Early Book Review: Ex-Heroes by Peter Clines

Ex-Heroes is a novel from Peter Clines that does something new with two tried and true types of stories. It is scheduled for release on February 26 2013. Cline combines the classic zombie and survival tale with a story about superheros. Somehow, a number of normal people have developed not so normal powers. Unfortunately, not long after they come to grips with their gifts and how to use them, the nation faces a crisis. A virus seems to be spreading faster that anyone can keep up with, creating the walking dead. When the military, CDC, and nation as a whole fails a group of superheros gathers survivors in Los Angeles and do the best they can to survive. However, there is a group of fellow survivors intent on ruling everyone that is left, and they have some surprises of their own. The story alternated between how the world came to the current fight, and the battle to continue surviving against all odds.

Ex-Heroes was a pleasant surprise on several levels. The story lets readers into the heads of a few superheroes and lets us glimpse at their ideals and creation stories. The story also gives us a creation story for the zombies, and how the world came to end up where it stands in the book. I like that the book also gives us hope, by glimpsing into the minds of characters that really do seem to want to have a positive effect on the world and the individuals in it, as well as acknowledging the dark side of humanity on several levels. I liked the detail that went into the characterization, each major character, and a few secondary characters, felt more real than they should have based on the setting of the book. They really felt both larger than life, and they guy next store. They each had strengths and weaknesses, some of each much larger than one might expect. They felt very much like classic superheroes should- even when protecting the population from zombies as best they can. My only worry with the book, is not for today. There are a good number of pop culture reference in the story. This makes it all feel very current right now, but in ten, twenty, thirty years this book might not stand up quite as well as one might like.

I highly recommend Ex-Heroes to readers looking for something new, a new author, or both. The world and character building is extremely well done. The story itself is action packed while not ignoring the thoughts and conversations needed to give an in-depth look at the characters. I am very much looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of the sequel, Ex-Patriots when it is released in April of 2013.

Early Book Review: The Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks, Rachel Edidin

The Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks and edited by Rachel Edidin is a graphic novel for young adults and adults scheduled for release on March 12 2013.  Superhero girl is a girl in her twenties with the power to leap tall buildings and defeat alien monsters with her bare hands. She spends her time fighting crime, which mostly involves saving cats and fighting ninjas in her slow crime city. She is trying to be a good superhero, but has to by her capes in thrift shops and a fanboy skeptical about her skills can easily ruin her day. A graphic novel full of fun snark, truths about life during a transitional stage,  and the trouble of having a super perfect older sibling, has a little something for everyone to relate to.

The Adventures of Superhero Girl was a graphic novel I related to on a number of levels. Our heroine is an average looking girl, with money troubles, and a brother that everyone loves and cannot seem to do anything wrong. That was me when I was in my twenties, minus the super powers (or so I say). Even her powers do not seem spectacular, but that does not stop her from trying to be the best superhero she can, or from hoping for some recognition for her efforts. Her friendly, good intentioned roommate and the skeptical fanboy are great additions to the story. There is great characterization, and a perfect blend of realistic moments and situations with the unbelievable superpowers, wondering ninjas, and alien monsters.

The Adventures of Superhero Girl is a great pick for teens, twenty-somethings, and everyone that remembers those years. The blend of the mundane life and the superhero world is handled with sharp humor and great character design. I think most everyone can find something to relate to, or commiserate with, in this graphic novel.

Book Review: Cow Boy: A Boy and His Horse by Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos

Cow Boy: A Boy and His Horse is a graphic novel by Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos which is both suitable and enjoyable for all ages.  The hero of this story is a young cowboy taking on the role of bounty hunter. He travels through the wild west on a well trained horse that is not his, and carrying a sidearm unique to him. An added twist to the story is that his bounties are not just random criminals, they are his own family members which all seem bent on leading lives steeped in criminal activity

Cow Boy is truly a graphic novel for all ages. It is fun, with a young hero with no real violence or disturbing moments for the youngest of readers. However, there is also the story of a boy doing the right thing, going against a criminal family, while also leaving the question open to whether he is doing the right thing for revenge rather than for the sake of doing the right thing. There is also the fun of figuring out the relationships, what happened in the past, and how this young boy is going to come out on top. The artwork has the same blend of simple fun and emotional layers as the story itself.

I highly recommend Cow Boy to graphic novel fans of all ages. I also think readers that have yet to discover how wonderful a graphic novel can be when done right, or enjoy graphic novels without the sex and violence that seem inherent to the format, should take a serious look at this book. Cow Boy offers readers all the good things about graphic novels, without the blood, guts, or sex that turn some readers away or being boring or less entertaining without those aspects, so it will truly interest all readers.

Early Book Review: ZED: A Cosmic Tale by Michel Gagne

ZED: A Cosmic Tale by Michel Gagné is a graphic novel collection that gathers together the first four issues of the Zed series, reworked to provide a flowing story with consistent artwork. This collection is scheduled for release on February 19 2013. Zed is a young inventor, off to demonstrate his safe power source to the galaxy's leaders. However, when he switches it on, something goes wrong. Soon a sadistic tyrant, Maxuss, is on a killing spree and taking over the galaxy with Zed and the loudest metal band in the universe, Krah, are the only resistance. Zed is small, and an unlikely hero, caught in a series of events that can capture the imaginations and wit of readers.

ZED: A Cosmic Tale is the story of one young hero caught up in a situation far beyond his control. I think everyone can relate to feeling trapped by the situations around them, even if we are not the ones being blamed for the destruction of a planet and the majority of the galaxy's leaders. ZED is a self doubting hero, but is still willing to do what every it takes to make things right, even putting his life on the line and facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Thankfully, ZED has a good head on his shoulders and a spaceship that is turns out to be amazingly helpful on his quest. The artwork is fun, and perfectly paired with the story. I greatly enjoyed the explanation of how the story, and this particular collection, came into fruition.

ZED: A Cosmic Tale is a work with significant amounts humor, science fiction, and action. It is a graphic novel that I would recommend for middle school, young adult, and adult age groups. There is some violence, but it is not disturbingly graphic. The action, suspense, and larger questions about the nature of life are very well done particularly when paired with the reworked art. I highly recommend ZED to anyone that likes their science fiction with tongue in cheek humor and action.

Early Book Review: The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm

The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm is a romance novel scheduled for release on March 5 2013.  Jamie Martenis a gamer girl recovering from a bad break up. When helping move and clean in an antique shop she falls through a mirror, only to land in the bedroom of an earl, 200 years in the past. Micah Axelby has suffered from his own loss, and finally shed himself of a mistress he did not care for. When he finds a nearly naked Jamie bleeding in his bedroom he is torn between helping the young woman who claims to be from the future, and protecting his recovering reputation. Before long, the pair is caught up in danger and the complications of love in a time where marriage is based more on business than pleasure.

The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl is a fun romance novel. I was expecting more geekery from the title, and I was disappointed that the geek aspect was limited solely to Jamie''s love of online games. However, Jamie and Micah were still interesting characters and their journey to happy ever after was entertaining. Jamie was a smart character, with a smart mouth and quick wit. Micah, most often called Mike by Jamie which I will admit irked me a little, was a stubborn but compassionate. The danger and conflict involved in the story was very well done, and kept me interested in what might happen next. While both the main characters were well built, I did not find myself caring about either of them very much as I read. I cared much more about Micah's housekeeper, other staff, and dog, than the two main characters. The story was there, but I felt like it could have been better.

I recommend The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl to readers that want a quick and fun read, and those that enjoy Lamm's writing. It was an entertaining read, but was not something I would buy for my permanent collect.

Early Book Review: Hiroaki Samura's Emerald and Other Stories

Hiroaki Samura's Emerald and Other Stories is a graphic novel which collects seven short pieces from a manga artist and writer that has appeared in various Japanese magazines. The collection is set for its first publication in English on February 6 2013. The first story, and source of the cover art, Emerald, is Samura's first  adventure set in the Wild West. Other works included a series of vignettes about two teenage girls which are woven through several other tales. The collection bounces around genres and time periods in this unique and mind bending collection.

Hiroaki Samura's Emerald and Other Stories is a interesting collection that ranges from a wild west adventure, to simple fun stories about discussions of typical teenage girls, to twisted families. The title story, Emerald, is a story that connects a few storylines that run simultaneously and are seemingly unrelated. There is an orphan girl in situation where her future balances on a rigged bet, outlaws crossing and double crossing each other, bounties in play, and more tied together by the memories about one woman. The Kusein Family's Greatest Show was one of the creepiest, and most disturbing stories I have read, about a strange father-daughter relationship further strained by a 'housekeeper' and secrets. The Uniforms Stay On is the name of the series involving the teenage girls that run through the other stories. It is typical teen age girl chatter, and nothing of real substance although there were a few fun asides. Brigette's Dinner is a story about an orphaned girl falling into a strange situation that includes dining with a disfigured man every night. The story turns out to be rather sweet, and ties together nicely at the end. Shizuku's Cinema is a story about human desires. It seems to be a story about an artist and his young model, but is so much more.

Hiroaki Samura's Emerald and Other Stories is an interested graphic novel. Readers that are either already aware of Samura's work and want a look at more, or would like a glimpse of the range he is capable of, will enjoy a look at this collection. It is not one for my permanent collection, but it was an interesting read with well rendered art that will please fans of Samura.

Book Review: Wild Children by Richard Roberts

Wild Children by Richard Roberts is a collection of five short stories in a world where children can be changed into animals in degrees, however the change and its severity is tied in to the sins of the child. These children are considered sinners, and temptations that led others into sin by many. Others see them as angels, slaves, property, or simply unfortunate children. Each of the short stories comes from the voice of one of these 'Wild Children'. Together, the short stories serve to give the reader a better look at a sixth wild child that seems unable, or unwilling, to speak on her own behalf. The first story is from the voice of a young girl turned part donkey, a sign of great sins but displaying no actual sins to account for the change. The second story follows a cat like boy, who needs to learn about loving others more that himself. The third story is about a dove like child, full of love and faith, that needs to face her impending death of old age. The fourth story is that of twin brothers of mysterious origins who learn about love and devotion. The fifth story follows one boy, hiding his change and discovering that the path that seems so very pure and right can go horribly wrong. Together the stories give a glimpse of a larger picture of one girl, and the hope and fear that permeates the world.

Wild Children is a dark, urban style fantasy that deals with faith, prejudice, hope, and the nature of humanity. It is different, and the premise is fascinating. It seems to take place in a time like ancient Rome, where religions and beliefs clashed and led to much strife and bloodshed. Looking at the cover and reading the ages of the characters, I was expecting a lighter or perhaps younger story. However, this is definitely for teens and adults due to the heavy subjects about faith, abuse, slavery, and love. There are a few scenes of violence, including a priest hitting a child, and some more disturbing but not necessarily because of the level of violence rather than the whos and whys involved.

Now, with that out of the way. While it took me a little longer to read Wild Children than I expected, and it defied many of my other expectations as well, I really appreciated the book and the craftsmanship of it. The characterizations are deep and really draw readers into the circumstances and thoughts of each important character. Hind, the character that ties the stories together, has the least voice here, but has the most impact on the characters that readers will come to care about most.

Bray, the main wild child in the first section, begins as the one I identified with most because of her love for learning and books. Jinx, the child in the second story is unique and trapped in his own wildness until the most complex but common emotion teaches him to care for others. Coo, is the dying dove child in the third story. She is pious and often cares more for others than herself, even in her search for a higher truth, and her own soul. Left and Right, or Sinister and Dexter, are children unique in their story and have significant changes to undergo as they meet Bray and Hind. Elijah is the voice of the final perspective shown, a novice priest with a desire to be good and virtuous is slowly changing into something, but hiding it from everyone. His mentor shows Elijah the truth, but in ways no one quite expects. I loved the ending, with hints at Hind's nature and the possibility of a sequel, but no cliffhanger that requires one.

As a whole, Wild Children is a thought provoking and interesting read. I highly recommend the book to those that enjoy dark fantasy or having their ideals and view of the world challenged with simple truths put in new light. I think mature middle school children, young adults, and adults are the best audience for this book, simply because of the issues and thoughts the reader will be left with as they finish the book.

Early Book Review: Mermin: Out of Water by Joey Weiser

Mermin; Out of Water (Volume 1) is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Joey Weiser. It is suitable for all ages, which is scheduled for release on February 20 2013. Mermin is a fish like boy seeking to escape his oceanic home. Pete and his friends find him on shore, and bring him home. Mermin gets to experience somethings for the first time, like baths and going to school, while everyone on land is just curious as to what he might be running from. When fishy pursuers make it clear that will do anything to capture him and return him to the sea, Mermin will risk everything to save his new friends.

Mermin the merman from Mer might be a character with an unimaginable title, but the graphic novel was a cute read. The artwork, story, and action are interesting to all ages. A fun 'fish out of water' (ha!) story that does not talk down to younger readers but still manages to be complex and layered enough that older children, teens, and adults can enjoy it as well. I had a few chuckle worthy moments, and enjoyed the lengths Merimin, a fish boy, would go to in order to avoid the water. Like the secondary characters in the story, I look forward to discovering the full story as to why Mermin left, although I am fairly confident that I know who his father is and have some ideas on the reasons behind his running.

This hardcover edition of Mermin gathers the mini comics that Weiser self published a few years ago. I know I missed out on the story the first go-round, but am glad to rectify that lacking here. I recommend this graphic novel to readers of all ages that like a story with charm, wit, and action that does not cross the line into gore or excessive violence.

Early Picturebook Review: Let's Meet a Librarian by Gina Bellisario, Ed Myer

Let's Meet a Librarian is a picturebook written by Gina Bellisario and illustrated by Ed Myer. It is schedule for release on Febuary 1 2013. This is a picture book that gives preschool and kindergarten age children a simplified look at what librarians do. It certainly does not cover everything, but gives a more current look at library work than often seen. Mr. Field is a school librarian, who shows Mrs. Rios's class how to use a library, and shows them some of the different, and unexpected, aspects of the library.

Let's Meet a Librarian is a pretty simplistic look at what a librarian does and how a library works, but it is aimed at some o the youngest library goers. I liked that the look at the library included an online catalog, ebooks, storytimes, play areas, an study areas. It did a good job of showing that there are places in a library where you should be quiet, but that there are places and times when it is okay to be a little loud and speak out. The books shows that most librarians really do have to know a bit of everything, computer and technology aspects of keeping the library going as well as the research abilities and stored tidbits of information many of us gather on a daily basis.

 My only complaint, as a librarian that spends a good amount of my work hours labeling and cataloging, is that the behind the scenes aspects that the kids might not see when they visit the library (mending, processing, cataloging, reserves, etc) are ignored. I know it is a short book, but maybe if children, parents, and their teachers that do not know about all the unseen aspects of library work went into each book they searched for, request, or check out, they might appreciate and visit their libraries (and librarians) a little bit more.

Let's Meet a Librarian is a simple and well done book that can act as an introduction to libraries for preschool and kindergarten aged children. Mr. Field, the school librarian, is portrayed well, with a widely varied skill set, like librarians n=really need to have at their disposal these days. A modern and friendly look at libraries and librarians.

Book Review: Billy Fog Volume 1: The Gift of Trouble Sight by Guillaume Bianco

Billy Fog Volume 1: The Gift of Trouble Sight by Guillaume Bianco is a graphic novel that is twisted and dark, but still somehow sweet. Billy Fog is a smart kid, with a great imagination, that just happens to have a dark view of the world. When he removes his glasses, Billy believes that he can see the hidden things of the world; ghosts, ghouls, vampires, and more. He calls this ability the "Trouble Sight". When his cat dies suddenly Billy goes in search of answers. This volume includes his search for answers, even those not directly related to his cat. Encyclopedic entries, poetry, and his own versions of spooky fables fill the pages as Billy ponders the meaning and reality of death.  A second volume of this series is scheduled for release on July 9 2013.

Billy Fog Volume 1: The Gift of Trouble Sight left me with mixed feelings. I really loved the artwork, and could see the influence by Tim Burton and Edward Gorey throughout the book. There are very deep moments about life and death in the book, with artwork that matches the mood and meaning perfectly. I enjoyed it. However, I do not think I would share it with my son. I certainly would not recommend it for you children, or those of any age with younger siblings. This is certainly for adults, teens, and maybe some mature tweens, but not younger readers.

Billy is a smart, if a little morbid, boy. That I have no issue with, however he also lashes out often and is just mean to other people and animals- alive or dead. While he does confess that he loves his little sister and write a letter to Santa Claus, his impulse to be mean seem to regularly outweigh any other emotions he might have. While this makes for moments of drama, entertainment, and revelation, it is not something I want to encourage in my son or other children.

Billy Fog Volume 1: The Gift of Trouble Sight is a work with great artistic merit and an interesting read. I am interested enough that I will be taking a peek at Billy Fog Volume 2: The Boy Who No Longer Believed in Santa Claus when it comes out this summer. However, I do recommend sticking to the twelve and older target group, and avoiding if already depressed.