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Ryann in the Sky by Jammie Kern – with a Guest Post from the author

Ryann in the Sky
written by Jammie Kern          
published by Buzz Books USA


Why did I pick this book: I was asked to review this book by the author’s publicist and I happily accepted the request. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)



Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this short story. It was a quick, easy read that I finished in about an hour. (The book is only about 20 pages.)


This was an interesting story and a neat way to read the mythology story. I felt bad for Ryann, especially when the whole captain incident went down. I cared about this character, even in the short time I knew her. 


Would I recommend it: I would. It is quick and interesting.


Will I read it again: I will not but I do want to read more stories in this Mythology High series.


About the book – from the publisher: In Jammie Kern’s well-written debut, she serves up Orion as Ryann, a six-foot volleyball player headed to the state championship. The grieving captain, who lost her dad the year before, has an unexpected foe, someone she thought was her best friend. With scholarships on the line, Ryann must come to terms with what it means to be a champion – and a friend – inside and out. Does she have what it takes? Or will her friend be her downfall? 

And now I would like to welcome author, Jammie Kern, to Every Free Chance Book Reviews!!! She has written the following Guest Post for all of you!

Volleyball anyone? by Jammie Kern


Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I’m the least athletically inclined person in the world.  I’ve played some softball, maybe a handful of volleyball games.  (It must be the team sport aspect I didn’t like because I could kick some 3rdgrade boo-tay when I played dodge ball.  I was a sneaky little introvert.)  So how does a non-sporty writer, who’s best memory of a volleyball game includes a high speed ball to the face, choose and successfully employ a sport into a story?


In “Ryann in the Sky,” I needed volleyball more than it ever needed me.  So I did some research.  This competitive atmosphere was perfect for setting up Ryann’s character which mirrors the Greek mythological giant Orion, but it also provided a fun opportunity to sprinkle in some other details of the myth…


For example, when Ryann makes a dig for the ball and lands on her left hip, she’s left with a nasty bruise the color of a “feisty blue catfish.”  And later, as she tumbles into the sidelines, she ends up with a very red, skinned up shoulder.  These two injuries, while common in the game of volleyball, are representative of the blue supergiant star Rigel and the red supergiant star Betelgeuse that help make up the constellation of Orion.  When we imagine Ryann serving the ball or spiking at the net, she’s taking on the same pose as Orion as he battles the Taurus.


Now doesn’t that all make me sound like I know my volleyball, my mythology and my astronomy?  This is what I love about writing.  I’m a “jack of all trades, master of none” kind of girl.  Research is where it’s at.  Specifically, on Youtube.   


Now here’s your challenge: catch up on your mythology, then find the other allusions in my story.  Satisfy the detective in you.



About the author: Jammie Kern is the author of the young adult short story, “Ryann in the Sky,” in the Mythology High series by Buzz Books USA. The digital short is available where ebooks are sold for .99. Her next short story will release Labor Day weekend 2012.  Kern is raising daughters, raising chickens for fresh eggs, raising an organic vegetable garden in NE Oklahoma, and raising some eyebrows at www.jammiekern.com



Happy reading wherever you are and whenever you get a free chance!!!

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4 Comments

  • by jammiekern.com
    Posted July 9, 2012 2:03 pm 0Likes

    Thank you so much for sharing space at your awesome blog! And for the fantastic review! I’m glad you found my story interesting, the next in the series is about the Greek myth of Talos, (in case you want to read up on mythology in your spare time.) I love that you read in front of/with your kids. I think it’s one of the best tools we have to inspire them to read! What a good example you are. Best wishes, Jammie

    • by The Every Free Chance Reader
      Posted July 9, 2012 3:00 pm 0Likes

      No problem, Jammie!!! It was truly my pleasure. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review your book…and for checking out my blog. I love reading to my kids and I agree with you, it is so important to have them see me reading. I hope to spark the interest in them when they are young so they will love to read always.

  • by amy h
    Posted July 9, 2012 2:53 pm 0Likes

    I loved reading about Ryann and found several clever clues that tie this story back to the original myth. This was an easy and compelling read. Can’t wait to read about Talos!

    • by The Every Free Chance Reader
      Posted July 9, 2012 3:01 pm 0Likes

      Thanks for stopping by Amy! The clues were clever. And I’m with you, I can’t wait to read about Talos! (I’ll have to do some pre-reading!)

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