LDS Women's Book Review: My Review of "Seventh Earth" by Richard Bradford

Friday, July 16, 2010

My Review of "Seventh Earth" by Richard Bradford

Posted by Why Not? Because I Said So!

Title: Seventh Earth

Author: Richard Bradford

Reviewed By: Sheila

Paperback: 226 pages
Publisher: D&D Publishing; First edition (January 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0984199500

Every once in awhile, a new author comes along that blows you away with their first book. Let me introduce you to an author that fits into that category, Richard Bradford. Here is what he says about his book on his website...

"Look, if you’re searching for some cute little book about vampires or werewolves, this book isn't for you. If you’re looking for a love story set in the 1800’s where grown men walk around in turned up collars and top hats, this isn’t for you either. This isn’t some neat little cookie cutter book with trendy words, a flashy movie-poster cover and a plot thinner than a runway model. No, this book is the real thing. This is a book so original, so intriguing, so captivating that you will beg for more. This is one of those books that your friend tells you about, not because they saw it on some talk show’s book club, but because they’ve read it four times and can’t put it down. This is one of those books where if you were going to be stranded on a desert island and could only take three things, this book would be on your list right above water. Yeah, this is one of those books."

I have to concur, yes, this is one of those books! Yes, this book was gripping. Yes, I could not put this book down. This is the book I have been telling people about. I first picked it up one night at midnight thinking I would just read the first chapter to see if I would like it. Three hours later, my eyes could not stay open any longer. This story moves quickly but does not feel rushed. The two main characters are high school aged, but this does NOT feel like a "high school" book. Aura and Zack are both smart kids that you learn to like from first meeting them. Here is a what the book is about...

"Aimed at readers ages 13-30, Bradford wastes no time jumping into Seventh Earth with an intriguing opening scene that captures his reader's attention and lures them in for a ride full of excitement and romance.Entrenched with thought provoking symbolism, Seventh Earth welcomes readers to the world of Aura Maples--a quirky seventeen-year-old who would like nothing more than to glide through her final year in high school well below the social radar. But after mysteriously passing out in English class and falling in love with the engaging, athletic "new kid", Aura realizes that getting through her senior year at Willits High unnoticed may be a little tougher than she thought. And as if all this weren't enough, her body begins going through some very bizarre changes that have nothing to do with the hormonal madness of late adolescence.

At her wits' end and desperate for answers, Aura finds herself face to face with a stranger who seems to know exactly what she's going through and why. But there's more in the bargain: along with the desperately sought answers comes a mind-blowing story that will change her--and perhaps everyone's--life forever.

The first thing I thought of when I finished the book was, "When is the next book coming out?". This story just flies off the pages. You read this book and think that there is no way that this is a first time author. His writing style is mature, it flows and it captivates. What this all comes down to is that, you are going to have to read this book and experience this for yourself. I use the word"Experience", because reading this book is like taking a fast moving ride, with twists and turns and breathlessly finally

getting off.

Here is another little excerpt from the book to wet your interest...

"Here's something I need to show you, she said above the soft patter of the rain. Turning toward the fallen log, she could see the little clump of purple flowers growing out of the rotting bark above her that she had reached for when she slipped. She raised her hand toward them, and the flowers, as if picked by an invisible force, broke free from the bark and floated smoothly down to her waiting hand.

Zack's eyes were wide with astonishment.

Are you scared? Aura asked."

Seventeen years ago, on a distant planet skirting the far reaches of the galaxy, two fantastic warriors from different worlds fought on a secret field of battle. One carried the gift of life and hope, the other, the icy hand of death. Seventeen years ago, that battle ended with both warriors succumbing, one to a blade, the other to a bullet. The battle and the war were over…or so it was thought.

If you would like to read a rather long interview (because I asked so many questions) with Richard Bradford and want to get a chance to win a copy of his book go to my other blog at
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-review-of-seventh-earth-by-richard.html

If you would like to buy your own copy of "Seventh Earth" go here to purchase.

Will I read this book again? YES!!
Would I recommend it to others? YES!!
Would I take it with me to my lonely Deserted Island? Yes!
My Rating: 5 stars

About the Author

"I am a graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in International Law and Diplomacy. Although originally from California, I currently live in College Station, Texas with my wife, four kids and two dogs.

I have traveled extensively throughout the world including a two year stint in Thailand of which I have considered writing about many times. There is a mystery and magic that lies within the borders of the orient that could spawn a thousand novels.

My interests included writing (obviously), and spending time with my wife and kids. If there is one thing that I have learned in my travels, it's that there is no suitable replacement for family. am currently working on the sequel to Seventh Earth (haven't come up with a good name yet) "

Richard can be reached by email at seventhearth@ymail.com or you can visit his website at www.seventhearthseries.com. and his blog at http://seventhearth.blogspot.com/