Joaquin Peralta

Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

Taking place during the 1848 California Gold Rush, Emma and Thomas' father dies and their mother remarries. Right before Christmas and after the wedding, some mysterious guests show up and claim that the two's new stepfather, Mr. Crevan Doyle, owes them money.

Their stepfather announces that he's moving everyone to California. A short way into the trip, Emma and Thomas' mother dies, forcing them to travel with a step-family they barely know. Before they can reach California, however, Mr. Doyle steals their mother's fortune and sells Emma and Thomas as slaves to a mule-skinner.

Sold to a hard but fair master, the two are forced to endure harsh terrain and a demanding employer, fight off robbers, outsmart slave-seeking hunters, and find a way to survive in the wilderness. Will Emma and Thomas be able to reclaim what is theirs? Will they beat the odds and find their place in their newfound world?

A great historical adventure filled with action, friendship, survival, and self-discovery. The characters are entertaining and memorable. The plot moves moderately but holds the reader's interest with lots of action and interspersed humor. Readers who like historical fiction, adventure, and Wild West stories will enjoy reading EMMA SNOW.… (plus d'informations)

Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

Hamlet is tired of living on a farm with his family. When he decides to go seek his fortune, he gets captured by a group of bandits called the Joaquin Murieta Band.

As he spends time with them, he develops comradeship despite the life-threatening abuse he gets from Jack, the bandit who keeps ears as souvenirs from his victims. Soon, he is faced with a moral decision.

If he stays with the band, the only friends he's ever really had, he might get mistaken for a member. If he returns to his father, he will never hear the end of his failed fortune attempt. Will Hamlet return to his father or stay with the John Murieta Band?

A gunslinging, action-filled adventure. Filled with danger and death threats, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you interested, lovers of the Wild, Wild West and thrill-seeking adventure will enjoy reading BANDITS.… (plus d'informations)