Review: The Great Alone

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Leni’s father has returned from Vietnam and is having trouble adjusting to civilian life after being a POW. They continue to move and try different situations, but nothing seems to work for very long. When Leni is thirteen years old, her father inherits a piece of land in Alaska and he promises this is their last move. He wants to live off the grid and assures Leni and her mother that this is the solution to all of their troubles. But when the first endless night continues, they discover that the nightmares have returned. With the help of the locals, they devise a temporary solution, but are the Allbrights ready to live in the Alaskan wilderness? How will a woman and girl survive with such an unstable man?

The Great Alone is a stand-alone novel that starts out in 1974 and continues for many years. This is an epic story that is not meant to be read quickly or in one sitting. Hannah has created characters that have hidden depth and readers will quickly take the side of these strong and unforgettable women. There are times that the story jumps a large span of months and years, but in the end, this adds to the feeling of being lost in the wilderness. A good read that will be enjoyed by many, but not for readers who want something light and easy.


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Review: Fourth Dimension

Fourth Dimension by Eric Walters
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Emma is used to moving, that is what happens when you are a military brat. Now her mother has her moving again, but not because of the military. There is a lot of construction happening in her building and Emma isn’t really concerned when the power goes out. Her family is ready to leave on their camping trip, so they adjust their plans a little and kayak to a small island nearby. As the days progress they continue to wonder how long the power will be out. Can they stay hidden from the people nearby? What violence may be in their future?

Fourth Dimension is the fourth book in The Rule of Three series. It is not a direct sequel; I would consider it more of a companion novel. The events in this story run parallel to the first three books in the series. Some of the characters from these original books have cameo appearances in this novel, but readers can read this book and enjoy it without having read any of the other books. A fun read and I can’t wait to see where the story might go next.


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Review: Hermes: Tales of the Trickster

Hermes: Tales of the Trickster by George O'Connor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hermes is the god of peacemakers, astronomy, calendars, and writing. He is also the god of thieves and liars, language, and politicians. He has many other categories that he is the god of, but he is most known for being a trickster. Hermes: Tales of the Trickster is a graphic novel depicting many of his exploits. O’Connor continues his Olympians series with this tenth volume. The graphics and format are the same as the other books, but since each book is about a different Olympian, readers do not need to read them in any particular order. These stories of Hermes are quickly devoured and will please most readers of mythology and/or graphic novels.

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Review: Reign the Earth

Reign the Earth by A.C. Gaughen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shalia knows she must marry to give her people peace, but she is hoping the man who unveils her will also become the love of her life. The people of the desert have been at war for many years with the kingdom next door and this wedding is their last chance to earn peace without additional bloodshed. Unfortunately, Shalia learns too quickly that her new husband, Calix, is only interested in finding and killing the last of the Elementae. What he doesn’t know is that Shalia has recently learned she has her own Elementae powers and if he ever learned this truth he would not hesitate to kill her too. Can Shalia bring peace to these two kingdoms? Will she be able to stop Calix from exterminating the Elementae?

Reign the Earth is the first book in The Elementae series. Although the story takes place in a different world with foreign habits and actions, the world building is so integrated into the narrative that readers will quickly fall into the storyline. Gaughen has created a cast of characters that are easy to love (and hate) and readers may find that they can’t put the book down until they know what happens next. It is not a short and quick read, but I found myself thinking about the characters as I was doing activities that pulled me away from the novel. A great read for all booklovers who enjoy an escape into a realm different than their own.


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Review: This Is Not A Love Letter

This Is Not A Love Letter by Kim Purcell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jessie is dreading graduation and all of the decisions that will need to be made. This is why she tells her boyfriend, Chris, that they need to take a one week break from their relationship. She doesn’t want a break up … just a break. Then Chris disappears and she begins questioning all of the things she thought she knew about him. Is he dead or alive? Did he willing leave their small town or is there a murderer in their midst?

This Is Not a Love Letter is a stand-alone mystery written in the form of a series of letters. Every week, Chris had written Jessie a love letter. Now, Jessie is using this same outlet to let Christ know how she feels and what is going on around her. Readers will feel like they are helping Jessie process her fears and guilt as she begins to unravel the truth behind Chris’s disappearance. A good read but not a satisfactory ending.


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Review: Iron Gold

Iron Gold by Pierce Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has been ten years since Darrow spearheaded a revolution and began the changes that he thought would transform the Society. Unfortunately, the Rising brought many unwanted changes … a war that doesn’t seem to want to stop. He now wants to initiate another mission with the hopes that he will save the world. Darrow is not alone; there is a Red girl, an ex-soldier and an heir in exile that will impact the story and the fate of the Society. Will Darrow’s mission succeed? Will he survive this last revolution?

Iron Gold is the fourth book in the Red Rising Saga. It doesn’t matter if the reader has just finished Morning Star or has been waiting the twenty-three months between the release dates, they won’t have any trouble falling right back into the storyline and enjoying the newest additions to the character list. The alternating characters give the reader variety without being overly distracting. Iron Gold is a great read and online sources say there are two more books to come. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait two years!


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Review: Unearthed

Unearthed by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Earth is suffering from environmental damage and limited resources when they receive a message from an alien race that went extinct before humans had language. The Undying were advanced beyond anything humans have invented and the people of Earth hoped that this would be the key to reversing the devastation that has ravaged the planet. Jules wants to study this alien culture and Amelia is only interested in earning enough money for herself and her sister. When this unlikely pair ends up stuck with each other, the stakes change and the outcome cannot be predicted.

Unearthed is the first book in a new series with the same title. This science fiction tale is set in the not too distant future when humans realize their mistakes and are trying to find solutions. As most people know, the ends do not always justify the means and our two lead characters discover many shady transactions and not so honest people. Kaufman has created a new storyline that is easy to relate to and readers will quickly find themselves wanting to know what will happen to Jules and Amelia. Readers be forewarned, the ending is not a cliff hanger, but it also will leave you the undeniable need to know what happens next.


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