Book Review: Starry Skies: Learn about the Constellations Above Us by Samantha Chagollan, Nila Aye

Starry Skies: Learn about the Constellations Above Us is a nonfiction picturebook written by Samantha Chagollan and illustrated by Nila Aye. Every night, the sky is filled with stars that tell a thousand tales. Brave warriors, regal queens, fierce beasts -- they all parade across the starry skies each night. 

Starry Skies is a very simple picturebook that show and names a series of well known constellations in a fun way. I like the way they frame the constellation in make believe play that young readers can connect with and enjoy. The artwork is adorable, and does a good job of outlining the vision of the constellation along with the stars and the framing stories. I also like that at the end a few of the constellations are shown in groups depending on if they appear in the spring or autumn sky and that its mentioned that which stars you see depend on where you live and the season. I though that there could have been a mention of which you are likely to see together, or maybe where to spot the most common depending on hemisphere. However, this is a basic introduction that just might inspire young readers to go out with their families and do some star gazing of their own. 

With brilliant illustrations by Nila Aye, you will see the shapes of each constellation, and imagine what they might look like when you look up into the dark sky above. This introduction to astronomy is all you need to start learning about stars, so get ready, star hunters, and look to the skies!

Book Review: Defending Allye (Mountain Mercenaries) by Susan Stoker

Defending Allye is the first book in the Mountain Mercenaries series by Susan Stoker. It is related to the Ace Security series, but it does stand up fine on its own or as a continuation of the previous series. 

Ever since his rescue op off the Pacific Coast, Mountain Mercenary Gray Rogers hasn’t been able to forget his latest “job”—Allye Martin. Any other woman would have panicked during a rescue, but the wily dancer kept her cool—even after being kidnapped by an elusive human trafficker. And Gray couldn’t be happier when a grateful Allye follows him home to Colorado Springs. For Allye, finding sanctuary in the arms—and bed—of the former Navy SEAL is only temporary. People are disappearing off the streets of San Francisco, victims of the same underground trade that targeted her, and Allye could be the key to dismantling the entire operation. She’s willing to do anything to bring them down. Gray isn’t—for good reason. But you don’t say no to a tough girl like Allye who refuses to play it safe. Now Gray is risking more than ever before. The Mountain Mercenaries have his back. But is it enough to keep the woman he loves out of harm’s way?

Defending Allye is a quick, exciting read that starts right in the thick of the action. Gray is still dealing with his past and the emotion issues that come with it, and Allye has her own emotional baggage. Dealing with the danger of a human trafficking ring, and the fact that the man in charge of that ring wants Allye for himself keeps the characters and readers on edge for the majority of the story.  The unwrapping of emotional baggage and dealing with the emotional ties between Gray and Allye is well done, and I liked the secondary characters and how they had important parts to play in the character's development. I will admit that I spent a good amount of the book waiting for the other shoe to drop, sometimes it felt too long or that it might not ever come, but when it did it was very well executed and had a few surprises for me. 

Defending Allye is exactly what I was expecting from Stoker, strong minded characters facing emotional barriers as well as outside dangers. The style is starting to feel a little tired to me, but I think that is more because of me binge reading recently rather than any fault with the book. Fans of Stoker will happily read this, and the books that follow in the new series.

Early Book Review: The Divided Earth (The Nameless City) by Faith Eric Hicks

The Divided Earth is the third (and final) book in The Nameless City series by Faith Eric Hicks. It is currently schedule for release on September 25 2018. The book begins where the second book in the trilogy, The Stone Heart, left off. Readers do need to read this series in order to understand and enjoy the story fully.

Kai and Rat might need to sacrifice everything for peace. The city is under new rule, and if they cannot stop the tragic events that are in motion the cycle of war, death, and violence will continue. The added challenge of treachery inside the palace and an army quickly approaching the outer walls raise the stakes and the likely-hood of everything ending badly. 

The Divided Earth is a solid graphic novel, and a good conclusion to a trilogy. As always, her art work is stunning and adds a great deal to the story and character development. I simply love the style and coloring. In the story itself, I liked the efforts that Kai, his parents, Rat, and many of the characters went through to do what they thought best for the greater good, and the city specifically. Like in real life, people's ideas of what is best, what is right, and what should happen is always varied and sometimes quite different. I like the development and tension built around what would happen with the city, and our major players, come the final conflict. It was very well done, but I felt like I could have gotten to know a few of the secondary characters a little more (like Kai's mother) but got more that I expected with the return of some younger characters from the earlier books. I enjoyed the adventure and he danger, I think the political and military posturing was very well build and explored.  I was fully engaged with the read, and kind of want an epilogue to see what might happen well after this story ended, what does the future hold in the long term for Kai and Rat, does peace last, and where do Kai's parents end up. The conclusion tied up all the necessary loose ends, but I was invested enough to still be curious. 

The Divided Earth is  a solid conclusion to the trilogy. although I will admit to wanting to see what might happen in the Nameless City in the years to come. I was satisfied, but still want more.

Book Review: Firestorm by Caitlin Ricci

Firestorm by Caitlin Ricci is an urban fantasy romance. For thousands of years the Elementals have chosen people to be their vessels as they help control the natural world and protect the people in it. Dante, Elijah, Stephen, and Christian are the latest generation of vessels. Stephen and Christian are destined to be together as Wind and Earth; Dante and Elijah as Water and Fire. Then Elijah dies abruptly, tearing Dante apart. Fire is reborn in Nicholai, and destined to be Dante's new mate—but Dante doesn't want someone new, and Nicholai is far too young to understand his new role and all his future will hold. As the years pass and Nicholai grows, Dante's constant refusals harden Nicholai against their bond, straining the relationship between all the vessels. But if they're going to protect the world and ensure a future—for themselves and everyone else—they'll have to find a way to get beyond their pasts and let old wounds heal.

Firestorm is labeled romance, and while it is about two people slowly, ever so slowly finding their way to each other. I had read one novella from the author in the past, and that had my thinking I would find something with similarly deep characters and romance. To be honest, I felt like this story fell into the trap of telling rather than showing and of having a character that I just could not like. Dante lost his partner- in work and love- and when the Elemental his partner housed is reborn in a new baby he shut down. I get grief, and I get not looking for a relationship with someone so much younger, but he was just a jerk. He could not even be nice to a kid tossed into a role he had no choice in. Nicholai is seems like a good kid- but as he grows the only thing I feel like I knew about him is his horrible childhood and suicidal tendencies. I just never connected or was able to care about either one of them, I cared more about the secondary characters- and frankly I did not think about them much at all. 

Firestorm is a book that disappointment me. I had high hopes for and was left with those hopes dashed and wondering just what I had read. I will try another book from the author, at some point, but I will not be rushing at this point. 

Book Review: Want to Know. The Bicycle by Lucas Arnoldussen & Marc Janssen

Want to Know. The Bicycle by Lucas Arnoldussen & Marc Janssen is a children's non fiction book that is really fit for all ages. Do you want to know all about the bicycle? What did the first bike look like? How many kinds of bikes are there? How can you chose the best bike for you? What kinds of cycling sports are there? Who are the most famous racing cyclists? Beyond the basic information about bicycles and those that ride them are rhymes, repair information, a mini quiz, a fold out page and more.

Want to Know. The Bicycle is an interesting and informative picturebook. While aimed at young readers, and worded so that everyone can understand the text, I found that I learned a few things as well. The illustrations and information are paired well, and I think it will capture and hold the interest of a wide range of readers. The fold out page of the bike shop was interesting, and I liked the information on the variety of bikes and some of the most famous bike riders- even the less than positive things about them. I think this is an all around well done non fiction picturebook that will appeal and capture the imagination and interest of a wide range of readers. 

Book Review: To Have and to Harley (Bikers & Brides) by Regina Cole

To Have and to Harley is the first book in the Bikers & Brides series by Regina Cole. Bethany Jernigan owes her bestie. So when wedding planning overburdens the bride-to-be, Bethany steps in to handle the nitty-gritty. But the guy in charge isn't anything like she imagined. He's gruff, tattooed, and 100% male. His staff is even rougher around the edges, and it's not long before she feels as if she's stepped into some kind of crazy alternate reality. Trey Harding never wanted this to get so out of hand. One little lie somehow snowballed into a world of dresses and flowers and food and holy-hell-he's-in-over-his-head. But it's not like he can confess he's not the wedding planner he's pretending to be--especially now that he's falling for the maid of honor and his long lost mother is also the mother of the bride! His charade is becoming a farce, and as engines rev and ribbons fly, Trey's running out of time to figure out how to tell the truth without losing his new family, his crew or the woman of his dreams.

To Have and to Harley is so much more than the blurb led me to believe. Trey looks like a hard man, because life has made him that way. Found as an infant in a gas station bathroom and moving through the foster care system has left him with physical and emotional scars. He has formed his own family, a group that works to keep drugs of the street, and protecting others in less than law abiding ways. Suddenly he discovers his mother has been searching for him, and in an effort to make a good impression he claims to be a wedding planner rather than a motorcycle gang leader. I love his balance of sweet guys and burly exterior- but I have to admit that every biker I have ever know was also a teddy bear no matter how big or scary he might appear- so that seemed par for the course. Bethany has not had an easy life either, and I liked the slow forming friendship and burn between our wounded characters. I like that Bethany is strong and sweet, she also has a vulnerability and determination dichotomy that just made me love her right away and cheer her on. I also enjoyed how she stood up for herself and those she cares for, even when she gives in to the attraction and budding relationship with Trey- she puts her loved ones first. I do think that she was a little naive on more than one occasion but I found the ride firmly enjoyable. 

To Have and to Harley is a fast, fun, and heart warming romance. I liked the balance of sweet and surly and am looking forward to reading more from this series and author in the future.

Book Review: Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids by John Miller, Chris Fornell Scott

In Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids readers will find  forty eight projects that can help make learning science, technology, engineering, and math more fun or exciting. There are six Quests, each with four unique Labs that pair a hands-on activity with an in-game project. Readers start with the basics of terminology and gameplay, and how to keep track of their activities. Information from five Minecraft experts share the challenges and experiences, and how the game has helped with their overall success. Some of the real world activities include making glow in the dark slime, the classic volcano, pipe cleaner snowflakes, electromagnets, and more. In game challenges include carving a crystal ice castle, making and using a teleporter, building a dam, and building labs and field stations. 

Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids is a well organized and accessable book for young scientists. The six quests include; Pistons, Rails and Redstone, Construction Zone, The Sky is Not Your Limit, Rocks, Minerals and Gems, Cycles in Science, and Engineering Challenge. In the beginning of the book there is information for parents and teachers to help them engage young readers with the activities, understand why this book might help them interest and motivate their readers, understand the basics of the game and tools that will be mentioned and used through out the book, and information about the people involved in making the book. I highly suggest that both adults and the young readers at least browse this section, because the Minecraft tools and the Sketchnoting might be new or more complicated than either have fully explored in the past.  At the end of the book there is also a helpful glossary, connections between the projects in the book and classroom standards, resources for further research and exploration, and information about the authors. 

I really enjoy the fact that this book is not just for the kids, it is about tackling projects as a family or team. The directions are well done and understandable, and the photographs and screenshots were used well and labeled in a way that worked to enhance the instructions. I liked the secondary challenges and tidbits of information that were included in blocks within each challenge, as well as the notes of other things you can try or interesting things you can find online that relate to the projects at hand. While the missions and focus might not be a perfect fit for everyone, I think there is a large potental for finding the perfect (enthusiastic) audience for this book. 

Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids is a great resource for getting our minecraft fans more interested in real world science, and our more hands on readers to delve into coding and computers. I think this is the best of both, getting any young scientist with even the vaguest notion of Minecraft to try some new experiments and activities. I am going to have to get my own paper copy for my soon to be middle-schooler and I to tackle over summer vacation. 

Book Review: Dictionary of Gypsy Mythology: Charms, Rites, and Magical Traditions of the Roma by Claude Lecouteux, Jon E. Graham

Dictionary of Gypsy Mythology: Charms, Rites, and Magical Traditions of the Roma was written by Claude Lecouteux, and translated into English by Jon E. Graham. It is a dictionary style guide to the oral tradition of the Rom. This includes some of their folktales, rites, songs, nursery rhymes, jokes, and magical traditions. His main source is material collected by Heinrich Adalbert von Wlislocki (1856-1907), an ethnologist who lived with gypsies in Romania, Transylvania, and Hungary in the latter half of the 19th century. He presents the origin myths of the gypsies, legends which form the ancestral memory of the gypsy tribes and often closely touch on their daily life. Rare illustrations and information from obscure sources appearing for the first time in English, this detailed reference work represents an excellent resource for scholars and those seeking to reconnect to their forgotten gypsy heritage.
Dictionary of Gypsy Mythology: Charms, Rites, and Magical Traditions of the Roma is a good, well organized resource with dictionary style entries. I like how thorough and well researched the information is, and I love learning about different cultures. I have read so much fiction that touches on the culture, but I am never sure just how accurate it is. Having something this well organized would help me look up certain topics or names to see if it is being used correctly. This is not a book to casually read and get full stories and a larger picture of the traditions. This is a book to study or use as a reference when doing research or writing to make sure we use our mentions and terminology correctly.  For this, the book is a valuable tool. There are some stories toward the end of the book, but I am greedy and would like more. I am hoping to do more of my own study in the traditions and legends, because I find understanding other people to be important and fascinating- and it frankly makes us better people when we understand things from another point of view. I did not get a whole lot of that, but I did glean some interesting and important information that will help me along as I continue looking for more. 

If you have read a wonderful book on legends or mythology of any culture (for children or adults) please let me know. I love the expand my understanding and horizons! 

Book Review: Rusty the Squeaky Robot by Neil Clark

Rusty the Squeaky Robot is a picturebook written and illustrated by Neil Clark. Rusty is a friendly robot, but he’s feeling down about the way that he sounds. The other robots on Planet Robotone – show Rusty that being a little bit different is the best way to be, and together make a  song and dance together that celebrates their differences.

Rusty the Squeaky Robot has bright and bold illustrations. The story is all about being yourself and friendship. Rusty does not like that he is different, however he quickly discovers that everyone is different and when we accept each other, and work together, those differences make things beautiful and a lot more fun. I think children are much better at this that adults, and will quickly understand the lesson and enjoy finding ways to pool talents and differences in their own classrooms, families, or other groups. I like that the story is fun, and while the lesson is clear it does not feel like it is being spoon fed or forced on the reader, which always bothers me. I enjoy the fact that stories like this can help encourage empathy, acceptance, and further discussion. 

Book Review: Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Susie Tate

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Susie Tate is a contemporary romance. Jamie is proud of everything he’s achieved. A consultant anesthetist and the Medical Education Director – he’s a pretty big deal. So when one of his medical students falls asleep, right in the middle of a tutorial, he is furious. For Libby, pride is a luxury and beauty is currency. Pregnant at seventeen and an aspiring doctor, she couldn’t afford to be proud, so she cashed in on her looks instead. She will beg, borrow or steal to achieve her dreams and give her daughter the life she deserves, even if she has to forgo sleep – even if she has to leave her dignity behind. The last thing she needs is to have riled the gorgeous, judgmental Head of Medical Education. But there’s only so far you can push yourself, only so much pressure you can be under until you break. Libby’s been on that cliff edge for a while; her health may just tip her over. A kick in the shin from a four-year-old girl and a confrontation with her tearful, exhausted mother soon forces Jamie to see what a bastard he’s been. Libby may not accept his help, but he’s relentless when he wants something, and it’s not long before he realizes that this mother and daughter belong with him. So when a stag night he’s on ends up in the best strip club in England and he sees who the main attraction is, his reaction is explosive. Despite everything, Libby finds she still has some pride left. This man has made her feel small twice now. He won’t be getting a third shot. No matter how gorgeous he is, no matter how persistent.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a romance with many good points, and only one negative. I love that they take place in England and I learned a little more British slang. I love that the characters (for the most part) face real world troubles and struggles. I did not love that Jamie so so completely alpha, judgmental male. Libby has faced huge hurdles and is working hard to give her daughter everything, and to make her parents proud after the mistakes she has made. She is working it out, and while clearly overdoing it, but determined to be self sufficient. I loved her determination and sweet personality. I thought her character, and her daughter were fantastic. Her friends and the connections she made with her coworkers. I was not thrilled with Jamie steamrolling his way over Libby's objections and manipulating her, her daughter, and her friends to get his way. He was continuously controlling and judgmental- even when he was aware of how horrible he was being, he continued on. I did love the story, and I fell completely in love with the community that surrounded Libby and Jamie, and when Jamie was behaving I loved the book, and when he was misbehaving I wanted to smack or kick him. However, I think that visceral reaction party shows how real Tate made the characters for me. I just loved the story.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal started off a little weak for me, but it quickly surprised me and left me wanting more. I admit that as soon as I finished this book I quickly downloaded the rest of the authors book from Amazon and have been happily binge reading. Good thing I schedule this reviews a month or so ahead so I have some wiggle room as I loose myself in these romances.