“Lionboy – The Truth” by Zizou Corder

“Lionboy – The Truth” by Zizou Corder is the final book in the New York Times best selling trilogy “Lionboy.”

When Charlie and his parents were finally reunited, Charlie though that his problems were over. He had helped his lion friends return to Africa, stood up to Rafi, turned the evil lion trainer Maccomo over to the lion's custody. Little does Charlie, know, but his family reunion will be over almost before it begins. Charlie may have been able to avoid some the Corporacy's minions, but more are on the way.

Soon Charlie is kidnapped and taken, along with a group of other talented children, to the Corporacy's headquarters. Charlie's mother and father are trying to save their son, but Charlie wants more than to be saved, he wants to permanently topple the Corporacy's evil rule.

“Lionboy – The Truth” is a great ending to the Lionboy trilogy. The writing style is just as flawless as ever, and the world spanning plot will keep readers interested. The only downside is that this is where the story must end. However, the book hints that their will be more books set in the Lionboy world.

Note: The author Zizou Corder is not a real person. Rather it is a stage name used by Louisa Young and Isabel Adomakoah Young.

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“Lionboy – The Chase,” by Zizou Corder

“Lionboy – The Chase,” by Zizou Corder is the second book in the lionboy science fiction trilogy.

In book one of the Lionboy series Charlie Ashanti helped a group of circus lions to escape and now they are on the Orient Express heading for Venice in search of Charlie's parents. Little do they know, but more danger and intrigue awaits them in Venice. It seems that there only friend in Venice has ulterior motives in helping Charlie. With the lion's evil owner trying to regain the lions and Charlie's enemy Rafi still trying to turn him over to the Corporation, Charlie has plenty of problems to deal with.

“Lionboy – The Chase” is a worthy sequel to the first “Lionboy” book. I especially enjoyed the wonderful descriptions of Venice and the new characters introduced in this second installment of “Lionboy” are just as interesting as the original ones. I would definitely recommend “Lionboy – The Chase” to anyone who has read the trilogy's first book.

Note: The author Zizou Corder is not a real person. Rather it is a stage name used by Louisa Young and Isabel Adomakoah Young.

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“Reforming the Potter's Clay,” by Donald James Parker

“Reforming the Potter's Clay,” by Donald James Parker is a Christian story about the dangers of the occult.

The storyline gets right to the point within the first few pages, introducing two families who will pay a key role in the plot. Salvador and Barbara are both single parents with two children each. However, their budding relationship is put on hold when they disagree on an important topic:

“I thought you were a Christian, Barbara.”
“You thought right. Who says I'm not?”
“I'm not saying you're not a Christian because you're a Harry Potter fan. What I'm saying is, because you are a Christian, you should avoid Harry.”
“Why? They're just innocent books for kids where good triumphs over evil.”
“They contain witchcraft. Since when is witchcraft good?”
“I can't believe we're having this conversation!”
“Me either. I can't believe I have to warn you about the evils of witchcraft.”

Rather than continue to fight, however, Salvador decides on an innovative way of dealing with the situation. He and his children are going to buy the first few Harry Potter stories and read them, studying them to see if they are appropriate for Christians or not. Little do they know, however, but this is just the beginning of an amazing journey in which they will learn how dangerous the occult really is!

Donald James Parker has created an interesting book that shows the occult from a Christian's point of view. Along the way it touches on such topics as Ouija boards, consistently portraying them as dangerous. I felt that some aspects of the story are quite good, but to some extent “Reforming the Potter's Clay” goes a little bit overboard. When a modern day boy with Jesus-like powers to heal and expel demons entered the storyline it was only the start. Religious persecution, a group of witches, a suicide pact—it seemed as if Mr. Parker was trying to incorporate every possible ingredient into one story. In addition to this heavy load on the plot, the long passages and discussions on different aspects of Christianity versus the occult also make “Reforming the Potter's Clay” a book that isn't exactly light reading.

I think that Donald James Parker has done a reasonable job of explaining many aspects of the occult and presenting the Christian viewpoint in his book “Reforming the Potter's Clay.”

“Reforming the Potter's Clay” is available as a free ebook download.

“Lionboy,” by Zizou Corder

“Lionboy,” by Zizou Corder is the first book in a marvelous science fiction trilogy set in the future.

The main character is Charlie Ashanti, a young boy with the unique ability to speak to cats. When his parents are kidnapped under mysterious circumstances, its up to Charlie to try to find them. He sets off with nothing but his unique language ability, a strange piece of parchment, and a small pride of lions that he has liberated from a circus.

There are plenty of obstacles in Charlie's way, though. Not only is he being tracked by someone who wants to kidnap him too, but his parents have been kidnapped by The Corporation. Charlie's mother and father had discovered a cure for asthma. In Charlie's future world gasoline powered cars have been done away with because they caused deadly asthma attacks in children. Now that the air is cleaner children are having fewer asthma attacks and The Corporation is no longer making as much money off of its asthma medicine. But The Corporation has a plan to cause asthma again, a plan involving super-allergenic cats. Charlie's mother and father stand in the way and The Corporation doesn't want that.

“Lionboy,” is set in a very well designed world. The details defining the Lionboy world are immaculate, and the plot is interesting. Charlie's world traveling adventure is fascinating and I'm confident that young readers will enjoy “Lionboy” and its two sequels.

Note: The author Zizou Corder is not a real person. Rather it is a stage name used by Louisa Young and Isabel Adomakoah Young.

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Butterfly Award

I am pleased to announce that Inkweaver Review has been given The Butterfly Award over at The Road I'm Travelling. As you can see from the image, this worthy award is "for the coolest blog I ever know." I'm certainly glad that Page McManus thinks my book review blog is cool.

As you may already know, this award is traditionally granted to ten other blogs, but as is always the case with me, I would rather extend the award to just one blog that I really like. Of course, this makes it slightly more difficult to choose my favorite blog, but I think that Book Calendar, by a New York librarian, is one blog that is definitely worthy.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Carol Denbow for featuring Inkweaver Review as part of her Twelve Days of Christmas for Writers, Poets, Authors, and Book Lovers.

“Heat,” by Michael Cadnum

“Heat,” by Michael Cadnum is a novel about a teenage diver who must rebuild her confidence after a accident that could have ended her career.

Bonnie has been diving since she was young. Hailed as one of the most promising divers in her school team, Bonnie has dreams of winning in the championships and entering the Olympic trials. But one day while practicing she hits her head on the edge of the diving platform. Fortunately Bonnie survives the accident with nothing more than a gash on her head, but her confidence is shattered.

At the same time Bonnie's family life is in upheaval. When her lawyer father is arrested under suspicion of defrauding his clients Bonnie can't be sure whether he is innocent or not. Bonnie must find a way to rebuild both her confidence in her own diving skill and at the same time deal with her shaken confidence about her father.

What I liked most about Michael Cadnum's story was his highly observant technique of describing the characters. Through the eyes of Bonnie the reader's attention is drawn to even tiny details of the book's detailed characters: shifty eyes, expressions, and character traits. This technique gave the characters in “Heat” added depth and kept them from falling into the cliché categories that many authors use. In addition the plot was realistic, neither sentimental nor exaggerated. The interesting combination of problems that Bonnie must face both contrast and reflect each other in ways that strengthens the books overall story line.

“Heat,” by Michael Cadnum is very well written with an enjoyable and satisfying plot.

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“Bicycle Shop Murder,” by Robert Burton Robinson

“Bicycle Shop Murder” is a suspense novel by Robert Burton Robinson, about how a small town music teacher joins forces with an attractive red head to find the person responsible for the recent killings in Coreyville, Texas.

Greg Tenorly lives a simple life as a music teacher and a part time music minister at a local church. One day he meets the attractive redhead Cynthia, who comes to him for advice about her abusive husband, who’s also a drunkard. Their friendship continues to grow after a few conversations, and Greg starts to fall for Cynthia, but he hides the affection to himself.
Things start to get messy after Greg becomes the jury in a murder case. Later, more people connected with the case are killed, including Cynthia’s husband. Greg then takes Cynthia on a road trip, hoping that the only clue he has can help him to find out the real person in charge of the killings. As they are approach the truth, though, more troubles are headed their way, even endangering their own lives! Gradually, the mysteries are revealed one by one, until it leads to the biggest, shameful plot of all.

“Bicycle Shop Murder” is well written, combining tension, romance and occasionally slight humor. The earlier part of the story is less exciting, until it comes to the middle. I enjoyed the variety of other characters rather than the two main ones, who seem a little plain to me. However, it is fun to read about how small town people are willing to go all out, even face to face with the meanest villains they could ever imagine. I love the twist and turns along the story, very intriguing. The only thing that bothers me is the typos, quite hard to miss them actually. “Bicycle Shop Murder” is the first of four books in the Greg Tenorly series. If you are a fan of suspense and mysterious stories, why not give it a try?

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Inkweaver Review thanks Ching Ya for contributing this guest post. Ching Ya owns a blog, http://wchingya.blogspot.com, which shares her interests in movies, drama, music, fun sites, at times her personal thoughts on events & happenings as well. It's her passion to write and she accepts post exchange/requests as well.

Book Review Blog Carnival #5

Inkweaver Review is pleased to announce the fifth edition of the Book Review Blog Carnival. Please stop by for quality book reviews today!

“Bloomability,” by Sharon Creech

“Bloomability,” by Sharon Creech is an enjoyable novel about a girl who moves to Switzerland with her Aunt and Uncle.

Dinnie's parents have always believed in the power of opportunities. That's the reason why they spend so much time moving around the country, in search of the right job and home. When Dinnie's Aunt and Uncle volunteer to take her to Switzerland to attend a school where her Uncle will be working as headmaster, her parents see it as a wonderful opportunity.

Soon Dinnie finds herself in Switzerland, attending a unique school where the children come from around the world, each speaking a different language. At first Dinnie longs to return to the United States and be with her parents, but soon she forms friendships and comes to realize the possibilities that she has.

“Bloomability,” was a very peaceful book overall, with a relaxing plot and satisfying characters. Sharon Creech's writing style was laid back, and just as vivid as the Swiss landscape it portrayed. “Bloomability” has an understandable message: The world is full of 'bloomabilities,' all ready for us to embrace.

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Recommended Mystery Books

For the month of November I have selected three of the most interesting mysteries that I have reviewed here on Inkweaver Review.

"The Railway Detective," by Edward Marston

An action-packed mystery set in the London of the 1850's. When a shipment of mail and gold are stolen from the London to Birmingham mail train is the only the start of a strange series of crimes that appears to be aimed at sabotaging the reputation of the rail industry.

Detective Inspector Robert Colbeck must stay one step ahead of the crafty criminals if he is to capture them, for they seem to have their sights set on one last deadly piece of sabotage that could claim literally thousands of lives!

"The Case of the Left-Handed Lady," by Nancy Springer

This innovative detective story is told from the point of view of Sherlock Holmes younger sister Enola, a strong-willed fourteen-year-old who shares her older brothers sharp mind.

Enola has run away from home and must explore the dark corners of London trying to avoid her older brother and solve a mystery for her client at the same time.

"The Calder Game," by Blue Balliet

This unique detective story begins when two Calders go missing on the same day. One is a piece of modern art created by the famous minimalist sculptor Alexander Calder, the other is young Calder Pillay, a boy who loves pentominoes and modern art.

The story has a remarkable tone created by Blue Balliet's careful use of hidden messages and secret clues.

“The Beastly Arms” by Patrick Jennings

“The Beastly Arms” by Patrick Jennings is a pleasant mystery story with an animal theme.

Nickel is a young boy with two interests, animals and photography. When he and his mother are forced to move because of rising rent, it is Nickel who discovers “The Beastly Arms Apartments,” a mysterious building owned by a still more mysterious man. Perhaps the building is a little creepy but the rent is very affordable, and soon Nickel and his mother move in.

Soon Nickel becomes determined to uncover the secret that must lie behind The Beastly Arms. As he explores the apartment building and the life of its enigmatic owner he discovers a well kept secret that will change his life completely.

"The Beastly Arms," is a well written story. Patrick Jenning's characters are well presented, with colorful personalities, and subtle details. The plot is exciting with a consistent undertone of mystery. I would recommend this book to animal lovers and fans of mystery books.

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“Drift House – The First Voyage,” by Dale Peck

“Drift House – The First Voyage,” by Dale Peck is a wonderful time travel fantasy about a house that is also a “transtemporal vessel.”

The main characters are three children named Susan, Charles, and Murray. The story begins shortly after the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. At the time they were living in New York City, but their parents, worried about safety send the three children to live with their Uncle Farley.

Uncle Farley lives in a strange home called Drift House. The children's first impression is that the house looks like a ship that has been washed ashore. Little do they know, but that is exactly what Drift House is. The next morning they awake to find that Drift House has floated away on the Sea of Time. In this strange landscape nothing can be taken for granted.

Soon Susan, Charles, and Murray are involved in a grand adventure that involves devious mermaids, a fearsome pirate ship, a huge whirlpool, and an attempt to halt time in its tracks forever.

Dale Peck's novel is full of magical characters that aren't quite like anything I've ever heard of. Even his mermaids have subtle touches and strange details that make them surprisingly unique. “Drift House – The First Voyage” also has an excellent plot. The sudden twists and turns of this adventure will keep any reader at the edge of their seat. I would highly recommend “Drift House – The First Voyage” as an thrilling time travel story.

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“Things Hoped For,” by Andrew Clements

“Things Hoped For,” by Andrew Clements is a fascinating sequel to the science fiction fantasy “Things Not Seen.”

Gwen is a seventeen year old music student who will soon audition at some of New York's most elite music schools. Her future in music will be determined within the next few weeks. Then her grandfather suddenly disappears, leaving her with a note that merely says he has gone away, and that she is not to tell anyone.

Although she is concerned about her grandfather she is helped when she meets Robert, first introduced as Bobby in “Things Not Seen.” Robert helps Gwen to keep her grandfather's disappearance from becoming known, but all around them strange events seem to be mounting toward some mysterious climax. When everything comes to its finish Gwen will discover just how much her grandfather loved her.

“Things Hoped For” differs slightly in style from “Things Not Seen.” While “Things Not Seen” was more of a science fiction novel, “Things Hoped For” is more of a mystery. In addition “Things Hoped For” shows a different side of invisibility than “Things Not Seen.” Andrew Clements' writing style, however, is still spotless, his characters still wonderful, and his plot still attention grabbing.

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Also see the review of "Things Not Seen," by Andrew Clements, the prequel to "Things Hoped For."

Or check out some reviews of other great books by Andrew Clements.

"Winter Rain," by Chris Poirier

Recently I was contacted by Chris Poirier, an online web novel writer who is currently writing "Winter Rain," which he describes as "a story about life at the bottom of the pack."

At first glance the site appears to be rather plain, and the top header gives it an anime type appearance that initially turned me off a little. When I read the subtitle, "Violence, revenge, and other family values" I was even more skeptical.

But the opening lines told me that this novel was better written than I had expected:

"She watches me from across the table, her eyes pained, tired. They weren’t always so. When we first met, her eyes were full of joy and light.

I fidget with the handle of my cup and look past her—past, where it’s safe. I can’t meet her gaze any more. There’s too much there, now—too much I can’t bear."

Though the story seems to begin in the middle, with a sudden jerk, from there it smooths off. Throughout Poirier's prose is strong with hard edges that fit exactly with the story's theme. The dark imagery and descriptions inject the story with a sort of tension that is sure to bring some readers back for more.

Navigation through the novel was slightly difficult. The chapters are broken up into numerous small sections, and it is easier to navigate from chapter to chapter than it is to find the next section in the chapter that you are currently reading.

Overall, "Winter Rain" isn't my type of fiction, but I respect Chris Poirier for his developing yet professional writing voice.

Chris Poirier also runs a Web Fiction Guide designed to list and review other online web novels. If you are looking to read online then this is your portal to start at, with detailed editorial reviews and a list of regularly updated online novels.

The website design is very clean and professional, and the lack of distracting ads is admirable. Its evident that Web Fiction Guide is a community of people who love writing and reading each other's work. If you have an online novel, then you too can submit to gain more traffic and readers.