Opinioned Tannia Ortiz

With his historical novel, Centurion's Daughter, author and illustrator Justin Swanton takes the reader to the decline of Rome the great, and the rise of the Frankish Empire.

Seventeen-year-old Aemelia and her Frankish mother have lived in Reims all their lives. After her mother's death, Aemelia travels to Roman Gaul searching for her Roman father, Centurion Tarunculus, a man she has never seen and only knows through family lore. As Aemelia reaches Gaul, she sees a crowd making fun of a man giving a patriotic discourse about Rome's greatness. After inquiring about the whereabouts of Tarunculus, she is shocked to discover that the town's eccentric is, indeed, her father. Their first encounter is very heartbreaking to Aemelia because she is rejected by her only living relative. Since Taranculus has no knowledge of her, he thinks she is an impostor or a beggar and dismisses her. Despite this brusque first encounter, Aemelia finds herself a home and a family with him at Gaul.

The first two chapters were slow to my liking. However, the author cleverly used conversations between Aemelia, her father, and other characters to reveal crucial information about her life in Reims. After these get-to-know-me-better chapters, the reader will be totally engaged following Aemelia and her father through their daily routine in town.

It was interesting how the author created tension in the story by means of personality conflicts between Aemelia and her father. Aemelia is shy, prudent, obedient, and a devout Catholic. By contrast, her father is egocentric, dominant, bellicose, and agnostic; his only goal is restoring Rome's greatness. Their disparity in temperament will keep the reader captivated until the story's surprising end.

As the story unfolds, Aemelia's ability to speak, read, and write in Frankish and Latin is revealed to be a double-edged sword of critical importance. On the one hand, as news spreads that the Franks are about to attack Gaul, an ambitious member of the ruling class uses Aemelia's bilingual skills to arrange a secret meeting with Chlodovech, leader of the Salian Franks. The agreement they reach will have a pivotal effect on the Battle of Soissons, where Lord Syagrius is defeated, leading to the rise of the Franks over the Romans. On the other hand, once Gaul is conquered, Aemelia's ability will secure her family a steady income.

Because I do not have much experience reviewing historical novels, I found it extremely useful that the book included a glossary with brief explanations of the historical figures in the novel. It helped me to sort out the fictional and reality-inspired characters, as well as to verify the accuracy of facts mentioned in this page-turner of a story.

Including a foreign language in a book is challenging for an author since its use has to be limited so as not disrupt the narrative's momentum. Mr. Swanton skillfully utilizes the language only in those scenes were it is crucial to keep the story's authenticity. In those days, Latin was the language of the Church and the Roman Empire. Frankish was the dialect of the West Germanic tribes. Readers with a knowledge of Dutch or German will be able to fully understand it. Readers who cannot speak those languages will identify themselves with the Romans of Gaul who did not speak Frankish. If that was the intention of the author, kudos to him.

The story has all the elements of a great novel about Rome: betrayal, intrigue, clashes of the political and social classes and even a power struggle among the aristocracy, slavery, conquest, and an amazing battle. The few illustrations in the book help the reader to understand some crucial scenes. The elements of Catholicism depicted in the story offer a glimpse at the Church's importance during those times and its influence on politics and daily affairs. The author also mentions, through his characters' conversations, key saints whose diplomacy aided in the unification of the Germanic tribes and the beginning of a new era.

I highly recommend Centurion's Daughter to readers who fancy novels about ancient Rome.

The new book from Robina Williams, Angelos, will keep you reading beyond your bedtime! I was unable to put it down. The author has an entertaining way of embracing complex topics such as time-traveling, life after death, Greek mythology, legends, and Catholic theology braided with philosophy and mysticism. She also uses two famous paintings to bring the book to its climax!

This Young Adult book is suitable for teens and adults. I do not, however, recommend it for children under 13 years of age, since they are not mature enough yet to understand some of the book’s themes.

The book begins with the sudden departure of Father Fidelis and his close encounter with a ginger cat named Leo. However, the sudden departure of Father Fidelis came as a surprise to all the friars and it started a chain of speculations and some admiration among them. Some of them admired his sense of obedience while others wondered, why?

But the knowledge of their newly assigned guardian, Father Aidan, brought joy to the friars. They all knew him. He has been their guardian before. He was flexible and understanding. Upon his arrival, however, Father Aidan’s behavior appears somehow changed towards the other friars. Now they are not so sure if it was indeed a good trade. Perhaps Father Aidan is just tired from his long journey, or is he? The day is still too young…time will tell!

Leo is not an ordinary cat. He is able to travel from “this time” to the afterlife easily. He also has a pair of “mystical eyes” that inspire awe and fear in those who see them. Leo’s real name is Quantum, but he is known in the afterlife as Quant.

Between the departure of Father Fidelis and the arrival of Father Aidan, Leo and Father Peter have a closed encounter, too. Leo’s eyes change to gold while looking at Father Peter, then return again to emerald green. This puzzles Father Peter. He wonders what type of cat this is! He feels unease and very nervous around Leo, so he keeps him at a safe distance.

The deceased Father Jerome, however, is fond of Leo. After all, Leo was his pet when he was alive! He, however, has not yet accepted his deceased state and the world of the dead. So he wanders often around the orchard at the friary. Some of the friars were not pleased with his presence there since it challenges their beliefs about death and life after death!

During one of Father Jerome’s visits to the friary, he is violently catapulted from a hut near the orchard to another place, which appears to be a cellar or a Dungeon. He is confused and perplexed! Where is he? He looks around and explores the place. He finds some human bones and becomes frightened. There is something—or someone—living in this place that eats humans! He cries out for Quant’s help, who doesn’t immediately arrive, and grows tired. He takes a nap while waiting for Quant.

Meanwhile at the friary, the Minotaur is equally puzzled and annoyed. He also explores the small room and searches for something to eat. He finds some jars on top of a shelf and after several attempts, manages to open one of them. He tastes its content and concludes that whatever was inside was not edible. He goes to sleep, hoping it’s all just a nightmare!

Quant finally appears, of course, to sort everything out and show Father Jerome around in this new world, known to the good priest as the world of Greek Mythology. They visit some of Quant’s old friends, including the Deiphobe, the Sibyl of Cumae, St. Jerome and his lion, St. Anthony of Egypt, and St. Paul the Hermit, among others. Father Jerome is fascinated and intrigued and asks tons of questions to Quant. During their traveling in this world, the reader will be exposed to a combination of philosophy, mythology and mysticism from Quant’s point of view. The combination of these topics is essential to the understanding of God’s Creation beyond human comprehension.

The end of the book will leave the reader saying, WOW! It echoes Jesus’ parable of the “Good Servant” and St. Paul’s words of encouragement about finishing the race and fighting the good fight.

Angel Fire, by Mary Marshall, is a science fiction story with elements of religion, espionage, extra-terrestrial activities, prophecies, and mythology.

The story begins with Captain Sorn and the surviving crew members of his battleship, Lieutenant Ont Zejen and the android, Jennex, stranded and lost in space. While lingering in space, they encounter a space anormality and drive the ship through it. Upon exiting, they find themselves thousands of light years away from their home planet, Tethra, and are astounded to be looking at the legendary planet Earth.

After analyzing Earth from their hidden out-of-space location, Captain Sorn and Lieutenant Zejen decide to infiltrate the planet using the identities of Richard Saxon and Frank Nelson, respectively. Once adjusted to life on Earth, they will continue to study the planet, find parts to fix their ship, and go back home.

Once on Earth, Jennex will be their only contact with the ship. The android will stay on board repairing and manning the ship, doing a further research on Earth, and transmitting relevant information to Richard and Frank.

While gathering data one day, Jennex discovers the Research Organization for the study of Extra-terrestrials (ROSET). It hacks into the organization's computer and becomes fully aware of the life-threatening danger ROSET represents to their safety and survival on Earth.

When Captain Sorn meets Selina Devon and Father John Fisk, a spiritual battle begins between the forces of good and evil on heaven and Earth. The Archangels and angels led by the Archangel Michael must protect Richard, Selina, and Fr. Fisk from the evil forces led by Natas, the demon. His evil doers will use all their wicked power and tricks to prevent the fulfillment of an ancient Tethra's prophecy.

Richard Saxon's encounters with ROSET's despicable operative and Natas' puppet Max Traytur will keep him and Selina alert and constantly on the run throughout the story.

Captain Sorn feels torn between two worlds. He must endure pain, loss, and rebirth to discover the truth. He also must grow in experience and knowledge to save his planet Tethra and his newly discovered home, Earth.

One of the biggest weaknesses of the story is its excessive similarity to famous science fiction programs such as Star Trek, Deep Space Nine, and Lost in Space. However, the vivid and grasping scenes involving Max Traytur will allow the reader to feel the pain this character inflicts onto others.

Angel Fire is a book for Catholics looking for an alternative to popular science fiction books. However, its aspects of religion might be, at times, too overwhelming for non-Catholics or readers sensitive to stories with religious content.

A Time To... by Ronald Louis Peterson gives new meaning and perspective on how our reactions to unexpected and uncontrollable circumstances help build our character.

On September 11, 2001 the world witnessed with horror the terrorist attack on the U.S.A. For New Yorkers like fifty-year-old risk manager, Al Masterson, the explosion of the World Trade Center Twin Towers was to be an unforgettable event.

On that tragic morning Al went to work, as usual, at Tower One. Later on, he and others were running for their lives, trying to escape before the inevitable happened-- the creation of a collective grave as the tower collapsed upon them. Al ends up trapped with two others on a staircase. As the building crashes down on him, an amazing thing happens to him: scenes of important events from Al's past start to replay in front of his eyes, as if he were at a theater. Through this experience, Al relives his childhood’s growing pains and feels remorse for the tragic death of one friend and the incarceration of his dear friend, Tommy. He also vividly recalls his years with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia during the reign and collapse of Haile Selassie.

Once the images stopped appearing --as if it was the end of a movie, Al realized that success throughout his life had a steep price: tragedy, envy, disappointments, and betrayal. He is outraged at the outcome from some of the events shown in his visions.

He feels helpless and in despair since there is no guarantee he will make it alive from Tower One.

The author's attention to detail in describing scenery and engaging situations will have the reader join with Al as he wonders what is happening: Is he dreaming? Is he having an out-of-body experience? Is he already dead? What is the purpose of someone showing all these events to him? Will he and the others make it out of Tower One alive? The answer to all these questions will unfold, but with many twists and turns along the way, and a surprising end.

A Time To... is not a book merely to entertain. More importantly, it honors those who risked their lives trying to save others during the rescue attempts after the airplanes crashed into the Twin Towers. It is a book that could provide a healing venue for those who lost loved ones on September 11 and the days afterward.

Al Masterson represents all the victims of this tragedy—those who survived and those who, as in one of his visions, were covered in ashes and waiting for their next "train stop" in the afterlife while listening to the New York Philharmonic playing Gustav Mahler's “Resurrection Symphony.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a well written novel intertwined with historical facts.

Ecclesiastes 1: “There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens...”

East and Eight is the second installment of the Lore Trilogy by the young and ingenious author, C.T. Douglas.

The first book, A Pirate's Charm, introduced the main characters and set the stage for this page-turner, pirate adventure. The story begins in 1780 in the island of Barbados where gemseeker Molly Bishops is pursued by members of the dangerous vampire cult, The Black Coats.

After escaping her would-be captors, she forms an alliance with the infamous Captain Thomas Crowe, who allows Molly to join his pirate crew. During their voyages, she begins to understand Crowe's unusual crew, the prophetic riddles of an old fortuneteller, and her essential role in the fulfillment of those prophecies.

East and Eight presages and continues the epic. The narrative begins in Barbados in 1775, with young Thomas a crewman for the ruthless pirate Captain Lapuente, notorious for buying and keeping werewolves captive and controlling them with magic. Even as a young pirate, Thomas was a free spirit and a witty entrepreneur. He helps Oi'alli, the chieftess of the Oi'tan tribe, to recover the stolen Uyl Talisman from Capt. Lapuente. As a result of this successful recovery, Thomas regains his freedom and Oi'alli allows him to keep the powerful talisman for five years.

Once freed, Thomas takes over Capt. Lapuentes's ship and crew and installs himself as captain. He develops a reputation as a tough, fair, and slick business man. When Oi'alli comes to collect the talisman from Thomas, he refuses to give it back as previously agreed. After an intense argument, she curses Thomas with a Doppelganger demon whose actions eventually force Thomas to travel to the island of Wallachia to be exorcised by a Helvetti priest.

Before traveling to Wallachia, Thomas and Molly make a short stop in England. There, Molly's repressed powers as a sorceress are fully unleashed when she is engaged in a fiery fight for her life. Those newly discovered faculties will be essential for the salvation of Thomas and the success of their mission. During their journey to seek the assistance of the Helvetti priest, Thomas meets Geoffrey Mylus, a magi scribe whose knowledge and understanding of magic will be extremely beneficial to Thomas and those traveling with him in confronting some future ordeals. At this point, Geoffrey is formally introduced as the trilogy narrator.

As the story unfolds, Thomas and Molly must form alliances with former adversaries to defeat a treacherous foe known as the Eight, a mysterious group persecuting the vampire and werewolf cults in the name of preserving humanity. The author skillfully shares key information about some of the Eight members, their locations, and hints at other suspected members. Will the Eight be able to reach their goal of global power? Will the cults be able to survive their power and political influence on the world of humans?

East and Eight exceeded my expectations. Once again the author binds together new characters, situations, and places in a spider web of suspense and unpredictable revelations that kept me spellbound until the resolution of all conflicts. Join Capt. Crowe, Molly, Geoffrey, and the others on this cliffhanger of an adventure!

I highly recommend this saga for teens, older readers, and for anybody who enjoys a fascinating tale with all the elements of a NY Bestseller converted into a blockbuster movie!

Leave If You Can was originally written in German -''Geh fort wenn du kannst''- by author Luise Rinser and translated into English by Margaret Stevens. Ms. Rinser tells the story of Angelina and of her spiritual awakening after the devastation of Italy in World War Two. We learn about the courageous young woman's struggles as her friend Giulia writes a letter to Angelina's father.

Angelina and Giulia have been best friends since childhood and their religious beliefs are about to be affected by the terrors of the war. These two idealistic women embrace communism and leave home without a plan, but with big hopes of protecting the defenseless and fighting the oppressors. On their journey, they find a brave young boy named Tommaso who got lost while secretly trying to follow his older brothers, who have set off to Rome. After hearing Tomasso's story and seeing his courage, the three travel together to look for his brothers.

Upon arrival at Rome, sensing that he can trust Angelina and Giulia, Tomasso leads them to a trattoria, a secret meeting place for the Partisans, a well-organized underground communist resistance group fighting the Fascist regime. They are unable to find Tomasso's brothers, but are introduced to Antonio, one of the Partisan group leaders stationed near the trattoria. The three of them become active members of his group, L'Altalena. During one of the Partisans heated fights against German troops near Santa Maria del Monte, Angelina is separated from her group and thought to be missing in action. Giulia's intuition helps her find Angelina and their reunion marks the beginning of their spiritual awakening and transformation.

Angelina is strong-willed and determined. These attributes make her a great leader and a trustworthy companion. Giulia is a loyal friend who unquestioningly follows Angelina. Together they suffer, laugh, cry, and strengthen each other in times of despair. This co-dependence makes them stronger and prepares them for a greater cause by enabling them to find peace under the most unexpected circumstances.

“Leave If You Can'' is not your ordinary love-and-war story with villains, heroines, family feuds, and romance. It is the remarkable story of Angelina, who was first blinded by fanaticism and shaken by the injustices and atrocities of the War. After suffering and losing so much during her political and spiritual struggles, Angelina discovers that the fight for justice and human rights is found at a higher level with God as the Supreme Commander.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy war stories entwined with religion and politics while remaining faithful to history.

The Soul Reader is the long-awaited sequel of the award winning book, In-Sight, from extraordinary Catholic author Gerard Webster.

In the first book, Mr. Webster introduces three main characters: Ward McNulty, a prominent syndicated political columnist; Carrie Hope, an outstanding reporter and news anchor; and Chet Garner, Democrat State Senator and aspiring Congressman. Ward and Carrie agreed to help Senator Garner to gather support for the development of the North Beach Project, a luxurious beach resort in Timuqua Island. As the story unfolds, however, their affiliation with Senator Garner would emperils both their lives and careers. In the climax of the book, Ward experiences a tragic car accident after which he is shocked to discover his new In-Sight ability.

In The Soul Reader, Carrie Hope signs a contract with a major publishing house to write a book about the untold truth behind the “North Beach Project.”She contacts Ward and asks for his assistance. At first, he is extremely reluctant due to the potential danger of this multifarious investigation. However after some soul searching, he agrees to help her.

Mr. Webster takes Carrie, Ward, and the reader on an intriguing international manhunt in search of clues regarding a series of unfortunate events associated with some investors of the North Beach Project. The investigation leads them to Mr. David Schoenhauer, a powerful and resourceful German investor and the extremely dangerous hit man Culebra, known for his ability to kill quickly, cleanly, and unnoticed. Culebra has valuable information that could compromise now-Congressman Garner, Mr. Schoenhauer, and other worldwide investors.

As a reviewer, I enjoy reading sequels. And I appraise them with a more critical eye. I expect a more elaborated story, better developed characters, and unexpected twists and turns leading to a climatic end. Mr. Webster exceeded my expectations.

Even readers who have not read the first installment, In-Sight, will be able to follow the story and understand each character's motives and actions.

The end gives reassurance that everything is possible for those who believe and trust the Master's plan.

I highly recommend this book to mystery readers searching for a suspense story intertwined with trust, love, forgiveness, Catholicism's teachings, and expiation.

The award winning action-drama novel, In-Sight, written by author Gerard D. Webster, stands out among other Catholic books in this genre.

The book begins with Carrie Hope's dad's last words to her before dying in the hospital: ''I love you as my own.'' Carrie's parents were killed by a drunk driver when she was a freshman at Florida State University (FSU). This event leaves Carrie alone and with no known relatives. When she turns 21, opportunity comes knocking at her door- she lands a Summer internship job in TV journalism in England. She needs to apply for a passport and is unable to find a copy of her birth certificate. She contacts Mr.Tom Eddington, the family lawyer, and asks for his assistance. Her meeting with Mr. Eddington reveals some shocking family secrets that find Carrie ill-prepared and send her in a life of busyness and internal turmoil.

Meanwhile, syndicated column writer, Ward McNulty, is enjoying the fame and the power of his political commentary column, Inside Story. His credibility and insight change the lives of those people he writes about. Ward has been very outspoken and supportive of State Senator Chet Garner in his column. This relationship, however, will proof itself shallow and manipulative as the story unfolds.

Carrie Hope buries her past and continues working on TV journalism. Her hard work earned her the position of co-host at the news program, Channel Five at Five. She and Ward McNulty meet at the studio as she interviews him for the news series,'Local People Makes Good.' Some time after this interview, Carrie and Ward start dating and end up with Carrie's moving in with Ward. At first, their relationship is full of lust and passion, but these slowly disappear as they get more and more involve in their careers.

Democrat State Senator Chet Garner will stop at nothing to gain the necessary votes to the US Congress, including, but not limited, to defamation of his competitor and all of those who stand on his way. He has been supportive of the ''North Beach'' development project to take place in Timuqua Island because he sees it is beneficial for Florida and also for the residents of the island.

Some of the residents are suspicious about the ''North Beach Project'' and they decide to hire real state lawyer, Bob Rohrback, to represent them in court. When Bob starts requesting papers from the City Council and taking some legal actions, this sets the wheel on as a set of unfortunate events starts affecting those obstructing and delaying the project. One of those victims is Ward McNulty, who refuses to use his column to defame former defense lawyer, Bob Rohrback. Ward suffers a car accident that leaves him blind for some time. Soon after his sight is restored, he discovered he has an in-sight into people's souls. This so discovered ''gift'' terrifies him and he doesn't know how to deal with it. But with the help of his dad, he learns to use his gift to better himself and help others in need.

The rest of the book goes back and forth between those in favor and those opposed to the project. Ward McNulty and Carrie Hope find themselves caught in the middle of the struggle and fighting in opposite sides. Lives will be turned up side down and others will be destroyed, while a handful of brave ones will find justice as the truth sets them free.

This is a tale of betrayal, faith, power, recovery, redemption, trust, and justice for all. I enjoyed the way the author weaved into the story the benefits of a regular confession, the AA Program for alcohol addiction, family relationship, and law. All these elements are tastefully discussed through the story without making the readers uncomfortable with some of these sensitive topics. The word of Jesus: ''Let your eyes be opened'' will take a whole new meaning after the reader finishes reading this book.

I recommend this book to those readers looking for a Catholic action drama fiction story with a cutting edge that doesn't jeopardize their beliefs and convictions. This book was awarded 2^nd place in the 2009 Creative Arts Council Book Awards.

In her book, In Name Only, author Ellen Gable takes her readers back to the Philadelphia of the 18^th century with a Cinderella story full of drama, romance, and tragedy.

The book's front cover shows two of Gable's distinctly symbolisms: first, the ledger book, symbolizing something old and valuable; second, a photograph of a woman standing in front of a window while looking outside, symbolizing enlightenment and security. These symbols are tangled with the storyline, as well as with Caroline Martin's predicaments, and her interaction with the two O'Donovan's brothers, Liam and David.

The book begins with Caroline Martin traveling from Boston to Philadelphia in a train, accompanied by her chaperone, Mrs. Shepherd. After the death of her father, Caroline finds herself alone in Boston. The only other living relatives that she has are her wealthy uncle Edward Martin and her cousin, Elizabeth, both of whom live in Philadelphia.

Tragedy and death seem to be Caroline's companion lately. Sadly, her chaperone dies on the train ride on their way to Philadelphia. Caroline is devastated and not thinking clearly. Luckily for her, Liam O'Donovan, a neighbor and business associate of her uncle Edward, is riding on the same train. Liam assists her during the remaining of the train trip and up to her arrival at Philadelphia's train station, where she is picked up by Kip, one of her uncle's servants.

Upon her arrival at uncle Edward's mansion, Caroline immediately realizes the class difference between them. Caroline's father was disinherited by her grandfather due to his marriage to a lower class woman, her mother. Caroline's mannerisms, the callous of her hands, and her attitudes toward the treatment of the servants hinted her lower class background.

As the story unfolds, Caroline finds love and despair on a marriage that appears to offer a way out of her past and hidden low class status. However, appearances could be deceiving, as Liam has a couple of secrets of his own that threaten to end her newly found happiness.

Just when Caroline is starting to enjoy peace and the love of her beloved husband Liam, death strikes once again and throws her into an earthly Purgatory with only one way out - an “In Name Only” marriage. Will Caroline accept and follow through with the marriage proposal to give her child a father and have financial security, or would she contempt it and deal with the consequences of her decision? Caroline's dilemma and decision will lead to an unforeseen end.

Gable's novels stand out from the rest based on her ability to create female characters with high moral standards and convictions. A male figure who is strong, caring, and protective of the woman he loves. And the tenderness of the courtship scenes are refreshing and, at the same time, nostalgic, considering the lack of elegance, gentleness and respect in today's relationship between a man and a woman.

In this book, David O'Donovan is an enigmatic man who also portrait those typically Gable's male's characteristics. He is the prodigal son who is humbled by life's circumstances, but after his ordeal is over, he comes out as a stronger and better man.

The only weakness that I found on this novel in contrast with her first book, Emily's Hope, was that I felt the family dynamics were not true to the knowledge we have about that time period.

I recommend this book to readers looking for a clean romance novel.

The trilogy, Hiding the Stranger, by Joan L. Kelly is a very entertaining action story for teens, weaved with moral and family values.

Katie Rivers' discovery of an unconscious and wounded teenager at their family farm will take the Rivers family into a web of crime, kidnapping, and identity crisis.

“Sam,” as Katie named the stranger, is suffering from amnesia due to a head injury and needs medical attention. However, his visit to the Emergency Room with the Rivers' kids might have given some clues about his whereabout to those desperately looking for him.

As the adventure continues, “Sam” starts to remember part of his past. However, he is unable to identify the men who are following him and who inspire so much fear on him.

The Rivers family will find themselves in the middle of a thriller adventure that will take them from their quiet neighborhood in Hickory Valley to the conclusion of the story at the historic Illinois Union Station.

Who are those strange people in town looking for Sam? Are they truly detectives hired by “Sam's” family to find him? Are they the bad guys? What is his real name? Why is he so afraid? Join Sam and the Rivers family to find the answers to these questions.

As a mother of a teen and a reviewer, whenever I receive a YA book for review, I share it with my son. After we both have read it, we exchange our impressions of it. I could tell if a book is good and if the author has reached his or her intended audience by the way my son reacts to the book. When the plot and the characters are well written and developed, my son will not let go of the book until he is done with it. This was my son's reaction to this book. He read it in two days because school workload didn't allow him to read it on one day, like I did.

We both enjoyed very much the way the author wrote an engaging story without the use of vulgar language - -even by the bad guys. I felt the religion content was moderate and atone with the story. Something that stood up for me on this story is the interaction of the Rivers family members and how they deal with each other. This dynamic could be used as a model to follow, since modern society has forgotten about crucial family values, such as caring, obedience, and respect, just to mention a few.

I highly recommend Hiding the Stranger to families and teens looking for a great action trilogy.

With Gaea, author Robina Williams joins the latest trend and goes green.

The book begins with a man dragging and kicking the body of a woman inside a ditch. Gaea, the Earth goddess, is unconscious, weak, and in severe distress due to men's constant brutal abuse and disrespect regarding nature's cycles and equilibrium. The animals of the forest are in awe at the scene unfolding in front of their eyes.

Quant comes into the scene disguised as Leo. He observes Gaea's condition and decides to help her. Together they go for a walk to the friary. During their walk Gaea complaints bitterly to Quant about men's selfish and reckless behavior and the suffering of her plants and animals. She also shares with Quant her idea of “how to teach men a lesson” they won't forget. Men must be stopped or better still get rid off once and for all!!!!! After all, the world was a better place before the Almighty created His beloved creatures, humans.

Quant listens to Gaea and tells her he shares her concerns for nature, too. However, he will show to her that not all men are reckless and disrespectful, and that some do care about nature and are doing their best to makes amends for the mistakes of the entire human race. Their visit to the friary was a refreshing experience for Gaea.

Gaea and Quant go to heaven where she has a meeting with the Almighty. There she continues her bitterly protest against humans. She states her case and requests permission to avenge her animals and nature. She wants humans wiped out of the entire planet! God reminds her that vengeance belongs to Him alone and he will not allow her or any of her family members to interfere with His plans for humanity. However, He grants her some lead way to teach men a lesson without causing too much damage.

Meanwhile, at the friary, Father Polycarp (Poly), the new guardian, announces his planned “green campaign” for the friary to the other brothers after one of their meals. This idea of having a garden with their homegrown fruits, vegetables, and some flower beds, at first, is not well received by the brothers. Most of them grumble, but are reminded by Fr. Polycarp of their vow of obedience. They all complied and adhered to Poly's guidelines for their “green campaign.” However, once they started to enjoy the fruit of their labor, the fuss is replaced with joy and gratitude.

During the rest of the story the reader will be taken to worlds known to humans only through tales, legends and myths. Or are they truly hidden from humans? The author's creativity shows an image of heaven never seen before. A place where saints have dragon pets that keep them busy and alert; Saints and other departed ones using their talents to fulfill the tasks assigned to them by their Creator, and Saints telling tales of their experiences as guardian angels and humans' silliness.

But not all places are pleasant like heaven. Gaea and Quant will be traveling to deep and frightening places where the condemned souls are constantly tortured with no way out, except upon the termination of their sentences. However, those places are inhabited also by some of Gaea's beloved family members. Together with Quant she travels from one pantheon to the next gathering allies and developing a plan that will satisfy her desires to take care of men and stay within the boundaries established by the Almighty. During their traveling Quant accompanied Gaea in his angelic form, a Seraph. Everywhere they go, Quant is looked at with suspicious eyes by the others. They know who he is and are wondering: why is he traveling with Gaea? How much authority do they really have on the scheme? Will Quant be influencing their decisions or maneuvers? All these questions will be answered as the reader travels along with Gaea and Quant through mysterious places and meet Gaea's family.

The end of the book is a celebration of victory and a waking call to humanity. I applaud the clever way in which the author incorporates today's concerns for the environment and weaves them into a story with elements from the world we know and the forces governing it, which are beyond our human understanding and comprehension.

Gaea is different from the two previous books in the Quant series. This one is an entertaining and innovative story that creates awareness of how our human behaviors affect other life forms sharing the planet with us. If we all do our part and measure up to the task, maybe we will receive an invitation to join the celebration at the end of the book.

A Pirate's Charm is the first book in the Lore's trilogy written by the young and ingenious author, C.T. Douglas.

The story begins in 1780 in the island of Barbados. During a stormy night, Molly Bishops is running for her life from a group of dangerous men wearing black coats. Her only hope is to reach the harbor and find a ship scheduled to depart that night. On her way, she finds momentary refuge from the rain and her pursuers at the house of a fortuneteller.

After Molly enters the house, the old man's daughter brings her to a room where the fortuneteller lays sick in bed with an important message for the visitor. He grabs a pile of animal bones and few pebbles and casts them several times on the dirt floor as a mean to predict Molly's adventurous future which includes a sick werewolf. Aware that Molly is being chased, the old man urges her to flee his house. She continues her way to the harbor for the beginning of an odyssey that will change her life forever.

At the harbor, the only seaman daring to navigate under the stormy conditions is the famous pirate, Captain Thomas Crowe. In her desperation, Molly forces her way onto his ship and negotiates for a safe voyage. After seeing Molly's pursuers in the black coats, Capt. Crowe allows her to remain aboard and, given her lack of pirating experience, assigns her to the kitchen.

During their travels Capt. Crowe discloses important information to Molly including the truth regarding her father, a famous and distinguished gemseeker who she thought dead. Gemseekers were people whose oddly shaped irises gave them the ability to determine the magical capacity of a precious stone and use that power with spells, etc. He also teaches her how to read the different types of marine and star charts she'll need to decipher for Capt. Crowe a map hidden inside a gem. In the event that something happens to him, Molly must be responsible to lead his crew to their final destination.

As the story unfolds, Molly begins to understand Crowe's unusual crew, the riddles of the old fortuneteller, and her essential role in the fulfillment of his prophecies. Toward the end of the book, Capt. Crowe must confront and fight against his brother Harlan in order to find relief from his sufferings and keep Molly safe.

The narrative is captivating and full of details about Capt. Crowe's travels as well as crucial background information that helps readers understand all of the twisted paths the author will dare them to follow.

A Pirate's Charm is a skillfully written epic with elements of One Thousand and One Nights, The Flying Dutchman, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Twilight series, and urban legends. The cliffhanger ending, will leave the reader eagerly awaiting its sequel, East and Eight.

A highly recommended tale for teens, older readers, and for anybody who enjoys a fascinating tale entwined with action, suspense, and well structured and developed characters and situations. Douglas' trilogy has all the elements to emerge as a blockbuster movie!

The Shark Whisperer is the first book in the Tristan Hunt and the Sea Guardians series by marine scientist and author Dr. Ellen Prager. Although a work of fiction, the story contains elements of the author’s scientific knowledge and job experience as well as descriptions of fascinating places where she has worked or visited.

The story begins with Tristan and his family’s visit to the Sarasota Aquarium in Florida.” As he leans over the shark pool's railing trying to get a better look, he falls into the water. At first Tristan is in shock and afraid of becoming the sharks' next meal, but he soon notices the animals are not trying to attack or hurt him, and are instead playing with him. Tristan feels so at ease that he even swims with the sharks before being abruptly pulled out of the pool. After this experience, Tristan becomes obsessed with sharks.

Two weeks later Tristan and other gifted teens attend the Summer Sea Camp at the Florida Keys Sea Park, where teenagers learn about sea life, and learn how to handle sea creatures. Additionally, campers sharpen their newly discovered aquatic skills in among other things, camouflage, underwater night vision, ability to swim in tight spaces, echolocation, and communication with sharks, dolphins, birds, and other sea creatures.

A few weeks into the camp session, the administrators receive numerous complaints about fishing practices that threaten the local shark population. A group of older and experienced teens are sent to investigate but they are captured by the perpetrators. Tristan, his friends, the camp administrators, and the sea creatures join forces in a daring life-threatening rescue operation that will change their lives forever. An important scene from the rescue mission is depicted on the book’s cover.

The author will take Tristan, his friends, and the reader into an exhilarating, dramatic, and captivating underwater adventure as engaging as a Jules Verne classic but with a sprinkling of the Dr. Dolittle, Harry Potter, X-Men, and Percy Jackson stories.

The Shark Whisperer is more than just a great story. It teaches teens about teamwork, discipline, leadership, self esteem, motivation, and the consequences of one's actions, not to mention the importance of protecting our environment. For that reason, I highly recommend this book, not just to its target audience of teens, but also to young adults, families, and youth educators.

The boy who changed the world, by Andy Andrews, is an enjoyable picture book for the entire family. The message is simple but very profound-- the unforeseen consequences that our actions and decisions have on ourselves and others.

The author shares with young readers the story of four boys; Norman, Henry, George, and Moses, whose lives would be entwined through their gift of caring. They grow up into adults that found ways to use their knowledge and caring nature for the benefit of many.

The storyline, its simple vocabulary, and the vivid images would captive young readers and make them think about how a great idea, no matter how small, could be nourished to make a difference in the world. And how their actions could lead to unforeseen consequences.

I highly recommend this book to parents and to those working with young readers who are looking for an easy to understand picture book with a powerful message.

His Name is Jesus is a compendium of Jesus' humanity, based on key events that shaped Him as a human being, prepared Him for his ministry, and transformed Him into our door to Heaven.

Max Lucado takes us in a journey to explore Jesus' life from his earthly beginning to his divine resurrection. He shares with us his insights and shows us a very human Jesus, without overlooking his divinity.

The book is divided in five sections and within each section, the author highlights Jesus' most significant moments. Each section and meditation is accompanied with an illustration to allow the reader to relax and meditate on its message. Mr. Lucado profound comments and easy to follow narrative style enable the reader to understand the promise of God's love fulfilled in Jesus. The book ends with an exhortation to accept Jesus' invitation to carry our own cross and follow Him to Paradise.

I highly recommend this book for readers searching for a simple way to understand Jesus' divine humanity and His purpose for our lives.

In his book, Fearless, author Max Lucado shares with his readers real life stories weaved together with Jesus' teachings. He also shares words of encouragement to conquer their fears by trusting in Him.

The book cover shows a fearless young boy jumping into a deep blue lake with open arms as he is enjoying the freedom of the moment and the knowledge that everything will be ok. God wants us to be like children and go through life Fearless.

The book is divided in 14 easy to understand chapters with topics that the reader could easily identify with. Each chapter ends with a small summary of the roots of the fear and its conquest. The book concludes with a discussion guide to help the reader to maneuver through life Fearless.

I have been a big Max Lucado fan for many years, however, I had a very hard time following this book. Although the stories and Bible principles discussed are easy to understand, I was not very impressed with it. I felt his previous book, His Name is Jesus, was more complete and inspiring than this one. I had the impression that Max rushed through the writing of this book to meet a publishing deadline.

Nevertheless, in spite of my personal disappointment with this book, I can recommend it to people who are looking for a book and study guide to help them live a Fearless life - while trusting the Word of God.