Review of Privateer’s Apprentice by Susan Verrico

Set in Charles Towne, Carolina Territory in 1712, Privateer's Apprentice tells the story of thirteen-year old Jameson Cooper, son of a printer, who has been thrown in jail after the death of both of his parents. Sold to the town baker, Jameson is kidnapped by a brigand of privateers working for Queen Anne before he can even begin his indentured servitude. Adventures on the high seas follow, and Jameson must prove his worth to the men who eventually become his "family." In the end, it is up to Jameson to use his wits and education to save his captain from death.

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About Privateer’s Apprentice

Available as: NEW Hardcover $12.66 from Amazon.com 

                                                  Recommended Ages: 10 and Up

                                                            Hardcover: 224 pgs.

                             Published: September 1st 2012 by  Peachtree Publishers

                                  For This Review: *Paperback Copy Provided through Peachtree Publishers*

My Star Review

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While there are many adventure and Fantasy novels in libraries out right now, Privateer’s Apprentice, provides us with a story in the real world with no true Fantasy gimmicks. Verrico knows how to write in a heartfelt way and the storyline for Jameson an orphan becoming a Privateer’s Apprentice is full of awful danger and courage. The Captain is a character of mystery and his second-in-command in Solitaire Peep is just as illusionary. While the book itself is enjoyable in a nice pace it’s a story with a simple theme of growing up and looking to the future while always remembering and cherishing your past.

A wonderful cast of strange characters and adventure set in a historically fictitious world is what makes this book one to be embraced by anyone.

Overall: Amazing read!

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure

About the Author

Susan Verrico is a Writer and teacher

My To Five Anime: No.1: Ah! My Goddess!

Let me just start off by saying that Ah! My Goddess! is my favorite anime and favorite manga  to date. It has kept this rank since the first time I watched an episode back in 2006.
There are so many things I love about this series. I love the artwork, I the dialogue, the romance, the general story line, and, most of all, I LOVE the characters.
It's quite ironic, as the story is meant to focus on Kiechi and Belldandy, yet my favorite characters are Urd and Hild. I will find myself reading the manga or watching my favorite episodes just for a glimpse of these hilarious characters.
 Urd is Belldandy's older half sister, and is half Goddess and half Demon.  I don't want to give too much away, but lets just say that this is a constant source of interest in the series, and always causes problems. I always find that the Urd centric parts of the series are the best as well. ;P
Hild is Urd's mother and (Spoiler alert!) the ruler of demons. She's like... A more insane version of Urd. Whenever she's around, trouble is sure to follow, as well as hilarity.
The main characters (Belldandy and Keichi) are good too, I just don't find them nearly as good as their demonic counterparts.
 They also have the most irritating romance of any book, movie, manga or anime I've ever seen. It's so frustrating, that my friends and I have found ourselves yelling at the screen or throwing our manga across the room. Seriously. It's great though, because it really keeps you reading/watching, hoping to finally, finally, see them break out of their "kindergarten level romance" and into something more.
 The other main supporting characters are Skuld, Urd and Belldandy's kid sister, Megumi, Kiechi's younger sister and Mara, a demon who is constantly trying to get to the goddesses, and is also used as comic relief.
  What I love about this series, is that the supporting characters really make the story. Great main characters are good, I mean, just look at the success of Twilight! (take that how you will), but when a main hero/heroin can go to their sister/brother/friend and that character can truly make a contribution to the story, that's what I want to see.
 The way the novel progresses isn't like in a book where the entire series is leading up to one cataclysmic event. Instead there are a lot of little, "major" events that make up the story.
 There are two seasons of Ah! My Goddess and I still hold out hope that a third will be made. It's just that good.
 Seriously guys, go watch this! 

ARCs of Books that would love to GET my hands on

With another year already mid-way there are bound to be an array of releases in books this 2013. So decided to come up with a list of the books that as a reader highly anxiously awaiting. What I wouldn't give to get my hands on Advance Reader Copies of all the featured books below.

1. Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo

Just recently won a blog giveaway prize toward Siege and Storm thanks to Elizabeth @ Asteria's Blog. Check out her blog those of you passionate about books. Overall so excited to read come June 7th.

Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by Henry Holt and Co.

2. The Girl with The Iron Touch by Kady Cross

The cover is amazing! More importantly there will be the return of more Jack Dandy. And more of the greatness of Griffin and Finley.

Expected publication: May 28th 2013 by Harlequin TEEN

Buy from The Book Depository

$13.49

3. The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

When I read The Assassin's Curse I was one of the readers to become taken in by the Cassandra Rose Clarke wave. Here there was some delightful adventurous Fantasy. 

Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by Strange Chemistry

Buy from The Book Depository
$7.49

4. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas happens to be one of my favorite authors that was luckily enough to stumble on. Throne of Glass drew me in while viewing Netgalley one day and when it released proceeded to get it and pat myself on the back for finding an incredible book.

Expected publication: August 27th 2013 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Buy from The Book Depository
$13.49

5. Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes

Lucia and Magnus are the characters that really want to see more of and hope can be together. Yet things seem gloomy from what's in store in Rebel Spring with Magnus's father planning bad, bad things.

Expected publication: December 3rd 2013 by Razorbill

6. Strikeforce (Skyship Academy #3) by Nick James

Expected publication: October 8th 2013 by Flux

7. The Glass Republic (The Skyscrapers Throne #2) by Tom Pollock 

Expected publication: August 1st 2013 by Jo Fletcher Books

8. Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles #2) by Kresley Cole

Expected publication: October 1st 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Book cover hasn't been released yet!

These books need to get here already. Seriously feel restless for reading these books.

Awaiting Hope's Reign by Selina Fenech...meanwhile Video

Hope's Reign (Memory's Wake #2) by Selena Fenech really is a book that is taking time to be released. Since read Memory's Wake book can't help to strain at reading the second book. Meanwhile if anyone has been waiting for Hope's Reign as well here is a video done by Selena Fenech herself about the origins of her book. 

Hope's Reign (Memory's Wake Trilogy #2)by Selina Fenech

It was easy making strong friendships while stuck together running for their lives, but will Memory be able to stay friends with Eloryn, Roen and Will when trying to fit into courtly life? She tries to be true to herself, both new and old, but she struggles as she is haunted by her old self, quite literally.

The release date is yet to be determined but spoke to Selena through e-mail and she mentioned it could be taking until toward the ends of 2013. She had other projects that  set her back on releasing Hope's Reign earlier in 2013.

Blood +: Part Two (2009) Price Drop on Amazon.com!

Finally Amazon.com has regulated the price to an acceptable price. It used to be $80.99 or about.
Let's hope that Amazon.com keeps up with having reasonable prices on anime. The only downside is that Blood +: Part One is still $199.99 and $97.99. With these prices not regulated by Amazon.com yet sales may not increase or happen.

Amazon.com- $49.99 + Free Shipping 

Anime and Manga Fan discovery of All Otaku e-Magazine

If your a fanatic anime and manga fan your going to want to know about the latest in anime and manga.  Magazines are a great way to go but as any anime and manga fan knows just trying to keep up out anime and manga always lifestyle can be expensive! There is one magazine that doesn't cost you and has fascinating writing too.

While wondering the internet this past March came across a magazine online named All Otaku centered around South Africa. I for one didn't know anime even existed in Soth Africa! Well it does and the same conclusion I came to is the very reason for All Otaku. A need to spread the passion and pursue of anime/manga fandom there for more awareness. Even if your American or live in another country this is a helpful but more importantly ground-breaking magazine. An e-mag like this could sure be a treat for anime/manga fans!

All Otaku is available to download in PDF or Text viewable on your computer or electronic device.

All Otaku's e-mag Issues View: http://allotaku2.wix.com/aom2#!magazine/c60z
Get the issues at Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/doc/127934334/All-Otaku-Issue-5


All Otaku (reviews of anime, anime director research, video game reviews, and beautiful cosplay images) has a brilliant template going here and hope they continue with their issues. Joannah Stewart the prime editor in particularl has an intimate and welcoming voice that definitely knows how to express to mag readers what is out there in entertainment.

All Otaku's Website: http://allotaku2.wix.com/aom2