Giveaway & Review – Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P Roman @caroleproman @GoddessFish

Posted on November 1, 2022 by fundinmental

Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman

GENRE: YA adventure

MY REVIEW

Grady is in middle school with his best friend Aarush, who is on the autistic spectrum.

Kids…autistic, asthmatic, overweight, bullies, insecurity…This coming of age fantasy has it all. I was captivated with the world and characters that Carole P Roman has created. I loved watching them learn and grow.

Grady, Aarush and many of their classmates want to go to Templeton Academy, a place to discover your ‘hidden talents and develop them into formidable powers.’ Sounds a bit Hatty Potterish, doesn’t it?

The kids who gravitated to Grady learned to work together for a common goal. I can see a moral to the story and I feel all who read Grady Whill will leave with a smile on their face.

It is hard to describe the story without spoiling it, but I will say it was…unputdownable.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P Roman.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 5 Stars

BLURB

Templeton Academy- the superhero high school is finally open!

The prestigious academy is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body.

The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive.

Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade.

However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff.

Even school bully Elwood Bledsoe is attending.

If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend.

Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?

EXCERPT

There Whill Be Blood

A barely cooled lump of lava hardened under my feet. One of my sneakers was stuck between two small rocks in the solidifying mess. I stared at my foot in disbelief. Instinct told me I should be a human torch, my legs nothing more than toasted stumps. I glanced up, my heart beating wildly. We were trapped on the side of the mountain facing our school, separated by a burning sea of molten rocks.

The world around me steamed, the lava staining the sky burnt orange. Trees swallowed by molten rock looked like skeletal hands emerging from a grave that glowed beneath the blackened crust. I saw heat waves shimmering from the earth but felt none of its intensity. I pulled fiercely, feeling my ankle twist. Aarush steadied me as I nearly toppled over. He was shirtless, his back slick with sweat and covered with scrapes. His fingers worked feverishly to free my foot.

Overhead two helicopter-sized pterodactyls circled the craggy summit. The wind from their leathery wings buffeted the two of us. I think the air they circulated stopped the patches of lava from cooking us alive, but what do I know?

“We better get moving, Grady. Leave your sneaker. We are risking getting burned by staying too long in one spot.” The ever-practical Aarush reasoned as he pulled the velcro releasing my foot. I wobbled, then fell to one knee.

“Do you think they’re real?” I hollered to my friend over the noise, pointing upward.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.

Her best-selling book, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.

She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.

Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.

Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.

She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.

Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the ‘mother of reinvention.’ She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog

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MY CAROLE P ROMAN/ BRIT LUNDEN REVIEWS

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New Release – Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti @DonnaGalanti

Posted on February 10, 2021 by fundinmental

The cover for Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti is AWESOME!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti is a beautifully written coming of age fantasy for a young girl looking for her place in the world…and she finds it in the most unlikely place. It was easy to like Sam and when she looks out at the view from her attic bedroom window in Foggy Harbor, I felt like I would enjoy living there too. I love when an author gives me more than I anticipated and leaves me with a smile on my face.

At the end of the book, Donna Galanti shares some history on unicorns, wyverns, veterinarians, the pirates of the Carolina’s and Ocracoke and Assateague Islands, where the wild horses roam free.

I loved this wonderful story and am so glad there is more to come.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti.

SYNOPSIS

Beyond the mist lies a magical secret waiting to be discovered. Unicorn Island is a middle-grade illustrated novel series about a young girl who discovers a mysterious island full of mythical beasts and darker dangers! When Sam arrives in Foggy Harbor, population 3,230, all she can see is a small, boring town that’s way too far from home. And knowing that she’s stuck there all summer with her grumpy Uncle Mitch only makes things worse. But when Sam discovers a hidden trapdoor leading to a room full of strange artifacts, she realizes Foggy Harbor isn’t as sleepy as it seems. With the help of a new friend, Sam discovers an extraordinary secret beyond the fog: an island of unicorns whose fates are intertwined with hers.

“An accessible and fast-paced magical adventure.” – Kirkus Reviews

“An all-too-human, enchanting middle grade fantasy novel.” – Forward Reviews

“What begins as realistic fiction turns to a fantastical tale of magical rescue. Fans of unicorns and magic in the real world will enjoy this adventure.” – School Library Journal

Book information:
Grade Level: 4 – 6
Hardcover: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1524864706
ISBN-13: 978-1524864705
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (February 9, 2021)
Reading level: 8 – 12 years

Where book is available: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Unicorn-Island/Donna-Galanti/Unicorn-Island/9781524864705

EXCERPT

In New York City, lights twinkled across Sam’s ceiling all night long. She had never felt lonely there,

knowing the city was awake with her. She could already tell Foggy Harbor was different. It looked like

the loneliest place ever. Why would anyone live here on purpose? she wondered.

The driver pulled into the bus station. A neon sign that should have flashed Foggy Harbor Parking

was missing most of its letters. BOR . . . ING. Some sign, she thought. I’m already bored here.

“You got someone picking you up, Miss?” the driver asked as he pulled her suitcase from the luggage compartment.

Her t-shirt clung to her in the heavy, muggy air. Sam checked her phone for the address Mom had given her: 1 Foggy Way.

“My uncle lives a block from here,” she said, pointing at the street sign.

The driver nodded and pulled out of the station, leaving her under the broken sign. Sam texted Mom one word out of duty: ARRIVED. With no choice but to find her new home, she adjusted her backpack and popped up her suitcase handle, dragging it along. It clickety-clacked all the way down the quiet street.

Uncle Mitch’s stone house sat at the end, alone and secluded, hugging the ocean. Its sloped roof pierced the murky sky. One light glowed in a back window. Crickets trilled around the house, creating an eerie buzz as waves lapped the shore.

Sam crunched over the walking path made of shells, then thumped up the front porch steps and rang the doorbell, eager to escape the empty night.

After a few minutes, the door was yanked open. A tall man with curly black hair and a bushy mustache loomed over Sam, the porch light deepening his frown. “Yes?”

Sam swallowed hard. “Uncle Mitch?”

His eyes grew wide and he pulled her inside, slamming the door. “Samantha? What are you doing here?”

Cool air washed over her from a ceiling fan that whirred above, and she shivered, shrinking under his glare. Then she remembered what Mom had said: He’s the only family we’ve got.

ABOUT DONNA GALANTI

Donna Galanti is the author of the bestselling paranormal suspense Element Trilogy and the children’s fantasy adventure Joshua and The Lightning Road series. Donna is a contributing editor for International Thriller Writers the Big Thrill magazine, a writing contest judge at nycmidnight.com, and regularly presents as a guest author at schools and teaches at writing conferences. She’s lived from England as a child, to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer. Donna also loves teaching writers about building author brand and platform through her free training series at yourawesomeauthorlife.com. Visit her at donnagalanti.com.

CONNECT WITH DONNA:

Website: http://www.donnagalanti.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonnaGalanti
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20983429-joshua-and-the-lightning-road

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MY DONNA GALANTI REVIEWS

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Super Cute MG Fantasy – The King of Average by Gary Schwartz

Posted on November 6, 2015 by fundinmental

Welcome to the Book Blast for The King of Average by Gary Schwartz! This is a middle grade fantasy that is available for sale now.

About the Book

James isn’t the world’s greatest kid, but he’s not the worst, either: he’s average! When he decides to become the most average kid who ever lived, James is transported to another world where he meets Mayor Culpa, a well-dressed talking Scapegoat who recruits him to become the new King of Average.

He’s joined on his quest by a professional Optimist and his grouchy companion, an equally professional Pessimist. Together, they set out on a journey of self-discovery that leads them all the way from the Sea of Doubt to Mount Impossible, the highest peak in the Unattainable Mountains. When James stumbles into a Shangri-la called Epiphany, he uncovers the secret of who he really is.

Follow James on his hilarious, adventure-packed journey to find self-worth in this heartfelt middle grade novel The King of Average by debut author Gary Schwartz.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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About the Author:

Gary Schwartz began his professional career as a mime at age 13, performing up and down the Hudson River with Pete Seeger and the great folk entertainers of the 1960s. In the 1980s he appeared in numerous film and television projects including the Oscar-winning feature film Quest for Fire. Schwartz has lent his voice to hundreds of film and TV projects and is the voice of several well-known video game characters, including Heavy Weapons Guy and Demoman in Team Fortress 2.

Schwartz has written for two children’s television series in which he co-starred: Zoobilee Zoo, where he played Bravo Fox; and the Disney Channel’s You and Me, Kid.

Schwartz studied with and became the protégé of Viola Spolin, the creator of Theater Games, the basis for improvisational theater in America. He is a passionate, dynamic improv coach and facilitator devoted to carrying on Spolin’s techniques.

The King of Average is his first novel. To learn more visit gary-schwartz.com.

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GIVEAWAY

5 ebook copies of The King of Average (INT)

1 paperback of The King of Average (US)

Ends Nov. 19

Prizing is provided by the publisher, hosts are not responsible.

Must be 13 or older to enter and have parental permission if under 17. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win.

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This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

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Teaser Tuesday #45 – FREE Middle Grade Fantasy, The Fisherman’s Son by Marilyn Peake

Posted on July 28, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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The Fisherman’s Son by Marilyn Peake is a middle grade fantasy. Her last newsletter announced it was free, so I quickly checked it out.

I mean look at that cover – dolphins, swimming and playing in the sunshine. I can almost feel the water flowing across my as I swim with the dolphins.

The Fisherman’s Son by Marilyn Peak is still FREE. Just click on the cover and get your copy. While you are there, be sure and pick up the other two, The City of the Golden Sun and Return of the Golden Age.

Ready to have some fun. Let’s dive right in…

Add me to Goodreads now.

TEASER

…Wiley collapsed on the couch, put his face in his hands, and began to sob uncontrollably. Deep in his heart, he expected that someone would come over to him and comfort him.

Do you think anyone did?

(28% on Kindle)

SYNOPSIS

THE FISHERMAN’S SON is a middle grade fantasy novel about the adventures of Wiley O’Mara. On the back of a magical dolphin, the twelve-year-old rescues six boys trapped in an ancient city under the sea. Along the way, he fights both The Beast in the Forest and a Fire Beast guarding the city of old.

REVIEWS

PIERS ANTHONY, author of the Xanth series, the Incarnations of Immortality series, the Adept series, and so much more!
Now I have read The Fisherman’s Son. This is a nice children’s fantasy, grounded in realism. Even the fantastic element is realistic, in that the dolphin doesn’t abridge the rules just for convenience; the right introduction has to be made. It’s not all right to make the excuse “I lost the cup because of a bear.”

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief of the “Midwest Book Review”
The Fisherman’s Son is a delightful and colorfully narrated tale which documents Marilyn Peake as a story teller of considerable narrative skill.

Rebecca Brown, Founder of “RebeccasReads”
The Fisherman’s Son is a complex tale simply written, with fascinating detail & unblinking reality borrowing from legends & sagas deep within our collective memories.

Phillip Tomasso III, “The Best Reviews”
Marilyn Peake has burst onto the scene as a promising writer with the release of her first middle grade novel, The Fisherman’s Son.

…Peake is a talented, creative and passionate storyteller. The Fisherman’s Son is a thought provoking, heart-felt fantasy novel with a twist. It lends itself to great discussion questions to be reviewed with parents, teachers, or friends. Easy to pick up and read, hard to put down.

Beverly J. Rowe, “My Shelf”
The author’s descriptions of the underwater world are exhilarating as Wiley traverses the depths and meets up with wonderful undersea creatures and the fearsome dragon-beast that guards the entrance to the village.

This book would be a great read-aloud project for the whole family.

Tracy Farnsworth, “Roundtable Reviews”
Marilyn Peake launches her debut with a fast paced offering that contains excellent imagery amidst a coming of age story.

The Fisherman’s Son will appeal to readers both young and old.
This relatively quick read is a perfect offering for those who love fantasy.

Sharon Schulz-Elsing, Contributing Editor of “Curled Up With a Good Book”
Marilyn Peake’s first fantasy novel for young readers, The Fisherman’s Son, calls to mind all the mystery and wonder of Orson Scott Card’s earlier mythological works such as Hart’s Hope or Seventh Son in its quest-style tale, and in its evocative descriptions of a place much like early nineteenth-century Ireland comes close to the lush and luminous visual treatment of John Sayles’ magical film The Secret of Roan Innish.

…this children’s debut shines with fear, wonder, triumph and loss. Few readers will be able to resist this tale of a resourceful young boy…

Jennie S. Bev
This first book by author Marilyn Peake shows her tremendous talent in story telling.

In many ways, I found The Fisherman’s Son a strong novel for children.

Cheryl McCann, “Review-Books”
The Fisherman’s Son is a children’s novel filled with fantasy, adventure and the heroic qualities of a brave, young boy. Even though it is considered a children’s book, I certainly enjoyed the rich, descriptive text of this tale.

Covers are linked to Amazon.