Friday, January 13, 2017

Can Jax Stay in Control of His Mind?

The Inquisitor’s Mark by Dianne Salerni is the second book in the Eighth Day series. It picks up where the last book left off, and Jax, Riley, and Evangeline are in hiding after all the excitement they were a part of in Mexico. Jax and Riley are Transitioners, a special group of people who experience an extra day between Tuesday and Wednesday. Evangeline is also special and only lives on the eighth day, but it helps her stay in hiding as she is a descendent of Merlin and people are after her because her power can make them more powerful. The trouble in Mexico has brought the trio into the spotlight and now more people know Evangeline exists. Jax's family also realizes he's alive and wants to claim him for their own. Family is something Jax has wanted ever since he was sent to live with Riley. Unfortunately, his best friend, Billy, gets kidnapped by Finn Ambrose, Jax’s newfound uncle. He takes off without telling anyone where he's going because he feels it is up to him to save his friend. In the process, Jax meets his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It doesn’t take him long to realize how dangerous his family line is. They have skills that can do a lot of harm! Mind control is not something to mess with and his family doesn’t agree. It doesn’t help that Evangeline’s sister is missing and now danger surrounds the eighth day and many lives are in jeopardy. Who should Jax trust? Should he have told someone where he was going? Is Evangeline’s sister hidden and will they be able to find her? You won't stop reading until you find the answer to these questions and more!

As soon as I put down The Eighth Day I knew I needed to get my hands on The Inquisitor’s Mark and start reading. I already loved the idea of the eighth day and hoped this book would show me even more of this unique world. It didn’t disappoint! The world that exists for the Transitioners and those who only exist on the eighth day is even more complicated than I could have guessed. Jax’s family was filled with people who had strange and dangerous skills. I wouldn’t want anyone trying to control my mind. It's creepy to think about! I kept trying to figure out what Jax should do and who he should trust, but it wasn't easy for me and it's not easy for him. It made me think about how lucky we are if we have friends and family that we know we can count on. I recommend this book to kids in fifth grade and up who like dystopian books and enjoy adventure. What a fabulous story and the author does an awesome job world building. Now I just need to get my hands on the third book in the series, The Morigan’s Curse!

Has anyone else read The Inquisitors Mark? Or have you read another book by Dianne Salerni? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

Read Lizzy's review of The Eighth Day

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Answer to Monday's Riddle: A Brain Bath


Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week, we'll clear your mind. Friday, find out how Lizzy's review ties in. See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

A thought bath helps you see what you can do for me. Step into my ready tub, water's right for a scrub. A yellow duck to splash and sink, no need to fret or overthink. Watch the bubbles rise and pop, don't worry if the soap should drop. Once the cleansing's underway, your mind is mine, so they say. I'll tug the strings and you'll obey, all else washed away.

What am I referring to? Answer: Brainwashing 


Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats
 

Monday, January 9, 2017

Monday's Riddle: The Thought Counts...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? A great idea for a story, but a scary thought to think about. ; ) ~ F

A thought bath helps you see what you can do for me. Step into my ready tub, water's right for a scrub. A yellow duck to splash and sink, no need to fret or overthink. Watch the bubbles rise and pop, don't worry if the soap should drop. Once the cleansing's underway, your mind is mine, so they say. I'll tug the strings and you'll obey, all else washed away.

What am I referring to? Stop by Wednesday for the answer. 

I gave you a clue!


Friday, January 6, 2017

Best of 2016: Part 2!

It's been a marvelous year sharing stories with you. Here's our top picks for 2016, part 2! 


I first heard about The War That Saved My Life on The Children’s War blog. I am so happy I had a chance to read it. The characters in the book really come to life... 

Read Lizzy's full review

I have wanted to read The Eighth Day by Dianne K. Salerni since I first heard about it. Maybe it's because I've thought a lot about having an extra day in the week. That would be excellent! I could get so much done on that day and even catch up on sleep! 

Read Lizzy's full review





Stay tuned! We have lots of great books in store for 2017! See you all around the book block. ;)

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Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Best of 2016: Part One!

It's been a marvelous year sharing stories with you, and this week we're spotlighting our top picks for 2016! Catch the buzz on these great books...
Will's Words by Jane Sutcliffe is such a cool book. Not only is it interesting to find out how many terms William Shakespeare came up with, BUT the added bonus of locating him in every magnificent illustration is extremely entertaining. Watch out, Waldo!



Read Fairday's full review, plus catch our Author Interview with Jane Sutcliffe to find out the story behind the story.


I recommend Soldier to anyone who likes to celebrate what makes us each unique and those who understand that creating a better world starts with personal acts of kindness. 



Read Fairday's full review, plus catch our Author Interview with Kara Van Kirk Levin to find out the story behind the story.


Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Catch Our Top Picks for 2016!




Happy New Year! This week, we'll be spotlighting our favorite stories from 2016. Stop by Wednesday and Friday to find out what books should be in your bag. ; ) ~ DMS





CATCH FAIRDAY IN THE WILD!

To help us celebrate the paperback release of The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow snap a photo of Fairday in the wild! If you see her in a bookstore, shop, or at someone's house simply take a picture and share it via social media (or email the picture to haightjess@gmail.com).


Make sure to tag us when you share it!  For each share you will be entered to win a $50 Visa Gift Card. Contest is open internationally and runs until 2/28/17. Good luck and happy character spotting! 

Tag us on social media! 
Twitter: @DMSfiles


AVAILABLE TODAY 1/3/17

Set the mood for mystery...


Friday, December 23, 2016

Happy Holidays From The Begonia House!




We'll be on break to spend time with friends and family. We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. See you in 2017! ~ DMS

 Here's Frosty the Snowman for your listening pleasure. 
Fun to sing along. We made our own version too!


Ruby Begonia was a mystery they say. 
With her wild red hair and bright green eyes, 
she was lost on her wedding day.

Ruby Begonia may be sneaking 'round the way.
You won't see her, though she'll let you know, 
she'll be back again one day. 

Clackety, clack, clack. Clackety, clack, clack. 
Where does Ruby go?

Clackety, clack, clack. Clackety, clack, clack.  
Read the book to know. :)

MERRY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL THE CHARACTERS AT THE BEGONIA HOUSE!

Here's where we been in December, revealing the paperback and sharing secrets with our friends around the book block. Thanks for celebrating Fairday's 1st book birthday with us!

Thursday 12/22: Mystery, Magic & Mayhem
Mystery post ;)

Monday 12/19: Paper Dragons 
Co-Author Collaboration by Stephanie & Jess

Thursday 12/15: Sandra's Blog
Writing Advice from Stephanie & Jess 

Monday 12/12: Mama Diaries 
Writing Advice from Stephanie & Jess 

Wednesday 12/7: Write Stuff
Writing Advice from Stephanie & Jess 

Monday 12/5: The Story of A Writer
The Process of Publishing a Book


Thursday 12/1: Carry Us Off Books
Cover reveal & Story Blurb 


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