John Peragine

After reading the first one in this series and enjoying it quite a bit, I was looking forward to where Max's adventures would take him next. This is the 2nd novel in the series and is best read as such, since it starts where book one left off.

Max now has powers, a crew, and is off to more adventure and figuring things out. There's a huge cast of intriguing characters, which was a bit much for book one, but here, the previous footwork pays off and every single one shines. I have my personal favorites, but every one has quirks and adds to the tale. Thanks to Max's continuing inability to always judge people correctly...a part of his character arc...it's also hard to sometimes judge whether those he meets or befriends are truly trustworthy or not. This, of course, adds to the already high tension and adds some unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Like book one, there is something always going on with never a dull moment. Now, that the world building is well placed thanks to the first book, this one can really flow along plot and excitement. It makes for an easy read, which is hard to put down, and promises so much more excitement the book to come.

Fantasy fans, who love djinn, magic, adventure, high seas, family, friends, and tons more are sure to enjoy this one from beginning to end. I received a complimentary author and enjoyed this book even more than the first in the series.… (plus d'informations)

Pirates, salty seas, cold-hearted sultans, djinn, secrets...this read packs the promise of adventure and sets sails to what will be an exciting series.

Max knows his father isn't dead no matter what anyone, including his mother, might tell him. When he wakes up one morning to his mother's announcement that they are heading out on a ship to an island, Max spins plans on how to find his father, who disappeared at sea. But before they make it to the ship, his mother disappears, and he's robbed. The captain, a spice pirate, of the ship his mother had gained passage on, comes to the rescue and sets out with Max to help him locate his father. When they run into a prince and the pirate ship is taken, the true adventure begins.

This is the first book in a new series, and there are definitely all the exciting elements to make this one grabbing from beginning to end. The author spends no time dilly-dallying around as Max wakes up one morning to immediately be told that he's headed out on a pirate ship. While very sudden and not really allowing any time to get to know Max first, it definitely draws readers in right away. This fast pace holds the entire way through as Max faces one situation only to be led into the next. There's never a moment for boredom, and it makes every turn of the page mean a new surprise.

There is tons of goodness in these pages. Max is a character to root for as he heads into adventure and deals with the most amazing situations as best he can. The weave of secrets also starts right away and bread crumbs of many things to come are sprinkled in the moment Max rises that first morning. It's a well-woven tale from start to finish, and definitely takes the effort to lay the necessary foundation for the series. The mix of pirates, princesses, sultans, witches, seers, djinn, and magic keep the imagination and fantasy flying wonderfully high. Also, the author doesn't forget to incorporate the wonders of spices...an aspect I really found nice.

Unlike many adventure books for middle graders, the writing style in this one leans more toward the younger end. The action happens fast, and while this holds the attention, emotions and thoughts aren't addressed as much as they need to be for older readers. There are very many characters with quirks and personality, but these are quickly introduced and join the adventure without too much thought (even though I suspect their true intentions will be later revealed). Descriptions also are kept light, which works but keeps the richness to create an unforgettable world at bay. Max sticks to this lower end of the age group as well, and while twelve, leans toward the less mature end and sometimes acts younger than his age. But this also makes it a great read for those more solid readers between third and fifth grade, and I believe they will devour this book and probably the series.

I received an ARC copy and really enjoyed this one quite a bit. I'm giving it 4.5 and rounding up.… (plus d'informations)

Authors Kristie Lorette and John Peragine have put together a very detailed and well organized book on how to open and operate a Coaching Business. I found their book to be very understanding and a must read for someone who is considering being a personal or executive coach. Two of the chapters deal with the timing of starting this type of business as well as what type of coach you would want to be. There is a great amount of energy spent in helping the reader know what type of coach they would like to become. If someone is too general in their description, then someone else who is more specific will get the job. Find out what you are good at, like to do and then go in that direction. These two issues are very important as to the success that one would have within this field.
There is information on how and where to set up one's office, how to create a business plan and establish client fees. The authors also reminds the readers of the importance of getting the business legally structured correctly while discussing the various options available.
When starting this type of business one must realize there is a great amount of time spent in securing the client. However, also realize there is time involved during the process of working with the client as well as after the meeting as you prepare for additional coaching sessions.
There is also much needed information on how to secure new clients and maybe even as important how to keep them. So many new business owners focus on the growth then forget those who they already have on board and we are reminded to take care of those who have already joined our business and they in return will take care of us.
There is also a list of coaching schools and organizations and a bibliography for additional research and reading.
The extra nice part that the authors have included is a CD-ROM that contains all the forms within the book as well as a editable business plan.
This book was provided by reviewthebook.com for my honest review.
5 of 5 stars… (plus d'informations)

Think you have what it takes to help people as a personal or executive coach? Want to make a living at it but don’t know what steps to take to get there? Authors Kristie Lorette and Jon Peragine have the answers. In their book, “How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Personal and Executive Coaching Business”, they take the would-be coach through all of the daunting twists and turns on their way to ‘business owner’.

Atlantic Publishing Group’s self-help/how-to catalog is a top-notch, user friendly fountain of knowledge and “How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Personal and Executive Coaching Business” fits well within this collection. Lorette and Peragine begin by posing questions to the reader such as ‘Is coaching right for you?’, ‘Is there a need you can fill?’, and ‘Why coaching and not some other way of helping people?’ These questions and the information to follow help guide the reader in some thought-provoking, soul-searching contemplation. Once answers are determined, the authors outline the business of coaching and describe various subjects such as: business plans, fee schedules, marketing, finding new customers and getting repeat business out of current customers, and much, much more. In addition to providing a plethora of advice, a CD-ROM is included which contains all the forms found in the book as well as a sample, adaptable business plan. The book is essentially a one-stop-shop for becoming a successful entrepreneur in this fascinating and multifaceted field.

“How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Personal and Executive Coaching Business” is written with the beginner in mind – someone who has had absolutely zero exposure to professional coaching. Further it is written for someone that may have what it takes to become a coach but doesn’t know what exactly the process of ‘coaching’ entails. With vividly clear descriptions and ‘down and dirty’ specifics, Lorette and Peragine literally and-hold you through everything you need to know. Motivating but realistic, they empower you to think about what you could be capable of as a coach but also responsibly prepare you for the realities of being a business owner. The book is a valuable coach for the future coach!

Reviewed Vicki Landes, author of “Europe for the Senses – A Photographic Journal”… (plus d'informations)