Confessions of a Murder Suspect Confessions #1 by James Patterson Mystery Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) In this book the main characters parents die and they go through interviews and conduct an investigation of their own to figure out who did it. For middle and high school teens.
A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent Lady Trent Memoirs #1 by Marie Brennan Adventure Fantasy Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Growing up in a Victorian-esque era, Isabella Hendemore has a problem. She likes dragons—, no, she loves dragons. However, this is not very ladylike. And, when an incident with a dragon who is most definitely not dead leaves Isabella with several scars across her shoulder, … Read more
Aurora Aurora #1 by Red Adventure Fantasy Graphic Novel Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) The city of Vash has fallen to a mysterious mage known as the Collector, who has taken the soul of its god. Kendal, the city’s sole survivor, has been tasked to retrieve said god. He soon encounters Alinua, a hermit who is finally free to see the world. The two set off on an adventure neither of … Read more
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher Fantasy * * * * Stars (Great!) Cordelia’s mother Evangeline is a sorceress who often makes her behave by taking control of her body. She’s not allowed any privacy, and if her mother disapproves of anything she does she is punished by being made to be obedient. It is the most horrible feeling/experience. When their current benefactor stops paying the bills, Evangeline decides that it’s time for … Read more
From Wonderland with Love Code Name: Alice, book #1 by Jeffrey Westhoff Fantasy Funny Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) While reminiscing about her adventures in Wonderland and Looking-Glass, Alice is once again surprised by the White Rabbit, who has come to enlist her aid in a matter of National Security! When she left Wonderland, the Knave of Hearts had been accused of stealing tarts and managed to sneak away in all … Read more
The Wrong Way Home By Kate O’Shaughnessy Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Frankie (Fern) and her mom (Jamie) live in an “off-the-grid, self-sustaining community” run by Dr. Ben. On the “Ranch” they eschew technology and practices that are harmful to the Earth, and chemicals that are bad for the environment. They grow their own food and make their own clothes – all under Dr. Ben’s guidance. Fern worships Dr. Ben and when … Read more
Seagarden Plotting the Stars #2 by Michelle A. Barry Fantasy Mystery Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Myra and her friends saw their secret moon garden destroyed when it was discovered. They’ve started another one, but it’s not ideal. What’s worse is that Myra’s Botan magic seems to be going wrong when she tries to use it (something to do with the trauma of what she experienced with the previous garden). They’re still … Read more
Bunnybirds by Natalie Lim Fantasy Graphic Novel Mystery * * * * Stars (Great!) The Bunnybirds exist in a joyful state where nothing really seems to bother them. This isn’t really true, but that’s the facade they are supposed to project – especially their Princess. But when other members of the flock start disappearing and the Princess Aster starts having prophetic dreams about what’s happened to them, it’s hard to be joyful. When the King … Read more
Through the Elder Woods Nothing Special, v. 1 by Katie Cook Adventure Fantasy Funny Graphic Novel * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Callie’s dad has a magical items shop, and he regularly goes through the gate (she’s not allowed) into another world where he retrieves these objects. The reason of WHY she’s not allowed beyond the gate is a discussion they’ve tabled until she’s older, but before they can have that talk, he disappears. … Read more