Early Book Review: Eli And The Mystery Of The Hallowshine Dragon by Eve Cabanel, Ekaterina Ilchenko

Eli And The Mystery Of The Hallowshine Dragon, written by Eve Cabanel and illustrated by Ekaterina Ilchenko, is currently scheduled for release on October 23 2021. A moon elf’s journey to undo a dragon’s curse illuminates the power of friendship. Two courageous friends adventure through lands of unicorns, fairies, and magical rainbows to confront a terrifying beast with a surprising wish. In a beautiful enchanted forest lives a moon elf named Eli and her friend Luna. When Luna’s baby bunny is turned into hard rock candy by magical sugar crystals, the friends begin a journey to do the impossible to reverse the curse: confront the terrifying and legendary Hallowshine dragon for a drop of its healing saliva. In their race against time to find the dragon, Eli and Luna meet magical creatures and travel through various dreamy lands including the Abyss of Time, a marvelous unicorn’s kingdom, a whimsical fairy’s home, and a waterfall with enchanted golden shoes. A magical lesson is learned about how love, friendship, and acceptance can heal all if you have courage and believe in yourself.

Eli And The Mystery Of The Hallowshine Dragon is a fantasy picturebook. First, I need to say that my favorite thing about this book is the artwork. The illustrations are beautifully done, and worth a look all on their own. I looked through the book more than once simply to admire the artwork. I will be keeping an eye out for more from the artist. I was less impressed with the story. The plot and characters were cute, but I felt like the text and story line was a little inconsistent or scattered. There were a couple times that I had 'wait, what' moments or felt like something had been repeated. I think there was great potential here, and the framework for something amazing is here, but it just did not come together for me. Perhaps one more editorial pass would have pulled everything together and made it work more for me.  

Book Review: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 4, by Misaki, Momochi, Sando

A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 4, by Misaki, Momochi, Sando is the latest volume being adapted from Misaki's  is original A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation light novel series by Momochi and Sando , who helped bring the series to life as a manga with their character designs and artwork.

Lizel and Gil finally flush out their mysterious attacker and settle the score with him, but it seems the assailant isn't quite the threat they initially believed him to be.Is it possible this former foe could actually be a new ally? Maybe so... but first he'll have to convince them to give him the chance he knows he deserves! Until he's able to find a way home, Lizel figures this is a perfect opportunity to explore a new way of life adventuring as part of a guild. After all, he's sure he'll go home eventually so he might as well enjoy the otherworldly vacation for now.

The forth volume of A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation is a solid continuation of the story. Relationships continue to grow and characters get to grow quite a bit in the process. Fans of the previous volumes will want to read this and continue the tale, but this is very much a series that needs to be read in order. In fact, a reread of previous installments might serve readers well depending on how long it has been since they read the previous part. As someone that has read some of the light novel series, it took me a bit to figure out where I was in the story, which was made more challenging by some formatting issues in my digital galley- which I fully expect are fixed in the final version.  

Early Book Review: Lupina Book One: Wax by Li Buszka, James Wright

Lupina Book One: Wax  with cover and interior art by Li Buszka and written by James Wright, is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on September 14 2021. In the coastal town of Kote, recently brought under the yoke of the Addalian Empire, four-year-old Lupa spends her days getting bullied by her older sister and hiding behind her mother's skirts. But when tragedy strikes, Lupa finds herself alone in a new world, alone until she's found by the she-wolf, Coras, and sets off on a journey of discovery and revenge.

Lupina Book One: Wax is a good graphic novel. I loved the art style, the details and colors used were my favorite part of the book as a whole. I simply enjoyed the style and could see how much effort and talent was involved in the work. I liked Lupa and the general premise of the book. I often had questions about details that were mentioned once or twice in passing but never returned to or further explained. Since it is the first book in the series, I think it fell into the common trap of book one being the set up for stories to come, rather than a story in its own right. There was adventure and growth for Lupa, but it felt like just as things were about to ramp up and things will get really interesting the book was over. This happens all the time, and some people find that they need to read the next volume because of it. Sadly, there was not enough of a hook here to have me looking to continue the series.

Lupina Book One: Wax is a good series starter that will appeal to many. 

Book Review: I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, Volume 1, by Kenkyo na Circle, Yosuke Kokuzawa

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, Volume 1, by Kenkyo na Circle, Yosuke Kokuzawa is a manga style graphic novel. Prince Lloyd wasn't always a prince...in fact, his previous life is one he remembers perfectly: he was a sorcerer, of sorts. So when he was forced to reincarnate, he decided to continue his studies, prince of the realm or no! But his new life has its own sets of challenges...including being a 10-year-old! What's the 7th prince/sorcerer to do?!

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability is an interesting read. I liked the premise and the track the story is taking. I liked the juxtaposition of Llyod's age and innocent appearance with his power, and the way other people respond to him. I liked his hunt for knowledge, eagerness to experiment, and disregard for things that do not interest him. I think all of that makes him an interesting character and his story engaging and interesting to read. I am more that a little annoyed with the unnecessary and irrelevant scenes that felt like they were only included to get boobs on the page. It just felt very odd and out of place to have those moments in the story- never mind the outfit that a female adventurer is drawn in. It was disappointing that something I enjoyed otherwise fell flat because they just had to have a few moments of ogling the female form in a way that was not relevant to the plot at all. 

Book Review: Heartless (Immortal Enemies) by Gena Showalter

Heartless is the first book in the Immortal Enemies series by Gena Showalter. Kaysar the Unhinged One, fae King of Midnight, can drive anyone to madness with his song. A ruthless warrior forged in hate, he lives to force his enemies to their knees. He will stop at nothing to succeed—even abducting and seducing his foe’s beloved bride to ensure his own child one day sits on the male’s throne. Except, his prize escapes to the mortal realm before the first kiss, her heart transplanted into a human beauty with dangerous secrets. Chantel “Cookie” Bardot is a professional gamer girl great at trash-talking, bad at peopling. After a long-awaited surgery, she begins to morph into a powerful fae princess. Catapulted into a strange land ruled by a cruel but seductive villain, she must battle flesh-and-blood monsters and navigate royal intrigues. But the true danger is Kaysar, whose every wicked touch tempts her beyond reason. Should she run or descend into the darkness with him? 

Heartless is a solid start to another series from Showalter, but I will admit that I still rather expected it to connect with other series that I have read and if it does I missed those connections. I really liked Cookie's character and thought her sass and independence were great. Kaysar is a wounded character, and even when he is being a jerk I did not hate him like I would other characters doing the same things. I did think some of the mayhem and killing was a bit too easily accepted by Cookie, however the flow of the book and give and take between her and Kaysar was great.I also liked the world building and secondary characters. I want more of all the secondary characters, and what happens next in this world. I also want some answer on little bits of information dropped in this book that have my imagination spinning to fill in the gaps. Thankfully, having read a great many of Showalter's books, I have faith that future books will fill in those gaps and entertain quite nicely. 

Heartless is a good start to another series from Showalter.

Book Review: Black Water Sister by Zen Cho

Black Water Sister by Zen Cho is a contemporary fantasy. When Jessamyn Teoh starts hearing a voice in her head, she chalks it up to stress. Closeted, broke and jobless, she’s moving back to Malaysia with her parents – a country she last saw when she was a toddler. She soon learns the new voice isn’t even hers, it’s the ghost of her estranged grandmother. In life, Ah Ma was a spirit medium, avatar of a mysterious deity called the Black Water Sister. Now she’s determined to settle a score against a business magnate who has offended the god—and she's decided Jess is going to help her do it, whether Jess wants to or not. Drawn into a world of gods, ghosts, and family secrets, Jess finds that making deals with capricious spirits is a dangerous business, but dealing with her grandmother is just as complicated. Especially when Ah Ma tries to spy on her personal life, threatens to spill her secrets to her family and uses her body to commit felonies.  As Jess fights for retribution for Ah Ma, she’ll also need to regain control of her body and destiny or the Black Water Sister may finish her off for good.

Black Water Sister is extremely well written and engaging. But, lets get a content/trigger warning out of the way. There are some scenes of abuse and assault in various degrees. They are important to the story, and not gratuitous, but if these are triggers for you please make sure you are prepared or wait until you are in a place to handle them. 

Life after college can be hard, more so when you move overseas with your parents while being haunted by your grandmother and trying to handle family pressures, relationship stress, and deciding on her next steps in life. There are many twists and turns, some of which I saw coming and many of which took me by surprise. Some still have me reeling even after having finished the read. I liked getting a better understanding of a country I honestly do not know much about, and the way different cultures mingle and collide there. Seeing the way beliefs and cultures combine, and how universal certain types of injustice and greed can be reminds readers that somethings have always been there and we still need to fight them and find a way forward. The characters are extremely dynamic, with the capacity for good and evil in almost every action and word. I still have questions about what happens to certain characters next, what paths they follow, but I was very satisfied with the conclusion to the immediate conflicts and the choices Jess made. 

Black Water Sister is a fascinating and engaging read. It is a roller coaster ride that stays with the readers.  

Early Book Review: Scales & Scoundrels Definitive Edition, Book 1 and 2 by Sebastian Girner and Galaad

Scales & Scoundrels Definitive Edition, Book 1 and 2, by Sebastian Girner and Galaad are graphic novels currently schedule for release on July 6 2021. This a a new, revised and expanded definitive edition of the all ages comic.

This multicultural fantasy adventure follows young treasure hunter Luvander in her search for gold and glory. Along with her companions—a prince, his stern bodyguard, and a plucky young dwarf—Lu dives into an epic journey and discovers a secret that will bring light to a world encroached upon by an ancient darkness. Book 1: Where Dragons Wander contains material previously collected in the Image Comics edition of Scales & Scoundrels Vol. 1 & 2, with completely reworked artwork. Lu’s adventure continues in Book 2: The Festival of Life, with more than 250 pages of original content. I only had access to a sneak peek of these volumes, so my review is only on the artwork and story I had access to. 

I have never before read Scales & Scoundrels so my review is based on looking at the previews of these two volumes with no nostalgia or prior knowledge of the story. I thought the idea and story was well done with quality artwork I thought the story was easy to follow, with some predictability, and the artwork matched the story well. The story starts fairly slowly, a standard fantasy adventure, but the characters and story to get more depth as the story continues. The art was not my favorite style, but we all have different tastes and I think it was a good match to the story. I think young fantasy fans and players of Dungeons and Dragons-  and similar games- will enjoy this the most. I did not wow me, but I do wish that I would have discovered the comics when they were first release as I think I would have enjoyed them more when I was younger and not so many graphic novels of this genre had already pass through my hands. 

Book Review: Even and Odd by Sarah Beth Durst

Even and Odd by Sarah Beth Durst is a middle grade fantasy novel. Even and Odd are sisters who share magic. Lately, though, it seems like that’s the only thing they have in common. Odd doesn’t like magic, and Even practices it every chance she gets, dreaming of the day she’ll be ready to be a hero. When the hidden border between the mundane world the sisters live in and the magical land they were born in shuts abruptly, the girls are trapped, unable to return home. With the help of a unicorn named Jeremy, they discover a wizard is diverting magic from the border to bolster her own power. Families are cut off from each other on both sides of the border, and an ecological disaster is brewing. But the wizard cares nothing for the calamitous effects her appropriation of magic is having. Someone has to do something to stop her, and Even realizes she can no longer wait until she’s ready: she needs to be a hero now.

Even and Odd is a fun read with a nice blend of action, magic, and character growth. Even and Odd are sisters that are close in age, making them good friends but also tired of being compared to each other. I liked the way their relationship is described, as it felt like a very real dynamic and one I have often seen in life. I thought the set up for the magic and mundane world was well done, and the build up of concerns and crisis made the big confrontations feel that much more pivotal. The world building is smooth and interesting, making me want to read more about some of the characters living there. I do have to admit that I saw one of the twists coming, but it was well played and hit at a moment to make the most of the suspense and emotional decisions that had to be made. I really enjoyed reading along as Even came into her own and would not be opposed to following this family in a series.

Even and Odd is a charming coming of age story about siblings, magic, and finding yourself.

Book Review: Brindille by Frederic Brremaud, Federico Bertolucci

Brindille is a graphic novel written by Frederic Brremaud and illustrated by Federico Bertolucci. A frail young girl flees a roaring forest fire in the middle of the night desperately taking refuge in a cave where she quickly loses consciousness. She wakes up in a strange, tiny village populated by fairy-like creatures. Her hosts seem intrigued by the sparkles of light that seem to surround her. The village chieftain explains that one of their hunters found her passed out in the forest and brought her back here for treatment. He asks who she is, but she remembers nothing except for a wall and flames. The chief is baffled by her tale as there has not been any fire in the forest lately, and yet the young woman does indeed show signs of burns. Somewhat recovered and dressed in woodland clothes made by the villagers, the young lady asks to meet the hunter who found her in the forest. She asks her savior to take her to where he found her, hoping that seeing the place will restore her memory. But Meliss refuses -- the rules of the village say that only hunters can enter the forest, and all of the sparkles surrounding the girl would catch the eyes of predators living in these woods. What follows is a tale of discovery, magic, tragedy, and adventure, as the girl discovers powers that may or may not be borne of an ancient evil. She befriends a cunning, talking wolf along the way, and together the two set out on a journey.

Brindille is a graphic novel that is suitable for middle grade and older readers, including adults of course. I liked the detail, movement, and expression in the art work. I thought it showed great skill and talent. I thought some of the color choices could have been different, to help clarify some of the differences of characters and meanings in the story- but it is very possible that I messed some significance there. There were some really good moments where I thought I had it all figured out and a grasp of what exactly was happening, but more often than not I was a little lost. I liked the book, and saw great skill in both the story and the art, but wonder if there is a bit of folklore I do not know or something of the story that I either missed or was lost in translation, because even when the story was over I was still confused about some of what happened. 

Book Review: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 3, by Misaki

A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 3, by Misaki continues the tale of a noble's unintentional trip. After defeating the underground dragon and finishing up their business in the mercantile city of Marcade, Lizel and Gil resume their journey, having promised Judge's grandfather to protect Judge along the way. But danger soon catches up to them when a strange group of bandits called the Forky Gang attacks in the middle of the night! It quickly becomes clear that someone is targeting Lizel, but who could it be, and for what reason?

A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation's third volume picks up right where the previous volume left off, and then takes off running. I really enjoyed this volume and thought it moved the story along and introduced or fleshed out some of the previously introduced characters really well. I was great to see some of where Lizel came from, and how he reacts to the other characters and the possibility of being the target of a bandit gang. The art was consistent in style and quality with the previous volumes, and I thought the detail and line work was very well done. I enjoyed this read a great deal. My biggest complaint is that the volume ended way too soon for me, and I am ready for more. 

Book Review: Willa of Dark Hollow by Robert Beatty

Willa of Dark Hollow by Robert Beatty is the second book in the Willa of the Wood series. I do recommend reading this in order- to understand the main character ad what she has already been through. 

Willa and her clan are the last of the Faeran, an ancient race of forest people who have lived in the Great Smoky Mountains for as long as the trees have grown there. But as crews of newly arrived humans start cutting down great swaths of the forest she loves, she is helpless to stop them. How can she fight the destroyers of the forest and their powerful machines? When Willa discovers a mysterious dark hollow filled with strange and beautiful creatures, she comes to realize that it contains a terrifying force that seems to be hunting humans. Is unleashing these dangerous spirits the key to stopping the loggers? Willa must find a way to save the people and animals she loves and take a stand against a consuming darkness that threatens to destroy her world.

Willa of Dark Hollow is a stunning follow up to Willa of the Wood. I was glad to see Willa's story continue- and sad to see the trials that she had to face. There were many twists and turns, some which I saw creeping up and others that caught me completely off guard. The weaving of history, the natural world, magic, and all the emotions that give the characters life is extremely well done. The way the characters are all dynamic- showing the good and bad inherent in people and nature- might reach young readers that never had to consider that all sides of a story see themselves as the good guy, no matter how few people agree. People, and the world, are complicated and finding the right answer is not always possible- sometimes finding the best possible answer is the best we can do. This is a book that I knew would destroy me (in the best of ways of course) so I admit that I was both eager to pick it up- and dreading the read. I loved all the related books and while I needed to know what happened next I was also dreading finishing it ad having to wait for more, and worried that it might not live up to my expectations. The only fear that might be realized is tat I do believe this might be the end of this series. 

Willa of Dark Hollow is a wonderful read, with a great deal of though and emotion provoking action and ideas. Fans of the author need to read it- and I highly recommend this series and the companion series that started it all- Serafina.

Audio Book Review: The One Great Gnome by Jeff Dinardo, Narrated by Simone Stevens

The One Great Gnome by Jeff Dinardo, Narrated by Simone Stevens, is a children's novel.  Eleven-year-old Sarah moves with her family from New York City to rural Hadley, Connecticut. She's eager to explore her new home and meet new friends, but she never expected to befriend an old garden gnome. Join Sarah as she is drawn into a secret world beneath our feet. Sarah uses her instincts to calm old rivalries and help the underworld elves, gnomes, and more live in peace.

The One Great Gnome is a fun and entertaining adventure. It is fairly mild on the level of danger, and pretty high on the message of giving those that a different a chance. I thought that Sarah was a fairly well rounded character, if a little too trusting for me. She is sweet and thoughtful with a tiny dash of street smarts. He discovery on gnomes, their secrets, and the magical world so close to our own was nice. Some of the characters really captured my imagination, but others felt a little flat for me. Occasionally descriptions about size or something practical just felt off for me, it just did not feel like how a twelve year old might describe it, but that is simply my opinion. I did think that the reader did a good job with inflections, tone, and individual voices. The inclusion of sound effects was a nice touch- although I will admit they startled me once or twice since I was listening in the car and found myself wondering if my car or another car in traffic was making a sound. As a whole, I did enjoy the story and thought it was a fun tale. However, I just did not find myself excited by it or overly impressed. It was good, but not one that I need to add to my collection. 

The One Great Gnome is a sweet bit of adventure with a nice lesson about looking past differences to forge friendship.

Book Review: Mercurial by Naomi Hughes

Mercurial by Naomi Hughes is a young adult novel. Everyone in the Alloyed Empire fears the Destroyer. The metal in her blood gives her incendiary powers, and the coldness in her heart makes her the empress’s perfect weapon…until a rebel attack leaves her with no magic and no memories. Tal is a royal bodyguard who has long since regretted his idealistic hopes of changing the Destroyer. Now that she’s powerless, he plans to finally end her reign of terror—if he can stop himself from falling for the wicked, funny, utterly unfamiliar girl she’s become. Nyx was furious when her brother, Tal, abandoned her to protect a tyrant. Now, she hones herself as a rebel assassin until she can kill the Destroyer and rescue Tal. But the closer she gets, the more she realizes the entire empire hinges on the decisions the three of them will make.

Mercurial is an adventure story told from multiple points of view, with a great deal going on. I found myself quickly engaged in the feelings and motivations of the characters. Readers get to see the hows and whys behind choices and actions that they might never otherwise understand- and get a better understanding of the idea that we are all the heroes of our own story even though we might play the villain in someone else's. The exploration of doing the right thing, faith, love, and sacrifice is woven into every page. There were moments that it was almost too much, because so much was riding on every emotion and decision, but it all balanced itself well in the end. The characters were each complex, with good and bad aspects to their personality and doubts about themselves and the world around them. I think that the world building was also very well done, and I am rather hoping to return to this empire and find out what happens with our main characters next. 

Mercurial might be labeled as young adult, but like many YA novels, I think it will also appeal to older audiences as well. 

Early Book Review: Girl Haven by Lilah Sturges, Meaghan Carter

Girl Haven, written by Lilah Sturges and illustrated by Meaghan Carter, is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on February 9 2021. Three years ago, Ash’s mom left home and never returned, leaving behind a husband and child and a shed full of mystical curiosities related to the all-girl fantasy world she’d created as a child—Koretris. One day Ash invites a new group of friends from Pride Club over, and they try one of the spells to enter Koretris. To their amazement, they’re all transported to a magical realm filled with human-sized talking animals who are fiercely protective of their world and are ready to fight to protect it. But if Koretris is real, why is Ash there? Everyone has always called Ash a boy—shouldn’t the spell have kept Ash out? And what does it mean if it let Ash in?

Girl Haven is a middle grade fantasy that holds appeal for older readers as well. Ash is trying to figure life out, find a friend group, and figure out how to keep moving forward after their mother disappeared. Making inroads with a new group is hard enough, but when you are still reeling with the loss of your mother and not quite comfortable in your own skin it is even harder. Add in a trip to a magical world with the journey of finding your own path and emotions, fear, and uncertainty can take over. I really liked the character and world building. I thin Ash and the Pride Group and are well built characters with room to grow both individually and together. I loved the world building of Koretis, and the story line surrounding is creation and troubles. I hope to see this continue on in a fun, lengthy series and plan on following it. The art style fits with the story, but I will admit is not my personal favorite style. However, it is a style found in many very popular graphic novels and cartoons, and I think it will appeal greatly to the target audience. There was great skill in the artwork, motion, emotion, and detail was well done. It is much more a matter of personal preference than anything else.

Girl Haven is a solid graphic novel for middle grade, and older, audiences that is entertain and encourages readers to find their own truth and their own story.

Early Book Review: The King’s Beast, Vol. 1 by Rei Toma

The King’s Beast, Vol. 1, by Rei Toma is currently scheduled for release on February 2 2021. Ajin boys who show signs of special abilities are conscripted to serve in the imperial palace as beast-servants—status symbols and shields for their royal masters, to be kept or discarded on a whim. When they were children, Rangetsu’s twin brother Sogetsu was ripped from her arms and sent to the palace to attend Prince Tenyou as a beast-servant, where he quickly fell victim to bloody dynastic intrigues. Now in a world that promises only bitterness, Rangetsu’s one hope at avenging her brother is to disguise herself as a man and find a way into the palace! Prince Tenyou is not what Rangetsu expected, and the political currents in the palace run deep and strange. Does Rangetsu have any chance of finding justice for her brother, or will she become just another Ajin casualty in the game of kings?

The King’s Beast is a story with a good deal of character and world building to set up the rest of the series, but it is not bogged down by that, which often happens I thought it was well planned and executed, with plenty of character complexity and enough questions to keep me intrigued for the next installment without leaving me feeling cheated or unsatisfied with this part of the story.I thought the art was a perfect match to the text and mood of the story, conveying movement and emotion as it played out. The lines are clean and smooth, not making me squint to make out small details, which me and eye aging eyesight always appreciate. Rangetsu's start might not be all that original- I have read many stories that start with a girl having to pretend to be a boy- but thus far it has not become in to play too much and I look forward to seeing how their story plays out.

The King’s Beast is a well written and drawn graphic novel. I look forward to the second volume and continuing the story. 

Early Book Review: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 2, by Misaki

A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 2, by Misaki is scheduled for release on January 19 2021.  I do recommend reading this series in order.

When Lizel mysteriously finds himself in a city that bears odd similarities to his own but clearly isn't, he quickly comes to terms with the unlikely truth: this is an entirely different world. Even so, laid-back Lizel isn't the type to panic. He immediately sets out to learn more about this strange place, and to help him do so, hires a seasoned adventurer named Gil as his tour guide and protector. Until he's able to find a way home, Lizel figures this is a perfect opportunity to explore a new way of life adventuring as part of a guild. After all, he's sure he'll go home eventually, might as well enjoy the otherworldly vacation for now!

Much like the first volume of A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, this installment is well written and drawn. I liked the pacing and the artistic style of the work. The digital galley I received had a few formatting issues- but I am certain that it will look perfect in its final version. I liked the character development done in the story, and loved getting a closer look at Lizel, Gil, and the variety of people they come across together. It has adventure, friendship, and a bit of mystery all wound up in detailed artwork. I think that everyone that enjoyed the first volume will be happy with this volume as well, and just as eager to see where the story goes next as I am. 

Early Book Review: Dryad Vol. 1 by Kurtis Wiebe

Dryad, Vol. 1, is a fantasy graphic novel written by Kurtis Wiebe and illustrated by Justin Barcelo (at least according to the credit pages in the galley I received, many sites have a different last name for the illustrator). It is currently scheduled for release on January 5 2021. The Glass family has spent thirteen years hiding peacefully in the sleepy forest settlement of Frostbrook where Morgan and Yale planted roots and raised their twins, Griffon and Rana. But secrets never stay hidden, and the entire Glass family find themselves the target of an unearthly attack on Frostbrook. Now on the run from Muse Corp., they must flee to the massive city of Silver’s Bay to hide in plain sight. Rana and Griffon find themselves uprooted and answering for their parents' mistakes. But, they’ll soon find that the past has a way of finding you, no matter where you run.

Dryad is a fantasy with tech elements, and some serious character and world building. The artwork is well done and matches the style and mood of the story. The details and color add a great deal to the story and do their job of immersing the reader in the world. I thought the information given as to the past of Morgan and Yale was given in good , small doses. I will admit that I want more information (rather like the twins) but I suspect those secrets are such an important part of the story that there will be a big reveal and repercussions that I have not considered yet. I am more than willing to wait and find out at the pace the author has set. There is a good mix of mystery, tech, magic, and individual character building and development. My biggest disappointment is that I feel like I was just about to get to the best part- some explanations of the past and who Yale and Morgan really are when the book ended. I expected a cliff hanger- as it is fairly standard in graphic novels of this caliber- but somehow it still snuck up on me and came way too soon.

Dryad is a good start to a graphic novel series, even if it did end with a cliff hanger.

Audiobook Review: The Bright and Breaking Sea (Kit Brightling) by Chloe Neill, Narrated by Danielle Cohen

The Bright and Breaking Sea is the first book in the Kit Brightling series, written by Chloe Neill and narrated by Danielle Cohen.Kit Brightling, rescued as a foundling and raised in a home for talented girls, has worked hard to rise through the ranks of the Isles' Crown Command and become one of the few female captains in Queen Charlotte's fleet. Her ship is small, but she's fast—in part because of Kit's magical affinity to the sea. But the waters become perilous when the queen sends Kit on a special mission with a partner she never asked for. Rian Grant, Viscount Queenscliffe, may be a veteran of the Continental war, but Kit doesn't know him or his motives—and she's dealt with one too many members of the Beau Monde. But Kit has her orders, and the queen has commanded they journey to a dangerous pirate quay and rescue a spy who's been gathering intelligence on the exiled emperor of Gallia. Kit can lead her ship and clever crew on her own, but with the fate of queen and country at stake, Kit and Rian must learn to trust each other, or else the Isles will fall.

The Bright and Breaking Sea is a well written start to a series I look forward to continuing. Kit is a foundling that has worked hard and become a ship captain and trusted asset to the Queen. Her touch of magic and strong moral compass keep her on task and working hard but she is often underestimated for the very things that make her so successful. Grant is tired of war, and fighting, but would rather be thought of as Coronal than Viscount. When they are thrown together on a tough mission they discover that they might have more in common than they think. I found the information about the history, aspect of magic, and the major players to be well delivered through the entire story. While there are things I certainly want to know more about, I think that is more because of how interesting what we do know is, and my on internal curiosity, rather than missing pieces in the story. While their developing friendship, and the building of characters and setting, are a major part of this book the understanding of the dynamics of magic and the growing danger in the world around them is just as important. This book is more than the sum of its parts, and while there is a great deal going on it all fits together and builds to the promising start of what could be an epic series. Additionally, the inflections from Cohen as narrator really matched the story and helped me get lost in the world. 

The Bright and Breaking Sea is a wonderful start to a fantasy series with significant world and character building, as well as surprises, intrigue, and heart. 

Early Book Review: Captive of Wolves (Bound to the Fae) by Eva Chase

Captive of Wolves is the first book in the Bound to the Fae series by Eva Chase. It is currently scheduled for release on December 9 2020. 

For years, the monsters who killed my family have held me in a cage. Brutalized and half-starved. Only kept alive so they can steal my blood. Until one evening when four eerily gorgeous men break me out of my prison. They give me a soft bed and delicious food. They say they'll protect me—but their generosity may come at a price. My rescuers are monsters like my captors: fae who shift into wolves. A curse gripping the faerie realm turns them wild under the full moon. Only my blood can cure their rage. These fearsome men need me, and not just to lift the curse. A tragedy left them outcasts, and offering me to their rulers could win them back the home and the power they lost.
No matter how kindly they treat me, no matter how their smoldering eyes and strong hands stir unfamiliar desires in both my body and my heart, their castle is just another prison. As long as I'm a prize more than a person, my life will never be my own. I've survived this long without giving up. I won't roll over now. But how can one damaged human girl hold her own against the savage fae?

Captive of Wolves is a book that had a rough start for me. In the beginning I thought I might have read something very similar before (and I have) and was left wondering if this series was part of a larger series. I do believe I have read something else by the author, and they have enough of a back catalog that both aspects are possible, but it also reminds me a little of a series by Sadie Moss, different set up and very different details, but the same kind of story. The characters seem to be slowly developed, with the guys especially slow to unwind. While I liked Talia's determination and empathy I have to admit that she had more than one 'too stupid to live' moments that just had me shaking my head and closing the book for a moment to get past it. The character, world, and relationship building was well thought out, but very much slow burn and build up. I did like the story, and think the author did a good job of setting up the story. However, it felt a little too slow and like the guy's emotions and past were much less developed than Talia's. That combined with the familiar feeling of the story made it less exciting to me. I did like that we got several points of view, that helped develop the guy's a little more for me. I think this book will be a near perfect read for some, but it just did not hit that sweet spot for me.

Captive of Wolves is a decent start to a series, with a paranormal and reverse harem leaning, I think it will hit the spot for fans of the genre but will miss the mark for others.

Book Review: Fushigi Yûgi: Byakko Senki, Vol. 1 by Yuu Watase

Fushigi Yûgi: Byakko Senki, Vol. 1 by Yuu Watase is the first volume of this story arch, but is part of a larger story. I have not read the previous parts but was still able to catch on to the story. I think those that know the previous parts will definitely get more out of the read than newcomers, but everyone should be able to enjoy the read. 

The year is 1923. Suzuno Ohsugi’s father, Takao, warns her to stay away from The Universe of the Four Gods, telling her it’s a book that only men can touch. He knows that in order to enact its story, the book needs one last heroine: the Priestess of Byakko! After the Great Kanto Earthquake strikes, Suzuno and Takao are trapped in their burning home. Takao has only one chance to save his young daughter, and that is to send her into The Universe of the Four Gods!

Fushigi Yûgi: Byakko Senki is a manga style graphic novel that does a good job of laying the groundwork for a grand finale, without making this part of the story feel any less important that what happened earilier in the Fushigi Yûgi world.  Suzo's background and trauma over what happens in the first part of this book were really well done, although I struggled a bit with the more 'current' aspects of her life. As a whole I liked the story, there was a good blend of character building, world building, action, and emotion. The artwork matched the story well and kept it moving forward. I wish I had the broader knowledge that would have come from reading the earlier Fushigi Yûgi material, only because I have a feeling that the world building that has gone into the story is even better than this small sliver let me grasp. Of course, my only other issue was that just as big things were starting to come to a head the volume ended, which I should have expected with this adventure/fantasy style of series. It just made me sad to see that I had reached the end, and left me craving the next issue and the time to go back and read the previous story lines.

I think that those that have read the previous parts of the larger Fushigi Yûgi series will definitely want to pick this up, and newcomers might want to give it a look.