Nighttime Reading Center: Young Adult

Showing posts with label Young Adult. Show all posts

August 13, 2025

6:58 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: Reeds Point

Book Title: Reeds Point

Author: T.A. Cline

Publisher: Independently published

Publisher Date: 15 February 2025 (375 Pages, Paperback)

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Young Adult, Mystery, Fiction

Series:

Reed’s Point starts with Mark Reed sitting on the bench made by his ancestors. He looks over the beautiful valley below the point, all decked with autumn colors. Even so, he only sees darkness. For his heart is breaking. Basil Whitfield thinks a lot of Mark and his family. He has gotten very close to them over the twelve years he has lived in Reedsville. But Basil has a mysterious past that only Sheriff Jedidiah Newman knows about. Can the tools that Basil could bring to bear be enough to set the town free from the mystery, suspense, and darkness? Leroy Belding is a common simple man who rides his bike around gathering bottles and cans from the side of the road. Leroy is a happy, contented soul with the ability to spin long yarns for entertainment. Will the help of Leroy's prodding and the people from Basil’s past have the power to reunite Mark and Elizabeth?
The Christmas bells ring at noon every day in Reedsville starting in October. Will the joy of the bells bring the memories of the Christmas traditions to the town? With the help of Basil and his friends, will it be enough to help the town to overcome and forgive? What starts out as a Reedsville problem explodes and touches people halfway around the world. Can Christian faith, forgiveness, and love overcome the darkness? Follow the story and see how it ends at Reed's Point.

Disclaimer: I sent a copy of this book from the author himself. This is my honest review.

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We meet the Reeds. Mark and Elizabeth. But it turned out wrong.

Someone may have set up Mark, but why? Could it be that it has to do with the Reed Family or something else to cause the Reed family name or town?

We meet a few more characters and enjoy the mystery of why this happened. I also appreciate the Christmas theme.

Well, we get some action and twists in this little black ops, and things start to move.

What was it that they wanted from Elizabeth? Why did they want Mark out of the way? Reading this gets more interesting by the page.

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June 17, 2021

7:22 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Title: The Giving Tree
Author: Shel Silverstein
Genres: Children, Classics, Poetry, Fantasy, Young Adult, Short stories, Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publisher Date: October 7, 1964 (Renewed 1992) - (48 Pages, Hardcover)
ISBN: 9780064431781

"Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

Discliamer: I bought this book for a family. So I decided to read it for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
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The Giving Tree is a lovely book; I love the hand drawing of the images in this book. The author does a beautiful job with that. Here is a classic book to have. It teaches about loving and giving love. It also shows what happens to a tree as well.

The book is more in the form of a poem. That is sweet. It is about a boy, and the tree is giving them and loving the boy. It goes through some emotions and shows you how the tree and the boy's wants and needs are different. But will the tree have what the boy needs to make him happy?

The hand drawings are different but lovely. I have not found a book that can beat or compare to it yet. The story is loving. The Giving Tree is great to have on any bookshelf. This book is for all ages, not just children. Though I think if you read this book, you may find what makes a tree so crucial in life and what could and has happened to them down to the stump of a tree.

Parents will love reading this book to their children; there is a meaning behind the story or the poem. I think this is a poem. The tree is giving and giving. Will the tree get love in return, or will the boy take advantage of the tree-giving nature and not return that love.

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December 9, 2020

5:24 AM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: The Naughty List by Thomas Conway

Book Title: The Naughty List
Author: Thomas Conway

Publisher: Skyland Publishing

Publisher Date: November 11, 2019 (332 Pages, Paperback)

Genres: Children, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Holiday, Adventure, Christmas

ISBN: 9781734123401 Paperback | ASIN: B081K2WRSB (Kindle)

A modern take on our favorite Christmas traditions, The Naughty List will take you on a worldwide adventure to save the most popular holiday in the world.When Santa Claus does not show up for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the North Pole is thrown into chaos. The elves were not made for this type of treachery, so they turn to the Naughty List. Starting with number one; a team of children are recruited to devise a plan to rescue Santa and save Christmas. They will utilize traditional Christmas magic and set sail for adventure and redemption.Follow these intrepid youngsters as they unite the world in their desperate attempt while proving that their naughty actions do not define their nature.

Discliamer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. My opinions and thoughts are my own.

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My thoughts seem to be hitting the mark on with is one. A really good book for the season. It is also good for everyone that wants to read it. It will tell the history of Christmas and how it differs for each person and Santa Claus.

It is for young adults and adults. I do not believe it is limited to them; it could go to children and teens as well. You will go on an adventure and a journey. There seem to be a group of kids that end up on a mission to rescue Santa. You will be surprised at each turn of the page.

There are surprises as to what the author puts into this story. I was surprised to learn about the history of Santa Claus and Christmas. This is told through the eyes of the children. They are from around the world. Christmas seems like it got a different meaning and Santa Claus has different names. You may learn something.

Did you know that Christmas has been around for many years? There seem to be different versions of it. We learn about the different Christmas traditions that happen around the world through the children and their families. We also learn about the meaning of Christmas and Santa Claus.

There are some actions and battles. Will good beat Evil? I was not expecting what I learned through this book but what a happy surprise and twist. There is plenty of action and adventure in this book. There a modern take on our favorite Christmas traditions. Everyone will love this book.

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June 11, 2020

8:27 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: North or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson

Book Title: North! or Be Eaten

Author: Andrew Peterson

Series: The WingFeather Saga #2

Publisher: WaterBrook & Multnomah

Publisher Date: March 10, 2020 (352 Pages, Paperback)

Genres: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fantasy, Action / Adventure

First they found themselves On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Now they must make their way North! Or Be Eaten . . .

Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.

In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Bend, and the dreaded Fork Factory.

But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.

Discliamer: I received an ARC copy from the publisher for an honesty review. I am not paid in anyway or form for a positive review or negative review. My opinions and thoughts are my own. I was part of the launch team.

Want to Buy: WaterBrook & Multnomah | Amazon | Author Website |

North! Or Be Eaten is the second book of this Wingfeather Saga series. Though we start in Glipwood forest it seems like we get a bit about Tink and Janner and the Igiby family. I would suggest reading book 1 first. Though, I only got book 2. It was just as good without needing to read book 1. Though, I think it would be best if you want to know how and why we start where we do in “North!, or Be Eaten.” My rating is 4.5 Stars or Moons.

We seem to be following Janner the most throughout the book. Though we get glimpses Tink. It seems that both Tink and Janner are what this book is about. Though the way Igiby family acts will they be able to survive.

What will happen to Janner and Tink and Leeli? Will they be able to stick together. Will they be killed by the Fang of Dang or the Stranders? I got the feeling something is up with their grandfather. Who wants the Igiby grandfather?

Will the sibling embrace their special talent or gifts? Will they allow Fangs and Gnag the nameless and others to betray them. It was an enjoyable read. Though a bit of it made me take a while to read. Once you get into the book it adventure of a ride.

The images that are drawn are wonderful. I love them. The author does a wonderful job of writing the story. I was more surprised at how it ends. There are quite a few twisted and turns throughout the book. Young adults and children will enjoy this book/ series. Good for middle-grade children and up.

The book is really clean and teaches some lessons as well as throughout the book. You would be surprised that this teaches about the importance of family, grace, friendship, trust, and sibling rivalry.

ANDREW PETERSON is a critically acclaimed recording artist and songwriter, as well as the author of the award-winning Wingfeather Saga. He’s also the founder of The Rabbit Room, an organization that fosters community through story, art, and music. He and his wife, Jamie, have three children, and make their home in Nashville.

Contact Him on:

Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram

March 29, 2020

9:35 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: The Mysterious Music Box

Book Title: The Mysterious Music Box
Author: Alba Arango
Series: The Decoders #4
Publisher: Sapphire Books
Publisher Date: November 12, 2018 (188 Pages, Paperback)
Genres: Children, Fiction, Mystery, Young adult, Middle Grade

Steve, Matt, and Jenny thought their new case would be a cinch. They were wrong.

What starts out as a search for a stolen music box quickly turns into a dangerous hunt when the three detectives discover the dark and mysterious history of the music box and a secret that could lead them to a fortune of long-lost gold from World War II.

As the trio delves deeper into the mystery, they encounter two nefarious thieves, both willing to do anything to get their hands on the missing gold, including eliminating the competition. Racing against time, the trio must figure out the meaning of a clue left behind by a dying man in order to keep the music box, and the gold, out of the hands of the deadly treasure hunters.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author for an honest review. My options are my own.
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The mysterious Music box is a well-hidden game of lost and find. Though it not all easy to find the music box. There seems to be a reason for two other people trying to find this music box that belongs to a friend from school.

Though why would someone want to break in and take a music box that has nothing in it. There seem to be quite a bit of people wanting Rosa music box. Could there be something inside the box that can solve a mystery of some treasures that came from world war II Germany?

There seem to be two other people that are trying to find this music box. What could be so special about it? If you enjoy riddles and puzzles, then this book and series are for you. If you are looking for a good series or book for your children of middle-grade schoolers this is it. These books are good for them and they will learn a little bit as they read.

7:43 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: The Sleepwalking Vampire

Book Title: The Sleepwalking Vampire
Author: Alba Arango
Series: The Decoders #3
Publisher: Sapphire Books
Publisher Date: September 27, 2018 (190 Pages, Paperback)
Genres: Children, Fiction, Mystery, Young adult, Middle Grade

Twelve-year-old detectives Steve, Matt, and Jenny agree to help their friend Tyrone with a unique problem –his niece thinks she’s a vampire. Believing the girl simply has an over-active imagination, the trio spends the night at her home, determined to ease her worried mind.

But when the young girl vanishes and a bat turns up in her place, the three friends find themselves facing something they never thought possible –a real vampire.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author for an honest review. My options are my own.
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The Sleepwalking Vampire is a unique story. This book got some original to it. Though this one was more entertaining and interesting read. I am not into vampires much at all. The way this book is focused on a friend's family member and her problem. It different in a way as the child think she is a vampire.

They think she a real one or at least one of them does. This mystery seems funnier. The way this one goes makes it believable. These detectives not own need to solve one mystery but two. They find out that jewelry is going missing.

This book and whole series is a good one for middle-grade children. If you enjoy solving puzzles and riddles and trying to figure out who done it? This book and series are good for your child or children. I do recommend it and each book has its mysteries to solve. This is a good Halloween story or book.

6:57 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: The Miner's Gold

Book Title: The Miner's Gold

Author: Alba Arango
Series: The Decoders #6
Publisher: Sapphire Books
Publisher Date: February 1, 2019 (208 Pages, Paperback)
Genres: Children, Fiction, Mystery, Young adult, Middle Grade

Steve, Matt, and Jenny are invited to hunt for a hidden treasure left behind by a mysterious forty-niner over a hundred and fifty years ago. As they begin to unravel the miner’s cryptic note, they realize they are not alone in the hunt for the gold.

Determined to beat the competition to the treasure, the three detectives up their game only to come face-to-face with their main competitor—the ghost of the miner himself!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author for an honest review. My options are my own.

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The miner's gold is a good mystery for young children. Though that enjoys solving puzzles and riddles this book is good for them. It gears towards Middle-Grade children. This one is about a Miner's Note and a bit about the Gold rush.

This series is written well. It seems that each book or some of the books reference a piece of the case from an earlier book. This one does mention Case #1 and Case #4. Which to me are Book 1 and Book 4? Each book as its mystery. There are some similarities with something with cases or Mysteries.

This one has the three detectives to invited to find the hidden treasure. What an adventure they go on. But they also have to help out on a movie set. Find out what they have to do. What adventures they get themselves into.

October 29, 2019

2:45 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: The Statue of Anubis by Alba Arango

Book Title: The Statue of Anubis
Author: Alba Arango
Series: The Decoders #5
Publisher: Sapphire Books
Publisher Date: December 9, 2018 (175 Pages, Paperback)
Genres: Children, Fiction, Mystery, Young adult

When Steve, Matt, and Jenny learn about a long-lost Egyptian statue hidden somewhere near the city of Beachdale, they jump at the chance of solving another mystery. But as their investigation deepens, they discover a couple of very disturbing details: first, the statue is supposedly haunted; and second, two rather large gun-toting foreigners are also interested in the treasure.

Determined to find the statue, the trio delves deeper into the mystery, encountering a web of danger unlike anything they have ever seen. The detectives brave catacombs, underwater caverns, and booby-trapped tunnels, until finally, they begin to unravel the secrets behind the haunted statue. As the foreigners close in on them, the three friends must use all their wits to out-smart their enemies and retrieve the treasure.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Author Den for an honest review. My options are my own.
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The three children find out is that they are to find a missing statue. They seem to be into this mystery apart. They believe that is haunted. But once they start on their mystery and finding the clues. They seem to be met with two thugs.

Who are these to thugs and what do they want. Somehow they are convinced to find the statue for them. Who do they work for? You will be surprised as to who they work for. The mystery letter that Steve gets at the end. You will not believe who they so happen to free.

The author does wonderfully with them having to travel their neighborhood, and solve the mysteries. What they are doing and enjoy getting out and about. Their parents do not know what they do with their time.

If you are looking for books or a series for your children to read. Well, this series is good for them as they enjoy adventure and enjoy solving mysteries. This time they adventure to an island beach and though some more caves along with being underground.

Will Steve, Matt, and Jenny be able to solve the mystery of the missing statue of the Egyptian god. We seem to learn a few new words and their Spanish translations. We also learn about monks a bit as well. What way to entertain and enjoy the story and learn at the same time.

October 16, 2019

6:15 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: The Magic Sapphire by Alba Arango

Book Title: The Magic Sapphire
Author: Alba Arango
Series: The Decoders #1
Publisher: Sapphire Books
Publisher Date: July 19, 2018 (150 Pages, Paperback)
Genres: Children, Fiction, Mystery, Young adult

Steve, Matt, and Jenny always dreamed of becoming detectives. One day, their dreams become reality when they discover an ancient treasure map written by a pirate named Elias Darby over three hundred years ago. According to legend, the dying pirate hid a magical stone with mysterious powers somewhere in the Northern California hills, with only a poem titled El Alma de Dios as the key to locating it.

As the trio begins their search for the treasure, they unknowingly attract the attention of an international jewel thief named Frank Alexander. When the investigation leads the three friends to a string of hidden caves filled with booby-traps, they are confronted by the jewel thief and his diabolical plan to force the kids to find the stone and give it to him. Given no choice, the detectives must brave the dangerous traps to find the hidden treasure and develop a plan to outsmart the jewel thief.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Author Den for an honest review. My options are my own.
Want to Buy: Amazon
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Looking for a good mystery for young adults? I think I found it. This book or series is good for young readers or teens. It focuses on three friends. They seem to work together well. Their names are Matt, Jenny and Steve.

These three friends end up going on adventures together. They go on these adventure but ask for help when they need it. I really like the fact they they need to use their minds and teamwork to solve the clues. The way the author does this is well done.

Children will enjoy this book as it shows puzzle solving and teamwork throughout the book. The author also makes it fun and easy to read. It enjoyable for you to read. There a jewel thief and and men, He seem to want the the item the Steve bought but why?

There are some twist and turns throughout the book. Parents is really good for children learn about team work. It also teaches them to use their minds to solve the puzzles. Will Steve, Jenny and Matt find the hidden treasure? Will they solve the mystery?

June 11, 2019

6:44 PM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Review: The Thirteenth Guardian by K.M. Lewis

Book Title: The Thirteenth Guardian
Author: K.M. Lewis
Genre: Biblical, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Apocalyptic
Series: Da Vinci’s Secret Pales
Publisher: Thirteenth Guardian
Publish Date: June 11, 2019 (307 Pages, E-book)
ISBN: 978-1-7337411-0-1

Michelangelo concealed an explosive truth in his famous Creation of Adam fresco in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Eve did not cause the fall of man. She carried a far more devastating secret for millennia—one that will change the world forever.

As the modern-day world suffers the cataclysmic effects of the “Plagues of Egypt,” Avery Fitzgerald, a statuesque Astrophysics major at Stanford, discovers that she is mysteriously bound to five strangers by an extremely rare condition that foremost medical experts cannot explain. Thrust into extraordinary circumstances, they race against time to stay alive as they are pursued by an age-old adversary and the world around them collapses into annihilation.

Under sacred oath, The Guardians—a far more archaic and enigmatic secret society than the Freemasons, Templars, and the Priory—protect Avery as she embarks on a daring quest that only legends of old have been on before. Avery must come to terms with the shocking realization that the blood of an ancient queen flows through her veins and that the fate of the world now rests on her shoulders.

Disclaimer: I received this from the Publisher and though Book Siren for free as an ARC Copy. My Thoughts on this book are my own and honest review
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"The Thirteenth Guardian" is written really well. It is for the young adult genre but it really seem like it could be for adults as well. I was really captive while reading this book. The story is really good. Yes, it does not go into the characters to much as to detail. That is okay with me given that I am thinking the events that is taking place around the world is what this book is mostly about.

It made it so real. I am not wondering if this could happen to our world in a few months. Are we getting close the the end times as it suggest in the bible. Where their will be a new world to come? The author put you into the story and start to wonder is what going to happen now. It pulls you think about our own history.

The six characters that are to go on a mission have special traits. They all have them which is the shuttering's, blinding headaches and one other thing. We get a history text that might bring the past and present and the future together. The book is worth reading. What a story. I felt like this could be real. I was left with sleepless nights.

April 19, 2019

12:30 AM By Lindz No comments Edit This

Book Tour: The High Court by Chris Ledbetter with Giveaway

Book Title: The High Court
Author: Chris Ledbetter
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Greek, Greek Methodology, Fiction,
Series: The Sky Throne #2
Publisher: Month 9 Books
Publisher date: October 16, 2018 (290 Pages, Paperback)
ISBN: 9781945700728

High atop Mount Olympus, dawn breaks on a new academic term. Normalcy has returned to campus following a harrowing expedition into The Underworld to rescue kidnapped students by Zeus and his fellow Olympians. Now, as they prepare to testify in The High Court, Hyperion will be tried for the attack on Crete and death of Anytos. Kronos will stand trial for the murder of Mount Olympus Prep’s Headmaster Ouranos.

As the trials draw near, Mount Olympus Prep students and faculty are besieged repeatedly by a race of gargantuan stone and earth giants. Under heavy assault, the Olympians are forced to flee to the volcanic island of Limnos to regroup. Meanwhile, a toxic poison Zeus has carried with him since a prior fight with a dragoness, creeps toward his brain.

In a race against time and beasts, Zeus and his friends must find a way to survive not only the toxin ravaging Zeus’ body, but also the giants who grow stronger after every attack, and somehow make it to the The High Court alive.

We are welcome back to MO Prep and it students right before the start of a new term. Zeus and his siblings and friend Metis are all visiting Crete. They are there to visit and get introduced to his adoptive family. I loved this book and story behind it.

Things get tense when they run into his former professors. There seem to be heated conversation with Zeus and Metis. We also find out who Metis parents are? Chris Ledbetter doe a wonderful job with his characters.

We seem to see the confrontation once again with Zeus and Titans students or at least some of them. What will happen at Othrys Hall? They seem to start their new term and find new member to join MO Prep. Once they do, they go about their day. Once in the afternoon they seem to get attacked by something of a Giants Creatures on their war game practice. What are they? Who sent them?

If you want to know how it starts, I would suggest reading “The Sky Throne” by Chris Ledbetter. This one continues it. If you want to know how Zeus ends up with his struggles with toxin that Zenus has and is deal with during this book. Read the first book which I mentioned above.

I also really think there something going on with how the professors of the lower and upper academy are treating the MO Prep students. I can not wait for the next installment of this story. I am left wondering what Kronos means and why he got sentence he got? There are surprises and secrets spilled. What happens to Hyperion? There are two trials that goes on.

Prize: Win 1 of 3 signed copies of The High Court by Chris Ledbetter, 1 winner also gets a $50 Amazon.com gift card (open to USA only / 4 winners total) ends May 7, 2019
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Chris Ledbetter is an award-winning author of short fiction and novels for young adults. “Jason’s Quest,” a short story retelling of the Jason and Medea Greek myth was published in the anthology, Greek Myths Revisited. His first full-length novel, Drawnearned him two awards, Library of Clean Reads Best YA 2015 and Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice Award Best YA 2015, as well as a USA TODAY “Must Read” recommendation. His second novel, Inked, concludes that duology. The Sky Throne is his newest young adult series. It includes, thus far, The Sky Throne and The High Court.

He's a proud member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and a strong supporter of the Need for Diverse Books. He now writes and lives in Wilmington, NC with his family, including three cats.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram