Sylvia McGrath ~ AKA Writingmama, a freelance writer from King City, Ontario has worked in the business field for about forty years obtaining business management experience and business writing skills. She also spent several years in social work for Children’s Services.
Now retired is living her childhood dream of being a writer.
A few years ago Sylvia decided to take a course in freelance writing, which she really enjoyed as it was the key to follow her dreams. Since completing the course, she has worked as a professional writer, a published poet and co-authored a book with Two Maximum Life Coaches about living with chronic illness; this is titled After The Diagnosis: The Journey Beyond.” She also co-authored an E-Book of Resources for the parents of children with special needs, chronic illness and learning challenges titled “The Treasure Chest of Resources,” part-one has already been sent to the Canadian National Library Archives.
Sylvia has also written several articles on chronic illness for the following online sites.
•www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/writingmama
•www.helium.com/users/32475
•www.jacketflap.com/profile.asp?member=Writingmom
Besides working as a freelance writer, Sylvia still finds time for two other passions of hers; to volunteer as a literacy tutor for her local Learning Centre, and assist in facilitating of workshops on disability awareness.
Her main mission for the future is to write a series of books for young adults and children who have learning challenges and suffer chronic illness. At present she is also the co-owner and columnist for “Professor Owl’s Newsletter” which is published on-line monthly for children.
In this imaginative debut perfect for fans of character-driven fantasies like Graceling and Daughter of Smoke and Bone, seventeen-year-old Naya Garth becomes one of the undead and an unlikely spy for her country.
Naya, the daughter of a sea merchant captain, nervously undertakes her first solo trading mission in the necromancer-friendly country bordering her homeland of Talmir. Unfortunately, she never even makes it to the meeting. She’s struck down in the streets of Ceramor. Murdered.
But death is not the end for Naya. She awakens to realize she’s become an abomination–a wraith, a ghostly creature bound by runes to the bones of her former corpse. She’s been resurrected so as to become a spy for her country. Reluctantly, she assumes the face and persona of a servant girl named Blue.
She never intended to become embroiled in political plots, kidnapping, and murder. Or to fall in love with the young man and former necromancer she is destined to betray.
“A high fantasy filled with adventure, espionage, and romance that envelops the reader in a world where the undead walk among the living.”—Kirkus Reviews
Twice Dead is the first in a new series titled “The Necromancer’s Song.” It has a nice fantasy aspect and romance! I am new to the necromancer world, but I found it very enjoyable and would highly recommend this to others who love this genre.
I was pulled to this book by its cover. Twice Dead is one of the most distinctive books I have read. I really enjoyed the world building and the concept behind the wraiths and necromancers. I was really drawn into this book and the ending left me in complete surprise. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. ~ #TwiceDead #NetGalley
Caitlin is a writer and compulsive reader living in Northern California. She graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in International Politics and Economics and quickly learned that she preferred making up her own governments to working with real ones. When she isn’t writing, Caitlin GMs tabletop games, practices aikido, and hunts for portals in old wardrobes. She started writing when she was six. Twice Dead, the first novel in the Necromancer’s Song series, is her debut novel.
This is Book #2 of The Select series. Readers should read Book #1, SELECT, first.
After rejecting the cult-like influence of her father’s family, Julia moves into a fancy hotel in downtown Austin. But she finds herself alone except for her boyfriend, John–and her fears. Once again she’s suppressing her abilities, afraid her family will come for John when they find out he’s been developing abilities of his own in her presence. The FBI is also keeping a close eye on Julia hoping she can lead them to her father, Novak, as he’s wanted for questioning in his former assistant’s death.
With tensions high, Julia and John agree to go separate ways for the summer, paving the way for Julia to reunite with Angus, a fellow outcast. Together they set out on a road trip to California to find Julia’s mom and a way into Novak’s secret underground world. Along the way, Julia will learn the Puri perhaps aren’t the only humans evolving into something different. . . and that maybe she’s the leader her people have needed all along.
This is a fun fantasy read and I would recommend it. The story is unique and interesting. It is well written in a style that is easy to read and keeps you interested. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
About Author
Marit Weisenberg
Ten Things about Marit Weisenberg.
1. I live in Austin, TX with my husband and two daughters where we love to hike across the greenbelt for breakfast tacos.
2. My first name is Norwegian, pronounced maa-RIHT. I’m only a quarter Norwegian but my parents really decided to commit. My sister’s name is Kjersti.
3. I’ve retold a PG-13 version of Game of Thrones for my kids, roughly covering all seven seasons. It took a couple of weeks and I’m realizing there are still subplots left.
4. I love nice clothing but spend most of my days wearing workout gear and never bothering to change.
5. I’m a native Northern Californian and I grew up in Silicon Valley before it became the Silicon Valley it is today.
6. From California, I went to Bowdoin College in Maine and was stunned to experience a true winter for the first time.
7. I have a master’s degree from UCLA in Cinema and Media Studies and worked in development at production companies on the Warner Brothers, Disney and Universal lots. If you ask me which my favorite was, I think I would say Warner Brothers–I’ll never forget seeing all six of the ‘Friends’ on one golf cart. But the Disney Commissary had the best food.
8. We are on the waitlist for a golden doodle puppy and I know my life is about to change.
9. I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer–from making up stories with my toys, to secretly writing a romance novel with my friend during high school Latin class.
10. I love to read–especially YA. I love powerful girls and anything having to do with first love.
The #WATWB was created as a mission to negate the overwhelming negativity that has been present in our social media streams. For every negative news story in the world, there are plenty of positive, uplifting stories that show hope, compassion and the resiliency of everyday people who face insurmountable challenges. Our hope is to share heartwarming stories that lift the human spirit. Eric Lahti,Inderpreet Uppal, Shilpa Garg, Sylvia Stein, andPeter Nena. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their stories led by six co-hosts.
The past few weeks for me and my family have only been full of negative news about the health of my husband, and I was going to have a few months hiatus but when I saw this piece of news, I remembered my favorite quote which is “When the world says give up ~ Hope says to try one more time.”
I just had to share my husband’s health his getting a little better day by day. He has a long way to go, but positive articles like this and the others shared here help a lot.
We will be completing some work throughout our facility over the next several weeks and as a result, some closures will take place. Please see below for details:
1. Thursday, September 6 – Monday, September 9: Aquatics Closure. We will be replacing a leaking pipe under the pool as well as completing a deep clean of the Aquatics wing.
2. Monday, August 27 – Thursday, August 30: Kiosk Closure. We will be moving the kiosk into the new cafe, completing electrical and water work as well as creating a new reception and entrance area in the front lobby.
All reopening dates will be pending approvals and will be posted on the website and social media once confirmed.
Welcome to the September 2018~Back to School Issue of Professor Owl’s Book Corner Newsletter where in addition to supporting those with special needs and learning challenges, we are also committed to being more focused on YA/New Adult reading and literacy. We will be featuring tips from a certified literacy tutor to help make your reading experience the best it can be.
We will also be encouraging young writers and artists with tips, writing exercises and will still be updating our Community News Boards with the latest news from Variety Village and The March of Dimes.
Professor Owl’s Book Corner hopes you enjoy this month’s edition! Please feel free to give us your feedback on our new issue, also send us any ideas you may have to help Professor Owl’s Book Corner be all that it can be. We look forward to hearing from you and to bring you a new, more interesting newsletter.
Have a Good School Year!
• Planning in advance
• Being more organized this year
• Achieving in school
• Enjoying school
• Interacting with other people
Improve things for yourself at school this year by making changes to your approach, your organization and your interactions with others. By aiming to have the best school year ever, you are on the right path to good marks, happy friendships and enjoyable external activities.
It’s a perfect day for Lark’s dream date with Alec from school. Blue skies, clear water, a canoe on the lake. Alec even brought flowers for Lark’s birthday. Everything is just right … until they hear screams from the edge of the water. Annabelle, a little girl Lark used to babysit, is struggling in the reeds. When Lark and Alec dive in to help her, Alec hits his head on a rock. Now Annabelle and Alec are both in trouble, and Lark can only save one of them. With that split-second decision, Lark’s world is torn in two, leaving her to cope with the consequences of both choices. She lives two lives, two selves. But which is the right life, and which is the real Lark? “Me and Me” is about how it feels to be torn in pieces, and how to make two halves whole again. This mind-bending novel by Alice Kuipers, expert chronicler of the teenage heart, explores loss and love, music and parkour, all while navigating the narrow space between fantasy and reality.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more stories by this author. I would recommend this book to teens and adults as well since it is fast-paced and keeps one reading until the end.
About Author
Alice Kuipers
Alice Kuipers is a British-born author living in Saskatchewan, Canada who is best known for her young adult novels. Life on the Refrigerator Door won the Grand Prix de Viarmes, the Livrentête Prize, the Redbridge Teenage Book Award in 2008 and the Saskatchewan First Book Award in 2007, was narrated as an audiobook by Amanda Seyfried and Dana Delany and has been adapted for theatre in England, France and Japan.
Website: www.alicekuipers.com/
We would love to hear about your favourite books and your views on the ones we recommend here… send them To: professorowl@outlook.com
Writing prompts are a wonderful way to kick-start your creativity and generate ideas. There isn’t a right or wrong way respond, just be honest, be creative and use your imagination!
“Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing worth knowing can be taught.” ~ Oscar Wilde
It’s back to school time! Write a short story about what happens when a magic textbook is found at your school and its power is unleashed! Does the magic make things better or worse? Who falls victim to its power and do they use it for good or evil? Write about some of the strange occurrences that come out of the situation. Get creative, write but most importantly…have fun!!
Writing Prompt…A picture is worth a thousand words…
If you could travel through time, what time period would you visit if you had a chance?
Bullet Journaling for Students!
Today young and old alike are hooked on bullet journaling. Wondering what bullet journaling is? A simple explanation is it’s a journal where you keep point form lists of things to accomplish or dates to remember. It’s an easy, uncomplicated way to keep track of items that you just check off when you’re done.
You start with a dot or graph book and decorate it to make it your own. I have used fancy expensive journals and simple dollar store finds. Both work well. it really is a matter of what you like and can afford.
You can use stickers, coloured pens, highlighters, washi tapes and even watercolour pens/pencils to make your bullet journals gorgeous and unique. I use a ruler and black fine point pen to create both the main list and a general calendar on a single page then I create a weekly list on the next page and then use coloured markers to decorate the sections or the entire page. I write quotes on the pages, draw pictures to inspire me and use my creativity to make it work for me.
I also love to colour code things to make them easy to see at a glance. You might try colour coding try using blue for school work, red for exams or special projects, green for after-school activities, yellow for events with friends and family, pink for new books, movies or music coming out etc.
The one great thing about bullet journals is that YOU create them just the way you like them. They are a unique form of expression and help you stay organized so you can make this the best school year ever!
To get ideas just search for “bullet journals” on Instagram or Pinterest to get thousands of ideas to inspire you! 😊
Variety Village
Follow this page every month in Professor Owl’s Book corner to get the most up to date events at Variety Village.
Variety the Children’s Charity and Variety Village promotes appreciation, interaction, empowerment and inclusion. We facilitate the achievement of life goals for people with disabilities through sports, fitness, wellness; awareness; education for more than 60 years, Variety Ontario has worked with young people with disabilities and those who face developmental barriers to achieve their life potential. We are a world-recognized authority providing integrated sports and life skills programs, applied research and learning programs that change children’s lives and strengthen communities.
We’ve achieved this reputation because of our ongoing work to better the lives of children and young people with disabilities. We are active in the greater Toronto area and across Ontario promoting the inclusion of young people through our three areas of expertise:
Integrated sports and life skills programs:
Children’s programming is delivered at Variety Village and throughout Ontario.
Applied research:
Reflecting our philosophy, our practical and theoretical work develops equipment, games and curricula promoting access, awareness and adapted activities.
Learning programs:
Our academic and professional certifications programs draw students and teachers from around the world to learn and study our best practices and approaches, to participate in their applications and to learn how to adapt their own programs and initiatives.
Our hope is to foster a more integrated society, where everyone feels welcome, inspired and hopeful about his or her future.
Various positions are available from working with children in programs to administrative work and special events.
For more information on these Variety Village Events and Programs, please contact/ www.varietyvillage.ca
March of Dimes is a community-based rehabilitation and advocacy charity for people with physical disabilities http://www.marchofdimes.ca
~EVENTS ~ `
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Tablet Giveaway
March of Dimes Canada is here for you!
Tell us your story and win a customized accessible tablet package that includes a tablet, case, stylus and specialized apps to improve your community access and participation.
March of Dimes Canada will help residents in Edmonton, Winnipeg, Nova Scotia and Montreal with physical disabilities to enhance their community access and participation through the Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative. We are looking for local residents with a disability which impacts their ability to communicate, be independent or to enjoy other aspects of a full life.
Share your story with us for a chance to win a customized tablet package. Smart tablet packages may include a tablet, case, stylus and specialized apps. The Tablet package has a maximum value of $1875.00 per winner.
The project will help successful applicants achieve one or more of the following:
•Increase access to services
Explore or control the environment contribute to their ability to take on new leisure pursuits
•Contribute to improving their education
•Assist in their employment objectives
•Assist in communication, verbal and written
Applications must be received by the following dates:
Edmonton – August 29, 2018
Winnipeg – September 4, 2018
Nova Scotia – October 9, 2018
Montreal – October 30, 2018
La Marche des dix sous du Canada est là pour vous!
Parlez-nous de vous et courez la chance de gagner une tablette personnalisée assortie d’accessoires (étui, stylet) et d’applis spécialisées) pour améliorer votre accès et votre participation à la communauté.
La Marche des dix sous du Canada aidera les résidents et résidentes à Edmonton, à Winnipeg, en Nouvelle-Écosse et à Montréal qui ont des handicaps physiques à améliorer leur accès et participation communautaires par l’entremise de l’Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile. Nous recherchons des résidents locaux et des résidentes locales qui ont un handicap qui affecte leur capacité de communiquer, d’être autonome ou de jouir d’autres aspects d’une vie pleine.
Partagez votre histoire avec nous pour courir une chance de gagner une trousse d’une tablette personnalisée. Les trousses d’une tablette intelligente peuvent inclure une tablette, un étui, un stylet et des applications spécialisées. La trousse de tablette a une valeur maximale de 1,875 $ par gagnant ou gagnante.
Le projet aidera les demandeurs dont la demande est acceptée à réaliser un ou plusieurs des objectifs suivants :
•Avoir un accès accru à des services
•Explorer ou contrôler leur milieu de vie
•S’adonner à de nouvelles activités récréatives
•Poursuivre des études
•Atteindre leurs objectifs d’emploi
•Communiquer verbalement ou par écrit
* Les demandes doivent être reçues avant les dates suivantes :
Edmonton – 29 Août 2018
Winnipeg – 4 Septembre 2018
Nouvelle-Écosse – 9 Octobre 2018
Montréal – 30 Octobre 2018
Eligibility Criteria /Critères d’admissibilité :
To be eligible for the tablet package giveaway in your city, contestants must:
1.Be a permanent Canadian resident and the person must make his / her permanent and principal home in Edmonton (for Edmonton AMTI), in Winnipeg (for Winnipeg AMTI ), in Nova Scotia (for Nova Scotia AMTI) and in Montreal (for Montreal AMTI);
2.Be the age of majority for the province they reside in;
3.Be a person with a permanent disability that impacts his or her ability to fully engage in activities in daily living;
4.Explain how he or she will benefit from having a tablet in achieving a desired goal;
5.Be of financial need. In order to be eligible for funding, the combined gross income of applicant and spouse (where applicable) cannot exceed $45,000, after allowable deductions are considered;
6.Be working with an Occupational Therapist and/or Speech Language Pathologist who can provide a current assessment of the applicant’s needs and support them in installing required software applications; and
7.Be available for the presentation of the tablet at the annual Rock for Dimes fundraiser to be held in their city. Please visit http://www.rockfordimes.ca for dates and locations.
Pour être admissibles à l’offre cadeau d’une tablette, les demandeurs doivent répondre aux critères suivants :
1.Être un résident canadien permanent et son domicile permanent et principal doit être dans Edmonton (pour l’ITAM à Edmonton), Winnipeg (pour l’ITAM à Winnipeg), Nouvelle-Écosse (pour l’ITAM en Nouvelle-Écosse) et dans Montreal (pour l’ITAM à Montreal); et
2. Avoir atteint l’âge de la majorité pour la province dans laquelle il ou elle vit; et
3.Avoir une invalidité permanente qui empêche de participer pleinement aux activités de la vie quotidienne; et
4.Expliquer en quoi le fait d’avoir une tablette aidera le demandeur à atteindre un objectif particulier; et
5.Avoir besoin d’une aide financière. Pour être admissible à une aide financière, les revenus bruts combinés du demandeur et de son conjoint (s’il y a lieu) ne doivent pas dépasser 45 000 $ après les déductions autorisées; et
6.Travailler avec un ergothérapeute et/ou un orthophoniste qui peut fournir une évaluation actuelle des besoins du candidat et les soutenir en installant les applications requises; et
7.Être disponible pour la présentation de la tablette à la collecte de fonds annuelle Rock for Dimes qui aura lieu dans sa ville. Veuillez visiter http://www.rockfordimes.ca pour les dates et les lieux.
Guidelines / Des lignes directrices :
Click to download the following pdf forms
/ Cliquez pour télécharger les pdf des formulaires suivants :
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Guidelines (PDF)MODC Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Guidelines 2018-2019
Lignes directrices sur l’Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile de la MDSC de 2018-2019Lignes directrices sur l’Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile de la MDSC de 2018-2019
MODC Aphasia-friendly Guidelines (PDF) MODC Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Guidelines 2018-2019 (Aphasia-friendly)
Application Forms / Formulaires de demande :
Click to download the following pdf forms
/ Cliquez pour télécharger les pdf des formulaires suivants :
EDMONTON:
MODC Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Application Form for Edmonton (PDF)Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Application Form for Edmonton
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Edmonton Formulaire de demande (PDF)Formulaire de demande pour l’Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile pour Edmonton
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Aphasia-friendly Application Form for Edmonton (PDF)Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Application Form for Edmonton (Aphasia-friendly)
Applications must be received by August 29, 2018.
* Terms and conditions apply. Applications can be submitted by fax, email or post. We encourage applicants to apply using email or fax, as it can take up to 9 days to receive information by Canada Post.
Presentation to Recipients:
Winners will be notified by the week of September 4, 2018 and invited to attend March of Dimes Canada’s annual Rock for Dimes Edmonton fundraiser, for the presentation of the tablet package on September 15, 2018 at on the Rocks, 11740 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta.
WINNIPEG:
MODC Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Application Form for Winnipeg (PDF)Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Application Form for Winnipeg
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Winnipeg Formulaire de demande (PDF) Formulaire de demande pour l’Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile pour Winnipeg
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Aphasia-friendly Application Form for Winnipeg (PDF)Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Aphasia-friendly Application Form for Winnipeg
Applications must be received by September 4, 2018.
* Terms and conditions apply. Applications can be submitted by fax, email or post. We encourage applicants to apply using email or fax, as it can take up to 9 days to receive information by Canada Post.
Presentation to Recipients:
Winners will be notified by the week of September 10, 2018 and invited to attend March of Dimes Canada’s annual Opening Doors for Accessibility Winnipeg fundraiser, for the presentation of the tablet package on September 20, 2018 at Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park, 1405 St Matthews Ave, Winnipeg.
Nova Scotia:
MODC Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Application Form for Nova Scotia (PDF)Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Application Form for Nova Scotia
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Nouvelle-Écosse Formulaire de demande (PDF) Formulaire de demande pour l’Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile pour la Nouvelle-Écosse
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Aphasia-friendly Application Form for Nova Scotia (PDF)Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Aphasia-friendly Application Form for Nova Scotia
Applications must be received by October 9, 2018.
* Terms and conditions apply. Applications can be submitted by fax, email or post. We encourage applicants to apply using email or fax, as it can take up to 9 days to receive information by Canada Post.
Presentation to Recipients:
Winners will be notified by the week of October 15, 2018 and invited to attend March of Dimes Canada’s annual Rock for Dimes Halifax fundraiser, for the presentation of the tablet package on October 26, 2018 at Casino Nova Scotia, 1983 Upper Water St, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
MONTREAL:
MODC Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Application Form for Montreal (PDF)Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Application Form for Montreal
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Montreal Formulaire de demande Formulaire de demande pour l’Initiative de technologie d’assistance mobile pour Montreal
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Aphasia-friendly Application Form for Montreal (PDF)Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Aphasia-friendly Application Form for Montreal
applications must be received by October 30, 2018.
* Terms and conditions apply. Applications can be submitted by fax, email or post. We encourage applicants to apply using email or fax, as it can take up to 9 days to receive information by Canada Post.
Presentation to Recipients:
Winners will be notified by the week of November 5, 2018 and invited to attend March of Dimes Canada’s annual Rock for Dimes Montreal fundraiser, for the presentation of the tablet package on November 16, 2018 at Corona Theatre, 2490 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal.
Submit all applications and direct any inquiries to:
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative
March of Dimes Canada
291 King Street, 3rd Floor
London ON N6B 1R8
amti@marchofdimes.ca
Tel (toll-free): 1-855-660-6632
Fax: 519-432-4923
* Please note that only complete Applications with all required documentation will be reviewed.
Si vous avez besoin des services en français, veuillez téléphoner au Programme à
1-855-660-6632.
Special Thank You to our Sponsoring Partner /
Un merci tout spécial au partenaire commanditaire :
CAOT ACE logo
Assistive Mobile Technology Initiative Past Winners
March of Dimes Canada was there for residents in Nova Scotia, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary, presenting customized tablets with specialized software/apps to improve community access and participation!
March of Dimes Canada have already helped residents with physical disabilities in the Nova Scotia, Montreal,
March of Dimes Canada
10 Overlea Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario M4H1A4
CA
For more information on the March of Dimes and their events please visit >www.marchofdimes.ca
www.alphca aplus .ca ~ In these pages you will find resources and information to enrich your learning experience. www.homeworkcentral.com ~ Register with this site and you get information on Online tutoring, words and vocabulary, homework help and much more. www.funbrain.com ~ Lots of fun and challenging activities for you and your family.
Black Swan meets Paranormal Activity in this compelling ghost story about a former dancer whose grip on reality slips when she begins to think a dark entity is stalking her.
Something is wrong with Marianne.
It’s not just that her parents have finally split up. Or that life hasn’t been the same since she quit dancing. Or even that her mother has checked herself into the hospital.
She’s losing time. Doing things, she would never do. And objects around her seem to break whenever she comes close. Something is after her. And the only one who seems to believe her is the daughter of a local psychic.
But their first attempt at an exorcism calls down the full force of the thing’s rage. It demands Marianne give back what she stole. Whatever is haunting her, it wants everything she has-everything it’s convinced she stole. Marianne must uncover the truth that lies beneath it all before the nightmare can take what it thinks it’s owed, leaving Marianne trapped in the darkness of the other side.
The Dark Beneath the Ice was truly an unnerving story with a well-planned plot, characters and motivated storyline. I haven’t enjoyed reading a scary book in a long time, which says a lot because I read a great deal of horror and zombie books. I was spellbound by the story this author has created and look forward to reading and reviewing more of her work.
Other Reviews:
“Fun frights and a well-constructed haunting..it’s Black Swan meets Carrie. “ – Kirkus
“The book’s haunting, waterlogged atmosphere and Marianne’s psychological turmoil will build an effective and growing sense of dread in readers…hand this novel to those who enjoy spooky, psychological books with strong themes of self-discovery.” – School Library Journal
“The vivid descriptions make the tension real. Fans of thrillers will enjoy Marianne’s struggles.” – School Library Connection
AMELINDA BÉRUBÉ has been a writer and editor with a small department in the Canadian public service since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Humanities from Carleton University and a Master of Arts from McGill. Amelinda is also a member of SCBWI and can be found on Twitter at @metuiteme. Visit amelindaberube.com.
A hero’s tournament. A defiant contender. Does one girl have the courage to take on Mount Olympus?
Hope’s world doesn’t have room for heroes. She barely has time for schoolwork, swim team, and taking care of her ailing mother. But when she’s invited to a mysterious tournament, the all-powerful hosts won’t take no for an answer.
Transported to Mount Olympus, Hope comes face to face with her new trainers—the pantheon of Greek gods. While other contenders train hard to gain a fighting edge, Hope searches for a way out. Instead, she finds a gorgeous shadow god who may just convince her to stay…
As each round unfolds, the ultimate prize draws closer—the granting of her heart’s deepest desire. If she survives the final challenge, her mother’s cure would be within reach…but only if Hope can ignore the tournament’s dark purpose.
Olympian Challenger is the first book in a bold YA urban fantasy trilogy. If you like Greek mythology, forbidden romance, and feats of courage, then you’ll love Astrid Arditi’s heroic coming-of-age tale.
This book was very well written with great story line and interesting and unforgettable characters, I am sure Astride got as much enjoyment in writing this story as I did reading it. It was a another book I could not put down until I finished it. Will certainly want to be reading the second book in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review another great book.
Astrid Arditi has studied at Hogwarts, ridden a dragon, swam with mermaids and flown to the moon. Recently, she traveled to Mount Olympus… She leads a double life: one of words and whimsy; the other one chasing her two young kids around the playground and kissing away booboos. She’s a spy, a princess, a unicorn, a wife, a mother and an author. Life is never dull in her messy home in Brooklyn, or in her dreams where she escapes as often as she can. She writes from experience, of course. You may not believe it, but everything in her books has actually happened to her…even if only in her imagination.
Everyone in the universe knows his name. Everyone in the universe fears him. But no one realizes that notorious outlaw Ia Cōcha is a seventeen-year-old girl.
A criminal mastermind and unrivalled pilot, Ia has spent her life terrorizing the Olympus Commonwealth, the imperialist nation that destroyed her home. When the Commonwealth captures her, and her identity is exposed, they see Ia’s age and talent as an opportunity: by forcing her to serve them, they will prove that no one is beyond their control.
Soon, Ia is trapped at the Commonwealth’s military academy, desperately plotting her escape. But new acquaintances—including Brinn, a seemingly average student with a closely-held secret, and their charming Flight Master, Knives—cause Ia to question her own alliances. Can she find a way to escape the Commonwealth’s clutches before these bonds deepen?
In this exhilarating edge-of-your-seat sci-fi adventure—perfect for fans of The Lunar Chronicles—debut author Maura Milan introduces our world to a thrilling new heroine.
Ignite the Stars is a fast-paced sci-fi adventure with strong female characters. If you can get past the idea that a 17-year-old girl has been the most wanted criminal and rebel in the universe for several years, then this book is a fun and quick read.
The best part of this book is the way it handles the treatment of refugees and people from minority ethnic backgrounds. It feels very relevant to the world today and comes with a strong message of accepting who you are and being proud of your heritage, even when people around you are hateful. This is another great reason to read this story.
I really enjoyed reading this book and think it’s worth picking up. I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book for Professor Owl’s readers.
Maura Milan received her BA in Film Production from USC’s School of Cinema-Television and currently lives in Los Angeles, where she works in video production. Ignite the Stars is her first novel.
The #WATWB was created as a mission to negate the overwhelming negativity that has been present in our social media streams. For every negative news story in the world, there are plenty of positive, uplifting stories that show hope, compassion and the resiliency of everyday people who face insurmountable challenges. Our hope is to share heartwarming stories that lift the human spirit.
The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their stories led by six co-hosts, this month’s co-hosts are:
They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless King, Maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.
Overall, I’m honestly so surprised Children of Blood and Bone was a debut: the characters, the pacing, the writing, and plot were all practically perfect. I would highly recommend it.
I received this book in return for my honest opinion ~ Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read a great story.
Other reviews of this great book:
“A phenomenon.” —Entertainment Weekly
“The epic I’ve been waiting for.” —New York Times-bestselling author Marie Lu
“You will be changed. You will be ready to rise up and reclaim your own magic!” —New York Times-bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton
“The next big thing in literature and film.” —Ebony
About the Author
Tomi Adeyemi
Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American writer and creative writing coach based in San Diego, California. After graduating Harvard University with an honors degree in English literature, she received a fellowship that allowed her to study West African mythology and culture in Salvador, Brazil. When she’s not working on her novels or watching Scandal, she can be found blogging and teaching creative writing to her 4,500 subscribers at tomiadeyemi.com. Her website has been named one of the 101 best websites for writers by Writer’s Digest.
Her debut West African YA Fantasy novel is CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE (Holt Books for Young Readers/Macmillan). The CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE movie is in development at Fox 2000/Temple Hill Productions with Karen Rosenfelt and Marty Bowen (Twilight, Maze Runner, The Fault In Our Stars) producing it.
by Alice Kuipers (Author)
Alice Kuipers
by Amelinda Berube
Amelinda Bérubé 
Astrid Ardit
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