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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Black Rabbit Hall

Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Black Rabbit Hall is an absorbing family drama full of history, love, tragedy, and suspense set on a gothic Cornish estate. The story is seen through the point of view of Amber and Lorna, two people who feel tied to Black Rabbit Hall for different reasons. While Amber is a teenaged-girl and Lorna is a grown woman, Black Rabbit seems to call to them, even when they wish they could break away.
The author does a wonderful job of creating a picture of the house and grounds, so the reader can picture it, feel it, hear it, even smell it. The descriptions are very detailed, sometimes almost to the point of exasperation on the reader's part--we think, "Get on with it! We don't need to know what color the apron was, or what kind of legs are on the wardrobe, or what color a random circle on the globe is!" But what the reader begins to realize is that the author is leaving us little clues. All of the rich detail is actually a trail of breadcrumbs to help us piece together, along with Lorna, what happened at Black Rabbit Hall in the late 1060's.
The reader gets to know everyone through Amber's eyes, and then later, to an extent, Lorna's as well. We see events unfold through the course of about two years, and then see Lorna attempt to make sense of these events decades later. Because of the semi-limited points-of-view, a few of the characters can come off as not very well-developed. In actuality we are just seeing these characters from the perspective of a 15-year-old girl, which means she views these people from her own lens. Hugo might seem flat, Caroline like a cliche, and one is never quite sure if Rupert is to be trusted. But that is how Amber sees them.
A sense of foreboding permeates this book. The reader just knows something terrible is going to happen. And when it does, the tension is not relieved--it is always there, just in the background, until it begins to build again. Even at the end, when connections are made, people are forgiven, and lives are rebuilt, there is still a feeling of "what if," of sadness over tragedies that did not have to be.
This was a book that stayed with me, that pulled me in and did not let go even after I was finished reading. I felt Amber's loss, I felt her confusion, her despair, and her fragile hope. I felt Kitty and Barney's pure young joy in life, and I felt Nancy's deep and true love for her babies.
This book begs to be read a second time, to pick out all the clues the author left for the reader. I would definitely recommend it to others, and I feel as though it is an incredible book.


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The House Between Tides

The House Between Tides by Sarah Maine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was a perfect read on an extremely hot summer day. The setting on wild Scottish islands, with the wind, the water, the birds, and the weather was amazingly described. It all transported the reader right to pre-WWI Scotland.
I did start and stop the book a few times in the beginning chapters, but once I delved in, I was drawn in. The dual time-lines were handled quite well, and I found myself staying up too late to find out what happened next.
The mystery was interesting, and although I guessed some aspects, others were a surprise.
One problem I had with the book was the character of Hetty. I did like her, and sympathized with her circumstances, but whenever she interacted with her "boyfriend" and his associates, she just seemed to turn into a helpless doormat with no voice. She literally let them take over, and would not speak up. There were several times when I was saying in my head, "Just interrupt them and say 'NO!'"
The only other real criticism I had with the book was that in the last chapters all the actions were focused on Hetty in the present. We discovered what really happened in the past along with her. A lot of big things took place that I think would have had a bit more resonance with readers if we could have gone along with the characters as they lived the actions. At least sat along with them as they wrote the letters Hetty would read almost 100 years later. And not to give away any spoilers, but who grabs Beatrice's arm at the bonfire? I would have really liked to have known what happened after that. I'm sure it would have been quite the scene. It was as though everything in the past was resolved without too much mess or emotional pain to make it easier on Hetty, when the reader knows it would have been agonizing for Beatrice and the other characters. The closing chapters of the book were dedicated to Hetty and Beatrice kind of got brushed under the rug. It was a little disappointing to me, because more attention had been paid to Beatrice throughout the earlier portions of the book. While I was interested in what was happening for Hetty, I was just not as invested in her as I was Beatrice. Perhaps if Hetty's character and her interactions with the present-day inhabitants of the island had been fleshed out more deeply, and if we could have had one more chapter with the characters in the past, this novel would have really been amazing.
As it is, this in an interesting book with an intriguing mystery, as the present intertwines with the past. I did enjoy reading it, and the way the author describes the setting was great. The story was resolved in the last few chapters, but a couple of changes could have made the ending amazing instead of leaving the reader saying, "Oh, well...that's nice..."


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The Hatching (The Hatching #1)

The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This was an exciting suspenseful book. The author did a good job building tension. The biggest issue I had with the book is that the first part of the book jumped around to too many characters and too many settings/situations. I am used to these types of books having to move around to various places and people to set up the conflict for the reader. In this book however, the author introduced way too many people and jumped all over the place. Too much detail was added to situations that really had no bearing on the story: did we really need to know that the lady who herded sheep had lost her husband and daughter a long time ago, or that the scientist from India was dumped by his new girlfriend? Way too much time was spend setting up these little vignettes and adding detail that really did not matter in the long run. And that took away time that could have been devoted to developing the main characters and the plot. It seemed like all of a sudden the scientists were discovering things about the spiders without the readers being able to follow along, because the readers were forced to learn about a random dog's bathroom habits.
Then with about one chapter to go, the reader realizes this is only the first book of a series. While, at this point, all of the time spent developing the multitude of characters and situations starts to make more sense, it is disappointing to learn there really is no resolution in this book. It really is just one extremely long introduction.
I do feel with a few slight changes these problems could have been resolved. *** Contains spoilers---In the last chapters the readers could have been allowed to follow along with the scientists as they made important discoveries about the spiders. The military could have launched an attack on the spiders and beat them back. And then the characters could have discovered new spiders and egg sacks in the very last pages. That would have at least have provided some sense of a climax and resolution before the characters moved along to the next part of their adventure.
I would probably read the next book to see what happens to everyone, but this first book definitely could have been better.


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Dandelions

Dandelions by Katrina McKelvey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very sweet book about a father and his little girl. After he mows over all the dandelions in their yard, she is upset because she loves dandelions. He takes the time to show her where more are, and then they have a sweet conversation about dandelion seeds. The illustrations in this book were magical and appealing. Daddies and little girls should enjoy this book.


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A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire #1)

I really liked this book, but have not read the other books in the series yet. From what I understand the subsequent books follow new characters, though, so I am not quite sure about them...

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The setting, the characters, the action--everything added up to a great read. Henrietta was a very well-developed heroine and I had no trouble identifying with her or believing her actions and motivations. She was smart, cautious, loyal, brave, and willing to take risks when the time came. Her friends and fellow trainees were also very believable.
The world that the author creates is just familiar enough to not require a lot of explanation. The alternate history is described just well enough to satisfy the reader without going into so much detail that it takes away from the action of the book.
I was very entertained by the various twists and turns in the book, and all of the action really added to my enjoyment. I finished the book in less than two days because it was so well-written and I was really drawn in. I cannot wait for the next installment.
If I had to pick out something that might have made it better, I would say that the relationship between Henrietta and Rook could have used a little more development in the beginning. Perhaps the flashback that occurs later in the book detailing their first meeting could have been moved to a prologue or something. Then the reader might have an even deeper understanding of the bond between the two.
I would definitely recommend this book to any one looking for a good YA adventure. I loved it and am looking forward to the second book.


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Currently Reading: The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

I am currently reading this book:
It is a bit weird/crazy and took several chapters to really get in to, but I really like it. I read an interview with the author Stuart Turton yesterday and it only made me like the book more. 😊 I am about half-way through and am very impatient to get back to reading so I can find out the answer to the mystery and see how everything will turn out!

Riot of Storm and Smoke (Threats of Sky and Sea #2)

Riot of Storm and Smoke by Jennifer Ellision
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but had a very hard time getting into this second book. The characters seemed to not be as vivid or engaging. I was disappointed.


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Threats of Sky and Sea (Threats of Sky and Sea #1)

Threats of Sky and Sea by Jennifer Ellision
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable book to read. The action was quick, the world-building was good, and the main-character was relatable. It was easy to read and had a lot of action.
I do wish that the secondary characters has been explored a bit more, and that the relationship between Bree and her Da had been better established in the beginning.
The first installment of this series was interesting, able to hold a readers interest, satisfying while building to the next book, and it laid a good foundation. I definitely want to read the next book.


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A Treacherous Curse (Veronica Speedwell #3)

A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series I have read and I feel the same about it as I do the previous book. I really needed more character development. This mystery that our two amateur detectives are forced to solve involves some heavy emotional baggage. My problem was that Stoker was supposed to be feeling all of these intense feelings, but they never really came through. I felt as though Speedwell was telling us how Stoker was dealing with all of his issues, instead of the author showing us what Stoker was going through.
The mystery was okay. I found myself not really caring either way by the end of the book.
More organic character development would really help this series quite a bit.
I was not very impressed and would not recommend this book. I will not be reading another in the series.


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The Only Child

The Only Child by Andrew Pyper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I did enjoy reading this book, despite the urge to sleep with the light on! It did have some flaws, but the author did a good job of setting up an interesting story. Although the ending was a bit predictable and disappointed me a little, I would recommend it to those who enjoy thrillers or horror stories. There was a lot of tension and breathless situations, but some parts of the book left me dissatisfied. I wish more time had been spent describing the various authors and their relationship with the "monster." Fleshing out that part of the story a bit would have made the present-day action even more meaningful. The Only Child was a good read.


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City of Lies (Counterfeit Lady #1)

City of Lies by Victoria Thompson
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I had a very hard time getting into this book. Even with everything going on--scams, con artists on the run, arrests, hunger strikes--I just didn't feel drawn into the action. I also didn't feel a connection with Elizabeth, and had a hard time understanding why she would put herself in unnecessary danger by going all-in with the suffragists and participating in the hunger strike. I felt as though I didn't understand her motives and therefore could not get a sense of why she was feeling what she was feeling and doing what she was doing. When I put the book down I did not get that sense of "I can't wait until I can start reading this again." I found I did not care about the characters or what happened to them. This is not a book I would recommend.


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The Secrets of Wishtide

The Secrets of Wishtide by Kate Saunders
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. It was very pleasant to follow along with the heroine's journey as she solved the mysteries of Wishtide. I do wish that the author spent a little more time developing Mrs. Rodd's character, however. The reader is told, by first-person narration, about Mrs. Rodd's living situation, how she came to by solving mysteries, and about her past. But I would rather have had some of this information revealed more organically. Even though I had quite a bit of information about Mrs. Rodd, I still didn't feel as though I knew her. That disappointed me. The story and the mystery unfolded very easily, though, and this was a very cozy read. It was not an amazing or mind-blowing book, but it was a good read.


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Let Me Lie

Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading "I Let You Go," I was very interested in reading this book, and knew that it would have some surprises. As I read I kept looking for hints to the "twist" that I knew was coming, and even had a few guesses at to what was unfolding. But the author surprised me with what was actually happening with the characters, and it really added to my enjoyment of the book. I went back and reread the first half of the book in a whole new way.
Anna's attempts at reclaiming her life after the tragedies of her parents' deaths was relatable and believable, and as she sought to uncover the mystery behind the cryptic messages she received the author did a good job of creating a mood of uneasiness. The ending was great.
The various points-of-view used in the story were effective and helped the story along. I had a hard time putting the book down and stayed up much to late reading.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a suspenseful read.


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Jane Steele

Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very interesting book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Jane was an intriguing character, and it was enlightening to follow her through her childhood and as an adult. Although including what could be considered "background information" could become boring, the early chapters definitely kept my interest, and helped uncover Jane's motivations for her actions as she grew into adulthood.
Jane was unapologetic about herself, which somehow managed to endear her to me. After finishing the book (which included staying up too late several nights) I realized that many of Jane's actions should have been horrifying. But the author was able to convey Jane, her motivations, and her reasoning so well, that Jane's behavior seemed very organic.
I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it.


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The Essex Serpent

The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting book. Not at all what I was expecting, but I would recommend it. From the synopsis I thought I would get more of a "The Lie Tree" vibe, but this was really more of an exploration of how a set of characters' lives intersected and changed over the course of a year. The fact that the year also coincided with the mysterious "sighting" of the Essex Serpent seemed just that--a coincidence. Despite the book being different from what I thought it would be, it was still a good book with interesting characters and their journeys over the year was compelling. The setting and descriptions drew me in. I stayed up much too late just so I could finish and find out what would happen to everyone in the end. Although this was not really a dark gothic tale of Victorian supernatural mysteries, I would recommend it.


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The Bookworm

The Bookworm by Mitch Silver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

From the blurb, this book intrigued me. Why would someone let a valuable manuscript fall into Nazi hands? And what did that centuries-old artifact have to do with events going on today? I was eager to read this book and find out how the author answered these questions.
The story started off with a very interesting prologue which set the stage for an exciting story full of secrets and Machiavellian manipulations. Once I was drawn in to Lara's world it was very hard to put the book down.
The author set up a very riveting and compelling story that seemed plausible. The additions of JFK, Ian Fleming, Marlene Dietrich, Winston Churchill, and others was interesting. My favorite parts of the book were the accounts from the Dictaphone cylinders and how Lara put together the clues that she discovered from long-ago.
I did feel as though there were too many "irons in the fire," so to speak. I know that the author needed to bring together several threads of the story to make everything fall into place, but some of those threats were confusing and seemed superfluous. I could have done without the whole national chess champion/weather-girl angle--I think the story could have been much more streamlined without that. Towards the end of the book things began to get confusing for me, and I had a hard time keeping up with who was who, and why certain characters were doing certain things. Threads of the story seemed kind of abandoned, and other threads were picking up way too much steam.
The big climax of the story, occurring during a spectacular fireworks show, reminded me exactly of fireworks. It seemed like EVERYTHING was happening at once, in a huge grand-finale. It was a frenzy of action from all directions and was almost too much. And then the bright lights fizzled out and the story was over. I think just a little more time spent on the denouement would have made a more satisfying ending to the book.
I did enjoy the story and would recommend it. A few things could have made the book even better, however.


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The Curious Affair of the Witch at Wayside Cross (The Curious Affair Of #2)

The Curious Affair of the Witch at Wayside Cross by Lisa Tuttle
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is the second book of the series I have read, and I had the same problems with it that I had with the first. I would have liked more fleshing out of the two main characters. They are interesting people, and I really wanted to connect with them on a deeper level. But yet again it felt very two-dimensional, and like the reader was being told about the two detectives instead of being organically shown their characteristics.
The author also spent an undue amount of time describing things like meals, that had no bearing on the story. A whole paragraph detailing the contents, quality, and taste of a meal in an inn really took me out of the story. Things like that could have been left out and more time spent on characterization.
The sub-plot with the mystery and inhabitants of the Shrieking Pits also felt a little tacked on, or like it was wrapped up too hastily.
Overall, I really wanted more from this book than I got. I want to like the characters and get to know them better, but after two books I feel as though I am just friendly acquaintances with them.


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The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief (The Curious Affair of #1)

The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief by Lisa Tuttle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley.
This book had an interesting plot and I was excited about the premise. The character development left a lot to be desired, however. While the storyline kept me engaged, I found it hard to really identify with the characters because the author seemed to skip over how their relationships developed and evolved. We were introduced to the heroine as she first met the hero, and then jumped ahead several months. This made me feel as though I was being "told" all about how they worked with and related to each other instead of "shown." If more personal moments between the two characters were shared I feel as though this book would have been much better. As it was, it came across as very impersonal. I needed more development of and between the characters. That would have made the solving of the mystery much more impactful. I felt as though I was reading case notes and not a novel.


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A Perilous Undertaking (Veronica Speedwell #2)

A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a good book. The premise and characters were very interesting, and the author did a good job of describing Veronica and Stoker as well as the mystery they found themselves attempting to solve. I was intrigued and wanted to solve the crime right along with them.
I did have a bit of a hard time relating to Veronica, however. The book was narrated from her point of view, and she often seemed rather mechanical and out of touch with the people around her, even those she respected and considered her friends. It felt as though she could not empathize and was condescending on many occasions. Perhaps it was the author's intention for her to come across this way, but it made Veronica almost unlikeable at times. Most of the time she just seemed wooden. And because all of the action was narrated by Veronica, many of the situations the characters found themselves in felt as though something was missing. There were a few occasions when I wondered when something was taking place--I assumed it was in the evening but there was nothing to tell me, even when I went back and read again, so I was a bit confused. Veronica also spent too much time describing things that really had no bearing on the story, such as how to stuff a camel. That did not help with the flow of the story. It was almost as though too much attention was spent on things that really didn't matter and then important parts of the story were glossed over or just glanced upon.
I have not read the first story in this series, and would be interested to see if, after reading it, my opinion of this book and/or Veronica changes. I did feel as though, when events were mentioned that obviously occurred in the first book, things were not explained quite well enough. I know that the author cannot go into minute detail and rehash things that happened in the past, but readers should not be left feeling that the characters are sharing an inside joke and that they have missed critical information.
All in all, it was an interesting book, but I would recommend reading the first book before reading this one.


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A Conspiracy in Belgravia (Lady Sherlock #2)

A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. The mystery unfolded slowly and deliberately, just like in the first book of the series. Charlotte is a very interesting character, and it is intriguing to read about her, and all of her friends and associates. The evolution of "Sherlock Holmes" builds quite nicely.
I would definitely recommend reading the first book before this one, even immediately before this one. The way the author backhandedly drops little clues and takes her time revealing information would be almost impossible to follow without reading reading book one first; I even had a hard time remembering details, characters, and events because I read the first book several months ago. This "mysteriousness" on the part of the author may frustrate some readers--it was hard to keep up with all the Moriarty subplot--but it does fall in line with the world the author is trying to create, as well as the nature of Charlotte.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting mystery, fans of Sherlock Holmes, fans of Victorian London, or those who enjoy a strong female heroine who refuses to conform. But I would caution reading the first book in the series before tackling A Conspiracy in Belgravia.


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A Study in Scarlet Women (Lady Sherlock #1)

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I truly enjoyed this book. The author did a wonderful job of creating the character of Charlotte and dropping the reader into her story. This book was fun to read, and I cannot wait for the further adventures of Charlotte and her group of friends, family, and associates.
The author puts the reader right into the story from the beginning, and although it is up to the reader to figure a few things out and make some connections, it never feels as though crucial information is missing or being withheld. The reader is left with a desire to keep on going to uncover the secrets that are being revealed.
The author also does a very good job of describing Charlotte and the personality traits that make her unique without making Charlotte seem wooden or unsympathetic. She was relatable and her actions felt true. She had rooting value. I appreciated that.
At the same time, the author was letting the mystery that Charlotte and others were trying to sole develop and unfold. The pacing was very good, and I enjoyed following along as the characters searched for clues.
This was easily the best Victorian-era mystery I have read in a while, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The little reveal at the very end of the book really piqued my interest for the next installment in Charlotte's career as Sherlock Holmes. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a different take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories, and to anyone looking for a well-written, engaging, and fun-to-read mystery.


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I Let You Go

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Due to the subject matter--the death of a 5-year-old boy--I was wary of reading this book. But I kept hearing such amazing things about it that I decided to go ahead and give it a try. Although the first few chapters were emotionally hard to get though, I continued reading, and I am very glad that I did; I finished this book in one day.
Jenna leaves Bristol after the death of Jacob in a hit and run accident and finds herself in Wales, trying to escape her grief, her past, and what she sees as her guilt in Jacob's death. When her past literally catches up with her she is forced to come to terms with what her decisions and actions have brought about.
I heard a lot about the twist in this book, and must admit that I did not see it coming. I found myself saying, "Wait. That's not right... No... What?!?!" I went back and read the first half of the book again, and it just made it twist that much better. After that I had to keep reading to find out what happens to Jenna and how her past has created her present, not to mention what her future will hold. As a reader, I thought I understood the poignancy of the phrase "I let you go," throughout the first part of the book. But as I kept reading, I learned it also meant something entirely different.
The author's choice of narration and use of timeline help reinforce the tension in the book, and it is easy for the reader to identify with Jenna. One can feel the cold of the Welsh winds, smell the salt of the sea, and see the sun glinting off the sand.
My only issue with the book was the ending--it was just a touch too convenient and a little hard to believe. Also, the last several paragraphs were a little cliched. It certainly did not take away from my enjoyment of the book, however, and I will definitely recommend it. I Let You Go was an amazing read.


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