Hazel (1853 KP) rated Danny Dirks and the Heir of Pendragon in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Danny Dirk is and ordinary fourteen year old boy with a passion for baseball, however as he approaches his fifteenth birthday peculiar things begin to happen.
Beginning with the arrival of the new foreman for their apple farm, Danny begins experiencing the impossible. Eventually, Grandfather Pendrake, a surname not unlike Pendragon, reveals that Danny comes from a special lineage, one typically assumed to be a myth; and explains that a particular mythical beast is, in fact, very real.
S. A. Mulraney begins his young adult novel with an interesting prologue that leaves the reader with a range of questions. Firstly, the characters are referred to as 'they' resulting in a feeling of suspense as the reader has no idea whether they are good or bad. It turns out that 'they' are Mr Brennan and his standoffish daughter Kara. However the original use of 'they' leaves the question as to what they are, which is heightened by words such as 'scales' and 'wings' as well as the suggestion that they can communicate with dragonflies.
Danny Dirk and the Heir of Pendragon is an exciting novel. Although it felt a little slow to start, the story picks up towards the end and concludes on a cliffhanger leaving the reader eager for the next book.
Although the main character is in his mid teens, the writing style is suitable for boys and girls in their earlier teens and upwards, however there are some scenes that are more appropriate for readers with a maturer outlook.
This novel will attract a range of interest particularly for those who prefer a book that is quick and easy to read. It should also attract the attention of those with a preference for the fantasy genre, especially about dragons, and also those who enjoy myths and legends, in particularly the legendary king of England, King Arthur.
Mulraney's adaptation of the history of King Arthur is original and intriguing, and his version of dragons are very creative.
This review uses a rating on the basis on personal preference but it is sure to be loved by the intended target audience.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Murder in the City of Liberty (A Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery #2) in Books
Nov 4, 2019
Determined to make a life for herself, Regina “Reggie” Van Buren bid goodbye to fine china and the man her parents expected her to marry and escaped to Boston. What she never expected to discover was that an unknown talent for sleuthing would develop into a business partnership with the handsome, yet shy, Hamish DeLuca.
Their latest case arrives when Errol Parker, the leading base stealer in the Boston farm leagues, hires Hamish and Reggie to investigate what the Boston police shove off as a series of harmless pranks. Errol believes these are hate crimes linked to the outbreak of war in Europe, and he’s afraid for his life. Hamish and Reggie quickly find themselves in the midst of an escalating series of crimes that seem to link Boston to Hamish’s hometown of Toronto.
When an act of violence hits too close to home, Hamish is driven to a decision that may sever him from Reggie forever . . . even more than her engagement to wealthy architect Vaughan Vanderlaan.
My Thoughts: I had a hard time starting into the book but as the reader gets further along in the storyline, it becomes a very interesting read. This is a second book in the series, and I do recommend to the readers that they read the first book "Murder at the Flamingo" to help get to know the main characters a little better. A murder mystery with a little romance as Hamish has to deal with his feelings toward Reggie, being friends and co-workers for two years. This novel takes place in the 1940's pre-war era, with the main character Hamish trying to get past his relationship with a shady cousin.
It was interesting to learn a little about Boston; especially the housing situation during that era. The writer has an enjoyable style of writing that brings the characters to life for the reader. This is a good book for those who love mysteries.
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