About Return to Cardamom
Title: Return to Cardamom (Caramel Cardamom Trilogy, Book #2) 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.
Purchase
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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.” ~ Mother Daughter Book Reviews, 5 Stars “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.
*** Get your FREE COPY of Escape From the Forbidden Planet by Julie Anne Grasso July 17 to 21, 2013. Available for 99 cents after July 21, 2013. ***
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About the Author
Julie Anne Grasso is an Australian author with a background in pediatric 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.
Hi there everyone, Paul here today and I am quite excited to be a part of the Return to Cardamom Blog Tour. If you missed it, make sure to download Escape From The Forbidden Planet as it is free through the 21st. Now, on to my review!
What I liked best: I could go on and on here; the cover (LOVE it!), the characters, the action…But, I must focus on one thing and one thing only here: the wonderful descriptions. What do I mean by that? Well, often times we are given a laundry list of features to describe things and I don’t really care for that. And when writing for this particular age group, I can tell you, they really don’t like that either. Ms. Grasso did nothing of the sort. She expertly weaves in wonderful descriptions such as when Caramel lands on the vine platform on Alica,”…branches stretching out to each other like they were holding hands in an ancient dance.” Or when Caramel is, “…coloring the shade of her high-top boots…” which if I remember correctly were a nice shade of pink. Or when Caramel is helping Sassa in the hospital, “…the bubbles followed her like the Pied Piper…” These descriptions make the pages and scenes come alive. We can easily visualize what is happening and feel like we are in the story. I loved this and I am certain young readers will too. A fabulous job of writing, especially for young readers, by Ms. Grasso.
What missed a bit: I do not have much to put here. I might have thought I would be a bit confused as I have (shame on me) not read the first book with these characters, but that was not the case. Return to Cardamom stands on its own and even has an ending that doesn’t leave us hanging for the next story. Nothing missed in this book for me.
Overall: Brilliant! I really loved the characters, Caramel is a real hoot. The story and setting is extremely creative and fun, young readers will love it. The twists, turns, and unending action kept me turning page after page. The twists and turns will keep young readers attention and even make them work hard to try to figure things out before they happen. One quick note I found really appealing is the way Ms. Grasso sprinkled in things to remind us of the characters human elven youth. Things like when Caramel blushes, remembering the reason Jorde had been in contact with Micah. These things remind us these are youngsters and they have thoughts, fears, and emotions of youngsters. Another great job of connecting with young readers. All in all, I am off to read Escape From the Forbidden Planet and recommending that Return to Cardamom be a staple for all young readers.
Return to Cardamom Blog Tour Schedule (2013)
July 17
July 18
July 19
July 20
July 21
July 22
July 23
July 24
July 25
July 26
July 27
July 28
July 29
July 30
July 31
*** Return to Cardamom Blog Tour Giveaway ***
Prize: One winner will receive a copy (print in U.S./Canada & e-copy internationally) + a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash Contest runs: July 17th to August 7th, 11:59 pm, 2013 Open: WW How to enter: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: 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. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send us an email!
The descriptions are exactly what I picked up in my review as well (coming soon). I love them. The first book took me a bit to get into b/c the characters, technology, world was so different from what I usually read but once I got it all straight and pictured in my head, I flew through it. This one was like visiting with old friends. Great review, Paul!
Thanks for the kind words. I can’t wait to read your review. Thanks for your thoughts on the 1st book, I can’t wait to read it, I think I will feel with it like you did the 2nd book. Does that make sense or is it clear as mud, lol. Have a great day!
Paul
Great points Paul – Julie does a great job of describing some of the details. It really brings the story alive. Another great stop on this tour! Thank you, thank you! 🙂
Hi Renee,
Thanks so much for stopping by. I loved this book. I can’t wait to follow the tour.
Paul
An elf with an attitude! What fun for the middle school reader! Nice review, Paul!
An elf with an attitude ~ great tag line. Maybe Julie should think about using that on book marks or a press release. Thanks so much for stopping by and for the kind words.
Paul
Hi Paul
Thank you to the moon and back for a lovely review. I am thrilled you liked it. You really gladdened my heart today.
Best wishes and an “Elf with an attitude, a good attitude” may just stick lol. Thanks so much for being a part of my blog tour.
LOL I love it, An Elf with an A may find its way into book 3’s tagline. Stay tuned for January 2014, when I hopefully release “Pandemonium” Caramel’s third and final adventure….
Hi Julie,
You’re welcome. It is well deserved. Great job! I hope it sticks. Great tag line for a great character.
Paul
What an amazing giveaway. Thanks so much!
I love the cover of this book and I remember seeing the first one around. I like that you were able to read this one without any problems considering you hadn’t read the first one. The story sounds awesome. On my list!
~Jess
Hi Jess,
Great to see you. It is awesome and I really think you’ll like it. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Paul