Book Review - Return to Cardamom (Caramel Cardamom Trilogy, Book #2)
Book Review
The plot is great and the story is brilliant. Characters such as Alexander 222 and Aunt Isobel are brilliant because they feel they are doing right but are doing wrong and then later are just misunderstood individuals. The heroes are really complex characters, very interesting to read about. I particularly like the twist at the end because when I felt there was no more danger a problem jumped back into view. If you enjoy reading sci-fi or fantasy novels you will definitely love this book and the previous one.
If any, my only reservation about this book is that when I first picked it up, I couldn’t really follow the characters as their background were mostly introduced in the first book of the trilogy (Escape from the Forbidden Planet). However after requesting and receiving the first book from the blog tour organiser, the 2nd became more enjoyable and hitherto complex characters like Alexandra clones became far easier to follow. The book was quite captivating after I got the background of the previous book.
If any, my only reservation about this book is that when I first picked it up, I couldn’t really follow the characters as their background were mostly introduced in the first book of the trilogy (Escape from the Forbidden Planet). However after requesting and receiving the first book from the blog tour organiser, the 2nd became more enjoyable and hitherto complex characters like Alexandra clones became far easier to follow. The book was quite captivating after I got the background of the previous book.
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.
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.
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.
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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."
"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
"I loved this book. Super great series
"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.
Nice review Joshua! I'm impressed that you did your "homework" by asking for the 1st book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, a thoughtful review indeed.
DeleteDear Joshua, Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about Return to Cardamom. It's always great to hear what the target audience has to say and we sure are glad you enjoyed the books. Thank you also for weighing in about whether it is necessary to read Book 1 first - we had read it, so it was really hard to tell. Great job!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Renee.
DeleteThank you so much for taking the time to read and request both books and for joining in my blog tour Joshua. I love hearing what kids in my intended age think about the book. Virtual Cupcakes to you. Cheers Julie Grasso
ReplyDeleteGreat comment, Joshua will be delighted.
ReplyDelete