Early Book Review: The King’s Beast, Vol. 1 by Rei Toma

The King’s Beast, Vol. 1, by Rei Toma is currently scheduled for release on February 2 2021. Ajin boys who show signs of special abilities are conscripted to serve in the imperial palace as beast-servants—status symbols and shields for their royal masters, to be kept or discarded on a whim. When they were children, Rangetsu’s twin brother Sogetsu was ripped from her arms and sent to the palace to attend Prince Tenyou as a beast-servant, where he quickly fell victim to bloody dynastic intrigues. Now in a world that promises only bitterness, Rangetsu’s one hope at avenging her brother is to disguise herself as a man and find a way into the palace! Prince Tenyou is not what Rangetsu expected, and the political currents in the palace run deep and strange. Does Rangetsu have any chance of finding justice for her brother, or will she become just another Ajin casualty in the game of kings?

The King’s Beast is a story with a good deal of character and world building to set up the rest of the series, but it is not bogged down by that, which often happens I thought it was well planned and executed, with plenty of character complexity and enough questions to keep me intrigued for the next installment without leaving me feeling cheated or unsatisfied with this part of the story.I thought the art was a perfect match to the text and mood of the story, conveying movement and emotion as it played out. The lines are clean and smooth, not making me squint to make out small details, which me and eye aging eyesight always appreciate. Rangetsu's start might not be all that original- I have read many stories that start with a girl having to pretend to be a boy- but thus far it has not become in to play too much and I look forward to seeing how their story plays out.

The King’s Beast is a well written and drawn graphic novel. I look forward to the second volume and continuing the story. 

Early Book Review: Hack Your Kitchen: Discover a World of Food Fun with Science Buddies by Niki Ahrens

Hack Your Kitchen: Discover a World of Food Fun with Science Buddies by Niki Ahrens is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on February 2 2021. Young scientists will learn all about many different scientific principles and properties using everyday tools and ingredients from their own kitchens! Make a lemon volcano, flour craters, edible paper, and more with these hands-on science projects.

Hack Your Kitchen is a well written and organized book. I liked that the items needed for the experiments, and the note that parental supervision or actions for certain things might be important right in the beginning of the book- so there are no surprises of that nature in the midst of picking a project. Equally important, at the end of the book a reminder to leave the kitchen as you found it, and resources for further reading and experimentation are included. The experiments are short and simple, with good pictures and clear instructions. I like that many resulted in edible results, like the slushy, ice cream, and meringue. I also like that the tools and ingredients for each activity are in most homes, or easily found if not currently in the pantry or junk drawer. I think the book is easy to read and follow, accessible to kids and  their adults that might be helping or supervising. I think this book could be helpful for keeping kids engaged and learning while so many are deep into home school or remote learning- and might need a little something extra to stay invested or engaged. I think some teachers and/or parents could use it for inspiration. In fact, I think my kids and I might be giving the baked ice cream a go sooner rather than later.

Book Review: Unleashed (Jinxed) by Amy McCulloch

Unleashed is the sequel to Jinxed by Amy McCulloch. When Lacey Chu wakes up in a hospital room with no recollection of how she got there, she knows something is up. But with her customizable smart pet, Jinx, missing in action and Moncha, the company behind the invention of the robot pet, up to something seriously sinister, she’s got a lot of figuring out to do. Lacey must use all her engineering skills if she has a chance of stopping Moncha from carrying out their plans. But can she take on the biggest tech company in North America armed with only a level 1 robot beetle?

Unleashed is a thrilling sequel to Jinxed. It took me a little while to remember the details on the first book. But, the efforts of Lacey to remember exactly how she ended up in the hospital was an organic and well used tool to remind readers of what they read previously. I thought the mystery, technology, and conspiracy was all very well written and I spent most of the book trying to puzzle out who was going to be on the right side at the end of the book. As important as all that is to the story, we also get some great character development for Lacey and some of the other characters, and a few surprises along the way. I really enjoyed the read, and had to stop myself from shouting 'No' or other instructions to the characters more than once. My only disappointment is that this story is over, because I would love to know more about where everyone goes from here. 

Unleashed is exactly what I needed to conclude this duology. 

Book Review: Pawsitively Betrayed (A Witch of Edgehill Mystery) by Melissa Erin Jackson

 Pawsitively Betrayed is the fifth book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. I highly recommend reading the series in order, as there is a larger storyline that is concluded in this instalment. 

The Here and Meow Festival has finally arrived! Amber Blackwood and her fellow festival committee members still have plenty to do before the celebration of all things feline begins. Even though Amber’s witchy past keeps interfering, she knows the show must go on. Edgehill’s livelihood depends on the festival’s success. When two incidents involving her malfunctioning products cause her to shutter the doors of her curiosity shop, The Quirky Whisker, only days before the busiest season of the year, Amber thinks things can’t get any worse. An investigation into the incidents reveals sabotage is to blame—sabotage that only could have been carried out by a fellow witch. Things just officially got worse. With Edgehill overrun by tourists, any unfamiliar face could be a member of the nefarious Penhallow witch family. Though her parents’ grimoires are hidden in a remote location overlaid with protective spells, Amber fears that won’t be enough to deter the desperate and cursed clan from trying to get their hands on a legendary time-travel spell. As the opening ceremony of the Here and Meow approaches, Amber contends with a nosy lawyer, mysterious government officials, and a charismatic superstar. Through it all, Amber senses the Penhallows have something planned—something big. With her new circle of close confidants by her side, Amber must find a way to thwart the Penhallow family’s scheme before it’s too late. If she can’t, the Here and Meow will be ruined, and Edgehill could be wiped off the map.

Pawsitively Betrayed is a quick moving and emotionally suspenseful read. I spent more than one scene wondering if everyone was who the others thought, and who was scheming beyond the expected. I liked that Amber, Willow, and the other major players were still growing and evolving as characters- because that is what people do, grown and change as they experience things. I thought the mystery and magic was really well done, and I spent a great deal of time trying to puzzle out everyone's motives, personality, and next move. There were a couple scenes that were hard for me to read, mostly because I did not want the bad things to happen, and they were written so well that I could picture them. I liked that friendships, romance, and family dynamics were a big part of the story but never took over from the mystery and larger story line. I am sad to see this series end, but I will be taking some time to read other books from the author.

Pawsitively Betrayed is a well written book, and a satisfying conclusion to the Edgehill series.

Early Book Review: Then There Was You by Mona Shroff

Then There Was You by Mona Shroff is currently scheduled forrelease on January 26 2021.  When helicopter medic Daniel Bliant answers an emergency call at Phil’s Bar, he can’t believe who the bartender is: the beautiful woman he saw in his ER months before and hasn’t been able to stop thinking about. He should forget her. After all, he knows he’s damaged goods. But Annika is intelligent, fun and totally stunning—the breath of life he desperately needs after the incident that left him shattered. Annika Mehta is doing just fine. She loves her job as a kindergarten teacher, even if the pay is low and she has a side gig working at Phil’s. At least the bar owners are more like family. Sure, she’s reeling from a bad breakup and the terrible event that caused it, but she’s fine. Really. What she doesn’t need is Daniel. He’s wrong for her in every single way—so why is their chemistry off the charts?

Then There Was You is a book that hits a lot of hard topics: racism, loss of a child, family dynamics, and all the grief and emotions that can go with them. However, there is also so much hope and healing mixed in that the story balances nicely and readers are not left reeling from the hurts, but rather looking towards the character's future. Annika and Daniel have their own grief and losses to deal with, and family dynamics that can hurt as much as they help.  Annika is doing what she loves, and is trying to move forward with her life and dealing with the things that she faces day by day. Daniel has faced huge losses, and is struggling to live his life, hiding from the things that remind him of what he has lost. A not so chance meeting, secrets, and the shadows of the past bring them together and try to tear them apart. I loved the realistic way the family's are portrayed, and how real and raw the grief of the characters is handle. The matter of fact way Annika deals with the racism was so sad and scarily real to me- because I know these people are out there and more often closer than I would like to believe. I feel like these characters are very much alive and real, and these struggles can be found just as easily in city or town. The struggles, the pain, and the hope for the future really hit me hard, and stuck with me. 

Then There Was You is a romance with some heavy moments and topics, but hope and moving forward as well. It is not a light, fluffy read but it is a book that will capture your attention and stick with you long after you finish it. 

Early Book Review: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 2, by Misaki

A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 2, by Misaki is scheduled for release on January 19 2021.  I do recommend reading this series in order.

When Lizel mysteriously finds himself in a city that bears odd similarities to his own but clearly isn't, he quickly comes to terms with the unlikely truth: this is an entirely different world. Even so, laid-back Lizel isn't the type to panic. He immediately sets out to learn more about this strange place, and to help him do so, hires a seasoned adventurer named Gil as his tour guide and protector. Until he's able to find a way home, Lizel figures this is a perfect opportunity to explore a new way of life adventuring as part of a guild. After all, he's sure he'll go home eventually, might as well enjoy the otherworldly vacation for now!

Much like the first volume of A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, this installment is well written and drawn. I liked the pacing and the artistic style of the work. The digital galley I received had a few formatting issues- but I am certain that it will look perfect in its final version. I liked the character development done in the story, and loved getting a closer look at Lizel, Gil, and the variety of people they come across together. It has adventure, friendship, and a bit of mystery all wound up in detailed artwork. I think that everyone that enjoyed the first volume will be happy with this volume as well, and just as eager to see where the story goes next as I am. 

Book Review: Lockdown Walks: A Picture Story by Netty Cracknell

Lockdown Walks: A Picture Story by Netty Cracknell is a story of lockdown walks in pictures, showing loneliness, serenity and hidden beauty during this bleak and unpredictable time. Many people recounted afterwards that they had explored local areas during lockdown on their allocated once a day 'exercise' and found lovely places they never knew existed. The author was no exception. All photographs within this book were taken during the initial coronavirus lockdown period and were within walking or cycling distance of the author's house in Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex. 

Lockdown Walks is a nice collection of images. I wish the walks I took with my family during lockdown were so picturesque. I liked the collection and found it interesting to read the snippets of thought about each of the pictures and how they came about. It made me think back on some of the walks and extra time I have gotten to spend with my family. It also encouraged me to continue to take advantage of the extra time I have now, and to look for new places to explore around me. I might not have lovely water and fields to walk by, but there is still beauty to be found in every town and neighborhood- if only we take the time to enjoy it. 

Early Book Review: Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker

Happy Singles Day by Ann Marie Walker is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on January 19 2021. As a Certified Professional Organizer, everything in Paige Parker's world is as it should be. Perfect apartment, perfect office, perfect life. And now, the perfect vacation planned to honor Singles Day. After all, what's better than celebrating her pride in being single? Because who needs a man anyway? They have zero taste in quality television, leave the toilet seat up, and sleep with your best friend. No thanks. Her life is fine just the way it is. As the owner of a now-dormant bed & breakfast, Lucas Croft's life is simple and quiet. It's only him and his five-year-old daughter, which is just the way he likes it. Because who needs a woman anyway? They nag you to clean up your stuff, want the toilet seat put down, and expect the dishes to be done the same day the meal is cooked. No thanks. His life is fine just the way it is. But when Paige books a room that Lucas' well-intentioned sister listed without his knowledge, their two worlds collide. If they can survive the week together, they just might discover exactly what they've both been missing.

Happy Singles Day is a romance that clicks a good number of trope boxes. Single parent, cheated on heroine, animals, small town, stuck together because of a storm, and kind-of enemies to lovers. It is also a closed door, or fade to black romance, so if you prefer more intimate moments to be alluded to rather than spelled out- than aside from some making out and lusty thoughts, here you go. I liked Paige and Lucas as characters, they each have trauma to deal with and are doing the best they can, and I enjoyed watching them find compromise and happiness. Seeing the bad first impression fade while understanding, and attraction, start to take over was nice, and I enjoyed the ride, However, I have to admit that the secondary characters really were my favorite. I want more of Lucas's sister, some of the town residents, and frankly his daughter. I want to know more about Sophie and her bookstore (which I would love to see)  more than I want to know about how Paige and Lucas balance things and move forward, but maybe that's just me. I really did enjoy it while I was reading it, it is only now when I look back that I realize that I want more of and for Sophie.

Happy Singles Day is a sweet romance that has all the feels.

Book Review: When He's Dirty (Walker Security: Adrian Trilogy) by Lisa Renee Jones

When He's Dirty is part of the Walker Security series, and the first book in the Adrian Trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones. I have read some of the previous books in the Walker series, but not all of them. Please note that as the first book of a trilogy for our couple, it does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to obtain the whole series for the whole story.

As a member of Walker Security, Adrian Mack has found redemption for a walk on the dark side. For two years the former FBI agent was undercover in the notorious Texas Kings biker club. For two years he changed, he became one of them and when the bust happened, he didn't know who he was anymore. On a hitlist with a price on his head he disappeared and joined Walker Security, but now, the trial is set to start and witnesses are dropping like flies. Assistant District Attorney, Priscilla Miller is tasked with the conviction of The King himself, and she's passionate about taking him down, but her case is falling apart. She's also in trouble, and while she resists Adrian, the sexy ex-FBI agent with a killer reputation, and his team at Walker Security are her answer, in more ways than one. He touches her, she melts. He shields her, she survives. But everything is not as it seems. Friends are enemies. Secrets are really lies. And the one time in his life Adrian lets his heart do the thinking, passion might just be deadly.

When He's Dirty is a story with a classic romantic suspense feel. Adrian is still feeling guilt over the things he took part in while working undercover, and does not feel that he deserves the support of the Walker Security family, or Pri when the time comes. Of course, that does not stop him from taking steps to protect them or enjoy their relationships. Pri is struggling with her past mistakes too, and they are both neck deep in trying to get a real evil convicted and behind bars in a much more permanent way. Corruption, family drama, an ex-fiancé, and legitimate threats to their lives keep everyone on their toes and the story moving along at a brisk pace. There is a good amount of heat between Pri and Adrian, and just as much mystery about who might be feeding information to the big bad. There is also some serious character development for the major players. The only problem is that this is the first in a trilogy, and while relationships have been forged and all the characters introduced, there is a cliffhanger ending and plenty of unanswered questions to make readers eager for the next read. 

When He's Dirty is a well written start to a trilogy. I think fans of the author and complex stories that need a trilogy to tell completely.

Early Book Review: Catalog of the Unexplained: From Aliens & Aromatherapy to Zen & Zener Cards by Leanna Greenaway; Beleta Greenaway

Catalog of the Unexplained: From Aliens & Aromatherapy to Zen & Zener Cards by Leanna Greenaway; Beleta Greenaway is scheduled for release on January 8 2021. Explore the mesmerizing depths of the esoteric and unexplainable with this outstanding A to Z reference guide. This book offers entries on 450 topics, from angels and herbalism to tarot and vampires. Magical practitioners, holistic healers, ghost hunters, spiritual seekers, and trivia fans alike will marvel at the knowledge this book contains. Authors Leanna and Beleta Greenaway provide brief and in-depth entries on: Acupuncture, Animal Totems, Astral Projection, Candles, Color Therapy, Curses, Dreams, Dowsing, ESP, Exorcism, Fairies, Feng Shui, Fortune-Telling, Hypnosis, I Ching, Kundalini, Lucid Dreaming, Numerology, Palm Reading, Psychic Development, Reiki, Spellcasting, UFOs, Voodoo, Witchcraft, and Yoga.

Catalog of the Unexplained is exactly what the title promises. It is a book that offers explanations and information about a wide range of terms. It covers things associated with a variety of cultures, religions, and enthusiasts. I liked that when different groups of people had different views or feelings about a term they were all explained and compared- but there was never any judgement about if any were right or more valid then others. Everything was covered in clear, understandable language with no noticeable prejudice or judgement about the term or those that do, or do not, believe that they are more than tradition, myth, or much more. I found the text to be very well and clearly written, and the subject matter objectively examined and explained. I learned some new things, and found out some new perspectives on subjects I thought I already knew from other books, legends, and mythology. I think this would be a good resource for readers, writers, and all curious individuals that want a better understanding of a wide range of terms. Sources are even listed in a bibliography in the end pages, so if you want to explore certain subjects more there are reputable places to start.