Book Review : Thyme in a Flask by Glen Quarry

Book Details:

• Hardcover: 292 pages
• Publisher: Eloquent Books (September 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1608607070
• ISBN-13: 978-1608607075
• *Now available in e-book version!

Synopsis:

Jon Chandler is a seventeen-year-old youngster presented with a difficult quest-to find a magical flask, destroy it, and then somehow find his way back home. As Jon reluctantly accepts his responsibility, he is accompanied by the haughty yet beautiful Dorthea, who constantly challenges him. At least his best friend, Samuel, a gentle giant-all eight feet in stature and 480 pounds of him-doesn't get under his skin like Dorthea does. But there's a fine line between love and hate, and Jon and Dorthea hover on it constantly! Samuel is left behind as the quest leads Jon and Dorthea into a parallel world, where few living people have ever gone before. How can they locate a flask that has been missing for sixteen years? Along the way, they encounter demons and wizards who will test their strength and ability, and they find they must solve several riddles before they can return home. What they learn about themselves and about life is far more priceless than the magical flask.

Review:

I just finished this book a few days ago and personally thought it was good. Thyme in a Flask is an engaging novel about the seventeen-year-old, Jon who embarks on a journey to search for a magical flask and destroy it. The novel is set in a world filled with all sorts of fascinating creatures - wizards, apes, shape-shifters, druids and blood-walkers. At the beginning of the story, I find it rather hard to remember all the names of the places because they are so many of them and I'm the type of person who gets confused easily. But after reading it twice, I'm able to cope this problem.

The author's writing is easily understood, and there are not any rhetorical descriptions, which will make readers, especially the younger ones to understand and enjoy this story better. The plot is filled with twists and turns which helps the protagonist, Jon to learn more about everything in life. I like Samuel's character. He's a good friend of Jon, and is willing to help him in every way. He's a timid person, but when it has something to do with his best pal, Jon, he's willing to fight even the most dangerous and evil people. I think Dorthea has quite an interesting character too. She likes complaining about various things, like most girls. On the journey, she eventually develops a liking for Jon, especially after knowing the truth about Jon's lineage. How I hoped the author can write more about the romance between Dorthea and Jon!

However, there is something I don't really understand. Why Jon did not explain his connection with Danil before their last battle? Even the bad guys deserve the truth, alright. The ending of the story took me by surprise. I really liked the way the author planned and wrote this story. There are a few typos, but that doesn't affect the story overall.

In a nutshell, Thyme in a Flask is an interesting, fun-filled book which will surely attract young readers and fantasy lovers. This book is suitable for everyone, so get your own copy now!

Rating: 8.5/10

I'd like to thank Glen Quarry for sending me a hardcover copy of Thyme in a Flask for this review! Thanks, Glen!

.:Buy Thyme in a Flask from Amazon:.


~Visit Glen's Website~

Giveaway On The Giveaway Diva

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On Steve Brezenoff's Blog: Trailer for |-1| + Giveaway

Steve's new post is Trailer for -1 + Giveaway! The prize includes an ARC of -1 (signed), Dia Reeves, Kristin Walker, Jennifer Hubbard, Heidi Kling, and Phoebe Kitanidis. It's a Tenner extravaganza! Also included is a signed copy of Dia Reeves's BLEEDING VIOLET and a -1 poster

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{Book Review} Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: NavPress (May 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600061230
• ISBN-13: 978-1600061233

Synopsis:

One night changes everything.

Recently divorced and mired in a meaningless existence, Clay drifts from his drab apartment to his equally lusterless job as an editor for a small Boston press until the night Lucian finds him and everything changes with the simple words: I'm going to tell you my story and you are going to write it down and publish it.

What begins as a mystery soon spirals into chaotic obsession as Clay struggles to piece together Lucian's dark tale of love, ambition, and grace only to discover that the demon's story has become his own.

And then only one thing matters: learning how the story ends.

Review:

Demon: A Memoir is told from an interesting perspective, and I really liked how Tosca weaves everything together with her beautifully-crafted words. The concept, main theme and synopsis of the story sounds brilliant. I found it interesting sometimes, but the other times, I found it a little confusing.

I liked how Tosca portrayed the demon's hatred towards humans. It was clear that Lucian was jealous because God loved the humans, who were newly-created but imperfect, more than his kind. When Lucian first warned Clay: "the story is really about you.", I was intrigued. However, it appeared several times throughout the novel and seemed to have become a cliché. I really enjoyed reading the middle part of the novel, because that's where the "real content" is.

After reading this book, I obtained a better understanding about the happenings in the Bible, such as the creation of mankind and the garden Eden, God's reaction to man's first sin and Jesus' sacrifice. I realized that God is forgiving and is always offering a second chance. He still loves us even though we had sinned and sometimes betrayed Him. His love for us is immense and unmeasurable.

"But even the forbearance of El in his grief had limits," he said. "And there came the day that he could abide it no longer. Of course, I expected him to slam down the heavy fist, but the day came, and still he held off. Like a mother giving a child to the count of three, El gave the clay people one hundred and twenty years to change their ways."

And as for Satan, he will do anything to further the distance between God and humans. So, it is up to us to choose whether we want to be on God's side or give in to Satan's lure.

Overall, Demon: A Memoir was an enjoyable read. This novel shows us the limitless extent of God's love and the weaknesses in humans. It is a thought-provoking novel which I'm sure Christian readers would love to read.

Rating: 8/10

Special thanks to Tosca Lee for providing me a copy of Demon: A Memoir for this review! Thank you, Tosca!

Author's bio:

Tosca Lee is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and writer who travels the world in her role as a leadership consultant and performance coach. A former Mrs. Nebraska, she is a regular spokesperson for local charities and has been lauded nationally for her efforts against breast cancer. In her spare time, Tosca enjoys studying history and theology, cooking, and traveling with her family and friends. She currently resides in Nebraska.

Tosca's Online Connections
Facebook :: Twitter :: Website

Purchase Demon: A Memoir from Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Tosca's Other Books:
Havah: The Story of Eve / A Novel
Iscariot (Coming Soon)

One Lovely Blog Award

Thanks to YA Vampire Books! This is the second time I've gotten this award but it's alright, since I can "bestow this great honour" onto someone else again!

Here are the rules:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link
2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
3) Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I will pass this award to 15 awesome/creative bloggers whom I've recently stumbled upon.

And here are my 15 nominees!

01. I Heart Monster - Please check out their awesome 31-day giveaway here

02. Today's Adventure - She is also having a Blogoversary Giveaway!

03. Ellz Readz - She is having an interview and a giveaway with Jaye Wells!

04. A Life Bound By Books - You can win an ARC copy of Perchance to Dream on her blog!

05. A Romantic Heart - Stacy is giving away a New Moon DVD.

06. Mary in Wonder - Mary is doing lots of beauty product reviews, so if you want to know her thoughts about cosmestics, skin care products, please head over to her blog right now!

07. Book Reviews by Jess - Jess's blog is all about book reviews and giveaways!

08. Wastepaper Prose - A blog about books and giveaways! S.F. Robertson is currently giving away a copy of Ballad on her blog.

09. I Was A Teenage Book Geek - Lauren writes great reviews! She is currently having a 300 Follower Contest.

10. Pages - A beautiful book review blog! Kirthi is now having a Followers Celebration giveaway!

11. Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf - Check out Lauren's interesting reviews!

12. Style Shepherd - A wonderful blog about fashion, handmade creations and giveaways!

13. The Bookette - A book review blog based in UK runned by the awesome Becky!

14. Books At Midnight - Jenn, a high school sophmore owns this book review blog!

15. Pirate Penguin - Check out her awesome review for Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis! She is also giving away a copy of Shadows of Myths and Legend by E.J. Stevens!

That's all for today! Adieu! :D