Book Review: The Space Between by Kiki Thorpe, Jana Christy

The Space Between is the second book in the Disney Never Girls series written by Kiki Thorpe and illustrated by Jana Christy. The series is marketed to ages six through ten, although readers outside that range might enjoy the story as well. In the first book Kate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby had just gotten used to the idea of staying in Pixie Hollow until the island moved again and brought them close to home so that they could return.

In The Space Between Lainey discovers her love of and skill for working with animals and is fully enjoying her time with the fairies, finally finding something that sets her apart from everyone else. But, the island is now in position and it is time to go home, and it is possibly their only chance.  However, strange things start happening after their return home, a possible splinter or leak between worlds which is putting animals and fairies alike in harms way.

The Space Between mainly deals with Lainey and her self discovery. She has never had much faith in her own abilities or qualities. She blossoms in Pixie Hollow, and explores what makes her happy, what she has talent in, and why her own faith in herself is more important than how she thinks others see her. I like that the book, and the series as a whole, seems to be stressing that everyone is a unique person and is special without making it feel like an after school special. It teaches while still being a fun adventure, rather than clubbing readers over the head with a message.

I recommend The Space Between to readers that read and enjoyed In a Blink, the first book in the series. Other readers that enjoy reading about childhood adventures, and friendly fairies, will also enjoy the series. Since this book focuses mainly on one girl it is not absolutely necessary to go back and read In a Blink, but it would help establish how the girls arrived in Never Land, and the dynamics of their friendships.

Book Review: Ironskin by Tina Connolly

Ironskin by Tina Connolly is a young adult book that could be labeled as gothic, mash-up (for those that detest the touching of classic works), steampunk, historical, or fantasy.  Jane Eliot wears a iron mask to hide the damage done to her face in the great war with the Fae, and to contain the curse left behind with the injury. Edward Rochart is a widowed father, and in need of a special person to care for his five year old daughter Dorie, who was born through unique circumstances. Teaching Dorie is hard, but not as hard for resisting her feelings for Edward and his distant, brooding ways. slowly Jane unravels the mysteries of Edward, Dorie, and the curse and destruction from the Fae.

Ironskin is nominally based on Jane Eyre, so there is a significant gothic feel and moodiness to be had, but there are also fairies and steampunk elements. Edward, as you might expect, is not all that he appears and neither is his daughter. If you loved Jane Eyre, you will most likely not enjoy this book, in the way that purists that loved Pride and Prejudice did not like Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies. however, if you like seeing new takes on classic tales, or are like me and (shhh) cannot remember much about their high school reading of Jane Eyre other that the gothic atmosphere, moors, and thing Jane a little silly for falling for a moody man when she was supposed to be the practical sort, then read on.

Now, past all of the Jane Eyre parallels, on to the Fae war and the details of the world Connolly built in Ironskin. the particulars as to what Edward did behind closed doors, and the truths found in the descriptions of high society revealed well. I liked the details put into the Fae war, and how the technological aspects effected civilization. I liked the comparisons of fae powered devices, human made items, and everything else. I really fell into that part of the story. The details about the iron mask, the foundry, and dwarfs workmanship, and all that goes into world building was extremely well done. It was so well done that I expected a follow up, and discovered that Copperhead, the sequel, is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2013. I have a feeling that I will enjoy the sequel more than the original, as we explore the escalation of hostility between human and fae, and all that goes with it. One thing I did not like, is the cover image. It just did not work for me. the image of Jane on the cover did not fit the persona and attitude that she carried through out the book. It might have fit a couple moments, but not the book as a whole.

I recommend Ironskin to readers that enjoy the idea of a blend of a fae mystery blended with their gothic classics. those that cling to the classics and enjoy decrying anything that changes them, should either skip this book, or read it and be more prepared to expound on why their beloved favorites should be left alone. i broke about even with the story. It was well done and i greatly enjoyed many aspects of the book, I did not care for many of the characters as much as I would have liked.

Book Review: Daisy Madigan's Paradise (Morgan Sisters #1.5) by Suzy Turner

Daisy Madigan's Paradise (Morgan Sisters #1.5) by Suzy Turner is a novella in the Morgan Sisters series. Daisy Madigan is 15, and is an outcast at school but has a wonderful home life, at least until tragedy strikes. He mother is in a serious accident, father is lost in grief, and her life falls apart. She escapes to the one place that she still feels safe, the cemetery of Abney Park. Once there, surrounded by the dead, she realizes that her life is still changing, and there is a purpose and incredible danger in the world that Daisy had never imagined.

Daisy Madigan's Paradise might take place in a series, but I do not think I lost anything in the enjoyment or understanding about what was happening. Now, I really liked the character building for Daisy. She is a strong girl, who can look past how other people think about her or treat her, and concentrate on the people who's opinion really matters, like her family and friends. She does not understand what is happening to her, but still works hard to be the best person she can be and help others as best she can. I really loved that Daisy might have been very hungry, but still felt bad and returned to pay for a piece of fruit that she had stolen out of desperation. That action shows more about her thoughts and moral compass than any explaining could have. The adage about showing rather than telling holds true through out the novella, and hopefully the same is true through the series.

Novellas sometimes fall into the trap of only showing half a story, or just acting as an advertisement for a series. Daisy Madigan's Paradise does not fall into that trap, and stands on its own as a complete story with fully formed characters and significant conflict. I have not read the first book in the series, and do not know the background or how this story relates to the larger story line in the series, but I am interested in reading The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, the first novel in the series, where I hope to get to see what is behind the changes Daisy faces.

I recommend Daisy Madigan's Paradise to readers that enjoy urban fantasy, enjoyed The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, or are interested in the series but want to sample Suzy Turner's writing style without committing to a full length novel or getting hooked on a new series without testing the waters. I enjoyed Daisy Madigan's Paradise on several levels and will be keeping an eye on Suzy Turner's future works.

Early Book Review: Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Highlander Most Wanted is the second historical romance in the The Montgomerys and Armstrongs series by Maya Banks. It is scheduled for release on March 19 2013. To see my review of the first book in the series, Never Seduce a Scot, click here. While reading the series in order will certainly help readers better understand the characters, and the back story, you could easily pick up Highlander Most Wanted and enjoy it on its own merits, however since I enjoyed the first novel, I would suggest reading it first for the pure enjoyment factor.

In Highlander Most Wanted, we get a better glimpse of a hooded figure that was of much help in Never Seduce a Scot. Genevieve McInnes hides behind a hood whenever possible. She has been held captive by the now dead Ian McHugh, and despite the disdain she receives from just about everyone, still acts as a champion to those remaining at the keep when Patrick McHugh leaves them to fend for themselves. When the Montgomerys and Armstrongs come to claim the keep, Genevieve just wants to be allowed a peaceful life behind an abbey's walls,  but instead she finds herself aiding the McHugh clan and helping Bowen Montgomery protect it. What neither Bowen or Genevieve expected was his infatuation with her, and his efforts to both protect her and make her happy. Can they both see past all of Genevieve's scars (inside and out) and the complications of their situation to find love and happiness.

Highlander Most Wanted is a story of rich characters. Genevieve and Bowen are emotionally complex and intelligent individuals, that also seem to often put others ahead of themselves. Bowen, his brothers, and the complex relationship with the Armstrong, are all great aspects of the story. The way Bowen interacts with the other men, as a leader and someone that can think about the larger picture even when it does not benefit him, make me really like him as a character. I found Genevieve to be intimidatingly strong. I do not know that I could have acted like her, with compassion and strength, after what she had endured. Her willingness to forgive and understand others, especially when they did not deserve it humbled me. I will say that in relation to this there are a few 'godly moments' but they are not many.

I love the fact that the love story in Highlander Most Wanted is complicated. There are several different issues that the pair has to face; Genevieve's family, her captivity and the abuses she faced, and the actions she took to protect herself and others. Bowen and Genevieve face enormous hurtles to reach happy ever after, and I enjoyed that instead of just sweeping them under the rug, Banks had the characters deal with them head on, one at a time. Too often in romance novels of every kind we see characters just shrug off an issue that could, and often should, cause huge problems at some point in the relationship.  That is how real relationship thrive, communication and dealing with problems rather than just turning our backs on them.

I recommend Highlander Most Wanted to readers that have enjoyed other books by Banks, particularly those that have read and enjoyed Never Seduce a Scot. This romance has depth in every aspect; plot, characters, and conflict. It is definitely worth a look.

Early Book Review: Muddled-Up Farm by Mike Dumbleton and Jobi Murphy

Muddled-Up Farm by Mike Dumbleton and Jobi Murphy is a picturebook scheduled for release on March 15, 2013. On this farm, things are a little different. The animals do not make the expected sounds, and they are quite content. When the farm inspector comes for a visit and is shocked at the state of the farm. He is committed to 'fixing' the farm. Things certainly do change, but not necessarily the way he expected.

Muddled-Up Farm is a bright and fun story that will inspire giggles in most children. The illustrations are in bright primary colors and sketchy lines and borders. The story with the mixed up animal sounds is silly and fun, with happy animals making it even better. I recommend this book for all children, particularly that love animals and farms. It would work well in homes, public libraries, and school libraries.

Review: Anything for You (Coming Home #2.5) by Jessica Scott

Anything for You is a short story by Jessica Scott that revisits Shane Garrison and Jen St. James from Because of You, the first book in the Coming Home series. In this story we become reacquainted with Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison, who is making serious strides in recovering from the wounds he received while deployed. the love of his life, and nurse, Jen St. James is still recovering from the scare of possibly losing him before having a real chance to have a relationship, and her own brush with death, is ready to have a family and continue moving forward. however, the possibility of losing Jen scares Shane more than he can express. His fears for the future might cause more problems than any of the scars the pair wear.

I loved, loved, loved Because of You. Loved it! Now that I have gotten that clear, I need to tell you how excited I was when I received an email from Jessica Scott offering me a copy of Anything for You. The mere idea of revisiting Shane and Jen had me smiling before I even started reading. Anything for You begins with Shane and Jen really settling in to living together, and the routines that come with the idea of permanent cohabitation. Then, the discussions about the future get Shane a little concerned. he is terrified that the children Jen desperately wants to have will put her life at risk. However, being a alpha male and uncomfortable about fear and weakness his communication skills fail and leads to conflict. This is truly a story about facing your fears and moving forward with life, regardless of how scare it might be. It was nice to see a love story continue on past the initial 'happy ever after'.

I highly recommend Anything for You to all fans of Jessica Scott and Because of You. Oh, and if you like contemporary romance, particularly ones that accurately portray military life, and have not read Because of You, go read it. Seriously, go get it now, place a hold at the library, run to a book store, or pay Amazon a visit. Honestly, you'll thank me later.

Book Review: A Case of Imagination by Jane Tesh

A Case of Imagination by Jane Tesh is the first book in a new series. Madeline Maclin is a former beauty queen, with no love lost for the pageant life. In fact, she spends a lot of time trying to get people to take her seriously. She has a fledgling detective business and a best friend named Jerry Fairweather, who just happens to be just a little different. He has turned his back on his family's money, and chases schemes and acts as a psychic to make his money. When Jerry inherits a house from a mysterious uncle, the friends go check it out, and discover that the small town of Celosia is not as quiet as everyone thinks. Rumors surround Jerry's late uncle and the house, a local beauty pageant is facing mysterious accidents, and then there is the murder. Madeline, or Mac, now has more mysteries to solve than ever before, but also needs to decide on what she really wants from life, and from Jerry.

A Case of Imagination is a fun mystery, although I had my worries when the best friend as possible love interest card was played. Thankfully, because of the action surrounding the mysteries and other crises it never felt like that was the main part of the story, rather a connecting thread that will hold the series together as it continues. As the story goes on, I am not sure how that will play out or if it with get old or cliche, but so far it works. Madeline is a strong, smart character, that wants to be accepted and judged by her abilities and mind rather than her looks or history. The relationship between Mac and Jerry is complicated, and well described in the story, with both growing as people and making revelations. Although, I would like to know more about Jerry's motivations and thoughts even though that might destroy the whole tension of the will they/ wont they ploy that exists here. In many cases I am annoyed by this kind of tension in fiction, because if people would just talk to each other they could move forward rather than staring at their shoes wondering.

I would recommend A Case of Imagination to fans of cozy mysteries that turn into romantically tangled series. If I run across the next book in the series I would read it, but I am not so impressed that I will go hunting for them. however, most books cross my path a few times, so I am fairly certain I will continue on with the series eventually.

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.