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The Chalk Man centers around a small town in the U.K. that experienced a brutal crime in the 1980s. It is now 2006, and Edward Adams is a schoolteacher living in the same house in which he grew up. One day he gets a mysterious note containing a stick figure and a pice of chalk, which causes memories of his childhood and the chalk figures he drew with his friends to resurface. Who is bringing the chalk men back after all these years? Has the time finally come for the secrets of the past to be exposed?
Tudor's novel is a psychological suspense/thriller novel somewhat in the style of Gone Girl and Lianne Moriarty's books. Perspective shifts between 1986 and 2006, with bits and pieces of information revealed gradually as the story progresses. It is a fairly quick read, and enjoyable for fans of this genre.
Virginia Troy is an art gallery owner who as a child was rescued from a cult with several other children. Virginia's mother and most of the other adults were killed in the fire set by the cult's leader, Quinton Zane. In present day Virginia receives a cryptic warning from one of the surviving adults that suggests Zane survived and has returned. Virginia employs private investigator Cabot Sutter, one of the other cult kids, to help get to the bottom of it. Sparks begin to fly as the two are pulled into a whirlwind of murder and deception.
As with the first book in this series, When All the Girls Have Gone, Promise Not to Tell is a pretty straightforward mystery-romance. It's a fun page-turner with likable characters and a sweet love story, great for beach reading.
Jude Duarte is a human, but she has lived in Faerie since the age of seven with her twin sister and their half-fey older sister, whose father brought them back from the mortal world. Being human, Jude has never felt like she belonged, but lately things have gotten worse with her tormenters at school. The spoiled, arrogant Prince Cardan appears to love nothing more than making Jude's life miserable. When Jude starts fighting back however, she discovers the faerie royal family may not be entirely what it seems. How far will Jude be willing to go to protect the ones she loves?
The Cruel Prince is a great start to a new YA trilogy that promises intrigue, cunning, badass women, and sacrifice in spades. I look forward to the next installment!
The Girl in the Tower continues the story of Vasilisa Petrovna begun in The Bear and the Nightingale. After the deaths of her father and stepmother, Vasya has few options open to her in the tiny village where many now think her a witch. With the help of the frost demon she takes to the road, seeking adventure. Along the way she stumbles upon a mysterious evil that she may be uniquely suited to help defeat. However, she will have to overcome the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated world in order to save those she loves.
The second installment in the Winternight series is as magical as the first, with colorful characters and a backbone of fairy tale. The author is careful to infuse as much historical accuracy as possible into the story, so that readers feel they have been transported to old Russia. Great for fans of fantasy and fairy tale retellings.
Weylyn Grey has always been different. Orphaned at a young age, he lived undiscovered with a wolf pack for years until he befriended a human girl and was later placed with a foster family. His alternative upbringing is not the only unusual thing about Weylyn though - nature appears to behave oddly whenever he's around, whether it's the cluster of animals visiting his room in the night or the storms that appear whenever he's upset. Weaving through time and the perspectives of the people who meet him along the way, Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance tells the story of Weylyn's life.
The unique, well-developed characters and short chapters engage the reader immediately and keeps the story moving until the end. The hint of magic appeals to fantasy fans without putting off those who prefer to stay grounded in reality. A great read for anyone who loves books revolving around interpersonal relationships.
Nina Beaulieu is not like other girls of her station - she prefers insects and practicing her telekinetic abilities to embroidery and dancing. She has been sent to the city under the supervision of her cousin Valerie to participate in the Grand Season and become more ladylike. Soon after arriving a handsome performer named Hector Auvray catches her eye and begins courting her. However, the courtship may not be what it seems...
The Beautiful Ones is a story of love and the drama that is ever present when money and privilege are involved. Though fairly predictable, the novel is enjoyable due to likable characters and an interesting setting. Fans of social drama among the rich and powerful will like this book.
A Plague of Giants is the first installment in an epic fantasy series set in a complex world of natural magic. Each country possesses a “kenning,” which is magical ability within a particular type - earth, air, fire, water, etc. Hence the “seven kennings” of the series title. This novel begins with a previously unknown race invading a country in the known world and spreading wholesale slaughter in their wake. Fintan, a bard whose kenning gives him perfect recall and the ability to project his voice, has come to this ravaged nation to tell the story of how the invasion unfolded and what has been going on in the other countries as a result.
He tells the story from the viewpoints of a host of different individuals from throughout the realm, giving the novel a range of narration styles. It is fun for readers to dive into each character and learn more about their countries, kennings, and personalities, as well as discerning their role in the larger saga. With a well-built world and an endless opportunity for great characters, the Seven Kennings series is sure to be a hit with fantasy fans!
Chasing Phil is an account of one of the FBI's earliest long-term undercover operations, undertaken when the Bureau's culture was still very much against undercover work. The other hurdle was that financial fraud was also not considered to be a crime damaging enough to warrant big FBI investigations. Despite these roadblocks, two young FBI agents persevered and cobbled together an undercover investigation of an incredibly prolific con man named Phil Kitzer.
While it is clearly well-researched and the investigation is an impressive one, the book is somewhat slow and has many abrupt transitions that don't seem to lead anywhere. It may be due to the piecemeal nature of the materials the agents were able to gather, as audio recording back then was difficult to do undetected. The book is interesting but not a page turner.
The Goblins of Bellwater is a magical (literally) romance set in a small town near Puget Sound. The Sylvain cousins and the Darwen sisters are all drawn to the forest, and they end up getting more than they bargained for in the process. One way or another, a goblin curse will change the course of their lives forever - will they prevail or will the course destroy them?
It is refreshing to read books featuring twenty-somethings amidst a seeming dichotomy of either teens or thirty-to-forty-somethings in existing literature. Fans of the new adult genre will enjoy the relatable relationships in Ringle's book. It's also a great read for the fantasy crowd, with a well-developed magical creature plotline. A fun story that kept me turning the pages to the end!
Invictus follows the life of Farway Gaius McCarthy, a boy without a birth date whose only goal in life is to become a Recorder like his famous mother and spend his days traveling through time. After failing his final exam, he is adrift until receiving an offer from a black market overlord to captain a time machine in order to retrieve valuables from the past. Farway and his team are enjoying their secret adventures until one day a strange girl appears during one of their heists and throws everything into turmoil. Where did she come from? What does she want? As the team works to uncover answers to these questions, they may discover more than they bargained for...
With its cast of quirky, lovable characters and fast-paced action, Invictus draws the reader in almost immediately. Focus on the female and male leads is nearly equal, which will appeal to all readers. The story tackles a question most people probably wonder about time travel - what would happen if someone from the future had a child with someone from the past? What about if a child were born during time travel? This exciting novel pulses with camaraderie, loyalty, adventure, and love until the very end.
The Frostblood saga continues with the second installment, Fireblood. In the aftermath of the events surrounding the melting of the Frost Throne, Arcus tries to stabilize his kingdom as Ruby does her best not to suffocate in the hostility of the court. When a handsome young ambassador from Sudesia appears with an offer to take Ruby there to meet the queen and train with Fireblood masters, Ruby sees an opportunity to not only learn how to defeat the Minax released from the Frost Throne, but also to finally meet more people like her. Her travels to Sudesia test her physical, mental, and emotional strength to the limits as the fates of Tempesia and Sudesia hang in the balance.
Fireblood is an enjoyable read and continues the development of its strong female lead. The unnecessary love triangle is the biggest detractor of the story, but it does not ruin the book. I look forward to seeing how events progress in book three.
Age of Swords continues the action of the first book in the series, Age of Myth. Persephone, now the chief of her clan, must lead her people to safety after their village is destroyed by the Fhrey. Realizing that the Fhrey will no longer leave her people in peace, she must try to unite all the clans if they will have any chance of surviving the impending war.
The girl power in this book is great. I can't say much more about that without revealing spoilers, but the women in this story kick butt and it is terrific. Michael J. Sullivan has further developed characters that were more peripheral in the first book, which enhances the depth of the narrative and the overall world-building. The engaging action draws the reader through the story and leaves you ready for the next installment! Fantasy fans will enjoy this series, especially if they start at the beginning.
4.5/5. In the spirit of full disclosure I will say that I met Andy Weir when I got this book, and he is awesome, so I was somewhat predisposed to like it. However, I would have enjoyed it anyway. It has the same snark, nerdiness, and real science in palatable form that made The Martian such a great read, but it's a totally different story. Rather than an adorably geeky scientist stranded on Mars, we have a rough-edged smuggler who has grown up on the moon and will do anything to keep from being deported to Earth. Though there are supporting characters, they don't get developed too much - the story mostly revolves around Jazz, our lovable rogue. One of my favorite parts of the book was her pen pal relationship with a boy on Earth - it provided additional glimpses into her childhood and overall character. I would have liked for the other people to have more depth as well, but perhaps we will see them again (I hope!) - there is certainly room left at the end for more Artemis. Andy Weir has written another ode to geeks that is sure to please many!
“Ten Dead Comedians” is a comedic update of Agatha Christie's “And Then There Were None.” Ten comedians of varying levels of fame and fortune end up on a remote tropical island, lured by an opportunity too good to pass up. When they find the island deserted, no sign of their famous host, they aren't too alarmed until they start dying one by one. As the hours wear on, who will be the last comic standing?
The writing is light and the characters are fairly well developed given the relatively short length of the book. The stand-up routines interspersed throughout the story are entertaining and provide additional insight into the characters. A fun read for fans of classic mystery novels.
The Bedlam Stacks immerses the reader in the era of the East India Company, when trade was ruthless and the natural resources of less developed countries were being plundered. Merrick Tremayne has been out of the business because of an injury, but due to his extensive knowledge of plants and an old family connection to a remote Peruvian village he is recruited to travel to Peru for an important mission. He has been tasked with smuggling quinine cuttings out of the country in order to help treat the worsening malaria epidemic in India. When Merrick arrives in the tiny village he encounters unusual superstitions centered around incredibly lifelike statues and the salt line that separates the village from the forest. Equally mysterious is the village priest, Raphael, who appears to know more than he's saying.
The story winds its way through Merrick's journey, with occasional flashbacks to provide more of his history. A lovely tale of friendship and faith set in a fascinating world with just a hint of the fantastical, The Bedlam Stacks is perfect for fans of magical realism.
Two Nights is a suspense novel centered around Sunday “Sunnie” Night, a troubled woman with a horrific past that she does her best to never remember. She is yanked out of her recluse lifestyle by a case that tugs at her childhood memories, and once she begins investigating she refuses to stop until she has gotten to the bottom of the whole mess, even if it sparks recollections she would rather forget. While the story is not bad, I couldn't really get attached to any of the characters. Additionally, it was lacking in the science tidbits that I expect and enjoy in Kathy Reichs books. If there is a sequel I will probably read it, but will not be waiting at the edge of my seat for it to be released.
When the skeleton of a newborn is found on a construction site, three women are drawn to the story - a reporter, a mother who once lost a baby, and a young wife with a secret. The Child alternates primarily between these three perspectives, as the reporter works to uncover the truth about the “Building Site Baby.” It is an engaging mystery, but if one is expecting a thriller this book does not really deliver. However, the characters are interesting and I never got bogged down while reading. It is a good beach read!
The Waking Land follows Elanna Valtai, a young woman who has grown up as a hostage in a foreign court since the age of 5. She is now 19, and as that court destabilizes she finds herself adrift and on her way back to the homeland she barely remembers. She must embrace the powers she has suppressed most of her life and decide who she truly is if she is to have any hope of saving the lands and people she holds dear. This book is a refreshing fantasy perfect for the often neglected late teens/early twenties age group, and anyone who enjoys strong female characters. The world-building draws heavily on existing cultures (Scottish/Celtic, French, Greek), but that makes it relatable. All in all, an enjoyable read.
Greek mythology has always interested me, so I was drawn to House of Names - an adaptation of the story of King Agamemnon and his family. I appreciated Colm Toibin's creative imagining of how Clytemnestra reacted to her daughter's death and everything that followed, and the insight in Orestes' life and thoughts. It was an entertaining novel, but never really gripped me. It would have been nice to have more of Electra's point of view, since she became such an influential figure. Additionally, it had a rather abrupt ending. That said, fellow fans of Greek mythology will find the tale enjoyable!
Three Minutes to Doomsday is the story of how an FBI agent skilled in behavioral analysis identified a previously unknown traitor who had stolen and sold American military secrets to enemy nations during the Cold War. I enjoyed this book at the start, and the material was interesting throughout; however, over time it seemed to move away from just presenting the case to focusing on how skilled Navarro and his team were and how awful everyone else in the FBI was. I do not doubt the story, but it just became a little heavy handed. I noticed in the acknowledgements that the book has already been optioned for a movie, so maybe that prompted some of the dramatization. Despite that aspect, this is a good read for fans of Criminal Minds and those interested in behavioral analysis.
The second installment of the Themis Files does not disappoint! The story unfolds in the same format as Sleeping Giants - news reports, journal entries, and interview transcripts from our favorite mystery man. Game of Thrones meets Arrival in a book where the plot twists start at the beginning and the action never stops. While readers could most likely appreciate Waking Gods on its own, it would be a good idea to read Sleeping Giants first. I'm already looking forward to book #3!
Winter Tide follows Aphra Marsh, a subspecies of human who will one day change into a near-immortal fish-like being and join her people under the sea. Until then, she and her brother must survive the hostility of other humans who don't understand her kind and who are experimenting with forces they do not fully comprehend. While the story gets off to a slow start, it picks up later on and has a satisfactory ending. The book is also part historical fiction, taking place a few years after the end of WWII. I admit that I probably missed out on some appreciation of the tale because I have not yet read any of H. P. Lovecraft's works, but despite that I still enjoyed the book.
Disney meets nerdom in this delightfully geeky Cinderella story. Danielle “Elle” Wittimer is struggling through life with her controlling stepmother and stepsisters straight out of Mean Girls. What she holds onto most is her love of the show Starfield, which is her last remaining connection to her dead parents. Darien Freeman is a teenage actor who lands his dream role playing the lead character in the Starfield reboot movie - but will he be able to break out of the soap opera heartthrob shadow of his previous role and be appreciated by the nerdy Starfield fans? Going back and forth between Elle's and Darien's perspectives, Geekerella provides a modern and geeky twist on the classic fairy tale that will appeal to nerds across all fandoms.
My Darling Detective is an engaging tale in the style of the classic detective noir. It begins when Jacob Rigolet's mother turns up at an auction to deface a valuable photograph of soldiers in WWII. The incident opens up a cold case and new details about Jacob's past, eventually leading to a tense resolution. Throughout is a radio program that somewhat mirrors the lives of Jacob and his detective fiancee Martha. All in all it is an entertaining story, and librarians and library-lovers will enjoy how central the library is to the narrative.
The Stranger in the Woods is the fascinating true story of a man who one day simply abandoned everything from his life and began living in the Maine woods. He then went on to survive in the woods for over 25 years without any human contact, reemerging only when he was finally caught by the police after more than two decades of stealing supplies from the community near his camp. Journalist Michael Finkel was able to get the man, Christopher Knight, to open up a little about his experience, although Knight remained very averse to human contact. This story is an intriguing portrait of survival and the variations in human behavior. The narrative is written in a logical, compelling style that draws the reader through the book. At times one can forget this work is nonfiction!