Book Review - Diego's Dragon, Book One: Spirits of the Sun

I was recently given the opportunity to read the first book in the YA fantasy series Diego's Dragon, Spirits of the Sun, by author Kevin Gerard and Crying Cougar Press.

Image credit: www.diegosdragon.com

Spirits of the Sun introduces us to hero Diego Ramirez, an 11 year old boy who has won a mysterious dragon statue in a writing competition. He soon discovers that his statue is no ordinary statue but contains an ancient fierce dragon named Magnifico, with whom Diego shares a deep connection. We follow Diego on his journey to discover his true self, become a hero, and (kind of) get the girl.

I really enjoyed Spirits of the Sun. I am a fan of fantasy and historical fiction and this is right up my alley. It's a book that can be enjoyed by all age groups. The lead character is school-aged, but his turbulent family life and internal struggles are things that older readers can identify with. This is a book that I would feel comfortable reading by myself and with my children. What is also great about Spirits of the Sun is that it takes place in the Latino community, so you also learn some of the language and the culture of the community while reading. The only thing negative thing I can say about the book is that I wish we saw more of Diego's internal struggle. I don't feel we heard enough of his feelings about the changes in his life. Other that that, I am excited to continue reading the series to find out more of Diego and Magnifico's adventures! Book Two: Dragons of the Dark Rift, and Book Three: Battle at Tenochtitlan are available now at Amazon.

Visit www.diegosdragon.com to learn more about the Diego's Dragon series and where to purchase.

Loot Crate April 2014 Review

Hurrah! The April Loot Crate is here! This month's theme was Dragons, which I was super excited about. Let's take a look:

I received:

• Loot Crate April 2014 button
• Dragon Slayer dog tag necklace
• Funko Game of Thrones mystery vinyl figure - we got Tyrion! XD
• 20-sided die stress ball
• Elder Scrolls The Nordic figurine
• Dragon Shield screen cleaner
• 20-sided die
• Mikey's Dragon Jerky

This is a box that Mike and I order for the both of us. Last month it was pretty much just interesting for Mike, as the theme was Titan (Titanfall/Attack on Titan). We both love Game of Thrones and dragons, and Mike's starting getting me into Magic the Gathering, so this helped sooth the nerd beasts inside us. Little Tyrion (the figure) is hanging out beside me right now, ready to imp slap at will. 

This is a box I really like, but the theme aspect to every box can be good or bad. This month was great, because I was really into it. February's was bad because I was not into it at all. I would recommend subscribing, but check the theme each month (usually announced during the first week of the month) to make sure you don't get a box that doesn't interest you. 

You can subscribe to Loot Crate at www.lootcrate.com

Loot Crate March 2014 Review

This review is a bit delayed as I received this a few weeks ago. Better late than never, eh? Let's get to it. This month's theme was Titan.

What came in this month's box:

• Titanfall t-shirt
• Attack on Titan - 1 manga
• Titanfall lanyard
• Attack on Titan Scouting Regiment wristband
• Loot Crate March 2014 button
• Salt water taffy!
• Code to access Titanfall strategy e-guide

This month's theme didn't interest me at all, but Mike was kind of into it. He's never played Titanfall, but he wants to. He thought all the Titanfall gear was cool and said he'd maybe read the Attack on Titan manga, which we'd never heard of. I was going to give it Aislinn (she likes manga), but it's pretty violent. Hudson loves the wristband though and wears it all the time.

I had cancelled my Loot Crate subscription when I found out the theme because the last two themes did not interest me at all. BUT...Loot Crate posted a clue on their Facebook page:

So...if it's a Game of Throne's box, I am definitely re-subscribing.

To subscribe to Loot Crate, go to www.lootcrate.com

February LootCrate Has Arrived!

This week I received my first LootCrate (www.lootcrate.com) box. LootCrate is a monthly subscription box geared to geeks/gamers. For $29.95/month (for Canada - less in the US, more international), you receive 6-8 geeky items. I was very, very excited to receive it.

This month's theme was WARRIORS and was based on the cartoon Bravest Warriors. I hadn't even heard of it before I received the box. I received:

- Alpha Battle t-shirt (Shirt Woot! & jamescho84) - this was pretty cool but I asked for a ladies shirt and I ended up with a mens shirt that's labelled ladies. Giving it to Mike unfortunately :(

- Bravest Warriors bow tie (Frederator & Black Tie Geek) - so cute! I gave it to Hudson as he loves bowties :)

- Gas Powered Stick cinch bag (Frederator & Loot Crate Labs) - I have a ton of these, I always seem to get these at events. Meh.

- Dunny Sideshow or Bot Blind Box Figure - this was pretty cool. Gave it to Aislinn.

- Bacon Love Card (OpenMe) - this is a really cute card. Will be saving this for next Valentine's Day

- Bravest Warriors sticker (JustToys Int & Frederator)

It also came with a code for a free Bravest Warriors digital comic, which I may download for the kids, as well as a coupon code for OpenMe.

Overall I wasn't impressed solely because I wasn't interested in the theme. I've seen better boxes from LootCrate in the past and I'm hoping next month's box is better.