Tag Archives: tween books

Great new review! “This book really gave me goose bumps..An awesome read!”

Raventsone cover

 

Many thanks to Susan Hampson of “Books From Dawn Till Dusk” for her great review!

 


REVIEW EXCERPT:

“Diane Solomon and Mark Carey have made a formidable team creating a very original story line that links together very well. The use of a mirror and twins is very clever but also do check out the twins names and see if you can find anything unusual about them.  It is this attention, the going that extra mile, that makes this book very special. The detail of what life would be like in the past is super, with  writing that is very appropriate for middle grade readers. There are times in the book that will give an adrenaline rush but won’t leave the young readers frightened. This book really gave me goose bumps  which I have got again just writing about it. An awesome read!”

READ ON!

Wonderful intelligent book review from Quills and Roses!

quills-roses-twitterMark and I received a Christmas present today: a wonderful review from Quills and Roses.

Please forgive me if I toot a horn or two:

“…for the middle-grade category, this novel is up there with the greats.”

“The world is really interesting and well thought-out, and every leaf and branch is there, on the page.”

“The world is described so well that the magic practically jumps off the page and feels real. It’s absolutely wonderful.”

Thank you Sally of Quills and Roses!

 

Book Review Excerpt

“This novel kind of reminds me of those Magic Tree House books I used to love (anyone remember those? Or am I too old?). Except, with more sophisticated plotting and writing.

“There was a lot of suspense and mystery. The bad guys were terrifyingly bad and the good guys were cute and smart and good. Older readers may find that a bit too simple, but for the middle-grade category, this novel is up there with the greats.

“Conclusion: If you’ve ever wanted to go on a magical time travelling adventure with a pair of smart, inquisitive twins (or are doing some Christmas shopping for young, avid readers) be sure to check The Ravenstone out!”

Read book review here:  Quills and Roses Review of The Ravenstone 

Goodreads review: 5 Stars! “Simply magical!”

Thank you to Dianne Bylo, Top 1% Goodreads reviewer, for this incredible Goodreads review! “Simply magical!”

 “Diane Solomon and Mark Carey have created an atmosphere where one’s imagination can run free as two delightful characters are given the opportunity to help make a mark on the history of mankind.”

Raventsone cover   The Ravenstone: The Secret of Ninham Mountain            


Goodreads review from Dianne, 
Goodreads librarian & Top 1% Reviewer

Nov 02, 2016   4172 ratings (4.56 avg) 3965 reviews 

goodreads-icon GOODREADS REVIEW:

Was it fate, destiny or their own special senses that put twins Aidan and Nadia on a path that will lead them across time in a quest to save both their father’s visionary scientific work and the very future of mankind? It all started in the attic of the old home they lived in. A mirror, ancient and dusty suddenly comes to life when a wizard and his raven appear to show them a hidden artifact that will lead them on a magical adventure filled with mystery, challenges and the search for one special plant that will open doors for both their scientist father and the world at large.

Follow a tale of two young children who place family and honor before the usual concerns of contemporary tweens more concerned with the latest electronic gadgets and spoon-fed tales filled with violence that leave their imaginations starving for sustenance. High adventure, hidden secrets in the past and experiences that one can only dream about take Aidan and Nadia into the world of the past that will reveal more about their present lives than they ever could have imagined. Are their special gifts a twin thing? What of the other twins in their family? Do they know of the secrets of the mirror? Notice anything about these siblings’ names?

Diane Solomon and mark Carey have created an atmosphere where one’s imagination can run free as two delightful characters are given the opportunity to help make a mark on the history of mankind. The Ravenstone: The Secret of Ninham Mountain is perfect for family reading, reading alone and definite will hold the interest of even the most reluctant of young readers! What more can one ask for? Age appropriate, believable dialogue and a keen sense of adventure into the unknown in an atmosphere free of gore that is simply magical!

I received this copy via Diane Solomon and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Authors: Diane Solomon & Mark Carey

Publisher: Eloquent Rascals Publishing (September 26, 2016)
Publication Date: September 26, 2016
Genre: Middlegrade Fantasy
Print Length: 222 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
dianne-goodreads-tome-tender-header  For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

http://tometender.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-ravenstone-secret-of-ninham.html

Our book is on the front page of The Kindle Book Review! Yay!

kindlebookreview-edited-must-read-arrowKindle Book Review website

“Readers are raving about today’s fantasy adventure, “The Ravenstone: The Secret of Ninham Mountain” by Diane Solomon and Mark Carey. Your kids will love this unique mystery fantasy!”

“This book is better than Harry Potter!” -Reviewer

“Hated to put it down, didn’t want it to end”-READER

“I read it as an adult, thoroughly enjoyed it-full of intrigue, mystery & fun.”-Reviewer

 

ravenstonecoverfussylibrarian200x300

 

AMAZON:  Kindle or paperback
SMASHWORDS eBook
GOODREADS
TWITTER
NETGALLEYamazon-buy-now-button-two

More great reviews pouring in! The Ravenstone

ravenstone-subtitle-raven-fb-1200-x-authors

Intro price, $2.99 expires on the 15th. Grab your copy now! 🙂 

AMAZON:  eBook or paperback
SMASHWORDS eBook
GOODREADS
TWITTER
NETGALLEY

 

 

Top Reviews

 

5.0 out of 5 stars   fun and fascinating mystery-fantasy
By Wayne A. Lovett on September 26, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

With time-travelling twins, Native Americans, Celtic princes, Shamans, a shape-shifting raven – this book is an imaginative, fun and fascinating mystery-fantasy. The main characters, 13-year-old twins, are honorable and courageous, and the reader really cares about them and roots for them. My grandson, who is 12, loved it, and asked it there will be another book with Nadia and Aidan.


5.0 out of 5 stars
 
Such a work of love and wisdom!
By Laurie Seymour on September 27, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Such a work of love and wisdom! I’m imagining the fun you must have had together in writing it.

Simply put, I loved this book. Hated to put it down and didn’t want it to end. I loved the main characters—both of them.They were fully fleshed out and worthy of caring. I hope you are planning on a sequel! I most definitely want another adventure. Please?

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Great adventure
By Hagit R. Oron on September 30, 2016 
Hagit Oron’s website
Format: Kindle Edition

Nadia and Aiden are 13-years-old twins living with their parents and 17-years old sister Heather in Cold Spring NY. Nadia and Aiden have a special bond, They understand each other without words, and as their grandmother Liz says, together they show that 1+1 equals more than two.

One day, while cleaning the attic, an old wizard, and a crow appear in the mirror and talks to the twins. The wizard points them to a magical artifact – the ravenstone, which enables the twins to travel in time.They are scared but also intrigued, and when the wizard sends them on an important mission, they accept the challenge and go back in time.
All adventure lovers would certainly enjoy this high-paced plot.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars As an adult reading this I loved it. I let a friend’s son read it …
By C salt on September 28, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Extremely well thought out story to capture the imagination of your child. As an adult reading this I loved it. I let a friend’s son read it and he’s still talking about it and different adventures they should go on. Highly recommend this book and look forward to seeing more.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific, imaginative plot and characters you really care about
By H.L. JOHNSON on October 4, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

I bought this for my nephew and niece (10 and 12) for us to read together on a weekend they are staying with me. I had scanned it online and read some of the reviews, checking it was appropriate. Well, I got hooked. Terrific, imaginative plot and characters you really care about! Suspenseful and engrossing, with a heartwarming family-oriented story.

It’s a mystery, in that you try to work out all the details with the two main characters, who are brave and honorable 13-year-old twins. They set off on a dangerous mission to help their dad, but also potentially all of mankind. Very cool! I couldn’t put it down, and I know the kids will love it. They’ll probably figure out the ending before I did!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars The beginning of a great series! This story is sure to please all who read it!
By Dr. David Baltimore on October 5, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition

What a fun, suspenseful adventure! I got it for my niece, but read it myself first. I got hooked in and couldn’t put it down… It’s a magical, hopeful story full of loyalty, courage and heart.

The characters are well-drawn; the protagonists, Aidan and Nadia, are 13-year-old twins who are sent on a mission to help save their dad’s life work. But, they are also driven by the desire to achieve something great for mankind. They must take great risk, overcome fear, and survive great danger from a magic stronger than theirs.

I appreciate this honor, this depth of character, in an age where so much of our media, books, TV, and movies are full of violence, darkness and a kind of “attitude” or “snarkiness.” I am tired of that! This is a family-oriented book, wholesome even, and very heartwarming.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book
By ck on September 27, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

I loved this book! Although it’s written for middle school aged children, I read it as an adult and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s full of intrigue, mystery and fun. The kids in the story are taken on an adventure that solves a family problem and they learn a lot along the way. I will be reading this to my grandchildren and I know they will love it as much as I did. Can’t wait for the next volume.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Twists and turns keep the reader interested and wondering what will happen next!
By Amazon Customer on September 26, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition

I have never enjoyed reading because my mind tends to wander, but this story kept my attention right from the start. It was so easy to picture the characters and the settings. I couldn’t put the book down, even though it was late in the night, because I wanted to find out what was going to happen next.

I love how the authors wrapped up all of my questions about the characters in the conclusion of the book. The story kept my attention from beginning to end!

I gave the book to my 12-year-old grandson. When he finished reading, he proclaimed that “This book is better than Harry Potter!”. He thought it was clever that we had to hold the book up to a mirror in order to read the words that the twins saw in the old mirror.

We both hope Nadia and Aidan have another adventure!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended!
By L. Zimmermann on September 26, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Solomon and Carey’s imaginative storytelling sweeps you into a fascinating tale of mystery and adventure. Young twins Nadia and Aidan stumble upon an ancient power that could help their family in the future, or trap them in the past forever. Highly recommended!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific, imaginative plot and characters you really care about
By H.L. JOHNSONon October 4, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

I bought this for my nephew and niece (10 and 12) for us to read together on a weekend they are staying with me. I had scanned it online and read some of the reviews, checking it was appropriate. Well, I got hooked. Terrific, imaginative plot and characters you really care about! Suspenseful and engrossing, with a heartwarming family-oriented story.

It’s a mystery, in that you try to work out all the details with the two main characters, who are brave and honorable 13-year-old twins. They set off on a dangerous mission to help their dad, but also potentially all of mankind. Very cool! I couldn’t put it down, and I know the kids will love it. They’ll probably figure out the ending before I did!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting time travel adventure!
By Laura C.on October 2, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Fantastic! I couldn’t stop reading, I was on the edge of my seat, almost breathless- at times brought to tears. Even between reads, I found myself wondering what was happening with the twins. I found the book deliciously suspenseful and loved the ending-all wrapped up with no loose ends and still wonderful opportunities for a sequel. I sure hope another adventure is coming along-I’d love to spend more time with Nadia and Aiden.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
By Valerie Torphy on October 1, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

What a great read! Carried me along on a wonderful journey, and left me wanting more. I would highly recommend it for tweens, teens, and parents of all ages. Even aunts, uncles and grandparents!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great young adult novel
By Chris Moulton on September 29, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

What a great young adult novel!! I so very much enjoyed the “story”! And, it was easy to read with lots of great “action scenes” that kept the story moving in all the right ways!. A fun read for all ages.
Can see so many opportunities for great sequels! Hint, hint….

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, excitement and mystery!
By Kathleen on October 9, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

I originally ordered this book for my niece, but ended up also reading it myself. What a fun filled adventure these characters embark on. This story is so full of mystery, excitement and knowledge! The authors keep you on the edge of your seat and constantly wondering what will happen next. My niece loved the book as well and finished it in only a couple of days. She told me that she just could not put it down and is hoping that there will be more books to come continuing the story of Nadia and Aiden and their magical life.