Review: The Getaway List

The Getaway List by Emma Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Riley is now a high school graduate with no real plans.  She got rejection letters from every college she applied to … even her safety schools.  Although she did get in trouble a few times in high school, she has strived to be a good kid for her mom.  In her first real act of rebellion, Riley decides to pack her bag and go to New York City for the weekend.  Her best friend, Tom, lives there and they haven’t seen each other in ages.  They also created The Getaway List while they lived apart and she thinks this is a good time to knock some of those adventures out of the way.  Riley quickly learns she needs more than a weekend … she is staying for the summer!

The Getaway List is a stand-alone romance that had me fully invested after only a few chapters and I kept returning to the book and thinking about it while doing other things.  This was a very clean romance that was primarily Riley and Tom not admitting they were attracted to each other.  Lord made New York City seem like a place where everyone should spend a summer.  I’m not condoning everyone going to NYC against their parent's wishes, but this escape read will have many readers wondering if they should.

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Review: The Trials of Ildarwood: Cinders in the Snow

The Trials of Ildarwood: Cinders in the Snow by S.C. Selvyn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dasia and Tannus truly want to get away.    They have heard that Ildarwood can be their escape, but they also know that few children survive the Trials.  Some soul-stealing hunters want to stop them from overcoming, but they must face their pasts to discover their true powers.  What secrets will they discover during their Trial? 

 The Trials of Ildarwood: Cinders in the Snow is a stand-alone story set in the world created by Selvyn.  I haven’t read any other stories set in this world, yet I was able to enjoy this story fully.  My main complaint is that the ending was rather abrupt.  This fantasy adventure was a wild ride throughout, yet as the end approached it felt forced.  This will not be a satisfying read for everyone, but for those also on an inner quest of self-discovery, it may be a mirror into their thoughts.

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Review: The Wall

The Wall by Brian Penn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the not-so-distant future, the United States is in the middle of another civil war.  Technology has now made it possible to give people a second life and there is a wall that separates the rich from the poor.  Asher is a smuggler who wants to find a way out.  His chance has come; he must pretend to be a Zion soldier and beat an undefeated gladiator.  Will Asher become united with his love?  What lies will be uncovered?

The Wall is listed as a stand-alone dystopian novel in Goodreads, but the author’s note at the end tells readers it will be a trilogy.  This short book is action-packed and full of twists and turns.  I can’t say it is on par with some of the other great dystopian novels released recently, but for a freshman novel, it was good.  A firm choice if you just want a quick escape read.

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Review: I Am A Barbarian: The Forsaken Road

I Am A Barbarian: The Forsaken Road by Alex Evans
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Delta has only known the nomadic life as she travels the continent with her family.  At fourteen, it has been decided that she will attend a sorcery academy which will require its own new journey.  She will not be alone, but the path ahead has numerous dangerous creatures.  Even with all the risks … friendships are created.  What dark secrets will Delta uncover along the way?  Will Delta survive the perilous journey?

I Am a Barbarian is a stand-alone adventure that starts strong and fizzles out quickly.  It is a short read, so readers don’t have to give it a large commitment, but that is the only saving grace.  I wanted to like the book, the description sounded great, but I found my mind wandering constantly and I had to restart chapters to figure out what was going on.  I have to tell readers they probably should pass this one up.

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Review: The Hunting Moon

The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winnie is now a local celebrity.  Everyone knows that she is the girl who jumped … and the girl who was bitten.  She should be happy that she is now accepted, but it doesn’t feel right and there is a new nightmare that is hunting the hunters.  Everyone believes the werewolf is at fault, but Winnie believes differently.  It doesn’t help that Winnie is also trying to unravel the weird clues her father left about the Dianas.  Who can Winnie trust?  How many people will die before the questions get answered?

The Hunting Moon is the second book in The Luminaries series.  This supernatural thriller will keep readers guessing as the protagonist uncovers lie upon lie.  Dennard takes the world she created in the first book and expands into more intrigue and additional family drama.  I will tell you the truth …  I don’t remember much about the first book, yet I was fully able to enjoy this story.  I don’t know if others will have the same experience, though.  A strong second book with many more possible.  

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Review: The Woman with a Purple Heart

The Woman with a Purple Heart by Diane Hanks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annie has made a career being a nurse for the U.S. Army and has recently been transferred to Hickam Field in Oahu.  Most personnel stationed in Hawaii are happy to work in paradise, but Annie believes this is the Army’s way of telling her to retire.  She isn’t ready to retire, so she put her all into her new position.  When the attack on December 7^th leaves everyone scrambling, Annie has a steady mind and a calm demeanor.  Annie thinks outside the box and finds assistance in some unusual places, but afterward, her world is shaken again when a Japanese-American nurse is arrested and separated from her two children.  How will Annie react to the prejudice and injustice that followed the attack?

The Woman with a Purple Heart is a historical fiction story that takes some hard historical topics and places them in a well-written tale.  The chapters that include the attack are detailed without being gory and the events that follow are heart-rending and memorable.  Readers will finish this story and know that America has made some terrible decisions in the name of liberty and must learn from these errors before we make them again.

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Review: The Queen's Crown

The Queen's Crown by Jennifer Anne Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Princess Sabine is the sixth in line to the throne, so she doesn’t spend much time thinking about politics.  That is until her sister agrees to marry a neighboring king to help her country … and then is murdered before the wedding can occur.  Sabine wants to know who was responsible for her sister’s death, so she agrees to marry the king of Lynk to investigate it herself.  Will Sabine be able to discover who was behind the murder?  How will she adjust to a role she was never destined to hold? 

The Queen’s Crown is the first book in the League of Rulers series.  This fantasy novel had me captivated from the start and I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.  As the book neared the end and the story wasn’t slowing down, I knew that the second book would be a necessity.  This book was not a high fantasy, but it gives readers a lot to think about and includes many characters with hidden depths.  This book does end with a cliffhanger, and I wish the next book was already available. 

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Review: Dirty Thirty

Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stephanie has her hands full.  Martin Rabner wants her to find Andy Manley who he believes took diamonds from his jewelry store safe.  She is also looking for Duncan Dugan, a man believed to have robbed the same jewelry store … on the same day.  She probably could have handled both of those issues, but when her boyfriend leaves town on police business, she has to dog-sit Bob … and he can’t be left alone.  Of course, Ranger and Lula must throw their own issues into Stephanie’s crazy life.  What odd activities will be uncovered in Trenton?

Dirty Thirty is the thirtieth book in the Stephanie Plum series.  This story had me laughing constantly and I kept thinking, I need to tell someone about that!  There are many quotable moments … then you get to the end and Evanovich has picked 30 of her favorite quotes from the series.  I always expect that the next book will be ho-hum since the series is long-running, but if it is going to happen, it wasn’t this book!  I will say there is a small cliffhanger at the end.  When is the next book going to be released?! 

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Review: The Secret

The Secret by Lee Child
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is 1992 and eight people have been found dead.  They are in many places in the United States and don’t seem to be connected.  One of the victims gets the attention of the Secretary of Defense and he calls for an inter-agency task force.  Reacher is assigned to this task force.  He is a great soldier, but he doesn’t believe in hiding the truth to protect others.  What is the link between these victims?  Will this end with official justice or Reacher justice?

The Secret is the twenty-eighth Jack Reacher novel, and it transports us back 30 years during his Army career.  Readers who have followed the series will enjoy seeing new insights into an event that shaped who Jack became and readers who just picked this book up will enjoy a one-off story and then feel compelled to find the first in the series.  The adventure isn’t as intense as some of the other books, yet the story almost seems to read itself.  

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Review: The Prophet's Gambit

The Prophet's Gambit by Ellie Evaris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Aris has been dreaming for years but doesn’t remember most of them. She has felt that something is about to happen, but it never does … until Alek appears in her life. Alek has his own gift for never being injured and after reading his tarot cards, he believes Aris is the missing link to finding Krysidia. But there is a catch. Aris must learn to control her gift to fulfill the prophecy. Does Aris have what it takes to survive this quest? Who can she trust and who should she be cautious about?

The Prophet’s Gambit is the first book in a fantasy series by the same title. There were chapters that were captivating and others that were lackluster, but since this was a debut novel, that can be forgiven. The characters were easy to relate to and the world-building was well executed. Evaris has created a story with a lot of potential and it will be exciting to see her writing develop in the next installment.


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Review: I Loved You in Another Life

I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Evan has plans and they are starting to change.  He wanted to take a gap year in Alaska, but after his mother had a cancer scare, he wondered if now was the right time.  He is also hearing a song that no one else hears.  Shosh is on her way to LA with a dream of being a star, but after losing her sister to a drunk driver everything changes.  She also hears a voice singing that no one else hears.  

I Loved You in Another Life is a stand-alone novel that weaves together these two young adults and a few other stories too.  The premise of the novel was intriguing, yet the execution was lackluster.  I so wanted to love this book, but in the end, I felt it was ho-hum.  I’m sure there is a niche out there that will love this book, but it will not be appealing to the average reader.

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Review: A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories

A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sir Terry Pratchett has been dead for 8 years and many readers have missed his prose and zany characters.  What many readers are unaware of (as was I), Pratchett often wrote under pseudonyms for newspapers in the 1970s and 1980s.  Dedicated fans spent untold hours searching newspaper archives for these lost stories.  Included in this volume are twenty stories that show Pratchett as he was honing his craft and discovering who he was as an author.  Just like most short story collections, some stories are better than others, but overall the experience was fun … and some tales will give readers a glimpse into the worlds that Pratchett eventually created.

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Review: Foul Heart Huntsman

Foul Heart Huntsman by Chloe Gong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rosalind was an expert spy, but now she is hiding from the media because her cover has been blown.  Her partner and fake husband has been taken and all knowledge of Rosalind has been erased from his memory.  She needs to get away to rescue him, but now that everyone recognizes her, she must use a new deception.  Rosalind stages a national tour, but not even that goes as planned.  Who can Rosalind trust?  What secrets from her past will be uncovered?

Foul Heart Huntsman is the second book in the Foul Lady Fortune duology.  Events from this book transpire soon after the first book's ending and readers will be completely lost if they skip the first volume.  This book has history, adventure, and family drama all rolled into a captivating read.  Gong has once again written about this little-known period of world history and made it relatable to all readers.  A strong conclusion to a good duology.  

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Review: Project F

Project F by Jeanne DuPrau
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Keith is on a trip to pick up his cousin when he stumbles across Project F.  Now he is part of a secret project that is destined to change the world.  Unfortunately, he is only thirteen years old and is forced to keep it a secret from everyone, except Lulu.  As Keith learns more about Project F and the fuel it uses, he must decide if the secret is worth keeping.  What will Keith do in the end?

Project F is a stand-alone science fiction story that will have readers wondering what our world would be like if some of these actions became real.  DuPrau has taken a future time that could easily be realized in our lifetime and created a story for young readers to ponder.  This book will leave everyone thinking about how they might live in a simpler world.  

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Review: Plan A

Plan A by Deb Caletti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ivy is pregnant.  She knows how it happened, but she didn’t have sex!  She planned to work this summer and spend time with her boyfriend; now she is planning a road trip to her grandmother’s house where abortions are still legal.  Lorenzo has planned their road trip to hit small towns along the way … from Paris, Texas to Rome, Oregon.  As Ivy meets people, she learns there are many stories and many feelings about what she plans to do.

Plan A is a stand-alone realistic story that covers a very tough issue but definitely has an agenda.  Caletti takes a controversial topic and breaks it down for young readers to contemplate.  I will admit that I do not agree with many ideas that were expressed in the pages, but I can also see people in the United States having these views and opinions.  An OK read, just know that this book does have an agenda and it is not hidden.

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Review: Hawkeye: Bishop Takes King

Hawkeye: Bishop Takes King by Ashley Poston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kate is known to help out when she sees a crime in progress.  After she helps a boy whose bag is taken, their bags accidentally get mixed up.  His bag has a mysterious book that others would do anything to get ahold of.  Her bag has her bow and arrows, see … she is the young Hawkeye.  Now Kate finds herself looking for Milo to switch their bags and keep the city safe too.  What other superheroes will help Kate out?  What new adventures will Kate experience?

Hawkeye: Bishop Takes King is a stand-alone adventure in the Marvel Universe.  Both Marvel fans and readers who randomly pick up this volume will enjoy the antics and humor throughout.  I found myself stopping to share certain passages with my husband because they were too good to keep to myself.  The adventure is fast-paced and the pages almost turn themselves.  A great read for everyone who enjoys superheroes.  

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Review: Night of the Witch

Night of the Witch by Sara Raasch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fritzi has just survived a witch hunter attack on her coven and plans to save the one family member she knows has also survived.  Otto is a captain in the hexenjägers and has a secret … he doesn’t want to burn witches; he wants to save them.  As their plans converge, these two are unsure if they can trust each other, but they know they share an enemy.  What truths will be uncovered?  Will these two have what it takes to save 100 witches? 

Night of the Witch is the first book in the Witch and Hunter series.  This first book completes its world-building without a lot of effort.  I don’t know if it is because this time in our history already has a lot of books or it was the authors, but I’m not complaining.  The story rolls along and the twist in the story is unexpected and appreciated.  This is a great series opener and readers will want to add the next volume to their TBR list. 

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Review: Enchanted to Meet You

Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jessica started casting spells when she was a teenager and many went sideways.  It has been fifteen years since she was told she could never join the World Council of Witches, yet Derrick has come to her small town to tell her she is the Chosen One.  She must help the Light defeat the darkness that is about to arrive.  Who is Derrick?  Does Jessica have what it takes to save her town?  

Enchanted to Meet You is the first book in the Witches of West Harbor series.  This supernatural rom-com is light and funny, but it does have one very descriptive intimate scene … but only one.  I almost felt as if the story went too quickly and I finished wanting more.  This story is complete (not a cliffhanger), but the story arch has been created for an entire series for Jessica and some other characters.  A fun witchy story in a world full of dark novels.

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Review: Champion of Fate

Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reed may be an orphan, but she is not without family.  She has been preparing to be an Aristene and has finally become an initiate.  She has one large task … make sure her first hero finds glory.  If successful, she will be an Aristene and stand tall beside her sisters.  If her first hero fails, she will be forced to leave the only family she has left.  Reed has grand plans, but her hero, Hestion, is not what she bargained for.  What secrets about becoming an Aristene will be uncovered?  Will Hestion be the hero Reed needs him to be?

Champion of Fate is the first book in the Heromaker series.  This fantasy adventure has the making of a grand storyline and although there is some worldbuilding at the beginning of the book, it was artfully included and didn’t feel like drudgery.  Blake has created characters that are easy to relate to, even though I have never gone through the ordeals experienced throughout this tale.  A great start for what will be a fun series.

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Review: Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose

Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose by Nancy Springer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enola is enjoying her life.  She is living independently (and not hiding from her brothers), attending classes, and (still) helping people find lost things.  When Rudyard Kipling’s friend disappears, he goes to Enola’s office asking for help … but won’t hire her because she is female.  Enola takes this as a personal challenge and decides to look for Balestier herself, even though Kipling has hired her brother, Sherlock.  What happened to Balestier?  Who will find out first?

Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose is the ninth book in the Enola Holmes series.  The great thing about this series is you can read any of the books independently and still have a wonderful experience, yet those who read the books in order are rewarded with extra insight and background information.  Springer has crafted a character that is easy to relate to and even though this is written for the younger reader, readers of all ages will enjoy this work.

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Review: Reign

Reign by Katharine McGee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The American royal family is falling apart.  Queen Beatrice is in a coma and her brother is regent in her place.  Princess Samantha has run away, and no one knows where she is.  Many in America liked this arrangement, they wanted a king on the throne anyway.  Others are hoping this is just temporary … they believe that Beatrice will wake up and retake her place on the throne.  What will happen to the royal family now? 

Reign is the fourth and final book in the American Royals series.  The story is told in alternating voices so readers will have a very wide view of things that are going on.  Most of the issues are presented in the first few chapters and the the story steamrolls its way without much effort.  I know I had my pick for who would end up on the throne, yet readers will need to make their own choice, and either be happy or disappointed with the results.  A strong conclusion to a fun series.

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Review: The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Graphic Novel

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Graphic Novel by Michael Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sophie and Josh are working their summer jobs when they are plunged into a battle that has been happening for centuries … literally.  It turns out that Nicholas Flamel is Josh’s employer, and he is over 600 years old.  Nicholas discovered the Book of Abraham the Mage (better known as the Codex) and has been brewing the elixir of life every month for centuries.  Dr. John Dee is a former student of Nicholas and has been hunting him in order to take the Codex for himself.  Who else will join this adventure?  What hidden truths will the twins uncover? 

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Graphic Novel is a reimagining of the original tale.  Readers who have enjoyed the Alchemyst series will find this adventure just as appealing.  Those who are new to the story will be clamoring for more.  The graphics are wonderful, and the story is great, but readers should know that this is almost all character development and leaves everyone without a lot of answers.  A good adaptation and I can’t wait for the next installment.

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Review: The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade

The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade by Claudia Gray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Audrey has moved to a new town and must attend a new school.  Lucky for Audrey, she makes friends right away; unlucky for Audrey, she discovers a haunted mansion near her house.  These three teens decide they want to figure out why Audrey has waking dreams and sees ghosts.  While all of this is going on, Audrey is trying to deal with her boyfriend being a distance away and the fears/anxieties she is constantly overwhelmed with.  What is with this haunted mansion?  Why does Audrey go into fugue states and finish with a key?

The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade is a stand-alone novel based on the Disney Ride.  I will be honest and say that I have not been to Disney in over 15 years, so I don’t know this ride, yet I still enjoyed this book.  The characters were fun to get to know and the storyline was easy to follow.  I’m sure there are hidden gems for those who have experienced the ride, though.  This adventure is quick, and the topics are light yet also important.  A fun read for all ages. 

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Review: Mister Magic

Mister Magic by Kiersten White
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mister Magic was a long-running TV show with a strong fan base.  Even after the show is mysteriously canceled after an accident, fans can’t seem to forget the lessons they learned.  No one can find copies of the videos or knows who the host was.  There were five cast members who were known as the Circle of Friends who didn’t stay in touch but felt something was missing.  It has been thirty years and the Circle of Friends are getting together for a podcast about the show.  What secrets will they discover about the show?  What is waiting for them at the remote desert compound where the show was filmed?

 

Mister Magic is a standalone thriller that was a little confusing as the characters were introduced but smoothed out as the story progressed.  There is a lot to take in and digest about the topics presented. This is defiantly not a light read. I found myself rereading some pages at the end to make sure I understood what was going on. Fans of thrillers will enjoy this book but don’t rush it to the top of your TBR pile. 

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Review: Out of the Dawn

Out of the Dawn by P.C. Cast
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The green mist may have killed the men who breathed it in, but it also gave powers to some of the women.  Everyone’s abilities are different.  Some can heal, others grow plants, and some have great physical strength.  Mercury and a small group of survivors begin to create a small community where they can start over.  Their group may want to live well with the earth, but other survivors have harsher plans.  What threat will this group face next?  Will the world survive this next stage of human existence?

Out of the Dawn is the second book in the Into the Mist series.  The events of this book transpire soon after book one and even though it had been some time since I read the first volume, I easily remembered the key events as new plot points were uncovered.  Goodreads does not have the third book listed (yet), but the ending of this novel is not the end of the series.  Major events are wrapped up but there are many things still to be settled.

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Review: The Bone Hacker

The Bone Hacker by Kathy Reichs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tempe has been called into another case.  This one involves a person struck by lightning.  She does her due diligence in her investigation and suddenly finds herself looking into a much larger case that goes back many years.  The victims don’t seem to have anything in common … except where their bodies were found.  Were these random victims?  Were they connected to the local gang violence?  What will others do to keep Tempe from the truth?

The Bone Hacker is the twenty-second book in the Temperance Brennan series.  With so many homicide and medical examiner thrillers available now (not counting the other 21 books in this series), it can be hard to find something new and refreshing.  The Bone Hacker does this by traveling to a different part of the world with some unusual shenanigans along the way.  Overall this is not a great read, but for a summer escape, I was pleasantly surprised.

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Review: Reaper Games

Reaper Games by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cissy is about to get married, finally!  Zeke has been asking for her hand regularly and Cissy has decided it is time.  Unfortunately, Lady Reaper is planning to use Ciccy’s wedding to steal her soul and take control of every ghost.  Myla uncovers the plan and won’t let anyone take her bestie’s soul or ruin her wedding.  Lincoln discovers that Regina Reaper’s husband, Grim, is also working to enslave souls.  He enlists the help of his best friend, Walker, but Lincoln can’t tell who is helping whom. 

Reaper Games is the eleventh book in the Angelbound Origins series.  I love this series and all of the companion series, but I will have to say the stories about Myla and Lincoln are my favorite.  Bauer does NOT spend a lot of time in this book recapping previous events and that made this short book that much better because it was all new.  The action is intense and the storyline is seamless as long as you pay attention to who each chapter is about.  The introduction tells us there are more books to come … and I can’t wait.

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Review: One of Us Is Back

One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The teens of Bayview have survived a lot, but when a billboard displays “Time for a new game, Bayview,” everyone hopes it is a bad joke.  When a member of the Bayview Crew disappears, everyone wonders if a new game has started … and what are the rules.  It seems as if everyone is a target and then the game turns deadly.  What secrets will be uncovered?  Who is behind this version of the game?

One of Us Is Back is the third book in the One of Us Is Lying series.  There are enough hints in the first few chapters to nudge our memories about the first two stories and readers learn new information about this cast of characters.  McManus has taken a town that has survived too much and thrown it into additional turmoil.  I will have to say that this mystery wasn’t as exciting as the first two, but I kept guessing throughout about where it was going to go next.  The big reveal is far from the end, so the finale is anticlimactic.    

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Review: After Death

After Death by Melissa de la Cruz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Schuyler has already defeated Lucifer, in a different timeline, and now she finds herself faced with the same challenge, but without her closest friends.  When a new girl enrolls in her school, Schuyler thinks she has a new enemy, but it doesn’t take long for Eoife to inform Schuyler that she is a Palladin and monster hunter.  Now that Schuyler has new allies, she must make a plan to not only take down Lucifer but rescue Jack and get Max’s powers back.  Can she do it all?  Can she do any of it?

After Death is the ninth book in the Blue Bloods series and the second book in this alternate timeline.  De la Cruz does take the time to mention key events from the previous books to jog readers’ memories and then quickly jumps into the newest adventure.  This was a very fast-paced read and I kept wondering if it would wrap up or require another book.  I will admit that the primary story does come to an end, but there is room to continue this saga.  After Death is a fun read for fans of the series … but don’t start with this book. 

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Review: You Won't Believe Me

You Won't Believe Me by Cyn Balog
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Willow wakes up tied to a bed and doesn’t remember how she got there.  Twice a day, an old lady comes in and feeds her, but doesn’t say anything.  Willow hears a sound outside the room … is there a cat?  Another captive?  Everything changes when the old lady dies and Willow needs to make a plan or die too.  She gets her restraints off, but there was someone else in the house.  Who is Elijah?  Will he help her escape or will he keep her hostage too?

You Won’t Believe Me is a thriller that didn’t keep my attention.  This was a very short read, so those looking for a quick escape will find this fits the bill, but things that happened seemed a little too far-fetched and even though the story has a firm ending, it wasn’t satisfying.  A good summer read, but don’t rush it to the top of your TBR pile.

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Review: Ruling Destiny

Ruling Destiny by Alyson Noel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Natasha is still unraveling the secrets within Gray Wolf Academy.  She isn’t sure who she can trust.  She knows that Arthur is rich and his rule is law, Killian is hard to read, and Braxton has her heart.  Natasha is learning to be a better liar herself, she has to since she travels back in time to steal treasures to bring back to her present.  She also has a gift that the other trippers don’t … she can see through time.  Is there anyone she can trust?  What is in store for her during this next adventure?

Ruling Destiny is the second book in the Stolen Beauty series.  This fantasy adventure takes place shortly after the conclusion of the first book and Noel jumps right into a new story.  Natasha must question everything she knows and everything she is learning along the way.  What historical figures will she see as she goes to Renaissance Italy and Regency England?  Goodreads doesn’t have a third book listed (yet), but once you finish this book, it is evident that Noel is planning more adventures for this heroine.  

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Review: Borrow My Heart

Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wren has a list of rules that guide her life.  It has worked for her so far, but when two boys enter the coffee shop and she hears one giving the other a hard time about being catfished, she decides to be the mysterious online girl.  Asher seems to be a nice guy and she begins to date him … or is it fake dating?  As Asher breaks more of the rules she has set for herself, Wren begins to question why she has the rules in the first place.

Borrow My Heart is a light teen romance that touches on modern dating pitfalls without being dark and heavy.  It is amazing how West was able to create a love interest that I loved, hated, and then loved again.  I almost felt like I was living Wren’s romance.  I’m sure some might think this was ho-hum, but I needed a refreshing escape and this was a perfect fit.  It is listed as the first in a series, so I am excited to see where the story goes next.

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Review: Rabble Starkey

Rabble Starkey by Lois Lowry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rabble is twelve years old and has endured a lot in her short life.  Her mom left her to live with her grandmother until her grandmother died.  Now she lives with her mother and although it isn’t an easy life, she has a great friend to brighten her days.  Rabble wants a stable life and starts to get that, but then her mom’s boss has a mental breakdown and leaves for the hospital, Rabble and her mom move into the big house to help out more.  As time passes, Rabble begins to feel a part of a family she never had … but will this last?  What will happen when the woman of the house returns?

Rabble Starkey is a stand-alone realistic fiction story that is written for young readers and will leave them thinking hard about some serious issues.  The original story was written in 1987, yet the story could easily be taking place in the present day.  Lowry has created a small cast of characters with their own strengths and flaws and most readers will be able to relate to one if not many characters.  The ending is kind of anticlimactic, but sometimes that is what life is like.  Readers will have mixed feelings about the ending, though.  

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Review: Earth Called: Tales of a New World

Earth Called: Tales of a New World by P.C. Cast
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mari’s new Pack and the Wind Riders do not feel ready to face Thaddeus and the God of Death.  They know that if they don’t stop them, then everything will be lost.  When Ralina, Death’s Storyteller, is called by the Goddess of Life … the Pack now has a fighting chance.  What changes are inevitable?  Who can be trusted?

 Earth Called is the fourth and final book in the Tales of a New World series.  This fantasy adventure starts off kind of slow as the new Pack is formed, but as the chapters flow past, the story does pick up its pace.  Cast did a good job weaving together new and old tales into a fresh story, but these four books were probably one book too long.  I’m glad I finished the series, but I’m also happy it is over.

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Review: Perilous Times

Perilous Times by Thomas D. Lee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sir Kay has been reborn into our present and is looking for his next quest.  What does he find?  A world torn apart politically and an earth that is getting too warm.  If that wasn’t enough, a dragon has gotten loose and is wreaking its own kind of havoc.  Mariam has focused her life to fight against those doing wrong to the planet.  When these two join forces … well, the system has something to fear.  Other knights have been reborn, Excalibur is still hidden, and King Arthur is asleep.  What changes are in the works for our planet? 

Perilous Times is a stand-alone fantasy adventure that fans of Arthurian legends will devour.  This is a longer read, but since it is a one-and-done, that makes the adventure that much more appealing.  Readers will get to visit with Merlin, the Lady of the Lake, Lancelot, and others.  The question is:  What would happen in our present world if the Knights of the Round Table returned?  Read this book to find out. 

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Review: The Iron Vow

The Iron Vow by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Meghan and her friends are at it again in a new realm where their glamour is slowly leaving them and Nightmares are real.  As they become less powerful and the residents of Evenfall go against them, they wonder if they will find the Nightmare King in time.  What truths will they discover?  What risks will they need to take?

The Iron Vow is the third book in the Evenfall trilogy and the tenth book in the Iron Fey series.  Kagawa starts this book with a very descriptive prologue that gives readers a quick fly-by of the first set of books and I found it unnecessary.  Then, throughout the story, there are flashbacks to events that were already portrayed in other books.  I don’t think these reviews were needed.  If a reader wants to jump into book ten, then they should expect to be confused.  Otherwise, it was a good finale with a chance to revisit some beloved characters.

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Review: Four Found Dead

Four Found Dead by Natalie D. Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jo has just finished her final shift.  After closing down, the Tempest Theaters and the attached mall are scheduled to be demolished.  When the power goes out and their manager disappears they are stuck without any keys and their phones are still in the theater safe.  Then they find a co-worker dead.  Now they must escape into the shuttered mall and try and find an unrestricted exit.  Who will make it out?

Four Found Dead is a thriller where you know how many are going to die and you are trying to figure out who is next.  It isn’t hard to believe that the situation would happen and readers will wonder how they would react to each of the events.  Richards did a wonderful job inserting information about each character as it was needed instead of trying to develop them early on.  A fast-paced read that will leave readers breathless at the end.

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Review: In an Orchard Grown from Ash

In an Orchard Grown from Ash by Rory Power
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Rhea and Lexos have lost their father and their kingdom.  They now find themselves on opposite sides of the rising rebellion and are in search of people they can trust.  Can these twins push past their pain and reunite their kingdom?  Are they beyond saving?  In an Orchard Grown from Ash is the second book in the Argyrosi duology.  I love fantasies and I love stories based on ancient myths, but I did not love this book.  I found my mind wandering and forced myself to back up and start chapters again.  Even when I got to the end, I wondered why I finished.  The first book was good but this one fell flat.

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Review: The Isles of the Gods

The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Selly wants to sail the seas, just like her father, but he has left her behind for his own adventure.  When a stranger with magician marks comes aboard and requests a secret sailing, Selly believes she has an adventure ahead of her.  Everything starts easy, but soon events occur that bring countries close to war.  Can Selly trust this stranger?  Will the gods be appeased and stay asleep?

The Isles of the Gods is the first book in the series with the same name.  This fantasy adventure was captivating and heart-pounding as the main characters traipsed across their waters in the hope of pleasing their gods.  Kaufman’s world-building was smooth and effortless as the story progressed.  The chapters alternated narrators, so readers need to pay attention to who’s vantage point they are reading.  This was a good start to a new series.  

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Review: Miles Morales Suspended: A Spider-Man Novel

Miles Morales Suspended: A Spider-Man Novel by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Miles Morales might have spidey superpowers, but that doesn’t mean he is exempt from in-school suspension.  As if in-school suspension isn’t bad enough, some of his classmates appear to have problems of their own and his spidey sense is telling him that there is something supernatural underway.  Are the other students’ issues related to why Miles ended up in ISS? 

Miles Morales Suspended is another book in the Spider-Man universe that can be read as part of the series or as a stand-alone novel.  This book is written in prose and verse which makes it very easy to fly through.  I did not read the other Miles Morales books before this one and had no problem following the storyline, even when previous events were mentioned.  The overall storyline is ho-hum and when I finished the book I felt like it was missing too much.  A good escape for Spider-Man fans, but this book isn’t going to draw in new readers.

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Review: Shell Beach

Shell Beach by Davis Bunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Noah must rebuild his life.  After losing his business and his marriage … he decides he wants to rebuild a boat.  Jenna has a calling as an end-of-life nurse.  She is devoted to her patients for however long they are in her care.  When her most recent charge dies, his family descends to take over his fortune.  He leaves her a yacht, but it is destroyed with no insurance.  Noah buys it with the intent to return it to its former glory.  As these two begin to rebuild their lives and the boat, they discover new truths about themselves and each other.

Shell Beach is the eighth book in the Miramar Bay series.  Although all the books take place in the same region, they do not need to be read in publication order to fully enjoy the stories.  This book could easily be devoured as a stand-alone story and there is action, mystery, and a little romance included.   This is not a very long novel and can certainly be finished over a weekend or while relaxing after work.

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Review: Someone Is Always Watching

Someone Is Always Watching by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Blythe and her friends are very close.  They almost have to be since they attend a very small and private school for kids of a tech company.  After a violent act causes a rift between two in their group … their group dynamic changes … and then Gabrielle is discovered with their dead principal and doesn’t remember what happened.  Each of them is starting to have strange memories resurface and they question everything about their families.  Which memories are real and which are not?  Who can the friends trust?

Someone is Always Watching is a stand-alone mystery that was a little slow in getting started but kept me reading once it took off.  Readers must suspend disbelief because although this is not technically sci-fi, there are some scientific/technical things happening that can’t happen right now (or can they?).  Armstrong has written a strong young adult mystery that is relatively easy to read without any red flags for cautious readers.  A good read but not to be rushed to the top of a TBR list.  

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Review: Silver in the Bone

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tamsin never wanted to be a thief.  Unfortunately, she has no magical talent and thievery was the only thing her foster father taught her … before he disappeared.  She has kept it together, barely, for ten years when she hears a rumor about what he was looking for.  This powerful ring was connected to an Arthurian legend and might be the key to breaking a curse on her brother.   Other Hollowers are looking for this ring and Tamsin must pair up with Emrys to hunt the ring down.  They must overcome dark magic and deep secrets while also attempting to save her brother.

Silver in the Bone is the first book in a series with the same name.  This fantasy novel has many Arthurian legend components, but it isn’t a story of King Arthur.  I just want to clear this up before you go into it thinking it is.  Bracken has taken liberty with many Camelot stories and crafted a completely independent tale.  Even readers who are only loosely knowledgeable about King Arthur and Camelot can enjoy this story.  Silver in the Bone is a fresh twist on an old legend.

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Review: In Nightfall

In Nightfall by Suzanne Young
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Theo and Marco got caught throwing a party and now they have to spend the summer in Nightfall, Oregon with their dad and grandmother.  Not only is it miles away from their friends in Arizona, but they have a population of a whopping 846!  They quickly learn that their grandmother is antisocial and very superstitious, but they plan to make the most of their summer.  There is something off about the girls in this town and Theo wonders if she should be listening to her grandmother’s warnings after all.

In Nightfall is a stand-alone supernatural novel that was a fun escape without being a deep read.  I found myself laughing at the beginning when they said “welcome to Nightfall” because I was wondering if I was reading the “Welcome to Night Vale” book.  This is not gory or scary, but readers should enjoy the supernatural element throughout.  The story is wrapped up well and I don’t think there is a need for this to become a series.

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Review: Girl Forgotten

Girl Forgotten by April Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Piper is new in town and recently learned she must complete a passion project at school.  As a true-crime podcast fan, she decides she wants to create a podcast about what happened 17 years earlier to Layla Trello.  She doesn’t think she can solve the case, she just wants to spark interest and see if people would give answers now that they are older.  As Piper gets further into the podcast, she begins to get threats.  Is the killer still around? 

Girl Forgotten is a stand-alone mystery that was a very quick read.  Fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will enjoy this story and I also liked the sidebars about what it takes to create a podcast.  Piper has some secrets of her own that are revealed and when the killer is discovered … I was pleasantly surprised.  This mystery won’t keep you up worried about your safety, but you may stay up trying to finish before sleeping.

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Review: Archenemy

Archenemy by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The angel Xavier has a plan to capture Set, the Egyptian chaos god, and lock him away.  Everything is going well until a mysterious woman appears and tells him she is from his future.  If that wasn’t weird enough, Camilla tells Xavier that they must work together to defeat Set.  That goes completely against Xavier’s plan and he does everything he can to avoid her help.  Of course, it doesn’t help that he is unexpectantly attracted to her.  Is Camilla’s appearance part of Set’s chaos magic?  Will Xavier be able to save humanity and himself?

Archenemy is the first book in the Angelbound Xavier series.  This is a new spinoff series of Angelbound and takes place many years before the original books.  Bauer has made another short book that had the action and adventure almost turning the pages themselves.  I believe this book could have been even better if it was longer and some additional details were given throughout, but I also enjoyed a book I could finish in one sitting.  I’m looking forward to the next book being released.

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Review: Stars and Smoke

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winter had made it big with sold-out shows in major cities.  He is now on the radar of The Panacea Group, a covert ops organization that has been around since the Revolutionary War.  Why are they interested in him?  Penelope is the daughter of a criminal billionaire and she wants Winter to give her a private concert for her birthday.  The Panacea Group wants him to say yes … and spy for them.  They have never had a chance to get this close and they want him to join their team.  The mission goes sideways and Winter and his Panacea partner must decide what they will do next.

Stars and Smoke is the first book in the series by the same name.  I can’t put this in one genre, but if I need to … I believe the best place is an adventure book.  There is a little bit of a mystery, but that is not the overarching theme.  There is romantic tension, but this isn’t a romance.  This is the first book in the series, but the major plot points are wrapped up and there is no cliffhanger.  This was a wild ride of a book and I look forward to the sequel.

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Review: Three Drops of Blood

Three Drops of Blood by Gretchen McNeil
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kate has finished her first season as an actress on a TV show and is looking forward to filming the next season.  Drama on the set causes the show to get canceled, but she doesn’t want that to slow her down.  She still plans to pursue acting full-time, even though that will require her to skip her senior year of high school.  Her parents don’t want her to stop her education and require her to pay rent if she isn’t in school.  Since she hasn’t been able to get an acting gig, she takes a boring office job to pay the bills.  The only bright spot is the window that lets her see a romance between a woman and her assistant … that is until the romance turns into a double murder.  What will she do, since no one believes her?

Three Drops of Blood is a stand-alone mystery that was lauded as a blend of A Good Girls Guide to Murder and Hitchcock, but I don’t agree.  The murder didn’t take place until I was 59% through the Kindle version, so over half of the book was character development.  Please, no one needs that much for a stand-alone story.  The last 40% (which is the actual mystery) would make a wonderful novella, but as a novel … it was a disappointment.

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Review: Teen Titans: Robin

Teen Titans: Robin by Kami Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Slade is on the prowl and Raven, Garfield, Maxine, and Damian are on the run. H.I.V.E. wants to do experiments on them and they are not volunteers. Now, Dick wants to know what is going on with Damian since his tracking device stopped working. Where can they go and who can they trust?

Teen Titans: Robin is the fourth book in the Teen Titans graphic novel series. This story picks up shortly after the ending of the third book and this ending leaves readers wanting more (not quite a cliffhanger). This is a very short graphic novel (I read it in 2 sessions of about 30 minutes each) and the graphics give more depth to the story than if it was text only. I wish the next book was already out!


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Review: The Sinister Booksellers of Bath

The Sinister Booksellers of Bath by Garth Nix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Susan is still learning about her magical heritage when a new killer appears.  Merlin gets in over his head and his sister, Vivien, comes to his aide with the help of Susan.  This is a centuries-old battle cycle that must be won, or it will repeat.  They must travel to magical worlds, battle living statues, and discover the secrets of this newest villain.  What will this unlikely trio need to overcome?

The Sinister Booksellers of Bath is the second book in the Left-Handed Booksellers of London series.  Readers’ memories will be nudged throughout the opening chapters and will quickly fall into this new story.  I found the action scenes pulled the storyline along and the book almost read itself.  Nix has taken a few classic characters and has introduced them with some new twists.  A fun read and it will be interesting to see if another will be on its way.

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