Thursday, March 28, 2013

Review Deception Peak Tonja, Greene

 
by 
Nophoto-f-50x66
's review 
Sep 11, 12

5 of 5 stars

Wonderfully written with beautiful scenes. The magical world the main character is pulled into, doesn't remain on the paper. The characters are realistic, and the adventures exciting. The writing style is more traditional, which allows for a very smooth reading.

I really enjoyed it and can't wait to see Ian's further adventures.

 
by 
12050810
's review 
Sep 16, 12

5 of 5 stars
Read on September 16, 2012

I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.

I was gripped right from the start as Ian and his father Alex, dabble in realm travel. I loved following Ian's journey and his eventual re-uniting with his father. I cannot wait to see what adventure's Ian finds himself in next.

 
by 
Nophoto-m-50x66
's review 
Sep 29, 12

4 of 5 stars
Read in September, 2012

This is a fantasy story, which is a genre that I enjoy reading. I was kept very interested in the story and enjoyed the twist and turns and imagination of the story.
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Review Deception Peak Timmain, Yiota

 
by 
5435347
's review
Oct 06, 12

4 of 5 stars
Read from October 01 to 05, 2012

I won this book through First Reads, so first a thank you to the author for the opportunity to read her work. Deception Peak is a fantasy adventure story that introduces us to Ian Wilson and the alternate realm that he and his father discover within their computer game. The plot takes us through their discovery of the Realm, their initial explorations and ultimately to the mountain itself, Deception Peak. It is here that their paths split and Ian is forced to deal with his capture by the peoples who live at the base of the mountain and who worship the evil dragon that resides there. Ian's own character goes through a myriad of changes and as a reader we get to see him grow emotionally.
I was a little irritated by the protagonist at first. He was very whiny and seemed a little too reluctant towards being in this wonderful new world for a boy that seemed to enjoy the outdoors so much. In retrospect, most of his outbursts were forgotten as he did step up and become more of a hero in the story. Only minor editing errors were found and nothing that made the story skip.
Overall I did enjoy this beginning to what is to be a trilogy of adventures in Ian's Realm. I would recommend this book to middle-grade readers and up.

 
by 
4650767
's review
Oct 22, 12

4 of 5 stars
Read from October 10 to 17, 2012

3.5 stars

I think it was fate reading this book. I saw it twice around, and then it was available for tour, it was like screaming "read me!". I'm so happy i did!

You know you are about to read a good book, when the first words you are "The dragon"...okay kidding. Still, the books starts in an entirely exciting and mysterious dream and you know you won't put the book down if you don't finish it. It's a story every gamer would love. Who doesn't want to get into a game right? And that is a big reason, it's so easily to connect with the story. Personally, i imagined myself doing that some times so actually reading about it, felt real and got me "woo woo". Action, magic, adventure, a dragon are the main elements of the book and with Gardner's simple but captivating writing all comes to life.

If i had a problem that would be my connection with the character. All of them are likeable and interesting to follow for different reasons but you only get to really know Ian. Of course he is the hero of the story, and i kind his POV. He is clever, brave but sometimes he shock and mouth gets the best of him. Still, there are characters like his father Alex that i would love to read more about them and connect more with them too. Because no matter what, it seems like everyone has a part to play.

In the end it was a book i quite enjoyed. Gone in one read, and not only because it was a little small.
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Review Deception Peak Raymer

 
by 
5321138
's review 
Feb 17, 13

4 of 5 stars
Read in February, 2013

Ever wonder what you would do if you could visit another Realm with just a click? What you think and what happens to Alex and Ian Wilson are undoubtedly two different scenarios.

Widower Alex Wilson is left to raise his brilliant son, Ian, alone. Concentrating on their work, Alex and Ian live in a world pretty much all their own. A world which is a mixture of medieval and digital, and the two collide while father and son are working on a new program. A program which enables them to visit another realm entirely. In this new place, they find danger, betrayal, friendship, and adventure.

Deception Peak was a delight to read. It was quite wonderful to see role reversals in Alex and Ian, where Alex is the adventure-hungry one and Ian is the ever-cautious one. However, their adventures in the new Realm are far from fun. Separated on the cliffs of Deception Peak, Ian must endure the cruel Meneks in hopes of finding a way to escape them and find his father. Will he be able to do it? Will the skills his father taught him be enough?

Filled with pristine imagery, believable characters, and frustrating interactions, it is not hard to follow this tale of heart-break and reunion. As mentioned before, I like the role reversal where the father is more adventure-prone and the son is more cautious, however his trepidation is understood given that he has already lost one parent. His following reactions to viewed intrusions on his relationship with his father are both understandable but annoying, which says that the portrayal was well done. And with everything that Ian endures, this reader will admit to tearing up a bit at the end when events unfold.

This first of a trilogy is truly recommended!
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Review Deception Peak Leslie and Elizabeth

 
by 
6490483
's review 
Sep 12, 12

5 of 5 stars

Violence/Romance: Both are present, but nothing is that graphic. Various characters have relationships with the opposite gender, some more intense than others--but nothing gets out of hand. There is a dragon which shoots fireballs. Characters get injured, occasionally severely. They also get knocked out on a few occasions. The dragon creates visions to lead people astray, and those scenes can be a little spooky (at least to me).

Spirituality: Ian stays with a group of people called the Meneks for a while, who worship the dragon and call it their master. If the dragon sets their town on fire, they determine whom it is mad at and in turn either keeps a close eye on them or banishes them. They need to fight to keep it content with them. Whereas, the Kaemperns (people rejected by the Meneks) believe in a god that typically takes the physical form of wind, and they also pray. There are prophesies in the book, as well as a voice that randomly appears and sings songs.

What I liked: I love how, in this book, the main relationship is that of Ian and his father. So often, positive, real, and admiral parent-child relationships are forgotten in books. Sure, they both have their issues, but they love each other despite them. There is forgiveness, and people try to regain trust. Serious efforts are made to maintain relationships, and characters are consistently persevering towards their goals. There is also a lot of inner meaning.

What I didn't like: ? 
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Review Deception Peak Roads, Lake, Berry, Hardie

 
by 
9992120
's review
Jan 26, 13

5 of 5 stars
bookshelves: to-read
Recommended to Jenna by:http://dragontargeseries.blogspot.com/
Read in January, 2013

Awesome Book! I loved the coming of age story of Ian. He travels through time in a port hole on his computer and you are whisked away into the magical world that transcends all space and time. A wonderful story about the development of courage and the real true meaning of friendship.
The visions the author paints for you, make you feel as if you can taste, smell, and feel every sight, sound and emotion. The pictures throughout the book were an unexpected breath of fresh air. A must read for young and old alike.

 
by 
10562288
's review
Jan 13, 13

5 of 5 stars
Read in January, 2013

Read this book in one seating. Couldn't put the book down once I started reading this. WOW! Dianne Gardner uses exceptional craft in the writing of this book. She has woven many stories into this one with such wisdom. Can't wait for the next one.

 
by 
14005909
's review
Dec 28, 12

4 of 5 stars
Read in December, 2012

Today I finished reading Deception Peak, by Dianne Gardner. A very engaging story about a father and his son who enter a fantasy world through a computer-generated portal. The detail with which the world was painted, and the depth of the characters, drew me right into the story. For me, the book served as a great beginning to what should be an exciting series.

Richard Hardie
Sep 08, 2012Richard Hardie rated it 5 of 5 stars
progress:  
  (page 70 of 228)
"Although I've nowhere near finished Deception Point I want to post this initial review and my feelings for the book so far.
Dianne Gardner is fantastic! Her herom Ian Wilson is ME, and that's a very rare ability in an author. I love the book and the dragon worshipping plotline. I love Ian's need to to become a man and the way Dianne has built a world that's both believable and great to be part of. She's brilliant," —
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Review Deception Peak Main, Carol, Laurie, Lyneen, Alumbaugh

 
by 
12575435
's review
Sep 18, 12

5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing book, the way I felt like I was being moved in and out of different worlds or realms was awesome, had me not wanting to put the book down. So much discription and I felt like I was right there with them in this adventure..Can't wait for another one....Awesome JOB....

 
by 
9319695
's review
Sep 21, 12

5 of 5 stars
Read in September, 2012

It's a wonderful story about how good and evil are lived out in our lives. Evil can capture us without our knowledge or consent and we can defend it's lifestyle, thinking we are good people.

 
by 
11559521
's review
Nov 23, 12

5 of 5 stars
Read in November, 2012

This is a fantasy story, which is a genre that I enjoy reading. I was kept very interested in the story and enjoyed the twist and turns and imagination of the story.

 
by 
829881
's review
Nov 20, 12

5 of 5 stars
Read in October, 2012

Couldn't put it down... loved the characters. If I had young adults I would definitely get this book for them to read... this may be the next Harry Potter!!!

 
by 
11837256
's review 
Sep 23, 12

5 of 5 stars
Read on September 23, 2012

I was gifted a copy of this book by fbe author. Ian had no idea returning home from school that his computer would turn into a portal. This is a great read about a journey a father and son take together. Great quick read!
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Review Deception Peak Workaday Reads

 
by 
4695627
Sarah (Workaday Reads)'s review 
Nov 03, 12

3 of 5 stars
bookshelves: read-in-2012
Read from October 08 to 13, 2012

This was an exciting and fun adventure story aimed at a younger YA male audience. It was enjoyable as an adult female reader, but I can see how it is aimed for a different audience.

Ian is a relatable character. His attitude toward school and girls seemed realistic, and while the adventures he has are unusual, his reactions and emotions are not. They felt reasonable and realistic.

I was a bit disappointed in Alex, Ian’s father. He seemed so out to lunch when it came to anything related to reality. It was hard to like or respect him as a character because he was so distant and one dimensional.

The world is very well developed in both history and geography. The descriptions flow smoothly and give an easy to imagine picture of the settings. The history between the Meneks and the Kamperns was complex, yet relatively easy to understand. I felt a bit lost in a few places, but overall it was nicely explained.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. It is definitely the start of a series, but was a complete story that served as a great introduction to the characters, setting, and overall series plot. I would recommend this to younger YA boy readers.
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Review Deception Peak Babs and Kelley Lynn

 
by 
1970552
's review
Sep 18, 12

4 of 5 stars
bookshelves: fantasy, young-adult
Read in September, 2012

The author does a wonderful job of taking you to a world you do not want to leave. You can sense everything Ian does from smell to seeing. While trying to save his dad from the fantasy world Ian gets help from the villagers in doing so he over comes his fears to face a dragon. He also learns he is worth something as a son and as a friend.

A wonderful read for anyone one. My son wants to read this book. The illustrations are wonderful and the story takes you in. The message is helpful for kids who have a low self esteem. A wonderful read.


 
by 
6888246
's review 
Dec 17, 12

4 of 5 stars
Read in December, 2012

Deception Peak by Dianne Lynn Gardner was a great, quick read. I actually won it in a contest, received it a few days later and finished it the day I got it. The characters, especially Ian, are very relatable, especially through their flaws.

I am amazed at the talent of Dianne, not only with the writing but with the artwork of hers that is sprinkled throughout this book. It's seriously breathtaking. I wish those pictures were in color.

Overall a very nice read. I look forward to the rest of the series.
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Review Deception Peak Cindy Lyle

 
by 
10030367
's review
Feb 27, 13

4 of 5 stars
Read from February 20 to 21, 2013

This novel was part of a monthly read in my group on Goodreads. A free copy was provided for my review.

This was a fun read. Deception Peak wasn’t your typical fantasy being that it had elements of science fiction involved. It is geared toward young adults, mostly male, but I think fantasy fans at any age would enjoy this.

The story starts out introducing us to Ian who is a typical teenage boy is living with his father Alex. Ian’s mother is deceased leaving Alex to raise his son on his own, which causes a lot of emotional issues for Ian. He has no self-confidence, and his sense of security is very lacking. Ian returns home from school one day to discover that the computer program he and his father had been working on had somehow magically come to life. Against his wishes Alex, Ian’s father convinces Ian that they should travel to this new world and explore. Eventually Ian agrees only because he doesn’t want to be left behind and with the use of a magical blue circle, and a remote, Ian and his father enter the computer and are transported to a whole new world. Things are fine at first and the pair make a few trips in and out of this strange realm, but that tragically changes. Father and son travel deeper into the realm than they have ever been and discover there are far worse things to be afraid of then wolves and bears. It is not until Alex disappears in the mountains that Ian finally makes contact with the inhabitants of the Realm. Now alone it is up to him to find his missing father and learn to survive with his new companions. It becomes the toughest trial of his life and the beginning of an adventure to find his dad and their way home.

I liked the characters in this book, all except Alex. I thought his lack of judgement and just all out cluelessness when it came to his son was very frustrating. He continually put Ian in harm’s way and didn’t seem to care much about Ian opinions. Ian on the other hand grew as a character. He started off very shy, whiny and recluse, but he grows up a lot and becomes the person he wants to be.

Deception Peak is the first in this series and I will be reading the next ones. The storyline is solid and I’m very interested to see what happens next. Great job Dianne.
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Review Deception Peak Erin Danzer

 
by 
4802931
's review 
Sep 04, 12

5 of 5 stars
Read in September, 2012

I received this book as a copy for review, but I would gladly pay for it as well. Deception Peak tells the story of Ian Wilson, a teenager who follows his dad into their computer into the Realm, an alternate universe of sorts. When Ian's dad is lost and Ian himself is captured, he must risk everything to save his dad and begin to find their way home.

The first thing I want to say is what a great storyteller Ms. Gardner is. I loved the imagery of the landscapes, of both Ian's world and the Realm. I loved the way the story flowed. Pretty much, I loved everything about this book.

Ian is a shy teenager at first with his dad as his only friend. I felt for him. Having very few friend growing up, I understood how he felt. Even today, I believe this book is a great book for teens everywhere, including boys. I can't wait for my children to be a couple years older so I can share this wonderful book with them.

Fantasy is not one of my favorite genres to read, but with books like Deception Peak, it's quickly moving up my top ten. The story is insightful, heartbreaking, familiar, adventurous... and it has a dragon! The Realm is very well crafted, from the landscape to the politics of the two tribes within. Even those who are not huge fantasy lovers will find something to love and relate to in this novel.

I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in this trilogy!
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Reveiw Deception Peak Jill Swanson

 
by 
8823815
's review 
Sep 29, 12

4 of 5 stars
bookshelves: arc-and-giveaway, blog-review, young-adult,sci-fi
Read in September, 2012

This was an awesome work of science fiction and fantasy! Dianne is a superb writer and I was thouroughly engrossed in Ian's story! Her world building and imagery is wonderful and makes this story leap from the pages. I was definitely caught up and amazed with the realm Dianne had created. She writes with great description and fluidity. The story begins with an old tale that speaks of magic and dragons. It tells of a man that will come from through the window and rid the land of the dragon that plagues it. This sets the perfect stage for Ian's journey and before you know it, both Ian and his dad have been sucked through their computer screen and into a different realm! The premise for Deception Peak is original and exciting! I liked the fact that you are continuously transported back and forth between Ian's real life and the realm they have created. It keeps you on your toes and surging forward to find out what will happen next. I also enjoyed how it focuses on the father, son relationship between Ian and Alex. I am definitely glad this is going to be a trilogy! I look forward to reading the next adventure Dianne has in store for us! Ian's Realm is a perfect read for young adults, especially teen boys who enjoy fantasy and a bit of science fiction. This book comes highly recommended by me!
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Review Deception Peak Ali's Bookshelf

 
by 
6213991
Alis Bookshelf's review 
Oct 18, 12

4 of 5 stars
Read in October, 2012

First off I want to say how much I enjoyed reading this book, it was given to me by First Rule Publicity for this blog tour and I loved reading it.

Deception Peak is a story full of great characters and incredible descriptions. I really love how this story flowed right off the pages and into the room I was reading it. It was if the characters were right in front of me playing out what Dianne Gardner had wrote. The characters are so realistic in this book that I felt as if I could really relate to them. It's not every day that I find a book that can play out in my head like a movie.

I also really loved the history in this book as well, the history of the land and the characters also made me feel like I really knew them. I love books that tell the back stories to characters and the land they are in. It helps to make the story more understandable and Deception Peak didn't let me down on this aspect of the story.

I did get lost in this story a few times and had to reread something a few times, but it didn't take away from this story.

I also really loved the artwork with this book, its fantastic and beautiful. I love books that have amazing artwork in them.

As a whole, Deception Peak is a fantastic story and a great start to this series.
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