People of the Sun (The Eye of Ra, #3) by Ben Gartner

People of the Sun by Ben Gartner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to Crescent Vista Press, Independent Book Publisher’s Association (IBPA), and the author, Ben Gartner, for the advance reader copy, People of the Sun (The Eye of Ra, #3) by Ben Gartner in exchange for an honest review. This is my 3rd Ben Gartner book in the Eye of Ra series and I just keep wanting to read more and more of this exciting middle grade series involving science fiction, fantasy, adventure, and mystery using time travel to many different ancient cultures. But this book contains many surprises for both the reader and John and Sarah as they travel to 1519 CE, Mexico. In this book, they learn more about their past quests and how this present mission is crucial; they must restore the past to restore history. This will involve learning and seeing things about themselves, their clones, their parents, and the Eye of Ra! I could not stop turning the pages; this book contained just as much adventure but oh so much more suspense! Will John and Sarah be able to stop an Aztec woman, Toci, from changing history? Readers will be riveted to the adventures and mystery even more so as John and Sarah grapple with how to save the day and restore history. I loved the growth of John and Sarah and their shifting roles as they are exposed to danger and intrigue. I want more John and Sarah adventures! Highly recommended!

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Crossing the Line by Simone Elkeles

Crossing the Line by Simone Elkeles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book so much but HATED THE ENDING!!! Ryan and Dalila are such great characters- opposites in most ways- Ryan has a mother who has never been there for him and is now married to a bully sheriff who hates Ryan. Dalila lives in Mexico, has lots of money and friends and when she and Ryan meet sparks fly but also anger. Their eventual romance is swoon worthy. The drug cartels are fighting for power, is Dalila's father involved? Dalila is determined to find out the truth, but at what cost? I love Simone Elkeles books and this book does not hold back about the darker side of life in Mexico.

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The Border by Steve Schafer

The Border by Steve Schafer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire and Steve Schafer for providing an advance copy of The Border by Steve Schafer. Debut author, Steve Schafer, has written a heart wrenching book about Mexican teens forced to endure murder, secrets, betrayal, and danger after a celebratory family party results in the death of their families and all that they knew and loved in their lives. I could not put down this book as I followed Pato, Arbo, Marcos and Gladys through their intense journey from Mexico across the border and into the horrors of the desert. I loved the four characters: Pato who is vulnerable (but strong) to so many conflicting thoughts and feelings, Arbo (Pato’s best friend and cousin) can’t defend himself but helps in any way he can, Marco is a hothead who is not afraid to protect his sister, use a gun, and fight and finally Gladys, Marcos’ sister who is sweet, kind, and always tries to be positive keeping the group together with her wisdom. As these teens run from a Mexican gang and everyone else (they have bounties for their capture) the reader learns about their lives before the party and are catapulted into each hour and footstep after as they try to evade capture and flee to “safety” in the United States. These teens are tested time and time again in ways they never imagined. YA fans and reluctant readers hearts will palpitate as Pato and friends try to survive too much adversity and facing impossible choices. Readers will root for these Mexican teens through cliff hangers, chaos, and much suspense as they race against time toward a life that does not promise safety and security but that I hope, they can persevere. Please read the Author’s Note and Acknowledgments, they are very important and I liked that high school students read and gave feedback on this timely and real issue. Highly recommended!

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