Book Review: "Fortress of Mist"

When I first found out that Sigmund Brouwer's "Merlin's Instruments" was being followed by a sequel, I very impatiently waited for my copy to arrive. However, my anticipation was not met with the excitement I had built up for it. It wasn't bad, and I'm not complaining about the story or trying to discourage potential readers from engaging with it. My problem really revolved around the fact that the book seemed to be incredibly slow in the beginning. I'm an avid reader, and when books start off slow, I tend to lose hope in them very quickly. I am glad, however, I stuck with this book as it did grow on me as time went on and the page numbers grew higher and higher. While I would not recommend reading this book without reading the first in the series, I would recommend this to those looking for an adventure in an ancient land.

If you are interested in learning more about this book, you can check out the book's purchasing page by clicking here.

Please note I receive my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the Blogging for Books program.

Book Review: "Clouds"

My review for Robin Jones Gunn's "Clouds" is more of a critique of her writing style rather than the actual contents of the book. I was a little weary when I chose this book as its description didn't seem like something I would care for. More specifically, the story of childhood friends breaking a relationship as they part their separate ways just doesn't do it for me. Although I can relate to this topic, it's not something I enjoy reading about.

I expected a writing style similar to that of an immature teenage girl complaining of her love life woes. While the writing did come off as flowery, it was calming and easy to read. I felt as though Gunn was welcoming her readings into a story, rather than just telling them one. I did appreciate that the religious tone in this book was not preachy and did not make me feel uncomfortable.

I don't feel that I can offer an unbiased review of the story itself as it's not one of my favorite genres, but the writing style was more than enjoyable.

Please note that I received my copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review through the Blogging for Books program.

For more information on this book, please click here.

Book Review: "Fearless"

If you are looking to get and in-depth look at what it is like to be a United States Navy SEAL, please take note this Eric Blehm's "Fearless" is something completely different. Rather than insight into the Navy SEAL mindset, this book follows Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown from childhood to his heroic, but early, death.

I was amazed at how deep the author was able to look into the life of Adam Brown. It was great to see somebody come from rock bottom to an admirable Navy SEAL. I know there are a number of people who feel that Adam Brown's past should have kept him out of the SEALs, but I am honored that this country was protected by such a great man. Despite being in a war zone, Adam Brown still found time to care for the innocent children - I don't think many people would be able to accomplish such a feat.

I feel it necessary to add that even though much of Brown's spiritual journey was discussed, it was in no way preachy. I would have lost respect for the story if the goal was to convert readers, rather than share the life story of an amazing man.

Although I did absolutely love and admire this book, it was difficult at times to follow. The author's writing style did not flow as well as it could. At times, it was very confusing as to who Blehm was talking about as he did often discuss another person other than Adam Brown. A closer edit would make this book flow so much more nicely.

That being said, I offer my deepest condolences for the family of Adam Brown.

It would have been an honor to have met him.

Please note I received my copy of "Fearless" free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

I highly suggest taking the time to read this book's first chapter. Please find it by clicking here.

Book Review: "A Clearing in the Wild"

Although this book was not one of the best I have ever been fortunate to read, Jane Kirkpatrick's voice in "A Clearing in the Wild" was beautifully stunning. I immediately fell in love with the way in which this novel was written; it feel trustworthy.

Through no fault of the author, this novel's story was not the best fit for me. Although I was able to graciously appreciate the authenticity of the novel, I couldn't get into what felt to me like a religious cult with a leader I probably would not have respected. At the same time, I understand this book isn't set in 2013, but rather a time in which groups like these were more accepted.

Despite the fact that this novel wasn't one I would normally read, I did think it was well written and very well researched by the author. I wouldn't recommend this book to my friends as we share a similar taste in literature, but I would say that for some people, this is definitely worth a read.

Please note that I received "A Clearing in the Wild" free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

To decide whether or not this book is for you, please find more information by clicking here.

Book Review: "God of all Creation"

I found James Robison's "God of all Creation" to be incredibly disappointing. What should have been a beautiful read about the power of God's creations strengthening relationships between humankind and God turned into a clear display of inferiority towards anything not human. The author made note several times that humans are superior to the rest of God's creation, causing me to believe the author never truly understood the messages God was instilling in him through different animals.

I believe animals are closer to God than we can ever hope to be, and that adopting their way of living can assist in creating a new and more improved relationship with the Lord. I find myself challenging the integrity of the author's messages as he clearly missed them himself. We are not above the rest of God's creations. In fact, we might very well be the inferior ones.

The book itself was misleading. A self-proclaimed messaged of God's love through pets was more of a focus of forced biblical passages. I found most of the stories of the animals to be incredibly weak, and some even manipulated to make a suspicious comment. I do not think I can recommend this book to anybody. If you want to learn about God's love through animals, spend some time with them. Play with a puppy. Hang out with a cat. Ride a horse. You'll get so much more out of those experiences than you will by reading this book.

Please note that I received "God of all Creation" for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Click here to read this book's first chapter.

Book Review: "Eminent Plague"

I had some difficulty deciding on how I would review Don Lowell's "The Eminent Plague." Lowell offered readers a great concept regarding the devolution of civilization by means of a deadly plague and the trials that follow; his execution, however, was flawed.

Lowell weaves a great tale of a group of plague survivors and the problems they face in their attempts at rebuilding some form of civilization. It was interesting to see how the different survivors reacted to their new and changing surroundings. There were a significant number of post apocalyptic obstacles/situations discussed, and Lowell offered great insight into how real people might react to them. I find that most books focusing on the end of the world forget to investigate the human mind; Lowell took a great risk and explored this frontier to much success. However, his execution could have been much more engaging.

For most of this book, I felt that I had no idea who any of the characters were. There seemed to be no development whatsoever, and even the narrator felt like a stranger to me even though I was listing to his story for a significant amount of time. I did not feel as though I were in this world watching the events unfold, but rather overhearing bits and pieces of information from a stranger on a city bus. I had troubling sympathizing with the characters, and when they faced death and destruction, I could not be moved.

Lowell's look into the human mind following the destruction of over 98% of the world's population would have been much more enjoyable and effective had some scenes been lengthened, and others cut. I would have loved to been part of this world, but I did not find Lowell to be engaging enough.

That being said, I would give this book 3 of 5 stars. As I mentioned earlier, the story was great, but there remains much room for improvement when it comes to Lowell's writing style.

This book was published by Dorrance Publishing. Please note that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a complete and honest review as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Review Team.

To purchase your own copy of this book, please click here.

Book Review: "The Gospel of Yes"

I need to tell you right off the bat that I did not enjoy this book in the least bit. Mike Glenn's "The Gospel of Yes" is a poor and manipulated look at the Gospel.

Mike Glenn turned me away from his book at the beginning when he talks about an affair that happened within his Church, and his clear inability to trust God's handling of the situation. For an affair that had nothing to do with his family life, Glenn draws himself as the center of attention. I felt he was looking for sympathy in a situation where he was not even a key player, if a player at all. I was also turned off by his need to discuss business that was not his own, and act as though he was hurt the most from it. I know there are others who will not agree with this, but I am standing by my opinion here.

If the talk of the affair was not enough to turn me off, the tantrum he mounted to get God's attention was absolutely ridiculous. For me, this absolutely destroyed Glenn's integrity as a representative speaker of the Gospels. In addition, the constant use of the words 'yes' and 'no' made me feel as though Glenn was trying to train a dog. I did not appreciate this approach, and there is absolutely no way I would recommend this book to anyone.

If you find yourself looking for answers, read the actual Gospels; they are much more fulfilling than this sad attempt at religious and spiritual intervention.

Should you feel the desire to give this book a chance, the first chapter can be found by clicking here.

Please note that I received my copy of "The Gospel of Yes" free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.