Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Ryann Watters Double Book Give-Away

When my daughter asks me to make up a special story to tell her before bedtime, my tale usually involves a princess of noble character and a silly prince. I weave in some mild mayhem, a moral, and end on a happy note about five minutes later.

When Eric Reinhold's children asked him for original bedtime stories, he created multidimensional characters, an alternate universe, and a magnificent adventure based on the armor of God. Oh, and a few years later...he turned those stories into a book series geared toward youth and landed a publishing contract for said books all while running his own company and remaining a devoted family man. Impressed? Me too.

The story behind the story is one of the things I love best about Reinhold's Ryann Watters series. Here are a few more things I love about Ryann Watters and the King's Sword (part one of the trilogy) and Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith (part two).

  • It's geared toward kids 8-13 but lends itself to an enjoyable reading experience for adults.
  • The non-fantasy segments take place in the real town of Mount Dora, FL.
  • The stories come with a moral compass and promote spiritual growth.
  • Scripture references are used appropriately throughout the books.
  • The four main characters are every day kids who encounter real obstacles and struggle to make the best decisions.
  • Family values are accentuated as Ryann Watter's parents play a role in the story.
  • The fantasy world of Aeliana and its mythical inhabitants are created with beautiful and vivid finess.
New blog rules regarding reviews require me to mention a few items I did not love about the books (Forgive me, Eric).

  • I was disappointed that Drake, the bully in Ryann Watters and the King's Sword, was written as though he was a lost cause because of his horrible home life. I think there are some beautiful redemption tales that could be told based on Drake. Hmmm...perhaps a sequel?
  • At first I was turned off by the fact that Carwyn, the heroic unicorn in Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith, closely resembled Aslyn from the C.S. Lewis masterpiece The Chronicals of Narnia. However, that fact no longer annoyed me when I gave the matter more thought. Both Aslyn and Carwyn are based on Jesus, so it would make sense that their story arcs are similar.
Obviously, my lists of likes greatly outnumbers my grievances. I would recommend this series to parents and children. It's gripping, imaginative, and filled with lessons that will help kids better handle issues like bullying, peer pressure, self discipline, and self esteem.

Now, for the fun part. I have an auographed copy of book one and book two in the Ryann Watters series that I will give to one lucky reader who leaves a comment on this post.

If you don't win...don't worry. You can purchase both books online for $20. This special sale ends on Friday, January 15th. Visit www.shop.ryannwatters.com for more details. (Sorry for not linking directly...I'm having some Blogger issues) Even if you do not have children, these books would make a fantastic gift to your local library.




30 comments:

Megan said...

Morgan is my bookworm and would love these :)

The Hodges said...

These books sound wonderful! I have a voracious reader who could glean a lot from Ryann, I'm sure. We also love books-in-series because the story can go on and on = a reader's dream. :-)

ScrapHappyMom said...

Both of my boys are in that age range and love to read, just like me. I thank God for that! If only I had more time to read...

Amanda said...

Colton cant read yet, but hopefully soon! :)

Angela Nazworth said...

My daughter cannot read these books on her own yet as she is just a very beginning reader...however, I have started reading her chapter books (Little House, Black Beauty, etc) and these are on that list. :-)

brian said...

Always interested in books for my almost 7 year old Boo and Princess Claire Bear almost 4. Boo is reading up a storm and finds books amazing. Blessings to you, Karie Calhoun

brian said...

My almost 7 year old "Boo" and almost 4 year old "Mad" would love a new set of books. Especially Boo, he is reading up a storm. We love it. Blessings, Karie Calhoun & Family

Catherine Glaze said...

these books sound really good. i would love to read these.

aka Dragonfly Photography said...

Sounds perfect for my nephew!

Eric Reinhold said...

Thanks for the review Angela... you have an awesome blog. Your followers can follow my blog for occasional give-a-ways and good deals. I am in talks Monday with a group on the movie script for my book! REMINDER: There is a free Journal Download on my website www.ryannwatters.com for parents and teachers that has 4-5 questions per chapter to utilize with kids. Blessings, Eric

Kat Heckenbach said...

My son would love these! Please enter me in the contest!

Ladywillowgrey Ancalimon said...

These books are so good! I really love them! Thank you for entering me in your giveaway.

Auberne` Acalimon @-`---

Unknown said...

I got my son these books for Christmas. They are wonderful! If I win, they will make great gifts!

Karen Hossink said...

I have a very hard time getting Joshua (12 -today!) to read anything. These books sound great for him. Please, please enter me in the drawing!

He & Me + 3 said...

The girls love for me to read to them at night this would be perfect...they are 8 & 10. Woo hoo. Pick me.

Ted said...

Both Kaitlyn and Brennan would love these books. They would probably fight over who gets them first. They both love reading so much.

Genny said...

We love books! Sounds great, Angela. :)

Amy said...

My daughter is right in this age range and she loves to read. This would be a great addition to our home library.

Shawna Lee said...

Katie is loving books that have a bit of fantasy in them, and I love that there are awesome Christian writers that are feeding her appetite. Pick me, pick me. Ummmm, pick Katie, pick Katie ;)

Unknown said...

We're always looking for good books to add to our collection. These sound great!

Ronel said...

Sounds like and awesome book and one my son & I could enjoy reading together!!

Prescott said...

I have the first signed, but I do not own the second. I still could give the first away to someone else, but it might not be fair for me to enter.

Lisa Smith said...

would love to get my daughters reading a great Christian series =)

Nathan R. Petrie said...

I LOVE these books. I'd love to have some to give as gifts. Please enter me! Servantoftheone@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

It's difficult to find books like this for boys my son's age (he'll be 9 in a week). Even if I don't win, I'm going to look into these books. Thanks for letting us know about them!

Author Scott Appleton said...

I am also a Christian fantasy author and, not that long ago, gave away copies of Eric's books on my blog.

I'll take this as my opportunity to win them for my future children!

Theodora the half angel said...

Almost didn't make it >.<
Can't wait to see who wins :D

Emily said...

Hope I'm not too late....these books sound like something my 10yo daughter would enjoy. Thank you, and God bless you!

Precentor said...

I cannae wait to find out who wins!
(this is my comment lol)

Prescott said...

Post up about this giveaway at my blog: http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/2010/01/eric-reinhold-giveaway.html

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