This was a quick read about respecting everyone’s differences. Although I would have loved to gain more development into the 3 characters, I enjoyed the sci-fi and magic aspects. At times, I felt that the pace of the book became inconsistent and dull at times.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rochelle Fergusonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRochelle Ferguson2020-12-31 09:15:572020-12-31 09:15:57Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Rochelle Ferguson
I really enjoyed this story. The author does a great job of making the characters engaging and believable. I thought at first it would be hard to follow 3 different characters and their stories but the author makes it very easy to keep up with each character. I love the sci-fi aspect of this story and also the magic around 2 of the characters.
The 3 characters in the book are a teenage boy who doesn’t believe in aliens, an alien who is sent to earth to help save her race, and a robot who’s job is to protect earth. Despite their differences they need to learn to respect each other and work together.
It’s a great story about people and their differences and how by respecting each other we can achieve great things
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2020-12-31 09:12:052020-12-31 09:12:05Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Kerry Carr
Wow! What can I say? Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter was such a ride of a novel and read. I was entrances from the first chapter and didn’t want to put this story down. There was so much character, and heart, sci-fi and suspense. This has quickly become a favorite read for me. I didn’t think I would like it as much when I first picked it up, but whew did Carpenter change my mind! Ags has to be my favorite character. She’s the most emotional, the one with the most character and heart, and she feels things so exuberantly and deeply, it was like reading through a child’s perspective almost. My only complaint is that there isn’t more! I desperately want a sequel to this novel!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2020-12-31 08:52:552020-12-31 08:52:55Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Rachel Moss
If you are looking for a dystopian story this is it! This book is well written and keeps you reading for more. It jumps right into the story where you get to read about Cam and all he goes through. With adjusting to his new life and all that means to finding love and suffering loss. This book is a great read and I highly recommend it! T. S. Simons really knows how to write!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2020-12-30 15:25:082020-12-30 15:25:08Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Carla Clemmons
This book is considered a Young Adult, Sci-fi genre. Becoming Human is my first book by Amy Michelle Carpenter. This story is a fast paced sci-fi story that grabbed my attention from page one until the last page. I did finish this in one sitting. I found myself turning the pages faster and faster until the end. The characters are fully developed and fun to read about in their story. One is a boy who does not believe in aliens, an alien who is all about humans, and to round off the crew there is a robot. The three of them make the story wonderful. There is a lot of action, sci-fi and magical all rolled into a great read. The three characters are coming into their age and Ms. Carpenter does an awesome job keeping the plotline moving. I highly recommend this story for a fun entertaining read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2020-12-29 18:46:562020-12-29 19:39:10Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Erica Fish
Wow where to start with this book. It was a gripping read from the first page. I couldn’t put it down. Especially in the current world reading this story gets you thinking about the situation we find ourselves in today. The book is aimed at young adults but it is a very enjoyable read for anyone. The author does an amazing job of building the characters and creating the scenes that you feel right in the middle of the story with them.
Cam is studying the last year of his science degree at uni. He is going along with life, wondering what he plans will be when he finishes. That is until his sister shows him an interview. Doesnt say what for but she encourages him to go. Little do they realise it will change Cam’s life forever.
There is a pandemic going through the world infecting the water supply and killing people in the thousands. Cam interview is to join a select number of people on a remote island, protected from this disease and away from everything in the hope that they can save the human race. Will Cam leave his family behind and join this group of people? Can they really be safe from this disease? Can they build a sustainable life in the middle of nowhere away from everything they know and love?
Along the way Cam meets his love interest Freja. When she goes missing Cam then faces the hard decision to find her. Can he find her and bring her back?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2020-12-29 09:01:092020-12-29 19:18:29Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Kerry Carr
This was a fantastic YA sci-fi read. As a person who’s been mainly a fantasy and historical fiction reader, I’ve been pushing myself to break into sci-fi this year. Becoming Human is exactly what I needed. Despite the outlandish settings, alien characters and impossible advanced technology, the story is a grounded exploration of the qualities of humanity. You get to explore the importance of individuality, diversity and fragility through the narrative of three teenagers from different worlds. I recommend Becoming Human to any young adult interested in sci-fi or any adult who is looking for a YA read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Wolbeckhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Wolbeck2020-12-29 01:05:372020-12-29 19:12:08Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a book that shows just how disastrous our lack of communication is. So many things that Carter should have said, so many things that Kokab should have been upfront about. To be fair though how could she have known, a life with no freewill. Ags certainly could have been more forthcoming but then she was ruled by her bias. Three different people that so rightfully portray our world in a small window. No communication, no freewill, a load of bias…quite a recipe for disaster. I enjoyed this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jonell Collinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJonell Collins2020-12-28 18:28:142020-12-28 21:24:36Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jonell Collins
I am a child of the sixties, a conservationist, and a true believer in sustainability. I loved Antipodes by T.S. Simons. I loved the story of love, loss and guilt, (normal life) built around a world of sustainability. Saving the human race, (and we don’t know the end of that story yet), is an added bonus. The characters are all interesting and well defined. I loved the descriptions of the world that was left. In our year of Covid Fear this makes for a very timely story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jonell Collinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJonell Collins2020-12-28 18:06:222020-12-28 21:23:37Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Jonell Collins
This was an interesting novel and I really found myself thinking real world problems even though this is very much sci-fi/fantasy. Becoming Human is my first experience with Amy Michelle Carpenter but will for sure be looking into her other published works in the near future.
In Becoming Human we get the unique story of three teenagers and their prospective worlds. Each world is working against the others and also have unique issues to each that enriches the story. I loved the way the characters and world building made me feel as if I could have been right there with them as the come of age and meet each of their adventures. I love that this is also a novel I can share with my teenage daughter and it will touch her just as much.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2020-12-28 17:55:332020-12-28 21:22:46Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Liz Vrchota
Campbell Mackintosh starts his day with a hangover, he had been out drinking with his friends to celebrate his birthday and now the sun is streaming in, he has a headache and a distinct reluctance to getting up, all he wants is some more sleep, but his mum is vacuuming right outside his bedroom door as punishment. She doesn’t want him to sleep, he probably woke her up when he thought he was being quiet, so instead of sleeping longer, he resigns himself to the fact that he has to get up and face the music. He reminisces about his mum’s wild scottish ways and how living in Australia for many years hadn’t dulled her fiery temper, staunch stubbornness or sense of adventure, she also hadn’t lost her wit, sense of humour or inability to help anyone or anything in need. As he slowly made his way from the bathroom to the kitchen, his extra chirpy interrogation started, so painkillers in hand, he managed to get himself some water, coffee and toast and faced his family. His sister was reading the weekend paper as usual and his dad was up at “The Block” a piece of land where they went to escape the world and be surrounded by nature, a place where they learned as children to live off the land and all the survival techniques they may need out there.
He reminisces some more about his parents, their lives, their knowledge which had been passed on to him, his life so far and what he wanted to do when he finished his degree, that is as well as considering the merits of another cup of coffee until he is interrupted by his sister who asks him if he has seen the news. She goes on to tell him about a virus which has started to infect and kill hundreds of people, plants, animals and aquatic life in europe, how it is transmitted through water and seems to be nothing which can stop it, it is spreading like wildfire and if it continues on its current path, then it will eventually reach the sea and nobody and nothing survive once infected. Cam’s mum decides at that moment to vacuum in the kitchen and until she is finished, he decides to make himself that second cup and also to make one for his sister at the same time, he hands it over to her as soon as his mum goes into the living room and he shuts the door behind her. His sister then asks him if he is going to apply and she tells him in no uncertain terms to check his email and see for himself, it turns out that everyone who is able to apply has already had the link sent to them so that they can fill in the online registration, the government is looking for people to go to a meeting in Melbourne and Cam fills the requirements, he fills out the forms and get’s a message to say he has been booked on a but at 08:30 monday morning, plenty of time for him to go there, come back and get to his afternoon classes.
When Cam gets to the facility, he is surrounded by hundreds of other confused applicants, in long queues to get onto the bus in the first place and as he sees the guarded facility and yet more people and more queues, he decides that he made the right decision going for the early slot, he sees that it looks like a military base and that everyone had a role to play, they are told to report for registration and yet again, join another queue, this one is to get to a computer screen and fill out pages and pages of information from medical history to education, religion and everything in between, next he hands in his phone and watch and he is told he will get them back when he leaves. To pass the time Cam watches the other people and tries not to get fried by the midday sun, his name is eventually called to go to the next stage which is in a room where he has to fill in a psychometric assessment and answer as many questions as he can in a set amount of hours. As he is told to finish, stand up and leave the room, he feels like he hasn’t answered enough questions, but that stops when he goes to wait in the next room until he hears his name being called, he is then ushered into another room in smaller groups and just left there. Eventually, they follow someone out sluggishly to a room where blood and cheek swabs are taken before being led into a dining hall and thankful for finally getting something to eat and drink, he strikes up his first conversation since he has been there. Cam is then led for more tests and finally into an amphitheatre where the reason for all the secrecy and the tests is revealed, the people in the room had all been chosen to take part in an experiment where they will be isolated on islands and covered with a dome before living on the islands for the foreseeable future in order to continue the human race. It turns out that they have been selected to live these sustainable and isolated lives while the rest of the world succumbs to the virus within the waterways, they now have the choice of whether to accept the invitation or not. When Cam returns home with this information, it turns out that he has been gone for three days and only has two to reach a decision, he discusses it with his family and decides to accept and this is where the adventure of a lifetime begins for him.
A couple of years have passed and the community he is now living in has succeeded in surviving and starting to grow, he has a steady job and on the anniversary of the founding of their community finds a partner in Freja, they have a loving relationship and a bright future, this is until Freja disappears and Cam is lost without her, until he follows her without realising it and discovers he has travelled to a new community on Lewis in Scotland and that way in which he got there is a portal and also that there are more of these Antipodes throughout the world, he makes the decision to leave the safety of the dome to find Freja after he discovers that she has done the same.
This is a dystopian adventure set in the present, but with a twist on the usual themes with the Antipodes, but what will Cam find when he sets off on his travels and will he be able to unravel the feelings he has to find out where his future lies?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2020-12-28 13:26:442020-12-28 13:26:44Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur
It is the last day of summer vacation and Cat Anderson is determined to enjoy every minute, she wakes up early and plans out her day in her head, go to the pool, use hair lightener, sunbathe, try a new snack, meet cute boys and swap phone numbers as well as the other things a fourteen year old girl can want. She creeps out of bed to the living room to get her phone from the living room to text her best friend and see if she is up and ready for the day yet, she is super excited and cannot wait any longer to ask her parents if she can go to the pool, the only snag in her plan. She goes to wake her parents up; and ask to go to the pool and she is not above begging this time, she really really wants to go, she eventually convinces them to do it, but with some conditions attached, to which she agrees and flies out of the room to get ready and throw some frozen waffles into the toaster and cover them in butter and syrup, but her mum is in the kitchen and just staring at the fridge, which is not normal, especially when she says she wants to bake something, Cat’s mum never bakes!
After she has eaten her waffles and her cousin Robyn has arrived in a burst of smiles and sunshine and announces that he mum has been baking all morning and that she has asked Robyn and cat to deliver them to the neighbours later on, all this talk of baking is making Cat’s mum on edge again, so she decides that this would be a good time for them to leave and head to the pool, but Robyn isn’t going to let it go and demands that they find out, as she is trying to figure it out, she remembers that it is more than strange that Cat’s mum is thinking about baking when she never even cooks anything, she only just manages to use her microwave and order takeout, but Cat is having none of it and eventually manages to change the subject to boys and distracts her.
When the girls get to the pool and realise that it is empty, they begin to regret their decision to go as early as possible, but they pick their spots and decide to do a bit of a sunbathing while they wait for their friends, this is after they have a race to the diving board, which Robyn wins as usual and to get down, Robyn dives and Cat cannonballs. When Cat surfaces, she is shocked to see that someone has arrived, Liam, they have a laugh and a joke about Cat’s dive, that is until she sees a gorgeous boy beside Robyn and she becomes speechless at the sight of him. Eventually she manages to get her words out to talk to him and finds out that if she doesn’t look at his eyes, she can actually talk to him, but that is easier said than done when all she wants to do is look at him. When Robyn and Liam go to get snacks, she is left with Tobey and continues their conversation, but agrees to go with him to join them shortly after, however, what Liam is eating puts her off food for a while, so she goes to top up her tan.
When Cat is woken up, she is embarrassed to know that she fell asleep, never mind that it was for a couple of hours, so after confirming that nobody had seen her snore or drool, agrees to go and join in the pool games with their friends for the next couple of hours. After she gets out, she sees someone eating a pretzel and sudden;y cannot get the idea out of her head that she has to try one of those bagels and after Tobey finds out where they are from, they go to get one from a newly opened bakery down the road from the pool, it is the most delicious thing she has ever eaten and unbeknownst to Cat, this pretzel is about to change her life.
When Cat gets home, she realises that the tv dinner she is eating is not appetising in the slightest and that she cannot eat it, so she asks to go to Robin’s house and the same thing happens the next morning at breakfast, her mum is also acting really strangely still. When she gets to school, she goes to her last class of the day and finds that there is no class, she goes to see the guidance counsellor and find out what happened, but has to wait until the next day to change it, her only choice now is to go to Culinary class, this is where things start to get strange.
Why has everything been turned upside down by that pretzel and why did what happened at school actually happen and what is going on with her mum? Cat has no idea what she has gotten herself into and what the consequences of this will be, but is it all tru, or is it all bake believe, the only way to figure out what happens is to read on and discover the secrets at the same time as Cat, with a few enticing recipes thrown in for good measure on the way.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2020-12-28 13:03:182020-12-28 13:03:18Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur
Cori Cooper is a new author for me and I really liked her story Bake Believe. This book is considered a Young Adult book but I think it can be for anyone. The plotline is simple but interesting. The characters are fully developed and have a personality to fall in love with them. This story is about Cat. She is a teen who wants the life of an average teen. That gets a little complicated when her schedule at school gets upside down and is taking a culinary class. She discovers baking. There is a little secret that her family is keeping from her. Will she learn about the secret? Can Cat cook? The best part of this story is that there are recipes in the story that sound yummy. I highly recommend this book for a fun short read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2020-12-28 13:01:322020-12-28 13:01:32Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Erica Fish
Isle of Wingsis thecompanionnovelto SilverglenbyE.A Burnett. It’s a great YA fantasy that’s full of magic, self-discovery, mystery, danger, good vs evil, action, adventure, sorceress, and more. Again, Ms. Burnett has proved to be a superb storyteller, created a beautiful and believable world in which she sets her captivating story, adding skilfully crafted characters who lead us on an enthralling journey of discovery and adventure. Roana wants to escape the pain of her past- with her sights set on the Isle of Wings- but she will discover that isn’t going to be quite so easy- she’s about to be tested far more than she ever has before. The stakes are high, and she has a lot to lose. Iniko proves to be a valuable companion, and an asset to her quest. But in the end there can be only one choice- and either way her life will never be the same. Fascinating!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2020-12-28 08:51:102020-12-28 08:51:10Isle of Wings by E.A. Burnett – Review by Angela Hayes
A Sci-fi story with three characters that are linked together to reach a common goal, even if they are different in many ways. The story is well written and keeps moving at a pace that makes you want to continue reading. I really enjoyed the fact that the teenage characters had to work together even with all their differences like we need to in real life. I also really liked that the story is written in the voices of the three teenage characters and it was easy to keep track of each character based on their speech or speaking patterns. This is the first book by this aunt that I have read. I’m looking forward to reading her books in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2020-12-28 06:10:262020-12-28 06:10:26Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Betsy Melano
Antipodes is the first book in the Antipodes series by T.S Simons. I really wasn’t sure of what to expect going into this book, as Ms. Simons is a new-to-me author, but the premise sounded quite intriguing, so I took the chance and dove in. This is a YA, post-apocalyptic, dystopian story; with some science fiction elements, drama, and tension- all wrapped around an underlaying commentary about pandemic/disease, society, culture, community, sustainability, inclusion, the environment, gender, and equality. There was quite a lot going on, and the synopsis held quite a lot of promise- and at times the story did shine- but unfortunately, for me, it fell a little short. I felt that the story was a little slow to get going and really seemed to lag/drag a lot throughout the book. I also had a lot of trouble connecting with the characters and because there was no connection, I couldn’t invest in them or the outcome of the story. This is the type of story that I would have expected to love, but Antipodes just missed the mark for me. But, I will revisit this book in a few weeks to re-read it just to see if I still feel the same way- or if maybe I was just having an ‘off’ reading day this time around.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2020-12-28 05:13:292020-12-28 05:13:29Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Angela Hayes
Bake Believe by Cori Cooperwas such a fun book to read. It certainly took me by surprise, in a great way. This is a clever and imaginative YA story- with wonderfully quirky and endearing characters, teenage angst, magic, recipes, romance, and more. I found the story to be charming and sweet- with just enough drama to keep things interesting. Cat Anderson appears to be your typical teenager- where clothes, appearances, friendship, and the latest crush are what’s most important. But her life will be turned upside down after a scheduling clash means she ends up in a cooking class, where she will make some life changing discoveries. Throw in some great recipes, a little magic, and a wonderful storyline- and this story becomes captivating. Well worth the read- and I am looking forward to exploring more of Ms. Cooper’s work asap.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2020-12-28 05:08:022020-12-28 05:08:02Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Angela Hayes
Becoming Humanis a fantastic YA sci-fi story by Amy Michelle Carpenter. I was hooked right from the moment I read the synopsis, immediately one-clicking and diving in. The story is so well written that I was engrossed the entire way through, and ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting. This appears to be Ms. Carpenters debut novel, and for that she really should be commended; as not only is this a wonderfully original story, with insightful messages, superb world building, and delightfully quirky and very likeable characters- it has the depth, complexity and polish I really wasn’t expecting from a debut novel. I don’t want to spoil the story, and all the wonderful details- by giving too much away. I really think the blurb does a much better job than I could, being just enticing enough, without spoiling anything. So, I won’t go into the story here, except to say that I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story- including sci-fi elements, coming of age, fantasy, adventure, and insightful messages. It would also translate to the screen beautifully and make a great movie or television series- and even the potential to make a wonderful game for PC, Xbox, PlayStation etc. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Carpenter does next! Fantastic!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2020-12-28 05:00:042020-12-28 05:00:04Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Angela Hayes
Amy Michelle Carpenter showcases her superb writing talents with this Emotional, funny and coming of age YA Sci-Fi. Her talents also shine with writing out of so many POV’s and still keeping each character separate with their own personality. The world building is out of this world (*wink, wink) The storyline is unique and something new. Not usually the kind of book I would read but I couldn’t put it down. Amy really did a superb job and I would definitely read more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenique Bornmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenique Bornman2020-12-28 04:59:132020-12-28 04:59:13Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jenique Bornman
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a YA Sci Fi story and is a short story. Amy is very vivid in her descriptions of the characters and the worlds that she creates making it easy to imagine. The story is told from three very different perspectives which gives it more depth and humour. With Aliens, Robots, teen angst quirky characters and strange worlds and beliefs it makes for an interesting read. There were several facets of the story that annoyed me but overall, the story flows well and YA’s will love it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2020-12-27 18:06:502020-12-27 21:39:04Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jenni Bishop
Antipodes by T.S. Simons is YA dystopian story that isn’t your typical dystopian story. The book is richly creative and well written. TS’s passion shines through as she focuses more on the people and if the mistakes of others will be repeated when it comes to survival. As this is the first book in the series TS takes her time setting the scene and focuses on the details. Being set in Australia makes it easier to imagine the world in which she has created.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2020-12-27 17:49:032020-12-27 21:38:14Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Jenni Bishop
Bake Believe by Cori Cooper is a sweet read. I am always on the lookout for a cute book for my niece to read and this fits the bill. Cat Anderson is your normal middle-schooler ready for her first day of school. When her schedule goes array what does a young lady do? I love the realistic depiction of Cat and her friends. Also, how the author focused on things that would be dramatic to this age group. I really enjoyed this sweet adventure that had me wanting to try the recipes mentioned. I look forward to passing this on to my niece for her reading enjoyment. I look forward to reading and discovering more from Cori Cooper in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2020-12-27 16:40:322020-12-27 21:07:44Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Sheri Schrader
This is a great young adult story but I think any age would enjoy it. The character of Cat is very entertaining and funny and strong willed. I enjoyed reading about her and how discovering something new changed her whole outlook on life.
It’s the last day of summer vacation and Cat had an awesome day planned involving the pool, topping up her tan and of course meeting cute boys. What she didn’t expect was to have her life turned upside down by a home cooked pretzel.
Cats diet at home is very bland and revolves around food that is frozen or microwaved. Her mother never bakes or cooks so Cat was amazed when she tried the pretzel and decided she couldn’t go back to eating bland food. But her mum won’t cook or bake. What is the reason behind that? Cats on a mission to find out.
Add to this a mix up with her school schedule that means Cat is taking Culinary class and her world opens up. Something amazing happens to Cat as she bakes which surprises everyone.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2020-12-27 12:57:352020-12-27 13:55:52Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Kerry Carr
I enjoyed this fantasy story. It is a story that is full of magic, fun characters and even some romance. This is a well developed story that has great details that make the story realistic. The characters are fun and entertaining. They bring the story to life and make the story easy to read. This is a story about Roana and her discovery of an egg that the sorceress has. What will happen when the sorceress realizes that the egg has been stolen and she wants it back. After Iniko meets Roana, he finds himself involved with her troubles. What will happen when the sorceress wants more than just her egg back? I enjoyed the characters in this story and what they brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2020-12-26 13:04:402020-12-26 13:04:40Isle of Wings by E.A. Burnett – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Bake Believe by Cori Cooper a cute and imaginative five-star read. I simply adored this story, it was so charming, sweet and funny, not what I have come to expect from a typical teenage story, it was so much better. But this is so much more than just a story, its also got some great recipes as well, so you feel like you are part of the magic of the story. Cat and her bestie/cousin Robyn will make you wish you had friends like them at their age. Review by @saraoxo
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sara Oxtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSara Oxton2020-12-26 08:24:192020-12-26 08:24:19Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Sara Oxton
This is my first book by Amy Michelle Carpenter. I normally don’t read too many books that involve aliens. That being said, this was an excellent book! I loved all of the characters. Carter is our human main character, he’s a sweet boy who is very helpful. Kokab is a foxian (alien) and wants to be perfect on her planet. She’s chosen to go to Earth and see if it’s a good place for her planet to come visit. Ags is from a different planet that produces guardians to keep other planets safe. Ags is the guardian of Earth and will do anything to protect it. It’s a great read and one I couldn’t put down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Meg Tyrrellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMeg Tyrrell2020-12-25 11:57:562020-12-25 21:57:30Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Meg Tyrrell
This book took me a few chapters to get into it was a slow start for me. There is a lot of escapism in this book which is needed in this time of reading. All the character are very unique. This story has a ton of depth and you can imagine yourself in this post apoplectic world.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2020-12-25 08:15:272020-12-25 21:56:39Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Piper Foster
This author is new to me and one that I look forward to reading more from. This particular work was a very interesting YA dystopian/apocalyptic work that was set in Australia. I appreciated the social awareness that immediately was present and felt that this story was very timely and relatable to our present day condition. I was invested into the storyline quickly and had difficulty putting it down before it was finished. I look forward to seeing how the author continues the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2020-12-23 23:05:262020-12-23 23:05:26Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Heather Lovelace
Antipodes is a young adult dystopian novel by T.S. Simmons that will interest teenagers concerned about building a sustainable and socially richer society. If you’re looking for a bit of an escape from our current world with the ongoing threat of COVID-19, this is not it. The apocalyptic event that drives the initial plot is based around a disease that threatens all life on Earth. But if our pandemic has got you speculating and wondering – what if the disease was spread differently? If you were in a position of power, how might you manage the threat? This book will engage and fuel your imagination! I was at times reminded of Lord of the Flies – this would make a particularly good read for young adults who’ve read Lord of the Flies and wondered about how the characters could have taken the opportunity to build a better society. I really liked the links to both Australia and Scotland – it’s so fun to get to travel to different places through the pages of the book! Personally I found the way that the Scots was written out a bit exaggerated and jarring but I think that would be more effective for Australian readers who would otherwise imagine characters’ voices in their own accent. This is an enjoyable, five-star book. It’s the first book in a series, with others to come (and a prequel already available) so it will give readers plenty to look forward to!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2020-12-23 14:56:512020-12-23 14:56:51Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a unique and intriguing story that captured my attention from the moment I started reading it. I loved the whole concept of the three characters and how they interlinked with each other. Told from the three different perspectives the book had a depth and complexity about it that, for me, made it more interesting to read. This is the first book that I have ready by this author and I was really drawn in to her writing style. She wove the chapters and the characters together in a brilliant way and really made me get in to the storyline. The way the different chapters were written felt like they were done with such ease that the whole thing felt natural. The story progressed well and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen. Each of the characters had a great role to play. They all interacted well with each other and yet were strong enough to stand on their own. They all had their flaws and yet were strong enough to make this story work. This is a fantastic book and one I have thoroughly enjoyed. If you enjoy this genre then I would highly recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2020-12-23 10:48:462020-12-23 10:48:46Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Kerry Baker
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