Book Review: What Happens Next

Note: I have been flip-flopping on posts lately but it can't be helped. Good news I'll be getting my blood test results this week to find out what has been worsening my ailments. Then my doctor and I can move forward with the best health options to help.

Today I'm back with my review hat on. This story is a picture book focused on how to tackle bullying.

Title: What Happens Next by Susan Hughes (Illustrated by Carey Sookocheff)

Release Date: March 15, 2018

Source: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon

Summary: What Happens Next is a raw, realistic story told by an unnamed protagonist who is made to feel different from everybody else―even invisible sometimes. Bullied by a girl at school, our narrator gives a terse script of the related facts (What Her Friends Do: Laugh. What Everyone Else Does: Nothing.) and emotions (How I Feel Sometimes: Bad. Really Bad.). 

The narrator takes these hurt feelings home, where Mom listens and offers some ideas. At school the next day, the child confronts the bully by turning a “weirdo” fascination with science into an opportunity to find common ground, and maybe help the bully see the world in a new way. 

Spare illustrations in a limited palette of blues and greens convey feeling alone even in the hustle and bustle of a crowded schoolyard. Graphic novel–style panels set a steady pace for the emotional impact of this important story that doesn’t simplify the realities of feeling like an outsider. It’s a powerful starting point for discussions of emotions, empathy, and how we relate to others.

Review

Stories about conquering bullies are often touching and informative. This one is no different. From good descriptions of how the bullied MC is feeling to the acts of the bully to intimidate her. Both words and images help evoke the pain of the victim and the superiority of the bully. Also, I loved showing how animals can comfort people in times of stress. Plus I felt the mother-daughter relationship was very genuine from when the child pretended to be 'fine' to when they had a talk about what was going on in school. The solution was also interesting and a different take from most books about girls being bullied by other girls. Overall a nice story for children.

My issue, however, was the way science was used in the book. While the positives of girls being interested in science is commendable. There was an underlying forced science is for girls message I didn't like. Yes, science is important but no one should be forced whether directly or subliminally to take on subjects they don't like. There's nothing wrong with loving science but a girl is no less if it's not for her. I remember as a teen having Math forced on me by my parents. It was awful and I ended up only getting worse at it until I was finally in a position to not do the subject anymore. So that scene where science was just forced into the story and used without any context to 'change' the bully bothered me. So I would say to parents that they should buy this book at their own discretion. If it does not bother you, do what you think is best for your child. I would, however, let the child know that they don't have to feel forced to take on any subject and should study and enjoy school as a whole.

Rating: 3 Stars

Book Review: Fox and Raccoon and Top Ten Re-Reads

Hey everyone, today we have a double feature. A book review and a Top Ten Tuesday post. Enjoy

Title: Fox and Raccoon

Release Date: June 19, 2018

Source: NetGalley

Summary: The first in a new picture book series featuring sweet felted creatures and a little village you won't soon forget!

Welcome to Juniper Hollow! Meet Fox and Raccoon. They are best friends. They live next door to each other, and they spend every day together. Except for today! Fox is so busy she doesn't have time to play. But never fear--Raccoon is here to help! He mails letters, goes to the fruit stand, picks up some yarn and even buys some sugar. But Fox is STILL busy. Will she ever have time to stop and play with him? As it turns out, she has a surprise up her sleeve...

Lesley-Anne Green's endearing felted animals and adorable detailed sets create a world that readers will want to come back to again and again.
Review

This series was such a sweet quick read. Every word jumped off the page and made you feel part of the story. You could sense the deep love and friendship between Fox and Raccoon. Not only that, the other animals around the community are helpful and kind. If you ever wanted to read a family friendly book with a message of friendship and positivity to a child, this is it. Also a great read for children wanting a book not too long to read for themselves. There's a lot in a tiny package. The artwork is also beautiful. Sadly I hardly saw any of it because the PDF copy I got from Netgalley was of poor quality and somewhat jumbled with hardly any of the pictures actually in it. But I still highly recommend this book because it is a wonderful read for any child.

Rating: 4 Stars

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish and hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl. 

I am not a huge rereader these days. But I know the books I would grab in an instant.

1. Sweet Valley Series by Francine Pascal: These books were my childhood! I got to follow Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield from childhood all the way to University. Want to do it all over again.

2. R.L. Stine books: Goosebumps, Fear Street...everything. I recently started buying his Slappy puppet series and I'm a kid again. He might write mostly for kids but his books are ageless to me.

3. V.C. Andrews series: The ghostwriter has recently taken the series down a poor quality path. But there are still lots of books from the grander days I have yet to read. The original author might have died after writing only a few of the books herself. But her gothic legend lives on.

4. Harry Potter Series: These books helped define my teens by turning me into a fantasy buff. Before that, I was very contemporary.

5. The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine: C.J. wrote the start of an amazing series. Go read it!

6. School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani: Because it's amazing and compelling.

7. Enid Blyton book series: These short story collections are just so beloved.

8. Poetry: Various kinds by different poets

9 & 10. Other books I just can't recall right now. Peace.


Thank you for stopping by. Fancy getting Fox and Raccoon for a child you know? Do you reread?

Book Review: Remade Series and Tremontaine Series

Hey everyone today I'll be reviewing two book series I downloaded from Netgalley. I got e-copies of both series in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Remade Seasons One and Two

Source: Netgalley




Summary: In one moment the lives of twenty-three teenagers are forever changed, and it's not just because they all happen to die. "ReMade" in a world they barely recognize--one with robots, space elevators, and unchecked jungle--they must work together to survive. They came from different places, backgrounds, and families, and now they might be the last people on earth. Lost meets The Maze Runner in this exciting adventure from Serial Box Publishing.


Review

Remade is a sci-fi series written by different writers. You get to follow teenagers in various settings from the changed future where they are reborn and the past before it happens. While it's quite an interesting concept, it can also be confusing. One of my favourite characters is Loki in Season Two who pretends to be much braver than he actually is. In the past, he was a shy young teen who got pushed around. Now remade he's trying to stay in charge of a ragtag team and stay alive. This series is definitely for sci-fi fans looking for twists and turns with surprise reveals and various technologies and locations to explore. Personally, I have been on and off and would rather collect the entire series once it's over. The last one I downloaded was Season 2 episode 7. I believe I'll stop there and wait for everything to end and get a paperback or digital collection. Still, recommend for an interesting premise and decent story.

Rating: 3 Stars

Tremontaine Series (Season 3)



Summary: Swordplay, scandal, and sex—welcome to the world of Tremontaine, a glittering new entry in Ellen Kushner's classic Riverside series. 

This is the 7th episode in the third season of Tremontaine, a 13-episode serial from Serial Box Publishing. This episode written by Liz Duffy Adams and Delia Sherman. 

Diane hosts a hunting party outside of the city that provides an opportunity to manipulate her relationships as well as those of her associates. Kaab investigates the Inspector’s background and discovers her past may pose a significant risk for her family’s future. Micah questions the trust she’s placed in Diane. Esha wonders if the City is changing who she is for the worse.

Welcome to Tremontaine, where ambition, love affairs, and rivalries dance with deadly results. A Duchess whose beauty is matched only by her cunning; a handsome young scholar with more passion than sense; a foreigner in a playground of swordplay and secrets; and a mathematical genius whose discoveries herald revolution when games of politics begin, no one is safe. Keep your wit as sharp as your steel in this world where politics is everything, and outcasts are the tastemakers.
Review

I must say that this series never really got me going. I was intrigued since the same publisher did Remade. But I never got into the story. I downloaded multiple chapters/episodes but barely got into any of them. Honestly, don't remember much. Not a fan of the pacing and the characters just feel off-kilter and boring. The story is just not my cup of tea either. Try it if you want but this was not for me.
But it could be because I came in on Season 3 so I'll give them a little leeway. Hopefully, those who start from the start meet a more interesting storyline and better pacing to explain things better.

Rating: 2 Stars

Thanks for stopping by. See you on Tuesday for Bookish Tuesday and another book review.

Book Review: Caillou at the Sugar Shack

I will not be doing another Netflix Nation post until January. But look another book review! This time it is for the fun child character Caillou. If you have any small children, this book might hit the spot. Especially if you are in the winter season and in the mood for warm treats.

Title: Caillou at the Sugary Shack by Carine Laforest and Mario Allard

Publication Date: January 9, 2018

Source: Netgalley

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository

Summary on Netgalley: When Caillou's family makes a springtime visit to Jonas' ranch, he takes them on a sleigh ride to a maple forest where Caillou discovers how the maple sap is collected from maple trees. At the sugar shack, Caillou learns about the maple syrup transformation process. But the best surprise is outside, when Jonas pours the hot syrup on the snow and everyone gets to enjoy Caillou's new favorite treat, maple toffee!

Review

If you want a fun read to cuddle up with a child or have a short read along, this book is perfect. Caillou gets a chance to go outside his element with his family visiting a ranch. But what's really exciting is learning about the maple trees and getting to sample the delicious maple sap. The book is perfect for young readers both in length and not being too detailed or confusing. Kids can even try reading for themselves and I'm certain both parents and teachers alike can make learning to read extra fun with these books. And for those experiencing winter, who doesn't like reading about travels and enjoying warm sugary treats? I'm not the target audience and I enjoyed reading this. Highly recommend!

Rating: 5 Stars

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend.

Book Review: Long Way Down (Excerpt)

I read an excerpt from The Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds. It was available to read for free on the Riveted until December fourth. The book is on my to buy list and I want it even more now.

Title: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Publication Date: October 24, 2017

Source: Riveted website for young adult reading

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Book Depository

Summary on Goodreads:

A cannon. A strap.
A piece. A biscuit.
A burner. A heater.
A chopper. A gat.
A hammer
A tool
for RULE

Or, you can call it a gun. That’s what fifteen-year-old Will has shoved in the back waistband of his jeans. See, his brother Shawn was just murdered. And Will knows the rules. No crying. No snitching. Revenge. That’s where Will’s now heading, with that gun shoved in the back waistband of his jeans, the gun that was his brother’s gun. He gets on the elevator, seventh floor, stoked. He knows who he’s after. Or does he? As the elevator stops on the sixth floor, on comes Buck. Buck, Will finds out, is who gave Shawn the gun before Will took the gun. Buck tells Will to check that the gun is even loaded. And that’s when Will sees that one bullet is missing. And the only one who could have fired Shawn’s gun was Shawn. Huh. Will didn’t know that Shawn had ever actually USED his gun. Bigger huh. BUCK IS DEAD. But Buck’s in the elevator? Just as Will’s trying to think this through, the door to the next floor opens. A teenage girl gets on, waves away the smoke from Dead Buck’s cigarette. Will doesn’t know her, but she knew him. Knew. When they were eight. And stray bullets had cut through the playground, and Will had tried to cover her, but she was hit anyway, and so what she wants to know, on that fifth-floor elevator stop, is, what if Will, Will with the gun shoved in the back waistband of his jeans, MISSES.

And so it goes, the whole long way down, as the elevator stops on each floor, and at each stop someone connected to his brother gets on to give Will a piece to a bigger story than the one he thinks he knows. A story that might never know an END…if WILL gets off that elevator.


Book Review

When I found out this book was written in verse and used a short moment in time to make a whole book, I was sold. I am a huge fan of books written in different ways from the norm. This book does that in spades. Using a short span of time to write a whole book is hard. You have to make each moment riveting enough to keep the reader engaged. Jason accomplishes this and he's definitely an author to watch. From showing how eczema affects a mother of two and that a moment as innocent as buying a bar of special soap can have long-reaching consequences. To a drawer that holds socks in contrast to the one holding an older brother's gun. Nothing in this book is without a purpose and you need to keep up with each versed scene to see everything fall into place.

I also lost a relative to gun violence. Ironic enough he had the same name as my brother, Andre. It was years ago over the Christmas holidays and I can tell you it is painful. But I would never want to be in the shoes of this book's main character. Will is a younger brother who witnessed the murder of his brother in a community where gun violence is not a rare occurrence. I never grew up in a place like that. Where rules to deal with such things included staying silent and planning revenge. A line from the book says it all.

Another Thing About the Rules

They weren't meant to be broken.

They were meant for the broken to follow.

Now that really gave me an inside look for those who think picking up a gun is the only solution. I will never agree with that but I'm not above knowing I could have a breaking point as well. This line just gave me more insight into those who see it as an only resort. A sad and dark insight but honest.

I highly recommend this book without question.

See you on Wednesday where I show my next WOW (Waiting on Wednesday) and discuss my birthday (November 29).

Book Review: The Glass Sphere Sneak Peek

I read the preview of The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano on the Epic Reads Website. Below is my review of the sample.

Title: The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano

Publication Date: October 24, 2017

Source: Epic Reads Website

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository.

Summary on Goodreads: 

A banished princess.
A deadly curse.
A kingdom at war.

Wil Heidle, the only daughter of the king of the world’s wealthiest nation, has grown up in the shadows. Kept hidden from the world in order to serve as a spy for her father—whose obsession with building his empire is causing a war—Wil wants nothing more than to explore the world beyond her kingdom, if only her father would give her the chance.

Until one night Wil is attacked, and she discovers a dangerous secret. Her touch turns people into gemstone. At first Wil is horrified—but as she tests its limits, she’s drawn more and more to the strange and volatile ability. When it leads to tragedy, Wil is forced to face the destructive power within her and finally leave her home to seek the truth and a cure.

But finding the key to her redemption puts her in the path of a cursed prince who has his own ideas for what to do with her power.

With a world on the brink of war and a power of ultimate destruction, can Wil find a way to help the kingdom that’s turned its back on her, or will she betray her past and her family forever? 
Book Review

The main character Wil was born after three previous attempts by her mother to have a girl. Yet from the start it was clear that she was different. The sneak peak gave readers from Prologue to Chapter Two to read for free. I got introduced to the world of The Glass Spare which isn't a happy go lucky one. As the youngest and a princess, Wil's often kept indoors and expected to be a lady. In truth she's anything but and sneaks out for one of her brothers to get ingredients for weapons he makes both for his own pleasure and at the order of the father. A wealthy king only desiring more power and places to rule. Even the poor are left to suffer as resources are more geared towards acquiring wealth than taking care of all the citizens.

This early Wil's secret power's not introduced but I got an idea of how complicated Wil's life is the desire to travel versus pleasing her family. Even one of her older brothers Owen had to return from traveling because he's to be married to create or strengthen an alliance. I think this story is definitely worth reading and I'd recommend it to current fans of Lauren and fantasy lovers alike.

But there was one problematic feature I didn't enjoy. There are some references to dark versus fair that I found troubling to offensive. I understand that dark can be used to represent darkness. But when you use dark eyes and features versus blue eyes and fair features to describe looks and family relationship from a good versus evil perspective. I think that can open a can of worms. I know fair hair and blue eyes have been used to typify innocence but it felt somewhat that dark references to people were being demonized. Writers need to be careful that these references don't implant hurtful thoughts in readers. I'm certain white as a ghost is not the same as a blonde white she-devil. It's all about the details and besides this blemish, I do want to read the book.

Thanks for stopping by.

Book Review: Action by Quinn Anderson

Will do Goal Hop/Update Day on Monday. Today I'm reviewing an erotic adult novel. It involves the porn industry so be advised if that makes you uncomfortable.

Title: Action by Quinn Anderson

Publication Date:  June 4, 2017

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Summary: Pete Griflow is the last person anyone would suspect of being a porn star. He’s quiet, gawky, and can’t even talk to guys without turning red. But on camera, he’s a different person. In the porn world, he’s Jaden Prime, a coquettish power bottom who’s been tantalizing fans for over a year now.

Pete is in a rut, though, and he knows it. And what’s worse, his boss knows it. If he can’t reignite his passion for the biz, he’s going to have trouble paying his none-too-cheap college tuition.

When Pete is given the opportunity to star in a huge summer production, sparks fly between him and his costar, Kyle Darko. Kyle is Pete’s opposite: he’s daring, achingly sexy, and in love with the sex industry. Their chemistry is palpable on and off screen, but dating on a porn set is tricky. Even pros struggle to separate fantasy from reality, especially with a script dictating their seduction. But what’s building between them can’t be ignored, and it’s so much more than getting some “action.”

Book Review

I had not read a book by Riptide Publishing in a while. They publish LGBTQ novels for different age groups from young readers straight up to adults and in multiple genres. This time I'm reviewing one of their more erotic titles, Action. Pete Griflow goes into the porn industry for financial reasons and though not the typical porn star, finds success. When he falls into a rut it puts his future and higher education at risk. So when he gets the chance to star in a huge summer production and meets a costar who actually loves the porn industry, a whole new dynamic is thrown into the story. The Porn industry isn't a business that's looked upon highly. Myself included. But this story does show the different dynamics of both the business and the people behind it. If you like reading erotic LGBT novels and want a different story that shows the ups and down of the sex business, this is for you. If you just love Riptide or willing to try a new book of any genre, this is also for you to take a look. Otherwise, you need to decide for yourself. NetGalley offered me a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4 Stars

Monday I will also discuss revamp plans I have for blog. Thanks for stopping by.

Book Review: The Jumbies and Read-a-thon Wrap Up

Due to falling behind on post, Update Day/ Goals Hop will be done tomorrow. IWSG, Wednesday.

Title: The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Publication Date: April 28, 2015

Source: Purchased Paperback

Purchase: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary on Goodreads: A spine-tingling tale rooted in Caribbean folklore that will have readers holding their breath as they fly through its pages.

Corinne La Mer isn't afraid of anything. Not scorpions, not the boys who tease her, and certainly not jumbies. They're just tricksters parents make up to frighten their children. Then one night Corinne chases an agouti all the way into the forbidden forest. Those shining yellow eyes that followed her to the edge of the trees, they couldn't belong to a jumbie. Or could they?

When Corinne spots a beautiful stranger speaking to the town witch at the market the next day, she knows something unexpected is about to happen. And when this same beauty, called Severine, turns up at Corinne's house, cooking dinner for Corinne's father, Corinne is sure that danger is in the air. She soon finds out that bewitching her father, Pierre, is only the first step in Severine's plan to claim the entire island for the jumbies. Corinne must call on her courage and her friends and learn to use ancient magic she didn't know she possessed to stop Severine and save her island home.

With its able and gutsy heroine, lyrical narration, and inventive twist on the classic Haitian folktale "The Magic Orange Tree," The Jumbies will be a favorite of fans of Breadcrumbs, A Tale Dark and Grimm, and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

Book Review

There's no doubt that folklore and stories from the Caribbean are not as well known worldwide. But like all regions we have tales to tell and Tracey did this very well with The Jumbies. The author clearly wanted to tell a tale that made kids look behind them long after they finished. An MG, not afraid to deal with loss, monsters and making hard choices. The protagonist Corrine unwittingly brings terror to her island home by going into a forbidden part of the forest and catching the attention of a powerful Jumbie. What followed is an adventure that's both amazing yet rooted in reality. From fighting monsters to dealing with homelessness and child abandonment. Issues of both the supernatural and reality are explored in this story. In the end, Corrine has to make some tough decisions and every action she makes not only has consequences for her but her loved ones as well. Highly recommend and I'm looking forward to the sequel coming later this year.

Rating: 4 Stars

Read-A-Thon Wrap Up

I ended up reading two books in the Summer Biannual Bibliothon Reading Challenge this year. Dead Man: Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love and The Jumbies. It was nice and also glad I took part in five of the seven days in the blog book tag last week. I'm definitely interested in taking part in the Winter version but only in the reading challenge. The blog part is kind of dead when it comes to participation and cross promotion.

Booktube-a-thon was great on twitter. I took part in reading sprints and even mini challenges and got retweeted by the main page a few times. A lot of fun. Sadly I didn't finish any books in the reading challenge. Definitely, want to take part next year. They have strong participation and cross promotion in all areas. Amazing.

Thanks for stopping by.

Book Review: Seraphina (Chapter Sampler)

So today I'll be sharing a chapter sampler I got from Netgalley. This is a small excerpt of the full novel. Friday I'll be reviewing a comic (full book). So read on and thanks for coming.

Title: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman - E- galley excerpt

Publication Date: December 23, 2014

Source: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary on Goodreads: In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons and humans live and work side by side – while below the surface, tensions and hostility simmer. 

The newest member of the royal court, a uniquely gifted musician named Seraphina, holds a deep secret of her own. One that she guards with all of her being.

When a member of the royal family is brutally murdered, Seraphina is drawn into the investigation alongside the dangerously perceptive—and dashing—Prince Lucien. But as the two uncover a sinister plot to destroy the wavering peace of the kingdom, Seraphina’s struggle to protect her secret becomes increasingly difficult… while its discovery could mean her very life.

Book Review

Seraphina's born in a world where humans and dragons co-exist but there's still fear and distrust. A talented musician, she kept a secret that's known by few including her father and his friend and her confidante Orma. I loved that the main character had close characters not just with males but with adults. Too often fiction sadly tries to depict men who are close to children as creepy or ill-intentioned. I even saw a list once that warned against writing stories with males holding girls or standing too close if they weren't family members. Seriously? I'm glad this book never took on that nonsense. In this brief excerpt you get a fantastic inside look at a fantasy world where a murder has taken place, humans and dragon kind are at odds and a girl with a secret might hold the key to solving or making things even worse, maybe both. The author wrote a vivid story that held me with every page. I have wanted to get this book but it kept falling off my radar. It won't again and I highly recommend this book. Especially to fans of stories with dragons. Dragons are awesome.

Rating: 5 Stars

Thanks for stopping by. See you Friday.

Book Review: The Most Magnificent Thing

Yeah, I missed Monday but I'm here today instead and will do my best to be around the rest of the week. So I git this book recently due to a granted wish on NetGalley. Not sure when I wished for this but you know I have a love for picture books. My YA soul has room for those lovely reads.

Title: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

Publication Date: April 1, 2014

Source: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary on Goodreads: Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful idea. She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!? But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy.

For the early grades' exploration of character education, this funny book offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity. The girl's frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes. The clever use of verbs in groups of threes is both fun and functional, offering opportunities for wonderful vocabulary enrichment. The girl doesn't just make her magnificent thing --- "she tinkers and hammers and measures, she smoothes and wrenches and fiddles, she twists and tweaks and fastens." These precise action words are likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters eager to create their own inventions and is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. 

Book Review

A charming tale about a girl who learned that perfection isn't everything and making something just right takes many tries. I really enjoyed watching her attempt different ways to make exactly what she wanted just right. Each failure got her frustrated and it took a while to put herself back on the right path. Kids take a journey with this book are likely to enjoy both the imagery and wording that show the girl's repeated attempts and eventual solution in ways children can understand and empathize. Even adults like myself can get joy and lessons from this book. The little girl's like many of us who have a plan but not the full understanding of how long it will take for that plan to come around. Also that we can;t predict the bumps along the way and that what we view as awful, others might find useful. Plus I got a personal kick of one random kid criticizing one of the discarded pieces as wet. I pegged him as one of those nosy side critics who no one asked but always has an opinion. You know the type. I have to wonder if this was an intentional or unintentional wink at adults.

So I highly recommend this book for children. Also to the adult in your life who might be a bit of a perfectionist. Perhaps he or she will get a kick out of this book as well. A thoughtful charming read. I got an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4 Stars

Thanks for stopping by.

Book Review: Alex and Eliza Excerpt

Title:  Alex and Eliza: A Love Story (Excerpt) by Melissa De La Cruz

Publication Date: April 11, 2017

Source: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary on Goodreads:

1777. Albany, New York. 

As battle cries of the American Revolution echo in the distance, servants flutter about preparing for one of New York society’s biggest events: the Schuylers’ grand ball. Descended from two of the oldest and most distinguished bloodlines in New York, the Schuylers are proud to be one of their fledgling country’s founding families, and even prouder still of their three daughters—Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit; Peggy, with her dazzling looks; and Eliza, whose beauty and charm rival that of both her sisters, though she’d rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for some silly ball. 

Still, she can barely contain her excitement when she hears of the arrival of one Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel and General George Washington’s right-hand man. Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can’t believe his luck—as an orphan, and a bastard one at that—to be in such esteemed company. And when Alex and Eliza meet that fateful night, so begins an epic love story that would forever change the course of American history.

Book Review

Hamilton has blown up in America and other parts of the world. Melissa's take on the love story for Alex and Eliza has been popular among the book community. Reading the excerpt from Netgalley I found it a good read but not exciting. The historical aspect was solid but dragged in parts where I had little personal interest in it. Still, the characters got my attention and women's treatment and thoughts in that time period were nice to read and take in. On a whole, I'd highly recommend the book to Hamilton fans who'd be best familiar with this material. Also, history buffs who are interested in fiction from this time period. For the rest, I'd say read a sample then decide if this book is for you. I got this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Plus this was an excerpt, not the full book.

Rating: 4 Stars

Thanks for stopping by. I'm working on my writing schedule as I recover. Right now I'm going to try for Monday, Wednesday to Friday. But for this week I will not be posting on Thursday. I'll see you on Wednesday for IWSG and my next book review.

Book Review: The Jungle Book: Manga Classics

Title: The Jungle Book (Magna Classics) by Rudyard Kipling

Publication Date: April 28, 2017

Source: Netgalley

Purchase: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary on Goodreads: Heavily influenced by his childhood in British-ruled India, Rudyard Kipling created some of the most well-read children s stories in Western Culture. Book One of The Jungle Book(s) includes Mowgli s Brothers, the story of Mowgli, the abandoned man-cub who was raised by animals in the Indian jungle, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi the heroic mongoose, and Toomai of the Elephants, the tale of a young elephant-handler, and in The White Seal, we meet Kotick, a rare white-furred northern fur seal as he searches for a home where his family will not be hunted by humans. Originally published as a series of short stories for magazines in the late 1800s, the Nobel Prize-winning Rudyard Kipling would eventually publish the classic The Jungle Book in 1894." 

Book Review

I highly recommend this manga/book. Yeah, I said it from the start. This version of The Jungle Book hearkens back to the originals which don't focus on just Mawgli. You have a heroic mongoose, animals that are used both for burden and war and so on. Yet each story has your attention from beginning to end thanks to great writing and breath taking art/visuals. When you read about the effort put into this project at the back of the book, you see why. Everyone on this team wanted to create a new way for young readers to be introduced to Rudyard Kipling's original work but in a new style for the younger generation. I never read the original stories and only saw about three versions of the movie (including 2016's masterpiece in visual effects). Just remember that as a magna you have to read from left to right, therefore starting from where most of us would consider the back of the book. I got a free e-copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5 Stars

Book Review: Goldie Vance Vol. 1

I'm back guys. Not 100% but well enough to be back in the blogging world.

Title: Goldie Vance Volume One by Hope Larson and Brittney Williams

Publication Date: October 11, 2016

Source: Netgalley

Purchase: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary from Goodreads: Move over Nancy, Harriet, & Veronica. There's a new sleuth on the block!

Sixteen-year-old Marigold “Goldie” Vance lives at a Florida resort with her dad, who manages the place. Her mom, who divorced her dad years ago, works as a live mermaid at a club downtown. Goldie has an insatiable curiosity, which explains her dream to one day become the hotel’s in-house detective. When Charles, the current detective, encounters a case he can’t crack, he agrees to mentor Goldie in exchange for her help solving the mystery. Eisner Award-winning writer Hope Larson (A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel) and artist Brittney Williams (Patsy Walker, A.K.A Hellcat!) present the newest gal sleuth on the block with Goldie Vance, an exciting, whodunnit adventure.

Book Review

I had a lot of fun reading this book. Marigold 'Goldie' Vance is a spunky girl ready to help do the right thing, even if it means doing a little bad. She wants to be a detective for the hotel her father works at. Her parents are divorced but she's a well-adjusted teen who has a close friend who also works at the hotel.The friend's a young lady who wants to be an astronaut which I also love.  Also, books representing black people and African-Americans in a positive light is always appreciated. And you get to meet a variety of diverse characters, each with their own part to play. When the surprising mystery of a stolen necklace turns into a shocking kidnapping, Goldie is on the case. But when her sleuthing gets not only her but her father in hot water. Can she undo her mistakes and still find the victim in time? You'll have to read the book to find out and I highly recommend it. I think from pre-teens upwards will enjoy this read and it works for both boys and girls.

The only downside I can give this book is the sad stereotyping of Russians and Germans. The latter started fine but then it kind of went sideways with typical running from the government to savior United States. Yes, I get that there are times when espionage happens but when your first instinct is to use Russia or Germany (this also includes authors who automatically target Asian Countries), it kind of makes me think you're not that creative. Spies are in many countries. Not just a few that you can count on almost fully on one hand. For a book with a great representation of females and African Americans, it was sad to see this happen.

In the end, it is an amazing book with an intriguing would be detective lead that can draw in readers of various ages. I got an e-copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4 Stars

Thanks for stopping by. See you on Wednesday.

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures

Title: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Source: Purchased at Bookstore

Purchase: Amazon, Book Depository

Publication Date: January 8, 2013 (this edition, book was originally published in 2009)

Summary on Goodreads: Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Book Review

Beautiful Creatures was a book I first read back in 2013. It followed Ethan Wate as he meets a strange girl named Lena Duchannes and all the madness his life descends into as a result. What Kami and Margaret did was create a story that kept readers invested and took magic in another direction. With a curse that forces females in Lena's family to potentially turn evil at sixteen, the clock was running out. Ethan's determined to help her and so's her uncle who sees the boy as a hindrance to that goal. Time is on no one's side and the reader's taken on a journey that asks many questions but gives limited answers. Including if it's really a good idea for a regular boy to fall for a special girl? Despite being a bit longer than necessary this book was an intriguing read. I'd recommend to anyone looking for a good young adult read. More so if you want one with a male protagonist.

Rating 4 Stars

Book Review: I Will Love You Forever

Title: I Will Love You Forever by Tatsuya Miyanishi

Source: Netgalley

Publication Date: June 1, 2017

Purchase: Amazon



Summary from Amazon: A female Maiasaura finds a lost egg in the forest and decides to look after it with her own egg. Surprisingly, a baby Tyrannosaurus hatches from the egg. The greathearted mother accepts and raises him as her own son, Heart. One day, Heart goes to pick berries and comes across another Tyrannosaurus. The foster son of the Maiasaura discovers his real identity. The fourth title in this acclaimed Tyrannosaurus series, I Will Love You Forever delivers a heartwarming story about adoption with vivid, brightly colored illustrations and endearingly drawn characters.


Book Review

A touching story about love, adoption, acceptance and sacrifice told through dinosaurs. I must say for a short read this left me quite emotional. Both writer and artist know the right words and images to draw out the reader. Even single parent issues and brotherhood are touched on this book. The art will definitely be great for kids and adults can read this to children without being bored or annoyed by childish language or cliches. Highly recommend for small children, parents, and picture book enthusiasts.

Rating: 5 Stars

Thanks for coming and enjoy your weekend.

Book Review: Return to the Isle of the Lost

Please Note: Like I said in previous posts for April I'm not participating in any hops (including IWSG). While I won't have the full hiatus this month, I'm still limiting my blogging to posts and blog visits only. Thanks for understanding. I'll be back in May.

Title: Return to the Isle of the Lost by Melissa De La Cruz

Source: Purchased Paperback from TBD

Publication Date: May 24, 2016

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Summary from Amazon: There's no place like home. Especially if home is the infamous Isle of the Lost. Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay haven't exactly turned their villainous noses up at the comforts of Auradon after spending their childhoods banished on the Isle. After all, meeting princes and starring on the Tourney team aren't nearly as terrible as Mal and her friends once thought they would be. But when they receive a mysterious invitation to return to the Isle, Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay can't help feeling comfortable in their old hood—and their old ways. Not everything is how they left it, though, and when they discover a dark mystery at the Ise's core, they'll have to combine all of their talents in order to save the kingdom.

Book Review

Melissa brings back the lovable rebel villain kids for a rabble-rouser of a sequel. I really had a lot of fun with this one. As a huge fan of the Disney Descendants film, this book really took me away. Watching the VKs continue to adapt to life in Auradon while trying to maintain some of their mischievous was is very intriguing. Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay are interesting anti-heroes in their own right. Especially when they end up having to return home to the Isle in order to stop their parents from bringing down goodness forever. There are a few deux ex machina moments and rushed resolutions that took a little shine off the story but not enough to cause too much damage. Plus this book knows how to combine comedy and danger like no other. Saving a friend from certain death by chanting 'tick tock tick tock' for example.

Anyone interested in reading this book should read the previous one first. Plus also watch the movie (not a must) which is set after the first book but before this sequel. The fandom for this series is massive and definitely on fire with the movie sequel coming this summer. If you are a fan of fairy tales told from a teen perspective and enjoy retellings of fairy tales then this is a book series you should try.

Rating: 4 Stars

Happy to be out of my book reading funk. This was one of my unfinished books from last year. Thanks for stopping by. I can't wait for Descendants 2!

Book Review: Stitched #1 by Mariah Huehner and Aaron Alexovich

Title: Stitched #1 by Mariah Huehner and Aaron Alexovich

Source: Netgalley

Publication Date: May 2, 2017

Purchase: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary: Crimson Volania Mulch has a problem; she just woke up in a crypt and, besides her name, has no idea of who, where, or what she is. Welcome to the Cemetery of Assumptions, a vast landscape of stones, mausoleums, and secrets. Home to monsters and mayhem, it may also hold the answers to her unknown parentage. Crimson is a resourceful patchwork girl and determined to find them. Along the way, she meets the mysterious Wisteria, who has a tendency to change and a witch named Parameter whose spells tend to go awry. And two boys, Simon and Quinton, who make her feel something besides lost and confused. She must battle ghosts, zombies, and monsters in order to learn where she came from and who her real "mother" is. But will she do it alone, or will she have help from her new friends and unexpected crushes?

Book Review

This book had so much potential. A fun quirky graphic novel (e-arc) from the Read Now section of Netgalley that I decided to try. Sadly this one falls into the middle road barely escaping awful because of one thing. The horrendous writing structure. In fact, there is no structure. Crimson started off confused and you end up even more so than she is. I thought this was the story about a girl stitched from different girls trying to find herself. Oh no, it's also about going to bed and waking up to meet random people each night, suddenly get random gifts, change personalities on a dime, start crushing on boys out of nowhere, making enemies turn friends with no explanation or build up...the story was just so poor and the story version of a head hopping nightmare. And for the record, I'm fine with head hopping in books. So imagine my chagrin of finding a book that shows why others are against it?

There are some positives things, though. The characters are cool and quirky, although in under a hundred pages they're crammed in and never fully explored. The art is top notch without a doubt and I must say was a huge reason I could slowly read through this painstaking headache of a story. Sending huge props to Aaron the illustrator. The friendship between girls and boys are explored and the abilities of these characters are fun to see. At the end, you do want to find out more and a character biography after the story gives you some greatly needed insight into these characters.

However at the end of the day. I am disappointed the author couldn't have written a coherent storyline. With all the differents parts crammed in, this should have been a three hundred page book at least. Instead, you have an overstuffed story with so much potential and amazing artwork undone by writing that feels like the death of a thousand cuts minus the dying part. I do want to get this book strange enough, but only because the characters and art speak to me. The rest I just wish was so much better than the end result. Marginally recommend but not for little kids unless they really just love pictures or quirky stories. This Middle-Grade graphic novel is just too darn confusing.

Rating: 3 Stars

Thanks for stopping by and see you tomorrow.

Book Review: The Little Mermaid and Goal Hop Update

Hey guys. Today I have a lovely graphic novel to share with you. I believe it will entertain both children and adults alike. It takes an old tale and turns it into a true wonderland of imagery. I have decided to not go on hiatus. But I will not be taking part in any hops or promos (unless already arranged) this month including no Insecure Hop post. I will be back to IWSG and everything else in May. This week I'll be posting a book review every day (minus weekends).

Title: The Little Mermaid by Metaphrog

Source: Netgalley

Publication Date: April 4, 2017

Purchase: Amazon, The Book Depository

Summary: The Little Mermaid is Hans Christian Andersen's most celebrated tale and is beautifully adapted here as a graphic novel by the Eisner award nominated duo Metaphrog (Sandra Marrs and John Chalmers), winners of the Sunday Herald Scottish Culture Awards Best Visual Artist 2016, and authors of the acclaimed The Red Shoes and Other Tales.

The Little Mermaid lives deep under the ocean and longs to see the world above. When at last she is allowed to rise to the surface at age fifteen, she falls in love with a young prince. In order to become a human and to be with him, she makes a dangerous pact with the Sea Witch. 

Book Review

This version of The Little Mermaid is perfect for both kids and adults. The imagery alone is breathtaking and you will want to turn the page to read the story but also not because of all this spectacular eye candy. The sad tale of the mermaid (yes this is the original, not the Disney version) is told in under a hundred pages but masterfully so. The words are somewhat eclipsed by the beautiful art but only because it has been done so perfectly. The duo who created this masterpiece are award winners and I can see why. If you have heard of the tale of the little mermaid, then you know how it ends with the sea foam. But I truly believe the way that it's done here really emphasizes the heart of the story and this ill-fated mermaid. The themes of love, family, and sacrifice are well explored in a way appropriate for both children to read and adults to understand the deeper meaning. I highly recommend this book both for it's touching take on this old tale and for the captivating artwork. I got this e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5 Stars


Goal Hop Update

The Goal Bloghop is a hop where you sign up with the goal you have in mind. It can be a small or big goal. Either way after joining you share your progress the last Friday of each month. Started by Misha, it is now co-hosted along with Jen and Brittney.

I had decided to go with a new goal for the new year. One hundred submissions a year. Well, I can say that so far that I have made one submission. It was for a small online contest for flash fiction under 100 words. Don't know the results yet but I'm hopeful. Admittedly I've been procrastinating on my poetry submissions. Perhaps I'm just nervous since I haven't sent in poetry for a long while. Either way this month I'm determined to get my numbers up. I am excited to see where this new goal takes me by the end of the year.

99 more submissions to go.

Thanks for stopping by. See you tomorrow.