Thursday, August 29, 2013

Tributary by Linda T. Bergren


Description:

TRIBUTARY, a novella (1/2 the length of a normal novel), picks up a year after BOURNE... Lia struggles to overcome the fear that constant battle has heaped upon her; Gabi and Marcello face an unexpected crisis; and Lord Greco just may be ready to leave the grief and loss of his past behind him, so that he might grab hold of the future...

Review:

Tributary by Linda T. Bergren
5 out of 5

So, after catching up on a lot of stuff, and after having a rough 2 months due to family issues and then work, I decided I was going to read the next book in one of my favorite series.  I was so excited to start this book, and I can just say that it was amazing!

I loved Luca!  He is my very idea of Italian men, and he is very like some of the Italian men I met in the town of Lucca (lol, I know, great isn’t it?), which is just a few hours outside of Siena and Florence.  I personally would love to get a Luca of my own… Can I get one?  I’d like to add him to my “yummy good guy” collection I’ve got going on J.

Now, as a reader, there are always couples that you want to get together.  Personally, I want Greco and Alessandra to get together!  Is that wrong?  Nope!  I think they would be cute together.

I am so happy (and scared) for Gabi and Marcello!  I can’t wait to see what will happen with them. 

I felt so bad for Alessandra, and what she experienced by the hands of her countrymen.  And then, her father doing what he did.  Heartbreaking!

OMgoodness!  The excape!  It felt like I was holding my breath the whole time.  I mean, I was just wondering what would happen next, and if they would make it!

Oh the mystery, the treachery, and the plotting that occurs through this book!  It just makes you wonder how everyone will survive.
Overall, I think this was one AMAZING book and I am so glad that I read it.  I just wish that I could have more Lia and Luca J.  Highly Recommend this book!

Happy Reading!

Cana

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: Bound by Night by Larissa Ione


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 


Description:

A WOMAN OUT FOR BLOOD
Nicole Martin was only eight years old when the vampire slaves rose up in rebellion and killed her family. Now she devotes her life to finding a vaccine against vampirism, hoping to wipe out her memories—along with every bloodsucker on the planet. But there’s one thing she cannot destroy: her searing, undeniable attraction for the one man she should hate and fear the most . . .

A VAMPIRE OUT FOR REVENGE
A member of the renegade vampire MoonBound Clan, Riker is haunted by demons of his own. When he recognizes Nicole and remembers how her family enslaved his loved ones, his heart burns for vengeance. But when he kidnaps Nicole and holds her in a secret lair, his mortal enemy becomes his soul obsession, his greatest temptation, and, perhaps, his only salvation—a hot-blooded lover who could heal him with her touch . . . or bury him forever.


Coming out on September 24, 2013


Why?

  1. So I've never read anything by this author, so I'm interested in trying some of her books out.
  2. The whole description of this book sounds interesting... vampire slaves, revolts, vengence, kidnapping, and temptation of the enemy...  Delicious, right?
  3. I think this sounds like a different spin on vampires, something I'm craving right now. 

So what are you waiting for?


Happy Reading!

Cana

Monday, August 26, 2013

Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole

Description:

Kresley Cole enraptures again with this seductive tale of a fierce werewolf prince who will stop at nothing to protect the lovely archer he covets from afar.

A Dangerous Beauty

Lucia the Huntress: as mysterious as she is exquisite, she harbors secrets that threaten to destroy her—and those she loves. 

An Uncontrolled Need

Garreth MacRieve, Prince of the Lykae: the brutal Highland warrior who burns to finally claim this maddeningly sensual creature as his own. 

That lead to a pleasure so wicked...

From the shadows, Garreth has long watched over Lucia. Now, the only way to keep the proud huntress safe from harm is to convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do this, Garreth will ruthlessly exploit Lucia's greatest weakness—her wanton desire for him.

Review:

Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole
5 out of 5

Characters

Damiano for some reason gave me the creeps from the beginnings.  But he wasn’t who I thought he was, though I was right not to like him.  Didn’t feel sorry for him either with how he ended. 

Poor Garreth!  All the traumas he goes through for Lucia… But he thinks she is worth it.  I love that.

Lucia is such an interesting character.  I mean, she is strong, she is determined, and she is reliable.  And yet, she seems to have repeatedly drawn the short straw.  Not know what she is (besides a Valkyrie), not being able to return to Valhalla, having the constant guilt from the goddess that helped her.  But she still keeps doing what she thinks she needs to do to protect herself and others. 

Everything Else

Oh, the beginning… Which is the same beginning that we have already seen, but from a different perspective.  I’m sorry, there are only so many ways that you can talk about the same thing, same time period, even though you might use a different perspective.  And yet I plugged on!  And it paid off!  We finally get to a point where we are a year from where we began.  In the Amazon (again :P), with a yummy lykae and a skittish Valkyrie. 

So we finally get to find out why Lucia is such a great archer… and why she avoids men in general.  I loved learning about Lucia’s secrets and discovering what it means to be the Archer.  Also, proof that everything comes with a price. 

I enjoyed how quickly Lucia worked at remedying her mistakes.  And I was so glad that she saved Garreth! 

What hot scenes in this book!  I loved!

I liked that we got to catch up with Lachlain and Emmaline.  To know what their lives are like and how happy they are… Very good to know. 

Overall


Overall, this is a great book!  I loved the way it played out, and the hope that it gave towards the Assession.  Also, I liked how the end of this novel ended with a lot of more questions, which will lead to more books. 

Happy Reading!

Cana

Friday, August 23, 2013

Friday Fun with… Michael


Friday Fun is where readers from ages 5 to 16 let us know what they are reading and why they loved (or hated) what they read. 

Today we have Michael reviewing :


The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-fu Cavemen from the Future

by George Beard and Harold Hutchins

Description:  

Meet Ook and Gluk, the stars of this sensationally silly graphic novel from the creators of Captain Underpants! It's 500,001 BC, and Ook and Gluk's hometown of Caveland, Ohio, is under attack by an evil corporation from the future. When Ook, Gluk, and their little dinosaur pal Lily are pulled through a time portal to 2222, they discover a future world that's even more devastated than their own. Luckily, they find a friend in Master Wong, a martial arts instructor who trains them in the ways of kung fu. Now all they have to do is travel back in time 502,223 years and save the day!

Review:

What did you like about it?

I liked that it had cavemen that traveled through time.  My favorite part was the Flip-O-Rama

What did you not like about it?


I didn’t like that it had some throwing up in it.

Why did you want to read this?


I read it because it had pictures and it was written by the same people as Captain Underpants

Would you recommend it to read it?

I would recommend this, because of how cool and funny it is.


Happy Reading!

Michael

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Review Part 1: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Description:

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children. 

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company. 

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. 

But when an actual stranger-a boy who seems to fade like smoke-appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi's need to know-about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab's debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won't soon forget.

Review:

Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
3 out of 5

Review Part 1:

This fairytale starts out with a fairytale being told.  I like that, as every tale told started out with someone telling another.  Plus, we all knew fairytales as being something someone told us, at bed time.  Which just makes it dark and mysterious. 

But it also feels like a ghost story.  Mysterious and lyrical.  You want to read it by a fire with the sound of the rain in the background.

I liked Lexi’s curiousity.  It seems like it has the potential to get her into a lot of trouble… Which of course it will.   

Honestly, this story has a slow beginning… so slow, that I learned something about it.  It is a nice story that you can put down, but still feel like you can go back to later without losing something. 



Happy Reading!

Cana

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday: Consume by Melissa Darnell


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 


Description:

Tristan Coleman has survived the change from Clann magic user to vampire, much to Savannah Colbert's joy—and despair. By changing the Clann's golden boy and newly elected leader, even to save him from death, she has unleashed a fury of hatred and fear that they cannot escape. 

As the Clann and the vampire council go to war, Tristan and Sav face a new threat—a fracturing of the all-consuming bond they share. To fight for peace, they must forge a new trust and risk everything to take down their deadliest enemy, even as they must run for their lives. Soon they will learn that some bonds are stronger than love—and some battles cannot be won without sacrifice.


Coming out on August 27, 2013


Why?

  1. I loved this series since the very first book.  It is a wonderfully delicious series, so of course I want to read this one, the final book in this series. 
  2. I want to find out what will happen in this book!  I mean, we are left with so many questions that I am desperate to find out the answers to.  
  3. I love this cover, the freedom in it, the sense of running, the feeling that you have to follow her.  Oh, yes, Love it!

So what are you waiting for?


Happy Reading!

Cana

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

ARC: The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark


Description:

A can’t-miss read for fans of Deborah Harkness and Karen Marie Moning, The Angel Stone weaves a tale of ancient folklore and thrilling fantasy with a passionate love story that transcends time. 

For Callie McFay, a half-witch/half-fey professor of folklore and Gothic literature, the fight to save the enchanted town of Fairwick, New York, is far from over. After a hostile takeover by the Grove—a sinister group of witches and their cohorts—many of the local fey have been banished or killed, including Callie’s one true love. And in place of the spirit of tolerance and harmony, the new administration at Fairwick College has fostered an air of danger and distrust. 

With her unique magical abilities, Callie is the only one who can rescue her friends from exile and restore order to the school—a task that requires her to find the Angel Stone, a legendary talisman of immense power. Propelled on an extraordinary quest back to seventeenth-century Scotland, Callie risks her life to obtain the stone. Yet when she encounters a sexy incarnation of her lost love, she finds the greater risk is to her heart. As the fate of Fairwick hangs in the balance, Callie must make a wrenching choice: reclaim a chance for eternal passion or save everything she holds dear.


Review:
The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark

2 out of 5
Honestly, this book didn't catch my attention like I had hoped.  I feel that this book was just a copy-cat of several other books that I have read recently, and that is just one of the reasons that I couldn't get into it. 

Another reason was the convoluted story about how they needed to find the angel stone, then they needed to find the hallowed door, and now they have to do all of this before Halloween.  Really?  Pick one plan and stick with it.  Plus, you then have the added confusion of trying to figure out if the incubus is dead or alive or re-incarnated, or something.  Too much was crammed into this tiny novel to fit. 

Actually, the best thing about this book is the cover.  Beautiful, mysterious, and classic.  That is the only thing that I truly loved about this novel. 

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book, and I don't think I have the strength or the reason to read any more by this author.  

Happy Reading!

Cana

Friday, August 16, 2013

Friday Fun With... Mary Evelyn


Friday Fun is where readers from ages 5 to 16 let us know what they are reading and why they loved (or hated) what they read. 

Today we have Mary Evelyn reviewing :

Forever
Title of the book: Forever
Author: Judy Blume


Description:

Katherine and Michael meet at a New Year's Eve party. They're attracted to each other, they grow to love each other. And once they've decided their love is forever, they make love.

It's the beginning of an intense and exclusive relationship, with a future all planned. Until Katherine's parents insist that she and Michael put their love to the test with a summer apart...

"Forever" is written for an older age group than Judy Blume's other novels for children. It caused a storm of controversy when it was first published because of its explicit sexual content. 

It was a book ahead of its time - and remains, after thirty years in print, a teenage best-seller. America's No. 1 children's author has written some of the best books of our time about real-life issues - family stress and pressures, what happens when your parents divorce, the problems of growing up and sexual awakening, bereavement - with insight, sensitivity and honesty.


Review:

Why did you pick this book out?

 When my mom was my age, she said that everyone thought it was risqué, but a good book. She was right. It is less than an inch thick, but I read it in less than 4 hours. That may seem like a lot of time, but I was interrupted and had to comprehend some of it.


What did you like about this book?

The story line of innocence of a girl who is falling into the trap of what she thinks is true love, but has lead to the loss of virginity.

Who was your favorite character? Why?
 Jamie. She is the main characters younger sister. She is twelve(she is my age),and artistic (also like me, but way better).

What did you not like about this book?

It was graphic. I know it helped Mrs. Blume portray the story, but it could have been less graphic.


Who is your least favorite character ? Why?



Michael. He was the whole reason for ”forever”. He was the reason Kathy lost her virginity. he pushed his and Kathy’s relationship  a little to far.

Would you tell other people to read this book?

That depends on how old they are. If they are informed about the topics in this book, than definitely.


Book Rating:                  1       2       3       4       5

1 being horrible, 5 being fantastic

Happy Reading!


Mary Evelyn

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: One Lucky Vampire by Lynsay Sands


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 


Description:

Luck be a vampire tonight . . .

When Nicole Phillips agreed to hire a housekeeper, she pictured someone a little frumpy and almost certainly female. Instead, she gets gorgeous, unmistakably male Jake Colson. The man is proving indispensable in the kitchen—and everywhere else. Except Jake might not be a mortal man at all.

. . . and every night

Who wouldn't want to be a tall, dark, powerful vampire? Jake, for one. He's barely had time to adjust to his new state before he's roped into a family favor. Still, secretly playing bodyguard to sweet, sexy Nicole is turning out to be the wildest ride of his life. First he'll put a stop to whoever's targeting her. Then he'll prove that this kind of love, and luck, happens only once in an eternity


Coming out on September 24, 2013


Why?

  1. So, I've read the other books in this series, and I can't help but admit that I feel the need to read this one.  The series is hokey, but it is definitely fun to read!
  2. So I love how this book sounds.  I don't remember Jake off the top of my head, but he sounds newly turned, and that makes it interesting.  A must read :)
  3. The cover is a bit bodice ripper, but I can't help but like how it looks very mysterious.  

So what are you waiting for?


Happy Reading!

Cana

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

ARC: Gold by Talia Vance


Description:

Descended from an Irish demigod, Brianna has fled to Ireland to 
escape destruction at the hands of her sworn enemies, the Sons of 
Killian. Taking refuge at the estate of her former nemesis, Austin 
Montgomery, Brianna discovers a rift in time that opens to an era before 
the feud began.
Wrestling with her newfound feelings for the more 
innocent Austin, Brianna begins to wonder if she can alter the past. 
But when Brianna and Austin learn that the Sons are raising an army of 
mythical beasts, the pair will need to use their magical strength in the 
present to avoid a tragic end. 


Review:

Gold by Talia Vance
5 out of 5

I loved this book.  There was adventure, love, loss, and mystery.  It was a great big bundle of yummy, and I wished that the book had continued for more chapters… just because I didn’t want it to end. 

Characters

I loved the new Austin, and getting to know him as Aaron.  Austin is almost a new character from the first book.  And you want things to work out for him, especially after what he scarified for Brianna. 

I really liked Mickel (Rhymes with Pickle).  I like how he seems to be very knowing about Brianna, and yet he also seemed constantly surprised. 

Brianna seemed to stay a strong character, growing so much since the first book.  I do feel bad for her and all that she keeps loosing.  She handles it, a lot better than some people would. 

Portia got what she deserved!  Nasty bitch that she was, I was not surprised by what happened to her, and was honestly relieved that she was gone. 

Everything Else

I will admit, it took me a little bit to remember things that happened in Silver that lead to this book.  I kind of wish that there had been a prologue or something to refresh the readers’ memories. 

It broke my heart at first that Blake and Brianna couldn’t make it work.  BUT, it does make this story more realistic.  It shows that you don’t get what you want necessarily, even if you think you can make it work. 

I was surprised by Austin and how much he cares for Brianna.  How he has become more… gentlemanly.  How he sacrificed for her. 

I LOVE that Austin has a library!  I want it!  And I’d honestly take Austin with it too.  J

I think the twist with Portia and the other breeders was brilliant.  It had been hinted at, and I’m glad that the author ran with the idea that was already boiling in some (maybe all) the reader’s minds.  I personally was expecting more from Blake’s sister and not Portia, but surprises are nice. 

I liked how we discovered how much of a role Brianna played in the war that was started with Danu’s death.  It was very surprising, but it was one more surprise that kept this book interesting. 

I liked how the titles are used to describe the love interest.  Silver for Blake, Gold for Austin… So if there is a third book, what will it be?  Emerald?  Hmmmm, thoughts to ponder on!

I like how the necklace played a role in the story.  I was wondering if it was connected to Brianna’s powers, but when I finally discovered that I was right, it was still a surprise. 

Oh, the end of this book made me cry… Austin gone… Brianna alone… Mickel missing his lord, master, & friend… The end battle and the losses sustained.  Tears were prevalent! 

Overall


This is a must read book.  If you are reading something else, put it down and pick this one up!  Highly recommend.  

Happy Reading!

Cana

Monday, August 12, 2013

Audio Book: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers


Description:

Sybella's duty as Death's assassin in 15th-century France forces her return home to the personal hell that she had finally escaped. Love and romance, history and magic, vengeance and salvation converge in this thrilling sequel to Grave Mercy.

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, as one of their most dangerous weapons. But those assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

Review:

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers
5 out of 5

I loved the first book of Killer Ninja Nuns (yes, this is what this series is to me, and I LOVE IT!).  So of course, I was going to read/listen to this book… And guess what, I loved this book too!

Characters

I love learning more about Sybella.  Learning her history, who she is, and that she isn’t just the crazy girl sent to the convent.  She has already had lovers, and had already killed people before going to the convent, and that she already knew the danger of evil men.  But you can’t help but feel bad for her as well.  So many things have been forced upon her (there is even a hint that she might have been raped at one point, possibly by her brother), and she has the guilt of many things upon her shoulder. 

Oh, Beast is my favorite character.  The description of him fighting makes me want to join him, but more so, he is so gentle with Sybella.  Just the way he does it, it makes me want to weep with joy, because if anyone deserves a happy ending, it is Sybella and Beast.

I love how Beast helps everyone he comes across that he needs.  And I love how that frustrated Sybella every time he did it.  But they were so cute together.

Oh my goodness!  I thought that I didn’t like the Abbess before, but now, after her betrayal towards Sybella, I really dion’t like her.  She almost seems to be another villain.  What are her plans?  What is she up to?  Whatever it is, I have a feeling it isn’t good!

The Duchess seems to be so wise to be so young.  But she carries the weight of her people, so I guess it would be inevitable for her to mature faster than other 13 year olds. 

Everything Else

I liked how we do a bit of back tracking to the battle in the first book, Sybella is desperate to save Ismae and the Duchess.  As she watched Beast fight for the Duchess, she can’t help but admire him, and I can’t either.  But honestly, the first chapter leaves so many questions for the book to answer… You can’t help but desperately want to know more about Sybella’s past, and you can’t help but want to know more about Beast and what happens to him. 

I know something horrible happened to Sybella, but early on, I kind of guessed what it was.  I hurt so badly for Sybella.  No one should have to experience that.  But she rises above it, saving and comforting those in need. 

I loved getting to see Ismae and Duvall again!  I loved how they showed up, how they play well placed secondary characters, and how we see their relationship continuing to grow.  I loved it all!

I loved how Beast shows Sybella that he forgives ALL her sins.  He reminds her that she holds guilt for things she cannot, could not, control.  That he shows her that he cares for her, just the way she is makes it all the more special. 

Overall


Overall, this was an amazing read.  I loved it so much, and I look forward to seeing more from this series.  

Happy Reading!

Cana

Friday, August 9, 2013

Friday Fun With... Mary Evelyn


Friday Fun is where readers from ages 5 to 16 let us know what they are reading and why they loved (or hated) what they read. 

Today we have Mary Evelyn reviewing :



Title of the book: Heart Of Ice
Author: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­Lis Wiehl and April Henry



Why did you pick this book out?

Lis Wiehl is a friend of Mr. Bill O’Reilly (who said, in quote: “A vicious, cunning lady serial killer and three professional women caught up in her world. Crime novels don’t come any better!”;I Truly agree with
Mr. O’Reilly)!


What did you like about this book?

The “Triple Threat Club” on a first name basis with the killer was enthralling. They trusted her with the things/people closest to them. They may be cunning and make a great team, but they need to learn more about each other, even if they’ve known each other for years.

 Who was your favorite character? Why?

Sissy Hewsom (Elizabeth). She is one of the most essential characters in the whole story. She also is a very interesting person.


What did you not like about this book?

I did not comprehend some of the topics, seeing as I am only eleven years old.

Who is your least favorite character ? Why?

Sissy Hewsom. It may be contradicting my statement about her being my favorite, but she makes me sick. Excuse me for what I am going to say but she’s a top of the line BITCH. She uses lust, sex appeal, deceitfulness, and many other things to get her way. Not to mention that her way usually involves death. She tricks innocent people (who she thinks will be valuable in “The Game”) into doing things that are not normal.

Other things to tell you:

“The Game” (straight from the book):
  The rules were simple: to pretend to be whatever someone else needed until they gave you whatever you needed. After that, there were no rules. The Game was fair, at least Elizabeth’s way of thinking. Anyone could play it. In fact, she was sure most people were playing it; they just didn’t like to admit it. Sure, there were a few losers and idiots, suckers who, for whatever reason, didn’t mind getting played. And some people were so weak that they played poorly, basically inviting anyone to take advantage of them.

Would you tell other people to read this book?

Definitely. I hope other readers will enjoy it as well I did.


Book Rating (circle a #):       1       2       3       4       5

1 being horrible, 5 being fantastic

 Happy Reading!

Mary Evelyn

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Place of Reads Blog Tour Stop: Peumbras by Braden Bell

Description:
Conner Dell didn't meant to blow up the school bus.
Or the bathrooms.
In fact, he only wanted to go to sleep and possibly dream about Melanie Stephens.
But explosions had a funny way of happening when Conner and his friends were around.
***
Conner Dell wants to be good--he really does. But he is terrified that he might be turning into a Darkhand, especially when new powers start to surface. What's worse, the Stalker is following Conner, but no one else seems to be able to see him. The Magi think he might be hallucinating, the guilt of what happened in the Shadowbox keeps weighing on him, and his relationship with Melanie Stephens is complicating things. Even for a Magi, Conner knows his life is anything but normal. 



Penumbras Website (trailers, photos, sample chapters):http://www.bradenbell.com/penumbras.html
Orders on Penumbras Website: http://www.bradenbell.com/penumbras-order.html
Excerpt:
Conner Dell didn’t mean to blow up the school bus.
Or the bathrooms.
In fact, he only wanted to go to sleep and possibly dream about Melanie Stephens.
But explosions had a funny way of happening when Conner and his friends were around.
It all started on the annual seventh grade science trip to the Sea Lab at Dauphin Island, Alabama. Fifty-four thirteen-year-olds on a five-day field trip. What could go wrong?
Especially when three of them happened to be Magi.
#
For a fraction of a second, Conner thought he saw shadows slithering along the base of the cinderblock walls. Tensing, he blinked and looked again.
Nothing. He was alone in the darkness of his dorm room.
Well, except for his friend and fieldtrip roommate, Pilaf.
Across the room, Pilaf disturbed the darkness by turning his flashlight on and digging through a giant floral print suitcase. Fishing a book out, Pilaf hunched over, tucked the flashlight under his chin, and read.
“What are you reading?” Conner asked.
“Sorry. Did I wake you up?” Pilaf squeaked. “I couldn’t sleep. I guess I slept too much on the bus.”
“No worries.” Conner burrowed into his sleeping bag. He didn’t like messing with sheets on these trips. The springs of the ancient bed creaked beneath him. “I’m not sleepy either.” Lexa? Can you hear me? Conner reached out in his thoughts, wondering if his twin sister was awake in her room on the girls’s floor. Head-talking was a cool benefit of being one of the Magi—a secret group of warriors who used the power of Light to battle evil.
No answer from Lexa. Her allergy medicine must have knocked her out.
Melanie? He tried Lexa’s best friend, Melanie Stephens—also one of the Magi-in-training. Conner listened for her response, trying to ignore the backflip in his chest that came when he thought of her. No answer. Melanie had taken something for motion sickness on the bus. She must be knocked out too.
Conner jerked up as something skittered across the ceiling right above him. No doubt this time. He grabbed his own flashlight, raking the beam across the ceiling tiles as someone whispered his name.
Coooonnerrrrrr.
“What?” Conner pointed his flashlight at Pilaf, who looked up from his book, blinking behind his thick glasses. Pilaf’s blinks always reminded Conner of the way a light on a computer blinked when it processed data.
“What?” Pilaf squinted back at him.
“Why did you call me?” Conner asked.
“I didn’t.” Pilaf looked down at his book.
On edge now, Conner lay back down, scanning the room for more shadowy movement, his fingers ready to snap his flashlight back on at any second.
Co-n-n-e-r-r-r-r-r-r D-e-l-l-l-l-l.
A whispered, hissing sort of growl sounded in his head as a flicker of movement caught his eye. He whipped his head around in time to see a shadowy tail vanish under Pilaf’s bed. Flipping his flashlight on, he investigated the space under the metal frame.
Nothing there.
“What are you doing, Conner?” Pilaf managed to blink and stare at the same time.
Trying to protect you from slithery shadow monsters that could slurp your soul like a slushie, Conner thought. How could he keep the flashlight on without alarming Pilaf? Out loud, he said, “Uh, it’s a game. Flashlight tag. You’re it.” He shined the flashlight at Pilaf.
“How do you play?”
“Well . . . one person’s it and he shines a flashlight all over the room.”
“That’s all?” Pilaf blinked until Conner wondered if he was broadcasting the telephone book in Morse code. “It seems kind of pointless.”
“Uh, yeah.” Conner said. “You’re right. Lame. How about shadow puppets?” He slipped his hand in front of the flashlight, wiggling his fingers until the shadow resembled a horse.
“Cool!” Pilaf shouted.
A knock at the door interrupted them and a tired-looking science teacher poked his head in, glaring beneath tousled red hair. “What’s going on in here?”
“Sorry, Mr. Keller,” Pilaf said. “We slept on the bus ride, so we’re not tired. Conner’s making shadows with his hands. Look, a horse!”
“Neeeiiiiggghhh.” Conner threw in sound effects as a special feature.
Apparently unimpressed with great art, Mr. Keller frowned. “Get some sleep. We have a full day tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir.” Conner swallowed his depression at the thought of a five-day science class. Five days of plankton, ocean salinity, salt marshes, and beach ecology. Five days of science, 24/7. At least they were close to the beach. That might be fun.
“Do another one,” Pilaf whispered as the sound of Mr. Keller’s footsteps retreated down the hall.
“Okay, but be quiet this time.” Conner opened his fingers, making a snake’s mouth, complete with a flickering tongue.
It seemed so real that Conner thought he heard a hiss. Unsettled, he dropped his hands, but the hissing noise continued, twisting into words.
Co-n-n-e-r-r-r-r-r-r D-e-l-l-l-l-l—
Trying to squash the sound, Conner raised his voice. “Here’s another one.” He cupped his hands on top of each other, stuck his thumb up, and opened his fingers slightly.
“Wow!” Pilaf yelled. “A wolf!” He giggled as Conner opened the mouth and growled. “Little pig, little pig let me come in.” Conner prayed that none of the other seventh-grade boys heard he’d been doing Three Little Pigs shadow plays. That would not be cool.
Co-n-n-e-r-r-r-r-r-r D-e-l-l-l-l-l—
The weird voice came louder. Conner dropped his hands away from the flashlight.
The wolf head stayed there.
Fighting panic, Conner switched the flashlight off, but the wolf head remained, darker than the darkest shadows on the wall.
It stretched and grew bigger, becoming life-sized within seconds. It turned and stared at Conner, a three-dimensional head sticking out of the wall like some kind of freaky hunting souvenir.

The wolf growled, then jumped off the wall, and sailed across the room toward Conner.


Author Bio:



Braden Bell grew up in Farmington, Utah and graduated from Davis High School. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theatre from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. in educational theatre from New York University. He and his wife, Meredith live  with their five children on a quiet, wooded lot outside of Nashville, Tennessee, where he teaches theatre and music at a private school. An experienced performer, Braden enjoys singing, acting, reading, gardening, and long walks with the dog. 

Author Twitter: @bradenbellcom
Happy Reading!

Cana