The Warrior Heir
by Cinda Williams Chima

Publisher's Note:  Before he knew about the Roses, 16-year-old Jack lived an unremarkable life in the small Ohio town of Trinity.  Only the medicine he has to take daily and the thick scar above his heart set him apart from the other high-schoolers.  Then one day Jack skips his medicine.  Suddenly, he is stronger, fiercer, and more confident than ever before.  And it feels great—until he loses control of his own strength and nearly kills another player during soccer team tryouts.

Soon, Jack learns the startling truth about himself:  He is Weirlind; part of an underground society of magical people who live among us.  At the head of this magical society sit the feuding houses of the Red Rose and the White Rose, whose power is determined by playing The Game—a magical tournament in which each house sponsors a warrior to fight to the death.  The winning house rules the Weir.  

As if his bizarre magical heritage isn’t enough, Jack finds out that he’s not just another member of Weirlind—he’s one of the last of the warriors—at a time when both houses are scouting for a player.

Overall Review:  Chima in The Warrior Heir delivers a high-octane fighting and action adventure that is spot-on for a high school audience.   The protagonist, 16 year-old Jackson Thomas Swift, is instantly easy to relate to because of the normalcy of his activities, friends, problems, and life.  A series of events spin his life out of his control, but Jack maintains his humanity and compassion to the very end.  Containing magical elements with an original and intriguing back story, the book reads more like an action-thriller than a straight-up fantasy.  My sixteen year-old son calls literature for guys “dude-ature” and this is definitely it.  However, I couldn’t put the book down and there is a cast of strong, supporting characters of varying ages, both male and female.  This is the first book in a series, but the book is nicely and satisfactorily wrapped up in the final chapter so that it can be read as a stand-alone.   Overall  Rating:   4.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  many mild instances and three moderately strong instances

PROFANITY:  a few mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT:  one mild

MATURE THEMES:  a few mild

RECOMMENDED AGE:   16+

As might be expected in a book titled The Warrior Heir, the area of grey is in the violence category and depends on personal sensitivity.  The three moderately strong instances are as follows:  a scene where a child returns to find several family members dead and blood on the walls and floor and witnesses the vaporization of another family member; an attempted abduction in which a character is bound, is held under water, has his face smashed against floor, and is generally roughed up with a following rescue attempt that rips another character in half--literally; a toast in which it is promised that a warrior will “rip out the still-beating heart” of the opponent.  The mild instances include, but are not limited to such items as a newspaper report of a death, magical skirmishes with flames and fireballs, simulated battles of swordplay with ghosts (no blood), an attempted poisoning, a vision showing a woman taking her life by knife, a fight with some bullies, a kidnapping, a gladiator-style tournament involving swordplay, axes, etc.  (non-gory), and a ghost army killing some wizards.  Violence probably approximates a PG-13 level, if this were a movie.

Profanity consists of approximately a dozen mild profanities.  Several times the author chose to simply indicate that a character “swore” or said some “obscenities”.  One character makes a rude gesture. 

Sexual content consists of two mild kisses.  One character tells a friend that a girl “lusts after you.”  Peripheral sexual content is a brief mention of a “breeding” program for warriors. 

Mature themes touch upon the ethics of a medical operation on an infant and of using people as pawns for selfish purposes.

The Warrior Heir is a highly recommended read for ages 16+!

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer

Century #1:  Ring of Fire
by P.D. Baccalario

Publisher's Note:  Every hundred years, four kids from four cities must save the world.

Rome, December 29.

A mix-up with their reservations forces Harvey from New York, Mistral from Paris, and Sheng from Shanghai to share a room with the hotel owner’s daughter, Elettra. The four kids discover an amazing coincidence—they all have birthdays on February 29, Leap Day. That night, a strange man gives them a briefcase and asks them to take care of it until he returns. Soon afterward, the man is murdered.

The kids open the briefcase. In it they find a series of clues that take them all over Rome, through dusty libraries and dark catacombs, in search of the elusive Ring of Fire, an ancient object so powerful that legend says even a Roman emperor couldn’t control it.

In the first book of the Century quartet, Italian author P. D. Baccalario begins a mystery that will take four cities and four extraordinary kids to solve.

Overall Review:  With non-stop action, clue-chasing, and an exotic location, Ring of Fire feels like National Treasure, The Thief Lord, and The Lightning Thief all rolled into one.  This book brings together a distinct cast of four international characters to solve a mystery ignited in Rome.  The first in a series that promises to take readers around the globe, Ring of Fire has a 39 Clues-vibe.   However, perhaps it would be fairer to say the 39 Clues Series has a Ring of Fire-vibe, since Baccalario’s book was published in Italian first.  Never predictable, the book has charming touches like the photographic inserts with visuals accompanying the path of clues.  The sinister villain, Mr. Mahler, receives high marks for originality.  The choice of present tense gives the book a subtle feel of immediacy.  Hard-hitting pacing propels the story to a conclusion that has more questions than answers, leaving the reader anxious for the next book.  Quite enjoyable, this is one of those series that can hook young readers, female and male alike, with its action and likeable, diverse protagonists.  Overall  Rating:   4 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  a few mild and three moderate instances

PROFANITY:  several mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES:  none

RECOMMENDED AGE:   12+

Mild instances of violence included a building collapse resulting in a reported death and some minor injuries to several characters; a character is punched and rendered unconscious; a character is shoved against a wall and slapped; a scuffle between two characters involving punching and tackling results in a character tripping and hitting his head; an explosion.   Moderate violence consisted of a brief scene in which a character’s throat was slit with a most unusual murder weapon; a scuffle with a security guard in which a character bites another character and a security earpiece is melted while in the guard’s ear; a character is shot and other characters encounter blood and the injured person.

Mild profanity was noted nine times.

Although younger readers would probably enjoy this book, the three scenes of moderate violence seemed a bit much for a nine year old.  Thus, I recommend it for ages 12+. 

This book is a Clean Read for ages 12+!

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House Books for a review

_ The Unknown Spy (The Ring of Five #2)
by Eoin McNamee

Publisher’s Note: Danny Caulfield's quiet Christmas break from Wilsons, the school for spies, is shattered by gunshots and a heartrending discovery about his parents. That same night, he's summoned to Wilsons' to prepare for a mission: under an assumed identity, Danny must find a way to protect the Treaty Stone that keeps peace between the Upper and Lower worlds. Meanwhile, the evil Ring of Five pursues Danny, for he is the "true Fifth"?only Danny can unite the members of the Ring and awaken their full powers as master spies.

Overall Review: The Unknown Spy is a fast paced action story that could be said to be a mix of Harry Potter, X-Men, and James Bond.  Quite the mix!  It has a very familiar plot line (special boy who is wanted by both good and bad goes to a special school that can’t be found and must learn about his special powers while fighting the evil who wants him to join them), but if you’re a fan of high action spy books, top secret missions and sneaky plots, then this is for you!

Danny is a super spy.  He is going to a special spy school to learn to hone his talents and use them (hopefully!) for good.  The only problem with that, is that as a spy, you’re inclined to be sneaky and want to betray everyone!  Danny has to fight that tendency all the time!  He has a great group of friends: Dixie who is sweet and can be invisible; Vandra the physik who looks sort of like a vampire; Les is a winged messenger; Toxique comes from a family of assassins, but doesn’t like killing—he’d rather tell the future; McGuinness is a detective who always seems to show up at the most random times and is everywhere almost at once…in my minds’ eye, I see a Dick Van Dyke/Matlock person in a trench coat!

The moments of loyalty, love and friendship even amongst the spies and classes about devious arts is lovely.  These friends try hard to stick together and fight against the others who want to control both worlds.  There is a great deal of action packed adventure as Danny continues his journey to find out who he really is and where his place is in the world(s)!  Just beware: This is the second of a trio—and it has quite the cliffhanger!!  Overall rating is 3.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:
PROFANITY:  3 Moderate instances

VIOLENCE:  Many moderate to strong instances
·        
SEXUAL CONTENT:  None

MATURE THEMES:  Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 16+

Profanity included three moderate instances.
·        
Violence includes the following:  A hharacter is shot and they must take out the bullet—kitchen table surgery is then performed and is very descriptive.  Two different characters are stabbed (and they die).  There is a healer/physic who is by all appearances a vampire.  She sucks out the poisons with her fangs.  Another character comes from a family of assassins and is constantly being asked by his father if he’s killed anyone yet and that if he doesn’t do it soon, he will be exterminated!  There are many scary characters.  Especially frightening are the Seraphim who have huge talons, swords, spears, etc.  There are also cold ghosts who try to rip out your heart; assassins who shoot poisoned darts; magical cross bows that shoot you when you move; hot iron brands and manacles used by crazy people, etc.  There are torture chambers and crazy car chases that are intense.  A special spy school has zombie-like creatures as guards.  These dead people have the ‘remainder marks’ of how they were killed (open gunshot wounds, stab wounds, etc), and even have worms coming out of their noses and nasty ‘dead’ breath.   A character has great power and blows everyone away (quite literally) with a magical wind that they conjure.

Mature themes include spying, corruption, deceit, betrayal.

The Unknown Spy is recommended for ages 16+.

_This review was written by Emily.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Wendy Lamb Books House for a review.

Museum of Thieves
by Lian Tanner

Publisher's Note:  Welcome to the tyrannical city of Jewel, where impatience is a sin and boldness is a crime. Goldie Roth has lived in Jewel all her life. Like every child in the city, she wears a silver guardchain and is forced to obey the dreaded Blessed Guardians. She has never done anything by herself and won’t be allowed out on the streets unchained until Separation Day.

When Separation Day is canceled, Goldie, who has always been both impatient and bold, runs away, risking not only her own life but also the lives of those she has left behind. In the chaos that follows, she is lured to the mysterious Museum of Dunt, where she meets the boy Toadspit and discovers terrible secrets. Only the cunning mind of a thief can understand the museum’s strange, shifting rooms. Fortunately, Goldie has a talent for thieving.

Which is just as well, because the leader of the Blessed Guardians has his own plans for the museum—plans that threaten the lives of everyone Goldie loves. And it will take a daring thief to stop him. . . .
Museum of Thieves is a thrilling tale of destiny and danger, and of a courageous girl who has never been allowed to grow up—until now.

Overall Review:  Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner is a solid addition to the world of children’s fantasy.  Her cast of characters, “some quite charming and some quite chilling”, are varied, likeable, and believable.  Goldie and Toadspit, the main characters, are determined, capable children and will appeal to both male and female readers.  Set within a city obsessed with protecting everyone from everything is a museum that looks like Night at the Museum with an attitude.  Tanner knows how to turn a phrase and she is given high marks to her free-flowing dialogue, quality writing, and imagery. Also excellent was the action that pushed through to the climax.  Museum of Thieves is the first in a trilogy and recommended to young fantasy and adventure lovers.  Overall Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  several mild instances  

PROFANITY:  one mild instance

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES: a few mild

RECOMMENDED AGE:  9+

Overall, violence was brief, non-detailed, and often merely reported.  Specific violence noted was as follows:  report of an explosion and the death of a child; a character almost being hit by a vehicle and being knocked into a ditch; report of a dog killing a cruel master; report of a character breaking a leg; a dog attacks some soldiers and there is blood on a dog’s muzzle; character(s) verbally threaten to kill someone; a dog attacks a group of people and  “was upon them, his great teeth snapping”; a dog is shot and injured and bleeds; there is a struggle between characters and a character is tied up; a character is shot and killed; there is a brief battle between soldiers and some of the soldiers are killed; a character is slapped.

One mild religious profanity was noted.

Themes were mild in nature and included some of the following:  independence, personal responsibility, overprotection, betrayal, thinking before acting.

The publisher recommends this book for ages 9-12 and unlike many of the books I have read recently, I agree with that recommendation.  The danger, peril, and violence are not extreme and the book feels like an appropriate fit for 9-12 aged readers.

Museum of Thieves is recommended as a clean read for ages 9+.

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Yearling  for a review.

Related titles:  ?  Ring of Fire, just about any children's fantasy

The Coming of the Dragon
by Rebecca Barnhouse

Publisher's Note:  Rebecca Barnhouse weaves Norse gods, blood feuds, and a terrifying dragon into this spectacular retelling of the end of the Old English poem Beowulf.

When he was a baby, Rune washed up onshore in a boat, along with a sword and a pendant bearing the runes that gave him his nickname. Some people thought he was a sacrifice to the gods and wanted to send him right back to the sea. Luckily for Rune, King Beowulf disagreed. He lifted the boy from the boat and gave him to Amma, a wisewoman living on a farm far removed from the king’s hall, to raise as she saw fit.

Sixteen years later, Rune spends his summers laboring on the farm. And at King Beowulf’s request, he comes to the hall each winter for weapons training. But somehow he never quite fits in. Many people still fear he will bring a curse on the kingdom. Then a terrible thing happens. On a lonely crag on a mountain that belongs to the giants, someone awakens a dragon. It is time for Rune to find the warrior inside himself and prove to the doubters once and for all that he is a true hero.

Overall Review:  Rebecca Barnhouse certainly doesn’t make it easy on Rune, the sixteen year-old protagonist in The Coming of the Dragon.  In fact, she never cuts him a break and this may be what gives him authenticity and keeps the reader guessing about plot direction.  Filled with self-doubts and constantly second-guessing decisions that he has made, Rune seems a very real person indeed.  (Finally, a thoughtful hero who transforms and grows over the course of the narrative!)  Also, this book achieves real character depth in several of its supporting players through some high-caliber writing, while never sacrificing plot progression.  Inspired by the epic tale of Beowulf, the storyline begins before the encounter of Beowulf and the dragon and then continues the narrative beyond the action outlined in the poem.  Barnhouse provides an outstanding Author’s Note at the end of the book expounding upon the original poem and her inspiration for the book.  The Coming of the Dragon has all the elements and the tone necessary to become a classic for years to come and is highly recommended!  Overall  Rating:   4.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  several mild and three moderate instances

PROFANITY:  one mild instance

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES:  a few mild

RECOMMENDED AGE:   12+

In general, violence is the typical medieval fare of sword fighting, archery, and such.  Much of the violence was dragon versus man rather than man versus man.  Descriptions throughout were brief, non-graphic, often implied, and at times I felt were more “action” than violence.  Mild instances included an accidental injury of a character’s leg by a scythe while harvesting; report of five men dying by dragon attack; report of ancient battles and the deaths that happened; reports of more deaths as a result of dragon attack; a character encountering a body that has been charred by dragon fire; a vision of a possible battle with flames; a dragon sets houses aflame and two “figures fell”; a character appears to fall off a cliff.  Moderate instances include a character coming to a farm to find it destroyed by dragon fire and all the inhabitants dead with some of the bodies being badly charred; an epic battle between Beowulf and the dragon where the dragon breathes fire and bites, inflicting poison, as Beowulf attempts to find a weak spot to place his sword (this scene comes almost straight from the poem); a final battle scene between men involving tackling, hitting, arrows, sword fighting, etc. and several deaths occur (non-graphic in nature, but a somewhat extended scene).

One mild profanity was noted.  A common medieval bathroom term that today is considered somewhat coarse was used twice. 

General and mature themes included were loyalty, loneliness, isolation, and responsibility; courage and cowardice; peace and war; revenge/vengeance and forgiveness.  The treatment of the themes was mild in nature.

Other content of note includes a character being cruel to another character by attempting to urinate on him.

The mild content of this book would make this an enjoyable read for medieval enthusiasts and accomplished readers as young as fourth or fifth grade, but on the other end of the spectrum, the 16 year-old protagonist gives this book some true upward readership breadth. 

This book is a Clean Read for ages 12+!

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House for a review

Brain Jack
by Brian Falkner

Publisher's Note:  In a dystopian near-future, neuro-headsets have replaced computer keyboards. Just slip on a headset, and it's the Internet at the speed of thought. For teen hacker Sam Wilson, a headset is a must. But as he masters the new technology, he has a terrifying realization. If anything on his computer is vulnerable to an attack, what happens when his mind is linked to the system? Could consciousness itself be hacked?

Brian Falkner, author of The Tomorrow Code and The Project, delivers an action-packed and thought-provoking sci-fi thriller in which logging on to a computer could mean the difference between life and death.

Overall Review:  Was it ironic, spooky, or prophetic that my laptop died the day I started reading Brainjack by Brian Falkner? Opening with a chilling, foreboding, and awesome prologue, Brainjack has you looking over your cyber-shoulder by page three.  In the mood for action and adventure?  A thriller? Dystopian?  Utopian?  No worries, this book has it all.  The first half of the book was fresh and relevant with its rapid-fire-in-your-face-intense hacker-infiltrator versus hacker-defender military style.  At about the mid-point the narrative took a turn down a more well-worn and familiar path which was disappointing.  Although the story lost its freshness, it continued to flow smoothly through the action scenes with plentiful witty banter by its characters.  Typical of most science fiction, the ending was a bit nebulous and left the reader struggling to understand the author’s resolution.  Atypical of most science fiction, the ending was perhaps a bit too glowing.  The reader is left wondering if it is Big Brother or Santa Claus watching over him.  However, flaws aside, the first half alone is reason enough to read Falkner’s book. If you like computers and action, log on to Brainjack. Overall Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  many mild instances

PROFANITY:  many mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT:  one mild

MATURE THEMES: a few mild

RECOMMENDED AGE:  16+

Much of the violence is the report of events that have occurred.  Also, much of the action in the book uses military terms to describe events that are happening as people are hacking into computers and systems.  Very interesting, but not really violence since it is happening in the cyberworld.  Violence that occurred in the characters’ real world included the following:  a character points a gun and grabs another character’s shirt; characters are watching a hockey game where the hockey players get into a fight; during a government raid two figures are found unconscious; a character seems in pain and then dies; another character appears in pain with seizure-like symptoms and becomes unconscious; a character is punched; a character is kicked; battling jets and an explosion are seen from a distance; a character is shot at; a character throws bricks at other characters; characters struggle; there are a couple of car chases with shooting exchanged and a car crashes; several military encounters occur between jets, tanks, troops, etc.; a man is shot; gunfire is exchanged between troops; a character suffers an injury and becomes unconscious with blood on his forehead.

Twenty-two mild religious profanities were noted.  Although not technically profanity, a coarse term was used a few times and there was some “guy” banter about body parts and body digestive functions.

Sexual content was very mild and included a character noticing another character’s attractiveness and the characters briefly embrace and kiss once.

Mature themes included guilt, addiction, venerability, manipulation, power, the use and dangers of technology, and mob mentality/group think.

Other content noted was a character skinny-dipping.

With an older protagonist (17 years old), lots of action, and plentiful computer and military lingo, Brainjack is recommended for ages 16+.

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House Books for Young Readers  for a review.

Related titles:  The Maze Runner

_Crystal Bones
by C. Aubrey Hall

Publisher's Note:  A YA fantasy trilogy about a twin boy and girl, the children of a Fae mother and a human father, who discover a new destiny when their parents are murdered.

Overall Review: Twins Diello and Cynthe are excited to turn thirteen and come of age—but their birthday doesn't shape up quite how they'd hoped. Instead of a celebratory breakfast and a day spent at the market fair, they are given a list of errands... and the day turns from bad to worse when they return home to find their farm in flames. Plunged into an adventure neither of them had expected or hoped for, Diello and Cynthe have to stay safe, retrieve a magical secret, and uncover the truth behind their parents' real history—before it's too late. Crystal Bones hooked me from the beginning! Although the book is aimed at a middle-grade or early young adult audience, C. Aubrey Hall has created a wonderfully sophisticated setting for this first book in her Faelin trilogy—the story of half-human, half-Fae twins Diello and Cynthe. I loved the realistic-feeling fantasy world and the development of Diello's character as he makes his first steps into manhood. My only complaint was that I felt a few more things could have used fleshing out, including the character Cynthe. Overall, though, I heartily enjoyed Crystal Bones and would happily recommend it to any fantasy-loving young teens! Overall Rating is 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Content Review:
PROFANITY: Very mild

VIOLENCE: Moderate

SEXUAL CONTENT: Very mild

MATURE THEMES: Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 12+

There is no actual profanity, but several angry insults.

There is moderate violence throughout the book—an army of goblins raids the twins' farm and kills both of their parents (the twins come on the scene afterwards), and the twins have several run-ins with violent goblins throughout the book, as well as a fight with a "trog" monster in the woods. At the end, a central character kills several goblins and feels great remorse for it (although it was necessary). Throughout the book, themes of death and violence are handled with respect and gravity, and the violence is never gratuitous.

There is very mild sexual content—a boy and girl have small crushes on each other, and another (simple-minded) boy says that he likes to stare at a girl because she is pretty.

Mature themes consist of death (including the death of parents), cruel treatment, bigotry, and killing in self-defense.

This book is recommended for 12+.

_This review was written by Cindy B.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Marshall Cavendish Publishing for a review.

In the Hall of the Dragon King
by Stephen R. Lawhead

Publisher's Note: 
A kingdom hangs in the balance...and a young boy answers the call.

Carrying a sealed message from the war-hero Dragon King to the queen, Quentin and his outlaw companion, Theido, plunge headlong into a fantastic odyssey and mystic quest.  Danger lurks everywhere in the brutal terrain, and particularly in the threats from merciless creatures, both human and not-so-human.

While at the castle, the wicked Prince Jaspin schemes to secure the crown for himself, and an evil sorcerer concocts his own monstrous plan.  A plan that Quentin and Theido could never imagine.

In the youth's valiant efforts to save the kingdom and fulfill his unique destiny, he will cross strange and wondrous lands; encounter brave knights, beautiful maidens, and a mysterious hermit; and battle a giant, deadly serpent.
_
Overall Review:  In the Hall of the Dragon King brings the times of kings, queens, knights and darklords to life with its engaging plot of good versus evil. An urgent message that is brought forth by a wounded knight captures the readers attention from the early pages of the book. As the story continues Quentin, a young acolyte, realizes that his role is much more important than just helping to ensure the delivery of the message. The reader will enjoy a thrilling plot and unexpected turns in the journey to bring the King back and set things straight. The author, Stephen R. Lawhead, provides maps of Mensandor and Elsandor to further engage readers in the story and bring the details to life. In the Hall of the Dragon King is only the first book of a trilogy and is recommended for those whom truly enjoy adventure. Overall rating is 5 out of 5 stars!


Content Review

Language: Mild

Violence: Moderate and Strong instances

Sexual Content: Mild

Mature Theme: Moderate

Recommended Age:16+

The language is due to mention of the Lord or God when asking for help or for a characters well being.

Regarding sexual content, one character briefly looks at another “lustfully.”

War violence is very present in this book. Cries of men drowning, swords, arrows, and men falling on pikes are described. Wolves attack a couple characters and a snake fight occurs. Soldiers mistreat a prisoner causing his head to hit on the floor. Description of blood is present yet not gory. The strong instances pertain to creatures called Harriers who are menacing and enjoy to kill. In a battle two harriers become beheaded and the third harrier shows the character who sent them. A severed finger is shown to characters. Dead bodies rise, their faces are described and meant to evoke fear.

The language and sexual content are very mild in this book but the violence is present enough to make In the Hall of the Dragon King a moderate mature theme.

In the Hall of the Dragon King is recommended for ages 16+.

_This review was written by Misty.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Thomas Nelson Publishing for a review.
 

_The Last Archangel
by Michael D. Young

Publisher's Note:   Xandir has been exiled to earth until the end of time. But when his cherub trainee disappears, Xandir makes a deal with rogue angels and giants that could restore life to the mortal woman he loves and end his assignment as a destroying angel in exchange for helping them bring about the end of the world and all of mankind.

Overall Review:  The Last Archangel is a novel completely out of this world. Xandir is an important angel who is forced to choose between the fate of the world or of his own life. The author weaves two separate stories that hardly ever cross paths but both are relevant to the conclusion. One being of Xandir and his apprentice Jarom fighting the underworld. The other of Eden, a New York woman, who is suddenly caught between the fight of good versus evil. The storyline is very exciting and full of suspense and readers will enjoy the different takes on Pompeii, Atlantis and the Yeti. There's no shortage of action as well with giants, demons, snakes, angels and more. At times characters seem to get lost or forgotten in the fray of things. There are also problems with smooth transitions in the book with details sometimes being left out. Yet, The Last Archangel, by Michael D. Young, keeps readers interested by giving them just enough action and adventure to keep one satisfied. Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!

Content Review
Profanity: Mild

Violence: Moderate with Strong instances

Sexual Content: Mild with Moderate instance

Mature Theme: Moderate Mature Theme

Recommended age group: 16+

  The profanities are limited to the mention of the underworld a few times.

Violence is very present in The Last Archangel where it does pertain to the end of the world. Fighting between angels, demons, thieves and mortals happens throughout the story. The act of trying to commit suicide is described at the beginning of the book by a character trying to jump off a bridge. One character slaps another character. There are a couple graphic scenes of a character offering his blood as an “entrance fee” and later stabbing himself.

The moderate instance of sexual content is a passionate kiss shared between two characters and a very mild innuendo.

A moderate mature theme is due to the violence, speech and some sexual content.

The Last Archangel is recommended for ages 16+

_This review was written by Misty.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Bonneville Books for a review
 

The Hunchback Assignments #3:  Empire of Ruins
by Arthur Slade

Publisher's Note:   Secret agent Modo's next assignment? Find ancient Egyptian ruins hidden deep in the Australian jungle and the mysterious God Face, rumored to be a powerful weapon—anyone who looks upon it will be driven mad. And he must find the God Face before the evil Clockwork Guild does!

Overall Review:  Saturday-matinee-swashbuckling-adventure is satisfyingly and handsomely delivered by Arthur Slade in Empire of Ruins, the third installment in his Hunchback Assignments Series.  The surprise is that the book delivers more than action and adventure; it delivers characters with internal conflicts, contradictions, and depth.  Set in Victorian England at the height of British imperialism, the story follows Modo and Octavia, secret agents in the service of their country.  Octavia is charming as she channels a little of Eliza Doolittle and Modo is heroic as he channels a bit of The Saint and Jackie Chan—Victorian-style, of course.  Throw-in some first-rate villains with a Jules Verne twist and you have a cocktail for a thrilling ride.  The seamless, flowing action scenes suck the reader in and assure a complete loss of productivity until the book is finished.

Although I have not read the first two installments in the series, there was no problem in picking up the basic back story and character history.  My seventh grade son and I will be checking out the first two books in the series with high expectations.  Based on Empire of Ruins’ ending, The Hunchback Assignments will most likely have more installments coming.  Overall Rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

VIOLENCE: many mild instances and one moderate instance

PROFANITY: five mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: none

MATURE THEMES: a few mild

RECOMMENDED AGE:  14+

The overall tone of violence was mild, brief and non-graphic in description, and often fell more under “action” than violence (For example, often there are shots exchanged, but no one is hit.)  Violence noted was as follows: a character falls from an airship resulting in some bruises; a character’s pinky finger is cut off by a saber; natives chase a character and throw spears; a character murders another character by cutting a climbing rope; a character murders another characters via poison in a drink; mechanical entities attack a character and administer poison through a cut, thus resulting in the character’s death; an insane character appears to have self-inflicted gouges in his face; two characters scuffle or fight with kicking, punching, yanking, and so forth; there is the report of a man being thrown off an airship; shots are fired at a character; a character hits another character with a wrench; another character falls from an airship; shots are exchanged between characters; dogs chase some characters; the report of death of two soldiers and the implied death of five others when they disappear into the jungle; the death of a character by crocodile; the death of a crocodile.

Mild religious profanities were noted five times.

Mature themes included the following:  self-image/self-esteem/self-identity; the implications of British imperialism; patriotic duties; manipulation of and exploitation of individuals for personal and patriotic reasons.

 Empire of Ruins is a Clean Read for Ages 14+.

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Wendy Lamb Books for a review