Vacation Reading

While on vacation earlier this month, I had the chance read two novels for the Fire and Ice literary review blog--Steve Westover's CRATER LAKE and the paranormal thriller, SPEED DATING WITH THE DEAD. 

The Young Adult fantasy, CRATER LAKE, targets the youthful young adult reader and is even appropriate for middle grade readers. Our young hero, Ethan, isn't excited to be visiting his crazy uncle who works out at Crater Lake, but his sister and other kids in the area seem to think it's swell, until all of the adults in the area are swallowed up by the earth. 

I was able to take soak this ebook up during our long cross-country flight and layover with no problem. I enjoyed the read and appreciated that it's suitable for all ages. It's also nice that it's available in both ebook and print, as not all young readers are using the Kindle or other e-tools yet.

You can check out my review at Amazon or Fire and Ice where I sum up that, Mr. Westover brings great action adventure to readers of all ages -- without resorting to titillating material or silliness. He has not forgotten the workings of a young boy's overactive, persnickety mind, and he subtly impresses upon the reader's heart the true importance of family love and devotion.

I totally switched gears when I got into SPEED DATING WITH THE DEAD. This book was offered free for Kindle readers so I snatched it up, hooked by the title and paranormal premise. This is definitely white-knuckle horror so I felt a bit put out that not only did the title have little to do with the story, but it was far from a little spooky tale.

Obviously, demons and the like aren't my cup of tea. However, I did give this book 4 stars based on the quality of the writing. Mr. Nicholson is a brilliant author and talented storyteller. I'd love to read his work in some other genre.

You can check out my fickle review of SPEED DATING at Amazon or here at Fire and Ice.

Next on my list is a soon-to-be released Anne Patrick work. Being as she's pretty much my favorite romantic suspense author, it should be a delight and great escape!

Happy Summer Reading!

~Danielle Thorne

Snow in July?

Photos Courtesy of P. & A. Leavens

Not only in the Arctic--snow is alive and well on the jagged peaks of Washington State's beautiful mountains along the coast of Seattle. Some of my family and I spent the first two weeks of July visiting friends in Washington before heading out with the whole party to cruise up to southern Alaska. We had a great time hanging out, partying family-friendly style aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas and sightseeing via trains, boats and our trusty old feet. It was a great vacation that we'd dreamed and saved for, and we made wonderful memories and had some amazing experiences.

I hope you enjoy the va-cay pictures below and check out the blog next week when I review a new YA fantasy by Steve Westover I read while out of town.

Best summer wishes to you and yours--

Danielle Thorne

A train ride through the steep mountains of Alaska.

My better half and I visiting the Chilhuly Blown Glass Exhibit in Seattle.

A glacier frozen in time.

Whales bubblenet feeding off of Juneau.

Dinnertime was time well spent with family and friends.