Monthly Archives: October 2024

Gabriel and the Phantom by Jenny Nimmo

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Gabriel and the Phantom Sleepers is a companion novel to the Charlie Bone series by Jenny Nimmo. This story focuses on the character of Gabriel Silk, whose family members have been the guardians of the cloak of the Red King for generations. When Gabriel’s father goes away for an alchemist convention, Gabriel becomes the caretaker of the cloak. It is said that this cloak is filled with magical power. If someone were to wear it, they would become completely invincible. Because of this, Gabriel feels an immense responsibility to protect the cloak from evildoers.

To ensure the cloak’s safety, Gabriel is sent to stay at his uncle’s house for protection. During his stay, the unthinkable happens—the Red King’s cloak is stolen. Gabriel now needs the help of his cousin, Sadie, and many of their friends to reclaim the cloak. Unfortunately for Gabriel, he is also being followed by a group of mysterious beings known as the Phantom Sleepers. Gabriel will soon find out whether these phantoms are friends or foes.

The Charlie Bone books are some of my favorites, so I was very excited when I learned that Jenny Nimmo recently wrote a couple of new books in the same universe. I had high hopes when I got my hands on this book, but it definitely surpassed my expectations. Just like Nimmo’s other books, this one is very well-written and exciting. The characters are compelling, and the story is filled with action, suspense, and magic. In my opinion, this book is even better than many of the books in the original series. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but I would suggest reading the original Children of the King series first.

Tom Clancy: Power and Empire by Marc Cameron

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In the novel, Jack Ryan Jr., the main protagonist, is faced with many obstacles from the Chinese government, Mexican cartels, and more as the G20 summit approaches. Jack’s father, Jack Ryan Sr. (the President of the United States), will attend, so the stakes are even higher. The novel is based in the present day, in various locations, such as Texas, Washington D.C., Beijing, Buenos Aires, and Tokyo. To help Jack with the many catastrophes occurring in the plot, he has his colleagues from The Campus, a secret crime-stopping organization – Clark, Ding, Adara, Dom, Midas, Gavin, and Yuki, who they meet along the way.

Not long ago, Zhao Chengzhi was made President of China after former president Wei Zhen Lin had died. However, his modest approach to national and international events upset other individuals in the Chinese government, so a secret coup was formed by the minister of foreign affairs, Li Zhengsheng, to overthrow his power and make himself the President. This decision sparked the chain of events in the novel. Later on, Li has General Xu Jinlong, the leader of the CSB (Central Security Bureau), sabotage the Chinese cargo ship “Orion” and sink it off the northern west coast of the United States. By doing this, Li was able to make the first step in provoking the United States.

As the story goes on, different characters, including our protagonist Jack Ryan, are introduced and numerous heart-racing episodes unfold. This book is one worth reading, and can be found online or checked out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Book Review: On the Edge of Survival by Spike Walker

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On the Edge of Survival, written by Spike Walker is a compelling story based on a real-life rescue mission on one of Alaska’s most treacherous seas. The book primarily focuses on a dangerous operation where two H-60 Jayhawk helicopters are tasked to rescue eighteen crew members of a stranded Malaysian cargo vessel during an intense storm. However, during their attempts to save the remaining members, one of the helicopters gets hit by a ferocious wave, forcing it to plummet into the freezing waters. With only a limited amount of time before the vessel completely submerges, will the rescuers be able to save them all?

Walker’s storytelling provided great portrayals of the dangers faced both by the rescuers and the people they are trying to save. Throughout this narrative, he provides various descriptions of the severe weather, the life-threatening challenges of the rescue operation, and the emotional impact of everyone involved in it. 

Overall, I found On the Edge of Survival to be quite a thrilling book to read during my spare time… although I found the majority parts of the narrative to be a bit confusing due to my unfamiliarity with the technical and mechanical details of aviation. But, despite this, I still believe that Walker effectively captured the bravery and perseverance of the rescue teams, and thoroughly carried out the message of how it ultimately led to their success. I would highly recommend this to anyone that holds deep interests in sea rescues and aviation. 

On the Edge of Survival by Spike Walker is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins BOOK REVIEW

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Can’t Hurt Me written by David Goggins chronicles his extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood marked by the abuse by his father to becoming a highly respected U.S. Navy Seal and renowned endurance athlete. This book dives into Goggins’ struggles with self doubt, obesity, and a challenging upbringing, overall illustrating how he overcame these obstacles through sheer determination and relentless work ethic.

In this book, I really liked the emphasis Goggins puts on the power of the mind of surpassing one’s limits. This is demonstrated in the 40% percent rule as mentioned in the book which is a rule that states when you think you are at 100%, you are only at 40% of your power. This serves as a motivational benchmark for me and many other around the world. By using this rule, the potential for personal growth and surpassing one’s limits is significantly increased. The idea that mental barriers often limit one’s potential is emphasized heavily in this book and Goggins promotes the notion that the mind can be the strongest ally in achieving greatness.

Another idea that I Iiked was the idea of “pain as a teacher.” In this book, physical and emotional pain are portrayed as essential elements for growth, highlighting how discomfort can lead to self discovery and resilience. In this book, Goggins emphasizes the idea of seeing pain as a good thing and embracing it instead of seeing it as something that you should avoid at all cost. Experiencing pain means that you are getting better and growing. Getting uncomfortable is how you achieve your goals and staying comfortable is not going to get you anywhere. That is the lesson Goggins wants the reader to learn through illustrating his journey.

Overall, this book is a must read, the practical lessons that David Goggins teaches us along with his personal stories truly makes this book one of one. This book serves as a powerful testament to human potential and resilience.

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins is available to download for free from Libby.

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

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Before We Were Yours focuses on a part of history that is not always mentioned: adoption scandal. This topic was new to me, but I learned a lot from this novel.

Wingate’s writing jumps between the life of a young girl, Rill Foss, in the 1950s and her struggle to keep her family together, and a successful woman in the present, Avery Stafford, who takes an interest in the Foss family history.

It delves into a time when children are taken from their homes, loving or not, and sold to wealthy families, under the supervision of Georgia Tann.

The Foss family is one of the Tennessee Children’s Home’s Society’s victims. Rill fights to keep her family together, even when she knows it is impossible. I was shocked and sad to learn that children really did endure these events.

I like the way the author develops Rill’s fierce, unrelenting personality: standing up to bullies at the children’s home, clinging to the dream of being with her parents again, and refusing to stop singing nursery songs that her mother taught her.

Seeing how quickly Rill’s younger siblings’ memories of their biological family fade is definitely the most heartbreaking part of the novel. Rill scorns her sister for showing affection to their new parents, and she is the one who cleans up the sheets when her sister wets the bed. Her dedication to ensuring that her siblings know where they come from is admirable and compelling.

Another crucial part of the story is the setting. The depressing, dark home they are brought to is the origin of their pain, betrayal, and sadness. There are some events where the Foss children are put in harm’s way and suffer in cruel living conditions, but they are necessary to shape the Rill’s strength and character.

In Avery’s life as the mayor’s daughter in the present, she is uncovering the truth about the Foss children and becoming more connected with her own past. The novel narrates her life in the public eye and the pressure to give the best answer to every interview question; digging up the past gives her new ambition and understanding.

In the end, Before We Were Yours ties all the characters together and is a powerful message of unity, hope, and healing.

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.