Early Book Review: Visitations by Corey Egbert

Visitations by Corey Egbert is a young adult graphic novel inspired by true events. It is currently scheduled for release on November 19 2024.

Corey’s mom has always made him feel safe. Especially after his parents’ divorce, and the dreaded visitations with his dad begin. But as Corey grows older, he can’t ignore his mother’s increasingly wild accusations. Her insistence that God has appointed Corey as his sister’s protector. Her declaration that Corey’s father is the devil. Soon, she whisks Corey and his sister away from their home and into the boiling Nevada desert. There, they struggle to survive with little food and the police on the trail. Meanwhile, under the night sky, Corey is visited by a flickering ghost, a girl who urges him to fight for a different world—one outside of his mother’s spoon-fed tales, one Corey must find before it’s too late. Drawing inspiration from his own upbringing in the Mormon church, Corey Egbert welcomes readers on an emotionally stirring, nuanced journey into the liminal spaces between imagination and memory, faith and truth.

Visitations is a graphic novel that manages to address many issues with honesty. There are moments of my childhood that I do not know if I remember quite like it happened, and I like that Corey explores what he remembers, what might have happened differently, and what he was thinking and feeling in the moment. This can be a hard process for anyone, but when your childhood has more turbulent moments like his it can be even more difficult. I thought the art matched the story well, and captured the emotion and doubts Corey was experiencing. I also liked that in the notes at the end of the book Corey talked more about what happened after and the changes he made to real events in the book. I appreciated the way religion, mental health, and family, were all handled with honesty and understanding. I think this is a great read not only for those facing any of the challenges portrayed in the book, but for everyone else to better understand how all involved might be feeling and encourage us all to help and encourage those around us because we do not always know what might be going on at home or behind the scenes. 

Early Book Review: Concerning Wings (Nothing Special) by Katie Cook

Concerning Wings is the second book in the Nothing Special graphic novel series by Katie Cook. It is currently scheduled for release on October 29 2024. 

After defeating her neurotic wood nymph mother, all Callie wants to do is help her dad with his magical antique shop, tease Lasser about his newfound romance novel addiction, and—most important—spend time with her boyfriend, Declan. But when Declan’s injured fairy wing starts shooting sparks and causes him to collapse in pain, Callie decides to take matters into her own hands and find a way to heal him. She knows where to start, at least—with her dad’s boring friend, Professor Larkspur, who in addition to serving the grossest cup of tea in history, is a fairy himself and incredibly knowledgeable about his kind. Armed with new information, Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish set out to find a fairy healer. But what starts as a simple four-day journey to visit a particular enclave of fairies ends up becoming a much more profound exploration of not only what Declan is, but exactly who he is to the fairies.

Concerning Wings is another fun adventure that left me wanting more. I do recommend reading the series in order to fully understand the characters and their history. Newcomers could also enjoy the story- but they would miss out on a lot of references and end up confused more often than not.  I like that the story, and the lives of the main characters are moving forward. I also enjoyed getting the flashbacks that give readers a glimpse of what has happened since the end of the last book. I thought this journey introduced a few characters that I want more of (as does Lasser) and I thought it did a great job of showing how the characters have grown as people and as friends. I loved the humor and the artwork. The only things I did not love is that I saw the big twist coming a way off- and then the story ends with a cliffhanger. I hate a cliffhanger. Although, the cute endpages did quell that anger a bit. 

Early Book Review: Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber by Sarah Albee

Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber by Sarah Albee is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 22 2024.

Ever wondered what makes rubber bounce? Or why it's stretchy? And WHY is rubber so . . . rubbery?! Learn the science and history behind this ubiquitous material! With sidebars, graphics, fun facts, and more, the history of rubber reveals plenty of fascinating secrets and surprises. Elementary school readers will discover that early balls didn't bounce; that people in the rainforest made waterproof gear from rubber thousands of years before Europeans got into the act; and that sneakers, bicycles, and cars created demand for more and more rubber! Back matter includes a time line and a bit about the complicated implications of harvesting rubber.

Bounce! is a good overall look at the way rubber and its uses have become so wide spread. I do like that the book acknowledges the way those that actually first discovered, worked with, and harvested natural rubber were treated- and how current rubber workers are still underpaid and underappreciated. However, the book focuses on how American and European scientists and inventors had used and changed the way we use rubber. While the fact that the indigenous people figured out that latex sap could be useful- and figured out a variety of ways to use it- seems to be more of a footnote. I was left wanting to know more about how the original discovery and development happened than what those that commandeered the people, land, and resources did with it from there. While I do appreciate that the author tried to be respectful of all that, and that it is a children's book, I was still left feeling gross about how treatment of people in history is often glossed over, ignored, or relegated to footnotes rather being included as a major part of the story.

 

Early Book Review: Squire & Knight: Wayward Travelers by Scott Chantler

Wayward Travelers is the second book in the Squire & Knight middle grade graphic novel series by Scott Chantler. It is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2024.

Squire and Sir Kelton have promised to get Cade to the school of wizardry. Strangely though, the path they’ve taken has brought them into a bewildering, misty forest, rife with fearsome gnolls and a boisterous rival knight. To get them out, Squire tries every trick in the book, but books don't hold all the answers. Can he muster up his confidence, remember his duties, and find a way to escape the forest?

Wayward Travelers is a well drawn and written graphic novel, and a good follow up to the first book. I was glad to see the young squire have some character growth among he adventure of being lost in the woods. The use of flashbacks to highlight the lessons the squire is learning during the book was handled well and got the message across very well.  I thought that it was well done in all, and that readers that enjoyed the first book will be particularly pleased with this continuation. I look forward to seeing where the series might go from here. 

Early Book Review: How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024. When Cassandra Camberwell returns to her hometown of Hollow Brook to clear out her late grandmother’s ramshackle old house, the last thing she expects is Seth Brubaker on her doorstep. Her former best friend was responsible for the worst moment of her high school life, and she can’t imagine he wants to do anything but torment her all over again. Until she unearths the real reason this annoyingly gorgeous beast of a man keeps hanging around: he’s an actual werewolf, who’s certain she’s the witch that will ease his suffering. But Cassie just isn’t sure if she can trust him again. So Seth offers a pact: he’ll teach her all about her undiscovered magic, and she will brew the potions he needs. No feelings, no funny business, just a witch and a werewolf striking a deal. Totally doable. Until they get hit with a do-or-die mating bond. And now the heat is rising, in between fights with formers bullies and encounters with talking raccoons. They just have to not give in. Unless giving in just might be the very thing they never knew they always wanted.

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf is a romance with a nice dose of paranormal and humor. I liked so much about this book. I liked the set up and the sense of humor that was woven through the entire story. I liked the world building that was done on the magic in the world- and frankly I want more about this world and the characters in it. I liked Cassandra and Seth for the most part- and I got a kick out of some of their interactions. I thought the danger elements were well done, and it all came together well. I just kind of wanted more- of everything. I think the author had so many great ideas that they wanted to get everything in, which I completely understand because there were a lot of great things here. However, I think if they had save a couple elements for a later books and expanded on some of the other pieces instead it would have worked better. I felt a bit like a got a glance at so many aspects of this world and these characters I want to explore further- but we had to keep moving on to the next thing because there was more to uncover. That being said, I did enjoy the read- and if the author has this many great ideas I am looking forward to what they do next and how they grow in the industry.

 

Early Book Review: The Graveyard Gift by Fern Forgettable

The Graveyard Gift by Fern Forgettable the the first book in a children's fantasy series. It is currently scheduled for release on October 8 2024. A girl who knows how you die. Her banshee roommate who knows when it happens. And wishes that sometimes, maybe, come true. Rosemary Thorpe has always been a bit different. She has the uncanny and unfortunate ability to foresee people’s deaths, which tends to land her in hot water. Well, not actual hot water—where it lands her is a place between worlds called Fern’s School for Wayward Fae, where Rosemary learns that her powers come from being part fae. At Fern's School, Rosemary meets others who are part fae—including Trym, her banshee roommate whose screams can kill, and Essie, a djinn who grants wishes. But just as Rosemary settles in, a student vanishes in thin air. And it’s up to all the kids to use their curious gifts to find their missing friend.

The Graveyard Gift is a great start to a new series. I liked the character building for Rosemary and the group of students and teachers she meets once at the school. I thought her character was very well written and I think most readers will be able to relate, at least a little, with feeling other or like they are just a little different. I thought the mystery aspect about what is going on at the school and the missing student is well handled., There are a number of significant twists and turns that only serve to make the reader more invested in the eventual outcome. My only complaint is one that I often have with series, that the best twist happens at the very end- just when I felt like I had a handle on what might be going on. I look forward to following this series to see where it goes from here. 

Early Book Review: Your Throne Volume One by SAM

Your Throne (Volume One) by SAM is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024. It was previously published online via WebToons, and this volume collects the first twelve episodes.

Tensions are brewing under the seemingly calm surface of the Vasilios Empire, a kingdom ruled by the Imperial Family and the Temple. Lady Medea Solon has lost her place next to Crown Prince Eros but resolves to do whatever it takes to win back what's rightfully hers. However, she’ll have to rewrite her entire revenge plan when she wakes up in the body of her sworn rival.

Your Throne is exactly what I expected, having read several different stories from WebToon. The art is very well done- imparting mood, emotions, and movement that might not be immediately evident, adding additional dimensions to the main action of the story. I thought the character development for the main characters is well done, although I am looking forward to the pasts of all of them. There is plenty of drama and twists and turns to keep readers guessing. I am looking forward to volume two. 

Early Book Review: Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea by Patricia Newman

Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea by Patricia Newman is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024. Off the coast of Perú, gentle giants swim beneath the waves. Thanks to the work of Kerstin Forsberg, giant manta rays have become a symbol of hope for ocean conservation in the region. Kerstin, who founded the organization Planeta Océano, has taken a new approach to ocean conservation. Previous conservation projects were often led by scientists from other places who didn’t work with the local people. When Kerstin decided to help manta rays, she sought the opinions of local fishers and educated them about the dangers of overfishing, bycatch, and poaching—things that affect both manta rays and fishers. She also involved local schools and teachers. With the help of teachers, students, and fishers, Kerstin launched a project to identify and track manta rays and protect them, making the ocean a better place for all creatures.

Giant Rays of Hope is a book that offers young readers a look at one person's career path and mission towards protecting animal life, and the environment that we all share. I thought the book was interesting, well formatted, and full of well chosen images and information. The book does focus mostly on Kerstin Forsberg and her efforts and mindset. While I was expecting the environment and  animals to be center stage. There was a great deal of good information on everything, but if you or your young reader wants more about the science and wildlife and less about the people involved, this book might frustrate them.

 

Early Book Review: 100 Afternoon Sweets: With Snacking Cakes, Brownies, Blondies, and More by Sarah Kieffer

100 Afternoon Sweets: With Snacking Cakes, Brownies, Blondies, and More by Sarah Kieffer is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024.

From one-bowl snacking cakes to bigger baking projects, here are 100 afternoon treats to help you push past the midday slump, including: Pecan Espresso Bars, Roasted Strawberry Cream Pie, Kitchen Sink Crispy Treats, Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake, Straight-Up Yellow Snacking Cake, Giant Pop Tart, Fig Scones, and more. Filled with more than 120 photographs, including how-tos for doughs, shaping, and flavor variations, 100 Afternoon Sweets is the third book in the trilogy of Kieffer's 100-themed baking books.

100 Afternoon Sweets is a well organized collection with a little something for all bakers looking to bake easy to eat treats. As a person that loves to bake, but is not overly fond of the washing of dishes that inevitably follows- I have to admit that I was thrilled that the first section is for one bowl bakes. There are times when I am more than willing to do something more complicated (for a party or during cookie tray season), but for the most part I like the simpler bakes and this was right up my alley for my normal weekend baking.  There are a handful of recipes here that I am eager to try- especially the Chocolate Meringue Bars and Coffee Blondies. I like the recipes for toppings and extras at the end of the book, and am going to try my hand at homemade chocolate shell very soon. I also like that the conversion chart was included, and that each recipe included imperial and weight measurements.

Early Book Review: Cat People to Judge in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni

Cat People to Judge in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni, author of the hit humor book Men to Avoid in Art and Life,  is scheduled for release on September 3 2024.

Cat people love their cats deeply, maybe a little too deeply. Cats, on the other hand, secretly hate our haircuts but tolerate our presence because we have the thumbs to open the food can. Against the backdrop of fine art, bestselling author Nicole Tersigni delves into the minds of our feline companions and the people who serve them. Broken into five sections representing all kinds of cat people, including the Smotherer, the Oversharer, the Pushover, the Proud Parent, and the Roommate, this hilariously insightful cat humor book says the things our loved ones can’t—that Mewlius Caesar would enjoy us more if we gave them some space. And a better name. 

Cat People to Judge in Art and Life is a book that will entertain animal lovers, and servants of cats in particular. The use of art combined with the captions of what people- and cats- might be saying or thinking are very well done. Any cat guardian just might see themselves on a page, or more, of this book. Perfect gift book for cat lovers, or for perusing in a quiet moment when your pet has taken ownership of your lap and refuses to let you move.