Books to Read Before the End of Summer
By Michele Ashman Bell
Exciting sequels abound this summer, giving readers much to look forward to. I have compiled a list of new releases that will turn any lazy afternoon into the adventure experience of a lifetime! Even those who haven’t read the first books in these series can enjoy these installments, then go back and read the rest of the series.
For an added treat I’ve included brief comments from the authors about their new releases.
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The Wizard of Ooze by David Farland, Ravenspell Book 2, Covenant Communications, 275 pages.
When the evil wormlord Sebaceous Ooze uses his magical song to enslave mice to dig a volcano that will help him and his slobber goblin armies take over the world, it’s up to Amber, a mouse with magical powers, to stop him. With her devoted friends by her side – Ben, a mouse who used to be a human boy; Thorn, a genius mouse; and Bushmaster, the wise vole – Amber might stand a chance of thwarting the giant worm’s sinister plan. But with a human army on their tails and betrayal in their path, these rodents are on a quest far more dangerous than any of them anticipated. A thrilling and exciting adventure for the young and young and heart.
From the author, Dave Farland:
I began writing Of Mice and Magic because my sons hated to read. The problem, it seemed, was that their teacher kept giving them books about and for girls. So I wanted something funny, quirky, and adventurous that girls and boys would like equally!
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Widow’s Revenge, by K.L. Fogg, Sequel to Serpent Tide, Covenant Communications, 355 pages.
You would think that having a famous adventurer for a dad would make your life a little easier. But for Wesley Mackey, his father’s fame seems to only make the eighth grader a giant target. The school bully’s torments never end. So, in a flash of inspiration, or perhaps desperation, Wesley courageously takes matters into his own hands – and promptly gets kicked out of school. Then things really spiral out of control.
Soon Wesley finds that managing a bully is nothing compared to handling kidnappers, wild animals, and a woman who wants him to call her Mom. Now it seems his fate will be determined by the actions of his seemingly geeky new tutor and his family and friends.
You won’t be disappointed when you join Wesley Mackey and his new family on a thrilling and original adventure that will keep you racing through the pages of Widow’s Revenge.
From the author, Karen Fogg:
My characters made me do it. That’s why I wrote Widow’s Revenge. Honestly, they weren’t going to leave me alone until I sent them on another thrilling adventure – so I did. And it’s a good thing I listened, because my readers also demanded a sequel soon after Serpent Tide hit the shelves.
Anyone young or old who loves a fast-paced story full of danger, romance, and plot twists along with some really wild wildlife will want to pick up Widow’s Revenge and find out what happens to Wesley and his family.
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Rescue the Prophet, by Rob Ficiur, Vol. II in the Time Travelers in Church History series, Covenant Communications, 239 pages.
Fresh off their first time travel adventure with their eccentric Uncle Daniel, Tom and Becky journey to Palmyra in 1830 to witness the first printing of the Book of Mormon. But when Daniel defends Joseph Smith, and is then called to go on a mission, he decides to send Tom and Becky forward in time to the present day. But he mistakenly sends them just a few hours ahead. Now they’re stranded in 19th-centruy Palmyra with no money, no food, and nowhere to stay.
But that soon becomes the least of their problems. When Tom comes to the aid of Emma Smith, big trouble follows in the form of an anti-Mormon and a crooked sheriff, the kind of trouble that could keep them in the 19th-centruy permanently.
This second novel in the thrilling Time Travelers in Church History series takes young readers through some of the most fascinating and exciting events in LDS Church history, and is a thoroughly entertaining way to learn more about our storied past.
From the author, Rob Ficiur:
Our church history is full inspiring stories than can help develop and strengthen our testimonies. As I wrote Time Travelers in Church History, my goal was to have these moments in church history come alive to the reader.
I want you to feel like you were there when Oliver Cowdery talked about what it was like to translate the Book of Mormon. I want the reader to feel Martin Harris’ testimony of seeing the angels and the plates. I want the reader to feel the conflict that Martin had with his wife. She cannot understand why he would mortgage everything they have for the hoax of the century. (Before we judge her – not many wives today would like their husband mortgaging everything we have). I want the faith and testimony of Emma Smith to shine as she relates the struggles and trials they have been through.
The highest compliment I have received on my novel is that the history is seamless. To me that means these stories come alive – not as cold historic facts, but as the real life experiences of these key players in church history.
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Ambushed in Africa, by Sian Bessey, Volume 3 in the Kids on a Mission series, Covenant Communications, 176 pages.
When Matt Williams sees the glowing light return to the forgotten shed on the grounds of the Missionary Training Center, he knows another exciting missionary adventure awaits that only he and his older sister, Emily, can fulfill.
Their call to Nigeria in 1978 may be their most exciting journey yet – witnessing the first official baptisms in West Africa. Partway through their journey, however, they and some missionaries are kidnapped by a group of battle-hardened guerillas. Will Matt and Emily be able to summon their faith, prayers, and enough ingenuity to help ensure that these important, long-awaited baptisms take place?
Join Matt and Emily in another page-turning story filled with exciting escapades and gospel lesson sure to thrill readers of all ages.
From the author, Sian Bessey:
I started writing the Kids on a Mission series as a way of introducing young readers to the miraculous events that have occurred throughout the world as countries have opened their doors to the missionaries. Each book takes place in a different country at a time when something pivotal occurred in that country’s church history. My hope is that readers will be both educated and entertained by Matt and Emily’s exciting adventures in distant lands.
Ambushed in Africa is set in Nigeria immediately after President Kimball’s announcement that the priesthood was to be extended to all worthy males. This revelation opened Black Africa up to missionary work for the first time and the response among the waiting people in Nigeria and Ghana was astounding. Ambushed in Africa enables young readers to share that thrilling experience.
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Cliff Hanger, by Pamela Carrington Reid, another adventure by the Coffin House Kids, Covenant Communications, 222 pages.
A wild pig hunt, a terrifying storm at sea, a dead body found near Great Barrier Island, a mysterious stranger who keeps turning up in all the wrong places – and unsettling evidence that seems to point to the fact that Uncle Ammon himself is up to no good.
The Coffin House kids are at it again, and their summer vacation on Great Barrier Island promises to take them through a series of adventures that will leaven them – and you – breathless.
Gifted LDS author Pamela Reid chooses the unique and intriguing setting of her native New Zealand to provide a rich backdrop for a story that is at once exciting and fun. It is a fast-paced adventure with enough surprises and suspense to keep young readers turning the pages as they race toward an exciting finale.
Join Toni, Erana, and Wiremu in this exciting cliff hanger as they embark on a journey that challenges their wits and their courage – a journey that ultimately both tests and strengthens their faith.
Author’s comments not available.
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The Final Farewell, by Patricia Wiles, Kevin Kirk Chronicles, Covenant Communications, 246 pages.
Growing up can be hard. Especially if you live in a funeral home and your friends have either moved away, turned away – or passed away. Now that Kevin is getting close to graduation, the decisions he always thought would be simple are becoming increasingly difficult. Everyone seems to be changing, including him.
He wonders if he really should serve a two-year Church mission – or if he should accept the scholarship he’s been offered in the field he loves. After all, the scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, an he feels like he has nothing to say when he goes out with the local missionaries.
Kevin needs help to find an answer. However, just when he thinks he has made up his mind, a disaster strikes that could change everything. Get caught up in the whirlwind of a young man’s life in The Final Farewell of the Kevin Kirk Chronicles.
From the author, Patricia Wiles:
In The Final Farewell, Kevin learns to acknowledge the truth and act upon it. I think everyone struggles with this at times because what may be true for us is not always what we want or expect. Kevin is no exception. As he makes the decision to serve a mission, he must choose whether to let go of what he thinks is the sure thing, or to act on faith and pursue the path where the outcome is unknown.
