Book Review: The Wrenchies by Farel Dalrymple

The Wrenchies by Farel Dalrymple is a graphic novel about a demented future where evil shadowmen oppress all of the remaining life on Earth. Children have formed gangs, and it is the ruthless Wrenches gang that seems the best suited to stand against the shadowmen. Hollis, a boy from our world, gains access to the world the Wrenches live in, and somehow finds a home there. However, that is not an easy place to live. This is a science fiction graphic novel about regret, obsession, and the uncertainty of growing up. 

The Wrenches is a graphic novel that left me torn. I loved the ragtag groups of kids struggling to survive and fighting against evil. I liked the fact that there were questions throughout about just what they were fighting for and against. However, I also found myself confused and rereading bits here and there to try to figure out if I missed something. The story, the drama, and the action were all very well done. But, I still found myself confused on occasion. The artwork is very distinctive, clearing showing the filth and distortion of the world the Wrenches were surviving. Because of that, I just did not find it visually appealing, even though I know it certainly had a purpose and portrayed the atmosphere, characters, and emotions better because of that style. 

The Wrenchies is a very well done graphic novel for teens and adults. It is gritty and unpolished, and feels all the more real and emotional because of that. I think that while I like my graphic novels a little prettier, I can see that this raw and emotional story about youth and growing up will appeal to a large number of teens and adults. 

Book Review: Sam's Pet Temper by Sangeeta Bhadra

Sam's Pet Temper written by Sangeeta Bhadra  and illustrated by Marion Arbona is picturebook about Sam, a young boy who gets so frustrated waiting his turn at the playground that a Temper shows up. The beast-like temper quickly empties the playground and Sam happily plays alone with his new pet. Sam soon discovers that once unleashed his Temper follows him everywhere, causing more and more trouble, until Sam realizes he needs to put a stop to it, but how? 

Sam's Pet Temper tells a story that can entertain just about everyone. The depiction of Sam’s Temper by illustrator Marion Arbona is perfect. At first he is almost cute, and definitely mischievous. Something most kids would enjoy playing with. It is only when the temper gets Sam into trouble and starts growing that readers see that a temper can be a serious problem. I liked the combination of understanding that anyone can have a temper that gets out of control along with the message that everyone can get that temper in check with some simple tools or help. All in all, I found the story both fun and a great resource for families and school environments. 

Sam's Pet Temper is a book that tells the story about finding, losing control of, and reigning in a temper. Kids can relate to the situations while family, caregivers, and teachers can use the book to open up discussion about tempers controlling them as well.  I think both adults and children can enjoy this story about Tempers and how to deal with them. 

Book Review: Little Green Peas: A Big Book of Color by Keith Baker

Little Green Peas: A Big Book of Color by Keith Baker is the latest picture book adventure for the energetic little peas we met in LMNO Peas. In this book the passel of playful peas keeps it green as they experience the colorful world around them. There are red kites, yellow buses, purple mountains, and more! The pages are bright and bold, full of peas with a wide range of personalities and adventures as they explore color.

Little Green Peas is a fun, and adorable, way to explore colors with kids. The enthusiastic peas explore a rainbow of colors, one at a time. The peas each have their own personalities, and their little side conversations and activities make this a great book for repeat reading. You can find something new to enjoy and smile at every time you look at the book. My son, who loves Where’s Waldo and the I Spy books for the searching fun, definitely loved take a few passes through this to see if he could spot something funny each time through.

I would highly recommend Little Green Peas for sharing in a classroom or at home. It is great for teaching colors, reinforcing color lessons, and for a fun read. 

Book Review: Parched, A Vampire Romance by Z.L Arkadie

Parched, A Vampire Romance is the first book in the Parched series by Z.L Arkadie.   Clarity Parker has wealthy but very distant parents that have always run her life. As an Advertising Executive thought she'd never see Baron Ford, the one person she had dated and felt effected by, again. Now he's back and has asked that she, exclusively, be assigned to his multi-million dollar account. Clarity tries to avoid Baron but when he finally catches up to her he issues a warning--things are not safe for her anymore. Clarity's entire world comes crashing down. But there is no time to get answers because Baron was right, her life is in danger, and so is his.

Parched has a fresh take on the mythology of fallen angel and the world as we know it. I liked that Clarity is smart, she is resilient, and takes the huge problems and changes to her life in a better stride than I might. She has never gotten close to anyone, since knowing what others think of you makes for tough going at school and in relationships. Her family is rich, and she has been brought up to insist on the very best of everything, and has always just done what she is told to avoid conflict or anger from her parents. When she discovers that everything she knows to be truth is skewed, life becomes a wee bit more challenging. Vampires and an Evil force are out to kill her and anything else that gets in their way. But with everything up in the air knowing who to trust and what to believe is nearly impossible. Baron holds some secrets, and great danger. Then there are sisters she did not know she had and  heritage and series of challenges that she had no notion of.

I really liked the set up, and all of the world building. I will admit that I am always a little disappointed in heroines or set up that include loads of money to aid in getting out of problems, forcing characters to find their own gifts always seems more impressive to me. I also was annoyed at how Clarity just did whatever her parents told her with no questions asked. What tween or teen never asked why or rebelled at least a little? I might read on, only because I liked the premise and some of the twists and turns in the story. However, I will admit that there were times when I found myself a little bored and waiting for the next big event to come and shake things up.

I enjoyed the unique premise in Parched, and the action was awesome while it was happening. I think that this book could have been a little shorter and more condensed, and the main character have a bit more backbone, but the world building balanced some of that out. I am unsure if I will continue, but readers that love books about angels and the related mythology of what happens when they get cozy with humans, might want to check this out. 

Early Book Review: Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway by Dr Dan & Bli Dugi

Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway by Dr Dan & Bli Dugi is a children’s book currently scheduled for release on October 14 2014. This book is book two in the The Principle Gang series. Danny the Wizard Lizard and Bli the Fly receiving positive attention for their mission to rid the world of bullying. In recognition of their great work, Mrs. Gecko, their school counselor, registers The Principle Gang for an anti-bullying conference in New York City. Enlisting the driving talents of Mrs. Fly, Danny the Wizard Lizard and Bli the Fly make the long drive to the Big Apple for the conference. 

Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway has some fun, and some serious points. Danny and Bli get to travel and experience the city including speeding taxis, street food, and the subway. Then at the conference, The Principle Gang shares their three rules to prevent bullying: don’t be mean; tell your teacher; and, be a friend. The trip is a fun success, adding a large number of others to their anti bullying group. Now, I like the message, and the story is not horrible, but it just does not call to me. I think there are a large number of kids that will see that the book has an agenda and not be interested, even if they agree with the agenda. The artwork has a cartoony feel, very digital looking. 

I think there is a place for Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway in classrooms, but I think it is better suited to targeted discussions about bully prevention rather than expecting kids to find the book and chose to read it on their own. 

Book Review: The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats by Sandra Markle

The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats is a non fiction book for children by Sandra Markle. This book explores the brown bats remarkable decline in population, including the likely causes and the effect that this decline can have on our lives.

Are you among those that think of bats and shudder, or do you think they are cute or useful? Well The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats can show those that are not overly fond of bats why they might want to help them stick around. Bats eat a large number of bugs, limiting the amount of bugs that can spread diseases, and the amount of damage insects can to to crops and our food supply.  Sadly large populations of little brown bats have been dying off each winter. Scientists have been hard at work to figure out if a virus killing them, if climate change or pesticides be the cause, or if it something else? This book follows a team of dedicated scientists working to save the little brown bats in this real-life science mystery. Thankfully, unlike the continuing death of bee colonies, there are now answers about what is hurting our bats and there are steps being taken to help them. There are suggestions for further research and ideas for families to help the cause.

I love bats, and the fact that they can decimate the mosquito population in no time flat. The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats is a well researched and organized book that presents the facts of the investigation along with extra pieces of information that could be of great interest to middle grade readers. It is not sensationalized, but instead shows the steps of a scientific investigation and all of the possible causations and solutions, including those that turned out to be disproven. I think animal lovers will get something great out of this book, it could help some creeped out by the bat understand them a bit more, and will act as a credible resources for research.

Three Paranormal Mystery Series You Will Love; Spooky Mysteries that Keep You Guessing

There is an ever increasing number of books to chose from when trying to decide what to pick up next. Luckily, no matter what genre or combination or genre you are looking for there is someone out there writing and publishing it. The hard part is finding books that are worth reading in each little niche, rather than ones that are just being written to fit into the next big craze. If you like mysteries with a touch of the paranormal or mystic here are some series that are great reads but not often brought up in book lists or discussions.

Anyone who looks for novels touching on the paranormal has heard of Charlaine Harris and her Sookie Stackhouse series, which I also enjoy. However, that is far from Harris's only series. Harris has three other series to her credit and a selection of stand alone books. The Harper Connelly quartet is absolutely fantastic, and my first recommendation. In Grave Sight we are introduced to Harper, a smart and loyal woman who gained a strange ability when she was hit by lightning. She can sense and find dead people, and then figure out how they died. Harper and her step brother slash manager Tolliver go to a small Midwestern town to try and solve the mystery of a teenager's disappearance but get more than they bargained for because someone has a lot to hide. Harper and Tolliver have a strange relationship, which you see explained through the series. The characters are deep and edgy and the mysteries and puzzles found in each of the books are challenging. This series is not light and fun like the Sookie books, although there is some humor. Everything is more real and quite a bit darker than what you might have already read from this talented author. On a side note I do also recommend the Shakespeare series by Harris, it is free of psychic or supernatural aspects but full of dark reality, mystery and intriguing characters.

On a much lighter note you might be interested in Victoria Laurie's Psychic Eye Mystery series. Here we see Abby Cooper; Psychic Eye who had been trying to keep her gifts at bay for most of her life. Just when she has decided to try and use her gifts to make a living and help people one of her clients dies, and she never saw it coming. To make it even more challenging for Abby she just might be a suspect, the real killer is after her and the led detective was her own blind date. The mystery is well done, but it is really the great characters and fun, engaging writing that makes the series a must read. Each book has been high quality with new twists and turns and great character development. 

Another great mystery series with some mystical elements is Madelyne Alt's Bewitching Mystery series, which starts with The Trouble With Magic. Maggie O'Neill is dissatisfied with her job, and honestly her life. So she takes a leap of faith and takes a job as a clerk in an antique shop Felicity, her new friend and employer just happens to be a practicing witch and helps Maggie in her ever continuing journey to figure out what she really wants. Along the way Felicity is accused of murdering her own sister and Maggie is introduced to the mystic, a coven of witches and hunky and mysterious Marcus. The story is absorbing and the mystery surprising. The cast of characters is charming and really well fleshed out. No cookie cutter or flat players in this story. What makes the read even better is knowing that more is coming. At last count there were five books in the series.

This is only a small sampling of this unique cross section of genres. Other suggestions for readers that enjoy the type of books I've mentioned above include Shirley Damsgaard's Abby and Ophelia Mysteries, Wendy Robert's Ghost Dusters series, Terry Garey's Nicki Styx series and Casey Daniel's Pepper Martin Mystery series.

Blog Tour with Giveaway: Confessions of a Self-Help Writer By Benjamin W. DeHaven

Confessions of a Self-Help Writer

By Benjamin W. DeHaven

#1 Most-Wished-for-Book of 2014 on Indie Bound for over 10 weeks!

Lunge into a funny, audacious, and devastating work of fiction based on factual events. As much a comedy as a tragedy, "Confessions is a unique piece of literature to be remembered for its originality as much as for its significance as a statement about living life in today's harsh reality." Explore the psyche of one of the world's most profound advisors: a Quixotic adventurer who admits freely to lurid depravity, substance abuse, and emotional complexity. Despite personal demons, he's fooled adherents into a unique reverence and might be responsible for saving more souls than Mother Teresa and Gandhi combined. 

Hypocrite isn't a strong enough word for someone who writes self-help books purely for profit. Two of the world's ten wealthiest used Enzo as a ghostwriter and while they attribute their status in life to Enzo's words, not a single one willingly admits to knowing him. DeHaven, a patsy in Enzo's schemes and a recurring voice, shares his own perspective and often times paints himself in a very negative light, which adds a layer of credibility to such a fantastical story. Brief moments of compassion and insight are even more powerful and poignant from this perspective.

The most disheartening admission presented is that Enzo would only fall back on his tremendous gift, of writing self-help, as a last act to pay debtors and sustain a ridiculous lifestyle. The reader of "Confessions" is forced to question DeHaven's motivation in publishing this journal. Does he truly want to ruin Enzo's legacy or is this an act of love? Reaching out to someone who is still lost. Enzo, wherever you are, pick up a self-help book and give it a read.  Who knows, you may have written it. 

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The Author:
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A Graduate of Columbia College in Chicago, Benjamin DeHaven keeps his heart in Chicago and his soul in New Orleans. He holds a MBA from Tulane and a film degree from Columbia. Once ejected from a community college for arguing Frost cried out for acceptance in Birches, he has since written screenplays, traded futures in Madrid, and was Editor in Chief of the Nola Shopper Newspaper, a free art newspaper and the 2nd largest monthly paper in the New Orleans, MSA. . He also has a "shout out" in a Jay "Z" Song. 

DeHaven, who currently resides in Las Vegas began his writing career with Stone United, a Chicago based Film Company, which works primarily in independent film. As an unknown fiction writer, he feels the best description of himself, is a sarcastic one and is as follows:

Benjamin W. DeHaven was born on a pool table after a Waylon Jennings' concert in 1977. His personal success is outweighed only by his stunning good looks and adherence to unwritten moral guidelines. He has been described as a thinking man's Tucker Max as well as an idiot's Hunter S. Thompson. His goal is to die from an unwavering commitment to be more like Hemingway.

He and Michael Enzo were friends.

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Book Review: Bob’s Hungry Ghost by Genevieve Cote

Bob’s Hungry Ghost by Genevieve Cote is a picturebook about a young boy that really wants a dog for his birthday, but gets a ghost named Fluffy instead. Unfortunately, Fluffy doesn't fetch, sit, or go for walks. All Fluffy does is eat everything, and soon all of Bob's things and even Bob himself end up in Fluffy's belly. Will Bob find a way to tame his unruly and very hungry ghost? Will Fluffy realize that eating Bob wasn't a very nice thing to do?

Bob’s Hungry Ghost is a creative look at how children, and adults, handle disappointment. bob is less than thrilled with a ghost for a pet, particularly when the ghost in question does not do any of the fun stuff he had planned to do with a dog. He pouts, and after a while starts to be less than friendly to his new pet. Fluffy in turn eat everything, including Bob. it is then that Bob reads the guidebook about having a ghost for a pet, and when Fluffy comes to think about the little boy in his belly. All ends well in a sweetly silly book about appreciating what you have. And everyone will want a ghost for their birthday after reading this book.

I would recommend Bob’s Hungry Ghost to picturebook readers of all ages. The story is perfectly illustrated and a fun read about appreciating what you have and accepting disappointment gracefully. My favorite part of the story is the realization that the possibilities of what we do have are often much better than what we might have had.

Early Book Review: Once Upon a Plaid (Spirit of the Highlands) by Mia Marlowe

Once Upon a Plaid is the latest book in the Spirit of the Highland series by Mia Marlowe. It is currently scheduled for release on October 7 2014.  Katherine Douglas is considered fortunate. Her husband, Laird William Douglas is broad-shouldered, gentle-handed, everything a lass could dream. However, after four years of marriage, Katherine still knows little of what goes on in his heart and she has yet to bear him an heir. Her pain and desire to set her husband free so he can have his heir has her at her childhood home. But William won't let his wife slip away without a fight. Before long, he's at her father's threshold himself, witness to the rumbles of discontent in Glengarry, the bright joy of Yuletide at a family hearth, and the hidden needs of his own beloved.

Once Upon a Plaid deals with issues most romance novels ignore, the ever after that has troubles of its own. Katherine and William were promised to each other as children, and have found love together even if they do not really communicate well. However, after a still born babe and several miscarriages, some of which Katherine has kept to herself, there are barriers and pain between them that need to be breached. It is the lack of communication and shielded emotion that is the root of all the strife between them. I liked that both characters are strong, intelligent, and thinking about the welfare of the other more so than themselves.  the addition of clan strife adds another layer of tension and excitement to the story, as does the trials of Katherine's sister, but the true heart of the story is about sharing pain and coming together. There is some faith involved, but not so much that it will push away those that do not enjoy religious fiction. It is more a part of the character's and their lives than a plot point. 

I enjoyed that Once Upon a Plaid dealt with some very tough issues, and I felt for the characters throughout the story. i will say that since it began with the couple well into their married life I did feel like I missed something important when I first began the book. It was still a solid read, and may be a very hard read for those that have had trouble conceiving or carrying children to term. The main suggestion I would offer to make the book feel more complete is to offer a preface with a wedding night or childhood day when their love for each other showed.