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