TOPSY TURVY THURSDAY - TEDDY BEARS IN WONDERLAND By Justin Sloan

NEW!!! TOPSY TURVY THURSDAY

TEDDY BEARS IN WONDERLAND 

By Justin Sloan

Performed by Michael Gilliland

2 hours and 59 minutes

Genre: Kids 8-10 years old and young at heart

Unabridged Audio

4.9 stars Audible

5.0 Stars from me!

Book Blurb from Audible

Publisher's Summary

A teddy bear must travel into the land of monsters to rescue his boy who was taken in the night. In the process, he discovers a much larger plot that threatens all children everywhere.

Welcome to a world where teddy bears come to life at night to protect the children, and shadow monsters are controlled by goblins and orcs.

The first book in the Teddy Defender series will entice young readers that enjoy fantasy and adventure in the style of Pixar or Disney, as well as older readers who enjoy parallels to the tales of Orpheus or Dante's Inferno.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

©2014 Justin Sloan (P)2015 Justin Sloan

My review Now on Audio Book Reviewer (ABR)

Teddy Bears in Monsterland: An Urban Fantasy Novel: Teddy Defenders, Book 1.Series: Teddy Defenders. Written by: Justin Sloan. Narrated by: Michael Gilliland. Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins. Kids 8 to 10. Any age would enjoy this book from Parents listening with kids to Grandparents with the grandkids. As a reviewer and listener this was a cute and different take on a hero that you will not expect. A great short trip listen to keep the kids from wriggling in their seats!

Justin Sloan has written this cute story about a young boy Rick and his teddy bear Ari. Rick and Ari enjoy each other’s company. Rick loves watching monster shows with his bear Ari at bedtime. Rick pretending that he is fighting monsters using that “Hi Ya” saying as he karate kicks at the pretend monsters. Or are they imaginary? One night Ari hears something and wakes up and sees these glowing eyes. Before he could help Rick a monster starts pulling his boy Rick under the bed and they disappear. What can he do? Since his boy’s mom did not know that teddy bears come to life at night. Thought she will now, he had to save Rick. So as fast as he could make his little legs run to her bedroom door. Knocking as hard as his little paws could. Then all of the sudden he hears Rick’s sister calling out and as Ari enters her room and sees her being dragged under her bed and unable to save her as well.

What is Ari going to do? The mom could not hear him knocking on her door. He needed Rusty the old bear in the living room to help him. After begging for his help, Rusty pulls off his one loose eye and hands it to Ari and tells him that he will give this to a bear that will help him. He will know when he gets to the other side. That he needs to go through the attic to get to Monsterland. Pretty intense huh! It can be a bit scary so I would recommend that young children really should listen this with an older sibling or adult.

They will love to follow Ari and his rescue mission into Monsterland to save his boy Rick and his sister. Ari meets many characters throughout from the bears that just seem to care to others that do not care for humans. To the monsters that have not only Rick and his sister but, many other children. What are they doing with these kids? Can he and with the help of other bears save the humans? What does that button that Rusty gave him mean to the bear that it belong to? Will Rick and his sister make it back in time for Thanksgiving?

Michael Gilliland did an amazing job with his performance of storytelling and character voices. He made each scene come alive with the way he presented his voice. The concern, the silliness, the growling voices of the monsters to the fun voices of the bears. I hope to see that he will be the continuing narrator for this series. Just like adults, children bond with the voices that they listen to and want to hear them in the future of this series.

The cover of the book is really cute. Fits the story on how some of the bears have the blue glow coming from their paws.

Please like and leave your comments below. Love to hear from you.

Where you can Find Justin Sloan

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Twitter - Google+ - Website

What books you can also hear Michael Gilliland perform/narrate

AND

Where you can find ME! 

Please comment below! Go to the left side of the page and follow my blog,
So you don't miss the My Tweets on Twitter, 

Facebook Group join today!, GooglePlus+ (NEW)
Goodreads profile, Audible profile for new reviews and 

Audiobook Reviewer under Joan Pavlick!

Want to see something added to my format - send me a message to 

sapphirereader25@gmail.com

Have a Great Week and Happy Listening

Joan

AudioBook Reviewer - Ennara and the Fallen Druid by Angela Myron

AudioBook Reviewer 

My Review Posted March 29, 2015

Ennara and the Fallen Druid 

by Angela Myron

Narrated by Crystal Marcano

5 hrs 13 mins

Kids - 8 -10 years old to 80 years old reading to grandkids

4.5 stars on Audible

Book Blurb from Audible

Publisher's Summary

Ennara and the Fallen Druid is a 2013 winner of the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards.

Eleven year-old Ennara Gaern has a serious grudge against the dragon on her right hand.

Born with a mask that foretold magical powers, she was immediately inked with the fiendish, fire-breathing tattoo that forces her to study boring texts, cover her hand continuously, and worst of all, keeps her from visiting the beautiful capital city, Dordonne. But her quiet life changes when one night she is attacked by a shadowy demon.

Tork, an old friend and wizard, is enlisted to help. But when he arrives, he informs Ennara's parents that she is her world's only hope of finding the legendary Sword of Gisilfrid, which is needed to destroy the curse that is creating the demons. Ennara doesn't want to leave on the dangerous quest, but when she learns the curse threatens her world, she reluctantly agrees.

Ennara and the wizard begin a perilous journey to the Sunken City, pitting them against dangerous oceans and pirates intent on claiming Ennara's magic as their own. With only her friends at her side, including the intelligent, aquatic cat Smoos, Ennara must defeat monsters guarding the sword and servants of the Fallen Druid. When her world is covered in darkness, will she know how to dispel the curse?

©2013 Angela Myron (P)2014 Angela Myron

My Review as posted by Audio Book Reviewer to Audible and ABR

Ennara’s story is a wonderful story by Angela Myron and listen that is narrated by Crystal Marcano. I find that this is a great long trip listen for the whole family. At 5 hours and 13 mins. This is great for those that love paranormal stories filled with wizards, witches and we cannot forget the dragon. The wait of each action scene is “Can Ennara do it?” “Can she get them out of this?” leaves the reader asking this throughout the book.

So wait! Getting ahead of myself! Angela Myron has all the important ingredients to the plot of this story. Young characters that young readers/listeners can relate to. Starting with 11 year old Ennara and her friend Kithe. Ennara bears a tattoo of a dragon on her wrist. Which she is always told not to reveal it. Under her Aunt’s guidance of teaching Ennara the trade of being a witch. That someday she will save the world. Something that Ennara found so farfetched that she can do such a task. The time period is of the Druids. Traveling by horse, boat and by foot.

Under the guidance of a Wizard and friend named Tork. The two of them set out on a journey to retrieve the sword called “Sword of Gisilfrid” to destroy the curse that is creating demons called Shadowspawn. In this quest it is predictable as with most stories the friend always ends up following and ends up in the adventure. Kithe is no different. However, what I do like about this character as not seen with many sidekicks. Kithe even at the young age the author has him at has a clearer and much stronger head on his shoulders. So that when Ennara seems to drift towards the bad he helps her stay on a steady course. Ennara has two sides to her magic, good and bad that she is not under full control of yet. Both sides of the magic however, helps in saving them all for the most part throughout the story. However, Tork reminds her to be mindful of not using the bad magic. The travel to the city of Dordonne with Tork, Ennara and Kithe to get supplies as they leave to the Sunken City to retrieve the Sword. An apothecary where they are picking up some of the supplies they will need for the trip. A shop keeper ask Ennara to retrieve a bracelet that she tells her is of no importance. Kithe is an important part to the scene is all I will tell you.

Along the way Tork encounters trouble with a Shadespawn and goes into a deep sleep. Braving pirates and the rough seas as the try to get to the Sunken City. It is now up to Ennara and Kithe to not only save Tork but everyone. Adding to the twosome is 2 more important supporting characters. A young boy a bit older than them named Gavin and a special marine cat named Smoos.

Yes, this book is predictable. But, it is geared towards 8-12 year olds. However, anyone older will also enjoy the listen. The narrator Crystal Marcano did an amazing and believable job with each of the characters and their voices. The only voice that seemed really young was Tork. Being an older man he seemed to be their age. I did enjoy the accents since it was more of a Scottish placed story.

A bonus to the listening of this first book is that the author included a bit of the second book. I would have missed it if I did not shut off my kindle I was using to listen to the book. So keep going as you get to the end. Needs a bit of editing in my opinion to say, “Now for a preview of the upcoming book! “Ennara and the Book of Shadows” It gives the listener something to look forward to. Then give the credits at the end

As others that have read the book. I have to agree that there is a bit of a Harry Potter feel to the story with the main character being a girl. Something I enjoy seeing is a strong female character and I have been seeing a lot of that lately.

The cover of the book is simply delightful. Fits the characters perfectly. I look forward to the release of the 2nd audio book.

Where you can find Angela Myron

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Twitter - Facebook - Website

What other books Crystal Marcano has narrated on Audible

AND

Where you can find ME! 

Please comment below! Go to the left side of the page and follow my blog,
So you don't miss the My Tweets on Twitter, 

Facebook Group join today!,
Goodreads profile, Audible profile for new reviews and 

Audiobook Reviewer under Joan Pavlick!

Want to see something added to my format - send me a message to 

sapphirereader25@gmail.com

Have a Great Week and Happy Listening

Joan

TUESDAY TWEET - Ahoy Gum Drop by Miss Mae

Ahoy Gum Drop

by Miss Mae

Narrated by Owen McCuen

2 hours 19 mins

Kids age 5 -7 (Personally all ages will love it!)

Book Blurb from Audible

Publisher's Summary

What if - What if you no longer could find your favorite chocolate in your candy store? What if the store informed you they may never get in a new shipment? Imagine the horror, the chaos, the wailing and gnashing of teeth, not to mention your impending foul-mood. And then imagine this scenario happening on a worldwide scale! What can be the problem? What can be the solution? It’s up to the brave (?) adventurer Sir O. Yuri Wiseguy-eh and his mishaps from Gum Drop Island to boldly (double ?) go where no one has gone before. Yes, they must enter the realm of the forbidding and humuggity shrouded land called Moldy Corners. The next question, dear listeners, is - can what happens in Moldy Corners affect you?

©2013 Miss Mae (P)2014 Miss Mae

My Review from Audible

This is an extremely cute and amusing audio listen of the book! Because I am a huge fan of audio books and how narrators portrays them. This is the way for the young to the young at heart to listen to this story. This book had me laughing out loud from time to time and smiling all the way thru! Why you ask?

Well, first off this has to be one of the cleverest plots that I have heard in young children's book. Miss Mae has put together in this short 2 hrs and 19 mins of story in such a way you can not but listen from start to finish! The characters each have their own personalities. Starting the story out as a young girl playing hide and seek with her boy cousins decides a good hiding spot is this large cardboard box. Unknowing to her the boys have a plan and tape her up in the box to ship her off the to Himalayans. However, the postman being drunk sent her off to an entirely different place, No Particular Place fill with the tropics and all those wonderful animals. 

One day Sir O. Yuri Wiseguy-eh comes to the island and sees the young girl now all grown up. He invites her to come to Gum Drop Island. However, every time they say those 3 words - good gracious - music plays. Heading to Gum Drop Island The Narrator (the girl on the island) meets a bevy cast of characters. Each one with their own quirks and cute personalities.

Finding themselves going to Moldy Corners to where all the candy is grown and shipped all over the world. Wondering why a shortage?. Now each time someone ask where they are from or says "Gum Drop Island" the music gets louder and louder. The narrator and all the characters set themselves on a mission to find how they can bring sun back to Moldy Corners to get rid of the mold and get the trees growing candy again and stop that darn awful music. (If it was me producing this audio since the narrator did such an awesome job. I would have added in that music since I have heard music throughout other books - Just saying) Will they find and solve this annoying music? How are the two related? 

The Narrator the one actually reading the story, but in the book itself calls herself The Narrator since she has no name. Even though the narration is done by Owen McCuen he entertainingly does every characters voice from the Narrator to Sir O. Yuri Wiseguy-eh to well-known journalist I.B. Nosey. Long ride in the car - pop this in for the kids and they will be laughing all the way! But, make sure that ride is over 2 hrs or you will be sitting in the car till it is done. 

The cover is very inviting and makes you wonder if it is I.B. Nosey is the one telling the story. Great job by the author and the narrator! Really can't wait to hear another adventure when it come out!

This book was provided by the author for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are soley mine and no way influenced by others. You comments and likes below are greatly appreciated!

Where you can find Miss Mae

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Website

Where you can find Owen McCuen

Audible

Where you can find ME! 

Please comment below! Go to the left side of the page and follow my blog,
So you don't miss the My Tweets on Twitter, 

Facebook Group join today!,
Goodreads profile, Audible profile for new reviews and 

Audiobook Reviewer under Joan Pavlick!

Want to see something added to my format - send me a message to 

sapphirereader25@gmail.com

Have a Great Week and Happy Listening

Joan

Scarlet and the Keepers of the Light

Scarlet and the Keepers of the Light
by Brandon Charles West
Check out the Author's website

4.3 star rating on Audible

Scarlet and Keeper of the Light by Brandon Charles West was a very enjoyable listen. It really was quite different than I expected from the synopsis. Not that it was off from the description it was so much better. All jammed packed into this 7 hour and 32 minute narration.This young 10+ paranormal fantasy with a bit dark, scary moments is a very well laid out book. I would say that this is more of an all of the family listen here! 

From beginning to end you can’t wait for the next moment to happen. However, if you are looking for a closure to the end of this book. You will not have it! Since this is a series of 4 books, the ending does hang out there. It grabs you like the Hunger Games series, you can’t wait for the next audio to be narrated. So just be warned not a standalone book. So now onto my thoughts of the audio and book. 

Scarlet Hopewell and her family is in for a ride of their lifetime. Or lifetimes? They find themselves running for their life from 3 beautiful, silver voiced men who appear at their homes doorway after it is blown off by strong winds. Learning at that instant their dog Dakota that her father brought home. Is now issuing orders to run and run for their lives. Stunned that their dog can talk and wondering what else he can do. Dakota leads the Hopewell’s out danger and into a kingdom below a large tree. 

Scarlet as she looks around finds that everything is like her dream. Maybe this was a dream and they were all in it. Then Scarlet finds out that she is the chosen one to help save a kingdom. That this is not a dream. That she has magical powers. 

All the Hopewell’s especially, Mr. Hopewell is skeptical about this whole thing. But, as Scarlet learns how to bring her powers forward and trains with the oldest of the village. Her family is in awe. Not as much as Scarlet thou. She meets new friends along with some who seemingly can’t imagine a human will save them. After weeks of training. Scarlet has to move onto her next level of training her father states that he must go along. They step into an adventure that none of them seen coming. 

Where Scarlet and her family come in contact from the very good like fairies to the darkness of those determine to stop her and their plans. The book has a bit of Nardia to it in a character sense. But, it is a whole new fantasy that I never read before. Some of the characters as well.

There was nothing predictable about this books story line in the least. Each event blends well into the next scene. Each a surprise you don’t see coming. Which made this book a start to finish listen. Sometimes I found myself stopping what I was doing and just really sit and listen to what was going on. Besides the Hopewell’s there is a huge supporting cast of characters. Just when you think that this can’t get any better it tops itself at the surprise ending. Brandon West has a huge winner here with this first in a series of 4 books. 

His selection for the narrator Harriet Stevens was right on the money. She does the bevy of characters. She keeps the story going along flawlessly. Hope that Brandon has her lined up for the whole series!!! I like the cover it is simple and to the point. 5 stars Mr. West!

This audio was provided by Minor Manor Press for an honest review. All comments above are solely mine and no one has affected the outcome of my review. Please leave comments and like my review. Refer to all of you friends this delightful listen!

Happy Listening! Joan