Book Review: The Great Migration by Steve Ramirez

The Great Migration

by Steve Ramirez
My rating: 4 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

Demons. Monsters. The s'orne are known by these names. Spreading a fever that drives humans insane, they have never been defeated in battle. Now, after a century of peace, the s'orne have returned to wreak havoc upon the cities of humanity. Bellona has spent the last eight months in the wilderness following the Great Migration. When she returns to civilization to enjoy a festival with her friends, rumors of s'orne attacks across the country begin spreading throughout the crowds. As the festival swells in blind celebration, an unlikely twist of fate reveals the true purpose of the s'orne to Bellona, challenging everything she has been taught about them. While she struggles to accept the unknowable secrets she has learned, the city's bell towers begin tolling the alarm for lockdown, signaling that a s'orne attack has already started. As the local defenses mobilize to fight the s'orne invasion, Bellona scrambles to save her loved ones from the impending onslaught. Pushed to the limits of their strength and endurance, they know they must escape the city before a contagion of insanity erupts.

Review:

I received this book from the author via OnlineBookClub.org in exchange for an honest review.
Despite its slow build, I liked this book and recommend it to young adult adventure/science fiction fans. I immediately selected this book due to the cover. The beautiful scenery surrounded by warm colors reminded me of a hot savannah adventure; quiet feminine strength radiated through the mysteriously cloaked figure and the small girl facing a herd of large animals. Not sure what to expect, I dove in and expected to be instantly transported. Sadly, this was where I ran into my first block.

I did not warm up to the storytelling style; it needed to be more cohesive and varied. The first few chapters were packed with the promised adventure. And although there were almost too many personalities to track, I started to warm up to the narrative. All at once, the tale I thought I was investing in was ripped away, and I was presented with facts that made me question everything.

Book Review: Ruins by Joshua Winning

Ruins

by Joshua Winning
My rating: 4 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

We join 15-year old Nicholas Hallow on his race to save the world. Although battered by his previous encounter with the forces of evil, the shadowy leader of the Sentinel forces assigns Nicholas with the task of finding the other half of his prophecy before a dark scheme comes to fruition. Untrained and afraid, Nicholas sets out with his (badass) aged guardian and a strange cat to find a girl who's expert at not being found.

Review:

I received this book as an ARC from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I discovered this book on NetGalley back in 2015; although the cover featured both my favorite color and animal, blue + kitty! It was the quote that got my attention. It reminded me of a classic that I read in HS, and the feelings of nostalgia led me to request the book. I read it almost immediately, but I refrained from posting the review as I felt that something was missing.

Book Review: The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner

The Okay Witch

by Emma Steinkellner
My rating: 5 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

When an awkward 13-year-old, Moth Hush, discovers that she is descended from a long line of powerful witches; life becomes anything but average. With the help of her mom and a bevy of zany characters; she goes on an awesome adventure to reclaim her heritage.

Review:

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I initially requested this graphic novel from NetGalley for my 13 yo daughter. While perusing a list of new releases for middle schoolers, she was drawn to this one both by the cover art and the synopsis (which she claims to "relate to"). She asked about it nonstop and inspired me to read along.

Book Review: Soul of Power (Jaben's Rift - Book 3)

Soul of Power

by G. David Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

The Altered have withdrawn. With Nyala’s and Nivek’s support, Jason and the Circle appear to have the upper hand, at least for the moment. They know, however, that this is just the calm before the final storm... 

In spite of the Circle and their Altered allies, the future of Teleria still lies squarely upon Jason Bennett’s shoulders. It’s time for Taleth’s prophecy to be fulfilled, once and for all. Dark clouds are gathering, and the final confrontation looms on the horizon. The end game is about to begin, with the world of Teleria as the ultimate prize. 

Only one thing is certain: Teleria will never be the same again.

Review:

I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author. Upon seeing the note from Mr. Walker, I could hardly contain myself. I'd been waiting for what felt like decades for the final book in this trilogy to drop.

All I can say is that it was worth the wait. As in the previous installations, this book spoke true to the mage in my heart. I held on to my copy for a week while I wrestled with the decision on whether or not it would be necessary to re-read the first two books. Then last week I jumped in and just started reading. I was immediately drawn in by the cover art. Until very recently, I didn't realize that there was even a difference in cover art on the edition. My version came with a great Manarach depiction on the cover, and I'm very happy that it did.

Book Review: The Mirror

The Mirror

by Marlys Millhiser
My rating: 4 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

In this twisting time-travel thriller, a woman faints on the eve of her wedding and awakens at the turn of the century in her grandmother’s body…

Review:

Hi all, Thanks for visiting. I've finally finished re-reading and writing this review. Once again, I apologize for any confusion caused by my earlier version of this review.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book to anyone who is “into” the paranormal/time travel genre. Sadly, the internet goblins ate my first review of this work. I decided that a second read was warranted to be sure that the nuances of the story were fresh in my mind. That being said, I couldn’t put the book down, even on the second read. I was, once again, completely immersed in the story as it unfolded. Due to my love of all stories paranormal, I was immediately drawn by the book’s cover, and in fact, it was a major factor in my deciding to read it. So simple, yet so effective. The spooky image of a girl trapped in an ornate mirror. It’s safe to say that even before I read the synopsis, I knew that we would soon meet up over a steaming cup of coffee.

The characters, settings, and plot were excellently developed through a wide use of exceptional descriptors and “old time” language. I felt like I knew each character intimately and lived through their experiences as they did. Even the ancillary characters were memorable, from the stern Cornish mother-in-law all the way to the kooky antique’s dealer. Marlys artfully brings each character to life, as we read; we see the personal growth experienced in each. In addition to the awesomely quirky and loveable characters; the time-period references and descriptors were so vivid that I could almost see the scenes developing before my eyes. I loved traveling back to rural times; remembering that although so many hardships existed in the past, their way of living was so much more relaxed…. I suppose when it's man versus world many things are insignificant. Watching the town grow to present day technology was a treat as well. Marlys also transitions from past-time to present-time skillfully.

The heart of the story though is the development of the dual main characters. As I became more immersed in the story; I couldn’t help but worry about what the other character was experiencing at the time.

Book Review: The Haunting of Sunshine Girl

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl

by Paige McKenzie and Alyssa B. Sheinmel
My rating: 4 of 5 hearts

Review:

I received this book through the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. At first, I was somewhat skeptical about this one. I wasn’t sure that a book based on a YouTube series was going to be any good. However, after viewing reviews from some of my favorite authors (Wes Craven and R.L. Stein) I decided to give it a go. I’ve got to say that I’m so happy that I decided to read this book. It was great! The plot was well developed and there were virtually no grammatical or spelling errors. While I don’t agree with the reviews that this book was scary, it was definitely filled with thrills and suspense. The use of more descriptive language would have evoked more raw fear. Still, it was most definitely creepy. As each scene unfolded the general feeling of creepiness grew. The character development was perfect.

Book Review: Shadow Shadow

Shadow Shadow

by V.B. Marlowe
My rating: 4 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

Harley receives a mysterious gift on her sixteenth birthday--a shadow box. The box gives her the power to trade someone to the shadows, meaning they will disappear and cease to exist. Harley can't imagine doing such a horrible thing and is warned that using the box comes at a price. Unfortunately, not using the box can be even more costly. Harley must make this life-altering decision as she discovers frightening revelations about the town she calls home

Review:

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I thought this book was awesome. I literally devoured it. The cover art is beautifully sinister. It evoked a sense of impending dread and darkness. Beyond that, both the plot and writing style were great!

I was hooked from the first bit of prose. The situations that occurred were captivating. Can you imagine getting such a heavy gift/burden at such a young age? Being able to make anyone who crossed you disappear into oblivion? As a teenaged misfit, I would have probably disappeared half the town. There were a few moments that were mildly predictable, but for the most part I was left guessing. The story is told from the perspective of two very different female characters. The author handled the switch been the characters’ voices very well.

Book Review: The Cracked Slipper

The Cracked Slipper

by Stephanie Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

When Eleanor Brice unexpectedly wins the heart of Gregory Desmarais, Crown Prince of Cartheigh, she's sure she's found her happily-ever-after. Unfortunately, Prince Charming has a loose grip on his temper, a looser grip on his marriage vows, and a tight grip on the bottle...

Review:

What happens when "Happily Ever After is just "Ever After"? All fairy tales promise that idyllic, all-elusive "Happy Ending." As girls growing up we all listened, completely enraptured, to these narratives. We grow up seeking that happily ever after and don't stop until we believe we have it in our grasp. But what happens when the silver tarnishes, when our Prince Chaming falls short of his gallant steed? Or, even worse, what happens then when we find our true prince in someone else? We've all imagined how the saved princesses live wonderful lives later on the happily ever after. This book completely shatters that notion.

Book Review: Who Would Have Thunk It

Who Would Have Thunk It

by George C. Fraser and Emma Fraser-Pendleton
My rating: 5 of 5 hearts

Review:

All I can say is Wow!

This book was so awesome that I had to share. It's a collaborative project by one of the funniest, intelligent, black women that I've ever met and her brother. I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Pendleton and not having known her as an author I was unsure of what to expect. I can now say that I was pleasantly surprised.

At first glance this would appear to be your basic children's book; but it's so much more than that. Ms. Pendleton tells of her and her brother's experiences in the NY Foster Care system. The story is written using simple, clear language that serves highlight heartfelt story. I won't lie, I had a tear in my eye by the end. I didn't even care that the other folks on the train were looking at me a bit strangely since I was tearing over a children's book. This truly is a book that can and should be read by all. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

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