Monday, February 14, 2011

Marvelous Middle Grade Valentine's Review + Giveaway


It's Valentine's Day, so I am dedicating this Marvelous Middle Grade Monday review to my favorite author crush, James Dashner. Oh, how I love his books--all of them. 
Every. Single. One. 
This post is for you, James!!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
 
Shannon Whitney Messenger decided it was time to give middle grade stories the attention they deserve, and "Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays" was born. I couldn't resist being a part of such brilliance.

The Jimmy Fincher Saga 
by the oh-so-wonderful
James Dashner
*fan-girl squee*

 


Goodreads Blurb: (book #1, A Door in the Woods)
What begins as a summer-day climb up his favorite tree quickly takes an ugly turn for poor Jimmy Fincher, as he witnesses something that turns his perception of reality upside-down. When the perpetrator of the act notices Jimmy in the tree, the ensuing adventures explode into a torrent of suspense and excitement. 
The next month of Fincher's life includes an ancient legend come to life, a conspiracy of madmen decades old, strange portals to other worlds, villains named everything from Raspy to Shadow Ka—and behind it all is the old wooden door in the forest by Jimmy's home. There, something wondrous awaits.

Knowing how I feel about *sigh* James Dashner, this review probably comes as no surprise to most of you. The simple fact that this series was written by my beloved James should be enough, but for those of you a bit more finicky about the reasons for reading or recommending a book, I'll expand.

One thing I love about this series (and The Thirteenth Reality series) is the family dynamics. In fact, one of my very favorite things about The Thirteenth Reality books is the relationship Tick has with his dad. It's wonderful to read an MG series with a close and loving family. 

Also, the Jimmy Fincher series includes all the things MG kids (especially boys, but not only) will love: tween humor, adventure, magic, other worlds, creatures... 

I've read several less-than-glowing reviews *bares fangs and growls* on Goodreads, but they are wrong about this book's appeal for young readers (not to mention evil for being mean to my James).

Trust me when I tell you that young readers of fantasy will LOVE this series. It's not Maze or Scorch. It's not meant to be. The voice and style are so different that fans of Maze would never know it was the same author.

So . . . what are you waiting for? Hop over to your favorite bookstore and spoil yourself your kids with the whole series!  Then you can LOVE James Dashner like I do even more than you do now.

AND . . . to sweeten the deal and further convince you that all things James = wonderful, I am giving away a copy of A Door in the Woods to one lucky follower. Just leave a comment on this post before Friday

Happy Valentine's Day!
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40 comments:

  1. Jennifer ShirkFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    Oh, that's good to know. I was just looking for some new books for my young one. :)

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  2. S.A. LarsenッFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:47 AM

    What a great book selection!! Thanks, Shannon.

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  3. UnknownFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:57 AM

    What a perfect selection today!! This is fantastic to wake up to this morning!!

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  4. KulsumaFebruary 14, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    I would love to read this. Please count me in if it's international:)
    k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk

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  5. Ishta MercurioFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Shannon, you always have the best recommendations for boys. Thanks for another great one - and the giveaway!

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  6. storyqueenFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    I knew about the Maze Runner books and the 13th Reality, but I didn't know about these books!

    I would love to read them. Putting them on the list now!

    Shelley

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  7. Tamara NarayanFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Wow, this sounds good. I haven't read much middle grade material since I was that age myself. Since my six-year-old already acts like a teenager, I should start scoping out the material now.

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  8. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Whoa...thank you! Hope I win, win. But, either way will be sure to get this whole series for my book club kids!!

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  9. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    Whoa...thank you! Hope I win, win. But, either way will be sure to get this whole series for my book club kids!!

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  10. MeredithFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    These books sound like so much fun! I haven't read anything by James Dashner yet, but I'm going to now!

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  11. Tales of WhimsyFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    They sound great!
    Awesome post :D

    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  12. ShariFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    We actually have the series and my kids really enjoyed reading them.

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  13. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    These sound interesting. Will have to add them to my TBR book list. Thanks for sharing about them.

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  14. Jennie EnglundFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    Happy Valentine's Day, Shannon!

    You have lotsa love!

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  15. lotusgirlFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    I've enjoyed his new series. I guess I'll have to check that old one out. Thanks for the heads up.

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  16. Old KittyFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    I love, love, love your pink hair!!! Yay!!!!!

    And Yay for baring fangs and growling!!! That's the best review and recommendation for these books!! :-)

    Happy Valentine's! Take care
    x

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  17. Robyn CampbellFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    *leaving comment* *hoping to win* ;)

    You rock, bff. You always know some great boy books. I love you amigo. ;)

    I truly loves me some James Dashner.

    Happy V Day.

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  18. Susan R. MillsFebruary 14, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    I'm with Robyn... you always have great "boy" book suggestions.

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  19. Susanna Leonard HillFebruary 14, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Hi Shannon - I'm on the wrong post for this, but I just found your blog on the Writers Platform Building Crusade. I'm so happy to have found a fellow picture book writer! There don't seem to be too many on the list. Your blog looks terrific and I am now following. I hope you might have a chance to pop over and check out mine. Nice to "meet" you! Susanna

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  20. Angela AckermanFebruary 14, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    *gasp* I have not read these! Thanks so much for the recommendation!

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  21. MelissaFebruary 14, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    So cool! I need to check this series out! It looks great.

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  22. Megan K. BickelFebruary 14, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Hey fellow Crusader! Glad to meet you! I look forward to reading your blog! : )

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  23. Kimberly FranklinFebruary 14, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    All I have to say is.... I love your pink hair picture!

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  24. Myrna FosterFebruary 14, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    I haven't read these, Shannon. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  25. Tony BensonFebruary 14, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Hello fellow crusader. I just dropped by to introduce myself and say I'm looking forward to getting to know you and the other crusaders.

    Thanks for the book recommendations - they look interesting.

    Happy Valentine's day

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  26. Margo BensonFebruary 14, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    You have me drawn in on these! I have some young folk to buy for....only I'll HAVE to check them out first LOL! Thank you.

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  27. DianeFebruary 14, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    Don't come after me now, but I have not heard of this author.... hanging head in shame.... can we still be friends????

    Sounds like a new one to explore! :O)

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  28. Kelly PolarkFebruary 14, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    I'm so embarrassed to say that I"ve never read James Dashner. And I've heard other RAVE about his books. So I need to win this so I can read it! :) And if I don't win, I still will read it!

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  29. Jemi FraserFebruary 14, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    Strangely I've never read this series - definitely gotta fix that!

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  30. TerryLynnJohnsonFebruary 14, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    I certainly loved the Maze Runner and sequel. I have the 13th Reality, but haven't read it yet. Just moved up my list! Thanks.
    Love the pink do btw!

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  31. LlehnFebruary 14, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    I'd love to play please.

    lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  32. Stephanie ThorntonFebruary 14, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    I really enjoyed The Maze, and you know I'm always on the look-out for new books!

    Happy V-Day!

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  33. Alexia561February 14, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    Oh, more James Dashner books to love! Squeee!

    Happy Valentine's Day! Love what you've done with your hair! ;)

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  34. HeatherFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    How could I not have heard of this series?! You're so good at introducing me to new things! Thank you. BTW, I love the pink hair in your profile pic. That's a good look for you. ;)

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  35. xlacrimaxFebruary 15, 2011 at 3:37 AM

    I have never heard of this author before, thanks for letting me know about the books!
    xlacrimax[at]gmail.com

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  36. Mary AalgaardFebruary 15, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    I gave "Maze Runner" to my middle son for Christmas. It's still sitting on the coffee table. I think he's afraid to read it because Mom picked it out. Maybe I'll read it first. That should solidify his reluctance.

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  37. CandiceFebruary 15, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    I love James Dashner too, but I've never read the Jimmy Fincher series. I guess I should!

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  38. Tamika:February 15, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    I have a great appreciation for middle grade fiction- it was around this age that reading became the platform for my dreams of publication.

    This sounds like a dynamic series:)

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  39. Susan Kaye QuinnFebruary 15, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    How did I not know he wrote these?? Thanks for the heads up. :)

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  40. Theresa MilsteinFebruary 15, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    I just finished The Maze Runner a couple of weeks ago. It took me a little to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked.

    It's impressive when authors can create completely different voices for various books.

    Enter me to win! I'm officially a fan of Dashner!

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