The Legend of the Last Library Book Review and Author Interview

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a devastating Blight killed off all the trees, paper is worth more than just about anything. Juni's parents died when she was young, so now it's just her and Grandpa Edgar. When she's not in school, Juni and her friends Doler and Quaze turn to plifting—scavenging for any paper they can find. If Juni can find enough paper, she can pay for the health care Grandpa needs.

So when Juni discovers a book—the first one she's ever seen—hidden in a box in her grandpa's closet, she's both surprised and elated thinking of the money she could get for it. That all changes when she decides to read the book. Beyond opening her imagination, the book contains clues that point to what could be the last library on Earth.

The library's location has been hidden for more than a hundred years, but Juni and her friends are not the only ones looking for it. Ullred O'Donnell, head of R&D for Novexus, a megacorporation that replaced the government and now controls all information, is desperate to find the library as well. With an army of vicious robot dogs at his command, Ullred warns Juni to abandon her quest—or else.

Juni and her friends must find the library and share it with the world before Novexus claims it as their own. If reading one book could change Juni's life, what would access to thousands—or millions—of books do?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Frank L. Cole was born into a family of southern storytellers and wrote his first book at age eight. Sadly, he misplaced the manuscript and has since forgotten what he wrote. Highly superstitious and gullible to a fault, Frank will believe in any creepy story you tell him, especially ones involving ghosts and Big Foot. Currently, along with his wife and three children, he resides in the shadow of a majestic western mountain range, which is most likely haunted. You can learn more about Frank’s writing at frankcolewrites.com.


AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - How is The Legend of the Last Library similar to your other book series? How is it different?

Frank L. Cole - This book is similar to other series I've written because of the adventure and the humor woven in, but it is also way different than anything I’ve ever written. I’ve never delved into the world of dystopian and it was such a fun, and grueling process coaxing this story to life. I think the themes are a little darker than what I’ve written in the past, but there is so much hope as well!

Life Is What It's Called - What age groups would this book appeal to? Would it be appropriate for advanced readers (6–7-year-olds)?

Frank L. Cole - I think this book can work for younger aged readers, but truthfully, it is geared for upper elementary and middle schoolers.

Life Is What It's Called - How many books will be in this series? 

Frank L. Cole - As of right now, only one, but I’ve pitched a sequel and I hope my publisher gives in.

Life Is What It's Called - Why do you think the cover of your book draws kids' interest?

Frank L. Cole - I love these covers! The artists I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years have truly captured the magic of my books. They’re so colorful and they’re always illustrated in a way that just shows the action that a reader can expect from the story.

Life Is What It's Called - What will kids like most about this book?

Frank L. Cole - Juni is such a real character. Probably my most authentic one to date. She’s tough, but sensitive, and I think readers will really be able to relate with her. They're also going to love Zeno and Doler and... well, I think these characters are so much fun and it's an adventure story with high stakes that will suck them in right from the opening page.

Life Is What It's Called - What was your favorite scene to write?

Frank L. Cole - I loved the scenes that take place inside the library itself. I can just imagine it being so cool and mysterious, but also maybe a little creepy too. I think libraries are like that in many ways and with this being the last library on earth, it for sure will have some ghosts.

Life Is What It's Called - What are some of the themes in this book and why is that important for kids?

Frank L. Cole - Family. Friendship. Legacy. Preserving books and helping make as many stories available as possible. This is a treasure hunt and a mystery and a love letter to libraries and books in general and it's a reminder to maybe unplug every now and then and curl up with the real thing!

Life Is What It's Called - How does this book stand apart from what else is on the market?

Frank L. Cole - I don’t know if there are many Middle Grade dystopian novels out there right now. I also envision this book as a sort of gateway to some of the other classics, like Fahrenheit 451.

Life Is What It's Called - What projects are you working on next?

Frank L. Cole - Hopefully a sequel, but I’m also dabbling with a middle grade horror and I do have another book releasing in less than a month called Vigilante Sasquatch.

Life Is What It's Called - If The Legend of the Last Library was a food what would it be and why? (Fun and cheesy like pizza, sweet like chocolate, etc)

Frank L. Cole - I think this book is more like a Sunday roast dinner where all the family is around and you just eat until you’re stuffed.

REVIEW

In The Legend of the Last Library, a blight wipes out trees and changes the world where paper is valuable and highly sought after, books are nearly extinct, and a mega-corporation, Novexus, runs the world. Juni lives with her sick grandfather and scavenges for papers in abandoned and condemned buildings to help pay for food and medical supplies. When Juni opens a box her parents sent her a long time ago, she discovers clues to the last library on earth. Juni's not the only one looking for the library. Novexus is desperate to find it as well.

The Legend of the Last Library is a Middle Grade dystopian novel, but teens would probably also find it an enjoyable read. There are not many Middle Grade dystopian novels on the market, but I think this is a good introduction to the genre in many ways...it's adventurous and action packed, has a good overall message and theme, great world-building, likeable characters and good mission. I thought the ending was really cute for kids. It had a nice wrap-up and probably the best wrap-up that I've ever seen an any dystopian novel. If your kid is a younger-aged middle grade reader, I would recommend waiting until they're at least eight. This book has some emotional tugs and pulls, scary scenes, bullying, and a complex world. Overall, kids will enjoy this fun new book. To learn more, click here.

Please note that there are affiliate links in this post that help support this blog. I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post is in cooperation with the publisher.

Stand In For Love Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Serafina Russo’s best friend Britt is getting married in two weeks. But an unexpected death in the family takes the engaged couple out of the country to attend the funeral.

That leaves Sera, the timid maid-of-honor, and Axel Rodrigues, best man, famous baseball star, and NYC’s most eligible bachelor, to take care of last-minute wedding details and hopefully prevent their best friends’ wedding from becoming a disaster. While dealing with unexpected cancellations and catastrophes Sera discovers that Axel is not just famous and incredibly good-looking, he is also kind, helpful, and funny. Sera and Alex discover that when opposites attract, sparks fly, love ignites, and something wonderful happens.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michele Ashman Bell grew up in St. George, Utah. In fourth grade her teacher wrote on her report card that she had a tendency to daydream and would probably do well with creative writing. Her love for books and learning about people and places has helped her make her teacher's prediction come true. Michele is the author of many books and Christmas stories. She is married and is the mother of four children, and a grandma of one. Aside from supporting her children in all of their many activities, she loves to travel, do research for her books and eat chocolate.

REVIEW

Sera's best friend leaves town two weeks before her wedding to attend her fiancée's grandmother's funeral. Sera and the best man, Alex, are asked to finish the arrangements on the wedding. Dealing with one catastrophe after another, Sera and Alex begin to get to know each other and fall in love.

This is cute romantic-comedy book that romance readers will enjoy. It's fun and light-hearted and easy book to read. There were a few unexpected twists that I wasn't expecting, but overall, I thought it was an entertaining read. The characters were engaging and fun. I felt like the author did a good job at describing the scenes and the characters. It was easy to picture the scenes and characters. To learn more, click here.

Please note that I received a free ebook of this book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help support this blog.

To Love the Brooding Baron Review and Author Interview

ABOUT THE BOOK

Opposites attract and sparks fly when the vivacious Arabella falls for a baron who lives under the shadow of a scandalous family secret.

Arabella Latham is a free spirit who longs to feel the spark of true love, but few men can match her passion for Shakespeare or her zest for life. Though her prospects seem slim, Arabella knows she can always count on the handsome but stoic Lord Henry Northcott, dubbed “The Brooding Baron” by the ton, to be willing to engage in intelligent conversation and even share a congenial dance with her at almost every ball. His quiet demeanor is the opposite of her vivacious personality, and she finds herself drawn to him, despite their differences.

Lord Northcott has quietly admired Arabella for years, grateful that his friendship with her brother has allowed him to share in her company. But he knows he cannot pursue a romantic relationship with any woman—let alone someone as bright and beautiful as Arabella—because of the shadow that an old family scandal has cast over his life. He has vowed to preserve what is left of his family’s reputation by holding himself above reproach apart from society and focusing the majority of his efforts at Parliament.

But Arabella is determined to show Lord Northcott that life is meant to be enjoyed, and she sets out to see what is behind the walls the Brooding Baron has built around himself. Could the spark of true love be enough to drive away the shadows holding Henry back?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Jentry Flint is bookworm-turned-writer with the propensity to try just about anything. She has a true love of history and believes a good quote can fix most things. She lives in southern Utah with her husband and two daughters—who, naturally, are named after characters from books. Her favorite things in life are flavored popcorn, her grandmother’s purple blanket, and curling up on the couch to watch a movie with her husband.


AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - How is this book similar to Games in a Ballroom? How is it different?

Jentry Flint - So To Love the Brooding Baron basically leaves off right where Games in a Ballroom ended, I won't elaborate more so I don't risk giving any spoilers--BUT if you haven't read Games in a Ballroom you can still read To Love the Brooding Baron and not feel lost. It's just more fun, in my opinion, if you read Games in a Ballroom first and then To Love the Brooding Baron. And this is because To Love the Brooding Baron follows the story of Henry Northcott (aka Beasty if you ask Mr. Bradbury or The Brooding Baron if you ask members of the ton) and Arabella Latham, Emerson's sister and Olivia's best friend. In this book you will see many more of the same characters from Games in a Ballroom, while also experiencing some of the fun and humor that was in Games in a Ballroom! 

Life Is What It's Called -What was your favorite scene to write and why?

Jentry Flint - My favorite scene to write...that is such a HARD question! because I had SOOOO much fun researching this book! I found so many historical facts and settings that blew my mind that I feel like you won't find in a Regency romance! But I guess if I have to pick one scene, it might be the chapter when they go to Sadlers Wells Theatre! That place fascinated me so much while I did research and I truly wanted everyone to experience this place and the craziness that happened in that theatre! I would definitely say it's one of my sweater scenes between my hero and heroine.

Life Is What It's Called - What themes are in this book?

Jentry Flint - I would say there are a few themes inside this book, for example found family, but the one I hope readers feel the most is grace. To give grace, to receive grace and to forgive and believe in yourself. 

Life Is What It's Called -What inspired you to write this book?

Jentry Flint - Without trying to give too many spoilers, I truly loved the movie She's the Man growing up and when I heard that the movie was based on the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night, I KNEW I had to incorporate parts of my story in my book! I also fell down the rabbit hole when it came to a Parliamentary movement called the Lunacy Reform. The regency era ONLY happened because King George III was declared mad, making the Prince Regent have to step up and run the country. I can't really say more or I'll risk spoiling the book--curse myself for writing a story line FILLED with spoilers! 

Life Is What It's Called - What do you think is one of the most memorable lines in this book? And why?

Jentry Flint - Most memorable line. . . well, I know the most quoted line between me and my husband is when Mr. Bradbury yells: "Dinner!" We quote it often to each other and have a good laugh every time because it's just this awkward moment and only because Mr. Bradbury made it be! Other than that I don't know what will be a memorable line! I was more than surprised to learn that the line about the pig from Emerson's mother was the most quoted line from Games in a Ballroom, so I don't even know what to guess on this one. 

Life Is What It's Called - Which character are you most like and why?

Jentry Flint - Which character am I most like? I would probably say Arabella. She speaks her mind and doesn't like a bully. But my husband would probably say it's because we both don't have any patience--lol.

Life Is What It's Called - If this book was a food what would it be and why? (Is it sweet like chocolate, fun and cheesy like pizza, etc)

Jentry Flint - One of those jumbo bags of Sour Patch Watermelons. I think it's going to shock some people throughout, while also turning into this sweet, delicious story you can't help but want to go back for more! 

Life Is What It's Called - What writing projects are you working on now and what hints can you share?

Jentry Flint - I'm currently 3 chapters away from finishing Mr. Bradbury's story! You will recognize him as the comedic relief in the Brooks Brotherhood. You might remember he is VERY anti-marriage and he's going to meet his match!

Review

Lord Northcutt is tasked to watch over Arabelle and her mother while her brother is away. He finds the task difficult at times as Arabelle has a vivacious spirit that doesn't conform to societal expectations and has a great love for Shakespeare and plays. On top of watching over Arabelle and finding himself falling for her, Lord Northcutt's also trying to avoid a doctor who wants to talk to him. As Lord Northcutt's world slowly turns upside down, he finds himself growing closer to Arabelle.

The author uses Arabelle's love of Shakespeare to add a taste of his work into the book. I love the references to Twelfth Night. I also enjoyed the subtle reference to King Lear/Hamlet as Lord Northcutt tries to figure out the truths surrounding him and figure out his own "madness." I did at times feel like Shakespearean quotes were dropped in there and the author could have played a bit more with it. The author does play around with common Shakespearean themes from woman thwarting man's domain, dealing with madness, forbidden love, dealing with the aftermath of tragic circumstances and etc. The characters were well-rounded, and the plot thickens gradually as the characters open themselves up to each other and to others surrounding them. Overall, this is a fun romance that I think Regency romance readers will enjoy. It has some light-heartedness, drama, social dangers, mystery, and twists and turns. The storytelling in the book is very smooth and the author draws you in from one scene to the next. This book can be read as a stand-alone or you can read it as a series starting with Jentry Flint's first book, Games in a Ballroom. To learn more about this book, click here.

Please note that I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help support this blog.