Book Review: Cold Days by Jim Butcher

Cold Days is the fourteenth book in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. If you have not yet started this series, do not start here, you absolutely need to begin at the beginning. Do not feel daunted by the number of books in the series, or fear that the quality will have started to slip, or that the effort will not be worth it. Go get Storm Front and read it now, and while you are at the library or bookstore pick up Fool Moon and Grave Peril too, since you will just want to keep going as soon as you get started. This series is one that just gets better with each book! This is a series that deserves its own shelf in your personal collection- and brings out the occasional fan-girl squee from this reader.

That being said, readers of the series will know from Ghost Story (book 13) that Harry Dresden, my favorite wizard for hire, is not only alive but also carrying the title of Winter Knight and in the service of Mab. However, he is still the Harry we know and love, just with the added challenge of battling the instincts of Winter, which urge him to do things more in line with Mab's ideals than his own. Harry's first job as Winter Knight after surviving Mab's idea of rehabilitation just happens to be killing an immortal. Of course, nothing is that simple in Harry's life. Not only does he need to do the impossible by killing an immortal, he also is beset by new enemies, discovers a larger plot to release evil and destruction on the world, and the knowledge that anyone around him could be tainted by evil. Just an ordinary day in the life of Harry Dresden.

If you love the Dresden Files series, you will continue loving the series with Cold Days. Harry's desire to save the people around him, and the world in general is still going strong. His wit, one liners, and self-deprecation is still going strong as well. Several of our favorite characters make appearances, and we get a glimpse at just how complex the world that Butcher has built through this series has become. I do not want to give away any of the details- because it would just take away some of the joy that comes with reading it and being blindsided along with Harry. The stakes are rising, and I will not lie, the ending of Cold Days only makes things more complicated and left me incredibly eager to see what awaits Harry (and readers) in book 15.

Dresden fans that were disappointed with Ghost Story, have no fear! Cold Days is one of the best books in the series. Read and enjoy, just make sure that you leave yourself enough time to read in just a couple sittings, or you will be greatly annoyed with necessary interruptions. And again, if you have not yet enjoyed any of the books in this series, go get Storm Front now and start reading!

Early Book Review: Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest by Brian P. Cleary and Brian Gable

Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest, written by Brian P. Cleary and illustrated by Brian Gable is a fun, and sometimes silly grammar book which is scheduled for release on March 1 2013. We all know that the English language is hard, and full of wacky rules and even stranger exceptions. This book takes great strides in explaining the basics of those rules for comparatives and superlatives, forms of describing words that compare two or more things. The illustrations and word choices make the book fun for readers as they learn.

Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest is the newest book in the Words Are CATegorical series of books. The illustrations are bright, fun, and sometimes silly. The book outlines the basics, as well as more detailed  information on the rules to teach the concept to older students, or simple to get the rules in the minds of students of all ages. The rhythm and rhymes make it fun to read aloud, and make the learning process a little easier, and a lot more fun. A chart at the end of the book helps makes this concept even easier to take to the next level. Teachers and parents can challenge their students to take things to the next level by asking them to come up with more comparatives and superlatives, the zanier the better.

Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest is a great tool for introducing the concept to children, or as a refresher for older students. This makes the book a good choice for multiple age groups, and a book many elementary school students can enjoy when assigned to read.

Early Book Review: Cardwell Ranch Trespasser by B.J. Daniels

Cardwell Ranch Trespasser is a new book in the Montana Mystique series by B.J. Daniels and is schedule for release on March 19 2013. Dana Cardwell was so glad she had more family out in the world, that she invites a cousin she never knew existed for an open ended stay at her ranch.  However, the cunning Dee Ann that Dana and her family welcomes to the family might have plans Dana could never imagine. Dana' best friend Hilde is skeptical about Dee, and fear for her friend only deepens when accidents befall her in Dee's company. Dana and her husband Hud do not believe Hilde, everyone seems to complete trust and fawn over the newcomer. Everyone but Deputy Marshal Colt Dawson, who just wants to keep Hilde safe, and as close as possible. Can they uncover the truth about Dee before tragedy strikes.

I believe Cardwell Ranch Trespasser to be the fifth book in a series. I have not read any of the other books, and despite not fully understanding some of the apparently complicated family dynamics in the Cardwell clan, I did not feel like the plot of this book were compromised by that lack. Dana is an abundantly cheerful and good-natured woman, with no ill thoughts about anyone. She has no apparent concerns about inviting a stranger into her house with her family. I am rather glad that I have not yet read her book, as I think I would not appreciate that character on a larger scale. Hilde is a character I can connect with. She is pragmatic, hard working, and a realist. She is willing to give Dee a chance, but listens when her warning bells start ringing. Colt makes no secret that he is fascinated with Hilde, even though she previously turned him down. But,it is his trust in her, and her instincts, that lead him to help her. I liked that dynamic, as well as the details of the strain on previously strong relationships caused by the situation.

I found the majority of the story a little far fetched, like a marshal would not do a little research about the woman invited to stay with his family, which includes four small children, which bothered me. I also found that the relationship between Hilde and Colt moved a little too quickly from 'its not a good idea, to 'come on in' for my tastes. I know that stress and fear push things along faster, and that life and death situations can make people do silly things, and that it was a fairly short story, but still irked me a little.

I recommend Cardwell Ranch Trespasser to readers that enjoy the other books by B.J. Daniels, particular those in this series. I think that readers that want a quick, but slightly wild, read with romance, suspense, and some mystery will enjoy the book. For those that need a story with a more convincing tale, something that feels real regardless of the setting, will want to skip the book.

Early Book Review: Poison by Bridget Zinn

Poison by Bridget Zinn is a young adult novel with publication scheduled for March 12 2013. Kyra is sixteen years year old in a world of kings and queens, where witches are born, potion makers are valued, and all trades have a guild to belong to. Kyra has become a potions master with a specialty in assassination, and knows that the entire kingdom is going to be destroyed on the day the princess gets married. In an attempt to save the kingdom Krya attempts to kill the princess, but something happens that has never occurred before, she misses. To make things more complicated, the princess is Kyra's best friend, and Kyra is now a wanted criminal and still searching for a way to complete her task. Can Kyra complete her task with just her wits, a potions bag, a fellow traveler that just wont seem to leave her alone, his dog, and an enchanted pig?

I enjoyed reading Poison. The character building was very well done. I loved Kyra; with her cynical outlook, practical actions, and desire to do the right thing regardless of the consequences or danger to herself. She is isolated, even when surrounded by people, trying to protect herself and others rather than enjoying life. Fred, her fellow traveler, is equal parts charming rouge and bumbling fool, who made me laugh and infuriated Kyra on several occasions. Rosie, the adorable enchanted pig is both sweet and somehow hard core. The world building was less detailed than the characters, and on several occasions left me wondering if there was a previous book or more information somewhere that I missed. When I reached the end, and saw the finely woven web of details in the plot line, I saw why most of that was the case, but still would have liked more about the world Poison takes place in.

Poison had a very well done mystery that fulled the action through out the story. The mystery of why and how the princess was going to destroy the world tied everything together wonderfully. While there were certain things I anticipated, I was completely surprised by other moments. The relationships, and how they change, between Kyra and those she trusted prior to her assassination attempt might be in the background to the story, and set up room for future books, but they have definite impact on Kyra's choices and interactions with others.

I love a story with well built characters, and Poison fits that bill. Kyra and her companions came alive, with viable personalities. I recommend the book to those that like fantasy, particularly those that move forward based more on characters and mystery rather than the world the story takes place in. If you enjoy young adult fantasy, and reading about a character learning to let others in, despite the knowledge that it might backfire, then you will love this book.

Book Review: Spider Stampede by Ali Sparkes and Ross Collins

Spider Stampede is  a children's book written by Ali Sparkes and illustrated by Ross Collins. It was originally published by Oxford University Press 2011, but will be released by Lerner Classroom ion May 1 2013. Josh and Danny Philips are eight year old identical twins, that are very different from each other. One thing they have in common, aside from their looks, is the desire to play outside with their dog like most kids. Unfortunately, their dog Piddle run's into their neighbor's yard. It would not be too bad, but this neighbor is a little strange. Miss Potts has a secret, and that secret turns the two boys into spiders. Can the two boys survive as spiders, and can the find away to change back into humans?

Spider Stampede is a fun book, with adventure and a little science fiction. I liked that the twins are very different from each other, and know how to work those differences to their advantage. They might tease each other, what siblings don't, but they obviously care about each other ad work well as a team. I also liked that through out the book readers actually lean something about spiders, and other creepy crawlies. Even though I knew most of the facts already, I liked seeing them woven into the story.

I think that readers that like insects and arachnids, spunky kids, a little trouble, adventure, and science fiction will enjoy Spider Stampede. The story is fun, full of action and humor. Spider Stampede is followed by Fly Frenzy, Grasshopper Glitch, Ant Attack. Crane Fly Crash, and Beetle Blast in the S.W.I.T.C.H series.

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.