Early Book Review: Curses! Foiled Again by Jane Yolen and Mike Cavallaro

Curses! Foiled Again, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mike Cavallaro is a young adult graphic novel schedule for release on January 8 2013. It is the follow-up to Foiled, which I will admit now to not having read. Aliera Carstairs is a high school student, a fencer, and apparently the newly named Defender of Fairy, thanks to a foil that her mother picked up at a tag sale. Avery is one of the cutest boys in school, but also a troll beholden to Aliera because she saved his life in Foiled. In this sequel, Fairy is under attack and so is Aliera because everyone seems to want her sword. Aliera's cousin and best friend Caroline could hold the key to solving the mysteries and staying alive. Betrayal, belief, and looking beyond the surface and major issues in this graphic novel.

Curses! Foiled Again is a graphic novel with fantastic artwork. Cavallaro's work is wonderful, and the rich colors used for fairy creatures versus the regular, mundane world, is perfect. Yolen's writing is wonderful, as always. Aliera is a character is that filled with skepticism, but strength. Although, I did not always agree with her choices or her treatment of Avery. I really liked the connection between Caroline and Aliera, and the fact that Caroline's character is much more than a stereotype. The inclusion of Baba Yaga, and the intense moment of betrayal were key moments that I really thought stood out in the story.

I highly recommend Curses! Foiled Again to readers that enjoyed Foiled, trust in Yolen to produce great reads, and those that love anything related to fairy tales and fairies mingling with the real world.

Picturebook Review: The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Dan Santat

The Three Ninja Pigs, written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and illustrated by Dan Santat, is a fractured fairy tale about the three little pigs and sticking with things. In this version of the tale the three little pigs decide that they are going to learn martial arts and defend themselves from the wolf. So, the first takes aikido lessons, the second learns some jujitsu, and their little sister studies karate. They plan in surprising that wolf with their new skills. However, the wolves quickly discover that the effectiveness of those lessons are only as strong as their determination and time used to master them.

The Three Ninja Pigs is a picture book full of smart and sill dialogue and spunky illustrations. The tongue in cheek comments are entertaining while imparting a twist on a familiar tale. The story does not hide that it is  lesson in perseverance and dedication, but rather teaches the lesson in a way that if fun. It might be a good book to read when your little ninja(s) decides they want to take dance, karate, start and sport, study a musical instrument, and so on.

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

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

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

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

Book Review: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

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

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

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

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

Picturebook Review: Vote for Me! by Ben Clanton

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

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

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

Book Review: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard by Lars Guignard

Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard by Lars Guignard is the first book in the Zoe & Zak Adventures children's book series. Zoe Guire is along for the ride as her mother takes a business trip to India. she is excited to see the country, and to have some time with her mother. Unfortunately, Zak has come along with his father, and the two are thrown together as their parents are called away from the hotel on business. Even worse, strange things have started to happen. An elephant statue speaks to Zoe, and that is just the beginning. Soon Zoe and Zak are on a trip through the country of India to protect a mysterious Ghost Leopard; guided by a strange snake charmer, butterflies, and a mysterious woman. But, they are not the only ones looking for the leopard. Can the pair survive their journey, trust in themselves, and become friends?

Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard is a fantasy and adventure novel with strong characters. Zoe typically avoids odd things, working with logic and research. that is something I can relate with. Zak is much ,ore of a free spirit, living life in the moment. while they do not always get along, the pair complement each other in a way that feels natural rather than formulated. Zoe has questions about her family and her past, which is tied up in the larger story of the series, but her growth and aptitude for the gift she need to survive are well done. I enjoyed watching her grow through the story, and while we do not get to see Zak's thought process through the story, I felt like he had come to several realizations and grown as well. The action is fast paced, and the mythology used was fascinating to me. my only real concern was that the parent's distance from the kids, which was necessary for the story to take place but had trouble accepting, maybe because I am a parent.

I highly recommend Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard to readers around age eight and older. Fantasy and adventure fans should ad this to their must-read list. There is fast paced action, mythology, magic, and interesting things about India that can quickly capture the imagination. I found the characters to be engaging and look forward to reading more in this series. I can not wait to see what kind of trouble Zak can find next, and what Zoe can discover about herself.

Book Review: The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman is a children's book perfect for the middle grade set. Elizabeth's father is distant and her step mother and sisters are less than ideal. Elizabeth also has to change schools and her best friend moves away, leaving her feeling a little lost. When a teacher recommends Elizabeth for a job at a unusual library which lends objects rather than books, she finds herself making new friends and discovering the magic from her beloved fairy tales is real. Missing objects, whispered secrets, and magic lead Elizabeth on a dangerous quest.

The Grimm Legacy takes a young girl caught up in her own fairy tale like life, pre-prince, and drops her into a world she has been wishing for. The secrets of the library are just the thing to distract and challenge Elizabeth, and introduces her to like minded characters of her own age. The adventures and objects, and of course the library's holdings, and intriguing and captured my imagination. I loved the idea that  objects, from all kinds of literature, are safely stored somewhere. The magic and references to stories, including some lesser known tales, had the fairy tale geek in me enthralled.

The only thing I could ask for here is more character building. The majority of characters seem a little flat, and could have been better built, going past the obvious stereo types that some of them slipped into in my mind because there was nothing to lead them into any other direction. I also felt that the romance aspects of the story were not really needed, just added a little more distrust between the characters that might have had more adventures together is only they could all talk and act together without suspicion. There was little to no character growth, even with Elizabeth, which bothered me.

I recommend The Grimm Legacy to readers ten and older. Readers that enjoy fairy tales, libraries, magic, and stories that are about any of these things will enjoy the story. Readers that need to really know the characters to enjoy a story will find themselves disappointed here, but fairy tale fans should still give it a read.

Book Review: A Job From Hell by Jayde Scott

A Job From Hell by Jayde Scott is the first book in the young adult Ancient Legends series. Amber is seventeen, and at her brother Dallas's urging has applied for and taken a summer job as a house keeper even though she is not good at picking up after herself. The manor house she will be staying in and cleaning is in some dreary woods, and is spooky. Aidan, the owner and her boss, does not seem to be much older than Amber and only seems to be around at night. Soon Dallas sees something in the woods had hatches a scheme for quick cash, but the result is a deadly gift for Amber, and her induction to the supernatural world lurking around her. Now Amber is in serious danger, and trust is hard to come by.

A Job from Hell starts like a classic gothic novel, young girl gets a job at a spooky house with a mysterious master. It starts of good, and then rather fizzled out for me. I found myself more interested in the side characters than Amber and Aidan. The romance in this paranormal romance never really developed for me, it seemed like Scott used the 'mate' convention and never really worked out the details. If the two had just had a five minute conversation in the first half of the book, most of the action would never have even had to happen, and by the end of the story they still had not had any sort of relationship conversation. However, I kept reading because I wanted to learn more about characters like Cass, who appears to the the main character in the next book in the series, Angle, Devlin, and Clare. The action and world building was good, but it did not seem to really come together.

If you are already a fan of Jayde Scott then you have most likely already read A Job from Hell and do not need this review because you will read it anyway. For everyone else, it was an okay book, but I found the main characters to be a little flat and felt almost like this book was a placeholder to get ready for the rest of the series. It had such potential, and did not met my high expectations. I might read the next book in the series, only because it features a character I liked from this book. I have hope.

Book Review: Come Home to Me by Peggy L. Henderson

Come Home to Me by Peggy L. Henderson is the first book in the Second Chances Time Travel Romance series. Jake Owens has left his family's ranch in search of a new life. However, the woman he ran off with has left him accused of murder with no memory of what really happened. An encounter with a strange gentleman in a prison interview room includes an offer for a second chance, leading a group of pioneers west. Rachel Parker is a woman heading west towards Oregon with her family, which includes three young boys.  She never imagined that taking care of her family while traveling across the country would include the complication of the unusual scout, Jake, and the attraction they share.

Come Home to Me was a well crafted story, with an interesting idea. Jake is a good man that has made some bad choices. His second chance to find the right path for him leads him on a journey he could never have imagined. He is particularly well equipped to face the challenges of leading a wagon train west, but ill equipped to face his attraction and falling in love. Rachel is a woman that loves her family, and has given up everything to help hers find a better life. They both have internal challenges, societal challenges, and relationship issues to deal with as soon as they admit their attraction for each other. Even when you think you know the path the story will take, there are a couple good twists along the way.

I recommend Come Home to Me to romance readers that enjoyed Henderson's Yellowstone series, as well as readers that are looking for a quick read that will take them to a different place and time. I am interested to see where this series might go, as I enjoyed the story, but think it will be something I borrow rather than buy.

Picturebook Review: Oopsy, Teacher! by Stephanie Calmenson and Sachiko Yoshikawa

Oopsy, Teacher!, written by Stephanie Calmenson and illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa, is a picturebook about how even the coolest people can have off days. Mr. Bungles is a great teacher, and his students love him. However, one day he just keeps making mistakes. At home, at school, and beyond. It is a great story for showing that everyone makes mistakes, and the best thing we can do is learn from them and move on.

Oopsy, Teacher! is a fun and artfully silly picturebook that will delight students. Mr. Bungles is a lovable character, which make his oppsy moments endearing and sympathetic. Even though the students do play a small trick on him, even the biggest mistakes are all fun and good natured. I think the story would be great for starting a discussion about how it feels when we make mistakes or have an accident, how others feel when it happens to them, and how we might learn something from them.

I recommend Oopsy, Teacher! for one on one sharing, library storytimes, and classroom use. It is light hearted, fun, and can lead the way to important discussions without feeling like a 'life lesson' book.