Book Review: The 26-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Stig Wemyss

The 26-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. It is also the sequel to The 13-Storey Treehouse, and while it is more fun to read in order, it is not necessary. The action and zaniness come through just fine without having read the previous book. 

This book tells the story of how Andy and Terry met, and how the pair met Jill. In the newly expanded treehouse readers are treated to the mostly true, and slightly long, story of how the treehouse came to be their home. The sharks make an appearance, as does pirate wooden head, a robot serving 78 insane ice cream flavors, a wacky nursery rhyme, and the Maze of Doom. The combination of fast action, silliness, and equally crazy illustrations (or voice acting and sound effects) come together to entertain. The interruptions of writing the next story, layered with the interruptions of the story in which they all met, come together in a larger story that will make any parent or sibling recognize their lives in the inability to finish anything uninterrupted. There is a good amount of potty humor, and some high action. Just a silly and high entertainment story perfect for reluctant and struggling readers to get them eager to keep reading.

 The 26-Storey Treehouse is even better than the first book, and made my family eager to have The 39-Storey Treehouse in their hands (and in the car CD player). They have never been so eager to get in the car to head to school or church than they are when a entertaining audiobook is in the cd-player. This is one book that had them moving at high speeds. As with the previous book, The 13-Storey Treehouse, I both read and listened to the book with my two kids. I still say that both versions are wonderful, and it comes down to personal preference and time to decide what path to take, I still so do both!

Early Book Review: Red's Planet by Eddie Pittman

Red's Planet is the first graphic novel in a new series by Eddie Pittman, which is currently scheduled for release on April 19 2016. For fans of Phineas and Ferb, you might recognize some of the style or humor because the author is a writer/story artist on the show.

Meet Red, a quirky, headstrong 10-year-old who longs to live in her own perfect paradise far away from her annoying foster family. But when a UFO mistakenly kidnaps her, Red finds herself farther away than she could have possibly imagined—across the galaxy and aboard an enormous spaceship owned by the Aquilari, an ancient creature with a taste for rare and unusual treasures. Before Red can be discovered as a stowaway, the great ship crashes on a small deserted planet, leaving her marooned with a menagerie of misfit aliens. With her newfound friend, a small gray alien named Tawee, Red must find a way to survive the hostile castaways, evade the ravenous wildlife, and contend with Goose, the planet's grumpy, felinoid custodian. Surely this can't be the paradise she's been hoping for.

Red's Planet is a graphic novel of galactic proportions. Okay, so I just wanted to use that phrase, but it is very good. I enjoyed the artwork very much, it captured the emotions and action of each scene as well as just being very interesting to look at. I also like the characterization of Red, who I could sympathize with in her hatred of the lazy nickname that everyone (even aliens) instantly call her. Her growth, and the way she offers a well seasoned but still innocent look at the larger world around her really appealed to me. I liked that combination of weary to trust and headlong action. The commentary on how people (or aliens) react to those different from themselves even when they face the same troubles is eerily accurate and timely. I think Goose and Red are two great characters, with great dynamics. The larger storyline that is revealed has me interested and eager to see where future issues take readers.

Red's Planet is a graphic novel with great artwork and a coming of age tale as well as some social commentary that is bundled together in an entertaining story that will engage a large variety of readers. 

Book Review: SEAL Wolf in Too Deep by Terry Spear

SEAL Wolf in Too Deep by Terry Spear is the 18th(!) book in the Heart of the Wolf series. Each of the books can do fine as a stand alone, but if you read more than one you will have a better grasp of the pack dynamics and how everyone is connected.

Debbie Renaud is a police diver working on criminal cases with SEAL Allan Rappaport. She admires him greatly for his missions in the Navy, plus he's just plain HOT. Allan seems to share her attraction, but what she doesn't know is that her partner is wolf shifter. Allan is really hung up on his smart, beautiful dive partner, but he can't get involved with a human outside dive duty. Yet when she gets between a werewolf hunter and his intended victim, one of the members of Allan's pack, they run into real trouble, and their lives are altered forever.

SEAL Wolf in Too Deep tells the story of Allan and his new dive partner Debbie. both are fighting their attraction, but for different reasons. Debbie thinks they are both keeping the distance due to respect and professionalism. However, Allan's wolfish side and the responsibilities that come with it are his main reasons. The pair are each strong, smart, and honorable people that love their jobs. both get lost in the process of piecing together clues and solving crime. I like Debbie's reasonableness and adaptability. I was a little taken aback by just how flexible and adaptable she was once the whole werewolf thing comes into play. However, because of the situations and circumstances it did make some sense. I liked Allan's caring and respectful side, but I found his inner confidence that everything would work out in his favor to be a little annoying after awhile. However, at least he kept those thoughts to himself, because I am pretty sure that Debbie would have kicked him, much like I really wanted to do a few times. Despite that, I still enjoyed the read and will keep on with the series.

SEAL Wolf in Too Deep is a solid addition to the series and world by Spear. Thus far the writing quality of the series has stayed fairly consistent, which is hard when you get to a certain number of books in the same larger world. This series is an example of it done right.

Book Review: Finders Reapers by Anna Staniszewski

Finders Reapers is the second book in the Switched at First Kiss series by Anna Staniszewski. The first book in the series is I'm With Cupid. It is important to read the books in order to understand the details of the world and some of the crises that Marcus and Lena have faced together already.

Marcus is a Cupid. Lena is a Reaper. Neither are ready for any more supernatural surprises. They just got their powers un-swapped, however things aren't as back to normal as they seem. On his next assignment, Marcus's "love boost" is a little too powerful. Then Lena's soul to capture sort of, well, escapes. The cause? Lena and Marcus's powers are still intertwined! Their emotions are affecting each other's power. So, basically the fate of the world depends on them getting along in their brand new romance.

Finders Reapers is a solid follow up to I'm with Cupid, and has new characters and problems for our supernatural couple to face. While their powers are their own again, things still are not quite right. Assignments are not going quite right, and both Lena and Marcus are keeping things from the other. a new girl at school, Lena's mother coming to town, and more makes their struggles even harder. They are fighting so hard to be the 'perfect' couple, that trust and a real connection seem to be as fragile as their powers. Can they each get a better control of their emotions, grip on their powers, and find a way to be the couple they want to be? They each need to learn a little more about themselves, and come a bit more into their own confidence before they can unravel the web of problems that seem to surround them. I like that the world Staniszewski created has become more in depth and complicated in this book, while the main focus for this reader was still the coming of age and character growth for Lena and Marcus. While there is certainly a number of questions unanswered, I felt that the book did not leave readers on a cliff edge. I was satisfied with the ending, but still want to know more. Pretty perfect balance for any ongoing series.

Finders Reapers is a charming and fun middle grade read that will appeal to kids looking to escape, and to those looking to see a little bit of themselves, in two main characters facing a variety of problems. I enjoyed the read, and wonder where the series will go from here, because there are plenty of questions that still need to be answered.

Book Review: Give it Up by Lori Foster

Give it Up by Lori Foster is a collection of three novellas about good friends finding the loves of their lives. He Sees You When You’re Sleeping is the story of  Booker Dean. What he wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires, and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping. Some Like It Hot is aboutfamily practitioner Cary Rupert. He wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered. Playing Doctor is about Dr. Axel Dean, who likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure.

Give it Up is good fun. All of the characters, from Booker to Libby are more than flat characters. Even in the short space we have with them, we see some history and hurt in the heroines, and the battles all the players have both with themselves and with each other. Since they are novellas, there is not a lot of time for drawn out crises or development. However, I felt that each story still has a solid arch and character development and present history to make the relationships develop quickly, but not completely unrealistically so. It is a well done collection. 

Give it Up is a nice collection of quick, hot, and satisfying romances. Despite the shortness, and necessary fast pace, the characters are well developed and there is a good blend of heat and humor. A wonderful weekend read.

Book Review: Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins is a picture book about a bear that loves cooking good food and being left alone. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he's their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can't seem to rid himself of his new companions. What's a bear to do?

Mother Bruce is a book about a bear reluctantly taking on the role as mother to a group of baby geese. I loved the humor of the book, and the illustrations of the grumpy bear warming up to the little birds, against his will, and caring for them were simply delightful. I found the images of him feeding and wearing the goslings to be both sweet and funny. His attempts to get the grown geese to fly, and his eventual solution, made me smile. 

Mother Bruce might not deliver a big moral, but as I have know people like the bear (and might just be one myself) I have to admit that there is some truth behind the fun of the book. While some might bluster about caring for others or being put out by an unexpected turn of events, they are often the very people that will step up and do what is right- even when it might not be the path they had planned.  

Book Review: Starstruck by Leslie Davis

Starstruck by Leslie Davis is a contemporary romance that I had trouble putting down. Actress Cassidy “C.J.” Hayes is famous for her role in The Alchemidens, a fantasy show where she plays a kick-ass heroine. Her rising success has brought her quickly under Hollywood’s glaring spotlight. It also gained her the unwelcome attentions of an obsessive fan who wants more than just an autograph. Aiden Darrow is both a well-respected screenwriter and a writer of lesbian romances. As a big fan of actress C.J. Hayes, Aiden is astounded when the woman of her dreams ends up moving into the house next door to her. Their attraction is undeniable, but Cassidy is understandably nervous about getting too close to anyone. Aiden, meanwhile, is trying to separate reality from fiction because Cassidy is nothing like the character she portrays so well. All through her childhood, Aiden dreamed of a hero to come rescue her, but can she be the hero that Cassidy so desperately needs now?

Starstruck is a realistic lesbian romance. Both Cassidy and Aiden have trauma in their past or present to deal with, and are struggling with letting another person in. Cassidy is dealing with a stalker that has escalated from wanting to get close to Cassidy to wanting to kill her, because if he cannot have her no one should. Aiden grew up in the foster system, and escapes from the real world through watching movies and writing. When the woman of her fantasies moves in next door, separating fiction and reality should have been hard, the real Cassidy is wonderful in her own way and the attraction cannot be denied. Of course conflict, including communication fails, assumptions, and so on take place. Real danger from the stalker and character growth and interactions are present as well. The balance of completely realistic relationship and personal fears and doubts with the concerns of high profile people, are address very well. I also liked the little cameo of characters I recognized from previous books by the author.

Starstruck is a pretty perfect contemporary romance. It dealt with problems the characters might face in the real world, and they reacted as anyone might. I like that the fact that the gender of Aiden and Cassidy are more of a side note than anything else for me. LGBT issues are raised, but it was organic rather than feeling forced or done for effect. I had trouble putting this book down, and have added Davis to me list of authors to watch and read regularly.

Book Review: Lumiere by Jacqueline E. Garlick

Lumiere is the first book in the young adult The Illumination Paradox series by Jacqueline E. Garlick. Seventeen-year-old Eyelet Elsworth has only one hope left: finding her late father’s most prized invention, the Illuminator. It’s been missing since the day of the mysterious flash—a day that saw the sun wiped out forever over England. But living in darkness is nothing new to Eyelet. She’s hidden her secret affliction all of her life—a life that would be in danger if superstitious townspeople ever guessed the truth. And after her mother is accused and executed for a crime that she didn’t commit, the now-orphaned Eyelet has no choice but to track down the machine that was created with the sole purpose of being her cure. Alone and on the run, she finally discovers the Illuminator—only to see a young man hauling it off. Determined to follow the thief and recover the machine, she ventures into the deepest, darkest, most dangerous part of her twisted world. That is when her real adventure begins. 

Lumiere has a great premise and interesting start. It follows the search for a machine created for curing and helping people twisted and corrupted for the use to kill and gain power. However, it is more about the people searching for the machine than the machine itself. Eyelet is on a razors edge, she has lost her mother and father, and is in danger of losing her hope, and her own life. She meets others with their own secrets and troubles. Urlick has big secrets of his own, and spends most of his time either tinkering or protecting those he has in his care. I liked that underdogs group together, not necessarily on purpose, in order to be safe and fulfill their goals even when they think they are at cross purposes.

Since this is the first book in a series, there is a good amount of character and world building. It was done at a good pace for the most part, but I will admit to having stalled out on my enthusiasm about two thirds of the way through the book. I liked the characters, liked the premise and steam punk feel, but feel like a few of the crises towards the end dragged the book out rather than adding to the drama. There were certainly a few unexpected twists, and I was happy with the shifts and changes to my understanding of the characters and world as they came. However, the ending left me a little unsatisfied as it left readers on the edge wondering if our main characters would find each other again and what happened to some of the secondary characters.

Lumiere is a good start to a series, although I think it lost a little steam in trying to cover too much ground and do too much. The characters, danger, and puzzles were all good. However, I feel like the sheer volume of them got to be a little overwhelming. 

Book Review: Baby Crochet Design: Hats and Boots by Graziana Materassi

Baby Crochet Design: Hats and Boots by Graziana Materassi that offers patterns matching caps and booties range in style from cute little animal motifs to fruit and flower-adorned costumes. Sixteen unique crochet patterns feature complete instructions for hats and booties, accompanied by full-color illustrations. A pretty pink piglet, wide-eyed owl, busy bee, sweet strawberry, and a tropical pineapple are but a few of the playful designs. The hat patterns can be adapted to accommodate the heads of older children as well.

Baby Crochet Design is a useful resource for those looking to make a variety of fun hats and matching booties for babies and young children. The owl and fruit hats were very cute, but I have to say that there were new designs that seemed fresh and new to me. They are ll worth making and learning the patterns for, but I did not find them overly special. Unfortunately there were also some minor formatting issues with the digital galley I received, which I havre to assume were fixed before the final version was released. There was nothing lacking or wrong with the patterns, my only problem was that I frequent several craft stores and craft communities and have seen similar patterns over the years.

Baby Crochet Design is a good resource for those looking to make a variety of baby hats and matching booties. I did not find the designs included to be anything new or previously unavailable, but they were cute.

Book Review: Burkheart Witch Saga Box Set Books 1-3 by Christine Sutton, Julia Whelan

Burkheart Witch Saga Box Set Books 1-3 is an urban fantasy series by Christine Sutton, the audiobook is read by Julia Whelan. The women of the Burkheart family are special. As witches, they have magical abilities.These witches serve the side of good as they battle werewolves, vampires, evil witches and all manner of fairy tale creatures. Follow their family as each generation fights to survive in a world of fairytale magic.Will the Burkheart line survive or will the forces of evil win out in the end?

Red Snow, Book 1: When Kayla embarks on a drive from Washington to Texas, she is just doing her job. When the black 1967 Impala starts showing up at every turn, she starts to think it might be more than coincidence. When the mysterious driver leaves her a note, she is engulfed in a race for her life. Kayla is tasked with defeating vampires, werewolves, and evil witches that threaten to destroy her happiness and her very life! Will she get her happily ever after, or will she fall victim to the evil that courses through her veins? Red Snow is an urban retelling of a classic fairy tale.

Let Me In, Book 2: Kayla has returned home to find that the fairy tale continues. She finds out some facts about her family history that may be her ultimate undoing. With the help of a coven of witches, Kayla is tasked with defeating vampires, werewolves, and evil witches that threaten to destroy her happiness and her very life! Will she get her happily ever after, or will she fall victim to the evil that courses through her veins? This novella will take you through a whirlwind as you join Kayla on another fairy tale adventure.

One Wish, Book 3: Little Grace is all grown up with a baby of her own on the way, but the fairy tale magic that follows her family is not done with them yet! A devastating loss has hit the Burkhearts, shaking the entire family to its very core. There is little time to grieve before evil witches, werewolves, vampires, and a force that Grace can't even imagine try to ruin the family. Can Grace make everything right? Can the family band together and defeat the evil that threatens to destroy them? Listen to this third installment in the series and see if everything can be righted with just one wish.

Burkheart Witch Saga starts off pretty good. Kayla is just trying to get away from her leads than pleasant mother and make a life for herself when she finds herself dragged into a world of witches, werewolves, vampires and more through no fault of her own. I liked Kayla's spunk and willingness to fight for herself and those she cared about, and to do the right thing even when it hurt. Grace has the same spark and determination in the next book, and I liked that David occasionally gets to step out of the background and help out. Later other background and side characters get a chance to step up as well. However, most of the time the majority of the characters were a little flat, and while the fairy tale connection was clear, they felt uninteresting and predictable. Since I listened to the audiobook I found the fact that the chapters did not reset after each book to be confusing. There was more that one point in which I wondered if I was listening to an epilogue to one section or a prologue or first chapter of the next. Frankly by the end I only kept listening because I had already invested so many hours into the book that I had to hear the final resolution. Then the book ends with a tease for the fourth book!

There was nothing particularly wrong with the book, I just started to loose interest after a bit, and it started to feel repetitive even when the big bad and heroine changed. I think if I took it one book, or part, at a time with other reading in between I would have felt a little differently.