Early Book Review: Mug Shot by Caroline Fardig

Mug Shot by Caroline Fardig is the second book in the Java Jive series. It is currently scheduled for release on April 19 2016. The first book was Death Before Decaf. While the character and relationship set up from the first book was important, I think new readers could catch up quickly. However, I enjoyed the first book quite a bit and highly recommend reading it, and then the series as it is published.

Former musician Juliet Langley has barely had a day off since taking over management of the coffeehouse owned by her best friend, Pete Bennett. But there's always more to be done; like prepping for the annual Holiday 5K Race organized by Pete's snobby socialite girlfriend, Cecilia Hollingsworth. This year, Java Jive has a booth right at the finish line, and since Juliet and Cecilia don't always see eye to eye, everything has to be perfect. Nothing can go wrong. Nothing, like Juliet stumbling over Cecilia's dead body on the morning of the race.  When Pete is arrested for Cecilia's murder, Juliet sets out to clear his name. She'll do whatever it takes, even if it means standing up to the police, her ex-boyfriend, and the grande dames of Nashville. But there isn't enough espresso in the world for the greatest challenge in her path: infiltrating Nashville's high society to uncover the hidden hotbed of scandal without running afoul of the law herself. With her last dime staked on Pete's bail bond and her staff growing jittery, the last thing Juliet needs is for her trademark temper to land her behind bars. As time drips away, Juliet needs to crack this case before the killer comes back for another shot.

Mug Shot is just as much fun as the first book in this series. Juliet is a tough cookie with more going on in her head than those around her expect. I like how much she cares about her friends, even when it gets her into trouble. I like her character for the most part, really like Ryder and the complications with the other police detective. I even like Pete and Stan’s character, for what they are. I will admit that the book surprised me a couple times, and had me guessing through the whole read. My only issue with the series is the constant love triangle stuff. Either give the awkward moments and hints that romance between Juliet and Pete might happen a rest, or have something happen. Not every romance need the treat of a possible other partner. I love the characters, the action, the well done mystery, and everything else, except the Pete/Juliet/Ryder questions. 

Mug Shot is a solid cozy mystery, with plenty of character development and action. I like actually being surprised by the ‘who-done-it’ and Fardig does that very well here. A solid series that I will keep on reading as I am glad to see that a third book, A Whole Latte Murder, is planned for release in November of 2016.

Book Review: The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones

The Dirt on Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones is the ninth book in the Charley Davidson series. I have not read the previous books in this series, although I feel like I had a good handle on the book anyway. I do think that this is a series better read in order.

In a small village in New York lives Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around.

The Dirt on Ninth Grave is a book that seems to bring a lot of previous plot set up together. Sadly, having missed that set up, the conclusion to the book was a little confusing for me- although I think steady readers of the series would have the knowledge that would have made it very important and dramatic. However, since the main character had amnesia for the majority of the book, I feel like I got a chance to see the major players without any preconceived notions or prejudice. I really liked Jane (Charley), and her combination of vulnerability and willingness to help others, even those that she did not get along with. Her co-workers, customers, and new friends dropped accidental hints about her and helped her as much as they could without unloading the whole crazy past and possible danger of the present and future. The romantic interplay was in the background for the most part, leaving Jane/Charley's sleuthing and risks to take the center stage. I was a highly entertaining and engaging read. I can only imagine that would be more true if I had more of an idea of the bigger picture as I read.

The Dirt on Ninth Grave is a solid urban fantasy, which made me really wish I had read the first eight books in the series. I liked the characters, and the action. Since I had not ventured into this series before I feel like I missed out on some serious world and plot building which would have made the book's conclusion epic rather than slightly overwhelming. I think those that have read the previous books will definitely get more from the experience than I did, but I still enjoyed the read. Guess I have another series to read up on.

Early Book Review: Mr. King's Machine by Geneviève Côté

Mr. King's Machine is a picturebook by Geneviève Côté which is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2016. When Mr. King the cat discovers that one of the pretty flowers near his home has been chewed by a caterpillar, he is not happy. He builds himself a Caterpillar-Catcher to track down the culprit who did it. Mr. King doesn't notice that the Caterpillar-Catcher is spewing nasty smoke into the air and knocking down the other pretty flowers in his path. Now it's his animal friends who are not happy. Will Mr. King be able to turn things around so everyone will be happy again?

Mr. King's Machine is a book with bight illustrations, and a multi layered lesson. Readers see that their actions can have unintended consequences, that we all need to take care of the environment, and that sometimes taking the time to talk about a problem and brain storm solutions is well worth the extra time and effort. Mr. King is a cat with a love of beautiful things an nature being orderly. When a lunching caterpillar nibbles on a flower Mr. King is  a little overly upset. In an over reaction that most kids can relate to, because most of us overreact (at least internally) over things daily, he builds a machine intended to help him discover and get rid of the caterpillar in question. Unfortunately his machine causes more damage that it could have stopped. I like there there is discussion of why caterpillars and other creatures are important, and how nature is a very interdependent. I liked the book, but found it to be a little heavy handed and while valuable in certain classroom or home lessons not something that was going to be a new favorite.

Mr. King's Machine is a good book for starting or carrying on discussions on how interconnected nature is, or how actions can have unforeseen consequences. It could also be used as a starter for a nature project in class, like seed planting or watching caterpillars become butterflies. This is the third book (but the first I have read) in Geneviève Côté's picture book series about a crown-wearing cat who always needs a little help from his friends to learn important environmental lessons. 

Book Review: The 39-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Stig Wemyss

The 39-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. This is the third installment in Andy and Terry’s book series about their ever-growing treehouse. 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. The previous books are The 13-Storey Treehouse and The 26-Storey Treehouse.

Andy and Terry’s amazing treehouse has 13 new levels including a chocolate waterfall, a non-erupting active volcano, an opera house, a baby-dinosaur petting zoo, Andy and Terry’s Believe it or Else! museum, a not-very-merry merry-go-round, a boxing elephant called the Trunkinator, an X-Ray room, a disco with light-up dance floor, the world’s scariest roller-coaster and a top secret 39th level that hasn’t even been finished yet! Part of the unfinished treehouse is the "once upon a time" machine to help them meet their latest book deadline. But, as usual things go a bit awry and adventure ensues.

The 39-Storey Treehouse is the third installment of the series, and is just as funny as the previous adventures. I think the action in this book is actually a bit more intense than that of the previous books, although there is plenty of silly fun and entertaining illustrations (or wacky voice acting) as well. I got a kick out of the new inventions, and the new characters. The inclusion, and then un-inventing, of things like hot ice cream and a cross between frogs and hippos made my kids and I laugh more than once. I do not want to expose all the fun in this installment- just know that if you liked the humor and style of the first two books, this installment has all that and more.

The 39-Storey Treehouse is another winner for fans of silly reads with great action. If you (or your kids) liked the previous books and like illustrated chapter books then this book will keep everyone happy. My son keeps rereading this one, because he notices new or different details in the book every time!

Book Review: Last of the Giants: The Rise and Fall of Earths Most Dominant Species by Jeff Campbell

Last of the Giants: The Rise and Fall of Earths Most Dominant Species by Jeff Campbell is a nonfiction book for children and adults. Today, an ancient world is vanishing right before our eyes: the age of giant animals. Over 40,000 years ago, the earth was ruled by megafauna: mammoths and mastodons, saber-toothed tigers and giant sloths. Of course, those creatures no longer exist, due to the evolution and arrival of the wildly adaptive human species, among other factors. Many more of the world's biggest and baddest creatures—including the black rhino, the dodo, giant tortoises, and the great auk—have vanished since our world became truly global. Last of the Giants chronicles those giant animals and apex predators who have been pushed to extinction in the modern era.

Last of the Giants is a highly informative book that will appeal to readers that love animals, care about the environment, and see the connection between the two. I was glad to read about animals I had never studied before, and see the thorough and thoughtful way their existence and extinction. The use of history and biology together give readers a better picture of how thirteen large animals became extinct, or nearly so. I really like that the author includes some hope for readers that some of these creatures, and others on the brink of extinction, might yet survive. This hope includes information on conservation efforts, which just might encourage young readers to make some effort and changes to help locally or with the larger efforts already in place.

Last of the Giants is a very interesting and informative book. I learned new things, and liked how the author made what could have been fairly dry reading quite engaging. This will be a valuable resources for anyone that wants to learn about extinction, for the environment and people can greatly effect the world around them, and the creatures we share it with. 

Book Review: Gorilla Tactics (Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions #2) by Sheila Grau, Joe Sutphin

Gorilla Tactics is the second book in the Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions series written by Sheila Grau and illustrated by Joe Sutphin. This middle grade novel is just as good as the first, and I highly recommend reading the series in order, as the character development and relationships are important. However, if you feel the need to jump in now, I think there is enough hints to the backstory that you will still be able to enjoy this story.

Runt Higgins needs answers, fast. Someone cursed him to die on his sixteenth birthday, but no one seems to know who cursed him or why. Runt decides he must find the Great Library, where all true knowledge is hidden. Unfortunately, the only people who know the location of the Great Library are a covert network of librarian-spies who’d rather die than give up the Library’s secrets. And when one of Runt’s professors is attacked, it soon becomes clear that others are also out to find the Library at any cost. Meanwhile, Runt’s not the only one whose days are numbered. To save the floundering school from an inevitable sale, Dr. Critchlore takes some desperate measures. His master plan to save the school: a fashion show.

Gorilla Tactics is much more than the official summary gives it credit for. There are schemes and subterfuge at every turn, at multiple levels. Scheming teachers and administrators, bullies, teachers with an axe to grind, covert librarians, sirens and fashion shows, and so much more. I liked that Runt and his friends face the usual school issues; like bullies, popularity worries, and trying to pass important classes while still having to face bigger issues like the possibility of a school take over, death, and the most evil guy they can think of gaining access to the most complete library in the universe. Runt and his classmates all have some significant character growth, even the secondary characters like Rufus and Janet. I feel like even the most insignificant role in the larger story might come to be very important as the series continues on. There are problem solving, risk taking, and friendship struggles through out the story- and the action seems non stop. Even when Runt is contemplating his next move or how he is going to get through the current or next crisis the tension level is pretty high. I think that the combination of illustrations and high energy story telling will keep middle grade readers turning pages in this series. I liked that the book wrapped up the story nicely, while opening new questions to make us eager for the next book. It was a satisfying ending, with just a hint of "and then what".

Gorilla Tactics is a wonderful follow up to Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions, and I will be following this series as it continues. I am eager to see how Runt, and the rest progress through school, and beyond. I have many questions I want answered, and cannot wait to see how Grau answers them.

Book Review: Light Love Rituals: Bulgarian Myths, Legends, and Folklore by Ronesa Aveela

Light Love Rituals: Bulgarian Myths, Legends, and Folklore by Ronesa Aveela is a book that explores Bulgarian myths, legends, folklore, and mythology. Whether you want to learn a little about their ancient Thracian origins, or you want to experience rituals practiced throughout the year with a fictitious Bulgarian family, or even if you’re only interested in traditional Bulgarian cuisine, this book has a little something for everyone.

Light Love Rituals: Bulgarian Myths, Legends, and Folklore was a very interesting read. I love learning about legends and cultures that are new to me, or are slightly different than what I had previously explored. Bulgarian culture is rich in folklore and traditions surviving since the days of the ancient Thracians. As pagan and Christian religions collided, many celebrations merged into one. This book helps readers discover and explore the details of these unique festivals while keeping it interesting for readers of all ages. The book is divided into sections for each of the four seasons with activities and a short quiz for each. It was an interesting and engaging read that would appeal to many.

Light Love Rituals: Bulgarian Myths, Legends, and Folklore is a solid reference and research source for those interested in different cultures, particularly the development of Bulgarian rituals and recipes. 

Blog Tour with Excerpt and Giveaway: Synching Forward by W. Lawrence

Synching Forward by W. Lawrence

1st Place for 2015 Feathered Quill Award, Science Fiction/Fantasy

Finalist in the 2014 Book Pipeline Contest

Description:
--Travel to the future - it will only cost you everyone you love.--
Attacked and injected with a drug which slows his metabolism to a fraction of normal, Martin James becomes an unwilling time traveler who hurtles through the years. His children grow up, his wife grows older, and his only hope is finding the people who injected him in the first place- not an easy task when one day for Martin lasts four years. And while Martin James strives to find a cure before everyone he loves is gone, others are uncertain if his journey can be stopped at all.

W. Lawrence weaves a dystopian future filled with the best and worst of humanity, highlights the blessings and curses of technology, and pushes the limits of faith and hopelessness. Above all,Syncing Forward is a tale of one man's love for his family, and their devotion to saving him from being lost forever.

PURCHASE

Amazon - Kindle, Amazon - Paperback

Audible, B&N Nook, Kobo, iBooks

Oakleaf Books, Book Depository

Half.com, Alibris, Google Play  

Excerpt:

Bella’s sentences were all blended together, and before I could respond she was being pulled from the room by my wife. I blinked hard and flapped my eyelids to keep them from stinging and—hopefully—to clear my head. I tried yawning to pop my ears, thinking perhaps they were clogged. A second later Dave stood by the bedside, shaking my arm.

“Martin Martin are you okay can you hear me what’s wrong Buddy you’re not looking so hot can you please just say—” Dave was talking as if on fast-forward, his words riding one upon another.

“Slow down,” I started to say, trying to cut through their rapid speech and the concern on their faces. “I feel very strange—”

The nurse cut me off. My voice sounded raspy in my own head, and low-toned.

“Martin why are you talking so slow do you understand what I am saying?”

“Yeah, but you can’t talk so fast—”

“I need you to tell me what you’re feeling right now.”

I tried to get a word in edgewise. “I’m trying to answer, if you would let me—”

Amara had been standing in the doorway, watching the chaos from a distance after being yanked into the hallway by somebody on the staff. She ran back into the room with the hospital worker chasing after her. “Daddy why are you talking like that are you fooling around you’re fooling right come on Daddy tell the truth you are playing right you are pretending right Daddy?”

“No, sweetie, I’m not. I don’t—” I couldn’t even finish one sentence as the girls kept talking over me. The woman grabbed Amara with both hands and pulled her kicking and screaming from the room, her face flushed with anger as they rapidly sank backward toward the hallway. “Let go of my kid!” I tried to yell, but the command stalled in my throat and sputtered out like a whisper.

“Leavehimaloneleavehimalonenowstopit!”

“We’vegottotransporthimtothelabrightnow . . .”

“Wherearewemovinghimto?”

“Ma’amyouneedtocalmdownandtakeyourchildrenoutofhere—”

The room became a swirl of battered sentences strung together and overlapping. The doctors and nurses took the foreground, asking me questions, never waiting long enough for me to answer. For 
split seconds I could catch the movement behind them. Miranda was holding onto Amara now, dragging her from view. The hospital worker was bent over the crying face of Bella.

“Belladon’tworryyourfatherisgoingtobefinethesemenareheartohelphimit’sokayit’sokaydon’tbescaredcomeonlet’sgowithyourmomandsisterokay?”

“. . . thereisnosignofastrokewe’veplacedacalltoLangleyyesIunderstand . . .”

“. . . sealoffthisareafromvisitors . . .”

“. . . goingtoneedtotransporthim . . .”

Life turned sideways as they wheeled my gurney from the room and raced to the rooftop. Tears were building in my eyes again. I had to resign myself to quick glimpses of the world as I shut my lids and peeked from behind them when something caught my ear or moved me enough to rouse my curiosity.

By the time they got me into the medivac helicopter, I finally understood what Bruchmuller had injected me with. Those four syringes were the culmination of what these doctors had been researching. The world wasn’t speeding up; I was slowing down.

I had become the rat.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

W. Lawrence's Website / Twitter / Facebook  / Goodreads

W Lawrence was born in San Francisco, California, and moved two dozen times before settling in Pennsylvania with his extraordinarily patient wife and two precocious daughters. He wants a boy dog. He works in the world of corporate security as an investigator and professional interviewer/interrogator.

Lawrence is obsessed with 5K zombie runs, comes home empty-handed from hunting turkeys, and loves non-fiction books about pirates. He has no problem reconciling that his two favorite shows are Downton Abbey and The Walking Dead.

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Book Review: Skycastle, the Demon, and Me (Skycastle Series, #1) by Andy Mulberry

Skycastle, the Demon, and Me by Andy Mulberry is a short chapter book for children. It is marketed as a middle grade book, but I think some younger readers would enjoy it as well. Jack gets more than he bargained for when he orders a demon straight from the Underworld. Things go hilariously awry when the demon Brinkloven Crowley the Third, Brink for short, is not quite what Jack expected.

Skycastle, the Demon, and Me is an interesting book, and is the first in a series. Jack lives in a crumbling castle with his family, and they give tours to tourists. The leaking ceiling and dwindling cashflow have Jack a little worried, and when he finds an unusual note touting the Demon Delivery he gets some big ideas for how to make tours, and his time, in the castle more interesting. Jack gets more than he bargained for, and things get pretty interesting with a demon about, but not in any way Jack expects. I felt that Jack's character was relatable for readers, and while the action was not necessarily believable, I think there are many kids that would read and enjoy the story. I was not really thrilled with how unimportant the parents seem to be in the grand scheme of things, both in the action and in Jack's line of thinking. The ending was a little disappointing to me as well, partly because it was a cliff hanger ending to make sure readers continue the series.

Skycastle, the Demon, and Me is a quick read, and will be a fun read for many. I was not thrilled with it, but I think that is because I have read so many really great books for this age group that just alright books make me a little sad. This was a book that fell into that category for me.

Book Review: Conqueror's Kiss by Hannah Howell

Conqueror's Kiss by Hannah Howell is a historical romance. Jennet Graeme has witnessed terrible tragedy during the many years of strife between the Scots and the English. As Scottish invaders plunder her convent sanctuary, she defiantly resists the blond warrior who claims her as his prize. But his brute strength is overpowering and Jennet is forced to ride with him through the lawless lands, tending to the wounded, protected and desired by a man she wants to hate, but cannot. Sir Hacon Gillard is moved by Jennet's compassion and mercy. As a loyal knight, he's pledged fealty to his king's command, even as he loses his heart to this remarkable woman. Merciless in combat, with a leaning toward mercy, this knight faces more than one kind of danger.

Conqueror's Kiss is a romance with a lot going on, perhaps too much. Jennet has been living with war at her doorstep all her life, and seen more bloodshed and horror than anyone should. Hacon is a knight fighting for the Bruce under the command of a harsh lord. murder, pillaging, and rape are part of the daily like in war, and Hacon has taken part in some, but stepped back from from the less honorable part of it all. When he finds Jennet in a nunnery he takes her as plunder, and their journey together begins. The trouble is not only in their relationship, but also with the danger of the day, feuds, and the constant deadly battle. Add in an orphaned baby to care for, a fellow knight that wants Hacon dead, and constant travel and things are hard for our couple. Even when everything seems to come together, danger and compilations intercede more than once. Each of the issues would have made for an interesting and engaging story. However, I thought using all of them was a little much and I was getting impatient for the final resolution.

Conqueror's Kiss has the solid characters and high action and drama that I have come to expect from Howell. Everything was well written, there was just too much and it after awhile thought it was never going to end. I think this comes down to this being a book that Howell published in the early nineties and that amount of growth she has had as a writer since then.