Posts Tagged: bonneville books

Book Review-The Mark by Marilyn Bunderson

09 Apr, 2010 by in marilyn bunderson, science fiction, the Mark 13 comments

published March 8th 2010
by Bonneville Books (first published 2010)
details Paperback, 288 pages
isbn 1599553511
4.5 stars
Synopsis from Goodreads- She’s had it forever. A tiny mark on her hand. No big deal, right? But when Tori discovers that her ordinary freckle is really some kind of microscopic tattoo, she doesn’t know what to think, especially after meeting Eric, a guy she feels strangely connected to–and not just because he has a mark too.

All too soon, Tori and Eric realize that their marks are only the first clue to a mystery that will change everything. And with each new discovery, Tori finds herself pulled deeper and deeper into a world she could never have imagined.

I received this book in the mail after being contacted by the author as an autographed copy with bookmark and personal note. Now that is NICE! But that’s not why I gave it 4.5 stars…the fact of the matter is this is an amazing book! The preface was a couple of pages long of background history that I struggled to understand. (go back and read them once you are finished) From Chapter one on I was reeled in hook, line and sinker.

Told from Tori’s point of view, four teenagers soon unravel a mystery that links them as members of an elite society. They are drawn to each other by touch, the small birthmarks on their knuckles and an irresistible comforting pull. Soon they find themselves wrapped up in a dangerous journey of uncovering their past and discovering who they really are. The characters are fully developed and my favorites are Tori and Eric. Their chemistry is off the charts and Eric’s charm undeniable as he becomes a protector of the group. The Mark is completely free of any swearing, sex or questionable material from a mother’s point of view and I loved it for action packed excitement and swoon worthy romance! I sure hope there is a sequel in the works because this one was an absolute treasure!

My favorite quote from the book (spoilers here!) : “Shae snorted. We’re definitely right-and can you tell me one thing we’re doing right now that isn’t hard? We’ve just traveled halfway around the world and we’re backpacking who knows how many miles through the freakin’ Himalayas to get to some secret valley that may or may not exist, while be chased by a homicidal maniac–don’t even talk to me about hard.”

Check out the author’s blog with contests and upcoming events
http://mrbunderson.blogspot.com/
Find Her on twittter @mbunderson
Add it on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7193767-the-mark

In My Mailbox

19 Mar, 2010 by in giveaway 3 comments

Won on Giveaways

“After” by Kristin Harmel, already reviewed
“The Eternal Ones” by Kirsten Miller- ARC to review
“This World we Live In ” by Susan Beth Pfeffer-ARC to review

Gifted
“No Apology” by Mitt Romney- autographed copy

To giveaway Today
on twitter “Diary of a Wimpy Kid #2”-follow and Rt @fireicephotos to win a one of the two Wimpy Kids hardbacks

My Fairy Grandmother by Aubrey Mace

19 Feb, 2010 by in book review, utah authors, YA ficiton 1 comment

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: Bonneville Books; 1 edition (March 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599552175

Product Description from Amazon
Descended from fairies? It sounds unbelievable, but according to Kaitlin’s grandmother Viola, it s true. In spite of her initial reluctance to visit Viola, Kaitlin finds herself being drawn into Viola s stories of elegant castles, evil counts, and exciting escapades. But as Kaitlin learns more about her family, Kaitlin s mother becomes increasingly concerned about Viola s mental health. Good thing Kaitlin knows better! From the author of Spare Change, this enchanting tale shows how a good story can bring a whole family together.

quote from the book…”Everyone comes to this earth and lives their life. It might be a long life or it might be short, but most of the basic details are uninteresting. We go about our daily chores, we might marry, we might have children, and we die … Each of us has one story worth telling, one moment of glory and triumph or pain and despair; something that defines us. It might be one second, or it could extend over several years, but for better or worse, it is the most interesting part of who we are.”

I bought this book at the Utah Atuthorpalooza because I love fairies and the cover was even glitttery! Cheesy, but oh so true for me…I judge a book my it’s cover! I got to page 66 and almost put it away because the main villain of the book Count Diavolo is just so evil. I asked Aubrey about him and how she came up with his character, she responded “Count Diavolo was a really fun character to write. I don’t get a chance to write the really evil characters in chick lit, so it was a refreshing change for me. I can’t say that he was really based on any one character in fiction– just bits and pieces of the scariest guy I could imagine!” that pretty much sums him up!

Plowing through all of this evil ways I came to really enjoy the story and wanted to find out what happened! The tale is spun into t a little fishing net that pulls you in and makes you have to keep reading!

Set in the modern day, the books is mainly written as told by a grandmother to her 10 year old granddaughter about her heritage. Much like a fairytale, there are heroes, morals and a little bit of magic. It is a message of courage and hope in the midst of absolute loss. The end leaves me wondering if there will be a sequel? Who is the other fairy?

But, I guess I will have to ask Aubrey at our upcoming online author chat next Wednesday. We are giving away a signed My Fairy Gradnmother” to one lucky participant of our author chat with her on Wednesday February 24th, 2010 at 7:30 PM MST. Come chat with Aubrey and win her third, most recent book!