Early Book Review: Courting Darkness (His Fair Assassin) by Robin LaFever

Courting Darkness is the first book in a duology to follow up the His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFever. It is currently scheduled for release on February 5 2019. I do recommend reading the initial trilogy before jumping in here, because understanding the characters and politics of the world will help readers understand and enjoy the story. Besides, assassin nuns- why wouldn't you want to read it all? 

When Sybella discovers there is another trained assassin from St. Mortain’s convent deep undercover in the French court, she must use every skill in her arsenal to navigate the deadly royal politics and find her sister in arms before her time—and that of the newly crowned queen—runs out. Sybella accompanies the Duchess to France, she expects trouble, but she isn’t expecting a deadly trap. Surrounded by enemies both known and unknown, Sybella searches for the undercover assassins from the convent of St. Mortain who were placed in the French court years ago. One of those assassins is Genevieve, who has been undercover for so many years, she no longer knows who she is or what she’s supposed to be fighting for. When she discovers a hidden prisoner who may be of importance, she takes matters into her own hands. As these two worlds collide, the fate of the Duchess, Brittany, and everything Sybella and Genevieve have come to love hangs in the balance.

Courting Darkness is a book about being yourself, finding your place, and dealing with intrigue and politics. Genevieve and Sybella have their own battles to fight, and some are more obvious and easier to face than others. Fan of the series will enjoy the continuation of the story, and how Sybella and Beast continue to grow and face the troubles that surround them. I found the character and world building to be very well paced and written. I thought the introduction of Genevieve and her story with the alternating narration between the two added some depth and complexity to the story. There is a lot going on; travel, plotting, and personal growth for all the major players. I look forward to seeing where this all is going and how it all comes together in the end. I really was not ready to put the book aside when I finished it, I desperately want to know what happens next. My only disappointment with the book is my personal desire not to let go of the characters and their story. I want it to continue and to know what dangers they will face next, and how they will find their way through ad hopefully find happiness.

Courting Darkness is another highly engaging read from LaFever. While it took me a bit to get lost into this world again, when I finished the book my only complaint was that the next book is not scheduled for release until 2019. I am impatient.

Early Book Review: Gardening with Emma; Grow and Have Fun A Kid to Kid Guide by Emma Biggs, Steven Biggs

Gardening with Emma; Grow and Have Fun A Kid to Kid Guide is a non fiction guide written by thirteen year old by Emma Biggs, with some help from her father Steven Biggs. It is currently scheduled for release on February 5 2019. This book offers instruction and insight into growing healthy food and raising the coolest, most awesome plants, while making sure there’s plenty of fun. With plants that tickle and make noise, tips for how to grow a flower stand garden, and suggestions for veggies from tiny to colossal, Emma offers a range of original, practical, and entertaining advice and inspiration. She provides lots of useful know-how about soil, sowing, and caring for a garden throughout the seasons, along with ways to make play spaces among the plants. Lively photography and Emma’s own writing (with some help from her gardening dad, Steve) capture the authentic creativity of a kid who loves to be outdoors, digging in the dirt.

Gardening with Emma is a well organized, helpful, and engaging guide to gardening. I think children and their parents could benefit from the read. I like that Emma lays out why adults and children garden differently, and what might cause conflict between them. I liked her suggestion of fun plants to grow, and having a designated garden or part of a garden. Emma also gave good information about different plants and their needs, as well as the tools and tasks that are necessary.  I think that Emma's photographs and illustrations add an extra connection and sometime humorous touch that help readers connect to her and the information. My family gardened heavily when I was a kid, and I do not remember having the kind of interest and fun Emma does in the process. Hopefully this book will help inspire some young gardeners, and their parents, to kick it up a notch.

Gardening with Emma is a delightful guide, and I enjoyed the take on gardening advice. I think this is a wonder way for children to get more excited and involved in gardening, and help adults remember that excitement and why they love gardening as well.

Book Review: Who Are You Calling Weird: A Celebration of Weird & Wonderful Animals by Marilyn Singer

Who Are You Calling Weird: A Celebration of Weird & Wonderful Animals by Marilyn Singer is a wonderful children's book that celebrates the weird but wonderful creatures that are hidden away in Earth’s forests, caves, and oceans. These animals might look or behave in peculiar ways but, every oddity serves a purpose. From the green fur of a three-toed sloth, to the pink and wiggly appendage of the star-nosed mole, there’s something new to marvel at on every page. As well as finding out about each animal’s behavior, diet, and habitat, readers will also discover the folk beliefs about the creature. 

Who Are You Calling Weird is a delightful book, both visually and intellectually. My favorite bits of history and science have always centered on the weird and wonderful, and this book covered most of my favorite delightfully add creatures, and some that I had somehow missed. I think the combination of narrative fact sharing and lovely images come together in a way that will capture the interest and imagination of most readers, as it certainly captured mine. I love that fairly well know odd animals were covered, such as the aye-aye and three toed sloth. However, my favorite (the pangolin) and some less know creatures were given their due as well. I was extremely glad to see some sea creatures I had never known about before explored, and information that was new to me on some creatures that I thought I knew well.

Who Are You Calling Weird is an engaging book that can capture the reader's imagination. It inspired me to look a bit closer at some animals I thought I knew, and hopefully it will inspire young readers to explore the natural world a bit closer, and with a bit of wonder and urge to research more.

Early Book Review: The Whole Package (Movin' On) by Marie Harte

The Whole Package is the first book in the Movin' On series by Marie Harte. It is currently scheduled for release on January 29 2019. Always the caretaker, former Marine Reid Griffith wants to help his brother adjust to civilian life...and help other former servicemen. What better way to utilize their brawn, discipline, and charm than a moving company that hires veterans? But although Reid prides himself on being strategic, he certainly doesn't plan to fall in the spotlight of one brilliant—and beautiful—PR whiz. PR expert Naomi Starr is determined to bring Vets on the Go! into the spotlight. But when she meets Reid, it might mean breaking her rule to never mix business with pleasure. Especially once she discovers that underneath Reid's sexy rough-and-tumble exterior is a vulnerable man who just might need what she's got to give.

The Whole Package is a high octane romance with all of the heat and emotional complications that I have come to expect from Harte, but less of the danger in comparison to her other contemporary romance series. I liked the characters, and enjoyed getting to know the main players, and the secondary characters well. I thought Maomi was a very well developed character, with lots of strength and personality, as well as her fair share of flaws. Reid is similar, in that he has his strength, and his hangups. I greatly enjoyed the interactions between them, and their own internal struggles with the relationship and how it might affect their lives, and those they care for most. I liked the subtle tie in to previous series from the author, with the gym and a couple secondary characters. It was not enough to confuse new readers, just little presents for returning readers. 

The Whole Package is exactly what I expect from Harte. A solid story with characters and interactions that make me smile, fan myself, or both. This will be a must reads for fans of Harte, and her contemporary romances. I cannot wait for more from her, particularly Cash finding his HEA.

Book Review: Brave Thumbelina by An Leysen

Brave Thumbelina by An Leysen is a retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen, and this particular version was first published in Holland and recently translated to English. Once upon a time, there was a woman who desperately wanted a child. One day, a good witch passed her house and gave her a flower seed. The woman planted the seed and took good care of it. Before long, two little eyes curiously stared at her between the petals. Inside the flower was a tiny girl! The woman named her Thumbelina. It soon became clear that Thumbelina was a very brave little girl.

Brave Thumbelina is a lovely picturebook, and a nice retelling of the classic story. I found the artwork to be beautiful, not my favorite style but I know so many that love this pastel and delicate type of work. The retelling and translation is true to the original, but the time with the frog and mole are not as dark as some of the versions I have read. I am, as always, annoyed with the fact that it takes marriage to reach a happy ending. Finding the 'perfect boy'  does not always equal happiness. Her freedom to choose her path and make her own choices are much more important to me, and hopefully most readers, than finding a husband. As much as it bothers me, I know it is fairly consistent with the traditional tale, but the joys of tackling a retelling is the opportunity to make small (or not so small) changes. I just think that a chance was squandered here.

Brave Thumbelina is a light and sweet retelling of a classic story. The darker moments get less attention than in other versions, so this might be a good choice for sharing with more sensitive young readers. 

Book Review: Suddenly Mine (Montgomery Brothers) by Samantha Chase

Suddenly Mine is the eighth book in the Montgomery Brothers series by Samantha Chase. I have read other books by the author, but none from this particular series. The main reward for return readers is the understanding of Montgomery family dynamics and some of the characters. I was able to jump right in and enjoy the read.

Christian Montgomery is burnt out—the family business might be his entire world, but his father's judgment means Christian never stops working. His only respite is gazing at the beach and the carefree surfers riding the waves, especially the curvy redhead who's caught his attention.Sophia Bennington has just fled from her small Kansas town to California, where she's trying her best to embrace her new beginning. Soon Christian and Sophia find one another, and it feels like sanctuary. But when their difficult pasts catch up to them, will they run away from each other?

Suddenly Mine is a sweet romance that deals with some very real topics, and glosses over others. I like that Sophie and Christian each have some family issues and part problems that make their coming together more challenging. I thought Christian's work habits and relationship with his father were handled very well, and I liked the way the rest of the family supported each other was great. Sophie is sweet and sunny, but still more than able to put her foot down and stand up for herself, and does what is best for herself and others. I liked the set up. and the characters. I thought the conflicts they had were very realistic, and I thought the tension and resolution were well done. I guess the thing that bothered me is not all that important, but I did not like the ignoring all possible money issues. Sophie is struggling financial, but just kind of goes along with some pricey adventures with no real comment. She is aware of the financial differences between her and Christian, which she worries about once or twice, but only in the context of wondering if he will look down on her because of something rather than in a how will I pay for this way. That bothered me on several occasions. 

Suddenly Mine is sweet but heart wrenching in some ways. I believe fans of the author and series will greatly enjoy it, but it did not wow me. 

 

Book Review: Ghost Friends Forever #2, Witches Get Things Done by Monica Gallagher, Kata Kane

Witches Get Things Done is the second issue in the Ghost Friends Forever graphic novel series written by Monica Gallagher and illustrated by Kata Kane. I would recommend reading the series in order, but if you are determined to start here I think readers could catch up with the major points quickly.

Magic is the only thing that will help Sophia Greene-Campos reunite with Whitney, her ghost girl crush who died in the 1990s. Frustrated, Sophia is determined to find Witney. Soon Sophia befriends a witch named Charlotte who quickly becomes a trusted friend. While Sophia is busy disobeying her parents, her ex-boyfriend Jake is struggling between expressing his romantic feelings for her and helping her to get Whitney back. And Felix is suffering the nightmarish after effects of creating a Banishment Portal at such a young age. In order to help him, their parents Joanne and Oscar might be forced to reveal more of their knowledge about portals, two-headed poltergeists, and other secrets about The Paranormal Incident that split the family.

Witches Get Things Done is an entertaining read, and I was glad to see what come next for Sophia, Felix, Jake, and Whitney. I really liked getting to see some new characters, and that neither new or old characters seemed to be neglected or left behind in the story telling- which sometimes happens when the field gets crowded. I liked the development of the new and changing relationships, partial because it was as unsure, complicated, and messy as real life. I felt like some of the ghostly and science based paranormal aspects were glossed over or secondary to the angst Sophia has about her relationships. Even the danger is not really focused on as much as I thought it could have been. However, I enjoyed the story and only wish I got a little more from each issue. 

Witches Get Things Done is a nice continuation to the story. I enjoyed the read and the art. It was nice, but did not wow me, although I do plan on continuing the story.

Book Review: Petit: The Ogre Gods Book One by Hubert Boulard, Bertrand Gatignol

Petit: The Ogre Gods Book One is a blend of graphic novel and novel written by Hubert Boulard, with design and artwork by Bertrand Gatignol. Parts of the story are fully in graphic novel format, while other sections are in text with the occasional image. 

Petit is the son of the Ogre King, and the littlest giant in the royal clan. Scarcely larger than a mere human, he is the latest sign of the family's rapid degeneration, which makes each generation smaller than the one before.His father wants him killed as an embarrassment, but his mother sees in him the possible regeneration of the family lineage, since he could mate with a human, just as the Founder of their lineage once did. Confused, she confides in great Aunt Desdee, the oldest of their clan, who was once dishonored because of her love for the humans, whom the Ogres consider little more than labor and food. But contrary to her guidance, she decides to raise Petit in the family traditions, including the violent impulses that this entails. So Petit grows into manhood, torn by the hunger he inherited from his upbringing and the sympathetic education he received from Aunt Desdee. Can he find his place in this world divided between humans and giants, neither of which truly accept him? And will he survive the voracious appetite of his own monstrous family?

Petit: The Ogre Gods Book One is as dark as the description promised, and a read that mirrored some of the real world a little too closely for my tastes. Petit has seen the horror his family has become and the way they treat others, he also has an aunt that shows him the arts and gentler side of life. He is toward between the two worlds. I did get a solid sense of his characters through the book, and I liked that while readers can tell he really wants to be a good person he is not perfect, and makes his share of mistakes. However, he continues trying to do right, even when it is not easy. I liked the character of his aunt, Desdee is still caught by the trappings of the family but rises above the violence and cruelty. Petit's mother, the queen, is a mix between the two. There are moments when readers can almost think well of her, then she does something cruel or violent with no thought to how it affects others, and clearly puts power and her wants about just about anything. Even when she seems to be doing something good, it quickly twists into something much different. The art style is very interesting, and I found the giants to be suitably horrifying, and they actually reminded me a bit of the REd Queen in Alice in Wonderland- both in personality and appearance. The black and white art lent itself to the dark mood of the story, and the lne work was very well done. I found the text backstories to be a good break in the story, both explaining the history and giving readers a break from the danger and horror of the main story. I found these brief interludes gave me a much better understanding of the culture, history, and power struggles between the giants. I did find one or two characters to be a little much, and the romantic hints to the story really did not add anything to the story for me, rather I found them distracting even though I know it did serve a purpose. So, that was just something that did not work for me, but might not be an issue for anyone else. 

Petit: The Ogre Gods Book One is a gothic, horror graphic novel full of characters that are unnerving through their appearance and their actions. THe art and the story are engaging and I just might pick up the next volume. I am not certain yet and think it will decide on my mood when I see that it is available. 

Book Review: Little Learning Labs: Unofficial Minecraft for Kids by John Miller, Chris Fornell Scott

Little Learning Labs: Unofficial Minecraft for Kids by John Miller and Chris Fornell Scott is a nonfiction book for children, but more so their adults. Balancing screen time can be difficult, especially when it comes to wildly popular, open-ended video games like Minecraft. Minecraft offers players an environment focused on exploration, imagination, and creation, but its nonlinear game structure can mean spending a lot of time in the game. The book by covering some common Minecraft language and examining each of the four game modes: survival, creative, adventure, and spectator. Then readers can use that information in the six different quests that encourage child and adult participation. The quests offer rewards as readers complete quests. Instruction includes how to screencast and narrate your own videos to share with family and friends.

Little Learning Labs: Unofficial Minecraft for Kids is a good resource for families that want a better understanding of Minecraft, want to learn and grow together, and want to make the most of the skills and entertainment that Minecraft can offer. I like that Minecraft is explained well, neither talking down to the reader or expecting too much prior knowledge. Sometimes it is hard to walk that line, fully explaining without being condescending. The information and tasks are well explained, and easy to follow. I really like how the book offers so many opportunities for non-screen based time, and time together as a family or a team.  The marshmallow catapult, sugar cube building, and shadow puppet projects were among my favorite, and I think would be a hit even without the Minecraft tie in. Many pages also offer a 'more to explore' suggestion and ideas on how to use the skills and information. The images and text boxes are balanced nicely, keeping the pages easy to read and not too crowded. I found the book as a whole to be well organized and informative, and I think it will help parents or teachers that want to better understand Minecraft and use it as a tool to better connect with the young people in their lives. Unfortunately, just as I get a handle on Minecraft my kiddos have moved on to other obsessions, but it might just come back around. 

Little Learning Labs: Unofficial Minecraft for Kids is a good starting point for parents or teachers that want to understand Minecraft while encouraging the young people in their lives to get the most out of their screen time.

Book Review: Highland Wolf (Murray Clan) by Hannah Howell

Highland Wolf is the fifteenth book in the Murray Clan series by Hannah Howell. While reading this books as a series can give readers some early understanding of the characters and relationships, each book can stand well on its own. I have read several books from the series, but far from all of them.

Annora MacKay senses a disturbing evil in Dunncraig Keep, the estate acquired by her cousin, a cruel and ruthless man. Only her affection for the tiny girl he claims is his daughter stops her from fleeing. Then a mysterious woodcarver arrives at the castle, and she cannot stop thinking about him. James Drummond, once a laird, now an outcast, wants what was stolen from him; his good name, his lands, and his child. His disguise for getting into Dunncraig is step one of his plan, but the enticing raven-haired woman who cares for his daughter is an unwelcome surprise. For he has come seeking justice, not love.

Highland Wolf is an entertaining read. I liked Annora's character, she had a nice mixture of strong and sweet and made good choices. I liked James as well, although I feel like I was less connected with him than Annora. He was strong but compassionate, and like most men in the Murray clan throughout the series, it is he acceptance and care for others that gave him the tools he needed to come out on top. I thought the intrigue and danger was well done, although some moments did feel a little over the top. I liked the growth of relationship between Annora and James. Even though there was instant attraction, both tried to be smart about the danger involved in forging any kind of relationship. I also liked how much of a role little Meggie had in the story, and how important she was to the major players. 

Highland Wolf is exactly what fans of the author and series will be looking for. There is danger, love, and a touch of something special in the characters. Not the best highland historical, but an enjoyable read with plenty of action and emotion.