Book Reviews by Genre
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
When Hemingway Meets Horror: Preorder The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu
Friday, October 18, 2024
Thrilling second installment of Earthcore series
Volcano City by Grace Bridges is the thrilling second installment of the captivating Earthcore series. The narrative picks up Anira's journey and takes a gripping turn as she returns to Auckland, where the stakes are higher than ever. She has lost the supernatural abilities she gained in Rotovegas: Earthccore Book 1 after leaving the magical thermal springs of Rotorua, For this story, she faces the challenge of regaining not only her powers but also her memories of the events and friendships that defined her summer.
About the book: Volcano City
The story kicks off with a powerful sense of disorientation as Anira struggles to reconnect with her Earthcore team—Tiger, Graeme, and Bethany—each grappling with insecurities and challenges in the urban landscape. The author skillfully develops these characters, making their individual journeys as compelling as Anira’s, and the tension of their reunion adds depth to the narrative.
The antagonist—a maniac wielding mind control—serves as a formidable threat, his motivations steeped in revenge and a desire for chaos. His arrival in Auckland sets off a chain of events that leads to brilliantly orchestrated mayhem, with the earth itself becoming restless and heightening the urgency of Anira’s quest. As the city faces the threat of disaster, readers are drawn into a whirlwind of action and suspense.
BookHookup Review: Volcano City
The pacing is relentless, with thrilling sequences that blend urban adventure and mythical elements. Anira’s struggle to remember her gifts and summon the ancient taniwha adds an exciting layer of folklore to the plot, enriching the story's setting and stakes.
Volcano City not only builds on the excitement of the first book but also deepens character dynamics and expands the world. Anira’s journey of self-discovery, courage, and teamwork resonates, making this a must-read for fans of YA fantasy. With its mix of heart-pounding action, brilliantly orchestrated mayhem, and compelling friendships, this installment deserves a solid 5 stars and leaves this reader eagerly anticipating Anira’s next adventure.
Friday, October 4, 2024
Imaginative, practical, and inspiring book
If your child dreams of pirouetting across the stage or gracefully leaping in the air, Falling into Dance is the perfect guide to help them get there. This delightful book offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of ballet, narrated through the experiences of Ballerina Kittina and her charming sidekick, Poulette, the dancing chicken. With the help of Ballerina Konora, Kittina provides a rich, practical guide that is as imaginative as it is instructional.
About the book: Falling into Dance
From the very first page, the book captivates with its engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations. It’s clear that Falling into Dance isn’t just about ballet; it’s about nurturing the spirit of perseverance and dedication in young dancers. The book is packed with invaluable tips on balance and posture, which aren’t just useful for ballet but are beneficial life skills for anyone looking to improve their physical awareness and grace.
One of the standout elements of this book is its honest portrayal of the challenges that come with ballet. The narrative doesn’t shy away from discussing the tough realities, including the rigorous practice and the inevitable falls that come with learning the art form. The book’s advice on falling with purpose, and the creative use of imagination is both practical and inspiring. The idea of falling with purpose, rather than just stumbling, transforms what might seem like setbacks into learning opportunities making the process of learning ballet feel more accessible and less daunting.
BookHookup book review: Falling into Dance
Falling into Dance is not just a technical manual but is also an entertaining read. The playful inclusion of Poulette and the light-hearted approach to the advice make the book enjoyable for readers of all ages. The mother-daughter team behind the book infuses their expertise with warmth and relatability, ensuring that young dancers—and their families—can appreciate the dedication and joy that ballet brings.
Falling into Dance is an imaginative, practical, and inspiring book that perfectly balances technical advice with an entertaining narrative. Its blend of realism, encouragement, and creativity makes it a five-star read for anyone aspiring to dance or simply looking for an engaging, motivational book for an 8 to12 year-old child in their life. Highly recommended for young dancers and those who support their dreams!
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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Blackberry Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.
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About the Authors
Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection, and imagination through stories.Their catalog of 25 interactive dance books highlights positive messages and role models throughout four main series:
- Dance-It-Out! stories combine whimsical tales with movement and subtle life lessons (spans ages 4-9)
- Dancing Shapes peeks at a professional ballerina's journey, teaches ballet, and explores detail and form (spans ages 6-11)
- Ballet Inspiration and Choreography Concepts deep dives into technique, tips, and insight for aspiring dancers (ages 8-12)
- Prop-Based Dance Stories for Classroom and Anytime Fun debuts in 2023 to encourage scarf and parachute play.