Touchback by Don Handfield: 5+ stars

Let me just say right off that this goes on my Highly-recommended-and-I’ll-tell-everyone-I-know-to-read-it list. Yes, I have just such a list. It’s not very long. This book definitely makes it on.

So I guess you can say I really, really liked this book. 

The basic premise is familiar: what if you were given a second chance to change the moment that destroyed your life? That’s exactly what Murphy, a former high school football star, gets. Two completely different futures hinge on what he decides. He’s okay with that, but what he didn’t expect was that either way, a sacrifice is required.

This book works on several levels: as a story about second chances; superb character development and descriptions; as a reflection on what sacrifice and love really are; and ultimately about figuring out what’s really important. This is an easy read with profound consequences. Go buy it.

http://www.amazon.com/Touchback-ebook/dp/B007TXT9XA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1349339357&sr=1-1&keywords=Touchback

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Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey: 5 stars

Occasionally I read a book that sinks its teeth into me, rather than the other way around. This week, I read two such books back-to-back: Touchback and Cold Kiss. I actually couldn’t start another book right away, and had to pause for a while after each of these to let the ending and the overall emotional echo really sink in.

When Danny dies in a car crash, Wren is heartbroken. Until she finds a way to bring him back. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned and she learns too late that bringing back the dead doesn’t bring back everything. Now she has to figure out what to do with a creature who looks like her beloved but isn’t really him, all the while hiding the truth, keeping up with her homework and avoiding a new student who has figured out what she is.

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey is unlike any other YA paranormal book I’ve ever read. Intensely written, emotionally deep – not how I would describe the average YA book out there. The characters were real and unique, with clear voices and intriguing backgrounds. I highly recommend this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Kiss-ebook/dp/B004U73BUK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1349696926&sr=1-1&keywords=Cold+Kiss

Cassidy Jones and the Vulcan’s Gift, by Elise Stokes: 5 star

I hate giving 5 stars. Here’s why:

a)     There are people out there who suspect that 5 stars are from best friends or review swaps or paid for etc (I write only honest reviews, with no incentives or favours given or received); and

b)    What if the author’s next book is even better and you can’t give out more stars?!

But sometimes I just can’t resist. This is definitely one of those times. I loved this book! Seriously, and I’m not a young adult. In ‘Cassidy Jones and the Vulcan’s Gift’, Cassidy and Emery are back for more adventure as they try to capture a runaway tiger and stop an evil plot that could lead to world domination. What’s not to love, right?

More specifically, I loved the complex characters that Elise Stokes has created. Even the ‘minor’ characters are real and have a life. Cassidy and Emery don’t fit into the typical YA lit stereotype, in which one character (usually the girl) is waiting to be rescued or protected by the other; nor are they trying to prove anything or kill off another tribe or gang or whatever. I like how Cassidy’s family is united without being sappy about it. The parents are actually intelligent and connected with their kids’ lives. There’s a good balance of adventure, mystery, drama and humour with a touch of romance (but not too much, thank heavens).

What I don’t like: Book #3 isn’t out yet. Ugh. I want more.

Definitely highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun read! 

http://www.amazon.com/Cassidy-Jones-Vulcans-Adventures-ebook/dp/B006HYLY3K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349250123&sr=8-2&keywords=cassidy+jones+and+vulcan%27s+gift

Scars of the Prophet, by Mingo Kane: 5+ stars

Sincerely, five stars are not enough for this masterfully written story by Mingo Kane. A young marine comes home after his third tour of duty in Iraq, and struggles to adapt to a society he doesn’t fit into anymore. As he buses across the country, Tom tries to grapple with interacting with his fellow passengers while experiencing a series of flashbacks to his time in Iraq. The plot is tight, the imagery searing, the writing rich and poetic, and the story deeply memorable. Scars of the Prophet will linger with you long after you turn the last page. I can’t recommend it enough, and I know I’ll be reading this book again.

http://www.amazon.com/Scars-Prophet-Novel-Romance-ebook/dp/B005UTVLT0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1344331490&sr=1-1&keywords=scars+of+the+prophet

The Priest, by Monica La Porta: 4 stars

Mauricio is a man, and therefore a slave. Rosie is the President’s daughter in a society where women do not befriend men. The Priest by Monica La Porta is the story of what happens when two people break social taboos and fight against the laws and norms that keep them apart.

What I loved: Original and beautifully written. Vivid descriptions but not heavy handed. Great world building. I felt completely immersed in the believable and highly unorthodox society of Rosie and Mauricio. Some of the scenes are incredibly poignant and heart rendering. One of my favourites was when Mauricio is put in a room with a window, and sees sunlight for the first time in his life. 

What I didn’t like: This isn’t a major issue, but the last few chapters felt like they should have been another book in the series, more detailed and developed. There was just so much there – characters, new situations etc – that I wanted to know more about. Or at least there could have been another chapter linking the story to the end chapters.

Overall – this is going on my ‘highly recommended’ list!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Priest-Ginecean-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B0075XAFWS/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1349250458&sr=1-4&keywords=The+Priest