Taken by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

So, after much searching online, I could not find a synopsis for this book. Since it's such a large series of books, they have just a synopsis type deals describe the WHOLE series. We didn't want that. So, I'll tell you a little bit about it in my own words. :)

This is the first book in the Left Behind Kids series, there is also an adult version. It tells 4 stories of 4 very different children and how they are all also connected in someway. When disappearances start to happen across the globe, it has been realized that the Rapture has begun. With their family's gone, Judd, Ryan, Vicki, and Lionel must hang onto their faith to get them through the next 7 years, the Tribulation. If not, they could end up in hell, without their family's. Taken brings the 4 children together and kicks off the series on a good note. 

Rate: 3 out of 5 stars

Okay, I can't lie, I really enjoyed this book. It's definitely a great series to have your preteen/young teen children read. I was really interested in seeing how the authors would bring the 4 children together, how they were going to connect, and that was really cool! I give them kudos for that. I read this book mainly because my best friend has the whole series, and I figured I could just steal them all from her to read. :) And yes, I will finish to series, I've grown a connection to the characters. The story is interesting, creative.

What I didn't like was the writing. I felt as if it was very poor. I think that the authors have a great story line here, the book has great potential, but the writing. I just didn't like it. Yes, I realize this not the adult version, so, it has to be possible for younger children to read. I get that. But, even when discussing these books with my English teacher, who has read both the adult and children series, she agreed that both sets of books have very poor writing. Honestly, I think that's what knocked this book down to a three. The idea of the book is wonderful! I just think the writing needs a little bit of work

This book is perfect for maybe children who are part of a family of faith and don't quite understand, or need more explanation. It's very straight forward and could easily lay it out for children. I've started the second book, and it does kind of get more confusing, in that aspect. As I've talk to my best friend, she tells me as the books progress it gets even more confusing, because they bring in so many new characters that it's kinda hard to keep track of different peoples stories. But, as of the first book, I don't see that being a problem. Like I said, I plan on finishing the series, which I believe has 10 books, not positive. 

But, if you're looking for a good book for your children, and you feel comfortable with them reading about religion, the Rapture, and things of that nature, I recommend this book for you for your children. :) I think that if they are in their older teens, I could recommend the adult version more. Although I haven't read it, multiple people told me that I should have read that version instead, which I probably will.  It's a great read, and the story actually seems to move very quickly! 

Jordan

At What Cost Release!

Hey guys! Today is an awesome day, and no, not because it's the only day this week that I don't have a regents exam. Today is awesome because it's the book release of At What Cost. 

I'm excited about this for lots of reasons. A. The author is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. B. She used to be my middle school English teacher. C. After years of  her hard, hard work, she deserves the most amazing release day ever. D. I know deep in my heart that  I am going to love this book.

Here's the synopsis: During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side. 

While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. But an easy decision becomes difficult when Maggie’s aunt discovers her secret and sets out on a mission to stop the abortion, putting a kink in Maggie’s plan. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel.

Sounds awesome right? Show J. Andersen some love! 

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I believe that it's only available for e-readers as of right now, but, keep your eyes open for hard copies.


Thanks for stopping buy, make sure you follow Sleep. Eat. Read., and support J. Andersen.


And to my Mrs A. Congratulations. You deserve this more than anyone I know! ♥


Be kind to one another! 


Jordan

Dust Lands by Moira Young

Synopsis: Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.

Rating:  3 out of 5

Honestly, the only reason that I read this book was because it was chosen to be read for our school book club. Any other day, I don't think that I would have picked it up off the shelves. But, I was a trooper and finished it anyway.

I'm not going to lie, the book was good. But, there were some things that really bothered me. Like the way they spoke. I understand not having perfect grammar, but I tried and tried to get used to the way they spoke, and still, at the end of the book, I hadn't gotten used to it. For me, that kinda took away from the book. And Saba. Her character REALLY annoyed me. I was hoping it would be something that I would get over, but I just didn't. She was soooo clingy to her brother. Overly clingy. I mean, I get it. If one of my siblings was taken away by some weird people I didn't know, I'd run after him too. I'd care. I'd be worried. But the way all she thought about was Lugh, how she totally pushed her little sister aside. She needed help too. She was suffering too. Saba just really really bothered me throughout the whole book. 

But, besides that, and a few other things, I really enjoyed this book. The plot was great. When I first started off, I was kinda concerned. This girl traveling days and days to try and find her brother. How was the author going to keep it interesting? But, she did it. Between cage fighting, and crazy worms, she made it work! 

Oh, and the relationship between Saba and Jack. It was adorable! Kinda child like. Like 12 year olds, they didn't really act their age, but it was cute! 

I think I'd have to say that my favorite character was Nero. Yes, the crow. He watched over all of them all the time. He was always there whenever they needed anything. To get a message sent, to be all lovey. He was just there, and I liked that about him. :)

When it comes down to it, this book definitely wasn't a 5 star book, and with all the things that really bugged me, I couldn't give it a 4. I'm also curious. I'm pretty sure that this is going to be a trilogy. I'm not sure what more she can do in two more books. I think I'd be up to reading them just to see what she does, how she can make it interesting.

In the end, it wasn't the plot that got me, that was GREAT. It was the characters. They really bugged me, and I couldn't really connect with any of them. When I'm reading a book, connecting with characters is a big thing for me, and this book lacked in that department.

But, if you like fighting, and cute couples, and fighter chicks, you might like this book!

Jordan