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This is one of the funnest comics I've read all year. It is very reminiscent of Scott Pilgrim (to be honest, I haven't read, only saw the movie) in a number of ways. The story revolves around a nerdy freshman that stumbles into a underground spelling bee and then gets roped up into the regionals and nationals by The Outlaw King. It makes these spelling bees into these huge popular spelling bees that are akin to gladiatorial bouts. People have handles, instead of their real name (to avoid unwanted attention from megafans), costumes, and other stuff to turn them into spelling luchadores, essentially. Opponents have names like, The Black Bee, The Beest, Uzi, Psychic, The Immortal, etc. I loved the panelling. The more chaotic the spelling fight, the more chaotic the panels got. The artwork was hard edged and sharp, with black, white, solid greys and a particularly vibrant yellow. The yellow is generally used to point out focus on something, or just to break up the illustration. It isn't my favorite style, but it was suitable for this comic. Another thing I loved was how the letters being spelled would come alive and be used to fight the opponent. Uzi, for instance, rapid fires his letters and they shoot like bullets. One other guy gets mad when he loses, says X and pulls it out of the word bubble to act as a sword. This was really well done throughout and becomes important in a final twist in the end. I would definitely read this one-off book again and it's very kid friendly too. I hope I can find more from this author and illustrator.

Story: 5 stars Art: 5 stars Her best work yet, both artistically and story-wise.

Really cute book that is quick moving and fun to read. It's even a good read for adults. I loved that there was so much action and such for adults but for kids has a really good message. Nice feel good read! I loved the way that it had Barbies and such in the book! Very creative!

I wish I had read this in college.

Not as good, or as funny, as the first book in this series. While I appreciate that the pranksters have a conscience, this book's tone shifts between serious and humorous, as if the authors couldn't quite decide.

First in Lady Emily series. It took a bit to get going on the plot, brut good book in the end. Looking forward to the second book.

Full review on blog: http://www.phpsolvent.com/wordpress/?... but I want to urge everyone to read this book to see: how clownish and idiotic Al-Queda really is. How badly CIA and FBI screwed up by not sharing information How complex middle eastern history and middle eastern intellectual life can be.

An interesting backstory, well told. Much more cohesive than the Origins of PCs, and it would generally be up to the standards of the normal series (or better) if not for the miserly decision to print black & white.

Connie is SO freaking stupid. I'd like to start this review by stating that 'Game', the second entry in the Jasper Dent series, is a good book. I read it in two sittings and was never bored. I also have to point out though, that it just really isn't up to the standard of 'I Hunt Killers', which was disappointing. This entry picks up not long after the events of the first novel, with Japer Dent in his home town and Billy Dent on the loose after escaping from prison. I won't go into spoilers but just like the last book, a new serial killer is introduced in New York that could possibly somehow be connected to Billy, resulting in the FBI/NYPD asking for Jasper's help in getting inside this new killer's head. I think my main gripe with the story was that Jasper actually being in New York for the majority of the novel, it introduced too many new characters in the new police department meaning that we missed out on the bond and relationship between Jasper and the Sherif. The story of the killings also, despite being quite clever, gets pretty convoluted and more 'out there' as the story goes on, turning Billy into a campy villain instead of the evil serial killer from the first book. The biggest complaint though is with the side characters. I liked Connie and Howie in the previous book, and the crime solving dynamic they had, but in this entry, with Jasper off in New York, there chapters feel a little tacked on. They also feel a little weakly written in their chapters with Howie simply being obsessed with sex non stop, and Connie making one idiotic (and I mean IDIOTIC) decision after another. Overall, like I said this was a good book, and I will definitely be picking up the next in the series but the greatness of the first book hasn't repeated itself here.

I enjoyed the format of the book but didn't care for the religious aspects. I don't mind when being religious is part of a character's personality but I don't like feeling like the author is preaching to me. Also, while there were lots of unforseen twists through the book I felt the ending was to pat.

My favorite adaptation of Little Red in quite a while. Dark, sparse, and funny.

They are Pirates, Ho! They do all sorts of piratey things, just to wuss out in the end and hide in their beds? Eh.

Beautiful and even funny story! I'm very glad I went out of my regular genre and read it!

I didn't know I'd like this book so much! I mean, it starts out with an adulterous husband, David, learning that his teenage kids have been found. Kids he hadn't known--not since their mother had disappeared. And, I mean that literally. She was a witch. Now dead, their children Evangeline and Xavier were recovered, not completely intact. Part of their wizard stepfather's rituals had included rape...of both of them. Bringing his lover's kids home is sure to destroy his marriage--and it does. Amanda is furious, but takes the children in knowing they have no other prospects. David's other children--Jude, Patrick, and Emmy--want nothing to do with David or their strange half-siblings. Evangeline believes herself a witch, for crying out loud! And Xavier says virtually nothing to anyone. This family has more than just infidelity issues, however. Because, it turns out Evangeline is right--she is a witch. In fact, the whole family is magical--and not in a good way. Amanda had long ago, without David's knowledge, stripped the painful memories of his childhood--including his knowledge of magic. Amanda knew they were dark witches, and wanted to keep her family safe from the destructive magic they controlled by ensuring no one ever practiced. Not so easy when you bring home two magical children. Now all David's children are practicing, on the down-low against Amanda's wishes. But it seems here's a lot more going on in this family. The darkness is taking over Jude, and pitting brother against brother--particularly when Jude attacks Patrick's girlfriend. To save his family, David must embrace the magic within and surrounding him. And, when he learns Evangeline and Xavier's stepfather may not have been killed, well, it kicks off the biggest crisis of the book. I must say, I was captivated by the story. The magic within is very subtle, and bears plenty of repercussions--being Winter People, David's family can't help but channel the destructive type of magic. Even simple spells with good intentions turn out to be horrible. You want to help someone? They get helped, but at another's expense. It's diabolical, really. I wanted to hate David. He's a weak man who carried on an affair for years--and yet, it's impossible to hate him. His personal and professional lives are crumbling. Many men might walk away--and he refuses. He does his best to be the stand-up guy and strikes a bargain with Amanda to co-habitate and raise the kids together--even when all the magic becomes real and he's completely rudderless. Amanda is not a great person, because she's so damned real. She's a harried, frustrated, angry woman in a situation she never expected to be: supporting a man and his five children, though she only gave birth to three of them. Oh, and practicing magic again to contain her magic-infused charges--something she swore she would never do. Her whole world bottomed out the day those kids showed up at her doorstep, but she fought hard to keep her self, and her family, together. I had to love her passion for those kids and really respected how she handled David's betrayal. The book just kept moving, the plot getting darker and murkier--much like the magic. Don't expect to see a lot of binding spells or fire incantations. This is a subtle magic, which I think made it more approachable. It's a standalone book, and the first in a series. Several directions for other books to pick up this families trials, however. Clearly Jude's burgeoning darkness will be a huge part of future stories. And the day-to-day trials of choosing to use, or not use, magic will play out. The family clearly is divided on that issue. I look forward to other books in the series.

On my radar for several months due to the YA Contemps Challenge, Small Town Sinners is one that got into my head so much that I bought it ebook style so I could read it immediately. The main focus of Melissa Walker's novel are Hell Houses - in particular, the one Lacey Anne Byers wants to star in. I had never heard of Hell Houses before, and was surprised to learn that they are in fact a real occurrence and not just something Walker made up. If you, like me, have never heard of them before, allow me to share with you what I learned from Wikipedia: Hell houses are haunted attractions typically run by American, fundamentalist Christian churches or parachurch groups. These depict sin, the torments of the damned in Hell, and usually conclude with a depiction of heaven. They are most typically operated in the days preceding Halloween. A hell house, like a conventional haunted-house attraction, is a space set aside for actors attempting to frighten patrons with gruesome exhibits and scenes, presented as a series of short vignettes with a narrated guide. Unlike haunted houses, hell houses focus on occasions and effects of sin or the fate of unrepentant sinners in the afterlife. They occur during the month of October to capitalize on the similarities between hell houses and haunted attractions. The exhibits at a hell house often have a theme focusing on issues of concern to evangelicals in the United States. Hell houses frequently feature exhibits depicting sin and its consequences. Common examples include abortion, suicide,use of alcoholic beverage and other recreational drugs, adultery and pre-marital sex, occultism, homosexuality, and Satanic ritual abuse. Hell houses typically emphasize the belief that anyone who does not accept Christ as their personal savior is condemned to Hell. Sounds intense, yeah? Also sounds like a topic that would rile up individuals from both sides of the religious fence - and while the topics covered in Small Town Sinners will have you questioning what you think your morals are, in no way does Melissa Walker force or try to coerce you into thinking one way or another. Because Lacey struggles with her own beliefs (mainly due to Ty, a new boy in town), many readers will relate to her. The scenes in the Hell House will shock you, particularly if you have never heard of them before, and you will become engrossed in the story. Small Town Sinners is an excellent contemporary, and not one with the usual contemporary themes.

12 Silent Comics is a collection of, yes, twelve stories told in illustration-only panels. It is drawn by the brilliant Manix Abrera, author of the widely successful Kikomachine Komix. Although the idea of a silent comics has a great potential, the stories themselves are serviceable, which is IMHO not worth the 500 Pesos you have paid for the book. The stories are either an existential trip or one that has a twist, often a tragic one at the end. Silent Comics is nonetheless entertaining, especially if you are familiar with Kikomachine Komix humor, a fun read that you can finish in a couple of minutes.

Lupita's life story is told through verse. An easy read but emotionally draining. It was difficult to read the last 60 pages with eyes filled with tears. They never rolled down my cheeks but stayed there waiting, anticipating, listening to hear of Lupita's future.

4.5 out of 5. The ending is a bit abrupt and some of the events could have been expanded on. But still a fantastic ending to the series. It made me cry.

Stuck with the Blooz was sitting on the new books shelf the last time I went to the library. I hadn't heard of it before, but there was something about the book cover that made me pick it up. Super glad I did. It's a great little book about how the blooz can make us feel and how it's not always easy to shake those them, but it can be done. I must say, reading the author's descriptions of how the blooz can you make you feel were very realistic. It was nice to hear someone put a description to how I have felt at various times over the years. Stuck with the Blooz would be a wonderful addition to a classroom library, the counselor's office, or even a home library.

Fantastic, I absolutely loved it. Fast paced, witty and exciting.

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I use this during my Mesopotamia unit. The illustrations are so amazing and look like art straight from the time period. The story is also well written, not dumbed down, but right at the kids level. My students always like it.

Poor Kitten thinks the full moon is a bowl of milk just waiting for her. She tries so many ways to reach the moon, but never makes it. At the end of the story, she goes home to find a bowl of milk waiting for her. Good for toddler and preschool storytimes.

"Huh?" This book is tedious. There are memorable characters in an interesting situation but Tartt's delivery is long-winded and wound up in too many Classical allusions for this to be enjoyable. Greek tragedy in guise of murder mystery. Unlikable characters, strange situations, not very enjoyable. Perhaps for the classical scholars?

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. The writing was decent and the characters were well developed. The main issue for me was the plot. I just didn't buy it. Three adults (counselors/psychologists) and eight troubled teens spend four days on what is essentially a camp for delinquents located on a deserted island. The only way to get there is by boat. Each teen is sent to the island for various reasons like excessive drinking, theft, drug use, etc. The book is told from the perspective of Alice, who is there for excessive drinking and Caleb, who while trying to protect his mother, assaulted his abusive step-father enough to put him in the hospital. As much as I absolutely think what Caleb did was necessary and I applaud him, the courts still see it as a teenager putting an adult in the hospital. Whether deserved or not, they see him as a danger to society. Sending him to what basically amounted to deserted island camp just seemed like a weird thing to do. It seemed strange to put kids that were convicted of drug abuse, breaking and entering, theft, alcohol abuse, and assault, together on an island with only three adults, all of which quickly proved to be completely inept. Granted if ten adults were present, there wouldn't have much of a plot, but still. There was literally one radio on the island. The entire thing seemed ridiculous to me. Things become interesting when one of the teens disappears and one of the adults dies (not a spoiler, it's in the synopsis). An interesting dynamic develops between the characters. Each person has to decide who to trust and work together to figure out what exactly they are up against. Suicide? Murder? I enjoyed the mystery. I found myself yelling aloud, "AHA! I knew it!" as the clues came together. No one suffered from TSTL syndrome and the characters and their responses to their situation were realistic. It always bothers me a little when the villain is finally unveiled and they give the obligatory three-page mustache twisting spiel on motives and means. I know the purpose it serves, but it just seems a little lazy to me. Overall it's a fun read if you can suspend belief a little. *I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review

Ensimmainen Connellyn kirja, jonka luin, eika ollut pettymys. juoni oli hyva ja onnistui jalleen kerran hamaamaan, murhaaja ja apuri paljastuivat vasta lopussa ja epailykset kohdistuivat aivan vaaraan suuntaan. Ainoa miinus pitaa antaa Boschin hahmosta. Harry on kovin stereotyyppinen, rahjainen, kovapintainen, yksinainen, tupakkaa ketjussa vetava etsiva. Tasta huolimatta Harry on uskottava ja kirja hyva.

Good book, though I preferred the first one. Will be interesting to see where the next one goes.

Great cozy. As usual I was captivated by Lindsey Norris and her adventures. I have come to love the characters in this series and this book does not disappoint. And the bonus short story "An Unlikely Meeting" fits the series very well. Thanks to Jenn McKinlay for another great read. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

If you can't figure out the 'who did it' part of this book, there's no hope for you. Also, Morrigan became my favorite character in the series, and I hope she gets to come back to life.

Not as good as the first book in plot or writing. Still cute and good for laughs. Even before venturing into the series, I hadn't planned on reading more then the first two books. Oddly, I feel compelled to read the third book Blameless. It is that feeling you get when you know something bad will happen and you can't seem to look away combined with the guilty pleasure of watching soap operas or 90210. Thankfully the author embraces the campy/pulp fun of it all so I shall do the same.

I loved this book. My grandparents worked in a cotton mill in rural Alabama and this story just hit home. Everything was so true and to read this and be a part of it was amazing. I love how Rick Bragg captures the South. He's the reason I still subscribe to Southern Living magazine waaaaaaaay up here in Pittsburgh! I can read his writing and not be quite so homesick.

I love this book! It is well-written, the stories are engaging, and I just couldn't put it down. I wish that she could have written more on her time in the East End than just the trilogy.

An interesting story of Xavier and Wolverine, better than most of Wolverine: Origins, but not up to the best X-Men: Legacy.

Incredibly smart and thrilling! It was interesting reading this a second time. While I knew who the culprit was going into this reread, I was still incredibly fascinated by how elaborate everything seemed to be. It's also interesting how obvious everything was in the end, but I was so engrossed in the mystery of it all that I can definitely see how I completely missed it. I definitely recommend this if you are a fan of mystery (Agatha Christie is the queen of mystery after all)!

Source: eARC for Honest Review from the Author Ok K.A. Merikan have done it again with a crazy as shit but still suck you in M/M love story. For Ryan he is a tattooed punk rock paraplegic owner if an erotic sex themed hotel who needs a care giver. Liam is a tattooed surfer/chef who's hard pressed for a job as he has a nasty habit of sleeping with his bosses then getting fired. He's so desperate he lies about his sexuality to get the job, but the closer he gets to Ryan the harder it is to stay away. With K.A. Merikan you know you are in a world of kink and for Ryan the poor virgin has a whole bunch of kink locked up in his head that only Liam has the key for. And together they play out their fantasies that may be on the wrong side to some but it works for these two. But unfortunately Liam and Ryan's relationship has been started with lies and secrets from the start until the biggest secret of all comes out causing Liam to question everything and then we are left with a friggin' cliffhanger till fall to find out what happens. Will there be forgiveness or will this secret be too much? For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter

I enjoyed this book. A few of the stories, not so much but it was great to see some of my favorite characters in a quick little story form.

aka The Iron King

I was totally hooked into Worth the Fight from the first page and absolutely fell in love with Nico Hunter! We meet attorney Elle James who is a total workaholic and keeps her steady boyfriend pretty much at arms' length. Everything in her life is emotionless and neatly planned, just like she wants it. Elle doesn't want any drama or surprises in her life. Of course, all of this changes in a heartbeat when she meets MMA fighter Nico Hunter, and she knows her life will never be the same. I've never seen a body like his so close before. It just doesn't seem real. Both of his arms are covered in tattoos, it looks like he's wearing colorful sleeves, only he has no shirt on. They intertwine and wrap around his bulging biceps and I get the urge to trace a path from the first splat of ink to the last with my tongue. My body's reaction to him is unlike anything I've ever felt before. These aren't feelings that I'm used to, they seem to come out of nowhere and are uncontrollable. There are very painful reasons why Elle keeps her life relatively everything drama-free, and Nico, too, has had a traumatic event in his life which is revealed very early on in the book. Luckily for Elle, Nico knows what he wants and goes after it and wow! Nico is one HOT Alpha male, a really gorgeous, sexy and actually NICE guy who tries to break down the walls around Elle's heart and emotions. I know I could have taken it further after that kiss. But I don't want one night with Elle. I want more. I have no idea why, but I do. A lot fucking more. I absolutely love Nico! He took my breath away! He is tough, sensitive, strong and tender all at once. He loves his family and they form a tight bond around him. He has a loyal group of friends and trainers around him. Elle doesn't feel worthy of him or his attention and all of this builds to an amazing climax which will have you on the edge of your seat, crying and cheering at the same time. Ms. Keeland has written a very adult story, with adult themes and problems, along with some of the most breathtaking love scenes I've ever read. Have a cold shower ready when you read Worth the Fight, you'll need it! I literally cannot wait for more stories in this series from Ms. Keeland.

A time travel romance where Meg and her young daughter Anna are transported back to 13th century Wales and become part of the household of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the last Prince of Wales. With her knowledge history, she is able to convince him of her existence in another time. A lovely romantic tale and is quite entertaining. This book is also well researched and a historically correct. An enjoyable read to anyone interested in the British Isles in the time of Llywelyn, King Henry III and Prince Edward of England.

Intense jazz poetry. More allusions than I could follow and appreciate, but good stuff. I'd like to read his collection that won him a Pulitzer, Neon Vernacular: New and Selected Poems.

More like a 2.5

I read it because I was going to be seeing it performed. It was helpful toward understanding the performance. The short version: Richard needs to kill everyone in the way of his being crowned king. To that end, he acts kindly to them, then has them killed. Even his most loyal accomplice realized he is out of favor and tries to get away, but is caught. It is called a tragedy, and one is supposed to identify with the hero's rise and fall. I could only cheer the fall. One especially effective scene (to read and to see) is the night before battle when the spirits of all who have been murdered appear both to Richard (Despair and die, they say) and to Richmond, whom they encourage.

While captivated by the fact that Cold Mountain is both a mountain and poet (or rather, conglamorated into a poet; in fact, a number of poets living on a mountain), I'd say that only about half of the Han Shan poems really do it for me. But they are quite something nonetheless - humour, wisdom, hardship, beauty... The Shih Te poems, on the other hand, I could pretty much take or leave. The tone is more detached, more arrogant; they have a sense of morality that bores me. But the unexpected diamond-jewel of this book is the Wang Fan-chih collection. The translator subtitles it 'Cold City Streets', and these dark, funny, tragic short poems read like mid-twentieth century blues songs: I've been hungry so long, My stomach's a hole I fell in. Lost child, suffering, 'Mama, how could you have born me?'

I love original fairy tales. They're dark and gritty and strangely familiar due to the watered down adaptations we know from Disney films. Credited to Charles Perrault are versions of some the most famous fairy tales known today, such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood, and I love how magical and shocking they are here. This collection is split in to two parts, the first part is a selection of tales told in verse where the second part is prose. Personally I preferred the latter half, since those stories were more familiar to me and it was interesting to see how the original tales influenced later versions. However, Perrault's poetry is equally clever and just as dark. In the Oxford World Classics edition there's also some illustrations scattered throughout which is a nice little touch.

I loved the format of this book: The two authors began this book as a game, each writing the letters of of one of the fictional cousins, without ever discussing the plot. The plot itself is somewhat predictable in places, but the characters are so enjoyable that it doesn't really matter. It could almost have been a sequel to "Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell", going by the setting and the way magic worked. I am very eager to read the other books in the series. Recommended for ages 12+

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Sarebbe 1 stella... mi sento buona 2 /_/ ancora non riesco a capire dove stia la connessione con Cappuccetto rosso!

I am finding it a little difficult to review this book. Imagine taking 3 years out of the life of a person, and trying to define them by those years as though they sprang out of nowhere and then disappear back to wherever they came from. The story was fascinating, and all the literary characters of the age parade through as caricatures of themselves. Siegfried Sassoon (the wounded soldier who speaks out against the war) whose story is told in [Regeneration] even makes an appearance. Mansfield herself comes across as a conflicted, but fairly self-aware, hardworking author. She seems to understand her weaknesses and what she needs in order to work successfully. I would have preferred to know more of her life in New Zealand to give more depth to her personality as a young artist during WWI. The book was divided into sections like acts in a play. Scenes were set up and acted out and taken down. I am not saying that it was a bad thing, it flowed along well enough, but it was a different style and took some getting used to. I am very glad that I have passing familiarity with the writers and the culture of the time period. If I hadn't, I think it would have been really difficult to follow. My overall impression is of Katherine Mansfield as a sort of female Hemingway, which may or may not be accurate... I would read other books by Stead. There were beautifully written spots. ETA: I had to come back and add this quote because it is such a picture of Wellington. They spent the rest of the day together, walking about London and talking about Wellington. It was as if each acted as the other's guide. She took him about in fact, he led her back in memory and imagination. That night, when she lay wide awake letting her mind take its own direction, it was as if she'd spent those hours in air fresh as the first Washday of creation, under high blue-and-white skies, seeing shirts and blouses filled to bursting by the Wellington wind, pegged out and tugging to get away from green gardens and white weatherboard houses which propped themselves against steepnesses that everywhere dived into the sea - into the beautiful harbour from which she'd sailed out seven years before.

Definitely getting book two :) I hate the character of Greg though because he is soooo selfish and ambitious in a negative way. but this book is definitely funny and worthy of the four stars. I hope Greg improves his grammar in book two

svart att motivera utan att spoila. men jag har sett och last det har manga ganger forr. tog mi genom boken pliktskyldigt snarare an av fascination eller intresse. inte alls samma kvalitet som wilderangs tidigare verk.

*3.5 stars*

4 Belonging Stars! Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Gallery Books via NetGalley I have to admit throughout the whole series I was hoping that Rebecca would resurface and Marc could heal his demons and finally admit to being in love. So, even with the novellas leading up to this book I was still fighting the aspect of Crystal but in this book I was won over and got to see that Marc was so much better with Crystal then he could have ever been with Rebecca "I've said this before, but I want to be very clear. You are freedom to me, Crystal. A place I can be the man beneath the Master. Where my pain isn't my weakness. I want to be that with you, but to do that, you have to be willing to be vulnerable." Crystal and Marc both have their own demons which is why they understand each other so well. "But not everyone has the kind of monsters that I do. And you do. I know, Crystal. It's how we connected in the beginning. It's what gave me the freedom to be man, and not Master, with you. ..." This series, was done in such a unique way between the books and the novellas. Sure at times the novellas got tedious and I started to grow tired of the story and wanted it to end but this book was a great conclusion to the journey of Marc finding back the man instead of the Master. The whole time Marc has always been the master and at times hard to swallow the choices he made in order to protect his heart but here is where we get to see why he did what he did. After losing Rebecca we see the Master losing his armor but not knowing how to get back the control he thinks he needs to survive. Now add his mother possibly dying and a certain blonde who gets underneath his shield and his life explodes. The evolution of Marc from man to master back to man was an emotionally charged one especially when he is faced with the aspect to lose more than he has already lived through. This book was great. It has such a great balance of suspense, drama, growth and love. For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter

As far as my tastes are concerned, this book had all the ingredients for an instant favourite. It's set in New York, thus perpetuating my incessant love affair with one of the greatest cities of the world. It takes place in the early 20th Century, of which the first 40 years are my absolute favourite time period to read about. I love the gloomy, mysterious tone. Bright and shiny just don't work for me anymore, and this definitely isn't that. This book is so bizarre but in all the best ways. In addition, I loved how the author tied events in the book to actual historical events with such vivid detail, it was impossible not to picture it and be overcome with emotion (I drew several parallels to 9/11). I also note the stark contrast between classes; very thought provoking. This was my first Alice Hoffman novel and I don't intend it to be my last. The Museum of Extraordinary Things is my favourite book of 2014 this far.

Dean Koontz introduces a kick-ass heroine in this book. The aptly named Jane Hawk is searching for answers that some very powerful people don't wish to be found. Jane's husband has seemingly committed suicide, but she remains convinced that such a thing could never happen. She starts looking for answers and gets noticed by the cabal. After they threaten the life of her five-year-old son, Jane takes a leave of absence from the FBI, sells her home, gives her boy to trusted friends, and hits the road to track down those responsible. Jane's husband is not the only unlikely suicide. There has been a sharp increase in those deaths, as well as a series of murder/suicides in happily married couples. Someone is behind this insanity. Jane draws upon her experience as a trained agent and follows the trail, all while staying off the grid. She has a number of fake identities, the cash from her liquidated assets and the know-how to cover her tracks. The deeper she delves in the conspiracy, the greater the horror that she uncovers. This book is Dean Koontz writing at his best. After struggling through the Odd Thomas books, I had forgotten what a compelling author this man is. The only thing stopping me from giving The Silent Corner a five star review is the abrupt ending that comes with no resolution. I read the sneak preview of the next book, The Whispering Room, which picks up the story three days later. Unfortunately, that book won't be published until November, 2017. So I will just have to wait to find out what happens next. But I will definitely read that book too.

I have read this book more times than I can remember since I bought it long ago. It is an excellent read. It is very entertaining and engaging, the artwork is excellent (especially the parts when Hypolyta is going insane), and the writing is some of Gaiman's best.

See full review Identical at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... Meet the twins, Kaeleigh and Raeanne who are identical down to the last facial feature. Identical except for their personalities. Kaeleigh is quiet, shy, and hates confrontations. Raeanne is outgoing, promiscuous, and will get into your face without a second thought. But both hide a dangerous secret that stems back to an accident that their mother and father were in years ago and that changed their family forever. Their mother now distances herself from the family and is working on becoming a member of the US Congress. Their father, the judge, just wants his wife home and drinks his problems away and also spends way too much time in the twins' room. I want to say that this book was refreshing compared to Smoke and don't get me wrong, it was. But I'm not sure if I liked the content of this book at all.

I love Max! So, I know the first book had mixed reviews but I was looking forward to this book and was not disappointed. As per usual bastard style there was a lot of sex with less substance but where it all counted was Max and I friggin' loved him. I don't know if it was his accent, the fact that he was a millionaire, that he was drop dead gorgeous or just his pure heart needing to be loved but he did it for me. As the book went on the substance built up and I fell into the story and was routing for Sara to get a spine and see the potential of Max. Their chemistry was potent right from the beginning. And if I was going to have a sex only relationship then I would gladly have Max be in charge of the where and when. *spicy* "Okay, when you smile at me like that, I want to climb you. And God knows it's been forever since I've been properly manhandled." (On my blog I had a pic with a couple undressing but didn't insert here in the case of flagging ) "Stay over. Please, Petal. I want to f@ck you in the morning when you're all sleep-rumpled and drowsy." Not only was Max super sexy he was also super sweet *swoon* "The way you seem nervous makes me think you don't know that I'm in love with you." "You could break my heart. Just know that, yeah?" I was worried for awhile that Sara was going to be daft and screw it up but when a gorgeous brit who calls you petal and adores you how can you let that go. I loved having Bennett and Chloe along for the ride. I wasn't sure how it was all going to tie together but it fit. I know there are a bunch more of this series to come out but I am not sure who they are going to be of but I am excited to see what is going to happen in the future with this series. I really did enjoy this book but especially Max You can also find me on: Live Read and Breathe Facebook Live Read and Breathe Twitter For more of my reviews: Live Read and Breathe

See full review for A Torch Against the Night at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... Raise your hand if you have been personally victimized by A Torch Against the Night. *raises hand* When I started this book and made my way through the first hundred pages this book was like pretty much any sequel to a beloved first book. Sometimes it lagged and sometimes the twists that were thrown in were predictable. But then...then things got interesting when Keenan entered the scene with Izzi in tow.

While I found the writing style and voice of the author different and fresh, in the end the plot was not. I agree with others that the plot (what there was of one) was slow and not really scary. Less about anything tangible and more that the author kept looking to readers and asking 'scared yet?' Usually I'm more forgiving then others about loose ends and lack of definitive end but this one pretty annoying.

When I began my teaching career, I taught 3rd and 4th graders. I used this book and other Shel Silverstein material for Creative Dramatics. Once we did a whole show revolving around staged readngs of these poems. It was so much fun. The kids loved it. The parents loved it. Who couldn't love a book that has so many feel good fuzzies surrounding it?

2.5/5 Replica was one my most anticipated releases, but it was pretty much a let down for me. The idea of both two books in one and a book about cloning had so much potential, but this book failed to live up to it. I understand the marketing strategy behind promoting this book as two books in one and splitting it into two parts, but it did not feel like two books to me. Each perspective felt like half of a story, and reading the other did not make me feel any more satisfied, because it was basically the same half told from a different perspective. Each part was only around 200 pages, so it isn't surprising that they felt this way. It would have been better if it had just been told in alternating chapters, without overlapping scenes. I know they did the half-and-half style to make this book stand out, which it did, but I think it was detrimental to the overall story. Another issue I had was that I failed to connect with the characters, probably because of the issue of shortness I mentioned above. I liked Lyra and Gemma well enough, but I really couldn't bring myself to care about them. I found myself skimming the last few chapters of Gemma (I read Lyra first) because I felt like I already knew where they were ending up, and I didn't really care enough to get the full story. I feel like the writing style made me feel disconnected from them as well for some reason. Also, Lyra and 72's relationship was so insta-love. They barely knew each other at all, and each was the first male/female the other had seen, and yet they decided that they were in love by the end. I could have liked their relationship if it hadn't been so rushed and forced, but it was. I liked Gemma and Pete's relationship slightly more, though I also felt like it could have benefited by being slowed down a bit. Overall I didn't hate this book, but I had a lot of issues with it. I probably won't be picking up the sequel. I feel bad rating it so low, because I usually love Lauren Oliver's work, but this one just didn't do it for me.

Listened to the audio book and it was fabulous. Highly recommended.

These poems and essays are amazing. I can't wait to read her new book that's coming out this summer.

Ransom Riggs is one talented storyteller - this has been my conclusion when I finally reached the last sentence of the book. It took me three weeks to finish this novel, not because I did not like it, but because I have been occupied with other things. Last night, I pushed aside the urge to binge-watch series so that I could read. I was still 70% through with the book and the story, as already exciting as it was, became more (exciting)! The plot went to its climax and I was glued. I even almost forgot to eat dinner because it was so hard to put it down now that the story was unraveling so fast beyond my eyes. The revelations and twists just fired up my excitement as I read through the Peculiars' battle for freedom. What I liked most when the story nears to its conclusion was how Jacob chose to go home and Emma accepted to let go. Little did I know that Riggs had come up with another juicy discovery. I won't tell you what that is, you just have to read it if you really want to know.

I read a lot of reviews of this book on blogs that I follow, and decided I'd really like to give it a try. Sometimes e-mail type books stress me out because if they are written in certain ways I have a lot of trouble following them (especially if they jump from person to person very quickly). I enjoyed how the e-mails didn't always say exactly what was going on, and the reader is left to pick up pieces here and there to get the general idea... so, to me, it seemed more true to the e-mail format than some others in this same format that I've read. I laughed out loud a few times (despite odd looks from my fiance), and even went back to read a few lines because they were so funny to me. I haven't read a funny book in a few weeks so it was great to lighten up. Along with laughing, I had some intense emotions during the last half of the book because of some of the events that transpired. I ended up reading most of that half in one night because I was SO MAD at some of the characters that I couldn't bare to sleep before knowing what kind of justice they would be served (or not served, as the case may be). Everyone else has commented on this too... but the book really is very large. It only took a couple hours to read but it's a hefty book, a couple inches thick... don't let it intimidate you! I'm hoping the sequel (which Holly promises on the last page of the book) is just as big - it's one I'm going to want to read soon after it comes out!

*I got this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review Cole is a 13 year-old boy who misses his father, a mysterious figure throughout the book. The story starts with Cole waiting for his dad at the train station, eager to spend the summer days with him. A tragedy occurs when the train doesn't stop and crashes instead. Soon after the tragedy, a whole different side of Cole's late father is unveiled, leading to Cole finding out his father was, in fact, part of an association which fights the evil in the world. I was quite intrigued by the synopsis, the promise of a new exciting world brought me back memories of Harry Potter, which I'm positive was a very big influence on the author to write this story. The trio in The Blue Moon Narthex resembles the Harry Potter trio a lot. Cole is basically the chosen one, special, like his dad, and he is greatly skilled in sliding even though he had never done it before or had any training. Sophie loves books and seeks knowledge, but unlike Hermione, she's not adamant on following rules. Britten is not very bright, loves trouble and adventure. Britten might be the most different one from its counterpart as Ron is not adventurous, although neither has much interest in reading. These clear similarities to Harry Potter, although they did bother me a little, they didn't stop me from enjoying the book. I particularly liked the world building, as the characters are not witches but something else entirely. Coreseum reminded me of Idris in the Shadowhunter world, which I quite liked. The idea of a parallel society existing without our knowledge always intrigued me. However, some things didn't work in my opinion. The trio acted older than 13 year olds would and certainly thought older as well. The three main characters also very one dimensional so it's hard to relate to them on a deeper level. There's still a lot we don't know about the KSL which I think should have been explained in the first installment, such as the true extent of their powers. We know they fight the evil, they slide but what then? Neve once was mentioned any special gear created to fight, only to help them slide and prevent falls. Too many names are mentioned in the first instalment, I couldn't keep up. I only the remember a few which had a bigger impact on Cole's life, I found myself not knowing who half of those characters were and what they did. I think young teenagers would enjoy this more than I did, I couldn't stop myself from comparing it to Harry Potter. I do believe it has a lot of potential, there is room for the development of both the characters and the world. Blog . Instagram . Twitter .

I have been fascinated with the book expecting something different or more common within the books of musicians but this book is more human than human, a real gem for fans and it's also interesting to know the behind the music, now I enjoy more to Soufly before

4.5 Stars You can call it love, or you can call it freefall. They're pretty much the same thing. This book is another wow in it's beauty and uniqueness but also very taboo subject matter. Maise is young girl with a troubled past but old soul. She has had to grow up way to fast and made some terrible life choices in order to feel some love and compassion from others. Thanks for the abandonment issues, Dad. Fuck you very much. "But this is who you are. You're a liar, and a thief, and a junkie. I don't hate you, Mom. I'm disappointed in you." One of bad choices leads her to a one night stand with an older man that she can't seem to forget about. There was something about him that touched her in a way that she never thought was possible. Part of falling in love with someone is actually falling in love with yourself. Realizing that you're gorgeous, you're fearless and unpredictable, you're a firecracker spitting light, entrancing a hundred faces that stare up at you with starry eyes. With a bleak reality Maise quickly finds out that her one night stand is now her new teacher whom holds the key to her future. Right away their attraction is at the forefront but reality is holding them back. They quickly realize that they can't fight their feelings so they risk everything. "I can't hold on to you. You're like that shooting star, Just a trail of fire in my hands." "Who am I to you?" I said, my voice hoarse. "Maise, or your student?" ... He touched my cheek. "Who are you?" "Your student." He shook his head. "No, You're the one teaching me." And that made my heart ache, too - the thought of how much happiness lay scattered across the universe, unrealized, in fragments, waiting for the right twist of fate to bring it together. We also realize that Evan also has a past. "Now I know," he said, touching me again, "why I was drawn to you. We have the same darkness inside." For Maise and Evan their relationship is very trying but they can't let it go. With them together there is such beauty in a world of taboo. Why did everything beautiful come from pain? A lot of people don't understand their relationship or commitment to one another. This is what being in love feels like, Wesley. Gratitude. Gratitude that you exist in this fucked up, beautiful universe. "You changed my life, Mr. Wilke." His arms tightened around me, and he whispered back, "You changed mine." Even though this book has a taboo subject, Leah has an ability to create beauty in such darkness. The way this book was written encompasses the all the emotions of all the characters as well as the depth of the feeling that you can only route for them instead of being appalled by the idea of them. For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter

This is a cute holiday-themed novella about two young men finding love on Capri. Bobby is an out-gay, law student who is second-gen Italian-American with a doting mother and a family who loves him. They are a bit outrageous, as a family, but this Christmas will be different. Uncle Bobby won't have to sit at the kids table because he lacks a partner. Nope, Mama has arranged to send Bobby to meet his distant relatives on the island of Capri for Christmas. Bobby has been a student of Italian for years, so he is able to communicate with his cousins, aunt, uncle and greataunt and greatuncle. This family is no less eccentric as his own, and they are able to urge Bobby away from his law books to experience the island sights, with Paulo, his cousin as a guide. It soon becomes clear that Paulo is gay, and while there is a mutual attraction, Paulo makes it clear that he is not boyfriend material. To be sure, Paulo and Bobby are close in age and attraction, but not blood. They are--at best--third cousins. (Their grandfathers were cousins. In my genealogy we would consider the grandchildren of cousins to be sixth cousins...so there should be no qualms of incest.) Bobby sees the deprecating way Paulo is treated by his father and sister--he is just a lowly factory worker in their company. They don't accept his homosexuality, and gay marriage is illegal in Italy (in this story), so Paulo has no aspirations of having a husband one day. Bobby's experiences are so very different from Paulo's, and he's able to share his own dreams with his cousin, to some degree. Expect a melancholy phase, and a HFN/HEA-hope ending. There are a little bit of sexytimes, but they are on the down-low with the barest hint of steam. On the whole, I liked the story. It's a quick read with great descriptions of Capri, and enough characterization of the many characters to give a flavor of all of them. Poor Nonna, living for her funeral! It's a fun holiday story, that's not too heavy on the Christmas--probably because it's set in a country that believes Christmas to be a religious event, not a present extravaganza...which was refreshing. I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Jenna is a girl on mission: become an independently wealthy gallery owner selling her sculptures. She has fought hard for this dream scrimping to make ends meet in college and living on a scholarship. See, she knows not to depend on a man; her father and grandfather didn't stick around much past the birth of their kids, and she and her mother grew up in poverty. So, there's no chance Jenna's gonna change plans for a man who'll undoubtedly just leave her when the going gets rough. That's why she struggles with Jack. He's her friend-the closest male friend she's ever had-and they did the deed once, back in December. Seven months have passed, and yet, that night still holds its place in Jenna's heart. She can't deal with the tenderness Jack showed her, and they both walked away changed-not that Jenna will admit it. She doesn't want a boyfriend...ever. But, she can't stop feeling more than she wishes for Jack. Jack is exasperated. With Jenna, and his family. Jenna loves him, he knows this, and he loves her-so why the heck is she being so stubborn? When the opportunity arises for Jenna to take a road trip back to New Orleans to visit her sick grandma, Jack jumps at the chance to got with her-he's needed back home, too. Seems his brother, Drew, has gone missing and it's up to Jack to ferret out the situation. Jack's past was a rough one, if his scars have anything to say about it. He worked hard to keep his mother and brothers out of trouble with the gang life in their small Louisiana town, but it seems trouble found them anyway, and from the most reprehensible source possible. Jenna has a front row seat to the seedy side of Jack, and though he frets that she'll run for the hills, it is his steadfast devotion to his family-he people he loves-that causes Jenna to rethink her hardcore 'no romance' stance. This is a mature read with some serious steam and occasional, okay ONE, stabbing. The characters are interesting and fun, though I sometimes got overwhelmed with all the names-between Jenna's three cousins, three sisters, grandma and mom, there were too many Lacombes to keep track of. I liked Jack a lot-outwardly, he was steady and sure even when he seriously struggled on the inside. He was kind and compassionate and unafraid to put himself out there, for the people he loved. And, he really pushed all the right buttons with Jenna. He showed her it was safe to let her control slip, once in a while. The Finding Fate series interleaves with each book, giving glimpses of characters from other stories (Pixie, Daren, Kayla and Levi) as secondary characters. Nonetheless, each reads as a standalone. This is fun, quick read with a likable heroine and a lickable male lead. The smexytimes are interesting, but not overblown, with a clearly respectful tone throughout. Jack woos Jenna hard-and that makes for some delicious interactions. I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of review.

Who knew medical disasters could be so boring? I really hate it when the best thing I have to say about a book is that it's readable. There really should be more positives for a book than that, sadly, this is not the case with this one though. I was tempted to give it three stars, simply because I read it quite quickly, but the truth is, it's simply not that good, and I probably won't remember much at all of it in a month. This new trilogy (oh boy) kind of fits into the dystopia/post apocalyptic genre, except this time it focuses around a medical disaster, with a new virus contaminating everyone on a small island. Sounds kind of exciting, right? THINK AGAIN. As per usual, our heroine must find a way to beat the virus and save the people she loves before it's too late. SPOILER: Pretty much everyone dies, she kind of sucks at saving people. Blah blah blah blah. My biggest issue with this story was that it doesn't really go anywhere. Our 'heroine', if you can really call her that, basically just sits around waiting as one person dies after another. The repetition of it got a little old. First her mum gets the virus and dies, then her niece gets the virus, then her dads murdered...it's all so depressing and typical to the point where when one persons coughed it, you kind of know someone else is about to be in the firing line. The characters are also extremely flat, and I mean really really flat. I know the situation is depressing, but there is not even a tiny bit of humour here to elevate the characters personalities, or even a attempt at character development at all really. Everyone has been moulded into the typical YA moulds that you read in every book, except they've been made as uninteresting as possible. One of my biggest issues with the book though was that these 15 year olds, do not act 15 in the slightest, and they all seem to conveniently have these specialist subjects that are somehow useful in creating their new world during the virus outbreak. Our MC is practically an encyclopaedia when it comes to animal behaviour. Her friend Tessa is some kind of gardening whiz who knows how to grow medicinal crops. Tell me of a 15 year old, who happens to be an avid gardner? I mean, seriously, pleeeease. The whole book is also written in journal form, which is not something I usually mind, in truth I usually quite enjoy it. But in this book, the whole journal is written to this boy Leo that she used to fancy, like two years ago, and who she doesn't speak to anymore because they had a falling out..... I. JUST. DIDN'T. CARE. Also.......guess who makes a surprise entrance on the very last page.....*drumroll* Oh my god! It's LEO! Ick! Overall, this was a very disappointing book, and while I did read it quite fast, I can't say I could recommend this to anyone with a good conscience. It's the definition of 'meh' for me. Will I read the sequel though? Probably, but only because I'm a masochist, who hates not knowing what happens after a cliffhanger ending, dam you Megan Crewe!

Something terrible has happened to Melinda, but she can't speak of it. She won't speak of it. Eventually though, it just crawls out of her. This was a really powerful story about violence and depression and finding the strength to continue and to heal. Although it deals with some very mature topics, it would be a great book to read and discuss with teenagers. Maybe even a necessary book. It shouts the message that we cannot know by someone's actions what pain they are suffering.

The first 3/4ths were great, then it took a turn and got ridiculous. For those who've read it, you probably already know what I'm talking about. That was a bit off putting to me.

4 I Love Gray Grayson Stars! Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy from Author and BocciPR Here's the thing I'm always a big fan of friends to lovers but sadly with this theme it's becoming quite predictable. With this book it's another friends to lover book filled with a bunch of miscommunications and assumptions to fill up the angst quota for this couple. Thankfully they get their shit together by the 60% mark otherwise I was going to be a bit disappointed. Then after this point they start to have some actual drama instead of just being about miscommunications and assumptions which gets to tiresome in books at times. We first meet Gray Grayson in the first book of this series The Hook Up! He's the outgoing, fun loving glue of their football team. Plus he's the up and comer that will have the world at this feet with the NFL. He's also a 'player' because that's way easier than losing his heart. To help out his best friend Drew he lends him his truck and ends up borrowing a pink car that belongs to his potential manager's daughter, Ivy. With this car sparks a quick witty text relationship with Ivy Mac. This banter quickly morphs into a budding friendship. A friendship that they both hold near and dear to them. So when they get to finally meet they both try really hard to maintain the friends only relationship, but that doesn't mean they both aren't attracted to one another. "Seriously, Iv ... You could climb him like Everest, make base camp at this cock, and tackle the rest in the morning." Now here is the part where they are just friends but are both fighting the mutual attraction. While they both assume, assume assume which causes miscommunication after miscommunication which leads to some unnecessary heartache. "We're already in a relationship, Ivy." My voice bounces over the walls, turning heads, drawing stares. I put my back between the room and Ivy. "And it's the most important one of my life." Throughout this book, I loved the witty banter between these two. It's what hooks you in with this duo. Now when they finally give in to their attraction then boom, it unleashes tons of chemistry and loads of sweetness. I have to admit that Gray Gray is near and dear to my heart and will be making an appearance on one of my book boyfriend Mondays. "You have me," he says against my lips. "I don't think you understand how much you have me." "I'm crazy about you, Ivy. You have to know that. I'm so lost in you, I don't ever want to find my way back." "I'm not letting you go, Ivy Mac. In case I wasn't clear before." Once Ivy and Gray give in to their feelings they go from friends to lovers quickly while their emotional bond escalates as quick, which happens when you're best friends first. "I couldn't ... I wasn't strong enough. But you were. You're the best of us, Gray." Even though at times the storyline was predictable for this theme, it was still sweet and endearing because of Ivy and Gray themselves. I do like this series and I can't wait for more from this football team. "The fact is Ivy, for me, there is one absolute truth. The sum of my existence equals you." For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter

This book is really hard to read. I couldn't figure out the narrative point of view. It was jarring every time it changed. The editing wasn't great either, which interrupted the flow of the story. And the story itself is meh. It really was not my cup of tea.

5.9999258965 stars When I slept, I dreamed that my bed was all twigs and leaves and feathers, just like a nest. I first read Skellig a number of years ago and instantly fell in love with it. I was fortunate enough to not have the story pushed on me at school and instead find it on my own after leaving school. I now read it at least once every year. I think it may be my favourite story of all time. The past couple of reads have been listening to the audiobook during my daily walks/train journeys and it's just delightful. Skellig is, on the surface, a story about a boy (Michael) who finds an angel/bird/owl-like man living in the garage of his new home. But it is so much more than that. Skellig is about change. Michael has a new baby sister, a new friend and a new home. Skellig is about discovering there are things in the world that you don't know about. Michael discovers that men with wings can exist. He learns about arthritis and William Blake and home-schooling and how birds have hollow bones. He learns that life can sometimes throw us a curveball that feels very unfair and there is little you can do about it. Skellig is about friendship. Michael meets a girl, Mina, and becomes her friend without it becoming a love story. It is so nice to have a relationship develop in a story without it having to become romantic because get this - sometimes males and females can become friends without falling in love! Skellig is about hope, and hardship and the subtle beauty of nature. Skellig is about helping those in need despite how difficult it can be. Most of all, Skellig is also about yummy yummy delicious Chinese take out food. Sweet and Sour = nectar of the gods. I watched a spider scrambling across his face. He caught it in his fingers and popped it in his mouth. David Almond writes his characters so well. They all feel real, and deep. Even though we don't spend too much time with some of them, it really didn't take much imagination to feel like I knew them. On a bit of a side note, one thing that can make or break a story for me is dialogue. Bad dialogue, no matter how good a story is, has me nope-ing out so hard. Skellig is a master class in how to write dialogue. It just feels real. The amount of really well written metaphors and themes throughout this book is a delight. One example of this is how Michael is told to view his new home in his mind's eye and the potential it has. He has to view the man in his garage and the situation with his sister in a similar light. No matter how grubby, repulsive or broken a situation or person may appear, with the right determination and help, these situations can be transformed into something more beautiful than anything originally thought. I thought he was dead. He was sitting with his legs stretched out, and his head tipped back against the wall. He was covered in dust and webs like everything else and his face was thin and pale. Dead bluebottles were scattered on his hair and shoulders. I shone the torch on his white face and his black suit. I could gush over this story for another 7000 words, but I will stop - I think you can see how much I love it.

Beautiful illustrations complement actual Biblical text in this book for children. Particularly interesting is the artist's ability to create a sense of mystery within 'bright' compositions. Excellent. Text for each page features the Bible verse(s) above, with questions for discussion below. These ideas are helpful in engaging a child to think/ experience/ imagine the creation story. Bible scholars may find some of the questions too simplistic. For example, on day 2 about the separation of the waters, the text encourages children to notice the water cycle created by God. But was there rain before the flood? On the plus side, stewardship of creation is discussed after creation of the land animals (day 6). The drawings also contribute to discussion. My student was thrilled to sit and look at all the different animals and colors and talk about his favorites/ interests. I liked it that the story and illustrations are not rushed. For Day 5, sea creatures and birds, both kinds of animals are given the full page spread treatment. Likewise, land animals are on separate pages from Adam & Eve. The illustrations for sea creatures, birds and land animals all include a dinosaur which my student was eager to find and discuss. And the story doesn't end with Day 6, and includes Day 7 and a discussion of rest. After the conclusion of the story, 6 pages feature unique animals in creation with gorgeous color illustrations. Headings are: God Created Amazing Creatures, God Created Amazing Senses, and God Created Amazing Colors and Shapes (dinosaurs mentioned here too). The book ends with what is almost a separate storybook. In a similar manner, the text of Psalm 139 is given and explained. While there are glimpses of the same brilliance here (the illustration of the baby in utero is amazing!), this section lacks consistency. In particular the muted color palette seems worn after the bright splashes of color early in the book. My student had lost interest by this section, so it is probably best read as a separate story. This is one of my favorite books on creation. If you are only going to purchase one storybook to enhance your Bible understanding of the creation, this one might be it. If you have space for two books on creation, I also recommend Paul Maier's "The Real Story of Creation" even though I dislike the title. :)

A story with nice connections to both the Captain's origins and the Secret Avengers. It also does well for placing Rogers in a more soldier-like role.

see full review @ Katie's Corner

Cold Day in Hell (130-133). I'm not convinced that this first story was meant to be about McCoy. It features the Doctor and Frobisher still angsting about Peri leaving, then Frobisher leaving himself. As such, it would have worked much better in continuity as a Colin Baker story set after Trial of a Time Lord. With that said, this is still a cool story because it has the Ice Warriors -- even if we've seen most of the ideas before, like a group of Ice Warriors going rogue because they don't like peace and them making a planet particularly cold. I also appreciated the continuity with the Galactic Federation, which continues right on into the next story [7/10]. Redemption! (134). The idea of a companion gone bad is a good one, but it's all a bit sudden and thus the story is pretty shallow [6/10]. The Crossroads of Time (135). A battle between the Doctor and Death's Head is a cool bit of fun, especially as it's a pivotal event in Death's Head's chronology. Unfortunately, the continuity of this story as a Doctor Who offering is awful with a "Time Warden" who watches the paths of time and the Doctor willing to try and kill Death's Head almost instantly [4/10]. Claws of the Klathi (136-138). What an entirely bizarre strip, with some convoluted and irrelevant backstory and a whole bit with aliens traveling as a freak show. I didn't find it very interesting, nor did I find this Seventh Doctor very dark, despite the author's claims to the contrary. The story did have some great Victorian setting, but that wasn't enough to make it good [5/10]. Culture Shock! (139). Grant Morrison's story is fun just because it imagines a totally weird SF idea [8/10]. Keepsake (140). This story is really shallow, but fun for how it shows the Doctor being both silly (like the early 7) and also manipulating someone into doing something for him (like the late 7) [6/10]. Planet of the Dead (141-142). So this story has old companions and old Doctors, introduced for the purpose of an anniversary, but used really, really shallowly. Despite that, it's fun, especially in the interactions between the Doctors, which is spot on. The relation to the history of the Whifferdils is fun too [7/10]. Echoes of the Morgor! (143-144). Nice to have Abnett writing a story. This one is as thin as most of the stories in this volume, but still offers up an interesting mystery that's fun to read. However the old memories imprinted on crystals feels very overused, especially since it appeared in the "Dragonsfire" episode right around the same time [6/10]. Time & Tide (145-146). There's very little depth to this story, which is all about fate, the inevitable, and aliens having the Doctor for supper. There's meant to be some humor here, but it's not enough to keep the story rolling [5/10]. Follow that TARDIS (147). This is a pretty silly strip too, but at least it's actually funny at times. I also appreciated seeing the Meddling Monk again, and I think his use is right in line with that from the '60s [6/10]. Invaders from Gantac! (148-150). This last strip felt a lot like some of the early DWM strips, and I think that's the 2000AD influence. It's overall an interesting, fast-moving story, somewhat let down by a silly ending where fleas save the day [6/10]. Unfortunately, as a whole I found this a pretty lack-luster volume. As I said, it's often shallow. I also only occasionally got a good sense of McCoy's Doctor, sometimes the clown of the early seasons, and maybe once the schemer of the last season and the New Adventures. This problem was worse in the earlier stories, and may be the result of the authors not yet having seen 7 in action. I also didn't like the fact that the Doctor was mostly solo and that there's almost no continuity between the strips, making it all around pretty blah. I suspect the rotating cast of writers contributed to that.

I really liked the beginning of this book a lot. Two identical twins from the States move to London after inheriting all the possessions of their aunt, herself an identical twin of their mother. Her flat is right next to Highgate Cemetary, so there is much opportunity for musing upon death and encounters with ghosts. They also meet the other residents of the small apartment building where she lived and try to crack the mystery of how and why their aunt and mother cut off all communication with each other years before. It was about two-thirds of the way through the book that something really goofy happened, which caused something else even goofier to happen, and so on until the entire book collapsed under its own weight. Niffenegger has said in interviews that this book started as characters in search of a plot, and to be honest, I don't think she ever found one, at least not one that really works. However, the atmosphere and characters she's created are so strong and appealing that I recommend reading the book anyway, just with reservations.

This wasn't really so much a sequel as it's a second story that clarify who Jack is. Which is fine and fun but not really continuing Punzel's journey. Overall I enjoyed this, it wasn't anywhere as fun as the first book, but it had it's moments. It seemed to go by quicker. Maybe because the first one encompassed so much while this was just Jack's story. I still don't like Jack, not a huge fan of him even if they explained why he does what he does. The drawings are fun, and very colorful. I wonder if there will be more to these stories I'd read them!

Simple, different, funny and heartfelt. Surprising read.

The artwork on my review copy was really low resoltion, but from what I can tell the artwork looked gorgeous and it has obviously been crafted with a lot of love and attention. I found the writing, however, to be a bit awkward, and there is a fair amount of info dumping. That being said, there's enough here that I would give it to a kid that's a fan of Amulet; it's visually appealing and it's got a similar kid-goes-through-magical-doorway-and-must-save-the-day theme going on.

Crosspost: mytokyoblues.wordpress.com I chose Love Letters To The Dead because I was participating in a January buddy read on goodreads.com. Letters To The Dead is a contemporary and it is Ava Dellaria's debut novel. It reminded me so much of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbsoky, which is one of my favorites, and I had no idea that he was her mentor, so I could see how he has influenced her writing style. I have to say that Dellaria's writing style is unique, it feels like as if you were to stumble upon a box filled with letters and then you begin reading the letters in the box. As i was reading this book, I only got glimpses into the protagonist's life, as she tried coping with her problems. Goodreads Synopsis: Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to the dead--to people like Janis Joplin, Heath Ledger, Amelia Earhart, and Amy Winehouse--though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating the choppy waters of new friendships, learning to live with her splintering family, falling in love for the first time, and, most important, trying to grieve for May. But how do you mourn for someone you haven't forgiven? It's not until Laurel has written the truth about what happened to herself that she can finally accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was--lovely and amazing and deeply flawed--can she truly start to discover her own path. In a voice that's as lyrical and as true as a favorite song, Ava Dellaira writes about one girl's journey through life's challenges with a haunting and often heartbreaking beauty. Commentary: I really liked Laurel, she tried to be so much like her older sister May and it was really to see how devastated she was when her sister died. Laurel always spoke highly of her older sister and at first, you are led to believe that May was perfect, but the more you continued reading, the more you found out that May was a tragic and flawed. May tried to be a good older sister to Laurel such as telling her sister that she was a fairy. When the big revelation was unveiled, I really felt sorry for the Laurel to have witnessed her best friend die. I would have never expected this story to be really dark, and i did feel really uncomfortable learning that protagonist was being molested. I had a hard time reading those parts, even though the author did not give explicit details of it. I would consider this book to be a coming of age story because Laurel went through a semi-destructive path and turned her life around near the ending. She finally discovered that she could be her own person and still have aspects of other people. I did have a feeling that her last letter was going to be addressed to May, and I was happy that it was. I wasn't a big fan of the romance she had with Sky, it could have been better if there was no romance just for her character. I was a big fan of the romance between Natalie and Hannah, it was really well developed and I was glad that they were able to get together in the end. Hannah had to overcome her insecurities and it was nice to see how much she changed from the beginning to end. I have to say that her family and friends were really supportive. I really liked her father, he was one of my favorite character and he was very likable because he cared so much about seeing his daughter try to live a normal life. I really liked how Laurel wrote to famous people, it was very interesting and unique! With each person that she wrote to, it seemed that different aspects of her personality were revealed. Overall, this book was an entertaining read. It's a slow read, but it's worth it. Final Rating:

I'm making an effort to finish series I started long ago. Same old, same old. Not a bad book, but still not thrilled about the constant cliffhangers.

I received this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review. Chase is an exorcist, charged with investigating a woman and her son who are the inexplicable heirs of a wealthy man's fortune. Chase is stunned to realize the son, Lysander, is the object of his recent dreams. While investigating from afar, Chase is approached by Lysander, and their attraction is immediate. Chase soon discovers Lysander's mother is a banshee, and Lysander is half-spirit/half-human. This makes it hard for Chase and Lysander to have a connection, on account of Chase knowing the darkness within Lysander is very dangerous. The objective, to release Lysander's mother's spirit, is also dangerous, but Lysander's willing to help if it will let his mother rest in peace. This novella had some interesting ideas, but I felt as if everything was too rushed, with too much telling. Chase and Lysander meet. Then, they're in love. Chase tells us everything, and the beginning few pages absolutely destroyed any fear I might have developed that the resolution would not be HEA. I never really got the full sense of Lysander and what his abilities might be. Most of the time he seemed like a kicked puppy, but then, he'd be extremely forceful with Chase. Lysander seemed as unpredictable as his mother, and equally as dangerous. I wished Chase had more spark. He's too stolid a narrator, for me. Also, serious problems with this particular punctuation mark ";". It was everywhere it should not have been. There's a few sexy interludes, but I kinda struggled with the emotional development (read: Instalove).

The story is fine, but the illustrations are so distracting it's hard to tell what's happening. There's no discernible difference besides color between the dragon and the dinosaur, it's just confusing for young kids. Not recommended, there are much better dinosaur books and dragon books out there!

I just finished this book, and it took me nearly 2 months to finish. It was a mammoth for me. This is the biggest book I've ever attempted to read and finished. It only had one or two chapters that dragged and I found boring, but other than that I found it to be a very satisfactory read.

F-ing brilliant. The storytelling...the images...I just can't get over it. And I loved the guest appearances by Chaucer and Shakespeare!

This is a fun, quick middle-grade read. It reminds me of one of my favourite books in grade school, Sideways Stories from Wayside School. It's about a boy starting middle-grade school. And unfortunately because of how the school zones have been rearranged he has to go to this newly opened state of the art school, well all his friends are at a different one. And to top it all off he soon finds out the only person he knows at this new school is the boy that bullied him in his previous school. Right off the bat some really weird things start happening at the school. Like rats finding their way into lockers, ew! And the science teacher just seems to not belong. So that's just the start to where some more weird and creepy things will ensue. The writing is quite simple, but it was still a great story. I will definitely be picking up the rest of the series. I want to know what else will happen at Lovecraft Middle School!

Super fun!

The life of a 15 years old in prison with powers added to the mix. Interesting and great atmosphere.

This book had such great potential and I really wanted to like it more. Sadly I found Joan to be... well frustrating, I suppose, there's that whole getting all flustered because a man she fancies, strokes a strand of her hair! Seriously? Anyway, character conversations were, in my opinion, wooden. Though the plot was good, overall it was a bit disappointing.

This series is awful. Listed on CBD as for ages 5-10, and Amazon as 4 and up, but this designation is completely off, if not even arbitrary. I would recommend these books, maybe, for preschool. For some reason, they decided to use rhyming verse, a literary style that greatly appeals to the preschool set. But in that format, the serious topics of missions, paganism, and the confrontation between light and darkness are addressed. This is everything I hate about cheery "christian" literature. A sing-song, happy-happy-clap-clap approach to the very real war of the ages is infuriatingly inappropriate in preparing our children to stand for the LORD. If this kind of God will never let anything uncomfortable happen to you sweet child theology is what you are looking for, Meloche's work will suit you fine. But if you are looking to raise up godly children who are equipped to know, love and serve the amazing, awesome, Creative God, do yourself a favor: Don't buy any books in this series. Excellent alternatives, which I have reviewed on Goodreads are: Christian Biographies for Young Readers (Series), Simonetta Carr Trial & Tribulation (A single book overview of Church History), Hannula History Lives Series by Brandon & Mindy Withrow

Beautiful

Seinen manga has been a staple subgenre in my comics collection. Orange is shoujo, and my last experience with this (and definitely not seinen) type of slice-of-life YA Japanese literature is through the anime, Boys Be. That was years ago, and I remembered that I was totally hooked every episode. Now that I am significantly old for the material, I never really knew what to feel at first reading this shoujo manga, Orange. But as the reading progresses, the beautiful yet sad story unfolds unfolds right to my eyes and directly to my heart. I felt young again, a time when innocence and ignorance from all the responsibilities are still unseen in the horizon, a simpler time in school, where my everydays are motivated by childish love, friends and crushes. And of course, those heartbreaks. Oh, those were the days. Orange has a special story about love, regret and friendship that is ought to be read by all. It plays with the heart's all-time question of regret: if I can change the past, what would that be? For future Naho, it is for her past self to save her dear friend Kakeru. Orange plays with your heart, excellently blending teenage love and friendship with heavier themes like loneliness, regret and the value of life. The sci-fi elements of time travel is there to set the plot of the whole story. I have never expected Orange to be that moving even at my age. After finishing volume one of the complete collection, I do care about the characters, not only with Kakeru and Naho, but all of them. Orange also is a window for foreigners to see the Japanese society, at least how their youth behaves, and there's some romance with them not being straightforward emotion-wise. There is definitely a darker side in this story though. It is the reality of suicide and death. But I'm glad that Ichigo Takano conveys these dark elements in a good way. There is still volume 2 in this awesome collection, I do hope Orange is beautiful and heart-warming until the end.

As I read Fangirl, a book I heartily enjoyed, I found the Simon Snow fan fiction segments perfectly adequate for what they were (an obvious Harry Potter stand in) but not super interesting in their own right so I approached this book with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. My expectations were modest. In some ways this book exceeded my expectations, but it also had some of the flaws I anticipated. What this book did better than I anticipated was make me care about many of the characters, even those who don't have large roles, and their relationships. I had a strong emotional connection to this cast. I felt like I had a good understanding of who these people were and why they behaved the way they did. I never wanted to stop spending time with them. However, as much as I enjoyed reading this, elements of both the world building and the plot were pretty flimsy and generic at times, which I assume was inevitable given this universe's origins. Rowell takes an everything and the kitchen sink approach to fantasy tropes, tossing in a great variety of creatures and powers in an entertaining but also haphazard way. There's not a lot of originality here. What originality does exist comes more from the sheer volume of fantasy concepts that have been stuffed into this book rather than from a novel treatment of such genre staples as "the chosen one" or "internal strife amongst different magical castes." or "day to day life at magic school." So as strong as the character development is, and as enjoyable as the book is, it does feel derivative at times and elements of the world building feel rushed or muddled. Even with these flaws, this is definitely a page turner, and you'll be glad you read it.

Such pretty language and imagery-