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: 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: 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: Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett

Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett is currently scheduled for release on June 4 2024.

Bellamy Price has just been offered the job of a lifetime: lead contractor on the restoration of the mysterious and sprawling Killington Estate. If she meets the owner’s ridiculous timeline, she’ll finally make a name for herself in this male-dominated industry. After a traumatic car accident that left his parents dead and himself injured, Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington empire, took up residence as the grumpy caretaker of his grandfather’s mansion. When Bellamy discovers Oliver’s facing his own ultimatum from his grandfather, the two form a cautious truce, which leads to flying sparks that are definitely not from faulty wiring. As Bellamy restores the gleam to the Killington Estate, she’ll have to decide if the walls she’s built around herself are worth knocking down to make space for someone else.

Barely Even Friends is a contemporary romance with a lot going for it. I loved the characters. I thought the character building for the main and secondary characters was very well done- and frankly I want more from several of those characters. I thought the conversations and relationship building between Bellamy and Oliver was also well done. The only issue I had with the book had me flipping back to the previous pages on several occasions, which took me out of the story a little. There was some trouble with transitions, there were time or movement jumps that did not quite flow with the story. It felt like they had been editing a sentence and then forgot to get it back in, which very well might be the case and be resolved in the final publication copy. The problem was that it happened more than once, and it just irked me. I loved so much about this read and will definitely be looking to see what the author does next because there is so much potential here. I think they will be an author to watch as they keep going and I look forward to having a front row seat. 

Early Audiobook Review: The Big Book of Useless Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Facts You Won’t Be Taught in School by Neon Squid, Narrated by Tim Campbell

The Big Book of Useless Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Facts You Won’t Be Taught in School by Neon Squid, audiobook narrated by Tim Campbell, is currently scheduled for release on May 14 2024.

Heard about the lizard that shoots blood from its eyes? Or the ancient Romans who used pee as mouthwash? Did you know that going on a roller coaster can cure kidney stones? In this compendium of obscure facts, listeners will be treated to baffling knowledge they would never learn at school. Broken into chapters including geography, space, and history, a team of experts has scoured the world to find the silliest and most pointless facts that it has to offer.

The Big Book of Useless Knowledge offers readers, and listeners, facts that are organized in logical grouping to interest and entertain them. Weird and odd facts are my favorite kind, and I have been around a bit longer than the target audience, so I will admit hat I knew more than a few of these facts. However, I did still learn some things and was entertained. There is humor in describing some of the facts- making the read more engaging for readers of all ages. I think it will appeal to many readers, and maybe would be good for listening as a family on a car trip. The one thing that I did not like about the audiobook is something they have tagged as a selling point. There is background music and sound effects through out the entire book. I found them distracting, and since they seemed to only directly relate to the facts being discussed on occasion, I thought they were overdone. A few well thought out and placed sound effects would have served the audiobook better. 

Book Review: I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl, Volume 1, by Kashikaze

I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl (Volume 1) by Kashikaze is a manga style graphic novel. Quintessential good girl Sakurai finds herself trapped in the middle of a bribery scheme. Her teacher offers to write a recommendation letter in exchange for luring a truant student into attendance. Sakurai pins down the reclusive transfer student Honda, but there are strings attached. Honda demands that Sakurai grant one wish every day. The first wish is a kiss—and Sakurai finds herself feeling very eager to please.

I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl is a graphic novel about a budding friendship that did not have the most natural beginning- blackmail. It is nice to see the two girls get to know each other, with the possibility of more than friendship clearly an option. It is well drawn and engaging. My only issue was that I think I might have read this before as a webcomic or something since it all seemed very familiar- and not just because it leans heavily on the tropes of the subgenre. It was cute, fun, and is a great start to a series about figuring out who you are and how you feel about those around you.

Book Review: Crowned A Traitor: Book One (A Hellish Fairytale Universe) by Kate Callaghan

Crowned A Traitor is the first book in the Hellish Fairytale Universe series by Kate Callaghan. Heir to Hell and the Dark Forest of Malum, Klara has been called upon to take her place as High Queen of Malum. Though Klara has no intention of ruling, her guardians want her head on a spike. Klara's only option - escape to Kalos, Fae ruled lands free from Dark Magic. To survive the perilous journey, she needs help. A Leprechaun with a talent for smuggling. A mischievous Demon with swaying loyalties. The soul of a greying Warlock. Lycaon siblings with a talent for deception. Destiny has an awful habit of catching up with those who run.

Crowned A Traitor is an interesting start to a fantasy series. I thought the world building was well thought out and provided some twists and turns. It was in engaging story, with plenty of action and putting the world and some of its inhabitants on the page to help paint a picture of where the main characters and series might go from here. I must admit that there story did not quite grab me they way I had hoped. I see potential in the series, but some of the twists and turns just did not really work for me and I failed to connect to the characters. I do think that this book, and following series, will be a hit for some readers. 

Early Book Review: Loch Ness Uncovered: Media, Misinformation, and the Greatest Monster Hoax of All Time by Rebecca Siegel

Loch Ness Uncovered: Media, Misinformation, and the Greatest Monster Hoax of All Time by Rebecca Siegel is a middle grade nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on April 23 2024.

In 1934, a man was walking by a lake in the Scottish Highlands when he saw a long-necked creature swimming in the water. He grabbed his camera and snapped a photo. When the photo landed on the front page of the Daily Mail, it shattered the belief that paranormal creatures were pure fiction. But amid the monster-hunting craze, complex conspiracies soon emerged. The Loch Ness Monster became more than a mysterious sea creature—it became a phenomenon that caused people to question their assumptions and dig for the truth.   Meticulously researched through primary sources and in-depth interviews with key figures, Loch Ness Uncovered is the fascinating true story of the conspiracy that sparked intrigue worldwide.

Loch Ness Uncovered is a book with solid research and many details about the Nessie legends that I did not know previously. I liked the inclusion of archival images, and the context of what else was going on in the world and how the known news cycles effect the way things were reported and viewed. The depth of information is amazing and I appreciated it throughout the book.  The images and text were well balanced and the text was engaging and entertaining to read. I am a firm skeptic, with the caveat that I still think there are things to discover out there in the world. While on the face of it I agree with the book, that Nessie is a combination of many things but not a monster living in a loch.  However, I did wish that the tone was a little less judgmental. It was clear within the first chapter that the author had little empathy for those that believe (or want to believe) that Nessie could be something more than a hoax, a scam, or a log or known animal in the water. It is possible to point out the problems in a sighting and possible motivations behind claims as well as the psychological and sociological reasons why someone might believe something without distain.

Book Review: Bespoke & Bespelled by Karen Healey

Bespoke & Bespelled by Karen Healey is a contemporary romance with a touch of paranormal mystery. Stitch-witch and costume designer Marnie Taylor knew she was taking a risk when she left her solid studio job in L.A. and returned to New Zealand for a job on the film adaptation of her favorite fantasy book series. But she didn’t expect supernatural sabotage on set – or her inconvenient but pressing attraction to the leading man. A-lister Rider Adams was excited for something new – the lead in an adaptation of an iconic series. Instead, he’s trapped with a terrible script and a cursed production plagued by mysterious problems from flat tires to costumes that seem to almost magically resize overnight. And for some reason, he can’t stop making an idiot of himself in front of the gorgeous costume supervisor.

Bespoke & Bespelled is a fun and fast read with some great characters. I thought Marnie was a well thought out character that I enjoyed, although I still would have liked more from and about her. I felt like I got even less about Rider and the secondary characters. I liked them, and I liked the witchy and mystery aspects of the story as well. I just felt like there could have been more of everything. More backstory of the main players, or more group interaction with the movie cast and friends, more detail on the growth of friendship and romance. All the pieces were there, but I felt more like I read the overview rather than the nitty gritty, which is what I love to read about. The book is sweet and entertaining, a great one day or weekend read that you can enjoy in the moment without getting overly attached to any of the characters. 

Book Review: Recipe For Mr. Banksy (Recipe for Life) by Anni Rose

Recipe For Mr. Banksy by Anni Rose is part of the Recipe for Love series, but stands up on its own as well. Beauty therapist Daisy is having one of those days. She’s just ended things with her boyfriend. Coming home to a huge ‘Sold’ sign planted in their front lawn and hearing him planning to move them into caravan is the last straw. To top it off, her greedy landlord, who also happens to be her ex’s best friend, is threatening to ruin her business. So it’s no surprise a spelling mistake in the butcher’s window is enough to push her over the edge. And fixing it with a can of spray paint from a passing graffiti artist only makes things worse. The graffiti artist is actually trainee doctor Jackson. Street art helps him to relax when he’s not at his stressful job. Jackson doesn’t know what to make of the impulsive Daisy, but he can’t get her out of his head. As Daisy fights to save her business, fate seems to delight in throwing her and Jackson together. And boy do they make a good team. But can a passionate beauty therapist and a sensible doctor really have a future?

Recipe For Mr. Banksy is a fun and engaging read. I liked Daisy and her circle of friends, and the love she has for her nephew. I liked Jackson and his personality and desire to do good and bring joy. I thought the premise was good, and I really enjoyed the start of the book. I did think that some of the twists the book had to offer we a little predictable- I saw them coming fairly early and honestly expected them to be even bigger or problematic than they turned out to be. Similarly, I found the ending to be a little lackluster. I felt like all the building blocks and personalities were there for something amazing but we ended up with something that was perfectly fine but not quite what I was hoping for.

 

Book Review: The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird

The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird is a contemporary romance. Lonely-hearted waitress Katie Smith has nowhere to go for Christmas, and a huge crush on her gorgeous diner patron Juan Martinez. So when Juan asks Katie to pose as his girlfriend for holiday festivities at his family's winery, Katie leaps at the chance…that is, until an accident lands Juan in a coma right after giving his folks the "news." Katie knows she should tell the Martinezes the truth, but when they immediately embrace her, Katie is reluctant to let her fantasy of a family holiday go. And then there's Juan's brother, Mateo, whose smile tugs at her heartstrings just right—and who tells her perfect Juan might not be everything he seems. Second son Mateo Martinez loves his brother, but Juan's plan to "rebrand and expand" Los Cielos Cellars has cost their family too much and put its entire tradition in jeopardy. Katie seems to understand, but she's still committed to Juan…even when Mateo starts to wish her gentle heart and beautiful smile were committed to him instead. With the winery at stake, secrets on all sides, and Juan due to wake up any day, can Katie and Mateo follow their hearts to a Christmas miracle, or will this mix-up ruin their chances?

The Holiday Mix-Up is a solid read, with a set up that had me intrigued. I thought the set up, and the character ideas and backstories had some great aspects to them. I loved the Martinez family. I liked the interplay between generations, the combination of caring, humor, and irritation between them was realistic and engaging to read. Katie's sweetness did not generally make her a sucker, she stood up for herself when needed, and chose to be kind and do good where she could. I thought the connection between Mateo and Katie felt organic and grew nicely. I like that all characters were a little imperfect, human. Even when I sincerely wanted to kick a character, I ended up feeling a little bad for them as well. Although I still want to kick them a little. I will admit that it did feel a little to sweet and neat for my personal tastes. However, I think the romance here will appeal to many readers and hopefully will turn into a series, or have a follow up to answer any remaining questions about the winery and Juan's future romantic endeavors.

 

Book Review: The Bookbinder's Guide to Love by Katherine Garbera

The Bookbinder's Guide to Love by Katherine Garbera is a contemporary romance about love, books, friendship and the unexpected connections that bind us together.  As a lonely foster kid, Serafina Conte sought refuge in handmaking journals—and writing her wishes within their pages. Now, in the quirky new age store she shares with her two best friends, Sera’s intentions have paid off. Her journals are in the spotlight—and rumored to manifest great things. Sera’s finally ready to be the leading lady of her life story. Until her plot hits a twist. After the death of her mentor, Ford Sitwell, all the loneliness and insecurity of her past returns. The only balm is the box of antique books he left to her. But Ford’s suspicious brooding grandson, Wes, is ready to think the worst of her—and get his grandfather’s books back! The first part doesn’t bother her. The second? Forget it. Sera won’t give Wes the books so easily. But it’s clear he’s seeking something more, an emotional connection no book can replace. So she offers a deal—work in her store for six weeks, and in return, she’ll help him get closure by sharing memories of his late grandfather. Yes, Wes seems grumpy, but actually he’s hot…and maybe kind? Deep down? And when desire and vulnerability work their charms, Sera begins to wonder if the best stories aren’t the ones you intend, but the ones that take you where you least expected.

The Bookbinder's Guide to Love is a well written romance with solid character and a good deal of character development for both Wes and Sera. I liked Sera's resilience and bonds that she has forged with her circle of friends. I thought Wes grew a great deal through out the book, and I liked the way he and his family evolved through the story. I thought Sera's circle was my favorite part of the book, and I want more of their back story, and their futures. However, while I enjoyed the read and have nothing specific to say that is negative about the book, it took me longer than normal to finish the read. About half way into the book it started to drag a bit for me and I did not have any urgency to pick it up and find out what happened next. This could totally be because of all the stuff going on in life- but usually I always look forward to time reading.

Early Book Review: Huggable Amigurumi : Crocheting Teddy Bears and Other Cute, Cuddly Friends by Franziska Poser

Huggable Amigurumi : Crocheting Teddy Bears and Other Cute, Cuddly Friends by Franziska Poser is currently scheduled for release on February 20 2024. This book contains detailed  instructions for 14 extra-extra-large crocheted animals; from a funny floppy-eared rabbit to a waddling penguin and a giant teddy bear. By using a particularly thick crochet yarn, these oversize animals don't take much more time to crochet than normal-sized cuddly toys and the Nordic pastel colors blend wonderfully into every home, so that these cuddly friends are not only a real eye-catcher in the children's room, but also on the living room sofa. These big buddies are life-size cuddle partners that bring instant joy to children's faces.

Huggable Amigurumi is a well written and organized instruction book for making huge stuffed animals. I love making amigurumi and love the look of the finished project. However, I have to admit that working with the smaller hooks to get the tight stitches necessary to keep the filling invisible takes a toll on my hands and wrists so I do not make them very often. Scaling up is the perfect solution to solving those issues. The projects included are cute, and the written instructions were clear for those that already understand the language of crochet. I would not recommend the book for beginners, since there are very few in progress pictures- only a couple for special techniques like making fringe, and the details on the language on specific stitches are at the end of the book rather than before the projects so they might be missed by those that need them most.  

Early Book Review: Fish Out of Water by Katie Ruggle

Fish Out of Water by Katie Ruggle is a contemporary romance with a dash of suspense currently scheduled for release on February 13 2024. When Dahlia Weathersby's sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she'll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermit—adorably grouchy survival expert Winston Dane—to be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia's charm, and just the teeniest bit of blackmail…before she's got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger. But even with her very own mountain man in tow, things aren't going to be easy. With everything the wilderness has to throw at them, it'll take more than charm and some city girl ingenuity to make this trek anything but a disaster waiting to happen, and an adventure she'll never forget.

Fish Out of Water  is a fun and engaging read. I liked Dahlia and Winston, their chemistry, and they way that communicated.  There was fun and humor, but they did also do a little deeper sharing and getting to know each other. I liked that there was plenty of getting to know you time, and that neither of them were dismissive of the other's interests or concerns. I did feel a bit like most of it was less deep and layered than I was expecting from this author. The story that was here was entertaining and fun to read, and there were a couple moments of deep understanding between the two, and a dose of danger towards the end. However, I wanted something more. There was enough groundwork laid to cover so much more of the history and families of both Dahlia and Winston- but it was barely touched on. I get that it could very well be the groundwork for a series, but I still wanted more in the here and now.

 

Early Book Review: When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein is currently scheduled for release on February 6 2024. When grumpy ex-footballer Alfie Harding gets badgered into selling his memoirs, he knows he’s never going to be able to write them. He hates revealing a single thing about himself, is allergic to most emotions, and can’t imagine doing a good job of putting pen to paper. And so in walks curvy, cheery, cute as heck ghostwriter Mabel Willicker, who knows just how to sunshine and sass her way into getting every little detail out of Alfie. They banter and bicker their way to writing his life story, both of them sure they’ll never be anything other than at odds. But after their business arrangement is mistaken for a budding romance, the pair have to pretend to be an item for a public who’s ravenous for more of this Cinderella story. Or at least, it feels like it’s pretend—until each slow burn step in their fake relationship sparks a heat neither can control. Now they just have to decide: is this sizzling chemistry just for show? Or something so real it might just give them their fairytale ending?

When Grumpy Met Sunshine is a contemporary romance. I have to admit that this is a hard review for me. I adored parts of this book, so much. I am a big fan of the grumpy/sunshine and the fake romance tropes so there was a great deal that I enjoyed. But there were other parts that just felt a little off for me. I loved the premise, and was highly entertained by some of the interactions.  There were moments that I could picture the moment and laughed, and felt some second hand embarrassment and awkwardness. However, there were a few times that I had absolutely no idea what was going on, so went back to reread a passage, still had no idea so just shrugged and moved on. I thought the sexy scenes were never going to happen, but when they did they were plentiful and very well done. I liked the resolution to the issues at the end, but was less than thrilled with some of the in between moments. The whole book ended up with moments that were absolutely spectacular alternated with moments that just okay. I think the great moments just made them less wonderful moment just stand out that much more for me. That being said, there was some really great writing here and I will be looking for more from the author because I think they have a lot of talent.

When Grumpy Met Sunshine is a romance with a little bit of everything, 

Book Review: She's My Knight (Volume 1) by Saisou

She's My Knight (Volume 1) by Saisou is a manga style graphic novel. Popular boy secretly falls for princely girl in this gleeful borderline-parody of high school shojo manga . Haruma Ichinose, 17, has been popular since he was born. So popular, in fact, that he figured no one could even come close, until he met Yuki Mogami. She's tall, cool, collected, and totally makes him crazy. He may just be in love. But can he deal with falling for someone even more dashing than himself?

She's My Knight is a fun tongue in cheek story that pokes fun at so many common tropes and storylines. The parody and humor is well done and balances well within the story. The only problem I had was that I feel like a read this story before- parody aspects and all- and wonder if it is just that similar to something that has already been done just as well or if I read this manga in a different format or edition at some point. In any rate, the manga does well in achieving its goal of telling a fun story while poking fun at the genre at the same time.

 

Book Review: Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary

Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary is a hockey romance. Ezekiel Boehm is no stranger to teaching kids with famous parents. But when the pro hockey player he’s been thirsting after walks into the Rittenhouse Friends School gym hand in hand with a tiny kindergartener, he figures he must be hallucinating. Spencer McLeod is a lot of things—Zeke’s favorite winger on the Philadelphia Liberty; a menace on the ice; a mumbling, reluctant but somehow captivating-as-hell postgame interview—but he’s not a dad. Except he is. Apparently. Zeke can be chill about this. He can. Surprisingly, the more time he spends with Spencer, the easier this becomes. School volunteer events turn into reserved seats at games, and turn into more. And even though Zeke is 100 percent committed to ignoring Spencer’s blush, to ignoring the way he looks in that one pair of gray sweatpants, he can’t take his eyes off him. This can never work. Can it?

Lucky Bounce  is a solid romance. I loved the getting to know you stage between Zeke and Spencer, and the single dad aspect makes everything more real and important. I liked the friends and family that made up the secondary characters, and that I felt that we really got to know some of them and how they relate to and connect with the main players. I would love to see more about a good number of the secondary characters. I liked that they have to work to find a way to find their connected time, and that it is acknowledged that this could be hard and that work, media, and parenting will all contribute to future challenges. However, I did feel like the book was missing a bigger moment. There was A moment of clarity at the end of the book but it just did not feel like a satisfying ending for me. I do not know exactly what I wanted, but I know I wanted something more.

 

Book Review: Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! (Volume 1) by Chika Mizube

Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! (Volume 1) by Chika Mizube is a manga style graphic novel. It is a fantasy romance about a voracious lady who delights in monster meat and a mad-blooded duke who is swept off his feet by her curious charms. Like any proper noble lady, one must have certain acquired tastes. For Melphiera Marchalrayd, she just happens to crave a rather exotic protein -monsters! But do not judge! Despite its bad reputation, monster meat can be used in exquisite cuisine and Melphiera is determined to change the kingdom’s opinion of it! Unfortunately, since debuting in society, Melphiera has been struggling to find her perfect match, until she meets the fearless “Blood-Mad Duke” of Galbraith!

Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!  is a fun and well drawn graphic novel. I liked the art style and found the story to be entertaining and amusing. Melphiera's lack of awareness that the duke is interested in her for more than her cooking and interests is fun, and his fascination with her is adorable. This is not a hard hitting story that I would go hunting for, but it is a fun and entertaining read that I thing many readers will enjoy.

 

Early Book Review: Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands (Emily Wilde) by Heather Fawcett

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is the second book of the Emily Wilde Series by Heather Fawcett and it is currently scheduled for release on January 16 2024. I find that this is a series that should be read in order. 

Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore—she just wrote the world’s first comprehensive of encyclopedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Folk on her adventures, and also from her fellow scholar and former rival, Wendell Bambleby. Because Bambleby is more than infuriatingly charming. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother, and in search of a door back to his realm. So despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby, she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage: Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and danger. And she also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research, Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again, when assassins sent by Bambleby’s mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure, this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambley’s realm, and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans. But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors, and of her own heart.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is an interesting and engaging read, however I do think that reading the first book is a must to understand the settings and personalities involved. Emily and Wendell are off on another expedition, this time with a couple extra companions and Wendell being poisoned to add to the drama. I thought the story was well written, and the continuity with the first book was spot on. I thought there were well placed clues and hints about the nature of the mysteries they were trying to solve and the people and fae involved woven through the pages nicely. I will say that these books are not quick reads, at least not for me. The pace is slow and steady, much like proper research, and sometimes I get frustrated because of it. I enjoy the premise and the detail in these book, and I can appreciate the talent and skill involved, but it is sometimes hard for me to slow down and enjoy these more gently paced reads. It is very much a book I save when I am in the mood to slow down and fully immerse myself into a different world. 

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is a good follow up to the first book in the series, and if you enjoyed the first this will be a must read. 

Early Book Review: Woodland Crochet Kit: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask

Woodland Crochet Kit: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask is currently scheduled for release on January 23 2024. This kit includes a 76-page instruction book and materials to make two projects, a sweet turtle and a beautiful bluebird. The instruction book has more than 80 full-color photographs coupled with 12 step-by-step patterns. Create a sweet skunk, a cuddly hedgehog, a clever raccoon, and more—all in the popular Japanese style of crochet, amigurumi. Materials include; Four colors of yarn, A crochet hook, Stuffing, Embroidery floss, Safety eyes, and a Yarn needle. 

Woodland Crochet Kit is a nice starter kit for those that want to try their hand at crocheting small animals. The instructions are clear and helpful for those that are learning. I like that this is a kit, including the materials needed to make a couple of the projects. I was glad to see a couple projects that I do not often see, for instance I do not think I have seen many fawn patterns before- although I also have not looked for them. I did think that some things were not fully explained- like how to work with the wool for the squirrel's tail and why the yarn for the mouse is listed as normal bulky yarn but it looks different to me. I also find working with the fuzzy yarn for the hedgehog gives the right look, it is also very frustrating for even advanced crafters and might not be a great starter yarn to be playing with for beginners.