Early Book Review: For the Love of a Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk

For the Love of a Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk is a solid romance novel, that even with two preceding books in a series that I have not read, I did not feel lost or left behind while reading. It is currently scheduled for release on January 1 2013. Nadine Gilbert is a nurse that has had a rough life. Her mother was killed when she was a young child, and her father convicted of the murder even though there was no body. As an adult, she has a good life, although she is still more than a little afraid of the dark and haunted by nightmares. Her comfort lies in the faerie tales her mother loved, and the cross she left behind. Meryn was once a brave warrior, but a curse enslaved him in the Shadowland for thousands of years, as a goblin. When rescued from the dark realm by his cousin, Meryn is lost and confused and lands in police custody and Nadine's hospital for treatment. Slowly Meryn works at regaining his human nature and surviving in the modern world, and Nadine is part of his motivation. But, could her knowledge of the Goblin King's tale and his role in the truth be more than they can overcome?

For the Love of a Goblin Warrior is a romance that combines love overcoming great odds with a redemption story on many levels. Nadine, Meryn, and Nadine's father are all struggling in today's world and their own pasts. While the lines that connect Meryn to Nadine and her family might be very convenient to the story, if we are going to go with a Grimm story coming to life then we are going to have to overlook some coincidences as necessary. I liked that there was significant self reflection and doubt on all sides, but not so much that it became overly repetitive or annoying. The instant attraction, as well as the tight connections that draw everyone into such close proximity, might be needed to keep the book moving, and might have been a little too much, but it all played out well as a whole.

For the Love of a Goblin Warrior was a good urban fantasy romance. If I see the previous too books in the library, or via Amazon download, I might pick them up to read as well- since I love a faerie tale retelling (particularly for lesser known tales). Readers that enjoy Shona Husk's work, and/or faerie tale twisted tales, will enjoy the book.

Book Review: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken is a young adult novel about a world in which the children and teens of the world have either died from a strange illness or developed mental powers. The adults are both scared for their children, and in some cases of them. Ruby was only ten when her parents locked her in the garage and she was sent to a camp for the newly 'gifted' children. Six years later Ruby is still struggling with her abilities, the conditions she has survived, and the idea of freedom. On the run, Ruby discovers that there are multiple faction and dangers working in the world. Much has changed since she was last outside a fence, and discovering who she can trust is more challenging than surviving in the camp ever was. Can Ruby survive on the outside, and can she protect those that help her from her uncontrolled abilities.

The Darkest Minds is a novel about trusting yourself, discovering yourself, and finding the truth. Ruby is lost, with abilities that she fears and cannot control. She is searching for what all of us want; understanding, acceptance, and love. However, trusting others and herself are huge barriers between her and her goals. She is not all that competent with her abilities, and does not trust herself much, but still does her best. I like that she is spunky, at least on the inside, though still wants to avoid causing anyone else any pain. She might not always make the best choices, in fact there were a few moments when I really wanted to have a little discussion with her and wake her up, but all of her choices are based on her heart. Liam, Chubs, and Suzume were fantastic and dynamic characters in their own right. Their was nothing secondary about these secondary characters. Her relationships with all three are deep and believable.

The Darkest Minds is a highly entertaining and engaging read. It is however, not an easy read emotionally. It is highly charged, come on they round up kids and send them to 'rehabilitation' camps and fear them, and the world building is done so well that you could believe that the scenario could happen anywhere. The fear, mob mentality, and power plays in the world are something I could honestly see playing out in the world.

I highly recommend The Darkest Mind to young adult and adult readers. This dystopian novel has rich characters, a world to fear, and deep set conspiracies and plots that will have you looking over your shoulder long after putting it down. There are significant amounts of death, violence, and cruelty in the book- so I do not recommend it for younger or more sensitive readers. I am looking forward to reading the sequel(s) that I have been told are coming.

Picturebook Review: Vote for Me! by Ben Clanton

Vote for Me! by Ben Clanton is a book that caught my eye during campaign season, and made me smile. In this book a donkey and an elephant each want your vote, and they will do just about anything to get it. Name calling, impossible promises, and everything that we see in our real campaigns is here, but in a way that is funny and entertaining. However, in this election, after the mud slinging is done everyone is surprised with an unexpected outcome involving a third party.

Vote for Me!  is a satiric look at American politics, literal mud slinging included, intended for children. We see candidates saying and doing whatever they thing will get them elected, without paying much attention to the larger picture. Adult frustrated and annoyed with the political climate will enjoy the comical and retro illustrations combined with a story that might sound a little to realistic to comfortably laugh at.

I recommend Vote for Me! to children and adults alike that are ready to laugh at the American political system. The dueling candidate's exchanges will make everyone smile, even if adults are still tired from the far too recent election and campaigns. Good for starting classroom discussions about elections and treating each other with respect. It would also work well in one on one sharing and library storytime.