Perfect State – By Brandon Sanderson

December.21.2016December.26.2016 JaredBrandon Sanderson, Science Fiction, Teen3 Comments

Yet another short novella by Sanderson. He probably wrote it while putting off Alcatraz 4: Dark Talent. It was very short. This will also be very short. Like you could read it over a decent bowel movement short.

25188109 Title: Perfect State
Series: ~~Cosmere~~
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Sci-Fi
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: Advanced Tech, Cosmere
Synopsis: God-Emperor Kairominas has conquered and unified the whole world with his amazing magic. He loves his people, although he has changed how the minds of his favorite servants work. But that is to be expected. His “rival” provides a welcome distraction challenging Kairominas to duel against robots. Now he faces the biggest challenge ever. Finding a woman.
Recommendation: Teens would find this funny. ~~Also as another book in the Cosmere they might as well get started reading and learning, because unless Sanderson stops writing they will have a lot more to read in this universe.~~

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Available Dec.6.2016 – Rebellion by Kass Morgan

November.29.2016November.28.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderComing Soon, Kass Morgan, Science Fiction, Teen, Young AdultLeave a comment

rebellionannouncement — Rebellion by Kass Morgan (The 100 #4)

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Keeper of the Lost Cities – Book 1: Keeper of the Lost Cities – By Shannon Messenger

November.17.2016 LisaFantasy, Shannon Messenger, Teen, Youth1 Comment

Hey guys!

Robert’s been asking for a little bit (read: bugging- for 6 months) for me to write a post ever since I broke down and subscribed to Kindle Unlimited during my first looong break after 2 years of pharmacy school. I devour books like they’re warm cinnamon rolls, but without the mess. I might have to go back and do some of the books I read over the summer, but first on the review list is this awesome book. You’ll quickly realize I love youth books. During my first 1 week break of school, I was browsing the library shelves and stumbled across Keepers of the Lost Cities and read it in pretty much a day. I re-read it within the past weeks because book 5 is now out!! I’m on the waiting list for it, and while I want to read it now, I kinda want to read books 2-4 over again. We’ll see how this plays out.

Title: Keeper of the Lost Cities
Series: Keeper of the Lost Cities; Book 1
Author: Shannon Messenger
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth/Teen
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, Higher Magic, Elves
Synopsis: In this riveting debut, a telepathic girl must figure out why she is the key to her brand-new world—before the wrong person finds the answer first.

Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks…

But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she’s not alone. He’s a Telepath too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well…she isn’t. Fitz opens Sophie’s eyes to a shocking truth, and she is forced to leave behind her family for a new life in a place that is vastly different from what she has ever known.

But Sophie still has secrets, and they’re buried deep in her memory for good reason: The answers are dangerous and in high-demand. What is her true identity, and why was she hidden among humans? The truth could mean life or death—and time is running out.
Recommendation: Totally read this!

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REPLY EDITION – HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

November.16.2016November.16.2016 JaredAdult, Fantasy, J. K. Rowling, Reply, Script, Spoilers, Teen, Young Adult, Youth2 Comments

PLEASE ENJOY THIS SPECIAL “REPLY EDITION” OF HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD -SPOILERS ARE INCLUDED. IF YOU CONTINUE WITHOUT APPLYING THE PROPER HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD UPGRADE YOU MAY EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS.

-MUGGLE BRAIN a total lack of understanding mix with sporadic anger frustration and sadness.

-HOUSE ELF TREMMORRS the need to immediately stop reading and begin to clean the house trying to forget what you have just read.

-VAMPIRE CHILLS sudden lack of interest in your magical research and the need to fangirl over sparkly vampires.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

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Brian’s Saga – Book 2: The River – By Gary Paulsen

October.25.2016October.13.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderFiction, Gary Paulsen, TeenLeave a comment

Hiya Jared,

I’m back with another non-Scifi/Fantasy…..more specifically the sequel to the first one, Hatchet. Ya, I should find more survival books because that seems to be the only other genre I can stand. If you have any suggestion please share.

Title: The River
Series: Brian’s Saga; Book 2
Author: Gary Paulsen
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Survival, Canada, Beaver, Whitewater, Lightning, Poop
Synopsis: Brian survived 54 days in the Canadian wilderness. Just when he’d finally adjusted to modern life again, he’s asked to return. And he says yes, but this time he won’t be doing it alone.
Recommendation: Perfect for pre-teens and teens. A short easy read.

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Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard – Book 2: The Hammer of Thor – By Rick Riordan

October.8.2016October.8.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderFantasy, Rick Riordan, TeenLeave a comment

Jared,

I pre-ordered it from Amazon because they ship it a couple of days in advance so it would arrive on the day of release. From the tracking the first one never made it out of Texas. The morning of the release, Oct.4.2016, a noticed time stamped 6 hours in the future said it was “delayed.” That night it then said to expect it by the 7th, but if it hadn’t shown up by the 8th to check back for other options. Morning of the 6th the second one was shipped from the nearby Amazon facility and was promptly delivered by late that afternoon.

I chose Amazon to avoid hassle. No need to leave the house to find a copy at a local bookstore, or some box store. I’m always depressed after going to either. The first because of the books I couldn’t buy or the money I shouldn’t have spent and the second because of all the people. Too many people. It should have just painlessly arrived at my door without a second thought. I was so wrong.

Title: The Hammer of Thor
Series: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard; Book 2
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, Magic, Mythology/Supernatural
Synopsis: The hammer of Thor is missing…..again. If it’s not found soon it may mean a giant invasion of Midgard, aka Earth. But other forces are at work and if left unchecked they may bring about the end of the universe. No pressure.
Recommendation: Teen. The book is mediocre at best, which makes it the worst in the Riordan-verse to date.

– Spoilers –

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Harry Potter Series – Book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – By J. K. Rowling

October.7.2016October.6.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderFantasy, J. K. Rowling, Spoilers, Teen, YouthLeave a comment

Jared,

I had intended to do a review of The Hammer of Thor this week. Even pre-ordering it! Of course there was a shipping delay and I didn’t get it until yesterday. I’ll publish the review as soon as I’ve finished it. As for today, I give you Prisoner of Azkaban instead. I hadn’t planned to do this one so soon. However, we were able to get a copy of the audio books (Jim Dale, FTW!) and I loaded it onto Lisa’s phone. Of course, she turned it on while we were driving back from vacation and once we started I had to finish it. You’ll probably noticed we’ve been home for weeks. Well there has been so much happening this past month it had to be pushed back until this unexpected opening.

Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Series: Harry Potter Series; Book 3
Author: J. K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth/Teen
ROTS Setting: EU, Magic, Higher Magic, Modern/Present Day, Dragons
Synopsis: Harry has survived his first two years at Hogwarts. As the beginning of this third year rapidly approaches he accidentally blows up a relative. Now on the run he discovers Voldemort might be after him again. But this time he’ll use escaped mass-murder Sirius Black.
Recommendation: This is my favorite book in the series. It should be noted that it’s takes the first step away from the Youth audience toward Teen.

– – Spoilers – –

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The Trials of Apollo – Book 1: The Hidden Oracle – By Rick Riordan

September.30.2016September.23.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderFantasy, Rick Riordan, Teen, YouthLeave a comment

Hey Jared,

Since I’m waiting for The Hammer of Thor to come out in mere days, I figured I could finally get around to reading the first book in this new series. I was honestly a little hesitant because it broke with convention and had a non-demigod as the main character. Could the perspective of a divine being be both relatable and compelling? Yes. Yes, it can.

Title: The Hidden Oracle
Series: The Trials of Apollo; Book 1
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth/Teen
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, Magic, Mythology/Supernatural
Synopsis: Apollo messed up…..big time. As punishment, he was stripped from his all his goddy powers. What’s more, nefarious forces are at work. Can he survive his acne or will a monster put him out of his misery.
Recommendation: Another great addition to the Riordan multiverse. I would suggest reading Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus first as this series directly builds off them.