Review: Mister Max

Mister Max, twelve, becomes a detective  (he detests that word) solutionner under the worst circumstances. 

Right before Max and his parents are set to depart for India, Max stops to say farewell to a friend. But when he shows up at the port, on time, his parents have already left. What's even more peculiar, there was no boat for India that day. Max has only Grammie now, and both of them will stop at nothing to find out what really happened to their loved ones. 

Cynthia Voigt sets the story in the Victorian Era, giving it a polished Sherlock Holmes feel. This detail made Max a more mature character. Money was scarce back then, and to survive Max had no other resort than to find work. Joining him, is sidekick Pia, a young girl with a dose of attitude who helps him in his odd jobs: rescuing a lost dog, a stolen spoon, reuniting two long lost lovers, and even a search for a missing child. 

A great read  recommended for children 10+

Feature and Follow Friday: Don't Take my Sunshine Away

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

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Q: Reading Nook Tour

''As long as there is light, I can read anywhere'' BookCupid

If there was no light, I'd learn braille. There is always a solution to every problem.

Mostly, I read on the go: subway, dentist office, at the park, between classes...  I must admit reading at home is much more relaxing and easier to just let go and let the story transport you.

Review: Seraphina

When two species unite, there is always someone willing to cause a stir. 

Dragons and humans have lived together for several years. The curiosity strung once dragons realized how artistic we are. In order to maintain the peace, dragons are forbidden to eat meat -- best way to avoid nibbling on villagers -- and humans are forbidden to kill dragons while they are in their human form. But when one dragon dies, the truce might go along with him. 

Rachel Hartman chose a brave and intrepid girl named Seraphina, to lead the story. Not only is she a talented musician, but her connection with dragons placed her right in the middle of the fiasco. Joining this mysterious crime investigation is Prince Lucian Kiggs, whom Seraphina can't help but fall in love with. Unfortunately for her, he is engaged. 

Although the story maintains a stable slow paced action, where lots of towns were name dropped for no particular reason, Hartman manages nonetheless to provide an interesting take on dragons. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Encore

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish


TOP BEST SEQUELS EVER

Lola and the Boy Next Door: Romantic & snuggle worthy

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Well-written

 The Calling: Captivating & satisfying

Catching Fire: Crazy cliffhanger  

Until I die: Great turn of events  

 Frostbite: What an ending

The Golden Lily:  Humorous with enough action to make you turn the pages. 

Pandemonium: Better than the finale

Review: Illegal

"A promise is just a lie you don't want to keep."

Nora is distraught when her papa migrates from their small town in Mexico to Texas. He works hard, sending monthly income until the checks abruptly stop. Did he forget about them? Will he break her promise and never return?

In Illegal, Bettina Restrepo wrote a heart-shattering and realistic example about the American Dream. Nora could never had imagined what her father went through when he left his country, until she experienced it herself. Not speaking English, meant she had to work at a pool stand selling snacks while other kids her age went to school. It meant adapting, learning how the US works, and mostly taking chances. Restrepo also brushed the topic of gang initiation, racism, and losing faith in God, while maintaining the mystery around Nora's father's disappearance. 

Enough teary-eyed moments to make you forget that there is no romance involved.