Review: "H2O" (The Rain #1) by Virgina Bergin

Synopsis:

It's in the rain...and just one drop will kill you.

They don't believe it at first. Crowded in Zach's kitchen, Ruby and the rest of the partygoers laugh at Zach's parents' frenzied push to get them all inside as it starts to drizzle. But then the radio comes on with the warning, "It's in the rain! It's fatal, it's contagious, and there's no cure."

Two weeks later, Ruby is alone. Anyone who's been touched by rain or washed their hands with tap water is dead. The only drinkable water is quickly running out. Ruby's only chance for survival is a treacherous hike across the country to find her father-if he's even still alive.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I feel like I was bamboozled! Led astray! Hoodwinked! This book was supposed to be spectacular! It's an apocalyptic world with killer rain! How could you go wrong with that! Obviously a lot because I seriously had to force myself to finish the book, and even then I was really only skimming the last half. What a waste of a perfectly good book cover...

The plot and ending isn't difficult to guess; I mean, you already know everyone is going to die, so there's no real mystery to it. Which kind of sucks about the premise because there isn't much to write about.

 

 

The main character, Ruby, made me want to give her some serious side eye action-- she was just too superficial. I'm still trying to figure out why she is worried about her hair and makeup? Or why she is concerned about cute guys or her female competition? Honey, you have much bigger problems to worry about like, oh I don't know, the people rapidly dying around you! I would be more worried about the safety of my loved ones and how I'm going to survive without water, but hey, that's just me.

 

 

Speaking of which, how would one prepare for an apocalypse involving killer rain? I haven't a clue,

but I do have an awesome, kick** survival plan for a zombie apocalypse!

 

 

While reading this book, I was insanely thirsty: I downed a whole bottle of Arizona Green Tea in two minutes! Anyways, This book is nothing to write home about, unless you see killer rain happening anytime soon-- which in that case, let me know. Otherwise, this book is a massive snoozefest.

336 pages

Expected publication: October 7th 2014 by Sourcebooks Fire

Rating:  🔔 🔔

Recommend?  Nope. Nada.

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Review: "The Whispering Skull" (Lockwood & Co. #2) by Jonathan Stroud

Synopsis:

 

In the six months since Anthony, Lucy, and George survived a night in the most haunted house in England, Lockwood & Co. hasn't made much progress. Quill Kipps and his team of Fittes agents keep swooping in on Lockwood's investigations. Finally, in a fit of anger, Anthony challenges his rival to a contest: the next time the two agencies compete on a job, the losing side will have to admit defeat in the Times newspaper.

Things look up when a new client, Mr. Saunders, hires Lockwood & Co. to be present at the excavation of Edmund Bickerstaff, a Victorian doctor who reportedly tried to communicate with the dead. Saunders needs the coffin sealed with silver to prevent any supernatural trouble. All goes well-until George's curiosity attracts a horrible phantom.

Back home at Portland Row, Lockwood accuses George of making too many careless mistakes. Lucy is distracted by urgent whispers coming from the skull in the ghost jar. Then the team is summoned to DEPRAC headquarters. Kipps is there too, much to Lockwood's annoyance. Bickerstaff's coffin was raided and a strange glass object buried with the corpse has vanished. Inspector Barnes believes the relic to be highly dangerous, and he wants it found.

The author of the blockbuster Bartimaeus series delivers another amusing, chilling, and ingeniously plotted entry in the critically acclaimed Lockwood & Co. series.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

Very rarely is a sequel better than the first. In this case, I would have to say parts of it were better and some parts were not. Now before you all jump down my throat or look at the screen crazy saying, "what?", let me explain. The story was even better than the last. The humor was even  better and everything is progressing nicely and setting up for the next book. However a select few of the characters were just not on their game. I'll get to that later.

This sequel was even more chilling than the previous book.  I'm not going to spoil it, but the plot was dreadfully good! (See what I did there?). Once again, it is in first person POV with the reader seeing through Lucy's eyes. I'm not sure if I like reading from Lucy's point of view, to be honest. Despite this, I deeply enjoyed then book. I am absolutely in love with the premise. It's like Ghostbusters meets the Three Musketeers.

 

And now for the nitty gritty. As stated previously (up above), I said stated that certain characters were not on their A-game, which was kind of a drag while reading (a big enough drag that deserves a place in RuPaul's Drag Race! LOL I'm so hilarious...). Lucy seemed to be a real wimp in this book. I just don't understand it since she didn't really act like this in the first book. She was acting way too much like a "scared-y" cat (yeah, I said it!). I kept wanting to say that this is the Lockwood & Co. series, and not Diary of a Wimpy Kid! Get it together, girl; you're an agent that fights ghosts.

The wisecrack of the group, George, was his ever so charming self and continued to make me laugh with his sarcasm and dry humor. However, in every group there is one token damsel in distress; i.e. Daphne in Scooby Doo, Amy in Doctor Who etc. And who was it in this group? Hint: starts with a "G" and ends with an "E". That's right folks, you guessed it: George. I totally face palmed when it happened, it was so ridiculous. Besides George, the skull was funny too. I liked the introduction of this new character...err...ghost?

Anyways, I loved the mystery and suspense factor within the plot as well as the team work between the protagonists. The suspense really kept me on edge. I said it before and I'll say it again...I love this series! You already know Stroud is setting us up for something quite spectacular in this book as well as the future books.

Favorite Quotes:

 

     "Where was that recent strangling case?" George said. "Where the ghost knocked on the window and killed the old lady?"

     "George, that was a window! This is a door!"

     "So what? They're both rectangular apertures! I can be strangled too!"

 

     "I'm fine," I said briskly. "So who's opening it?"

     "Not me," Lockwood tapped the sewn-up clawmarks on his coat front. "I did Mrs Barrett."

     "Well, I did that trapdoor in Melmoth House. George?"

     "I  did that secret room at the Savoy Hotel," George said. "You remember-- the one with the ancient plague mark on the door. Ooh, that was eerie."

     "No, it wasn't. It wasn't haunted or secret. It was a laundry room filled with pants."

     "I didn't know that when I went in, did I?" George protested. "Tell you what, we'll toss for it." He rummaged deep in his trousers, produced a dirty-looking coin. "What do you think, Luce? Heads or tails?"

     "I think---"

     "Heads? Interesting choice. Let's see." There was a blur of movement, too fast for the eye to follow. "Ah, it's tails. Unlucky, Luce. Here's the crowbar."

     Lockwood grinned. "Nice try, George, but you're doing it. Let's fetch the tools and seals"

 

400 pages

Expected publication: September 16th 2014 by Random House UK

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?   Yes. I demand that you read it! Just kidding (kind of)


(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Doubleday Children's)

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Review: "The Screaming Staircase" (Lockwood & Co. #1) by Jonathan Stroud

 Synopsis:

When the dead come back to haunt the living, Lockwood & Co. step in . . .

For more than fifty years, the country has been affected by a horrifying epidemic of ghosts. A number of Psychic Investigations Agencies have sprung up to destroy the dangerous apparitions.

Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, arrives in London hoping for a notable career. Instead she finds herself joining the smallest, most ramshackle agency in the city, run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When one of their cases goes horribly wrong, Lockwood & Co. have one last chance of redemption. Unfortunately this involves spending the night in one of the most haunted houses in England, and trying to escape alive.

Set in a city stalked by spectres, The Screaming Staircase is the first in a chilling new series full of suspense, humour and truly terrifying ghosts. Your nights will never be the same again . . .

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:
 

Okay so...this book was released last year, but in one of my rare moods I just had to read it before reading the sequel. I am pleased to announce that I am a new fan of Jonathan Stroud and the Lockwood & Co. series! It has officially filled the Percy Jackson and the Olympians withdrawal I have been experiencing lately.

 

Man, oh man, I adored the story! The idea of ghosts becoming what goes bump in the night was chilling. I liked the part that mainly children were able to fight ghosts, as they are more psychically open; especially since that has been a common belief in the real world. The only sucky part of this fictional universe is having to worry about being ghost touched (read the book and find out what that is. No spoilers here people!).
 

It is in first person POV and you're seeing (or reading, if you want to get technical) everything through Lucy's, our protagonist, eyes. This is a adventure/ mystery kind of book, which is sort of neat. There were multiple plots going on, so I wasn't exactly sure how they were going to be resolved or tie in, but alas, Stroud surprised me by tying every loose end into a cute little red bow. Also, I'm mostly sure that tis book is geared more towards preteens or even YA, but I believe even adults would heavily enjoy this book.
 

The characters were young, of course. I say that because: 1. they were immature at times;  2. naive every once in a while; and 3. could grate on your nerves. As I said, they are young so what do you expect? Although on a personal note, I don't think I eve acted like that, but who knows? Maybe I did and that's why my mom was always shaking her head at the things I said or did.  

 

Lucy, Anthony and George are like the Three Musketeers meets the Ghostbusters. They each bring something different to the table, which may be why they are as cohesive as a well oiled machine. George, by far, is my favorite with his dry humor and sarcasm. Anthony's quick wit and leadership is appreciated as well as  Lucy's...uh...being a girl? LOL just kidding everyone.

This is a great read and easily one of my new favorites! I recommend a read. And believe me, you will love it! (Or else....) just kidding again haha.

440 pages

Published August 29th 2013 by Doubleday Children’s Books

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔  

Recommend?   Yeah Yeah Yeah!

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Review: "Frostborn" (Thrones & Bones) by Lou Anders

Synopsis:

 

Meet Karn. He is destined to take over the family farm in Norrøngard. His only problem? He’d rather be playing the board game Thrones and Bones.

Enter Thianna. Half human, half frost giantess. She’s too tall to blend in with other humans but too short to be taken seriously as a giant.

When family intrigues force Karn and Thianna to flee into the wilderness, they have to keep their sense of humor and their wits about them. But survival can be challenging when you’re being chased by a 1,500-year-old dragon, Helltoppr the undead warrior and his undead minions, an evil uncle, wyverns, and an assortment of trolls and giants.
 *(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I am very pleased with this book. As much as I love fantasy based books, I tend to be a bit wary of ones containing dragons. This is a children's book, so be prepared for the young, naïve voice of both protagonists and POV characters, Karn and Thianna, because I honestly wasn't ready.

 

Back in the day when I was a kid, I wasn't much of a reader;  now I remember why. Reading the POV of a preteen character makes me want to pull my hair out! Karn, one of the protagonists, had me shaking my head every scene I read with him in it. I just don't get how his character can be written as quick-witted in dire situations, but completely and utterly clueless in other situations such as those regarding is uncle. It's basic common sense! Then again, common sense isn't so common, as Thomas Paine wrote.

 

Thianna wasn't much better in my eyes. I didn't quite like the self hatred she had. Instead of trying to fit in with the other giants, I wish she would have seen herself as one of a kind with her half human/ half giant mix. Add that to the fact that she was a thick-skulled. I kept wanting to hit her on the forehead and say, "should have had a V8".

Other than that, I liked the story and the Norse influences throughout it. The dragons were kind of funny, although they weren't really in this book as much. I saw right through that Karn's Uncle right from the beginning. When everyone finally figured it out, I was like "DUH!!". The ending was is a cliffhanger --- so hang on tight everyone!

Favorite Quote:

"For if you stand you'll surely fall. And if you fall, stand you will for now and all."

352 pages

Published August 5th 2014 by Crown Books for Young Readers

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔  

 

Recommend?   It was good in my eyes.

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Review: "Alias Hook" by Lisa Jensen

Synopsis:

"Every child knows how the story ends. The wicked pirate captain is flung overboard, caught in the jaws of the monster crocodile who drags him down to a watery grave. But it was not yet my time to die. It's my fate to be trapped here forever, in a nightmare of childhood fancy, with that infernal, eternal boy."

Meet Captain James Benjamin Hook, a witty, educated Restoration-era privateer cursed to play villain to a pack of malicious little boys in a pointless war that never ends. But everything changes when Stella Parrish, a forbidden grown woman, dreams her way to the Neverland in defiance of Pan’s rules. From the glamour of the Fairy Revels, to the secret ceremonies of the First Tribes, to the mysterious underwater temple beneath the Mermaid Lagoon, the magical forces of the Neverland open up for Stella as they never have for Hook. And in the pirate captain himself, she begins to see someone far more complex than the storybook villain.

With Stella’s knowledge of folk and fairy tales, she might be Hook’s last chance for redemption and release if they can break his curse before Pan and his warrior boys hunt her down and drag Hook back to their neverending game. Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen is a beautifully and romantically written adult fairy tale.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

As a Wicked fan, I'm all for learning the backstory of the supposed "antagonist"; things are never what they seem once you learn the truth. Honestly, this book bored me to tears at first, but I think the story was still trying to find its groove. By the end, I was surely engrossed in this not-so-classic tale.

For starters, let me tell you all that I have never seen Peter Pan nor have I read the tale. Granted, I sort of know the story due to a children's play of Peter Pan; so this might be why I was a bit disinterested when I started reading Alias Hook. By the middle of the story, however, things started to get very interesting. The reader discovers what Captain Hook's life was like from adolescence til his eventual imprisonment in Neverland. I have to say that I really felt bad for the guy; Hook was betrayed in a Count of Monte Cristo kind of way (for those of you who know that story-from the book and/or the movie).

In this reimagining, Peter Pan is the actual antagonist! Truthfully, I always though that little kid was devious and heartless- definitely not someone to admire or befriend. Pan and his Lost Boys are just a bunch of rascals who have nothing better to do then torment others without thought. Even though that is how children behave, I sure as sugar never acted that way. Yet I am a girl and men are boys, and boys are...boys LOL. Speaking of which, I loved the little comparisons between a man and a boy because they aren't much different.

Back to the story, the reader will see Hook get his own love interest and redeem himself. I'm not going to spoil it as to who it was, but I will say that I was heavily rooting for Hook to get his happily-ever-after; they do say that the third time is the charm (wink wink). Be fore warned that this isn't a child's tale, as it is a wee bit steamy for the young whippersnappers.

368 pages

Published July 8th 2014 by Thomas Dunne Books

Rating: 🔔 🔔 🔔       

Recommend?   Yep, but it will get you Hooked! (pun intended)

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Review: "Isis, Vampires and Ghosts - Oh My!" (The Other World) by Janis Hill

Synopsis:

When Stephanie Anders discovers her estranged, wild-child little sister has died and she must attend her funeral, she discovers that Estella’s death is not necessarily as terminal as she had been lead to believe and that, rather than dead, her sister is more of the undead variety. Too late to save her sister’s life, Stephanie Anders must now try to save her soul from the vampire who has possessed her, Branwyre, eighteenth vampire Lord of the Aegean.

With only the aid of the ghost of a pissed-off Buddhist monk with a potty mouth, and the modern day Priestess of Isis, Stephanie must battle demons and other denizens of a world she knows nothing about. Even her first task, to recover Branwyre’s crucible if she is to succeed in banishing the vampire before he has regained his full strength, is not what it seems.

But dealing with a demon, or double-binding a vampire in a sunbed pales in comparison to learning how to forgive her sister for what she did, especially if she is to have even half a chance of saving her soul.

Welcome to a world within our own, the Other World. A place of Darkness and Light; where gods, vampires, demons, and ghosts wage a constant struggle for survival.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I am under the impression that this is a stand alone novel, or at the very least the only book in a series. Which, coincidentally, is kind of a bummer since I actually want to read more of this story. There were a few grammar mistakes that I caught, but it didn't really take away from the story, in my opinion. This book is most definitely a melting pot of what you would see in today's paranormal series. The whole Isis/vampire thing did sound interesting, yet unconventional.

 

The protagonist, Stephanie, is your everyday funny and sarcastic older sister. Except she is not one to be trifled with. I loved her humor and overall caustic reactions to everything; it's just how I would react if it were me. She totally owned the demons she went up against- I mean some serious butt kicking! Trishna, the ghostly not-so-Buddhist monk, was also a riot but he had a serious potty mouth; I feel like I need to scrub both his mouth and my ears with soap. Stephanie's sister, Estella, wasn't so bad wasn't so bad once you got to meet her, and I'm pleased that she redeemed herself in the reader's eyes. The High Priestess was, thankfully, not as uptight as I would have imagined, and was, eerily, like a mind reader.

 

The best part of this book was probably the characters. The setting just didn't really draw my attention as much. There is no romantic love interest, so don't expect one. The only focal relationship you read about, is that of Stephanie and Estella. Admittedly, I cried tears of joy when Stephanie finally forgave Estella for her past mistakes years ago. Be warned that this book contains a whole new level of swear words and phrases than your average everyday cuss words. I just might say these one day...

 

Favorite Quote:

 

"What did she want me to say? That, yes, Santa really was real and if she was a good little High Priestess this year she was going to get a new shiny red bike?" - Stephanie

 

Expected publication: August 30th 2014 by Hague Publishing

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?   I liked it, but it may not be other people's cup of tea

 

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Hague Publishing)

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Review: "Snow Like Ashes" (Snow Like Ashes #1) by Sara Raasch

Synopsis:

A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

 

I have to say that at first this book was of to a slow start. But it started getting really good once I kept reading. The story was fantastic and amazing, and reminded me of a likeness of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.

 

My liking of the protagonist, Meira, was kind of off and on; sometimes I liked her fierceness, and sometimes I thought she was acting too much like a brat. I loved Theron and I hope that's who Meira ends up with at the endgame. His thoughtfulness and supportive nature made me swoon. He truly makes Meira a better person. Mather is weak, and if he truly loved Meira he wouldn't have betrayed her in the way that he did. All I know is, Meira better not end up with Mather or I will be pissed.

 

The revelations towards the end weren't surprising, as I had already guessed it (I'm good at guessing how a story will end) but it was still great. The end battles were written very well. The treatment of the Winter people reminded me of Avatar: The Last Air Bender. I definitely can't wait to read more.

Favorite Quotes:

"This" I lower my chakram. It's now aimed at the captain's left thigh. "They gave it to me and said throw! I don't even know how it works-" - Meira

There will always be a they in your life, Meira. They make decisions; they mold your future. The trick is to find a way to still be you through it all" - Theron

432 pages

Expected publication: October 14th 2014 by Balzer + Bray

 

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend? Worth a read.

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Review: "The Querulous Effect" by Arkay Jones

Synopsis:

 

WANTED:
Enthusiastic young assistant to help with top secret experiments
Must like animals – and insects
Must be fast worker and team player
ENQUIRE WITHIN

When Jay, on holiday in 'boring' Frimpton, sees an advertisement seeking a young assistant to help with 'top secret experiments', he could never have guessed that it will lead him on a quest that will take him from rural England to deep within the Arctic Circle.

Along the way, Jay meets Professor Theobald Ricardo and makes new friends, the studious Tim and Ella with her faithful terrier, Chip. Together, the three children encounter a range of engaging characters and face many exciting and scary experiences. As problems mount from the Professor’s secret experiments they leave the safety of England in an attempt to solve the mystery of the Querulous Effect.
*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

A cute, children's adventure story demonstrating that not all new discoveries are without danger.  The characters were endearing, and even the antagonist (who later becomes a protagonist) is as well. The adventure was nice, however I don't know how they traveled to Iceland and Greenland without their parents noticing (mine would). The ending was ambiguous which made it all the better. I learned a little more in the science area thanks to this book. The title is peculiar, and upon reading the book I understood the significance of it.

117 pages

Published June 25th 2014 by Matador

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  For all children

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Matador Publishing)

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Review: "Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer" by Van Jensen & Dusty Higgins

Synopsis:

This puppet may not be a real boy... but he just might be a real hero! When bloodthirsty monsters invade Pinocchio's hometown and kill his father, Geppetto, Pinocchio discovers a new benefit to his magical nose: telling lies produces a never-ending supply of wooden stakes to combat the vampire hordes! Will Pinocchio be able to defeat these horrors, avenge his father, and save his friends? Now, for the first time, the complete trilogy is collected together in a single deluxe softcover edition. Jensen (Green Lantern Corps) and Higgins (Knights of the Living Dead) present a captivating blend of comedy, horror, romance, and adventure, rooted in the original Italian novel, but brought - as if by magic - to new life.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

This is probably the best graphic novel I have read. It's the perfect blend of humor, action, adventure, paranormal and the classic tale we all know. The premise is quite ingenious; I'm surprised no one thought of it.

 

I laughed so hard when reading this. The humor is just too good, but not "stupid funny", thankfully. All the characters were great-even the bad ones. I like that all the characters were more realistic. The whole book had a Buffy, Vampire Slayer vibe going on. If they don't put this graphic novel up on the big screen, I will be tremendously disappointed.

 

528 pages

Published June 24th 2014 by Top Shelf Productions

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  Great for a laugh or two.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Top Shelf Productions)

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Review: "Blightborn" (The Heartland Trilogy #2) by Chuck Wendig

Synopsis:

 

Cael McAvoy is on the run. He’s heading toward the Empyrean to rescue his sister, Merelda, and to find Gwennie before she’s lost to Cael forever. With his pals, Lane and Rigo, Cael journeys across the Heartland to catch a ride into the sky. But with Boyland and others after them, Cael and his friends won’t make it through unchanged.

Gwennie’s living the life of a Lottery winner, but it’s not what she expected. Separated from her family, Gwennie makes a bold move—one that catches the attention of the Empyrean and changes the course of an Empyrean man’s life.

The crew from Boxelder aren’t the only folks willing to sacrifice everything to see the Empyrean fall. The question is: Can the others be trusted?

They’d all better hurry. Because the Empyrean has plans that could ensure that the Heartland never fights back again.

Chuck Wendig’s riveting sequel to Under the Empyrean Sky plunges readers into an unsettling world of inequality and destruction, and fleshes out a cast of ragtag characters all fighting for survival and, ultimately, change.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

Another brilliant cover art piece this one is. I must admit that I have not read the first book of the series, so ultimately I was lost at first. Thankfully it didn't take away from the story too much, and I was able to catch up with all the different storylines and subplots. I would consider this book high fantasy and a dystopian, that is filled with action, adventure and a little humor. The world Chuck Wendig is mind-blowing.

Blightborn definitely has a cast of characters within the story, and that is putting it lightly. From the tyrant to the courageous rebel leader to the homosexual sidekick; it was pretty entertaining. Each of their storylines pulled at my heart strings; I really felt empathetic to their predicament. There are also a whole lot of love triangles, which were kind of...weird. But then again, books reflect reality.

The writing was amazing and the story grabbed my attention from the first page. The length of the book is on the long side though, so beware. That ending left me in awe.  While I am impatiently awaiting the next book in the series, I might read the first book.

Published July 29th 2014 by Skyscape

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  For anyone who enjoys dystopian novels

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Skyscape Publishing)

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Review: "The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter" (The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire #1) by Rod Duncan

Synopsis:

 

Elizabeth Barnabus lives a double life—as herself and as her brother, the private detective. She is trying to solve the mystery of a disappearing aristocrat and a hoard of arcane machines. In her way stand the rogues, freaks and self-proclaimed alchemists of a travelling circus. But when she comes up against an agent of the all-powerful Patent Office, her life and the course of history will begin to change. And not necessarily for the better…*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

The cover art of this book is as creative as the actual story. It gave me the feeling that I was reading a combination of The Master of Disguise and She's the Man, except this was more of a detective mystery with a steampunk element to it. I was definitely on the edge of my seat while reading. Also, the characters were likable for the most part.

Elizabeth is a pretty street-smart and cunning character. How she manages to lead a double life as her "twin brother Edwin, the detective" with none the wiser, is a mystery to me. There wasn't a lot of her past shown in the book, but what the reader does learn about her past is shocking indeed. Her strength of character is admirable, and I enjoyed her scenes with the illustrious John Farthing. The reader certainly doesn't know anything about Agent John
Farthing except that he's American; we do, however, see his attraction to Elizabeth. Tinker and Julia might be my favorite characters thus far. Julia's loyalty to Elizabeth is quite refreshing, and Tinker's cuteness is endearing. There are some sketchy characters as well..you'll see.

As for the story, "woah" is all I can say. I liked the "dancing bear trick" that was pulled on a certain character; it surprised me since I usually can guess the outcome of a story. The tie-in with the book's title was very clever as well. I am definitely tuning in for the next book. On a side note: I am still questioning if there was ever a brother? I have no idea.

384 pages

Expected publication: August 26th 2014 by Angry Robot
 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?    Oh Yeah!

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Review: "Queen of Hearts" (Queen of Hearts Saga #1) by Colleen Oakes

Synopsis:

Not every fairytale has a happy ending.
This is the story of a princess who became a villain.
***
A Father’s Betrayal. A Kingdom with a Black Secret. A Princess Slowly Unraveling.

As Princess of Wonderland Palace and the future Queen of Hearts, Dinah’s days are an endless monotony of tea, tarts, and a stream of vicious humiliations at the hands of her father, the King of Hearts. The only highlight of her days is visiting Wardley, her childhood best friend, the future Knave of Hearts — and the love of her life.

When an enchanting stranger arrives at the Palace, Dinah watches as everything she’s ever wanted threatens to crumble. As her coronation date approaches, a series of suspicious and bloody events suggests that something sinister stirs in the whimsical halls of Wonderland. It’s up to Dinah to unravel the mysteries that lurk both inside and under the Palace before she loses her own head to a clever and faceless foe.

Part epic fantasy, part twisted fairy tale, this dazzling saga will have readers shivering as Dinahs furious nature sweeps Wonderland up in the maelstrom of her wrath.

Familiar characters such as Cheshire, the White Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter make their appearance, enchanting readers with this new, dark take on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

 

First off, is it just me or have a lot of recent books been based on fairytales?  This isn't the first book I have read of late that was reimagining of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  What should have been a picturesque book with flawless writing,  turned out to be the complete opposite.  I originally thought it had everything it needed to be a fan-freaking-tastic series:

 

Wonderland?  Check.

Characters we love?  Check.

Characters we love to hate? Check

Beheadings?  Check. Check.

Alice?  I looked high and low and saw no Alice.

Action? Check.

Romance? Check mate.

 

Sadly no.  I wanted to throw this book at the wall more than once.  Trust me, I was tempted.  The lead, Dinah, is supposed to be 17 years old, but she behaves like a toddler.  I know she's supposed to have a blind fury, but she just took it to astronomical levels!  I was questioning motives during the entire book.  So many things were unclear but the story almost acted like it told you twenty pages ago!  I had questions like: Why does the Chesire hate her to begin with?  Did the King of Hearts kill Dinah's mother, Davianna?  Is Vittiore his lover?  Things I NEEDED to know. 

 

And what is up with the way the King treats Dinah?  He treats and loathes her like she's the bastard child that pissed in his cheerios that morning.  The King just "conveniently" happens to have a bastard who he crowned "Duchess Vittiore", and she's TOO perfect.  I can tell.  No one is without some flaw: crooked teeth, body odor, horrible personality, speech impediment. 

 

I did feel a little empathy for Dinah, though.  I know what it's like to have a father who wishes he had a more "favorable" daughter. Or even son, perhaps.  I feel like the King must be intimidated of Dinah (she will be a ruler to behold).  For Pete's sake, and the guards and servants! I don't know why they are as stupid and/or comfortable enough to constantly insult her.  I have no worries though, because it will be "OFF WITH THEIR HEAD!".

 

The Black Tower description was like a rip off of Game of Thrones, to be honest.  The supposed romance was forced, and Wardley felt more like a companion in a strictly platonic way.  The characters and plot were a little dry;  Mad Hatter was my favorite of all of them.  I wish Dinah would listen to the signs as said in the book, and stop play dumb with her finger up her butt.  This book was just okay, but I might tune in for the next just to see if it suddenly becomes a masterpiece.

 

222 pages

Published February 14th 2014 by SparkPress

 

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?   Worth a read if you have patience



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Review: "Left Turn at Paradise: A Rare Book Mystery" (Antiquarian Book Mystery #2) by Thomas Shawyer

Synopsis:

Michael Bevan is barely scraping by with his used bookstore and rare book collection when he discovers a timeworn journal that may change everything. Dating back to 1768, the tattered diary appears to be a chronicle kept during the first of legendary seafarer Captain James Cook’s three epic voyages through the Pacific islands. If it’s as valuable as Mike thinks it is, its sale may just bring enough to keep his faltering used bookstore afloat for another year.

Then he meets a pair of London dealers with startling news: Adrian Hart and Penelope Wilkes claim to possess the journal of Cook’s second voyage. Is it possible a third diary exists? One which might detail Cook’s explosive final voyage—and his death at the hands of native
Hawaiians? Together, all three would be the holy grail of Pacific exploration. But before Mike can act, the two journals are stolen.

Chasing them down will sweep Michael, Adrian, and Penelope across the globe—past a dead body or two—and into a very sinister slice of paradise. High in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, in a remote and secretive Maori compound, a secret rests in the hands in of a man daring enough to rewrite history . . . and desperate enough to kill.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review

 

A fast paced, adventure with a hint of mystery this book proved to be.  It has some historical aspects to it; for example Captain James Cook and his voyages.

I've read about Captain Cook in passing during high school, so it was nice to brush up on some history. I also liked learning about little known facts about New Zealand.  I've never really known about the Maori beliefs, but it was pretty neat to read about it. The description of the war dance seems very apt, as I have witnessed it myself.

 

I'm not sure why there needed to be a love triangle with Tane, Pillow and Michael. It kind of made sense but then it didn't. I don't see how that was so important to the story. I could have personally done without.  The ending was interesting; I'm not sure I agree with it, but it was intriguing nonetheless. Not a bad read.

Expected publication: August 26th 2014 by Alibi

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?      Worth a read. Any adventure lovers will like this book.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Alibi Publishing)

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Review: "Supernatural Enhancements" by Edgar Cantero

Synopsis:

When twentysomething A., the unexpected European relative of the Wells family, and his companion, Niamh, a mute teenage girl with shockingly dyed hair, inherit the beautiful but eerie estate of Axton House, deep in the woods of Point Bless, Virginia, it comes as a surprise to everyone—including A. himself. After all, he never even knew he had a "second cousin, twice removed" in America, much less that the eccentric gentleman had recently committed suicide by jumping out of the third floor bedroom window—at the same age and in the same way as his father had before him . . .

Together, A. and Niamh quickly come to feel as if they have inherited much more than just a rambling home and a cushy lifestyle. Axton House is haunted, they know it, but that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the secrets they slowly but surely uncover. Why all the suicides? What became of the Axton House butler who fled shortly after his master died?
What lurks in the garden maze and what does the basement vault keep? And what of the rumors in town about a mysterious gathering at Axton House on the night of the winter solstice?

Told vividly through a series of journal entries, scrawled notes, recovered security footage, letters to Aunt Liza, audio recordings, complicated ciphers, and even advertisements, Edgar Cantero has written a dazzling and original supernatural adventure featuring classic horror elements with a Neil Gaiman-ish twist.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

 

This book was absolutely brilliant.  The story was fast paced and instantly ensnared me.  The build-up was amazing, and I found myself wanting to jump inside the book and interact with the characters when it came to clues.  Speaking of which, I have heard of encrypting letters during wars, but I never knew the types and how to do it.  It was quite fascinating to learn a little history about it and know how to encrypt and decrypt letters for future reference (you never know).  Trying to figure out the clues made me feel like Nancy Drew or one of the Hardy boys.

I could barely figure out what clue led to what. Usually I am very good at solving riddles or figuring out the clues before the characters do, but this book left me stumped.  I enjoyed the brain challenge. The dialogue was pretty interesting between Niamh and A.  I have never met a mute person, so it was interesting reading the communication between Niamh and other characters.

The red herring and twist at the end definitely got me; I really didn't see it coming, which is surprising to me.  The mystery element was the finest I have ever read. The saying that hindsight is always 20/20 is quite true in regards to this book, because looking back I can now piece together the clues to see how it all fit together; perhaps the characters can too.

368 pages

Expected publication: August 12th 2014 by Doubleday

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?     Yes! For Everyone!

(ARC courtesy of Doubleday Publishing and Net Galley)

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Review: "Oliver and the Seawigs" by Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre (Illustrator)

Synopsis:

Oliver grew up in a family of explorers - but his biggest adventure is about to begin!

Along with his new friends, a grumpy old albatross, a short-sighted mermaid and a friendly island called Cliff, Oliver goes off in search of his missing parents. But before he can put his rescue plan into action there's the evil Stacey de Lacey and an army of greasy, green sea monkeys to contend with . . .

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

 

I haven't picked up and read a children's book since I was in elementary school, but it turned out to be an endearingly cute story full of adventure.  The concept was very imaginative; I enjoyed the interesting twist about islands.  Illustrations were well done and comic book like.  It was a fairly light read and very fun.  I honestly wish this book was around when I was a kid. 

195 pages

Published September 5th 2013 by Oxford University Press

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?    I recommend to any child (or even adult) who enjoys

                             a little imagination.

(ARC courtesy of Oxford University Press and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review)

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