Early Book Review: The Odd Squad: Bully Bait by Michael Fry

The Odd Squad: Bully Bait by Michael Fry is a children's chapter book that is scheduled for publication on February 12 2013. Nick is short, he thinks he must be the shortest seventh grader in history. He does not really fit in with any of the groups at school, so spends most of his time bully dodging. An enthusiastic guidance counsel teams Nick up with two other outcasts, and the team is mentored by the eccentric janitor. The team of oddballs  come together to a common goal, fighting a bully, and learn about themselves and the nature of bullies.

The Odd Squad: Bully Bait was a great read, which I think is accessible to elementary and middle school students. It speaks to dealing with bullies, and how easy it can be to cross the line and act like a bully when feeling powerless. Some tough questions are dealt with, while still being funny. Nick is short but smart, stuck spending a good portion of his school day crammed in his locker. His family is a little different, and add to the quirkiness of the story. The other oddballs, Molly and Karl, have their own troubles and quirks. The bully, Roy, is as well developed as the three oddballs, as are the janitor and Nick's grandmother. rumors of a school ghost, and mentions of other interesting kids at the school, left me wanting to read more about what happens in those halls.

I highly recommend The Odd Squad: Bully Bait to middle grade readers, particularly those that have ever felt like an oddball or on the receiving end of the bully effect. There is some cute, awkward romance in the story, and a collection of unforgettable characters that will keep readers turning the pages. Fry includes some illustrations, which only further enhance the heart, humor, and truth of the story.

Early Book Review: X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts

X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts is a historical romance currently scheduled for release on February 5 2013. This highland romance is the follow up to Temptation in a Kilt, but is still a solid read to those that might not have read the prior book. In X Marks the Scot we met Declan MacGregor, a classic and not unexpected highland rouge. He has some serious skills with a bow and arrow, as well as with the ladies. Although, he seems to have trouble getting himself out of the connections he forges with the willing ladies. Lady Liadain Campbell is in Declan's care, an responsibility he takes seriously even though she is the sister to his greatest enemy, who just happens to be recently deceased. Liadain is nothing like the lasses Declan knows, she does not want his protection or his company, she just wants to be left alone and to return to her home. She is used to having freedom, and the English court is a place no one is fully free. Plots and whispered rumors arise, binding the pair together in a way neither anticipated. Now they need to either trust each other and become lost in the danger that surrounds them.

X Marks the Scot is a well researched and fun historical romance. There are recognizable names and moments in history tied to the deceptions and plotting that surround Declan and Liadain, which I appreciated. I really enjoyed the characters. While Declan was fairly predictable, a handsome lady's man bound by duty and honor for the most part, he also had a couple really cute moments when Liadain had to extract him from romantic difficulties of his own making. I absolutely loved Liadain, she was raised in a home with very little love, but plenty of time for her to understand herself and her skills. She is confident in her skills and intelligence and is never left doubting her own worth, I found that to be a nice change from the standard fair of women doubting their looks and own minds when facing obstacles on the romantic front.  I also like that the pair had a friendship of sorts, and did not fall into bed without having figured out some of their issues.

Readers that worry about this being the second book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series will be relieved on several fronts. If you have not read Temptation in a Kilt, do not worry. The only thing you will be missing in this read is a feeling of dread when some secondary characters come into play, and the full story behind how Liadain's bother died and Declan gained a sister in law. Although, the short version is given in the context of X Marks the Scot, so you will understand the undercurrents those moments cause here. Readers that did pick up Temptation in a Kilt and felt it was a little lacking, have no fear! Roberts is growing as a writer, and I found myself caring about and liking the characters more in the second book than in the first. I look forward to seeing if the trend continues with her third book To Wed a Wicked Highlander. If the trend continues, she will soon be on my must read list for fans of heroes in kilts.

I recommend X Marks the Scot to readers that enjoyed Temptation in a Kilt, or liked it but thought it could have been more, because this second novel is even better. I look forward to Roberts' continued story and when this current group of characters will head next. I have high hopes for this author!

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Picturebook Review: Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein

Because Amelia Smiled, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein, is a book that shows that even the smallest happy moment can cause a chain effect to bring joy to others. The illustrations are a little chaotic and messy, with dark lines and lots of color, but since life is as well I found that the style worked for me here.  The story follows one young girl, and demonstrates how her smile to a neighbor triggers a series of happy moments and good deeds. A sweet look at the idea that what comes around goes around.

Because Amelia Smiled is a delightful look at the idea that if you put good out into the world, it will come back around. More importantly is shows young readers that something as simple as a smile, wave, or good morning can really make someone's day and inspire them to pass the happiness they feel on to someone else. This could be used as a great discussion starter about how different the story could have been in Amelia did not smile, or if someone had done something mean instead of nice. This charming story can reminds us that even the tiniest bit of kindness can inspire more kindness, which could eventually make its way back to you, but even it it does not it has certainly made a difference in someone's day! Because Amelia Smiled is great for one on one sharing, storytime settings, or classroom discussion.

Book Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard

Splintered by A.G. Howard is a young adult novel that blends a girls search for herself, redemption for herself and her mother, and the Alice in Wonderland story. Alyssa Gardner is said to share a curse with her mother,brought on by her ancestor Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The curse has put her mother in a psychiatric facility with declining health, while Alyssa has started to share some of the affliction, she can now her insects and flowers whispering to her. She might be going crazy, but she will do everything she can to hold herself together. Alyssa comes to believe that Wonderland is real, and that she must fix her ancestor's mistakes to free herself and her mother from the curse. Alyssa will face betrayal, tests of affection and memory, and her own belief in herself as she works to save her mother. Will she find love as she searches for the truth, or will she get lost in the dark and twisted world she only knows from childhood dreams.

Splintered is much more than a retelling of Lewis Carroll's stories about Wonderland. It is an emotionally deep look at a girl lost in her efforts to turn away from a part of herself she wants to ignore. Alyssa has channeled all that she wants to ignore about herself into her art and skating, to things that her best friend, Jeb, and her father understand and support. She worries for her mother, and that she will end up just like her. Even teens with parents that seem perfectly normal to outsiders often have these fears. The family curse, and Alyssa's discovery of its root origin, and he efforts to free her family are tightly woven with a mentor from Alyssa's childhood dreams. Jeb's accidental journey to join Alyssa could be a blessing or a curse, cementing their friendship to something more or destroying them both. Morpheus could be her greatest ally, a treacherous foe, out for only himself, or possibly all of the above. The journey through a Wonderland we might recognize from Carroll's tales, is twisted and darker than expected, as are the characters we met. The character development and the story itself are fast paced, often take unexpected turns, and were perfectly explored.

I highly recommend Splintered to readers that want something that shakes up the preconceived notions we have about classic stories, and the worlds they involve. Readers that enjoy deep looks at the emotional state and development of characters facing huge problems on top of the normal stresses of school, social life, and family will also find great value in this book. The world of Wonderland is not rehashed, rather it goes beyond anything that readers might expect, as do the characters that enter its borders. I cannot wait to see what A.G. Howard might write next.

Book Review: Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland

Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland by Bill Willingham, Craig Hamilton, and Jim Fern is a graphic novel I was very excited to read. I was an avid reader of Fables back in the day, before kids and work got in the way, and have fallen years behind. So, I thought this stand alone graphic novel could give me the fix I wanted for the story, without making me feel lost in a story I have completely lost track of. The story and art in Werewolves of the Heartland are fantastic, featuring the big bad wolf, better known as Bigby Wolf, searching for a new location for Fabletown. In his search, he stumbles upon Story City, a city of werewolves related to Bigby's past who seem to view him as a god, but also as a threat or ticket to rising above their station.

Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland is a wonderful stand alone graphic novel. I greatly enjoyed the look into Bigby''s past, think World War II. The secrets and plotting taking place in Story City offers plenty of drama and chaos to keep any reader interested, regardless of if they already know who the big wolf might be. As a lapsed reader, I had a couple moments of confusion, such as to why Bidbsy was looking for a new place for Fabletown and whatever had gone down with Bluebeard. However, for the most part there is not much connection to the bigger picture of the Fables series to be had. I think this graphic novel might be a great introduction to the writers and the artists of the series, and their wonderful work, I do not think it is a book that will bring new readers to the fantastic series.

I recommend Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland to readers that enjoy the Fables series, the work of the authors and artists involved. Readers that like graphic novels, urban fantasy, and werewolf mythology will all greatly appreciate the book.

Book Review: Fangtabulous by Lucienne Diver

Fangtabulous by Lucienne Diver is the fourth book in the Vamped series. Gina Covello and her friends are trying to stay under the radar. They are avoiding the feds , the vampire council, and anyone else they might have angered in their previous adventures. However, now they are low on cash and decide that their supernatural party needs to lay down some roots and earn some money. Salem Massachusetts holds one contact and some hope for them. However, they soon discover that ghosts and other magical creatures are already there, and not all of them are friendly. A ghost from the witch hunt days is on a killing spree, and Gina and her friends need to stop it, preferably without blowing their own cover.

Fangtabulous offers nothing incredibly new. There is a group of friends trying to survive, do some good, and avoid getting captured or killed. And, of course, they just happen to be supernatural. However, I enjoyed the story and the characters. Gina was spunky and fun, often saying what I would like to think I'd have the guts to day. I have not read the first three books in the series, but was brought up to speed fairly fast, although I did miss some of the details about the relationships between the characters. Gina and her main squeeze, which I fully admit to have already forgotten the name of, run into difficulties on a multitude of levels, but since I was not invested in the relationship I was not captured by that layer of drama. But, Fangtabulous offered exactly what I wanted and needed, a fun urban fantasy with a dash of mystery and romance to keep me interested. There was humor, and some action as well, to really keep me reading.

I recommend Fangtabulous to readers that already enjoy Diver's series, and readers that are looking for a fun read with some romance, mystery, and action to keep the story moving along. I cannot say that the series will be added to my must read list, but if I see the earlier books, or future books, come my way I am liable to give them a read as well.

Book Review: Bad Medicine #1 by Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir

Bad Medicine #1 is a graphic novel by Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir. this story brings eccentric and fringe scientist Doctor Randal Horne home to NYC to investigate the experiments of a colleague who seems to have killed his assistant and uncovered the secrets of invisibility.  The tragic lab accident brings about a collaboration between Horne, a skeptical NYPD detective, and two members of the CDC. After that medical mystery is solved, the team faces more investigations that blur the lines between science and science fiction.

Bad Medicine #1 is an interesting and well drawn story. The characters are well fleshed out, with quirks and strengths that play perfectly with their particular roles. I liked the interplay between the characters, although I was confused a few times about who was who, although I blame that more on the small screen I was using to read my digital galley with rather than to book itself. The combination of science and the spectacular meshed perfectly with the collection of characters, leaving me wanting to read more to see what the group might face next and the interplay that would certainly take place.

I recommend Bad Medicine to readers that like new looks at science and the more eccentric aspects of it. Readers that like shows like X-Files and Fringe, and similar kinds of stories, will find something of value here. I found myself entertained and left with a few too many what if kinds of thoughts.

Book Review: Enchanted Ever After by Robin D. Owens

Enchanted Ever After by Robin D. Owens is the third book in the Mystic Circle series, and the only book I have read from the series. Kiri Palger is a gamer, and wants to work on the creative end of computer games more than anything. She has just moved into the same small community as her career hero, and has the chance to get her ideal job. Just as her computer and game dreams start to develop, so do her real relationships. Her best friends are facing huge changes in their own lives, and Kiri is making new friends and developing a love interest. But the game, and her new friends, are much more than they seem. Kiri too, holds special potential and must face evils that she could never have imagined.

In Enchanted Ever After, Kiri is a girl looking to make her own way in the world. She is a gamer, and tends to spend time online and with a couple close friends rather than out at bars or hanging out with large groups of people. I saw myself in her a lot, just change the games into books and we are very much alike. Finding new friends and interacting with new people, even those she really admired, felt awkward, and I completely related. Lythyr is a man searching for a place in the world. He might be a magical creature, but he is not accepted by either of the communities he shares blood with. He has no true home and is treated as a second class citizen wherever he goes. When the two met, neither can believe that the other could truly care for them, or fight the attraction they feel. I enjoyed the amount of action in the second half of the story, and the slow play of the romance. Even when you know two people are going to end up with a happy ever after, a interesting journey can make for a great story.

Enchanted Ever After might be the third book in a series, but I am glad to say that I did not feel lost or left behind while reading. There were definite hints that there was more to the story, and there was a bigger picture to the story that I could get if I read the whole series, but it did not make this installment any less fun and interesting to read.  That is a hard balance to strike, keeping current fans interested while also attracting new readers and keeping both sets happy. There were moments when I disliked the character's inner doubts and acceptance of the treatment of they receive from others after awhile, but it was all believable and relevant to the story.

I recommend Enchanted Ever After to readers that enjoy new looks at the fae here on earth, as well as readers that already enjoy Owens' writing. The series is intriguing, and has interested me enough that I will read any of the other books in the series I find. While I will not buy them, I will certainly be looking for the e-books and library copies of the books in the near future.

Early Book Review: In a Blink Kiki Thorpe and R.H. Disney

In a Blink is a childrens book written by Kiki Thorpe and illustrated by R.H. Disney. It is scheduled for release on January 8 2013, and will begin a new Disney series titled Never Girls for readers between 6 and 10. Never Land is a place with a mind of its own. Sometimes it travels close to those that believe enough to visit. The story starts with three friends playing in the back yard. Kate, Mia, and Laney are having fun. However, they are quickly distracted by strange things happening and little sister Gabby joining the group, fairy in hand. Somehow the group is transported to Never Land with the fairy, and the adventure really begins. The girls enjoy visiting Fairy Hollow are, but Queen Clarion discovers a way for the girls to get home. No one is really ready for the adventure to end, but their fun could be just beginning.

In a Blink is a fun chapter book for the elementary school set. The girls; Kate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby get along well but are all very different. The descriptions of the fairies and their talents also made it clear that everyone is an individual, rather than just placeholders in the story. Getting to see some of the fairies I already recognize by name have a bigger role here, and I get to see more personality and though from them than I have before. I liked that the book made it clear that differences are good and what makes each of the girls, and fairies, special. Kate in particular has her moments of personality in this story, showing her need to succeed and be good at everything, which plays a role in the book. The set up for the series is well done, and I think the series as a whole will be a hit with the intended audience.

I recommend In a Blink to young readers that like fairies ad stories that they might recognize themselves in at least one of the characters. It is a fun, safe, and simple adventure that will make many young readers happy.