Book Review: Boundary Crossed by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Crossed by Melissa F. Olson is the first book in the Boundary Magic series. I had already read the second book, Boundary Lines, and needed to go back and read how it all started because of how much I liked the world. Now that I have two of these books read, I need to read the a novella that comes between to two as well as a previous series as I wait Boundary Born to be published. The joys, and heartache, of finding a new favorite author!

After her twin sister’s brutal murder, former US Army Sergeant Allison “Lex” Luther vowed to protect her niece, Charlie. So when two vampires try to kidnap the baby, it quickly turns into a fight to the death—Lex’s death, that is. She wakes up to two shocking discoveries: she has miraculously survived the fight, and baby Charlie is a “null,” gifted with the ability to weaken supernatural forces, and a target for creatures who want to control that power. Determined to guarantee her niece’s safety, Lex makes a deal with the local vampires. She sets out with the mysterious—and undead—“fixer” Quinn to track down whoever’s responsible for the kidnapping, sharpening her newfound magic skills along the way. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her powers become.

Boundary Crossed is perfect beginning to a series that has already been added to my must read list. Lex has a rough history and is still reeling from her time on the front lines and the loss of her twin sister. When she finds two people toting around her niece and gets herself involved the the world of magic, vampires, and other Old World residents she gets more than she bargained for. This is a solid introduction to Lex’s family, the witches that help her, and the vampires that run the town. There is so much more to this story though. I love the combination of missed movie and modern media references, especially when combined with the love of older movies and children’s movies. The juxtaposition only start there, and make the series such an interesting read. There characters each have their own flaws and damage, as well as hidden strengths. 

Boundary Crossed is a great start to an urban fantasy series. Fans of the genre that are looking for an author with wit and some seriously good characters need to give Olson a read. She has just been added to my must read list, not just my to be read pile.  

Early Book Review: Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies by Carmen Oliver, Jean Claude

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies is a picture book written by Carmen Oliver and illustrated by Jean Claude. It is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. All the students in the class are assigned reading buddies, except for Adelaide. She already has a great reading buddy, a bear! Adelaide is quite persuasive as she explains to her language arts teacher and the reader, that bears really do make the best reading buddies.

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies is a fun picture book. I never knew bears were such great reading partners, although I do not recommend anyone go out and try their hand at getting one of their own! Did you know that bears sniff out good books, or that their claws are just right for turning pages? Adelaide knows this, and tells her teacher and the readers about all the things that make her bear the best reading buddy ever. While the idea of snuggling with a bear for reading, along with although bonus features listed in the book, is terribly tempting, I think I will stick to kids and cats as my reading partners. I think the silliness will keep the target audience reading, while helping them become better reading buddies and cheerleaders for themselves and each other as they grow their reading skills.

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies is a fun book that will encourage readers to find the perfect reading buddy, whether it is a stuffed bear, cat, dog, sibling, parent, or classmate. I do not recommend a real bear, but the book makes it temping. A fun book encouraging new readers to keep reading and growing, regardless of who their reading buddy is. 

Book Review: The Rock by Monica McCarty

The Rock is the eleventh book in the Highland Guard series by Monica McCarty. The first time he caught sight of Elizabeth Douglas, Thomas MacGowan thought she was a princess. To the son of the castle blacksmith, the daughter of the powerful Lord of Douglas might as well be. When it becomes clear that his childhood companion will never see him as a man she could love, Thom joins Edward Bruce’s army as a man-at-arms to try to change his lot. If he’s harbored a secret hope that he could close the gap between them, he faces the cold, hard truth when Elizabeth comes to him for help. She might need the boy who used to climb cliffs to rescue her brother from the hands of the English, but she would never see the son of a smith as a man worthy of her hand.

The Rock is the story of a smithy’s son that befriended the children of the local lord. Growing up he loved the daughter, and had a solid friendship (albeit with some power issues) with the son. However, as adults Thom is still in love with Elizabeth and she isa he practical Lord’s daughter prepared to marry fir standing and power as is tradition. There is where the struggle lies, Thom is willing to risk everything for the woman that has scorned and rejected him any every turn, and Elizabeth admires and lusts after Thom but is so rooted in the mindset of doing what is expected and duty that she is rarely willing to risk anything. There is plenty of daring-do, as Thom saves the day for Elizabeth and everyone else again and again, but because I was regularly frustrated by Thom’s devotion and Elizabeth in general I just could not enjoy this one. I liked the side stories, and background action, but the romance of this particular installment was not one that kept me happily turning pages. It might be time for me to put this series away for awhile.

The Rock is the first book by McCarty that I had trouble finishing. The writing style has held up, and the complicated interactions, wit, and action are all still there. I just could not like the main characters this go round, and that rather ruined the read for me. 

Early Book Review: The Sandwich Thief by André Marois, Patrick Doyon

The Sandwich Thief by André Marois and Patrick Doyon is a children’s book that straddles the line between illustrated chapter book and graphic novel, It is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. I think elementary school through high school age readers will enjoy the book. Marin loves the sandwiches his parents make for him—every day they're different and more delicious than the last. One morning, someone dares to steal his favorite sandwich: ham-cheddar-kale. Furious, Marin begins a fevered and famished investigation to unmask the thief. The days go by, the suspects multiply, and Marin's sandwiches continue to disappear. 

The Sandwich Thief is a fun, and funny, mystery that will appeal to transitional readers, and more advanced readers that enjoy mystery, humor, and illustrations or graphic novels. Poor Marin has foodies for parents, and his lunches are definite evidence of that. While he has talked then out of some of the more elaborate meals, he still gets some pretty great sandwiches. When they start going missing Marin is on a mission to solve the crime. I like that once he comes clean and shares the problem with his parents a solution is found that not only catches the culture but keep Marin from getting himself into more trouble. There were some little things that bothered me here and there through the story, overall I found it to be good fun and I think it will have broad appeal to elementary and middle grade readers. My two kids will certainly get a kick out of the humorous aspects of the story. 

The Sandwich Thief is the first in a series, but it does not require readers to continue to solve a cliff hanger. Return readers will do so because the like the characters, wit, and art style rather than because they are trapped into doing so because of unresolved endings.  

Book Review: Death Before Decaf (A Java Jive Mystery, #1) by Caroline Fardig

Death Before Decaf  is the first book in the Java Jive Mystery series by Caroline Fardig. After her music career crashes and burns spectacularly, Juliet Langley is forced to turn to the only other business she knows: food service. Unfortunately, bad luck strikes yet again when her two-timing fiancé robs her blind and runs off with her best waitress. Flushing what’s left of her beloved café down the toilet with her failed engagement, Juliet packs up and moves back to her college stomping grounds in Nashville to manage an old friend’s coffeehouse. At first glance, it seems as though nothing’s changed at Java Jive. What could possibly go wrong? Only that the place is hemorrhaging money, the staff is in open revolt, and Juliet finds one unlucky employee dead in the dumpster out back before her first day is even over.  The corpse just so happens to belong to the cook who’d locked horns with Juliet over the finer points of the health code. Unimpressed with her management style, the other disgruntled employees are only too eager to spill the beans about her fiery temper to the detective on the case. Add to the mix a hunky stranger who’s asking way too many questions, and suddenly Juliet finds herself in some very hot water. If she can’t simmer down and sleuth her way to the real killer, she’s going to get burned.

Death Before Decaf  is a cozy mystery that has great characters and depth, which is not always true of the genre. There is a huge backstory here, a=one that we get bits and pieces of through out the story, and which adds to the atmosphere and character development. I liked Juliet from the beginning, she has faced some serious issues in the recent past and is working hard to move on with her life and find some peace and happiness. She is a little traumatized and cautious, but when the first week of a new life includes butting heads with staff and finding a dead body, well it is understandable. I would like to find out more about Juliet’s musical past, but I expect that to come like the rest of her past as the series continues. I liked Peter, and the tension between them as well. However I have to say that there were moments when I wanted to kick them both for being blind. Even in the beginning of the story readers are well aware they love each other, and have from the beginning, but both are too stubborn or scared to do anything about it. 

Death Before Decaf  is a engaging and entertaining read. I really enjoyed it and avoided other important things like sleep or cooking dinner so that I could keep on reading. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, Mug Shot, which I have a galley request in for on Netgalley so hopefully I will be reading it soon.

Early Book Review: Wildflowers of New England by Ted Elliman and the New England Wild Flower Society

Wildflowers of New England by Ted Elliman and the New England Wild Flower Society is currently scheduled for release on March 9 2016. This book is a comprehensive guide which describes and illustrates more than 900 species of wildflowers commonly encountered in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. It includes perennials, annuals, and bulbs; both native and naturalized. The plants are organized first by flower color and then by petal shape.  this helpful guide boasts thousands of color photographs.

Wildflowers of New England has thousand of color photographs showing the details needed to positively identify any of the over 900 included species. There is a good amount of introductory information for those using the guide. This information includes an explanation of plant parts, keys to the plants, and information on plant names. Each plant's photograph is paired with the scientific and more common information about the species such as state they are found in, whether parts of the plant are toxic, and so much more. There is so much information included in each entry, and the organization and detail make this a wonderfully helpful guide for anyone interested in identifying the plants that might spring up in their yards or that they might discover on a hike or while foraging.

Wildflowers of New England is a great tool for those looking to identify plants, and to get detailed information on the species that they see around them. 

Early Book Review: We Just Had A Baby by Stephen Krensky

We Just Had A Baby by Stephen Kerensky is a picture book currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. It is not easy getting used to a new baby in the house. Everyone in the world thinks whatever the baby does is amazing! And if you aren t the baby, everyone acts like you re invisible. This picture book is told from a slightly older sibling s point of view, with observations about living with a new sister or brother. 

We Just Had A Baby is a realistic and well balanced book about the addition of a baby to the household. The older sibling notes that everyone ohh and ahh over the new baby’s every move, and their attention is decreased. However, the book also notes that the baby can do nothing for themselves, and how much they can teach the new family member. It is a sweet and fun book that can help prepare young children for an upcoming or recent addition to the family in a positive way.

We Just Had A Baby is a good picture book to share with young children about to become a big brother or sister. The observations about being an older sibling are honest and combine both the good and bad about the change. I like the hope and fun that the book ends with, encouraging the soon to be older sibling to be a teacher rather than tormentor.  

Book Review: Silver Bullet (Preternatural Affairs #2) by S.M. Reine

Silver Bullet is the second book in the Preternatural Affairs urban fantasy series by S.M. Reine. I listened to the audiobook which is read by Jeffrey Kafer. This series does have major plot points that build upon each other. I do not recommend skipping ahead. If this sounds book interesting to you, I would start at the beginning with Witch Hunt. Knowing who everyone is, and the intricacies of their connections, is key to fully understanding and enjoying the read.

Former private investigator Cèsar Hawke has one rule: He doesn't deal with dead bodies. That's why he enlisted with the Magical Violations Department in the Office of Preternatural Affairs. He's happy tracking down witches that commit petty crimes, but he leaves the homicides to other agents. Except that he's been assigned to a new team and the job has suddenly changed. Now Cèsar has to deal with dead bodies. He also has to deal with necromancers, murderous cults, and demons that can stop a man's heart with fear. This isn't the job he signed up for, but it's the job he needs to do. If he survives the first week.

Silver Bullet picks up right after Witch Hunt ends. Cèsar and crew on an investigation trying to find the source of a flux in demonic energy. This leads them into a casino run by demons, and on the tail of werewolves, a cult, and an ancient power that seems to be waking up. Between the living nightmare demons, the giant spiders, and the apple cult hunting for stones of power no one is happy. The additional help of a few Union members adds a little back up for a team that received little to no training on demons, and is now deep in demons. I like that the character building and action continue in high gear, with magic is less important this time around. I liked getting deeper into the psyche of Cèsar, Fritz and Suzy- although Isobel is still a bit of a mystery. I also like that while there are hints of attraction between characters romance is a back burner storyline, rather than taking over the entire story.  I find this to be a grittier series than my much loved Dresden Files from Jim Butcher, but about equal in wit and smart alekcy comments.

Silver Bullet is a great balance of the paranormal and mystery. There is plenty of sardonic wit, action, hold your breath moments, and silliness to boot. A fast and fun serious to keep happy readers up well past their bedtime.  Listeners get the bonus of being able to listen to the talented Jeffrey Kafer do some high class voice acting at the some time as they get lost in Cèsar's world.

Early Book Review: Behind the Canvas by Alexander Vance

Behind the Canvas by Alexander Vance is a middle grade novel that is currently scheduled for release on February 23 2016.  Claudia Miravista loves art but only sees what is on the surface, until the Dutch boy Pim appears in her painting. Pim has been trapped in the world behind the canvas for centuries by a power-hungry witch, and now believes that Claudia is his only hope for escape. Fueled by the help of an ancient artist and some microwaveable magic, Claudia enters the wondrous and terrifying world, intent on destroying the witch's most cherished possession and setting Pim free. But in that world nothing is quite as it appears on the surface. Not even friendship.

Behind the Canvas is a story with a great concept and characters that have some depth. Claudia loves art, but does not have confidence in her own work, or her ability to make friends. She is happy with time in an art museum with her art book and ideas. Pim is a boy stuck on the other side of the canvas. He says he was trapped there by a witch, but is that the whole truth? Discovering a world of art, quite literally, and having a life altering adventure helps Claudia discover her own strengths and talent in a way she never would have otherwise. I liked that friendship, intelligence, and trusting your instincts were more important than physical strength, numbers, or just about anything else. I really enjoyed the read. I will admit that as the story progressed I rather wanted things to move along a little quicker. However, there was lots of action and death defying moments at that point, so I think that was more a product of my mental to do list of books I needed to read and review next rather than any actual lack in the storytelling.

Behind the Canvas  is a story with a wonderful concept, complex characters, and some high action. It was a great middle grade read with a wonderful balance of adventure and the essential aspects of a going of age tale.  

Book Review: The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Stig Wemyss

The 13-Storey Treehouse is a children's book written by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton, and the audiobook is narrated by Stig Wemyss. Both formats have something to recommend them, but I will save that for the end of the review. 

Who wouldn't want to live in a treehouse? Especially a treehouse that has a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a tank full of sharks, a library full of comics, a secret underground laboratory, a games room, self-making beds, vines you can swing on, a vegetable vaporiser and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots your favorite flavored marshmallows into your mouth whenever it discerns you're hungry. Andy and Terry  live here, make books together, and have a series of completely nutty adventures. 

The 13-Storey Treehouse is a zany story that will appeal to readers that like high action, silly humor, and crazy illustrations. The treehouse is pretty insane, and the adventures that Terry and Andy have in the process of trying to get their next book written will entertain just about everyone. There are man eating sharks, a cat painted yellow (like a canary) that can fly, a marshmallow shooter, and a variety of insanity hidden away in a treehouse. I think the combination of story and illustrations (or voice acting) in this book make it a great pick for anyone interested in picking it up. There are jokes that might go over the heads of younger readers, but older readers will enjoy it. This is a great pick for reluctant readers and those that claim that they do not like to read, because they just have not found the right books for their tastes and skill. 

The 13-Storey Treehouse is a book high in silliness, action, and eye catching humor (or fantastic voice acting and sound effects). My son is now a huge fan, and any time that he picks up a book rather than his DS I know that it is a winner for readers that crave this kind of reading material. 

My nine year old has read the books with me, and my seven year old has listened to the audiobook with both of us. I would recommend both formats, because they are fantastic. The illustrations and text art in the printed format is wonderful fun, but Stig Wemyss’s voice acting is fantastic. I say buy the paper version, and have the kiddos read along as you listen to the audiobook- that way you get the best of both worlds!