Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be hosting a Book Blast for the third and final book in the “Adventures of Caramel Cardamom” middle grade science fiction trilogy by Julie Anne Grasso: “Stellarcadia”.  Scroll down for a Giveaway!

My review

This third book in the Caramel Cardamom series starts as Caramel and her friends are about to board the great starship Stellarcadia on a once in a lifetime trip.  If you’ve read Escape from the Forbidden Planet and Return to Cardamom, you’ll be ready to jump into this one wholeheartedly.  If you haven’t, I suggest you start with those.

But even if you have, I recommend you follow up quickly, as it’s a fast starter and I took a while to remember who the friends were.  I have some trouble remembering that Micah is male, for some reason, and I know some of them came from the Forbidden Planet but I can’t remember who, until prompted a little way in.

From the start we, and Caramel, notice there is something wrong with the Galactic Emperor, who is leading the symposium all the young people are attending on board.  Caramel wisely ignores some of the prohibition notices as to where they can and cannot go, and uncovers strange goings-on.  It’s a rip-roaring mystery with beautifully described events and sideshows that keep the youngsters entertained, like the gel swimming pool, and the trip to the Theme Park planet.

It was a quick read, mainly because it’s pacey and I was enjoying it a lot.  I couldn’t help but think the underlying problem was too obvious from page one, or maybe I’m just of a suspicious turn of mind when “the best of our young people” are sent off in one space ship.  Then again, once upon a time I had to work on company policy about how many directors or managers could be on the same flight together.  So while I think it’s not the most original plot that Ms Grasso has ever come up with, it will probably be a new concept to the intended audience (and teach them about the wisdom of putting all of one’s eggs in the same basket).  The delightful description, the amazing ideas the kids present, and the detail of life on board more than make up for my quibbles.  As does the solution to the problem!

It’s a bit like unwrapping a Christmas present, really.  Sometimes you just know what it is by the shape.  It doesn’t make it any less exciting or enjoyable, though.

Stellarcadia, by Julie Anne Grasso

I received a free copy of this book as part of the Mother Daughter Book Review Blast.  Ms Grasso is a fellow BookElf.

About the Book

Title: Stellarcadia (Adventures of Caramel Cardamom, Book 3) | Author: Julie Anne Grasso | Publication Date: December 24, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 128 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12

Book Description: Caramel Cinnamon is one lucky elf. She can hardly believe she’s invited to attend the first Intergalactic Youth Summit, on-board the Stellarcadia. Her friends can’t wait to go “hyper,” but even the thought of it chills Caramel to the bone. However, nothing could compare to the icy reception she receives upon her arrival. Keen to get to the bottom of it, Caramel stumbles on a dangerous conspiracy, but no one will believe her. In the exciting conclusion to The Adventures of Caramel Cardamom Trilogy, Caramel will have to do more than outwit her enemies, she will have to convince her friends to take her seriously. For ages 8-12.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

 The Early Buzz

The book is also a perfect mix of magic, science, and technology. Don’t be surprised if readers get to use their imaginations and learn something. Julie Anne Grasso has proven herself to be an original and versatile author…” ~ 5 Stars, Ilana W., Amazon

“Couldn’t put it down.” ~ Jemima P., Goodreads

 

About the Author: Julie Anne Grasso

Julie Anne GrassoWith a background in paediatric nursing, Julie Anne Grasso 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 to encourage and entertain them.

She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband Danny and their little girl, Giselle.

Website | Blog | Facebook

Twitter | Goodreads

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: March 25, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 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. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Julie Anne Grasso and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Book Review | Stellarcadia by Julie Anne Grasso

8 thoughts on “Book Review | Stellarcadia by Julie Anne Grasso

  • 28 February, 2015 at 6:13 pm
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    I have all three of those books on my TBR list…gotta start reading!

    • 28 February, 2015 at 7:50 pm
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      I’ve read them all – you’re missing out!

  • 1 March, 2015 at 3:09 am
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    Great job, Jemima. I can’t think of a more enjoyable task than reading children’s books and you do a great job telling us all about them!

  • 4 March, 2015 at 4:56 pm
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    It does sound very interesting. I will have to put them on my TBR pile.

  • 7 March, 2015 at 7:59 pm
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    Hurrahhh, thanks so much for your kind review Jemima. He, he, I knew you wouldn’t be stumped. My sisters were not stumped either. Thanks again for taking the time to read my books and for all your support over the years. He He, I have another Frankie coming soon, lets see if you can solve that one before the end…. Best wishes, Julie

  • 12 March, 2015 at 6:13 pm
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    Sounds like a very interesting series. I may have to add it to my to be read list. Thank you for the review and details. I have started book series by accidentally reading book 3 instead of 1 and it is no fun. 😀

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