Book Review: Wicked's Way by Anna Fienberg

Wicked's Way by Anna Fienberg is a high-seas pirate adventure for middle grade readers. Will could walk a tightrope and juggle bananas as he went. 'One day you'll be the star of a circus,' his mother told him. 'But until then, you must be a secret.' For each year pirates came to the islands to steal young boys for their crew. And if that happened to you, well, you may as well kiss your life goodbye. So what's a young lad to do when his mother disappears and pirates arrive at his door? Will takes courage from a crazy truth-telling parrot, and his mother's advice: 'Keep putting one foot in front of the other and your eyes on the prize.' But will this be enough to survive the perils at sea? And will that infuriatingly polite boy called Horrendo finally tip the balance?

Wicked's Way is a coming of age story full of peril and tough choices. Will tries to do what he should, and be the best boy he can. However, more often than not his good intentions get him into trouble or are not well received by others. Hard life, frustration, and resentment can change a boy, and Will is no different. Losing his mother, and the good things in his life by way of pirates sets Will on a hard road, and he needs to face dangers both physical and emotional. I could empathize with Will along the way, he was always trying to help, be nice, do the right thing- and he is mocked or looked down upon for it. Life just seems not o be fair, particularly when others get appreciation for things Will would have done and been sneered at for. I understand, and I think most of us have had a meeting, group project, or time with friends or family that made us feel that way. (No? Just me?) My heart broke for Will as he changed, and struggled through out the story. Emotions and tensions were high through the majority of the book, and I think there are many that will add this to their favorite reads pile. 

Wicked's Way is a heart wrenching adventure story with characters that readers can relate to, and sometimes want to laugh or yell at. The story is engaging and will not let go. Now I need to go back and read Horrendo's Curse, which might give me more information on a secondary character or two and a new perspective on parts of the story. I hope it will capture my attention in the same way. 

Book Review: Stay Close (For You) by Alexa Riley

Stay Close is the first book in the For You series by Alexa Riley. I actually read the second book, Hold Tight, first. The books read as a series are great, and as a follow up to the For Her series even better. However, they can be read as stand alones as well.

A former Russian mafia soldier is hired to protect a friend’s young daughter, but he knows he’ll do more than keep her safe. Ivan tries to stay professional, but he knows he will do anything to keep her safe, even from himself. Penelope Justice is eighteen, old enough to graduate high school but—according to her parents—not old enough to live without 24/7 security. Practice has made her an expert at ditching her bodyguards. One look at Ivan and she never wants to run again. Ivan steals the breath right out of her lungs, something no boy has ever done. Then again, he’s far from a boy. This man, this man who looks like he could kill someone with the flick of a wrist, is everything. He is her future.

Stay Close is exactly what I have come to expect from Riley. Romance firmly rooted in instantly knowing your other half when you see them, and protecting them. Ivan has seen some ugly things, but when he sees Penelope he sees all light and innocence. Penelope sees the hardness and danger in Ivan, but knows he would never hurt her. Instead of sitting down and talking, the majority of conflict comes when they try to do the right this for the other without talking first. To be honest, that really annoys me but I will admit that it fell in line with the character's personalities- so while I did not like it, it fit the context. This story felt short, which is fair since it was novella length, but I felt like there could have been more character or relationship building rather than just having it be based on instant obsession.

Stay Close is not a surprise for Riley fans. Those that love her style will want to pick this one up and give it a go. Those that prefer more of a build up and character or relationship growth might want to pass. 

Early Book Review: Howl Like a Wolf: Why Animals Do What They Do – and How You Can Do It, Too! by Kathleen Yale, Kaley McKean

Howl Like a Wolf: Why Animals Do What They Do – and How You Can Do It, Too! is a children's non fiction book written by Kathleen Yale and illustrated by Kaley McKean. It is currently scheduled for release on March 6 2018.  Kids generally love to watch, imitate, learn about, and pretend to be animals. But there’s a lot more to being a dog than just panting and walking on all fours. This book combines natural history with creative play activities to encourage children to think like an animal. For each featured animal, children learn key facts such as what it eats; where it lives; who else lives with it; and how it interacts with other animals. Creative prompts then teach kids how to mimic more subtle aspects of behavior that are central to the animal’s life and survival.

Howl Like a Wolf: Why Animals Do What They Do – and How You Can Do It, Too! is a fun and fascinating read, offering facts and activities that invite young readers (and their class or family) to not just learn about the animals but to act and think like them as well. Animals included are the wolf, penguin, elephant, bat, octopus, rattlesnake, bowerbird, beaver, leopard, humpback whale, honeybee, raven, skunk, frog, deer, and tardigrade. The information and activities are easy to understand and fully engaging. I found that the book offered a good deal of information I already knew, but I think young readers will find new information here. I thought the illustrations were well paired with the information. The images were charming and accurate in turn, offering a visual representation of the facts along some inspiration for the activities and further exploration of the topic. I think this would be a great addition to classroom and home libraries, particularly those with animal or nature lovers.

Book Review: Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook, Marilyn Levinson

Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery is the first book in a series by Allison Brook and Marilyn Levinson. Carrie Singleton is just about done with Clover Ridge, Connecticut until she's offered a job as the head of programs and events at the spooky local library, complete with its own librarian ghost. Her first major event is a program presented by a retired homicide detective, Al Buckley, who claims he knows who murdered Laura Foster, a much-loved part-time library aide who was bludgeoned to death fifteen years earlier. As he invites members of the audience to share stories about Laura, he suddenly keels over and dies. The medical examiner reveals that poison is what did him in and Carrie feels responsible for having surged forward with the program despite push back from her director. Driven by guilt, Carrie's determined to discover who murdered the detective, convinced it's the same man who killed Laura all those years ago. Luckily for Carrie, she has a friendly, knowledgeable ghost by her side. But as she questions the shadows surrounding Laura's case, disturbing secrets come to light and with each step Carrie takes, she gets closer to ending up like Al.

Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery is a mystery that caught and held my attention, even though I was reading it only during lunch breaks and the like. I admit that I picked it up because it was about a librarian, and since I have been working in libraries for almost 20 years now, that caught my attention. I did not notice that it was set in a small Connecticut town until I had begun, but as a Connecticut native (currently living in a town that in no way resembles Clover Ridge) it endeared itself to me even more. I liked Carrie, who resembles many of the new adult generation that I know personally, and her conflicting emotions about being independent and staying connected are right on point. The politics, family connections, and drama that take place are totally possible- and I have seen similar issues in libraries, churches, and other organizations that require people to work together, and gives some more power than others- particularly in small towns or groups where everyone knows each other. I also like that while Carrie building connections; in friendship, work, and the romantic possibilities, are important to the story her personal growth and the mystery at hand remain the main focus of the story rather than overshadowing them. That is sometimes a hard balance to strike, but it was nicely done here. I also like that the mystery was wrapped up nicely, but the promise of further growth with Carrie, and further mysteries to solve leaves readers wanting more without leaving them hanging with unanswered questions.

Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery is a book that took me much longer to read than it should have. The characters and pacing were pretty perfect, but since I was reading it on my phone on lunch breaks rather than on my Kindle in my normal reading time it seemed to take forever- but I loved every minute. I look forward to see what the future might hold in store for Carrie and her ghostly companion. 

Early Book Review: Shadow Hunt (Disrupted Magic) by Melissa F. Olson

Shadow Hunt is the third book in the Disrupted Magic series by Melissa F. Olson. I highly suggest reading the series in order, preferably after having read the Scarlet Bernard series that this particular series follows. This installment is currently scheduled for release on February 13 2018.

For years now, Scarlett Bernard has counted on two things: her ability to nullify magic and Shadow, the bargest who guards Scarlett with her life. But after a sudden revelation turns Scarlett’s world upside down, she panics and leaves town without warning, leaving Shadow with her partner, Jesse. In the chaos that follows, the bargest is stolen—and Jesse nearly dies from a brutal psychic assault. It seems that an old enemy has returned for revenge…and the attack on Shadow was only the beginning. As Scarlett races home to find the bargest and rescue her friends, she is dragged deeper into a terrifying legend that has somehow found its way to present-day Los Angeles. Now she will have to recruit every possible ally for a battle that will test her null ability to the limit. Scarlett has been in over her head before, but now she risks losing everything, and she’s never had more to lose.

Shadow Hunt is an action and information packed book. Scarlett is still reeling from her life changing revelation when her entire world is thrown into chaos, again. Shadow is gone, Jesse attacked, and the future hold some scary possibilities. As they unravel the mystery of who, what, and why behind the original attack it leads them down a rabbit hole that no one could have predicted. The stakes are higher than ever, and everyone will be tested to the limit. Even beyond the life threatening moments at hand, Scarlett has to deal with the personal and emotional issues that she has been trying to ignore. All the cards are laid on the table and alliances, friendships, and more become even more important. I love that Scarlett is pushed even further out of her comfort zone, and that the different factions of her city need to come together in order to save themselves. High action, high emotion, big mystery, and plenty of character development make for another great addition to this series. Yes, I know I am being very vague about what is happening in this book, and the series in general- and that is by design. I want everyone to have the same excitement as they unravel the layers of the story that I had.

Shadow Hunt is exactly what I was hoping for, with plenty of character growth and action even after the big reveal in the previous book. Olson continues to prove her skill, and seems to only improve as her world continue. Fans of the series will not be disappointed.

Book Review: Only for You (Sugar Lake) by Melissa Foster

Only for You is the second book in the Sugar Lake series by Melissa Foster. The first book was The Real Thing (which I loved), and while I read this book because of the first, it is not necessary to read the series in order and each is fine as a stand alone.

Single mom Bridgette Dalton doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses, not even in her own flower shop. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t noticed Bodhi Booker. Her ruggedly handsome next-door neighbor would be the perfect candidate for a no-strings fling. Having loved and lost, Bridgette’s not ready to hand over her heart. However, she could use a distraction. Bodhi has one rule: never leave anyone behind. As a special operative, he knows that each new mission is more dangerous than the last. He’s never made a promise of forever to a woman, not even to the beautiful widow who has him tied in knots. And if there were anyone who could tempt him into putting down roots, it would be Bridgette and her adorable son. But as his next deployment nears, they make a startling discovery. Their passion, meant only for the here and now, might already be blossoming into something more.

Only for You is a solid contemporary romance that does a good job of balancing the fears of being hurt or hurting others with way love sneaks up on us at the most inconvenient moment. Bridgette lost her first husband and has thrown herself into raising her son giving no time or thought into finding love again. Bodhi has one goal, to get a house ready for his mother before he is deployed again, knowing any mission could be his last. Neither want to fall in love, and fight the attraction. I love the way they discuss their losses and what the future holds- as soon as they actually start talking. The depth to each character, including the secondary characters, is very well done and I love how real they all feel. As with all of Foster's book, the families and towns that surround the main characters are just as big a part of the story as the main couple, and do a lot towards making the story engaging and real to the reader. The rationalizing and struggles Bodhi and Bridgette endure grab a hold of you and do not let go. Even after finishing the book, and reading the conclusion I want to know what happens next. Not because anything was missing, but because I care so much for the characters that I want to know about the next stage (or two) of their lives together.

Only for You is a solid follow up to The Real Thing. The realistic characters, conversations, and family make the story real, and leave readings wanting more. Another contemporary romance win from Foster.

Early Book Review: Trampoline Boy by Nan Forler, Marion Arbona

Trampoline Boy is a picturebook written by Nan Forler and illustrated by Marion Arbona. It is currently scheduled for release on March 6 2018. In this story readers see the world through the eyes of a character we only know as Trampoline Boy. His favorite thing to do is jump up and down, up and down on his trampoline. Kids walk by and tease him, but he remains steadfast and calm. One day, a quietly exuberant girl, Peaches, is fascinated by his jumping. Trampoline Boy wordlessly invites her to jump with him, and by spending this time with him, Peaches and readers get to see how important and valuable different perspectives are.

Trampoline Boy is a sweet and visually lovely, picturebook. The images are stylized, and brightly colored. The main character is a boy fully engaged in his favorite activity and ignoring those that mock him for being different. Peaches watches him, fascinated by his jumping, and how much he loves it. She wants to see, to understand, and he is willing to share. I love the story, because it is about doing what you love. However, it is also about not just being willing to explore someone else's perspective, but being excited about it. It is also about being willing to share that view. Reaching out a hand to those others might exclude or mock, and taking the time to know and understand is so important and something we all need to take the time to do. What a sweet and inspiring story, that is also a lovely read both visually in in the lyric text.

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.