Books In Question

I said somewhere at some time (I can't remember when) that I would write something for the authors and readers this week. So here I am.

It's time for book recommendations.

I've searched by bookshelves (and walls and floors and mirrors) for five special books that I think I should put on here.

1. The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands

2. City Spies by James Ponti

3. Sweep: The Story of A Girl And Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

4. Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

5. The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

A few of these books I haven't read this year, but the two that I have are Peter Nimble and City Spies, which are probably the best two in the pile.

Now, back to business.

You might have noticed earlier that I have two novels here by Jonathan Auxier (Peter Nimble and Sweep). Don't tell me I'm fangirling because I'm not.

Jonathan Auxier never claims to be a Christian Author, but I've found that when he writes, he speaks about leaving villains in the hands of Justice. Every one of his stories made me giddy and eager for more.

Now let's talk about the other books.

The Blackthorn Key is the first book in the Blackthorn Key series. It follows the young male character Christopher Rowe in May 1665. After the murder of his teacher (Master Benedict Blackthorn), the young apothecary apprentice must become something more than what the world thinks he can be. Christopher holds the world in his hands during this novel filled with suspense and complex codes. There are a total of four books in the series, each equally as good at this one.

City Spies, one of the first books I read this year was written by James Ponti, and follows the young American girl, Brooklyn as she becomes part of a secret branch of MI6, known as City Spies (surprise surprise). This undercover group of kids ranging from ages 18 to 13 set out with their leader (and alpha) Mother (who's actually a man. That is his code name.) to save the world from a deadly virus that could take out most all of England's most powerful politicians.

I love James Ponti's writing for it's simplicity. I have to say that the first book in this series is much better than the fifth, which I read this year as well. However, all things considered, his plot and storyline make up for the lack of good prose.

Sweep: The Story of A Girl And Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier was one of the most heart-wrenching books I've ever read. It is one of the hardest read's I'll ever have the pleasure of holding in my hands again. Nan Sparrow is orphaned and alone as the daughter of a sweep. Except after sweeping a chimney and getting stuck on the way, Nan learns not all of reality stares you in the face. Nan was saved from a deadly chimney fire by a golem. A golem given to her by her father. A golem named Charlie. Girl and Monster form a relentless bond, and when the ending comes-- Someone please tell me to shut up. I'm going to spill the good bits.

Anyways, this book changed the way I look at Auxier's writing. It might be meant for grades 3-7 but I'm reading it anyways. The first time I read it my mom asked if it was too scary for me, and I replied with 'some parts make my heart beat faster than others.' I have a better explanation for that now: 'Mom, I've fallen in love with the characters, so when they're worried, I'm worried and when they cry, I cry.' if that isn't good writing I don't know what is.

Peter Nimble And His Fantastic Eyes. (I'm probably going to need someone to tell me to shut up somewhere around the ending here too) (ugh! Why do all the good characters have to be named Peter?) Anyways, Peter Nimble is a blind, orphaned thief who lost his eyes to ravens in the ocean. However, when he's pickpocketing a crowd on a rainy day, he's mysteriously given a box of...eggs? Or, at least he thinks they're eggs. During the journey, Peter makes friends with cursed knights, sisters he didn't know he had, and fishes who prove more useful then they look.

If I'm ever going to read a book a hundred times, it's going to be this one. Same thing as with Sweep, Auxier has created YA worlds for the young and old. And I will forever be in love with the characters he creates.

And Last But Not Least:

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell. I'd like to say Chris Colfer creates hundreds of books this good, but I can't. The Land of Stories is a series...six (?) books long. Colfer takes us on a journey with Alex and Connor, 'random' American teenage twins who lost their father, fall into the classic storybook their grandmother gave them for their birthday and find themselves in a world beyond imagining. Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, Jack and the Bean stock, all in one universe. It's like falling into Disneyland but realer. Except the twins are faced with the cruel, hard reality before aything else. 'How do we get back home?'

And I think that's it. Find them, read them, enjoy them. I could probably take another whole day and write another post stressing the importance of Jonathan Auxier's other books but that would probably be a waste of time saying as there's only a few other's...like two. Which is sad because more would really be nice.

Okay. I've given you enough books for a month...maybe longer. Let me know which of these books looks most interesting in the comments. :) And have a blessed day.

Stay Faithful

-Claudia