Review: The Chemist

The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Chemist is on the run. Her former job with the U.S. government was extremely classified and when they wanted to end the relationship, they tried to end her. She is now fleeing, constantly changing her name and doesn’t stay in one place very long. She knows they still want her dead, but when she receives information that might lead to safety, she gives it her all. Unfortunately, she wasn’t given all of the information and now her life is in even more peril. Will she survive the muscle her ex-employer sends her way? Will a new relationship put her at even more risk?

The Chemist is a new adventure novel that is action packed and full of twists. Readers who go into this book thinking about the fantasy novels written by Meyer will be sorely disappointed. Yet if they remember that this is a realistic adventure story, they will be pleasantly surprised. The Chemist is a recommended read for those who enjoy the Jack Reacher series or the Jason Bourne series.


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Review: The Cruelty

The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Gwendolyn may not have enjoyed her boring life, but when her father disappears she does not believe the U.S. Government that he defected to another country. She believes he was kidnapped and decides to undertake the monumental task of traveling across Europe and infiltrates various groups in Paris, Berlin and even Prague. As Gwendolyn becomes a part of the underground world of gambling, smuggling and human trafficking, she must reevaluate how far she is willing to go to find and hopefully rescue her father. Is there a line she won’t cross? Will she discover the truth about her father?

The Cruelty is the first book in a new series with the same name. Bergstrom’s portrayal of these various illegal operations appears to be believable, at least to someone who has never experienced them. Gwendolyn is a weak and timid girl at the start of the book and by the end readers will find a strong and amazing woman. The Cruelty is a good adventure with a strong female protagonist. There is a definite ending to this volume, but readers are left hanging with a need for the next installment.


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Review: Artemis: Wild Goddess of the Hunt

Artemis: Wild Goddess of the Hunt by George O'Connor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Artemis was to live a life away from the touch of man. She was the Goddess of the Hunt, she helped women in childbirth and she protected women and young girls. It was her choice to remain unmarried and O’Connor gives readers insight into the beginning of Artemis as well as some of the major stories surrounding her. Since this is a graphic novel about Artemis, readers can jump into this ninth book in the series without needing to read the previous volumes. Yet most readers who enjoy Greek mythology will want to read about all of the other gods and goddesses too.

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Review: Glitter

Glitter by Aprilynne Pike
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Palace of Versailles has many modern technological touches, but all of its inhabitants must pretend they are still in the eighteenth century. After Danica witnesses the king murdering a lover, her mother uses that knowledge to blackmail him into making Dani his queen. She has until her eighteenth birthday to discover a way out from the path her mother has planned. Dani thinks she knows a method; she wants to mix a little Glitter into make-up so that its users will be addicted to the drug without even knowing they are using it. If she can make enough money, she will be able to buy passage outside of the palace. Will she be able to keep this secret from the technology eyes everywhere? Is six months enough time to raise that kind of money?

Glitter is the first book in a new series with the same title. The mixture of historical Versailles and futuristic technology gives an interesting spin to the story. Dani has a mother that most readers will agree to dislike and even though we can safely assume none of us have been forced to marry a king, Pike creates these characters seamlessly so that readers will easily believe they are in the palace with Dani. A fun escape read that leaves readers wanting to know what happens next.


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Review: What Light

What Light by Jay Asher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sierra has always lived in Oregon and spent from Thanksgiving to Christmas in California selling Christmas trees from her family’s tree farm. Her father discourages her dating “the help” by making any boy showing interest in her clean and/or stock the outhouses. This has worked the last few seasons, but when Caleb stops in to buy a tree early in the season, Sierra quickly falls for him and starts to reconsider her no romance in California rule. Are the rumors about Caleb true? Will Sierra and her family be able to overlook the suspicions surrounding him?

What Light is a stand-alone fiction tale that is easily started and quickly finished. Although this book would be considered a romance, the love story is only in the early stages of dating and is easily appropriate for readers of all ages. Asher has created a variety of characters readers can relate to; these friends of Sierra nudge and support her as it is needed. What Light is a great escape read that should be added to all romance reader’s TBR pile.


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Review: RoseBlood

RoseBlood by A.G. Howard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rune Germain’s family is insisting that she leave her home and attend a special school for the arts, RoseBlood. The school is housed in an old opera building and its history says it had something to do with The Phantom of the Opera. Rune has a wonderful voice, but she also has extreme stage freight. When a violinist named Thorn secretly trains her in her dreams, she discovers a greater voice and hidden truths about herself. Will this budding romance be her completion or her destruction? How much of RoseBlood’s history is fact?

RoseBlood is a modern day retelling of Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera and readers can enjoy this story even if they have never read the book or seen the musical. The story quickly develops and readers are pulled into this unusual performance academy. There are a few places where the events drag on, but overall it is an enjoyable read. Howard has created a cast of characters that may have readers looking for the original tale.


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Review: Heartless

Heartless by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Catherine has just discovered that the King of Hearts is planning to ask her to be his queen, but she has her heart set on opening a bakery and creating the most wondrous delicacies. Her mother will stop at nothing to put her only child on the throne, yet when the royal marriage proposal is about to happen, Catherine orchestrates a distraction and unwittingly begins a courtship with Jest, the new court fool. Can Catherine fulfill her dream of delighting Wonderland with pastries? Will she be able to give her heart to the man she chooses?

Heartless is a new tale that takes place in Wonderland, yet readers who love the original story will discover new truths and hidden depth of many well-known characters. Meyer built on a world that already has a great foundation and has weaved a new adventure for readers of all ages. Although Heartless is currently listed as a stand-alone novel, it is easy to see an opportunity for additional books in this newly revised world. Heartless does for Wonderland what Wicked did for Oz. Readers will have a deeper understanding of the Queen of Hearts and why she is so heartless.


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