Once a King (Clash of Kingdoms #3)

Once a King by Erin Summerill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I enjoyed it.
Lirra is the daughter of a spy and traitor who finds herself helping an embattled new king. Lirra is able to use magic that has been outlawed in the kingdom for many years, and both she and Aodren must overcome prejudices, treachery, and political intrigue to find a way to help the kingdom rebuild and move into a better future.
I did not realize this was the third book in a series when I started it, and the first bit of the book was very hard for me to get through--I almost didn't finish it. I felt like there were too many people, places, cultures, and belief systems going on with not enough background information. This book already had very good reviews, however, so I decided to keep going, after skimming over a lot of the beginning of the story.
Once Lirra and Aodren began working together more, the book got better for me. It was nice to see them cooperate and help each other. The best part of the book was seeing their relationship grow and evolve. Once it really got going it was hard for me to put the book down, and I was glad I had persevered through the beginning of the story. The ending was a bit anti-climactic and felt a little abrupt, but matters were resolved, so that was just a personal preference for me.
If you have read the first two books in this series, I imagine you will love this book. If you have not read the other books, I would probably not read this one until you do so. There are A LOT of people, kingdoms, geography, "religions," and other things to wade through as part of the story. But otherwise, this was a good YA Fantasy with a good bit of Romance thrown in.


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Ladybug Girl

Ladybug Girl by David Soman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my youngest daughter's favorite book (she even dressed up like Ladybug Girl for Storybook Character Day at school). I decided to review it because I read it to a class of kindergarteners yesterday. Some of them had never heard it, and they loved it, too.
Ladybug Girl is a young girl who is faced with a day of trying to find something to do all by herself (well, she also has her trusty sidekick, Bingo the dog...). Her older brother won't let her play baseball with him, and since she cannot read yet, she goes outside and finds herself completing various "heroic" tasks. By the end of the day she has discovered that she can do anything, because she is Ladybug Girl.
I think this is a great book for young kids because it encourages creativity, using the imagination, and inspires confidence. It is better as a read-aloud than a book for K-2 to read themselves, because the words can be a bit challenging and the font can be confusing for emerging readers. I would encourage anyone to buy this book for a young child they know, however. The whole Ladybug Girl series is great!


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The Day the Crayons Quit

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love this super-cute picture book. I read it to a class of 1st-graders today, most of whom had never heard it before. They really enjoyed it, and it is fun to read out loud.
One day a boy opens his box of crayons to discover they have some grievances to air with him. They have written him letters describing their concerns and complaints (beige is never used, blue is used so much he is now short and stubby, grey is tired because he is used for very large animals, pink would like to be used more, and orange and yellow are no longer speaking over a fight about which is the rightful color of the sun). Kids will find these issues funny, as will parents, or anyone who has ever owned a coloring book.
This is a great read-aloud for younger elementary-aged kids (as is the sequel). I would definitely recommend it!


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The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen #1)

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. If I could give it 3.5 stars, I would. I have always been an avid reader of Regency Romance, and I enjoyed this YA Fantasy take on the time period. It was interesting, unique, and I liked the characters.
Helen is a young girl ready to take on the London Season when strange occurrences lead her to The Dark Days Club and one of its enigmatic members, Lord Carlston. She discovers that she is also meant to be a member, and help rid London of evil beings who are bent on literally sucking the life-force out of the population. Helen must decide if she wants to fulfill her destiny and fight the terrible Deceivers, or try to find a way to maintain her socially acceptable life full of balls, suitors, and frivolity.
While this was a good book, I found it a bit sluggish in parts. It seemed that at least 2/3 of the book were expository, almost, like the whole thing was one big introduction for a big event. I kept waiting to get into the real meat of the story, even though I was well into the book. Although I did enjoy the first part of the book, I just kept getting the feeling it was all leading up to something bigger. Once I was 3/4 of the way through the book, I knew all the issues could not possibly be resolved in the remaining pages. While I like series and read them often, I still like for a satisfactory resolution to occur at the end of a book.
I also felt as though the author's focus on Regency-era details, while intended to enhance and help the reader, seemed to draw me out of the story. It could be because I was already very familiar with so many things from the Regency Period, and so other readers might find these things very useful and add to their enjoyment of the story. I felt as though it was a bit heavy-handed, however.
I did like the characters of Helen and Lord Carlston, and the secondary characters, including Darby and Lord Carlston's friends were well drawn. I could tell that each character had his or her own backstory and issues swirling beneath the surface, even if it was not expanded upon.
If the story had been a bit faster-paced, I would have given the book more stars. I did like the book, however, and will definitely read the next in the series. I would recommend it to any one who enjoys YA Fantasy, or anyone who is interested in a different take on historical and/or Regency Romance. It would be great for a fan of Georgette Heyer who is looking for something a little bit different.


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A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I really enjoyed the first book in this series, I thought this book was even better. The characterizations, story, and setting completely drew me in and I did not want it to be over.
Although Feyre managed to survive her ordeal Under the Mountain, she did not come out unscathed, and her relationship with Tamlin has also been affected. Feyre finds herself caught up in the dealings of the Spring Court without any moorings, and is in danger of losing herself completely. Her one anchor is the bargain made with Rhysand, even though it was made while she was desperate and seemingly without hope. When Feyre is forced to join Rhysand at his court, she finds that her beliefs about Rhys, Tamlin, and the High Fae may be wrong. She must decided for herself how to forge her own future now that she has the power to do so.
I found the relationship that Feyre had with Tamlin to be believable, and I enjoyed with way the relationship the Rhysand grew in an organic way. The new secondary characters we were introduced to were very likable and well-thought-out. Maas expanded on the world she created in the first book of the series to completely envelop the reader in the various courts and landscapes of the book.
Feyre's experiences with Amarantha changed her in ways that were explored and explained very well, and made her even more real. The progress she made on her own, as well as with the patient help of Rhysand, really added dimension to the story.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed this book even more than the first, and cannot wait to begin the third installment. I would recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys YA, Romance, and Fantasy.


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A Sorcery of Thorns

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret  Rogerson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An orphan who was raised in a library, believing magic and sorcery were evil, must try to find her way when it seems the world is being threatened and the only ones who can help her are those she's been taught to fear.
Elisabeth, who has spent her whole life in a library taking care of malevolent grimoires, finds herself confronted one night by a grimoire gone rabid. The monstrous book attacks her and when she defeats it, instead of being praised for her actions she is held in contempt by her peers. Accompanied by a young sorcerer, Elisabeth makes the journey to the capital where she encounters demonic beings, magic, and sorcery everywhere. She must navigate her new environment, figure out who she can trust, and discover who she really is and how strong she can be.
I enjoyed this story and the originality of the plot. I have read other stories about "great libraries" and magic, etc., but this one was different and unique. While the pacing was a little roller-coaster-ish, I still liked it. It seemed like Elisabeth was plunged from horrific peril to furtive hiding to horrific peril over and over. I would have preferred a slower build to fewer climactic events, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the book.
I also liked Elisabeth's journey from a young trainee in her home library to a confident woman ready to fight for what she knew was right. She was a character to admire, and her choices and motivations felt believable and organic. Nathaniel was an interesting character, and I had a hard time pinning him down, exactly. Perhaps that's because the whole story was told from Elizabeth's perspective, so everything we know about Nathaniel comes from what Elisabeth observes and feels.
The setting and descriptions in this book are great, and really transported me inside the story. I felt like I could hear the grimoires muttering, smell the after-effects of incantations, and see the flashes of magical emerald light.
I enjoyed this book (as well as the author's previous book), and would recommend it to anyone who likes YA Fantasy.


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The Haunting of Sunshine Girl (The Haunting of Sunshine Girl #1)

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have had this book on my TBR list for a while, so when I saw it at our local library book sale recently, I picked it up. I found it to be a light, easy, quick read. But I have read better suspense/thriller books, better spooky/creepy books, and better YA books. If you are looking for a scary, tense, intriguing book with a gripping story that will make you afraid to turn off the lights, I'd look elsewhere. If you want an entertaining book with a supernatural element that you can finish quickly, then this is the book for you.
Sunshine is a 16-year-old who has just moved with her mother from Austin to a dreary, rainy city in the Pacific Northwest. As soon as they arrive Sunshine finds herself in a "creepy" house with a damp smell and bad lighting. She finds herself to be cold all the time, she has no friends, and after several strange occurrences in her room, she realizes her house is haunted. Sunshine's mother becomes increasingly distant, and Sunshine must figure out what is going on and what she can do about it.
The author attempts to create an atmosphere of pervasive gloom, tension, and eeriness. But to me, it just came across as an incredibly unpleasant, if not miserable environment for Sunshine. She is always cold, almost everything around her is either wet or damp, her mom is rarely home, and the one friend she does have makes Sunshine nauseated when she gets too close to him. Sunshine seems to take it all in stride, though. (I would not have handled it so well were I in her place!) I had to suspend a lot of belief as far as the mood of the book was concerned. The deeper Sunshine got into the bizarre things happening around her, the less I felt a sense of menace. The book should have felt more sinister, but it did not. I was, however, invested in the story and I did find myself wanting to know what would happen next.
I did enjoy the book, and will read the next in the series.


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A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

This book was RIGHT UP MY ALLEY with it's hints of Celtic Mythology and Folklore.  I have been trying to read it for a couple years, but was too cheap to pay full price for a copy on Amazon.  They have never had it at my library book sale, but, after moving and getting my new library card, it was one of the 1st books I checked out!!  I really enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would give this book a rating of 4.5 stars. It wasn't mind-blowing, but it was really good and I enjoyed reading it. I have been trying to find a copy at our local library book sale for several years, and once I got a library card in our new town, it was the first book I checked out. I am glad I did.
Feyre is a girl who finds herself responsible for her family after they fall on very hard times. While hunting in the forest she encounters a strange wolf whom she suspects may be a faerie beast. She hesitates for a moment, but knows that faeries have been enemies of mortals for hundreds of years, and have been preying on her people. She shoots and kills the animal, and takes his fur. Not long after, a monstrous beast invades Feyre's home and demands reparations. He says although he is justified in taking her life, he will instead take her to his home where she must spend the rest of her life.
Feyre finds herself in the Spring Court of the Faerie and encounters numerous masked member of the Spring Court, along with strange, fantastical, and often dangerous creatures. As she attempts to adjust to her new life in her new home and develops a relationship with the beast who brought her there, Tamlin, she finds herself drawn to her captor. She must find her place in the Spring Court as well as attempt to understand the ominous undercurrents of the Faerie Realm.
I found myself drawn into this world that the author created. While the story had obvious similarities to Beauty and the Beast, as well as hints of Celtic mythology, it was also original. Feyre was a strong heroine and her journey through the story was believable--her decisions and motivations made sense. The descriptions of the Faeries, other creatures, and the environment really added to the story and really created a rich book.
I would definitely recommend this book to any fan of Fantasy, YA, Romance, Folklore, etc. I have already checked out the next book in the series and am excited to see what is next for Feyre, Tamlin, and the other characters in the book.


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The Girl Who Knew Too Much (Burning Cove #1)

The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wavered between 3 stars and 4 stars on this one. I liked it, but I did not love it. I enjoyed reading it, but it was not without its problems. Having read many books by Amanda Quick, I was interested in reading it (I even requested an ARC and did not get one), and I am glad I did.
Set in the 1930s, the reader is presented with a dead body, right off the bat. Our heroine must go on the run to hide from the killer, and ends up in Hollywood. When she finds what seems like a safe new life, she is confronted with another murder. Our heroine must solve the mystery while dodging its culprit along with the help of the owner of the ritzy hotel where the murder took place. When the press publishes a picture of her, the killer from the first murder is soon hunting her down.
Now, does that sound a bit confusing? It wasn't really, but the story was full of so many mysterious deaths, suspicious people, and nefarious criminals, that everything did get a bit convoluted. The end of the story, where ALL of the mysteries are tied up neatly, could have used some tightening up and adjustments with pacing.
Overall, however, it was a quick entertaining read. I will probably read the next in the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, romance, 1930s Hollywood, and quick and light reads.


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The Devils Thief (The Last Magician #2)

Y'all, I tried with this book...I really did.  But I just got to the point where I did not care.  I was very disappointed.

The Devil's Thief by Lisa   Maxwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I absolutely love-love-loved the first book in this series, and so I was so very excited to start The Devil’s Thief. I enjoyed the story with elements of history, romance, and magic. I felt like I was watching a television series with the way the story encompassed so many characters and events. It was such a good book and I could not wait to see how Esta & Harte’s story continued.
This new book was a bit disappointing for me, though. It seemed like the best thing about the first book, the growing relationship between Esta & Harte, was pushed to the back-burner to give even more time to secondary and new characters. While it was nice to see characters from the first book fleshed out, switching around among people, locations, and time, really took me out of the flow of the story. Instead of a sweeping narrative, it felt disjointed, stilted, and slow. I began to not care about the “secondary” characters or their parts of the story, and I got frustrated with the pacing of Esta & Harte’s journey. It took me a very long time to get through the story.
If a larger, more detailed story with even more characters and events sound great to you, then I would recommend this book. If your favorite part of the first book was Esta & Harte and their developing relationship, then you might want to be prepared before starting Book #2.


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The Phantom Tree

I really enjoyed this book!!

The Phantom Tree by Nicola Cornick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very enjoyable book. The premise was intriguing--a time travel, missing persons, murder. I have read several romance novels by this author, so I was very interested to try this one out.
The beginning immediately drew the reader in: a woman in an obviously modern-day town happens to see a centuries-old portrait reportedly of Anne Boleyn. But the woman, named Alison, knows that this portrait is actually of a key person from her own past: Mary Seymour, daughter of Katherine Parr. As the book unfolds, the reader discovers that Alison and Mary became roommates at Wolf Hall in 1557. Mary is sensitive to otherworldly occurrences, and Alison becomes an inadvertent time-traveler. Alison has been trying to find a way to connect with Mary again for years, and believes that Mary has left her clues to unlock a mystery that will be the key to Alison's future.
The author creates a wonderful tone in the book that is tense, ever-so-slightly ominous, and a bit magical. I wanted to keep reading because the narrative switched back and forth between present Alison, past Alison, and past Mary. Once I finished the book I had to go back and re-read certain passages that were clues as to what happened later in the book.
There were a few places where I wished the author had elaborated a bit more on key events and things were glossed over that deserved a bit more attention.
Overall, however, I found this to be a great book, and once I finished it I was disappointed that I had to leave the world and feelings that the author had created. I would absolutely recommend this book.


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Brightly Burning

Well, I'm back after a massive break! School has started, and even though I am still busy with unpacking and getting settled in a new house, I am so far behind on my reviews.  I think it will be good to get back in a "routine." Even though it's a NEW routine!
This was a good book.  Not a great book, and certainly not an awesome book, but it was good.  The author did a great job with world building and creating her setting.
Now, I have never read Jane Eyre.  I have seen the 1996 movie.  And I read Jane Steele a couple of years ago.  Since this book was another take on Jane Eyre, maybe I should read it.  But due to the fact that I know how the story goes, I most likely will not...

Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay, I am not sure how to review this book. It was described to me as a sic-fi take on Jane Eyre, and I received an ARC from the publisher. Although sic-fi is not my favorite genre, I did think the premise sounded interesting. Stella is an orphan who was sent to live on a farming ship years ago. She does not live in the best conditions, and applies for jobs off of her ship in an attempt to escape and find a better life. The only job she is offered is the governess to a young girl on an isolated ship that no one knows much about. Once on the ship, she meets the small crew and finds a place to fit in. Eventually the mysterious captain of the ship returns, and she finds herself drawn to him. As she gets closer to him, she begins to feel even more uncertain about her place on board the ship and the nature of his character.
The setting of this book, a small ship that is orbiting the moon, helps to create a feeling of isolation that contributes to the tone of the book. The bleakness of space is a big part of the story. I enjoyed the character of Stella. She was easy to identify with, and I found her relatable. The secondary characters were a bit flat, but not to the extent that it took away from the story.
The pacing of the book moved along very well, until about 1/3 to 1/4 of the way through. It was easy to tell that the story was moving towards a big event/reveal, but when it happened, it was rather anti-climactic. I found myself just thinking, "Really? That was it? Oh..." After that the plot dragged for several chapters. Then, all of a sudden, the story picked up in a very dramatic way, but the previous chapters had not helped to create a sense of tension or suspense, so the big action seemed kind of superfluous or inorganic. Huge exciting things were happening one after another--bang, bang, bang--but I did not feel invested in what was going on because the pacing was just all off.
All in all, I enjoyed the book until the very end. The lack of action, and then abundance of action in the last part of the book took me out of the story a bit. Nonetheless, it was still a good read.


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Song of Blood and Stone (Earthsinger Chronicles #1)

Finally finished this book last night.  I was a bit disappointed.  The last 1/2 to 1/3 was not as good as the first.

Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After a chapter or two to really get into it, I began to enjoy this book. Jasminda was an interesting character who had to survive much hardship. When Jack almost fell into her lap, the book really picked up steam, and I enjoyed the journey the two of them had to go on, from war captives to magical caves, etc. Then, however, they made it back to "civilization" and Jack's military comrades. And at that point the book became just not as good, in my opinion. A lot of the "magic" was lost once they got to the big city, and the romance between Jack and Jasminda overwhelmed the story. To go back to my earlier analogy, the book lost steam at that point. I wasn't sure where the author was going and it seemed like some depth to the characters and story was missing. When the book reached the climax, the author's descriptions seemed almost matter-of-fact and therefore everything was a bit anti-climactic. While overall this was a good book, that was almost the problem with it--it was just "good" when it could have been great.


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Grace and Fury

Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While the concept of girls, even sisters, competing for a crown in not original in YA Fantasy, I felt that this book had a bit of a different spin on the concept. Serina and Nomi have trained for their respective positions their whole lives: Serina will attempt to become a Grace--really a member of the ruler's harem--and Nomi will serve as her handmaiden. When the two arrive at the royal court, however, the Heir chooses Nomi instead. Neither one can process what has happened before Serina is taken to an island prison. Now both sisters, neither one knowing what is happening to the other, must find a way to survive in their new positions. Nomi must learn how to navigate court as the perfect example of a quiet, beautiful ideal of feminine virtue--not wanting for anything, yet with no freedom or independence. Serina, who has been trained to be soft, demure, pleasing and submissive, has been thrown on an island full of what society views as criminals: women who do not conform. Nomi and Serina have to figure out how to become something that is completely foreign to them while still retaining who they really are.
I did enjoy reading this book. It was a quick read and the two sisters' characters were well-developed. I did have a problem with the insta-love between Nomi and Asa. I saw that whole plot twist coming from their third encounter. I would have liked a bit more interaction between Nomi and Malachi. Serina and Val had good pacing, however.
The book ended on quite the cliff-hanger, and I will be interested to see what happens to our characters.


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The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart  Turton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great book. It is original, engrossing, and fun to read. The author does an awesome job of creating suspense, tension, uncertainty, and mystery all while immersing the reader in the world of Blackheath. I think any lover of mystery should read this book!
The biggest problem that I had with the book was the first several chapters, or the first two "days" for our hero. You see, as the book opens, we are introduced to an apparent amnesia victim, who wakes up in a forest and believes a woman named Anna has been murdered nearby. As this man begins to learn of his identity and make connections with the other inhabitants of the old English manor house where he finds himself, he is nonetheless overwhelmed with sadness at the person he believes himself to have been. The desolateness of the location and the shabby yet foreboding manor house make for an oppressive atmosphere. When, at the end of the day, Evelyn Hardcastle, the new friend our hero has made, dies in front of all the guests gathered for the house party, the real mystery begins. And when our hero wakes up the next morning, in a different room, in a different body, yet on the same day, the mystery is compounded. Our hero, and the reader, is completely confused, uncomprehending, and frightened. This was the point where I almost stopped reading the book. It was very bleak, depressing, and dreary, not to mention with a feeing of dread.
I kept pressing on however, and was very glad I did. Eventually our hero discovers his true name is Aiden Bishop and as he wakes up each morning he finds himself in the body of a different inhabitant of the house. He's racing agains time to find the killer of Evelyn Hardcastle, as well as find the reason he's stuck at Blackheath living the same day over and over. He only has a few "days" and "hosts" left before he will lose his chance to bring the killer to justice and escape the strange time loop he is in.
I really enjoyed this book. It has definite Agatha Christie influences while being completely original. The "world-building" was great, as well as the characterization of Aiden Bishop. The author is able to weave together incredibly complicated strands of create a complex and fascinating story. The mystery is well-thought out and very suspenseful. I felt on-edge the whole time I was reading it, but I had a very hard time putting it down. Although it is a long book, it felt as thought it was just the perfect length. The ambiguous time period of the book, as well as the slight touch of sci-fi towards the end was just the right touch.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries, suspense, and Agatha Christie. I think it demands a second reading.


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Born to Be Wilde (The Wildes of Lindlow Castle #3)

Born to Be Wilde by Eloisa James
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I just could not get into this book. I understand that it is part of a series, but I felt as though I was missing all of the character development when the author jumped right in to the action, and everyone kept referencing events that happened before the book began. I never felt like I knew what was going on and like I had started watching a movie 45 minutes after it started.


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Wicked and the Wallflower (The Bareknuckle Bastards #1)

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I didn't just love this book, but it wasn't bad, either. It was well-written and I did want to keep reading it. The character development could have been a bit better. The heroine underwent a slightly abrupt 180, and I never really quite understood the hero's motivations--the reader was told all about his history and the background of his personality, but I would rather have been shown. Throwing in random accent changes doesn't really do the trick. The plot was a bit questionable, and some points were kind of left hanging (although we did find out who was stealing the shipments, why was that important?).
Overall, this book was good. I am not sure if I will read another in this series.


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The Duke Buys a Bride (The Rogue Files #3)

The first 2/3 of this book was 😍. The last 1/3 of this book was 😳😵😮.

The Duke Buys a Bride by Sophie Jordan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book.
I really enjoyed this book...until the last 1/3 to 1/4. For the most part it was a very sweet slow-burn romance with interesting identifiable characters. The initial "conflict" of the wife sale was slightly far-fetched but I was willing to suspend belief. I was really interested in the development of our hero & heroine's relationship. Plus, the "long journey in close proximity" is one of my favorite themes. However, once it came time for the "consummation" of their relationship, things got real raunchy real quick. I understand this is a historical romance novel and one should not read these if one is prude. But I've been reading this genre since high school and this one made me say, "Whoa!' The things they did, they words used, and the number of times they "did it" on just their first night together was just a bit much for me. I don't think I would recommend this book, just because the last bit was so jarring, and I am not sure that I will read another book by this author.


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Summer Reading

What are you up to today?

Our House

I really liked this book until the last three sentences.  Then I said, "OH MY WORD!! WHAT?!!?" and I loooved it.
It isn't really a traditional "mystery" or "thriller," but I'm going to characterize it as such.  A crime was committed, it must be solved, and people are in danger.  So there you go.

Our House by Louise Candlish


Going into this book I was expecting more of a suspensful thriller. But the reader knows from the beginning what crime has been committed: Fiona's dream house has been sold out from under her and her family, and she has no idea what it going on. The main action occurs over the course of the day that Fiona returns to her home after a trip to find strangers moving in. A great deal of the "backstory" is told through clever methods like Bram (Fiona's husband) writing a world document and Fiona telling her account of events in a podcast, complete with online readers and their comments. What makes this an interesting and compelling tale is finding out the why, who, and how of the events. Why was the Lawson home sold? Who is ultimately responsible? And how did those people make it happen? And in the final chapters, even when the reader thinks the mystery has been resolved, the author manages to throw in some surprises.
When Fiona Lawson comes home on a Friday afternoon she sees strangers moving their furniture into her home. She cannot believe what she is seeing as she looks at her dream home, the center of her universe, devoid of all her possessions and trappings of her family's life there. Where is her husband? Where are her things? Are her children safe? Who does the house actually belong to?
As Fiona attempts to find answers to these questions throughout the rest of the day and evening, the past is revealed through what appears to be a confession written by Fiona's husband Bram, as well as
Fiona's appearance on a podcast for victims of crimes. We discover that the Lawsons were living with a "Bird's Nest" arrangement, in which the separated couple shared custody of their children by taking turns living in the family's house. We learn the circumstances that led to the couple's split and the events that caused the fraudulent "selling" of Fiona's beloved Trinity Avenue home.
The author creates an engrossing tale of a family cracking at the seems; the wife who devotes herself to taking part in the community of their posh neighborhood while the husband chafes under the expectations of that life. One definitely feels for Fiona as she almost loses herself in her role of mother and wife while still working and participating in her sons' school and sports activities and keeping up with her neighbors. Bram struggles to find fulfillment with his job and home life while his wife seems completely occupied with her own life.
There are plenty of twists and turns, but as I was reading I kept thinking, "Is there something else?" I just felt like another big shoe was supposed to drop, but it never came. Even as I got to the end of the book and things built to a climax I still felt as though something was missing. As I came to the final chapter I was thinking, "This was a good book. I enjoyed it. Yeah, it was nice." And then I read the last three sentences. Then I said, "He did what?!!" That was a great twist.
So I would definitely recommend this book. It's a compelling story that builds to a great twist without relying on too much suspense. I loved it.


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Bring Me Their Hearts

After getting through the first several chapters, I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a fan of the cover--it makes Zera look too snarky and self-confident. She needs a little vulnerability in there somewhere, in my opinion.

Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting book for me. I had a bit of a hard time getting through the first several chapters, because the main character, Zera, was a little annoying in the beginning. But soon the action picked up and Zera's attitude seemed to tone down. Then I really began to enjoy this book.
Zera is what is known as a Heartless. She was "rescued" from death three years earlier by a witch who keeps Zera's heart in a jar in her cottage hidden deep in the woods. The Heartless have several interesting characteristics, but the most important is that they cannot be killed. This makes Zera the perfect candidate to send on a dangerous mission: the witches want Zera to pose as a potential bride for the human Prince Lucien.
They want her to take his heart and bring it to the witches so they can turn him into a Heartless and use him as a bargaining chi to stave off war between the witches and humans. Zera agrees because she is offered the one thing she wants more than anything if she can take the prince's heart--her own will be restored to her.
As I mentioned earlier, Zera comes off as very sarcastic in the beginning and I was not sure if I was going to be able to root for her. Once Zera began her mission and was immersed in the court politics and society of Cavanos she seemed to soften and lost that tendency to snap at everyone. While she did not lose her edge and kept offering up smart-aleck remarks (often at the worst times), her character became less prickly and more relatable. Her attempts to earn the trust of Lucien and become the prospective bride offered by the outcast family of Y'Shennria became a journey for her to remember what it was like to be human.
The book was a bit predictable and had many YA tropes, and I could smell at least a sequel if not full-fledged trilogy coming at least half-way through the book. This did not make this a less-enjoyable read, though. Zera grew into a great character, and Lucien was a good match for her. The author also created a great cast of supporting characters, including Zera's "aunt" and Lucien's personal bodyguard. The world that was created by the author perfectly walked the line of being just developed enough for the reader to get an idea of what was going on without getting so specific and overwhelming to be boring or confusing.
I did question just a bit the author's choice to jump right in to the "meeting" of Zera and Lucien at the Spring Bride ceremony, and then going back to the more conventional beginning of the story. I don't think it really served any purpose and in my opinion the story would have been just fine moving in chronological order.
The ending was quite the cliff-hanger, but it did leave me wanting to read the next installment. I would recommend this book to fans of Fantasy, YA, and Romance.


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Along Came a Duke (Rhymes With Love #1)

Well this was a short review! yikes!!

Along Came a Duke by Elizabeth Boyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It had everything I was looking for in a historical romance. I would definitely recommend it.


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The Ill-Kept Oath

The Ill-kept Oath by C.C. Aune
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book started off much too fast for me. I needed a little time to get to know the characters and learn about them. Instead we jump right into seemingly melodramatic interactions with nurses and aunts. It makes the two heroines seem immature and unlikable.
I was interested about this book and excited about reading it, but it seemed to drag out every regency trope it could in just a few pages, without even being very historically accurate. As an avid reader if regency romance, I was not impressed.


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Spellbook of the Lost and Found

Spellbook of the Lost and Found by Moïra Fowley-Doyle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was literally a spell-binding book. The author creates an atmosphere of timelessness and otherworldliness. The narrators are easy to identify with and the story really draws the reader into a slightly mystical world where strange events could be coincidences or evidence of magical forces at work. Although I suspected the "twist" before it was revealed, it definitely added to the story. Although there were a couple of loose ends that never got tied up (the blonde boy with the eye brow piercing being one) I would recommend this book.


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The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle

The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle was an atmospheric, exciting mystery compete with suspense, danger, and magic. It would definitely appeal to older elementary and middle school readers. Between a spooky castle, gloomy Scottish moors, a sinister school head-mistress, and the threat of nazi spies, not to mention an ancient charm/curse, there is quite a bit to keep a reader interested and hungry to keep reading. I certainly recommend this book to young readers looking for an eerie adventure with a healthy dash of magic. This is the perfect book for a cold October evening.


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Serafina and the Twisted Staff (Serafina #2)

Serafina and the Twisted Staff by Robert  Beatty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great follow-up to the first book. There was a lot of action right from the beginning. It was nice to see the characters grow into themselves even more, and the new characters were very interesting. I did get a little frustrated at times when it seemed like the characters were right where they should be to defeat the villain and solve the conflict but for some reason just didn't do it, which necessitated several more trips back into danger. But this will probably not bother a young reader. Overall, Serafina and the Twisted Staff was an enjoyable book with a few twists and turns, a lot of thrilling suspense, and characters who were fun to read about. I would definitely recommend this book to middle-grade readers.


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Ash and Quill (The Great Library #3)

Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It was fun to read and hard to put down. Going with all of the characters on the next part of their journey was exciting. My only real complaint would be the secrecy with which the characters made their plans. They would decide it was best to leave some friends in the dark about big decisions and plans for their own good. But the reader was also left out of the loop. While that created a great deal of suspense, it also made it more difficult to follow along as the action unfolded, because the reader couldn't tell if things were going according to plan or falling apart. If I could change anything in the book, that would be it.
I would recommend this book and will have a hard time waiting for the next one.


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Ash Princess

Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story of a young captive queen, living in a palace that was once her own, forcing down her true nature and feelings, and watching her people be subjugated and exploited was riveting. It did contain many YA/Fantasy tropes, but I did not mind. The world-building was great, as was the character development and story. I found myself saying, "Just one more chapter," several times, and staying up much too late reading, but I had a very hard time putting down the book. I found the characters very interesting, even the ones I didn't like very much. The journey of Theo from quiet oppressed prisoner to vengeful queen was well-done, as was the development of Soren, Blaise, and even Cress (who kept me guessing throughout the whole story). The violence and viciousness of some of the abuse that Theo must sufffer might bother some, but I felt as though those aspects highlighted the cruelty of the world she lived in.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA/Fantasy, as long as one doesn't mind the predictable love-triangle, cruel rulers, and best friend who can't quite be trusted. Overall, I really liked this book and eagerly await the next part of Theo's story.


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The Great Hunt (Eurona Duology #1)

I really liked this book but have not had the chance to read the conclusion yet.

The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great mix between fantasy and adventure, and had wonderful characters. The hero and heroine would appeal to readers, and the world building was very good.
The conflicts in the plot were well-thought-out, and kept me guessing the whole time. I did figure out one slightly major plot-point early on, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the book, or make the problems that resulted seem any less meaningful for the characters.
The characterization was very good, and I enjoyed the fact that the reader was able to see from several different characters' points of view. The hero was relatable and his inner conflicts seemed believable. The heroine was quite strong in her own right, and just one of many strong female characters.
Up until the very end I was not sure how everything would turn out, and the author did a good job of building suspense and keeping the reader guessing. I was definitely left wanting more. I am waiting eagerly for the next installment.


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Everless (Everless #1)

Everless by Sara  Holland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really really enjoyed this book. It was so original and Jules was a great character. The author created a fascinating world in which time was literally money.
It was very easy to get drawn into Sempera and the picture painted by the author made everything so realistic, from the cold dreary streets of the village to the gardens of Everless. I had a very hard time putting the book down and stayed up much too late reading.
The character development was very good, and at no point did I feel like I was being told about Jules instead of shown. Everything unfolded organically and Jules became a worthy heroine. I also enjoyed her interactions with the other characters, which were well done and also highlighted Jules isolated and lonely existence. But I do wish a little more had been done with the "bad" brother. This is one area where we are told what to feel instead of shown, so that area felt like something was missing. A few more interactions between those two characters would have been amazing and really set up things for the next book.
There were some twists and turns, some of which I saw coming, and some really surprised me, which I enjoyed. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but that only made me even more ready to what happens next.
Overall I think this was a great book. I would definitely recommend it and cannot wait for the next book.


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Roar (Stormheart #1)

I love, love, loved this book. I read it last summer just after school was out, in about 3 sittings! I cannot wait to read book two.

Roar by Cora Carmack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down and did not want it to be over. From adventure to great characters to an amazing fantasy world to captivating romance, this book had it all.
The story moved along well from Aurora living a sheltered life as a princess with a big secret to keep to her journey to find herself and hopefully save her kingdom. The people she met along the way rounded out the story and added depth to the story.
The world created by the author was well-formed enough to follow along without spending too much time explaining arcane details. The reader was able to follow along very easily and not feel lost or confused.
The relationship between Roar and Locke was so romantic. It moved developed at a great pace and the reader really got to see their feelings grow and deepen. Locke and Roar were sweet and yet had a lot of chemistry, which definitely made them worth rooting for.
I loved the reveals at the end of the book, which explained several things about the story, but also left me ready for the next installment.
The only weaknesses I found in the book were the secondary characters of Nova and Sly. Nova was not very well-developed before we were supposed to be relating to her problems, so I had a hard time identifying with her. Sly was also not well-developed--all we really knew about her was that she did not like or trust Roar. I felt as thought I needed a little more from her.
Overall, this was an amazing book, and I could read it over and over. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in YA, adventure, fantasy, or romance.


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Dream Magic (Shadow Magic #2)

I like this series. I had a student who enjoyed these books (even though he didn't seem like the type to want to read a YA fantasy!) and I remember when book 2 came out I asked him if he would like to read it. I told him I would order it if he'd read it--and he did!

Dream Magic by Joshua Khan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the second installment in the Shadow Magic series. The characters continued on journeys that seemed organic and true, and the plot was different and exciting. This was a great book.
In the beginning, I did have a little bit of trouble getting going while reading, because it seemed like there were a bunch of different things just going on and happening to Lilly and Thorn, and nothing really seemed related. I felt like I was still waiting for the story to really get started and I was already 1/3 of the way into the book. Then everything snapped into place, and I was like, "Oh!" I also liked that, while part of the mystery of the book took a while to solve, once important clues were revealed, Lilly and Thorn figured it out immediately.
I really did enjoy reading this book, and would recommend it to others, from late elementary all the way up. The adventure, mystery, magic, and friendship in this story make it a wonderful read.


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The Fallen Kingdom (The Falconer #3)

I am not sure why I never reviewed the second book in this series. I do remember liking it. The only think I can think is that I got an ARC of the 1st book and the 3rd book, so I had to buy the 2nd book. Which meant I didn't feel obligated to review it.
And this poor review is pretty succinct! But the 3rd book was very good and I really enjoyed this series.

The Fallen Kingdom by Elizabeth May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fabulous conclusion to the Falconer series. I would highly recommend it!


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The Falconer (The Falconer #1)

The Falconer by Elizabeth May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested and created an atmospheric world combining Victorian Steampunk and Scottish folklore. The heroine was someone worth rooting for, as was her quest. I did feel as though jumping right into the action and just mentioning important past events made it seem like I was missing part of the story. I wish some things had been introduced to the reader in a prologue or something like that. I think that would have made the story even richer and more deep. I cannot wait to read the next book, and would recommend this to others.


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The Beautiful Ones

The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting book. It was not at all what I expected, but I was satisfied when I finished. The character development was good and the story was intriguing. I do feel as though the world building could have been a little better, because I did not have a great understanding of the geography, belief system, or cultural foundations of their society. This book reminded me of an episode of Masterpiece Theater with a little magic thrown in as an afterthought. If that sounds good to you, then I would recommend this book. If you are looking for a YA Fantasy read, I would look elsewhere.


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License to Quill

Not a fan of this one. I have been approved to read The Spy of Venice on Edelweiss, and it sounds like a similar premise as this book. But I am hoping I enjoy the new one better...

License to Quill by Jacopo della Quercia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had a really hard time getting into this book. I started and stopped a couple of times. Not only did it jump back and forth in time, but in many instances information about characters or situations was just referred to, or hinted at. This left me feeling as though I was missing something, did not have important information, or should know something that I did not as I was reading the book. This kept me from really getting into the book. The idea was fun, and the attempts to turn well known people like Marlowe and Shakespeare into James Bond-like operatives was very fresh. I did enjoy all of the homages to 007. But I could not every quite figure out what this book was trying to do.


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Tess of the Road

Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I have never read the Seraphina books and so thought this would be a good place to jump into this world. Although Tess's story was interesting, I felt as though my unfamiliarity with the previous books led to me missing some of what was going on in the story. It was almost as though there was subplot going on that I should have picked up on but didn't or couldn't because I did not know Seraphina's background, or that of her family.
Tess seemed, in the begging, a very sad character. She did gain confidence in herself throughout her journey.
If I had read the other books first perhaps I would have enjoyed this story more. But I would not recommend this book, especially to anyone not already familiar with the world of Seraphina.


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A Fierce and Subtle Poison

A Fierce and Subtle Poison by Samantha Mabry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Fierce and Subtle Poison was an engaging book with characters who drew the reader in. A mixture of fantasy, mystery, suspense, and romance, this book takes the reader to a tropical paradise where seemingly innocent everyday objects can turn menacing. The two main protagonists are almost sparsely described, yet the writer causes the reader to care about and feel for them, as well as the secondary characters. The threads of mysticism in the island's culture create an atmosphere of heavy swirling undercurrents, almost like the humid air of Puerto Rico. And even though the ending is a bit ambiguous, the reader is left satisfied. Older teenage readers would be the perfect audience for this book. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to others.


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The Hazel Wood (The Hazel Wood #1)

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the journey that this book took me on, although it would be difficult to describe it as just one thing. The author creates a dark contemporary coming-of-age fairy tale/fantasy that was interesting to read.
The first several chapters were very creepy and the author did a great job of evoking a sense of foreboding. Once Alice and Finch began their journey to the Hazel Wood eldritch occurrences and unnatural events made me feel unsettled and yet anxious to know what would happen next.
Alice was an engaging character and it was easy to feel connected with her. She felt young and fresh yet with an "old soul." And I could say the same for the whole book.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a dark fairy tale, a contemporary fantasy, a coming-of-age story or a YA novel.


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Beyond A Darkened Shore

Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book had an interesting premise and I was very excited to read it. As a former history teacher with an interest in Celtic mythology, this book seemed to be right up my alley. The more I read, though, the more dissatisfied I became.
The main character Ciara started out as a strong female hero, but became a bit whiny and hard to identify with as the story progressed. Her inability to trust Leif became tiresome, and her ready acceptance of supernatural occurrences felt a little too easy. Ciara was continually being beat up, burned, and injured and yet seemed to feel no pain.
The book was a quick read, and I did enjoy it, but if more time had been spent developing Ciara's character and her relationships, instead of telling the reader about Ciara and those around her, this book would have been amazing.


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The Bone Witch (The Bone Witch #1)

A lot of people love this book and this series... It just wasn't for me, though.

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a good book, but it was very easy for me to put down, and then hard for me to pick back up again. It did not draw me in, and I had a hard time getting through it. I am not sure why. The characters were well described and their motives were believable. The setting was not hard to imagine. It just seemed as though there was something missing, and whatever it was, made me not too concerned with staying up late reading the next chapter. Perhaps it was because the differences between present Tea and future Tea were so large. It made me feel as though something truly terrible must happen to her to cause such disillusionment, cynicism, and hardness., and I didn't want to read about whatever that terrible thing must be.
The world building was very good, I enjoyed the characters, and the story moved in an interesting fashion. But I just had a very hard time connecting with the book.


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A Plague of Giants

A Plague of Giants by Kevin Hearne
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I was anticipating getting into this book, but that was my biggest issue--I could not get into it. There were quite a few things going on, and I felt a bit confused. I also did not like the author's use of "modern" words, language, and customs; it took me out of the action. The bard's physical transformations seemed a little too convenient, too. I will not be reading another book by this author.


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An Enchantment of Ravens

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret  Rogerson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this book quite a bit. The descriptions, the characters, and the story itself drew me in and I had a very hard time putting the book down. I loved the way the author used folk tales and old beliefs to weave a very interesting story. Isobel is a strong character who's motivations are believable. And Rook was just the right mix of exasperating, mischievous, and formidable. The journey they both went on was intriguing and I stayed up way too late reading this book. I really loved the way the author transported the reader to the land of the Fair Folk. Everything from the beauty of the Autumn Court to the decay of the Summer Court was brilliantly described. I also appreciated how the ending left the reader satisfied yet also left things open for more adventures. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in fairy tales, old customs, YA, fantasy, and/or romance.


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Sky in the Deep

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne  Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a stark yet lyrical book with a Norse/Viking influenced story about a young warrior coming to terms with the fact that her world may not be what she has believed her whole life.
Eelyn has mourned her brother for years and so was completely unprepared and shocked to see him fighting alongside her clan's enemy in battle. As she tries to follow him to discover the truth, she is brought--against her will--into the land of the Riki, the people she has been raised to hate. She must find a way to uncover what has happened to her brother while protecting herself from her enemies, especially when she realizes the Riki may not be the only ones she has to worry about.
Eelyn was a well-developed heroine. She was headstrong and did not always thing about the consequences of her actions, but she was not thoughtless or foolhardy (which is often the case in stories where young girls are put in situations they feel they must escape). Her growth felt organic and was easy to relate to.
The plot was very good, and I enjoyed the Scandinavian flavor. It made the world that the author described easy to picture and imagine. Eelyn's life was harsh and brutal, and the prose reflected that. Yet the characters in the story were able to stop and appreciate the grand but simple beauty in a meadow full of flowers or the gentle fall of snow.
Although I did enjoy the relationship between Eelyn and Fiske, I do wish a little more time could have been spent with it, or it could have been developed just bit more.
Overall, I felt this was a very good book. The story, world-building, characters, and descriptions all came together to make a book that was hard to put down. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA, Fantasy, History, Adventure, or Viking novels.


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The Lie Tree

The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lie Tree was a book to get lost in. It is hard to describe exactly what the story is...a historical gothic feminist coming-of-age fantasy mystery? Whatever it is, the book manages to fit into all of these categories and satisfy the reader. Its mixture of suspense, creepiness, family drama, and atmospherical tension transports the reader to the lonely and isolated island where Faith finds herself struggling to make sense of the life-changing events that are surrounding her. Despite the fact that everyone around her seems to overlook, underestimate, or just not care about her, Faith struggles tooth and nail to survive and find a way to help herself and her family. She ends up doing things that would shock and astound those around her, and she ends up surprising herself. At the end the small, unassuming, quiet young female turns everything on its head.
At the heart of the story is the so-called Lie Tree. Is it real? Does it truly have power? Its presence sets up some very powerful questions that the author leaves open. Faith and the reader are able to find the answers for themselves.
The descriptions used throughout the book serve to create an immersive setting. Although the island is stark, it is very easy for the reader to imagine the sights, smells, and feelings of Faith's new home. Without being too effusive or over-the-top, the lush descriptions help to build the world that the Sunderleys find themselves in.
My only issue with the book is very slight--although I really like the cover, the fruit of the Lie Tree is described as small and citrus-like. The fruit on the cover looks more like an apple than a lime.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. It is a great novel for middle-age readers on up. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would love to read more about Faith as she grows and makes her own way in life.


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The Executioner's Daughter (The Executioner's Daughter #1)

The Executioner's Daughter by Jane Hardstaff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting historical read for Middle Graders. The book had suspense, adventure, mystery, a little gore, and a lot of history.
Moss, the heroine, wasn't sure of her past, and didn't feel as though she had a future. She took many risks in an attempt to discover truths about herself. These risks were hard for me to relate to, as an adult, At times Moss almost came across as a petulant child. But Middle Graders will probably not find fault in Moss's actions.
Sometimes the story was a bit predictable, but again, most Middle Graders will not mind that at all.
The author did a good job of describing Moss's surroundings, and the reader should have no difficulty imagining the Tower of London, the shores of the River Thames, the almost magical Frost Fair, and even the goings-on of Hampton Court.
The ending was interesting and left open to interpretation. I would recommend this book, and would be interested to see if Moss and Salter have any more adventures.


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Game of Secrets

Game of Secrets by Kim   Foster
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The synopsis of this book sounded great, so I did not hesitate to download a review copy. Once I finished the book, however, I realized that I was a bit underwhelmed. It was not a bad book, but it was not a great book either. It had most of the YA Fantasy tropes and was pretty predictable. There were a couple of twists thrown in, one of which did surprise me. But it did not affect me enough to make me say, "Wow! Now I need to go back and re-read the first chapters!"
The pacing was also a bit choppy. There were times when beats in the story should have been played out a bit more. I found myself saying, "Whoa, wait a minute, they already did that?" or "Wait, no one thinks this is odd?" etc. And then there were other times when I thought to myself, "Why is this such a big deal? Why does this matter?" when it seemed too much time was being spent on trivial things.
If you are looking for a quick, light, easy read and you enjoy YA Fantasy, then you might check out this book. If you are looking for a little more meat, then I would skip this one.


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The Neverland Wars (The Neverland Wars #1)

The Neverland Wars by Audrey Greathouse
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was looking forward to reading this book, but ended up very disappointed. The problems began early when the author was introducing the reader to the main character, Gwen. Too much time is spent telling the reader about how Gwen doesn't care about usual teenage things and isn't interested in being a grown up. We are told that she is indifferent about the fact that she doesn't quite fit in and only has two friends who she can't really relate to. And yet Gwen keeps thinking about how she doesn't care--to the point where it doesn't ring true at all.
Gwen's little sister is supposed to be eight but the author describes her as much younger. She comes across as though she should really be 5 or 6. She seems incredibly immature (as does Gwen).
Then when Gwen finds out that magic is real and that Peter Pan has abducted her sister, she accepts it rather easily--or maybe it wasn't described well enough and it seemed like the reader must accept it too easily. It seemed abrupt or like part of the story was missing. Also, the narration is in third-person from Gwen's point of view until about chapter 14 when all of a sudden we learn things about fairies that Gwen does not know. It takes the reader out of the story. And this happens after Gwen tells everyone her own story about eating stars that just seemed very boring.
I was not impressed with this book. There were too many little things wrong with it, which was too bad.


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Girl of Myth and Legend (The Chosen Saga #1)

Girl of Myth and Legend by Giselle Simlett
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book sounded very promising and I was intrigued until the main character Leonie became so unlikeable that I had no desire to finish the book. Several pages in Leonie showed herself to be so sarcastic with her father--when she supposedly believed he was having a break with reality--that I became annoyed with her and wanted to tell her to treat her father with more respect and sensitivity. I pressed on, however, despite my misgivings. The author repeatedly told the reader (instead of showing) that Leonie was "bold," or refreshingly frank, but it just came across as rude, selfish, and childish. It was very hard to believe that a person her age would not know when to hold her tongue and show a little self-control. Although Leonie began to tone-down her jarringly sarcastic petulant outbursts, I had already been left with such a bad taste in my mouth that I just did not like her, and did not care what happened to her. This, combined with the grating narration from Leonie's point of view, not to mention an incredibly bleak apocalyptic vision of Leonie's future bestowed upon her by her father early on in the book, caused me to decide not to finish--I had already decided she and her smart mouth deserved whatever horrible fate was awaiting her at the end of the book. Not one I would recommend, which was very disappointing. If Leonie's early outbursts had been reigned in, she would have had much more rooting value, and this book would have had much more promise.


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