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The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Title: The Girl Who Drank the Moon

Author: Kelly Barnhill

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers 2016

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Pages: 388

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the Forest, Xan, is kind. She shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. Xan rescues the children and delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest, nourishing the babies with starlight on the journey.

One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own. As Luna’s thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic begins to emerge—with dangerous consequences. Meanwhile, a young man from the Protectorate is determined to free his people by killing the witch. Deadly birds with uncertain intentions flock nearby. A volcano, quiet for centuries, rumbles just beneath the earth’s surface. And the woman with the Tiger’s heart is on the prowl . . .

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: fantasy, middle grade, Kelly Barnhill, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 11.30.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab

Title: Bridge of Souls (Cassidy Blake #3)

Author: Victoria Schwab

Publisher: Scholastic 2021

Genre: MG Fantasy

Pages: 304

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Where there are ghosts, Cassidy Blake follows . . .Unless it's the other way around?Cass thinks she might have this ghost-hunting thing down. After all, she and her ghost best friend, Jacob, have survived two haunted cities while traveling for her parents' TV show.But nothing can prepare Cass for New Orleans, which wears all of its hauntings on its sleeve. In a city of ghost tours and tombs, raucous music and all kinds of magic, Cass could get lost in all the colorful, grisly local legends. And the city's biggest surprise is a foe Cass never expected to face: a servant of Death itself.

And with that, Cassidy’s story comes to a close (or does it?). With this book, we do get a conclusion to the big mystery that was set up in the second book in the series. We finally encounter what is stalking Cassidy through the streets of Paris and now New Orleans. We get to finally meet The Society of the Black Cat and we get more information on what is happening to Jacob. Overall, this series was a delightful spooky read. It’s not true horror, but leans a bit more gentle and twee. My biggest complaint has to be the constant reminders of Cassidy’s condition and her relationship with Jacob. Those passages really felt like filler in the book. I would have liked to see a bit more ghost-busting this one. But I did enjoy the big final battle.

Cassidy Blake

  • #1 City of Ghosts

  • #2 Tunnel of Bones

  • #3 Bridge of Souls

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: fantasy, Victoria Schwab, middle grade, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 11.22.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls

Title: Mrs. Caliban

Author: Rachel Ingalls

Publisher: Harvard Common Press 1982

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 103

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

In the quiet suburbs, while Dorothy is doing chores and waiting for her husband to come home from work, not in the least anticipating romance, she hears a strange radio announcement about a monster who has just escaped from the Institute for Oceanographic Research… Reviewers have compared Rachel Ingalls’s Mrs. Caliban to King Kong, Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, the films of David Lynch, Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, E.T., Richard Yates’s domestic realism, B-horror movies, and the fairy tales of Angela Carter―how such a short novel could contain all of these disparate elements is a testament to its startling and singular charm.

Definitely one the stranger books I’ve read lately and it was our Nerdy Bookish Friends pick for December (library hold came early). I dove in not knowing what to expect. Right away, I had such sympathy for Dorothy. She’s stuck in a terrible place with no energy to attempt to change it. And then we encounter Larry, and Dorothy begins to think of her like in different ways. I loved seeing the effect Larry had on Dorothy much more than the scenes with Larry. I was getting hopeful that Dorothy would get a happy ending. The actual ending of this book is much more complicated and I’m still not sure how exactly I feel about the entire thing. Right now, I’m really leaning into 3 stars as my rating. It was fine, but nothing very exciting.

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Rachel Ingalls, Nerdy Bookish Friends, 3 stars, fantasy
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 11.15.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Title: Fairy Tale

Author: Stephen King

Publisher: Scribner 2022

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 608

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall TBR

Charlie Reade looks like a regular high school kid, great at baseball and football, a decent student. But he carries a heavy load. His mom was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was seven, and grief drove his dad to drink. Charlie learned how to take care of himself—and his dad. When Charlie is seventeen, he meets a dog named Radar and her aging master, Howard Bowditch, a recluse in a big house at the top of a big hill, with a locked shed in the backyard. Sometimes strange sounds emerge from it.

Charlie starts doing jobs for Mr. Bowditch and loses his heart to Radar. Then, when Bowditch dies, he leaves Charlie a cassette tape telling a story no one would believe. What Bowditch knows, and has kept secret all his long life, is that inside the shed is a portal to another world.

King’s storytelling in Fairy Tale soars. This is a magnificent and terrifying tale in which good is pitted against overwhelming evil, and a heroic boy—and his dog—must lead the battle.

Early in the Pandemic, King asked himself: “What could you write that would make you happy?”

The Nerdy Bookish Friends buddy read for November. I must admit that I have enjoyed Joe Hill’s writing over his father’s writing for years now, so I wasn’t necessarily super pumped for this read. On the other hand, I wasn’t mad about the selection. I was intrigued by King’s take on a fairy tale world and hero’s journey. By the end of the book, I had a few high points and a few duds. I loved how King featured the various fairy tales as easter eggs throughout the book. We get to see Charlie recognizing the stories as he encounters characters, settings, and events. I loved picking up all of those references. I also loved seeing how Charlie’s speech changes as he emerges himself in the world of Empis. Those were the high points. On the flip side, the pacing was terrible. For the first fourth of the book (~175 pages), nothing magical happens. It’s so incredibly slow. Once we get to the other world, things accelerate, but there are weird slow patches throughout the book. The entire section set in the prison lasted way too long. And then we get to the odd tone of the main character. I just don’t think that King writes 17 year olds very well now. There were some strange scenes that I just didn’t connect with. By the end of the book, I was left with very mixed feelings. Probably not the book for me.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Stephen King, Fall TBR List, fantasy, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 11.12.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Scorpio Races

Author:Maggie Stiefvater

Publisher: Scholastic Press 2011

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 409

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall TBR

Some race to win. Others race to survive. It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them. Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition - the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen. As she did in her bestselling Shiver trilogy, author Maggie Stiefvater takes us to the breaking point, where both love and life meet their greatest obstacles, and only the strong of heart can survive.

This book was so hyped up to me that I was pretty disappointed by the actual thing. We start off strong with two orphaned teens deciding to risk their lives to the Scorpio Races. I was intrigued but the idea of the water horses and hoped the book kept the threat of them front and center. Instead, we focus on other people’s petty and vicious games. We see a relationship develop between the two main characters, but I wasn’t really sold on their romance. Everything seemed just a bit too lackluster for me. I ended up finishing the book and not really caring what happened to Sean or Puck I wasn’t left with a strong impression at all. I don’t think this one was for me.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Maggie Stiefvater, fantasy, Fall TBR List, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 11.11.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Comfort me with Apples by Catherynne M. Valente

Title: Comfort Me with Apples

Author: Catherynne M. Valente

Publisher: Tordotcom 2021

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 103

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

Sophia was made for him. Her perfect husband. She can feel it in her bones. He is perfect. Their home together in Arcadia Gardens is perfect. Everything is perfect.

It's just that he's away so much. So often. He works so hard. She misses him. And he misses her. He says he does, so it must be true. He is the perfect husband and everything is perfect.

But sometimes Sophia wonders about things. Strange things. Dark things. The look on her husband's face when he comes back from a long business trip. The questions he will not answer. The locked basement she is never allowed to enter. And whenever she asks the neighbors, they can't quite meet her gaze....

But everything is perfect. Isn't it?

I won’t spoil this slim volume, but it most definitely is an interesting retelling of a very old story. I spent the first half puzzled over what was actually going on. Then very quickly all the pieces fell into places. Once Sophia meets a being in the park, everything came rushing to a conclusion. This is a book that must be read without looking at reviews. They will spoil everything! I opened this one up and read it in one sitting. I found myself getting angrier and angrier as the story progressed (as I should have, it’s kinda the entire point). Once the reveals happen, I felt very justified in my anger towards religion and the patriarchy. Only after I read it did I see that this is from Tordotcom. I adore that publishing house; no wonder I loved this one.

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Catherynne M- Valente, fantasy, Retelling, 5 stars, novella
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 11.09.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab

Title: Tunnel of Bones (Cassidy Blake #2)

Author: Victoria Schwab

Publisher: Scholastic 2019

Genre: MG Fantasy

Pages: 304

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Trouble is haunting Cassidy Blake . . . even more than usual.She (plus her ghost best friend, Jacob, of course) are in Paris, where Cass's parents are filming their TV show about the world's most haunted cities. Sure, it's fun eating croissants and seeing the Eiffel Tower, but there's true ghostly danger lurking beneath Paris, in the creepy underground Catacombs.When Cass accidentally awakens a frighteningly strong spirit, she must rely on her still-growing skills as a ghosthunter -- and turn to friends both old and new to help her unravel a mystery. But time is running out, and the spirit is only growing stronger.And if Cass fails, the force she's unleashed could haunt the city forever.

Another good volume in this spooky middle grade series. I loved the change of location to Paris. We get to visit some iconic locations as Cassidy’s parents film their television show. I especially loved all the time that we spent in the Catacombs. The atmosphere was just right. I was a little less excited about the main ghostly mystery. It was interesting, but didn’t have the level of menace from the first one. I would have liked a bit more in the scary department. And then there’s the relationship between Cassidy and Jacob. I feel like there was a lot of rehashing of the same conversation concerning Jacob’s ties to Cassidy and not enough actually growth in that department. I would have liked to see more developments. Maybe the next book will actually bring this back into focus.

Cassidy Blake

  • #1 City of Ghosts

  • #2 Tunnel of Bones

  • #3 Bridge of Souls

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: fantasy, Victoria Schwab, middle grade, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 11.05.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Lost Vampire Prince by Melody Raven

Title: The Lost Vampire Prince (Evil Rising #1)

Author: Melody Raven

Publisher: 2019

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 283

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall TBR

Nicolas is the embodiment of royalty. Strong. Powerful. Deadly. The only thing he's missing is his throne.

Decades ago a vampire mutiny murdered his father and forced him into hiding, but all that is about to change. A mortal woman smart enough to learn the truth about him and naive enough to trust him is the perfect pawn to sneak him back into the monarchy.

Nothing is going to stop Nicolas from getting what is rightfully his. Not lust. Not love. And not Anna. At least that's what he thinks.

A fun and sexy vampire romance for today’s reading. This was one of those Kindle daily deals and I threw on my library just in case. Sometimes what I need is something that entertains me for a night, but doesn’t require much thought to process. I wanted a spooky romance and I got one. There’s nothing spectacular about this book, but it really scratched the itch I had. I might even continue on in the series.

Evil Rising

  • #1 The Lost Vampire Prince

  • #2 The Vampire Villain

  • #3 Her Very Own Demon

  • #4 The Werewolf and the Siren

  • #5 Beauty and the Shapeshifter

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Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Melody Raven, vampires, romance, fantasy, 4 stars, Fall TBR List
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 11.04.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Once Upon a Curse: 17 Dark Faerie Tales

Title: Once Upon a Curse: 17 Dark Faerie Tales (Once Upon #1)

Author:

Publisher: Fiddlehead Press 2016

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 360

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Seventeen magical stories from NY Times and USA Today bestsellers and award-winning authors that will entice you to the darker side of faerie tales. More Grimm than Disney, in this collection you’ll find twists on Snow White, Hansel & Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, The Snow Queen, Cinderella, The Pied Piper, Alice in Wonderland, and Red Riding Hood, plus new tales paying homage to the old traditions. Shadows cannot exist without light, however, and you’ll find enough happily-ever-afters to lift your spirits in this anthology full of adventure, dark powers, and ultimately the enduring power of true love.

YARROW, STURDY AND BRIGHT by Devon Monk – Sweet music cannot hide a wicked heart…
FAE HORSE by Anthea Sharp – Faerie bargains can grant any desire, but be careful what you wish for.
THE QUEEN OF FROST AND DARKNESS by Christine Pope - Her heart is the only thing colder than a Russian winter….
BONES by Yasmine Galenorn - Sometimes, your most cherished dream can turn out to be a nightmare.
MAGIC AFTER MIDNIGHT by C. Gockel – The Wicked Stepmother is about to meet her match…
DANCE WITH THE DEVIL by Donna Augustine - When the devil makes a deal with a dancer, he gets more than he bargained for.
NO GIFT OF WORDS by Annie Bellet - Never steal from a witch...
THE GRIM BROTHER by Audrey Faye – Not all walks in the wood end well…
BEAST INSIDE BEAUTY by Danielle Monsch - Happily Ever After ain't guaranteed when Once Upon a Time is here.
FAESCORNED by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson - The Morrigan, Celtic goddess of war and strife, must relive a painful memory that reminds her of what she can never have.
DRAWN TO THE BRINK by Tara Maya - Sajiana's job is to hunt down monsters brought alive from paintings. She never expected to meet one so handsome... or to need his help.
THE VARIANCE COURT by Alexia Purdy - Anna, a struggling college student, discovers a mysterious ring that turns her quiet life chaotic when the ring's magic doesn't do what it's told.
THE MORRIGAN by Phaedra Weldon – A young man discovers he has leprechaun blood – and is wanted by dark faerie forces.
ALICE by Julia Crane - A twisted tale of Alice and Wonderland. Facing madness and an ominous prophecy, Alice chooses to follow her heart despite knowing her world is about to change forever.
STILL RED by Sabrina Locke – When the Hunters come, can there be any escape?
THE FINAL STRAW by Jennifer Blackstream - To banish a gold-spinning demon, first you must guess his name...
THE UNICORN HUNTER by Alethea Kontis – Only Snow White knows what really happened in the forest…

I was scrolling through my Kindle app (boy is that a colossal mess!) and stumbled upon this collection I bought a few years back. I wanted something light but spooky and this seemed like the perfect choice. Like with every short story collection, this one is a mixed bag. But overall, I really enjoyed these short snippets and takes on new and old fairy tales. Some definitely fall on the horror side of things while others were more light-hearted and only slightly spooky. Decent collection that I’m sure I got for nearly free during some sale.

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: fantasy, short stories, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 10.15.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOTAR #3.5)

Author:Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury 2018

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 272

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall TBR

Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve.

Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those dearest to her deepens. They have more wounds than she anticipated-scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.
Bridging the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin with the later books in the series, A Court of Frost and Starlight explores the far-reaching effects of a devastating war and the fierce love between friends.

A short novella to tide us over until the next book. Nothing too big happens but we do get to see the story from multiple perspectives. We get some more information on the dynamics between characters. And we get to see how some have fared since the war with Hybern. It was a good novella but without much action. It’s a very quiet story.

A Court of Throns and Roses

  • #1 A Court of Thorns and Roses

  • #2 A Court of Mist and Fury

  • #3 A Court of Wings and Ruin

  • #3.5 A Court of Frost and Starlight

  • #4 A Court of Silver Flames

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Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Sarah J. Maas, fantasy, Fall TBR List, novella, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 10.14.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

Title: Ariadne

Author: Jennifer Saint

Publisher: Flatiron Books 2021

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 320

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seasonal TBR; Unread Shelf Project; Unread Shelf Project RC - March (Biography - heehee)

Ariadne, Princess of Crete, grows up greeting the dawn from her beautiful dancing floor and listening to her nursemaid’s stories of gods and heroes. But beneath her golden palace echo the ever-present hoofbeats of her brother, the Minotaur, a monster who demands blood sacrifice.

When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives to vanquish the beast, Ariadne sees in his green eyes not a threat but an escape. Defying the gods, betraying her family and country, and risking everything for love, Ariadne helps Theseus kill the Minotaur. But will Ariadne’s decision ensure her happy ending? And what of Phaedra, the beloved younger sister she leaves behind?

I absolutely had to get this book when it showed up in the Book of the Month selections. But then I let it languish on my shelves for a year. Finally picked it up this week and dove into this retelling of Ariadne and Phaedra’s stories. We start slowly, setting up the world on Crete and the family dynamic. I found the first part of the book to be a little slow. Once Ariadne is left on the island, I sped through the rest of the pages desperate to see how the story ends. Saint does not disappoint in giving us a Greek myth told from a feminist perspective. There’s nothing ground breaking here, but we do get a good story full of interesting characters. The writing isn’t quite as strong as Madeline Miller’s Circe, but I still found it very compelling and clear. I enjoyed my trip back to ancient Crete and Greece even if I always wish for a much happier ending for the female characters.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Jennifer Saint, mythology, greek and roman myths, fantasy, UnRead Shelf, UnRead Shelf Project RC, Fall TBR List, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 09.28.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Title: Vicious (Villains #1)

Author: V.E. Schwab

Publisher: Tor 2013

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 368

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall TBR

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

A book club friend insisted that I pick this one up and she was right! I absolutely loved this story of two friends who become extra ordinary and then attempt to navigate their worlds. I immediately fell for the oddball character of Victor. I really wanted him to find his place in the world and get away from the strange pull of Eli. Alas, we know that those two will spend the entire book pulled together, but also at odds with one another. What follows is a cat and mouse game as they each try to get the drop on the other while also dealing with new friends and enemies. I loved how we go back and forth in time to understand exactly what happened between Victor and Eli and how it is affecting the current time. Sydney and Michell were great additions and I was definitely intrigued by Serena and her power. I sped through the book desperate to see how it ended. Of course we get a bit of a cliffhanger, but that just means that I need to go pick up the second book in the series soon.

Villains

  • #1 Vicious

  • #2 Vengeful

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: V.E. Schwab, fantasy, Fall TBR List, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 09.27.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Into the Windwracked Wilds by A. Deborah Baker

Title: Along the Saltwise Sea (The Up and Under #3)

Author: A. Deborah Baker

Publisher: Tordotcom 2022

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 224

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

When the improbable road leaves Avery and Zib in the land of Air and at the mercy of the Queen of Swords, escape without becoming monsters may be impossible. But with the aid of the Queen's son, the unpredictable Jack Daw, they may emerge with enough of their humanity to someday make it home. Their journey is not yet over; the dangers are no less great.

We continue on with Avery and Zib’s journey on the Improbable Road. Or more accurately, their journey after losing the Improbably Road. We finally get more information about Crow Girl’s past and specifically her making. And we get to meet some great new characters. The mosasaur was an intriguing “monster” lurking the sea. The Queen of Swords was suitable mercurial and cruel. But my favorite was Jack Daw. I loved seeing his interaction with the other characters and especially his explanations for the inner workings of The Up and Under. It looks like Jack Daw will continue with our misfit band for at least a little while. I am very excited to continue reading this series.

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: A. Deborah Baker, fantasy, Seanan McGuire, 4 stars, middle grade
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 09.10.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

Title: City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1)

Author: Victoria Schwab

Publisher: Scholastic 2018

Genre: MG Fantasy

Pages: 285

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Ever since Cass almost drowned (okay, she did drown, but she doesn't like to think about it), she can pull back the Veil that separates the living from the dead . . . and enter the world of spirits. Her best friend is even a ghost.So things are already pretty strange. But they're about to get much stranger.When Cass's parents start hosting a TV show about the world's most haunted places, the family heads off to Edinburgh, Scotland. Here, graveyards, castles, and secret passageways teem with restless phantoms. And when Cass meets a girl who shares her "gift," she realizes how much she still has to learn about the Veil -- and herself.And she'll have to learn fast. The city of ghosts is more dangerous than she ever imagined.#1 NYT bestselling author Victoria Schwab delivers a thrillingly spooky and action-packed tale of hauntings, history, mystery, and the bond between friends (even if that friend is a ghost . . .).

A lovely blend of spooky and friendship. Right away, we’re dropped into Cassidy’s world of ghosts; We don’t get all the answers in this volume, but we certainly start to uncover the secrets. With Jacob and some new friends, we get a bit more information about living in the world between the living and the dead. I loved the entire setup of Cass’s family right down to the cat Grim. Once we get to Edinburgh the story starts moving quickly and doesn’t let up. I loved the various locales and descriptions. I do so wish to visit Edinburgh at some point in my life. I would love to see the Old Town and the Castle. And maybe I will see some ghosts while there. There are definitely some great spooky scenes involving lots of child ghosts and the Raven. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Cassidy Blake

  • #1 City of Ghosts

  • #2 Tunnel of Bones

  • #3 Bridge of Souls

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: fantasy, Victoria Schwab, middle grade, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 09.02.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR #3)

Author:Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury 2017

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 705

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything―and everyone―she holds dear.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers―both magical and political―and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

Goodness! That was a chunker of a book. There was so much packed in this volume of the series. I almost would have liked to see this book split into two volumes. I kept hurtling along the plot adding in more and more elements of the larger game. Overall, I enjoyed the story and loved seeing how the fight against Hybern ended. I loved the portions about Feyre and Rhys connecting and coming into their partnership as High Lord and High Lady. I was less enthused by Nesta and Elain. A lot of their story seems to move very slowly and be very drawn out in the pages. Some cuts would have been nice. It was loads of fun to see all the people arrive at the final battler (sorta like that whole scene in The Two Tower, so good). I especially loved the inclusion of the Weaver, the Bone Carver, and Bryaxis. Fascinating to see them as they really were. And obviously we have now set up the next book in the series. I enjoyed this volume even if it took me what seemed like years to read it.

A Court of Throns and Roses

  • #1 A Court of Thorns and Roses

  • #2 A Court of Mist and Fury

  • #3 A Court of Wings and Ruin

  • #3.5 A Court of Frost and Starlight

  • #4 A Court of Silver Flames

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Sarah J. Maas, fantasy, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 08.30.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Title: Firekeeper’s Daughter

Author: Angeline Boulley

Publisher: Henry, Holt and Co. 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 496

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. She dreams of a fresh start at college, but when family tragedy strikes, Daunis puts her future on hold to look after her fragile mother. The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother Levi’s hockey team.

Yet even as Daunis falls for Jamie, she senses the dashing hockey star is hiding something. Everything comes to light when Daunis witnesses a shocking murder, thrusting her into an FBI investigation of a lethal new drug.

Reluctantly, Daunis agrees to go undercover, drawing on her knowledge of chemistry and Ojibwe traditional medicine to track down the source. But the search for truth is more complicated than Daunis imagined, exposing secrets and old scars. At the same time, she grows concerned with an investigation that seems more focused on punishing the offenders than protecting the victims.

Now, as the deceptions—and deaths—keep growing, Daunis must learn what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she’ll go for her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.

I finally got around to reading this one for our book club selection and it was not quite what I was expecting. And yet, I really really loved it! We open with Daunis navigating life between her the two sides of her family. We dive right into Daunis’s life and then start to unravel her identity. I loved how Boulley mixes native words into English to recreate Daunis’s actual speech. I learned so much about Ojibwa culture and life in modern America. Just those portions created a beautiful book. And then, we get the larger mystery revealed in big bursts. I was on pins and needles waiting to see how everything would play out. I ended up speeding through the book in just a few days. It was emotional and hopeful at the same time.

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Angeline Boulley, fantasy, young adult, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 08.27.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Mermaid by Christina Henry

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Title: The Mermaid

Author: Christina Henry

Publisher: Berkley 2018

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 325

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Once there was a mermaid called Amelia who could never be content in the sea, a mermaid who longed to know all the world and all its wonders, and so she came to live on land.

Once there was a man called P. T. Barnum, a man who longed to make his fortune by selling the wondrous and miraculous, and there is nothing more miraculous than a real mermaid.

Amelia agrees to play the mermaid for Barnum and walk among men in their world, believing she can leave anytime she likes. But Barnum has never given up a money-making scheme in his life, and he's determined to hold on to his mermaid.

I was excited for a dark retelling of a mermaid story. What I got was a bit of a bore. Barnum is not a great historical figure or book character. He’s definitely a bit of a villain. Despite all of that, I was fairly interested in that story. Seeing how a real life mermaid becomes an exhibit for Barnum’s museum could have been a good novel. And yet, Henry decided to interject a big romance plot line and lost me. The romance plot line was plodding and boring and really dragged down the story. I got to the end without my dark storyline and felt very disappointed.

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Christina Henry, fantasy, mermaids, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 08.20.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Lore Olympus Vol. 2 by Rachel Smythe

Title: Lore Olympus Volume 2

Author: Rachel Smythe

Publisher: Random House Worlds 2022

Genre: Fantasy Comic

Pages: 368

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Persephone was ready to start a new life when she left the mortal realm for Olympus. However, she quickly discovered the dark side of her glamorous new home—from the relatively minor gossip threatening her reputation to a realm-shattering violation of her safety by the conceited Apollo—and she’s struggling to find her footing in the fast-moving realm of the gods. Hades is also off-balance, fighting against his burgeoning feelings for the young goddess of spring while maintaining his lonely rule of the Underworld. As the pair are drawn ever closer, they must untangle the twisted webs of their past and present to build toward a new future.

This volume collects episodes 26–49 of the #1 WEBTOON comic Lore Olympus.

Another great volume from my favorite Webtoon! We get further development between Hades and Persephone as well as learning more about some of the side characters. I really love Hecate and Hera. I definitely want to see more of them in future issues. Minthe causes me such distress. I really hope the next volume starts unraveling that particular relationship so we can see the development of the one that I want.

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Rachel Smythe, fantasy, greek and roman myths, romance, graphic novel, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 08.17.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

Title: Atlas Six (The Atlas #1)

Author: Olivie Blake

Publisher: Tor 2020

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 375

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

The Alexandrian Society, caretakers of lost knowledge from the greatest civilizations of antiquity, are the foremost secret society of magical academicians in the world. Those who earn a place among the Alexandrians will secure a life of wealth, power, and prestige beyond their wildest dreams, and each decade, only the six most uniquely talented magicians are selected to be considered for initiation.

Enter the latest round of six: Libby Rhodes and Nico de Varona, unwilling halves of an unfathomable whole, who exert uncanny control over every element of physicality. Reina Mori, a naturalist, who can intuit the language of life itself. Parisa Kamali, a telepath who can traverse the depths of the subconscious, navigating worlds inside the human mind. Callum Nova, an empath easily mistaken for a manipulative illusionist, who can influence the intimate workings of a person’s inner self. Finally, there is Tristan Caine, who can see through illusions to a new structure of reality—an ability so rare that neither he nor his peers can fully grasp its implications.

When the candidates are recruited by the mysterious Atlas Blakely, they are told they will have one year to qualify for initiation, during which time they will be permitted preliminary access to the Society’s archives and judged based on their contributions to various subjects of impossibility: time and space, luck and thought, life and death. Five, they are told, will be initiated. One will be eliminated. The six potential initiates will fight to survive the next year of their lives, and if they can prove themselves to be the best among their rivals, most of them will.

Most of them.

Goodness this was not good. I was super intrigued by the premise (I’m always up for a book about the Library of Alexandria), but this book did not live up to any of the promise. The plot moves incredibly slow with nothing really happening for about 80% of the book. I never felt compelled to pick it up and keep reading. That’s never a good sign. The characters are all pretty terrible. The jacket copy makes it seem that although they all start out as enemies, the six characters will come to care deeply for each other. They didn’t. They mostly hate it each other throughout the entire book. I just wanted to see some genuine affection for another person. If these six people are the best of the best, we are a species are doomed. They are all terrible. Libby may have been the least terrible, but she would have been a pain to live with and ended up with the corruption arc. That didn’t make any sense at all… I hated this book.

The Atlas

  • #0.5 Sacred Hospitality

  • #1 The Atlas Six

  • #2 The Atlas Paradox

Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Olivie Blake, fantasy, 2 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 08.10.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor

Title: Hotel Magnifique

Author: Emily J. Taylor

Publisher: Razorbill 2022

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 400

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Summer TBR

All her life, Jani has dreamed of Elsewhere. Just barely scraping by with her job at a tannery, she’s resigned to a dreary life in the port town of Durc, caring for her younger sister Zosa. That is, until the Hotel Magnifique comes to town.

The hotel is legendary not only for its whimsical enchantments, but also for its ability to travel—appearing in a different destination every morning. While Jani and Zosa can’t afford the exorbitant costs of a guest’s stay, they can interview to join the staff, and are soon whisked away on the greatest adventure of their lives. But once inside, Jani quickly discovers their contracts are unbreakable and that beneath the marvelous glamour, the hotel is hiding dangerous secrets.

With the vexingly handsome doorman Bel as her only ally, Jani embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery of the magic at the heart of the hotel and free Zosa—and the other staff—from the cruelty of the ruthless maître d’hôtel. To succeed, she’ll have to risk everything she loves, but failure would mean a fate far worse than never returning home.

Now this book is totally my jam! We get a fun fantasy story featuring magic and the illusion of magic. I absolute adore books where the setting becomes a real character. The Hotel Magnifique itself is one of the most important characters in the novel. As Jani slowly uncovers the secrets of the hotel and the employees, I fell more in love with the hotel itself. My biggest complaint about this book is that we didn’t get to see more of the guest rooms and enchantments. As for the human characters, I loved Bel and his mysterious ways. I despised Alaister and his underlings (as you should). I grew to love Jani’s strength and commitment to her sister. I called the twist as it relates to character, but it felt appropriate instead of gimmicky. This book gave me big The Night Circus vibes but with much more action. Loved it!

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Next up on the TBR pile:

feathers.jpg jujutsu26.jpg orv3.jpg orv4.jpg is she really.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg anxious.jpg centre.jpg far better.jpg i accidentally.jpg infinite.jpg irresistible.jpg letter from the lonesome.jpg royal.jpg shattered.jpg stolen.jpg swarm.jpg they bloom.jpg
tags: Emily J. Taylor, 5 stars, fantasy, young adult, Summer TBR List
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 08.06.22
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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