Review: The Olympus Cloud

The Olympus Cloud
by Stephen Randel

Synopsis

Do you ever wonder what your dog is dreaming about when its paws twitch? You might be surprised…. 

Some dogs can spend up to sixteen hours a day sleeping. For Max, a pugnacious French bulldog from Texas, this provides plenty of time for him to explore the world through his vivid imagination. His dreams are a doorway to excitement and adventure. Whether he’s solving mysteries, rescuing other animals, or just plain saving the day, Max’s heroic exploits carry him around the block, around the country, and even around the planet. From the plains of Africa to the battlefields of France and into outer space, Max matches wits with everything from a zombie accountant to rodent gangsters and a myriad of mythical creatures. And in the end, the fearless and faithful little dog always makes it home in time for dinner.

Review

What an enjoyable read! This book is made up of mini-stories surrounding the dreams of a cutie of a dog named Max. It's a beautiful YA-middle grade book of Max's sleepy-time adventures. The book is short, but it is full of adventurous moments. 

I found this story to be refreshing and unique - a whole new level of reading for me. I am so very glad that this is a middle grade book that young people can appreciate. However, I also hope that kids of all ages are able to enjoy this book because one is truly never too "old" for adventure - especially when it's this adorable. 

Verdict

Any person of any age will enjoy this book. However, you'll probably find it even more enjoyable if you have some furry family members of your own. A great read!

Review: Tiy and the Prince of Egypt

Tiy and the Prince of Egypt
by Debbie Dee

Synopsis 

Tiy is different than the other Egyptian girls--she has pale hair and more freckles than she wants to count. With her mother consumed by the need to keep up appearances, and her father too busy to care, Tiy just wants to disappear into the background. But her hope for a quiet life is shattered when she rescues Prince Amenhotep from a sandstorm and is rewarded with an invitation to attend the royal school in Egypt’s capital—-a place where girls like her will never fit in.

Amenhotep welcomes her into his close circle of friends and their friendship strengthens into a bond neither is willing to lose. But when Amenhotep becomes Pharaoh and is pressured by the priests to marry, the strength of their friendship is threatened. Will Tiy find enough courage to accept Amenhotep’s hand when he wants her to become the next Queen of Egypt, especially when her feelings run no deeper than friendship? And how can she protect him from the Nubian rebels who are determined to take control of Egypt?

Review

Tiy and the Prince of Egypt is a middle grade historical fiction work that completely grabbed my attention from the get-go! For one, Tiy was quite a likable character because of the strength she held onto above the obstacles. I found that Tiy grew throughout the book - something very refreshing. Readers of all ages need more honest and strong female characters who do not become "stuck".

It was my first time reading a historical fiction piece and I really enjoyed the amount of detail involved in describing everything that takes the reader to the time of ancient Egypt. Maybe I'm biased since I love anything having to do with Egypt...but that's beside the point. Dee's writing has made all the difference in this work. It was also awesome to realize that Dee based characters on actual people. 

Verdict

If you've enjoyed the Dee's other books, you will more than love this one. Trust me! It's only great because Egypt rocks, but because it's testament how being different can be beautiful :)

About the Author

Debbie Dee recently moved to southern Idaho with her husband and three children where she is learning how to be a country girl in her favorite pair of blue heels. She adores fairy tales and happy endings, but secretly crushes on the bad guy now and then.  

As a dedicated musician who practices way too much, she never expected writing would sweep her off her feet until she jotted down a scene from a daydream, which turned into two scenes, which turned into a messy house and her first novel. Since then she hasn’t been able to let a day go by without writing.  

In addition to writing, she plays the piano, harp, violin, and gets in frequent fights with her cello. She loves to read and play board games - when she is winning.  

Debbie is also the author of young adult novels, The Last Witch and The Underground Witch.  

 Author Links: 

 • website: http://www.debbiedee.com/ 
 • facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbiedeeauthor 
 • twitter: https://twitter.com/_DebbieDee 
 • goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6535967.Debbie_Dee 
 • amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Debbie-Dee/e/B009AH8UJ2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1378230666&sr=8-1