Early Book Review: Gruel Snarl Draws a Wild Zugthing by Jantzer Studios

Gruel Snarl Draws a Wild Zugthing by Jantzer Studios is currently scheduled for release on September 28 2017. Modeling-clay character Gruel Snarl is driving his mom zonkers! Just an ordinary kid with an extraordinary imagination, Gruel spends his days doing all kinds of things but always seems to find his way into mischief. Desperate to find something to keep Gruel out of trouble, his mom offers him paper and crayons. Find out what happens when his imagination takes an unexpected turn in this story as the main characters merge and jump right off the page.

Gruel Snarl Draws a Wild Zugthing is a fun story about an alien kid driving their mother up the wall. After being handed the tools to draw things only get worse as the creatures jump off the page. I liked that things are turned around and Gruel and the boy he draws switch roles. It leaves the book with an interesting twist leaving readers wondering who is drawing who. The artwork is interesting, with a combination of clay creatures and drawn cut outs leading the majority of the action. At first the artwork left me a little apathetic, but by the end I was a little more impressed. It was an interesting and reasonably unique story, however it still left me content but not overly impressed. I think there is definitely a market for the book, and highly imaginative kids (and their families) are likely to appreciate it the most.

Book Review: Highland Barbarian (Murray Family) by Hannah Howell

Highland Barbarian is the thirteenth book in the Murray Family series by Hannah Howell. It was published back in 2006, but I has missed it. The books in the series can all be enjoyed as stand alones, but those that have read one one or more will come in knowing a little more of what to expect. 

Sir Artan Murray was right when he decided that the dying old man who bid him collect his niece didn't know her at all. The furious woman facing him is neither "sweet" nor "biddable." She demands the brawny Highlander return her to the wedding party from which he took her. But Artan has no intention of allowing so spirited and bewitching a creature to endure a loveless marriage to a ruthless lord for her clan's sake. He aims to woo the lass and to show her that true love also yields unforgettable pleasure. Cecily Donaldson knows a bond forged by danger and desperation cannot endure. But Artan's touch leaves her breathless, and she knows this to be her one chance to experience true passion before an arranged marriage seals her fate. Yet once begun, passion cannot be denied nor can a love with the promise to change everything.

Highland Barbarian is more complicated than the blurb leds you to believe. Cecily's guardians are not exactly caring, and are pretty much selling her into an arranged marriage with someone even worse than they are. Artan is a highland warrior trying to help his uncle, knowing he is being manipulated at least a little. I liked the spunk that Cecily discovers inside herself, and the interactions between her and Artan. I think the action and danger is well done, but there were about three points in the book where it could have been wrapped up satisfyingly, but it just kept going with another crisis. I did like how Cecily and Artan handled each crisis, and how Angus and the rest of their extended family acted. 

Highland Barbarian is not a surprise in the Murray Family series. It is an enjoyable read, but nothing that stuck out at me. Fans of the author will get exactly what they like and are looking for- a nice weekend read.

Book Review: Princesses, Inc. by Mari Manscuso

Princesses, Inc. by Mari Manscuso is a middle grade novel that will also appeal to young adults. Twelve-year-old Hailey and her BFFs are all big fans of Collin Prince, a YouTube star. When the opportunity to meet him at a local Comic-Con comes up, the girls jump at the chance. The problem? The convention isn’t cheap—and the girls don’t have the money to go. But Hailey isn’t ready to give up just yet. In addition to meeting Collin at the convention, there is a young writer’s competition that she is determined to enter—and win. The girls dream up Princesses and Pirates, Inc., a babysitting service where the girls will dress up in costume to entertain their charges. Of course, they aren’t as prepared as they thought they would be to deal with bratty kids, scheming older siblings (who are less than thrilled that their own babysitting jobs have dried up), and trying to balance their new “jobs” with school. And more responsibilities means less time for Hailey to work on her contest entry. Will their plan to make it to Comic-Con pay off, or could their business end up as shipwrecked as the pirates they portray.

Princesses, Inc. is a nice story about girls taking a creative approach to reaching their goals. I liked the initiative, friendship, and passion of our main characters and think that on that level they set a good example for readers. They face problems, work toward a solution and despite stumbling blocks and some problems they found their way through, with a little help. I loved the humor and unpredictable nature of the babysitting jobs the girls undertook- as a mom and former babysitter I know that anything can, and will, happen. The balancing of activities and interests is something many tweens and teens face, and I liked the way it was tackled here. I also liked the realistic and relatable way the girls (and their families) are portrayed. I found it refreshing that the parents were parents, and said no but were not actively trying to stop the kids from following their own paths. This is a rare balance in children's literature, and I was incredibly glad to see it here. I think this is an inspiring and entertaining read for the middle grade audience.

Princesses, Inc. is a book that will appeal to readers that are already interested in youtube, comics, videogames, and writing. I liked the writing style and the initiative of the characters, but as a reader that is not overly fond of YouTube or fan fiction (but love the rest of the aspects of ComicCon) I just could not get fully engaged in certain aspects of the story. 

Book Review: Claiming Alexis (Ace Security) by Susan Stoker

Claiming Alexis is the second book in the Ace Security series by Susan Stoker. The first book was Claiming Grace, which I really enjoyed. I highly suggest reading this series in order, because the character and larger story arc development continues from book to book. 

Nothing is more important to Blake Anderson than the work he does with his brothers at Ace Security. At least that’s what he thinks until he meets the fiercely independent Alexis Grant. The security firm’s new intern pushes all his buttons—and makes his temperature rise. But giving in to temptation might be risky business. Alexis can tell that Blake has his doubts about her ability to commit. But while most people look at her and see only a flighty rich girl, she knows he sees much more. Determined to prove herself to Blake, Alexis jumps at the chance to work undercover. And when her case takes a dangerous turn, she puts her trust—and her heart—in his hands. Now, as Alexis digs into the deadly secrets of a local gang, Blake will lay everything on the line to protect the woman he’s come to love.

Claiming Alexis starts right after Grace's story stopped. The foundation of character development and the friend slash coworker relationship between Alexis and Blake has already been established. I like that we get insight into Alexis's mind, that the struggles that she has had, but felt like Blake's issues were not really dealt with, although based on his home life growing up we know they are there. I liked the way the Anderson brothers work and support everyone they consider part of their family, and anyone needing help. My only issue was Alexis' need to prove herself and put herself at risk, above and beyond anything I thought was sensible, but that is just me. I liked the character interaction, but think that anyone who skipped the first book would be lost as to the pre-established relationship and the need to bring down the gang that is causing most of the conflict in this book.

Claiming Alexis did not grab me the same way Claiming Grace did, but I still enjoyed the read and fully intend to continue the series. The only trouble I have is that the third book, Claiming Bailey, is not schedule for release until December. I am looking forward to the third Anderson bother finding his happy ending.

Early Book Review: If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Age Men by Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal)

If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Age Men by Matthew Inman (also known as The Oatmeal) is currently schedule for release on September 26 2017.  This charmingly absurd gift book about man’s best friend is the kind of humor and art that one fully expects from the mind behind The Oatmeal and books like How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You. In If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Aged Men, Matthew Inman imagines what life would be like if his dogs were a couple of old men running around his house. The result is a pitch-perfect gift for any dog owner, animal lover, or fan of The Oatmeal.

If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Age Men gives readers exactly what they should expect from this author, with this title. Inman draws his two dogs as middle age men and puts them in everyday doggy situations. Not high brow humor by any means- but anyone with dogs (or pets of any kind really) can relate to the adventures of this two, and the reactions of their owner. They are suitably silly and occasionally gross- like any animal is bound to be. The book is amusing and hits all the right notes, at least the ones that anyone with any prior knowledge of the Oatmeal would expect. It was short, but I think that is better than dragging on the jokes to the point where they are no longer quite as amusing. 

Early Book Review: Castle in the Stars: The Space Race of 1869 by Alex Alice

Castle in the Stars: The Space Race of 1869 by Alex Alice is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on September 12 2017.  It was originally published in 2014 in French. In search of the mysterious element known as aether, Claire Dulac flew her hot air balloon toward the edge of our stratosphere—and never returned. Her husband, genius engineer Archibald Dulac, is certain that she is forever lost. Her son, Seraphin, still holds out hope. One year after her disappearance, Seraphin and his father are delivered a tantalizing clue: a letter from an unknown sender who claims to have Claire’s lost logbook. The letter summons them to a Bavarian castle, where an ambitious young king dreams of flying the skies in a ship powered by aether. But within the castle walls, danger lurks—there are those who would stop at nothing to conquer the stars.

Castle in the Stars: The Space Race of 1869 is a graphic novel that caught my attention first with the water color style artwork, and then kept my attention with the steam punk or alternative history style story. It manages to have the feel of a children's story, while still being entirely appealing to teens and adults as well. This historical fantasy includes a coming of age story with challenging family dynamics and the adventure of travelling to space via the aether in 1869 rather than our technology in 1969. The artwork is simply beautiful, and worth exploring even without the story. Readers that get bogged down in text or history rich stories might struggle a bit with this read, however I think the artwork and adventure of the story balances that out nicely. My only complaint is one that is common in many books, that it seemed to end at the more interesting point, and I was left wanting so much more.

Castle in the Stars: The Space Race of 1869 is a graphic novel that I can recommend to children through adults. I am very glad that this was translated into English so that I could enjoy it.

Early Book Review: Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones by Ted Enik, G.F. Newlan

Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones written by Ted Enik and illustrated by G.F. Newlan is currently scheduled for release on September 28 2017. This is the first book in the Unhinged History series brings to life the best-known public spat in all of paleontology: the bitter rivalry between Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh. This frenzy of discovery and one-upmanship—known today as the Bone Wars—was a gold rush–like scramble to find the most and “best” dinosaur fossils, thus bringing to glory to their respective home-base universities. Lively and witty rhymes plus wonderfully demented illustrations reveal how the paleontologists’ infamous rivalry began, and how—despite making genuine and lasting contributions to the field—their mutual obsession with outdoing one another spun out of control.

Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones is a nonfiction picturebook in rhyme. I have always been interested in paleontology, and this book brought the initial rush to find and identify dinosaur bones to life. While there was some exaggerating and silliness to make the picturebook my engaging, the facts and fascinating tidbits of information I had not known were included as well. I think that this is a must read for children (and adults) interested in American history and paleontology.The trouble Cope and Marsh cause for themselves is entertaining, but rather sad, that adults would cheat and lie to gain notoriety for themselves and their employers, but it is not all that surprising when you see what some are still willing to do in the name of money or fame. I found the factual parts to be well written and accessible, and the story of Cope and Marsh's rivalry was entertaining and engaging. The artwork is just as entertaining and attention grabbing as the text and story, keeping readers turning pages. I think this would be a great addition to school and public library collections. It could inspire future scientists and historians as well as starting discussions on how rivalries can get out of hand and cause the participants more trouble than it is worth. 

Early Book Review: The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate (Long-Lost Secret Diary) by Tim Collins, Sarah Horne

The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate is the second book in the Long-Lost Secret Diary series for children written by Tim Collins and illustrated by Sarah Horne. This illustrated chapter book is currently scheduled for release on September 19 2017. You do not need to read the entire series, or the books in order, to enjoy the stories.

Meet Thomas, a young man sailing with his parents aboard a merchant ship in the 18th century. He is prone to daydreaming about living an exciting life as a pirate on the high seas. When a pirate crew led by Captain Bartholomew Morgan takes over the ship, Thomas stows away and is accepted into their motley gang. However, life as a pirate proves far less romantic than what he was expecting. The hilarious Long Lost Secret Diary series put readers inside the heads of hapless figures from history struggling to carry out their roles and getting things horribly wrong. The accessible, irreverent stories will keep young readers laughing as they learn the importance of not being afraid to learn from one’s mistakes.

The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate is a good combination of historical information, adventure, and humor that will keep young readers interested and entertained. Thomas, like most people, is certain that any life different than his own is more interesting and exciting. Danger and the less pleasant aspects of life do not always make an impact until they are felt or witnessed. This is certainly the case for Thomas, who initially has trouble acknowledging or even recognizing the significance of his mistakes or choices slowly comes to see that e can learn from them. The stories are sometimes exciting, sometimes silly, and always entertaining. I think the equally entertaining illustrations and humor will keep readers happily reading, and teach them a little something about history and responsibility along the way. 

Book Review: The Dragon Hunters (Dragon Brothers) by James Russell, Link Choi

The Dragon Hunters is the first illustrated chapter book in The Dragon Brother trilogy written by James Russell and illustrated by Link Choi. Living on an island means life is full of adventure for brothers Flynn and Paddy. So when a dragon swoops out of the sky and nabs their beloved dog, Coco, Flynn and Paddy know it's up to them to bring her home. That night, they pack their bags, make some terrible sandwiches, and set off on an epic adventure. 

The Dragon Hunters is a short and imaginative book in rhyme for young readers. The boys have an adventure to save their dog from a dragon, and do so with wit and humor. The illustrations are full of color, detail, and whimsy. As ab bonus for the technologically inclined young readers, the map in this book come alive with the use of your phone or tablet, once you download a free AR Reads app. If you do use the app, you can see and hear dragons fly, geysers gush, and get a glimpse of your favorite characters in action. A great incentive to get readers more interested in technology than print books to check it out.

Early Book Review: So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced) by Kerrelyn Sparks

So I Married a Sorcerer is the second book in The Embraced series by Kerrelyn Sparks. It is currently scheduled for release on August 29 2017. While those that have not read the first book in the series will be able to enjoy the adventure and romance fully, I think those that are reading the series in order will enjoy it more because of the recurring secondary characters and the larger story arc that carries across the books.

Growing up on the Isle of Moon, Brigitta knows nothing of her past, except that she is Embraced: born with powers that forced her into hiding. Everything changes when she learns she’s a princess, hidden away from her villainous half-brother who now rules the kingdom. But he knows about Brigitta, and he’ll do anything to get her back. Unless a certain roguish pirate has anything to say about it. Rupert is both an infamous pirate and a sorcerer with the power to harness the wind. He’s been waiting nineteen years for revenge, and he needs Brigitta to get it. What begins as a kidnapping of the fiery beauty turns into a fierce attraction. But can he win the captive princess’s heart? 

So I Married a Sorcerer is a fun and adventurous ride. I loved the characters, and who can resist a noble pirate, especially one with so much heart. I enjoyed Brigitta's spirit, gift, and intelligence. While there were moments when I wanted to kick the nun travelling with her, she seemed just as exacerbated as I was. I was highly entertained by Rupert's second in command, and the cabin boy on the ship. It really is the character development and interaction that makes Spark's work so engaging. I cared about the characters, found their banter amusing, and felt for them as they faced troubles and worries. Some if the twists and turns I saw coming, others came out of the blue and I was pleasantly surprised. I was thinking about the characters, including the secondary characters, well after I finished the book and moved onto the next on my list.

So I Married a Sorcerer is a good continuation to this series, and I fully plan on following the rest of the story. I am eager to see the rest of the sisters find love.