Book Review: Serafina and the Twisted Staff (Serafina, #2) by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Twisted Staff is the second book in the Serafina series for middle grade and older readers by Robert Beatty. It begins a few weeks after Serafina and the Black Cloak ends. I do suggest reading the books in order, otherwise the relationships and natures of the returning characters will be hard to fully understand and it will take some time to catch up. 

n 1899, when an evil threatens all the humans and animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains, twelve-year-old Serafina, rat catcher for the Biltmore estate and the daughter of a shapeshifting mountain lion, must search deep inside herself and embrace the destiny that awaits her. She not only needs to protect the forest and discover what the danger is, but the darkness is inside the Biltmore as well.

Serafina and the Twisted Staff is an amazing sequel. The action follow close of the heels of the first book, so I do recommend reading the books in order (no hardship because the first book is wonderful) to fully understand Serafina, her childhood, and the struggles she faces in this book as she searches for her place in the world. She is not fully human, and does not quite fit in with the guests of Biltmore. However, she is not fully animal and is lacking certain skills and abilities that would aid her in surviving in the wild. She is struggling with who and what she is, and what she wants for her future. The danger she faces tests her on all fronts and she needs to come to terms with her past, present, and future. The mystery of who exactly the detective discovering a related murder is, the hooded figure that arrived as the animals fled, and animals acting in unnatural ways all come together in an unexpected way. While I did expect one of the twists, it was discovered in a fresh way that made the reveal and danger that much more intense.

Serafina and the Twisted Staff is a wonderful book, and unlike more follow ups, surpasses the first book. Serafina grows in character and understanding, while the reader grows right along side her. I highly recommend this series to middle grade readers and older, including adults! Readers that enjoyed the first book will need to read this, and those that have not should get started now. We will let you to catch up. I can only hope for more to come.

Early Book Review: The Night the Stars Went Out by Suz Hughs

The Night the Stars Went Out by Suz Hughs is a picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2016. Alien is the star controller for the entire galaxy, which was a big job for a very little alien. He is so busy polishing the stars that he has no time for fun or friends. One night something disastrous happens, and Alien faces the biggest problem of his life. Will Alien be able to fix the stars?

The Night the Stars Went Out is a bright and boldly colored picturebook, which fits the story and characters perfectly. Alien is dedicated to his job, he has no friends or fun because he spends all his time polishing the stars. However, one night all the stars go out despite all his hard work. The only solution is some special star polish that is only available on Earth. Once there Alien has a few surprises, like the fact that he floats on Earth and making friends with a boy. I like that it is in finding a friend, and discoving the fun and importance of friendship, is what actually restore the stars. The adventures the fiends have, and the way the keep in touch, keep the heart of the story strong. 

The Night the Stars Went Out is a delightfully fun book about making friends, and making time for fun. While doing our duty and meeting our responsibilities is important, it is also important to take time out to enjoy life.

About the Author: Suz Hughes’s work has been published in a number of books. She studied art and design with a main focus in children’s illustration, which has served her well. Suz likes to mix imagination with everyday life in her work, hoping to make her readers smile. Suz grew up in Wales and currently lives in Manchester.

Book Review: Trouble Walks In by Sara Humphreys (The McGuire Brothers)

Trouble Walks In by Sara Humphreys is the second book in the The McGuire Brothers series. I did not read the first book, Brave the Heat, but feel like each book can stand well on its own.

Big city K-9 cop Ronan McGuire loves women, loves his dog, loves his job, but when long time crush Maddy Morgan moves into his jurisdiction, he can’t think about anyone else. Ronan knows she’s way out of his league, but he’s determined to help Maddy live life to the fullest. Maddy has immersed herself in work and swiftly made a name for herself in the hot New York City real estate market. She’s looking for safety, not love, but Ronan McGuire is as persistent as he is sexy, and his crooked smile is hard to resist. But all other concerns are wiped away when Maddy goes missing and Ronan and his bloodhound K-9 partner are tasked with finding her and bringing her home.

Trouble Walks In is more that the blurb leads readers to think, and less. The publisher’s blurb gives away the highest tension moment of the book. The romance between Ronan and Maddy is a nice slow burn, where they are both very attracted by Maddy is not emotionally ready to move on. Ronan is a gentleman and does not push too hard, letting Maddy know he is there for her and interested without crossing lines. They are both characters with strong ethics and personalities, with the flaws and doubts that keep characters interesting. The build up of danger surrounding Maddy has a good pacing, and plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing. A few clues had me thinking that the culprit was up to something, but the final conclusion was mostly a surprise to me. I thought parts of the story fell a little flat, but it was a moment here or there are rarely something I could put my finger on what exactly did not work for me. However, as a whole I enjoyed the read and found myself involved in the story and entertained.

Trouble Walks In is a solid romance with some series aspects of suspense. Readers that enjoyed the first book, and the works of the author in general, will be happy. I enjoyed, but did not love, the read.

Early Book Review: Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp is a picture book that is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2016. Madeline Finn DOES NOT like to read. Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream truck. Fortunately, Madeline Finn meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading out loud to Bonnie isn't so bad. When Madeline Finn gets stuck, Bonnie doesn't mind. Madeline Finn can pet her until she figures the word out. As it turns out, it's fun to read when you're not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline Finn that it's okay to go slow. And to keep trying. And to get support from a friend.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog is a beautifully illustrated picturebook that tells the story of one young girl that does not like reading, mainly because it is a struggle for her and she does not want to be laughed at. The desire to do everything we try well, and to fit in, is universal. When Madeline gets the chance to read to a therapy dog at the library she learns that she can do it, she just has to be patient and kind to herself as her furry reading companion.A supportive audience make everything easier, and pretending to be reading to the library dog Bonnie helps Madeline conquer her fears at school. I think children can relate to Madeline even if they do not struggle with reading, but struggle instead with math, sports, or anything else.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog is a wonderful way of showing struggling readers that they are not alone, and that they really can do it. It can also help other kids have more understanding for those that might be struggling. It would also be a good read for introducing a similar program the library. We had a dog program that was briefly a hit at our library, and would have been a long term winner if not for particular issues that had nothing to do with reading. 

Early Book Review: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short (Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short #1-5)by Arvind Ethan David, Ilias Kyriazis

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short collects the five issues of this story arc by Arvind Ethan David and Ilias Kyriazis and is currently scheduled for release on September 20 2016. After the many and conflicting versions of the legendary Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams created Dirk Gently: a detective with a belief in the fundamental interconnectedness of all things, a troubled relationship with the laws of probability and quantum physics, and a love of cats and pizza. 

After the events of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency and The Long Dark Tea Time, but prior to the detective's relocation to California in The Interconnectedness of All Kings, Dirk finds himself investigating a bizarre case of poaching, dumbstruck tourists, and the inner membranes of a rhinoceros nose.

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short is a solid graphic novel and kept my interest through the entire story. I will admit that I have not read as much about Dirk Gently's adventures as I would like, but his hair still always surprises me, and sometimes distracts me. However, despite his distracting hair, I really found myself fully engaged by the story and wanting more.the art work is as quirky as the story and the characters, and does a great job of illustrating what readers know from the text, and adding more information and emotion into the mix. I found the characters well defined, although there is some background into a relationship or two that I definitely want more information on, but that is my fault for not having read previous stories, rather than the fault of the authors.

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short has a complete and compelling storyline, with a satisfying conclusion and more than enough weirdness to keep me happy. However, it also inspired me to read more because Dirk's personal story left plenty of questions on the table, and I would love to explore his exploits more. This graphic novel offers the right balance of answers and leaving readers wanting more without leaving them feeling cheated.

Early Book Review: Demon by Jason Shiga

Demon is a the first book of a four part mystery adventure in graphic novel format by Jason Shiga. It is currently scheduled for release on October 4 2016. Jimmy cannot die. When his body is killed, Jimmy simply takes over the body of the person in closest proximity to him. Simple, right? Not once Jimmy gets started. His mind is sharp and highly analytical, and he cares about nothing but his own survival and the survival of his adorable daughter. To avoid the shadowy government agency on his tail, Jimmy will do anything, even if it means tearing the world down around him.

Demon is an interesting idea taken down a dark path. The idea of being immortal is not new, but the concept of taking over the body of the nearest living person when you die is interesting. I liked the way the exact circumstances of Jimmy’s powers were revealed, and some of the effort he going to in order to escape. However, I feel like there are so many unanswered questions, most importantly why he was so determined to kill himself in the first place. I know that there are more books coming, but I do not know it I had enough crumbs to those answers to make me follow along. The art is the expected style from the artist, and worked well, but was nothing earth shaking for me. I think there is a definite audience for the book, I am just not part of it.

Demon is a dark and sometimes funny graphic novel. If you enjoy the twisted humor of the author you will enjoy this new series. I found it a little less interesting than I was hoping for, but I can see the appeal for certain readers.

Book Review: Gray Moon Rising by S.M. Reine (Seasons of the Moon)

Gray Moon Rising by S.M. Reine is the fourth, and final, book in the Seasons of the Moon series. Although, it is important to note that the author does continue the story of this world (and Rylie) in a other series and stand alone books. 

It’s been almost a year since Rylie Gresham was bitten by a werewolf on Gray Mountain. Now something is beckoning her back to the place she was attacked, along with every other werewolf in the world. But they aren’t the only ones heeding the call. A group of hunters notices them gathering and sees it as their chance to wipe out the entire species. Seth is about to graduate high school when he learns of the final hunt. He secretly plans to save Rylie and his werewolf brother even though he has to play along with the hunters to do it. But Rylie doesn’t want to be saved. She’s already decided to solve her problems with a silver bullet if answers aren’t waiting on Gray Mountain. One way or another, everything is about to end—whether it means Rylie’s liberation or the end of her life.

Gray Moon Rising is a needed conclusion to the story, and offers a significant about of character development for Rylie  and her closest friends. I like that she grew up and took charge, and that the action made the larger story arc move in an interesting direction. I liked that most characters, new and old, were neither all good or bad. Even some of the characters that could have initially have been pegged as an good or bad guy fell somewhere in the middle, or a good person that thinks they are doing the right thing but ignoring how it effects others. Some of the secondary characters had a good amount of personal growth as well. I think that fans of the series will need to read the book, just to finish off this story arc. Many will be disappointed with the number of new questions raised, and the lack of closure with Rylie's story. However, it did offer enough of a wrap up that I feel like I can skip some of the Cain Chronicles, which promise a significant about of world building and changes, also promises to contain a love triangle which I have no interest in following.

Gray Moon Rising is a good conclusion to this quartet, however there are still questions left unanswered. The Cain Chronicles follows it and covers more of Rylie's story, but I am unsure if I want to read it. There are so many other sub series by the author that I want to explore first.

Early Book Review: The Storybook Knight by Helen and Thomas Doherty

The Storybook Knight by Helen and Thomas Doherty  is a picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2016. Even though Leo would rather sit at home and read, his parents send him out into the world to deal with a dragon, in the hopes that Leo will become a famous knight. During his journey Leo comes up against the land’s most fearsome beasts, he soon discovers that scary monsters enjoy a good book as much as he does and finds his own path to victory.

The Storybook Knight is a fun story about the power of a good story, and the wonder of reading. Leo loves reading, and would rather get lost in his books than do anything else. I can relate, and so can me kids. We would all much rather relax with a good book than go out and face the real world. What I really like about this book is that when Leo does face the world he gets to share his love of reading, and talk about stories and books with those that he meets. He does not just get to have a mental adventure, he gets to share his adventure with others, which makes it even better. Perhaps this book will not only encourage a love a books and reading, but also help get us book lovers up and sharing our favorite stories with each other!

The Storybook Knight is a wonderful story that just happens to also encourage a love a reading, books, and storytelling. A winner all around as far as I am concerned.

Helen and Thomas Docherty are the husband-and-wife author and illustrator team behind the award-winning children's picture book, The Snatchabook. They live in Bristol, England, with their two daughters. For more information, visit, thomasdocherty.co.uk. 

Book Review: Gone Too Deep by Katie Ruggle (Search and Rescue)

Gone Too Deep by Katie Ruggle is the third book in the Search and Rescue series. The first two books are Hold Your Breath and Fan the Flames, which I do recommend reading first. While each romance does stand up well enough on its own, there is an underlying storyline that makes much more sense if you read the books in order.

In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood.  George Holloway has spent his life alone, exploring the treacherous beauty of the Colorado Rockies. He's the best survival expert Search and Rescue has, which makes him the obvious choice to lead Ellie Price through deadly terrain to find her missing father. There's just one problem, Ellie is everything George is not. She is a city girl, charming, gregarious, delicate, small. And when she looks up at him with those big, dark eyes, he swears he would tear the world apart to keep her safe. With a killer on the loose, he may have no choice. Ellie is determined to find her father no matter the cost. But as she and her gorgeous mountain of a guide fight their way through an unforgiving wilderness, they find themselves in the crosshairs of a dangerous man in search of revenge. 

Gone Too Deep takes polar opposites and tosses them together. Ellie is talkative and used to city life. George is a silent mountain of a man, used to doing things his way. When Ellie’s father calls and tells her that he is afraid for his life and heading to a mountain cabin, she decided to go in search for him. George is her guide, and eventually so much more. She is not used to roughing it, but will do anything to help her mentally ill father, and George is a good guy that will do anything for here. Most of the story is told through Ellie’s eyes, we only get a page or so of George’s thoughts. Since he is not exactly talkative it makes connecting to him pretty hard, although he does talk to Ellie more than I expected by the end of the book. I thought the survival part of the story, the contributions the the larger story arch, and the slow burn between George and Ellie are very well done. Not getting into George’s head more is my only real complaint here- I wanted to get a better understanding of him and thought his observations would be both interesting and entertaining. 

Gone Too Deep is a great addition to this series, and I liked Ellie and the suspense aspects of the story. I only wish we got to know George a little better. I am looking forward to seeing whatever comes next, because the larger story arch has me hooked. 

Early Book Review: Her Rogue Alpha (X-Ops #5) by Paige Tyler

Her Rogue Alpha is the fifth book in the X-Ops series by Paige Tyler.  It is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2016. I highly recommend having read the previous books before diving into this one, particularly Her Fierce Warrior, because the main characters and their story has already begun. I think readers could catch on, but will lose a important understanding of how the characters got to where they are, and the larger story arc all comes together.

Former Special Forces Lieutenant Jayson Harmon can't believe that his war scars don't matter to beautiful feline shifter Layla Halliwell. Why would she saddle herself with a broken man? However, Layla knows that Jayson is a hero to the core, and that only she can heal his wounded soul. So when Jayson is deployed on another deadly mission, no way is Layla staying behind.

Her Rogue Alpha is a book that requires some prior reading, but is worth following the series. More than just a romance between Jayson and Layla, this is also about both of them coming to terms with their own limitations, abilities, and preconceptions. Jayson is still recovering from series injuries, and is likely never to be as strong or agile as he once was. Layla loves him for who he is, not who he was, since they met after the injuries. It is only after Jayson takes a crazy risk and is sent on a mission that (of course) is more dangerous and complicated than anyone expected. In the process of completing the mission everyone involved needs to come to terms with who they are and the feelings they have for others. Secondary stories, like the search for a cat burglar that manages to steal more than she bargains for from a major player and the continued experiments and politics surrounding hybrids and shifters. I do not recommend the read to newcomers to this series, but think that those that have been following this world since the first book, Her Perfect Mate, or even joined the craze a bit later, with get much enjoyment from the read.

Her Rogue Alpha is a solid addition to this series, and adds much to the larger story arc and hints at who might hold the leading roles in upcoming books. Fans of the author, and this series in particular, will not want to miss it.