To appease the evil witch living in he woods the people of the Protectorate leave their youngest baby as an offering. But the witch is not what peopleTo appease the evil witch living in he woods the people of the Protectorate leave their youngest baby as an offering. But the witch is not what people think. She’s kind so rescues the children and takes them to a new home on the other side of the forest. Along the way she feeds them from the stars in the night sky. One year she accidentally feeds a baby moonlight which fills the child with magic. The witch decides she must raise this child herself. She appropriately names her Luna.
Considering I keep saying I don’t read fantasy novels I sure have been reading quite a few of them lately. Maybe I’ve been “enmagicked” too? How could this book not be charming when it’s populated by an extraordinarily small dragon, an equally extraordinarily giant swamp monster, a good witch who isn’t and an evil witch who, well … isn’t, a hero and a sweet love story.
Though it clocks in at just under 400 hundred pages, its definitely a YA read. I enjoyed this book and give it a strong 4 stars. Even so, I don’t think I’m ready to make the jump to “grown-up” fantasy literature just yet....more
“A home is not always the house you live in. Its also the people we choose to surround ourselves with …”
I was excited to read this book as my first ev“A home is not always the house you live in. Its also the people we choose to surround ourselves with …”
I was excited to read this book as my first ever (virtual) book club read. I’m not a big fantasy reader but that’s one of the perks of being in a book club … reading outside your usual go-to genres. Right?
Linus Baker as a case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, DICOMY. He’s a by-the-book kind of guy who follows all guidelines and tries to be fair in his assessments of the cases he is assigned. He never gets attached. He’s the perfect worker to send to investigate six children who could, allegedly, bring about the end of the world. One is even reputedly the anti-christ. Their kindly caretaker, Arthur Parnassus, quickly grew to be one of my favourite characters.
It was definitely an enjoyable read (listen, in my case). The children’s characters were lovely and endearing, despite the fact that they were supposedly dangerous. Being unsure about Linus Baker at the beginning of the book, he did become more and more likeable and relatable as the book goes on. So much so that I found myself cheering him on the closer I got to the end of the book. It’s a book that explores the subjects of acceptance, love, non-traditional families and a loving same-sex relationship. I did love the lesson about everyone being more than you or other people believe you are.
I found this book had a bit of a slow start. It took me to about the last third of the book to become truly invested in the whole story. After that it just glowed. I also had a little bit of a hard time with a male character named “Lucy”, the pronouns kept throwing me off. So, this gets a solid 4 stars from me.
Kudos to Daniel Henning for the excellent narration. ...more
As mentioned in the author’s note, the Aokigahara Forest in Japan has become notoriously famous in books, movies and, even games as a the “suicide forAs mentioned in the author’s note, the Aokigahara Forest in Japan has become notoriously famous in books, movies and, even games as a the “suicide forest”. In this book Mr. Ducharme gives us a fictional American version of the same.
Eleanor Jackson watched helplessly as her son began to change at the age of eight. No longer was he the happy child who enjoyed friends and play. At seventeen, he left home. No one took Eleanor’s fears seriously so she had to take matters into her own hands and go into the frightful Adrienne Forest State Park to bring her son back before he does the unthinkable.
I am not an outdoorsy person, so first off, the setting of this novella was enough to send chills up my spine. Add to that the theme of losing a child – every parent’s worst nightmare – and this horror was hitting close to home already. The encounters in the story? Well, Mr. Ducharme I envy you your imagination but not your nightmares!
This is definitely a horror story but it is also a sympathetic and compassionate look at mental health and the topic of suicide. Whether you have read the book already or are thinking about picking it up (which I highly recommend) pay close attention to the discovery of the hanging body. I hesitate to use the word “beautiful” when discussing such a horrific topic but it’s the only description I can think of to describe Ellie’s thoughts.
If you read carefully, there are a few things in this book that will make you question what you’ve read. No worries as the story takes a totally unexpected (to me) turn at the end to give the reader a very satisfying ending.
This book releases today, February 2, 2021 and is a free kindle download until February 6, 2021. I do highly recommend you pick it up.
* I received this book at no charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my thoughts. ...more
As a fan of historical fiction, I have enjoyed Ms. Davis’ previous novels. With “The Masterpiece” she cemented her spot on my author auto-buy list. ThAs a fan of historical fiction, I have enjoyed Ms. Davis’ previous novels. With “The Masterpiece” she cemented her spot on my author auto-buy list. That’s why it’s a little difficult to say I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the others. One of the things I love about historical fiction is the facts mixed into the story (I mean, why not accidentally learn something?). This one didn’t quite give me enough of that fix. While I enjoy books told in dual, or multiple, time lines the danger is always that one time line is more holds more interest to the reader than the other. For me, it slows down the story and that’s what happened in this case. The earlier time line was more interesting (again, to me) and it wasn’t until the two came together near the end of the book that I enjoyed both.
It was still an interesting book and would give it three and a half stars if allowed. I would just not recommend this one above some of the other of Ms. Davis’ books. It also will not deter me from reading more from this author. The Chelsea Girls is already on my TBR shelf.
TIDBIT … The iconic lion statues out the NYC Library have had several names. Originally, they were named Lenox and Astor after the founders of the library. Now they are referred to as Patience and Fortitude. See … accidental learning ...more
Greenloop is a community of people who have chosen to live off the grid in the wilderness surrounding Mr. Rainier. Survivalists? Hardly! These folks lGreenloop is a community of people who have chosen to live off the grid in the wilderness surrounding Mr. Rainier. Survivalists? Hardly! These folks live in luxury homes and have all their amenities provided for them by the community’s developers. Even though it’s a small community with a communal hall for socializing, the people who live here keep to themselves. That is, until Mother Nature disrupts their lives. When Mt. Rainier erupts all their escape options and communications are cut off. Some Greenloop citizens hunker down to wait it out and some jump into unexpected action. Just as they think they have things under control, able to wait it out until outside help arrives another threat appears. (Not a spoiler as its in every book description) … a group of Sasquatch, also living in the wilderness run for their lives from the eruption and Greenloop is in their way! I don’t mind when stories are told using multiple POV’s and in this book I it works especially well. Our main way of learning what happens in through Kate’s journal. I severely doubt that I possess any survival instincts or skills so I enjoyed reading how the denizens of Greenloop suddenly dug deep to find their “survival instincts”. It’s touted as the true story of the Mt. Rainier massacre … does the word massacre refer to the Sasquatch or the community? The book ends a little open ended and if there is a sequel on the horizon, I would definitely read it....more
The teenagers attend high school, dad is the town doctor and mom is a book club attending housewife. To all outward appearances the Radleys are a typiThe teenagers attend high school, dad is the town doctor and mom is a book club attending housewife. To all outward appearances the Radleys are a typical small-town family. Or are they? You see, mom and dad have been keeping a family secret from their kids. A secret that only comes to light when daughter, Clara, is physically threatened one night and commits a rather heinous crime.
Peter and Helen think its time they come clean … but how do you tell your children they are really a family of vampires. Things might still turn out all right if only their, until now unknown uncle, had not come to town to save the day. He is not an abstainer and that’s a problem. Its also when things turn into a bloody mess.
Matt Haig has quickly become a favourite author and I enjoyed this book very much. I wouldn’t shelve this book in my horror section so don’t let not being a horror fan stop you from reading this book. It’s really more of a story about a family coming together when something terrible happens. Yes, there’s blood and gore and blood sucking but its not a typical vampire tale. A good read that would definitely appeal to anyone who enjoyed “Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires”. I can only imagine how much more havoc Dracula could have wreaked if he’d had SPF90 sunscreen!...more
Angelique de Lapointe is such a pretty name for such an evil witch, and I loved her. When I read a book advertised as horror, I want my evil characterAngelique de Lapointe is such a pretty name for such an evil witch, and I loved her. When I read a book advertised as horror, I want my evil characters to be BAD.
Ceremony of Ashes is the story of a small town where everyone knows each other. Families have lived there for generations so obviously the town has history, not all of it good. When the cycles of the moon mysteriously start to speed up its definitely a portent of no good. Clarissa and her six-year-old daughter Julia are the first to disappear, bringing her brother Adrian back home for the first time in 5 years. While other townsfolk continue to disappear Adrian and the town’s deputy discover a horrible secret about their home town. Is it possible this is revenge for something that happened 100 years ago?
When you pick up a novella you expect to be thrown into the story from the get-go and this one certainly does that. Novellas allow very little time for character building and verbose descriptions. Those things have to be woven tightly into the story and Mr. Ducharme does that extremely well. He fills the reader with angst in the first few pages and builds on that for the rest of the story. I literally did not want to put this book down until I learned why all this was happening. Well done Mr. Ducharme.
I always say I like my books wrapped in a big red bow at the end, no cliff hangers for this reader. This book does not disappoint in that department … only, in this case, the bow was black!
* I received this book at no charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my thoughts....more
This take on A Midsummer’s Night Dream is Mr. Moore’s third “twisted Shakespeare” book. And, after typing that first sentence I find myself at a loss This take on A Midsummer’s Night Dream is Mr. Moore’s third “twisted Shakespeare” book. And, after typing that first sentence I find myself at a loss about what else to say, which is always a problem when I’m trying to write a review for a Moore book. Is it identifiable as being based on the Shakespeare play? Absolutely! Are the settings and characters the same? Definitely! Are there other similarities … uhm … sure! But we quickly veer off into “Moore-world” and that is what makes it the fun read I expect from Mr. Moore. A little bit loose with the plot. A little bit vulgar and definitely an adult only read.
Our friend, Pocket of Dog Snogging, from “The Serpent of Venice” and “Fool” is back. Robin Goodfellow (Puck) has been murdered and Pocket is unemployed. Hoping to kill two birds with one stone – solve Puck’s murder and become gainfully employed Fool heads to the woods outside Athens to start his mission of obtaining both. With his merry band of squirrels by day/fairies by night, Cobweb and Jeff (the monkey) Pocket and Mr. Moore take the reader on a raunchy romp of a read.
This book may not be for everyone but I enjoy Mr. Moore’s sense of humour and totally irreverent take on Shakespeare’s most performed play. That being said, three takes on Shakespeare seems like enough for a little while. I’d like to revisit San Francisco and catch up with the world of “Bite Me”....more
Subtitled “the science and secrets of our mysterious feline companions” this book should be a must read for every self-proclaimed cat-person.
THE INNERSubtitled “the science and secrets of our mysterious feline companions” this book should be a must read for every self-proclaimed cat-person.
THE INNER LIFE OF CATS by Thomas McNamee
On a freezing cold and snowy night in Montana Mr. McNamee notices some tracks in the snow of the laneway leading to his barn. Investigating some mewling he discovered a very small, very cold and hungry looking black kitten. Realizing that this little bundle of fur was too young to be out on her own – probably too young to even be away from her mama – he bundles her up and takes her into the house. Named Augusta, because Mr. McNamee and his wife counted back and thought she was probably born in August, this was the start of a 15-year loving relationship.
The book follows Augusta through the stages of her life with the McNamees and as he describes each milestone Augusta passes Mr. McNamee also shares his meticulous research about cats pertaining to the same subject matter. Mr. McNamee wanted to be a better cat owner and to understand Augusta as best he could and he shares everything he learned with his readers. He wrote about his own relationship with Augusta so touchingly that I had to close the book for a little while when he was describing when the time came to let Augusta “go”. The author also discusses many other topics such as the feral cat communities around the world and the timely (and touchy) subject of the impact of both feral and outdoor “house” cats on wildlife.
Mr. McNamee has definitely done his homework to write this book. In my current business venture in cat-sitting I have been asked many questions by clients, some – as a life long cat owner I had answers to, others I had to call my vet-tech daughter to answer. I have made it a mission to become more informed about the “science” of cats and this book fit the bill. There were things in this book that I had not read in any of the other “cat” books I have explored.
If you want to have a better understanding of the enigma that is the cat, this is one of the better books to start that journey.
“The Inner Life of Cats” surpassed the reasons I had to read it and was at the same time an easy and entertaining read. ...more
When the bell rings it signals “the changing”. One child arrives at the island and the eldest leaves. It’s always been the way …
“Nine on on island,When the bell rings it signals “the changing”. One child arrives at the island and the eldest leaves. It’s always been the way …
“Nine on on island, orphans all, Any more – The sky might fall”
ORPHAN ISLAND by Laurel Snyder
The children on the island do not know why they are there or why they must leave when their time comes. That’s just the way things have always been. The green boat arrives with a young child and the eldest must leave, always a boy for a boy and a girl for a girl. Then the next eldest moves up to take care of the new arrival, teaching them the ways of the island and how to be as self sufficient as possible until it is their time to leave.
The island is an idyllic place to live; nothing there would ever hurt you – even the wind would not let you fall off a cliff, the snakes do not bite, the bees do not sting and the fishing net is always full. Really, the only thing to remember is not to take the last of anything. If you pick the last fruit then no more will grow. It’s the way of things on the island, the rule to follow – like the changing.
But what would happen if one of the children decided not to leave? Would the sky really fall? Jinny didn’t think so and she knew that she was not ready to leave the island for the unknown fate the green boat represented, not even if it meant being reunited with Deen, who left the year before.
This was an enchanting and captivating story that had me turning the pages until I got to the end. I don’t have too many one-day reads these days and this was such a lovely book to read on a quiet, overcast afternoon (and I have to confess to a bit of cover love as well). Ms. Snyder captures the voices of various children on the island with perfection, ranging in age from (I’m guessing) three to just pre-pubescent, that in itself is admirable. I had fun trying to figure out some of the terms the children has come up to name common objects. Just what are “poms” and “sweet snaps” exactly? I did manage to figure out “ersters” and “ink fish”! She also gave me a totally believable community of children living in isolation on their own mysterious island.
This is a YA novel and possibly because of my jaded and decidedly not YA mindset I kept looking for a lesson in the pages of this book. I am sure there is a wise lesson in there somewhere, I just couldn’t put my finger on it because I was so busy enjoying the story … I think I didn’t want to look too deeply.
When I came to the end the story felt somehow finished and not at the same time. It wasn’t a cliffhanger but there was so much more I wanted to know. What happened to Jinny in particular and on the island in general? Who was Abby? What’s the deal with the green boat? I am hoping there will be a sequel – or better yet, a prequel but if not – a little mystery in life is a good thing.
Loved this one so definitely 5 stars.
The following is a passage from tbe book because I love it when characters love books as much as I do ... “Back at the fire circle, Jinny opened the book, cradling its worn spine in one hand as she turned the soft, crumbling pages with the other. All the kids knew to be careful with the books. They were swollen, faded, eaten by the salt air and the grit of sand, not to mention so many grubby, grabbing fingers. When a book died, there was nothing to be done about it. The kids could only bury it in the sandy earth beyond the book cabin door and try to remember the story. They marked these little graves with the biggest shells they could find. It made a funny sort of garden.” ...more
One night, after an argument about a cheap necklace, two sisters disappear – three years later one returned.
EMMA IN THE NIGHT by Wendy Walker
CassandraOne night, after an argument about a cheap necklace, two sisters disappear – three years later one returned.
EMMA IN THE NIGHT by Wendy Walker
Cassandra and Emma never had things easy growing up with a mother who displayed classic signs of narcissism. One day they were loved and the next could be frightening in the neglect they suffered. They soon learned how to keep their mother happy but in turn she learned how to play them against each other. Then both girls disappeared on the same night. Emma’s car and shoes were found on the sand by the ocean, but no signs of Cass could be found and nothing was missing from her room. Could the girls have disappeared together or were they the victims of two random, but coincidental abductions?
The FBI psychologist assigned to the original case suspected something else was at play but trying to convince others almost caused her to lose her job. When Cass returned demanding action to find her sister, Dr Winter saw her second chance to set things right.
This was a twisty-turny tale of a severely dysfunctional family. It was obvious from the time that Cass returned that things were not as they seemed. As I read more and more of the story I developed plausible outcomes … and then changed my mind again and again. Despite my multiple guesses I still got the ending wrong but that’s a sign of a good psychological thriller, right?
While I enjoyed this book there were times I felt it could have moved along at a slightly quicker pace; the story is told from multiple points of view so some of it was repetitive. When I got to the end I couldn’t get past the feeling of “well that could have all been prevented with one phone call”.
Emma in the Night releases on August 29th, 2017 and while I certainly would not hesitate to recommend this book to friends, but can’t quite rate it among the top books I’ve read in this genre.
* I’d like to thank the publisher, St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley for my copy of the book, sent in exchange for an honest review. * ...more
The story of Frankenstein’s monster has captured the imagination of readers of almost two centuries, not only because of the story itself but also it’The story of Frankenstein’s monster has captured the imagination of readers of almost two centuries, not only because of the story itself but also it’s back story. It has also been retold in many forms. With this one Mr. Pyper hits it out of the park.
THE ONLY CHILD by Andrew Pyper
Lily Dominick was six years old when, as she looked on, her mother was brutally murdered. The trauma caused her recollections to be hazy … she recalled only a monster knocking on the door to kill her mother and her six year old self being rescued by a white creature. The incident still haunts her dreams and may well have led to her career choice as an adult where she is Dr. Dominick working as a psychiatrist with the worst of the worst criminals in New York’s Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Centre. At work it sometimes seems to her she can read the mind of the incarcerated. One morning she walks in to interview a man known only as Client 46874-A and claiming to be 200 years old. For Lily he is an enigma; she can’t get a read on him and she feels as if he is looking into her mind instead of the other way around. Then he throws Lily totally off balance when he claims to have known her mother and what happened to her so many years ago.
The next day Lily awakens to the news that Client 46874-A has escaped. Driven by clues he leaves for her and the need to discover if he can truly help her solve the riddle of what happened on the night her mother died Lily sets out to find him and hopefully the truth.
Mr. Pyper takes his reader along on Lily’s quest as she travels across Europe picking up more and more information about not only “Michael”, as she named the mystery man, but about herself as well. And for Lily the truth does indeed turn out to be stranger than fiction.
“The Only Child” is a well-written page-turner. I would expect nothing less from Mr. Pyper. This book is not only a psychological thriller with it’s share of the paranormal but is extremely entertaining in it’s explanations of the basis of not only “Frankenstein” but also “Jekyll and Hyde” and “Dracula”. Within the context of the story it had me nodding my head and thinking “Oh yeah … makes sense”.
As I read closer and closer to the end I began to formulate my own theory about Lily and Michael so I was quite pleased to discover that I was at least half right. Despite that, the reveal caught me by surprise. I had hoped for a different outcome but the ending suited the story. Not wanting to have to include a “spoiler alert” I do want to mention that there was one scene at the end of the book which wrapped up the story so extremely well that I still pause to think about it a few days after I’ve closed the cover – so well done Mr. Pyper.
* I’d like to thank the publisher, Simon and Shuster, and Netgalley for providing me with the book at no charge in exchange for an honest review.* ...more
This is one of those books that sort of meanders along as story good enough to keep you reading … until page 300 … when you get an OMG moment that chaThis is one of those books that sort of meanders along as story good enough to keep you reading … until page 300 … when you get an OMG moment that changes the pace of the whole thing.
HE SAID, SHE SAID by Erin Kelly
Kit has been an eclipse chaser since he was a child and it’s a hobby that he carried into his adult life and his girlfriend, Laura as well as sometimes their friends followed along more to keep him company than because they were also eclipse chasers. While attending a rather disappointing eclipse festival (the weather being such a big factor) Laura and Kit are walking back to their tent after the non-event when Laura happens upon a rape in progress. Of course, they report the crime and Laura feels a strong connection with the victim. She and Kit go through the whole trial process ensuring that the rapist, despite his protests of “misunderstanding”, ends up in jail. But that is hardly the end of the whole situation when the victim shows up at their doorstep and Laura begins a tentative friendship with her, much to Kit’s disapproval.
Fifteen years later Kit and Laura are married, she is heavily pregnant with twins and they are living under an assumed name. No good deed goes unpunished!
That’s all I can really say about this book without giving away the aforementioned, brilliant, page 300 twist.
I enjoyed Ms. Kelly’s writing and the way she was able to pull me into the story but truthfully this would have been a 3-star read until I came to “the twist”. It caught me completely by surprise and I raced through the rest of the book to learn how things would play out and the last quarter of the book was certainly a page-turner. However, I can’t quite bring myself to give it 5-stars because it started off a little slow, because of the flashback sequences it was at times a little repetitive and the ending left me feeling a little … well … unsatisfied.
So 4-stars for this one. It’s still a good read that I would recommend and I will definitely pick up something else by Ms. Kelly.
* I received this book at no charge from Goodreads First Reads * ...more
It’s a Wild West tail/tale with a twist – baseball and cricket have not been invented, nary a human to be found, dogs instead of horses and cats rule.It’s a Wild West tail/tale with a twist – baseball and cricket have not been invented, nary a human to be found, dogs instead of horses and cats rule.
ELVIS THE GUNSLINGER by Romey Connell
According to the book blurb if you were to cross John Wayne and James Bond you would get Elvis the Gunslinger. To all appearances he is a gentlecat rancher but the truth is he is a government agent – the best of the best. After a night spent putting out a mysterious fire in his dog barn and chasing down the feline culprit Elvis’ partner Frank shows up announcing they are leaving on the train ASAP to take on a case. The son and daughter-in-law of millionaire cat Morris Pusserschmott IV have been kidnapped and Fatscat, the meanest, smelliest outlaw in the west is the prime suspect. Elvis and Fatscat have history so who better to get to his hideout compound and see that justice is done.
Elvis is a hard drinking, hard loving lawman but that never gets in the way of his clever clue solving skills. And like any good G-man he always gets his man!
This fun read got off to a bit of a slow start for me. I found myself rolling my eyes at the beginning – you really need to suspend reality for this book – but soon enough I was caught up in the elaborate kidnapping scheme, the witty repartee between Frank and Elvis, the twists and turns of the case and the very creative characters Mr. Connell has written about.
I enjoyed the case, the chase and the resolution of the story but one of the dangers when anthropomorphizing cats is walking the fine line between making them too true to their feline nature or giving them too many human qualities. In this case Mr. Connell leaned a little to the latter. I was expecting more of a “cat tale”. This would have been a good read if the characters were human and, granted, replacing them with cats made it imaginative and often humorous but it would have been more fun (for me) with a few more cat-like moments and behaviours.
Overall, once I got used to the cat characters, this was a fun read. Definitely intended for a late teen to adult audience. 3.5 stars for this one and if pushed would lean towards rounding up to 4 because it was creative and the story picked up in the last half of the book.
* I won this book in a contest by the Purrington Post, so would like to thank them for sending me this book at no charge with no expectation of a review *...more
Urban fantasy is not my usual go-to genre, but tempt me with vampires and I can be convinced to give one a try. The bonus is that the vampires in thisUrban fantasy is not my usual go-to genre, but tempt me with vampires and I can be convinced to give one a try. The bonus is that the vampires in this one are bloody and brutal – just the way I like ‘em.
A CHANGE OF HEART by Mark Benjamin
Gabriel Harper could be the poster boy for the fellow they kick sand on at the beach. Smart and nice doesn’t always cut it and the bullies soon found he was an easy mark for their fun. Escaping from one such attack by diving behind a dumpster Gabriel never thought it would change his entire world. That’s where he came across the dying Lucas, one of “The Royals” in the vampire community. Lucas had never procreated but with his dying gasp he decided to turn Gabriel.
Alone and not knowing what was happening to him Gabriel navigates, with the help of a strange voice in his head, what it takes to be a vampire and the reader is introduced to a very unique world of vampires and the Silver Legionnaires – those who hunt them.
When Gabriel and three of his friends are unexpectedly yanked from their everyday lives and into the fortress of the Legionnaires life becomes very uncomfortable for Gabriel. Although he is a “hybrid” no one knows his secret, so how does a new vampire live among those determined to eradicate them. As the story progresses the reader realizes that things are not happy in either camp and, while each community is determined to rid themselves of the other, a little extra spice was added because each community also had traitors within their midst. Would the vampires and the Legionnaires destroy each other or would they be destroyed from within?
This was a fairly lengthy book and just as I thought things could be moving ahead at a little faster pace Mr. Benjamin threw in a twist I was certainly not expecting. Well done as it certainly gave me my second wind.
This book starts out with a bang. Mr. Benjamin definitely drops you right into the middle of the action and then just as you feel you need to catch your breath he the reader back to the norm … Gabriel’s world as a college student. From that point on the book follows a pretty straightforward time-line. While the book is written in the third person each short chapter is headed with the name of the character that the chapter features. I have no problem reading in this manner but the book has an overabundance of characters to keep straight and, rather than helping, the chapter headings seemed to make it more difficult to keep the minor characters straight.
I did enjoy this book. It was, in my opinion, a very original take on the vampire tale while still staying true to the nature of the beast. It also gave me a vampire protagonist I couldn’t help but like without making him too “twilighty”. I did feel that some of the characters had rather juvenile reactions to certain situations considering their twenty-something age bracket but this is book one in “The Royal Blood Chronicles” so I am going to assume the characters mature as the series progresses. I am also going to assume that I received an ARC because the book could have benefited from a last fine-tooth-comb edit.
I would definitely pick up the next one because I am curious as to where the story is going to go. 3.5-Stars for this one. ...more
Teenager has gotten his hands on some firecrackers and when he sets one off in the house Farfel runs out to join Bob on the backyard fence, his fur stTeenager has gotten his hands on some firecrackers and when he sets one off in the house Farfel runs out to join Bob on the backyard fence, his fur standing on end and definitely looking spooked. “That’s the last claw” proclaims Farfel … being scared out of his own home. Bob wasn’t too sure what firecrackers were and could only imagine something as horrible as the “tail devouring vacuum monster” or the “heat emitting hair-dryer monster”. Teenager, now relegated to the outdoors by Mrs. Gregson, continued on with the fireworks in the driveway. The two cats ran to Bob’s house and quickly scooted into the basement for safety. It wasn’t long before Farfel detected mice. Bob either lacked the hunting gene or was a conscientious objector because he just let them be. Before Bob could explain Farfel had caught and killed one of the mice.
Marcia was devastated to know rodents were in her house and had to come up with a cat-friendly way to rid her home of these pests. Farfel just shakes his head in disbelief at her plan and Bob makes an interesting discovery about himself.
These stories will appeal to and be a fun, quick read for adults (especially those who love their feline fur babies) but the stories are definitely G-rated and would make a great introduction to short chapter books for young readers. The illustrations will help bring the stories to life and the “cat dialogue” will be something to chuckle over as your youngster reads along.
I would like to thank Ms. Carmichael for providing this book for me to read and review at no charge. It in no way influenced my opnion....more
Sometimes you just have to read something light and fun, and if that something is told by two absolutely charming “talking” cats, well – all the betteSometimes you just have to read something light and fun, and if that something is told by two absolutely charming “talking” cats, well – all the better. This was my first introduction to Bob and his best buddy Farfel and it was cat-love at first read.
FARFEL AND BOB’S SUMMER BROMANCE by Kendra Carmichael
Bob lives with Marcia who adopted him when she decided a cat was a better relationship than some of the boyfriends she had had. Needless to even say, she spoiled him thoroughly. One day Marcia came home and told Bob that she would have to be away every Wednesday evening for several weeks because of a new project at work. Hmmm – this was going to be a bit disruptive to his life because Bob like to spend his evenings on the fence with his best friend Farfel. Farfel’s life was a little more stressful than Bob’s because he lived with Mr. and Mrs. Gregson, Teenager, Bird and his nephew kitty, Rooster. Farfel liked to “unwind” during their time on the fence so he was quite shocked when Bob announced the change in plans.
"Having a busy family to care for, Farfel relied on his evenings with Bob for much needed down-to-Earth cat companionship."
Now, Farfel was an awesome hunter so he decided that on his, now unoccupied, Wednesday evenings he would patrol the perimeter of Bob’s house. When he caught a mouse he would deposit it on Bob’s doorstep as a gift.
“Bob, who didn't even like mice that much, especially not dead ones, purred as he looked on. Because, as much as Marcia loved him, Bob liked knowing Farfel loved him too.”>
Nice kitty idea but, unfortunately Marcia didn’t agree – and – she thought it must be Bob hunting since the mouse was on her doorstep. But how was he getting out of the house while she was away? Marcia had to get to the bottom of this mystery!
When Ms. Carmichael contacted me to ask if I would like to read a couple of her books I agreed. I was a little apprehensive because one never knows what one is going to get but in this case I was more than pleasantly surprised. These books are beyond cute and the stories are accompanied by her amusing artwork. I fell in love with Bob and Farfel and their little adventures.
I would like to thank Ms. Carmichael for providing me with this book for review at no charge. It in no way influenced my opinion....more
I love the idea of adult coloring books but was always a little apprehensive about purchasing one and jumping in … I know its supposed to be relaxing I love the idea of adult coloring books but was always a little apprehensive about purchasing one and jumping in … I know its supposed to be relaxing but I’ve seen some pretty complicated pictures that I think (for me) would be more frustrating than relaxing. When I came across this book it was enough to make me change my mind.
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE … AND A CAT by Samantha Snyder
This adult coloring book is very generous with its 50 pages of cat “doodle art” complete with a wide variety of quotes and saying by everyone from Edgar Allen Poe to Abraham Lincoln accompanying each picture. Each page was nice and big and the pictures not too intricate, hence not leaning toward the frustrating.
I’m no expert by any means but I thought the pages were of good quality with the bonus of only being printed on one side, so if one wanted to use markers the next picture would not be damaged by bleeding through.
The only reason I have not gone a full 5 Stars on this book is that not every page had a cat included in the picture; sometimes it was just a paw print and sometimes only the words of the saying with some florals or doodles around the edges. The cats that were included were charming and whimsical often reminiscent of folk art so I’m sure this would appeal to cat lovers.
So, did I find it relaxing or frustrating?
I can’t answer that question.
I had scrounged out the package of pencil crayons I had in my desk from a previous (unrelated to coloring) project and had gotten about halfway through the picture I chose to start with when a friend of mine popped in for a visit. She is an avid coloring book enthusiast – some of her completed works are amazing – and she quickly commandeered my book. She is definitely enjoying it!
I’d like to thank Wordslinger and the author for providing me with a review copy of this book at no charge with the hope of receiving an unbiased review. ...more
I am fairly convinced that I now know where the writers on “Jeopardy” get some of their questions. I was flipping through the pages of this book durinI am fairly convinced that I now know where the writers on “Jeopardy” get some of their questions. I was flipping through the pages of this book during a commercial break while watching the game show and there it was! – The exact trivia tidbit that had just been a question on the show. Their secret is out now.
STRANGE HISTORY by The Bathroom Readers Institute
The folks at the Readers Institute have taken some of the most interesting historical facts and strange stories from their numerous previous books and compiled them in this book that is perfect for history trivia buffs. According to the blurb on the book there are also about 50 pages of previously unpublished stories.
Whether you have read the some of the stories before or all of them are brand new to you this book is a fun read. Do you want to know if Marco Polo really saw Unicorns, the story behind the curse on Shakespeare’s Macbeth or who really discovered the Rosetta Stone? This is the book that will give you all that and so much more.
I didn’t realize there was a Reader dedicated to Canadian facts and trivia nor one featuring scary stories … they are definitely going to be added to my TBR.
I'd like to thank Printers Row Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy of this book at no charge ...more
I was introduced to Uncle John when I received one of the books as a Christmas gift with the inscription “Because it’s probably the only room where yoI was introduced to Uncle John when I received one of the books as a Christmas gift with the inscription “Because it’s probably the only room where you don’t read”. Hahaha … if only she knew. What? No! No! Think bubble bath!
UNCLE JOHN’S FACTASTIC BATHROOM READER by the Bathroom Readers Institute
These are not the kind of books that you sit down and read in one or two sessions. They usually come in at 500+ pages crammed full of facts, trivia, odd news and all kinds of other things that absolutely boggle the mind.
This entry into the series is no exception. I can’t seem to ever be without a book within arm’s reach and this is perfect book to have close by to flip through during commercial breaks, on your kindle when waiting for an appointment or, of course, in the bathroom.
I'd like to thank Printers Row Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy of this book at no charge> ...more
Miss Armstrong had me hooked from the opening sentence. Her ability to create unique “worlds” for her novels and characters never ceases to amaze me. Miss Armstrong had me hooked from the opening sentence. Her ability to create unique “worlds” for her novels and characters never ceases to amaze me. This second book in the “City of the Lost” series took me once again to the middle of nowhere, Rockton, Yukon Territories ... the place people go when the want or need to disappear from their everyday lives.
A DARKNESS ABSOLUTE by Kelley Armstrong
Yup … Rockton is where people come to disappear but unfortunately they don’t check their natures at the door. What Casey very quickly finds out is that when you populate the town with troubled people often their troubles come with them. This means sometimes people DIS-appear from Rockton too.
Tracking a town runaway through a blizzard is not an easy feat but you have to know when to call it quits. Casey and Deputy Will Anders come to just that conclusion when they can no longer see each other on the trail. Taking shelter in a nearby cave they come across a surprise – a woman thought to be another town runaway thought lost and dead – here in “their” cave, where she has been held captive for over a year. Despite being taken care by someone she cannot identify her captor. When they bring her back to town she seems to be all right despite her ordeal. Maybe a little too all right? Was it someone from town or one of the hostiles living in the wilderness? Casey Duncan and her (now) boyfriend Sheriff Dalton are determined to find out but just how do you do that when the whole town could be suspects.
In the first book of the series we got a brief glimpse of the “outsiders” and the “hostiles”; those people living, to varying degrees outside the town. Bad enough trying to identify suspects when all your neighbours are living a lie but how do you go about finding people who have no desire to be found and are not shy about letting you know that.
A few new characters were introduced in this book and a few from the first were fleshed out a little bit more – all interesting and unique. And, the new puppy was a nice touch. Another page-turner that kept me guessing to the very end. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I’d like to thank Minotaur and Netgalley from providing me with a review copy of this book at no charge
If you are out fishing on a chilly spring morning it’s because you hope to land a big one, but not necessarily as bigBROKEN ANGELS by Graham Masterton
If you are out fishing on a chilly spring morning it’s because you hope to land a big one, but not necessarily as big as a human body. Father Heaney’s bloated, tortured and garrotted body snags the fishing line and it’s quite obvious that he didn’t accidentally fall in the river. When Katie Maguire is informed about the murder of a second priest, also similarly tortured she has to amp up the investigation despite the Church trying to throw red herrings and cover-ups in her way.
Again, the story line of this thriller is not an entirely new concept but he does give it a fresh spin, once again drawing in some myths and legends. The manner in which Mr. Masterton has his crimes executed it pretty bloody and leaves no doubt as to the reason for the killings. I had that part figured out before it was explained, but that in no way took anything away from the rest of the story.
Reading this book immediately on the heels of “White Bones” I immediately noticed a pretty serious continuity flaw. One of the characters that very definitively died at the end of the first book was very much still alive at the beginning of this book. It sounds a little petty but with 35+ books under his belt Mr. Masterton’s uncaught discrepancy set my teeth on edge. I found myself reading the rest of this book anticipating other inconsistencies as I did so. It was a bit distracting. Mr. Masterton also likes to use the hospitalization of a family member as a distraction for Katie, once or twice I can accept, so I will pick up the third in the series somewhere down the road - hopefully some of those personal peeves will be left out. ...more
For me Graham Masterton is synonymous with “The Manitou”. Mr. Masterton has been responsible for some of my most cringe-worthy horror reads and his NiFor me Graham Masterton is synonymous with “The Manitou”. Mr. Masterton has been responsible for some of my most cringe-worthy horror reads and his Night Warriors books still remain some of my favorites. For a long while he sort of dropped off my radar and then I came across his crime thriller series featuring Katie Maguire. I started the series with the most recent book so I knew I wanted to go back and check out the first few.
WHITE BONES by Graham Masterton
When some construction on a farm building unearths bones D.S. Katie Maguire gets called to the scene. It quickly becomes obvious that this is not a recent crime scene and after the forensics it turns out that the bones date back to 1915. But why so many dismembered bodies in one grave – each with a piece of lace tied through the thighbone.
The crime is passed on to an anthropologist to puzzle out until a new murder victim surfaces, oddly enough with a piece of lace tied to the thigh bones as well. Now Katie has a recent and a decades old murder to investigate. Is it possible that it is the same killer?
I can’t say Katie Maguire is a fresh take on murder detectives … women have been taking the leading role in a lot of crime fiction lately but she is an interesting leading character. She has a shady husband and some pretty questionable “friends”. What made this book a little different is Mr. Masterton takes some pretty fascinating Irish folklore and ties it into a crime thriller.
Oh? Those cringe-worthy moments I mentioned? Yup – still there. I’ve read some pretty gruesome crime fiction in my day but this one had me grimacing, had it been a film I was watching I definitely would have been peeking out through my fingers.
After reading the first two books in this Promise Falls trilogy I waited quite awhile before picking up this last book. I don’t know why I waited so lAfter reading the first two books in this Promise Falls trilogy I waited quite awhile before picking up this last book. I don’t know why I waited so long but now that I’ve read it I’m on the fence about this one.
THE TWENTY-THREE by Linwood Barclay
Promise Falls is a small town that has been under siege for a long while now and the number 23 seems to be important to whoever is perpetrating the horrendous acts. Now it’s the Memorial Day weekend, May 23rd and as the sun rises people are dropping like flies. It doesn’t take long to figure out that something has been put into the water supply. As if that wasn’t enough for the hospital and police department to deal with another murder occurs – one bearing horrible similarities to two past, as yet unsolved, murders. Could all these events be related?
Mr. Barclay once again gave me a page-turner. Things in Promise Falls were happening and they were happening quickly. For this reader it was almost too much, too quickly. Just when I was catching on to what was happening with the water the scene switched to the murder and then a quick cut to the mayoral candidate and then back to the water treatment plant. While I don’t mind a lot of action this installment in the trilogy seemed overpopulated and slightly out of control. The mystery of “23” was solved and yet with everything that went on there were still some questions unanswered.
Mr. Barclay has stated this is his last visit to Promise Falls. We’ll see? ...more
I’m always on the lookout for a good horror story so when I got the email that I’d won a copy of this one I was quite excited to read it. I’ve read a I’m always on the lookout for a good horror story so when I got the email that I’d won a copy of this one I was quite excited to read it. I’ve read a few other novellas by Mr. Cassidy and, like those, this one did not disappoint.
FOSGATE’S GAME by David C. Cassidy
Chadwick and Fosgate were business associates but that was all they had in common. Fosgate is a hunter, a brute, insensitive to other people’s feelings, concerns and fears. Chadwick was more sensitive – his ulcer flares up when he is in Fosgate’s company, the hunter’s trophies on the wall disturb him and thunderstorms are a phobia – and tonight’s dinner did indeed take place a very dark and stormy night. Chadwick understands that Fosgate takes a perverse sort of joy playing on his fears but it cannot be helped; these ongoing evenings are a necessity of doing business.
But this night is different.
This night Fosgate shares a mysterious secret about an object he picked up in his travels, a chess set with pieces so grotesque Chadwick could not comprehend why and who would have carved them. The set should have stayed hidden in it’s case. It emanated evil, but worse; Fosgate wanted to play!
This book had me in its grip from the first page. Chadwick’s fear and loathing of Fosgate was palpable and as the evening and Chadwick’s discomfort progressed so did mine. Since I don’t care for Jason and Chainsaw “slasher” type horror finding a good old-fashioned scare seems few and far between these days. Rest assured there is still the requisite amount of mayhem, death, blood and gore but Mr. Cassidy does not feel the need to slap you in the face with it … one quick mention and the rest is left to the readers imgination … like some of the masters of the genre he understands that this reader does not need to feel splattered in blood to feel fear. How does it all turn out? Satisfyingly twisted thank you very much!
Kudos!
I’d like to thank Mr. Cassidy for providing me with this book through a contest with no expectation of a review. ...more
After the last few books I was ready to give up on this series. I’m quite glad I decided to plough through one more. I thought this was the best one iAfter the last few books I was ready to give up on this series. I’m quite glad I decided to plough through one more. I thought this was the best one in quite a while.
ECHOES IN DEATH by J.D. Robb
In start of this 44th book in the In Death series Eve and Rourke have just returned from a lovely vacation on their private island in time to attend the Winter Ball, a charity event. Eve, of course, hates every minute of the schmoozing, fancy dress and toe numbing heels. She was looking forward to getting back to work on Monday but work finds her as she and Rourke are driving home when a young woman, naked and beaten, runs out in front of their car. Eve Dallas is suddenly back on the job … heels and all.
They manage to rush Daphne Strazza to the ER in time to save her life, but when Eve goes back to investigate it is quite obviously to late for her husband. Daphne swears the devil himself broke into their home after a dinner party, tied up her husband and then repeatedly assaulted her. Eve understood that it couldn’t really have been the devil, but who was this master of disguise – who, as it turns out has targeted several other couples before and probably has a list of future victims as well.
With Echoes in Death Ms. Robb has gone back to what I enjoyed about these books at the beginning – the crime, the squad, the investigation and Rourke to go home to. It was a relief to me that Rourke took a little bit of a back seat in this one. Frankly, he was becoming annoyingly controlling and invasive of Eve’s space in the last few entries. Yes, he still helped with some computer work but this case was solved by good old police work. Well 2060’s style police work. Therein lies my only complaint with this book ... the solving of the case seemed to come out of the blue. All at once Eve seems to have an epiphany and the bad guy is in the interrogation room. Did I miss a chapter or two? Was it supposed to be a surprise or did Ms. Robb realize the page limit was looming and she better get this case solved.
Echoes in Death has ensured that I will pick up at least the next instalment. ...more
I am a bit of a sucker for this type of book. Interacting with the public for most of my working life I have a few amusing stories up my sleeve too. II am a bit of a sucker for this type of book. Interacting with the public for most of my working life I have a few amusing stories up my sleeve too. I think that sets my expectations pretty high.
I WORK AT A PUBLIC LIBRARY by Gina Sheridan
The tag line on this book is “A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks”.
Crazy? Not so sure.
Humorous? Borderline.
I can’t honestly say that, for me, there were any laugh-out-loud moments as I read this book. I found it mildly funny at best so that was a little disappointing. I understand that Ms. Sheridan was sharing some of these stories in a blog and eventually had other librarians sending her stories that she added to her own and shared a select number in this book. I may go and check out the blog sometime just to see if she could have made better choices.
My favorite story in the book? Ouchies, Library … I stubbed my toe just as someone dropped a book into the inside book drop. As I yelped and howled in pain, a child on the other side said “Mommy, I think we hurt he book”.
All that aside I do applaud any literary effort that celebrates libraries and librarians. I use my library A LOT and am so grateful they do what they do. For that reason I tacked another ½ star onto my rating of this book … 3 ½ stars! ...more
I read and enjoyed the books in the Song of Fire and Ice series, and let’s face it; very few authors are as ruthless as Mr. Martin when it comes to kiI read and enjoyed the books in the Song of Fire and Ice series, and let’s face it; very few authors are as ruthless as Mr. Martin when it comes to killing off characters in the most gruesome ways. When I saw this book at the Dollar Store (sorry Mr. Martin, sad for you – good for me), despite my self-imposed book buying ban I had to pick it up to see what Mr. Martin considers YA fiction.
THE ICE DRAGON by George R.R. Martin
Adara was a winter child, born during the worst winter anyone could remember. Unfortunately, her mother died in childbirth – no one knows if that, the storm or her father’s (albeit) hidden blame resulted in her not ever feeling cold. When other children tired of their winter games and ran inside for warmth Adara went alone to build her ice castle. It was there she first met the Ice Dragon of legend. No one had ever seen it other than from afar but after several winters Adara not only touched it but also rode on it’s back. They developed a unique friendship out of mutual loneliness.
As war encroaches ever closer on her village neighbours and friends are leaving. Even Adara’s uncle, a King’s Dragon Master, warned her father to leave but he was a stubborn man. When it was too late to leave and the only thing that could save them was Adara’s dragon it became a question of which friend was willing to sacrifice more for the other.
While not totally without war, bloodshed and death Mr. Martin has definitely toned it down for the younger audience intended to read The Ice Dragon. What there is, I would consider age appropriate and not graphic happening “off page”. He does give his young reader a page turning story and a poignant lesson about what it means to be a friend. An added bonus is the wonderful illustrations.
I enjoyed the book and am glad I “splurged” and picked it up. ...more
This book has been described as “A compelling portrait of a unique moment in American history when the ideas of Charles Darwin reshaped American notioThis book has been described as “A compelling portrait of a unique moment in American history when the ideas of Charles Darwin reshaped American notions about nature, religion, science and race”. That is an accurate description but the book is so much more.
THE BOOK THAT CHANGED AMERICA – How Darwin’s Theory of Evolution Ignited a Nation by Randall Fuller
In 1860 Charles Darwin published “On the Origin of Species” and I think it would be fairly safe to assume that he had steeled himself for the backlash that the publication would produce from all parts of society. I’m not quite so sure he was prepared for the support he received or the fact that his book would be used as an argument supporting both sides of the slavery issue in America.
“Reviewers for the American popular press consistently understood Darwin as having provided a theory that showed that black and white people were related. In truth, Darwin had refrained from addressing this issue in the “Origin” because he was unwilling to claim more for his theory than it could adequately answer.”
I found that quite interesting, as I had never come across any information about that particular use of Darwin’s theory before. Of course, that was by no means the only impact his publication had on the world; especially when it concerned religion and science. Botanist Asa Gray was possibly the first person in America to read Darwin’s book and he soon led the charge for acceptance of Darwin’s revolutionary theory. Soon the book was introduced to other members of the scientific, religious and philosophical realms of society: Charles Loring, Franklin Sanborn, Bronson Alcott and Henry David Thoreau. In researching this book Mr. Fuller not only tells us the impact the book had on those luminaries but also the influential writers of the time such as Emerson, Lousia May Alcott and Frederick Douglas.
I cannot begin to describe all the areas Mr. Fuller touched upon in this book in a short review, but suffice it say that he packs a lot of interesting information into this 322-page book. I not only learned more about Mr. Darwin’s theory but also enjoyed the biographical aspects about the others spotlighted.
It’s difficult to imagine one book filled with one man’s ideas could change the thinking of an entire country, but after reading Mr. Fuller’s book I can certainly see how it happened. Well researched and well written but more importantly it satisfied the curiosity that prompted me to pick it up and I can’t ask more than that, so five stars for this one. ...more
When I was in High School (yeah, I’m surprised I can remember back that far too!) we had a wonderful Advanced English teacher who allowed us to do oneWhen I was in High School (yeah, I’m surprised I can remember back that far too!) we had a wonderful Advanced English teacher who allowed us to do one term on Horror books – the classics. We read Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and, of course, Frankenstein. (We also watched Hitchcock films and were allowed to choose a modern horror book of our choice for independent study.) Despite dissecting and reassembling these books ad nausium I did not learn as much about Mary Shelley and her monster as I did from reading this book. English teachers, as awesome as some of them might be, could learn a lesson here and occasionally take a few steps outside the actual book.
THE LADY AND HER MONSTERS – a Tale of Dissections, Real-Life Dr, Frankensteins and the Creation of Mary Shelley’s Masterpiece by Roseanne Montillo
From the frog experiments of Luigi Galvani in the mid-1700’s through to Mel Books’ “Young Frankenstein” man has always been fascinated with reanimation of the departed. Ms. Montillo does not spare those readers of a more delicate constitution from the realities of these experiments. Gruesome as they were it is important to understand how Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley might have come about some of her knowledge about these experiments in a time when well mannered women were kept in the dark about science.
Not only does this book offer an explanation of how Mary Shelley may have come up with Frankenstein’s monster but also serves as a comprehensive biography of Shelley and her family, as well as several of the prominent people in her life; Byron, or course and Percy Shelley are among others both well known and not. As far as the truth behind the stories and myths surrounding the writing of the book itself … ‘twas indeed a dark and stormy night.
Ghoulish as it makes me sound, I was also quite fascinated about the goings on of the “body snatchers”.
Packed full of obviously well researched information and written in an easily readable style I definitely have to give five stars to this fascinating read. ...more
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