Early Book Review: Royal Scandal (Royal Blood) by Aimée Carter

Royal Scandal is the follow up to Royal Blood by Aimée Carter, and is currently scheduled for release on March 26 2024.  American girl turned monarchy nightmare, Evan Bright, has gotten used to the press about her but the media attention has only seemed to get worse. From desperate clickbait articles about her and the President's son to Royal Record headlines pitting her against Princess Maisie, it seems everyone is dying for Evan to return back to America for good. Meanwhile Evan is receiving mysterious threats about her real story being revealed in a tell-all biography.  When more information is leaked about Evan, she fears she will always be Britain's media villain. But the threats escalate when there is an attempted assassination with no suspects, and Evan believes the person is in the palace's walls. They say what doesn't kill you will make you stronger, but what if it's the royal family who wants you dead?

Royal Scandal is a great follow up to the first book in the series. The story picks up not long after the end of Royal Blood, and I do highly suggest reading the series in order so that the personalities and dynamics are fully understood going into this book. That being said, this book has just as much emotional angst and struggle as the first book. It was very well written with layers of growth for the characters, with intrigue and mystery woven through the whole thing. There were elements and choices in the book that surprised me, and things that I saw coming but came in from a slightly different angle than I was prepared for. Again, like the first book, it is not what I would call an easy read. It had me anger, emotional, and concerned for Evan and the rest in a variety of ways through out the book. However, it is very well written and engaging. My biggest complaint is the end, because I felt like we were just about to get another chapter or two- more wrap up or hints as to what was coming next- but instead the book was over. I am already in need of the next instalment. 

Book Review: The Witching Hour (Secrets of Camp Whatever) by Chris Grine

The Witching Hour is the third (and final) graphic novel in the Secrets of Camp Whatever trilogy by Chris Grine. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order.

After former camp leader Clarence P'sketty Tooter is freed from a hypnosis spell, he remembers everything, including that pesky pre-teen Willow and her scrappy friends. But most importantly, he remembers the ancient mystery surrounding Nowhere's sleep-away camp. Now, Tooter seeks revenge against Willow and her friends, and inadvertently awakens a long-dormant evil which seeks to destroy the world.

The Witching Hour is a solid conclusion to this trilogy and wraps everything up nicely. There is a lot more going on in this volume than the blurb mentions, but I would hate to spoil anything for fans of this series so I will not go into detail. I do think that there was less character growth in this installment, and I wanted a little bit more from our crew of teens reconnecting and figuring things out, although admittedly with everything else happening in the story there was not really time built in for that. I love that the art was consistent, and that there were some really fun twists and turns. I also liked the inclusion and introduction of a variety of creature. I think that this is a must read for those that have read the two previous books, but it was not as attention grabbing or keeping as the previous installments for me. 

Book Review: Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu (Volume 1) by Natsuya Semikawa, Virginia Nitouhei

Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu (Volume 1) is a manga style graphic novel written by Natsuya Semikawa, with art by Virginia Nitouhei. A Japanese style pub called “Nobu” exists in a back alley of the fictional medieval European city of Eiteriach. Its customers? A pair of slacker soldiers, a spoiled heiress, an uptight tax collector, and more. When the citizens of this strange world sit down to enjoy some unfamiliar Japanese cuisine, their troubles simply melt away. The curtain rises on this otherworldly eatery and the gourmet fantasy about to unfold within!

Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu is a well drawn and fun read. It is light hearted and quick to read. There was a good variety of characters, and I liked the undercurrent of mystery. Just where did this shop come from, and how do they get their ingredients? There is good character description and development for the each member of the rotating cast. We get deep insights into a cast of very different characters, more than you might expect in such short chapters.  I look forward to more from this series, because I want to know more about the pub, its two person staff, and its regular patrons. 

Early Book Review: Sunbeams in the Sky, Vol. 1 by Monika Kaname

Sunbeams in the Sky, Volume 1, by Monika Kaname is a manga style graphic novel that is currently scheduled for release on April 18 2023. Himari Akeno can’t wait to start high school! Even though she’s parting ways with her twin sister, Mio, Himari’s enthusiasm to start this new chapter of her life is palpable—that is, until a traumatic incident sends her home to hide in her room. Watching Himari’s dreams shatter is more than Mio can bear, especially when her sister still longs for an ordinary student life. Determined to see her twin get back out into the world, Mio “catches a cold” and convinces her sister to fill in until she “recovers.” As long as the shy, introverted Himari can pull off impersonating the bubbly, energetic Mio, nothing could go wrong…right?

The first volume of Sunbeams in the Sky did exactly what it was supposed to. It made me care about the characters and become heavily invested in them and their relationships. I liked the story, and thought the characters were well written and introduced. I would have liked to see more development with a couple of the characters, I fully suspect that will be coming as the story unfolds in later installments. While much of the story is fairly typical family and high school drama style there is certainly more going on here. I do have to admit that I keep thinking the characters are more than they appear, and am waiting for some of my suspicions to be proven wrong or right in future volumes. 

Early Book Review: Camp Spirit by Axelle Lenoir

Camp Spirit by Axelle Lenoir is a young adult graphic novel currently scheduled for release on April 14 2020. Summer 1994: with just two months left before college, Elodie is forced by her mother to take a job as a camp counselor. She doesn't know the first thing about nature, or sports, of kids for that matter, and isn't especially interested in learning... but now she's responsible for a foul-mouthed horde of red-headed girls who just might win her over, whether she likes it or not. Just as Elodie starts getting used to her new environment, though -- and close to one of the other counselors -- a dark mystery lurking around the camp begins to haunt her dreams.

Camp Spirit is a graphic novel that I could relate to on a number of levels, not the least of which I graduate from high school the same year the main characters did, so most of the pop culture references were a direct hit with me. I liked Elodie's character, her reluctance to be the smiling happy soul that most people seem to expect was something I could completely understand, as was her curiosity about the camp and those around her once she got tossed into the thick of things. I enjoyed the side stories of how she related to her campers and some of the other counselors. The second layer of the story, with the mystical elements, had me guessing right along with Elodie. Some of the sly glances had me thinking down false paths, but that was part of the nature of the artwork. I thought that the art was very well done, and added a great deal to the story, both in emotion and plot. I really enjoyed the read, and wonder if there will be more to come. 

Camp Spirit is a well written and drawn graphic novel that will appeal to some middle graders, but mostly young adult and older readers. Adults that shared the joys of high school in the 90's with me might want to give it a go as well.

Book Review: Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism 10th Anniversary Edition - New Tactics, New Technology by Mark Hawthorne

Striking at the Roots:  A Practical Guide to Animal Activism 10th Anniversary Edition - New Tactics, New Technology by Mark Hawthorne is, as you might expect from the title, an updated book about how things have changed and how we can continue to help. The book references changes from the last 10 years including the rise of social media, which is now a key part of any campaign. The book brings together the most effective tactics for speaking out for animal rights. Activists from around the globe explain why their models of activism have been successful - and how you can become involved. Concise and full of practical examples and resources, this manual for success demonstrates how many of the world's most engaged activists effectively speak to the public, lobby policymakers, and deal with law enforcement - all while keeping their eyes on the prize of achieving victories for animals. This book will empower you to make the most of your skills. From simple leafleting to taking direct action, each chapter clearly explains where to begin, what to expect, and how to ensure your message is heard.

Striking at the Roots is a resource for learning about what other animal activists have done, and how you might be able to step forward and take action as well. I like that the book covers a wide and varied number of activist actions. There is something here from just about every personality type- for the outgoing activists there are things like manning an information table protesting, or handing out leaflets and for the more introverted there is the use of social media, writing letters, and other less social possibilities. I loved reading about the animal sanctuaries, the stories of what some have done to help, and suggestions as to how readers can get involved. I also liked the mention of how activists should be cautious with the articles and news they share, making sure of its accuracy before sharing and using its information as a source. Too many people on all sides of all issues look to see if something supports their world view rather than taking the time to see if it is factual. I will say that I like that the book offers suggestions for going vegan, and many suggestions for convincing others to do the same. It is a little heavy handed on the topic on occasion, but that is not expected given the topic of the book. There are some methods listed in the book that I fully endorse (such as using the legal system and rescues to help create change) and some that I worry about (such as stealing lobsters or livestock from private property in order to liberate them). I highly suggest readers consider their personal strength, goals, and future to decide how they can do the most good. I found the final chapter, about taking care of yourself so that you can keep going, and the appendixes of extra information to be very useful and will greatly assist readers when are deciding what they are going to do, and how to do it effectively and safely 

Striking at the Roots is not a fun or comfortable read. However it is a very useful tool and resource for those determined to make a difference on behalf of animals. If you are looking for ideas, tools, and information about changes you can make and how you can encourage others to make changes as well then I would recommend this book. 

Early Book Review: The City on the Other Side by Mairghread Scott, Robin Robinson

The City on the Other Side by Mairghread Scott and Robin Robinson is a fantasy graphic novel currently scheduled for release on April 24 2018. In this story a young girl stumbles into a pitched war between two fairy kingdoms, and the fate of San Francisco itself hangs in the balance! Sheltered within her high-society world, Isabel plays the part of a perfectly proper little girl. She is quiet, well-behaved, and she keeps her dresses spotlessly clean. She’s certainly not the kind of girl who goes on adventures. But that all changes when Isabel breaches an invisible barrier and steps into another world. She discovers a city not unlike her own, but magical and dangerous. Here, war rages between the fairies of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Only Isabel, with the help of a magical necklace and a few new friends, stands a chance of ending the war before it destroys the fairy world, and her own.

The City on the Other Side is a coming of age or quest adventure with a fae twist. I like that Isabel is a quiet girl that wants more right from the start, and while she grows and gains confidence she keeps the same core of goodness. She faces the trails of feeling neglected by her parents, and lost in the shuffle. I like how she is kind despite the way she feels, and how she is willing to step up and help, even when she is clearly in over her head. I think the secondary characters and conflict of the fae war is well done, and while it carries shades of what i thought I knew about the fairy world, it was approached in a fresh, new way. The young orphan-ish hero is also a tried and true story, but her challenges were well written and drawn, making the story feel fresh rather than stale- which happens often. I liked while I was often wondering who might betray our main players, and how the story would come together in the end. I liked the art work, but it was a little sharper than I normally like. The humans had a much rounder feel than the fae, which made the differences more pronounced. Since I was looking at a digital galley, I fully expect that it looks even better in the physical copy. 

The City on the Other Side is a well done graphic novel that will appeal to middle grade readers, young adult readers, and adults. I enjoyed the read, and think many readers of all ages will enjoy it as well.

Early Book Review: Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgwick, Thomas Taylor

Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgwick and Thomas Taylor is a graphic novel for middle grade readers which is currently scheduled for release on April 3 2018. Scarlett Hart, orphaned daughter of two legendary monster hunters, is determined to carry on in her parents’ footsteps—even if the Royal Academy for the Pursuit and Eradication of Zoological Eccentricities says she’s too young to fight perilous horrors. But whether it's creepy mummies or a horrid hound, Scarlett won’t back down, and with the help of her loyal butler and a lot of monster-mashing gadgets, she’s on the case. With her parent’s arch-rival, Count Stankovic, ratting her out to T.R.A.P.E.Z.E. and taking all the monster-catching rewards for himself, it’s getting hard for Scarlett to do what she was born to do. And when more monsters start mysteriously manifesting than ever before, Scarlett knows she has to get to the bottom of it and save the city whatever the danger!

Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter had great potential, but I feel like it missed its mark. I was completely unimpressed by the art, but since i had a digital arc I am willing to give it a pass for the most part, because this sort of file never looks as good as the real thing. However, even with the allowances I give for galleys, I found the art to be a little lazy and sadly this carried through the character development. I found Scarlett to be very one dimensional and unlikable, and the big bad to be even less developed. The adventure part was okay, but I thought the character work was poor enough that I really could not care about what happened to anyone. The poor butler that does the majority of the work is not even given a name. I had so much hope for this, and really wanted to like it. Unfortunately I was not given the Buffy-eske heroine I wanted, rather I got a girl that more resembled her winy, incompetent sister. 

Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter is not all I had hoped, but I can still see a market for it. 

Book Review: Dream of the Butterfly: Rabbits on the Moon by Richard Marazano

Dream of the Butterfly: Rabbits on the Moon by Richard Marazano is a graphic novel for middle grade and older readers. Blown from her home by a great blizzard, Tutu finds herself in a strange village of talking animals, where winter is eternal and the rabbits of the secret police find her guilty of one of the worst crimes imaginable-being a little girl! The Emperor of this strange town holds the key to her redemption, but it will come at a price. This is a  story based on a Chinese parable by Chuang Tzu (“The Dream of the Butterfly”) with a bit of an Alice through the Looking Glass feel.

Dream of the Butterfly: Rabbits on the Moon is a story that caught my attention. I love the art style, it was a perfect presentation of the story and reminded me of some of my favorite manga and anime.  I found myself engaged with the well being of Tutu as she struggles in the new world she has found herself in. I love that she voices many of the things I, as the reader, said to myself- even if it seems to get her into more trouble than it is worth. I will admit that there were a few occasions that I was a little lost or confused, like I missed a page- but after checking I had not. However, since Tutu is lost and confused- stuck in what might be a dream land or something equally full of fantasy and weirdness- that might have been by design. I liked the layers of personality in the different characters, and that no one was fully who they seemed. The spies are not all bad, the rebels are not necessarily all good. There are still so many questions, and few answers. I also like knowing that the story has some basis in folklore, even if it is not a story I know- yet. My biggest complaint is that it is not a complete story- it is the first part of what seems to be a series. It left me with only questions- and no feeling of resolution or contentment. That drives me absolutely crazy, I want some resolution when I finish a book and I was denied that here. I would have given the graphic novel more stars if only I had some resolution rather than more questions at the end of the book. 

Dream of the Butterfly: Rabbits on the Moon is an interesting start to a story, and one that I might just follow up to see how it all plays out. 

Book Review: The Starriest Summer (The Cycle of the Six Moons, #1) by Adelle Yeung

The Starriest Summer is the first book in the The Cycle of the Six Moons series by Adelle Yeung.  Fifteen-year-old Michelle saves the world on a daily basis, with her trusty video game controller, of course! Naturally, she jumps at the chance to play an experimental virtual reality game. The beautiful fantasy world of Starrs? Check. The power to mold matter? Check. No reset button? Wait, she didn’t sign up for this! Turns out Starrs is really real, and to make matters worse, Michelle’s interference awakens the Cycle of the Six Moons, a series of devastating trials that will devour the universe.  Fighting the apocalypse was way easier when danger stayed on the other side of the screen, but Michelle finds a secret weapon in her new-found powers. She uses them to rescue the crown prince of a powerful magic kingdom from their sworn enemies, a technologically-advanced cult that strives to eradicate magical blood.  Michelle starts to fall for Prince Jayse, the only one who believes Michelle to be a savior rather than a curse.

The Starriest Summer is a quick moving adventure that had me eager to discover where the story and Michelle are going next. When Michelle heads into the video game she thinks it is just a new virtual reality game. However, if she listened to her brother's warning she might have known it was much more than it seemed. I enjoyed the world building, and the fact that our main character is discovering the lore and environment right along with the reader. While sometimes she proves to be a little slower on the uptake that I hope I would be, her flaws make her more realistic than a character that gets everything right the first go round. Her exploration of the world, discovery and introduction of characters, and the build up of a story that promises deception and danger underlying everything only begins here. I was glad that Yeung did not try to cram everything in one book, because there seems to be so much more to tell. I like that the story was complete enough to leave me with a full story, but wanting to know so much more. It was a nearly perfect balance.  I found the world and characters to be rich and complex, and even after reading the complete book I still have questions about the Cycle, politics, and royal family that I hope will be addressed in the books to follow. I really want more of the history behind the stories that I feel have missing pieces, but I will just have to wait.

The Starriest Summer is a great start to a new series, and appealed to me on several levels. I think gamers and fantasy fans alike will enjoy this book, and the series to follow. I know I did.

Book Review: Ghoul Scouts: Night of the Unliving UnDead by Steve Bryant, Mark Stegbauer, Jason MIllet

Ghoul Scouts: Night of the Unliving Undead is a collection of the four issues of the graphic novel series by Steve Bryant, Mark Stegbauer, and Jason Millet. Something stranger than usual haunts Full Moon Hollow, Paranormal Capital of the World. Adults either can t see it, can t remember it, or go crazy from it. So when a zombie outbreak threatens the town, only a group of misfit scouts can save it!

Ghoul Scouts: Night of the Unliving Undead is a well drawn and colored graphic novel that combines the classic zombie survival adventure with coming of age and leads into a larger supernatural story that I hope to see more of in the future. The teenagers that have to defend themselves, and save the town, are a nice blend of personalities. All of the teens, both girls and boys, are smart and capable while still having plenty of vulnerabilities and insecurities. I like that there were some emotionally charged moments in the story, right along side the fight for survival and mystery solving to stop the crisis. The elements of the story balanced nicely, with nothing feeling like it was tossed in there to appease editors or publishers. More importantly, the story left me wanting more while still offering enough of a conclusion that it left me satisfied.

Ghoul Scouts: Night of the Unliving Undead is a fun romp through surviving a zombie invasion with a group of teenagers. the characters and the action were deeper than I expected and I plan on checking out what else Bryant has released.