Flight of Blue by A.E. Howard

This is another semi-finalist in the Kindle Book Review Competition (2013).  I just finished reading the "Look inside" portion.
The main character is just about to turn twelve, and has a startling adventure!  I found a few things in the story that made me wonder if the author has ever actually lived in a rural area? or if I've just lived in completely different rural areas?  Either way, I seriously doubt that a young adult reader would even notice what I did.  They would be asking themselves if the main character and his friend will accomplish their mission, return safely home, and what fantastic events will befall them along the way!

A Kettle of Fish by Ali Bacon

http://www.thekindlebookreview.net/2013-book-awards/

I read the "Look inside" portion of this young adult book and found it quite different from what I would have chosen as a read for myself.  While Ali Bacon is adept at description, the few chapters I read made me feel sad.  I understand why she was selected as a semi-finalist, of course.  As I said, she is quite skilled at setting her scene, creating vivid imagery and believable characters. 
Content Advisory: The characters (teenage girls) use swear words.  Also, while I haven't read all of the book, it seemed to be leaning towards an intimate "coming of age" experience.  I'm afraid I wouldn't recommend this book to my family members or friends.

The Kindle Book Review’s 2013 Best Indie Book Awards #1

     I was thinking that it would be an interesting form of torture to read through the 'Look inside!' section of the other semi-finalist books in my category (Young Adult) while I wait for September 1st.  The judges selected the semi-finalists based only on the first several pages of the books, and I wanted to see what my own reaction was.
     So, as planned, I'm starting to read through the competition's offerings.  I decided to start with Diana Kimpton's "There Must be Horses" because I'm still horse crazy. 
     Ms. Kimpton's style is inviting, she keeps the story moving, and makes me quite sympathetic to her main character's plight.  I can certainly understand why "There Must be Horses" was chosen as a semifinalist! 
     I am not planning to read the books all the way through (that would be close to a book a day) but I can say that what I read of "There Must be Horses" was very enjoyable.