Early Book Review: Kept: A Coveted Novel by Shawntelle Madison

Kept by Shawntelle Madison is the follow up to young adult novel Coveted, and will be released on November 27 2012. The characters of Kept continue the urban fantasy story surrounding Natalya Stravinsky, a werewolf with a compulsive disorder. Her ex boyfriend is slated to be the alpha and engaged to snooty Erica. Nick and the other friends from Nat's therapy group make their appearances along with Nat's best friends and family. Love, war, and friendship collide just when Nat needs a little down time. Her father's past has caught up with him and the possibility of a serious love triangle blooms. Could saving her father and trying to rejoin the pack be the end of Nat, or will the danger help her rise above the challenges she faces. Resolution on all fronts is offered.

I really enjoyed Coveted, and so admit to moving Kept up in my book queue, simply to see what would happen next. I still love Natalya, Nick, Thorn, and the variety of quirky characters in the story. I think the suspense and action in the story were wonderfully handled. Nat's father and the deal made around that leads to a broader storyline, which I loved. I enjoyed just about every bit of conflict here, and the solid resolutions the book offers. My only complaint is that I expected more. Not more from this book, but more openings for Nat's story to continue. I felt like either her story could have either fit into one larger book with other characters getting their own books in the future, or that more could have stood in Nat's way so that the series could have continued on. I still enjoyed the read, and am glad I read it, but felt a little let down when I read the last line. I do not think I am ready to say goodbye to these quirky characters.

I recommend Kept to everyone that has read and loved Coveted. If you have not read it yet, then go read it  and follow it up quickly with Kept to finish Natalya's story. I hope that Madison continues writing novels set in the world she has created here. I would love to see where the stories of other members in Nat's family and therapy group go post Kept. In fact, I just visited Amazon to get Collected, the prequel to Coveted, which I plan on reading as soon as possible.

Book Review: The Soulkeepers by G. P. Ching

The Soulkeepers by G. P. Ching is a young adult novel which begins the urban fantasy Soulkeeper series. Jacob Lau only has his mother, and when he wakes up in a hospital, certain he is dead, he discovers that he might not even have her anymore. His father died years ago, and now his mother is missing, and very well could be dead. Jacob has more questions than answers as an uncle he did not know he had takes him to live with his family in a small town that does not seem to want him there. Small time life, and small minds, wear on Jacob as he makes one good friend and discovers he has some hidden talents. The mysterious woman across the street might have some answers, and might hold the key to discovering the truth about his mother's whereabouts, but even the answers he gains raise more questions. Could Dr. Abigail Silva be telling the truth with her tales of Soulkeepers and Watchers and will the events and knowledge change Jacob and the world forever.

The Soulkeepers is a fascinating take on growing up, and on the legends of fallen angels and faith. I always enjoy new takes on old ideas when the characters and storyline are well written, and offer something that really does make the reader stop and think. Jacob is a smart boy, even when swayed by normal teen urges, anger, and fears. The teens in his new high school, and the cousin he needs to share the house with, are absolutely believable. I swear I knew some of these kids when I was in school. The more mystical aspects of the story are equally well done, and them merge well, creating a seamless blend. Trust, faith, and being true to yourself are huge themes here, but never does the author preach to a specific religion or faith, which I found to fit well within the story and would make readers of all faiths comfortable reading the story.

I recommend The Soulkeepers to young adult and adult readers that like new takes on old ideas, urban fantasy, coming of age stories, or any combination of these genres. It was fresh and new, even as other authors try to write about angels, demons, and the various aspects of beings found in religion based stories. I was particularly impressed with a story that could have easily became preachy and lost readers of several beliefs, but instead spoke to anyone that believes in something, or nothing at all.

Book Review: Coveted by Shawntelle Madison

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison is a novel for adults, and young adults, that speaks about mental illness in a fresh new way. Natalya Stravinsky is a werewolf with a broken heart, and who feels broken in a much larger way. She calls herself a collector, but in reality is a hoarder. She is obsessively clean, and has a special love for Christmas ornaments. She was not always like this, but events that broke her heart and brought her to be an outcast of the pack have exasperated her urges, and she is a little out of control. Now complications are starting to pile up faster than the ornaments, as a rival pack brings danger close to home, Nat's ex boyfriend returns, an old friend comes to stay, and a return to therapy brings new connections and surprises.

I really fell into the world of Nat and Coveted. She loves her family, friends, and pack but is often insulted and typically outright mistreated or ignored because of her strange habits. She has found a job that soothes her need to organize and be in control, but the chaos of life often bring on urges to search out new items for her collection. Even those with no mental illness, or lacking a close connection to someone with one, can relate to that need for some level of control when life seems to spin out of control. The explanation of how it feels to have compulsive urges and to face them, is something many readers need to understand simply to understand others they will encounter in life, and Coveted handles it with honesty and compassion.

Oh, and then there is the supernatural component to Coveted. The werewolf hierarchy is not new, readers of paranormal novels will already have an understanding of how it works, and it holds true here. However, I greatly enjoyed the inclusion of other supernatural creatures. I always found it silly to write about one type of supernatural creature with dismissing the idea that if one exists, it is likely that there are even more possibilities out there. The introduction of a wide variety of supernaturals, and the open possibilities of more being out there, makes the world Nat lives in feel even more realistic to me.

I highly recommend Coveted to readers that enjoy a well written paranormal or urban fantasy novel, but are tired of reading ones that all feel the same. Readers with mental illness, or close to someone with one, will have even more to love about Coveted as it gives an honest look at compulsive urges and the true humanity of those so often ignored or shunned by other people.

Book Review: The Recruit: A Highland Guard Novel by Monica McCarty

The Recruit: A Highland Guard Novel by Monica McCarty is a historical romance that takes place the the midst of war between England and Scotland's King Robert the Bruce. Kenneth Sutherland wants to be part of Bruce's elite guard, and will do anything to prove himself. Mary of Mar is hiding from everything including herself. She has been betrayed by the husband she loved, and the country she lives in. She just wants to live her life, maintain her independence, and do everything she can to reconnect with her son while protecting his future. When the two met under less than proper circumstances the battle begins. Mary has seen the hero sort before, and refuses to go down that path again, but Kenneth is caught off guard by her and the two collide. Can they overcome their own misgivings and the chaos of the world around them to come together in love, or are they both heading for disaster?

The Recruit is a fun and funny tale. Kenneth is an alpha male with temper issues. Mary is wiser and more cynical because of her first marriage. Both characters are well developed and had me worried for them on a few occasions. Mary is strong and smart, struggling with her own misgivings and against the culture that left women very few choices. Kenneth is a little temper heavy, but in a way that makes him seem vulnerable as well, since he does not strike at those smaller or weaker than himself as others in the story. Of course, in the end love conquers all- but not until there are some serious actions scenes, betrayal, and high emotion moments.

I recommend The Recruit to readers that like their warriors in kilts. If you also like romance that centers around soldiers, spies, or those in a black ops type service you just might want to give this book and the series as a whole a go as well. Why? , well because McMarthy's Highland Guard series is basically about a band of Black Ops Highland Warriors!  I will be looking for more of this series to fill me desires for romance reading.

Picturebook Review: Oh No, Little Dragon! by Jim Averbeck

Oh No, Little Dragon! is a delightful picturebook written and illustrated by Jim Averbeck. Little dragon love to use the spark inside him to create fire as he plays. However,m a side affect of such play is that he ends up sooty and in need of a bath. Even a bath can be fun, until he gets an accidental gulp of water and dowses his spark. Little dragon is sad and worried that his mother will no longer love him is he does not have his special spark. Reassurance and love bring the dragon comfort, and the depth of a mother's love also brings back his spark.

Oh No, Little Dragon! is a book that has many great opportunities for story time.It can be used to start discussions on imagination, fire safety, bath time, and the love parents have for their children.  Dragon is an imaginative little kid, with great games and expressions.The detail of his play, including in the bath, is wonderful. His fears are those everyone can relate to, and understand.The colorful crayon style illustrations are simple and appealing to all ages, playing well for both one on one interaction and group reading.

I highly recommend Oh No, Little Dragon! for home, school, and library shelves. The story can be used for a variety of storytime topics, and highlights the amazing love between parents and children.

Early Book Review: Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat by Caroline M. Smith

Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat by Caroline M. Smith is a comprehensive look at the art Theodor Geisel created over his lifetime. This book is schedule for release on November 13 2012. It is an enthralling and informative look behind the public persona or Dr. Seuss and into the reality that was Theodor Geisel. He created a body of workwhich he called his "Midnight Paintings," and which is now known as "The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss." The collection redefines Ted Geisel beyond the children's books and illustrations he is best known for, and gives him solid standing as an iconic American artist.

Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat is a fantastic book for anyone that has loved the works of Dr. Seuss. Learning more about the man only made me appreciate him, his life, and his art even more. The book juxtaposes Geisel's "Midnight Paintings" with some of his his best-loved children's books. The art in the book is not structured in strict chronological order, because that just would not have fit with the artwork and life of Geisel. A fascinating and intellectual look at a man that has had such an impact on the world through his books.

My children, and I, love reading Dr. Seuss just about every night at bedtime. Learning more about the man and his art only made me appreciate his work, and those moments, even more. I highly recommend Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat to anyone with fond memories of Dr. Seuss, and the desire to learn more about the man that created the world of Who-ville and taught us that "a person is a person no matter how small."

Book Review: Secrets of the Guardian by A.L. Tyler

Secrets of the Guardian by A.L. Tyler is the third, and final book, in the Waldgrave series. Lena Collins has faced challenges and death, and hopes things can start settling down. However, things are only going to get worse. Her Grandfather is dead, and Griffin has left. Rollin and his group are targeting everyone in the Selenti community that is not with them, as against them and a viable target. Lena wants to clear her name, live a semi-normal life, and find the hidden answers about her family and the Selenti world as a whole. So how could a road trip with friends to reunite one family and discover her own end with Lena on the run with a baby?

Secrets of the Guardian is the perfect conclusion to a wonderful series. I would not have minded a little more of a re cap in the beginning of this book, but it did not take me long to get back into the story.  Lena has grown as a character and a person through the series, and continues to mature her as well. Her concern for others might be a liability in her position, but it makes her a character that is relate-able. While Griffin does not have much screen time, he is just as arrogant in this book, but I am glad to say offered up some redeemable moments. Devin and other characters that have played significant roles in the past, are of course here as well, and most grow through the story as well. I really enjoyed seeing the full mystery of Lena's family unraveled, and a satisfying conclusion for all concerned, Although, I do hope that the epilogue lead to a spin off story.

I highly recommend Secrets of the Guardian to anyone that has like the previous two books. For those that have not, I suggest starting with Arrival of the Traveler and reading the entire trilogy in order. The mysteries are deep, the action high, and the characters feel very real.

Book Review: The Infects by Sean Beaudoin

The Infects by Sean Beaudoin is a young adult novel with a new take on zombies, both those shambling through life and those looking to gnaw on people.  Nick has just been trying to get by day by day. His father 'retired', his mother disappeared and left the family behind, and his younger sister is a little different. He has a job at a chicken packing plant, and a crush on Petal, a girl that he knows from school and work but cannot seem to work up the courage to do anything about. One slip of the knife leads Nick on a path that has him at a juvenile detention hike, and the name of Nero. When his 'counselors' and some fellow miscreants start chewing on each other, the trek in the wilderness changes to an ultimate game of survival. Can Nero and the others survive, and can he handle the voice in his head and make real changes in the bigger picture.

The Infects is not the typical zombie novel. I loved the take on where the virus originates, and how it effects different people. The characters are vivid and real, and the mentioning of horror and zombie movie rules throughout the story fit the inner dialogue I think I would have in such a situation, after I stopped freaking out. The action is fast paced, there are wise cracks and self deprecating humor, and an ending that left me satisfied, but still seemed to leave room to tell more of the story. The ideas about being a zombie, both the flesh eating sort and those that just sort of shuffle through life, is powerful but told with humor so that it never feels preachy. When I started the book I simple was not in the mood for a zombie book, but was quickly dissuaded and stayed up much too late to finish the book.

I recommend The Infects to readers that love zombies, are tired of zombies, or want to read something different and new. There is some blood and gore, what do you expect with zombies, but never so much that I got squeamish. There is a little romance, strain of coming of age, and a bit of corporate greed.

Book Review: The Dragondain by Richard Due, Illustrated by Carolyn Arabascio

The Dragondain written by Richard Due and illustrated by Carolyn Arabascio is the second book in the Moon Realm middle grade fantasy series. Lily has returned from her trip to the Moon Realm and sent Jasper to take his turn, but he slept through most of her instructions and explanations. When Jasper wakes up, groggy and confused, he thinks that the Rinn that surround him are part of a dream. Quickly Jasper wakes up fully and follows Lily's path to two of the moons, discover more than he could have dreamed about his Uncle Ebb's tales. Can he convince those of Rinn and Dain that working together might be thier only hope, and can he get closer to Dubb's daughter Darce without her inflicting bodily harm? Lily gets a return trip to Dain and things begin to spin further out of control.

The Dragondain is a fantastic followup to The Moon Coin. The adventure and characters continue on in full color. I will admit to being completely hooked on this series, and eager for the next installment. However, even with the fantastic world building and solid character development, I did have two things that left me uphappy at the end of the book. First, I would love to see Jasper get a little more screen time, which will happen to at least some degree in the next installment, judging by the ending of this one. I also was less than thrilled with how much was left in the air. Cliffhanger and quite a few unresolved issues that left me looking for more, but slightly dissatisfied. I do not mind aspects of a cliffhanger, but there were just so many things that I know I will have to wait to discover without many solid answers to balance that effect. I still loved the book, but wanted at lest one more chapter for a smidge of resolution before moving on to the next installment.

I highly recommend the Moon Realm series, but before reading The Dragondain,  readers must first read The Moon Coin or they will be lost. Readers should also be prepared for the story to continue further, because The Dragondain  is by no means the end of this story.

Picturebook Review: Freckleface Strawberry: Best Friends Forever by Julianne Moore and LeUyen Pham

Freckleface Strawberry: Best Friends Forever, written by Julianne Moore and illustrated by LeUyen Pham, is a great picturebook about friendship and being true to yourself.  Freckleface Strawberry and her friend 'Windy Pants' Patrick have a lot in common. They both have nicknames, love lunch,  and are a different size from the rest of the class. They also have big differences, which never mattered much to them before. However, the kids t school have started to point out those differences and the dividing line between girls and boys has been drawn. Decisions to go along with the crowd keep the friends apart, but nothing seems quite as fun as it used to.

Freckleface Strawberry: Best Friends Forever gives readers a look at how friendships can be ignored or lost when we listen to what everyone else thinks we should do, rather than listening to our own hearts. for young children, this book can help bridge the gap between boys and girls, particularly at the ages when the divides begin to form. thus far, both of my children find much more entertainment in hanging out with children of the opposite gender, which causes makes me both happy and a little concerned since they both seem to hold court where ever they go.

I think that Freckleface Strawberry: Best Friends Forever speaks to the fears kids of all ages have of appearing strange or different from everyone, and encourages them to embrace the people and things about themselves that make them happy rather than just doing what they are told they should. I highly recommend this book for every child, since we all have something different about us and should hold on to true friendships.the bright colors and message would hold up well as a book for reading aloud in a one on one setting or a classroom or library storytime.