Book Review: The Spider by Elise Gravel

The Spider by Elise Gravel is part of a nonfiction series that combines facts about the creepy crawly critters of the world with humor. The book covers topics like a spider's habitats (pretty much everywhere), the silk it spins (it can trap prey and makes a nifty bowtie), and its parenting practice (female spiders carry around their eggs in a silk purse). While each page is pretty silly The Spider also contains real information in a format that can both amuse and teach.

The Spider is a delightfully silly nonfiction book about spiders. The text is a mix of facts and silly twists on those facts to make both young and older readers laugh while learning. The illustrations are key to the giggle factor, and do a great job. I think readers that are just starting to branch out and read a larger variety of book on their own, but are either intimidated or bored by some of the books for their reading level with love this book. more advanced readers will still enjoy the sneaky learning that is woven between silliness.

The Spider is a great choice for young readers that love to learn about nature, and those that just love to laugh. As an easy picturebook it also lends itself to reading at story times or just reading together as a family or for bedtime. It is a great way to make learning fun for everyone. Now I amk going to have to get my hands on the whole series. 

Early Book Review: Rose and the Silver Ghost by Holly Webb

Rose and the Silver Ghost is the forth book in the Rose series by Holly Webb. It is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2015. Time has flown since Rose left the orphanage behind for her new family at Mr. Fountain's magical house. But when the stern Miss Fell comes to stay at the mansion, Rose can't help but notice the extra attention Miss Fell gives her. When Rose sees the flash of a face in Miss Fell's mirror-a face that's familiar and foreign at the same time-her suspicions are confirmed that Miss Fell might know more about Rose's past than she's letting on. Can a hidden picture, a silver mirror, and a timid ghost lead Rose to the truth about her family?

Rose and the Silver Ghost is a wonderful continuation to a solid series. I liked that there was significant character growth and fresh conflict that both continued the larger story arch and set up a whole new batch of problems and solutions as well. Rose and her friends face huge odds, and learn more about Rose's past and their own gifts in the process. Change can be uncomfortable, and scary, but finding answers and facing evil seem to quench that fear while in the heart of the moment. The teamwork between the friends, and the comradery they share is at the heart of the book. I rather saw the Rose family connection coming, but was surprised by the depth of trouble they faced. I was pleasantly surprised and wondering just how they would get themselves out of several situations.

Rose and the Silver Ghost is part of a series I would recommend to independent readers that like action, magic, and adventure. The characters are solid with significant growth, particularly in this installment. 

Best Young Adult Novels Retelling Fairy Tales New Perspectives and Life Given to Classic Stories

There are some stories we all know very well, from books or movies. Some authors have taken a chance and added new twists to classic fairy tales. Here are some that surpassed expectation.

Beastly by Alex Flinn is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Kyle Kingsbury was a golden boy. He had everything a high school boy could want; good looks, popularity, good grades and money. When he behaves beastly toward a classmate, she appears in his bedroom and makes that adjective true in looks as well as deed. His superficial world falls apart and he has to transform himself inside to earn the love that can transform his exterior. This is a fun, entertaining read that dos not become trite or corny which is always a danger in this kind of story. Finn has also written his take on Sleeping Beauty titled A Kiss in Time, and many other tales since. 

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George is the retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Here the story is set in nineteen-century Europe. Rose and her younger sisters are trapped by their mother's bargain to dance every night until their dancing slippers are worn. Galen is a soldier with a knitting hobby and a personality that has him being polite and kind to the elderly. What I really love about this retelling is that the princesses are feisty with minds and plans of their own; they are not simply waiting around for rescue. While the romance aspect seems a little thin, there is a sequel to the book, which follows Rose on to the next stage of her life. Again the author has done many more fairy tale related books since. 

Robin McKinley has retold a few fairy tales, and done all of them very well. Spindle's End is her version of the Sleeping Beauty story. Everyone knows the basics, infant cursed to die on a birthday after sticking her finger on a spindle. While tat stays the same, in McKinley's version our heroine is raised by a peasant fairy and grows up wild, preferring pants to skirts and able to communicate with animals. Twists to the original tale have her stronger and more capable than one might expect in this story, and it reads extremely well. Surprises make the read so much more intriguing and entertaining. . If you have not read any of McKinley's novels I strongly suggest exploring her work, she has never disappointed me.

Magic Circle by Donna Jo Napoli is the unique retelling of Hansel and Gretel from the witch's point of view. She was tricked and forced to live as a witch, alone until she takes in two lost children. She fights the evil that has invaded her life. The book is intriguing, beautiful, surprising and disturbing on several levels. It was a great read and one of many reimaginings of fairy tales by this author that I have found to be fantastic.

Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey and Mahlon F. Craft is a retelling of Cinderella, and part of the Once Upon a Time series of fairy tale reimaginings. This retelling is full of strong women and matters of family, loyalty and courage. While most of the basic elements of the known story are here, the characters do not blindly slide into their usual molds. No one in inherently evil or doormats to be mistreated and abused. The changes and twists inn this version of the classic tale captivate and entertain.

Book Review: Alistair Grim's Odditorium by Gregory Funaro

Alistair Grim's Odditorium is the first book in the Odditorium series by Gregory Funaro. Grubb, age twelve (or thereabouts), has never known anything beyond his miserable existence as a chimney sweep. All of that changes the day he stows away in the coach belonging to a mysterious guest at the inn that he is tasked with cleaning. Grubb emerges from Alistair Grim's trunk and into the wondrous world of the Odditorium. Fueled by a glowing blue energy that Grubb can only begin to understand, the Odditorium is home to countless enchanted objects and an eccentric crew that embraces Grubb as one of their own. When the Odditorium comes under attack, Grubb is whisked off on a perilous adventure. Only he can prevent the Odditorium's magic from falling into evil hands, and his new family from suffering a terrible fate. Grubb knows he's no hero. He's just a chimney sweep. But armed with only his courage and wits, Grubb will confront the life-or-death battle he alone is destined to fight.

Alistair Grim's Odditorium is a middle grade fantasy novel that hints of steampunk. Grubb had a very rough start to life, but that start has given him some skills that serve him well on his adventures in 19th century England. Grubb does not expect anything from anyone, and coming to the Odditorium is both a blessing and a curse. It gets him away from a less than pleasant situation and throws him into a much more caring but dangerous situation. the Odditorium is fueled by magic, and secrets abound. Fairies, banshees, sinister skeletons, and much more await Grubb. I really like that through it all Grubb uses wit and his good nature to get through most scrapes. Those that are honorable seem to come out on top (at least most of the time) here. Even when mistakes are made, characters work to make it right.  the characters are widely varied in personaklity and persuation, but they all grew and developed as the story continued. However, I will admit that I fully expected the revelation that came about on the final page, but I still greatly enjoyed the journey.

Alistair Grim's Odditorium is a fast paced and unique offering for the middle grade market. I seriously think it has the potential of becoming as well known and remembered as Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and Wrinkle in Time for the level of adventure and virtuous characters that face huge obstacles. I would recommend this for reluctant and avid readers alike. 

Picturebook Review: This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne

This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne is a charming picturebook. When Bella's dog disappears into the gutter of the book, she calls for help. But each of her potential helpers disappear too and she realizes it will take more than a tug on the leash to fix things.

This Book Just Ate My Dog is an interactive picturebook that is fun and encourages imagination. Bella's dog, and everyone that tries to help, disappear into the book with only the dog's leash remaining as evidence. A simple tug of that leash will not work, so it is up to the readers to follow directions and help Bella and the rest to safety. The result is fun, and engaging for readers of all ages. This would make a great book to share for story time, but not so much around bed time since it is liable to get everyone excited and laughing.

This Book Just Ate My Dog uses the physicality of the book which results in an experience that is  just plain fun! The illustrations and lettering are a perfect pair, and the interaction will excite readers of all ages. 

Early Book Review: Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder

Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder is the first book in the Soulfinders series, or you could consider it The Chronicles of Ixia number 7 or book number four in the Study series. each sequence is correct, it is just dependent on how far and which Snyder books you have read. It is currently scheduled for release on February 24 2015. As a disclaimer; I am a fangirl for Snyder and the Study series in particular. I did a little dance when I saw this book was under contract- and feel the same way after reading it and knowing that more is coming!

Yelena was much happier as a poison taster, when only her life was dependent of her choices. But she has become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia, using her magic to keep the peace in both lands while protecting her relationship with Valek. Suddenly, she is beset on all sides by those vying for power through politics and intrigue. Valek's job and his life are in danger as he returns to the castle where the Commander is keeping secrets and a young hotshot is looking to take his place. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret, or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is, while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers.

Shadow Study returns to the pace and quality that fans will remember from the book that started it all, Poison Study. Readers get to see the world through the alternating viewpoints of Yelena, Valek, and Janco. Yelena and Valek are expecting some quality alone time, instead Yelena is attacked and Valek needs to return to the commander asap. This begins each of their hard times. Yelena loses her magic, and her connection to the world around her. she is vulnerable and does not know who she can trust and how she might put others at risk. She needs to find out what has blocked her magic, who attacked her, and what larger plots put her and those she cares about at risk. Meanwhile Valek discovers that the Commander is keeping secrets and that many things have changed. He needs to protect himself, his position, and try not to let his worry over Yelena overcome him. Janco and crew need to deal with new recruits and trying to do their own jobs. Each journey is intertwined in complex pattern, and it is only when we see all the parts that the characters and readers can get an idea of the big picture.  I really enjoyed getting into Janco's head, and in the backstory that we get for Valek through his memories. my only issue here is that I need to wait until 2016 to get my hands on the next book Night Study.

Okay, after reading this I am an even bigger fan of Snyder because Yelena and Valek are still one of my favorite book couples, and we get a glimpse of Valek's training. Shadow Study is one of her great books, and I hope Night Study continues the trend. I consider this book a must read for Snyder fans, but recommend starting at the beginning with Poison Study for all newcomers. Snyder is up at the top of my recommended authors to readers, next to Tamora Pierce, for a great fantasy read with action, suspense, and romance that is still accessible and acceptable reading for mature middle grade, young adult, and adult readers.

Book Review: Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

Mortal Heart is the third book in the His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFevers. While technically you could read each of these as a stand alone, why would you? Each book is fantastic and the layering of the larger story arch cannot be fully appreciated without reading in order. (Can you tell I am a fan?)

In Mortal Heart we finally get to see Annith's thoughts and her part of the saga. Annith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain and patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent. Feeling betrayed, Annith decides to strike out on her own. She has spent her whole life training to be an assassin. Just because the convent has changed its mind doesn't mean she or Mortain has.

In Mortal Heart I was thrilled to see Annith's story unfold. The look into her past and the conspiracies and betrayals that thread through the book are perfectly timed and woven into the story in a way that brings the entire trilogy together. I will admit that when Annith meets Bathazar I had a good idea of who he is, but that did not lessen my enjoyment of how everything unfolded and then came together. The action, character development, and character interaction just had me enthralled and happy throughout the entire book. I really did not want it to end, and was sad to leave the world of His Fair Assassin.

Mortal Heart is the perfect book for round out this trilogy, although I would dearly love to see more books from LaFevers about this world, and frankly i am going to go back and read the authors unrelated children's books as soon as I get a chance. I highly recommend this book, and this series which starts with Grave Mercy to everyone. Yes, everyone!! It is good for young adults, new adults, and adults.

Three of My Favorite Novels Inspired by Mythology

Mythology and other legends often explore universal truths about humanity, even ones that we would prefer to ignore. These novels take the original tales and put new spins on characters and stories that mankind has never forgotten.

 

American Gods by Neil Gaiman is a favorite of mine, but I freely admit being a Gaiman fan girl. He is an amazing storyteller and just draws his readers into the worlds that he creates. If you have the opportunity to listen to his work on audio book I highly recommend it, as he does his own narrations and does a phenomenal job. In American Gods Gaiman uses players from Norse, Hindu, Egyptian and African legends and throws them into today's world with their personalities and scheming fully intact. Readers follow Shadow Moon, released from prison one day after his wife is killed in a car accident. He says goodbye to his old life and accepts the job offer from a strange new acquaintance. Shadow is drawn into the strange reality of gods living in America and their battles amongst themselves.

The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams is the sequel to Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. We see the intrepid Dirk Gently investigating a man possessed by Odin. The novel is twisting and rambling but in an indescribably good way. Adams gave the world a novel that is both confusing and thought invoking. Every single time I pick up this book I see something that that I do not remember from previous readings. Puns and one liners will keep you laughing while the Norse gods wondering around in society will get you thinking about the nature of man, immortality and what people want versus what they need. 

The Lightning Thief and the entire Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan are found in the young adult section. The series is well known now due to the movie, but the books are still well worth reading. Do not skip the books just to watch the movie; the books are worth reading and adding to your collection. Young Percy Jackson just can not seem to blend in with 'normal' kids. He gets expelled from schools for fighting with monsters that only he can see. Soon he is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he learns the reason behind his problems, and that his is the child of a god. Prophesy quests and godly feuds fuel this action pact series that is a great read for everyone from around age nine and up. Older readers might also enjoy Oh. My Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs which is another series featuring children of the gods, but this time from a teenage girl's perspective.

Other fantastic novels of this sort include Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman which retells the story of Persephone and Hades as well as The King Must Die by Mary Renault, The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley, any books in P.C. Cast's Goddess series, Quicksilver by Stephanie Spinner and Ilium by Dan Simmons.

Blog Tour Spotlight: The Boy Who Couldn't Cry Wolf by Caldric Blackwell

SYNOPSIS

Six-year-old Byron Woodward is a werewolf who can’t howl. Determined not to embarrass himself after being chosen to lead a full-moon ceremony, he embarks on a mission to learn how to howl. He learns a lot about howling during his journey, but more importantly, he learns a valuable lesson about believing in himself.

Where to Purchase The Boy Who Couldn't Cry Wolf

Amazon - Kindle
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Barnes & Noble

*Borrow free with Kindle Unlimited & Amazon Prime*

THE AUTHOR

Caldric's Website /  Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook 

Caldric Blackwell realized he loved reading when he read about a bunch of people (with single-syllable names) and their pets (also with single-syllable names) in kindergarten.

Exposure to a host of great authors while studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara inspired him to begin writing fiction. Although he began writing short stories for adults, he eventually migrated to writing children's books. His debut work is an early chapter book titled The Enchanted River Race. His next release is a picture book, The Boy Who Couldn't Cry Wolf.

Outside of writing, Caldric enjoys hiking, gardening, and playing a variety of string instruments. Caldric currently resides in California.

Early Book Review: When Whales Cross the Sea by Sharon Katz Cooper

When Whales Cross the Sea is a nonfiction book for children written by Sharon Katz Cooper and illustrated by Tom Leonard. It is part of the Extraordinary Migration series and is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2015. This book allows young readers to swim alongside one gray whale as she makes the longest migration journey of any mammal on Earth. The realistic illustrations and information come together to captivate and educate.

When Whales Cross the Sea is an example of narrative nonfiction done right. Readers get to join a Gray Whale on its long migration from its feeding waters to where they give birth and raise their calves through their most vulnerable days. The story includes little details that scientist know to happen, and realistic illustrations that also happen to be beautiful.

When Whales Cross the Sea is a wonderful book for sharing with children through around age nine. It is easy to understand, with beautiful illustrations and a story that informs while keeping the youngest readers interested. Animal and science lovers will enjoy it the most.

Book Review: Princess Patty Meets Her Match by Charise Mericle Harper

Princess Patty Meets Her Match by Charise Mericle Harper is a picturebook about a princess taking matters into her own hands. Patty has always been told that one day her prince will come, but she is tired of waiting.  So with Miss Loverpuff (her pet starfish) in tow, Patty sets off to find her own happily-ever-after. Along the way, she meets a prince who places leftover peas under the bed, and another who can't tell the difference between catching dragons and dragonflies! Can she find a prince that she wants to spend time with?

Princess Patty Meets Her Match is a book about a girl taking charge of her own life. she goes out in search of something she has been told will find her. I like that patty is a strong and smart girl. She teaches those she comes in contact with quite a bit, but she is still kind and never rude even when those she runs across seem less than bright. I think a princess taking charge while still being a good person is an important story to share. Too often when princesses (or girls in general) and taking charge in books they come off as mean rather or a know it all. Patty knows what she wants, but is still a gracious girl and while sweet also not a push over. The illustrations  do a good job of bringing the story to life with some additional information and funny moments. 

I would highly recommend Princess Patty Meets Her Match to any readers that love princess and make believe. I think readers stuck on the idea that a princess needs saving, and that a prince needs to do all the work, will gain something from this fun and sweet picturebook.

Five Roman and Greek Mythology Resources

Myths, legends and fairy tales are immensely fascinating to me. Especially the way certain tales echo each other when the original storytellers had no way of communicating with each other across distance, language barriers and time. Greek and Roman mythology is one segment of the larger whole that I have found phenomenal resources to help me explore deeper. Here are my personal favorite books that teach and entertain in that realm of mythology. I did not include individual stories, such as the Iliad or the Odyssey, only collections and reference materials.

Mythology by Edith Hamilton is a collection and review of Greek and Roman myths, with a few Norse myths thrown in for good measure. Hamilton tells the main stories and describes the characters as well.  She gives commentary on the stories and shares how different versions of the characters and stories compare. I currently own two copies of this book, which I have read and reread several times over the years. She also wrote The Greek Way and The Roman Way for more detailed understanding of each culture.

Bulfinch's Greek and Roman Mythology from Thomas Bulfinch is another fantastic resource for myth information. This book is full of vivid retellings of myths from the Roman; Greek and Norse cultures. The myths are enjoyable and easy reads, while the index of names makes looking up references to the characters made in other works a simple process. I find this book to be another invaluable addition to my personal library.

The Dictionary of Classical Mythology by John Edward Zimmerman has entries about the Greek and Roman myths that are clear and concise. The names have pronunciation guides and where they are mentioned, cross-references with related entries and information on authors. This book does a great job of balancing the needs of novices and fans in the field. 

The Greek Myths: Complete Edition from Robert Graves offers readers exactly what the title proclaims. Myths are told with commentary and supported heavily with illustrations. The myth retellings are wonderful; however, I often disagreed with his interpretations of individual myths, which is gratifying in its own way. I have yet to find a more extensive collection of Greek myths than that in this book. 

The Encyclopedia of Classic Mythology: The Ancient Greek, Roman, Celtic and Norse Legends from Arthur Cotterell is a comprehensive and useful reference source. You can read the book straight through and enjoy the stories or look up names and myths that interest you and learn more about their stories. It is a great addition to the personal library of anyone interested in learning more about mythology.

Book Review: Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue

Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue is the third book in the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency series by Iain Reading. This is a series I highly recommend reading in order, more for the understanding of the main character than the story line. Kitty Hawk is on an epic flight around the world in her seaplane. As this book opens she has said farewell to the Florida Keys and arrives in Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik.  Before she knows it Kitty is plunged head first into an amazing adventure that sweeps her across a rugged landscape where humans and nature exist side-by-side in an uneasy truce and magical realms seem to lie just out of sight beneath the surface. Kitty encounters historic and environmental wonders, welcoming people, dangerous criminals, corrupt government officials, and mystical beings and clashes with the elemental forces of nature. While her curiosity puts her in harms way, her piloting skill and quick wit will hopefully get her out alive.

Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue held up to the quality that I expect from this series. Kitty is daring, but only occasionally reckless, and is very smart.  She still talks to herself, but when you spend that much time alone it should be expected. She gets herself into crazy situations, and meets some very interesting people. Again, there is an environmental theme, with the question of aluminum smelting and the tough choices that need to be made to mitigate the damage people are doing in their efforts to make a product and a profit.

The volume of information shared about Iceland and its culture is significant, but it is done in a way that it blends in with kitty's adventure. She is curious and wants to learn about the people and places she encounters on her way, so readers are given the same experience. I like that many little details are left to the readers imagination in the end, like in previous books, when things that could have mundane or paranormal explanations, but the big questions about crimes and who might have harmed another are all answered. Fans of this series will  fall right back into Kitty's story, and enjoy every minute of it.

If you have enjoyed Kitty's adventures so far, then Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue is a must read. If you have not tried this series yet but love adventure, suspense, and a plucky teen finding her way, then you need to start at the beginning with Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold. So ahead, get started, I'll wait. I am eager to read Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic, which is already loaded in my Kindle and waiting for my attention. 

Early Book Review: The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAlister

The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAlister is the first book in the Ainslie Brothers series. It is currently scheduled for publication on January 6th 2015. Nothing about Alice Wood’s life is normal right now. Her fiancé, Patrick, called off their wedding and relationship only days before their nonrefundable wedding trip. And though a luxurious European river cruise for one is just what she needs, it is not quite what she gets. Because of a horrible misunderstanding, Alice is now cramped in her “romantic” suite with one of Patrick’s friends. Instead of cruising along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers sipping champagne with the love of her life, she’s navigating the waters with a strange, yet mysteriously handsome, British aristocrat. Elliot is an author, that also happens to be a Baron with a passel of siblings and unusual mother, looking for some alone time to write. But his stodgy, serious self is about to be sidetracked by a woman who seems to have jumped out of the pages of a fairy tale, one who is determined to shake up his life and include him in her own happily ever after.

The Importance of Being Alice brings me back to why I fell in love with MacAlister's writing to begin with. Alice is a smart but impulsive characters with an ability to talk and be witty practically non stop. Elliot is a very intelligent and responsible man that does everything he can to take care of his family even when he feels taken advantage of or particularly put-upon. There is suspicion, and some misunderstanding to be sure, but their banter and good natures just make the story so much fun. I laughed and snickered out loud several times while reading, which would make my daughter ask me what was so funny. I could only answer her half the time, because some of the seriously funny bits were not appropriate for my six year old’s ears. This book holds everything good I have ever found in MacAlister’s work, and has made me very eager to see what lies in store for Elliot’s brothers as the series continues.

I will admit that the love I have of MacAlister had faded a bit recently. The dragon series has lost its shine for me. But, The Importance of Being Alice brings me back to the serious love of her humor and quirky characters that I had years ago. It you like humor with your romance, quirky characters that you wish you were friends with, and quick adventure in your reading then you better add this book (and series) to your TBR list. Seriously- so happy with this book! I cannot wait to read the second book, A Midsummer’s Night Romp, when it is released in May of 2015.

Book Review: Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger

Curtsies & Conspiracies is the second book in the Finishing School series by Gail Carriger. Finishing school has been very different from what Sophronia expected. While she is learning how to act in society and be a lady, she is also learning how to be a spy. To make things even more interesting, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners. Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers' quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship's boiler room, she learns that there is much more to a field trip to London than is apparent at first. Another conspiracy is afoot, one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot, and survive the London Season with a full dance card.

Curtsies & Conspiracies is a pretty perfect follow up to Etiquette & Espionage. Sophronia and her fellow students are learning more about being a lady, vision, and more that just might be crucial to keep them alive and well suited for espionage. Sophronia continues making friends with an small group, and furthering the divide between herself and Monique. I love her silliness to put herself on the line for information and what she deems the greater good. I loved the verbal sparing and the underlaying tensions that really take off during the story. Her adventures made my breath catch a couple times, and the wit and humor woven through the story just made me laugh. If you enjoyed the first book, you need to keep on reading. 

Curtsies & Conspiracies was a great continuation to a fantastic series. I will admit that I enjoyed the first book more, since it involved more of the world building and growing work, but the character development and story growth made me so eager to read the next installment that I did so nearly immediately after finishing this book.

Three Series of Books Full of Allusions And Are Great, Fun Reads

I get a kick out of reading a book, watching a movie or television show, or reading an article when I get to use my mind more than expected. Literary or pop culture references that make me stop and smile or think really can increase my enjoyment of something if it is done correctly. Here are some books that use references to myths and literature in ways that made me enjoy the book even more. 

Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen is the first book in the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series. These series is full to the brim of references to authors, literature and myths. The main characters are three men from attached to Oxford University. The murder of an Oxford professor and the interference of a very strange man named Bert bind the three together and set them onto a path of adventure of mythic proportions. I do not want to tell you who the three main characters are, but I will say that they are all well known authors of their day, and it isn't said exactly who they are until near the end of the book, so I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't already guessed. Through out this series there are allusions to Greek Mythology, Arthurian legends, Narnia, Oz and Pythia.

Michael Buckley has gifted us with The Sisters Grimm series of books, which begins with Fairy Tale Detectives. This book is marketed to children, but I honestly think anyone interested in the evolution of fairy tales will enjoy this series, I know that I do. In this series, we see two young girls who have bounced around in the foster care system since their parents disappeared. A grandmother the girls did not know still lived claims custody of the girls, and then their adventures really begin. Grandmother Grimm just happens to live in Ferryport, a town for fairy tale characters whether they are willing or not. The variety and depth to the fairy tale characters is fantastic, and worth the read. We see Prince Charming, the Big Bad Wolf, Snow White, and Peter Pan all trying to survive in today's world. The series is also honestly funny for children and adults without resorting to childish humor, it is witty and clever.

Another series heavy with literary references is Cornelia Funke's Inkheart and the two books that follow. Even though some of the allusions self referential to this series, much like in William Goldman's The Princess Bride, there are also allusions to actual books and legends. We see a major player come into the story line from Arabian Nights and references to several mythological creatures throughout the series. Even though the amount of references to known literary works is less in this series than in the ones I mentioned previously, it has the same feel to it.

There are of course several other workers that touch on mythology or commonly known literature to deepen their own plot and enrich their own stories. I think these authors did more than that, they expanded on the original works rather than simply borrowing from them.

Book Review: Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Etiquette &Espionage is the first book in the Finishing School series for young adults by Gail Carriger. Fourteen-year-old Sophronia Temminnick is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. Quickly Sophronia realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish everything. They do learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette; but the also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage, but politely, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

Etiquette &Espionage is a great start to a new series. The world building is seamlessly woven into the story, a steam punk world with all the trappings of polite society including corsets and stays. Sophronia, her family, and the girls she meets at the school all are like people you could meet anywhere- they have the traits you can find in any crowd, but with a twist of skill in espionage to keep you guessing of everyone's true nature and intent. I liked Sophronia's genuine nature, and interest in most unlady like things, as well as her willingness to go outside of conventions- and to accept others for their own quirks. There is the expected mean girl necessary in every book involving teens, but there is also aerobatic escapes, air battles, a werewolf attack, a vampiric professor, a ball, and some social commentary. There is a fun variety of people and characters, as well as a great layer of mystery and intrigue.

I would recommend Etiquette & Espionage to readers that enjoy spy novels, young adult books, steam punk, historical novels, and good old fashion adventure. I really feel into the world, and have had trouble leaving it behind, thankfully the next two books in the series are waiting for my attention on my Kindle.

Early Book Review: The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein is a crochet resource that is currently scheduled for release on December 2 2014 in digital and paper formats. This book is a guide that covers all of the basic crochet techniques, from choosing yarns to finishing! It deals with the basic questions that each and every crocheter faces, as well as those that have been hooking for years might never have seen dressed elsewhere. Included are more than 70 stitch-along swatches that each teach and reinforce the skills of a particular technique, along with five projects (a hat, shawl, neck warmer, bag, and scarf) that put those techniques to use. The swatches offer not just a variety of stitch patterns but also a variety of shapes and can serve as the building blocks for sophisticated and creative projects of your own design.

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop is a wonderful resource for crocheters of all skill levels, from beginners through those that consider themselves experts. As someone that supplements her income selling crochet items, I found a few explanations and bits of advice to be invaluable and in some cases answering questions that I have had for years and never found the answer to before. Crochet fans will find some great tools in calculating yarn, including after having made modifications to hook sizes and/or yarn weight. The explanations, detailed pictures, and labeled diagrams do a great job of illustrating the techniques and at no point does the tone come off as conceding, which does sometimes happen with books or videos detailing basic stitches and information.

I highly recommend The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop to anyone that enjoys crochet, particularly those of us that are always looking to improve our skills and understanding. I have already preordered my paper copy for myself, because my digital e-galley is wonderful but not quite as useful to me as an actual paper copy with post-it notes and the ability to leave hand written notes and ideas in the margins.