Early Book Review: The Extincts by Veronica Cossanteli

The Extincts by Veronica Cossanteli is a middle grade novel which is currently scheduled for release on February 9 2016. Although, with a little research I have found that it was previously published by Chicken House back in 2013.

George is looking for a job in order to raise money for a new bike, so when he sees a help wanted ad for Wormestall Farm, he goes for it. Before long, he's embroiled in a madcap adventure involving creatures considered extinct and or mythological. He has gained a almost-friend with problems of her own and her stepmother, who just happens to be a maniacal taxidermist who wants the animals of Wormestall Farm in her own private collection.

The Extincts is fast paced and fun. George is a character with an odd and imperfect home life, but one that allows him freedom and the knowledge that he is loved. Prudence's family is much less healthy. I liked the characters that inhabit Wormestall Farm, as well as those that tend to the creatures. The combination of oddities and actual learning about extinct and mythological animals is entertaining and interesting. I think the book has a nice balance of action with character development and world building. Some books fall too heavy in one area or another, but this seemed to have a nearly perfect balance. The big bad, Prudence's stepmother, is over the top crazy while the good guys are just wacky and friendly enough to find the right solutions, sometimes by accident. the addition of information about the creatures included at the end of the book is an extra special treat.  I would highly recommend this read to middle graders that like animals, monsters, great characters, or high action. The illustrations will even grab the attention of some of the more reluctant readers. I hope that there are more books to come, since more could be done with the characters and the collected creatures.

The Extincts is a exciting and entertaining read for the middle grade set. George and Prudence are creative characters that will draw in readers and have them looking for more. Animal and monster lovers alike will get a great deal of enjoyment from this adventure. 

Book Review: The Striker by Monica McCarty

The Striker is the tenth book in the Highland Guard series by Monica McCarty. This could be read as a stand alone, but when read as part of the larger series there is a greater knowledge of the history and character relations.

Six years ago, Eoin "Striker” MacLean endured the greatest betrayal of his life, a disaster that led Robert the Bruce to a crushing defeat and left Eoin without the spirited woman who ruled his heart. Eoin knew that falling in love with his sworn enemy’s daughter was risky, dividing him between a possessive desire for beautiful Margaret MacDowell and an undying loyalty to his king. He promised Bruce that he would keep his fiery bride in the dark about the elite Highland Guard, but he could not predict the dire consequences his secret would have on his young marriage. Nor could he foresee how surrendering to temptation could cripple Bruce’s cause, forcing Eoin to blame his wife and himself for trusting her. Now, as Bruce prepares to challenge the resistance’s remaining strongholds, Eoin finally has his chance for revenge against the woman he once loved so fiercely and her entire clan. But when ferociously independent Margaret reveals a surprise that unites her with Eoin, neither of them will let their love go down without a fight.

The Striker is a solid addition to the Highland Guard series. It is close to the end, and feels a bit out of the action to me, despite how interwoven it really is with the flash backs and roles both Eoin and Maggie play in the larger story. I liked the characters for the most part, but felt that Eoin fell into the trap of trusting gossip and others over his own gut far too often. I sympathized with Maggie regularly, the desire for freedom and love of being herself but having to deal with others that judge on appearances alone. I also got frustrated with both of them, because as usual trust and actual conversations would have solved many problems before they became so overwhelming. I enjoyed that it was a story about second (and third and forth) chances and how love sometimes can withstand more than it really ought. It was a wild, emotional ride, and will definitely speak to some fans of McCarty more than others. It was not my favorite from the series, but I did not dislike it either.

The Striker is exactly what I expect from McCarty. The characters are wonderfully flawed but strong, the history is well researched and the research is explained at the end of the book. There are trust issues, betrayal, love, and danger with a happy ever after to wrap things up nicely. If you have enjoyed this series, then you will enjoy this book. If you like well researched historical romance wrapped in a plaid, you will enjoy this book.

Book Review: Viking Warrior Rising by Asa Maria Bradley

Viking Warrior Rising by Asa Maria Bradley is the first book in the Viking Warriors series. Leif Skarsganger and his elite band of immortal warriors have been charged to protect humanity from the evil Norse god Loki. Under attack from Loki's minions, Leif is shocked to encounter a dark-haired beauty who fights like a warrior herself. Wounded and feverish, the Viking kisses her, inadvertently triggering an ancient Norse bond. But when Naya Brisbane breaks away and disappears before the bond is completed, Leif's warrior spirit goes berserk. If Leif doesn't find her fast, he's going to lose himself to permanent battle fury. But Naya doesn't want to be found, and he'll do anything to find her because they're both running out of time.

Viking Warrior Rising is a solid urban fantasy that will greatly appeal to fans of mythology. I will admit that it took me a while to get up to speed with the world created in this book, and I worried that I might have missed a prequel or something. However, there is no previous book and I got a grasp of the world and characters fairly quickly. I found that there were plenty of outside conflicts, Loki’s minions and scientists for the most part, but the majority of relationship conflicts seemed to steam from lack of trust and communication. I can total get the trust issues on Naya’s part. The secret keeping is fairly expected and in keeping with the characters. However, as with many romance novels, so much of the trouble came from a lack of discussion of feelings and the particulars of the situation. I liked both the main characters and the bevy of secondary characters that were introduced, and the high action and the turns that action took. I was just annoyed with the stubbornness and lack of “using their words”. However, I still founds it too be an entertaining and interesting read.

Viking Warrior Rising was a fast, fun ride. There was plenty of set up and build building mixed in with the action, but I really enjoyed the character introductions and set up developed on that front. The sequel, Viking Warrior Rebel, is scheduled for release later this year, and I am looking forward to following up with Astrid to see where the story takes us. 

Book Review: Build, Beaver, Build! by Sandra Markle and Deborah Hocking

Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam is an easy nonfiction book written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Deborah Hocking. This nonfiction picturebook follows a year in the life of a young male beaver as he swims, plays, helps his family build and repair their dam and lodge, and learns how to flap his tail to ward off predators.

Build, Beaver, Build! is a wonderful book for reading aloud with young children, or for letting newly independent readers read to you. The text details the names and development of young beavers, as well as the basics about their lives, homes, and abilities. Readers will learn when a young beaver can do certain things, how quickly they grow, and the dangers they face. The facts are in story format, so even readers that do not usually enjoy or seek out non fiction can get involved in the story. I liked the additional facts that are included at the end of the book. I will admit to learn some new information, and enjoying the lovely and realistic illustrations.

Build, Beaver, Build! is an enjoyable and informative read that young readers and older siblings or caretakers can enjoy as well. My daughter loves learning about animals, and loved the book, and would have loved it even as a young reader. 

Early Book Review: The Culinary Herbal: Growing and Preserving 97 Flavorful Herbs by Susan Belsinger, Arthur O. Tucker, Shawn Linehan

The Culinary Herbal: Growing and Preserving 97 Flavorful Herbs by Susan Belsinger, Arthur O. Tucker, and Shawn Lineman is a wonderful resource about herbs which is currently scheduled for release on January 27 2016. This book details 97 different variety of herbs including how to use them, how to care for them, and a variety of other important information. Plant profiles are organized alphabetically by herb type and have wonderful full color photographs. Additional information includes step-by-step instructions for harvesting, preserving, and storing, along with techniques for making pastes, syrups, vinegars, and butters.

The Culinary Herbal is a well organized and very informative guide to culinary herbs. I found the information to be comprehensive and useful. I grow many herbs that were included in the book, and thought that the collection of information was very useful and I enjoyed reading more about the herbs that I have never grown. The herbs are categorized alphabetically and are complete with full color photographs and important information. The photographs were particularly helpful, showing multiple views and varieties of the herbs to add in identification and proper usage. The scientific and growing information was also complete and well organized. This is a great guide for herb growers and those that enjoy using fresh herbs in their kitchen. 

The Culinary Herbal is a fantastic resource for reference and planning a home herb garden. It offers complete information on each herb, even some less common varieties, as well as usage and care information. I think it would be a valuable reference guide for anyone interested in getting serious about growing and using herbs. 

Book Review: In the Company of Wolves by Paige Tyler

In the Company of Wolves by Paige Tyler is the third book in the SWAT series. While each book can stand well on its own, I find that having a little prior knowledge of the characters ahead of time, and how the SWAT team work with and relate to each other, makes the read even better. The first two books are Hungry Like the Wolf and Wolf Trouble.

There's a new gang of criminals in town who are organized and ruthless in the extreme. When Eric Becker, along with the rest of the Dallas SWAT team, ends up in the middle of a shootout, he immediately senses werewolves-a lot of them. Turns out, the new bad guys are a pack of wolf shifters. In a spray of gunfire, Becker comes face-to-face with the most gorgeous woman he's ever seen. Becker does the logical thing. He hides her and leaves the scene with the rest of his team. Jayna Winston has no idea why that SWAT guy helped her, but she's glad he did. Ever since she and her pack mates got mixed up with those Eastern European mobsters, everything had pretty much fallen apart. So what's a street-savvy thief like Jayna going to do with a hot alpha-male wolf who's a police officer?

In the Company of Wolves is as high action and suspenseful as the previous books in the series. Becker is a good alpha, but I do not really feel like we got any new insights into him. We get to see his house, hear how he was turned, and see what a great guy he is. However, I never really feel like we got to know him as much as we get to know Jayna. We get to witness her traumatic turning and get deep into the trouble her pack has found itself in. I feel like we get a better look at the inner feelings of Jayna and her packmate Meghan than anyone else. the action was high, the story was a page turner with me catching my breath on occasion. I enjoyed the book, I just felt less of an emotional understanding or attachment to the characters than I had hoped for. It was still a satisfying read, but not as enthralling as I expected.

In the Company of Wolves is a little different from the previous books in the series, because we do not get to see much of the SWAT team as a whole. However, we still get plenty of high action, danger, and werewolves. The characters and action are on par with the series so far, and i am interested to see who finds their One next.

Book Review: The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis by Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, MS, MA

The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis by Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, MS, MA is a children's book with a lesson about treating others the way you would want to be treated. Zavis DaMavis is a happy young boy and a proud resident of a whimsical town called Tweeville. He’s off to school one morning when his mom gives him an important reminder. Zavis must remember his mother’s words if he’s ever going to understand what they mean. But how can he think when he’s so busy being kind to his friends? 

The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis is a book about teaching the golden rule, and acting on it in everyday life. Zavis spends most of his day trying to remember his mother's words, but is distracted by those he meets along the way. The older gentleman he helps across the street, the crossing guard he gives his tissue to, his classmate who he shares his coat hook with, and so on. The images are bright and simple, and the text occasionally silly, but I think the lesson was a bit heavy handed. Perhaps that is what is need on some occasions, but I prefer a bit more subtlety. 

The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis is a book intended to inspire children to think about others, and treat them the way they want others they way they would like to be treated. While it certainly gets the message across, I found it a bit overbearing. I found myself as frustrated with it as I am the religious fiction that beat the readers over the head with the piety of their characters.

Early Book Review: Container Theme Gardens: 42 Combinations, Each Using 5 Perfectly Matched Plants by Nancy J Ondra

Container Theme Gardens: 42 Combinations, Each Using 5 Perfectly Matched Plants by Nancy J Ondra is a resource that is currently scheduled for release on January 26 2016. This book helps gardeners of all skill levels create container plantings with very little stress. It maps out 42 plans for container arrangements, each using just five specific plants that are readily available. There are a variety of themes and ideas so there should be something for everyone; including a meadow in a box, a pond in a pot, a simple salad garden, and a combination that will attract hummingbirds. Each plan includes photographs of what the full planting will look like, as well as a handy shopping list and alternatives so you plan accordingly.

Container Theme Gardens is a well organized and thorough collection of information to help start and maintain themed container gardens. I liked the variety of themed gardens, based on color, season, location, wildlife, the container being used, and other special themes. Space needed, plant sizes, and plant care are included. The full color photographs of the individual plants used and the possible finished products are helpful and inspiring. 

Container Theme Gardens is a good collection of ideas and plants combinations. I liked many of the settings and found the variety to be nice. The only thing I found lacking was the hardiness zones, although with seasonal containers that is not always relevant. 

Book Review: Frankenstink! Garbage Gone Bad by Ron Lightburn

Frankenstink! Garbage Gone Bad by Ron Lightburn is a children's book for young readers, that just might have them cleaning their rooms. The story answers the question of what happens to all the random toys and whatnot that end up under the bed. When it gets big and gross enough, and is exposed to a big stink, it comes to life and starts eating all the garbage it can find.

Frankenstink! is told in rhyme, with a illustrations that have a comic book feel. the story features one young boys room, and the variety of toys, dust, and trash that gathers under his bed. one night it comes to life and becomes a garbage eating monster that finds its way to the dump and just keeps on eating until it bursts. While the story is simply told, it warns children to clean their rooms, and just how much stuff we throw away that ends up at the dump. so, there is a bit of a lesson about waste here as well, but I think most kids will focus on the monster coming to life from under their bed. as a parent, I have to say that my favorite part of the book was the look of wonder on they parents' faces when they spot their son doing some serious cleaning.

Frankenstink! might just be the lesson any preschool through middle grader needs to start cleaning their rooms, or after themselves in general. I do think that the monster and general idea might be a little to scary for some children already worried about monsters under the bed or easily bothered by drawing of monsters and their mayhem.  

Early Book Review: Seven Continents by Mohan Bhasker

Seven Continents is a collection of photography by Mohan Bhasker which is currently scheduled for publication on January 28 2016. Mohan Bhasker is a physician and landscape photographer that has traveled a round-the-world to some of Earth's most exquisite sites. This book collects over 220 photographs that Mohan has taken over a fifteen years, along with the information about the journeys and conditions that he experienced while traveling to take the pictures. Some of the locations include a Laos jungle, Antarctica's icebergs, Nepal's Himalayan mountain range, and Brazil's scorching sand dunes. 

Seven Continents is an interesting collection of photographs from all seven continents taken over a period of fifteen years. The images and stories behind them are wonderful and show the beauty of each landscape and in many cases the animals that inhabit them. I liked the concept and the execution, however found that no images really captivated me as unique. so many images are available for viewing through so many forms of media that it really takes a lot to stand out these days. None of these pictures really struck me as overly original or capturing something new. They are all lovely images, capturing the differences and overall beauty that can be found in the world, but none left me awestruck or needing to add the book to my permanent collection.

Seven Continents is a lovely coffee table book or addition to a photography or travel buff's collection. I enjoyed looking at the photographs, and found some very beautiful, but did not find the book to be a must see or must have.