Maranda Russell
Biography
I am a 28 year old writer and foster/adoptive parent. I spend much of my time doing nerdy things, such as: writing books, researching stuff, visiting art museums, reading classic literature, shopping for antiques, checking out dead things and exploring the world and its many cultures. I also spend quite a bit of my time reading and reviewing books for children and young adults on my website, www.marandarussell.com.
Where to find Maranda Russell online
Books
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Smashwords book reviews by Maranda Russell
- Good Enough: A Shay James Mystery
on July 18, 2011
As a foster parent, I know it can be hard to find realistic stories featuring foster kids. Most stories either paint foster kids as juvenile delinquents or as pitiful little angels with a Pollyanna complex. I was impressed and refreshed to find a young adult novel which actually contains a realistic, but lovable young heroine in foster care.
The book, “Good Enough: A Shay James Mystery”, which was written by Brenda McCreight, not only contains an interesting mystery for young sleuths, but it also tells a story that many children share, a history of neglect and abuse. Like many real-life foster children, Shay James spent much of her life with parents who put their addictions before their children. She learned early to fend for herself and to expect her world to change at a moment’s notice.
Just when Shay finally finds some stability, her happiness is once again put at risk by the illegal actions of others. Shay is happy to have found a foster home where she is comfortable, but what truly excites her is the nearby stable where she is able to ride and take care of horses. However, Shay’s world is rocked once again when a crime occurs at the stable. Unless the culprit is found, Shay and her friends are told that they can’t return to the stable. Even worse, the stable owner is now threatening to sell the horses and the stable! Determined to save the horses, Shay and her friends decide to investigate on their own.
Although Shay makes some questionable decisions in the book and finds herself in serious danger, she displays many fine qualities such as resourcefulness, loyalty, friendship, compassion and maturity. By the time the story ends, Shay James has become a wiser teenager who has finally found what she was looking for all along…a place to truly belong.
Although any preteen or teenager would likely find the story appealing, I would especially like to recommend this book to any foster or adoptive children out there. Undoubtedly, they will find that they relate to Shay James in many ways, and perhaps her story will make them feel less alone. Any child who has experienced neglect or abuse should definitely give this book a try as well.
- Sustenance
on Aug. 11, 2011
The new young adult eBook “Sustenance”, written by Kayla Cargiulo, is an interesting mix of several science fiction themes. Even though the story is relatively short, it tells a compelling story about aliens, emotional vampires and romance.
Although I don’t actually remember the word vampire being used in the book, some of the creatures seem to exist off the emotions of others, so it reminds me of the mythological “emotional vampires” that are said to still exist today in different parts of the world.
The actual plot of the story centers around a girl named Contessa Manoso. Tess is sort of a lost soul who indulges in promiscuity and other forms of wild living to fill the emptiness she has inside. Shortly into the story, Tess is involved in a deadly accident that changes her entire world and introduces her to a mysterious silver-haired man named Samson who holds the answers to all of the questions that have always plagued her. Samson also seems to hold a strange attraction for Tess that is far beyond all the superficial sexual encounters that she has experienced in the past. Now Tess not only has to deal with the truth of who she really is, but she also has to cope with the heartbreak that can accompany falling in love.
I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, but I would like to say that this is only the first volume of what will likely be a series. At the end of the story, many of the major problems facing Contessa are still unresolved and several lives hang in the balance. This story definitely held my interest enough that I will be looking forward to the sequel.
This story would be a great pick for any readers who like supernatural romance or science fiction. However, I would like to caution parents of young preteens or teens. Although this book is considered a young adult story, it may not be appropriate for preteens or younger teenagers due to the sexual content. The story is definitely not explicit or extremely graphic in its sexual descriptions, but there is sexual activity and I know many parents are uncomfortable with their younger children reading that kind of literature.
Of course, the decision of whether a book is appropriate for your child is ultimately up to you as the parent. Personally, I think most teens who are 15 and older would be fine reading this book, but children younger than that might not be mature enough yet. Of course, each child matures at their own pace, so you might want to keep that in mind when choosing literature for your teen.
Overall, this story is a fun fantasy that would appeal not only to teens but to adult women as well.
- Schrödinger’s Cat
on Aug. 18, 2011
This is the second novel I have had the pleasure to read by author Eileen Schuh. And while I did enjoy the first book, "The Traz", which is a young adult story, I must admit I personally found "Schrodinger's Cat" even better. Of course, that may be because I am a HUGE fan of psychological thrillers, which is what this story really is. Throughout the book, the author keeps you guessing about whether the main character, Chorie, is really traveling between different realities or whether she has just gone insane from the grief of dealing with a daughter who is dying. This story is told masterfully from the beginning to the end, and the end is one that really leaves you thinking. Just like a good episode of "The Twilight Zone", this story will have you questioning the boundaries of science and reality.
- The Blue Girl
on Aug. 27, 2011
Curious to see why the previous reviewer gave such a poor rating, I decided to read this. I must admit hearing the word blue 50 million times got a little old lol, but kids probably wouldn't be bothered so much by that. As for the message of the story, I think I get it. The girl tries to change herself to fit in with a different crowd and in the process alienates her old crowd. Of course, I am all for originality and trying new things and believe your true friends will still be there even if you change a little, so I'm not sure I entirely agree with the story. I know that it is so much easier to stay the same and not rock the boat, but sometimes you have to.
- My Best Friend Mio
on Aug. 29, 2011
Sweet story. I'm glad that it turned out so well, but I can't imagine what it must be like to be sent off to boarding school. It's sad that you never got to see Mio again. I was curious, were you friends with his owner, or did you even know his owner personally?
- The Bedtime Story
on Aug. 31, 2011
Cute story, I love how it sends the message that girls can be whatever they want and don't have to conform to expected stereotypes...even if they are a princess! Good writing, interesting story.
- The Christmas Cat
on Sep. 02, 2011
Cute little story, I never did figure out if it was really supposed to rhyme entirely or not, if so, the rhyme scheme seemed a bit off. Other than that, it was fun tale with a likeable character. The illustrations are great and I loved the fact that the author included a picture of the real Peppy.
- Sally's Adventure
on Sep. 02, 2011
Fun little tale about overcoming your fears and taking a chance. Like Sally learns, we never know what we can do or what we might miss out on if we never even try. I really liked the pictures the author added to the story, they definitely make it more attractive to kids.
- Izard the Lizard
on Sep. 02, 2011
I'm really surprised that this story is free. The writing is good, better than many here who charge and the illustrations are great...sometimes even professional quality. If I were you, I would take advantage of this free read, I'm sure your kids will like it and it has an important message for kids about leaving the things of nature outside where they can be free. I must admit the slogan on the dad's t-shirt made me chuckle too.
- Broccoli?
on Sep. 06, 2011
Funny, imaginative way to try to get your kids to try healthy foods, particularly broccoli. I can see a whole room of kids saying "nom glack mlah mlah zuurp"at the dinner table...but who cares as long as they are eating their vegetables?
- A Short Story About Me , Kirby.
on Sep. 06, 2011
Cute little story about a dog with some definite personality. It's interesting to see "adoption" from the viewpoint of a pet, I wonder if they really do think we are mean sometimes? I liked the pictures of Kirby at the end of the story too.
- Under the Bed
on Sep. 08, 2011
Certainly a sad story, but the end definitely leaves a doorway for hope and a different future. I hope the author did find the courage and strength to change her life. Good short read, one that will hit home for many other neglected or abused kids.
- Seven Simple Steps To Help You Control Your Life
on Sep. 08, 2011
Some great advice for moving you along on your spiritual path. Features important lessons such as moving on, respecting life, generosity and spiritual awareness. A great little starting guide for those interested in living a more spiritual life.
- A Freddie and Jimmy Story - The Snow Cat - Picture Book
on Sep. 08, 2011
Cute story, loved the illustrations. However, the formatting was a little bit off, at least for the Kindle version. It seemed like the pictures and some of the text were awkwardly spaced. Still a good read though, especially since it is free!
- Shannon and Ally Have Fun
on Sep. 08, 2011
Cute little story and the pictures are adorable. Shannon and Ally sound like they would be a lot of fun to hang around with!
- Writing Children's Books vs. Adult Books: Why you'd be crazy not to
on Sep. 09, 2011
I wasn't sure if this ebook would be worth the cost since it is so short at only a little over 500 words, but I actually enjoyed it. Obviously there isn't a lot to read here, but what is there is pretty interesting. Mostly this ebook is about money and how making it writing children's or YA books can be easier than with adult books.
- You're My Baby
on Sep. 09, 2011
Great little picture book for only 99 cents! Nice flowing verse, cute little illustrations and adorable photos of babies. I really liked how the author included pictures of babies and their parents from all different ethnic backgrounds.
- Hammer In The Head
on Sep. 11, 2011
A good story with a lesson in it that we could all learn from. However, the reading enjoyment was lessened somewhat by the formatting errors in the Kindle version. It made for an extremely choppy read.
- Are you the Next American Idol? Some things to think about before you self-publish
on Sep. 11, 2011
Some really great tips from a fellow author. Self-publishing can be a great thing or it can be a disaster. But this author is definitely right about one thing, self-publishing shouldn't be an excuse to cultivate lazy or mediocre writing skills. Too many authors think if you self-publish it means that your audience won't recognize all of the errors you neglect to edit out...believe me, they will notice!
- The Note
on Sep. 21, 2011
As a former bullying victim myself, I can relate well to this story. Bullying takes many forms, it isn't just the physical aggression we often envision. This is a story that is definitely needed by today's kids. I hope it does really well.
- Oh Gran!
on Sep. 21, 2011
Cute little story. Well written, fun, sure to please the kids. Love the idea of a wild, funky grandma, even if it isn't as surprising an image as it once was. (After all, many grandparents are kinda crazy nowadays!)
- The Sunflower That Roared
on Sep. 27, 2011
Cute little story, really liked the watercolor illustrations and the little 'epilogue' at the end.
- Darker Than the Night
on Oct. 03, 2011
Good short story with just enough creepiness to give kids a chill without scaring them too much. Great pick for the Halloween season!
- The School Car
on Oct. 03, 2011
Fun little story about one of those 'urban legends' that seem to exist in every kid's town. Is the old car covered in blood? Did someone really lose their life there? Great short read for kids who love horror/mystery stories.
- Love, Eternal
on Oct. 13, 2011
I love fairy tales and a good romantic story so this one was right up my alley. I should also mention that this story is well written and truly enjoyable to read. I look forward to seeing more from this author.
- The Bear and the Bee
on Oct. 17, 2011
Cute little story in verse. Liked the pictures interjected here and there as well. Would work well as a read-aloud.
- Midas The Bee
on Oct. 17, 2011
Wow, I see what the first reviewer was talking about with the font being too small, I couldn't make out half of it. However, the illustrations are great, so if you can just get the font to be readable, I'm sure it would be very enjoyable!
- Zimba Zoot
on Oct. 17, 2011
Cute little story, I really enjoyed most of the verse, although a couple of the rhymes felt a little forced. Some of the rhymes were downright brilliant though, so it evened out. I do think the poem would have been even better with a few more illustrations to spice it up.
- 2011 Children Action Comics Special
on Oct. 17, 2011
Some of these are pretty darn funny! Great artwork as well! Will have to check out more by this author!
- Arm Farm
on Nov. 03, 2011
Even though this book is not the normal genre I read, I really found myself drawn to the story and enjoying it. The writing is excellent and the story is full of suspense and emotion that keep you reading and hoping for closure for our young heroine. I found the forensic science parts of the story both believable and fascinating, even if I don't know a whole lot about that field myself. The author was able to make complex scientific information accessible even to those of us unfamiliar with the concepts. Definitely a worthwhile read!
(4.55 from 11 reviews) 
Brenda McCreight
Eileen Schuh
Joseph Valentinetti
Katie Byrde
Kayla Cargiulo
Twinkie Artcat