"Silenced" by Dani Pettrey

Silenced (May 6, 2014) by Dani Pettrey.*

Cavanagh. He isn’t just Jake Westin anymore. He’s Jake Westin Cavanagh. Those he’s come to care for like family, the McKennas, are now aware of his past, painful as it is. Because of his past and prowess, Sheriff Landon Grainger has asked Jake for his help, and Jake has agreed to act as a temporary deputy. Landon’s unfortunately short-staffed, and he’s only sworn Jake in because the oldest McKenna sister, Kayden, has come across a dead climber. While it’s reasonable to say that the deceased was not experienced enough for the climb he was attempting, foul play was definitely involved. Jake and Kayden, much to both of their liking (though neither will admit it aloud), are often paired up to investigate. They travel to nearby Imnek, where they stir up animosity and something more. Something more sinister than the drunken anger taken out on the propeller of Kayden’s Cessna floatplane. There are threats that escalate to physical danger. And that isn’t reserved just for Imnek. The danger follows them back to Yancey.

            Jake thought his past was truly behind him save for the painful memories he tries to forget. Instead, it seems his past may have caught up to him and is endangering the family he cares for … and the woman he loves.

            “Silenced” is the fourth novel in Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series. This Christian fiction novel is dubbed romantic suspense. The growing relationship and budding romance is all there as expected, but the suspense is tempered. It’s not edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting suspense, though there was some intensity near the end. Lest you think this is negative, it is not, for I’ve really been enjoying Pettrey’s novels. I love that Kayden and Jake, while obviously meant for each other, have struggles and doubts that any of us might have. They feel like real people, people that I’d like to be friends with. I also love that Pettrey twines faith into the characters without making them sound preachy or overbearing. And when the going is scary and tough and dangerous, Pettrey shows through her characters that there’s truth to the phrase have a little faith.

            Alaskan Courage Series 1: Submerged

            Alaskan Courage Series 2: Shattered

            Alaskan Courage Series 3: Stranded

Note: For those who prefer completely light fare devoid of any hurt or violence or suffering, this book may not be for you. There is minor violence, but I still highly recommend this set of books. I started reading these books at the second story, which has worked out fine, but if you’re going to start the Alaskan Courage series, I’d definitely start with the first book

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Into the Still Blue" by Veronica Rossi

Into the Still Blue (Jan. 28, 2014) by Veronica Rossi.

The Aether storms are worsening. At best, they have a few weeks before the skies make for impassable and impossible travel outside. At worst, they merely have days. The population between Perry’s Tides and Aria’s Dwellers is not staggering, but it’s still in the hundreds, and they do not have transportation enough for all of them. What they need are hovercrafts to take them to the Still Blue, a still seemingly mystical place whose existence is still doubted. They’ll have to cross paths with the ruthless leader of the Horns, Sable, and the cowardly Dweller leader, Hess. Hess is Soren’s dad, yet Soren isn’t under his dad’s protection; he’s roughing it in a cave with other Dwellers and the Tides he doesn’t trust (“savages,” in his eyes). But because of his technological prowess, Perry may find that Soren is a begrudging asset. Perry is on the outs with his best friend, Roar, as there is hurt on both sides and neither seems willing to talk it out. Perry and Aria aren’t without their struggles, either, battling personal feelings and their leadership roles. Still, despite all the pressure they’re under, it doesn’t best what Cinder is expected to do. Can they find the safe haven that is the Still Blue? And, even if they can, can they reach it?

            Overall, I really enjoyed this book and made quick work of reading it. Not just this book, but the entire trilogy, has a solid plot full of action and self-doubt, care and loathing, comic relief and heartache. However, in this story, plausibly due to Roar’s grief and the overall intensity of knowing that the Aether may bring their end-of-days very shortly, the humor displayed in this concluding YA trilogy novel is less than the first two. Readers find out who Aria’s dad is, and while that knowledge doesn’t enhance the plot, I really enjoyed that Rossi added in the identity of her father. The only thing that kind of grated on me is that Cinder’s story isn’t fully developed, yet he plays a critical role in this trilogy, especially in this novel. But mostly Rossi’s characters, especially her main ones, are strong in spite of their flaws, and I appreciate that. It makes them appear more real and therefore relatable, not that I ever want to relate to them through an Aether-filled environment (just saying). At the end of the day, they are, as we are, human, full of hopes and doubts and love and grief. And even to them, in their dystopian world, the bonds between people count.

            Book One: Under the Never Sky

            Book Two: Through the Ever Night

"Blindsided" by Natalie Whipple

Note: This story should not be confused with a previous book I summarized and reviewed with the same title. While both stories are works of fiction, this is a YA fantasy novel in a dystopian setting, and the other Blindsided falls in the category of realistic fiction.

Blindsided (Jan. 2, 2014) by Natalie Whipple.

She knew that fleeing her dad’s syndicate and going to another syndicate’s territory wouldn’t really save her, but Fiona McClean still hoped for some semblance of normalcy. Not that her life can ever be truly normal, what with being the only invisible person and all. Maybe it would rock to be invisible, and it does have its perks, but all Fiona wants is to be seen. She wants to see something besides a floating pair of glasses and air rocking a cute dress in photos. When she’s kissing her boyfriend, she wants to see that he’s not just kissing air. If she looks in the mirror, she wants to see a face, her face. But those things should be the least of her worries, because she’s been noticed by Juan’s syndicate, and they aren’t being quiet about things. The Army has also come to their small town of Madison (Arizona), and they’re not quiet, either. Both groups desire the ability to produce more Radiasure and, even more importantly, have control over it. The Army has even gone so far as to obtain the “recipe,” but a key ingredient is missing and the Army doesn’t know where to find it. Fiona and company may know where that special ingredient is located, but can they trust anyone outside their group with its whereabouts?

            This YA novel is the sequel to Whipple’s “Transparent.” I found it to be as fast-moving and entertaining as the novel’s predecessor. The main plot, of course, is how to overthrow the baddies, but who’s the bad guy? Is it just that sickly, skinny, scary dude from Juan’s syndicate? What about the Army, because surely they aren’t guilt-free? This story also asks a question common in people of all ages today: How do we accept how we look as is? Fiona’s case is different, of course, as she can’t see herself at all, but she wants to so badly. She feels like she can’t be happy or accept herself without knowledge of her physical appearance. As a reader, does that seem vain? Understandable? Both? Do you think she’d be wholly satisfied if she could see herself?

            (For those concerned, the language isn’t completely clean. It’s not worst-of-the-worst when it comes to expletives, but they are scattered throughout.)

Rutabaga's Reads 2014: Part 7

Here is Part 7 of Rutabaga’s Reads 2014. Both of these titles are adult fiction. I read them years ago and meant to make this a longer post, but instead it’s just been sitting in my blog folder gathering hypothetical dust, so I decided to post it as is.

The Last Summer (of You & Me) (June 5, 2007) by Ann Brashares.

“When you came along, I said I’d share you, but I told him

to remember that you’re my sister. I loved you first.”

There are two sisters: Riley and Alice, both now in their twenties. Riley is the elder sister, small and tenacious, a free-spirited tomboy who works as a lifeguard in the town of Waterby on Fire Island. Alice is the gentle one; she’s a reader and a thinker who works as a babysitter and a waitress. It is summer, so tourists are busy soaking in the beach-community setting. Paul returns to Fire Island, too. He is Riley’s best friend and has been gone for three years. There is a secret being kept from Paul, and it will strain a budding romantic relationship. When the truth comes to a head, they’ll need to support each other, for gone are the ignorant, youthful days of summer. They’re adults now.

            Brashares is most notably known for her YA series The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. This book was her first foray into adult fiction. It is moving, bittersweet and thoughtful – a realization-of-adulthood story – but it is less amazing and more ordinary. That’s not a bad thing in my mind. It’d be a decent beach read, but don’t expect fireworks.

Prey (Nov. 25, 2002) by Michael Crichton.

The protagonist, Jack Forman, is an unemployed computer programmer and stay-at-home dad until he gets a job at Xymos Technology, where his wife, Julia, works as a high-ranking employee. Xymos develops “molecular manufacturing” technology, but it’s what most people call nanotechnology. Jack is suspicious of Julia’s late nights and suspects her of having an affair. Jack goes to the facility in the Nevada desert and witnesses the nanoparticle cloud (the swarm) in action. The swarm has escaped from the laboratory, and it is, unfortunately, self-sustaining and intelligent. It’s as though it’s alive. Jack’s not a team player, but he’ll have to be if he wants to get out of Xymos alive.

            While I preferred Crichton’s “Timeline,” I still found “Prey” to be a well-written dose of adult thriller fiction. Although it’s fiction, you might be intrigued to know that the core research programs are real. Amazingly and scarily enough. This is an advanced-technology-gone-bad novel. The plot, which we hope is forever impossible, is intricate and a little creepy. How do you feel about being the prey?

Rutabaga's Reads 2014: Part 6

It has been awhile since I’ve had a post centering solely on books for young readers, so here one is! Please enjoy, and please also let me know of any stories for young readers that have caught your eye. With so many books on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to read next with your young child/niece or nephew/grandchild.

Amelia Bedelia’s First Field Trip (June 28, 2011) by Herman Parish.
   Lynne Avril, illustrator.

Older readers may remember Amelia Bedelia as the literal-minded housekeeper of Peggy Parish’s original series. This story is another in the Amelia Bedelia Picture Book series by the series creator’s nephew, Herman Parish. In this story, Amelia Bedelia is on her first field trip, and it is to the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Dinkins. She’s about to learn many new things; some are actual facts, while others are sayings that she misinterprets for the literal.

            Herman Parish has as great a handle on a young Amelia Bedelia as his aunt had with her original Amelia Bedelia as a housekeeper. I appreciated that the author put in many facts to balance the humor that stemmed from Amelia misconstruing something another person said. For example, when Mrs. Dinkins asks her to toss the salad, she quite literally tosses the salad to the horse, a goat, a cow and the pigs. Lynne Avril’s illustrations capture the entertainment that is Amelia with lively pictures of the written words. I especially enjoyed Amelia picturing a chicken laying a candy cane-striped egg after “eating” a peppermint candy cane. Or the illustration where Amelia’s thinking of potatoes with eyes (“potatoes sprout eyes”), corn with ears (“corn has ears”) and lettuce with heads (“lettuce grows a head”). Between the factual knowledge this story brings and the goofiness of Amelia’s antics, this delightful story will likely be popular with youngsters.

Nancy Clancy: Book One: Super Sleuth (Apr. 3, 2012) by Jane O’Connor.

   Robin Preiss Glasser, illustrator.

Fancy Nancy is growing up! Inspired by her favorite detective, Nancy Drew, this Nancy is ready to be a sleuth. She’s got everything she needs: a rhinestone-studded magnifying glass, a notepad, a flashlight, a hat with a floppy brim and a pink trench coat. Her clubhouse is now Sleuth Headquarters. Most importantly, she’s good at snooping. (“Investigating was the professional word for snooping.”) Now all she needs is a case! Her first case is solved before it ever opens, and she’s disappointed in the lack of criminals running about their town. When crime strikes her third grade classroom, will Nancy and her best friend, Bree, crack the case?

            For anyone who has enjoyed the Fancy Nancy books, you’re not going to want to miss these chapter books. Nancy is still at her best, expressing things vividly and being her general fancy self. O’Connor makes writing mysteries for the chapter-book set look easy, throwing in clever clues and red herrings, and Glasser’s illustrations will help young readers connect this series to her first one. I like how even the secondary characters are fully fleshed out, from Nancy’s family to her teacher, Mr. Dudeny. The relationship between Nancy and her sister, JoJo, is very realistic as well. Just like siblings can be affectionate, so can they also point fingers and issue blame (often in an instant). Readers familiar with Nancy will want to grow up with her. And how can one resist? After all, Nancy Clancy is the fanciest, most stylish gumshoe of all!

Nancy Clancy: Book Two: Secret Admirer (Jan. 2, 1013) by Jane O’Connor.

   Robin Preiss Glasser, illustrator.

This detective is now playing matchmaker. Nancy is in love with the idea of being in love. Not for herself, but for her guitar teacher, Andy. When she learns that he broke up with his girlfriend, Nancy is devastated, even though Andy doesn’t appear fussed about it. Nancy and Bree then learn that their favorite babysitter, Annie, has broken up with her boyfriend. With Valentine’s Day approaching, what would be better than having Annie and Andy fall madly in love? Operation Eternal Love is under way! Is love in the air?

            Don’t worry. Despite its title, this chapter book geared for ages 6-10 is not a mushy book. In fact, there’s no romance in it. Nancy and Bree want to set two people up that they think are great people; therefore, a good portion of the story is about plotting and accomplishing secret things without getting caught. The idea of matchmaking may be a bit advanced for six-year-olds, but O’Connor’s writing makes it an easy read for young readers with the hope that the story will extend their vocabulary, along with be a source of literary enjoyment. Glasser’s illustrations continue to complement O’Connor’s wonderful text. And if you read this story, you might encounter the first fancy word that Nancy doesn’t like!

Pinkalicious: Eggstraordinary Easter (Jan. 28, 2014) by Victoria Kann.

In this picture book from the Pinkalicious series, Pinkalicious Pinkerton is excited for Easter. She anticipates that Edgar Easter Bunny, who’s “a close, personal friend of mine,” has dropped by her family’s home after vacationing in Egguador. Being the Easter Bunny, Edgar is a fan of scavenger hunts, for that’s eggsactly what he sends them off on in the story. It’s bound to be an eggstraordinary day, but will Pinkalicious find herself stumped before the end?

            It’s true there’s a lot of pink involved, but “Eggstraordinary Easter” is a cute Pinkalicious story. Of the few titles I own in Kann’s series, this one is my new favorite of hers. The inclusion of short poems to denote scavenger hunt clues was not only fun, but also a thinking tool to see if young readers might figure out the clue before Pinkalicious and her family. It’s a great little picture book for young kids and isn’t just for those who like pink. With youthful adventure and lively, colorful illustrations, it’s an aural and visual treat for girls and boys alike!