Early Book Review: Cinder the Fireplace Boy; And Other Gayly Grimm Tales by Ana Mardoll

Cinder the Fireplace Boy; And Other Gayly Grimm Tales by Ana Mardoll is currently scheduled for release on Jan 4 2022.  This collection of inclusive fairy tale retellings also features eight original illustrations by artist Alex Dingley.

Once upon a time there lived a beautiful prince who kissed a frog, a cinder-smudged child who hid a secret, a princess who climbed a long braid of golden hair for love, a thumb-sized boy with the courage of a giant, and a valiant little tailor whose wit was as sharp as her needle. These stories and many more await you in this collection of classic fairy tales, lovingly retold and featuring characters who receive wonderfully queer happily-ever-afters! Let these new takes on the Brothers Grimm warm your heart and nurture your yearning to see yourself reflected in beloved favorites.

Cinder the Fireplace Boy; And Other Gayly Grimm Tales is a wonderful collection of fairy tale retellings missing the various forms of prejudice that can be seen in the originals. The spirit of each story holds true, with some tweaks that make them more inclusive and engaging for all readers. I like that there were some very well known stories included, like Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel, as well as lesser known stories- some of which I do not remember ever having encountered before. All of them captured my attention and had me fully engaged. The story length of each story helped me break out of a reading slum, that had made it hard for me to become invested in what I had been reading lately.  I dove into this book, and will be revisiting some of the stories again in the near future. I think readers that have always enjoyed reading fairy tales, and enjoy seeing them evolve, will definitely want to pick this up. Readers that have been put off by the prejudices and attitudes found in many of the originals might want to give collection a try to see a new take on the old tales. 

Early Book Review: Incubators: A Graphic History by Paige V. Polinsky, Josep Rural

Incubators: A Graphic History, written by Paige V. Polinsky and illustrated by Josep Rural, is currently scheduled for release on January 1 2022. When babies are born early, they often have trouble surviving. But special containers called incubators help babies grow by keeping them warm and protected. At first, people in the medical world were skeptical about incubators. But some trailblazing doctors believed in the technology—and put it on display across Europe and the United States. "Incubator exhibits" showed the public how incubators saved lives. The controversial displays led people to accept this medical innovation. Meet the doctors who invented the incubator, and follow the incubator's fascinating rise with this graphic history.

 

Incubators is a well written and illustrated history of incubators. I have know several families that have benefited from the science of preemie care and incubators, so it was good to get an overview of the different doctors and scientists that have  worked so hard to develop and innovate incubators in order to save the lives of premature infants and other ill or recovering infants that have needed the extra help. The book felt short to me, mainly because I know there must have been so much involved in the initial builds for prototypes and  getting everything right. Some of the trail and error is covered in the book, but I felt like this was a well done overview of important people and moments in the history of incubators. I think the book offers readers a great start on the topic, and explains everything very well. The illustrations are extremely well done, with a good page lay out to balance the text. I really liked that the author included source notes, suggestions for further reading, a glossary, and an index. Sadly these are things often overlooked. 

 

Incubators is a well written and drawn history of incubators. It is accessible and engaging for a wide ranging audience. 

Early Book Review: Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee

Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee is a companion to the best-selling and award-winning Dragon Pearl  (which I loved) and is currently scheduled for release on January 4 2022. This is another space opera inspired by Korean mythology,but told from the point of view of a nonbinary tiger spirit. Sebin, a young tiger spirit from the Juhwang Clan, wants nothing more than to join the Thousand World Space Forces and, like their Uncle Hwan, captain a battle cruiser someday. But when Sebin's acceptance letter finally arrives, it's accompanied by the shocking news that Hwan has been declared a traitor. Apparently the captain abandoned his duty to steal a magical artifact, the Dragon Pearl, and his whereabouts are still unknown. Sebin hopes to help clear their hero's name and restore honor to the clan. Nothing goes according to plan, however. As soon as Sebin arrives for orientation, they are met by a special investigator named Yi and his assistant, a girl named Min. Yi informs Sebin that they must immediately report to the ship Haetae and await further instructions. Sebin finds this highly unusual, but soon all protocol is forgotten when there's an explosion on the ship, the crew is knocked out, and the communication system goes down. It's up to Sebin, three other cadets, and Yi and Min to determine who is sabotaging the battle cruiser. When Sebin is suddenly accused of collaborating with the enemy, the cadet realizes that Min might be the most dangerous foe of all.

Tiger Honor was a hard start for me, mainly because I had to go back and reread my review of Dragon Pearl and remember what I knew about some of these characters and this world, and were we all left off in the first book. Once I got back into the setting and characters were settled on my head I was able to get lost in that world again. I liked the character development for Sebin, and seeing a different perspective of the Star Forces and systems and relationships involved. I thought Swbin had a relatable story arc, as we have all had our expectations and thoughts of someone we loved and trusted challenged at some point in our lives. This exploration of world views and the larger picture is important, and well done here. I thought the character building for Sebin's fellow cadets, and the challenges they faced was also well done, with a nice balance of adventure or danger and introspection. I am hoping that the series is continued, as I just felt like I was getting to know the characters as a group when this installment of the story ended. I enjoyed the read, and think it was well done. I do recommend revisiting Dragon Pearl before reading this, or enjoying it on its own with no prior knowledge of the other book. It can be fully enjoyed in either fashion.

Tiger Honor is a well written and entertaining read. 

Early Book Review: Absurd Words: A Kids' Fun and Hilarious Vocabulary Builder for Future Word Nerds by Tara Lazar

Absurd Words: A Kids' Fun and Hilarious Vocabulary Builder for Future Word Nerds by Tara Lazar is currently scheduled for release on January 2 2022.  This is a dictionary-thesaurus hybrid,  a user-friendly, engaging book about the power of words. Grouped into themes (“word squads”) and paired with pop culture, etymology, and history facts, readers explore not only what the words in the book mean, but where they came from, uses in pop culture, how to use them! To go even further, readers are encouraged to create their own words (“crashwords”), anagrams, and more.

Absurd Words is full of great information and vocabulary. I like that the book pointed out that the English language  borrows heavily from other language, and that is always evolving. New words are made, some go out of fashion, and some shift meaning drastically. I was very glad to see the pronunciation included, as someone that knows the meaning of more words than they can correctly pronounce thanks to reading and some years of latin, it was good to double check my instincts on some of the words. I did learn a few words in the book, which is always nice. The extra bits of information, including pop culture references and information about the roots and history of certain words, were interesting and help keep readers engaged. I thought it was well organized and can stand up to a straight read through, browsing, and as a reference resource for readers looking for just the right word.  

Book Review: Acoustics (Portland Symphony) by London Price

Acoustics is the first book in the Portland Symphony series by London Price. My sister told me to stay away from her roommate. I promised I would. But I didn’t. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I mean, yeah, maybe it was predictable when I started asking about his AI research and finding reasons to hang out, even when my sister wasn’t home. Looking back, we never should've slow danced alone like that. But with Chance, goofing around melted into messing around easier than butter on hot bread. It’s not fair to keep our relationship a secret, but how can I tell my sister I betrayed her trust? And when the truth comes out, how can I keep both the people I care about most?

Acoustics is a trans romance series set in Oregon. It contains robot talk, found family, and a happily ever after. It’s not intended for readers who don’t want to read explicit LGBTQ sex scenes. CW for the death of a fish. I really loved the characters in this book, including the main and secondary characters. Colby knows better than to date his sister's roommate. He does not want to hurt her, but cannot seem to stop himself. Chance is a fantastic character, and I love the balance of shy tech guy and dominant nature in the bedroom. My favorite part of the book is the frank and honest discussions Chance and Colby have. They  talk about everything I think most people should before getting intimate- covering what they are comfortable with, hard limits, and so on- even holding themselves to that when other choices could have been made. I loved the caring and thoughtful nature of their relationship, even when they were trying to 'just be friends'. The support and honest caring between all of the characters made me want to be part of this circle of friends and family. I cannot wait to see what comes next in the series so I can see them all again. My only big complaint was that it ended too soon.

Acoustics is a wonderful romance with well written characters, I look forward to the next book in the series. 

Book Review: Protect Me Not ((Un)Professionally Yours) by Natasha Anders

Protect Me Not is the second book in the (Un)Professionally Yours series by Natasha Anders. I did not read the first book, and do not think that the lack negatively impacted my reading experience. 

Victoria Hollingsworth does not need a surly, uncommunicative bodyguard cramping her style, following her everywhere, and intimidating any would-be male callers. She’s a florist for goodness sake, not a princess or a pop star. Having a massive, mysterious bodyguard always hovering is an inconvenience. And yet… there he is, Tyler Chambers, her unwanted protector, ultra-serious, no-nonsense, and off-the-charts hot. Vicki doesn’t want, or need, him as a bodyguard. Yet, disturbingly, he may be everything she wants, and needs, in a man.Ty hates his current long-term assignment. It’s mind-numbingly tedious. Vicki Hollingsworth is a pain in the butt who talks too much, laughs a lot, and frequently tests his patience. And her life isn’t exactly filled with intrigue and action. Ty is ready for this job to be over. He has just a couple of months left before reassignment. He’s mere weeks away from being out of here. The last thing he needs is to find his cute-as-a-button charge irresistibly attractive. She’s not his type. Wholesome, adorable, and sweet, Vicki is the kind of woman who needs long-term commitment. And all Ty has to offer is a few short weeks of far-from-wholesome pleasure.How much chaos can one little florist introduce into his regimented life? 

Protect Me Not is a contemporary romance. I liked the connection and back and forth between the characters, and thought a great deal was done right with the characters. Vicki is a little too trusting and naive but also seems aware of her privilege and the love of those in her life. Tyler has problems with letting people in, but also seems to be aware of it on some level, but not necessarily ready to make adjustments. I liked the honest discussions that are had, even when they know they are lying to themselves on some level. I think the way Tyler's walls ad past are handled, and how the support system is always there and playing their role even what it is not blatantly obvious. I enjoyed the secondary characters, and the hints as to who might be the next pairing off in the series that are included here. I enjoyed the read, and I thought the slow burn and forbidden romance aspects were very well done, although I will admit to getting a little bored and eager for an ending at some point. I did like that emotional issues had to be recognized and dealt with rather than ignored, which is too often the case, particularly for male characters. 

Protect Me Not is a solid romance with well written characters.

Book Review: Doris' Dear Delinquents by Emma Ward

Doris' Dear Delinquents is a picturebook written and illustrated by Emma Ward. It was a silver medal winner of the 2020 Key Colors Illustrators Competition. Doris the gharial crocodile has her motherly hands full with twenty-six misbehaved hatchlings. Follow along on a journey through the alphabet as she tries to bring peace back into her home.

Doris' Dear Delinquents is a charming alphabet book that many adults reading along with young readers will appreciate as well. Doris is a crocodile mom just trying to get her home under control, the the personalities and expected sibling trouble with twenty six energetic hatchlings is making things hard. I could sympathize with her, and still find the situation amusing. I liked the choices for names ad adjectives to show the alphabet, with fun and quirky happenings making it all work. I thought the illustrations were fun and charming, and frankly made my day. I think will be a fun read one on one, alone for emerging readers, or in a group story time setting. 

Book Review: The Life Revamp (Love Study) by Kris Ripper

The Life Revamp is the third book in the Love Study series by Kris Ripper. It can be read on its own, but returning readers will have more knowledge of Mason and most secondary characters. 

All Mason wants to do is fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. The hunt is beginning to wear him down…until he meets (slightly) famous fashion designer Diego. Everything sparks between them—the banter, the sex, the fiery eye contact across a crowded room. There's just one thing: Diego is already married and living his happily-ever-after, which luckily (or not) for Mason includes outside courtships. But not quite in the way he'd always imagined. Mason thought he knew what would make him happy, but it turns out the traditional life he'd expected has some surprises in store.

The Life Revamp is a wonderful addition to the Love Study series, and a charming romance as a stand alone. I loved Mason's character, but while the author does a good job of describing his backstory and friend group, I think returning readers will not be as invested or understand all the history and connections Mason has. I liked the way non traditional relationships were discussed and shown, helping those that have never known anyone in a poly relationship understand at least one way it can all happen and work, since like any kind of relationship each can be different. I loved the emphasis on communication and understanding what you really want versus what we have pictured for ourselves since the two do not always match up. The secondary characters were very well done, and as usual I want more of them. I loved the support systems, family, and found family here. I wish everyone had the kind of support these characters did. The only thing I wanted but did not get from this book is multiple points of view. I really wanted to see the story from the eyes of Diego or even Claris at certain points of the story to get a bigger picture view of what people were thinking and feeling.  However, I know not all readers like the switching viewpoints so I get why they might not be used. 

The Life Revamp is a wonderful romance with complex characters. 

Book Review: Love, Only Better by Paulette Stout

Love, Only Better by Paulette Stout is a contemporary romance. For Rebecca, sex is a joke missing a punchline. No crashing waves. Only pangs of inadequacy. At twenty-eight, shouldn’t she have had one by now? Her snickering ex thought so. As did every guy who came before him. No way she’s dating anyone again. At least, until she can take “clueless in bed” off her dating resume.  When Kyle moves in across the hall, his blue eyes and black motorcycle are magnetic. Sparks flew from the moment he rescued her takeout dinner from hitting the lobby floor. It’s the worst time for Rebecca to meet someone this dreamy. But how can she resist love notes taped to her apartment door? Hallway kisses? Sitting behind his hotness as the world zips by? It’s risky, though. To get past whatever’s blocking her in bed, Rebecca needs expert help. Sure, it’s unorthodox, but she’s desperate for answers. Rebecca doesn’t expect anyone to understand—least of all Kyle. If he learns her secret, he’ll think she’s a freak and bolt. Just once, Rebecca wants to get the guy and everything that comes along with it. Would she forever have to choose between feeling whole and being loved?

Love, Only Better left me with mixed feelings. I enjoyed the set up, and thought there was so many ways this story could go. I loved the frank discussion of sexuality and how much more complicated achieving satisfaction can be for some people. I think this is a very important topic, and one that is left behind for a variety of reasons. I think the entire book could have been about Rebecca's journey in that arena and have been a wonderful book. I found the characters in general to be a little one dimensional, and many of the interactions to be pro functionary rather than interesting. So much more could have been done with Rebecca and her circle of friends, more could have been done to build the relationship with her and Kyle as well. It felt more like the other character were after thoughts rather than important to the story, which is why I think it could have been more about just Rebecca or given us more depth to the other characters (especially Kyle). There were some really good moments, but as a whole the read left me a bit meh. 

Love, Only Better is a good book about a woman understanding her own sexuality and needs. 

Book Review: My Next Play (On My Own) by Carrie Ann Ryan

My Next Play is the third book in the On My Own series by Carrie Ann Ryan. It can be read on its own, but returning readers will have a head start on understanding the characters and relationship dynamics. 

What happens when you fall for your best friend, but they fall in love with someone else? Nothing is what it seems in this unrequited love, new adult romance. Miles knew Nessa never had eyes for him. Only when someone new tries to hurt her, he knows he can’t stand back any longer. It’s time she finds out the man he is behind the glasses and beneath the shell he wrapped himself in. But now he has to hope that once she sees the real him, she’ll stay. Because he doesn’t want to let go, even if someone else tries to make that choice for them both.

My Next Play is a contemporary romance with dynamic characters and high tension on a number of levels. I have not read the previous books in this series, but I have read other books by the author set in the same area, and recognized some of the secondary characters. I think that dedicated readers of the author in general, and series in particular, will already know about the tension between Nessa and the guy roommates in the series as well as some of the more serious issues that are mentioned. However, the author does a good job of giving enough information to remind returning readers with out rehashing past plots too much and giving new readers the information they need to get context for current story lines. This balance can be hard, but Ryan nailed it here. I liked the tension between Nessa and Miles, and really enjoyed the use communication, consent, and heat between them. The worries and issues they each had to face, not even including their relationship, were hard and a big part of their characters even when they tried not to share it. The character depth and growth was very well done. I thought the tension level of the book was high, I spent most of the book waiting for the big moment, and there were a couple time jumps that had me going back a page worried that I had missed a clue or big moment. I also loved the secondary characters, and now I want to go back and catch up on what I missed, and see what happens next with the whole group.

My Next Play is a highly engaging romance with great characters.