Baron Book Review!!!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm by Jennifer Coalwell

Captivating!! Riveting!! Mesmerizing!!
My Take". . . it is never the task of the oppressed to change for the oppressor . . . in other words, we live our lives giving mankind the best we have to offer, and if our best offends another, we cannot change it—nor should we. It is a part of us . . . it is what makes us who we are."  Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm

Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm definitely has it all – fantasy, thriller, action & adventure, romance, historical fiction, comedy, and plenty of twists and turns. It’s a fantastic young-adult novel because of its imaginative and exciting story line. You can’t be sure what’s around the next corner for Amber.

When I first picked up this book and saw it had a fantasy themed plot, I was skeptical since that’s not my usual genre. However, after the first chapter, I was hooked! It was hard to put it down—I took my Nook with me everywhere because I was so absorbed in it. Even if I only had 5 minutes to read before an appointment, Amber was with me.

We all have our own “special gifts”—maybe not quite as flamboyant as Amber’s—that are given to us at birth. The challenge, as with Amber, is to use those gifts in a way to better ourselves, others, and possibly the world. Even a simple, small gift as being able to make others smile is a contribution to society. The trick is to find that gift within yourself, grow it, and use it in a positive manner—exactly the way Amber was taught to use her “special gift”.

The ending of the book (read it to find out!!!) was certainly not what I was expecting! But it’s made me want to learn more about Amber and her gifted journey. I’m really looking forward to Book 2—Amber Grey: The Lost City.  Hopefully it comes out soon so I can dive right in!

I’m giving this one a 5 out of 5 stars – it’s definitely a “must read” for young adults (and ahem…older adults….) with active imaginations and a yearning to read.

Posted by Baron Book Review at 6:21 AM

Labels: Brighton Publishing, Jennifer Coalwell, Romance, Thriller

"Amber Grey—the lost city" teaser . . .

 I promised tidibits of book 2; here we go!   ". . . Hate and contempt transformed his features to devilish vulgarity, and Amber's jaw dropped in shock. She stood motionless, her frame absorbing comprehension. This was the enemy—this was how it felt to be plainly confronted by a misuser, unmasked, no societal superficiality to veil pure, unadulterated, inconceivable hatred."

word is spreading . . .

Wow! Lately, so many names have crossed my eyes, names of people I don't know, and they've read Amber Grey! Love this!!! I'd be so happy to meet some of you at book club meetings—just leave a request in the comments. I'll also post times and dates of free workshops I'm giving this fall.

Press Release from June 16, 2011

Well . . . since the actual press release wouldn't show up, here are a few excerpts . . .

"J. L. Coalwell's taut new thriller captivates and scares with a child heroine unlike any since King's "Firestarter"."
"What happens when your child is born with an extraordinary gift? One that must be protected at all costs, but one that others would kill to possess? This breathtaking novel about a very special child encompasses every parent's greatest fears, and very possibly the very survival of the human race. In the process, it vaults author J. L. Coalwell to the highest ranks of thriller novelists."
"Compared to Mary Higgins Clark and Dean Koontz for her ability to keep readers turning the pages — and all the lights on! — Coalwell has produced a taut, fast-paced thriller not to be missed," said Kathie McGuire, Director of Brighton Publishing LLC. "Readers will be breathless turning the final pages."