Book Review: Minibeasts: True Rulers of Our World and the Key to our Survival by Alan Henderson

Minibeasts: True Rulers of Our World and the Key to our Survival by Alan Henderson offers readers insight into the micro world of the minibeasts reveals the critical roles these true rulers of our world play in our future survival. Simply put, without the invertebrates (insects) and other tiny critters, humans would not survive. While outlining the importance of the minibeast world, this book is also a visual feast of detail and color, capturing form and behavior that the naked eye isn’t normally able to see when encountering these small creatures. The result is a book that captivates the reader while at the same time inspiring a new appreciation for these magnificent animals. Lavishly illustrated with breathtaking macro-photography, each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of minibeasts and includes introductory text followed by images and informative captions. Among the topics covered are the jobs minibeasts perform that enable life on earth to exist, as well as the ways in which they have evolved to suit their environments and how we borrow ideas from them in the fields of biotechnology, engineering and design. As we will come to realize, from new medical drugs to hi-tech robotics, minibeasts provide a wealth of material for humans to draw on to help solve our 21-century problems.

Minibeasts is a fascinating book for the photography alone. The close up images of the insects are simply amazing ad well worth looking at all on their own. Add in the details about their adaptation and tricks to survive and this book is one that will stand up to multiple explorations. So many people think of the little creatures of the world as nothing more than pests or problems, but this book shows us the complexity, beauty, and ingenuity of these creatures as well as the role the play in the world.  The text is solid, in depth enough that I learned a great deal and was highly engaged, but not so technical that I ever felt left behind or talked down to. There is even some humor in the chapter headings and information, so there is really nothing I can find to say against reading this book- unless of course the very idea of anything creepy crawly makes you shudder.  I think that young adults and interested middle graders would get just as much from this book as any interested adult. 

Minibeasts is a visually stunning book and a very informative read. I think that this should be in libraries and personal collections for anyone that is even vaguely interested in photography, biology, and the natural world.

Early Book Review: Mummies Exposed! (Creepy and True) by Kerrie Logan Hollihan

Mummies Exposed! is the first book in the Creepy and True series by Kerrie Logan Hollihan. It is currently scheduled for release on May 7 2019. Just when you think that you know everything there is to know about mummies, new ones are discovered! Packed with facts but light in tone, this book introduces young readers to the most compelling examples of mummies from all over the world. There are many books about Egyptian mummies, but Mummies Exposed! goes beyond what you expect and uncovers both old favorites and recent discoveries; among them a Moche princess in Peru, the bog people of England and Ireland, and a Buddhist monk discovered within a sculpture! Featuring the most contemporary research, a touch of humor, and full-color illustrations, this exciting read is perfect for curious young minds. The book includes endnotes, bibliography, and index. 

Mummies Exposed! is a well written and researched book for the middle grade level reader. I have read a good deal about mummies, and watched some very good documentaries, and I think this book has a good balance of staple information on the subject and things readers might not know. There was some humor included, which I find tends to keep readers that might otherwise get distracted engaged, and I thought the images chosen were fascinating.  I thought the endpages were more extensive that I really expected and I appreciated the about of work that went into the bibliography and indexing to help young readers find what they are most interested in and explore the subject matter further. 

Mummies Exposed! is a book that does a good job of capturing the interest and imagination of the reader. I think this will be of get interest to a number of readers, and just might inspire more to study the subject in depth.

Book Review: Megabat and Fancy Cat (Megabat) by Anna Humphrey, Kass Reich

Megabat and Fancy Cat is the second Megabat book written by Anna Humphrey and illustrated by Kass Reich. While those that have read the first book will have a better grasp on the characters andknow how they came to be friends, I think all readers should be able to pick things up pretty quickly. All they need to know is that Megabat is a talking fruitbat that lives with his human best friend. 

Megabat was looking forward to Christmas morning: presents, playing toys, smooshfruit and watching Star Wars. But then Daniel opened his last, most special present. Daniel thinks this might be the best Christmas present yet: a beautiful cat named Priscilla! He's always wanted a pet. Megabat is not sure he likes this cat. She tastes most hairy. Daniel loves his new cat! She's fun to play with, and she's so soft and fluffy. Megabat is not soft OR fluffy. He's not purebred and he doesn't have a big, beautiful swishy tail. What if Daniel loves Priscilla more than Megabat? This is truly a disturbance in the Force. Megabat and Birdgirl must find a way to get rid of this trubble cat once and for all! Calamity ensues as Megabat and Birdgirl try to come up with ways to get rid of Priscilla. But is there more than meets the eye with this furry menace? 

Megabat and Fancy Cat is a fun story about friendship and compromise in the guise of an adorable bat feeling pushed aside by his best friend. When Priscilla joins the family only Megabat and Dad seem to be less than pleased, but soon only Megabat and Birdgirl are unhappy. Megabat feels left out and unloved, so comes up with a slew of crazy schemes to get the cat out of the house. Of course things backfire, and a good conversation solves the majority of the problems, as is true with many book for children and adults. I found Megabat's speech patterns and typing to be cute and fun, although it could be a mixed bag with young readers. Some might be glad to see a character that struggles with something they struggle with, or it might further the issue if they are really struggling with spelling. I think the story is a fun read that many kids will relate to, weather it is because of a new shifts in family or friendships- the explanation of love growing and always having enough is one that everyone sometimes needs to hear.

Megabat and Fancy Cat is a sweet and entertain read with plenty of fun and solid lessons to adsorb. Great choice of transitional and  emerging readers- as well as animal lovers. A fun read for anyone that picks it up. 

Book Review: The Labours of Mrs Stella Ryman: Further Fairmount Manor Mysteries by Mel Anastasiou

The Labours of Mrs Stella Ryman: Further Fairmount Manor Mysteries by Mel Anastasiou is the first book I have read featuring Stella.  Replete with packet chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese, Stella Ryman paused just outside Fairmount Manor’s dining room, where she used the sleeve of her fleece warm-up suit to wipe condensation from the streaked and fog-edged windows along the corridor. There was so much springtime glory outside Fairmount — although she was not allowed out on her own to see it — and there was so much gloom inside, that she didn’t want to add to it. But she couldn’t deny that trouble had resurfaced at Fairmount Manor. When the machineries of institution fail to protect Fairmount Manor, octogenarian amateur sleuth Mrs Stella Ryman rolls up her fleece jacket sleeves to protect Fairmount from a thief, investigate a gun-toting resident, set right a mishandled investigation of a man’s death, pursue spectres and footpads walking at midnight, and discover Thelma Hu’s long-lost fortune. No good deed goes unpunished, though, and Stella will face struggles, mysteries, and sacrifices that hit her where she lives. Mrs Stella Ryman is a fish out of water, a stranger in a strange land — an amateur sleuth, trapped in a down-at-heel care home. You’d be cranky, too.

The Labours of Mrs Stella Ryman: Further Fairmount Manor Mysteries is a collection of short mysteries that are entertaining but still heart wrenching at times because the reader can see certain things happening that Stella is not aware of. I thought that the setting, characters, and mysteries were all very well built and believable. I could see these people and their problems arise in almost any similar setting. Stella might be a little directionally challenged and forgetful, but she sees to the heart of the matter and cares more for the people than the things or consequences involved. I enjoyed getting lost in Stella's world and slowing down enough to notice some subtle clues about Stella and her world along the way.

The Labours of Mrs Stella Ryman: Further Fairmount Manor Mysteries is a fun and engaging read that made me care about the characters. I plan on taking the time to read more by this author.

Early Book Review: The Windy Day by Tony Sandoval

The Windy Day by Tony Sandoval is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on May 14 2019.  A young girl sets out on her own to fly her kite and encounters a pirate cloud full of goblins looking to cause trouble. She is rescued by a big black wolf who scare the goblins away and stays to help her fly her kite as high as possible. Their friendship teaches her courage (which is what she names the wolf).

The Windy Day has lovely artwork, which was what originally caught my eye with this book. It has a sweet watercolor feel, while showing the things the young girl sees and fears in equal importance. I love the story of a girl with a big imagination finding a way to entertain herself when her brother will not play with her.That she built her own kite, faces her fears enough to brave chickens and the woods to go fly the kite alone shows that she already has courage and intelligence, she just needs a little support.  I love that she uses the same imagination that scares her to save herself and bolster her courage. 

The Windy Day is a book that is fun to read text wise- but also lovely to look at. I think there are some imaginative and creative souls that will greatly enjoy this read.

Book Review: Catnapped (Sugar Shack) by Susan Golden

Catnapped is the first book in the Sugar Shack series by Susan Golden. Jennifer's discovery that a cat in her care has been snatched and is being held for a curious, but outwardly benign, ransom, sets the pair on a path of overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles and absurd situations to meet the odd demand. But everything may not be as it seems and the stakes may be much higher than freedom for one kitty. 

Catnapped is quirky in a way that reminded me of Lindsay Sands and Kate MacAlister's early books. The writing was very conversational, and the characters often went off on their own tangent, which made the read very fun but occasionally the non sequiturs got hard to follow. I liked Jennifer's character, how honest she is about herself and her quirks- and her self-doubt was realistic but felt a little overdone in certain moments. I like that while the mystery and romance bits were separate but found a way to be woven together. I really enjoyedt he conversations and odd characters that seem to invite themselves into Jen's life. I did find some of the time line jumping off putting- and there were important things that felt a little glossed over because of that. However, I am glad I picked this one up and enjoyed the read. I will be taking a look at future books from the author to see if the writing style grows into the potential I see in it. 

Catnapped is a fun and delightfully wacky book. It entertained me and I enjoyed the read.

Book Review: Saving the Scot (The Highlanders of Balforss) by Jennifer Trethewey

Saving the Scot is the fourth book in the The Highlanders of Balforss series by Jennifer Trethewey. You do not need to read this books in order, they each stand up well on their own. However, returning readers will get to see some of their favorite characters again.

Louisa Robertson’s father is furious when he finds her acting on stage. Now, she’s being shipped off to America to marry some stranger her father thinks will bring out the “lady” in her. Luckily, Louisa’s maid agrees to switch places with her! Her maid will marry the American and get the wealthy lifestyle she’s always wanted, and Louisa can do whatever she damn well pleases for the first time in her life. Highlander Ian Sinclair needs an army commission, and the only way he can get one is to safely deliver the general’s Daughter-from-Hell to her intended in America. Easy, right? It would be if the lady’s companion Louisa didn’t wear breeches and do everything the exact opposite of what he orders. It’ll be a miracle if the sparks flying between Ian and Louisa don’t set the bloody ship afire before they arrive in America. But just when Louisa thinks her plan is going to give her the acting career she wants and a Highlander to boot Ian discovers her secret.

Saving the Scot is a fun read that had me sympathizing and rooting for all the major characters from the beginning. Louisa is sick of people making decisions about her life without consulting her and when her father ships her off o marry a stranger she sees a chance for a new life. No deception is as easy or harmless as it seems, and even when things seem to be going perfectly guilt and missteps make things hard for everyone.  Ian has his own troubles, and shared attraction is the least of them. I enjoyed the banter and the connections that the characters forged even when they were trying to keep part of them selves back. I greatly enjoyed the story, and Ian's understanding of how dull and limiting a woman's life could be just made him even better. The secondary characters and stories were just as intriguing as the main story line, and there were several small surprises along the way. A couple times I thought I knew where a plot point was going, only to be pleasantly surprised to see it take a different direction.

 

Saving the Scot is another entertaining read from Trethewey. I will definitely be continuing to read her work.

Book Review: One Tough Cowboy by Lora Leigh, Veronica Chadwick

One Tough Cowboy by Lora Leigh and Veronica Chadwick is the first in a new series. For as long as Samantha can remember, Hunter—a man as strong as steel, with a heart of gold—has been her hero. It came as no surprise to Samantha when she found out that the ranch-hardened cowboy who always protected her from bullies went on to become the town’s sheriff. What does surprise her is how incredibly hot he still is. And how much she still wants him. Hunter still has feelings for Samantha. The long-smoldering heat of their innocent flirtation has grown into a full-raging fire. But when tragedy strikes, and their small-town community is shattered, Hunter vows to do everything he can to keep his childhood sweetheart safe. But can Samantha trust that Hunter has her best interests at heart…and that, after all these years, his love is true?

One Tough Cowboy is a series starter that does a good job of introducing a town and secondary characters. I liked the small town and the cast of characters, including those that only made their appearances as the dangerous aspects of the story really ramped up. I liked the connection between Sam and Hunter, but felt that so much was left out of the relationship and character building between these two because of their history. I felt like even though the past was explained and some fun moments were told through out the story, that there could have been more of something there- almost like that history was a short cit to get them into bed quicker. I am not saying that it was bad, but that for some reason I just never connected  with the story on that level. I liked the characters individual, and their interactions, but wanted a little more relationship building. I would have loved to see more of Sam's life as well, maybe a moment of her time in Detroit or dealing with the ex, to give what comes next more meaning and impact. I still enjoyed the read, but felt like there was so much room for it to be even better.

One Tough Cowboy is a book that will please fans of the authors, and has a good balance of heat and danger. 

Book Review: Stealing the Duke (Scandal Sheets) by Jess Michaels

Stealing the Duke is the second book in the Scandal Sheets series by Jess Michaels. I have not read the previous book in the series, but found no lack of enjoyment or understanding the story.

When the Earl of Martingale died, his daughter Marianne discovered he had been stealing. When she tried to return the items, it only created a scandal that could destroy her and her beloved younger sister. Now she's found one more item and decides to just sneak it back to the victim in the hopes to keep her disgrace from growing. Alexander Wittingham, the Duke of Avondale, has isolated himself since his sister died. But when he catches the fetching Marianne trying to return his sister's stolen broach, her presence awakens desires in him, longings he hasn't allowed himself to feel in years. When he realizes her dire straits, he makes her a shocking offer that could save her, f she's willing to surrender her body. Their affair draws them close physically and emotionally. But will Alexander ever accept Marianne to be more than his lover? If he does, will it be too late?

Stealing the Duke is a historical romance that gets to the steam pretty quickly. I like that Marianne and Alex are generally very honest with each other about how they feel and what they want. Alex is much more closed off, but even when he is hiding behind his work and a gruff attitude he is generally honest and rarely cruel, even when he is trying to push Mari away.   I liked the reality of how few choices women had in the past, and how others often viewed people forced to make those choices- even though it was not nearly as stark as it could have been. There were a few moments that did not work as well as others but I really enjoyed some of the conversation and character development that kept the story moving forward.  It was a nice diversion on a weekend of rain, and I was fully engaged and content through the read. 

Stealing the Duke is an entertaining and engaging read. I enjoyed the characters and the set up for the story. I think fans of Michaels will be more than please by this book, and new readers will enjoy it as well.

Book Review: The Vixen's Lead (Kit Davenport) by Tate James

The Vixen's Lead is the first book in the Kit Davenport series by Tate James.  This is a urban fantasy for adults that also fits well in the new adult niche. 

I want vengeance so badly that I can almost taste it. It's all I've ever wanted. So, I did what anyone in my unique position would do. I slapped on a secret identity and became an internationally renowned thief, known as The Fox. Nobody knows me. Nobody can catch me. Or so I thought. It turns out; I have what they want. Special abilities. And trust me, these abilities are coveted--and dangerous. Now, I don't know who to trust or where to go. Peril lurks on every corner as I try to uncover my past and origin. Teaming up with unlikely allies may be my only chance at survival or my biggest mistake. Only time will tell.

The Vixen's Lead started right in the midst of the action, with Kit stealing. At first it felt like a young adult adventure novel (since a private high school is one of the major settings) and I feared I was about to read yet another love triangle story. However, it was not long before I discovered that neither of these were true. Some young adults will enjoy this book, but I think it is better suited for new adults and adult readers. And a quick spoiler than some readers might appreciate- this series is not about a love triangle. Instead it is a why choose style romance. So depending on your preference for or against these I thought I'd let you know. Also, there is some serious abuse discussed so if you have related triggers when reading about trauma you might need to skip this one. 

I liked the world building, and while some bits are familiar to the urban fantasy genre, I liked some of the slightly different takes that James uses in the creation and revelation of the characters and the story line. Even at the end of the first book I feel like there are many more secrets and revelations about the world and the characters coming even though it already feels well built. I liked the handling of sensitive matters, and how honest the characters were about their relationships with each other. I am deeply invested in the characters, even more so than the danger and mystery, which is quite compelling. My biggest question is why it took me so long to get around to reading this book!

The Vixen's Lead is an engaging and entertaining read. I got sucked into the world, and as soon as I finished the first book immediately downloaded the rest of the series, and I am deep into the second installment.