Book Review: When Lunch Fights Back: Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses by Rebecca L. Johnson

When Lunch Fights Back: Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses by Rebecca L. Johnson is a nonfiction book for children. This book introduces readers of all ages to living things with some of the strangest defenses known to science. There are termites that blow themselves up to save the colony, fish that produce copious amounts of slime, lizards that run on water, and much more. Readers that love to learn about nature, animals, and some odd animal abilities will devour this book.

When Lunch Fights Back: Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses is a book that my kids loved.  My daughter loves anything animal related and my son loves anything that can be called gross or weird. this book made both of them happy. I think the real photographs along with the explanations of how these defenses take place were very well organized and explained so that young readers can get something out of it while older readers are learning even more and are not bored.  Most of these defenses and odd animal abilities were not new to me, but some of the information was. I learned something, as did my children. I think this book can be a regular repeat read for many children.

When Lunch Fights Back: Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses has a good balance of photographs and information. It does not over or underwhelm readers, avoiding boring the older readers or making the younger readers feel left out. this would be a great high interest book for grabbing the attention of nature or oddity loving reluctant readers.

Giveaway and Book Review: Full Throttle by Julie Ann Walker

Read to the end of the review to enter a giveaway for a paperback ARC of this book.

Full Throttle is the seventh book in the Black Knights Inc series by Julie Ann Walker. Like the other books in this series, there is an underlying story arch, but each book can also stand on its own. Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. Preferring a quiet life, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. However, she did not put others in danger everywhere she went. Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions. But when he’s tasked with protecting the only woman he ever loved he faces tough decisions on several fronts. This are made harder for both when Abby is kidnapped by a group of trained terrorists. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him again?

Full Throttle is on par with the rest of the series, so if you have read any of the other Black Knights books you will like this as well. I like that Abby and Carlos had a solid back story, not that you would know from the original book description. Also, for those that have been following the series there are small strides in the larger story arch, but that does not interfere or distract from the story of this particular story keeping is a satisfying read to those that have not read the earlier books. I liked Abby's character, while she is sweet she also has a backbone of steel and is very smart. Carlos is also very smart and strong willed, but they compliment each other nicely rather than clashing. I was disappointed that despite their combined smarts there were a few too stupid to live sexy moments, this holds true with a pair of side characters too. These are smart, and in most cases highly trained, individuals should be able to think a bit more with their heads than whats in their pants.

Full Throttle is a entertaining romance with suspense and some solid action. It was a good read, but moments of shaking my head at the character's choices kept it from being great. I liked the characters, and find myself interested to see where the possible romance between a pair of secondary characters goes in a future book. I am sticking with the series for the entertaining reads, but hope that the next book has characters able to think through their libidos a bit better. 


Book Review: Princess Patty Meets Her Match by Charise Mericle Harper

Princess Patty Meets Her Match by Charise Mericle Harper is a picturebook about a princess taking matters into her own hands. Patty has always been told that one day her prince will come, but she is tired of waiting.  So with Miss Loverpuff (her pet starfish) in tow, Patty sets off to find her own happily-ever-after. Along the way, she meets a prince who places leftover peas under the bed, and another who can't tell the difference between catching dragons and dragonflies! Can she find a prince that she wants to spend time with?

Princess Patty Meets Her Match is a book about a girl taking charge of her own life. she goes out in search of something she has been told will find her. I like that patty is a strong and smart girl. She teaches those she comes in contact with quite a bit, but she is still kind and never rude even when those she runs across seem less than bright. I think a princess taking charge while still being a good person is an important story to share. Too often when princesses (or girls in general) and taking charge in books they come off as mean rather or a know it all. Patty knows what she wants, but is still a gracious girl and while sweet also not a push over. The illustrations  do a good job of bringing the story to life with some additional information and funny moments. 

I would highly recommend Princess Patty Meets Her Match to any readers that love princess and make believe. I think readers stuck on the idea that a princess needs saving, and that a prince needs to do all the work, will gain something from this fun and sweet picturebook.

Book Review: Rocky Mountain Miracle by Christine Feehan

Rocky Mountain Miracle by Christine Feehan is a novella that was previously published in a collection of three Christmas romances. Cole Steele is said to be a womanizer that killed his father and plans to take out his younger brother next. However, he is nothing like the stories being spread about him. Maia Armstrong is a traveling veterinarian that is said to dabble in magic. When the two meet Cole is intrigued, and Maia tries to keep her distance.  But, an injured horse brings them together and it becomes clear that attraction is mutual. As Cole and Jace try to come together as family, they need to deal with their shared trauma and deal with the accidents that might be part of a bigger scheme. Can Jace, Cole, and Maia make this a merry Christmas despite the trouble around them?

Rocky Mountain Miracle has a certain magic to it. Cole and Jace have each endured more than anyone should and are each doubting themselves and each other. Thrown into this family crisis, Maia has caught Cole's attention in a way he has never experienced. Getting trapped on the ranch because of a snowstorm and the threat of 'accidents' heightens the conflict and emotions as everyone tries to find the words and connections that they need to come together. Not a lot of hot and heavy action for those that like the really steamy romance, but for readers that really love character interaction and family dynamics in their romance will be very happy.



Rocky Mountain Miracle is a good read.  It is short, since it is a novella that began as part of a collection, but it is emotionally charged. There are strong family dynamics and a great deal about trying to connect and finding ones place. I was a little disappointed with Maia's character, she seemed just a little too perfect at times, but all together it was a perfect read for a winters night.

Five Roman and Greek Mythology Resources

Myths, legends and fairy tales are immensely fascinating to me. Especially the way certain tales echo each other when the original storytellers had no way of communicating with each other across distance, language barriers and time. Greek and Roman mythology is one segment of the larger whole that I have found phenomenal resources to help me explore deeper. Here are my personal favorite books that teach and entertain in that realm of mythology. I did not include individual stories, such as the Iliad or the Odyssey, only collections and reference materials.

Mythology by Edith Hamilton is a collection and review of Greek and Roman myths, with a few Norse myths thrown in for good measure. Hamilton tells the main stories and describes the characters as well.  She gives commentary on the stories and shares how different versions of the characters and stories compare. I currently own two copies of this book, which I have read and reread several times over the years. She also wrote The Greek Way and The Roman Way for more detailed understanding of each culture.

Bulfinch's Greek and Roman Mythology from Thomas Bulfinch is another fantastic resource for myth information. This book is full of vivid retellings of myths from the Roman; Greek and Norse cultures. The myths are enjoyable and easy reads, while the index of names makes looking up references to the characters made in other works a simple process. I find this book to be another invaluable addition to my personal library.

The Dictionary of Classical Mythology by John Edward Zimmerman has entries about the Greek and Roman myths that are clear and concise. The names have pronunciation guides and where they are mentioned, cross-references with related entries and information on authors. This book does a great job of balancing the needs of novices and fans in the field. 

The Greek Myths: Complete Edition
 from Robert Graves offers readers exactly what the title proclaims. Myths are told with commentary and supported heavily with illustrations. The myth retellings are wonderful; however, I often disagreed with his interpretations of individual myths, which is gratifying in its own way. I have yet to find a more extensive collection of Greek myths than that in this book. 

The Encyclopedia of Classic Mythology: The Ancient Greek, Roman, Celtic and Norse Legends
 from Arthur Cotterell is a comprehensive and useful reference source. You can read the book straight through and enjoy the stories or look up names and myths that interest you and learn more about their stories. It is a great addition to the personal library of anyone interested in learning more about mythology.

Book Review: Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue

Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue is the third book in the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency series by Iain Reading. This is a series I highly recommend reading in order, more for the understanding of the main character than the story line. Kitty Hawk is on an epic flight around the world in her seaplane. As this book opens she has said farewell to the Florida Keys and arrives in Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik.  Before she knows it Kitty is plunged head first into an amazing adventure that sweeps her across a rugged landscape where humans and nature exist side-by-side in an uneasy truce and magical realms seem to lie just out of sight beneath the surface. Kitty encounters historic and environmental wonders, welcoming people, dangerous criminals, corrupt government officials, and mystical beings and clashes with the elemental forces of nature. While her curiosity puts her in harms way, her piloting skill and quick wit will hopefully get her out alive.

Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue held up to the quality that I expect from this series. Kitty is daring, but only occasionally reckless, and is very smart.  She still talks to herself, but when you spend that much time alone it should be expected. She gets herself into crazy situations, and meets some very interesting people. Again, there is an environmental theme, with the question of aluminum smelting and the tough choices that need to be made to mitigate the damage people are doing in their efforts to make a product and a profit.

The volume of information shared about Iceland and its culture is significant, but it is done in a way that it blends in with kitty's adventure. She is curious and wants to learn about the people and places she encounters on her way, so readers are given the same experience. I like that many little details are left to the readers imagination in the end, like in previous books, when things that could have mundane or paranormal explanations, but the big questions about crimes and who might have harmed another are all answered. Fans of this series will  fall right back into Kitty's story, and enjoy every minute of it.

If you have enjoyed Kitty's adventures so far, then Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue is a must read. If you have not tried this series yet but love adventure, suspense, and a plucky teen finding her way, then you need to start at the beginning with Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold. So ahead, get started, I'll wait. I am eager to read Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic, which is already loaded in my Kindle and waiting for my attention. 

Book Review: Werewolf in Seattle by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Werewolf in Seattle is the third book in the Wild About You series by Vicki Lewis Thompson. This is a series that does not need to be read in any real order or even as a series, each can stand on its own. It seems to be only the larger werewolf community, and the changes in it, that ties the stories together. The last thing Colin McDowell needs is to inherit and manage his Aunt Geraldine's mansion in the San Juan islands off the coast of Washington. As the pack leader of the Trevelyans in Scotland, he had little time to take care of his inheritance. With troubles enough at home, he is ready to sell the place and move on. But when he meets Luna Reynaud, the personal assistant his aunt hired shortly before she died. Luna's clever plan for turning the mansion into a resort and his relentless attraction to her intrigue him. However, Luna has a secret  and there is some serious trouble brewing. Can they overcome the odds and find their own happy ending?

Werewolf in Seattle is a quick read with a good combination of fun and suspense. Luna is smart and independent, but sometimes loses those smarts when she finds herself alone with Colin. She has survived on her own for a long time, and has some great business sense, but is also pretty gullible and naive. Colin is a pragmatist, with a great deal on his plate. Like most alpha males, he tends to get a bit arrogant, but sometimes he crosses the line into greedy or pompous. Like Luna's naivete, it is not often enough to have ruined the book for me, but left me less happy with the book than I normally as with Thompson's work. The suspense portion of the book worked pretty well, but wrapped up a bit too neatly. It was still a good read, just not up to the standards i have for my favorite authors.

Werewolf in Seattle is not the best of Thompson's work, but was still a fun and quick read. This would be a good read for a weekend of being snowed in, or for trying to ignore the movie or game the family is attending to again. I am hoping that the next book from her that I read is as great as I expect from her.

Blog Tour for The Faithful by S.M. Freeman with Author Read Excerpt

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist.


The Faithful by S.M. Freedman 

Synopsis

For Agent Josh Metcalf, memories are ghosts. They are blood-soaked backpacks and the smell of strawberry Chap Stick. Josh is haunted by a little girl who went missing his first summer on the force. Decades later his search has become an obsession, and he's pinned the photos of hundreds of missing children to his wall of tears. All the children had psychic abilities. All the cases went cold -- with no witnesses, no useful tips, and no children ever recovered. Until a woman gets injured trying to stop an abduction, and Josh comes face to face with his personal ghost.

For Rowan Wilson, a meteorite hunter for NASA's Spaceguard program, memories are lies. The childhood she thought she knew has been erased, leaving a black hole in its place. New recollections are flaring to life: men dressed like priests, a ranch in the mountains, mind control, and rape. Each new memory draws her closer to one of the other missing children, Sumner Macey; and to I Fidele, the underground organization for whom kidnapping is just the beginning.

For Sumner, memories have become weapons. He's sharpened each of his with surgical precision: the ranch, the doctrine, the mind-wash, and the murders. He's eager to slice at the black sludge pumping through I Fidele's heart, desperate to cripple those who stole his childhood.

To I Fidele, non-psychics are cockroaches in need of extermination, an inferior species destroying the earth. They're ready to enforce eugenics on a global scale. If they succeed, only those faithful to their doctrine will survive. Crossing several genres, The Faithful will appeal to anyone who enjoys supernatural mysteries; high-tech, edge-of-your-seat suspense flavored with paranormal elements; thrillers involving psychics, occult and high stakes action/adventure; tied up with a depth and humor usually reserved for works of literary fiction.



Where to Purchase The Faithful
Amazon - Kindle
Amazon - Paperback
Barnes & Noble


The Author
 
S.M.'s Website / Blog / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook Author Page / YouTube

S.M. Freedman is a top-ranked Amazon author in the Mystery, Thriller and Suspense
categories, and a member of the WorldWiseWriters group. She lives in Vancouver with
her husband, two children and a giant orange cat.

She studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, and spent
years as a private investigator and business owner.

Inspired by authors of many different genres (favorites include Sue Grafton, Diana
Gabaldon, Jodi Picoult, Stephen King, Justin Cronin, Suzanne Collins and Lawrence Hill,
to name a few) she eventually turned back to her first love: writing.

The Faithful, a paperback and kindle Amazon Bestseller in both the US and the UK, and
a Quarter Finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, is her debut novel.
She's currently working on the sequel.

Follow the entire The Faithful tour HERE


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Book Review: Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects - Easy to Pick Up, Hard to Put Down by Sophie Maletsky

Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects - Easy to Pick Up, Hard to Put Down by Sophie Maletsky is an easy-to-follow and understand guide to creating duct tape projects. The book includes photographs alongside directions in order to make creating a wallet and making a bag easy while providing a variety of options for making each project truly your own. The instructions each include icons showing difficulty level, project time, and helpful hints; such as how to keep your scissors clean and what to do with the end pieces.
 
Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects is a solid instructional book. The details and photographs are put together to make everything easy to understand and follow. Some of the creations, like the tablet cover and clutch purse were very cute. Like any craft book, some of the ideas are ones that I have seen before, either on Pinterest of floating around on my Facebook feed, but some were new to me. The layout and little icons and hints made me happy, and I think most people interested in crafting with duct tape will enjoy this book and make use of a good number of the projects.

Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects offers readers some great information, tips, and projects for working with duct tape. Avid makers just might want to add this to their home library, while dabblers and those just curious about what others are doing with this one utilitarian item might want to check it out from their local library. 

Blog Tour with Excerpt: Purgatory Origins by Darryl Olsen

Purgatory Origins: Powers of Darkness
Publication date: October 21, 2014


SYNOPSIS
When Professor Harrison Standish, a bookish young archeologist inadvertently stumbles upon an ancient burial chamber in Egypt, he is baffled to find symbolism inside that would appear to date from two different historical periods, thousands of years apart. Suspecting the tomb had been tampered with at some point in the distant past, Professor Standish soon discovers the skeletons of ten half-human/half-canine creatures lying in a far corner of the chamber and his initial bafflement now turns to shock. What kind of ancient madman would be conducting such a horrific experiment?

As Dr. Standish endeavors to explain this mystery over the ensuing days, he happens upon a news report, suggesting that these same grotesque, half-human/half-canine creatures have come to life in the remote mountains of Wyoming and he is immediately on the next flight. By the time he arrives in Wyoming, a World War II Nazi bomber has materialized out of the sky and crashed off the coast of France and a Nazi general named Schmitz has stumbled into the 21st century, leaving behind evidence of his presence in Professor Standish's ancient burial chamber back in Egypt, all of which sets the stage for a rollicking, nonstop, modern day fantasy/sci-fi adventure.

The cast of characters in Purgatory: Origins includes Rachael, a pesky, auburn haired New York magazine correspondent, who is known equally for her ability to sink her teeth into a story and her unwillingness to let it go, Jason Kendall, an escaped rapist and killer who falls hard for Rachael when they cross paths and turns out to have a past with our half human creatures, and Harper, the ex-special forces FBI agent, whose primary goal is finding Jason Kendall, getting him back behind bars and keeping him there for the rest of his life but soon finds himself sucked into this mystery woven of ancient symbolism, old Nazi war criminals and otherworldly creatures.

Excerpt:
“Sir, you’d best get up here. They’ve found something and according to the captain of the search boat, it’s very strange.”
Jacques got to his feet wearily.
“Please wait here,” he said to the father and son. “I will return soon.”
Back up on the Préfet Maritime vessel, the inspector grabbed the radio receiver.
“Yes, this is Inspector Mitterand. What it is you’ve found?”
“Sir, we have located a plane on the sea bed that fits the general description and dimensions that your two witnesses described. It’s in about 50 meters of water.”
“Very well, send your divers down and get back to me once they’ve had a closer look.”
Jacques had started to hang up but heard a voice coming through the receiver.
“Yes, what it is?”
“Sir, there is more.”
“There is more what?”
“The plane appears to be balancing on a deep ocean trench.”
“And your point is?”
“Sir, there is no deep ocean trench in this area. At least there should not be. I have worked the waters off this coast for many years and have never heard of such a thing. I can assure you it doesn’t exist on any of the ocean charts we have.”


Where to purchase Purgatory Origins
Amazon - Kindle   
*Free for Prime Members or on Kindle Unlimited*



The Author

Darryl's Website / Facebook / Twitter

Darryl Olsen is a writer who lives in Sydney, he was educated on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales and after leaving school joined the Australian Regular Army. Darryl Olsen now writes part time, and when he is not finishing off his latest novel, you can catch Darryl at the gym lifting heavy weights, but still avoiding all forms of leg work.
Darryl Olsen is the author of the Purgatory series with the first title, Purgatory, Soldiers of Misfortune- now available. Stay tuned for the second novel titled, "Purgatory Origins" He also wrote "Children of the Gods-The Talon Project"


For more information about Darryl and his upcoming books please go to www.darrylolsen.com or you can contact him on darryl@darrylolsen.com

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