Truth Seekers–The Machine

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Bill Myers

and the book:

The Machine

B&H Kids (September 1, 2013)

 

***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bill Myers is an accomplished writer and film director whose work has won more than sixty national and international awards including the C. S. Lewis Honor Award. Among his best-selling
releases for kids are The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle and The Forbidden Door. He has sold more than eight million books and videos and lives with two cats, two kids, one dog, and one
wife near Hollywood, California.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

For ages 10 to 14, Truth Seekers is a fast-paced, thoughtful, and funny new series using a 21st century approach to sharing ancient Bible truths.

In book one, The Machine, twin siblings Jake and Jennifer have just lost their mother and are not thrilled about moving to Israel to stay with their seldom seen archaeologist dad. They don't yet understand how "all things work together for good to those who love God." But they will when a machine their father invented points them to the Truth.

 

 

Product Details:
List Price: $10.99
Age Range: 10 - 14 years
Series: Truth Seekers
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: B&H Kids (September 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433690802
ISBN-13: 978-1433690808

 

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

It was like a dream, but not really. I mean it was a dream but there were parts that seemed so real—besides the parts where Mom had actually died in real life. Does that make sense? I get those every once in a while, dreams that are more real than real, ever since I was a kid.



Anyway, in the dream Mom was driving our SUV up the steep, winding road to our home in Malibu Canyon.



Jake and I were in the back, sitting in our clearly designated seating areas . . .



Jake in his WARNING: Biological Hazard Zone, complete with empty Cheetos bags, crumpled McDonald wrappers (which had last seen action months ago), his wadded up T-shirt and crusty socks (which had last seen a washer longer than that), and don’t even get me started on the last time he shampooed his hair.



I, on the other hand, sat in the WELCOME: This is How Normal People Live Zone, complete with breathable air and a place to sit without catching some deadly disease. (Jake accuses me of being a Neat Freak. Maybe, but it’s better than being a toxic waste site.)



And where was our dear father in all of this? To be honest, he seldom shows up in my dreams—just like he seldom shows up in our real lives. Oh, he says he loves us and all, but what’s the saying? Actions are louder than words. Anyway, I’ll get to him a little later.



It was the same dream I’d had a hundred times before . . .



I was busy doing homework when I glanced up to see a monster truck coming around the corner in our lane.



“Mom!” I shouted. “Look out!”



“What’s that?” She reached over to turn down the radio—one of her silly Country-Western songs about some girl breaking some guy’s heart.



“Up ahead! Look out!”



But she didn’t look out. And, just like all the other times, I saw the truck heading towards us, blasting its horn. I’m guessing his brakes had failed by the way he was scraping along the mountainside to slow himself. A good idea, except the mountainside was on our side!



Mom had nowhere to go. She swerved to the outer lane then tried to turn back, but she’d run out of road. We crashed through the guardrail and sailed out over the can- yon floor, which was a good two hundred feet below. There was no sound. I could see Mom screaming but heard only silence—except for that Country-Western singer going on about his broken heart.



I spun to Jake but he didn’t even glance up. He was too busy playing his stupid computer game. Then, just when the singer reached the line, Why you stompin’ on my achin’ heart with your high heel boots, we hit the water with a huge splash.



And this is where things get interesting . . .

In the real world, on the day Mom died, there was no water at the bottom of the canyon. It was September and the stream had dried up. And while we’re doing a reality check, Jake and I weren’t even in the car that day. Jake had been at the beach being Mr. Cool with a bunch of girls, and I was at home doing my algebra. (I know I’m only seventh grade, but besides being a neat freak, I’m kind of a workaholic.)



But in the dream there was plenty of water and the SUV kept sinking deeper and deeper with all three of us inside. Well, actually four, if you count the Country- Western singer who was now sitting in the front passenger seat, strumming his guitar!



Water poured in and quickly rose. Mom tried opening her door, but it wouldn’t budge. She hit it with her shoulder over and over again, but the pressure of the water outside was too much. It began swirling around our waists and rising to our chests.



“Jenny,” Mom shouted, “roll down your window!” “It’ll flood us worse!” I yelled.



“It’s the only way. Roll down your window and swim out!”



“But—”



“Hurry!”



I threw a look to Jake who had conveniently disappeared. (Even in my dreams, he’s a slacker.)

“Hurry!”



I rolled down the window. More water roared in, pounding against my chest and face. I had to turn my head just to breathe. Then I grabbed the sides of the open window with my hands, turned my head away for another quick breath, and pulled myself out into the water.



I kicked and swam until I grabbed the SUV and pulled myself over to Mom’s door. By now the car was completely filled. Our faces were inches apart, separated only by her window. I yanked at the door handle. It didn’t budge. I tried again. Nothing. My lungs started aching for air, but I kept pulling and tugging as Mom kept pushing and banging.



Still, nothing.



My heart pounded in my ears. My lungs felt like they were on fire. The outside edges of my vision started going white. Mom pounded on the glass. I joined in and hit the window with my fists. When that didn’t work, I tucked in my feet, raised my legs and kicked it. Still nothing. My lungs were screaming for air. My vision grew whiter. I had to get a breath. I pointed to the surface and shouted, “I’ll be back!”



She nodded and I pushed off, my lungs ready to explode. Sparkly lights danced through my head. I was losing consciousness, I was going to pass out, I was—



Then I broke through the surface, coughing and gasping. Cool air soothed my lungs as I gulped in two, three, maybe four breaths. I forced my head to clear, then took one more breath and ducked back down into the water.



It was dark and murky but I could follow the bubbles. The SUV had settled to the bottom of the river. When I reached the roof, I pulled myself over to Mom’s side. She wasn’t moving.



“MOM!”



I yanked at the door. I slammed it. I kicked it. I had to get her out. The door gave, ever so slightly. I pulled harder. It moved some more, then it opened with a groaning CREAK.



I grabbed Mom’s arm and pulled, but she was stuck. I spotted her seat belt and reached down to unbuckle it. My lungs were crying out for air again as I pulled her from the car. But we’d barely started before we were jerked to a stop. I turned and saw that something like a shadow had grabbed her other arm. At first I thought it was the Country-Western singer. I pulled but it held her tight. It was like a tug of war game, me on one arm, the shadow man on the other. And the harder I pulled—this was even weirder—but the harder I pulled, the more he started turning into this shadowy creature that kept growing bigger and bigger with huge, bat-like wings.



This is a dream, I kept telling myself, this is only a dream!



But my lungs were on fire. My vision was going all white again. This time I would not leave. I’d stay here and die with her if I had to, but I would not leave.



The pounding in my ears grew louder, filling my head . . . along with the song. That’s right, the singer or shadow or whatever it was, had begun singing again. Maybe it had never stopped:



I’ll never let you go . . . you will always be mine . . . always be mine . . . always be mine.



Well, Mr. Shadow could guess again. Dream or no dream, he could not have her.



Always be mine . . . always be mine . . .



My vision was totally white now. My mind shutting down. I could no longer feel my hands or my legs. I knew I was dying, but I would not let go. I loved her too much, I would never let go. The shadow thing may have won, but—



And then I heard a shout. “Augh!”



It sounded like Jake. But that was impossible. What would Jake be doing down here? I heard him again, even louder.



“AUGH!”

 

Our Thoughts

I must admit that I didn’t know what to expect when I first received the book.  I was delighted to have a Christian juvenile book in hand and showed it to my oldest son.  He wasn’t thrilled about it – knowing that I would ask him to read it maybe.  Anyhow, I said I would read it since he didn’t seem that interested in it.  I did mentioned that it was technology related but he didn’t pick it up.   So I took the book and started to read.   After an hour or so, he could see I was still reading the pages, turning them as soon as I had finished reading.   He asked to see the book by then, read the  back of it, gave it back to me and said “I guess I will read it after you’re done.”   Mmmm!

It took me two days to read it.  I really enjoyed the story (even if it is written for a younger audience) which I found packed with mysteries and twists.   Some of them are a bit farfetched I find but I knew that my kids would like the book.   So I left the book in the living room and watched to see how long it would take to disappear.  My oldest son – age 12 – quickly grabbed the book when I finished reading it.   It didn’t take long for him to give it back to me two days later.  He had finished it in a record time.   I don’t recall him reading a book so fast before.  So when I looked at him and asked him if he liked it I got an immediate response.   He looked at me with a huge smile, big eyes and rapidly nod a few times…

Each chapter in this book goes back and forth between the two main characters in the story – brother and sister.   You get their personal perspective on the events and how they work together to resolve the mystery.   The book is written at the first person which means that when you read it you have the feeling that one of the character is speaking to you.  In a way, it’s almost as if you are reading a diary from someone… well make that two people.   

If you child like technological novels, I think this book could be a great addition in his/her personal library.  It makes a great stocking stuffer for Christmas too!  

Truth Seekers – The Machine is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

The book is also available on Kindle and Kindle app.

  

Fool Moon Rising

Fool Moon Rising
Written by Kristi and T. Lively Fluharty
Published at Crossway

About the book

Through this illustrated tale about the moon stealing the sun's glory, children learn about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.

This rhyming, rollicking tale tells of a crime of cosmic proportions: the moon, blinded by pride, fails to see the true source of his abilities-the light provided by the sun. He boasts of his ability to shine, to change shape throughout each month, and to swell the tides. One day, overwhelmed by a piercing ray of sunshine, the moon repents of his pride and changes his ways, and from that point on he is happy to reflect the sun's light.

This beautifully illustrated book introduces the concept of humility to children. Readers will be reminded that everything we have, including our gifts and talents, is from God. Just as the moon learns to boast only of the sun, children-and their parents-learn that to boast of anything other than the Son is utter foolishness.

My Thoughts

This cute little story will teach your kids about the importance to recognize that everything we have is a gift from God himself.  He has equipped us with talents in order for us to be able to advance His Kingdom.   As we often say in our church “It’s not about us, it’s all about Him!”.

The text is easy to read even for a child who is just getting comfortable in reading.   It can be read by the child itself or by the parent.   It’s an excellent book to encourage snuggle time on the couch with your kids!  The illustrations are bright and goes well with the text.   The book is all about how we can get blinded about pride and that in the end it is better to be humble and give the glory back to God in our life.

At the end of the book, you will learn some fun fact about space and its exploration.   You will also get a reading comprehension section where you can ask specific questions to your child in order to determine if she/he has understood what the book was about.

It’s a cute book to give as a gift for a baby shower, a child dedication or baptism or for a first birthday.

Fool Moon Rising is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

The book is also available on the Kindle.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Coming Home

Coming Home
Written by Max Lucado
Published at Crossway

About the book

Twin brothers Arion and Argo are scared. They have spent most of their lives shipwrecked on the lonely, gray island of Terrene with their ship's captain, and now he is leaving and they cannot imagine life on Terrene without him. He is going to Bluestone, a place where the birds always sing and the grass is ever green. He tells them he is going to prepare a place for them in Bluestone. Then he will come back for them, and they will all go to Bluestone together.

Though Bluestone sounds like a wonderful place, the boys find it difficult to wait for the captain on Terrene. The island is so gray that it is hard for them to imagine the vibrant colors of Bluestone. Soon they grow tired of watching and waiting for their captain, and it is hard for them to remember his voice. Can they really believe that he will come back for them? To do so they must have faith-they must see with their hearts, not their eyes.

Will the captain really come back for Arion and Argo like he promised? And will the boys be ready for his return?

My thoughts

This book is an allegorical tale about the second coming of Jesus Christ.   We all know that Jesus has went to prepare a place for us in Heaven.  But how long will it take?   He can come anytime and all we have to do is to be prepare.  

Waiting can be hard.   How do you react when you have to wait longer than planned at the doctor’s office.  Most of us can get annoyed, angry and even loose our temper.    Still waiting is part of our earthly life as well as our spiritual life.   How do you live your life?   Do you look at the world and think that it isn’t that bad after all?  Do you pursue God on your daily activities?   Do you stop and think before engaging in some activity?   Do you think “Just this once….” when you know deep down that it isn’t what God require of you.

Our Lord always follow through in His promises to us and He will come back someday.   It is important that our children realized that and that God forgives our bad decisions as well.  This book will tell you about this.   However, I also realized that not everyone will be able to get into Heaven and I guess I would have expected seeing this in a more realistic way in the book.   The notion is there subtle – the creatures in the forest.   Still the lesson is there – be careful not to believe what others might tell you.   Stick to your Christian worldview and be prepare to stand strong in the midst of being bombarded with other ideas.

The book is an interesting adaptation on how Christ will come back to us one day.   The illustrations are stunning and the story written by a great teacher.   It would make a great addition to your family library.

Coming Home is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Island of Thieves

Island of Thieves
Written by Josh Lacey
Published at Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

About the book

Only boring people get bored… Interesting people can always find something to be interested in.

That’s what Tom Trelawney’s father says, anyway.   Tom knew he shouldn’t have been so interested in playing with matches – it’s just that he was…. well…. bored.  Now, with the garden shed in ashes, the only person willing to look after him while his parents are away is his father’s brother, mysterious Uncle Harvey.

As soon as Tom’s parents leave, Harvey announces he’s travelling abroad on “urgent business” and young nephews are not invited.   When Tom discovers his uncle is going on a treasure hunt, however, he proves that Harvey isn’t the only troublesome Trelawney and blackmails his uncle into letting him tag along.    But as with all of Uncle Harvey’s schemes, the details prove more complicated than he originally discloses.   Tom realizes there are two types of Trelawneys: those who follow the rules and those who chuck them in the wastebasket.   He must decide which kind of Trelawney he will be, and which kind will help him stay alive.

Who is Josh Lacey?

Josh Lacey worked as a journalist, a screenwriter, and a teacher before writing his first book for children, A Dog Called Grk (under the name Joshua Doder).   Josh lives in London with his wife and daughter , and is seldom bored.

www.joshlacey.com

My Thoughts

Before putting a book in the hands of my kids, I like to read it first and see if I consider it worthy for their eyes.   I am very picky when it is non-christian novels or books because I know that there is a lot of secular books out there that contains things I do not want my kids exposed yet.  But when I read the description of the book, I thought this particularly novel would be interesting.  After all, how would you react if you read the following?

An ancient map and a buried treasure harbor a mystery worth millions in this Treasure Island – meets – James Bond thriller.

Knowing that my oldest son loves mystery, I was curious about this title.     I must say that this book is exactly what it advertise…  It really does feel as though you have a mix of Treasure Island and James Bond together.    Packed with twists and turns, the novel will keep you on the edge and want to learn more about the main characters adventure in Peru.   The story is well written and will bring your in South America in the hopes to find an long lost treasure.   Intertwined in the novel are history facts that are also found at the end of the book.

I didn’t particularly liked the fact that the beginning of the story starts with the boy playing with matches and burning down the shed.   But I guess that the author needed a good reason to send him to his uncle.   My other problem during the reading of this book was the lies that the uncle was saying as though it was a natural thing.  The younger character was observing him and learning how to lie at the same time.   However, I tip my hat to the author who at the end of the book brought both the uncle and the young lad to the realization that it was better to say the truth to the parents.    So even though there were lies in the story, at the end the adult main character comes to the conclusion that it is better to saw the truth after all.      An important lesson learned by both main characters throughout their adventures.

In the end, I am quite pleased with the story and the lesson that the reader learns at the end of the book.    Would I recommend this book to my fellow homeschoolers?   Definitively.   To the point that I have just pass the book to my oldest son so he can read it as well.    Last week, he kept asking if he could start even though I had not finished my reading.    His interest was picked just by reading and observing the cover of the book.    And he will complete the reading in 48 hours….!  

Island of Thieves is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Allen for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Just Grace and the Flower Girl Power

Just Grace and the Flower Girl Power
Written by Charise Mericle Harper
Published at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

About the book

Fresh, innovative, and loaded with laugh-out-loud wit and humor, Just Grace is a series that stands out from the pack, just like Grace herself. Author Charise Harper weaves together distinctive, quirky illustrations and vibrant characters in fast-paced stories that capture familiar school and family situations that every young girl can relate to in a truly authentic voice. Artist, comedian, animal-lover, environmentalist, cook, sister, good friend —Grace is the quintessential 3rd grader… just a little bit… different.

In this eighth addition to the series—Grace has major problems. Her neighbor is getting married and she has to get over her disappointment at not being chosen for a flower girl, not to mention figure out what to give as a wedding present! But with a touch of girl power, Grace musters up a fantastic idea that takes a lot of planning and a little help from all of her friends; her dog, Mr. Scruffers; and Crinkles the cat. Will her plan go off without a hitch on wedding day?

Who is Charise Mericle Harper?

Charise Mericle Harper is the author and illustrator of many books for children, including the Just Grace series. In a starred review, Booklist called Just Grace “Hilarious,” and said, “The kids come alive in the story, and Harper enhances the comical goings-on with sparkling cartoon sketches. Give this to . . . anyone looking for a funny book.” Charise lives in Westchester County, New York. Visit her website at www.chariseharper.com and visit Just Grace's website at www.justgracebooks.com, where you'll find all sorts of fun things, including videos, quizzes, and information about all the Just Grace books.

My Thoughts

Initially, I thought this book would be fun to read.   But the more I read it, the more I got disappointed.    Not sure if it is because I don’t understand the humor or just the way the story is presented but this is a book that I won’t put in my daughter’s hands.   

First, I am disturbed that the little girl – Grace – named her dog Mr. Scruffers when in fact it is a female dog.    Why now changed it to Mrs. Scruffers instead when she realized the error.   It is simply weird to me.    Second, the huge titles in the middle of the page at various paragraphs is somewhat disturbing my reading.   Do I really need to see these every two seconds or so?   Not.  Mind you I have read a series where the chapters could be numerous pages or one sentence long but it was done differently that in this case.   More enjoyable to read to.   This book is somewhat annoying to read but the way it is written and for the illustrations in it too.    I am not particularly fond of that kind of illustrations.   I prefer having some that are more pleasant for the eyes.

The book is hardcover, easy to bring along and contains plenty of illustrations.  Now, this book attached to the previous titles in the series I think because it refers to events that happened in the past.    Not having read any of the Just Grace books before, I found it hard to follow at times (well because of the past events as well as the disturbing titles at every page!).

So I am in a pickle here.   Could I recommend this book?   Well based on my taste I wouldn’t.   Mind you I am French Canadian and I don’t get English humor most of the time.   So if your child enjoyed the previous books, I guess this book would be a delight for her.   However, if she has never read the Just Grace books, I wouldn’t recommend it.   

Just Grace and the Flower Girl Power is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Allen for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Year of the Book

The Year of the Book
Written by Andrea Cheng
Published at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

About the book

In Chinese, peng you means friend. But in any language, all Anna knows for certain is that friendship is complicated.

When Anna needs company, she turns to her books. Whether traveling through A Wrinkle in Time, or peering over My Side of the Mountain, books provide what real life cannot—constant companionship and insight into her changing world.

Books, however, can’t tell Anna how to find a true friend. She’ll have to discover that on her own. In the tradition of classics like Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy books and Eleanor Estes’ One Hundred Dresses, this novel subtly explores what it takes to make friends and what it means to be one.

Who is Andrea Cheng?

Andrea Cheng is the author of several children’s books, including Honeysuckle House, Where the Steps Were, The Bear Makers, and Brushing Mom’s Hair. She teaches English as a Second Language at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. She lives in Ohio with her family. This is her first book with Houghton Mifflin. Visit her website at: www.andreacheng.com.

My Thoughts

This book is definitively geared toward 4th and 5th graders.    The story is easy to read and a breath of fresh air in the midst of mystical novels popping out everywhere.    Through a time of struggles with her relationship with her friend, Anna learns to develop a maturity and an understanding on what her friend goes through.  She take refuge in reading books – which is fabulous – and discover how she could apply the settings of these stories in her personal life.   

I personally read this book as I wanted to make sure if it would be a good book for my daughter eventually.    I was pleased on how the story went and the fact that the main character enjoy reading so much.    I want my daughter to develop a love of reading and will definitively keep this one for her.   Right now she is four years old and is more interested in other type of books.   But this book is a keeper because the story is a reality no matter what year you are.     I love the fact that the main character is Chinese because at the same time you learn Chinese words - how to pronounce it and write it.  It was very interesting to learn these words.  

The illustrations throughout the book are marvelous.    In the book, you will also learn how to make a tangram, how to fold a Wonton, and how to make a drawstring bag.    I love it when a book teach you things at the same time as entertaining you.   And to be honest, I find the cover of the book is simple yet attractive.   

The Year of the Book would be a perfect juvenile fiction for your child who is going to camp.    It is small and won’t take too much place in their baggage.    The story is clean and the characters are fun.    I would have no problem recommending it to anyone with daughters of ages 10 to 12 years old.

The Year of the Book is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Allen for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Robot Wars Book 5 Final Battle

Robot Wars Book 5 Final Battle
Written by Sigmund Brouwer
Published at Tyndale

About the Book

Set at an experimental community on Mars in the year 2039-2040, Robot Wars features 14-year-old virtual reality specialist Tyce Sanders. Life on the Red Planet is not always easy, but it is definitely exciting. As Tyce explores his strange surroundings, he finds that the mysteries of the planet point to his greatest discovery—a new relationship with God. He talks about his growing faith and curiosity in a manner that kids can relate to as they are probably wondering some of the same things.
Book five, Final Battle, begins with Tyce’s threat to reveal his special talents to the world—much to the dismay of the rebels who want to keep the technology a secret. Tyce has to battle the rebels and their plot while trying to return to Mars. The success of the entire Mars Project depends on his every move.

Who is Sigmund Brouwer?

Whether writing youth or adult fiction, Sigmund Brouwer is a best-selling author of more than 40 fast-paced novels. Some of his works encourage young reluctant readers into the world of books, and others provide adults with riveting tales. His youth series include Mars Diaries; Short Cuts Extreme Sports; Lightning on Ice; CyberQuest; The Winds of Light; Dr. Drabble: Genius Inventor; and The Accidental Detectives. His adult fiction titles include Out of the Shadows, Morning Star, Thunder Voice, Double Helix, and Blood Ties.

Sigmund's diverse background surfaces in the characters of his books as he inspires kids to get excited about reading. He grew up in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, and developed an early interest in sports like hockey, racquetball, and biking. His poor performance in high school English classes led him to receive a degree in commerce from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and not to pursue writing. When a professor in his undergraduate English course encouraged him to write, Sigmund did, and he eventually received a degree in journalism from Carleton College in Ottawa. After publishing several articles for U.S. and Canadian magazines, he turned to writing books for kids reluctant to read.

In 1993, he cofounded The Young Writers' Institute with home education expert and author Debra Bell and conducts writing camps and seminars for more than 10,000 children every year. His commitment to his faith is an integral part of his creative goals, and Sigmund cites C. S. Lewis as one of his greatest writing influences. Although there is no overt Christian agenda in his novels, the deliberate underpinning of morality and redemption make his books more than tools of escape. He quotes C. S. Lewis, "There is no Christian way to write, just as there is no Christian way to boil an egg."

Sigmund is married to Christian recording artist Cindy Morgan; the couple has two daughters. He writes five pages per day on his laptop, whether he is in an airport, hotel, or dividing his time between family homes in Red Deer and Nashville.

My Thoughts

After I finished reading the fourth book in the Robot Wars series, I just couldn’t wait to finish the adventures of this Mars colony.  So I immediately started the last installment because I wanted to know what the outcome will be.

Once again the author have two main part in this book – separated into journal entries from the main character named Tyce.    This kid controls a robot with his mind thanks to an operation that unfortunately also made him unable to walk.  Since then he has been stuck in a wheelchair.

The first journal of the book still has many events happening – like a reactor meltdown as well as a disappearance of a close friend.   But through it all, Tyce will provide help and solution for the people on Earth.    Once again this part of the book will keep you on the edge – always wanting to read more to discover what will happen next.   

The second journal will bring back Tyce, his dad and friends to Mars.   Like you would expect it more adventure and mysteries will await them on the planet.    To make it even more interesting, Tyce was offered an operation in the hopes that he could walk again.   This journal happens after the said operation and Tyce has a cast for most of it.   Will he be able to walk?   Only time will tell but for the meantime he needs to stop the intruder that is causing problems inside the dome.  Who could that be?   

I’m delighted to have read the Robot Wars series and strongly recommend it for any youth who like the science fiction genre.   I know that this is not a genre that pleases everyone but the way this series is written, I think every preteen ages 10-14 would enjoy the characters and the events in their life.   The series build up as you advanced in the books.   Consequently, though you can read them separately, I would suggest that you read them in order so that you have a better understanding of what is going on.

If you want to read my review for the previous four books, please click on the links below.

Book 1 – Death Trap

Book 2 – Double Cross

Book 3 – Ambush

Book 4 – Counterattack

The Robot Wars Book 5 Final Battle is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own

Robot Wars Book 3–Ambush

Robot Wars Book 3 – Ambush
Written by Sigmund Brouwer
Published at Tyndale

About the book

Set at an experimental community on Mars in the year 2039-2040, Robot Wars features 14-year-old virtual reality specialist Tyce Sanders. Life on the Red Planet is not always easy, but it is definitely exciting. As Tyce explores his strange surroundings, he finds that the mysteries of the planet point to his greatest discovery—a new relationship with God. He talks about his growing faith and curiosity in a manner that kids can relate to as they are probably wondering some of the same things.
In book three, Ambush, Tyce has to rescue his friend Director Rawlings and three other scientists who are trapped in a cave-in on Mars. He also has to uncover a devious plot that threatens to overtake the spaceship—just as they are nearing the end of their six-month journey from Mars to Earth.

My Thoughts

This is the third book of the series Robot Wars.  In this book, you will reconnect with Tyce and his family as well as other characters living on the Mars colony.  

Once again, the book is divided in two journal entries and though it could stand alone as a book to read, I find that it follows the events of the previous two books.   The first part of the book tells the events of a cave-in where scientists are trapped under.   Tyce doesn’t have lots of time to help them out of their predicament.  However, event at the colony itself makes it difficult for him to be able to save them immediately.  Will he be able to reach to them before they don’t have enough air? 

In the second part of the book, Tyce embarks on a eight-month journey toward Earth – a place he has never went before.   All his life he lived on Mars – born and raised there.   But the circumstances has made this trip a necessity and even on the ship he will have to discover who is sabotaging the journey.

I find that as I advance in the books, the mystery and the suspense gets more interesting.   The second part of the book flew right under my eyes as I got totally hooked with the story.    I suspect that the two last book of the series will be even better.  

This series is absolutely fabulous for a young man or woman who likes science fiction.   It has some suspense and mystery as I have mentioned and the main character journal about the adventures as well.  If you child is looking for a great series to read this summer, I would highly recommend the Robot Wars series.   

Robot Wars Book 3 – Ambush is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.