Book Review: The Turn by Kim Harrison

The Turn by Kim Harrison is the prequel to her well known Hollows series. A bonus for long time fans of Harrison's work, and a wonderful starting point for those that have been nervous about starting such a large series.

Can science save us when all else fails? Trisk and her hated rival, Kalamack, have the same goal, save their species from extinction. Death comes in the guise of hope when a genetically modified tomato created to feed the world combines with the government's new tactical virus, giving it an unexpected host and a mode of transport. Plague takes the world, giving the paranormal species an uncomfortable choice to stay hidden and allow humanity to die, or to show themselves in a bid to save them. Under accusations of scientific misconduct, Trisk and Kal flee across a plague torn United States to convince leaders of the major paranormal species to save their supposedly weaker kin, but not everyone thinks humanity should be saved. Kal surreptitiously works against her as Trisk fights the prejudices of two societies to prove that not only does humanity have something to offer, but that long-accepted beliefs against women, dark magic, and humanity itself can turn to understanding; that when people are at their worst that the best show their true strength, and that love can hold the world together as a new balance is found. 

 

The Turn is a fantastic look at how the world readers of the Hollows series love came to be. I really enjoyed getting to know Trisk and getting an understanding of her relationships with Kal, Quen, Daniel, and others as she works hard to maker a name for herself and do some good. I  thought the pacing, world building, and character building were very well done, and reminded me why I fell in love with Harrison's writing style when I first started reading her work. Trisk is strong and independent- but far from perfect. She has her flaws, as do all the characters. I like that even though she is our narrator, her thoughts and actions still sometimes surprised me and proved herself to be more complex a character than I thought. Even Kal, who is a pretty horrible guy, has more layers and complexity than I expected. Even though I knew he was a rat I still occasionally had hope that the moments of his better nature would overwhelm the rest. I was continually at the edge of my seat wondering what they would do next, and what twists and turns each would trigger next. 

Fans reading this will enjoy seeing familiar faces, and  learning how some of the connections came about. I thought that the balance of characters and situations that were hints and little thrills for fans, and how well the book explains the world and introduces the characters for newcomers was as close to perfect as I have seen, and I enjoyed every minute of the read. This read has me eager to go back andre read the series, and make sure I did not miss any installments. 

The Turn is a book I wish I had gotten around to much earlier. I loved revisiting the Hollows and getting a better understanding of how it all started. Fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this read.

Book Review: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are by Julia Kregenow

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are by Julia Kregenow in a nonfiction picturebook. Do you know why stars twinkle? It’s time to find out! The text is written to match the classic melody of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” by an expert in astrophysics. This book is an introduction to the real science behind the magic of stars. Discover how stars are created, what they’re made of, and even what makes them look like they’re twinkling. 

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are is an accurate and factual rhyme to teach readers of all ages the truth and science surrounding stars. I think the rhyme are well done, and interesting. However, I have to admit that as an adult I lost focus partway through the second verse. I love the idea of teaching science in our bedtime reading, but thought that this was a little much. I know there are kids and parents out there that will love this book, and will have as a repeat read. I just found it to go on too long, the details about fusing atoms, atmospheric turbulence, and more was beyond what I would find myself singing.

Book Review: The Waking Land by Callie Bates

The Waking Land by Callie Bates is the first book in a series by the same name. Lady Elanna Valtai is fiercely devoted to the King who raised her like a daughter. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Elanna is accused of his murder and must flee for her life. Returning to the homeland of magical legends she has forsaken, Elanna is forced to reckon with her despised, estranged father, branded a traitor long ago. Feeling a strange, deep connection to the natural world, she also must face the truth about the forces she has always denied or disdained as superstition powers that suddenly stir within her. But an all-too-human threat is drawing near, determined to exact vengeance. Now Elanna has no choice but to lead a rebellion against the kingdom to which she once gave her allegiance. Trapped between divided loyalties, she must summon the courage to confront a destiny that could tear her apart. 

The Waking Land is a well built fantasy story with world and character development paced just about perfectly. Elanna is still a little niave- even after being kidnapped and raised in a corrupt court. She is a flawed character, but doing her best in the positions she finds herself in. My only issue with her was that she tended to be reactive rather than making her own choices. There are instances where that changes, but for the most par she is forced into action, which bothered me and made her a weaker lead in my eyes. I did think that the magic and political conflicts were very well handled, and twisted and complicated enough to keep interest, but not so complicated that I could not keep it all straight. I highly enjoyed the efforts of the secondary characters, and in some cases found them to be more interesting and strong willed than Elanna and her love interest. I think the romance was unnecessary- and I would have enjoyed more time with Rhia, Sophie, and Victorie- the secondary characters that really stole the show for me. I wanted to love the story, but bits of it just felt off or made me uncomfortable (like marrying the land) and Elanna's personality. The premise had real promise, and there is much that I can see in the author's voice that I like, but this book left me a little disappointed.

The Waking Land is an okay fantasy following the 'chosen one' trope. I think there is a market for it, but readers looking for something on par with Tamara Pierce will be left wanting. However, I see promise in the author's voice and will be willing to pick up a different series from Bates once this one is finished.

Book Review: Death Eaters: Meet Nature's Scavengers by Kelly Milner Halls

Death Eaters: Meet Nature's Scavengers by Kelly Milner Halls is a middle grade nonfiction book that gives an in depth look at decomposition. Many animals eat the dead. In fact, these creatures make up Earth’s most important cleanup crew. As a vital part of nature’s circle of life, scavengers feed on the bodies of the dead to keep our planet free from death’s debris. These death eaters come in all sizes—from tiny flies to massive bears and sharks! Meet more creatures who live by eating the dead in this up-close look at nature’s death eaters.

Death Eaters: Meet Nature's Scavengers might not be the most cheerful read, but the subject matter is fascinating, important, and hopeful in its own way. I thought I had a good grasp of that happens in decomposition, and what animals were hunters or scavengers. I was mostly right, but learned a few things that really surprised me about what certain insects and animals will eat. I found the book to be well written and organized, it is interesting and gives a matter of fact look at the way nature finds a purpose for everything. While death might be an end, it is also a source of life for other creatures, which carries some hope and light in its own way. The read was fascinating, and I look forward to following up on some of the sources cited and suggestions for further reading. 

Book Review: Read and Gone (Haunted Library Mysteries) by Allison Brook

Read and Gone is the second book in the Haunted Library Mysteries series by Allison Brook. I do recommend reading the series in order, to get the backstory of the characters and set up, but I think newcomers could catch on fairly quickly.

A devoted dad is as precious as diamonds, but Carrie Singleton wouldn't know since her dad Jim's been on the lam most of her life. In an unusual family reunion, she finds Jim breaking into her cottage in the middle of the night. The fun really starts when he begs her to help him recover his half of a seven-million-dollar gem heist he pulled off with the local jeweler, Benton Parr. When she refuses, Jim takes off again. Carrie finds her father again behind bars for the recent murder of Benton Parr. Who made the connection? Unbeknownst to her, Carrie's boyfriend Dylan, an insurance investigator, has been searching for the gems. Determined to find the jewels herself, she starts examining every facet of Parr's life. She turns up a treasure trove of suspects, one of whom bashes her on the head as she's searching the victim's country cabin. Retreating to the quiet confines of the library where she works, Carrie watches as Smokey Joe, the resident cat, paws at a hole in the wall. Is he after the library's ghost Evelyn, or something shinier?

Read and Gone is a solid continuation to this series. I enjoyed that Carrie and the secondary characters continue to grow, and that I am still learning new things about them even though they feel like old friends. The addition of her father and the mystery and murder that follow in his wake was well done. I found the mystery to be multi layered and well handled, and even with the amount of suspects and twists I never felt like there was so much going on that I could not keep track of it all. I will admit that I had my suspicions about who might be involved in the big reveal, and I was mostly right. However, I really enjoyed the journey to get to those answers. While I enjoyed Jim, Carrie's dad, and his role in the action and felt that the emotional rollercoaster Carrie was dealing with were well written, I have to admit that I got frustrated with her on occasion. She seems a little quick to cut people out, and them gets upset when they take her at her word. However, as annoyed as I was I felt both sides were completely realistic and in character for them. It felt like giving advice to a friend who then ignores your coaching and does something completely different, normal but still bothersome. 

Read and Gone is an engaging read with plenty of twists and turns to keep mystery readers happy and enough character development and emotion to keep everyone turning those pages.

Book Review: The Great Rhino Rescue: Saving the Southern White Rhinos by Sandra Markle

The Great Rhino Rescue: Saving the Southern White Rhinos by Sandra Markle is a children's non fiction book. Southern white rhinos need to be rescued, again. In the late 1800s, these rhinos were believed to be extinct. Fortunately, a few were discovered and African governments stepped in to protect them. But now these rhinos are in danger from something else: the demand for their horns. In 2008 a rumor began spreading that rhino horn can cure cancer, and poachers began targeting these incredible animals for their horns. This book explores how African governments, local communities, and volunteer organizations are working together to save the Southern white rhinos once again.

The Great Rhino Rescue: Saving the Southern White Rhinos is an important book, not just because it shows the dangers white rhinos have, and are currently facing- and how people are trying to help. It also shows how delicate the balance of nature is, and how quickly a change in people's beliefs and behavior can impact the world. THe story of the White Rhino is sad, with moments of hope dashed by the greed and beliefs of humans. However, the number of people working to counteract the damage people are causing, and the danger they pose, leaves me hopeful. Like with so much of the world landscape now, it is in the efforts of people trying to do the right thing and make things better that just might save us all. As always, Markle offers readers hope for the future and some valuable information in the end pages, including sources for further reading and research.

The Great Rhino Rescue: Saving the Southern White Rhinos is another well researched and written book about endangered animals, and how people are trying to help. I highly recommend exploring Markle's animal non fiction and adding this book to the collection. 

Book Review: My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih by Monique Gray Smith, Julie Flett

My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih, is a lovely board book written by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Julie Flett. What fills your heart with happiness?The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. This book offers all readers a reminder  to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy. Monique Gray Smith wrote My Heart Fills with Happiness to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy. 

My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih is a sweet book with fabulous intentions. I like seeing the dual languages, and the clear and open questions about what might make readers happy. I think seeing how many simple things can make everyone happy can help readers of all ages stop to enjoy the simple things a little more, but all see how much alike we are underneath it all. Language, heritage, faith, and ability might make us all different but we can all find happiness in sunshine, fresh baked treats, and the people we love. Two ideas that are important, sweet, and well done with the simple text and lovely illustrations. 

Book Review: Sloth at the Zoom by Helaine Becker, Orbie

Sloth at the Zoom is a picturebook written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Orbie.  One day, a sloth accidentally gets delivered to the Zoom! She was supposed to be dropped off at the Zzzzzoo, a much more laid-back, slow-paced place. She had been looking forward to long, languorous naps while the sun gently warmed her belly. But at the Zoom, the zebras gallop so fast they leave their stripes in puddles. The monkeys climb so fast they forget to stop at the treetops. And the parrots fly so fast their tails draw rainbows across the sky. When the sloth tries to make friends, nobody has any time--until the sloth meets a creature who's a little more her speed, and everyone stops to notice. 

Sloth at the Zoom is a fun picturebook about slowing down. No one at the Zoom is willing to slow down to make friends with the sloth. Her slow pace seems silly to the busy animals zooming around. I like that the sloth never gives up, but keeps trying to convince others to slow down and take tea with her, or simply to take a moment and chat. It is only when the sloth ad a snail connect, and take some time to enjoy each other's company that anyone else seems to notice. However, once they stop and join in the quiet moment they all seem to relax and enjoy it. I like that the story shows very different creatures slowing down to enjoy some time together, and that they can all use some down time. The illustrations are great, capturing the speed of the fast animals as well as the humor used to exaggerate that speed.

Sloth at the Zoom was fun and cute, and I am a sucker for a sloth. It was good, and I enjoyed it, but it did not wow me. I think something about the ending fell flat for me, but I cannot put my finger on what I wanted to be different. 

Book Review: The Undercover Duke (1797 Club) by Jess Michaels

The Undercover Duke is the sixth book in the 1797 Club series by Jess Michaels. I have not read all of the books in this series, and have found that there is some connections with characters to make reading as a series rewarding- but each can stand up well on its own.

Lucas Vincent may be the Duke of Willowby but he’s never acted as such. He’s been too busy working for the War Department as a spy. But years of dangerous work has finally caught up to him and he was involved in a violent attack that nearly killed him. Forced home, his angry, aggressive desire to get back in the field and find out to who betrayed him is keeping him from healing. Diana Oakford was raised by a physician who served the King’s War Department and she knows better than most the dangers that job entails. She was also trained in healing, so when she’s asked to come and assist with Lucas’s recovery she has a hard time refusing. Once they’re alone together an unexpected connection begins to grow between these two people who have fought their emotions all their lives and more begins to heal than just Lucas’s broken body. But just when they start to believe they could find some kind of happiness, the past rears its ugly head and Lucas will have to choose between the life he once led and the woman who has changed his world.

The Undercover Duke is a story that offers good characters and some serious complications. Lucas is a spy that has been seriously injured, and has some underlying emotional wounds. Diana has her own grief to deal with, and is willing to help because of who asked and the connection of both men to her father. I liked watching the pair get to know each other, and become partners in more than one way. I found the emotional struggles they share, and the barriers that they need to break down to trust each other well done. I will admit that I had a good idea about who the danger was, and some of the details, well before the climax. I was not thrilled with how it all unfolded,. but it worked in the story. I did enjoy the banter between Lucas and Diana, and the inclusion of some characters from previous books. I like the support and friendship they offer, and thought that they might have played a bigger role than they did. I did enjoy the read, but it did not live up to the expectations I had for the author.

The Undercover Duke is a good, but not great, addition to the series. 

Early Book Review: The Night the Forest Came to Town by Charles Ghigna, Annie Wilkinson

The Night the Forest Came to Town is a picturebook written by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by Annie Wilkinson. It is currently scheduled for release on October 9 2018. From dusk to dawn a forest creeps into a town where the grown-ups are too distracted to notice. But the children do. They see greenery take root in the lifeless cracks of dull sidewalks. They see an eagle build her nest atop a forgotten fountain and saplings start to sprout in dark corners. A gray-drab city defined by concrete and steel, vibrations and notifications, transforms into a living garden where apartment buildings overflow with window boxes full of flowers, birds sing songs through day and night and children laugh and tend to their gardens. Watch as nature reclaims this town.

The Night the Forest Came to Town is a book told in rhyme and filled with whimsical pictures about nature returning to a city environment overnight. I liked the idea of the book, and found the artwork to be lovely. I think the idea of nature returning to a city to be a lovely idea, and one that we should be working toward in sensible ways. I think showing young readers, and their adults, how easily nature could find its place in our cities and how much it can enrich our lives is a great thing. I do think that it was a little too perfect, and a little too sweet, but sometimes we need that. I think that those holding a physical addition of the book will enjoy it, particularly the art, even more than I did. Reading the Kindle version from Netgalley did not really to the book justice, and I have a firm belief that the final version will be even more beautiful to look at.