First Chapter Review: The Stolen Herd by K. Madill (Win $25 Amazon GC)

K. Madill is touring with Pump Up Your Book this month with her young adult fantasy novel, The Stolen Herd. Read to the end to see how you can enter for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

BLURB: Mandamus is only a foal when his herd is captured by the terrible Rakhana Army. Rescued and raised in secrecy, he knows nothing of his heritage until a dreadful incident in the woods brings him to the attention of the Forest council – and everyone else. Sent away for his own protection, he is determined to seek help on behalf of the many animals who have gone missing from the forest, including his own family.

With the help of a troubled man and a stout-hearted bat, can Mandamus save his fellow creatures before it’s too late?

COVER: I’m not usually a fan of dark covers, but this one is stunning. The black of the horse, the white glint of his eyes, and the purples and pinks of the sky make for a fabulous piece of art that attracts readers.

FIRST CHAPTER: As the Rakhana Army closes in on the herd, Gideon takes their foal and dashes him to Daleth and Mareva to raise in secrecy.

KEEP READING: Filled with flowing descriptions and a multitude of characters, this opening chapter sets the scene for what will become of Mandamus after his herd is captured by the Rakhana Army. A butterfly, a bat, a herd of horses, a ruthless human army, and a special foal with white eyes who may be the stuff of legends make for an interesting cast. The strength of the world building is easy to see early on.  The hint of magic and the elegant writing in this first chapter definitely encourage me to follow along with the rest of Mandamus’ story.

 

Title:  The Stolen Herd

Author: K. Madill

Genre: Young adult fantasy

Paperback: 181 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (February 20, 2014)

ISBN-10: 1482640023

ISBN-13: 978-1482640021

Kindle:B00GBQ9V8O

Purchase at http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00GBQ9V8O

 

I received a copy of this book from the author. I have been paid a fee to promote this book with a book tour through Pump Up Your Book. That fee did not include a review. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

 

A chronic “head in the cloudser” K. Madill lives in a rickety house on a well treed street in British Columbia, Canada.  When she’s not hanging out with her best equine friend in the woods she can be found trying to stay upright on her roller skates or mediating the affairs of her various furred and feathered friends that rule the aforementioned rickety house. 

K. Madill’s website: kmadill.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/K-Madill/161159890706088

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaraiMadill1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20643483-the-stolen-herd

 

Pump Up Your Book and K. Madill are teaming up to give away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms and conditions:

• By entering, you confirm you are 18 years of age or older.
• Raffle runs from 12:00 AM EST on June 2 through 12:00 AM EST on June 28, 2014.
• Winner will be selected randomly by Rafflecopter.
• Winner will be notified by email and has 72 hours to claim the prize before a new winner is selected.
• Prize will be sent via email from the author’s representative.
• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

A Horse of Course by Shari Lyle-Soffe

Join Aaron, Mom and Dad on a charming and funny adventure in A Horse of Course by Shari Lyle-Soffe.

Grandpa Roy gives Aaron what he always wanted for his birthday–a horse!  Little do Aaron, Mom and Dad know what they are in for.  Horace the horse eats all the cake and ice cream, he hogs the television remote, uses Mom’s toothbrush, and even takes over Aaron’s bed.  What will Aaron do?

In this hilarious adventure, poor Aaron learns the meaning of the phrase, “be careful what you ask for”.  Here he is all excited to finally have a horse, and he soon discovers that maybe a horse won’t be so easy to take care of at his house.  Faced with a decision, he chooses a way that everyone can be happy.

I haven’t laughed so hard over a children’s book in a long time.   Between the storyline and the comical illustrations provided by Eugene Ruble, I laughed until my sides ached.  I’ve had the opportunity to read a few books that Ruble has illustrated, and his imagination and ability to bring a story to life through his pictures never ceases to amaze me.

A Horse of Course is another excellent addition to the list of titles from Shari Lyle-Soffe.  She is also the author of the popular Rooter and Snuffle series and Nothing Stops Noah.  Her love of nature and the fuzzy creatures that often stop by her yard, inspire her stories. 

Learning about right choices and how to make difficult decisions has never been so much fun.  Get your hands on a copy of A Horse of Course today!

Rating:  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing

ISBN-10: 1935137824

ISBN-13: 978-1935137825

SRP:  $10.95

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Rebel in Blue Jeans by Beverly Stowe McClure

Rebel’s life is in turmoil. Her mother ran off with a drummer, leaving her father distraught and distracted; her friend Will seems to be wanting more than just friendship, and an older guy has taken a sudden interest in her. What should she do?

Young adult readers, especially those who love animals will find many things to appreciate in Rebel in Blue Jeans by Beverly Stowe McClure.

When Rebel’s mother decides to take off with Bo, a drummer in a rock band, Rebel feels unwanted and alone. What is so exciting about city life anyway? Rebel trudges through the days on the ranch with the help of her best friends, Will and Sully, and spends a great deal of time talking with her animals to help relieve her frustrations. And while she’s not sure exactly how she feels about Rick, she’s caught off guard when Will seems to be wanting more than friendship from her.

When her mother calls and wants Rebel to come visit Bo and her for the summer, Rebel is determined to hate him and convince her mother to come back home. Can Rebel bring her family back together? And if she can ever believe in love again, is it Will or Rick who will capture her heart?

This is a quick and easy read, but it’s certainly not short on conflict. McClure has woven together an interesting plot and a strong and complex heroine to create a story that will be enjoyed by young adults everywhere.

Tackling the difficult subjects of separation and divorce, the desire young people have to see their parents reunited, making decisions regarding boys and finding your way in an uncertain world, Rebel in Blue Jeans provides readers with a heroine they will love for her spunk and get frustrated with over her stubbornness.

Rebel in Blue Jeans is an inspiring and entertaining read that would make a great gift for your teen reader…whether she’s a rebel or not.

 

Rating:   🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Publisher: Twilight Times Books; First edition

ISBN-10: 193335349X

ISBN-13: 978-1933353494

SRP:  $14.95