing with who she truly is. It's not quite my thing but well-written for the right reader. 

And here she is...

Paige Crutcher is the author of THE ORPHAN WITCH. Her work appears in multiple anthologies and online publications, and she is a former Southern Correspondent for Publishers Weekly. She is an artist and yogi, and when not writing, she prefers to spend her time trekking through the forest with her children, hunting for portals to new worlds.