Willoughby Review

My friend Pam Halter along with artist Kim Sponaugle have just released Book 1 of the Willoughby and Friends.

I love stories- I especially love Children’s stories that allow my kids to go to imaginary worlds. Willoughby and the Terribly Itchy Itch is a fun story. One of a dragon trying desperately to rid himself of an itch. An itch he can’t seem to get rid of. This is a story that shows friends coming together to help each other out- Even when it seems hopeless. In a world where negativity seems to be the focus we can rest in knowing that our true friends will help us in the most irritating times.

This book is a great introduction to a nice new series of Children’s books. The art work by Kim Sponaugle is incredible and the story by Pam Halter is tight. I look forward to more adventures of Willoughby and his friends.

Brave Chef Brianna – Review

There is no question I love Comic Books- I’m the geek guy in line every Wednesday when the doors open because it’s new comic book day. I especially love it when I come across a new miniseries. Imagine my surprise when I saw Sam Sykes on the cover of one issue today.

I’ve been following Sam a while now. He is fun to follow on Twitter and has written one heck of a Fantasy Series in “The City Stained Red” – The dude has got talent as an author, and I respect that.

This week Boom Studios released their new comic miniseries Brave Chef Brianna. The four issues series is being written by Sam Sykes with art by Selina Espiritu & Bridget Underwood and colors by Sarah Stern.

It follows the journey of Brianna Jakobsson fresh out of culinary school. She is part of a large family with a famous chef father and fifteen brothers who are also chefs.

Trying to prove herself with the hopes of inheriting her father’s legacy- Brianna moves to a new city to open her restaurant- But this isn’t just any city: It’s Monster City- Where Human food isn’t exactly something locals are accustomed to.

This is a story about a girl moving some place unfamiliar- Overcoming her anxiety and self-doubt- Something that many of us have struggled with in life. It’s the search not just to prove to her family (or herself) that should be among them- But that she is finding out what makes her happy. What makes her smile.

In life so many times we simply settle. Sometimes because we didn’t have the confidence to continue, other times because no one believed in us, so we gave up. Regardless- Little Brianna teaches us to keep going and to be brave.

I’m so excited about the rest of this series and can’t wait to find more unique monsters through the story. Check it out- You will love it.

Jesus & the Beanstalk Review

“We live in a world populated with Giants.”

I dove into this book on a plane ride back home one afternoon. I expected to knock out the introduction then catch a quick nap. After the first line I was hooked. Every where I turned I was reminded of my own life. Before I knew it my flight was landing and I was having to jump off and catch my connection.

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Lori Roeleveld’s new book Jesus & the Beanstalk takes the classic fairy tale Jack & the beanstalk and lines it up with powerful Biblical truths. Reminding us that there is power is the small things- like beans. That at times we toss aside our faith, listening to the doubts of the world, and never experience the power to slay the Giants that invade our lives.

As I read this I looked back on my own life. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the countless times I failed. Only to realize that during those times I was relying on my own self-centered self. That I was making life about me, my achievements, and my ambitions. It was only when I allowed the Power of Christ to rule my life that I saw my Giants slain.

Jesus and the Beanstalk is a personal story of how the author overcame her own Giants- Walking us through 1 Peter ch 1 we learn 8 incredible truths to live larger than life faith.

I give this book five stars and highly recommend it as something to read in groups or alongside your personal daily Bible study. Lori has an excellent grasp on a doctrine that is Biblically based.

The Fireman- By Joe Hill

It’s been a bit since I blogged, but in my defense I’ve been rather busy with a new Sci Fi Trilogy I’ve been writing… Thankfully book one is done and I’m taking a bit of a break before I jump into editing…

Which means that for the month of July I plan to be reading quite a bit!!!

First up is The Fireman by Joe Hill. At the moment I’m about 35% done with this 700 + page monster, and I’m rather enjoying it. I love horror and Joe is pulling no punches with this story!!! What is on your reading list this month?

Personal Reflections on “A Time to Speak”

I must admit. Writing a post about a book is one of the most difficult things for me to do. Especially when you want to show how incredible a book has moved you. How on earth does one express the joys of a story in only a few hundred words? It’s near impossible.

I considered quoting a passage that I particularly loved. But honestly, what’s the point. Once I stepped across the threshold and started I’m not sure where I would stop quoting. The list is endless.

Let me simply say this with all honesty: I love this Series. I can’t wait to dive back into this world again. And I cannot wait for the release of book 3.

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There is a certain beauty within these pages. One founded on Truth that echoes across a canyon like distant thunder. Cheesy I know– But I ‘m a geek who finds himself moved by words and the pictures they paint.

I realize that what I write here may not be seen as a review- And I’m okay with that. Because a review can’t really display exactly the way a story makes you feel. It can’t show beauty, pain, or make one feel the pulse of your heart as you race with a character while the stakes grow larger. Only the pure enjoyment of a story can do that. All I can do is provide what I hope is more meaningful- A nod of approval. And a challenge to dive in.

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I was honored to receive an advanced copy of book two in Nadine Brandes “Out of Time Series.”

A Time to Speak starts off directly where the first book left us. And the first lines are just as powerful as book one, setting the tone for the rest of the story:

“I’ve been robbed of my death.

A date was set, a coffin prepared,

and a grave dug in the earth, yet I breathe against my own will…

Parvin Blackwater is struggling with acceptance. With accepting the death of her twin brother, accepting the fact that the clock that counted down to zero (or her death) was in fact not hers, and accepting that she is alive. But Parvin Blackwater of Book 2 is different. And despite a weight of blame she feels for what may have happened- She is determined. The line on page 3 sets her arc for the book up:

“I don’t have the energy to be offended… I need to get moving, start fixing all the brokenness clouding my village. I have a calling to fulfill…”

Her trust in both God and others doesn’t come near as easy as it once did and as a result there is a struggle within.

But that’s the entire point of A Time to Speak. Stepping out, and taking a step of faith. So many times we look throughout life and see injustice being done. From those that may be weak and have no voice or power to influence, to those that distort and twist God’s word for their own ambitions, to the preying on of young innocents, time and time again we feel a sense, a calling, an urge to speak out and proclaim truth- But instead we find ourselves cowering back and living in the midst of shadows.

Parvin Blackwater gives us hope that we can be more than simply silent figurines on a mantle.

Let me leave by saying this: Fiction by no mean is truth. It is not scripture in the least bit. But it is built off a worldview the author has. And when that worldview has God’s word as a foundation, then light can’t help but seep through. The truths that come out through this story are theologically and doctrinally sound. And as a result… It speaks and challenges me in ways very few stories can. It leaves me hungry and craving more.

The last lines in this second book are powerful. More powerful then the first. The questions that burn in my mind are endless. So be warned- And be prepared to leave this story with Goosebumps.

 

Be sure to check back in this Monday October 12th: I’ll be interviewing Nadine where we discuss all things Books…

Also Nadine will be having a Facebook Launch Party on October 20th. You can sign up to attend through the pic below.

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If you are interested in connecting with Nadine or learning more about her and her work you can do so through the following links below.