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Jill Williamson

Jill Williamson

Jill Williamson is a writer and editor of young adult novels. An avid reader, she started Novel Teen Book Reviews to help teens find great books to read. Jill also runs an online Web site and critique group for teen writers at www.teenageauthor.com where she enjoys helping new writers develop their skill. She and her husband have worked with... more »
  • OR, USA
  • member since August 29 2008

Reviews

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Displaying 21-30 of 183 reviews
  • Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
    • Rated 4 stars

    “I was in college during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. It’s beyond my comprehension to think about the bloodshed that was happening on the other side of the world. Immaculée Ilibagiza tells the true story of her life growing up in Rwanda with her loving family. She learned early on that she was in a different tribe than the majority of her neighbors, but never did she consider that they might turn on her and her family. That her friends might someday pick up machetes and guns and murder anyone from her tribe. But that’s exactly what happened.



    Immaculée’s father and brothers encourages her to hide out at a pastor’s house nearby. He hid her and seven other women in a tiny half bathroom for three months. She could hear the killers roaming the streets on the other side of the wall. She prayed that God would protect her family and the women in the bathroom. But when she finally got out, she was one of the few survivors left to tell what had happened.



    This is a powerful and shocking story of what evil can do in the hearts of people. The killers were murdering innocents in the streets, women, children, and infants alike. I was amazed at Immaculée’s story of how she grew close to God in the three months she hid in the bathroom, but I was even more amazed at how she learned to forgive those who killed her family and friends. This is hard to read and shares some graphic details of how Immaculée’s loved ones were killed. I strongly recommend it to anyone who harbors hatred against another. To see what this young woman went through and that she rose above the hatred and evil that she had the opportunity to embrace in revenge was inspiring. I am so proud of her.

    ”

    Jill Williamson wrote this review Thursday, October 15 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Cyndere's Midnight
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Cyndere, heiress to Bel Amica, and her husband, Deuneroi, have a dream: to tame the beastmen of Cent Regus. But those same beastmen murder Deuneroi while he’s on a mission to seek out survivors from the fallen House Abascar. Cyndere finds refuge at Tilianpurth, a Bel Amican garrison and watchtower. While she is in the forest trying to say goodbye to Deuneroi, she meets Jordam, a beastman. But Jordam is different from his ferocious brothers. He knew Auralia, and her colors have fought to tame his wildness. Cyndere chooses to embrace the dream she and Deuneroi once shared and pushes aside her anger to reach out to Jordam. She sends him on a mission to warn the survivors of House Abascar of an impending Cent Regus attack. But there is more to the story than any of them think. And will King Cal-raven bother to listen to the warnings of a beastman?

    I’m torn over these books. They are wonderful stories, imaginative and beautifully written, but I can’t read them fast. I’m a quick reader, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t get though a Jeffrey Overstreet book in a day or two like I can most others. I felt the same way about Overstreet’s first novel, Auralia’s Colors. Around page one hundred, I could have walked away from the book easily, but when I reached page two hundred, I couldn’t put it down. As a writer, I know that’s a dangerous way to tell a story, but it seems to work for Overstreet.

    Cyndere’s Midnight gripped me much earlier than Auralia’s Colors did, but I was disappointed to meet a new host of characters from page one when I wanted to read about the characters at the end of Auralia’s Colors. Some of those characters are in Cyndere’s Midnight, but this is not their story. I am glad to discover that book three is called Cal-raven’s Ladder, for Cal-raven is one of my favorite characters in the series. Him and the ale boy.

    Cyndere’s Midnight is an inspiring story that goes much deeper than a parallel story to Beauty and the Beast. To me, the beastmen, who were once regular men, represent sin. They’ve indulged in the Essence to give them strength and must go back again and again to be revitalized. But the Essence is what has turned them into beastmen. Jordam has discovered another way to survive the craving: to wean himself of the Essence altogether. And Auralia’s colors give him the strength to do that in the same way a relationship with Jesus gives us strength to overcome our own temptations. It is these deep parallels that keep me hooked into Overstreet’s tales of The Expanse.”

    Jill Williamson wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Because of Winn-Dixie
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Ten-year-old Opal and her father, the preacher, move into the Friendly Corner Trailer Park in Naomi, Florida so her father can take a new job. Opal heads over to the local Winn-Dixie grocery store to pick up a few things and rescues a dog that somehow got into the store and was causing all kinds of trouble. She names the dog Winn-Dixie and takes him home, although she’s not sure what the preacher will say.



    Her father reminds her that there are no dogs allowed at the Friendly Corner Trailer Park, but Opal says he’s always telling her to help the less fortunate and that she found this less fortunate—dog—at the grocery store. Since there’s nothing he can say about that, Winn-Dixie gets to stay. Opal cleans him up, finds him to be a great listener and her new best friend.



    Opal and Winn-Dixie spend a lot of time together meeting people in Naomi, and most the new friendships are instigated by Winn-Dixie. In fact, it’s because of Winn-Dixie that Opal learns to make new friends, forgive, and start over. The elderly Gloria Dump is my favorite new friend of Opal and Winn-Dixie’s. She tells Opal that you can’t judge people by the things they’ve done alone. You’ve got to think about what they’re doing now. The more Opal gets to know her new friends, the more she learns about their lives and comes to see the obstacles that each person has overcome to be the person they are now. This way of thinking gives Opal a lot of compassion for people, including her parents. She and Winn-Dixie have to rely on each other to get through their own struggles to start over fresh.



    This is a sweet story told in first person. It’s a character-driven book that doesn’t have much of a plot other than Opal and Winn-Dixie’s adventures together. Things do come together for a strong ending, but it’s a drama, not an action adventure, so though it might not appear to be the book for everyone, I think everyone would enjoy it to a certain degree. It’s really short and could be read in a day. What I liked most is that even though life is hard, it is what you make it. So you could sit in your house and entertain yourself, alone, or you could go out and instigate friendships. It might not be easy at first, but a friendship is always worth the effort. People weren’t designed to be alone, and neither were dogs. Highly recommended.

    ”

    Jill Williamson wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Field of Blood: Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy (Book 1) (Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy)
    • Rated 5 stars

    “A construction crew accidently discovers burial caves on the outskirts of Jerusalem, which turns out to be the Akeldama, the place where Judas Iscariot died. Before the archeologists can arrive to do their thing, the Collectors enter the tombs. The Akeldama Collectors are demon-like beings who have been waiting 2000 years to get at these bones, because bones combined with the blood of Judas that seeped into the soil makes it possible for the Collectors to awaken the dead. Once they each choose a body, they need to feed. Then they need to find and destroy the Nistarim, those immortal beings that rose at the death of the Nazarene to protect mankind.



    Gina Lazarescu has managed to break away from her controlling mother and make a life for herself in the States. But when she is hit by a van and hears her body heal itself, the past is dug up again. Could she have a connection to the Nistarim her mother used to talk about, and if so, is she being hunted by the undead?



    I have never read such a unique and creative novel from a Christian publisher. I applaud Thomas Nelson for publishing this book. It’s totally creepy—half the book is from the undead (vampire) perspective—so it’s not for everyone. I got a bit confused here and there because the story is action packed and moves right along. I found myself going back to reference characters. There is mild sensuality and violence from the bad guys’ scenes, but there is nothing graphic. If you like vampire stories, characters that are just as flawed as the next guy, and a plot that keeps you guessing, give this one a try. I was very impressed with how Wilson used scripture and history to weave this creative tale. In fact, when I finished reading it, I ran to my Bible to see the scriptures for myself. Pretty cool stuff. Highly recommended (with caution for the creepy factor).

    ”

    Jill Williamson wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Year the Swallows Came Early
    • Rated 4 stars

    “In Kathryn Fitzmaurice’s book The Year the Swallows Came Early, eleven-year-old Eleanor “Groovy” Robinson loves cooking. She’s writing her own cookbook and plans to attend culinary arts school someday if she can afford it. Even her best friend Frankie’s stepbrother, who owns a local store, gives her some secret family recipes to go in her special cookbook.

    Things start going wrong when her daddy is arrested as they’re walking through town. Since no one will tell Groovy why, she hurries to her momma’s salon to find out. Momma is in no hurry to let Groovy in on the details, but when she finally does explain, the truth breaks Groovy’s heart. Groovy’s sorrow for her daddy evolves into anger and Groovy turns her back on everything that makes her life special: her friends, her family, and her cooking. Nothing matters anymore. But when life brings unexpected surprises, Groovy discovers that there is more to every story. Sure, sometimes people just mess up, but sometimes the situation is out of their control. Either way, Groovy needs to decide if forgiveness is worth the risk.

    Having recently read Because of Winn-Dixie, this book felt quite similar. Bother were in first person and about young girls, so I guess that’s why. This book is a great deal longer, but easy to read and entertaining. It’s a character-driven novel, as well. No edge-of-your-seat action adventure in this one. I liked Groovy and the way she saw the world. I liked how she thought her mama’s obsession with horoscopes were just superstitions and didn’t apply her mama’s believes to her own.

    I still don’t know why her father was in jail. From what I can figure out, what he did was low and selfish, but completely within his rights as Groovy’s father. I wish the author would have given me a little bit more there to help with the realism of Groovy’s dad’s sentencing, because it didn’t make any sense to me.

    My favorite part in the book is when Groovy shows her chocolate-covered strawberries to Marisol, a girl she thought was a bit snobby about her artistic talents. But since Marisol had shared about her love of drawing, Groovy took a chance to reveal a bit of her heart—her love of cooking—and in doing so, Groovy found a great friend. Sometimes friendship is a risk, but isn’t it always a risk worth taking? And if that’s true, isn’t forgiveness a risk worth taking, as well?
    ”

    Jill Williamson wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Reluctant Smuggler (To Catch a Thief Series #3)
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Review by Gretchen Hoffman

    I was so excited when Reluctant Smuggler came out. I started reading the series when the first two books were out, but I had to wait for this one. Book three did not disappoint.

    In the final book of the trilogy, Desiree Jacobs faces her most difficult task yet. It started off simple—obtain an antique Mayan artifact and get it to the good guys. But the simple task gets complicated when espionage, people looting Mexican antiquities, corrupt government officials, and a violent gang, the Fraternidad de la Garra, find their way into the picture. How is Desi supposed to plan the perfect wedding to her fiancé, FBI agent Tony Lucano, with all this trouble?

    With injuries, lots of questions, and someone close who ends up in the hospital, Desi faces a lot of “what-if” situations and must rely on more than her wits to survive. She needs to find the truth before anyone else, including herself, gets hurt.

    If you’ve read book one and two, this book is a must. Ms. Nelson ties everything together in a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat package. Check it out.”

    Jill Williamson wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • Swiss Courier, The: A Novel
    • Rated 5 stars

    “This story takes place in Europe, 1944. The Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich. Bruno Kassler, the fast-rising head of the Gestapo Regional Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany, discovers a secret about one of the scientists working to create the atomic bomb. Physicist Joseph Engel was born a Jew and adopted by Christian parents at birth. Kassler is convinced that Engel is a spy and that his discovery will earn Kassler a great promotion.

    Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss woman working for the forerunner to the CIA. She has a great talent for breaking into safes that impress her employers. She is asked to take on a special mission to escort Joseph Engel out of Germany before the Gestapo can catch him. The Americans believe that Engel is the key to Germany’s development of this super weapon. If they can get Engel out of Germany, his wisdom will be of great use to the United States and the Allied forces.

    There is something fascinating and heroic about the stories from this historical period. Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey have added to that list. Each character hooked me into their world and agenda. I couldn’t wait to see how all the threads would weave together. The Swiss Courier is a unique look at the front lines of World War II and what everyday people sacrificed to stand up against the evil surrounding them. Everyday farmers, shopkeepers, and soldiers alike risked their lives to do what was right. This was an unexpected and thrilling adventure. I highly recommend this book for readers ages 16 and up.
    ”

    Jill Williamson wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: Adventure. Peril. Lost Jewels. And the Fearsome Toothy Cows of Skree. (The Wingfeather Saga)
    • Rated 4 stars

    “The Igby children, Janner, Tink, and Leeli, manage to anger a vicious Fang and are thrown into jail. Janner is certain that they will be taken away in the Black Carriage, forever slaves of Gnag the Nameless. But before the carriage arrives, their mother bails them out with a handful of precious jewels.

    Janner is curious where the jewels came from, and he’s not the only one. The Fangs come after them again, this time seeking the precious Jewels of Anniera they are certain the Igbys are hiding. The chase takes the Igby family far into Glipwood Forest where toothy cows and horned hounds abound.

    This book was a big—and pleasant—surprise. Andrew Peterson has a wonderfully witty voice. He reminds me of an easier-to-understand Douglas Adams with his satirical style of writing. The book is interesting from the start, though it takes a while to come to the plot. The ending was full of great stuff that made me really excited to read the next book in the series. I really enjoyed this one a lot.
    ”

    Jill Williamson wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Miracle Girls
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Ana Dominguez is miserable in her new life in Half Moon Bay. She didn’t want to move in the first place, hasn’t found any friends, and has managed to upset Riley, the most popular girl in school. A huge mistake lands her in detention where she discovers that she and Riley, along with two other girls, have a unique, life-changing event in common. This realization gets Ana two new friends, but despite all their attempts, Riley is not interested in becoming a Miracle Girl. Will Riley ever forgive Ana for her original blunder?

    I winced all through chapter one. I couldn’t believe Ana! I can’t imagine anyone doing something as bold as she did, let alone not having any proof. Talk about a great way to never make friends…

    As I read on, however, Ana’s personality captured my heart. I loved her struggles to obey her near-tyrant parents and her confusion over which boy she likes. The scenes where she volunteered with the Alzheimer’s patients were my favorite. I just hope Mrs. Slater doesn’t develop that picture of Ana and Dave, or Ana’s papa will kill her for sure! Highly recommended.
    ”

    Jill Williamson wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink )
  • The City of Ember
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Lina and Doon are graduating from school. At twelve years of age, all graduates are given a work assignment for the city of Ember. Lina wants nothing more than to be a Messenger, to run free and explore the city. But Lina draws out a Pipeworks assignment. Doon draws the Messenger job and sulks. Lina can’t understand why anyone would be angry to be a Messenger.

    After class, Doon asks Lina if she’d like to trade. Thrilled to get her wish after all, Lina accepts. As Lina and Doon start their new jobs, they both discover things are not well in Ember. Blackouts have been happening more frequently and for longer periods of time, and supplies are running very low. What will the citizens of Ember do if the lights go out for good? What will happen if they run out of supplies altogether? Many have walked into the unknown regions only to come back half-mad, swearing there it nothing out there. Lina stumbles onto a mysterious message that may hold the answer to these questions. But can she and Doon decipher it before it’s too late?

    This book drew me in from page one. I love the world DuPrau created in Ember. Lina and Doon are both fun but naturally flawed characters who stumble along trying to find their way in their world. This book gives you a lot to think about as to where life comes from, although the author leaves the answer to that question open to the reader to decide. I found it brilliant how the people in Ember asked questions about their life, that they knew something was missing, that the darkness didn’t seem right, even though they knew nothing else. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. ”

    Jill Williamson wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink )
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