Early Book Review: Reynard's Tale: A Story of Love and Mischief by Ben Hatke

Reynard's Tale: A Story of Love and Mischief by Ben Hatke is currently scheduled for release on April 18 2023. Inspired by the 12th century tales of the indomitable trickster fox Reynard, this offbeat tribute to the archetypal rogue has a satisfyingly old-fashioned feeling to it. Although this Reynard adventure is entirely the creation of modern fairytale master Ben Hatke (Mighty Jack), it fits seamlessly into the body of Reynard tales still beloved in Europe to this day.

Reynard's Tale is not quite what I expected from Hatke. I have adored everything from the author previously, so I could not turn down a change at this book. This book is aimed much more at adults than the middle grade and teen audience that I typically recommend their graphic novels to. As a reader with some folklore knowledge of Reynard I think that it will make much more sense to readers that have at least some knowledge of Reynard's trickster reputation than those that might be coming into the story fresh. The format is a little different than I expected. I was expecting a more typical graphic novel format, but this book is set in in alternating pages of text and illustration, this is not a bad, it just was not what I had thought I would see.  As expected, I fully enjoyed Hatke's art style. There are hidden bits of information and clues in every page, and I think the back and white artworks lends itself to this story and format perfectly.

Reynard's Tale is an interesting exploration of a folklore character. It is not quite what I expected, but is definitely unique and will be a favorite for some. 

Book Review: Fierce by Geoffroy Monde & Mathieu Burniat

Fierce by Geoffroy Monde & Mathieu Burniat is a graphic novel that was originally published in French. The legendary King Arthur is now an old drunkard who spends his days slouched on his throne. He owes his former glory to the magic sword the wizard Merlin forged for him in order to slay the hordes of demons who came to invade the kingdom of Pendragon. The enchanted weapon now suffers from a bad case of boredom, while Arthur's daughter, the Princess Ysabelle, is wondering how to flee the marriage her father has arranged with the vile Baron of Cumber. Both Ysabelle and the sword are determined to change their fate, and to do so they must become allies on a long journey. But the wide world can prove much harsher than life at the palace, and the sword's intentions may not be as noble as they seem. 

Fierce is a creative and engaging take on King Arthur's later years. While I have to admit this story flies far from anything I have read or watched in regards to Arthur and Merlin. I really enjoyed the imagination and unexpected turns, not to mention the acknowledgment of how few choices women historically have- and how a poorly run country is bad for everyone. I thought the story had some fantastically quirky moments and characters, and I thought the art dis a great job of enhancing the characters, action, and storyline. Everything worked well together and felt seamless, like one person had done it all rather than relying on the team effort that was involved in creating this graphic novel. There were some great twists and turns, and a good balance or dark moments and humor. One thing to note is that this is not a children's graphic novel. I think young adults would get it, but this was aimed at the adult market. 

Early Book Review: Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith, Gilles Roussel

Bea Wolf, written by Zach Weinersmith and illustrated by Gilles Roussel, is a  modern middle-grade graphic novel retelling of Beowulf currently scheduled for release on February 21 2023. The story features a gang of troublemaking kids who must defend their tree house from a fun-hating adult who can instantly turn children into grown-ups. Somewhere in a generic suburb stands Treeheart, a kid-forged sanctuary where generations of tireless tykes have spent their youths making merry, spilling soda, and staving off the shadow of adulthood. One day, these brave warriors find their fun cut short by their nefarious neighbor Grindle, who can no longer tolerate the sounds of mirth seeping into his joyless adult life. As the guardian of gloom lays siege to Treeheart, scores of kids suddenly find themselves transformed into pimply teenagers and sullen adults! The survivors of the onslaught cry out for a savior—a warrior whose will is unbreakable and whose appetite for mischief is unbounded. They call for Bea Wolf.

Bea Wolf is a well written and highly entertaining graphic novel, that does a great interpretation of the Beowulf tale for children, and adults alike. I think the choses about what to keep, and how to keep the story all ages, were thoughtfully made and resulted in a poetic and engaging story. I also really enjoyed the art style, and thought it was not only very well done but perfect for the story and characters. The shading and detail work were phenomenal. As a reformed english major, one that focus on works in middle and old english, this retelling entertained me and almost made we want to go back and reread the copies of Beowulf that I have in my collection. Almost. I absolutely love that at the end of the book the author takes the time to include information on the story and how it came to be so well known today, and a bit about old english as well. I love when authors include these bits of context and information. 

Bea Wolf is a highly entertaining and accessible take on the Beowulf story, and I think it will be enjoyed by readers from a wide variety of ages and interests. 

Book Review: Becoming Crone (The Crone Wars) by Lydia M. Hawke

Becoming Crone is the first book in The Crone Wars series by Lydia M. Hawke. She's unabashedly gray and destined to save the world. Meet Claire. On her 60th birthday, she got a cranky gargoyle, an overprotective wolf-shifter, and a magical calling she never saw coming. It’s not quite the retirement plan she had in mind!

Becoming Crone is a good start to an urban fantasy series, and I really enjoyed the read. I liked Claire, who is struggling with a fairly resent divorce and what life might look like now that she does not really feel needed and has spent her whole life following the rules set on her by others and society. I thought her thoughts and concerns were very realistic, and I liked that readers get to learn all about the magic and legends of her world right along side her. I also liked getting to have a more mature heroine as the main character of the story, but I have to admit it bothered me more than a little when everyone (including Claire herself) kept referring to her as so old. Sixty is older than the typical chosen one we get to read about, but sixty is not decrepit. I am still a bit away from it, but I still think of sixty as older, but not old. Although, that was really my only sticking point with this book. I really enjoyed the read and will be keeping an eye out for the rest of the series.

Becoming Crone is an engaging and enjoyable urban fantasy read. 

Audiobook Review: Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting by Roseanne A. Brown, Narrated by Soneela Nankani

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting is a middle grade novel by Roseanne A. Brown. The audiobook is narrated by Soneela Nankani. For most kids, catching fireflies is a fun summer activity. For twelve-year-old Serwa Boateng, it's a matter of life and death. That's because Serwa knows that some fireflies are really adze, shapeshifting vampires from the forests of Southeastern Ghana. Adze prey on the blood of innocents, possessing their minds and turning them into hulking monsters, and for generations, slayers like Serwa and her parents have protected an unknowing public from their threats. Serwa is the best adze slayer her age, and she knew how to use a crossbow before she could even ride a bike. But when an obayifo (witch) destroys her childhood home while searching for a drum, do Serwa's parents take her with them on their quest to defeat her? No. Instead, they dump Serwa with her hippie aunt and cryptic-obsessed cousin in the middle of Nowheresville, Maryland "for her own safety." Now, instead of crossbows and battle armor, she's dealing with mean girls and algebra, and for the first time in her life she doesn't have to carry a staff everywhere she goes, which is . . . kind of nice, actually. Just as Serwa starts to get the hang of this whole normal girl who doesn't punch vampires every day thing, an adze infiltrates her school. It's up to her to whip some of her classmates into monster-fighting shape before all of them become firefly food. And when she uncovers a secret that upends everything she thought she knew about her family's role in the slayer vs. adze war, Serwa will have to decide which side of herself--normal girl or slayer--is the right one. After all, seventh grade is hard enough without adding vampires to the mix.

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting is a wonderful middle grade adventure with a solid foundation in Ghanaian folklore. I was very happy to learn more about legends I only knew a bear minimum of, and was very glad that I listened to the audiobook version so that I had the correct pronunciations rather than looking them up and still getting them wrong. I thought the balance between magic and the realities of trying to fit into a new environment and dealing this prejudice and preconized notions was very well done, and I felt for Serwa through out the book and was wholly engaged in the story the entire time. I thought the twists and turns of the story were well handled, and while some I suspected long before they were revealed, I think they might take younger readers by surprise, as intended. I will say that I felt a bit like this installment of the series could have ended at an earlier point, and the last few chapters been the start of the next book, but since I do not know the full plan for Serwa and her future adventures there is likely a very good reason for moving forward the way it was. I enjoyed the read, and look forward to what will come next in the series. 

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting is a great start to a new series that will appeal to a wide range of readers. 

Early Book Review: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is a fantasy for young adults and adults current scheduled for paperback release on November 8 2022. After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time. The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success, not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is. If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone. But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

Legends & Lattes was a engaging and entertaining read. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and setting. I thought that Viv was a great character, and the fact that she was often unsure of things made her a better character in my opinion. I thought the story was fun on several levels, and while advertised as low stakes fantasy, I will say there are some moments that felt very high stakes emotionally for me- even though the fate of the world was not at risk. I greatly enjoyed the cast of characters, and my only complaint is that I want more of all of them. I want prequels and sequels so I can get to know this characters even better.  I would love some companion stories while we are at it, because I want more on several of the secondary characters, not just the main group. I really enjoyed settling in to read this, and it was just what I needed to get excited about reading again and break me out of a reading slump where I was having trouble getting excited about anything I was reading. 

Legends & Lattes was a delightful read, and I am so glad I found it. I am hoping for more!

Early Book Review: His Christmas Guardian by Cindy Dees

His Christmas Guardian by Cindy Dees is a romantic suspense novel currently scheduled for release on October 25 2022. CIA Agent Alex Creed’s mission is to take down a deadly criminal before Christmas and only Nick Kane stands in his way. After the same target, and trained to be enemies, do they dare become more? The black ops agent claims he’s after the same target and that working together is the best plan. Never before has Alex been so attracted to someone he shouldn’t trust. Especially knowing Nick has a bit of a death wish, while Alex envisions a future together. 

His Christmas Guardian has a good premise, and I thought that Alex and Nick were good characters. I did feel like there were moments that they were just a little too perfect, but for the most part I found that they each had some realistic issues that would need to be overcome for them in the future beyond this book. I did like the alternative points of view, and thought that gave me a better understanding of where everyone stood, and what their concerns were even before they could express them.  However, I did feel like this was part of a larger series. That some of the characters mentioned in passing and some of the situations discussed could be found elsewhere. None of this made the read less enjoyable, in fact I think that those that really like it will be out hunting for those other books, but I felt like it was not mentioned in the blurb or on the cover that it was part of a series, which bothered me a little. I felt like I was only getting a small part of a much bigger story, and that more could have been done even just with Nick and Alex to make it all feel a little less easy. 

His Christmas Guardian is a good romance with a decent amount of suspense and action.

Audiobook Review: Relatively Normal Secrets by C.W. Allen, Narrated by Ivy Tara Blair

Relatively Normal Secrets is a middle grade book written by C.W. Allen, and the audiobook is narrated by Ivy Tara Blair. It is currently scheduled for release on September 7 2022. 

Tuesday and Zed Furst are perfectly normal children with perfectly strange parents. Their father won’t discuss his job, their mother never leaves the house without her guard dog, and the topic of the family tree is off limits. When a last minute “business trip” gets the adults out of the way, Zed and Tuesday decide to get to the bottom of things once and for all. Too bad some thugs with shape-shifting weapons have other ideas. Their escape leaves them trapped in the modern-meets-medieval Falinnheim, where everyone insists their father is a disgraced fugitive. They hope whoever is leaving them coded clues may have some answers, but they’re not sure they’re going to like what they learn. If they ever want to see their parents again, they’ll need the help of a smuggler with a broken compass, their unusually talented dog, some extremely organized bandits, and a selection of suspiciously misquoted nursery rhymes. Zed and Tuesday may not have all the answers, but one thing is certain—when it comes to normal, everything is relative.

I thought Zed and Tuesday's story was well done. I liked the premise and the characters. I thought the slow reveal was handled well, and I liked the way the siblings worked together even when they did not necessarily agree. I liked the combination of action, fantasy, science, and mystery and think that it will appeal to a wide range of middle grade readers. I did have some trouble pinpointing the kid's ages, and I thought some of the things included in the story were a little too predictable or common for the genre, but I am also someone that has read more than my share of it and middle grade kids are likely to find it much newer and fresh than I did. I like that the book wrapped up the immediate questions, giving readers a satisfying ending but still leaving plenty of room for sequels. 

I liked the narrator's inflections and the spirit she put into the work. However, I have to admit that sometimes when she  I would not be able to make out what she was saying, no matter how high my volume was. It could very well be my hearing, but when certain characters were talking I had to work really hard to make out what was being said, and sometimes I still missed words or phrases. I would turn up the volume and then Tuesday would be talking and I would have to turn it back down. It become very frustrating especially since I listen to my audiobooks in the car and cannot often rewind to catch up with what was missed.

Relatively Normal Secrets is a good middle grade fantasy, but I think I would recommend reading a print copy rather than listening to the audiobook. 

Book Review: Ruby Fever (Hidden Legacy) by Ilona Andrews

Ruby Fever is the sixth book in the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews. This is a series that should be read in order to fully understand the world and characters that have been built. 

An escaped spider, the unexpected arrival of an Imperial Russian Prince, the senseless assassination of a powerful figure, a shocking attack on the supposedly invincible Warden of Texas, Catalina’s boss, and it’s only Monday. Within hours, the fate of Houston—not to mention the House of Baylor—now rests on Catalina, who will have to harness her powers as never before. But even with her fellow Prime and fiancé Alessandro Sagredo by her side, she may not be able to expose who’s responsible before all hell really breaks loose.

Ruby Fever is the last book in Catalina's story arc, and I am sad to see her personal story wrap up, even though it means we must be something from Arabella's point of view soon.  I really enjoyed her part of the story and think that this book was a great addition to the larger story. I though the action, mystery, and hints about the future were all very well balanced. I was engaged in the story the whole read, and while I saw some of the twists coming, everything was so well done that it did not matter. It was great seeing Catalina come into her own, and get a better understanding of herself and what she could do. Fans of the series will love the read and be looking forward to what ever come next in this world.

Ruby Fever is a must read for fans of the series. 

Book Review: The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian

The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian is a historical romance. It is the second book in the  Queer Principles of Kit Webb series, and while returning readers will have a head start on knowing the characters I think newcomers like myself can fully enjoy the read even if they missed the first book.

Marian Hayes, the Duchess of Clare, just shot her husband. Of course, the evil, murderous man deserved what was coming to him, but now she must flee to the countryside. Unfortunately, the only person she can ask for help is the charismatic criminal who is blackmailing her—and who she may have left tied up a few hours before. A highwayman, con artist, and all-around cheerful villain, Rob Brooks is no stranger to the wrong side of the law or the right side of anybody’s bed. He never meant to fall for the woman whose secrets he promised to keep for the low price of five hundred pounds, but how could he resist someone who led him on a merry chase all over London, left him tied up in a seedy inn, and then arrived covered in her husband’s blood and in desperate need of his help? As they flee across the country—stopping to pick pockets, drink to excess, and rescue invalid cats—they discover more true joy and peace than either has felt in ages. But when the truth of Rob’s past catches up to him, they must decide if they are willing to reshape their lives in order to forge a future together.

The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes is a fun and highly engaging read. I love that even though all of the characters have their own trauma to deal with all of the major players are still genuinely good people, despite their less than legal actions, and are doing their best to prevent trauma to others. I also like how they Marian's daughter and all the emotions involved in the complicated pregnancy, birth, and aftermath are handled. Not everyone has the same experiences, and seeing something that falls outside the fairytale ideal felt right here, and might help some process their own feelings and experiences- and their expectations for themselves and others. Admitting, there were moments that I felt Rob was too perfect, but it really worked for his situation, past, and ideals so I was quickly able to move past it. This book was just good fun and a pleasure to read, with a nice dose of sexy times mixed it with the humor and adventure. I think just about everyone can enjoy this read.

The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes was simply a joy to read. The book was well written and the characters made me smile no matter how badly things were going. Now I need to go back and read the first book in the series. 

Early Book Review: Stick and Stone Explore and More by Beth Ferry

Stick and Stone Explore and More by Beth Ferry is currently scheduled for release on June 7 2022. Two stories in one graphic novel perfect for beginning readers, based on the Stick and Stone series by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld. Go on a scavenger hunt, set out on a trip for ice cream, and even visit the beach with these lovable best buddies. Join Stick and Stone as they get swept up in scavenger hunt. Accompany them to a campfire calamity. And laugh along with them in this new graphic novel series starring two best buddies and a whole cast of new characters. Each story has a fun activity to make you feel part of the action.

Stick and Stone Explore and More is another set of cute stories of friendship starring fan favorite buddies. In the first story they join a young Nature Girl on a quest to find items that start with each letter in the alphabet.  On the second story Stone wishes for an adventure, but really wants some ice cream, and when he gets his wish things get dangerous. I like that Stone and Stick are different from each other, but that those differences turn out to be what makes them such a great team. I love the quality of the illustrations, and think that the detail in them will capture the attention of many readers. I found the activity tie ins at the end of each story will help further engage readers and have them looking to explore further. The adventures are fun and sweet, and I think many young readers will enjoy reading about these friends.

Book Review: Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen

Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen is a fantasy debut, inspired by West African mythology, in which a mermaid takes on the gods themselves. Simi prayed to the gods, once. Now she serves them as Mami Wata—a mermaid—collecting the souls of those who die at sea and blessing their journeys back home. But when a living boy is thrown overboard, Simi does the unthinkable—she saves his life, going against an ancient decree. And punishment awaits those who dare to defy it. To protect the other Mami Wata, Simi must journey to the Supreme Creator to make amends. But all is not as it seems. There's the boy she rescued, who knows more than he should. And something is shadowing Simi, something that would rather see her fail. Danger lurks at every turn, and as Simi draws closer, she must brave vengeful gods, treacherous lands, and legendary creatures. Because if she doesn't, then she risks not only the fate of all Mami Wata, but also the world as she knows it.

Skin of the Sea is a wonderful book that has adventure, mythology, character growth, and some serious feels. I have read some of the mythology that is referenced in the book, and this read made me want to explore it even further. I was fully engaged in Simi's character right from the start, eager to see where the story would take her and how she came to be on the path that lead to this journey. There are a good number of twists and turns, as there are many powerful players with a stake in the long game. Some of the twists honestly surprised me, as I was waiting on a disaster or betrayal at every moment, and other times I saw it coming a mile away. In all cases going along with Simi as she tries to protect those important to her, and the larger world, to make a positive difference. I thought the heavy moments and subjects were handled extremely well, as were the settings and character building. I look forward to reading more from the author, especially since my only complaint was the ending- since I seriously want some more. 

Skin of the Sea is an amazing read with great regard to history and mythology. Characters and story are well balanced and developed- and all I was left wanting was more.  For those interested, there is an audiobook version available and it is wonderfully done. 

Book Review: Somewhere in the Bayou by Jerome Pumphrey, Jarrett Pumphrey

Somewhere in the Bayou is a picturebook written and illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey. When four swamp creatures looking to cross a river come upon a log that would allow for precisely that, they can’t believe their luck. But a questionable tail adjacent to that log gives them second thoughts. Opossum believes it’s a sneaky tail and that they must pass it quietly. Squirrel thinks it’s a scary tail that can be cowed by intimidation. Rabbit decides it’s a mean tail that deserves a taste of its own medicine. As the critters exhaust approaches one by one, Mouse, the smallest of the lot, observes their folly and adjusts accordingly. But is it the mouse or the tail that will defy expectations?

Somewhere in the Bayou is a stylistic picturebook about assumptions and how acting on those assumptions can end badly. The group of animals each make assumptions about the tail they see, and act on those assumptions without taking a moment to verify and problem solve together. I thought the art style fit the story very well and that the simple, solid artwork let readers focus even more on the expressive faces of the animals and overall story. I also liked that the final solution involved a kindness even though there is a bit of a dark twist in the end. 

Early Book Review: Peach and the Isle of Monsters by Franco Aureliani, Agnes Garbowska

Peach and the Isle of Monsters is a graphic novel written by Franco Aureliani and illustrated by Agnes Garbowska. It is currently scheduled for release on March 15 2022. Meet Peach. How did she get her name? What's her secret? What have the Monsters taken from her village? Seeking independence, and prove she's a warrior, Peach begins her quest to save her village from the Monsters from Monster Isle... and meets some interesting people along the way! 

Peach and the Isle of Monsters starts by answering all of the questions in the description and then quickly jumps into the adventure. I liked the art, and thought the color and style took a great deal of talent. I thought it ran very text heavy, particularly for an adventure graphic novel. It felt like the majority of the story was simplified and shuffled into the text bubbles without allowing the art to do its share of story telling. I could not get interested or invested in the story since it fell into the trap of telling rather than showing for the majority of the story. It was more than a little disjointed, and parts of it felt very rushed and like the author had no plan going into the story. I liked the art, and thought the story of a girl that thought she was underestimated and abandoned has some potential but it just did not shake out for me, although I think some middle grade readers that share some of those feelings might appreciate it much more. 

Early Book Review: Wingbearer by Marjorie Liu, Teny Issakhanian

Wingbearer, written by Marjorie Liu and illustrated by Teny Issakhanian, is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2022.It is the first book in a new middle grade graphic novel series. 

Zuli is extraordinary—she just doesn’t realize it yet. Raised by mystical bird spirits in the branches of the Great Tree, she’s never ventured beyond this safe haven. She’s never had to. Until now. When a sinister force threatens the life-giving magic of the tree, Zuli, along with her guardian owl, Frowly, must get to the root of it. So begins an adventure bigger than anything Zuli could’ve ever imagined—one that will bring her, along with some newfound friends, face-to-face with an ancient dragon, the so-called Witch-Queen, and most surprisingly of all: her true identity.

Wingbearer is a beautifully drawn and colored graphic novel with fantastic writing. I was engaged in the story from the very beginning, ad my only complaint is that now I have to try and wait patiently for the next installment. Zuli and the the characters that she meets on her journey are well written and complex, with very few good/evil absolutes. The world building, as revealed through the characters and their interactions, was very well done. I feel like I have a reasonable grasp of the important aspects of the world, and never felt like there was an info dump. It was reveals as things became important in a way that really made sense and felt natural. Although, I will admit that I saw the big reveal (not telling), or something very close to it coming on a couple levels. However, I think the way it was done was smart and will keep readers hooked and invested in continuing the series. I think this series will be a new favorite for a wide range of readers and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Wingbearer is a wonderful start to a new series. I look forward to reading what comes next.

Book Review: Igor by Francesca Dafne Vignaga

Igor is a pictureboook written and illustrated by Francesca Dafne Vignaga. The only thing Igor knows about himself is his name. When he's not busy playing, he likes to watch what the animals do, but why has he never seen anyone else like himself? Maybe it is time to leave home and go on a journey of self-discovery.

Igor is a lovely picturebook. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful, and capture the reader's attention and imagination. The detail is wonderful and I liked the style. The story itself is simple. Igor wants to know if there are others like him out there so he goes on an adventure. It was fun seeing him try to blend in with a variety of creatures, which were clearly different from him., but being welcome to try with nothing but a little side eye from some around him. I liked the journey, and his success. However, I need to admit that I still have no idea what type of creature Igor might be. 

Early Book Review: Housecat Trouble by Mason Dickerson

Housecat Trouble by Mason Dickerson is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on February 22 2022. Buster has only one job: keep the house safe. Too bad he is a massive scaredy-cat. When his owner goes away and he suddenly finds his home filled with monsters, Buster has the biggest challenge he’s ever faced. Can he learn to be brave before his owner gets back? 

Housecat Trouble is a cute graphic novel. I liked the artwork and found t to be fun and bold. I think it will capture and keep the attention of middle grade readers. I will admit that from the cover and description I thought this would be for a younger audience, but is definitely for the middle grade crowd. Buster makes friends, faces his fears, and has an adventure. I like that the friends grow and learn too, the character growth is not limited to Buster. There are evil spirits, questish moments, sweet moments, and some silliness. It is an interesting and entertaining read. I liked that a page on drawing your own cat was included at the end of the book, that might further engage interested readers. 

Book Review: Fowl by Shaun McMahon

Fowl by Shaun McMahon is a children's chapter book. Bert loves playing football. He dreams of being a professional footballer for his local side West Farthing F.C. There is just one problem. Bert is a chicken. Bert lives on Manor Side Farm where the other chickens make fun of him for being different – a chicken should not play football, they say – but despite this, it is still Bert’s dream. After a chance visit to the farm by Gerald Fox, the manager of West Farthing F.C., Bert is talent spotted and offered a try out. Gerald wants Bert to be their secret weapon in an upcoming game. 

Fowl is a short chapter book that will appeal to young readers that enjoy doing something unexpected, like a chicken playing football (soccer to Americans). I thought the story had a good balance of adventure and Bert trying to do what he loved. The action was well done, and Bert's loyal character made him a solid character for young readers to relate to and root for. There are lessons about being yourself, support of/for friends and family, and friendship. I have to admit that looking at the cover and reading the description I expecting some illustrations, and I was a little sad to find none. I think the book could have benefited from some, even simple black and white sketches at chapter beginnings or high action moments would have added a great deal to the whole.  

Early Book Review: Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee

Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee is a companion to the best-selling and award-winning Dragon Pearl  (which I loved) and is currently scheduled for release on January 4 2022. This is another space opera inspired by Korean mythology,but told from the point of view of a nonbinary tiger spirit. Sebin, a young tiger spirit from the Juhwang Clan, wants nothing more than to join the Thousand World Space Forces and, like their Uncle Hwan, captain a battle cruiser someday. But when Sebin's acceptance letter finally arrives, it's accompanied by the shocking news that Hwan has been declared a traitor. Apparently the captain abandoned his duty to steal a magical artifact, the Dragon Pearl, and his whereabouts are still unknown. Sebin hopes to help clear their hero's name and restore honor to the clan. Nothing goes according to plan, however. As soon as Sebin arrives for orientation, they are met by a special investigator named Yi and his assistant, a girl named Min. Yi informs Sebin that they must immediately report to the ship Haetae and await further instructions. Sebin finds this highly unusual, but soon all protocol is forgotten when there's an explosion on the ship, the crew is knocked out, and the communication system goes down. It's up to Sebin, three other cadets, and Yi and Min to determine who is sabotaging the battle cruiser. When Sebin is suddenly accused of collaborating with the enemy, the cadet realizes that Min might be the most dangerous foe of all.

Tiger Honor was a hard start for me, mainly because I had to go back and reread my review of Dragon Pearl and remember what I knew about some of these characters and this world, and were we all left off in the first book. Once I got back into the setting and characters were settled on my head I was able to get lost in that world again. I liked the character development for Sebin, and seeing a different perspective of the Star Forces and systems and relationships involved. I thought Swbin had a relatable story arc, as we have all had our expectations and thoughts of someone we loved and trusted challenged at some point in our lives. This exploration of world views and the larger picture is important, and well done here. I thought the character building for Sebin's fellow cadets, and the challenges they faced was also well done, with a nice balance of adventure or danger and introspection. I am hoping that the series is continued, as I just felt like I was getting to know the characters as a group when this installment of the story ended. I enjoyed the read, and think it was well done. I do recommend revisiting Dragon Pearl before reading this, or enjoying it on its own with no prior knowledge of the other book. It can be fully enjoyed in either fashion.

Tiger Honor is a well written and entertaining read. 

Book Review: Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure by Jeff Jensen, George Schall

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure, written by Jeff Jensen and illustrated by George Schall, is a graphic novel inspired by the true story of Kate Warne, America’s first female detective and her signature achievement--cracking a plot by Confederate radicals to kill Abraham Lincoln. America is at a crossroads. Secession is spreading. And the nation’s newly elected president is the target of a conspiracy to assassinate him and trigger a Civil War. The safety of Lincoln and his family—and the future of the American experiment—hinges on the success of a new kind of lawman, known by a word still novel in the culture of the time: detective. But there was only one who would prove to be up to the task—an individual whose extraordinary cleverness and resourcefulness would alter the course of history from deep within the shadows of domestic spycraft. Her name was Kate Warne. This is the story of America’s first female detective, a trailblazing working woman trying to make a living and do some good in a tumultuous, sexist age, and whose mysterious life and tall tale exploits are truly the stuff of legend.

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure is a historical graphic novel that shares a bit of history many might not know. The truth of female detectives and what women went through in that time is something people do not always know, or think about if they know. I found the story of Kate and her found family to be fascinating, and while I know much of it was likely embellished or altered for a good story, the important truths are in there as well. I thought the artwork was extremely well done, capturing the period and emotions of the story with great effect. My biggest issue with the story is that I wanted more about Kate and her group after the adventure with the Lincolns, but before the scenes that framed the story here. I need more about what happened with each of her group, because I found myself just as concerned with the secondary characters as the main players. I think this will be a hot with many readers, and might start some into researching more about the female agents of Pinkerton. 

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure is an engaging graphic novel.