Book Review: In the Company of Wolves by Paige Tyler

In the Company of Wolves by Paige Tyler is the third book in the SWAT series. While each book can stand well on its own, I find that having a little prior knowledge of the characters ahead of time, and how the SWAT team work with and relate to each other, makes the read even better. The first two books are Hungry Like the Wolf and Wolf Trouble.

There's a new gang of criminals in town who are organized and ruthless in the extreme. When Eric Becker, along with the rest of the Dallas SWAT team, ends up in the middle of a shootout, he immediately senses werewolves-a lot of them. Turns out, the new bad guys are a pack of wolf shifters. In a spray of gunfire, Becker comes face-to-face with the most gorgeous woman he's ever seen. Becker does the logical thing. He hides her and leaves the scene with the rest of his team. Jayna Winston has no idea why that SWAT guy helped her, but she's glad he did. Ever since she and her pack mates got mixed up with those Eastern European mobsters, everything had pretty much fallen apart. So what's a street-savvy thief like Jayna going to do with a hot alpha-male wolf who's a police officer?

In the Company of Wolves is as high action and suspenseful as the previous books in the series. Becker is a good alpha, but I do not really feel like we got any new insights into him. We get to see his house, hear how he was turned, and see what a great guy he is. However, I never really feel like we got to know him as much as we get to know Jayna. We get to witness her traumatic turning and get deep into the trouble her pack has found itself in. I feel like we get a better look at the inner feelings of Jayna and her packmate Meghan than anyone else. the action was high, the story was a page turner with me catching my breath on occasion. I enjoyed the book, I just felt less of an emotional understanding or attachment to the characters than I had hoped for. It was still a satisfying read, but not as enthralling as I expected.

In the Company of Wolves is a little different from the previous books in the series, because we do not get to see much of the SWAT team as a whole. However, we still get plenty of high action, danger, and werewolves. The characters and action are on par with the series so far, and i am interested to see who finds their One next.

Book Review: The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis by Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, MS, MA

The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis by Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, MS, MA is a children's book with a lesson about treating others the way you would want to be treated. Zavis DaMavis is a happy young boy and a proud resident of a whimsical town called Tweeville. He’s off to school one morning when his mom gives him an important reminder. Zavis must remember his mother’s words if he’s ever going to understand what they mean. But how can he think when he’s so busy being kind to his friends? 

The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis is a book about teaching the golden rule, and acting on it in everyday life. Zavis spends most of his day trying to remember his mother's words, but is distracted by those he meets along the way. The older gentleman he helps across the street, the crossing guard he gives his tissue to, his classmate who he shares his coat hook with, and so on. The images are bright and simple, and the text occasionally silly, but I think the lesson was a bit heavy handed. Perhaps that is what is need on some occasions, but I prefer a bit more subtlety. 

The Trotters of Tweeville: Zavis DaMavis is a book intended to inspire children to think about others, and treat them the way they want others they way they would like to be treated. While it certainly gets the message across, I found it a bit overbearing. I found myself as frustrated with it as I am the religious fiction that beat the readers over the head with the piety of their characters.

Early Book Review: Container Theme Gardens: 42 Combinations, Each Using 5 Perfectly Matched Plants by Nancy J Ondra

Container Theme Gardens: 42 Combinations, Each Using 5 Perfectly Matched Plants by Nancy J Ondra is a resource that is currently scheduled for release on January 26 2016. This book helps gardeners of all skill levels create container plantings with very little stress. It maps out 42 plans for container arrangements, each using just five specific plants that are readily available. There are a variety of themes and ideas so there should be something for everyone; including a meadow in a box, a pond in a pot, a simple salad garden, and a combination that will attract hummingbirds. Each plan includes photographs of what the full planting will look like, as well as a handy shopping list and alternatives so you plan accordingly.

Container Theme Gardens is a well organized and thorough collection of information to help start and maintain themed container gardens. I liked the variety of themed gardens, based on color, season, location, wildlife, the container being used, and other special themes. Space needed, plant sizes, and plant care are included. The full color photographs of the individual plants used and the possible finished products are helpful and inspiring. 

Container Theme Gardens is a good collection of ideas and plants combinations. I liked many of the settings and found the variety to be nice. The only thing I found lacking was the hardiness zones, although with seasonal containers that is not always relevant. 

Book Review: Frankenstink! Garbage Gone Bad by Ron Lightburn

Frankenstink! Garbage Gone Bad by Ron Lightburn is a children's book for young readers, that just might have them cleaning their rooms. The story answers the question of what happens to all the random toys and whatnot that end up under the bed. When it gets big and gross enough, and is exposed to a big stink, it comes to life and starts eating all the garbage it can find.

Frankenstink! is told in rhyme, with a illustrations that have a comic book feel. the story features one young boys room, and the variety of toys, dust, and trash that gathers under his bed. one night it comes to life and becomes a garbage eating monster that finds its way to the dump and just keeps on eating until it bursts. While the story is simply told, it warns children to clean their rooms, and just how much stuff we throw away that ends up at the dump. so, there is a bit of a lesson about waste here as well, but I think most kids will focus on the monster coming to life from under their bed. as a parent, I have to say that my favorite part of the book was the look of wonder on they parents' faces when they spot their son doing some serious cleaning.

Frankenstink! might just be the lesson any preschool through middle grader needs to start cleaning their rooms, or after themselves in general. I do think that the monster and general idea might be a little to scary for some children already worried about monsters under the bed or easily bothered by drawing of monsters and their mayhem.  

Early Book Review: Seven Continents by Mohan Bhasker

Seven Continents is a collection of photography by Mohan Bhasker which is currently scheduled for publication on January 28 2016. Mohan Bhasker is a physician and landscape photographer that has traveled a round-the-world to some of Earth's most exquisite sites. This book collects over 220 photographs that Mohan has taken over a fifteen years, along with the information about the journeys and conditions that he experienced while traveling to take the pictures. Some of the locations include a Laos jungle, Antarctica's icebergs, Nepal's Himalayan mountain range, and Brazil's scorching sand dunes. 

Seven Continents is an interesting collection of photographs from all seven continents taken over a period of fifteen years. The images and stories behind them are wonderful and show the beauty of each landscape and in many cases the animals that inhabit them. I liked the concept and the execution, however found that no images really captivated me as unique. so many images are available for viewing through so many forms of media that it really takes a lot to stand out these days. None of these pictures really struck me as overly original or capturing something new. They are all lovely images, capturing the differences and overall beauty that can be found in the world, but none left me awestruck or needing to add the book to my permanent collection.

Seven Continents is a lovely coffee table book or addition to a photography or travel buff's collection. I enjoyed looking at the photographs, and found some very beautiful, but did not find the book to be a must see or must have.

Early Book Review: Night Study by Maria Snyder

Night Study by Maria Snyder is the second book in the Soulfinders series, and part of a much larger storyline. It is currently scheduled for release on January 26th 2016. Do not start reading this author’s work here! To understand the characters and the larger story line I highly recommend starting at the very beginning with Poison Study. 

Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear. Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he's quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he's been keeping secrets from Valek...secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander's mysterious plans, they realize it's far more sinister that they could have ever imagined.

Night Study is exactly what I needed after Shadow Study. Valek and Yelena face big secrets, bigger danger, and even larger conspiracies. I liked to know Valek better, and seeing more of his past and inner thoughts. Yelena remains a valiant and resilient heroine, even facing huge obstacles and danger. Readers are treated with more Leif, as well as many side characters that have become more and more important as the circle of trust become smaller and more dangerous. There are just so many layers of story going on here that anyone not starting from the very beginning will be confused by the connections between many of the characters. Thankfully I remembered the important bits as I read, and never felt lost or left behind. I am afraid to say anything about any plot points, because the slow unravel of the true dangers and troubles is just so perfectly slow that I would hate to ruin any of the subtle reveals, which in turn reveal much bigger plot points as the story continues. My only complaint is that I finished the book, and now am left wondering what will happen next!

Fans of Snyder are already planning on reading Night Study, and they will not be disappointed. We get a much bigger look at Valek’s past and thoughts than I ever expected, and had every bit of action, danger, and great characters that I expect and hope for when I pick up a book. If you haven’t already become a fan, then go read Poison Study and binge read Snyder’s work. You will thank me later, except for that one… fellow fans know which one I mean.

Book Review: Friendship Riddle by Megan Frazer Blakemore

Friendship Riddle by Megan Frazer Blakemore is a middle grade novel. Ruth Mudd-O’Flaherty has been a lone wolf at Frontenac Consolidated Middle School ever since her best friend, Charlotte, ditched her for “cooler” friends. Who needs friends when you have fantasy novels? Roaming the stacks of her town’s library is enough for Ruth. Until she finds a note in an old book and in that note is a riddle, one that Ruth can’t solve alone. With an epic quest before her, Ruth admits she needs help, the kind that usually comes from friends. Lena and Coco, two kids in her class could be an option, but allowing them in will require courage. Ruth must decide: Is solving this riddle worth opening herself up again?

Friendship Riddle is a book that surprised me. I thought this was going to be a typical coming of age story about finding yourself and the reunion of friends. While there is a great deal of Ruth discovering herself in the tough transitions of junior high, there is so much more going on here. There is her struggling with family issues, a former best friend with even bigger problems, trying new things, and discovering that the scariest things we can do are sometimes also the simplest. The new forming friendships, changing feelings and views, and connections to books are things many readers of age with Ruth (and beyond) can relate to. I found many of the situations very realistic and found myself cringing or laughing as I remembered embarrassing situations and less than stellar days of my own. I liked that Ruth knew her mind, and even though she did not often make big shows of her convictions, held true to them. This is particularly true with her notions in the boy/girl department. I thought the secondary characters, particularly Lena, Charlotte, and Coco, were also well developed and made the book that much more real for me.

Friendship Riddle is a satisfying journey through Ruth's experience in middle school. I found it to be entertaining and emotional, with many moments that are easy to relate to for middle grade reads and older. Even as an adult I found the social trials to feel very real and riddles to be enjoyable. It helps that I was very much a reader of fantasy and avoider of people- and frankly still am- so I very much relate to Ruth.

Early Book Review: Henchgirl by Rita Stradling

Henchgirl is the first book in the new Dakota Keko series by Rita Straddling. It is currently scheduled for release on January 12 2016. In this new series the children of dragons and humans, the dracons, control eighty percent of the world’s governments. Humans worldwide are either subservient or prey. 

Sixteen year old Dakota Kekoa lives a double life. By day, she pretends to be a human to infiltrate Mabi Academy, a 'human's only' high-school. At night, she works as a henchman for her draconic mafia family, utilizing her ability to steal and manipulate emotions. When Dakota’s human friend is kidnapped, she takes on the mission to find her. This is not just any mission though; she is diving head first into the escalating conflict between humans and dragons just as a full blooded dragon and his family come for a visit. As more girls disappear and some are discovered dead, Dakota realizes her first honorable mission may also be her last.  

Henchgirl is a nice coming of age story for young and new adults. Dakota has been doing the dirty work for her grandfather for years by the time she is sixteen. One night everything starts to go more than a little sideways. A chance encounter at a job almost gone bad causes more problems than Dakota might expect. Mainly because a dragon and his family are in town, and she wants to escape notice as much as possible. Family and dragon politic make everything worse. When a friend goes missing everything escalates and Dakota become even more embroiled in a dangerous case, the unsettling waters of the heritage she is less than knowledgeable, and the possibility of a love triangle. Emotion and danger run high as Dakota tries to retain her sense of self, and her own identity as more than just a pawn to the dragons. I liked the main players and the plot twitters (which means I am not giving you much more now). I found myself holding my breath a few times, and cheering on Dakota for her independent spirit and drive. A great read for those that like strong characters and high action.

Henchgirl is a highly entertain read. Dakota is a strong character, with a powerful sense off self and a determination to help her family. I really liked her inner and outer strength and think that young and new adult readers will highly enjoy the read.

Early Book Review: Friday Barnes, Girl Detective by R.A. Spratt

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective is the first book in a new children's series by R.A. Spratt that is currently scheduled for January 19 2016. When Friday Barnes solves a bank robbery, she uses the reward money to send herself to Highcrest Academy, the most exclusive boarding school in the country only to discover it is a hotbed of crime! Soon she's investigating everything from disappearing homework to the terrifying Yeti haunting the school swamp. But the biggest mystery yet is Ian Wainscott, the handsomest (and most arrogant) boy in school who inexplicably hates her. Will the homework be found? Can they ever track down the Yeti? And why is Ian out to ruin her?

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective is a fun and entertaining mystery for independent trough middle grade readers. Friday is a very observant girl with no time for social niceties. No one in her family has taken the time to teach her such things, and only one Uncle seems to have time for her. Her memory and observation skills make her a splendid detective, but do not help her blend in with classmates or decode the behavior of her new classmates. I liked the characters, and the development of Friday and her roommate's personalities and friendship. This is a coming of age, odd-duck, and mystery series all rolled up together with fun and black and white illustrations.

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective is the start to a fun new mystery series that offers as many chuckles as it does clues. I enjoyed the read and looked forward to getting back to it every time I got pulled away.

Early Book Review: The Goblin's Puzzle: Being the Adventures of a Boy with No Name and Two Girls Called Alice by Andrew S. Chilton

The Goblin's Puzzle: Being the Adventures of a Boy with No Name and Two Girls Called Alice by Andrew S. Chilton is a middle grade novel that is currently scheduled for release on January 19 2016. 

The boy is a slave with no name that is now on a quest to discover his purpose and place in the world. The goblin holds answers and more tricks than anyone might guess. he is not to be underestimated or trusted.  Plain Alice is a smart peasant girl carried off by a confused dragon and mixed up on a plot bigger than even she could fully guess. Princess Alice luckily missed being kidnapped, at least the first time around. The unlikely group comes together by chance and face a sinister plot to take over the kingdom, kind monsters, a cruel magician, and dozens of deathly boring palace bureaucrats. Together they just might outwit the villains and crack the goblin’s puzzle.

The Goblin's Puzzle is a fun and unique fantasy adventure. I really enjoyed that it felt a little like reading a classic fantasy quest novel, but still was fresh and new. each of the main characters were well fleshed out, even our nameless slave boy. They all had their own back stories, fears, and hopes while still coming together to work towards a common goal. I like that intelligence, cleverness, and kindness were better tools in the long run for all of the main characters than strength or battle experience. The slow discovery about each of the characters and their developing friendships were very well done, and made me feel like I was meeting them myself and taking part in the adventure. I thought that the pacing and plot was pretty close to perfect. However, even better were the characters that defied convention or stepped beyond my expectations. 

The Goblin's Puzzle is a wonderful middle grade adventure. I enjoyed it so much that I hope there are more books set in the same world in the near future.