Book Review: Babak the Beetle by Fred Paronuzzi, Andree Prigent

Babak the Beetle is a picture book written by Fred Paronuzzi and illustrated by Andree Prigent. It was originally published in France.  When Babak the little dung beetle finds an egg, he s determined to find the owner. But he soon finds that this mysterious egg does not belong to the ostrich, frog, or snake. What kind of egg is it?! 

Babak the Beetle is a well done and highly entertaining book. Babak is a good hearted beetle that finds an egg in his travels. Even though the egg is bigger than him, he rolls it from area to are asking every creature he runs across if the egg is theirs, and who it might belong to. When he finds the rightful home of the white, dimpled “egg” Babak is determined to care for it himself. Sweet and silly all wrapped up with a bit of nature information that animal lovers like my daughter would quickly absorb. 

Babak the Beetle is a charming picture book that is well drawn and is sure to bring on chuckles and big smiles as Babak looks for the owner of his oddly dimpled egg. 

Book Review: Jacked by Eric Kripke

Jacked by Eric Kripke is an adult graphic novel about Josh Jaffe, a man deep in his own mid-life crisis. Feeling like no one respects him, he takes the advise of his brother and tries out a pill that is supposed to help him be more focused and help him break out of a slump. However, while the pill certainly makes him feel healthier- it also gives him super strength and some crazy hallucinations and are highly addictive. This brutally honest story is from Eric Kripke (creator of the hit TV series Supernatural), Vertigo veterans John Higgins (HELLBLAZER), and Glenn Fabry (PREACHER) with a on the modern superhero in this new graphic novel thriller.

Jacked collects the entire current run of the story, issues one through six. It is a realistic look at life today, at least for some, and a different angle of becoming a superhero. I liked that the book was gritty and real. It showed the more depressing side of middle age, and how some people feel or cope. It also takes a look a society, and how looking for respect and trying to be better can lead down dangerous paths. There are graphic moments, and the trippy hallucinations were bright and bold. It came together very well and most adults will be able to relate to at least some of the emotions or situations that run through the story.

Jacked is a solid and well executed graphic novel. It was timely and realistic. However, while I liked it, I did not adore it.  

Book Review: Nightstruck by Jenna Black

Nightstruck by Jenna Black is a young to new adult novel. Becket, walking her dog one winter evening, fears it’s an abandoned baby left out in the cold. But it is something else—something evil—and it tricks Becket into opening a doorway to another realm, letting a darkness into our world, a corruption that begins transforming Philadelphia into a sinister and menacing version of itself, but only at night. The changes are subtle at first, causing Becket to doubt her senses and her sanity. But soon the nightmarish truth is impossible to deny: By day, the city is just a city, but at night it literally comes alive with malevolent purpose. Brick and steel become bone, streetlights turn into gallows, and hungry alleys wait to snare mortal victims. Terrified citizens huddle indoors after dusk, as others succumb to the siren song of the night, letting their darker sides run wild. Once, Becket’s biggest problems were living up to her police commissioner father’s high expectations and a secret crush on her best friend’s boyfriend. Now she must find a way to survive and protect her loved ones…before the darkness takes her as well.

Nightstruck is a solid opening to a new urban fantasy series from Black. Becket is an independent girl. Her parents are divorced, and her father is more than a little overprotective, but Becket still has a good deal of anonymity and a good head on her shoulders. When a strange night's adventure leads to much bigger problems in the town she needs to face up to her crush on her best friend's boyfriend, her friend's flaws, and her role in the destruction of her city. Her parent's divorce is nothing compare to the living nightmare she is now facing. There is a good deal of character and world building, but it is paced well and left me caring about Becket and more than her physical well being. My only complaint is how much was left unanswered at the end of the book. I hate waiting for such important details, and it was a little frustrating. Thankfully, most of the character crises were tied up, and left me satisfied enough that I did not throw my Kindle across the room.

Nightstruck is a reasonable fast paced novel that left me wanting more. There was a fairly satisfying conclusion, but also a huge cliffhanger that left me a little frustrated at the same time. Urban fantasy fans will enjoy the read, but I might wait until the second book in the series comes out so that you can find out what happens next right away. Although, who's to say book two will not end in a similar fashion? 

Book Review: The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green by Nicky Kyle

The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green by Nicky Kyle is a short but interesting story. The village of Styesville has a dragon problem, and is in sore need of a knight in shining armor to solve it for them. Instead, they get a strange traveler in a ragged cloak they barely even notice at first. Worse still, it soon becomes clear the problem setting fire to their village isn't as simple as a dragon.

The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is a new take on the idea of fearie godmothers and wishes coming true. I liked the twists, and the cloaked figure that leads the show. I did not like that readers do not get to see much, if any character development or growth. We are told how things happen, and some of why, but there is little emotional attachment or pressure felt as the story unfolds. I did like that sexuality was mentioned, but in a way that made it clear that in their world love is not held to gender stereotypes. I also like that the pressures of parents for their children is covered, but again since readers do not get into the hearts and minds of the characters much all of it seemed a little flat. I enjoyed the concept, and the plot, but sadly was not as invested in the fate of the characters as I might have been otherwise.

The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is a story that offers a nice twist, but does not do a whole lot of character development. The plot was good, but I felt like it could have been so much more. 

Book Review: Cross the Line (A Boston Love Story) by Julie Johnson

Cross the Line is the second book in the Boston Love Story series by Julie Johnson. Each story can stand up fine on its own as a contemporary romance, but together they re even better!

Phoebe West has been head-over-heels in love with her brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember. Despite several mortifying attempts at seduction and a decade’s worth of unrequited pining, nothing Phoebe does seems to make any impact on the man she’s obsessed over since her bra-stuffing days. She knows it’s time to let him go, though just the thought is nearly enough to shatter her. Nathaniel “Nate” Knox has only ever seen Phoebe as forbidden. There’s a darkness in Nate, the kind you can’t avoid after years working in special forces and private security. He’s no good for anyone — especially not someone as sweet as his best friend’s little sister. He knows he can’t have her. Not ever. Even if she makes him feel things he barely recognizes. When an unforeseeable series of events sends Phoebe stumbling headfirst into danger, there’s only one man who can protect her. Though, in his quest to save her life, he may just break her heart.

Cross the Line is a highly entertaining romance with multi-faceted characters and a level of danger and suspense that kept me at the edge of my seat. While there is less humor in this than in Not You It’s Me, which was the first in this series, there are still great characters and some moments that made me grin despite myself. Phoebe has always loved the dark and brooding Nate, who has always treated her like a bratty little sister, at least as far as she knows. They are thrown together again and the stakes are high all around. I like that they each go through their own internal struggles, and that they do have some seriously great friends to help and hinder them in turn. I really liked the give and take, and the volatile relationship between Nate and Phoebe. It is not my favorite of the three books I have read from the author, but not every book speaks to the same people the same way. I still found it to be a great read, but not as phenomenal as the others. Of course, I am still hooked on the author and as soon as I catch up on my NetGalley reading I expect to find myself buying more of her books and continuing reading her works.

Cross the Line is another entertain contemporary romance from Johnson that has kept me turning pages well past my bedtime. Complex characters, big drama, humor, and suspense come together to make the book go by just a little too quickly. 

Early Book Review: Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman, Andy Elkerton

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library is a picturebook written by Julie Gassman and illustrated by Andy Elkerton. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2016. Have you ever thought about bringing your dragon to the library? Don't do it! You might have the best intentions, but that dragon will cause nothing but trouble. This picturebook details what might go wrong with bring a dragon to the library, and thankfully offers a practical solution.

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library is a cute book that uses the idea of bringing a pet dragon with you to the library as a tool to help teach what is, and is not, acceptable behavior in the library. The rhyming text and fun illustrations make the read enjoyable, and keeps the lesson portion of the story organic rather than feeling forced. I really enjoyed some of the sillier situations, and the related illustrations. The proposed solution encourages checking out, reading, and sharing library materials- which is always a good thing. I think this would be a good storytime book, both for families and classrooms or library storytimes, particularly prior to a library trip or top start of a library program.

Book Review: One Good Reason by Julie Johnson

One Good Reason by Julie Johnson is the third book in the Boston Love series. It stood well on its own, since I did not read the previous books. There was enough information about the reoccurring characters to catch me up quickly, but I liked the characters enough that I want to backtrack and read them all.

After a childhood spent begging for scraps on Boston street corners Zoe Bloom has clawed her way to a successful career and has a safe place to call home. She knows exactly what she needs to survive, friends and family are a luxury she can’t afford.  She can barely juggle her own problems; she certainly doesn’t have time to handle anyone else’s crap. Parker West has always avoided responsibility, but when a crisis forces him to return to Boston, he has no choice but to stop chasing adventures, at least for now. As soon as things are back in order, he fully intends to sail off into the sunset, at least until he crosses paths with Zoe. For the first time in his life, Parker doesn’t want to run. In fact, when it comes to Zoe… he may want to do something he’s never done before.

One Good Reason is a well paced contemporary romance with a side order of suspense. Zoe is a survivor and the only person she really trusts is the guy that has been by her side- her brother in everything but blood. She considers herself a loner and not exactly a nice person, but she has a marshmallow center that she just will not admit to. Parker is certainly a spoiled rich boy, but he loves his family and has a good heart under all the money and good looks. I found the balance between the characters, and the way they both came to own their failings (eventually) was very well done and kept me eager to see what happened next. A fun and entertaining read with some significantly steamy moments. I think the action was well paced and kept me guessing, but it was really the characters that kept me so interested.

One Good Reason is a wonderful contemporary romance with a nice dose of intrigue. I liked the characters, including the secondary characters, and felt that this was just about perfect for the genre. I greatly enjoyed the read and have already downloaded the first book in the series, because of how much I like the characters.

 

Book Review: The Fantasy Artroom by Arron Pocock

The Fantasy Artroom by Arron Pocock is a book that will help you brush up on your skills and add new tricks and techniques to your repertoire. Sketching, line art, watercolors, mixed media, composition, rendering methods ― The Fantasy Artroom is your all-in-one traveling companion into the world of fantasy art. These step-by-step demonstrations offer easy-to-follow methods for drawing trees and landscapes; forming dwarves, witches, mermaids, centaurs, and other characters; and putting them all together into enchanting compositions. Introduce a new dimension to your drawing, line art, and watercolor images with this richly illustrated guide and its helpful exercises, tips, and suggestions.

The Fantasy Artroom is a nice blend of explaining the whys and hows of fantasy art. Arron Pocock explains their techniques and preferences in the genre. I like the way the process is discussed, including technical skill, intent, and inspiration. I find that all three are important in all art forms, and there is no exception here.  Everything was covered thoroughly and there was plenty of encouragement along with the discussion of skill and practice. I think inspiring artists could benefit from this material.

The Fantasy Artroom was a well organized, beautiful, and instructional book. readers that are interested in expanding their art skill, particularly in dealing with fantasy worlds and creatures, will find much of interest here. 

Early Book Review: The Great Leopard Rescue; Saving the Amur Leopards by Sandra Markle

The Great Leopard Rescue; Saving the Amur Leopards by Sandra Markle is a children’s non fiction book that is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2016. Amur leopards are the rarest big cats in the world. But thanks to scientists' new, innovative efforts to study them and breed a reserve population, these majestic cats have a chance to come back.

The Great Leopard Rescue is a visually appealing and well organized book that describes one endangered species of leopard, why it is in trouble, and what is being done to help preserve it. As usual, Markle has gathered a great deal of information and stunning pictures and told readers of all ages a very important story. I like the wording and combination of images, facts, and antidotes to bring the Amur Leopards to life. I will admit, I knew little to nothing about this particular species, and found myself fascinated with these beautiful creatures. My daughter is obsessed with animals, and I think this series of books about saving endangered is so well organized and worded that I will have a hard time convincing her to put the book down, and to save running off into the wild to save these leopards until she is a little older (she just turned 8).   

The Great Leopard Rescue is another comprehensive and well written non fiction book for children from Markle. I think this book (and the continuing series) is a must have for public and school libraries. 

Early Book Review: A Grave Prediction by Victoria Laurie

A Grave Prediction by Victoria Laurie is the fourteenth book in the Psychic Eye Mystery series. The latest installment is scheduled for release on July 26 2016. I have read several books in this series, but have not come close to reading them all. I think readers that have at least read a few will catch up quickly with the main character and her little group of secondary characters, however even newcomers will be able to enjoy the read.

Professional psychics learn to deal with skeptics, but Abby has to prepare herself for one steep uphill battle when she’s sent to San Diego to help train FBI officers to use their intuition. Her first challenge: a series of bank robberies in which the thieves made off with loads of cash but left no clues. Abby’s sixth sense leads her team to a tract of land recently cleared for development. But instead of finding clues to the cash, Abby gets a vision of four buried bodies. A site search turns up some bones and pottery from an American Indian tribe, but that’s still enough to delay construction for years. With a furious developer and dubious FBI agents on her back, Abby is losing credibility fast. But unlike the best laid plans, Abby’s talent rarely leads her astray. And if the bodies aren’t there yet, that means that four deaths can still be stopped. She’ll just have to dig a little deeper. 

A Grave Prediction offers what I expect from Laurie, complex characters, a solid mystery, and some humor tossed in for fun. The fact that Abby faces new challenges with the same lack of enthusiasm that most of us might, she also does what she has to do and does her best. Despite the psychic powers and intuition she wields, she is still relatable and a sympathetic character. I like that Abby and her best friend really work together well and that Abby plays to her strengths. And while the title of the book does offer a pretty big hint as to what happens here, I like that Abby is still getting some surprises and changes to her powers as the story continues on. The dual mystery was well woven, and while I might have guessed the culprit of the bank robberies fairly early on, the murder mystery and how that was resolved was very nicely done and left me very satisfied.

A Grave Prediction is a fast and fun read. Fans of Laurie’s series will enjoy this addition.