Book Review: First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

First Frost

Waverly Family #2

by Sarah Addison Allen

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Reprint edition (January 5, 2016)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1152 KB
Print Length: 305 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press; Reprint edition (January 20, 2015)
Publication Date: January 20, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

First Frost is a follow-up book to the Garden Spells.

Bay is now 15 years old and is going through a Waverly transition which she seems to be loving and hating at the same time. Like everyone in the family, she inherited a distinct magical talent, knowing things/person where they belong. Knowing Josh is her HEA, it created a huge problem as Josh is the son of her mom's first love and first real heartbreak.

Like the first book, First Frost is beautifully written. The book is so enchanting that I find myself reading it like how Georgina Kincaid reads Seth's books (reading a few pages each day). I didn't want this to be over! My favorite character in the series is Evanelle. My heart bled upon knowing her life story. As for the mysterious stranger, it was a disappointment. I found that part dull and felt cheated. I was kind of hoping something nice to come out of it but it just felt flat. Still, if you are looking for a nice, heartwarming and encouraging story, you might want to pick-up this book.

Purchase your copy

  About the book:

It's October in Bascom, North Carolina, and autumn will not go quietly.  As temperatures drop and leaves begin to turn, the Waverley women are made restless by the whims of their mischievous apple tree...and the magic that swirls around it. But this year, first frost has much more in store.

Claire Waverley has started a successful new venture, Waverley's Candies.  Though her handcrafted confections -- rose to recall lost love, lavender to promote happiness and lemon verbena to soothe throats and minds -- are singularly effective, the business of selling them is costing her the everyday joys of her family, and her belief in her own precious gifts.

Sydney Waverley, too, is losing her balance. With each passing day she longs more for a baby -- a namesake for her wonderful Henry. Yet the longer she tries, the more her desire becomes an unquenchable thirst, stealing the pleasure out of the life she already has.

Sydney's daughter, Bay, has lost her heart to the boy she knows it belongs to...if only he could see it, too. But how can he, when he is so far outside her grasp that he appears to her as little more than a puff of smoke?

When a mysterious stranger shows up and challenges the very heart of their family, each of them must make choices they have never confronted before.  And through it all, the Waverley sisters must search for a way to hold their family together through their troublesome season of change, waiting for that extraordinary event that is First Frost.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Garden Spells, lose yourself in Sarah Addison Allen's enchanting world and fall for her charmed characters in this captivating story that proves that a happily-ever-after is never the real ending to a story. It's where the real story begins.

Book Review: Loving Ellie by Lindsey Brookes

Loving Ellie

by Lindsey Brookes

Kindle Edition
File Size: 2349 KB
Print Length: 273 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1494785072
Publication Date: May 5, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Ratings: ★ ★ ★   

My thoughts:

Girl got pregnant by a friend.
Friend is Boy's younger brother.
Girl is broken, wants to give up baby for adoption. 
Boy wants to adopt the baby because baby is his only living relative.
Girl doesn't want Boy to adopt because she is broken. 

Too many emotions reading the story: good, sweet, intense to meh. It was good, a sweet story of finding true love the second time for  Lucas, first for Ellie. Points for Lucas for being caring, sweet, and how he loves his brother, he truly got me there. Meh, I was constantly bored and annoyed reading Ellie's struggle to accept people loving her. You know that kind of friend that's always so negative? *sigh* Her story is predictably monotonous. 

I survived 'Loving Ellie' because of Blaine and Victoria. I was deeply interested, so absorbed in their story that I actually forgot that the book is about Lucas and Ellie. I don't understand why the author can write excellent story for minor characters but not for the major ones? 


About the book:

Ellie Sanders is pregnant and alone. Carrying a child she’d conceived the one and only time she’d lain with her closest friend, Jarrett Tanner. A man she’d agreed to marry for the sake of their child. A man she’d loved, but not as he’d deserved. And now he was gone. 

Lucas Tanner returns home to settle his younger brother Jarrett’s estate only to discover his brother left behind a very pregnant fiancée. Having lost his own wife and their baby she’d been carrying years before, he’s bound and determined to stick around and make sure Ellie’s child makes it safely into the world. Even if it means facing the ghosts of his past. 

Struggling financially and emotionally, Ellie is torn between keeping her baby and giving it up for adoption. She wants to give her child the chance she never had - to be raised by two loving parents. If only she could make Lucas understand. And, if only she wasn’t falling for a man with no heart left to give. 

Lucas finds himself wanting more. Wanting Ellie. But what if he gives in to his deepening feelings and loses her, too? 

One fears abandonment. The other fears loss. Can Ellie and Lucas put their painful pasts behind them and finally find true happiness? Or are the emotional walls they’ve built up around their hearts too strong to tear down? 

About the author:

Romance author Lindsey Brookes is a four-time RWA Golden Heart finalist as well as a past American Title III finalist and winner of Harlequin's Great American Romance Novel contest. She writes for Kensington Publishing, Amazon Publishing, and has indie-pubbed several of her young adult and adult contemporary romances. She is represented by Michelle Grajkowski with 3 Seas Literary Agency. 

Check out her website: www.lindseybrookes.com

Recommended Holy Week Destinations - Padre Pio / Regina RICA

Blogger is still on vacation leave. Been busy with kids' school-related stuff and just being a full time mom and wifey, reading and blogging definitely had to take a back seat. 

We've also been visiting churches these days. I think it is now time for my kids (10 and 6 yo) to join me and my husband in practicing our Catholic faith. Although we're praying as a family and I read them Bible stories on a daily basis, I believe seeing these sacred places would give them the opportunity to explore their own faith.

Padre Pio Church - Libis, Quezon City

Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Quezon City

This is the nearest Padre Pio church to us so this is where we usually go to hear Sunday mass. 

Mass - Daily

Padre Pio Church - Rizal

Sitio Balimbing, Tanay, Rizal

Tanay is only an hour drive from our place (Angono). If you want to hear mass, visit this chapel only on Thursdays (not sure about the time, sorry). 

They're usually closed on Sundays (see closed chapel door!).  During Holy Week, chapel is open the whole week.

View from the souvenir shop.

Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia (RICA)

Marikina-Infanta Highway, Tanay, Rizal

Another place recommended to visit while in Tanay is the Regina RICA pilgrim site. 

Our Lady on Top of the Hill. 

The (Sacred) trail going up from the parking lot, well it will take you about thirty minutes (or more if you have small kids with you). If you don't want to go up on foot, you may take the shuttle - but you have to wait as there is only one going up and down the hill.

Dress code - you cannot be allowed to go up and inside Our Lady if you are wearing shorts, short skirts, sleeveless, etc. 

Church at the foot of the hill. Closed every Tuesday.

Padre Pio Shrine - Batangas

Lipa Road, Sto. Tomas, Batangas

The farthest, three to four hours from Manila. We were not able to take enough pictures as the place was under construction during our visit in December 2015. 

We might be in Pangasinan to visit my brother's family this weekend. If everyone's okay to go, we plan to explore Manaoag and probably some more places north. How about you? What are your plans this week? 

Book Review: When She Smiled by Ritoban Chakrabarti

When She Smiled

by Ritoban Chakrabarti

Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (December 4, 2014)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1002 KB
Print Length: 234 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Ritoban Chakrabarti; 1 edition (November 30, 2014)
Publication Date: November 30, 2014
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.


Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


My thoughts:

When She Smiled reminds me so much of my child hood. I was thinking the author must have been born in the 80's as I could truly relate to the things (wrestling, cartoons, gadgets, etc.) mentioned in this book. I had a good laugh reading Mrityunjoy's journey. I've seen reviews that some readers could not understand nor believe the characters' attitude towards life. I, myself, have been exposed to that kind of life, having strict parents and teachers (blogger is from the Philippines). Maybe if you are from the east, this is totally relatable. Mrityunjoy's struggle is real for me even the joy and pain of his first love with Akansha. 

It was beautifully written although I note the author tends to over-describe things. Often, when the description's too much, say like a place, I forget the last thing the character is doing. Other than that, I still enjoyed reading the story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.


About the book:

Mrityunjoy Roy is a fifteen year old Bengali who has spent the last ten years of his life growing up in Shimla. While his family is completely academically oriented, he wants something more. Finally he meets Akanksha in school, who turns his world upside down with her gorgeous looks and mind boggling smile. As fate would have it, she joins his Physics tuition, and thus begins the torrid year of puppy love, romance, heartbreak, tragedy, and self discovery. Set among the scenic Shivalik hills of Shimla when mobile phones and internet were non-existent, this is a story of how an average young teenager comes to terms with his destiny.

About the author:

Ritoban Chakrabarti is an entrepreneur who started his first internet marketing company right after college. Since then he has self-taught himself programming, designing, marketing, and management. His first novel, When She Smiled, a young adult romance, was first published on 30th November 2014.

He is an avid traveller, and believes in a life without boundaries.

Book Review: Too Good To Be True by Kristan Higgins

Too Good To Be True
by Kristan Higgins

Series: MIRA
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Mira Books; Library ed edition (February 4, 2011)
Amazon Buy Link

Ratings: ★ ★ ★   

My thoughts:

Oh well, this is my first book from Ms. Higgins. I picked this up because I was intrigued by the synopsis, main character's ex-fiance is dating her younger sister. I've been friends with girls (three girlfriends) who got cheated by the best friends. One actually went all the way, married her best friend's (ex) boyfriend. And this book, not just a best friend, but sister? Cool. 

Anyway, the story is more like a 'family drama' which honestly didn't sink in until the last 50 pages of the book. I liked Grace's family, especially 'the sister'. I dunno, I couldn't hate her. Maybe because Grace's situation is milder than my real life experiences with the cheating bestfriends. There was no lying and cheating for me (sister), even Grace couldn't hate her baby sister. The only major problem I had with this book were the boyfriends, old and new. I hated the old for the obvious reason, and although the new boyfriend got points in my hotness meter, we just didn't click. Overall, it was just an okay book.  

To read positive reviews for this book, click HERE.


About the book:

How far would you go to get over a guy?

When Grace Emerson's ex-fiancé starts dating her younger sister, extreme measures are called for. To keep everyone from obsessing about her love life, Grace announces that she's seeing someone. Someone wonderful. Someone handsome. Someone completely made up. Who is this Mr. Right? Someone…exactly unlike her renegade neighbor Callahan O'Shea. Well, someone with his looks, maybe. His hot body. His knife-sharp sense of humor. His smarts and big heart.

Whoa. No. Callahan O'Shea is not her perfect man! Not with his unsavory past. So why does Mr. Wrong feel so…right?

About the author:

Kristan divides her time between home in Connecticut and summers on Cape Cod. She is the mother of two lovely kids, the wife of a brave firefighter, and a devoted Ben & Jerry's fan. Previously a copywriter, Kristan began writing fiction when her children graced her life with simultaneous naps...so much more satisfying than folding laundry. She holds a BA in English, which enables her to identify dangling participles and quote many great novels. She loves to connect with readers on her website www.kristanhiggins.com and her Facebook page www.facebook.com/KristanHigginsBooks

Book Review: Legend of the Chupacabra by Micheal Hebler

Legend of the Chupacabra
Chupacabra Series - Book 3
by Michael Hebler

Paperback, 372 pages
Expected publication: July 29th 2014 by Night After Night Publications, LLC
Goodreads Link


Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Michael Hebler. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★   

My thoughts:

This was again a pretty good horror story I'd enjoyed reading. The story started with how a Chupacabra is made. Yes, it was made through a ritual performed by the Indians to avenge the death of one of their tribesmen. 

Jessie's story started out slooow for me, I didn't like her work in a saloon but with the dramatic reunion of the characters from book one, it became a page turner.  I loved how the story played out for Suzanne and Jessie. Age aside, I thought of them as mother and daughter. Once the chupacabra showed up and killed again, they couldn't believe it. When Jessie learned this is a new creature, she no longer feared it, she was now pissed, extremely angry with the Injun (Indian) who created the new monster. 

This book didn't disappoint and I wish it could be turned into a movie! This is a must read horror book! 

About the book:

Inside a small village within the Great Plains of Montana, a ritual initiated in blood will be performed. This ceremony has been executed only once before and will mark a rite of honor and justice. Commonly, the Assiniboine are a harmonious people with strong pride and passions, but turn to the spirits for vengeance when wronged. The tribe’s chief will summon the Great Spirit on behalf of his people, for no earthly man can make evil suffer like a greater evil.

Legend of the Chupacabra finds Jessie and Suzanne living peacefully in Portland, Oregon, six years after they believed to have put an end to the curse of the chupacabra. But the women come to learn of their failure and the futility of their sacrifices when a remarkable reunion brings horror back into their lives; only this time, what they face will be unlike any creature they've encountered. Legend of the Chupacabra marks the end of a trilogy but the continuation of a saga that will leave this moment of history drenched in blood.

About the author:

In addition to being an author and a Southern California native, Michael Hebler also has a career in film publicity.

Michael's current focus is on a series of dark thriller novels based on the legendary 'el Chupacabra' with Book One, "Night of the Chupacabra", releasing on October 17, 2012. In June 2011, Michael published a short-story prologue to the Chupacabra Series, "Hunt for the Chupacabra", available for free download. Michael is also the author of the children's picture book classic, "The Night After Christmas", available in both ebook and print formats.

Michael enjoys running a blog in his spare time, "My Little Obsessions", where he rambles about all the things he loves, which tends to be a distraction from his work.

Author website: http://www.michaelhebler.com
My Little Obsessions: http://michaelsobsessions.blogspot.com/

Book Review: Curse of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler

Curse of the Chupacabra

Author: Michael Hebler
Paperback: 308 pages
Publisher: Michael Hebler (September 10, 2013)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1622 KB
Print Length: 196 pages
Publisher: Night After Night Publications, LLC (September 4, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Michael Hebler. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Yay, the author did a wonderful follow-up on the Night of the Chupacabra! After the first book, I've been wondering about what happened with Drake, Suzanne, Jessie, Danny and Norman. Book #1 had a sad ending, especially for Drake. I was truly sad for the father who lost his family and when he finally found his missing daughter, he 'died'. 

Book #2 immediately starts right after the ending of book #1. Even after Drake became something evil, like Jessie, I felt fear when he's around and at the same time happy to have him again. Suzanne met some new people, I initially found them boring, though James and Evelyn became completely interesting characters just past half of the story. It went wild past the third quarter! I couldn't stop reading, it's like I was addicted to the chupacabra *LOL*. This is definitely worth 5-stars! I want more! 

About the book:

They never thought their luck would be their curse. In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail. However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust. But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.

About the author:

In addition to being an author and a Southern California native, Michael Hebler also has a career in film publicity.

Michael's current focus is on a series of dark thriller novels based on the legendary 'el Chupacabra' with Book One, "Night of the Chupacabra", releasing on October 17, 2012. In June 2011, Michael published a short-story prologue to the Chupacabra Series, "Hunt for the Chupacabra", available for free download. Michael is also the author of the children's picture book classic, "The Night After Christmas", available in both ebook and print formats.

Michael enjoys running a blog in his spare time, "My Little Obsessions", where he rambles about all the things he loves, which tends to be a distraction from his work.

Author website: http://www.michaelhebler.com
My Little Obsessions: http://michaelsobsessions.blogspot.com/

~ PAPERBACK ~

~ KINDLE EDITION ~

Book Review: Letters to Katie by Kathleen Fuller

Letters to Katie

Author: Kathleen Fuller
Series: A Middlefield Family Novel
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 7, 2013)

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Booksneeze.com. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Letters to Katie is the third book to the Middlefield Family Series. This book centers to two Amish young couples, Katie and Johhny + Sawyer and Laura.

Initially, it was a little dragging. Didn't like Cora's (Sawyer's grandmother) ways of showing love to Sawyer and I admit there's sometimes a feeling of unease to Sawyer's constant mention of his faith to the Lord. As for Johnny and Katie's story, liked it better than Sawyer and Laura's. The conflict seems better/real to me. I liked their story, painful to very sweet ending. If you are into clean romance books, go out and grab yourself a copy of this book. 

About the book:

Everything changed between them the first time he called her Katie.

Katherine Yoder has loved Johnny Mullet since the two were children, but he’s never returned her affections.

Now Johnny is trying to forge a new life for himself by purchasing a farm and building a business of his own. But times are tough, and he soon learns that he can’t take anything for granted—especially Katherine.

Before Johnny has the opportunity to tell Katherine his true feelings, she’s struck by a serious illness. While Katherine struggles to recall recent memories of Johnny, a surprise visitor comes back into her life, claiming that his letters speak of a history and a future for the two of them.
With the two men vying for her attention and her memory still elusive, Katherine has never felt so torn. But will the solutions to both Johnny’s and Katherine’s problems lie in places neither one has ever considered?

About the author:

I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and currently live in Geneva, Ohio. I've been married to James for 20 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!) We have three terrific children, two dogs, and have raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don't take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate?

Book Review: The 5 Money Personalities by Scott and Bethany Palmer

The 5 Money Personalities 

Authors: Scott and Bethany Palmer
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 1, 2013)
Amazon Link

Kindle Edition
File Size: 185 KB
Print Length: 58 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1401678335
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 1, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Link

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Booksneeze. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★  

My thoughts: 

I understand from the book description that it is a self-help book for couples experiencing money troubles. I was just expecting something more, you know, like providing budget, saving and financial advices. Well, the authors only explained the money personalities which I didn't really get or I was just too bored reading through it to understand. I'm also not impressed with the author's relationship advices, they were just regular advices I'd get from friends. The book didn't work for me, found myself skimming through so I could be done reading this. 

If you are looking for a financial book, like how to budget, manage, save money, etc., do not pick up this book. Amazon 5 star reviews

About the book

Every couple argues about money. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for 40 years or dating for 4 months, money touches every decision you make as a couple—from the $5 cup of coffee to the $50,000 car. And when the two of you don’t see eye-to-eye on how much to spend or how much to save, that’s when arguments turn into ugly toxic fights that leave both persons feeling hurt and angry. It’s why money has become the #1 cause of divorce in the U.S. Obviously, something needs to change. The reason this crisis has not been addressed is because it has never been identified, defined, or given a name. Scott and Bethany Palmer, aka “The Money Couple,” have identified and defined this problem and offer concrete solutions to fix it.

Once you know your Money Personality, you can get to the root of money arguments and start really working together. You’ll discover what has an impact on your loved one’s money decisions, and you’ll learn how to talk about money in a way that’s actually fun! You’ll figure out how to put an end to money secrets and lies once and for all.

It’s not just about money management, and it’s definitely not just about overcoming debt. It is a whole new way of living that will change everything in your relationship. Tens of thousands have already been transformed. Are you ready?

About the author

Scott and Bethany Palmer “The Money Couple”, have dedicated their lives to helping others strengthen their relationships with the 5 Money Personalities. With 43 years of combined financial planning experience, they launched “The Money Couple” and are regulars on national TV and radio and speak internationally about love and money. Scott and Bethany enjoy an active lifestyle in Colorado with their two young sons, Cole and Cade.

Book Review: Night of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler

Night of the Chupacabra
Chupacabra Series Book One

Author: Michael Hebler
Paperback: 300 pages
Publisher: Night After Publications (October 17, 2012)
Amazon Link



Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Michael Hebler. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I thought the story is great and I was hooked from the very first until the last page of the book. I  first heard stories of the Chupacabra from my grandmother and this brought back childhood memories. Night of the Chupacabra is a western horror novel that tells the story of one family wanting to start a new life in a new place. While in one of their travels, they encountered a chupacabra and only one man survived, Drake.

Drake, the main character of the story, is very much likeable. One would instantly love this character, a strong and tough guy on the outside but softy on the inside. His love and dedication to his family including his dear brother, Gavin, is what I remember the most.

The pacing of the story moves forward smoothly. Considering I was out attending parties the week I'm reading this, I never had a problem remembering the story and the  characters. The story flows just right and the tension stays with me every time I pick up the book. As for the dialogue, usually I despise books written in strange language or dialect, or anything written not in plain English. I am still wondering why despite the author's use of "western dialogue",  it didn't affect the level of my enjoyment of the story. Maybe he was just really good in weaving the whole story that I was never bothered by the strange dialogue. I loved the twists, especially the revelation on the legend of the first chupacabra, that I believe wouldn't bore readers. All in all, loved the book one and I look forward to reading more from the author, Michael Hebler.

About the book:

Post Civil War. Families move west to begin rich new lives, only some never make it. There is a creature that lurks in the vast open deserts of the west. It can only survive on blood and, although it prefers to prey on the weak and young, it will slaughter anyone or anything, once provoked. It is unnatural, deceptive, and difficult to kill. Word about the existence of this elusive beast has not spread since anyone who has crossed paths with it did not live long enough to tell of their account. 

Night of the Chupacabra is one man’s journey to reunite with his missing family, while the lethal creature that separated them, the mysterious and ravenous chupacabra, is never far behind. Night of the Chupacabra is not only a gruesome regale of carnage, but a unique combination of science fiction bloodshed with a more poignant tale of lost love set against a Western backdrop. Night of the Chupacabra is an unflinching look at the impossible choices made for family, while knowing the consequences will ultimately lead to a fate worse than death.

About the author:

In addition to being an author and a Southern California native, Michael Hebler also has a career in film publicity.

Michael's current focus is on a series of dark thriller novels based on the legendary 'el Chupacabra' with Book One, "Night of the Chupacabra", releasing on October 17, 2012. In June 2011, Michael published a short-story prologue to the Chupacabra Series, "Hunt for the Chupacabra", available for free download. Michael is also the author of the children's picture book classic, "The Night After Christmas", available in both ebook and print formats.

Michael enjoys running a blog in his spare time, "My Little Obsessions", where he rambles about all the things he loves, which tends to be a distraction from his work.

Author website: http://www.michaelhebler.com
My Little Obsessions: http://michaelsobsessions.blogspot.com/

Book Review: Milo Banks and the Tower of Light (Realm of Astros #1) by Richard Denoncourt

Milo Banks and the Tower of Light (Realm of Astros #1)

Author: Richard Denoncourt
Paperback: 466 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent
Publishing Platform (May 16, 2012)
Amazon Link



Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Richard Denoncourt. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.


Ratings: ★ ★ 


My thoughts:

I had high hopes when I started reading this book. Milo Bank's story is engaging the first quarter of the book. It was a quick read, loved his family, mom, pop, and his twin sister Emma. I love to read history, very much. But I was too distracted with the casts of the story. It has too many characters which is hard for me to tell who's who. I know I said before as long as they are connected, it doesn't matter. I guess I was wrong. This is the book I had to take note of the characters (Milo's family, friends, gods and goddesses, demi gods) and what they are (Sargonauts, Acolytes, Savants, Ferals, Pertilents, etc.). But even doing this, I still had to flip back the pages to remember them. Honestly, I can't put them all together in my head. 


Having said the above, what bothers me might not bother other readers at all so you may check out this LINK to read a positive review for the book.

About the book:


Sporting an ensemble cast of young teens who discover they are descended from ancient gods, Milo Banks and the Tower of Light is the first in a brand-new series of fantasy novels inspired by Greek mythology, from author Richard Denoncourt.

Meet Milo and Emma Banks...

In our world, a young boy and his twin sister must learn to use superpowers inherited from their demigod parents, one of whom dies to save them. The other is kidnapped by a powerful Necromancer who needs the twins' lifestreams to raise an army of undead.

In Astros, a parallel realm created by ancient gods...

Humanity has been recreated in the image of gods that mysteriously disappeared thousands of years earlier. Five races exist on Astros, shaped from the clay of Man by these mythical beings:

SARGONAUTS are super strong, bulletproof, able to lift a school bus with their bare hands.

ACOLYTES have wings and can fly and heal any living thing.

SAVANTS are masters of elemental forces, what some might call magicians.

FERALS can transform into any warm-blooded animal after drinking that animal's blood.

Evil has a new name...

Kovax Leonaryx and his cousin Corgos, ruler of two of the largest nations on Astros, have enslaved an entire race.

Using magical towers that drain Feral men, women, and children of their lifestreams, these two men will someday have the power of gods. Their evil will extend into our world...

Unless Milo, Emma, and their friends can stop them before it's too late.


About the author:

Richard Denoncourt studied English literature and philosophy at Colgate University and received an MFA in creative writing from The New School. He has lived in New York City, Spain and Colombia and has published short stories in a half dozen literary journals and magazines. He is also the author of TRAINLAND, a dark, horror-thriller about a father who goes to Hell to save his family, and the short story collection PELTHAM PARK.