Early Book Review: Too Many Moose by Lisa Bakos

Too Many Moose is a picturebook by Lisa Bakos which is currently scheduled for release on July 1 2016. When Martha gets an unusual pet, she’s delighted by all of the fun things they do together! The shared an umbrella, They sipped maple tea.They carved hearts and ‘Ms on a mulberry tree. If one moose is this marvelous, then more must be better! So, Martha quite merrily orders one more, then one more and one more and one more and so on until she’s in a major mess!

Too Many Moose is a rhyming picturebook that flows very nicely. It did not run into the trouble that comes from forcing rhymes, it just worked really well. Similarly the illustrations with very well done, the colors and details added a great deal to the story without being overstated or distracting. I really liked how Martha did plenty of research before picking a pet, and that she picked something unusual and fun.I love the details about the activities Martha and her moose do together, and the eventually understanding that more is not always better. Martha thinks that if one moose, or two, or more is great; than even more must be even better. It is only when the moose overrun and destroy everything else she cares about that she sees that one mail order moose is enough.My only worry is my daughter now wanting a moose, thankfully I think that would be a short argument because I think moose are not nearly as cuddly as the pets we already own, or those she will really push for in the future.

Too Many Moose is a silly, fun book that would be great for reading together one on one or sharing during storytime. The rhymes and artwork are wonderful, although I worry for animal fans and real moose because moose are really not the best of pets. 

Book Review: Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply by Terry Spear

Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply is the latest romance by Terry Spear in the Silvertown Wolf series. Wolf shifter and park ranger Eric Silver is committed to his job policing spectacular San Isabel National Forest, and he’s hot on the scent of some mysterious wolves who are up to no good. When Eric’s investigation leads him to cross paths with forester Pepper Grayling, he’s fascinated to learn this she-wolf is her pack’s leader. She is strong, independent, and definitely not looking for a mate. With unknown dangers on the prowl, Pepper is tempted to give in to her attraction to Eric and align her pack with his. But Pepper’s been pursued by many an alpha male out to take over her pack and gain her hard-won territory, and Eric is a born leader. How does Eric earn the trust of a she-wolf who’s been betrayed so often in the past?

Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply is an interesting and fast paced read. Pepper is tired of defending her pack from make werewolves that think mating her is the easy way to take over her pack and territory. She has already lost one mate, and is just looking to do the best for the pack and herself. Eric is tracking werewolves that are using the National Park to grow weed and find their illegal activities. He runs across Pepper and her pack while hunting for the perpetrators and needs to continue his work, and make sure that Pepper’s pack is not part of the problem. Suspicion and guarded hearts on all sides, with the complication of Pepper’s unwanted suitor and the illegal activities in the forest make everything more interesting, but shared interests and teamwork save the day- both in the action and romance that are woven through the story. 

Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply is  a solid addition to the series, but works well as a stand alone book as well. It meets my expectations of quality and interest from the author. If you like Spear’s work. and paranormal romance with characters that are interesting and complex then get reading.

Early Book Review: Prisoner of the Mind by Susan Staneslow Olsen

I am very fortunate to know a number of authors, which thus far I have avoided reviewing for because I did not want anyone to think positive reviews were biased, or if I did not like a book I was worried about hurt feelings or other complications. I am glad that I was asked by one such author, a coworker, to review and I agreed. Since we have fairly similar taste and fandoms I thought I would give it a go. Now I am both glad I did and disappointed that I did not read her work earlier. Finding another series to read is a double edged sword.

Prisoner of the Mind by Susan Staneslow Olsen currently scheduled for release in July 2016 and is the first book in a series. Rumors about the Kerasi and their violent society abound. Frustrated parents warned their children to stay in bed or a Kerasi might get them. They played marbles with real eyes, ate live toads the way decent people ate peanuts, and executed people just for walking down the street. The worst things Kerasi did didn’t kill you, but you wished they did. Aila Perrin knew that for a fact. A Union operative had been caught on Kerasím. The Kerasi returned him without incident. His mind had been tampered with, erased, until he didn’t have the sense to feed himself. When thirteen year old Aila finds herself abducted by the Kerasi, she has every right to be terrified for her life. But even bad things aren’t always what they seem, and as Aila is drawn deeper and deeper into the Kerasi’s plot, she can’t help but wonder who the worst offenders are; the patriots fighting to free their own people, or her own precious Union that wants to keep them down. Can Aila forgive her captors and save a race of people without sacrificing her own?

Prisoner of the Mind is the first in a series, so there is some serious world and character building.  For some reason the world building reminded me a bit of Jim Butcher's style, even though the world and plot are nothing like his works. Aila is an outspoken, intelligent girl that takes her privilege and independence a bit for granted. The Kerasi culture is one that depend heavily on a caste system, and women are typically thought little of. When Aila is kidnapped the two worlds collide and the reader gets to see both sides of the coin, the pros and cons of both the Union and Kerasi way of life. I liked that we get in the heads of several people, giving us a good glimpse of the big picture.  The cultures and personalities were very well described, but at no time was it overwhelming of boring. Aila grows up quite a bit in the story, as one tends to when held hostage, but she is not the only character that grows and changes. I think the connection she makes with those she comes in contact with, some of which were technically her enemies, and her understanding of the larger picture even though she is fairly young was somehow both realistic and hopeful. In fact, I think the state of the societies in the book show a realistic pairing of the fear and hope that seems inherent in humanity and politics. While there is a huge, important social statement here, the story is not heavy handed or preachy (which often happens) instead it is a fantastic story that just happens to say something huge to readers that are willing to listen.

Prisoner of the Mind had me think about the character and world long after I finish the book. I actually had dreams about the characters and had trouble letting go of them enough to get into my next read. I highly recommend the book, and cannot wait to see where the story goes from here. It is an all around great read that is both entertaining and thought provoking. 

Book Review: Magic Fell by Andi Van

Magic Fell by Andi Van is a fantasy novel that will appeal to the young adult, new adult, and adult audience. Magic has been missing from the world for a millennium, and it’s needed now more than ever. But in a culture where arcane power is forbidden and practitioners are executed, Tasis will have to keep his own aptitude for magic secret. With nothing to direct them besides bizarre dreams and a mysterious cat, Tasis and his sister Zaree undertake a quest to discover the hidden island that was once home to the guild. Kelwin Tiovolk departs his village following his mentor’s suggestion. As an elf wandering into human civilization, he’s in danger simply for being who he is. A brawl at an inn leads him straight into the path of the young man he’s been dreaming about, and he’s compelled to help Tasis and his sister any way he can. Together, the trio might have a chance of accomplishing their mission, or the attempt might kill them.

Magic Fell is a wonderful introduction to a fantasy world. The world is one that has faced war and conflict, resulting in a fear of magic and all thing different. Tasis has magic, and is different from those around him in many ways but is a good hearted person that wants to honor his mother's life and be a good person. Zaree is his sister in every way but blood, though she is different from those around them as well, although she goes through great strides to keep her secrets. Kelwin is an elf on a quest to learn more from the world, and to figure out his crazy dreams. When Tasis and Zaree meet up with Kelwin the adventure really begins. I like that there is a noble quest, and plenty of action and danger to keep readers eager to see just what is going to happen next. I liked that many different kinds of love were addressed, the complicated love of family (both by blood and by choice) as well as he start of romantic and friendship based love. I loved how matter of factly everyone's preferences and identities are handled and accepted, and the way conflicts are presented. The fear and hate that some have for anything or anyone they cannot (or refuse to) understand is something that is extremely relevant now. 

Magic Fell is a wonderful fantasy novel with complex characters and high action. The only people I would not recommend this read to are those that are not open minded about sexuality and gender identity. These are issues that come up in the book (and frankly are handled perfectly), so those that cannot accept people and relationships that fall outside preconceived idea will want to pass. 

Book Review: All Hallows Moon by S.M. Reine

All Hallows Moon by S.M. Reine is the second book in the Seasons of the Moon series, which is four books long and complete. If you have not read the previous books, do not start here. If you liked the first book, then you are going to want to read this one as well.

Rylie survived becoming a werewolf at great cost. She moves to her aunt’s ranch in the hopes she can enroll in a new high school and quietly continue her life with a few distinct changes. She transforms into a beast every new and full moon and struggles to control her murderous urges. A family of hunters -- Eleanor, Abel, and Seth -- recognize the signs and follow Rylie to her new home. They want to stop her before she murders someone, and the only way to do it is with a silver bullet. Seth soon realizes the werewolf is Rylie, the one monster he failed to kill. Worse yet, he’s still in love with her. Torn between family and love, Rylie struggles to reconcile her feelings and control the wolf within while Seth fights to do what’s right. But what is right-- obeying desire or duty?

All Hallows Moon adds some serious character development to the quartet of book. Rylie is trying to control her new furry side, and dealing with the joy that is moving to a new town when you already have some serious trust issues. I liked getting to see more of Seth’s family, and the dynamics that have made Seth and Abel who they are. I think the most impressive, and important, part of the series is that while the connection and potential romance between Seth and Rylie is definitely there it does not take precedence. The character development and action are much more important that the romance, which makes me happy in any urban fantasy style of writing.

All Hallows Moon is a solid addition to the larger storyline. It read very quickly, but I did not count pages so I am unsure if it was shorter than the first, or if it was just one of those books that is over before the reader is ready to let go. I will say that it made it much easier to keep reading and dive right into there third book in the series.

Book Review: Must Love Cowboys (Cowboy Heaven #2) by Cheryl Brooks

Must Love Cowboys is the second book in the Cowboy Heaven series by Cheryl Brooks. I have not read the previous book, but did not feel like I was missing much along the way. Shy computer specialist and amateur chef Tina Hayes travels to Circle Bar K ranch to scatter her father’s ashes in the Tetons of Wyoming. Once there, her father’s old army buddy and his cast of cowboy ranch hands persuade her to stay on as the ranch’s cook for a while. It’s not a hard decision, especially when she meets Wyatt McCabe, a man who makes her heart gallop like no one else. But with so many cowboys to choose from, can Wyatt show Tina that he’s the only one for her?

Must Love Cowboys starts out with a thoughtful and terribly shy heroine that has to face a ranch full of cowboys. I was very interested and thought that I was going to be thrilled. Sadly, or horribly shy girl is soon making out with one cowboy, and then into bed with a different one. Now, for a girl that was jumping out of her skin just being in the same driveway with a couple cowboys to be in bed with that same cowboy so quickly just did not play right with me. I loved the cowboys, every single one of the guys, including her late grandfather's buddy, had me wanting them in my corner as friends or a support system. The characters were not flat, but no time was wasted in making them multidimensional. Tina started off feeling complex, but I quickly lost interest in her as she jumped into bed a little too easily, and full of ideas that many more experienced women would not be throwing out there quite so soon. the danger and background of mystery was interesting and reasonably well done, but like Tina- i found its conclusion and path to get there a little to easy but unexpectedly out there. 



Must Love Cowboys is a fun and fast read. I liked the interaction and relationships between the cast of characters overall, but found myself not quite believing in some of Tina's choices and thoughts. However, it was still a good read to escape a rainy night in New England. 

Early Book Review: What Would it Be Like by McArthur Krishna, Ayeshe Sadr, and Ishaan Dasgupta

What Would it Be Like is a picturebook by McArthur Krishna, Ayeshe Sadr, and Ishaan Dasgupta which is currently scheduled for release on June 28 2016. This encouraging book follows one young girl on her adventure to the library where she learns about an array of real-life women who made history with their bold ambitions finding out that girls can do anything! Would you like to sail the seas as a pirate like Jacquotte Delahaye? Swing, flip and sparkle as a trapeze artist like Antoinette Concello? Work toward making the world a better place as the president of a country, or touch lives as a mother? Readers will learn about amazing women who followed their dreams and believed anything was possible, while also learning that often the best thing to be is yourself!

What Would it Be Like is a book that encourages readers to research the things that interest them. It focuses on the careers and achievements of women, in hopes of encouraging girls to follow their dreams and do what inspires them. Each page shows the young character wondering what it would be like to be in a different profession, or spending their time differently. Whether it is as a trapeze artist, pirate, astronaut, or mother each choice is given with equal importance and respect. For specific careers there is a name suggested for library research or further reading, along with more details in the back of the book. The encouragement for this research and further exploration really made the book for me, because it is all well and good to say that you can follow your dreams and be whatever you want, but without showing what people have gone through to find their own success I find it to be a little hollow. So i have to applaud those that worked on the book for not just writing the expected platitudes, but by following it up with facts and the suggestion to continue independent researcher in the search for their own right path.

What Would it Be Like is an inspiring book, with great intention and results. I love the encouragement and inspiration it can bring to young readers, and the push toward not only follow your dreams and be yourself but to do research and find role models to help further encourage young people.  

Book Review: Nobody but You (Cedar Ridge #3) by Jill Shalvis

Nobody but You is the third book in the Cedar Ridge series by Jill Shalvis. The previous books are Second Chance Summer, and  My Kind of Wonderful. The main connection between the books is the family and town most involved in each book, but I think newcomers to the series could still enjoy each book on their own. 

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock. Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground, until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.

Nobody but You is funnier than the other Cedar Ridge books have been, but was a little closer to the humor level of some of her earlier books, like the Lucky Harbor series. The small town and family atmosphere is there, as are the strange coincidences that come with being in a small community. I loved Sophie's attitude, inner dialogue, and sheer determination. Jacob's battle with his past, his guilt, and his family made me feel; for him and root for him to find his place and path in life. i liked that communication is key here, and that it was only in not sharing things that were important that they almost lost everything- but that them overcame all the odds and their own stubbornness to find happiness and a new beginning. A great read all around. I wish I had been reading this from a lake side cabin, but that was the only thing that could have made me enjoy the read more.

Nobody but You is consistent with the style and quality that I expect from Shalvis. I enjoyed this one more than the last couple that I have read, but I think that was because of the characters rather than other aspects of the book. I liked the humor and the main characters ability to laugh at themselves so much that anything i did not like about the book was washed away. 

Book Review: Cast in Angelfire by S.M. Reine

Cast in Angelfire by S.M. Reine is the first book in the Mage Craft series. Newcomers to Reines work might be able to catch up with this new series, but I have not finished reading all the previous series, and feel like what I had read gave me big clues. If I had caught up before starting this book I feel like I would have enjoyed it even more. So, I would suggest either starting fresh here, or reading everything else first.

Eighteen-year-old Marion can’t remember anything before waking up in the hospital. All she knows that a lot of people want to kill her. She quickly has to come to terms with the fact that her would-be assassins are not human. Vampires, faeries, and angels and real and they all want Marion dead. Marion turns to Lucas Flynn: a mysterious doctor who seems to know more than he’s letting on. He is as good with a gun as he is with a scalpel. He fights like a demon but claims that he’s human. And he’s hellbent on protecting Marion. Lucas claims that Marion is a mage: half-witch, half-angel with terrifying powers that could crack the world. But Marion can’t remember how to cast magic any more than she can remember where she comes from. Marion must find her identity and her power…before the forgotten sins of her past catch up with her.

Cast in Angelfire was really well done. I liked the dynamic of Marion not knowing anything, which made it easier to catch up to were the world the book takes place in. I liked that we got to explore the world, characters, and Marion herself right along side her. There are multiple points of view used in the storytelling, but it worked well here, giving readers a better view of the bigger picture. My only complaint is common with just about any book aimed at the young or new adult novel. There is a leaning towards a love triangle, though it is never firmly set into play. I could really do without that, or the possessive boyfriend troupe. However, that and the reordering of my reading pile are my only real issues here, which are small problems as far as I am concerned.

Cast in Angelfire was awesome, but also made me realize how far behind I was in the world that Reine has created. I really enjoyed the story, and the glimpses of what characters and bits I already knew from other books. It was a really gripping read, with mystery and character development that I look forward to following. 

Early Book Review: The Toad by Elise Gravel

The Toad is an informational picturebook by Elise Gravel. It is scheduled for release on July 5 2016. She's good for the environment but many people think that she is disgusting! Distinctive traits include warts, food preferences and bugs and worms, a special talent is eating her own skin! She might be disgusting but fun, too!

The Toad is a great informational picturebook for beginning readers. the pictures are simple but still very fun. The facts are equal parts fascinating and gross. while I am not the squeamish sort when it comes to creepy crawlies or the possibly slimy of the great outdoors, I think this read could make some readers more interested in finding and observing a variety of creatures rather than avoiding or killing them. A win-win all around. 

The Toad is part of the Disgusting Critter series. A previous book, The Spider, was a winner too and I expect nothing less from the series or author. The combination of humor and fact can raise interest and lower the fear factor for creatures that might otherwise make kids and adults alike a little squeamish.