Review: Pepper is definitely not in Kansas anymore . . . if she ever was
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 2, 2014
Couple of editorial remarks before I get to the business of the review this book is perfect for teenagers. It gives them what they are looking for to include an assortment of fantasy characters, with interesting powers and quirks. What this book does not have is inappropriate language and situations. So think of this as a buy alert if your teen loves this kind of Fantasy YA story and you are concerned about the level of adult material in your teens book. Buy this series enough said on with the review.First this is an amazing fantasy that is dark in all the right spots, what I loved about this series is that you are able to follow Pepper the heroine from beginning to end. I hate it in a series when you just get to know the characters and the author writes another character to pick up the storyline rather than finish the storyline of the characters I’m interested in. In other words the reason I bought another installment of the book to begin with. Because I wanted to learn about characters I’m already vested in, so thanks author Randall L. Scott for that.Now it should be mentioned as well, that the illustrations in this book are awesome. Artist Eric Hammond really delivered for this author. It added rather than detracted from the read which is not always the case with illustrations in a book, above primary reading level. The art stays far away from comic/superhero stuff and actually could be sold framed as a print that is how good it is.The characters are developed to a fault, little nuisances that are subtle but come to define who the characters are. Clearly show the subtext of their behavior. I love to learn those detailed facts about the characters it really locks me into the storyline. Of course, great unstilted dialogue was a big help to the enjoyment of the overall reading experience. Bad dialogue is akin to fingernails on a chalkboard for me. I am extremely sensitive to trite, redundant dialogue. There is literally not one example of bad dialogue in this entire story which made the reading experience delightful.I very rarely give a plot blurb as I feel that is the authors job not mine I focus more on the story, characters and dialogue in my reviews. Besides with plotting this complex I am always afraid of getting an email from the author. Saying thanks for the review but you gave away my plot I think authors call them spoilers. So read the blurb and know that it is a thrill packed read that does not let go of you until the last page. Which if you are anything like me will just be the cue to go back to the book outlet of your choice. Because whatever installment you are on guess what? I’m happy to report there are three books to enjoy with this series waiting for me.I am giving this five stars cause that is the highest allowed after you read it I’m sure you’ll agree it’s actually a ten.