Mini Reviews - Benny Immura series by Jonathan Maberry

I don't review library books as often as my own books. It would take me forever to get any finished! But these are some recent reads that were really good and deserve a little attention so here are my mini reviews.

Rot & Ruin (Benny Immura #1) - Jonathan Maberry

This was a book I picked up from a display at my library. I'm so glad I did! It's the first book in a young adult dystopian/post apocalypse series. Although "zombies" are a large part of the story the main theme is how the characters have learned to make a life since the world changed fifteen years earlier. Towns are few and far between and the lifestyle is self sustained, similar to early settlers. The pace is fast with plenty of action and the story is very interesting. The characters are well established with a firm foundation and room to grow. I hope they get that chance in this new world. I could not put this book down!

Dust & Decay (Benny Immura #2) - Jonathan Maberry

The action continues in another fast ride with more character development. We learn more background from the people introduced in the first book and meet some new characters in this one, none of them are boring. Whether you like them or hate them, be prepared to feel strong emotions.  The zombies aren't the worst enemies out there. The living conditions are harsh and sometimes brutal but there is humanity and hope. I wish this series had been around when my boys were younger!

Flesh & Bone (Benny Immura #3) - Jonathan Maberry

I'm reading this one now and almost finished. Wow! Another amazing story! The chapters are often short and end with cliff hangers that won't let you put the book down. They alternate between characters so you really have to keep reading. The living conditions are still brutal but in some new ways. There is plenty of violence but within the context of the story, not gratuitous or obscene. The emphasis is still about hope, friendship and old fashioned good vs. evil. Another intense and thrilling read.

Fire & Ash (Benny Immura #4) - Jonathan Maberry

The final book in the series. The release date was moved up from 9/13 to 8/13/13! I hate for it to end but I can't wait to see what happens. My library system doesn't have it listed yet but I am reserving this ASAP and looking for more books from this author. Love these creepy covers!

Author site

Review: Special Dead by Patrick Freivald

Surviving high school has never been so hard.

Shackled to her desk, Ani Romero has a hard time concentrating on her studies. One of eight zombie survivors of the Prompocalypse, she's back at school, but this time it's no secret. Locked in their room, flamethrower-toting soldiers watching their every move, they're tasked with homework and classes during the week, and macabre experiments on the weekend.

When the courts rule they're not human, only an appeal keeps them alive long enough to discover a cure. College applications and SATs pale under the threat of incineration, and desperation turns them into lab rats... ...but the scientists helping them have ulterior motives, and the promised cure destroys more than the virus.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
Wow! I didn't know where this book could go after the ending of the first book but great job! I'm so curious if there could be more. I really liked the direction of the story. It gave a different take on the traditional zombie story. The scientific explanation and legal issues were interesting but not too complicated for the reader. The writing is very well done and I found it hard to believe this was a male author. The protagonist was female and very believable.

I liked the characters and empathized with them. The people that were infected weren't "monsters" or hopeless cases but had a horrible medical condition. The different relationships was also complicated and interesting. Some people were torn between how they felt about those who were infected and how they are told to feel. Obviously there is extreme danger but the undead maintained their personalities, feelings and ambitions. How can they just written off so easily by those who love them? I was very impressed by the relationship between Ani and her mother Sarah. They had a fierce, unconditional love and would do anything to protect each other.  As the leading authority on ZV (Zombie Virus), Sarah has made it her life's work to cure and save her daughter and holds many secrets.  There are authorities happy to exploit them and their very life hangs in the balance.

As in the first book I loved recognizing real places near where I live. It was creepy but exciting! This story also had plenty of action that led to another great cliff-hanger ending. Freivald has a talent for leaving the reader hungry for more. :D (Get it? I HAD to do it!)

Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for an arc ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 7/12/13
Publisher: JournalStone
Pages: 260 (paperback)
Type: YA

Review: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Keep your friends close 
and your enemies closer. 

Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?
 The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.
Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.
But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
I've been enjoying the dystopian genre for awhile but I wasn't sure what could be different about this story. I was pleasantly surprised. There were many parallels to other YA titles that are popular now (The Hunger Games, Maze Runner, Divergent) but I liked those books and that's what interested me in this one. The idea of young people competing through a variety of tests is a common element but this still had twists that kept it interesting. There was plenty of action and suspense that helped the story flow and made it easy to read.

The characters were diverse although a bit predictable. Some of them appear to be "bad" people but is it their true nature or just their circumstances? Most of them are desperate to succeed, some at any expense, but failure could cost them their life. My feelings about many of the characters shifted throughout the story but I liked their mysterious nature and I'm curious to see what will happen to them throughout the series. 

Cia is the main character, a strong and mature young woman who learns from others but doesn't depend on them for everything. She loves her family and friends, has developed good morals, but everything she's always believed in is suddenly turned upside down. She has quickly learned she must keep an open mind and doubt everything and everyone. Her very life depends on it. Although at times she is almost too perfect she is still very likable. Of course there is potential romance thrown in and huge conflicts they must overcome as well. 

 I enjoyed the writer's style and look forward to the rest of the trilogy. These Testing candidates have the potential to change their world and face enormous obstacles. This won't be an easy fix! 

Independent Study (book 2) coming 1/14
Graduation Day (book 3) coming 6/14
Author
The Testing Trilogy

Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Books for Children and NetGalley (ebook) for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 6/4/13
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Pages: 336 (hardcover)
Type: YA dystopian

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at Book Obsessed this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I haven't done this in several weeks. I've been cutting back a bit but still had some good stuff come in that I wanted to share. I can't wait to head out to my hammock to enjoy them all. I hope you've had some great summer reading arrive at your house as well!

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

Rotters by Daniel Kraus
From Sync (audiobook)

The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann
Free from Sync (audiobook)

Flesh and Bone by Jefferson Bass
Free from Barnes & Noble Free Friday (ebook)

Unremembered by Jessica Brody
For review from Macmillan Fierce Reads (hardcover)
*This is a follow up to the first set I received last year and there were other goodies as well so stay tuned!

Monument 14: Sky on Fire (book 2) by Emmy Laybourne
For review from Fierce Reads (hardcover)

Of Triton (book 2) by Anna Banks
For review from Fierce Reads (hardcover)

Siege and Storm (book 2) by Leigh Bardugo
For review from Fierce Reads (hardcover)

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading and asks you to :
1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3 . Share 2 "teaser" sentences also citing the title of the book and the author and in that way people can have great recommendations if they like the "teaser".
4. Please avoid spoilers!

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
And this was Akiva's new hell: to have everything change and nothing change...
It was absurd that he should find himself back in his old life as if he were the same creature before a blue-haired girl brushed past him in a narrow street in another world.
~page 28
Days of Blood & Starlight (book 2) by Laini Taylor

Review: Twice Shy by Patrick Freivald

 High school sucks.

It's worse when you're dead.

Ohneka Falls is a small, Western New York town where everyone
knows everyone and nothing of note happens. Ani Romero is a sixteen-year-old girl who wants to play sports, hang out, and kiss Mike, her middle-school crush. A childhood carrier of the zombie virus, she died at fourteen but didn’t become a mindless, brain-eating monster. Her controlling mother forces her to join the emo crowd to hide her condition behind a wall of black clothes and makeup, and her friends abandon her.
When creeper Dylan learns her secret, he falls into obsession,
with Ani and with death. She bites him in self-defense. Persecuted by the jocks and ignored by Mike, Ani struggles through the motions of life hoping her mother’s research unveils a cure, or Dylan dooms them all to a hungry, walking death.
As her emo facade crumbles in the face of jealousy and obsession,
Ani knows that the worst thing she can do is be true to herself.
*(Tied for 1st place in the 2012 JS writing contest.)
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
It took me a little while to get to this but I was hooked as soon as I started it. What first attracted me to this book was that the setting was a little town in western NY state. I live in western NY state.  The major landmarks like Niagara Falls, Lake Erie, Buffalo or Rochester might appear in a story but the little places seldom do. It was so fun to hear mention of a small town I often drive through or a college I've visited yet unnerving to realize it was in the context of zombie inhabitants. Eek! 

The writing was very well done and so fluid. I was drawn into the life of Ani and her single mom. I constantly forgot this was a male writer because he captured a teenage girl's voice so well. There were many twists and turns that made this an exciting story and the details were terrific. It's hard enough to be sixteen but to have a virus that could lead to your instant annihilation at any moment could put a girl on edge! While Ani's life was filled with angst it seemed like she had constant dilemmas (understandable of course for a secret zombie teen). The tension was great but I felt that her issues became a bit overwhelming for the reader. Ani and her mom can't seem to catch a break! 

The story was a nice change from the traditional zombie tale. This is about life in the near future after an attack but not an apocalypse. People have overcome the situation and developed ways to live with it in a "normal" society. Ani is a unique individual who is struggling to maintain her humanity. I don't want to give anything away here because the surprises really enhanced the story and I'm so glad I hadn't heard details before I read Twice Shy.
 
The ending was abrupt, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but after such a detailed build up I found it unsatisfying and a departure from the style of the rest of the book. I did discover there is a sequel, Special Dead, which makes it more appealing. I look forward to reading that story and more from this talented author.
 
Author (Facebook)

Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for an arc to review.

Release date: 10/26/12
Publisher: JournalStone
Pages: 240 (paperback)
Type: YA horror

Blog Tour - Horten's Incredible Illusions

Sterling Publishing is doing a blog tour of Lissa Evans second book in her Stuart Horten series. I was thrilled to participate since I loved these books!

My review Horten's Incredible Illusions (book #2)
My review Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms (book #1)




The characters are so much fun! Horten is a ten year-old boy who moves to a new town. He discovers his next door neighbors are ten year-old triplets who are junior reporters for their own newspaper and appear very odd. Before long, April becomes a good friend and a loyal and valuable sidekick. Her sister also become assets in Horten's adventures to discover the secrets of his great uncle's (Teeny Tiny Tony Horten) illusions.

Triplets -

Review: Outpost by Ann Aguirre

 Salvation isn't as safe 
as  it seems...

Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn’t fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
This is another exciting book in the Razorland series. Each one has taken place in a totally different world. The first book took place under ground in the tunnels. Most of the people never saw daylight. Now Deuce and her friends are above ground in the town of Salvation. A safe and comfortable place that embraces the old ways of the early pioneers. This is a lifestyle that is totally foreign to her but she is trying hard to fit in and do her share. It's an interesting contradiction that Deuce is considered an adult by the standards of her old life but a child in her new home. She does prove how strong and mature she is but still seeks the comfort and approval of parents, something she's never had. While many people are having a hard time accepting the new people and their differences there are some who are wise enough to realize their value. When it becomes apparent that their town in in danger, Deuce's special skills become very important to their survival.

The details are brutal and graphic but that is what has become of the world. Life is harsh and no one is truly safe. The characters are odd but interesting with definite heroes and villains and some are very unlikable (to say the least).  They are trying to, not only survive, but thrive in their community by developing relationships and rules to live by. I really liked Deuce's strength and resilience as the female lead. Other characters are also developing into stronger individuals. I've been very curious about everyone's backgrounds and the reader slowly get bits and pieces to fill in the gaps. The author writes so well and she has pulled me into the story. She has gradually built this world but there is still so much more to be revealed, so many unanswered questions. Outpost ends with another good cliff hanger and the Freaks are changing. I can't wait to read the final book in this trilogy!

*The Author's Notes at the end of the book offered interesting tidbits about how the idea for the town of Salvation came about.  
Horde (book #3 coming soon!)

Thank you to Macmillan for an arc to review.

Author
Publisher

Release date: 9/4/12
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 336 (hardcover)
Type: YA fiction, post apocalyptic

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading and asks you to :
1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3 . Share 2 "teaser" sentences also citing the title of the book and the author and in that way people can have great recommendations if they like the "teaser".
4. Please avoid spoilers!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 My name is Charlotte Davidson. Charley to some, Charlotte the Harlot to others, but that was mostly in middle school. I came with a decent set of curves, a healthy respect for the male anatomy, and a slightly disturbing addiction to brown edibles. Other than that - and the fact that I'd also been born the grim reaper - I was about as normal as a surly girl with a private investigator's license could be.
~page 1& 2  
Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson #3) by Darynda Jones (hardcover)

Review: Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Fourteen kids 

One superstore 

A million things that go wrong.

Your mother hollers that you’re going to miss the bus. She can see it coming down the street. You don’t stop and hug her and tell her you love her. You don’t thank her for being a good, kind, patient mother. Of course not—you launch yourself down the stairs and make a run for the corner.Only, if it’s the last time you’ll ever see your mother, you sort of start to wish you’d stopped and did those things. Maybe even missed the bus.But the bus was barreling down our street, so I ran.Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.

In Emmy Laybourne’s action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart.

(Goodreads.com)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review
This story started off with a bang. The first chapter had plenty of action and it sets the pace for the rest of the book. A bus load of children, ages 5-17, are struggling to understand what has happened to the world after a series of catastrophes. Luckily for them they have crashed into a superstore (think Walmart) so they have plenty of food and supplies but no idea what is really going on in the rest of the world. And no idea what has happened to their families. A very scary premise for sure (although staying in the store would be kind of neat!).

The characters seemed stereotyped at first but grew and developed as the story progressed. Some were very unlikable until more of their back stories were revealed. I found it interesting how the author had them problem solve and work together. Although they were young children and teens, creative ideas were introduced that were mostly believable for their ages and intelligence. They had to battle for their lives but had many unknowns. That actually made for a more exciting read because the characters and the readers didn't exactly know what the real enemies were. Heroes and villains emerged as the characters were thrust into roles they didn't necessarily choose and were also different from the roles they fulfilled in their "real" lives. Dean is our narrator and a junior in high school. He had always been bookish and on the outside fringe of the popular kids but here he became one of the leaders. He also has a genius younger brother Alex to worry about although his own knowledge becomes important to the survival of the group. The youngest children were very likable and provided a nice balance and some comic relief. The older kids became stronger and less selfish protecting them.

The writing moves quickly and feels like the voice of a teenager. It builds to an exciting ending with a major cliffhanger. I definitely want to see what will happen in next book and look forward to following these young people on their journey. I felt this was a successful debut and hope the action continues!

Monument 14: Sky On Fire due summer 2013

Thank you to Macmillan (Fierce Reads) for an arc to review.

Author
Publisher
Fierce Reads

Release date: June 5, 2012

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Pages: 294

Type:  YA dystopian

Winner!

Congratulations

Kathy at Bemudaonion

(entry #1)

For winning an autographed copy of Horten's Incredible Illusions! Yay, Kathy! Please reply to my email with your mailing address.

*New giveaway coming right up!*

Review: Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week by Caroline Adderson

 

 Jasper, the Star!

At last, it's Jasper John Dooley's turn to be Star of the Week at school. Unfortunately, nothing turns out as planned. His Show and Tell falls flat. A new baby at his friend Ori's house steals his spotlight. And worst of all, the new baby has only-child Jasper wondering if his own family is too small. When Jasper decides to build himself a brother (named Earl) out of wood, Earl's schoolyard shenanigans send Jasper to the principal's office But with a little help from family and friends, things turn around for Jasper. And by the time Friday arrives, he is once again sure that he has what it takes to be a star. Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week is the first in a series of chapter books featuring a charismatic and funny central character. An only child with active, loving parents (and a most impressive lint collection), Jasper John Dooley is a true original.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
Wouldn't we all love to be Star of the Week?  Unfortunately for Jasper, he isn't getting the attention he expected and his week is going down hill fast. He desperately searches for ways to regain the focus of his classmates but nothing is working. Not even the idea of getting a new brother. And Jasper only has one week!

 The idea for the story was cute and I sympathized with Jasper although I think I felt worse for his sleep-deprived friend Orin. This book should be entertaining to kids who can relate to Jasper's frustration. His antics were humorous and the adorable black and white illustrations by Ben Clanton make it even more appealing. The other characters added to the quirkiness and enforced the importance of support of friends and family.  I look forward to reading more from this new series and other work for author Caroline Adderson.

Thank you to NetGalley for an arc (ebook) to review.

Publisher
Author
Illustrator 

Release date: 3/1/12
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Pages: 128 (hardcover)
Type: children's fiction, middle grade

Review: Horten's Incredible Illusions by Lissa Evans

Magic, mystery and a 

very strange adventure

This magical follow-up to Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms continues Stuart's amazing adventures--with more enchantment, more surprises, and more thrills. When we last left 10-year-old Stuart, he had just recovered his great-uncle Tony's long-lost magic workshop. Now all the priceless tricks are on display in the Beeton Museum--and Stuart is junior curator of the exhibit! But another mystery awaits Stuart: Where did the great magician hide his will? Only by entering the magic world of the workshop can he find the answer. But as the mechanisms whisk him off on increasingly incredible adventures, the puzzles become harder and harder to solve…and the stakes higher. With even more page-turning action, this second book in the exciting middle-grade series does a magic trick of its own: it's even better than the first!

(Goodreads.com)

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Review

This sequel was another delightful journey into the magical world of Stuart Horten. I was so impressed with the first book and was thrilled to see the creativity continued here. In Stuart's previous adventure he was able to discover the location of his late uncle's magic tricks but now he is trying to uncover how they work and where the will is hidden. His neighbor and friend, April, is again his loyal sidekick. And he is lucky to have her because he cannot solve these mysteries alone. The puzzles are complicated and dangerous. Stuart has more to learn but more to lose. 

As Stuart becomes more acquainted with his new home the reader also discovers more about his new surroundings. All of the characters are quirky and interesting. Stuart's parents are a bit odd but loving. The triplets are very odd but much more likeable and involved in this book. And of course, every adventure needs a villian! This one has a few and they keep our heroes on their toes. The mysterious magic tricks are another character all by themselves. With names like the Cabinet of Blood, the Reappearing Rose Bower and the Book of Peril the reader knows that Stuart and friends have a rough journey ahead. 

Filled with action, intrigue and more danger than the first book, this story is sure to challenge the mind of young readers and provide entertainment for all ages. I truly hope this charming series continues! 

My review of Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms (Book 1)
Thank you to Sterling Publishing for an ARC to review.

Available at:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon

Release date: 9/4/12

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books

Pages: 352 (hardcover)

Type: middle grade fiction

Review: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

 Dive right in!

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen — literally, ouch! — both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . .

Told from both Emma and Galen's points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review 
The first thing I noticed was the striking cover of this book. I haven't read many stories about mermaids so wasn't sure what to expect. This was an easy summer read and I was pleasantly surprised. There was  humor, romance, mystery and action that started from the first pages. I think I would have enjoyed discovering this one as a teenager myself.
 
The story was told in alternating points of view from teen Emma (first person) and Prince Galen of Syrena (third person). I did like these characters but found them a bit wishy washy at times. The snarky sense of humor was very appealing to me, as was the sarcasm and some of the witty dialogue. I also liked the light romance instead of the intense love triangle that is so common. This seemed age appropriate. I found some of the secondary characters more interesting at times. Rayna, Galen's sister, and Rachel, his mother-figure, grew on me with their strong, feisty personalities.

 For the most part the writing flowed and it was easy to read. It was a bit awkward to transition from first person to third person with each chapter but I got used to it. I thought the mythology of the Serena (mermaids) and the world building were very interesting. I want to learn even more about the houses of Serena and Triton. I did have some problems with actions of different characters. For example, it seemed with the traumas Emma had in her life she would be more cautious, especially around strangers and definitely around the water. Emma's mom was also way too trusting of strangers and displayed other strange behaviors. Although it was under false pretenses, she let her only daughter, a teenager, spend so much time with Galen's family unchecked. There was also some stalker-like behavior displayed that seemed extreme. Attraction is good but jealous, obsessive behavior is not. That is just my opinion and may be the parent in me, it just seemed too easily accepted.

The end of this debut had an intriguing twist that I did see coming, but I liked it. There was also a good cliffhanger that left me wanting to read the next book in the series. I'm very curious to see what this author will be writing in the future.
Of Triton (book #2) spring 2013

Thank you to Macmillan (Fierce Reads) for an arc in exchange of my honest review.

Author
Publisher 
Fierce Reads

Release date: 5/22/12
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 336 (hardcover)
Type: YA fiction

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading and asks you to :
1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3 . Share 2 "teaser" sentences also citing the title of the book and the author and in that way people can have great recommendations if they like the "teaser".
4. Please avoid spoilers!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The hunt for Great Uncle Tony's workshop had been a wild and exciting chase, sprinkled with danger and magic, and now another quest was beckoning. But for what? What was the price this time?
 ~page 36 (arc)
Horten's Incredible Illusions (book #2) by Lissa Evans

 **Signed galley giveaway coming up!**

Giveaway: Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

I have my gently used arc to give away!
My review of Struck


Rules:
- Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.
- U.S. only (sorry everyone else!)
- Extra entries available
- Ends 7/13/12, 11:59 pm EST


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Why be the sheep, 

when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart? 
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
I don't read a lot of historical fiction but I'm glad I picked up this one. It has it's own unique mix of romance, mystery and intrigue with a dash of the paranormal. This is the first book in His Fair Assassin series and has some tough females. A convent of trained killers in medieval France is nothing to take lightly. Ismae is a lost soul and running from an abusive life when she stumbles upon St. Mortain's. The sisters serve Death and train other young women to do the same. Ismae discovers she is a gifted assassin and is given an important assignment to protect the young Duchess from the man who will bear the Marque. A man she must then kill.

The story was well written with great detail and background. Luckily I was reading the ebook version and could easily look up words I didn't know (and there were plenty). The description of the girls' training and weapons were interesting and quite informative. The tale of the god St. Mortain was intriguing and complex, unfolding slowly throughout the book. At times the story seemed dragged out and I started to drift off in the middle. The family history and politics didn't hold my attention but those aren't topics of interest for me anyway. I did enjoy the characters and how diverse they were although I did confuse some member of the royal court from time to time.

Grave Mercy is not a light read and is best savored. If you enjoy historical fiction you will probably appreciate this one more than I did. The next book features a different main character's story, Sybella, who also attended St. Mortain.  
Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) coming in 2113
www.robinlafevers.com

Thank you to NetGalley for an ebook in exchange of my honest review.

Release date: 4/3/12
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages: 549 (hardcover)
Type: YA historical fiction, series

Review: Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

 

Take one part magic, two parts adventure, and a dash of cross-dressing, add two unwed sisters, a bumbling father, and a stepmother with her petticoats in a twist, and you're in for an unlikely adventure through nineteenth-century England like Jane Austen never dreamed it.

Katherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she's inherited her mother's magical talents, and despite Stepmama's stern objections, she's determined to learn how to use them. But with her eldest sister Elissa's intended fiancé, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat's magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, even Kat's reckless heroism will be tested to the upmost. If she can learn to control her new powers, will Kat be able to rescue her family and win her sisters their true love?
(Goodreads.com) 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Review
I haven't read a book like this in a long time. Jane Austen isn't quite my cup of tea so I wasn't sure if I would like it but I was hooked from the first page. It brought me back to my childhood with it's whimsical, magical story and adorable, colorful cover. The characters had interesting personalities rather you liked them or not. Some were extremely annoying but that provided contrast to how much I enjoyed Kat. She is the ultimate tomboy in a time where that is not tolerated. She longs for adventure and although she is usually in trouble for her unladylike behavior or disobeying the rules, she is extremely loyal to her family and very brave. Her older sisters have their own problems and are often frustrated with Kat but they know when to put family first as well. When Kat bumbles attempts at magic that is apparently inherited from her dead mother, a chain of events are put in motion and chaos ensues. What fun for the reader!

Although aimed at middle grade readers this is fun for all. Filled with action, adventure and romance, the story lagged a bit for me in the middle but picked up steam again. The ending provided a nice set up for the next book in the series. I look forward to reading more from the feisty, snarky Kat!


Renegade Magic (Kat Incorrigible #2)  4/3/12
 stephanieburgis.com





Thank you to Simon & Schuster for an ARC to review. (My apologies for the late date. I thought I had posted this already.)

Release date: 4/5/11
 Publisher: Antheneum (Simon & Schuster)
Pages: 304
Type: childrens fiction

Review: Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans

 Magic, mystery &  a

very strange adventure

The exciting launch title of Sterling's middle-grade fiction list:
HORTEN'S MIRACULOUS MECHANISMS Enter a wonderful world filled with real magic, mystery … and danger.
As if being small for his age and also having S. Horten as his name isn't bad enough, now 10-year-old Stuart is forced to move far away from all his friends. But on his very first day in his new home, Stuart's swept up in an extraordinary adventure: the quest to find his great-uncle Tony--a famous magician who literally disappeared off the face of the earth--and Tony's marvelous, long-lost workshop.  Along the way, Stuart reluctantly accepts help from the annoying triplets next door… and encounters trouble from another magician who's also desperate to get hold of Tony's treasures.
A quirky, smart, charming page-turner, Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms will enchant young readers--as well as teachers, librarians, and parents. 
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
This was such a fun story! Stuart is a curious, intelligent but bored young boy who is alone in a new town. Since it's summer vacation he doesn't even have school to meet new friends. With nothing to do and no one to do it with anyway, he is thrilled when a small mystery turns into an amazing adventure. The blurb on the book describes it as "Willy Wonka-like" and I agree that it has the same delicious flavor but is it's own, more sinister, tale. 

The setting is a combination of modern England and fifty years prior during the highlight of great-uncle Tony's career. The Great Hortini (Uncle Tony) was famous for his clever gadgets and illusions but he disappeared without a trace. Now Stuart seems to be chosen to piece together the clues of this family mystery. As he becomes more involved, the adventure becomes dangerous and the pages fly by. This may be a children's book but I was caught up in it from the beginning and I enjoyed every minute. This is the kind of story I craved as a child. The characters are eccentric, humorous and  interesting with the perfect mix of heroes and villains. And the whimsical black and white drawings at the beginning of every chapter add the perfect touch. The ending is very satisfying and answers several questions while nicely setting up the next book.

Delightful, creative and magical - so cliche but so true! This is just the beginning of a new series that I can't wait to continue. The sequel is coming in the fall of 2012.

Thank you to Sterling Children's Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
 facebook.com/StuartHorten 

Release date: 4/3/12
Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Pages: 272 (hardcover)
Type: middle grade fiction

Review: Cows Can't Quack by Dave Reisman

Come inside and sing,

 laugh and howl

 




Young listeners and early readers, ages six months to six years, will be enchanted by the bright and expressive illustrations and the rhythmic and engaging text. This companion to the highly praised Cows Can't Jump imparts a humorous and empowering tale of tolerance, respect and humility and is bound to become a beloved bedtime and storytime favorite for kids and parents alike.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
Last year Cows Can't Jump (my review) came in the mail and we read it right away. My favorite three year-old thought it was fun and silly and so did I! We recently received Cows Can't Quack and the grand-kiddos declared it a success too! Author Dave Reisman and illustrator Jason A. Maas did it again with another charming book that's suitable for any age.

Each page describes what a different animal can and can't do with colorful paintings depicting the comical critters in action. Cows can't quack...but they can moo. As we were reading those lines and others we took great delight in making the animal noises and laughing at their silly antics. Even with simple text it incited conversation. When harder words like bleat and bray were used my favorite four year-old (she had a birthday!) didn't always know their meaning. But after discussing them in context and using the illustrations to help she was able to figure them out.

These books are great companion pieces since the second one introduces new animals and actions. The cow and duck are the only recurring characters and we were happy to see them again. We will be reading these often and have already shared them with the baby boy. He may be too young to understand the story but reading together is a wonderful bonding experience. We look forward to snuggling up with future books in this series.

Thank you to the author for an autographed copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
www.JumpingCowPress.com

Publisher: Jumping Cow Press
Release date: 11/15/11
Pages: 46
Price/format: $7.99/paperback
Type: children, 3 months - 6 years

"Reading" to baby brother.

She remembered most of the book after only hearing it once!

He's impressed too!