Elementals: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman – a Review

Elementals: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman – a Review

 

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Description:
Everyone in Vallen knows that ice wolves and scorch dragons are sworn enemies who live deeply separate lives.

So when twelve-year-old orphan Anders takes one elemental form and his twin sister, Rayna, takes another, he wonders whether they are even related. Still, whether or not they’re family, Rayna is Anders’s only true friend. She’s nothing like the brutal, cruel dragons who claimed her as one of their own and stole her away.

In order to rescue her, Anders must enlist at the foreboding Ulfar Academy, a school for young wolves that values loyalty to the pack above all else. But for Anders, loyalty is more complicated than obedience, and friendship is the most powerful shapeshifting force of all.

 

 

Review:

Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman is the 1st book in her new YA/Middle Grade Fantasy Elementals series. I do enjoy Fantasy, and even though this is middle grade/ya, it is a story that anyone can read and enjoy. 

Anders and Rayna are brother & sister twins, who lost their family years before and at the age of 6 they left the orphanage they were living in for fear of being separate.  They both live in the streets of Vallen and work closely together  to survive using their skills to steal, which they do very well, and seem to have fun in doing so. 

The city they live in is protected by Ice Wolves, who guard the city against attacks by Scorch Dragons.  Every month the leaders have a trial for those coming of age (12) to be tested if they have wolf blood and thereby be sent to Ulfar Academy to train to be Ice Wolves and become in time Wolf Guards.  Anders and Rayna always attend the meetings in the village, since it is a good day to pickpocket.  However, as they try to escape being caught stealing, they end up on the line to be tested.   Rayna touches a magic staff, and shifts into a scorch dragon. Anders watches in horror as Rayna is attacked, but manages to escape and fly away. Anders, who no one knows is related to the scorch dragon is tested and shifts to a wolf.  Though he wants to go to the academy and learn how to fight dragons, Anders is determined to find his sister.  The next day he finds her at a secret hiding place, and they both do not understand how twins of the same blood can be different species.  Before they could talk more, Rayna is spotted and dragons come to her rescue and take her away.

The story now centers on Anders at the academy, where he meets other Ice Wolves, and makes friends with other students, especially one who he will learn to trust, Lizabeth.  Anders is determined to learn all he can to fight dragons, and find special artifacts that could help him find Rayna.  Though he has hated dragons all his life, it is Lizabeth, who feels that dragons may not be as bad as they all think; since they were at peace years before.

What follows is watching Anders learn to be more self sufficient, and being to realize that perhaps Lizabeth is on the right track, since she feels that it is in the best interest of everyone to get the wolves and dragons to talk.  While it was nice to watch Anders make new friends, and learn how to fight, the last 1/3 of the book is very exciting, as he and Lizabeth will leave to help rescue Rayna.  What they find will change the game, and open things up for future books.  Will Anders and Lizabeth survive in Dragon territory?  Will Anders find Rayna safe?

Ice Wolves was a good start to this series, and I really enjoyed the characters that Kaufman has created.  I loved the cute relationship early on with Anders and Rayna.   I really enjoyed the friendship between Anders and Lizabeth.  I will warn everyone, that Ice Wolves ends in a cliffhanger, which has us anxiously awaiting the next book.  Of course, I hate cliffhangers. Lol    If you like fantasy, teen heroes, then you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Sandy James-Guest Post and Giveaway

Guest Post and Giveaway with author Sandy James

Guest Post-White and Aqua

Thanks to the Reading Café for letting me guest on their wonderful blog today!

I’m heading a bit controversial for this post. I want to talk about being a teacher and writing romance.

Couple Making LoveSome of you might be aware of the story of Judith Buranich. She’s an English teacher in Pennsylvania public high school. When a few parents discovered she was published in erotic romance, a witch hunt ensued, and she was threatened with termination by the school corporation. (When I checked for updated information, I discovered she overturned her firing on appeal. Good for her!)

I followed the story with fear and fascination, wondering if one day my name would be the one splashed all over the news for writing “that stuff.” (That’s a quote from one of the parents, who also implied Ms. Buranich might be looking at her son in an inappropriate fashion. For the love of… I cannot think of a more ridiculous insinuation.)

My first thought was that if a teacher wrote any other genre, would they pursue her with such vigor? What if she wrote true crime novels—one of the genres I’ve considered with my criminology degree? Would they assume she might have serial killer tendencies?

Obviously, I was worried about my own job in a public high school. I’ve taught psychology for eighteen years, and I love my job. When I wrote my first book, my son was a senior at my school. I watched all of his friends grow up, and I’ve always been very close to those kids. Being an extrovert, I shared with my students that I was having fun writing. They were supportive and a bit in awe that I not only finished that book but went on to make writing my second career. A lot of them love that I use their names for some of my characters.

Pen on KeyboardWhen I sold my first book, I went to my principal and explained that I really wanted to publish in my own name rather than using a pen name. But I did air my concerns that our rather conservative Indiana community might have a “problem” if the parents found out I wrote romance. I told him that there was nothing in the books I would be ashamed for my students to read—probably because I discuss human sexuality in psychology. I was comfortable with parents reading my books as well. After a discussion with our superintendent, my principal gave me his blessings. So I published Turning Thirty-Twelve under my real name. Then I preceded to publish ten more books with more on the way. Both my students and their parents have given me their encouragement, and several former students and parents have become my fans.

Flash forward to 2012. Our state has instituted a rather onerous method of evaluating teachers—something I’m sure many other teachers face in the day and age of kids being tested, tested, and tested some more to see if they’re learning. (Don’t even get me going on that!) We are observed at least five different times during the school year. While I have no problem with any administrator or parent coming into my room to see what I’m up to, I am aware that even good teachers have bad days. It’s just crappy luck if one of those unannounced visits is on one of those days. My first one was…

I’m a good teacher. I don’t say that with hubris. My students are the ones who enlightened me to that fact. They do so in their stellar performances on things like Advanced Placement exams and by telling me how easy college psychology is for them because of my classes. But on the day my boss came for a look-see, I was playing a review game much like Jeopardy with my students, and it didn’t go well. The kids weren’t highly motivated because it was close to Fall Break, so a couple of them—one immature kid in particular—were acting out. Suffice to say I got a bad evaluation, even though I did my best to correct the bad behavior.

Alliiance of the Amazons

Problem was that my fear of being fired from my job for writing romance novels immediately jumped into my thoughts. Was my evaluation bad because of the class clown being mouthy? Or was there something else going on? Was this going to become a pattern as those in power set up a plan to get rid of me because I write romance?

It’s a shame I even have to worry about something that silly, but I was worried. Really worried. So I brought the topic up in my meeting over that evaluation. Thankfully, I was reassured that the thought never crossed my boss’s mind. In fact, he told me that they use me as a great example to students about what someone is capable of achieving if she puts her mind to it. He also said it’s good to be able to claim a published author among the school’s faculty.

Teacher at Chalk boardTo say I was relieved is a sad understatement. And all my evaluations have been stellar after that because the students realized it was their behavior rather than my lack of teaching skill that was criticized. God love ’em, my kids like me, and the affection is wholeheartedly returned.

Have things changed since the Judith Buranich debacle? Or is my corporation just more tolerant? I’m not really sure. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Thanks again for allowing me to guest blog! It was a pleasure sharing my thoughts with all of you!

About The Author

Follow Sandy: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

My income tax return says that I am a teacher. I had originally intended it to say “lawyer,” but romance, marriage, and motherhood set my life on a different course.

Sandy JamesI’ve been married to Jeff James since 1983. Even after all these years, he is still the love of my life. Jeff and I have two grown children who make us proud every day.

My husband and I share another strong and wonderful interest that is not only a great part of our day-to-day lives but has also become a running theme throughout some of my books. We own a small racing stable of Standardbred Harness horses, pacers to be exact. We have always loved the sport and as our children grew up enough to have their own interests, Jeff looked into what it would be like to own a racehorse. We jumped into the sport with both feet and are loving every minute of it. I’ve added a link to Jeff’s website if you’d like to follow the progress of our horses.

As another bit of personal information, I’d like to share that several years ago I was diagnosed with lupus. I know that there are others out there who either have had the same diagnosis or know someone who has. I’m sharing this because I want to encourage you all that chronic illnesses do not have to keep you down and out of the swing of life. I still teach, still work with my horses, have a wonderful family life, and am still able to spend hours at my laptop writing on my latest book.

I am blessed to be leading a life full of the things I like to do and people I love.

Series Spotlight

The Reluctant Amazon (Alliance of the Amazon #1)
By Sandy James
Release Date: September 2012

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

The Reluctant AmazonThe last thing Rebecca Massee expects on her wedding day is to go from jilted kindergarten teacher to Amazonian Earth warrior. But when she causes an earthquake after her groom says I don’t, she discovers that not only does she possess incredible powers, she is one of four lost chosen sisters who must fight to keep humanity safe from rogue gods and demons. Luckily she has help: ruggedly handsome Scottish warrior Artair MacKay, her protector and teacher.

An immortal, Artair has trained countless warriors for more than four hundred years. He understands Rebecca’s confusion at the new world she’s been thrust into and worries she is too emotionally vulnerable, but that doesn’t stop his growing feelings for the beautiful and fearless woman.

When an evil force threatens to destroy the Amazons, Rebecca must claim her full powers–but they come at a cost. Can she sacrifice the man she loves if it means saving the world?

 

The Impetuous Amazon (Alliance of the Amazon #2)
By Sandy James
Release Date: January 2013


Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

The Impetuous Amazon

Megan Feurer is strong and impetuous, like the Fire element she represents. She is an Amazon, sworn to protect humanity from demons, demigods and all manner of supernatural beings who wish ill upon the world. But her fire burns hot and fast, and her unpredictable control of the element brings into question her fitness as an Amazon.

Johann Herrmann chose the life of a Sentinel—a trainer of the four Amazons—to save his sister’s life. Now bound to the patron goddess Rhiannon, he knows his duty demands a solitary existence. But when he’s assigned to evaluate the Fire Amazon, his sacrifice becomes much more difficult.

Megan’s passions ignite a flame that neither she nor Johann can control, and the goddess Freya has reason to fan those flames. A mysterious force is gaining power, and Megan and Johann must join together to fight. And once a passionate fire has started, it’s nearly impossible to stop…

 

The Brazen Amazon (Alliance of the Amazons #3)
By Sandy James
Release Date: May 6, 2013

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

The Brazen AmazonZach Hanson is a tech wizard, capable of creating and improving gadgets–including remote nuclear warhead launchers. But he’s always known that he’s destined for something more, something greater, something…supernatural.

Powerful Air Amazon Gina Himmel is one of four sisters called to protect the world from those who would do it harm. Demigods in league with an Ancient have been taking over the bodies of leaders in the military and technological sectors, and Gina is sent to San Francisco to watch over Zach.

Under Gina’s protection, Zach is introduced to a world of ancient deities, rogue gods and the bold, brazen Amazons who keep humanity safe. Amidst the whirlwind of battle, Zach and Gina discover a love that could give them the power to save the world—or destroy it.

GIVEAWAY-WHITEwithblue

Sandy James is offering an e-copy of any ONE of her books to one lucky reader at The Reading Cafe. Please check Sandy’s Website for a complete list of her books.

1. Please register by using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address as Twitter and Google+ etc do not account for contact information.

3. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY

4. Giveaway runs from May 14-May 18, 2013

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Alliance of the Amazon Series 1-3 by Sandy James-a review

Alliance of the Amazon Series 1-3 by Sandy James-2 reviews

THE RELUCTANT AMAZON (Alliance of the Amazons #1) by Sandy James

The Reluctant Amazon

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 2012

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

REVIEW: THE RELUCTANT AMAZON is the first storyline in Sandy James’s Alliance of the Amazon series. The premise focuses on the background information about a female race of Amazonian elemental warriors-Earth, Water, Air and Fire and, how each member of the Alliance must work together with their fellow ‘sister warriors’ to put a stop to the end of the world. The storyline and series premise also pulls in mythological gods and goddesses, demigods and demons, and a hierarchy of power and control that is tested by the very Amazons trained to defend the world. But as the women are pulled together to locate three of their missing sisters, they will face betrayal and the pain of loss at the hands of one of their own.

Like many supernatural storylines, our heroine is not aware of her heritage or powers until a handsome immortal stranger takes her under his wing. Meeting her fellow warrior sisters, Rebecca soon realizes she is not on the same level of playing field as the others. As an Earth Amazon, it is her heritage to nurture and grow, and she has a difficult time mastering everything that she needs to know. But as the story progresses, Rebecca will discover that she is a leader as well as a warrior, and the others will eventually have to look to Rebecca for guidance and direction. We follow as the Amazon sisters are trained to defend and protect, fight for what they believe and, finally come to the realization that that trust must be earned and should not be given freely.

The relationship between Artair (Highland warrior Sentinel) and Rebecca is immediate but a relationship that may place everyone at risk as Artair’s attention and need to protect Rebecca moves his focus from the women he is supposed to train onto the woman who has stolen his heart. As the history of the Sentinels and Amazons unfolds, we are privy to Artair’s long history with the Amazon warriors and his desire to re-enter the human world. Artair believes it is time he retired but in doing so, he must give up the woman with whom he has fallen in love.

THE RELUCTANT AMAZON is an interesting storyline that blends mythology with a contemporary storyline. The different elemental Amazon’s are each ruled by a goddess specific to each bloodline, but the goddesses are not without some issues of their own. Sandy James weaves a tale that places an ancient warrior with a modern woman who has yet to discover her true self but when she does sometimes having too much power is never a good thing. The storyline has a little bit of romance, a little bit of sex, a little bit of action as well as betrayal, heartbreak and love. The story does not end on a cliffhanger but with the knowledge that the evil is still out there and the Amazon warriors will be needed once again.

Copy supplied by the author

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The Impetuous Amazon (Alliance of the Amazon #2) by Sandy James-a review

The Impetuous Amazon

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2013

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

REVIEW: THE IMPETUOUS AMAZON is the second storyline in Sandy James’ Alliance of the Amazons series focusing on four female Elemental Amazon warriors and the men they love. The storyline continues to build on the introductory premise as Megan Feurer, the fire Amazon must learn to control her anger and her fire, or find herself powerless in a world haunted by demons, demigods, mythological goddesses and the walking dead. And to ensure Megan follows orders, Sentinel Johann Herrmann, the man who stirred the embers of Megan’s soul in book one, will shadow her every move as she endeavors to reign in her temper when things get out of hand. And to complicate matters, the truth about Megan’s heritage will reveal a deeper connection to the fire goddess than anyone could have imagined and place an invisible wall between Johann and Megan that may be impossible to overcome.

The storyline progresses as Megan and Johann must investigate the mysterious disappearance and deaths of a number of young women all seemingly connected to a popular singer. But it will be Megan that becomes his ultimate target when power and greed are his to command with the help of a number of supernatural powers.

As the title of the storyline implies, Megan is impetuous; a fiery redhead who is the epitome of fire, Megan’s temper and acidic personality fuels the fire that burns within the Amazon warrior. And our heroine hides a painful past –one of betrayal and rejection at the hands of a woman she once called aunt and mother. But as Megan learns to control her fire, she is unable to control her burning need for the man who is trying to keep the flames under control. Johann will learn first hand what it is to love and be loved by a fire Amazon, and without a shield, Megan’s burning love for her Sentinel may put an end to their relationship before it has a chance to begin.

Sandy James combines mythological goddesses and demons with a contemporary storyline that gifts another Amazon warrior with her mate. The world building is limited in this particular story, as most of the premise is character driven-and saying that many of the previous storyline characters play a pivotal role in the fight against evil. There is romance and love, sorrow and pain, action and suspense as well as the continuous animosity and rivalry amongst the goddesses that risks the lives of the men and women under their command. But the heroine was difficult to like at times-her attitude and personality left much to be desired and saying that-she was who she was because of her past.  I am definitely not excusing Megan’s acerbic characteristics because in the real world she would be told in no uncertain terms-where to go and how fast.  The Impetuous Amazon is an interesting and fascinating addition to The Alliance of the Amazon series by Sandy James.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Brazen Amazon by Sandy James

The Brazen Amazon

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

Release Date May 6, 2013

REVIEW: THE BRAZEN AMAZON is the third storyline in Sandy James’s Alliance of the Amazon series focusing on four elemental Amazon warrior women. This is Gina Himmel’s storyline-the air Amazon.

Like the previous storyline, Gina is a strong-willed, independent and kick-a$$ heroine, but there is a softer side to Gina that has yet to emerge. Gina grew up less than feminine-a rough and tumble tomboy and believes herself unworthy of a man’s attention or love. But Gina will have two men vying for her heart: Richard (aka Dick) a former SOG (Son of Gaia): and the other, her most recent assignment-Zach Hanson. Zach is a computer genius and he is the next target of abduction in the struggle for world domination in the war between the gods and goddesses.

The battle for Zach’s invention will lead Gina and the Amazon warriors into a fight between good and evil, but who is fighting whom for domination? When friends present as enemies and enemies present as friends, Gina’s world will be thrown into chaos and Zach will be the unwitting pawn. But a ‘gift’ from the gods will have Zach deep in the heart of the conflict where the wrong move could prove disastrous for everyone.

The relationship between Zach and Gina is quick to build. The couple’s attraction to one another is instant but there is also someone else vying for Gina’s heart. When Richard becomes the odd-man out, sides will be chosen and betrayal will be the ultimate weapon against Gina in the battle for her love. But Gina only loves one man and she is willing to push him away to save both of them any future heartache.

THE BRAZEN AMAZON is another fast-paced well-written installment where the premise and storylines are female driven. There is always a fine line between strong –willed heroine and b*tch, but Sandy James treads carefully in this particular story. Alpha females are often subdued by the men in their lives, but Sandy’s Amazon warriors stay true to form-while not usurping the males- they become equals in their own right.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied by the author.

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FEARLESS (Elemental #1.5) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

FEARLESS (Elemental #1.5) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

FEARLESS (Elemental 1.5) by Brigid Kemmerer

FEARLESS is a short e-novella (released July 31, 2012) in Brigid Kemmerer’s Elemental series. Focusing on 16year old Hunter Garrity and Clare Kasten, Hunter is a Fifth Elemental. As a Fifth Elemental, Hunter is connected to all of the elements, but it also means that he is connected to the people around him. So why did Clare need to speak to him so badly?

After weeks of being harassed and pushed around, being followed home was nothing new for Hunter, but realizing that it was a girl from school was something totally different. Clare Kasten wanted something from Hunter, and he was willing to help her find it.

Clare was impressed with Hunter’s speech about the second amendment. With her brother away in the armed forces, Clare claimed she was concerned when her brother had purchased a gun before he left on deployment. Clare was both curious and fearful of guns, and was hoping that Hunter could help her overcome her anxieties about the weapons. But following an excursion of target practice, Hunter realizes that one of his father’s guns has gone missing.

Uncle Jay and Hunter’s father were both Elementals, in the practice of law enforcement. And Hunter’s desire to work along side his family was continuously pushed down when his father proclaimed that he wasn’t ready. But an ominous warning from his father, would find Hunter re-thinking whether his father was correct about the entire situation when Clare decided to take the law into her own hands.

FEARLESS is a short story-a prequel of sorts that takes a look into the life and family dynamics of Hunter Garrity before his dealings with the Merrick brothers. I am not sure where this storyline fits into the series premise except to introduce Hunter Garrity, but a look into the life of a Fifth Elemental adds a little more information about a character who matures with each successive storyline.

READING ORDER
1. Elemental
2. Storm
3. Fearless
4. Spark
5. Spirit

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

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