Dragonwatch Book 5: Return of the Dragon Slayers (A FableHaven Adventure) by Brandon Mull-Middle Grade Fantasy Book Review

Product Details

• Title: Dragonwatch Book 5: Return of the Dragon Slayers (A FableHaven Adventure) 
• Author: Brandon Mull
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (October 26, 2021)
• Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
• Series: Book 5: Dragonwatch
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 608 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1629729302
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1629729305
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 14 years

 ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

The magical world teeters on the brink of collapse. The Dragon King, Celebrant, has united the dragons into a vengeful army, and only a final artifact stands in the way of them unleashing their fury against humankind. With established allegiances shifting under the strain, Seth and Kendra find themselves in desperate need of new allies.

Seth must face his most dangerous quest—the fulfillment of his pledge to the Singing Sisters. With only Calvin the Tiny Hero at his side, Seth needs to collect the pieces of the Ethergem, including the stones from the crowns of the Dragon King, the Giant Queen, and the Demon King.

Halfway across the world, Kendra finds herself torn between her duty to Dragonwatch and her desire to rescue Bracken. Can she challenge Ronodin's control of the fairy realm without leaving the five legendary dragon slayers to be hunted by Celebrant and his sons?

Left behind at Titan Valley, Knox and Tess must survive the aftermath of the Giant Queen's fall. Will the secret crown in Knox's possession prove too much for him to handle?

In this fifth and final volume of Dragonwatch, our heroes make their last stand at the hidden Kingdom of Selona. For the defenders of light to stand a chance, the legendary dragon slayers must arise, lost secrets must be uncovered, and ancient powers must awaken. Get ready for the gripping, revelatory, and unforeseen conclusion to the epic ten-volume New York Times best-selling Fablehaven and Dragonwatch series.

My Review

I was so excited to read this fifth and last book in the Dragonwatch series by Brandon Mull. I was also very sad knowing that this was the end of The Fablehaven books. I will freely admit that this series has been one of my favorites and I always recommend it to students. The whole series can be enjoyed by people of all ages. 

Return of the Dragon Slayers was an incredible read. It was unbelievable how Brandon Mull seamlessly knitted together each character's ongoing journey as they fulfilled their missions, even though it was harrowing at times. If you look back at the beginning of the first Fablehaven book until this tenth book, Seth and Kendra have made huge character growth. I especially enjoyed reading how each trial that came to them, also ended up helping them in fighting the dragons at the end. 

The action in this book is more fierce than the other books but that shows how much is at stake for Seth, Kendra, and the Dragon Slayers if they don't follow through in their quests. There are many breathtaking moments where you don't know who is going to live or die. Another character I've grown to love is Calvin the Nipsie. He has been Seth's constant companion throughout this series. It was exciting to see how he rises to challenges in this novel too. 

Now, I'm to the part of my review where I say if you have not read any of the previous books in this series, shame on you! No, seriously though, it is a great idea to read the previous books before reading this last one. You will not understand why things are happening, nor will you understand the motives behind why Seth and Kendra are dedicated to ending the rebellion of the dragons. I highly recommend that you read this series yourself or read it with your kids. Truly Fablehaven is one of my all-time favorite series. Brandon Mull is a fantastic writer and has put his heart and soul into this series. These books will make super gifts for your kids or grandkids. Return of the Dragon Slayers earns 5 stars from me. I'm anxiously awaiting to see what Brandon will write in the future. 

Meet Author Brandon Mull

Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Dragonwatch, Beyonders, and Five Kingdom series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife, Erlyn, their eleven children, and a dog named Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.

***Purchase Your Own Copy of ***

Return of the Dragon Slayers HERE:

https://amzn.to/3rjqCR3

Brandon Mull made a stop at the elementary school where

I teach. The students loved him so much! He did a fabulous job.

Here is what the Brandon Mull shelf at our school library looked like after the assembly.

I was able to get a photo after the assembly with Brandon Mull, our assistant principal Adrienne Yancey, and Shadow Mountain Publicist Callie Hansen. 

~~~Watch the Trailers for Return of the Dragon Slayers~~~

Part 1

        Part 2

Part 3

Wendy's Pirates: Regency Romance Novella Retelling of Peter Pan By Rebecca Varnell-Blog Tour Review

 

Product Details

• Title: Wendy's Pirates
• Author: Rebecca Varnell
• Genre: Regency Retelling of Peter Pan
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eagle Gate Publishing (November 9, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 152441929X

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

In 1817, Wendy Darling returns from London to her family in Devon, where she meets Captain James Hooke, a dashing naval officer who both infuriates and intrigues her. But Wendy is hiding a dark secret—and running from a past that makes it impossible for her to trust the incorrigible captain. And James has secrets of his own, secrets he’s afraid will interfere with his desire to win Wendy’s heart.

When the Darling family takes in a young orphan boy named Peter, the two newcomers in Wendy’s life help her learn to open her heart and begin to trust again. But when a gang of pirates sails into port in search of Peter, will trust be enough to save Wendy and those she loves from danger?

Varnell takes J. M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan characters and introduces them to risks and romance that go far beyond the average fairy tale. As Wendy and Hooke fight for new beginnings, they learn that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed.

My Review

What a fun take on a Peter Pan retelling. There are so many fun parallels between this novella and the original story. Not only are the characters named after original characters such as Wendy, Michael, Peter Pan, and James Hook, but lines from the original story are used too. This novella covers a lot of ground from the first meeting of Wendy and naval captain James Hook. This Hook is so appealing and very different from the original. Peter Pan is a cute little orphan boy that Wendy takes in. 

The greater storyline is of Wendy's hatred for the sea and anyone that sails the seas, including Captain Hook. There is a lot of action, mystery, and a great reveal at the end. Overall, I liked this novella and this plot could have really been done well in a full 250-page novel. This is a good fast read for all that love the Peter Pan story and pirate lovers.

Buy Your Own Copy HERE:

https://amzn.to/3cWGAYA

***Enter Giveaway to Win a Copy of***

Wendy's Pirates

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

An Alleged Rogue (Georgian Gentlemen, #3) – by Sian Ann Bessey : Blog Tour Review and Giveaway to Win a Copy of An Alleged Rogue

Product Details

• Title: An Alleged Rogue
• Author: Sian Ann Bessey 
• Series: Georgian Gentlemen, #3
• Genre: Regency
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications, Inc. (November 8, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524418994

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a tyrant. At least, that's what everyone says. The tales are shocking: accounts of a man who gambled away the family fortune and keeps his younger sister, Emily, captive in their home at Dunsbourne Manor. So when Adam and his sister make an unexpected appearance at a dinner party, the scandalized whispers cannot be contained.

New to the town, Phoebe Hadford hears the condemning rumors and determines to do all she can to help the baron's oppressed sister. Upon entering Dunsbourne Manor, however, she quickly discovers that all is not what she has been led to believe.

Adam, though unsure of whether he can trust the intentions of his beautiful neighbor, is quickly drawn in by Phoebe's genuine nature. But even as Adam and Phoebe’s connection deepens, a dangerous enemy from Adam's past reemerges. For years, Adam has hunted for the man who betrayed him, not realizing he had only to wait. His foe has returned, and this time, he will threaten everything Adam cherishes most―including the woman he loves.

My Review

An Alleged Rogue was another excellent book by Author Sian Ann Bessey. Once you start reading you lose track of time and are swept away into the story. The Georgian Gentlemen series has been a delight and this new addition fits right in. The plot is exciting, the characters are all written so well, and once again you can tell the author has researched this time period well. 

Lord Adam Dunsbourne is the Alleged Rogue. Society has turned its back on him and his sister Emily ever since their father died and the family fortune is all but gone. Adam is blamed for what happened. 

Phoebe Hadford is the neighbor, a beautiful socialite that is not like the other young ladies. She is kind, loyal, and willing to give others a chance. Phoebe takes Emily under her wing to introduce her to society. I loved how kind and determined Phoebe was to help Emily. I was also captivated as Phoebe and Adam waltzed around each other trying to determine if trust could be established. As the story went on, a beautiful love story emerged. An Alleged Rogue is far from just a romance, there is a very suspenseful plotline where Adam is looking for the man that ruined his father and stole his inheritance. The last several chapters of the book are so amazing and full of nail-biting scenes. Readers will truly sit on the edge of their seats. 

This novel is the third book in the Georgian Gentlemen series but can be read as a stand-alone. If you are looking for a historical romance that diverts from the norm and is fully engrossing, then you need to read An Alleged Rogue. 

****Meet Author Sian Ann Bessey***

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.

She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today best-selling
author and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

Learn more about Sian Ann and her books HERE: www.sianannbessey.com

**WIN a PAPERBACK copy of An Alleged Rogue 

(Georgian** Gentlemen, #3) by Sian Ann Bessey (US addresses only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Steve Irwin Day: November 15th-An Annual International Event Honoring the Life and Legacy of the One and Only Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin! (Also, Steve Irwin books you may want to check out!)

 

Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

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Today, we are celebrating Steve Irwin Day by honouring the most extraordinary Wildlife Warrior that ever lived. Steve’s passion and enthusiasm to conserve wildlife inspired countless others, people just like you, to fight for the protection of wildlife and wild places.

Join us as we come together and continue Steve’s important conservation work by educating and connecting people with wildlife, in the hope that one day humans and wildlife will live harmoniously alongside each other. We’re all #WildlifeWarriors, and we are proudly wearing our khakis today.

I've always loved Steve Irwin because of his great love for animals and his mission of animal conservation. It was such a sad day for our world when this amazing man passed away on September 4, 2006, while he was snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. His family has kept his mission and legacy alive at the Australia Zoo.

What exactly is Steve Irwin's Legacy? We all know of his love of animals, but it went beyond that. Here is what was posted on the Australia Zoo website and their words were so more eloquent than mine.

STEVE'S LEGACY

Steve's life was a cocktail of love, passion, enthusiasm, and respect for wildlife. His excitement over the most deadly snake or tiniest lizard brought him to the forefront of animal conservation. He set the precedent for making sure his fellow humans cared for and respected wildlife and the environment as much as he did.

Steve changed the world with his extreme conservation efforts and innovative ideas. He was a true blue Aussie bloke whose energy and passion shone through in all he did. Steve's legacy will live on forever. Through fellow Wildlife Warriors, wife Terri and children Bindi and Robert, his conservation work and larger-than-life personality will endure.

What can we do as fellow humans to continue conservation efforts and become a Wildlife Warrior? There are many things! Some of those things are financial but many are small things you can do from your home. 

10 Ways To Help Wildlife: From the World Animal Foundation

Habitat loss and the extinction of species are devastating consequences of irresponsible human actions. The problem’s complexity and reach often leads people to feel unable to make a difference. However, every single action we take is crucial in bringing about change. Although individually our contribution may seem small, the sum of our efforts can really make a huge difference.

***Protect Wildlife Habitat***

The most pressing issue that threatens species is their progressive loss of habitat. Animal agriculture, deforestation, and development impact the environment in profound ways: erosion, soil compaction, desertification and changes in climate. When the land is manipulated in such a manner, wildlife habitat alteration or even elimination takes place. This is more pronounced when rare species are involved; these alterations may result in the rapid extinction of the species. Habitat protection ensures that whole animal communities are safe, which in turn leads to fewer interventions needed towards the conservation of endangered species. Reserves, parks, and similar protected areas are often the only safe havens that remain unaffected by habitat loss. 

***Consume Less, Recycle More***

A great way to minimize our effect on the environment is to recycle and reuse as much as possible. Consuming less is an immensely effective means of protecting the planet. What’s more, by reducing our energy consumption we help conserve our natural resources, and we save money in the process!  

***Become Member Of 

A Conservation Organization***

Numerous conservation organizations exist with a mission to protect endangered species and habitats. Each organization has a different mission – for some, it’s to safeguard a certain habitat or species, for others to push for the legislation of good environmental practices. If you are particularly interested in a topic, chances are that you will find an organization that shares your interest. Becoming a member will let you back organized, constant efforts towards protecting wildlife and habitats. Moreover, there are often special programs available that offer the chance to do conservation fieldwork, as many organizations depend on volunteer work.

***Use Fewer Herbicides And Pesticides***

Herbicides and pesticides are effective in beautifying your backyard, but they wreak havoc on wildlife on several levels. Some of these compounds degrade at an extremely slow rate, which means their levels build up in the soil and, consequently, pass into the food chain. Certain animal groups, like the amphibians, are especially prone to the toxic effects of these chemicals, suffering a greater impact. 

***Prevent Invasive Species From Spreading***

Native wildlife populations all over the world have been severely affected by the invasion of non-native species, since the latter increase competition for food and habitat. Native species may even become their direct prey, risking extinction. You can minimize the impact of invasive species by populating your garden with native plants.

***Don’t Drive Too Fast***

For many native species, life takes place in densely populated areas, meaning they have to find their way through a labyrinth of human-made dangers. Roads, in particular, pose one of the greatest risks for wild animals that live in developed areas, because they split their habitat and pose a constant threat to animals that try to cross to the other side. So, if you are driving in such areas, reduce your speed and pay attention for such animals.  

***Install Decals On Windows 

To Prevent Bird Collisions***

Collisions with windows is a serious risk for birds. Almost one billion birds lose their lives every year by colliding with windows. A simple way of decreasing that number is by installing decals on the windows of your office and home. Other things you can do to help is to relocate bird feeders to a more convenient spot, draw curtains and shades when it’s bright outside, install screens on the external side of your windows, or use tinted window glass. 

***Express Your Concerns And 

Become Actively Involved***

By actively expressing your concerns regarding endangered species to local and national authorities, you raise the chances of someone actually doing something to remedy the situation. 

***Share Your Excitement For Nature And Wildlife***

Motivate other people to read up on wildlife issues, respect wildlife, and be serious about the protection of species and habitats. 

Contact the World Animal Foundation at getactive@WorldAnimalFoundation.org 

**Here I am going to add my concern for the** Grizzlies and Black bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Many bears have been killed by officials this year because of them getting into unsecured trash and grain, beehives without electric fencing, and people feeding the bears. Here is information if you want to help officials see they need to do more in protecting bears.

CALL TO ACTION: Tell Teton County we want MANDATORY Bear-proof trash cans now!

As you may already know, both of 610s subadult cubs were euthanized for accessing food rewards. Of the 22 conflicts one cub was implicated in, 20 occurred outside the park in nearby neighborhoods. This is primarily due to improper trash storage! It is unacceptable that there are no rules in place to require Bear proof trash cans.

This is actively killing our bears.

Do you want to help save 399s quads from the same fate? Please sign the petition and send an email to the county commissioners!

Click here:

https://linktr.ee/bearproofjacksonhole

Teton Council Members:

Natalia Macker - nmacker@tetoncountywy.gov

Greg Epstein - gepstein@tetoncountywy.gov

Mark Newcomb - mnewcomb@tetoncountywy.gov

Luther Probst - lprobst@tetoncountywy.gov

Mark Barron - mbarron@tetoncountywy.gov

Commissioner general - commissioners@tetoncountywy.gov

So today as I and many others honor and remember Steve Irwin, I hope that maybe I have opened a few eyes to how each of us can help Wildlife. Steve truly showed the world how humans and animals can learn to live and share this world and its resources. Each of us CAN and will make a difference.

***Here are some books you may want to*** 

read about Steve Irwin:

I have this book and have read it to my school kids.

https://amzn.to/3kBSHyS

https://amzn.to/3CaE2k0

https://amzn.to/3CklVbg

https://amzn.to/3Cghb6D

https://amzn.to/3Hk7K9X