Book Review: Martian Ghost Centaur by Mat Heagerty, Steph Mided

Martian Ghost Centaur, written by Mat Heagerty and illustrated by Steph Mided, is a young adult graphic novel. The town of Southborough used to be a major tourism destination, drawing folks from all over in the hopes they’d spot the famous Sasquatch, reportedly seen in the town many times over the years. But it’s been ages since anyone’s spotted the ‘squatch, and tourism is starting to dry up. A tech company called Start-up.com (a start-up that helps people start their own start-ups) decides to begin buying up places all over town in order to build their techie headquarters, driving out all the local townspeople. Luckily, Southborough is also home to Louie O’Connor, firm believer in the Sasquatch’s existence and all-around, mega ’squatch fan. When Louie’s dads’ restaurant, Squatch Burger, starts to go under and fall prey to the techie start-up, Louie and her best friend Felix decide they’ll do whatever it takes to save the town from losing all the people and places that make it special. In hopes that convincing people the Sasquatch is real and to drive back tourism, Louie and Felix plan an elaborate hoax in hopes of saving the town from the dot-com takeover. But when Felix starts talking about leaving their hometown for college in LA, Louie will have to face some tough questions about herself, her future career, and her place in her beloved hometown.

Martian Ghost Centaur is not quite what I went in expecting, but it was exactly what it needed to be. Louie is a teenager with a love of a good story, and her hometown. She wants the stories she has believed in since childhood, and the town she loves, to survive the incoming technology and has plenty of plans to do so. I loved her determination and willingness to do anything for the people and places that she loves. She also has to deal with the upcoming transition to adulthood- and all that goes with it. None of the things she faces are easy, but when coming at her all at once it is no wonder she becomes overwhelmed. I thought the relationships ad reactions were realistic and well written, making the more unrealistic aspects of the story seem that much more likely. I loved the art style and think it lent itself perfectly to the quirkiness of the characters and the town. I liked some of the details that were added to the story via the artwork, and thought that moods, expression, and motion were very well conveyed. I can think of one or two little things I would have liked to see a little different, but they are more things that would have just made me smile rather than anything that would be important to the story. I enjoyed this read, and think that this book can be enjoyed by a much bigger reading market than young adults, as those both older and younger that the target audience can get enjoyment and more from the read.

Martian Ghost Centaur is a graphic novel that is an enjoyable read, with a nice balance of feels and fun.

Audio Book Review: The One Great Gnome by Jeff Dinardo, Narrated by Simone Stevens

The One Great Gnome by Jeff Dinardo, Narrated by Simone Stevens, is a children's novel.  Eleven-year-old Sarah moves with her family from New York City to rural Hadley, Connecticut. She's eager to explore her new home and meet new friends, but she never expected to befriend an old garden gnome. Join Sarah as she is drawn into a secret world beneath our feet. Sarah uses her instincts to calm old rivalries and help the underworld elves, gnomes, and more live in peace.

The One Great Gnome is a fun and entertaining adventure. It is fairly mild on the level of danger, and pretty high on the message of giving those that a different a chance. I thought that Sarah was a fairly well rounded character, if a little too trusting for me. She is sweet and thoughtful with a tiny dash of street smarts. He discovery on gnomes, their secrets, and the magical world so close to our own was nice. Some of the characters really captured my imagination, but others felt a little flat for me. Occasionally descriptions about size or something practical just felt off for me, it just did not feel like how a twelve year old might describe it, but that is simply my opinion. I did think that the reader did a good job with inflections, tone, and individual voices. The inclusion of sound effects was a nice touch- although I will admit they startled me once or twice since I was listening in the car and found myself wondering if my car or another car in traffic was making a sound. As a whole, I did enjoy the story and thought it was a fun tale. However, I just did not find myself excited by it or overly impressed. It was good, but not one that I need to add to my collection. 

The One Great Gnome is a sweet bit of adventure with a nice lesson about looking past differences to forge friendship.

Book Review: Mercurial by Naomi Hughes

Mercurial by Naomi Hughes is a young adult novel. Everyone in the Alloyed Empire fears the Destroyer. The metal in her blood gives her incendiary powers, and the coldness in her heart makes her the empress’s perfect weapon…until a rebel attack leaves her with no magic and no memories. Tal is a royal bodyguard who has long since regretted his idealistic hopes of changing the Destroyer. Now that she’s powerless, he plans to finally end her reign of terror—if he can stop himself from falling for the wicked, funny, utterly unfamiliar girl she’s become. Nyx was furious when her brother, Tal, abandoned her to protect a tyrant. Now, she hones herself as a rebel assassin until she can kill the Destroyer and rescue Tal. But the closer she gets, the more she realizes the entire empire hinges on the decisions the three of them will make.

Mercurial is an adventure story told from multiple points of view, with a great deal going on. I found myself quickly engaged in the feelings and motivations of the characters. Readers get to see the hows and whys behind choices and actions that they might never otherwise understand- and get a better understanding of the idea that we are all the heroes of our own story even though we might play the villain in someone else's. The exploration of doing the right thing, faith, love, and sacrifice is woven into every page. There were moments that it was almost too much, because so much was riding on every emotion and decision, but it all balanced itself well in the end. The characters were each complex, with good and bad aspects to their personality and doubts about themselves and the world around them. I think that the world building was also very well done, and I am rather hoping to return to this empire and find out what happens with our main characters next. 

Mercurial might be labeled as young adult, but like many YA novels, I think it will also appeal to older audiences as well. 

Early Book Review: Barnaby by Andrea Curtis

Barnaby by Andrea Curtis is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on April 15 2021. Barnaby is a blue budgie who’s got it all: a golden cage, bells to jingle-jangle, and an owner who gives him all the snacks and attention he wants. Until his owner brings home a “friend” for Barnaby: a little yellow canary. Barnaby is not happy. When his tantrums don’t convince his owner to get rid of the canary, Barnaby flies away and ends up hopelessly lost. While stopping for a rest, he encounters a flock of wild sparrows. At first, he looks down his beak at the drab, brown birds. But, growing hungrier and thirstier, he realizes he has a lot to learn from them. Soon Barnaby is a part of their flock, scavenging for seeds and riding on the wind. But Barnaby can’t forget his former home, and every night he searches for his owner’s house using tricks the sparrows taught him. Finally, he finds it, and Barnaby returns home a changed bird. With subtle messages about sibling rivalry and jealousy, readers will enjoy Barnaby’s antics and the sweet conclusion to this story.

Barnaby is a well written picturebook on several levels. On the surface it is about a bird having an adventure after not liking changes in his home. But it is also about jealousy, giving others a chance, and adapting to change. I loved the art work- and think the style and colors were exactly what the story needed. It was also enjoyable to look on its on merit, not jut as part of a story. Combined with the words the two come together to tell a larger story than either could alone. I think this book is a lovely read, and that many adults and young readers will enjoy it. It could also be used to start discussions about sharing, sibling rivalry, and other changes in school or family dynamic that introduce new people to a group.

Early Book Review: Beyond: Discoveries from the Outer Reaches of Space by Miranda Paul, Sija Hong

Beyond: Discoveries from the Outer Reaches of Space, written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Sija Hong, is currently scheduled for release on April 6 2021. Journey far beyond our solar system and explore the marvels of interstellar space. A wonder-filled poem and spectacular illustrations bring readers across the observable universe to encounter dwarf planets, black holes, brand-new stars, and other incredible phenomena. 

Beyond: Discoveries from the Outer Reaches of Space is lovely in text and artwork. The use of space as a muse for both poetry and artwork worked very well here- and I spent a good amount of time studying the images on each page. The poems flowed well and were perfectly paired with their corresponding artwork. I think the inclusion of science facts on each page made each page more impactfull. I also liked that the book included resources for further reading and  a limited bibliography for readers the book inspires to study further on space in general or a specific subject mentioned in the book. I think this will appeal to many. 

Book Review: A Deadly Chapter (Castle Bookshop Mystery) by Essie Lang

A Deadly Chapter is the third book in the Castle Bookshop Mystery series by Essie Lang. I do suggest reading this series in order for character development and underlying storylines. However, the mystery itself can stand alone.

Bookseller Shelby Cox has already sleuthed two murders from Bayside Books's home base on Blye Island, one of New York State's famed Thousand Islands. And this time, mayhem knocks right on Shelby's waterside door when she finds a body lodged between the side of her houseboat and the dock, his skull shattered. The victim is no local, but Shelby can't shake the feeling she's seen him before. Twice, in fact--that's how many times he's dropped into Bayside Books asking about an enigmatic woman who lived on Blye Island many years before. The last time? The day before he was found. But the poor man obviously was killed elsewhere, so who brought him down to the bay, and why? When the victim's daughter hits town demanding answers, Shelby takes the case, despite Police Chief Tekla Stone's usual reservations. But she uncovers more suspects than there are pages in War and Peace, and Shelby can expect no peace--except the peace of the grave--unless she can turn the page on this grisly mystery.

A Deadly Chapter is an interesting continuation of the series. I liked the mystery elements. Shelby and her sleuthing was interesting to read and follow- and while she does make some slightly foolish decisions that could put her in danger, those decisions are getting better. She is becoming more aware of the consequences of her actions and making smart choices.I thought the new characters that were brought in for the mystery were well written, with interesting personalities and issues.  I thought the mystery was well built up, with multiple layers and things going on. However, I felt like there got to be too much happening. Shelby's personal crisis's and the multi layered mystery ended up leaving me with some parts that were well resolved and leaving me satisfied but other aspects that either were swept under the carpet, solved to easily, or just forgotten about completely. I did enjoy the read, but was left wondering about a few too many threads that were woven into the story and then dropped. I think fans of the series will be interested in reading this one, to see what is happening with these characters and the small town, but I think this might be where I bow out of the series.

A Deadly Chapter is a good mystery with some interesting character development. 

Early Book Review: 100 Plants to Feed the Monarch: Create a Healthy Habitat to Sustain North America's Most Beloved Butterfly by The Xerces Society

100 Plants to Feed the Monarch: Create a Healthy Habitat to Sustain North America's Most Beloved Butterfly by The Xerces Society is currently scheduled for release on April 13 2021. The plight of the monarch butterfly has captured public attention and sparked widespread interest in helping to save their dwindling populations. In this in-depth portrait of the monarch butterfly—covering its life cycle, its remarkable relationship with milkweed, its extraordinary migration, and the threats it now faces due to habitat loss and climate change—detailed instructions on how to design and create monarch-friendly landscapes are enriched by guidance on observing and understanding butterfly behavior and habits. Following the model of their previous best-selling book, 100 Plants to Feed the Bees, the Xerces Society provides at-a-glance profiles of the plant species that provide monarchs with nourishment. The plants, which are all commercially available, range from dozens of species of milkweed—the only food of monarch caterpillars—to numerous flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that provide nectar for the adult butterfly, including those that bloom in late season and sustain monarchs in their great migration. Gorgeous photographs of monarchs and plants, plus illustrations, maps, and garden plans, make this a visually engaging guide.

100 Plants to Feed the Monarch is a well written and researched read. I learned a great deal about the monarch butterfly and the hazards they face in today's world. I think the information is presented in a very engaging and readable format and that it is really for interested readers of all ages, not just for adults. The information given about each of the kinds of milkweed and companion plants was well formatted and easy to understand. The book really helped me formulate a plan for my backyard, and the plants I would like to grow there in order to help the monarch butterflies thrive, and help other pollinators as well. The addition of resources used in the writing of the book and for readers to use in order to do further research made me even happier with the book. I think avid gardeners, those looking to help the environment, and those that just want to see more butterflies on their properties will all get a great deal from this book. 

Book Review: Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity by Karla Valenti

Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity by Karla Valenti is a picturebook that combines fact and fiction. One sunny day in June 1912, a new super science hero was born. He hadn't figured out he was a super science hero; though everyone else around him was pretty sure about this early on. His name was Alan Turing. Super Evil Nemesis decides to call on his minion Ms. Deception to confound and confuse Alan—but because Alan likes working on puzzles, he's not easy to defeat. The minion in this book will speak in code (which will read like nonsense). As the story progresses, Alan will crack the code on Ms. D's enigma machine and be able to decipher her speech, which is how he befriends her. At the end of the book, we will provide a decryption key that allows the children to decipher what the minion is saying in earlier pages. This is the (mostly) true story of how Alan Turing had a superpower that helped him become a successful scientist. But, of course, the super power is really something we all have inside of us.

Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity is a book that shares interesting information on the life and accomplishments of Alan Turning. His work in codes and artificial intelligence has had a great impart on the world. I thought the fictional and fun story about the nemesis trying to stop learning and curiosity is likely to capture and hold the attention of those that might have lost interest in a straight narrative.I thought the illustrations were very well done- and the hidden objects and code on the pages add an extra layer of interest. I also enjoyed that the book offers readers a chance to learn and use codes. I enjoyed the read and found it both interesting and engaging- and I think most readers will agree.

Book Review: I Do (Not) by Anni Lee

I Do (Not) by Anni Lee is a contemporary romance that had me guessing throughout the entire read. Jacob Conner is never getting married. Not now, not “someday,” and certainly not when he’s black-out drunk at his sister’s wedding in Las Vegas. The whole “waking up in an unfamiliar hotel room with a ring on his finger” thing was probably just a coincidence. Definitely. He doesn’t have much time to dwell on it anyway, as Aaron Craig, his boss, assigns him to be the glorified baby sitter for his older brother for the week. Trevor Craig is as obnoxious as he is handsome, immediately pushing all of Jacob’s buttons and all of his boundaries. With one brother trying his patience, and the other acting unusually friendly, Jacob’s starting to wonder if he’s going to survive his work life long enough to find who put that ring on his finger.

I Do (Not) is a romance that broke many molds. I have read quite a few marriage mistake romances, but this one is very different because of the more complicated aspects about who Jake marries- and who he might want to be with. The story is just as much about these three guys figuring out what they want from life and how to get there as it is finding their happy ever after. I thought all three have dynamic personalities and interactions that were realistic and occasionally troubling. I ended up feeling bad for all parties during the read, and sad for the situations and misunderstandings that had become rooted in their relationships. I was completely engaged in the read as I got to know three very different characters, and while some of the read was very emotional and painful to read, I found it satisfying and very well done. 

I Do (Not) is a bit different from most of the romances that I have been reading lately, on several levels. This is not a bad thing, in fact the fact that it struck such a different chord is why I found it so engaging.

Book Review: Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery by Ally Carter

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery is the second book in a middle grade series by Ally Carter. I do recommend reading this series in order. Even as a returning reader it took me a few minutes to remember who everyone was, and the circumstances that lead them there. I think new readers would be at a loss. Since I really enjoyed the first book, this will not be a chore. 

Five orphans. Two sword-wielding vigilantes. One mansion. No rules. April thought she had her happy ending. After all, she has her new house and new friends and new guardian. But she also has a very big new secret. The kids of Winterborne House are the only ones who know that Gabriel Winterborne—famous billionaire and terrible cook—is really a sword-wielding vigilante. What they don’t know is that he’s not the only one. When a masked figure breaks in, looking for something—or someone—it’s clear that Gabriel has met his match, and now no one is safe. April and her friends will have to solve a decades-old mystery in order to hang on to the most important thing in the world: each other.

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery is a solid middle grade mystery. There are great elements of character development for April, as well as the other members of her chosen family. I liked how the children supported each other and backed each other up even when they did not fully understand the reasoning or history behind the choices- only that there was one. There are a variety of new characters, and while I missed some of the characters from the first book, this installment made up for their missing state with a great deal of interesting discoveries about the Winterborne family. I like that there was some resolution to several mysteries, and a few new questions raised that left me wanting to know more but not feeling unsatisfied with the answers I had. That is a hard balance to strike, and the author did it beautifully. I think a wide range of readers will really enjoy this series, and I am looking forward to where it goes next.

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery is a good continuation of the story, with plenty of character development and plot twists to keep a variety of readers happy and engaged.