Review: Under My Skin

Under My Skin by Lisa Unger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is approaching the one year anniversary of Poppy’s husband’s murder. She continues to struggle with her grief and has been keeping a dream journal to try and understand them. There are several days after his death that she disappeared and she still can't remember anything about that time. The case is nowhere nearer to being solved and Poppy still struggles to understand that period in her life. She is now experiencing what she believes are hallucinations. Are Poppy’s nightmares really memories? Will she ever discover what happened to her husband?

Under My Skin is a psychological thriller that will keep readers turning the pages whenever they can. Unger has developed a protagonist that is pushing through her hardships while also attempting to understand the unexplainable. The book is of a moderate length; so many readers will find themselves finishing it over a long weekend. I felt the storyline was completely believable and wondered what I would do in a similar situation. Under My Skin should be added to every thriller fan’s TBR list.


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Review: Shadow of The Fox

Shadow of The Fox by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yumeko was left at the temple when she was a baby with just a note. The monks raised her to hide and control her kitsune side, but her ability to do magic works well with her need to cause mischief. When the temple is attacked and burned, she is given the task to escape with the temple’s greatest treasure. It is only a piece of an ancient scroll, but this scroll is full of power and must not get into the wrong hands. Kage Tatsumi has been tasked with getting the scroll and it must be fate that brings Yumeko and Kage together. Yumeko promises to help Kage with the hope that his presence will ensure her safety, but they are both keeping secrets and these very secrets might be each other’s downfall.

Shadow of the Fox is the first book in a new series with the same name. Kagawa has created a fantasy novel that has the potential to become a great epic fantasy. The world building is so complete that I found myself thinking about the characters and their story even when I had to pull myself away to do other tasks. The adventure is spread throughout the pages and the ending leaves enough of an open storyline that readers will definitely be looking for the next installment. The Shadow of the Fox should be added to all fantasy reader’s TBR list.


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Review: Give the Dark My Love

Give the Dark My Love by Beth Revis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nedra Brysstain has been given a scholarship to attend the Yugen Academy and she plans to learn as much about medicinal alchemy as she can in that year. Coming from a rural village, she doesn’t fit in with the other students, but she slowly builds a relationship with Greggori Astor. As the community begins to recognize that a deadly plague is pillaging the North, Nedra works harder with her advisor to learn even more then her level would require. Will Nedra be able to find a cure for the plague? How well will she walk the line between alchemy and necromancy?

Give the Dark My Love is the first book in a new fantasy series with the same title. Revis has created a new cast of characters that readers will want to learn more about and since the story is told in the alternating voices of Grey and Nedra, the information feels more complete and enjoyable. Although this first book has a clear ending, the story is nowhere near done and I believe most readers will be looking for the next volume when it is released. Give the Dark My Love should be added to every fantasy reader’s TBR list.


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Review: A Heart in a Body in the World

A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annabelle has decided that the only way to get away from what happened to her is to run. She sets out on a 2700 mile journey from Seattle to Washington, DC on foot. She learns early on that even though she is running, she cannot outrun her own heart and mind. With the help of her grandpa, brother and two friends, she becomes a role model to women across the country of someone who will not hide and cower after adversity. She doesn’t want to be in the spotlight, yet her quiet actions speak louder than any press conference would.

A Heart in a Body in the World is a stand-alone story that will appeal to readers of all ages and genders. Although the protagonist is a teenage girl, the story surpasses that and lets the reader enjoy the larger message along the way. Caletti teaches about the logistics of taking on a monumental run, yet readers will not feel like it is a book about running. A Heart in a Body in the World is a feel-good book with a feel-good message. In a world where books are dark and foreboding, I smooth and easy read is always welcome.


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Review: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth is just a child when she is rescued from poverty and brought into the Frankenstein home to be a friend to Victor. She relishes that role, yet she knows at any time Victor’s father can end this relationship. The main thing in her favor is that she is able to quell Victor’s temper and mood. She understands Victor’s darker side, but Elizabeth believes that only she can keep him from falling into utter depravity.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is a stand-alone retelling of the classic story. This version is told from the strong female protagonist that was just a cursory character in the original tale. White has taken a dark story and has brought it out of the shadows while still keeping the gothic mystery in the mix. Since 2018 is the 200th anniversary of this beloved horror story, readers will have another good selection to get their Frankenstein fix with a twist.


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Review: Nicola Berry, Books 1-3

Nicola Berry, Books 1-3 by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nicola Berry is just an average girl in class, trying not to be called on when her life is turned upside down. A very tall man arrives in her classroom to find the Earth Ambassador that will save her planet. After a series of questions, it is determined that Nicola is the one and she sets off to another planet in order to stop Princess Petronella from turning Earth into her own private garbage can. That is only the first adventure that is included in this three-book compilation. In the second adventure, Nicola and her friends are invited to the planet Shobble to help the commander-in-chief with his issue, but when they discover that his issue doesn’t align with their own values; they decide to take matters into their own hands. In the third and final adventure, Nicola and the Space Brigade must help one of their own members find their missing family. This new adventure takes them to a new planet where war is imminent and they must try and help them find peace. These three stories are meant for younger readers, yet can easily be enjoyed by those in their teen or later years. This Nicola Berry set of stories will be a delightful read for those who enjoyed A Series of Unfortunate Events series. It is full of ridiculous adventures and crazy vocabulary.

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Review: The Lantern's Ember

The Lantern's Ember by Colleen Houck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jack has spent 500 years guarding the portals to the Otherworld in order to ensure that no one passes from the mortal plane. He is very successful at this job until Ember O’Dare comes on the scene. Ember is a natural-born witch who feels the need to go to the Otherworld and when she goes against Jack’s advice and travels there with a vampire, the adventure truly begins. Will Jack be able to get Ember back to the mortal world safely? How can someone save a strong-willed young lady who doesn’t want to be saved?

The Lantern’s Ember is a stand-alone novel that attempts to explain some natural and not so natural folklore. Houck has developed a cast of characters that are wide in their characteristics, yet easy to relate to. Scenes that seem inconsequential in the first half of the book have far-reaching effects toward the end, so readers should make sure they don’t gloss over those first few chapters. The Lantern’s Ember is a fun fantasy adventure that will leave readers feeling satisfied even though it isn’t a long series.


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