A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 88

Misty Copeland: Power and Grace by Richard Corman

     I've never had a book that's perfect for my coffee table before, not until now.  Most folks have books of European countries or photos of fantastic dinners and hors d' oeuvres. Me, I now have the lovely Misty Copeland.

     This young lady, used to play basketball and dance at the Boys and Girls Club- having fun just being a kid.  But her teacher saw something special in her and managed to get her a scholarship.  Four years later, she was the first African-American female principal dance for the American Ballet Theatre.

     Richard Corman's book, Misty Copeland: Power and Grace shows the magic of the blessings she was given and the opportunity to become what many "little brown girls" only dream of!  The photos show litheness, symmetry, and inventiveness.  She's not only beautiful but what she does with her body and those magical feet is beyond dance.

     This more of a picture book than a novella or novel, but it's one that your table will crave!  I'm so happy to have received such a lovely book!  Check it out!  

The Rise of Peter Troy (mini-series) by Joseph diBartolo

     First off- you can't tell me these covers aren't delicious!  I love them like crazy, man!  There's something sexy about an apocalyptic situation with a man standing, ready to fight.  He can be fully clothed or Conan the Barbarian-like and it doesn't matter, I love it!  Enough salivating and on to this amazing trio.

    My review is based on the first three books of Peter Troy.  From what I understand there's another book coming next year.  The story is about a group of people, led by who else?  Peter Troy.  He's something of a zombinologist.  His entire life has been spent studying every zombie movie ever made, no matter how cheesy.  Sounds like my life.  There are some really cool references to Sharktapus and The Walking Dead and other shows on SyFy that keep me very happy, but the story itself is fast paced and full of decayed wonder... Book 1      This book introduces you to the beginning of the apocalypse.  Peter's been dumped by his girlfriend and fired from his job as a meat monger.  He feels his life sucks, but hey, he's got an abundance of science fiction/ horror movies to keep him occupied.  At least, until he spots his ex-girlfriend giving a guy mouth-to-mouth across the way... or is she?

     That's when the adventure begins.  The story moves fast and the action is funny as well as a bit chaotic.  What lost me was detail.  There wasn't a great bit of detail.  There's an instance where he meets Lena, a neighbor in his townhouse complex.  She rushes over because she's afraid, but they never were really neighborly... but suddenly they're locking eyes and getting jealous at the rescue of big-boobed nurses!  It was odd because nothing led up to the feelings, unless it was due to apocalyptic stress.

     Also, I understand why Lena listened to Peter and his zombie tactics, but she, along with others were way too trusting in an apocalyptic world.  Especially with Jim and Nathan!  But it was a fun ride, so I moved on to book number two! Rated: 

King's Suite: The Rise Of Pooch Smalls by Untamed

     Okay, I'm gonna be honest: I've never been one for urban fiction.  Just like with movies, I shied from them, because I always thought they were full of negativity and perpetuated the views many carried for African Americans.  Then I finally got off my mental high-horse and began reading them, like everything else in my arsenal of literary adventures.  This one- King's Suite: The Rise of Pooch Smalls by Untamed, was a great read!

     The story is about Vernon "Pooch" Smalls, a young man who's destiny was pre-planned from age five.  He lost his father to the game and gained a step-father who provided Pooch with everything he needed to know.  He went from wearing pj's, way too small, to running the hood, business and product on the streets.  He's contriving, retaliatory, and turbulent.  He's also loyal and stuck on a girl named Trinity, who won't give him the time of day.

     After a close friend betrays him and the death of his step-father, Pooch steps up the game, pushes hard in the paint and gets revenge in one of the worst ways.  He's determined to get the girl and live the life of his dreams, as king with the world as his suite!      This book is a prequel to a novel titled Never Again...No More.  I enjoyed the read and found everything on point for the most part.  The story was well plotted and because you grew up with Pooch, he was developed, along with his family and friends.  I also appreciated the prologue and how the story fell into place with Terrence.  NO SPOILERS!  There were only a few things that sorta threw the story off for me and they're all lumped into the same category.  There are small gaps that, to me needed filling in.  I'll give three without telling the story:  What lead up to the bretayal to DBC?  Is that discovered in Never Again... No More?  Ethan and Pooch's make up- to me that should have been shared.  I think that conversation would have been deep.  Then, Trinity's got two kids now!  Dang- conjugal visits with Terrance or did the bust from the prequel happen a little ways down the road?  I guess I could ask the author, or just read the novel, Ha!

     King's Suite: The Rise of Pooch Smalls was a fast read, no dull spots and provided some good reading entertainment.  Well worth the read if you ask me.  Check out the author on her website and see all she has to offer; the link is in the first paragraph, as with most of my reviews!  Have a great day and I'm off to the next read!  

2 a.m. at the Cat's Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino

     I'm not even going to lie, I didn't like this book.  When I saw the cover, I thought- Oh this is adorable!  I expected a cute story to go along with it.  Instead, 2 A.M. at the Cat's Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino, offered a foul-mouthed little girl, a kind-hearted teacher and careless club owner.  

     The story's about a Catholic, school girl who is treated poorly by her principal, refused even the simplest of school duties and a bit disheartened at the loss of her mother.  She wants one thing more than anything else: to sing. It's also about a woman who's returned home after a divorce, looking to start over and possibly get together with a long, lost love.  Lastly, there's the jazz club owner who's about to lose his place because he can't afford to pay thirty-thousand dollars for breaking just about every rule he'd been warned against, at least seven times!

     The story spans 24-hours and tells how the three of them come together and help each other out to accomplish something spectacular.  But the way it's told, I wasn't sure if I wanted to laugh or growl and chuck the book in the rubbish bin!   It's like the book was composed part poetry, part crud.  I couldn't even begin to care for Madelaine, the 9-year old:  she smoked, cursed like three sailors and then- when she sings, "things happen."  It was ridiculous!

     I was overjoyed when I finished this book.  Boy, it was a bust.  On to the next read!  

A Shrouded World - Whistlers & Atlantis by Mark Tufo and John O'Brien

                                                     *audiobook review
Do you love horror?  Do you love laughing at the craziest of things while dealing with a hoard of zombies at your heels?  What about being transported to another dimension- one that's worse than the one you'd previously fought to survive in and then there are smarter zombies.  Along with those intelligent Z's, you have strange, alien monsters that eat both humans and the zombies when they're not riding choppers?  then you've found the right series!

     From the author who wrote the incredible Zombie Fallout series, here's Mark Tufo, collaborated with another great writer, John O'Brien.  He's written books as popular as Leaving Las Vegas (also a movie) and A New World series.  Together, they've created a world that's way too scary and hilarious because it's part of the incredible world of Mike Talbot.  If you know Mike Talbot, you know these books are not just written well, they're hilarious.      Okay, so Mike and Trip have been transported to another dimension... A world where there are smarter zombies and a few other creatures, straight out of nightmares.   There's also another traveler, taken from his own apocalyptic world, leaving behind a wife and children.  Together, and sometimes apart, the three of them attempt to survive in a land where everything is just wrong and to their major disadvantage.  Can you tell I loved these books?

​     Also, all of Mark Tufo's audiobooks are narrator by Sean Runnette, who also reads these two.  This guy has the greatest voice and brings Mike Talbot's character to life.  Now it was a bit difficult to distinguish Mike from John eery now and then but it didn't take from the story.  You'll see- because I just know you're going to check these books/audiobooks out!  

     The "F-Bomb" is dropped quite often, but if you can look over profanity, you can enjoy A Shrouded World:  Whistlers and A Shrouded World II: Atlantis.  I kid you not, it's an adventure!  NEXT book!

"Night Chill" & "Night Terror" Gave Me Terror-filled Chills! Books by Jeff Gunhus

     When I saw Night Chill, I knew I wanted to read it.  The cover, beckoned to me.  I had to have it, so I sent a request that went to Mr. Jeff Gunhus directly.  I am so happy he did because the book took me on a supernatural journey that compared to the greatest in horror-telling!  The man can scare you!

     Night Chill is about Jack Tremont and his family.  Well no, that's not right.  It's about a lot of people.  Some very bad people.  For reasons unknown, strangers are after Jack and Lauren's daughter, Sarah.  And they aren't normal people.  They're immortals... because they have a process called, "The Taking" and it has to do with killing young people, mostly girls.  As Jack is dealing with a guilt-ridden past, he's trying to make a new life for his family when a stranger attempts to abduct his little girl while at a rest area during a thunderstorm.  A supernatural game of cat and mouse ensues, leading Jack to think he's going insane, arrested for attempted murder and kidnapping!  

    Night Chill was a great read, with lots of action, hauntings and an ancient hellion from your darkest of dreams.  The actions made you either an angry or heartbroken parent or a 'fraidy cat, cringing at the creaks and shadows of your home while reading in the middle of the night.  It was awesome- just the sort of book I love reading!  I don't believe it was horror, but there were some seriously horrific scenes, I tell you what!  lol  This book was like Poltergeist and Hannibal Lector combined!  If you like scary, this is the story for you.        Now Night Terror is a continuation of Night Chill.  The story carries on with the Tremont family in the same game, just different rules.  This time Sarah has to be strong and battles against a similar foe by the name of Momma D.  I have to admit, the mommy in me comes out whenever children are hurt in stories- the very beginning of this book has one of those scenes that tears at your core.  Once you get past that, you're on to the action, as always.

     In this book, Sarah's powers develop instead of going dormant and she learns to control them.  The problem is, with every use, she leaves a sort of telekinetic trail for the hungry ones to follow, putting everyone in danger.  Thankfully Lonetree and Sorenson are there, and they pack a wallop!  I won't say anymore than that, but know this: Night Terror Is Good!  You want these books on your bookshelf!
On to the next book!

No Toys for Girls and Boys by Rose Frances Thomason

     I managed to win No Toys for Girls and Boys by Rose Frances Thomason, via Goodreads.com.  I was shocked- I got the delivery on a Sunday!  
 
     So the story is about a little elf named Jingle Jangle.  He doesn't work for Santa and he doesn't believe in giving the toys he makes to children.  Instead he hoards them for himself.  It's not until a gift he tries to give himself winds up in the hands of tiny mouse, that he realizes it can be more fun to give than to keep.

     This is short and simple, but it's absolutely adorable.  The illustrations (by Sarah Barrett) look like water painting and fits the story perfectly.  I think children of all ages will like this story and it's right on time for the holiday season.

     If you like Christmas stories on sharing and a quick lesson learned, read No Toys for Girls and Boys.  On to the next read!

Two Sides of the Game by Luis Malave

     Luis A. Malave made this book real.  Two Sides of the Game brings together the worlds of heterosexual and homosexual into one explosive story.  Devon is street-wise and pretty much a dog playing 'The Game'.  You know, no attachments, hit it and quit it- that's the life, along with other activities that lower neighborhood value and community health.  It's how he came up in the world and figured he'd leave it the same fashion.  

     Ricky is openly gay, beautiful and loves men... with money and secrets to keep, i.e. another version of 'The Game'.  It's his way of life and he does it for extra money, happiness while he  searches for a normal life.  But when Ricky and Devon's lives cross, something huge is made.  Something unexpectedly special and that's all I'm going to say.

     When I received this book, I walked in with an open mind; I had no clue what to expect   What I got was amazing!  What I got was a great story.  Now I'm not in to lots of profanity, gratuitous sex scenes and violence, but Mr. Malave made it work.  Each and every scene carried purpose and added to the story, instead attempting to raise shock value.    And each character had... well, character!  Devon, as dislikable as he was, had a mission and a bit of redeeming quality, but it was Ricky, with his "On Fire" life, but definitely not flaming, that got me!  I loved Ricky, but even he did things I thought were horrible.  The thing is, they were refined in a way, I actually appreciated all of what took place for this story.  Not many can pull that off.      As always, I went though the book, wary of obvious errors and such.  I found next to none!  The story was carefully written and executed.  I don't know how long it took him to write this story, but I can tell it's one of his passions.  I found the book easy to read and even though I fought tooth and nail with the darned pdf, (I dislike pdfs), it was a pretty easy read.  

     At first, I gave this book 3-specs, but only due to the book cover; you know me and covers.  Well, I sent the author an email, sharing my thoughts and appreciation, as well as why the cover needed a change.  Especially since it was my only issue. The original did absolutely nothing as far as catching potential readers and could possibly affect his sales negatively- regardless of the jacket's summary.  Thankfully, Mr. Malave took my advice to heart.  He changed it and I truly believe people are going to notice this book.  And they'll like what they see inside too- just as I did!

    Anyway, I believe this book was categorized as urban, LGBT fiction.  No matter what they call it, I dub it a good read. I liked it.  Check out Two Sides of the Game.  I'm off to a holiday read- which is so totally not me!  Have a great Monday!  

Ceaseless by Abbi Glines - final book of Existence Trilogy

*Audiobook

     Here's to the final book in the Existence trilogy.  I must admit, this story was the better of them all!  There's something about college adults instead of teens for this story that just makes it likable.

     Pagan, now a college student has forgotten everything that's happened within the past year or so of her life.  No Dank, Leif, no wandering souls.  Now she has to choose between the one made especially for her, the once totally forgotten or the one lusting and stalking her every move!  

     I have to say that this one, minus the narrator's voice, really kept my attention.  Dank, had to win her back the hard way- with no advantages of Pagan's memory.  The idea of him having to start from scratch was pretty cool, but he still had an advantage.  To me, Dank cheated the entire book, leaving Leif and Jay  without proper ammo to do battle! I didn't think that was right and I definitely didn't need the horrible voice of Ashley Litz doing the audio-sex scenes!  Ha!

     Anyway, this book was much better.  The ending was wrong to me, but only because I feel Dank cheated but it was a good ending, nonetheless.  I am actually scoring this book higher than the others.  Well, the same as Leif anyway.  I think you'll enjoy this one.  Great job, Abbi Glines!
Have a great day and go to the library for this one!

Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye by Tania del Rio

     Have you ever spied a book you just knew you had to read?  Not because someone else read it and thought it was great or because it was on sale at the nearby bookstore.  Simply because the cover and summary just grabbed a hold and refused to let go, no matter how much you resisted.  If not, I feel so sorry for you.  It's happened to me numerous times.  

     I especially fought when I saw the cover and summery for Warren the 13th and the All Seeing Eye, by Tania del Rio, almost two months ago.  Now I receive numerous emails from groups, clubs and sites all the time.  Normally I glance over titles, photos and summaries, but I just knew I couldn't let this one get away! 

     On first glance, it makes you think of a BBC television show, or Tim Burton's animations- but no!  This story carries a life all its own... well, maybe with a British accent, it's better.  I read aloud in one.  I just knew the book had to be mine.  So I followed the link to request an #ARC.  For some reason, the link wasn't updating and I feared I'd missed out.  So I later went on Twitter and posted a tweet and Whoa!  The author sent me another link- and I managed to get two copies!  One for me and one for homeschooling!     I decided we had to read the book immediately upon receipt.  Every day, my son and I read about three chapters.  We totally fell in love with Warren and the other odd characters, even crazy Aunt Anaconda!  

     The story is about a young boy, Warren.  He's the 13th Warren of the family, soon to become the caretaker of the family hotel.  All his life, he's done nothing but care for the place, but due to his Uncle Rupert being lazy and fool-hearted, the place has fallen to shambles.  Warren feels he's failed his father and his great lineage.  

     When his uncle marries a witch, who's in search of the All-Seeing Eye- a magical treasure, she goes about tearing the place apart.  And when she's in a kind mood, she issues creative punishments to Warren and calls him terrible names and much more.  It's not until Warren discovers the Warren family secret that he goes up against his aunt to stop her and save his inheritance. But there are many obstacles along the way and many benefits... like caring friends.

     This story was amazing!  The covers are Burtonesque, but hold a style all their own.  I have both copies (well, the book doesn't release until 11/24), so the one you see for the review is pre-ordered, but I have the one in the slideshow.  The black, white and shades of red in the photos work perfectly together, making the book come alive!

     The story is original and works for any reader, but I'd suggest for anyone age 7- adult.  Your heart goes out to the boy who's called ugly and mistreated.  You wind up loving him and cheering him on- emotions a good book should incite.  The villains are villainous and you want to love that too.  It's funny, surprising and totally unpredictable!  The best part of the read is that my son LOVED it as much as I did!  We laughed and anticipated every chapter with no disappointments.  Get this one for your kids- get it for yourself!    You'll love it as much as we did.

​Rating: