Morgan’s Book Bag Reviews: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

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Overview:

A prophecy has entwined seven demigods with the meddling of Hera.  Now they are faced with the almost impossible task of making peace with the Romans and destroying the evil earth goddess.  Annabeth must walk alone, Percy will be challenged in his own element, Leo must learn to accept himself as he is, Hazel must find her brother before it is too late, Frank must come to grips with his curse, Jason must share the leadership rule with his enemy Percy, and Piper must learn to trust Jason.  Will these demigods be able to pull off the prophecy?

Sexual Content:

Annabeth and Percy kiss throughout the book.  They fall asleep in the cargo ship together and are woken up by Frank.  Although nothing happened, they are reprimanded for falling asleep and being in the cargo hold by themselves.

Spiritual Content:

Throughout this book, the characters make sacrifices to their parents/demigods.  One point, Percy makes a tribute to the wine god in hopes in getting help from him.

Positive Content:

Percy wants to protect his girlfriend Annabeth and his friends.  He has been told this can and will be his downfall.  Jason follows all the rules and continually promises to protect his girlfriend Piper.  Even Leo, who is goofy, believes in protecting each other.  This was one of the major good parts in this book.  Furthermore, responsibility is also talked about throughout the book.

Negative Content:

The kids seem to have inhuman abilities and often it seems they know better than their parents.

Drug and Alcohol Content:

NONE

Conclusion:

Rick Riordan is very good at keeping you excited about what comes next.  I loved that he brought in the conflict between Roman and the Greeks and developed and matured the characters even more in this book.  I also like that he has brought up responsibility, perseverance, honor, and other traits in his book to encourage young readers when reading to be more like the characters in the book.  Although, I would watch out for the numerous references to the Greek and Roman gods listed in this book.  Riordan did a great job in showing the gods as fickle and not all-knowing in this book, nevertheless, I would discuss this book with your kids before allowing them to read.

Morgan’s Book Bag reviews writes christian reviews for kids and teens. Morgan Thomas is passionate about books and would love to hear from you. If you liked this review, please check out our other fiction reviews.

 

Morgan’s Book Bag: Heist Society-Perfect Scoundrel by Ally Carter

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Overview:

So what would happen if the man of your dreams, just ups and leaves in the middle of a Heist? In Kat’s case, she is furious.  Nobody leaves their family hanging (literally), she reasoned.  The problem is that Hale is not only part of Kat’s world, but of a rich family that are not as they seem–and he was stolen back.  Let’s back up, two years before, Kat broke into his house to steal the Mona hanging on the wall, but left with Hale instead.  Now his family wants him back and he no longer has time for Kat or her crew.  Now Kat must do the biggest and most personal heist in her career.  Can she do it? Will Hale ever forgive her if she follows through?

Sexual Content:

Kat and Hale kiss a few times.  There is implications of scandals in the Hale family, nothing is given in detail.

Violent Content:

There are a few violent scenes in this book.  Kat and her crew do get a few bumps and bruises throughout the book.

Spiritual Content:

None

Alcohol and Drug Content:

NONE

Other Negative Content:

Kat and her crew are thieves.  The family lawyer had covered up several scandals and murdered so that he could gain some money.

Conclusion:

Let me say WOW! This is probably one the best books that Ally Carter has written in this series.  The character developments of Hale and Kat, the twists in the end (that even had me surprised), led to a fantastic book.  The only remote problem, which if you have read any of her other Heist books, is the moral problem with stealing.  I would recommend this book to teens who are looking for an entertaining and exciting book

 
Morgan’s Book Bag reviews writes christian reviewschristian reviews for kids and teens. Morgan Thomas is passionate about books and would love to hear from you. If you liked this review, please check out our other fiction reviews.

Morgan’s Book Bag: Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson

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Overview:

During this thrilling adventure of betrayal, love and sacrifice, Fairest Beauty written by Melanie Dickerson is a story about a young woman, Sophia, who learns the startling truth about her birth. With every man in vicinity falling head-over-heels for her, Sophia trusts no one; especially men. Beauty is Sophia’s curse, but will that be enough to stop her wicked Mistress from casting Sophia in to eternal suffering?

Meanwhile, Gabeheart, the second son of Duke Wilhelm, is battling his own low expectations. Gabe’s greatest desire is to prove himself to his loving family. With courage and vigor, Gabe sets out on a journey to  rescue his brother betrothed. Will Gabe bring Sophia home without breaking his and her heart?

Positive Content:

Sophia and Gabe are both strong Christian believers. Many times the characters in the book talk about God’s will and desire for their lives.

Sexual Content:

Gabe and Sophia kiss several times in the book, even though Sophia was his brothers betrothed. In one scene Gabe is convicted of sleeping next to Sophia. Nothing happens during the scene, but Gabe’s mind wonders. On a good note, he decides not to sleep next to her again.

Violence:

Gabeheart gets an arrow wound. Sophia’s step-mother drowns at he end. Several battles throughout the book.

Alcohol Content:

None.

Other Negative Content:

Gabe is slightly immature and rash during the beginning of the book. Defying his father and brother’s wishes, he sets out to save Sophia. It was a little disturbing that Gabe stole his brothers betrothed while Gabe was betrothed as well.

Conclusion:

This was a brilliant rendition to Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.  I loved the new take on the story, it was both refreshing and entertaining. I would recommend this book to any young adult who appreciates fairy tales put to life.

Morgan’s Book Bag reviews writes christian reviewschristian reviews for kids and teens. Morgan Thomas is passionate about books and would love to hear from you. If you liked this review, please check out our other fiction reviews.