I’m extremely honoured to be one of the first stops on Julie Grasso’s Return To Cardamom Blog Tour. If you’ve read my review of the first in the series, you’ll be expecting a delicious story sequel, and you won’t be disappointed. Read on for my review, news of free books and giveaways, and the rest of the Blog Tour!
Caramel, her family, friends and all elves everywhere in the Galaxy are called to action as a disaster hits the planet – all the cardamom trees have dropped their pods, causing them to die – and that means economic ruin. How could this have happened? Caramel is sure it’s not a natural phenomenon. It smacks of vengeance, and the person most likely to want that is Alexander222, the villain of the first book in the series. But how can she prove it?
Return to Cardamom picks up from the first in the series, Escape from the Forbidden Planet, showing that all was not happily ever after, after all. There are a lot of names, places and modes of transport to get to grips with if it is your first encounter with this series, but if not, you soon meet up with old friends. As with the first book, just as you think it’s all over… a whole load of things get much worse. Julie Grasso twists and turns her plot so that your mind is performing mental agility tests along with Caramel’s own mind-games.
Although I sometimes have difficulty visualising the Planet Cardamom, Ms Grasso’s descriptions of other planets, and the biology, medicine and computer science involved in the story, are first rate. There are enough different sciences in this series to keep the biggest geek entertained – and I’m quite a geek!
Caramel and her friends are great characters and both boys and girls have someone to identify with. It’s a rollicking story with some lovely twists at the end and some heartwarming messages hidden deep enough not to produce any ‘yuk!’ noises from those requiring sterner stuff. Something for everyone, wrapped in a whole that is as sweet as honeycake but with nerves of steel! A great read!
I received an Advance Review Copy free of charge in return for my honest review.
+++ Don’t miss the Giveaway at the bottom of the page!! +++
About Return to Cardamom
Title: Return to Cardamom (Caramel Cardamom Trilogy, Book #2)
Author: Julie Anne Grasso
Publisher: Independent
Publication Date: July 17, 2013
Pages: 136 (Paperback)
Recommended Age: 9+
Summary: Life is sweet for Caramel and things are finally getting back to normal. Well, as normal as it can be for a telepathic elf who can train trees and control computers, but she soon finds life on Cardamom is not all cupcakes and apple cider. A saboteur is hiding in the rainforest canopy, and the elves’ precious cardamom export has been wiped out. Caramel is certain it’s another trick of Alexander222 and her Aunt Isabel, but no one will believe her, and the clock is ticking. She must expose the saboteur in time to save the crop or the Elves of Cardamom will lose their livelihood. Caramel won’t rest until her theory is proven. While she is on the hunt, she makes a shocking discovery, one that will change everything.
Purchase
Amazon (US) * Amazon (UK) * Amazon (Canada)
The Buzz About Book 1: Escape From the Forbidden Planet
“Julie Anne Grasso has created an action-packed story featuring a range of interesting and imaginative characters (i.e., elves, the Alexanders, and other creatures), intergalactic travel, advanced medical and scientific technology, and complex environmental and conservation issues. Escape From the Forbidden Planet contains an intricate plot which slowly unfolds until you’re hooked and you are left on the edge of your proverbial seat wondering what will happen next.” ~ Mother Daughter Book Reviews, 5 Stars
“It’s part geeky, part science, and part fun, all brought together to become this awesome book called Escape From The Forbidden Planet. I would recommend this book to reading age kids and adults who like sci-fi kids books. Definitely something different. I really enjoyed reading it!” ~ Michael S., Amazon, 5 Stars
“I loved this book. Super great series for middle graders. I loved Caramel. She has a great attitude and determination. I really admired how she was focused on getting home, saving her family but also made the best of being stuck on an alien planet. Definitely a book with great role models for kids. I really hope there is more to come where this came from. Kids need books like this with catchy stories, solid characters who have good values that they can relate to.” ~ Unorthodox Mama, Goodreads, 5 Stars.
*** Get your FREE COPY of Escape From the Forbidden Planet by Julie Anne Grasso July 17 to 21, 2013. Available for 99 cents after July 21, 2013. ***
Amazon (US) * Amazon (UK) * Amazon (Canada)
About the Author
Julie Anne Grasso is an Australian author with a background in paediatric nursing. She spent many years literally wrapping children in cotton wool. Every day she witnessed great courage and resilience from the tiny people she cared for, which inspired her to write stories about a little girl elf just like them. Add in some very funky technology, her love of science fiction and desire to impart great values through her little girl elf named Caramel and there you have it, the Adventures of Caramel Cardamom Trilogy was the result.
Julie lives in Melbourne with her husband Danny and their little elf Giselle. Most days she can be found sipping chai lattes, chasing a toddler, and dreaming up wonderful worlds that often involve consumption of cupcakes.
Book Website: http://www.julieannegrassobooks.com/
Author Blog: WhenIgrowupIwannawriteakidsbook
Facebook page: Julie Anne Grasso Books
Twitter: @Jujuberry37
Goodreads Author: Julie Anne Grasso
Return to Cardamom Blog Tour Schedule (2013)
July 17
Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Review)
The Wise Owl Factory Book a Day (Review)
July 18
Amanda’s Books and More (Review)
July 19
This Kid Reviews Books (Review)
July 20
July 21
Imagineer – ing (Book Spotlight)
July 22
Published Bestsellers (Author Interview)
July 23
Stitch Says (Author Interview)
July 24
Nik’s Picks Book Reviews (Review)
R.K. Grow- reading.writing.blogging. (Author Interview)
Diane Estrella @That’s What I’m Here For… (Review)
July 25
July 26
July 27
Learning and Growing the Piwi Way (Review)
July 28
My Devotional Thoughts (Author Interview)
July 29
Fiona Ingram (Author Interview)
Published Bestsellers (Review)
July 30
Nayu’s Reading Corner (Guest Post)
July 31
Cheryl Carpinello’s Writing Pages (Guest Post)
Nayu’s Reading Corner (Review)
Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog (Review)
*** Return to Cardamom Blog Tour Giveaway ***
Prize: One winner will receive a copy (print in U.S./Canada & e-copy interntionally) + a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash
Contest runs: July 17th to August 7th, 11:59 pm, 2013
Open: WW
How to enter: Enter using this Rafflecopter giveaway link or click the book cover.
Terms and Conditions: A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to the organisers at www.motherdaughterbookreviews.com.
+++ Don’t forget – Books 1 to 4 of the Princelings Series are FREE on Smashwords till July 31st details here! +++
