Book Review: Scar and the Wolf: The Plainfield Chronicles by Plainfield Press

Title: Scar and the Wolf
Author: Plainfield Press
Series: The Plainfield Chronicles
Publisher/Publication: Plainfield Press/ Jan. 23, 2013
Source: picked up an e book copy for free and received from authors for honest review.

From Amazon:

Scarlet Bone is a zombie girl with one big problem.
It’s not that she’s missing a nose (zombie parts go missing all the time). It’s not that she’s turning 13 today and her parents just gave her a massive chore to do. It’s not even the stray arm she found in the street -- the one that’s giving her so much trouble. No, Scarlet’s problem is that she’s about to end up on the wrong side of a wolf: the inside.
Welcome to the strange, yet strangely familiar world of the Plainfield Chronicles. In The Plainfield Chronicles: Scar and the Wolf, the series’ debut novel, you’ll find a story you recognize, but one you've never read before.
A girl's parents tell her she needs to take a special package to Grandmother's house, deep in the woods. She puts on her red riding hood and sets out, alone. She encounters a wolf, and reveals to him what she's doing and where she's headed. She gets distracted on her journey and arrives late to Grandma's. Too late. Grandma? Is that you? Something seems amiss.
What big ears you have.What big eyes you have.What big teeth you have.

Scar and the Wolf is the Little Red Riding Hood for our time — one with zombies, music, and lost body parts just trying to find their way home.

As of right now Scar and the Wolf is free for the Kindle.

Mom's Thoughts:
I loved this modern day re telling of Little Red Riding Hood!  Scarlet is an unique and very interesting little girl that I really enjoyed reading about as well as reading to my sons about too. 
My four year loves zombies (not sure why since he has never watched anything with zombies  in it) and the older boys don't really care either way about them.  
After I read the book, I just knew I had to read it to the boys out loud.  The chapters are fun and not too long at all, so younger children can really enjoy the book without getting bored with it.  Also, there isn't really anything bloody or gory in the plot line so it is great for younger kids too.  
I loved all the little rules that Scarlet's mom and dad tell her to do so she can become a more grown up zombie.  That is a great way to teach your kids that following the rules makes all the difference in the world.  {Of course, I guess I couldn't say the wolf would eat their grandma though}  
All in all, this is a great little story with a wonderful lead character that has so much to offer if she can stop long enough to realize its okay to be different.  I think this story is great for boys, girls, moms, dads, and the age group 6 + {of course this depends on your child.  I have a four year old that believes he is a ninja and is always battling the "bad guys" so he was able to handle this just fine.} 
One more thing: there were some parts that the boys liked to call "booger" parts.  This means that there were some gross parts in it.  Not gross gross; but funny gross.  I know it is confusing but I have learned living with boys there is a difference.  And yes, I did laugh at it too.
I can't wait to read the next book and find out more about the other interesting characters as well as see what else happens to Scarlet, the surfing Grandma, and the rest of the funny little zombies.  
Plus I swear Scarlet is the cutest little zombie I have ever seen!  Don't your think so?  
****

Jacey (4 years old)
My mommy read this to me every night.  There wasn't a lot of pictures but I thought the story was pretty funny.  I liked the beetle box and when she cleaned out her nose holes.  That was gross and me and all my brothers said, "EWWW!" at the same time.  It was pretty funny.  
My dad likes to read the Walking Dead comic book but I am not allowed to look at that at all but I like Scar and the Wolf.  Its like zombies for me.  My dad read a chapter to me and told me now I have my own zombie book too.  I like that a lot.  
I also thought Scarlet's Grandma was really cool.  My grandma is cool like that too. She doesn't surf, though, but she does do a lot of other things like rafting.  All I know about rafting is there is a boat and lots of water and it is rough.  
But I think everyone should read this book because it is really funny and the titles of the chapters are cool.  

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Links to Buy:
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*Scar and the Wolf is our choice for the Kid Lit Blog Hop!  If you are interested in this please visit Mother Daughter Book Reviews to find out how you can participate in this awesome hop for Kid Literature!  

Blog Tour: The Trickster's Totem by H.B. Bolton : Anthony's Outlook on The Serpent's Ring and The Trickster's Totem + Giveaway

Hi everybody!  This is my first ever blog tour!! I am really excited that Mom (Read to My Heart's Content) had got us involved in this great blog tour.  I want to say thank you to the author, H.B. Bolton, for sending us these books and signing them as well.  Also, thanks to CBB Book Promotions for giving me this chance to be a part of this adventure!  

So my mom wanted my brother, Conner, and me to read and review both books but Conner really got behind on the reading so I am the only one that will be sharing my thoughts here.  Which I think that is completely okay because I get all of you to myself..bwahahahaha!  
I hope you have fun here and remember to visit the other blogs on the tour.  And you can jump over to my mom's blog and see her thoughts on both books too.  And be sure to visit the Tour Page at Candace's Book Blog to see the schedule!

Title: The Serpent's Ring

Series: Relics of Mysticus-Book #1

Author: H.B. Bolton

* The Serpent's Ring is free for the Kindle between May 28-June 1st*

Book Summary:

Evan and Claire Jones are typical teenagers, forced to go with their parents to yet another boring museum ... that is, until something extraordinary happens to make their day a little more than interesting. After following a strange little creature into a closed exhibit, Evan and his older sister, Claire, discover the Serpent’s Ring, one of the magical relics formed from the shattered Mysticus Orb. Purely by accident, they have awakened its powers and opened a portal to Sagaas, land of ancient gods.

Before the siblings can comprehend what has happened, the Serpent’s Ring is wrenched from Evan’s hand by an enormous fish and flown back to Aegir, the Norse god of the sea. Evan and Claire, accompanied by a band of unlikely heroes, must retrieve the Serpent’s Ring before Aegir uses its immense powers to flood all the lands on Earth.

Book Links:

Amazon | GoodReads | Barnes & Noble 

Anthony's Thoughts (9 years old)
I really really enjoyed The Serpent's Ring, book 1 in the Relics of Mysticus series.  It reminded me a lot of the Percy Jackson series, especially with the mythology that is mixed in with the story.  
I also liked that the first book is based on characters from Norse mythology, instead of Greek or Roman.  It seems like the Greek gods are more popular and used in a lot of books and I really liked learning about the Norse beliefs here instead.  
The characters, Claire and Evan, are brother and sister.  I don't have a sister but I do have three other brothers and we argue a lot (or at least Mom says we do); Claire and Evan remind me of the relationship I have with my brothers.  They argue and pick on each other but when the other is in trouble, they are right there checking to make sure everything is okay.  
Evan is super funny and I laughed a lot at some of his jokes throughout the story.  
Besides these two, I also liked Dunkle, especially when he gets scared or nervous.  Stinky!  When I think of it, I believe Conner and Dunkle have a lot in common.  
All of these characters go on a lot of adventures like visiting an island with giants, going to a place very similar to Atlantis, and trying to save the world.  
I loved the creativity the author shows with the different names of the food in Sagaas , as well as the powers Claire and Evan receive while on the journey.  
There is a little romance but nothing too bad, thank goodness.  
I think The Serpent's Ring is a great book for anyone 9 years and up.
I give it five stars!  *****
The only thing that would make this book better is if it had its own movie to go with it!!

Title: The Trickster's Totem

Series: Relics of Mysticus book 2

Author: H.B. Bolton

Book Summary:

Life has returned to normal for fourteen-year-old Evan and his older sister, Claire. That is until Dunkle, a clever but stinky little imp, pays an unexpected visit to their school. He has come to take the siblings back to Sagaas, the mythical realm of the gods. Once again, a Relic from the ancient Mysticus Orb has fallen into the wrong hands. Only Evan and Claire, with their unique mystical abilities, can help find it.

Through the power of the Trickster’s Totem, a coyote trickster has escaped. His laughter echoes throughout the realm, as he spreads mischief and mayhem. He burns an entire crop of popcorn, carves his grinning image into sacred artifacts, and things really get interesting when he shape-shifts into Evan’s friends.

Claire and Evan must capture the Trickster, retrieve the Totem, and be careful not to become sidetracked by robotic Steampunk animals, “sweet” pixie-like Pains, and a problematic mermaid … all while dodging Mothman-like aces. Most surprising, Evan discovers the true reason dragons exist in the Native American Spirit World.

Book Links:

Amazon | GoodReads | Barnes & Noble

Anthony's Thoughts (9 years old)

I liked The Trickster's Totem  too!  I haven't learned much about the Native American mythology so reading this book was a little like doing school, but I swear it was fun too!  There is adventure, though I didn't feel like there was as much as there was in The Serpent's Ring.  Claire and Evan do gain more powers and learn something about themselves too in this book.  
I liked that Evan used his magic for good in the real world, even if he wasn't supposed to.  He did some funny things with it to the bullies in school.  
There are some interesting creatures in this world too.  I like how the author named the fairies "Pains" and it is really funny when Evan eats too much fairie food.  Let's just say he loves to play jokes on people.  Sometimes, though he does go to far and I think Evan could learn to be serious at the right times.  
We still see Dunkle in the story but no one else from the first book is in this one.  Claire finds someone else to giggle at (Mom says I will understand this more when I get older...but I don't think I will ever like a girl giggling all the time)  and Evan is bothered by a mermaid who likes to meddle in everyone's business.  
The Trickster's Totem is pretty good and it really teaches us about the Native American beliefs too.  I liked it even though it seemed like it moved a little slow for me at times.  Also, some of the disasters Mica creates are kinda of funny but I can still see the bad in them too.
I give Trickster's Totem:
****
About H.B. Bolton:

Author Bio:



A magical part of H.B. Bolton’s childhood was being swept into worlds of enchanting characters, fantastical creatures and extraordinary powers—simply by picking up a book. As a mother and a teacher, she was compelled to create imaginary worlds of her own in order to share them, not just with her children, but with all children. H.B. Bolton lives in Florida with her supportive husband and two highly spirited children. Shh, can you keep a secret? Not only does she write books for the young-at-heart, adventurous sort who yearn to dive into a good young-adult fantasy story, she also writes spellbinding, heart pounding women's fiction. These particular books are written under the name Barbara Brooke, but that's another story, altogether.

 Books by H.B. Bolton:

The Serpent's Ring (Relics of Mysticus, Book One)
Breaking Down (a short story)
Hungry (a short story)
Coming May 1, 2013
The Trickster's Totem (Relics of Mysticus, Book Two)

Author links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter  | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon Author's Link

Giveaway

I am having a hard time getting the rafflecopter to come up on here so please click here to get sent to the Rafflecopter or you can click the "Giveaway" word too.  Good luck!

ARC Book Review: Secret of the Portals: The Adventures of Bruten and Tommy by Brant Waldeck

Title: The Secret of the Portals
Series: The Adventures of Bruten & Tommy
Author: Brant Waldeck
Publisher: Create Space Independent Publishing
Date of Publication: October 8, 2012
Source: received from author for honest opinion
Format: paperback, 224 pages

Goodreads Description:
Bruten Stone and Tommy Staunton discover secret portals to other worlds... right in their own town! It's an adventure like no other that leads them to amazing worlds and untold riches, but it soon becomes clear that they will have to defend the worlds from those that would like nothing more than to exploit them for profit. As two recently graduated 5th graders, are they up for the challenge?

Mom's Thoughts:

This is one of those books that would be a perfect anthem for young boys.  It has adventure, exploration, unexpected characters, and two best friends.  I would even imagine some girls, that are a bit on the tough tom-boyish side, would benefit from the story too.  

As an adult, the story did flow a little slow for me; but I think my sons, however, loved the flow and rhythm of the book.  It also helped that there were fight scenes back to back to keep one's attention at all times.  

I would even think that those kids that aren't big on reading, could enjoy the different fantastical elements included here, and may find a new respect for books. 

How cool would it be to set out to explore, in the woods, pretending to be warriors visiting other worlds, then actually find portals to different planes of existence?  I really enjoyed the vast imagination Mr. Waldeck has as he puts his creativity to use personifying animals and stones.  

I also enjoyed how our author took two characters that are pretty different in many ways, like Bruten is the athletic one where Tommy is more of the thinker, and he made them best friends.  

Secret of the Portals is a great fantasy story for middle grade readers and younger, with lots of excitement that is fun to read to the kids.  And there is a twist that will make even the adults sit up and take notice.  

What a great little story with some very positive attitudes for boys and girls to always believe in yourself and in the right honorable way to do something.  

I give it four stars!

Buy the Book:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Connect with the Author:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook |

Brant Waldeck lived in a small town in rural Ohio until he was fourteen years old. From there he moved to a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. After high school, he attended Miami University (OH) and graduated with a degree in marketing. After five years working at advertising agencies, Brant set out on his own to be a freelance designer. His business evolved into a successful marketing agency. His life revolved around creativity, but it wasn’t until he had kids of his own that Brant began to explore the idea of writing. Brant credits his children as the key to his creative inspiration. The minds of children see possibilities that adults tend to shut out. The trick to being creative... never stop thinking like a kid.

Brant currently resides in a suburb of Charlotte, NC with his wife, Jenny, and three kids, Gillen, Brannen and Braelyn.