Book Review: Tied to You (Volume 1) by Art by WHAT, Original story by Chelliace

Tied to You (Volume 1) by Art by WHAT, Original story by Chelliace is a manga style graphic novel. Wooseo Shin was never one to believe in fate, until a ring of red thread appears around his finger that is! This ring marks a person’s meeting of their soulmate, and with it, neither can fall asleep if the other is absent. This development is not a welcome one for Wooseo, who decides to keep it from his close friend and crush Jiseok Kang at all costs. Because as fate would have it, the person with Wooseo’s matching set is Jigeon Kang—Jiseok’s older brother! When Jigeon proposes that they start sharing a bed, if only to combat their joint insomnia, Wooseo reluctantly accepts. As the two spend more and more time together, feelings start to get messy. Will Wooseo be able to survive his new life tangled up in between these two brothers?!

Tied to You is a well drawn and written story that left me eager for the next volume. I enjoyed getting to know the three major players in this little triangle. I feel like I understand Wooseo and Jigeon, and a bit of where they are coming from and how they feel. I liked getting the multiple points of view and the way things all come together. I love how careful they all are with each other- even in arguments and misunderstandings they never purposefully cause harm to each other, which is a nice change from some of the darker romance that I have read. I wish I had more than hints as to how Jiseok felt- and that I had the next volume in my hands already. 

Book Review: Holding Space: Life and Love Through a Queer Lens by Ryan Pfluger

Holding Space: Life and Love Through a Queer Lens by Ryan Pfluger features 100 stunning color photographs of queer, interracial couples taken by a renowned photographer for the New York Times Magazine, Time, Rolling Stone, and more, this incredible photo and story collection depicts modern love and relationships in all their joy, vulnerability, and affection. Throughout 2020 and 2021, during a time of intense personal and political upheaval, artist, advocate, and photographer Ryan Pfluger set out to capture intimate images of queer, interracial couples, along with personal insight into their relationships in today’s world. Featured together for the first time in Holding Space, this unique collection of modern love in its many forms across the spectrum of race, sexuality, and gender identity and gives space to these couples to share short, revealing stories about their relationships.

Holding Space: Life and Love Through a Queer Lens is a wonderful collection of honest and frank interviews about the featured couples and their relationships and experiences. There is discussion on how they make their relationships work, and in some cases why they did not work out. But there is also discussion about the discriminations and challenges that come from society's expectations, bigotry, and the so much more. This is a great exploration of identity, diversity, and relationships that is accessible to anyone. It was lovely to get fresh and differing perspectives on the impact that family, race, gender identity and its fluid nature, and society can have on individuals and couples. 

Early Book Review: Shadow Fallen (Dream-Hunter) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Shadow Fallen is the newest addition to the Dream-Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It is currently scheduled for release on April 12 2022. The book does have cameos from characters from previous books from the author and her various series, however this can be read on its own as well.

For centuries, Ariel has fought the forces of evil. Her task was to protect the souls of innocent mortals when they die. Captured by a powerful sorceress, she is transformed into a human who has no memory of her real life or calling. And is plunked into the middle of the Norman invasion of England. Cursed the moment he was born with a "demonic deformity," Valteri wants nothing of this earth except to depart it and will do his duty to his king until then. When a strange noblewoman is brought before him, Valteri realizes he has met her before…in his dreams. When others come for her, bringing with them preternatural predators, he is faced with a destiny he had no idea was waiting. One he wants no part of. The truth is that Valteri isn’t just a knight of William the Conqueror. He is the son of one of the deadliest powers in existence, and if he doesn’t restore Ariel to her place, she is not the only one who will be in peril. The world itself hangs in the balance, and he is the necessary key to hold back the powers of evil. But only if he can find a way to work with the woman who stands for everything in the universe he hates.

Shadow Fallen is a return to the worlds if gods, betrayal, and love created by the author. I have been a fan for years and was glad to get a new book in my hands. The book held true to the things I expect- love that overcomes betrayal and even death. There are characters that have been tormented and some who still are, there are big conflicts and feelings and strange familial ties that complicate things. There are good souls struggling to hold true to their values despite everything around them and how others treat them, and others that give into the despair and hatred that it can cause. I loved being back in the thick of it and watching Val and Ariel find their way to each other and a future. I will admit that I did not get as lost in this story as I normally do. I am not sure if it was the stress and family that were circling around as I tried to read the book, or my mood at the time, but I just did not get as heavily involved as I normally do. The characters and conflicts were just as intense as I expected, the drama and stakes high and involved. I enjoyed getting to see some characters I knew from other books play their part, and interact with those I was just getting to know. The only issue I had with the read that I could actually identify could be fixed before final printing. I found that in the galley there were moments when the book changed point of view with no warning or break, but I doubt that will be an issue in the final version. 

Shadow Fallen holds to the love conquering trauma and death idea that threads through all of the author's work. It did not capture me quite as much as some of her earlier works, but it was still a good read and I am glad to have gotten my hands on it. 

Book Review: The Secrets of the Heart (School of Love) by BeKa, Maya

The Secrets of the Heart is the first volume in the School of Love graphic novel written by BeKa and illustrated by Maya. Linon and Garance are best friends with very different ideas about love. To get to the bottom of what all this romance stuff is really about, they decide to conduct an investigation into some of the older students at their middle school. Why are certain kids more popular than others? Why do some already have a “bad reputation” by the 8th grade? Why is everyone so obsessed with appearances? Along the way, the pair discover that, for best friends who are supposed to share everything, they’ve both been keeping some pretty big secrets of their own.

The Secrets of the Heart is a cute graphic novel for the middle grade and older set. Garance and Linon are trying to figure out love, not an easy task for adults never mind kids that are still figuring out who they are. In the process they learn more about themselves and each other, and they figure out that things are rarely as simple as they appear. People act a certain way for a variety f reasons like expectations and self protection, and sometimes because they are just afraid to be made fun of or rejected. I liked the way Linon and Garance figure things out together and grow their friendship as they find out more about others. I will be honest that I thought Linon was going to have another secret or feeling to share, but I think the book played out perfectly well without that additional twist. I loved the artwork, and think it capture the emotional tone of the story and the characters perfectly. I can see this story resonating with a wide audience and gaining a number of fans for the series as it continues. 

The Secrets of the Heart is a sweet graphic novel about friends and love. 

Early Book Review: Saved by the Spell (House of Magic) by Susanna Shore

Saved by the Spell is the second book in the House of Magic series by Susanna Shore and is currently scheduled for release on August 15 2021. I do recommend reading the series in order, but the author does a good job of giving newcomers a good understanding of past events and relationships. 

Magic and I hadn’t exactly had a good start, but thanks to a spell that made me repulsive to men, I was seriously considering becoming a witch hunter. A chance encounter with a charming stranger makes Phoebe dream of a happily-ever-after, until she learns that there’s a spell on her that makes her repulsive to men. Luckily her boss, Archibald Kane, and her new landladies are experts on magic. Only this one seems to confound them all. Who has spelled her and why? Is it a challenge on Kane’s leadership of the mages? Or is there a more sinister game afoot? Phoebe doesn’t mind the space men give her in the Tube, but her cousin’s engagement party is coming up. How is she to celebrate, if she makes half the guests nauseated? And how is she to charm the man of her dreams when she suspects he’s part of the problem? It might take the Archmage to break the spell—if only they could find him. A spell may be needed to save them both.

Saved by the Spell is a nice follow up to the first book in the series. I was glad to see more character development and growth, and the relationships between the group become deeper and more interesting. I liked the story premise, and think there were a lot of great ideas. However, I admit that I found myself wanting to throttle Phoebe on several occasions because I though many things were obvious early on. Clear clues and signs were ignored at several key moments, or information that was relevant simply not mentioned so many times that I was very frustrated. I did enjoy the ride, and thought the wrap up was very well done. I liked the read, but despite my enjoyment of the characters I think I am going to have to leave the series here. The mystery aspects seem to cause me more frustration than joy, but I have read so much of this sub genre that it just might be my anticipation of the solution rather than any fault in the story that is just making it not click for me.  

Saved by the Spell is a good story with interesting characters.

Early Book Review: Blue Flag, Vol. 1 by KAITO

Blue Flag, Vol. 1 by KAITO is a young adult manga that is currently scheduled for release on May 10 2020. It’s the last year of high school, and love is in the air. Romantic feelings that have been building up over years of friendship come to light. When Taichi’s classmate Futaba asks him to help her confess to his best friend, Toma, it sparks the catalyst that begins the sweet and heart-wrenching journey of their third and final year of high school.

Blue Flag is a well written and drawn story. I liked the art style, and how no character is too perfect or bad. They are all just high school students trying to navigate school, relationships, and their own feelings. They are each complex characters, and changing as they grow and figure out who they are, what they like, and who the like. At that age these things are all moving targets, and  think the story does a good job of illustrating that. Taichi is getting a better understanding of some of the choices he has made, and how he appears to others. Futaba is trying to come out of her shell and be a stronger person, and Toma has secrets he is not ready to share. Watching their interactions with each other, and the larger scope of schoolmates and family, was fascinating and I cannot wait to see what happens next. I will admit that I saw some of the complications or secrets coming, but I so enjoyed the ride. My only issue with the story is that it ended just as things were getting good and I really want the next book.

Book Review: At Death's Door (Deadman's Cross) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

At Death's Door is the third book in the Deadman's Cross series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I highly recommend reading Kenyon's series in order- and if you have read her Dark Hunter and other series it will be an even more meaningful read for you because they do all tie in together nicely. 

Valynda Moore was born cursed. So when she dies as the result of a spell gone wrong and is trapped in the body of a voodoo doll, she expects nothing else from her messed up life. Until Thorn, leader of the Hellchasers, offers her a chance at redemption and a new life. But nothing has ever gone her way, for the Malachai, the very beast she and her crew of Deadmen have sworn to keep locked away, has risen. And this time he’s taken prisoners. Valynda must keep her wits about her or be denied her salvation and forced to watch as the entire world falls into the hands of absolute evil. It’s a demon-eat-demon world where the stakes have never been higher and either redemption or the ultimate betrayal waits for her at Death’s Door.

At Death's Door is a culmination of the Deadman's story. We get to see Valynda resolve her feelings of betrayal and find love again. We get to see the Malachai and forces of evil at work and fought against. We get to see some of the backstories we wanted, and some of the family dramas that shaped characters and the way the see the world. It is a dark story, with a great deal of dwelling on betrayal and how horrible people can be to each other- even the ones they are supposed to protect. I find that very understandable since I have been following the author's current struggles in real life. However, there is also love, redemption, friendship, and all the things that make humanity wonderful in the story as well. There is a lot going on in this story, andI loved the references to characters and plot points from other books and series. The way this connected characters I never really connected in my head before made me happy. The more negative parts, the dwelling on betrayal and horrible things that happened to some characters, rather brought me down and I kept expecting more trauma even after things were wrapped up- but I think think that goes to show how invested I have become in the world.   

At Death's Door is a solid conclusion to the Deadman's trilogy. I really enjoyed how it pulled together so many of the worlds created by this author. It is a must read for fans. Even though it was not my favorite from this author, I am as always impressed with the world and character building. As an aside for audiobook lovers, the reader is fantastic as always. 

Book Review: Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, Wendy Xu

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, Wendy Xu is a graphic novel for young adults. It is a story of love and demons, family and witchcraft. Nova Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at her grandmothers' bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town. One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years, unable to call any town home. Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery.

Mooncakes grabbed my attention quickly and kept it. Nova is a sweet girl, honest and a bit reserved except for those she is close to. Tam is clearly struggling with family issues and I enjoyed seeing them reconnect with Nova and found their personal strength. Their battle together against a demon was very well done, and I had trouble stepping away from the book when I had to. The conflict and resolution was well written, and I would be happy to see Tam and Nova's story continue on. I thought the art work captured the mood, emotion, and themes of the book quite well. It was visually attractive and added to the story consistently. I also like how simply and honestly all of the relationships are handled. No one makes a big deal out of pronoun choice or who anyone love- because it should not be a big deal. I wish this level of simple acceptance was more prevalent in the real world. I also love that none of the relationship aspects were played up as a qimick- which happens was too often. It was just pure and organic. 

Mooncakes is a lovely graphic novel that kept me interested and engaged for the entire read. My only disappointment is that I had a digital copy rather than a paper copy because I really wanted to get a closer look at some of the pages without the distortion that comes from zooming in on a digital page. 

Book Review: My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih by Monique Gray Smith, Julie Flett

My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih, is a lovely board book written by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Julie Flett. What fills your heart with happiness?The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. This book offers all readers a reminder  to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy. Monique Gray Smith wrote My Heart Fills with Happiness to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy. 

My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih is a sweet book with fabulous intentions. I like seeing the dual languages, and the clear and open questions about what might make readers happy. I think seeing how many simple things can make everyone happy can help readers of all ages stop to enjoy the simple things a little more, but all see how much alike we are underneath it all. Language, heritage, faith, and ability might make us all different but we can all find happiness in sunshine, fresh baked treats, and the people we love. Two ideas that are important, sweet, and well done with the simple text and lovely illustrations. 

Book Review: Choice by Andrea Loredo

Choice by Andrea Loredo is a novella length fantasy. It feels like the second book in a series, but I can find no information on previous, or later, books. 

Ser Mirele Heine is a Guardian, sworn to protect the royal family. One night, after being oddly called away to slay a dragon in another province, Mirele and hir companions are ambushed. They rush back to the castle to find a coup is underway. Mirele manages to escape with hir charge, Princess Shahira de Granius. As the two go into hiding and move from town to town, Shahira grapples with her conflicting feelings over the slaughter of her family, and Mirele struggles with the dark secret ze harbors and hir own affections for the princess. 

Choice is a story that I enjoyed, but was also a little disappointed with at the same time. I was glad that I got a good deal of the backstory I wanted in the beginning towards the end of the book. I liked the characters, but felt like I could have gotten a little more development even in the short book. I will admit that I was distracted by the alternate pronouns, although once I figured out it was because Mirele was non binary rather than it being a part of the fantasy setting it made more sense to me. I liked the story, but think it would be better served as part of a larger work- because I felt like there as so much more that could be done with the characters, setting, and conflicts that ran as the backdrop.

Book Review: Love Is Love by Michael Genhart, Ken Min

Love Is Love is a picturebook written by Michael Genhart and illustrated by Ken Min about love. In the story a boy confides in a friend that he doesn’t know what to say when he’s teased for having two dads, and when kids say that they’re not a real family. In their conversation, his friend helps him see how her family (with a mom and a dad) isn’t all that different from his: they both have parents who love them, and they both love their parents. And it’s love that makes a family.

I am not ashamed to say that I teared up reading Love Is Love. The gentle, conversational path to understanding that love is the basis of family, not who makes up that family, is the most important thing as well done.  I see so many children judging each other for being different in any number of ways. However, when they use things like family, race, or sexual orientation as the basis of judging I know that they are being taught that different is bad, and it just makes me sad. I love the message of this book, and the simple way the conversation makes it so clear that we are really all the same no matter who are family is, what we look like, or who we love. As long as the love is there, then there is family and support. I like that there are addition support materials at the end of the book to help lead family, classroom, or personal discussion on the subject matter. I think this book could start conversations on so much more on discrimination based on sexuality, but the argument can be used against any kind of discrimination or prejudice.

Early Book Review: Little Sid: the Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha by Ian Lendler, Xanthe Bouma

Little Sid: the Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha written by Ian Lendlerand illustrated by Kanthe Bouma is a picturebook which is currently scheduled for release on January 23 2018.  As a spoiled young prince, Siddhartha got everything he ever asked for, until he asked for what could not be given, happiness. Join Little Sid as he sets off on a journey of discovery and encounters mysterious wise-folk, terrifying tigers, and one very annoying mouse.

Little Sid: the Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha is the origin story of Buddhism, and one I did not know. I am glad to get a better understanding of the practice, and think the idea of being present is so important in a time when so many equate stuff and being busy with being happy or successful. I think that many young readers will be able to relate to Sid, in his desire of time rather than things, from his parents. So often adults are too worried about work, cleaning the house, activities, and everything else to just be with the children in their lives. I found the artwork to be beautiful, alternating between muted tones and more vibrant ones, making the mindfulness of the story more evident to the reader. I think this book is a wonderful way to introduce the ideas of mindfulness, minimalism, and the practice of Buddhism to readers of all ages and religious backgrounds. 

Book Review: Fairly Human by Holly Jacobs

Fairly Human by Holly Jacobs is the fourth book in the Fairy Godmothers series. I thought I had read the previous book when I requested the book, but looking back I apparently did not. I still enjoyed the book, but had less understanding of the backstory and character dynamics that played a large role in this book. It could be read alone, but I do think that readers that have read the other books will enjoy this installment more than a new reader.

Myrtle, Fern, and Blossom have finally stepped over the line. The Fairy Council has sentenced them to live as humans for the next six months and the Council strips away their facades. Rather than the older-lady personas they've grown used to, they revert back to their true forms--super hot women guaranteed to make any man stand up and take notice. The fairies find themselves on independent paths that collide with three different men who teach Myrtle, Fern and Blossom about a magic that has nothing to do with fairies and everything to do with love. Now Myrtle, Fern and Blossom must decide whether to return to Fairyland or throw aside their previous lives and build new ones with the men they love.

Fairly Human was a little disappointing to start with, mainly because I somehow missed the earlier books in the series, even though I thought I had read them. This means that it took me awhile to get into the story and figure out just who was who, and the particulars of each personality. Once I got passed that hurdle I really enjoyed the discovery of true love for each fairy godmother. The fighting, coming into their own, and unfolding love stories were fun and entertaining to read. I was distracted by the good of those storylines every time the narration switch from one of our ladies to deal with Bernie and his plans. It just took me out of the three well told and occasionally highly entertaining tales to something that felt unnecessary. My other issue was the wrap up. All of a sudden everyone just shrugs and figures it all out, a little too easy and convenient with a few lingering questions about just how the trio are going to deal with the future.

Fairly Human is a book that fans of the series will definitely want to read, because i hope it ties up some loose ends and bring the rest of the story together. It was entertaining, and very fun at times, but not something that is going to stick with me or inspire me to read the previous books.