Title: Upside Down
Series: A Vampire Tale
Author: Jess Smart Smiley
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
Expected Date of Publication: October 16, 2012
Format: hardcover, 144 pages
Source: eARC from publisher via Net Galley for honest opinion of it.
Harold is a friendly young vampire - but he loves candy so much, the dentist might have to pull his teeth! Now, what if he and the dentist, plus a couple friendly bats, all get caught up in the evil plots of the local witch? It's a wild magical romp for all ages, just in time for Halloween!
-Goodreads summary
Mom's Thoughts:
I was really hoping that this would be a great friendly vampire story kids to enjoy for Halloween. Harold was friendly indeed, but he fell a little flat for me as a character. The book is set up in comic book style, which seemed to be good idea for the older kids but unfortunately, the plot just couldn't keep our interest piqued.
From a mom's perspective, I understand the moral hidden among the funny images and story line and I couldn't agree more with it. But the delivery of it just couldn't be carried through enough for my kids to take anything away from reading this.
I also would have liked a little more variety of colors instead of the dull monotone of green and black throughout the novel.
Even though this wasn't something that could keep us entertained; if you like funny vampires, a mean witch, and the dentist, this unlikely combination might just be what you are looking for.
We gave it 2 stars.
You can pre-order your copy at:
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Title: The Eyes of the Desert Sand
Series: Chrysalis Chronicles
Author: Edwin Wolfe
Publisher: Aauvi House Publishing Group
Date of Publication: January 11, 2012
Format: paperback, 320 pages
Source: received from the author for our honest opinion of it.
Goodreads Summary:
How many parents would believe their thirteen year old son who told them that two vampires and a hooded stranger had tried to abduct him? Strange thing is, young Ethan Fox is convinced his parents, George and Betsy do believe him. Could it have something to do with the mysterious poem he wrote in his sleep? Or maybe it has something to do with his past, the past he cannot remember before his eighth birthday. Something strange is afoot, and it is about to turn Ethan’s world upside down.While vacationing with his parents, to get away from the crazy events of the previous two weeks, Ethan encounters a young girl named Haley Hunt who he is strongly drawn to… and the feeling is mutual. Together, Ethan and Haley are lured to The Residence, home of the Caretakers, an organization of intelligent beings sent to earth to nurture the human race and protect them from un-earthly influences.Armed with special abilities, including the power to evolve any earthly creature, the Caretakers take in their unexpected guests. They have been watching young Ethan Fox, and are curious as to why the Grimleavers, their mortal enemy on earth, would want to abduct a young human child. Together, Ethan and Haley journey to magical worlds, make new friends, and help the Caretakers unravel the stories greatest mysteries. Along the way, they learn that the Caretakers have been here since the beginning of human history and have played a key role in shaping human lore. In their world, vampires, werewolves, trolls, and even Medusa herself really do exist but have been kept hidden from the human world around them. Ethan is the key as they ultimately discover the Grimleavers true intentions, to unlock the four portals to the elemental worlds of the Chrysalis
Mom's Thoughts:
This is a interesting story that mixes the two genres of fantasy and science fiction to create a great adventure for middle grade students.
Ethan Fox is a wonderful protagonist in this story. He is smart, funny, a good kid in general, and has a pretty cool family, including his dad that makes video games. And then we have Haley Hunt, who is the mysterious girl that just shows up in Ethan's life. She is definitely an enigma. She seems like she is much more but has no memory of where she comes from, just like Ethan's foggy past too. But Ethan and Haley seem to draw strength from each other, which makes their friendship even more special.
This story takes an unique perspective on the idea of evolution including the idea of an advanced race having a hand in this process. These characters are called The Caretakers which seems like such a fitting name since they seem to take care of the inhabitants of Earth as well as the magical beings here too. We have so many different fantastical creatures including vampires.
There are parts that tend to drag a little but it seems to balance out with all the amazing creatures we get to meet in this story.
There were parts that made me think of Harry Potter's world, but Wolfe takes these similarities and puts his own creative spin on it. He creates a brand new fantasy world that I can't wait to see what else happens in it.
Anthony's Take:
This was a really cool book! I liked the cover with all the eyes on the sand. It was a little freaky but really neat too!
I loved the fact it had vampires in it but it was still a kids' book. Ethan is a pretty cool guy and his dad makes videogames. That is a really big plus for me!
The Grimleavers were scary but exciting, especially when they tried to kidnap Ethan.
Haley was pretty cool too. She seemed like a really good friend and helped Ethan make sense of these new environments he travels to with the Caretakers. RGB was really funny. I liked them a lot. I think kids 9 and up could enjoy and get into this book really good.
Conner's Ideas:
Haley and Ethan are great characters to follow through this adventurous story about beings from outer space watching over Earth and all of its creatures. The Grimleavers are the bad guys that keep trying to kidnap Ethan and they have vampires. How freaky is that?
While I was reading this, it made me think of Star Trek(I have watched it with my Nana a couple of times) especially when Haley and Ethan find the hidden room in the garden with Daavic's help.
That was really cool! I am still not sure why Haley and Ethan was so scared of The Hall of Doorways, unless they were afraid of getting lost. Personally, I think it would be fun to play hide and seek in there.
I really liked Mrs. Moongarden too. She reminded me of my Nana working in her garden, except Mrs. Moongarden's creations in the garden were a lot more cooler!
I have to give this story four stars and I can't wait to read other books by Mr. Wolfe.
Favorite parts:
Mom: When Haley and Ethan visit Mrs. Moongarden and learn everything about the plants in it. Those were some very interesting trees and flowers.
Anthony: I liked the whole book! I didn't really have a favorite part because it all rocked!
Conner: Me too! Though, I do like how the Caretakers travel with the portal books. I sure do wish I could get one of those!
We give The Eyes of the Desert Sand four stars!
