Ascent by Roland Smith

Roland Smith

ISBN: 9780544867598

Publisher's Synopsis:

A few months after returning from Afghanistan, Peak Marcello is in Myanmar visiting Alessia. Myanmar has been in the grips of a brutal military regime for more than fifty years, but recently the government has allowed more tourists to enter. While there, Peak is invited to climb Hkakabo Razi, one of the most isolated mountains in the world, to discover the exact elevation of the mountain. But getting to the mountain will involve a four-week trek through tropical rain forests rife with hazards—from venomous reptiles and leeches to corrupt police and military. In the end, summiting Hkakabo Razi may be the easiest thing Peak does.

"A Bedraggled group of mud-splattered soldiers came

marching into camp..."

MrsK's Review:
Peak has found himself in the tropical rainforest of Myanmar. Not exactly his favorite place given the extreme heat, dampness, bugs, and of course venomous reptiles. Even though he is on this trek with Alessia and her body guard Ethan, the alluring target is their planned climb of Hkakabo Razi. One would think that his past life and death climbs would cause Peak a few moments of indecision, but for Peak the planning of a dangerous climb is completely alluring. After all, hanging by a "rope" is just a normal experience for any serious mountaineer.

Can you say "extreme chaos!" Peak's adventures are never a calm experience. There are always risks, some are life threatening (mutated strain of malaria, militia, environmental degradation, dangerous wild animal attacks, avalanches, and death). Of course there are minor challenges (extreme weather, treacherous footing, harsh conditions, and the expected "stabs, slices, pokes, bites, and stings"). And yet, for Peak to turn down a climb is like a reader refusing to open a book. He just has to answer the call of the next mountain.

If you are an "on the edge" reading junkie, there is no greater thrill than continuing a saga with characters that have "stretched" your every day universe beyond endurance. When Peak was first introduced, I considered him "edgy" and completely ready for any "over the edge" experience. With continued climbing experiences, he has matured into a mountaineer who is now a respected leader.

With every carefully crafted "cliff-hanging" moment, this author never disappoints. Even though this is the third Peak novel, any reader can get started with this climb and go back to the first two novels. Roland Smith always gives just enough prior details to entice a new reader to experience the beginnings for each series he pens.
Be brave and enjoy another "Peak" experience,
MrsK 

"We can top the mountain, 
then drop down onto the roof of the world."

Click here for information: Hkakabo Razi

"Now you must go out

and do good things."

 A trekking experience that leaves you... 
"anchored" and "clipped" 
by your locking carabiner!

        
Click here to read MrsK's reviews
for the first two books in this series! 

Roland Smith has always been my "go to" author for every "on the edge" reading junkie. No title will disappoint, no character will leave you unchanged. No situation will be insurmountable. And... every plot will leave you wanting more.

Meet the Author:

Roland Smith is an American author of young adult fiction as well as nonfiction books for children.Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.

In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999's Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles (novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series IQ, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.

Click here to discover what is within the covers of the above titles.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

The Water and the Wild by K. E. Ormsbee

K. E. Ormsbee

ISBN: 9781452128818

Publisher's Synopsis:

For as long as Lottie can remember, the only people who seem to care about her have been her best friend, Eliot, and the mysterious letter-writer who sends her birthday gifts. But now strange things and people are arriving on the island Lottie calls home, and Eliot's getting sicker, with a disease the doctors have given up trying to cure. Lottie doesn't know what she can possibly do—until a door opens in the apple tree. Down through the roots is another world—a world of treacherous, beautiful, impossible magic that just might lead to a cure for Eliot.

MrsK's Review:

"A green apple tree grew in the heat of Thirsby Square..."

No one knew why Mr. Yates III would have planted this tree in their neighborhood. But it fell upon Mr. Yates IV to keep it alive. Of course his wife could have chosen to put the apples to good use but she was not kindly at all. Unlike Mrs. Yates, Mr. Yates had a "knack" when it came to being nice. Including taking in an "orphaned, lemony-haired baby."

When Mr. Yates died, Mrs. Yates turned their home into a boarding house in which "no pets, no football, no noisy behavior" would be allowed. I'm sorry to report that things would not be pleasant for the little orphan girl since Mrs. Yates felt she was a bother and quite "maddening."

By the time Lottie Fiske was twelve, she discovered three treasures that would bring her joy each day. The first was her "apple tree," it grew right outside her bedroom window and greeted her every morning. It brought her a friendship that was strong and true. Her second treasure was in fact a school friend. Eliot was every bit as "odd" as Lottie but he was also a very sick young soul. The third treasure is in fact a small copper box. What's so special about this copper box? It all began when Lottie began receiving treasures and letters inside her copper box. 

"If you should ever need anything, write back."

And so Lottie's adventure begins... Lottie not only receives treasures from the apple tree, she will soon discover an opening into an amazing world. Lottie discovers friendships, the truth about her parents, her talents, and her mission. As Eliot's health begins to deteriorate, Lottie fears that they are running out of time for his healing. If she can locate Mr. Wilfer, the healer, she knows he could help Eliot. The quest will be challenged by so many, the serum will be elusive, and Lottie will need to trust in her own gifts.  

Book 2 link

Since Lottie's return from New Albion, Eliot has had the best prognosis. Eliot's father has sold his business and moved. Their previous adventures lead Lottie into the discovery about her talent. Yet, now was the time for Lottie to return to New Albion in a quest to "sharpen" her "keen." With the understanding and approval of Eliot's father, they both re-enter the world beyond the apple tree and are created by their friends in Wisp Territory. Knowing what your "keen" is and being trained in its use leads Lottie to discouragement and impatient decisions. Just when Lottie thinks nothing will change... she discovers a key in her pocket.  

 With delightful characters, inviting settings, and various... seriously life-threatening quests, Lottie will become a heroine that you will always want to re-visit!

Fantastical adventures are awaiting you, enter within these covers and discover your newest friendships,
MrsK 

Enjoyable series!
A must have for every classroom and library!

Meet the Author:

  K.E. Ormsbee's Middle Grade debut, THE WATER AND THE WILD, is a fantasy published by Chronicle Books. Its sequel, THE DOORWAY AND THE DEEP, comes out October 4, 2016. Standalone fantasy THE HOUSE IN POPLAR WOOD publishes Fall 2018.

She also writes Young Adult novels as Kathryn Ormsbee. Her YA debut, LUCKY FEW, published with Simon & Schuster in Jun 2016, and her next YA, TASH HEARTS TOLSTOY, comes out Summer 2017.

K.E. Ormsbee likes clothes from the 60s, music from the 70s, and movies from the 80s. She is from the 90s.

"I received this book for free for this review."

Above by Roland Smith

Roland Smith

ISBN: 9780545564892

Available September 27th!

Publisher's Synopsis:

Pat O'Toole and his brother, Coop, are on the run from an enemy that specializes in hiding in plain sight. Along with their new companion, Kate, they've narrowly escaped a cultlike community situated beneath the streets of New York City. Kate has lived underground since birth, and the world above thrills her, but it's treacherous as well. With the cult's leader — Kate’s grandfather — on their trail, will they spend the rest of their days as fugitives? Who can they trust but each other?

The adventure that started Beneath concludes Above in this action-packed middle-grade thriller by Roland Smith!

MrsK's Review:

It isn't just Pat, Coop, and Kate that have survived the beneath explosion. Survivors of the radical Weather Underground Organization are above and they are on a mission to locate Kate while they continue their efforts to destroy the government.

Anxiously waiting the arrival of Kate and Coop, Pat is apprehensive about being spotted at Union Station in Portland, Oregon. Given the need to blend in above, the three decided to travel incognito to the west coast. With only a small backpack, an emergency iPhone, a laptop, and his notebook Pat is once again on the run. Worried about how Kate is surviving above ground, anxious to reconnect with his brother Coop and completely paranoid about the news that the originals have survived Pat isn't in a state of calmness. Who would be? Being on the run and alone isn't like a walk in the park!

"We don't know what they have, where they are, or what they're planning.

All we know is that they are planning something..."

People of the Deep (POD) are exceptional shadows, expert trackers, scavengers, and following a leader that always has a plan. In no way does it help that Kate just happens to be the grand-daughter of Dane, the leader and designer of all things concerning the POD. Dane is not someone you cross. You do not create any disturbance. You do not question his plans. And blood doesn't give you any special outs. It is a safe assumption that if Dane survived the explosion, he will find Kate, Coop, and Pat.

"Compromised..."

As a hand reaches out to grab Pat's iPhone, this word will begin a trek to the Oregon coast and won't end until the everyone, yes everyone is in... 

Ok, you know I won't be a spoiler... All I will say is this book is so fast paced you will feel adrenaline long after you've turned the last page!

I will leave you with some of my thoughts:

• Would you trust anyone if you knew you were being hunted?
• Once abducted, will Kate be safe? After all, she is a resourceful shadow.
• Can Coop continue getting them what ever they will need to find Kate?
• Is Dane's brother just as twisted as Kate's grandfather? 
• Who are the players in this deadly game of cat and mouse?

Excitement for the continuing adventure above ground kept me up late, completely charged, and filled with apprehension!
MrsK

A must read!

Add it to every home, classroom, and library shelf!

Click here for MrsK's review

Check out Roland's other books.

Meet the Author:

 I've wanted to be a writer virtually my entire life. When I was five, my parents got me an old manual typewriter for Christmas and it was my favorite possession. I spent hours in my room clacking away. Even before I knew how to read, I always loved books. I used to go down to my parents' library, pull books off the shelf and sniff them. I just loved the smell of books for some reason, and this hasn't diminished.

Writing is like any skill in life — the more you practice, the luckier you get. If you want to become a writer, you need to write every day, even if it's in a journal or diary, and you need to read everything you can get your hands on all the time. I know hundreds of authors and all of them are fanatic readers. You learn to write by reading other people's words.

Doodletopia Cartoons by Christopher Hart

Christopher Hart

ISBN: 9781607746911

Publisher's Synopsis:

Welcome to Doodletopia! Your first stop in this paradise of creativity? The world of cartoons. Your tour guide Christopher Hart is ready to introduce you to the interactive, artistic possibilities of creating your own exciting, hilarious, off-the-wall cartoon characters, gags, and more.

Unlike other doodle books that leave you stranded, with no help at all, Doodletopia: Cartoons pairs fun doodle-based activities with the sort of insightful (and laugh-out-loud funny) advice and tips that countless readers have come to expect from cartooning master Christopher Hart. For the first time ever, you can pick up your pencils, pens, markers, or crayons, and draw, doodle, or color right on the same page as the author.
From finishing cartoon faces to selecting costumes to completing wacky cartoon scenes,
the opportunities for creative expression are endless. So what are you waiting for? Open up and start doodling!

MrsK's Review:
Just in time for some fun reading and doodling. I always doodle, especially when I'm learning something new. Like so many of my students, doodling and drawing is a fun place to be. Doodling causes your mind to focus, especially if you are a visual learner and instructors are talking to you! If you draw to create or pass time... this book is for you.

"Doodles are fun to draw.

They get your creative juices flowing."

Are you ready to begin? Do you know how to use the center line or the eye line guidelines? What about warming up your artistic brain with some step-by-step exercises? With "witted" instructions you will learn and practice the art of doodling cartoons.

Beginning with warm ups (yes, you will be interactively doodling with pages next to the instruction). You get to practice each step as a doodler (date your pages... it is your artistic creation). (pgs. 11-27)

Your next project will be completing the silly silhouettes. How fun is this... you get an outline and "bam... there it is" open space to design whatever your imagination can create. (pgs. 29-41)

Next up will be drawing the other half. Ok, this takes a bit of precision. Mirror imaging takes some practice, oh yeah, that's what this book is all about. I did the best with the panda! (pgs. 43-55)

Cartoon characterization is all about the expressions. Given some examples of expressions and blank silhouettes, you can practice any form of expression that you choose for these faces. (pgs. 57-69)

What about creating two different characters from one shape. Silliness at its best! Turning a happy turtle into a surprised armadillo. Or what about an alligator into a wolf. You decide, don't forget the colored pencils for these projects. (pgs. 71-91)

Outfitting the characters is unbelievably fun. The character and a few backdrops are outlined and all you do is create the outfits and any background details or words bubbles you might want. With a few costuming suggestions you can add all the details and bling you want. Its silly time with new friends. (pgs. 93-113)

Matchmaking characters is not as easy at it looks. First you need to have them looking at each other. Next, well next you need to apply all you have learned in the practice projects. Yikes! This is getting more difficult... fun but really detailed. (pgs. 115-124)

Writing with cartooning flair. I can do this! This is what I do best! Yes, I've got it! (pgs. 125-133)

Crazy and ridiculous inventions is uniquely zany. You are designing an invention for a problem that isn't real. Your clue is to "over design." (pgs. 135-143)

Finishing the cartoon. Consider creating an army of sock finding drones. What about a capsule full of "noisy" little aliens on their way back from camp. Or my favorite, a kingdom of baby dragons coughing chaos. (pgs. 145-160)

What ever you do... date it, color it, share it, and have oodles of doodling fun,
MrsK

"May the funny be with you!"

Enjoyable read full of great drawing fun...

Get creative!

Meet the Cartoonist/Author:
 
Christopher Hart is the world’s best-selling author of How-To-Draw books. Readers have gobbled up over six million copies of his titles. His work has been translated into more than 20 languages. He is published by Random House, Soho Publishing and Walter Foster. Chris has had the rare distinction of having had the top 1, 2 & 3 art books in the country, simultaneously, as reported by Nielsen Bookscan.

Chris has also been featured on the cover of the publishing industry’s premier magazine, Publisher’s Weekly. He hosted How-To-Draw episodes for Comcast’s Activity TV channel, and has been featured on 20 videos for Howcast. His work has been licensed to art kits, board games and sports equipment.

Chris is known for his ability to create cute and dramatic characters, brimming with personality. He focuses on the most contemporary styles, genres, and techniques, in order to give his readers and fans the very latest in art instruction.

Few authors read and respond to every email they receive. But Chris does. Let him share his view on being an author: “It’s a privilege to be published as a cartoonist. I’m grateful to my readers, who make it happen. So if I can give something back, by offering a little encouragement, answering a question, or giving advice, why wouldn’t I? I honestly don’t understand authors who say they’re too busy to respond to their readers. The readers are why they are authors in the first place.”

 

 Click the above image to go to drawing videos!

Tip of the Week

 Book Tutorials

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

 

The Edge by Roland Smith

Roland Smith

ISBN: 9780544341227

Publisher's Synopsis:

The International Peace Ascent is the brainchild of billionaire Sebastian Plank: Recruit a global team of young climbers and film an inspiring, world-uniting documentary. The adventure begins when fifteen-year-old Peak Marcello and his mountaineer mother are helicoptered to a remote base camp in the Hindu Kush Mountains on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. When the camp is attacked and his mother taken, Peak has no choice but to track down the perpetrators to try to save her. Fans of the bestselling Peak will be thrilled with this gripping, high-stakes sequel.

MrsK's Review:

The farthest thing from Peak's mind was another "on the edge" climb. He was comfortable with his life. His seven-year-old sisters were a big enough thrill. Even though his journey to the summit of Mt. Everest was only a few months ago, Peak was content with spending time with his family, at home or hanging out in his mom's bookstore. The "itch" to climb would come around soon enough.  For now Peak liked taking the twins to the zoo, museums, plays, concerts, and the movies.

Unprepared for his mom's text from the Summit Bookshop, Peak had no clue that in a few hours he would be on his way to Afghanistan. When Peak arrives at the book store, he is surprised by the Everest film crew, who were not there just to discuss the completion of the documentary nor its airing on ESPN. They were there with a personal request for Peak to join the Peace Climb. The whole "shebang" would be paid for by Sebastian Plank, a very rich high-tech businessman. The Peace Climb had over two hundred, under eighteen, climbers from around the world applying for the climb. Not a climbing scenario that Peak wanted to be a part of, that is until the crew informs him that he will be the only US representative. Plus the crew would not be hired to film the climb... and there was the incentive of the "top of the line" gear. If you know anything about climbers, you know that the newest gear is an obsession (for me it's great books, for cooks it's all about the cooking gadgets). What exactly causes Peak to change his mind? Is it his mom's declaration that she is going? Is it a challenge that is too tempting? Was it for his friends? Would Peak have said yes if he knew that the political unrest and risks would not be minimal?

Either way, Peak is on the plane heading for Hindu Kush. Ok, so Peak wasn't really informed about where he would be climbing. Nor was he told the truth about how many would be climbing with him. Evidently Mr. Plank only informs you what he wants you to know, as you need to know it.

"The Hindu Kush. Killer of Hindus.

Or so I have read. From two thousand feet, it looks dangerous,

stark, beautiful. Desert colors.

Browns, tans, rust, with spots of green where water runs..."

At base camp, Peak meets the "man in charge," Phillip Stockwell and his personal assistant, Cindy. Two Afghans carrying assault rifles, Ebadullah and Elham. One of the climbers Josette Charbonneau, a French Ambassador's daughter. Then there is Rafe Rounder, an Aussie who tells a few tales. Aki, from Japan and Choma from the Ukraine. The only good news for Peak was that Zopa (the cagey monk/sherpa from his Everest climb) was assigned to this climb. Peak soon learns that when Zopa was contacted by Plank, Sun-jo's name was on the list. Sun-jo was a sherpa and friend to Peak during the Everest climb. Why did Zopa cross his name off the list? What was the real reason for Zopa being here... with him... and his mom... on this mysterious climb? Zopa and his feelings are "often a reality," so what is it about this climb that Zopa sensed?

Nothing about climbing can be casual or expected. Nothing about climbing is easy. Everything about climbing...is survival. What Peak has learned from Zopa is to pay attention... pay attention to patterns... pay attention to things that are not suppose to be! What begins as a video stunt becomes a survival reality. Not everyone will live to tell about it. For Peak that means that his visions of the shen, "ghost" snow leopard, could prove to be his means of survival.

"I'm climbing alone.

The rocks slip and crumble under my boots.

In several places I have to use my hands to catch myself from skidding backward on the scree.

After one of these skids, I pause to catch the view....

I see something move a couple hundred feet above me along the cliff face.

A flash of dusky white..."

From the master of  "cliff-hangers," this climb will be even worst than Peak imagined. So "anchor" and "clip" your locking carabiner and get ready to ascend over the edge...

MrsK       

 Climbing the Kush Mountains

 "Over the top"

A must add to any Library, classroom shelf, and home collection!

If you want to read about Peak's first climb... Check it out...

 Read about Peak's first Adventure

 Mountain Climbing Terms

Other book reviews for Roland Smith

Meet the Author:

   Roland Smith has always been my "go to" author for every "on the edge" reading junkie. No title will disappoint, no character will leave you unchanged. No situation will be insurmountable. And... every plot will leave you wanting more.

I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. When I was five years old my parents gave me an old manual typewriter that weighed more than I did! It was my favorite possession. I spent hours in my room clacking away on that old typewriter. Of course, when I was five I didn’t know how to spell and I barely knew how to read, but I loved the sound and the look of the letters on the crisp white paper. Things haven’t changed much since then. I still spend several hours a day in my room clacking away and I still love the sound of the keyboard and the look of the letters and words that eventually turn into stories. The only difference is that I can read now and I spell a lot better.

Keep up-to-date with Roland's Blog

 "I received this book for free for this review."

Aoleon The Martian Girl by Brent LeVasseur

Brent LeVasseur

Greetings from Mars!

We would like to introduce you to Brent LeVasseur’s sci-fi YA/MG novel, Aoléon The Martian Girl, which is well — out of this world.  This is not unexpected because Brent is an intergalactic space traveler himself.

Publisher's Synopsis:
Mars wants our cows (yes, cows!), and they're sending an invasion fleet to take them from us. Only Gilbert and Aoleon the Martian Girl stand in their way!
Gilbert always longed for adventure, but now that he has it, he's not sure that it's everything it's cracked up to be. Ever since the night he met Aoleon the Martian Girl sitting in the middle of a crop circle in Farmer Johnson's field, it's been nothing but one wild ride after another.
From fighting off swarms of giant killer robots to dealing with strange aliens from another world – never mind trekking across the vast Martian desert and skyboarding deep into the center of a (hopefully) extinct volcano – Gilbert has had his hands full just trying to keep up with it all. And now it's up to him and his new friend, Aoleon, to face off against the evil Martian overlord and keep our cows safe at home where they belong.
The launch of this exciting and innovatively illustrated new series takes the reader deep into the heart of an unforgettable and out-of-this-world friendship in a story full of hijinks, hilarity, and good old-fashioned fun. Join Gilbert and Aoleon in this exciting middle-grade science fiction adventure today!

MrsK's Review:
Aoleon is just out for a solo flight before taking her "flying" exam. She adores the freedom, she enjoys zooming close to objects, she likes being creative with her "crop" designs. Earth is her playground.

Gilbert can't help but wonder if his recurring dreams are linked to his neighbor's mysterious crop-circle formations. With sleep being evasive, Gilbert heads to his telescope. With all of the fighting downstairs he wishes:

"Please send me an angel to take me away from here."

Zipping and zooming with excitement, Aoleon descends while the "stars twinkle a little brighter as if performing a dance, and the lights from the cities below resembled a sea filled with glowing phosphorescence." Giggling with delight she began crafting her newest designs. With geometric patterns, she merges the "languages of art with mathematics" as a message to the Terraians...

"I am here... I am intelligent...

and I am not of this Earth!"

Back in Nebraska, Gilbert notices that a star is increasing in size... everything has gone quiet except the "thumping" of his heart. Once outside, he trips (literally) into an out of this world journey with a girl... who is blue! 

Gilbert is not the only one who noticed that odd star entering his back yard... McConnell Air Force Base has a fighter in the sky. His neighbor Farmer Johnson, who believes a shotgun is the only way to get trespassers off his farm, enters his field. In need of protection, Aolean raises her arms... and... well lets just say Gilbert begins his journey by accidentally releasing a "fire blast" of a zero-point energy field around each of Farmer Johnson's cows.

Once in the air, multiple events begin to unfold. Angry Dog, the air force interceptor encounters flying cows... yep... cows in the sky. Not so friendly missiles are locking onto their marks. A global chase begins as a series of events reigns down on Terra... giant shock waves... huge avalanches... "rooster-tail" explosions of water... a President in a bathrobe... civilian bystanders "hitting the ground"... and Aoleon's mother calling her home for the "evening consumption."

Will Aoleon and Gilbert be the "chosen" team that could stop the invasion of Terra? Will the Luminon conquer Terra and her milk cows? Is Gilbert only dreaming...     

 

 Book Two

"Whoohooo!' Gilbert cheered as he ran and jumped high into the air using his newly found power of his suit

combined with the slightly lessened gravity of Mars...

He had almost superhuman strength and speed."

Gilbert quickly discovers how exciting, and yet, how disturbing life can be when conversations... music... how-to shows... and personal thoughts are beamed directly into your brain. Can you imagine that constant noise and chaos playing out in your mind 24/7? Now consider meeting the most powerful and influential person on Mars. For Gilbert the introduction to Luminess was like a "television signal that suddenly was interrupted." He will not enjoy the telepathic beckoning, it can only lead to an increasing threat of being discovered. Once Aoleon "views" his disturbing encounter, a plan is launched to discover the truth about what is happening within the Luminon's Palace. Who can they get to help them uncover the threatening plans of the Luminess?

Meet Bizwat, he appears to be a Saturn Pizza delivery guy, a very serious job that you don't mess around with... especially if you know what any Procyron might do to you! How will Bizwat help Gilbert and Aoleon? Well... let's just assume he isn't going to simply drop off the pizza... and let's just assume he will gather information from those whom seriously enjoy Saturn Pizza.

There are "out-of-this-world" discoveries for Gilbert. He learns what a playful creature Zoot can be. He must learn how to balance on the bubble ball (especially if he wants to eat or not cause a problem in the classroom). And then there is the little concept of the fifth form of matter. Evidently, Earth science is not "advanced enough to have discovered" this form of matter. The most dangerous discovery will be the realization that with any telepathic connection... there is "absolute transparency in communication." That means there is no way anyone can lie... "because everyone else would know it immediately." 

"Zoikers!"

"Shiznat!"

What would a school day look like on Mars? How do you learn? What are Martian bullies like? What about sports... what is Psi-ball? What is phasing?

"As Gilbert grabbed her arm, he felt as if he were being sucked underwater...

He saw stars, and then everything went dark.

For a moment or for an eternity...

he was trapped in an infinite void..."  

     

 Book 3

Near the top of the Supreme Council of Twelve, the Luminon's main throne room provides not only a spectacular view but a way in! Staying calm is a must for Gilbert, even when electrical-plasma discharges "jolt" him into action.

With entrance into the Citadel, neither Aoleon or Gilbert were ready for the deep secrets of the Luminon. Were they "hallucinating" the hybrid abominations that "scraped" across the floor? Will an invasion of Terra (yes..Earth) be lead by a devious plan (with-holding the milk supply) or will the Martian's rebel against such a ploy? Can Aoleon and Gilbert warn her father (who happens to manage the pumps at the Galactworks)? And... what did the Luminon shape-shift in to?

From one calamity to the next, Gilbert and Aoleon will be phasing in and out of danger. Stasis field paralysis, intense lazer beams, part mechanical-part martian creatures... zipping in space... onto moons... into caverns... and in to the presence of the notorious "party-poopers" of all time, the Draconians (also known as the Intergalactic bullies of the Universe).

"They prey upon fear.

You must transform your emotions.

Weakness will only embolden them."

Being "nullified" or eaten would not be the best scenario for Gilbert. So into action he goes, or rather he attempts. He knows that the only way to save his family, his friends, his Earth will be to join forces with Aoleon.  The Luminon must be stopped! 

Meanwhile on Earth the surviving Draconian spies are "locating all the major cow pastures and dairy production facilities (if you have cows... check into this conspiracy theory).

"Zoikers!" 

Book 4

  

According to Xiocrom, fraternizing with the outside world would in fact ruin your day. Could it really be true that "free thinkers" are viewed as threats to the government? Is inalienable liberty lost? Is "terror built into the system" of watchers, surveillance, sentinels, and imprisonment without due process?

Meanwhile, as Aoleon, Gilbert, and Bizwat return to the Martian Space Academy they discover a new message being programmed for all of the students:

"Today we face the most imminent threat to our Martian civilization 

and to our lives as we know them ----

Terrans."

What? Really? Is Luminon really launching an invasion force to capture Terran? Do you know what it will be like to "cross the Martian desert, sneak into heavily guarded military installations, by pass All sentinels... paladins... force fields... and do battle with Cerberus!"

In Washington D.C., the situation room is updating the President about Operation Majestic Twelve. Could protecting Americans really mean "nuking" Mars?  

 At the Johnson's farm, Farmer Johnson looks up to see a "swarm" of flying saucers... and... a huge, agile, stealthy, undetectable... Orifice of Destruction... Cerberus' Attackbot! This attackbot is bad, I mean it will "acquire and destroy all visible targets!" 

It will take many to help Aoleon and Gilbert reach their destination. With Bizwat and his expertise as a CQB nothing should stop them, nothing! Then there is Helios a first generation soldier bot. Chirons descendants from ancient Martian dinosaurs.  Zoot their devoted creature. And, the oldest and wisest Martian, Kyrios.  As they cross the vast Martian desert, the soaring mountains, the massive meteors, craters, and canyons... their quest will be successful if the heat doesn't get life threatening. If the Luminon's power doesn't turn their worst fears against them. If they learn to "harness" their psionic powers. And, if they learn to control the twelve density levels within their minds.

As a massive, swirling vortex of sand thunders, rolls, and pounds its way towards them... their only hope is a small cave in a cliff...

"BRREEET!"

"... wherever thought goes, energy flows."


Book 5

Against the odds of the powerful Klyklon storm, oh.... and the little fright of a giant slor... everyone is ready and anxious to reach their destination. With a brief history about the Paa'Tal, Gilbert gets his first view of the Cydonia pyramid. Inside were "interconnected rooms, hangar bays, laboratories, and control rooms..." Including sentrybots and paladin security forces! Bizwat will have plenty of opportunities to show his "awesomesauce" as a special force to be reckoned with especially with a "disruptor beam rifle with an under-barrel nanoroid launcher."

With all of the pods sent through the stargate, the only option for destroying Xiocrom and saving Terran will be blowing up the Xiocrom hub. Which means they will need to be just about two-hundred-fifty Terran miles away when the demolition charges blow. Simple right?

Let the action begin! On Terran, the Situation Room is on high alert and watching thousands of "precious" dairy cows float away. Aoleon has "banked the saucer" towards Earth... The Luminon has threatened Terran and learned that their "bot invasion force," well... simply, isn't what it use to be. There are bovars within "psionic" bubbles floating in space. And...

Continue this journey with me as Aoleon and Gilbert "zip" us into a galactic journey beyond... your funny bone...

Zoom back often for continued coverage... 
MrsK

Amazing "out of this world" adventures...
A must add to all 4-6 book shelves!

"I received this series for free for these reviews"

  

Aoleon Gaming
Aoleon's Facebook 
Listen to Aoleon Book 1, Chapter 1

Meet the Author:

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

As for the illustrations, I did them all myself. It took me 12 years to teach myself how to do 3D modeling, rendering and animation. I have a somewhat lengthy youtube video on the subject where I show my image creation process. But basically every character, every building, every prop had to be designed, modeled and textured in 3D. This is why it took me 12 years to complete this project.

FREE GALLEY COPY of Part 1

We’re looking for parents, teachers and library luminaries to transmit to terra firma (that’s planet Earth) what Aoléon The Martian Girl is all about.  (Hint: she’s got psionic powers and the most gorgeous blue eyes!)

Her story comes in five parts — the action is just way too intense to pack into one volume.  The illustrations are so vivid you can just about climb right into them.

The author and illustrator, Brent LeVasseur, is offering you a FREE GALLEY COPY of Part 1 to put into your intergalactic school or library just to see what Aoléon is all about and to spread the word about her to interested student readers.

Please contact us at aoleon@aoleonthemartiangirl.com to begin your journey
or
VISIT http://brentlevasseur.com/free/
TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE GALLY COPY

 School Library Journal(a Media Source Inc. company)
123 William Street, Suite 802, New York, NY 10038

Tel: 646-380-0700
Fax: 646-380-0756
Email: sljnfo@mediasourceinc.com

Samantha Sanderson: Off The Record by Robin Caroll

Robin Caroll

ISBN: 9780310742494

Publisher's Synopsis:

Sam Sanderson is an independent, resourceful, high-tech cheerleader. She dreams of becoming an award-winning journalist like her mother, so she’s always looking for articles to publish in her middle-school paper (where she secretly hopes to become chief editor).
With a police officer for a father, Sam is in no short supply of writing material.
In the third book of the Samantha Sanderson series, when the school’s grades were tampered with, Sam must enlist Makayla’s help in hacking the system to discover the virus that was used and who committed the crime. But when the lead suspect is her new found friend, Felicia, Sam must choose whether to stick by her friends at all costs or report the story as she sees it.
The Samantha Sanderson series is about an ordinary girl with extraordinary dreams. Each book touches on a crime straight from headlines, from bomb threats to bullying, while following Samantha and her friends as they navigate middle-school and questions of faith.

MrsK's Review:
It was with great anticipation that I began another journey with Sam. She is an enterprising, fresh, and headstrong journalist. Her "nose" for a story is rarely off track. Her diplomacy can be a bit under-developed, but given that she is in middle-school... well it is enough to say that her "straight-on" attitude gets the story lead that is necessary to make any scandalous "hacker" be on guard.

With the return from winter break, Sam is excited about the posting of her grades. Like so many other students, the anxious "click" of the mouse will determine the mood of her parents. Only this time around every student will be in for a surprise. Added to the grade dilemma is this semester's reporting assignments. Sam definitely does not welcome Aubrey's nasty attitude. Can there be anything positive about that one person in school whose mission is to destroy and put down everything you do? At the end of the day, a wave of commotion is heard down the hall as students discover that their grades will cause all of their parents to go ballistic.  What was going on? Isn't the grading system secured enough to prevent tampering? Who would change everyone's grades? How did they change everyone's grades?

Now that's a story, and Sam is on the record. Is grade tampering, especially at this magnitude even possible? As Sam pulls the scrunchie off her wrist and wraps her hair into her "thinking do," she begins her investigative reporting. Did you know that a computer virus has its own thumbprint? Would her father's Chief of Police allow a teenager to "hack" into the school's computer drive to look for evidence? Can she get the best scoops... hopefully... without getting innocent people even deeper in trouble? Will Aubrey "best" her stories?

With authentic character voices, believable twists and turns, insightful reporting do's and dont's, Sam will keep you guessing as she "uncovers the truth" and brings the "hackers" to the front of her school's online newspaper. 

Punishment... violations... expulsions... its all news to Sam,
Enjoy this newest Sam Sanderson mystery... I can't wait to read her next byline!
MrsK

 

Fun...Enjoyable...Captivating...Endearing...

Meet the Author:
    Robin Caroll  Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of 25-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else? 

 "I received this book for free from Book Look Bloggers for this review."