Jess N

Due to my overabundance of excitement at the premise of this book, I didn't notice that Bittersweet Darkness is actually the third book in a series. My fault entirely. So, yes I did scramble for purchase a bit as I found my place in Faith's story. Still, this is a solid read even as a standalone! Nina Croft's writing has the ability to pull you straight down into the story. I might have been missing some details about the pasts of these characters, but in reality I didn't feel the sting too much. In fact, I've found a new world to love. You can bet that this bookworm is headed back to read the first two of these, as soon as possible.

Now on the to the actual review, shall we? Faith's character was absolutely wonderful. I have a place in my heart for characters like her. Characters who are loyal and kind, but also have no problem kicking ass when the situation calls for it. To Faith, the world lies in absolutes. There are good guys, and there are bad guys. There is darkness, and there is light. Most of all, monsters don't exist. Or do they? I watched as Faith's ideals were put into question, and I was so impressed. She's strong. She's fierce. Best of all? Faith isn't swayed by the bad boy type. That alone makes her a winner in my book.

Speaking of the bad boy type, Ash definitely fits that description. It still makes me giggle to call a demon “sexy”, but there's no other word to describe it. In his human form, Ash is unstoppable. He's intelligent, sarcastic, and yet just enough of a gentleman to make him delicious. Pardon my gushing, but he is definitely worth swooning over. The banter between Ash and Faith is filled with sass and sparks! I'd have loved Faith no matter what, but Ash definitely complimented her perfectly.

Let's be honest, I'm a fan of PR. I eat Urban Fantasy up like it's candy. So it's really no surprise that I loved the premise of Bittersweet Darkness, what with it's action and intrigue. However that only scratches the surface of my enjoyment. Nina Croft's writing is easy to read, and fun to get lost in. This book is only a little over 250 pages, but I would have happily read for hundreds more. I loved the characters, I loved the world, and I honestly can't wait for more.

What a dark and twisted tale! I wanted to read this as soon as I saw that it was a team effort between Caitlin Kittredge and Inaki Miranda. I fell in love with Kittredge's writing in her Iron Codex series. She pulls a lot from H.P. Lovecraft for her inspiration, and her stories always have this air of both menace and adventure to them. Miranda is the illustrator for the FABLES series, which I love! So, as you can probably tell, I was pretty darn excited to dive into this graphic novel.

The illustrations were spot on to what I was expecting. Slightly gritty, and perfectly dark enough to convey the atmosphere that this story needs. Eve Coffin's story definitely isn't a happy one. She comes from an ages old family. A family with a history of awful secrets and untold power. Eve wants to take that power for her own, and use it to break away. Unfortunately for her, this is a power that won't be controlled. All Eve manages to do is wake something. Something evil, and hungry.

Flash forward to an adult Eve who's now on the police force. The panels slowly unfold to reveal a troubled woman with who is trying her best to flee from her past. Every time she thinks she's distanced herself from the darkness, it pulls her right back in. There are little things that I noticed while reading. Things like a mysterious problem with Eve's eye, and her affinity for crows. These are never fully explained, but it didn't hurt my feelings. I think it's a great build up for what's to come.

This is a brilliant introduction to a brand new story. It's not quite horror, but it definitely borders on that. Coffin Hill looks to be a promising foray into paranormal romance, with a main character who has a lot to offer. There's so much about Eve that isn't revealed in this first installment. So many secrets that are still left to be uncovered. I, for one, am ready to embark on the rest of this journey.

So, since I didn't read the synopsis before I requested this book, I wrongly assumed it was a zombie novella. Am I the only one that thinks that's what the cover conveys? That's on me, of course, but I went into The Sleeping Dead expecting something much different than what I was offered. This ended up being good in some ways, but bad in others. I'll explain below.

On the one hand, the actual premise of the book caught my attention once I figured out what was going on. It'd be fair to say that it's a plague of sorts. Out of the blue, a rash of suicides sweeps across our main character's city. Watching Jefferson battle the uncontrollable urge to end his life was sad and terrifying. The voices in his head were well done, even chilling at times. I'll admit it's a bit macabre, but I simply wanted to know if he lived through to the end.

The writing didn't sweep me up, but it was solid enough. The setting was simple, but effective to the overall story. Imagine a whole city that is completely silent. Empty of the normal, everyday sounds we come to accept as part of our lives. It was eerie, and helped a lot with the whole atmosphere of this read. Kudos to Barber for that, really. I felt the unease in my core.

My problem was that, since I was expecting a much quicker moving story, I wasn't ever fully committed to the premise of The Sleeping Dead. I was frustrated that nothing overly exciting happened to our main character. I was also equally frustrated that there was no concrete explanation of what was going on. For a novella, I'll give it a slight pass. I know there's not a ton of pages to fit everything into. Still, I felt like the ending wasn't all that satisfying. So, three stars go to The Sleeping Dead.

Ah, to live in a world filled with magic. The one escape that I'll never get too old for is one to a magical place! Trust me. Reading Chase Tinker and the House of Magic spoke to the little kid who still shelters inside me. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I love Middle Grade books. Books with child heroes, perfectly evil villains, and just the right amount of whimsy tend to capture my heart. So I was very much looking forward to seeing where Chase Tinker's story would lead me.

Chase is a fabulous main character, and one that I see all readers warming to. He's this perfect mix of funny, awkward, and brave. Younger readers will probably see a little bit of themselves in Chase. He squabbles with his brother Andy, but is also fiercely protective of him. He's brave when he needs to be, but also makes rash decisions sometimes. In other words? Chase is a normal kid. With crazy emotions, adorable crushes, and the want to be a man before his time. He's relatable, and fun to follow.

In fact each and every character in Chase Tinker and the House of Magic comes alive on the page. I was introduced to the Tinker family a bit at a time, and I found myself adoring each and every person presented to me. Well, except for the villains of our story, of course. They were also well done, in that they came across as just what they were meant to be: undeniably evil. The Marlowes give the Tinkers something to fight against, and that's where all the magic really becomes a vital part of the story.

Oh, and the house! I could gush on and on about the titular home filled with magic. With rooms full of the most interesting powers imaginable, I'd be perfectly content to do nothing but read about Chase and his friends exploring this amazing place. I refuse to spoil even a minute of that for potential readers. I'll honestly say that it was my favorite part of the read. I loved getting lost in the Tinker's home, and I'll happily go back. That, and the ending absolutely has me wanting more.

So if you're looking for a book for your budding reader, or even a read for yourself to get lost in, I'd suggest picking up Chase Tinker and the House of Magic. It's definitely a fun place to spend a few hours getting lost in!

So, truth be told, I'm still not entirely sure where I stand with The Predictions. When I saw the synopsis, the word “commune” jumped out at me. I've always had a fascination with communes and cults. Obviously they aren't the same thing, but the simple idea of living together with so many other people, of relying on all those people, fascinates me. What is it like? I hoped this book might tell me.

Now, and this is entirely my fault, I didn't quite grasp the fact that Bianca Zander's book focused on a New Zealand commune in the 1970's. Not only was I out of my element in terms of the era, but some of the wording caught me off guard too. It took me almost 50 pages to finally sink into Poppy's world. To see the commune as more than just a group of strangers. I found myself with that weird dilemma of not exactly feeling connected, but still wanting desperately to try.

That being said, once Poppy left the commune and fled to London I was thrilled. This was the portion of the book that I really enjoyed. Watching her come into her own. Following her as she would seek out love, make mistakes, and just live her life. Zander did a great job weaving together Poppy's past and present. It was a wonderful reminder that we never truly leave our old selves behind.

While the ending wasn't as satisfying as I would have liked, overall The Predictions ended up being a solid read. I'd never read a book like this before. The concepts of communal breastfeeding, and public nudity made this an interesting ride for me. I like pushing against those comfortable reading walls I hide in sometimes though, and so I'm glad I gave this a shot.

So, zombie books and I have kind of a special thing going on. As in, I see them and I absolutely have to read them. It doesn't matter whether they're spattered with gore and written for adults, or funny and written for kids. They just automatically go on my reading list!

Let's start with what I liked about Mr. Katz is a Zombie. This is definitely a funny book. While it wasn't quite my kind of humor, it's without a doubt the type of humor that will have younger readers giggling. Who doesn't love a zombie that eats donuts? Another point in this book's corner is that there is a great relationship between our main character and his parents. It isn't often that parents actually appear in stories, much less as supportive characters. J.D is a lucky boy, I'll tell you what. His parents are ghost hunters, and that's pretty darn cool.

As for what didn't jive with me, the writing falls in this category. It's a little rushed, and feels pieced together at times. While it makes things exciting in the action department, some important parts of the story are skipped over. For the younger set, I don't think this would be an issue. They probably won't wonder why no one missed Mr. Katz for an entire weekend. I did, and that bothered me. My other issue is that our characters felt flat. While J.D. and his quirky friends did grow on me, it took a while.

Final verdict? A three-star book for this reader. I know this will be a hit with the younger set, especially boys. It's funny, and slightly gross at times. It's also a quick read. If I were to time travel back and give this to my past self, she would have mainly been sad it was over so quickly. Maybe there's more around the bend? I'd love to see more of J.D. and his ghost hunting family.

I finished this book last night and, honestly, I'm angry at myself for not getting to it sooner. The instant I picked up The Exiled, I was lost to the world. I was drawn into a new place. One where castles loom on mountains, and darkness flies on feathered wings. William Meikle has created a beautifully original story that is a mix of Scottish mythology, crime thriller and a bit of horror for good measure. This is a dark story, to be sure, but one I truly enjoyed. I'm impressed.

John Granger and his brother Alan were excellent characters. Both strong, stubborn, and about as noble as they come. I loved that John and Alan were on two different sides of the spectrum when it came to their jobs. John as a detective. Alan as a reporter. Each of them seeking the same answers in their own way. I watched as they slowly fell down the rabbit hole, and still managed to stay themselves. Be warned, these two are tough not to get attached to.

This richly detailed story pulls the reader into a place beyond the world we know. One where darkness is spreading, and our two unlikely heroes are the only ones who can stop it. It's filled with twists and turns, plus an ample amount of very descriptive violence. If you're not okay with dismembered body parts being described in detail? You might want to tread lightly. I can, however, promise that there is a lot of beauty in this story too. I was amazed at how flawlessly this transitioned from a crime story, to a fantasy story, and back again.

I wish I could say more, but I don't want to risk spoiling a moment of this for potential readers. This is a gorgeously written book, and one that I'm glad I read! If you enjoy dark fantasy, give this one a space on your reading list.

In February 2014, my husband and I decided to do something about the way we were eating. Work, chores, and simple laziness, had us eating tons of processed foods. We found that we were eating out at least four times a week, and we wanted to change that. So, after some careful research, we decided to go on a ketogenic diet. I won't bore you with the explanation, but feel free to look it up! It's rather interesting. My husband lost 75 pounds, I lost 30, and we've both been feeling absolutely amazing. It's now a year later, and I'm finally realizing that it's a little tough to get variety when you're eating this way. Or at least, I thought it was. Diana Keuilian's cookbook couldn't have been offered to me at a better time. I was thrilled to be able to review this!

Let me say, I love a good cookbook. The two things I look for above everything else are good photos of the recipes, and easy to understand instructions. The Recipe Hacker has both of these in spades! Each recipe in the book is complimented with a lovely picture. This is a must for me, because I love to see if what I make comes out anywhere near what I was aiming for. They are also all written in a way that is extremely easy to understand, right down to mentioning things like “keep this at easy reach” or “whisk vigorously”. In my opinion, the more clear the directions are, the better! I follow them to the letter. As an added bonus, Keuilian adds a little description to the beginning of each recipe along with a “quick tip” about storing it, ideas on making it ahead, or variations. Perfection.

Now the reason I gave that long explanation in the first paragraph was to highlight why this cookbook is so meaningful to me. All the recipes in The Recipe Hacker are gluten, dairy, soy, grain and cane sugar free. This caters to a very large set of people out there, which I happen to fall squarely into, who need variations on the foods they love the most. Imagine my delight when I found a recipe for onion rings that I can actually consume! Diana Keuilian has done an amazing job of compiling tasty recipes for those of us out there with strict dietary needs. The only thing missing, and I'd love to see it added somewhere, is nutritional information for the recipes.

Still, I'd definitely recommend this cookbook. I know there are thousands of recipes floating around out there on the Internet. Keuilian even has a website of her own. Still, there's something to be said for a good cookbook that you can dog ear and love. This one is a keeper.

Wish gives us a look at the life of a young girl who is struggling to hold it all together. Indigo has a lot on her plate. School and dance. Friends, boys and a family that's feeling a little frayed along the edges. All of that set against the backdrop of her big dream: to get into the New York School of Ballet. How do you balance everything, all alone? That's what Grier Cooper aims to share with the reader, and I think overall it came through pretty well.

As main characters go, Indigo was enjoyable enough to follow. Although I never felt completely attached to her, I think she had just enough depth to allow the reader to insert themselves right alongside her. Her passion for ballet came through with a brilliant intensity. Readers who feel the same way she does about dance will definitely appreciate the attention to emotion here. It's clear that Indigo doesn't just want to dance ballet, she has to dance ballet. It's a big part of her, and one that she loves wholeheartedly.

The writing in this story was also very well done. It ebbed, and flowed, following along with the highs and lows in Indigo's life. I never felt like it was forced or over dramatic. What lost points for me were the relationships that surrounded Indigo. See, this story is two-fold. Part Indigo's deep passion for dance, part family narrative. I think that one of these would have done quite well on its own. Life balanced with passion is hard enough. Adding in Indigo's mother and her alcoholism made this a lot to deal with all at once. There was no opportunity for me to feel invested in her struggle. Her family life, mixed with her often vapid friends and love for a boy that she only just started dating, all ended up landing flat for me.

That's not to say that this isn't a well-done story. I think that if I was younger, more the target audience, I probably would have enjoyed it much more. The older I get, the more I realize that I've forgotten how emotional dealing with high school drama mixed with everything else life throws at you can make someone. It's entirely possible I just wasn't able to fully connect with Indigo because I haven't been in her shoes. Keeping that in mind, and because this really is a quick and enjoyable read, I'll happily give Wish a three star rating.

Chase Tinker and the House of Secrets takes the reader back into the Tinker's world. A world filled with mystery and magic. A world where nothing is quite what it seems. I was so excited to head back to the Tinker home! With its rooms full of amazing powers, how could I resist making a return visit? I was looking forward to seeing what kind of mischief Chase and his cohorts would get up to this time.

Lucky for me, things took off at a brisk pace right from the beginning. Still recovering from the lies his father told him, and the attack they successfully thwarted, poor Chase is an understandable mess. He's trying to build his life back up around him, and patch up the holes in the trust he has for others. I felt for him. Imagine being lied to by the one person who you thought you knew the best and, moreover, loved as well. It would be tough. Little did I know that Chase would be soon be facing much bigger problems.

Yes, things take a dark turn in Chase Tinker and the House of Secrets. Where the first book had a bit of tension, but was mostly lighthearted, this story delves much deeper into the secrets and lies. There are betrayals among family members, deeply seated animosity that bubbles to the surface, and a fair share of twists that kept me reading on. What I liked about this particular installment, was that it showed the power of family. Despite it all, it was his newfond family that kept Chase moving on.

Daring rescue missions, epic (and slightly violent) battles, and cunning plans all make a debut in this installment of Chase Tinker's story. He also comes into his own much more, and I was wholly impressed by how much he's grown up in the span of this particular book. I was both thrilled, and saddened, at the ending. Will I be back for more? Most definitely. I can't wait to see where this story takes me next.

A sweet and fairly easy read, The Six Crowns: Trundle's Quest pleasantly surprised me! It's always nice to find a fantasy story that younger readers can enjoy as well. Weighing in at less than 200 pages, this is the perfect fit.

Trundle is a humble lamplighter who loves his job. His quiet existence is very much to his liking. Enter Esmerelda! A princess whose sole purpose in life seems to be adventuring and, unfortunately for Trundle, causing lots of trouble. These two unlikely heroes set of on an fantastic adventure. Filled with pirates, explosions, and even the occasional sword or two.

To me, the best part was definitely the characters. Trundle and Esmerelda are like night and day. They compliment one another perfectly. I also liked very much how Allan Jones gave Trundle a conscience. He is unwilling to steal, even when it seems the only way to get things done. Overall I'd say that this is a perfect fit for a reader around the fourth grade mark! Just enough story and action to keep them intrigued, without overburdening them. Pick this up. It's adorable.

If there was one place I could loose myself forever, it would be Napa Valley. The beauty of this area alone is enough to make you want to stay. Then you try the wines, and everything settles into place. I never pass up an opportunity to devour a book set in this seductive background. Especially when it's a romance. What better place for love? What I was most excited about, in this instance, was that Paige didn't just live in Napa Valley. Oh, no. She worked the land. I couldn't wait to be there, right beside her, and she worked the land and her way into Jake's heart.

Now it's no secret that I love a strong female character, and Paige Reynoso fits that perfectly. Warm and intelligent, Paige has a passion for her job that is contagious. It's easy to get caught up in her excitement. I had no idea that I'd not only be treated to a love story, but also learn a thing or two about wine! It's evident that Pamela Gibson knows her vineyards. Each time Paige talked about the process behind growing excellent grapes, I was rapt. It added another level to this story, and I ate it up.

Let's not forget about Jake though. It was hard for me not to fall for his knowing smirk, and his deep loyalties to his employees. I adored the fact that Jake wasn't just another gruff businessman. He was so much more than that. Every thought he had, he was considering others. Even when I didn't quite agree with his decisions, I couldn't help but sigh in defeat. He's just too sweet, and it came as no surprise to me that he and Paige had sparks between them. These two were just perfection.

If you're looking for a book to curl up with, and devour in one afternoon, you've found it. A Kiss of Cabernet is the type of story that is impossible to put down until it's done. I know that I fell in love with the characters, and with the stunning setting. It's my hope that you will too.

Well now, this was a tasty little piece of fiction! I don't deny that I might have a slight bit of bias when it comes to Edward Lorn's writing, but then again this is just the type of story that I love! A little creepy, a lot gory, and a whole bunch of fun to read.

I think my favorite part of Full Moon Over Cedar Hill was that Peter Hoskins was our main character. Seeing an event like this, something torn from our nightmares, through the eyes of a broken man? Intriguing. I felt for poor Peter, which is saying something considering there was a limited amount of time for me to get to know him. He felt so real to me. Imagine being faced with something utterly terrifying, and being unable to do a damn thing about it. Holy mother of all things bookish, that's scary.

I'll admit that I saw the ending coming but, and I'm happy to note this, that didn't take a single minute of enjoyment away! I loved the ending more than my little bookworm heart can say. So, here's the point I'm trying to make: read this. Do you love bite sized pieces of horror-filled goodness? This is for you. Hurry up and put Full Moon Over Cedar Hill on your reading list. I'll wait.

Okay, can we say adorable? After a long day at work, I really just wanted something quick and fun to read on the way home. This fit the bill perfectly. Short, sweet, the ideal read for a sunny day.

Points go to Stefanie London for quickly creating a female character who I actually liked. Although I found it a little difficult to wrap my head around all of Gracie's rules for choosing the men she dated, I could see where they all stemmed from. I never once doubted that her controlling mother, and wealthy family name, would keep her on what they considered to be “the straight and narrow”. However, with a guy like Des hanging around? Who wouldn't be tempted? Can we say yum?

Yum. Des was one tasty male lead. This is a novella so he didn't get all the love he should have as far as character development, but I felt like I knew enough about him to adore him just the same. The chemistry built between these two was wonderful. Their tension and sparks went hand in hand to make this a great read.

Are you looking for a new novella to satisfy your romance craving? I'd say give this one a shot.

If you haven't read If I Stay yet, you are missing out. Find a copy. Seriously. I'll wait. Mia's story is equal parts heartfelt and heart wrenching. I warn you, pick up a box of tissues before you start reading. This is one that is going to make you cry.

For Mia, life is fairly perfect. She's intelligent, talented, and has a loving family. In fact, her family is the type of perfect that we only see in movies. Joking over breakfast, supporting one another through anything, it's just all too sweet. Mia has one big decision weighing on her mind. Stay in Oregon to be near her family and boyfriend? Or move to New York City to attend Juilliard? It's all too much for her to think about. So she loses herself in taking a drive with her family.

Then, in an instant, everything changes. Mia is on the cusp of the afterlife. Caught somewhere between the living and the dead, Mia can see and hear everything around her but cannot communicate with those around her. The choice that faces her now is simple. Stay alive, but without her family? Or just let go? Through alternating flashbacks of her past life and present state, the reader learns about those closest to Mia. We are given a look into her life and what she stands to loose if she lets go. What Gayle Forman gives the reader is a story that will tug at your heart strings. I was constantly torn between wanting her to leave and be at peace, and stay for so many reasons. This is a book that will make you feel so many emotions that it's almost overwhelming.

If I Stay is one of the most touching stories that I've ever read. This is a book that will break your heart in a wonderful way. I know that no matter what I write here, there is no way to do Gayle Forman's gorgeous book the justice that it deserves. Instead I give this my highest recommendation, and simply demand that you get out there and find a copy. Oh, and also a box of tissues.

Ballet. Lithe men and women flitting across the stage. Beautiful costumes and music. Everyone stick thin, especially the prima ballerina. There's a stigma that comes with professional ballet, and it's one that haunts our poor protagonist. See, Olga isn't exactly what you'd call thin. For that matter, she's the exact opposite. Olga's world revolves around the dreaded “F-word”, and her shame over the way others view her. What do you do when you have a ton of passion and talent for ballet, but aren't given the body to match? According to T.R. Whittier's light-hearted story, you make your own way.

Fat Ballet is definitely best described as light-hearted. It deals with a lot of hot button topics, but it does it in a way that is adorable and funny. Olga is fat. Harold is weak. Fiona is wheel-chair bound. Yet none of these things defines who they are, or what they love. It was nice to see a story that took characters with characteristics that are normally considered taboo to discuss, and put them out there in a situation where they could shine. I loved watching Harold pull Olga out of her shell. Loved seeing her in the spotlight. The word “fat” is always used in such a negative way. I enjoyed the fact that Fat Ballet was trying to embrace that, and change it.

Overall, this story was a quick and rather fun read. I think where it fell short was simply the length. No pun intended. Truly, if there had been more time to dive into Olga's background, and her relationship with her new found friends, it would have been an even better experience. As it stands, this book flies by. This calls for a bit of insta-love, some very quick reconciliations, and a bit of suspended disbelief. Still, if you take it for the ride that it is, this book is a great way to spend an hour or so.

Are you looking for something outside of the norm? Something that embraces passion and talent, despite the outer wrappings of the people it deals with? This is a book for you. Happy reading!

When this novella popped up as a freebie on Amazon, I had to snag it. I'm a sucker for Entangled romance novels, especially Bliss titles. They're always perfectly sugary and tame. You know, for those times when I don't want the heat, just the sweet!

Huge hugs to Sally Clements for writing a female character with a job not typically seen in romance novels. Alice is a mechanic, and she's damn good at what she does. I loved the idea of garage tailored to female patrons. Why not? Alice and her friends were a refreshing dose of women who don't have to fit where society thinks they should. I could have done without Alice wearing lingerie under her uniform though. After all, can't she be a woman and just wear plain cotton underwear? I don't think it makes her less feminine. Just my opinion, but it seemed a silly little addition.

The relationship between Alice and Mark was, in true novella form, a bit rushed. It was still adorable though. I liked that they were able to bond over their love of working on cars, that Mark was a gentleman, and that they didn't feel the need to hop directly into bed. The tension between them felt a little forced, but I let it slide. I was too happy that Alice's friends were her voice of reason when she was being irrational. No sweetheart, he can't call you about a client's case, even if it does indirectly involve you. Get over it. Mark is the type of guy you'd want to forgive anyway. I'm glad Alice agreed me with me in the end.

I guess what I'm trying to convey is that I'm in the middle on this one. Since I don't give half stars, I'll bump it up to a solid three. It's a short, sweet, romp into the lives of two people who are fairly meant for one another. If you're looking for something quick and sugary? This might satisfy your appetite.

To anyone who has ever had strong-minded, adorably frustrating dog, this book is for you. What you'll find is the true story of Joey, the dog, and his humans. I'm not generally a fan of books told through the eyes of pets, but Joey is hard to resist. There's such joy in reading a story told through such a curious narrator's eyes. I couldn't help but smile as his endless energy caught me up in its web. Ah, to be a dog.

It might sound odd, but if dogs were able to read then this would be a book they'd definitely need on their to-be-read pile. Joey tells us his life story, and the way that it reads is almost like a cautionary tale. From the moment of his birth, to the tragic accident that almost ended everything, his whole existence is laid out on these pages. For those of us who are human readers, this is a story that holds much of the truth of owning a pet. That our love for them knows no bounds. That we might try, and fail, to keep them safe sometimes. That even if something tragic happens, that same love has the ability to see us through.

It was an enjoyable experience to see the world as Joey did, and I'm glad I was given that chance! This probably would have resonated with me a lot more if I actually had a pet at this time. Growing up we were never without a dog, but I've lost touch with that since I became an adult. If I can say anything though, it's that this book really makes me want that companionship back in my life.

Some people have a knack for throwing events. Fremont Rosenbloom has a knack for ruining them. Want a very public revenge on someone, that involves complete embarrassment? Fremont is your man! I thought it was clever that Michael Bast mentions the fact that his main character is a little rough around the edges. Truth be told, it's not easy to like Fremont at first. Trust me though, he'll grow on you. I honestly couldn't believe how much depth there ended up being in this story. Color me impressed!

In fact, the family aspect of this book was really what struck me. While Fremont's parents are no longer in the picture, this story builds a new kind of family for him. One that, in fact, he at first doesn't even notice exists. I love stories like this. Where a character builds their own tight knit group of people who genuinely care for them. Between Addy and Modesto, Fremont was definitely covered in the love department. Oh sure, it was a little crass at times (manly bonding and all that) but the love was there just the same.

I think my favorite part was watching Fremont grow as a character. It's extremely important to me that the protagonist I'm following gains some insight. Michael Bast delivered on this. I watched as Fremont grew and learned, cheering him on every step of the way. He definitely didn't always make the best decisions, but don't we all have those moments? I was happy to see that he was genuine. A bit flawed, but with a heart of gold underneath it all.

While this book could use a quick polish in the editing department, I definitely think that it's worthy of a four star rating! If you're looking for something that steps a bit out of the box, and has likable characters, then this is for you.

It's no secret that I adore the way Richard Wright weaves his stories. Thy Fearful Symmetry, a story about the very brutal end of the world, shocked me. Craven Place, an unsettling ghost story, wooed me with its setting. I don't quite know what it is about Wright's writing, but I eat it up every single time. He has me in his grasp, and I'm perfectly okay with that.

The Flesh Market was no exception to this rule, and definitely my favorite so far. A stunning mixture of historical fiction and dark suspense, it focuses on the Burke & Hare murders of 1800's Edinburgh, Scotland. Fascinating stuff, that. A lack of medical cadavers means good money to those who deliver them in secret. A person could get wealthy off of “finding” bodies for the doctors. Except, in Richard Wright's novel, sometimes delivering those bodies isn't as easy as it seems. Sometimes, the dead don't stay dead.

Ah, I loved this! Anything that can breathe new life into the zombie craze is my hero, but Wright does it with a flair all his own. At the forefront of this novel are our anti-heroes, Burke & Hare. One, a man who simply wanted a better life for his family. The other, already touched with the madness that would allow him to commit such atrocities. I watched as Burke slowly circled the drain, heading deeper into Hare's clutches. Even if the undead had been completely left out of this story, I would have been hooked. These two, and the darkness that creeps in around them, was terrifying in its own right. It's unnerving what two men can be reduced to.

That being said, the undead added an underlying tension to this story. Wright expertly used them as means to keep this sense of dread going throughout. They aren't the main facet of this story, but neither are they unnecessary. Their presence serves to remind the reader where it all began, and to highlight exactly why Burke, Hare and Knox are covered in darkness. Each character was perfectly placed, each event expertly crafted to allow optimum intrigue. It got to the point where I couldn't put this book down. Literally. I'd be reading with one hand while ironing with the other. There's a slow burn at the beginning, and it leads to something wonderful.

I'm not sure how else to say it. Read this. Especially if you're a fan of historical fiction. While this is definitely a dark story, it isn't over the top gory or violent. If you're not a big fan of horror, don't be put off by the title. This is well worth your time.

I have a soft spot for contemporary MG fiction. I think that this age group is the perfect opportunity to start discussing a lot of real life issues that kids either are, or will possibly someday, tackle. My favorite topic of these, is dealing with middle school life. Ah, middle school. It has the power to be so amazing, and so awkward. I generally tend to snatch up any book that deals with that wild world, and Don't Vote for Me was no exception.

This was a cute, if slightly simple story line. David, our witty protagonist, overzealously vows to overthrow his middle school president and tyrant, Veronica Pritchard-Pratt. This creates a funny, misguided campaign with David's friends at the wheel. I admit, it was pretty hilarious to watch them try to run against such a popular girl. There were a lot of giggle worthy moments. It took me back to my middle school friendships.

Below all the whimsy though, was another story line. One about a girl who was misunderstood. Veronica isn't quite what she seems on the outside, and once David starts to discover that he slowly realizes how unfair he was really being. It was refreshing to see a an MG story about not judging others. Still, I felt like this addition could have been a lot stronger. I wanted to see more growth from both Veronica and David, but there just wasn't time.

Final verdict? A sweet, fun story about MG politics and friendships. With a little bit of a moral thrown in, it's a solid 3-star read.

I may be wrong, but the synopsis of Let Down Your Hair really made it sound like it would be a read on the lighter side. I was hoping for a story of growth. One of first experiences and hopefully a fairy tale romance. What I was given was definitely a lot different than what I expected. I'll tell you right now, this isn't a light read by any means. Poor Sage goes through hell and back again. If you're looking for a sweet and fluffy read? This isn't it.

It's plainly obvious that Sage is meant to be our Rapunzel character. Her last name is Rampion, her hair cascades down her back in a platinum blonde waterfall, and there's even a scene where her “Prince” sees her in a high window. Which, since this all happened at the beginning, lead me to believe that this would be a story about Sage growing out of the feminist views pushed on her by her grandmother, and into someone who welcome some romance in her life. I'm not sure how I feel about where things went.

First off, Sage starts the story knowing absolutely nothing about mainstream society or men. Her grandmother raises her as a hermit of sorts, and then pushes her into Women's Studies. That was fine with me. Seeing someone learn about the world at an older age is always pretty amazing. What drove me crazy though was how easily Sage let go of everything she was taught for 20+ years of her life and just dove into the events that would send her on a downhill slide. Would someone raised to essentially despise men really dive head first into having sex with a guy she just met? I don't honestly know, but it didn't feel real.

There are a lot of heavy handed feminist views in this book which, since they're masked by the Rapunzel story, almost fit in okay. I wasn't necessarily comfortable with the ideas being pushed regarding words like “pretty” and “womanly”, but I let it go. My issue was mostly that I wanted more romance. This seemed like it would be a “coming of age” story. One with sweet scenes and lots of growth. I didn't see any of that and, while Sage did come out a new person on the other side, I was so annoyed with her at that point that I couldn't see straight. Maybe this book just wasn't for me, and that's fine, but I really wish the synopsis hadn't lead me to believe that it would be.

Can you blame me for picking this one up? The cover itself is tempting, but the synopsis sealed the deal. I have a weakness for anything fantasy/fable based, and this graphic novel promised that plus a post-apocalyptic world. I was helpless my friends. Hinterkind spoke to me, and I eagerly scooped it up.

The first few pages drew me in. A world that has been overtaken by nature itself. Whole buildings swallowed up by native plants, wild animals that roam unafraid, and the addition of that unknown evil lurking somewhere close by. These people were scared. They were survivors. I desperately wanted to know everything about them.

Which brings me to issue number one, the fact that nothing is explained. I did notice that the synopsis mentioned an “unspecified biological event”, and I was okay with that originally. I soon found though that nothing is really explained. There are mutated survivors, there are fantasy creatures, and somehow technology still exists in certain portions of this wild world. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea.

In fact, the majority of this graphic novel had a very choppy feel to it. It swapped back and forth between our pocket of survivors, and a Sidhe queen that I can only assume is in charge somewhere in this world. There was a ton of blood and gore, but none of it was very effective because I never felt anything for the characters other than utter confusion at what was going on with them. When there is a boy who has a tail, and I don't know why? I'm slightly angry.

Add in the fact that I was a bit disappointed at how the gorgeous cover art translated to the illustrations inside Hinterkind, and I nearly set this aside rather than finishing it. I loved the premise, but didn't find what I was looking for in the execution. I can't say I'll be continuing on with this series.

Oh, now this story packed a punch! I love when novellas manage to suck me in so wholly. Alan Ryker proves that it doesn't matter how many pages he has to work with, he can write one hell of a story.

Since this is so short, I won't go too into detail. I wouldn't dare take the experience away from you. Instead I'll simply say that this story is very well done. Aaron's character, with his locked away memories, is believable. I understood his pain, felt his unwillingness to fight the demons lurking inside him, and cheered him on as he bravely fought anyway. There were plenty of moments that had me shivering, because the writing definitely evokes a sense of dread. Best of all, everything wrapped up in a way that I wasn't expecting.

In The Shadows Of Children starts a bit slow, but keep going. Trust me. It ends up being well worth it!

A deliciously bite-sized bit portion of Lovecraft. That's how I'd describe A Shrill Keening. It's fairly easy to see that Malfi borrows bits and pieces from some of Lovecraft's works, but he does with a style all his own. This novella may be short, but it still managed to sink its fangs into me until the end. I'll say this, Malfi doesn't skimp on the tension.

Carl Thompson spends his days in a mental institution, with no concrete memories of what happened to put him there. His conflicted mind fascinated me. Imagine believing that your waking moments were fiction. That maybe, just maybe, everything you dreamt was in fact your actual life. What impressed me most was how easy it was to believe in Carl's ideas. At no point in time did I have to suspend disbelief to feel how he was feeling. His “reality” was so well written that I was just a part of it, and I didn't mind one bit.

Which brings me to the ending. It fit perfectly, and yet I couldn't help but feel that it was a bit rushed. I had spent so much time with Carl, I was so invested in everything he was, and suddenly the story was over. I would have read for many more pages if I'd been able to. I wished for more. I definitely enjoyed A Shrill Keening. If you're a Lovecraft fan, or simply a reader who loves a quick and tension filled story, give this novella a place on your reading list.