Book Review: Hard to Handle by Christine Warren

Hard to Handle by Christine Warren is the fifth book in the Gargoyle series. This is the only book from the series so far that I would say a newcomer would be able to fully enjoy without the prior books as reference. While those that have read the entire series will still get more out of the read, those that are picking this book up without having read others will still be able to fully understand and enjoy the action. 

The only male among four sisters, Michael Drummond is no stranger to women’s strength and formidable will. His Dublin pub, the Skin & Bones, is his refuge, a reassuringly masculine retreat. Until a fierce woman warrior from another realm bursts into his life, bringing with her a battle between good and evil, and an explosive dose of desire. The first and only of her kind, Ash is a lone female gargoyle, a creature destined to protect mankind from Demons determined to unleash their darkest forces. But her arrival on Earth is more confusing than she expected: her bone-deep instinct to do battle is matched only by her untamed attraction to stubborn, stalwart Drum. If they manage to keep the world safe, can they turn the passion crackling between them into a love that will withstand the test of time.

Hard to Handle is a nice twist on the series, with our guardian and warden in switched genders. I liked that Drum is still alpha male personality wise, but smart enough to let go and let Ash take the lead in things she is better suited for than he. I really enjoyed the characters in this installment- not just our couple and returning players from previous book, but also Drum's family. I think the family connection and interplay goes a long way into showing the depth and fun or Drum's character. I think the danger level got more intense here, and I liked the way it answered more questions about the darkness and battle being fought. I did get a little impatient with the fighting, only because I wanted to see how Drum and Ash finally admitted that they loved each other and all that. I was very happen when I read how that happened, it was sweet and funny and pretty much perfect for the book, and series.

Hard to Handle is a good addition to the series, and is more accessible to those that have not read earlier books in the series than the others. It was consistent with what I expected, but did not wow me. I admit to skimming some of the fight scenes just to get to more character and relationship developments, but I am sure that's just because I was impatient to see how that was handled. 

Book Review: The Knights of Boo'Gar by Art Roche

The Knights of Boo'Gar by Art Roche is an illustrated novel perfect for reluctant readers. Storm clouds hang over the kingdom of Boo’Gar. The cantaloupe crop has failed. There is no money in the treasury. Even kind old King Mewkus has started to doubt himself. Can things get any worse? Of COURSE they can! When Princess Phlema’s beloved goat is kidnapped, King Mewkus and his trusted wizard must assemble those fearsome warriors for justice—The Knights of Boo’Gar! There are just a few small problems. Sir Justin ditched the knights to start a boy band. Sir Daphne traded in her sword for a real estate license. Sir John shed his armor to become a tax attorney. That just leaves young (and short) Sir Rowland and his trusty pet turtle, Angelina. Okay … so maybe there’s a LOT of problems.

The Knights of Boo’Gar is a graphic novel that will appeal to many reluctant readers and fan of silly or gross comedy. The puns of grossnes got to be a bit obvious and overwhelming to me- Boo'Gar, Phlema, Mewkus, and so on. This will entertain and keep some turning the pages to see what snort worthy thing will happen next. HOwever, I think more mature (not in regards to age) readers might grow tired of it, as this parent did.  I think the combination of humor, adventure, font size and artwork will appeal to a number of young readers. I already can think of several students in my elemntary school library that will gravitate toward the book and share it with thier friends. I think that my favorite part of the book is Princess Phlema's character. Rather than needing saving, she is the one that saves the day in the end. This made me happier than any of the gross out humor in the book. 

The Knights of Boo’Gar is a fast-paced adventure filled with plenty of illustrations and gross humor to amuse readers. I think reluctant readers and those that just love a fast, fun, and more than a little gross read will enjoy this book. 

Book Review: Loki (The Highland Clan) by Keria Montclair

Loki is the first book in the The Highland Clan series by Keria Montclair, however it is related to previous books and series by the author. Readers that have read the authors other books will already have some character knowledge for our hero, but newcomers will be able to fully enjoy this series opener, but just might want to go back and read the other books out of curiosity if they love the style and characters- so fair warning there.

Loki Grant’s first memories are of living in a crate behind an inn in Ayr, struggling to survive. Clan Grant saved him from his lonely existence and took him in as one of their own. But though the Highlands have become his home and he loves his adopted parents, Brodie and Celestina, Loki feels lost. Part of him is still that scrappy wee lad who relied on his wits to survive the streets, and he is not sure he belongs. The feistiest and most beautiful lass in the clan, Arabella, steals his heart, but when her father resists the match because Loki is not of clan blood, Loki decides to confront his past. He wishes to satisfy Bella’s father by discovering his parentage, but he also hopes his quest will help him understand his purpose. As far as Arabella is concerned, Loki Grant is the wiliest, most handsome warrior in existence. She is determined to have him as her husband regardless of what her father thinks. So when Loki’s search for his sire leads him into trouble, she rushes headlong after him. Together, Loki and Arabella must discover the dark secrets of Loki’s origins, for only by confronting the past can they hope for a bright future together.

Loki is a book with some tremendous highs, and some annoying lows. I loved Loki's character (for the most part). He is very clever and resourceful. He cares deeply about his adopted family and will do anything to protect others. However, because of his background and the way some clan members look down on him because of it he has no faith or trust in himself- or his worth. This is well handled, and well written as part of the story. However, I was more than a little annoyed at his belief that because he had trouble putting emotion into words that he did not have them, even after he dwells on how much love he has for people for a good chunk of time.  Similarly, I loved how Arabella knew her own mind, was smart and a hard worker, but still let her family treat her like a servant. He father is the biggest issue as far as I am concerned, because if it were not for him none of the more dangerous moments would have taken place. She could talk to the laird and warriors, and was willing to risk her life on several occasions, but could not stand up to her sister or father? That really bothered me. So, lets move on.

I thought there was plenty of action, and that the admitted love between out couple made the crises that kept them apart more poignant. Loki's journey to find his family had its good moments, and triggered the majority of the most dangerous and painful moments of the book. However, io loved how he was always looking out for others, in particular a boy that reminded him of himself as a child. All of his thoughts and actions showed him to be so much better than he gave himself credit for, though I was so glad that the important people around him could see it to.

Loki is a romance with complex characters, adventure, danger, and suspense. Readers that already love the author will be reading without any urging, and will be glad for the read. Those that are easily frustrated by the character issues I mentioned above will likely still enjoy the read, but will be as annoyed as I at those bits of the story. 

Book Review: Not in My Wildest Dreams (McKenna) by Jamie Hollins

Not in My Wildest Dreams  is the second book in the McKenna series by Jamie Hollins, however I think they each stand up well on their own. While those that have read the first book, The Best Part of Me, will have some prior knowledge of the characters and be eager to see how this plays out, newcomers to the series will still fully enjoy the read. 

It really sucks to be in love with someone who sees you as nothing more than a friend. Darcy Owens knows this from personal experience. From the moment she met Sean McKenna as a shy ten-year-old, he’s owned her heart. So when he asks for her help with an important construction project, she can’t say no. Building a boutique hotel on Boston’s waterfront is a career-making opportunity, and Sean needs Darcy’s interior design expertise. She’s incredibly talented, and there is no one he trusts more. He knows he can always count on his childhood friend, but doesn’t know why he’s thinking about her tight skirts and blue eyes instead of tight deadlines and blueprints. When Sean and Darcy’s excitement about their work turns into an entirely different kind of excitement, it’s a sexy surprise. But they soon realize that building a new relationship is more challenging than building a new hotel, especially when life-long habits and old insecurities create cracks in the foundation.

Not in My Wildest Dreams  is a book about two grown adults getting past their own insecurities and hang ups to discover that their best friend can be so much more. Darcy is a tough as nails girl with a love of whiskey and a quick wit. Sean has a growing career, but a well earned reputation for loving the ladies. When this best friends cross the line, they are both terrified and the majority of the conflict comes from lack of communication and misunderstandings. The characters are well written, and their issues make complete sense, and the interaction they have is engaging. Although, I have to admit that when a couple's biggest issues could be resolved by a mature conversation and acting like adults, I tend to get a little frustrated with the characters. This is the case here, although I will admit that when Sean steps up and makes good, I was thrilled and while I was with Darcy in her skepticism I knew she would not hold out.

Not in My Wildest Dreams  is an entertaining and engaging read. My emotions were fully invested through out the read, whether irritated with our couple in their inability to communicate or trust in themselves, or smiling broadly when they got things right. I look forward to reading the next book. 

Book Review: The Trouble by Daria Defore

The Trouble by Daria Defore is a contemporary romance.  Danny Kim is the frontman of a Seattle indie rock band. He's also struggling to graduate from college. After rudely hitting on a cute guy at one of his concerts, he gets in even deeper trouble when the guy proves to be the TA of his accounting class. Though Jiyoon clearly would prefer never to see Danny again, a rough breakup brings then unexpectedly together and a tentative friendship forms. But Danny can barely keep his band afloat and pass all his classes, never mind learn how to make time for what is rapidly becoming the most important person in his life.

The Trouble is a book that rang as realistic, showing the diverse characters facing common struggles, and I think it will be very appealing to the new adults that are currently facing some of the some issues. I mean specifically struggling with college, career, and figuring out who and what they want. I like that the characters were not what I normally see in my romance, not only is this a same sex romance but the main players are of Korean decent. What I really liked about the portrayal of all the characters is that all the little pieces of their lives, history, and personality are there- but none define them. Just like any well written character, you get a feel for the shape of the character and their world but no one or two traits defined them. I will admit that I had a couple moments with Danny when I just wanted to kick him and tell him to grow up, but the other characters in the book shared that urge, and it was part of Danny's journey in figuring out how to be an adult, and how to function in a relationship. I liked the interplay between Danny and Jiyoon- as well as the way Danny and his band interacted with each other and those outside of their circle. Again, having seen and been part oft he music scene, this felt very realistically done. 

The Trouble is a romance that realistically portrays the struggles that the characters would face in their circumstances.  I enjoyed the story and think it was very well done.

Book Review: Otis Grows by Kathryn Hast, M.L. Phang

Otis Grows is a picture book written by Kathryn Hast, M.L. Phang. Young Otis is forced to question his origin and allegiances, given that his mom, a yellow chicken, is part of the Nuh-Uhs, and his dad, a blue flower, stems from the Yes-Chums. Struggling to find answers, Otis runs away, only to encounter more colors (and cultures) than he could ever imagine, including a giant portrait full of possibilities.

Otis Grows is a picturebook with wonderful illustrations, and great intentions- but it requires a lot of shrugging off the impossible. Otis is an onion, and the child of an flower and a chicken- how is that even a thing? I think the culture and acceptance theme could have been served just as well- and less disturbingly to this avid gardener-if the parents were plants from opposite ends of the garden bed. But, that is just me. I did like how Otis explored and discovered how different- and yet the same- everyone is. I also liked the exploration of how we each change- although I am not sure the target audience really has to worry about the 'odor of growing older' quite yet. I loved the theme and the message of the book, and the life lessons that it is intent on teaching.

Otis Grows is an interesting tale- I loved that love and acceptance wins out and is show to be so important, but fort he book to be esoteric enough that I think many will get so caught up in the oddity that they will miss the beauty of the artwork and the intent behind the story. 

Book Review: Red Winter (Red Winter Trilogy) by Annette Marie

Red Winter  is the first book in the Red Winter Trilogy by Annette Marie. Emi is the kamigakari. In a few short months, her life as a mortal will end and her new existence as the human host of a goddess will begin. Carefully hidden from those who would destroy her, she has prepared her mind, body, and soul to unite with the goddess, and not once has she doubted her chosen fate. Shiro is a yokai, a spirit of the earth, an enemy of the goddess Emi will soon host. Mystery shrouds his every move and his ruby eyes shine with cunning she can’t match and dares not trust. But she saved his life, and until his debt is paid, he is hers to command, whether she wants him or not. On the day they meet, everything Emi believes comes undone, swept away like snow upon the winter wind. For the first time, she wants to change her fate, but how can she erase a destiny already wrought in stone? Against the power of the gods, Shiro is her only hope  and hope is all she has left.

Red Winter  starts out slow, but once you get about a quarter of the way through the book it becomes much more engaging. While Emi is sheltered and a little naive- she is also smart and strong. I will admit to not liking her at all in the beginning, part of why I had a hard time getting into the story, but as the action kicked in she grew on me.  I liked that Katsuo is more than a protector- and acts as a friend and support in a variety of ways.  Shiro might be a late entry into the story, but his character is what really sets things into motion and makes the story come alive.  Then comes Yumei, making things more complicated and challenging for Emi. Once things start getting intense there are fantastic fight scenes, romance, and significant character growth. I loved the research that must have been done to achieve this level of accuracy about Japanese mythology and culture, and that there was wonderful artwork included.  The artwork is extremely well done, and captures the atmosphere and emotion of the book perfectly. 

Red Winter  is a book I thought I would adore, but had a hard time getting into. I am not sure if I was not in the right place to read it- or if it was something about the writing style. I tried a few times before forcing myself to stick with it, and I am glad I did. Once I got a good way into the story it took hold and I could not put it down. 

Book Review: Martians Abroad by Carrie Vaughn

Martians Abroad by Carrie Vaughn is a stand alone science fiction novel for young adult. I have read the Kitty Norville series from Vaughn, but it has been awhile, so I was not sure quite what to expect. I came in with pretty high hopes, which might have colored my reaction to what I found.

Polly Newton has one single-minded dream, to be a starship pilot and travel the galaxy. Her mother, the director of the Mars Colony, derails Polly's plans when she sends Polly and her genius twin brother, Charles, to Galileo Academy on Earth—the one planet Polly has no desire to visit. Homesick and cut off from her desired future, Polly cannot seem to fit into the constraints of life on Earth, unlike Charles, who deftly maneuvers around people and sees through their behavior to their true motives. Strange, unexplained, dangerous coincidences centered on their high-profile classmates begin piling up. Charles may be right—there's more going on than would appear, and the stakes are high. With the help of Charles, Polly is determined to find the truth, no matter the cost.

Martians Abroad has a reasonable premise for a solid science fiction story for middle grade to young adult readers. Teenagers sent to a new world for a tough boarding school where they are bound to face the trials of fitting in, but some kind of adventure or danger in the process. That is all there, although not at the speed I would have liked. I found the start fairly slow, and Polly to be a bit of a brat. She acted more like a petulant ten year old than the teen she is supposed to be, and her brother Charles is pretty much a sociopath. I feel like neither really made an effort to fit in, both rather doing what they wanted. This goes especially for Polly, who I envision stomping her feet and pouting a lot. I also felt that there was not the underlying humor and fun that I seem to remember from the author's other work. I missed that.

Now that that is off my chest, lets talk about what I did like. I enjoyed the amount of world building that was included. Little things like Polly's build and gut bacteria having an impact on her comfort and ability to do things in a different environment. I also liked that while Polly is not my favorite character, she does have a selfless quality to her, and is always willing to jump in to help others. 

Martians Abroad was  a book I really wanted to love, but I kind of fell flat for me. I think part of this was because of my high expectations.

Book Review: Dreadnought (Nemesis) by April Daniels

Dreadnought is the first book in the Nemesis series by April Daniels. It is a young adult novel, and I think teens and adults alike will enjoy it. 

Until Dreadnought fell out of the sky and died right in front of her, Danny was trying to keep people from finding out she’s transgender. But before he expired, Dreadnought passed his mantle to her, and those secondhand superpowers transformed Danny’s body into what she’s always thought it should be. Now there’s no hiding that she’s a girl. It should be the happiest time of her life, but Danny’s first weeks finally living in a body that fits her are more difficult and complicated than she could have imagined. Between her father’s dangerous obsession with “curing” her girlhood, her best friend suddenly acting like he’s entitled to date her, and her fellow superheroes arguing over her place in their ranks, Danny feels like she’s in over her head. She doesn’t have much time to adjust. Dreadnought’s murderer—a cyborg named Utopia—still haunts the streets of New Port City, threatening destruction. If Danny can’t sort through the confusion of coming out, master her powers, and stop Utopia in time, humanity faces extinction.

Dreadnought has so much going for it. From the very beginning I connected with the main character- Danny had all the angst of teen age life with the added pressure of being transgender. Add on witnessing the death of a superhero, getting the gender switch you craved, and suddenly having superpowers and anyone would be overwhelmed. Danny faces everything in a realistic manner, and I found the reactions of others in the book accurate to what a young person in her position would encounter. I found the world building to allow for the superheroes and technology necessary for the story  to be well done. I never felt buried under explanations but never felt like I was lacking any information I wanted either- that can be a hard balance to master. I liked that there was also a good balance between the emotional and mental struggles that Danny was facing and the mystery and action involved in finding Utopia and figuring out what was going on.  I was impressed all around with the book, I was only disappointed in that fact that it was over and the next book has not been released yet.

Dreadnought is a wonderful book on a variety of levels. Danny's story of personal growth and discovering her capabilities is very well done, as is the superhero angle and world building. I think the only people that might not enjoy it are those that need to read it most, those that are so set on the idea of people different than themselves, or those they do not understand, are somehow wrong rather than other people just trying to get through life- just like them. My only complaint with the book, is that know I want the rest of the series- I am terribly curious to see what happens next!

Book Review: Foreverafter: An Odd Adventure (Crash Landers) by KJ. Quint

Foreverafter: An Odd Adventure, Part One: Crash Landers is a middle grade read by KJ. Quint. Audrey (she prefers Odd) lives in a perpetual state of boredom. She tries to keep busy with small jobs around town and by listening to stories of adventure from a boy in the travelling circus—her only friend Kite. But Odd has always had one thought in her head: I want to go on my own adventure. It appears that Odd's wish finally comes true as a flying island appears over the town and whisks Audrey and Kite away to a far-off place, into a forest of the magical Nightlands where mystic creatures and magical folk roam. It’s up to Audrey and Kite to learn how to master the strange workings of this new world in order to find their way home.

Foreverafter is a fun and interesting read. I liked the world and character building- and think that our main characters and their very distinct personalities is what will capture the attention of readers. Kite is a member of a travelling circus, with a unique skill set and way of talking his way around trouble. Odd (or Audrey) has more skills than Kite knows, but has a way of making plans that create a special kind of chaos.  Their adventures, interaction, and quarreling make their friendship something special and great fun to watch. Their adventure is unique and enjoyable, and I think that fans of fantasy and adventure will agree. 

My only real issue with the book is that it is too obviously part one. I have a special dislike for books that end just as the book is getting really interesting, or the most important plot twist that will affect the characters for the rest of their story has been revealed. I get the point of a cliff hanger, and I understand the need to bring readers back, but I just feel like the book got its momentum and just stopped. It did not feel like a cliff hanger, but rather like the next chapter was missing. Yes, the immediate crisis was adverted and tensions are raised perfectly for a cliff hanger- but then that extra little bit was there making me feel like this part of the story was unfinished.