Mind Games by Christine Amsden-5 stars

Amsden, Christne, Mind Games. Christine Amsden, 2014. Audible download.

Ever since Evan Blackwood broke her heart, Cassie Scot has had a hard time adjusting back to real life. When Matthew Blair, a local mind mage, asks her out, Cassie decides to say yes despite her reservations. She finds herself growing close to him and falling in love, but everyone keeps telling her that Matthew is using his mind magic on her. Meanwhile, when the Pastor Roberts’ wife is killed in her own house, the Gateway Christian Church parishioners start a witch hunt for everyone they suspect is a witch, including Cassie and her family. To help solve the dispute and restore order, Evan shows back up in town on the heels of Alexander Dupree, a magical practitioner interested in creating a unified magical government. To top off Cassie’s plate, she discovers the truth about why she doesn’t have magic and Evan and his family are a part of it. Are the incidents are related? Is Matthew using his mind magic on Cassie? Will Evan and Cassie resolve their differences?

Narrator, Melissa Reizian Frank is a perfect match for Amsden’s book. Her unique voices for each character are easily distinguishable and bring to life the well-developed personalities of each character. The plot is not only well-developed, but engrossing and hard to put down. The plot twists and turns are abundant and keep the reader guessing the ending. The mix of intrigue, mystery, and action blend together well and Frank does a great job of transitioning between them. Readers who liked the first two books or who like mystery, romance, and humor will thoroughly enjoy reading this book

5 stars, ADULT

Awakening by K. Lippi-4.5 stars

Lippi, K.. Awakening. Pgs. 231. Mirror Publishing, 2009. 

15-year-old, Emilia Miani has quite a lot on her plate. As her grandfather’s supernatural predecessor, she is the next Death Angel for God and Lucifer. With that, comes poisonous blood that could not only kill her enemies, but her as well. Since her Guardian Angel was taken away from her by a hybrid named Marcus when she was a baby, a demons-possessed being named Shin Kurosaki has taken over the job. Her job: to stop Marcus, an ex-death angel, who is bent on destroying Emilia as well as the world? Add on that, Shin following madly in love with her and his dark past, and Emilia’s got her hands full. Will she succeed and find a way to save herself from her blood? Will she accept Shin’s love? Will she save the world from Marcus?

The characters in this book are a little dramatic, but entertaining.  The plot is engaging and well-developed. Although there aren’t a lot of plot twists, the mystery behind Emilia’s past and what Marcus really wants takes on a very complex mix that easily grabs readers. People who like reading paranormal romance and mystery/suspense will enjoy reading this book. 

4.5 stars, Grades 7 and up

Five, Six, Seven, Nate! by Tim Federle-5 stars

Federle, Tim, Five, Six, Seven, Nate! 6 CDs, 7.08 hrs. Unabridged. Simon and Schuster Audio, 2014. ISBN 978-14423-7419-5

When Nate Foster gets offered the 

part of a lifetime as ET’s understudy in E.T: The Broadway Musical in New York, he couldn’t have been more excited. When he goes to his first day of rehearsal, however, he doesn’t seem to really fit in with the other kids, he can’t tap dance, and he keeps hurting people by accident during rehearsal. Because of such, his photographic memory gets wasted on a part as Alien #7, who only says one word the whole play. As the producers keep switching everything left and right, Nate is the only one who is able to learn the changes. When the lead Jordan gets laryngitis, the producers threaten to cancel first preview. With Nate’s awesome memory, will he be able to save the day or will the play flop?

Based on his experiences acting, Tim Federle narrates his own book with style. His intonations and expressions, he brings to life the quirky, fun character of Nate, a Broadway hopeful. His mix of internal dialogue and character interaction is well-done and easy to follow in his narration. With well-developed characters and a fun plot that will engage readers, this author as narrator audiobook will draw in reluctant readers who enjoy books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the Big Nate series books will enjoy listening to this audiobook. 

5 stars, Grades 5 to 8