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: "Fool's Assassin" (The Fitz and the Fool Trilogy #1) by Robin Hobb

Synopsis:

'Fantasy as it ought to be written' GEORGE R.R. MARTIN
Tom Badgerlock has been living peaceably in the manor house at Withywoods with his beloved wife Molly these many years, the estate a reward to his family for loyal service to the crown.

But behind the facade of respectable middle-age lies a turbulent and violent past. For Tom Badgerlock is actually FitzChivalry Farseer, bastard scion of the Farseer line, convicted user of Beast-magic, and assassin. A man who has risked much for his king and lost more…

On a shelf in his den sits a triptych carved in memory stone of a man, a wolf and a fool. Once, these three were inseparable friends: Fitz, Nighteyes and the Fool. But one is long dead, and one long-missing.

Then one Winterfest night a messenger arrives to seek out Fitz, but mysteriously disappears, leaving nothing but a blood-trail. What was the message? Who was the sender? And what has happened to the messenger?

Suddenly Fitz's violent old life erupts into the peace of his new world, and nothing and no one is safe.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

Admittedly, I have not read nor heard of the Farseer books until coming across this one. It does leave something to be desired when you haven't read the previous books. Although this is a new trilogy, the main character, Fitz, has been a long standing protagonist throughout the Farseer books. Therefore, I didn't have a clue as to what the characters' backstory was; especially with a character oriented book such as this. Despite my initial confusion, I found this novel to be marvelous.

The biggest draw for me was the characters. I admire Robin Hobb's ability to write her characters with such brutal honesty and depth. It's been a while since I've read a story that actually made me feel for those characters. There is so much emotion conveyed in each chapter, it sort of devastates you; these characters aren't just killed off- for death would be too easy- they suffer through their trials and tribulations.

The is more of an adult perspective rather than young adult, so expect too see read some adult situation if you catch my drift. It isn't a action packed story, but more of a slow paced one; perhaps its more of a lead in book to something much m,ore grand in the future two novels. I  like where this book is heading, and just might read the previous books to get the whole feel of this fantastical world the author has created.

667 pages

Published August 12th 2014 by Harper Voyager

Rating:🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  If you read the previous Farseer novels, then you will like

                              this one

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Review: "Remnants of Passion" by Sarah Einstein

Synopsis:

Remnants of Passion is a collection of essays that examine one woman’s search for love, sex, and a sense of belonging from adolescence into middle age. It’s equal parts queer and quotidian, ranging in its focus from lesbians fighting over the politics of penetration to first kisses, from apologies never made to a marriage held together with spaghetti.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

Normally, I would only post about fiction books, however this one was special and an exception.  It's a short read, but a very powerful one.  I laughed, cried and sighed all through the book. 

 

The prose had a stong voice that really spoke volumes, despite the fact that the writing was quite simple.  I really felt empathetic in
every situation, like I really was there experiencing it.  It really reflects life and love, but also plights of insecurity, misunderstanding, and mistakes.  Although a change of pace from my usual reads, I really loved this book. Sarah Einstein definitely lives up to her surname with this masterpiece.

37 pages

Published June 22nd 2014 by Shebooks

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?        A definite must for all women

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and SheBooks)

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Review: "Truly" (New York #1) by Ruthie Knox

Synopsis:

May Fredericks hates New York. Which is fair enough, since New York seems to hate her back. Just weeks after moving from Wisconsin to Manhattan, she receives the world's worst marriage proposal, stabs her boyfriend with a shrimp fork in a very public venue, and accidentally becomes notorious. And that’s before she gets mugged.

At her wit's end, May washes up at a Packers bar in Greenwich Village, where she meets a surly, unhelpful guy who hates her shoes and calls her ex a douche.

His name is Ben. He used to be a chef. Now he's a rooftop beekeeper with anger management issues. She wouldn't even like him, but he reminds her of home … and he knows where to find all the best food in the Village.

She makes him laugh. He buys her tacos and cowboy boots. The longer they’re stuck together, the better May and Ben get along … and the harder they fall. TRULY is a quirky, modern New York love story unlike any you've read before.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

Interesting read, I must say.  The main story line immediately starts, and builds gradually over the course of the book.  It's not what you would usually see in romance books; i.e the handsome, rich guy just waiting for "The One".  It's the exact opposite of that.

Ben is somewhat of a Byronic hero, with  his brusqueness, past etc. He's not the typical guy portrayed in books; perhaps more realistic. May was pretty ballsy for dumping her rich, good-looking athlete of a boyfriend to find her own path in life, knowing she deserved better. I can't say that many women would do that.  She's pretty insecure about her weight, which was okay at first, but was kind of annoying when she kept bringing it up. The sister, Allie, has a bit of a story arc of her own, and the mom is the typical overbearing sort.

 

The heroine of the story was lucky she met a stranger that took her in, in New York of all places! Not saying it couldn't happen, but very rarely it does especially without repercussions; for example rape, murder...New York is the mecca for crime. Anyways, it was a cute read with the heroine striving to be the best version of herself and being a dreamer. I can relate...

Published September 2013 by Random House Loveswept

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  To anyone who enjoys contemporary romance and Byronic heroes

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Random House)

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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: "The Tone Poet" by Mark Rickert

Synopsis:

When a family car accident leaves six-year-old Cameron Blake for dead, his body in engulfed by a light that sings extraordinary music. Once his heart beats again, the music fades and is gone. This is astral music, and it haunts Cameron for the rest of his life. As an adult, Cameron is a renowned composer, but he feels unsatisfied. He's spent his life trying to recapture those astral tones he heard at death's doorstep. Unable to grasp the elusive music, his latest commission has left him burned out and disillusioned. He meets Maestro Leonin Bloom who has the lofty aspirations to perform the musical expression of the creative universe and he needs Cameron's help. Cameron travels to Holloway where Bloom keeps his orchestra and a private concert hall. But something is unwittingly off in the small mountain town. A woman is missing, the nights are haunted by strange music, and Cameron is drawn into darkness rather than enlightenment.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

I knew this book was going to be something special based on the synopsis.  I was hooked from the first sentence, like an audience member hearing the first note in a song.  The story itself is likened to a riveting performance.

This is a multi-POV book and is really well done, I might add.  Sometimes it leaves a lot to be desired, (like a real connection to each character), but the author, Mark Rickert, executed it flawlessly. The characters were so amazingly written, that  I felt like I knew each character and encountered their experiences.

 

The writing was, unsurprisingly, nothing short of spectacular.  The imagery was very vivid, that I was left enthralled after the jaw-dropping first chapter.  Every moment and scene are like musical notes that lead you into the crescendo of the story, reminding the reader that there is no room for happily-ever-afters in this world.

Favorite Quotes:

 

"I mean, I'm not a religious guy, but if I were, I'd think we were fucking with things we shouldn't be fucking with." - Cameron

"We may both be Tone Poets, but we are not of the same keel. You heard Heaven; I heard Hell. That makes us different in my book." - Kalek

Expected publication: October 29th 2014 by Boutique of Quality Books

 

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?    I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys mystery and

                             suspense with a dash of supernatural.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and BQB Publishing in exchange for an honest review)

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Review: "A Sudden Light" by Garth Stein

Synopsis:

When a boy tries to save his parents’ marriage, he uncovers a legacy of family secrets in a coming-of-age ghost story by the author of the internationally bestselling phenomenon, The Art of Racing in the Rain.

In the summer of 1990, fourteen-year-old Trevor Riddell gets his first glimpse of Riddell House. Built from the spoils of a massive timber fortune, the legendary family mansion is constructed of giant, whole trees, and is set on a huge estate overlooking Puget Sound. Trevor’s bankrupt parents have begun a trial separation, and his father, Jones Riddell, has brought Trevor to Riddell House with a goal: to join forces with his sister, Serena, dispatch Grandpa Samuel—who is flickering in and out of dementia—to a graduated living facility, sell off the house and property for development into “tract housing for millionaires,” divide up the profits, and live happily ever after.

But Trevor soon discovers there’s someone else living in Riddell House: a ghost with an agenda of his own. For while the land holds tremendous value, it is also burdened by the final wishes of the family patriarch, Elijah, who mandated it be allowed to return to untamed forestland as a penance for the millions of trees harvested over the decades by the Riddell Timber company. The ghost will not rest until Elijah’s wish is fulfilled, and Trevor’s willingness to face the past holds the key to his family’s future.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

This was a beautifully written story about familial bonds that can either be your source of strength, or hold you back. It's about forgiveness, love, loss, truth and promises kept.  It's about doing the right thing versus what is more convenient.  It's forgiving yourself for whatever blame you carry from your past, and seeking redemption through good deeds.

 

This is the first Garth Stein book I've read, so I really didn't know what to expect.  I am glad to say that I was very moved by the story.  The characters were quite peculiar and interesting.  You can see the impact each one has on the unfolding of the story.  It has some historical content and ghost story elements to it.  While it may not be tempting to some, it proved essential and added character to the overall story.  I found myself smiling one minute, then crying the next.  It alternates between past and present in a Princess Bride fashion.

400 pages

Expected publication: August 28th 2014 by Simon & Schuster UK

 

Rating:🔔🔔
🔔🔔

 

Recommend?    It's definitely worth a read

(ARC courtesy of Simon and Schuster UK and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review)

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