Audio Book Review: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

                                     

Summary-

When  fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Review-
When i read this book whenever it first came out i was wowed. So when i got the chance to listen to it from Simon & Schuster I jumped on the chance. I have to say I fell in love with this story all over again. Listening to it gave me vivid pictures of my Clary and Jace. I had forgotten how much I loved this first book. Jace just swooned me all over again! The remarks that me makes to Clary(most of the time kidding) come off so cute I had to giggle.
Cassandra Clare writes such a story that i am swept away to another place that makes me fall in Love and actually care about her characters. She writes so vividly that i can actually see the institute and the characters in clarity. The story is very well written and told in a way that will capture the imaginations of generations to come.
 The narrator Ari Graynor is a great narrator. Her voice is relaxing and sounds like a teenager and therefore makes a great Clary. Her narrating is very realistic that make me rest into the storyline very easily. I hope that she continues to narrate. She is my Clary.
 This audio book was a blessing that fell into my hands. It was one of the most exciting stories for me since Twilight. If you haven't listened to or read Cassandra Clares Immortal instrument series or her Infernal devices series RUN don't WALK and pick up City of Bones today. If you read only one other book make it this one! You are missing out on one of the best stories of our generation!

Publisher:Simon & Schuster  Audio
Reviewer Rating: 5+ STARS!!!
Reviewed by~Lora

~Special thank you to Lauren Pires at Simon & Schuster audio for the donation of this audio book to the read for your future book program!~

Childrens Audio Book Review: Doctor De Soto by William Steig

Summary-

"Doctor De Soto, the dentist, did very good work." With the aid of his able assistant, Mrs. De Soto, he copes with the toothaches of animals large and small. His expertise is so great that his fortunate patients never feel any pain.
Since he's a mouse, Doctor De Soto refuses to treat "dangerous" animals--that is, animals who have a taste for mice. But one day a fox shows up and begs for relief from the tooth that's killing him. How can the kindhearted De Sotos turn him away? But how can they make sure that the fox doesn't give in to his baser instincts once his tooth is fixed? Those clever De Sotos will find a way.

 

Review-

This is another great story by William Steig! This book is also a Newberry Honor book! The storyline is well written and well executed! It is easy to follow and easy to understand. It is intended for ages 3-8 but can definitely be enjoyed by older children. The characters in the book are well put together. The illustrations are well done and rich and vibrant in color. The narrator is Stanley Tucci and he does a very good job with the story. He is easy to listen to! I recommend this book to anyone with children especially beginner readers. Its a great reading teaching tool. I Highly recommend for anyone looking for a cute story for their children!

 

Publisher-Macmillan Young Listeners

Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!!

Reviewed by~Lora

Thank you to Elaine Gottesman for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!

Childrens Audio Book Review: Brave Irene by William Steig

Summary-

Brave Irene is Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker's daughter. Her mother, Mrs. Bobbin, isn't feeling so well and can't possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she's made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace on time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that's brewing-- quite an errand for a little girl.
But where there's a will, there's a way, as Irene proves in the danger-fraught adventure that follows. She must defy the wiles of the wicked wind, her most formidable opponent, and overcome many obstacles before she completes her mission. Surely, this winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on.
Brave Irene is a 1986 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year.

 

Review-

What a neat book!This book is intended for ages 4-8 But you can use it for older children. It is a story about a brave girl and her journey through the snow to deliver a dress. The story is well written and well executed. The storyline is easy to follow. The narrater is Meryl Streep and she does an excellent job reading this story. The Illistrations are well done and easy to look at. They are done with great colors. This story is from the grammy nominated collection of William Steig stories and he does this one very well. This one is also the Parents choice award winner. This is a story that i recommend to teach caring and bravery. I highly recommend this book. It would make a great present for birthday or holidays!

 

Publisher-Macmillian Audio

Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!!

Reviewed by~Lora

Thank you to Elaine Gottesman for the donation of this book to the read for your Future book program!

Childrens Audio Book Review: Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you hear?

Summary-

What will you hear when you read this book to a preschool child?

Lots of noise!
Children will chant the rhythmic words. They'll make the sounds the animals make. And they'll pretend to be the zoo animals featured in the book-- look at the last page!
Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle are two of the most respected names in children's education and children's illustrations. This collaboration, their first since the classic Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (published more than thirty years ago and still a best-seller) shows two masters at their best.

 

Review-This book is Amazing! It is a simple story that is easy to understand and easy to follow. It is designed for children 2-5 but any age can enjoy this book. The illustrations are sharp and vibrant and done very well. The story is well written and well executed. This book won the Redbook Children's Picture Book Award. I ca certainly see why. i would highly recommend this audio book to anyone with small children especially anyone with a beginner reader.Great book!

 

Publisher-Macmillian Audio

Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!!

Reviewed by~Lora

Thank you to Elaine Gottesman for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book Program!

Childrens Audio Book Review: The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

Summary-

A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER
Deep in the water,Mr. Fish swims aboutWith his fish face stuckIn a permanent pout.

Can his pals cheer him up?Will his pout ever end?Is there something he can learnFrom an unexpected friend?

Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading “dreary wearies” isn’t really his destiny. Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in this fun fish story that’s sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.

 

Review-

This book is AMAZING! I can certainly see why it won the Parent s Choice award. It is a story that is easy to follow and easy to understand. The book is full of vibrant colors and sharp drawings. The book is read by Alexander Gould. he does a remarkable job. I would highly recommend this book. It is for ages 3 and up and it makes agreat starter book bor any beginner reader. I just loved it!

 

Publisher-Macmillian Audio

Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!!

Reviewed by~Lora

Thank you to Elaine Gottesman for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!

Childrens Audio book Review: Brown Bear Brown Bear What do you see? by Bill Martin/ Eric Carle

Summary-

With more than two million copies sold, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? has opened up a world of learning to a generation of children. For this edition, created for the twenty-fifth anniversay in 1992, Bill Martin, Jr., restored his text to its original wording. And Eric Carle created all new pictures--based on the originals, but clearer, brighter, and truer to the colors they represent.
Bill Martin has been devoted to writing children's books for more than thirty years. He has a Ph.D. in early childhood education and he has long been a proponent of using rhyme and rhythm to teach young children how to read.
Eric Carle, illustrator of many beloved children's books, was born in the United States, but spent his early years in Stuttgart, Germany, where he studied art and design at the Academy of Applied Art. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the first book he illustrated.

 

Review-

This is a classic. It is easy to follow and the pictures are well done. It is a read along book that is perfect for beginner readers. It is easy listening and easy to follow. This book is aimed at 2-5 years old but my son is 6 and LOVED it. The story is read by Gweneth Paltrow and she does an excellent job. I highly recommend this book to beginner readers or just young children. A great book by macmillian.

 

Publisher-Macmillion Audio

Reviewer Ratinig: 5 STARS!!!

Reviewed by~Lora

Thank you to Elaine Gottesman for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!!

Audio Book Review: Finale (Hush, Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Summary-

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.
Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.
But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.
As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

 

Review-

This was a great book to listen to. It is  absolutely breath-taking, captivating,  amazing and addictive .You definitely have to read the previous books in the series to get it though. The story line moved along nicely A few surprises that were good. I loved the characters. They have really developed since book 1. The love story is amazing in this book. The story was well written and very well executed. I thought it moved at a very nice pace. The narrator was amazing too. And just right for this book. All in all it was a nice goodbye to the series. I will miss these friends....

 

Publisher-Simon & Schuster Audio

Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewed by~Lora

Thank you to Lauren Pires who donated this audio book to the Read for your future Book program in exchange of a honest review!

 
 
 

 

Audiobook Review: Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare (Goodreads Author), Daniel Sharman (Narrator)

Summary-

In Clockwork Princess, Tessa and her companions travel all over the world as they race to stop the clockwork army before it’s too late. As Jem’s health worsens alarmingly and his friends search desperately for a cure, can Tessa choose between the two boys she loves—even if it means never seeing the other one again?

 

Review-

Well Cassandra Clare has done it again. She is such a brilliant writer! I don't know what to say that I haven't already said in my other reviews. Let me start by saying the backdrop of London was a superb idea. The main character Tessa and her love triangle between Jem and will couldn't have played out any other way. I thought the ending was awesome. Cassandra has a way of writing I should say of telling a story that draws you in. The way she writes is a gift that's for sure. The narrator Daniel Sharman definitely fit the part. No one could have given it class and fiance like he brought to it. The story line was excellently written and executed well. The characters are ALL amazing!. The way that this author describes places and things makes the picture in my mind crisp and clear. I just Loved this story. i so didn't want to end the book. I will miss Tessa and Jem and Will. Especially will. But there were new things to discover that will tie these characters into the other series. Which I think is awesome also. Now I am off to read The Bane Chronicles! Kudos to Cassandra Clair KUDOS!

 

Publisher-Simon & Schuster Audio

Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!

Reviewed by~Lora

Thank you to Lauren Pires of Simon & Schuster Audio for the donation of this audiobook to the Read for your Future book Program!!

Audio Book Review: Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2) by Moira Young

Summary-

Nothing is certain and no one is safe in the second book in the highly praised Dust Lands trilogy, which MTV’s Hollywood Crush blog called “better than The Hunger Games.”It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.
What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.

 

Review-

This was a good sequel. I was use to the language this time. My parents are from Kentucky so I understand the language. I did like the book. I thought it was slow in some spots. The storyline was good and well executed. The main character Samba is brave but sometimes I thought she made some Rash decisions. The Reunion between her and Jack took a long time. But all in all  it was a good sequel. I will be reading the third part. If you haven't read this series you really should.

 

Publisher-Simon & Schuster Audio

Reviewer Rating- 3.5 Stars

Reviewed by~Lora

Thank You to Lauren Pires of Simon & Schuster Audio for the donation of this audio book for review.