The Dragonriders of Pern is a fantastic trilogy packed full of adventure and encourages you to rise above the doubts of others. All three books have gThe Dragonriders of Pern is a fantastic trilogy packed full of adventure and encourages you to rise above the doubts of others. All three books have great messages about perseverance, plus fantastic dragons and fine lizards. If you enjoy the trilogy there is an additional trilogy, The Harper Hall, which continues the story. Enjoy! - teen reviewer Sofia D....more
Funny and exciting with many strange twists and turns this book was a very fun read aloud for my fourth grader to read to my first grader. Sparked somFunny and exciting with many strange twists and turns this book was a very fun read aloud for my fourth grader to read to my first grader. Sparked some interesting conversations on everything from DNA and life on other planets, to bullying and making friends. Readers may also enjoy The Wild Robot by Peter Brown or Mac B. Kid Spy series by Mac Barnet.
This is an amazing mixology of magical realism, language and metaphysics. A mysterious stranger coerces Sasha, a soon to be college student, into the This is an amazing mixology of magical realism, language and metaphysics. A mysterious stranger coerces Sasha, a soon to be college student, into the Institute of Special Technologies. Upon arrival, she observes second year students walking in fits and starts, bumping into objects as if in a drunken stupor, and wearing gloves although winter is far away. Third year students look normal enough yet their gaze alone frightens her. The advisors, the mysterious stranger one of them, use subtle threats of harm to the student’s families should they fail.
Sasha along with the other students is torn between her curiosity and revulsion at what is asked of her. Sasha is homesick, away from home for the first time. Her mother is recently married and with the arrival of a new baby brother she wonders where she fits in this new family. At the institute, Sasha befriends Kostya another first year student who has a secret that when discovered makes him an outcast. Of course, what would life be like without a roommate Lisa with whom Sasha has little in common and is her academic rival. Sasha navigates these new experiences, along with her classes: textbooks with strange characters that make no sense but alter her perception, a class on Applied Science that causes Sasha to sprout wings, and metaphysical discourses that somehow link them all together. As she progresses through her studies Sasha is shocked when her turbulent emotions manifest in unexpected and terrifying ways.
In the intervening mind-bending years, Sasha comes to embrace her studies perhaps too well; and even her professors are challenged to control Sasha’s potentially dangerous new abilities. In the final exam for placement, in the midst of professors and fellow students Sasha, achieves realization of who and what she really is in a single word. She sees the world as it truly exists; beautiful, exhilarating, and terrifying all at the same time. A world that ultimately, she controls. Are you curious yet?
I found Vita Nostra to be a highly compelling read that I could not put down. I needed to learn along with Sasha the secrets of The Institute of Special Technologies, her surreal metamorphosis, and the life altering conclusion.
I highly recommend Vita Nostra for fans of The Night Circus, The Magicians, Harry Potter, The Paper Magician and The Bear and the Nightingale.
For everyone whose child has ever asked for a pet because it’s cute, we have the book for you! As we follow the humorous adventures of a small boy andFor everyone whose child has ever asked for a pet because it’s cute, we have the book for you! As we follow the humorous adventures of a small boy and the unicorn he wishes into existence, we are shown the downsides of pets, from scratched furniture (that sofa will never be the same) to house training accidents (cupcakes surrounded by flies) to the need for more than one pet in case the first gets lonely (unicorn party!). The illustrations by Climo are fun and colorful, while the story, with its references to unicorn lore, is told with laugh-out-loud humor and a touch of reality. Great for reading with your child! - Lynn H....more
In the summer of 2018, PBS launched a television series about books. Perhaps you have heard of it? The Great American Read series revealed America’s 1In the summer of 2018, PBS launched a television series about books. Perhaps you have heard of it? The Great American Read series revealed America’s 100 best-loved novels determined by a national survey. There are so many great titles listed from classics to modern contemporary fiction. The Great American Read: The Book of Books is a gorgeous publication filled with photographs of authors, different editions of the top 100 books as well as fun literary tidbits. I adored watching the PBS series and I loved reading the book. I mean, who doesn’t love a book about books? – Jennifer L....more
“Mom, this is dark!” said my 9-year-old. “How to Cook a Princess” is deliciously dreary. Illustrated wonderfully in a perfect purée of whimsy, macabre“Mom, this is dark!” said my 9-year-old. “How to Cook a Princess” is deliciously dreary. Illustrated wonderfully in a perfect purée of whimsy, macabre, and campy. The Cinderella Burger and Sleeping Beauty Omelet are two recipes of note. A tasty treat for anyone with a wicked sense of humor! -Lisanne E....more
Vicki has moved to a small town and dedicated her life to renovating an inn formerly owned by her husband’s family in an effort to forget her abusive Vicki has moved to a small town and dedicated her life to renovating an inn formerly owned by her husband’s family in an effort to forget her abusive marriage. A dead body that turns up soon shows that Vicki is much more important than she thinks, especially in her ability to get along with the terre indigene, the shapeshifters whose connection to humans is fragile and frequently marked with bloodshed.
This is the 6th book in The Others series and introduces many new characters along with a few peripheral characters from the earlier 5 novels. Bishop is excellent at world building and building suspense as we slowly learn the truth about the body, Vicki’s former marriage, her new role at the inn and the very high costs of disturbing the locals.
The best part of these novels is always learning more about the terre indigene and their relationship with the various humans they interact with. They are fully realized individuals and range from the cute local creatures called sproingers to the terrifying Elders and Elementals. It is not necessary to read the first 5 novels to enjoy this one as there is enough explanation to determine what is going on.
I highly recommend them, though, if you’d like to read more about the Others and their world after finishing this novel. – Lynn H....more
Lately there seems to be several books taking liberty with characters from classic novels…some with zombies, some with sea creatures, you get the pictLately there seems to be several books taking liberty with characters from classic novels…some with zombies, some with sea creatures, you get the picture. Now we have a mash-up of Frankenstein with Pride and Prejudice, and I admit having enjoyed it! Many know the happy endings for Elizabeth and Jane Bennett, and the marriage of Lydia to Mr. Wickham, but whatever became of Kitty and Mary? In Kessel’s tale, Mary seems to be settling toward her station in life as spinster, indulging in her interest of science and nature- particularly her love of fossils. Her path crosses with Victor Frankenstein one evening at a ball (naturally). He’s under pressure to provide a bride for his creature…but where will the female body come from this time? – Sara Z....more
Manon Gaudet hates her husband. He is cloddish, unfaithful, and treats his slaves with a brutality she can hardly stomach. Manon is no peach herself, Manon Gaudet hates her husband. He is cloddish, unfaithful, and treats his slaves with a brutality she can hardly stomach. Manon is no peach herself, beautiful and egoistic. I had a hard time feeling sympathetic for her circumstances. Yet, this historical work of fiction is another winner from the acclaimed author of Mary Reilly. Property explores and brings insight to the dynamic relationship between master and slave and the plight of women during the antebellum south. – Clara M....more
Poetry turned upside down. This unique book of poems, all centering upon some traditional folktales, provides two poems for each folktale. Both poems Poetry turned upside down. This unique book of poems, all centering upon some traditional folktales, provides two poems for each folktale. Both poems are on the same page with colorful illustrations on the facing page to coordinate with the poems. The words are the same in both poems; they are just turned upside down. The only thing that is changed is the punctuation. The result: a poem with a completely different meaning and/or point a view. The skill involved to pull this off is a testament to Singer’s unique play of words. The complexity of choosing the right words make this a book of poems that is not quickly written. Classic folktales included are "The Emperor’s New Clothes," "The Princess and the Pea," "The Pied Piper," "Puss in Boots," "The Three Little Pigs," and "The Little Mermaid," and many others. In the rear of the book, Singer includes an explanation of what a reverso poem is, and how it came to be. In order to understand the poems, children should be familiar with the folktales. The author helps here with a brief explanation of each one, located in the back of the book. It may take reading the poems several times to fully understand the viewpoint to which Singer is referring, but it is worth it to put in the extra time. Children will catch on quickly to these unique poems and revel in both the simplicity of the poems, and the complexity it took to create them. As there are two sides to every story, so too, there are two sides to every poem, at least in reverso poems anyway.—Pamela B....more
I actually didn’t know this was book#1 of a trilogy Legacy of Orïsha, but after finishing I’m glad to know the story doesn’t end! In this fantastical I actually didn’t know this was book#1 of a trilogy Legacy of Orïsha, but after finishing I’m glad to know the story doesn’t end! In this fantastical tale, magic has been banished by King Saran from the realm of Orïsha, and the maji ordered to be slaughtered. Descendants of those maji, divîners, live on and are marked by their dark skin and white hair. One such divîner named Zélie just might be the one to restore magic to a new generation of maji, who can then break free of the oppression caused by the King’s army. With the help of her brother Tzain, and Saran’s daughter Amari (who rebels against her father’s brutality), Zélie sets out on her epic quest. But what quest comes without challenges? Here, we have Amari’s brother Inan, the crown prince determined to finish his father’s goal of eradicating magic. Adeyemi’s story is page-turning, and as her note at the end states, a universal commentary about apathy in the face of injustice. -Sara Z....more
Melissa Broder, called in a recent article, the Internet’s High Priestess of Depression, is the voice behind the raw Twitter account and book, @sosadtMelissa Broder, called in a recent article, the Internet’s High Priestess of Depression, is the voice behind the raw Twitter account and book, @sosadtoday. Broder has awed me with The Pieces, a glorious feat of eroticism, magical realism, and depressive fantasy. Fifty Shades of Grey meets Palahniuk’s, Choke, meets The Little Mermaid. In this tale, Lucy is escaping her failing toxic relationship in Arizona and avoiding a pending thesis by pet sitting for her wealthy sister in Venice Beach. She is working on overcoming addiction and deprived life choices when she meets a handsome merman at the beach one night. In this sensual, intelligent, and soul-searching novel, Lucy confronts her own fantasies about relationships and her escapist tendencies. Highly recommended for readers of the unusual and patrons of the fantastic. Currently being adapted as a film. - Lisanne E....more
Two (and a half counting the Lucky Charms short) books into this series and they all read a little different, which is awesome. Lucky Charms was spicyTwo (and a half counting the Lucky Charms short) books into this series and they all read a little different, which is awesome. Lucky Charms was spicy and silly, The Grendel Affair was a spy/horror thriller with quirky tease of romance, and this one has a more fantasy vibe to it. Very reminiscent of popular series by authors like Kim Harrison or Ilona Andrews. The internal dialogue bits Mac had really added a fun element for me. Good quick summer read! - Alexis S. ...more
This is the second installment of the Wayward Children series and is the best one yet. Sisters Jacqueline and Jillian, (you know them as Jack & Jill),This is the second installment of the Wayward Children series and is the best one yet. Sisters Jacqueline and Jillian, (you know them as Jack & Jill), never felt quite right in their bodies, or comfortable in the roles their parents had carved out for them. That is, until they crawled into the trunk in the spare bedroom and landed in The Moors, a place of eternal twilight. It is in this place where Jack, who was tired of wearing frilly dresses, and never being able to run amuck, has found her true calling. For Jill, who was always the tom-boy, she can finally wear that gorgeous dress, and pamper herself. But all this comes at a cost, and as each of them find their own path, they will have to decide whether they will stick together through thick and thin or sacrifice themselves for the other.
The 2nd installment is very dark and eerie, but I was quickly drawn in and captivated by Jack & Jill’s story. I almost liked this better than the first one. This book can be read as a series or a standalone....more
This was a fun and quick cross genre urban fantasy. Think spy mystery overlaid with quirky campy mythology. There is that slight first in a series awkThis was a fun and quick cross genre urban fantasy. Think spy mystery overlaid with quirky campy mythology. There is that slight first in a series awkwardness that many book series have, but it certainly won't stop me from reading the rest. I loved the main character, Mac, she is well developed and very likable. I already started to read the .05 "Lucky Charms" installment, which is absolutely hilarious, and referenced in this book. I can't wait to see how this develops. Readers may also enjoy Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews or Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison. -- Alexis S....more
Disclaimer: I am a big fan of Ilona Andrews and her Kate Daniels series in particular. If you haven't read those you should start there with Magic BitDisclaimer: I am a big fan of Ilona Andrews and her Kate Daniels series in particular. If you haven't read those you should start there with Magic Bites. Read the whole series, it's among my all-time favorites.
This book was very well done. It fits in the world where it needs to fit into the world while bringing new elements to the world it's spun from. This story is a romance between two alpha characters that who each in their own way are great and terrible monsters. Violent sword fights, quick wits, and just enough mythological monsters to geek out over. Also, lots of Kate Daniels’ world questions are answered here, there is quite a bit of carry over, even cameos from some of your favorite characters. Big teases for what's to come. And. I. Can't. Wait.
Once you, like me, have read out all of Ilona Andrews (even the free serial fiction she puts on her website), you can always fill the void at the library. I had luck with Seanan McGuire's Rosemary and Rue series, Kalayna Price's Alex Craft Series, or if you haven't read it yet Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series. - Alexis S....more
Guillermo del Toro had me entranced by the otherworldly Pan’s Labyrinth and I have followed his projects ever since. While I have still yet to see theGuillermo del Toro had me entranced by the otherworldly Pan’s Labyrinth and I have followed his projects ever since. While I have still yet to see the film, I picked up the pictorial book “The Shape of Water: Creating a Fairytale for Troubled Times” because his films are always visually stunning. The reader gains insight into Guillermo Del Toro’s childhood obsession with cinema magic and how Creature from the Black Lagoon had an actual physiological effect on him. This book covers the making of the movie, details of how the creature was created, character studies, and actual sketches from del Toro’s personal journals. It was charming to learn del Toro wrote the part of Elisa Esposito specifically for the actress Sally Hawkins, as I think she is brilliant. Worth taking a glance at whether you have seen the movie or not!
BOB is a character and book that will stay with you long after you've met him and read it. Livy rediscovers Bob when she returns to her Grandmother's BOB is a character and book that will stay with you long after you've met him and read it. Livy rediscovers Bob when she returns to her Grandmother's in Australia and realizes there is something important she has forgotten. As Livy relearns about Bob, herself and what happened 5 years ago, she searches to help Bob find out who/what he is so he can return to his own family. This story is sweet, compelling, at times funny and truly touching with the most wonderful ending. I couldn't put it down until I'd read the whole thing. Everyone should experience the "bobness" that is BOB!- Jen K....more
Using ancient Egyptian magic, a Coleridge scholar leads a travel expedition to the 17th century to hear the actual Coleridge speak. Things quickly spiUsing ancient Egyptian magic, a Coleridge scholar leads a travel expedition to the 17th century to hear the actual Coleridge speak. Things quickly spiral out of control when the main character is stranded in the past and seeks to find a way home. Quirky, smart, and a little bit weird, this is a classic time travel story not to be missed. -Wendy M....more
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