Book Review: Take to the Limit (Unbroken Heroes) by Dawn Ryder

Take to the Limit is the fourth book in the Unbroken Heroes series by Dawn Ryder. I have read one other book in the series, and think that each book stands well on its own.

A hardened military machine, Bram Magnus is a tough, combat-ready, all-American hero who never surrenders. But the one thing he can't fight? His smoldering, intense attraction to his girlfriend's younger sister. He's always kept his feelings locked deeply down. But when his girlfriend betrays him the night before he ships off to Afghanistan, Bram has one chance to show the woman he's resisted for years that he wants her as fiercely as the first day he saw her. Ever since her older sister first brought home the soldier with steely hard muscles and piercing eyes, Jaelyn has wanted Bram, and when her sister casts him aside the night before he leaves, Jaelyn can't resist one steamy hot kiss with him. But danger is not far behind, and even as a deadly enemy hunts them, their relationship only grows more explosive. It's all Bram can do to keep Jaelyn safe, but with a threat this powerful, will they pay the ultimate price for their passion?

Take to the Limit is a tangled romance with family and danger throwing up obstacles for Bram and Jaelyn at every turn. I liked both characters, and I liked them as a couple. The twists and turns their relationship takes is engaging, and I like the honesty Bram offers about his mistakes, faults, and feelings to those that are important to him. I found the family aspects of the story to be done well, and the complications to be done well. Jaelyn's grandfather was a great character and one of my favorite secondary characters. I found the big bad behind the danger aspect to be a little much, that aspect of the story seemed to be a little too convoluted and the clean up at the end to be a little too neat and tidy. It all works, but it just did not sit well with me. Readers that have been following the series will enjoy the continued storyline with some characters, and some of the danger involved. Newcomers will not be left behind, as the important bits are explained briefly but well. 

Take to the Limit is a book that I started a couple times, but once I stuck with past the first few scenes did enjoy. This is not my favorite book, or series, from the author so it was a little bit of a let down for me. However, it is still a good read.

Early Book Review: I Got a Chicken for My Birthday by Laura Gehl, Sarah Horne

I Got a Chicken for My Birthday is a picturebook written by Laura Gehl, and illustrated by Sarah Horne. It is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2018. All the birthday girl wants from her Abuela is a ticket to the amusement park. Instead, she gets a chicken. But this chicken is no ordinary chicken; it has plans! With a lot of hard work, and help from other animals, this chicken may just end up granting the girl the best birthday gift ever.

I Got a Chicken for My Birthday is a fun and imaginative picture book. I love the crazy skills the chicken demonstrates, and think the imagination of the author- and her main character- are highly entertaining. I found the artwork to fit the story well, and does a great job of hinting at the chicken's actions without giving away too much before the big reveal. I like that among all the silliness is the message that even though the gifts received might not meet expectations- sometimes they are even better. I found myself smiling through the entire read, and think it will be a much loved read for many. 

Book Review: Dog Days of Voodoo (Malveaux Curse Mystery) by G.A. Chase

Dog Days of Voodoo is the first book in the Malveaux Curse Mystery series by G.A. Chase. Absolutely nothing stands between a woman and her beloved dog, not even the malevolent force of a voodoo curse. Kendell Summer, lead guitarist for Polly Urethane and the Strippers, has always been interested in the unexplained. So when she sets off on a paranormal research romp with Myles, a former classmate, to explore his skills in psychometry, she’s ready for a little adventure. But she gets more than she bargained for when her Lhasa apso, Cheesecake, is dognapped. Kendell will do whatever it takes to get her dog back. While rescuing the pup, Kendell and Myles learn that the touristy glitz of New Orleans’ voodoo shops hides a dark history few understand—a truth that some in the city plan to use for their own gain. Soon they uncover more than they ever wanted to know about New Orleans’ unsavory past and a curse that threatens to change everything. Only Kendell can prevent the evil they’ve uncovered from doing more damage, but she’ll need Myles’s support and psychometric abilities—and the vigilance of the ever-watchful Cheesecake.

Dog Days of Voodoo is not a cozy mystery, it is not too heavy but it is certainly more in depth than a traditional cozy. I feel like readers get a good understanding of the main players, and the city. However, I do feel like we could have gotten a bit more about Kendell, she seems just a little too understanding and perspective, almost perfect, for the situations she finds herself in. Myles was a little more fleshed out in my mind, I feel like i came to understand him a little bit more. I found the mystery surrounding the curse, and the family ancestry was well developed, and believable with the type of power some families still wield in certain areas. I found the danger and adventure that Myles and Kendell dealt with the be well done and entertaining. I do think it started off a little slow, but once things got going it stayed fairly well paced. I liked the fact that while friendship developed between the main characters, they hinted at the possibility of more but romance never became the main focus of the story, but remained a background thread that occasionally came through inner thoughts but never overwhelmed te rest of the story. 

Dog Days of Voodoo is a good start to a new series. There was a slow start, and the series promise some series political and family dynasty drama alongside the mystical mysteries. I think there are many people that are looking for mysteries with this combination of magic and danger, but without the cozy feel. 

Early Book Review: The Legend of Jack Riddle by H. Easson

The Legend of Jack Riddle by H. Easson is a middle grade novel currently scheduled for release on March 1 2018. So what if 12-year-old Jack’s great-great-great-great-great aunt has oddly youthful looks? (Probably cosmetic surgery.) Or a hat she never removes? (Fashion victim.) Or goes out into the creepy forest at midnight to play bingo? (Must be what people do in the country.) Who cares about that when her cottage doesn’t even have Wi-Fi?! Forced to visit his distant relative with the unusual name of Gretel, Jack is about to find out that fairy tales aren’t sparkly, cheesy love stories. They’re dark. They have claws. They’re a warning. And when you’re the unwilling hero of your own fairy tale, you might be the one who’s taught a nasty lesson.

The Legend of Jack Riddle is a fantasy adventure that starts as the typical coming of age and fantasy quest or adventure story. I liked that Jack was a bit like the stereotypical tween, glued to his phone and craving the independence and fun more young people want. However, he is much more. He is facing family challenges, but not the same issues that most kids in these stories face, but more emotional and identity based troubles. I liked the threads of well known stories, but how they are interwoven with typically unrelated stories. As a fairy tale and legend fan, I was glad to see twists I had not seen before, along side some that were like old friends. I enjoyed Jack's evolution, and the growth he had as an individual and how he relates to others. I found the professor and other secondary characters, to be very well developed and interesting rather than the place holder characters that sometimes populate the backgrounds of books. I think young readers, and those of us older than the target audience, can get lost in the story and enjoy it thoroughly. 

The Legend of Jack Riddle is a fun and entertaining read for middle grade readers, and older children and adults as well. A nice fantasy adventure that could also encourage further reading in legends and fairy tales as well. 

Book Review: Stick Sketch School: An Animal Artventure by Billy Attinge

Stick Sketch School: An Animal Artventure by Billy Attinger is an "artventure" around the world that can help readers learn to draw stick animals in the jungle, the Arctic, the rainforest, the Outback, underwater, and more! You'll even learn how to draw extinct animals and fantasy animals in stick form. Each spread features a grid to show the reader how to draw the lines, how to add movement, expression, and more. Ideal for the visual learner and accompanied by tips and tricks from stick artist Billy Attinger, the book shows how to make your stick animals personal, recognizable, and unique!

Stick Sketch School: An Animal Artventure offers the instructions to draw a variety of cute animals from around the world, and from mythology or the past. I liked the little stories that go along with each set of instructions, they add an extra layer and fun and interest to the book. There are ten chapters, dividing the animals up by type; such as furry, scaly, helpful, birds, slimy, dangerous, extinct, or fantasy (among others). As someone that has always been a doodler, but lacking serious art skills or methods, this book was a fun and entertaining way to increase some of my abilities. I like the spaces that were included for practicing and testing the new skills. Also,  while the book is accessible to all ages, there are little jokes sprinkled through it that are clearly aimed at adults- like the mention of the Wheel of Morality from Animaniacs. You get everything you might hope for based on the cover and title, and some extra fun for the trouble.

Book Review: Tilly and Tank by Jay Fleck

Tilly and Tank is a picturebook by Jay Fleck.  Tilly the elephant is taking her morning stroll when she notices something strange on the horizon. Is it another elephant? The newcomer has a trunk and tail, but he's a very curious shade of green. Tank, on the other hand, notices an odd-looking creature approaching. It has a barrel and a turret, like Tank, but is a curious shade of blue. Is it a new enemy tank? Tank's alarm sounds and he goes BOOM, scaring Tilly off. But when Tilly returns with a flower, Tank begins to understand that she might not be an enemy at all.

Tilly and Tank is a nice story about understanding, assumptions, and friendship. I think it speaks to the way many kids and adults make assumptions about others based on their own personality and experiences rather than taking the time to learn about the new things and people they encounter in the world. The illustrations are charming and do a good job of telling the story and giving life to the characters. This is an all around good read, with a lesson about prejudice, peace, and friendship. I think it is an important message, and one handled well here, in a way that is not so in your face that readers of all ages cannot enjoy the read. 

Book Review: Fuel for Fire (Black Knights Inc.) by Julie Ann Walker

Fuel for Fire is the tenth book in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker. I have read most of the series, and think that the romance portion of each story stands fine on its own, however character development and the larger story arcs made the read more enjoyable for those that have been following along. If you are going to pick a random book from the series to read as a stand alone, I think this is one that will be less confusing than the others.

Dagan Zoelner has made three huge mistakes. The first two left blood on his hands. The third left him wondering...what if? What if he had told the woman of his dreams how he felt before his world fell apart? Spitfire CIA agent Chelsea Duvall has always had a thing for bossy, brooding Dagan. It's just as well that he's never given her a second look, since she carries a combustible secret about his past that threatens to torch their lives.

Fuel for Fire is a good combination of action and character interaction. There are plenty of chances for danger and action to leave readers holding their breath, but there is also a solid amount of character development and growth. Dagan is still guilt ridden because of something beyond his control, and considers himself unworthy of love and affection- even if he cannot help his attraction or desire to protect Chelsea. To make matters more difficult Chelsea is harboring her own guilt and attraction toward Dagan. I loved their banter, and that Dagan had to come to terms with the way his words might be affecting Chelsea's confidence. I did feel like I might have missed some character setup from earlier book, whether I missed some or just forgot some of the background I do not know. However, I still enjoyed the read.

Fuel for Fire is a solid installment of the series, with enough of its own story and character development to leave readers unsatisfied with the conclusion, but enough unanswered questions to leave them wanting more. 

Book Review: St Grizzle's School for Girls, Ghosts and Runaway Grannies by Karen McCombie

St Grizzle's School for Girls, Ghosts and Runaway Grannies by Karen McCombie is a fun children's book, and the second in this series. I did not read the first book, but I think I was able to get up to speed quickly. When local schools are asked to make a film showcasing the surrounding area, Dani and the rest of St Grizzle’s set to work. But Spencer and his mates at the village school are determined to sabotage the work of the smelly Grizzlers. To Dani’s surprise, help comes in the form of Granny Viv who has secretly taken up residence in the school’s tree house with Downboy the dog. Together they come up with the perfect ghostly video but will Granny Viv be able to stay once the competition’s over?

St Grizzle's School for Girls, Ghosts and Runaway Grannies is a fun read that will keep middle grade and younger readers entertained and engaged. I think that most readers will be able to empathize with Dani, her desire to be respected and liked and the mistakes she makes a long the way. I found the setting, characters, and story set up to be interesting and charming, with just enough wackiness to make me smile through good portions of the read. However, there were also enough serious moments of Dani thinking and dealing with the stresses of growing up that I was kept on my toes. I liked the inclusion of the video making, and think that it is something many kids in the target audience are interested in or involved in, but worry that in the long run it might date the series, since technology and tools change so fast. The illustrations that pepper the book add an extra layer of fun, and make the read even more entertaining.  Since this is te second book in a series, and I missed the first, there were moments in which I felt like I was missing important background, but I still greatly enjoyed the read, and rather want to go back and read what I missed so that I can see how the school (and the characters) ended up in the current state. 

St Grizzle's School for Girls, Ghosts and Runaway Grannies is a fun and touching read, but one that those following the series will get more out of than those that not. A coming of age story with wild and wacky characters and some good fun right along childhood angst.

Early Book Review: That Killer Smile (Bite Nights or V-Date) by Juliet Lyons

That Killer Smile is the third book in the Bite Nights or V-Date series by Juliet Lyons. Most of this story can stand on its own, but I think those that have read the previous books will definitely be more invested in finding out about this pair's happy ever after. It is currently scheduled for release on February 6 2018. 

Vampire Catherine Adair gave up trying to find her perfect match ages ago. But that didn’t stop her from founding London’s super successful vampire dating site. When a smoldering vampire overlord from her past launches a rival speed-dating service, Catherine vows to crush the competition. Ronin’s new venture is purely about getting Catherine’s attention. He hasn’t stopped thinking about her ever since the night she gave him the cold shoulder. Nobody gets away from Ronin McDermott that easily.

That Killer Smile is a book that I was rater looking forward to. The previous books in the series had me invested in the volitial relationship between Cat and Ronin, so I went in with high expectations. I think this was my problem. Cat and Ronin weere both well developed (if you have been following the series) and their lust/hate interactions were entertaining. The danger and drama was well plotted and suspenseful. I did enjoy them opening up to each other, and sharing their pasts and having mature conversations. My problem is that I wanted more, I do not know what I was looking for, or what I was missing to enjoy the read more. I suspected the connection of the big bad, and I found that even having read the previous books te full reasoning of the sheer strength of animosity between the pair still kind of unexplained, I felt like there should have been more to it than there was, even with the combination of factors that were included. It was a good, solid read for those that enjoy the series, and those that are fans of Lyons.  I think I was just looking forward to the story a little too much, and had built up my expectations too high to be able to just enjoy the read.

That Killer Smile is a good edition to the series, and I think most readers that would read it will enjoy it. I think my own exceptions got in the way, normal I just start reading the next book in my queue without looking at summaries before hand (there are so many books in my Kindle that I often forget by the time I start to read) and I made the mistake of not following that pattern here. 

Book Review: Vikings in 30 Seconds by Philip Steele, Stef Murphy

Vikings in 30 Seconds, written by Philip Steele and illustrated by Stef Murphy, is a non fiction book full of fast facts, mini missions, and engaging artwork. It is an introduction to one of the world’s most fascinating cultures. Children can discover all about these amazing warriors, including where they came from, their incredible skill as boat builders and seafarers and how they traded with and settled in other lands. Each topic is presented in a concise 30-second summary, supported by a 3-second flash soundbite and full-colour artwork. Fun, active elements for kids to make-and-do support the topics, encouraging them to test, explore, and discover more.

Vikings in 30 Seconds is a colorful and well organized book that gives a good deal of information to interested readers. I liked the glossaries that included with each chapter, and the three minute activities that give the option for interested readers to take the learning to the next level. The short summaries and additional information combined with the illustration ad included facts that is included with each page makes sure that every kind of reader, and every style learner, has something for them on each page. This would be a great resource for those interested in history, vikings, and learning in general. It would make a good book for school and public libraries, as well as supporting related curriculum in the classroom.