New Release Tuesday

Author: Edgar Cantero

Genre: Noir

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 256

In a dingy office in Fisherman's Wharf, the glass panel in the door bears the names of A. Kimrean and Z. Kimrean. Private Eyes. Behind the door there is only one desk, one chair, one scrawny androgynous P.I. in a tank top and skimpy waistcoat. A.Z., as they are collectively known, are twin brother and sister. He's pure misanthropic logic, she's wild hedonistic creativity. The Kimreans have been locked in mortal battle since they were in utero...which is tricky because they, very literally, share one single body. That's right. One body, two pilots. The mystery and absurdity of how Kimrean functions, and how they subvert every plotline, twist, explosion, and gunshot--and confuse every cop, neckless thug, cartel boss, ninja, and femme fatale--in the book is pure Cantero magic.

Someone is murdering the sons of the ruthless drug cartel boss known as the Lyon in the biggest baddest town in California--San Carnal. The notorious A.Z. Kimrean must go to the sin-soaked, palm-tree-lined streets of San Carnal, infiltrate the Lyon's inner circle, and find out who is targeting his heirs, and while they are at it, rescue an undercover cop in too deep, deal with a plucky young stowaway, and stop a major gang war from engulfing California. They'll face every plot device and break every rule Elmore Leonard wrote before they can crack the case, if they don't kill each other (themselves) first.

Normally I would already have my copy on pre-order, but this year I've managed to flip turn my schedule around so I can go see Edgar Cantero talk about this book at one of my local bookstores. So I'm going to put a copy on hold a little closer to that date!

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

They say don't judge a book by it's cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes it's the cover that originally catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday I'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon! Some are by authors I already enjoy, some are the reason I gave the book a longer look. Either way they're all going to find their way here!

Release Date: September 18th, 2018

Pages: 320

Genre: Horror

Clare has been miserable since her exorcism. The preacher that rid her of evil didn’t understand that her demon—simply known as Her—was like a sister to Clare. Now, Clare will do almost anything to get Her back. After a chance encounter with the son of the preacher who exorcised her, Clare goes on an adventure through the dark underbelly of her small Southern town, discovering its deep-seated occult roots. As she searches for Her, she must question the fine lines between good and evil, love and hate, and religion and free will. Vivid and sharp, The Good Demon tells the unusual story of friendship amid dark Gothic horror.

The cover pulled me because it's so strange and unusual, but the plot is what really stuck me. Plus I'm sucker for anything tagged as Gothic Horror.

HAPPY READING!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about what we have yet to read. Generally they are books that have yet to be released, but don't have to be. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous at Breaking the Spine. 

Release Date: August 14th, 2018

Author: Peter Vronsky

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 432

In Sons of Cain--a book that fills the gap between dry academic studies and sensationalized true crime--investigative historian Peter Vronsky examines our understanding of serial killing from its prehistoric anthropological evolutionary dimensions in the pre-civilization era (c. 15,000 BC) to today. Delving further back into human history and deeper into the human psyche than Serial Killers--Vronsky's 2004 book, which has been called "the definitive history of the phenomenon of serial murder"--he focuses strictly on sexual serial killers: thrill killers who engage in murder, rape, torture, cannibalism and necrophilia, as opposed to for-profit serial killers, including hit men, or "political" serial killers, like terrorists or genocidal murderers.

Why I'm Waiting: I've always been fascinated by Serial Killers. So much so that I got a degree in Criminology. So I'm excited to add Sons of Cain to my Nonfiction shelf.

New Release Tuesday

Author: Allison Rushby

Genre: Middle Grade

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 256

Twelve-year-old Flossie is no ordinary ghost — she's the caretaker of every soul in Highgate Cemetery. And during World War II, even the ghosts aren't safe.

Flossie Birdwhistle is the Turnkey at London's Highgate Cemetery. As Turnkey, it's Flossie's job to ensure that all the souls buried in the cemetery stay at rest. Not an easy job for a young ghost, but a task made especially difficult by World War II: London is being attacked every night by enemy bombers, and even the dead are unsettled. When Flossie encounters the ghost of a German soldier carrying a mysterious object that seems to exist in both the living and spirit worlds, she becomes suspicious — what is the officer up to? Before long, Flossie uncovers a sinister plot that could destroy not only her cemetery, but also her beloved country. Can Flossie and her ghostly friends stop the soldier before it's too late? History collides with the supernatural in this exciting, ethereal mystery from Allison Rushby. 

Not only is the cover super cute, but this sounds like it could be a lot fun. It combines two of my favorite things, historical fiction and ghost stories. Plus, this is an era I don't read a lot about and I have been meaning to pick more books set around the World Wars. So I'm super excited for my copy to arrive.

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

They say don't judge a book by it's cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes it's the cover that originally catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday I'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon! Some are by authors I already enjoy, some are the reason I gave the book a longer look. Either way they're all going to find their way here!

Release Date: August 14th, 2018

Pages: 320

Genre: Re-Telling

King Midas once had the ability to turn all he touched into gold. But after his gift—or curse—almost killed his daughter, Midas relinquished The Touch forever. Ten years later, Princess Kora still bears the consequences of her father’s wish: her skin shines golden, rumors follow her everywhere she goes, and she harbors secret powers that are getting harder to hide.

Kora spends her days locked in the palace, concealed behind gloves and veils, trying to ignore the stares and gossip of courtiers. It isn’t until a charming young duke arrives that Kora realizes there may be someone out there who doesn’t fear her or her curse. But their courtship is disrupted when a thief steals precious items from the kingdom, leaving the treasury depleted and King Midas vulnerable. Thanks to her unique ability to sense gold, Kora is the only one who can track the thief down. As she sails off on her quest, Kora learns that not everything is what it seems—not thieves, not pirates, and not even curses. She quickly discovers that gold—and the power it brings—is more dangerous than she’d ever believed.

Midas learned his lesson at a price. What will Kora’s journey cost?

This cover is amazing! How could you not want to know about this book with one look at that?! Plus, I do love the story Midas, and I'm interested see the story continued through the daughter's point of view.

Mini Reviews

I found this little gem at the library and had to pick it up and give it a quick read. It's so cute! Definitely one I'll be sending out this Christmas to my friends with little kids. The artwork was colorful and fun. Not to mention it's such a cute story. And, there's a dog one!! 

Why am I just finding out about these books?! So I started with book 3, but it didn't matter. The story was fun and the artwork adorable. I'm not gonna lie. Took this one out to an evening at the beach, and we totally read while making s'mores. There was totally voices. It was fun! 

HAPPY READING!!

Kill the Farm Boy - Review

Author: Delilah S Dawson

Genre: Fantasy / Satire

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, a hero, the Chosen One, was born . . . and so begins every fairy tale ever told.

This is not that fairy tale.

There is a Chosen One, but he is unlike any One who has ever been Chosened.

And there is a faraway kingdom, but you have never been to a magical world quite like the land of Pell.

There, a plucky farm boy will find more than he's bargained for on his quest to awaken the sleeping princess in her cursed tower. First there's the Dark Lord who wishes for the boy's untimely death . . . and also very fine cheese. Then there's a bard without a song in her heart but with a very adorable and fuzzy tail, an assassin who fears not the night but is terrified of chickens, and a mighty fighter more frightened of her sword than of her chain-mail bikini. This journey will lead to sinister umlauts, a trash-talking goat, the Dread Necromancer Steve, and a strange and wondrous journey to the most peculiar "happily ever after" that ever once-upon-a-timed.

OH MY GOD! Honestly I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. I knew the cover was cute and the plot sounded ridiculous in the best. It promised to give me Terry Pratchett and Princess Bride vibes, and it did not disappoint. In fact it was a literal laugh out loud book. I got some looks reading this on this beach, on the bus, and on my lunch break. 

This was my first book by both authors, Kevin Hearne and Delilah S. Dawson. After devouring Kill the Farm Boy, I'll have to give some of their other books a try. Now on to the story.

Firstly, the writing is so smooth. I snagged an early copy of this through Emerald City Comic-Con, so it wasn't a finished project. I never had a moment where you could tell two different people had their pens in this story. It all just flowed so well and the characters were not one note, and honestly there wasn't a dull moment. Never a point where it was easy to put down. This is definitely a one more chapter book.

I fell asleep in this one a lot, just face first into it.

Uhm, what next... Ah, let's talk story. At the base of it, Kill the Farm Boy follows the guide to must any other action adventure. Only, not really. While the band of heroes is off to right a wrong, it's not really the wrong you think.  It's a fun story full of missteps and daring escapes, of magic, and fun. And, just a tiny bit of love.

The cast of characters was also fun. Between our Dark Lord Toby who isn't quite the Dark Lord he wants to be. To our assassin who just wants to grow roses and find some peace, and Agrabella is both Beauty and the Beast thanks to the Sand Witch. Oh, and of course our "Chosen One". That one didn't work out how Staph meant it too... Also I felt like each character showed a bit of growth throughout the story. Some more than others, but let's be honest, that's just life. Grinda remained my least favorite though the whole story, though. I just don't trust the Sand Witch. My favorite character hands down his Gustave. His sense of humor is on the dryer side, which I love. Also, he always seems to be eating. Something I'm always doing. 

Each page is filled to call outs to other famous Fantasy Works: Princess Bride, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Conan the Barbarian, etc. As a kid who grew on all those movies and books it was fun to spot them. And, the cover was right, it's very much in the vein of two of my favorite, Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams. 

All-in-all it was a fun romp through Pell. I'm super excited that there's a second book to the series. I honestly wasn't ready to say good-bye to the characters or to Pell. 

Buy, Borrow, or Skip: Guys! Guys! Dudes!! Buy this one. Just for the map inside of it alone, it's amazing. I've already added this to half a dozen of my friends TBR. Two of which who were stuck with texting them passages as I went. DO IT!!

HAPPY READING!!

Norse Mythology - A Review

Author: Neil Gaiman

Genre: Mythology / Short Story

Format: E-book

Pages: 304

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

I've always had a fascination for all kind of mythology and legend. As a kid it started out with Greek and Egyptian, but because my parents always supportive in inquisitive nature it expanded from there.  Norse Mythology quickly became my favorite. It pops up in the weirdest places, and of let it had sort of taking off like wild fire things to TV and Movies. So when Neil Gaiman published this bad boy, I needed to read it.

Like all books, it took me a minute to pick up. But, here we are. This isn't my first work by Gaiman, that was The Sandman. However, this is my first actual book of his that I've sat down to read. Even though these stories aren't originally his, they are his version of them. Told in his voice and throughout the book there isn't a doubt to that.

I really enjoyed this book and way that Gaiman told each story. Normally with short stories there is usually one that just drags me away from the book. Sitting here I can't think of one that made me stop reading. Issues on my bus did, but never story. In fact I came home a lot, set my stuff down, fed the cats, and finished reading whatever story I was on. I didn't have time wait until the next afternoon when I was the bus.

So my bus book, sort of became a bus and whenever I'm in the middle of a story book.

Despite knowing it's unwise, Loki is still my favorite. Even though Thor has the line about always blaming Loki when things go wrong. He's still my favorite. Because despite knowing he's a terrible being, the Gods do nothing to put an end to him. Maybe because they know they need him for balance. Maybe because he occasionally entertains them and gets them out of tight spots. Like when one loses one's hammer.

Also, I really like that the book started with the story of how Thor got his hammer. Because thanks to Marvel everyone knows about Thor hammers, but also because in a moment of clarity I know one would wear the hammer around their neck. I mean besides being a Hippster, but that is neither here nor there. I also like it because it starts off leaving no doubt in your mind that Loki is never going to be the good guy.

Oh! Up until this book I don't think I realized how kind of cowardly the other gods were. Like I know they would all stand and fight given the choice, bu they rely on Thor and that hammer a lot. So there's that as well.

So yeah, I really liked the book as a cohesive unit. It was more than just Thor and Loki, other gods had a few stories as well. And, in the end it told one continuous story leading toward Ragnarok.

Buy, Borrow, or Skip:  I saw buy or borrow. It's a fun read, and Gaiman is a master story teller. Whatever gets you to pick it up and enjoy it, I say go for it. Recommend it all around!

HAPPY READING!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about what we have yet to read. Generally they are books that have yet to be released, but don't have to be. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous at Breaking the Spine. 

Release Date: August 7, 2018

Author: Tony Cliff

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 256

Having survived a close shave in England, where she was falsely accused of spying for the French, Delilah has set out with her companion Selim for more agreeable adventures in central Asia. But when she stumbles on an artifact that may be a clue about the location of the legendary third pillar of Hercules, Delilah and Selim are drawn back to Europe on an Indiana-Jones-style archeological caper that pits her against a ruthless enemy . . . and forces her to team up with the most unlikely partner of all time: her sworn enemy, Jason Merrick, the man who framed her for espionage!

From vast forgotten underground cities to an elaborate and shocking double-cross, Delilah Dirk and the Pillars of Hercules brings all the drama and excitement that fans of the series crave.

Why I'm Waiting: Because I love this series. Delilah isn't perfect, but she gets by with the help her friend Selim! I'm so excited that both of them are nearly back in print. If you click the cover you'll go straight to Tony Cliff's site and get a look at the rest of the series, and sneak peak of the new series!

New Release Tuesday

Author: Abra Staffin-Wiebe 

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Trickster's Mark #1

Pages: 114

The oba is dead.

The Eight Great Houses are under attack ... and they are losing.

What's worse than being ignored by your god?

As the royal heir from House Crow, Anari is desperate to protect his people from a plague-driven war.

Without the blessing of his god, he doesn't have the magical power to compete in the succession battle for the beaded crown of the oba. He is easy prey for the strongest heirs. To stay alive, he must be quick and clever.

When his plans go wrong, he does the unthinkable.

Worse is having your god owe you a favor. Particularly when he's a trickster.

Anari might not become the ruler of his people, but he has won his god's undivided attention. If he can survive what he's put in motion, he will have one chance to save them all. Fortunately, Anari has a few tricks up his own sleeve ... 

 This sounds amazing! Plus the cover looks amazing! I'm a sucker for a story with a Trickster in it, especially if the main characters gets on over said Trickster. Already have this on one Hold.

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

They say don't judge a book by it's cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes it's the cover that originally catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday I'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon! Some are by authors I already enjoy, some are the reason I gave the book a longer look. Either way they're all going to find their way here!

Release Date: September 25th, 2018

Pages: 336
Genre: Middle Grade

Growing up in an orphanage, Leila was bullied for being different. But she turned her hardship into skill by becoming an escape artist--a valuable trait when belonging to a group of magical best friends. When a famous psychic comes to town, however, Leila and her pals won't be able to escape the big mystery heading their way. Whether chasing mad monkeys or banishing ghosts from haunted hotels, these six friends will do their best to keep Mineral Wells safe--but can they still protect themselves in the process?

Join the Magic Misfits as they discover adventure, friendship, and more than a few hidden secrets in this delightful new series. Whether you're a new fan of stage magic or a longtime expert at illusion, Magic Misfits is sure to delight even more than sawing your assistant in half!

...have more questions? I thought you might. Here are some answers:

WHERE? A sleepy town in New England and the magic shop there, run by the friendly but mysterious Dante Vernon--the gang's caped and top-hatted mentor.

WHO? Carter, who makes cards and coins vanish. Leila, who escapes from trunks and straitjackets. Theo, who levitates with the aid of his violin bow. Ridley, who invents and transforms everyday objects. And of course twins Olly and Izzy, who make everyone laugh.

WHY? Because together, these six Magical Misfits will discover adventure, friendship, and the town's long-hidden secrets.

I read the first book earlier this year and I'm so excited for the next book. This series is absolutely adorable. Don't believe me, just look at the covers.

Waiting on Wednesday

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about what we have yet to read. Generally they are books that have yet to be released, but don't have to be. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous at Breaking the Spine. 

Release Date: August 7th, 2018

Author: Sara Raasch

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 320

Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.

Why I'm Waiting: Because this sounds amazing! And, the cover is gorgeous! 

New Release Tuesday: Satire Edition, Part 2

Author: Andrew Shaffer

Genre: Satire / Mystery

Series: Hopefully a series!

Pages: 304

Vice President Joe Biden is fresh out of the Obama White House and feeling adrift when his favorite railroad conductor dies in a suspicious accident, leaving behind an ailing wife and a trail of clues. To unravel the mystery, “Amtrak Joe” re-teams with the only man he’s ever fully trusted—the 44th president of the United States. Together they’ll plumb the darkest corners of Delaware, traveling from cheap motels to biker bars and beyond, as they uncover the sinister forces advancing America’s opioid epidemic.

Part noir thriller and part bromance novel, Hope Never Dies is essentially the first published work of Obama/Biden fanfiction—and a cathartic read for anyone distressed by the current state of affairs.

This is the next book I'm picking up! Despite about a dozen other things I need to be reading at the moment, this has moved to the top of the pile. I've pretty much thrown it at everyone I work, so my extra copy will be making the rounds between my staff as well. So excited!

HAPPY READING!!

New Release Day: Satire Edition, Part 1

Author: Delilah S. Dawson & Kevin Hearne

Genre: Fantasy / Satire

Series: The Tales of Pell #1

Pages: 384

Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, a hero, the Chosen One, was born . . . and so begins every fairy tale ever told.

This is not that fairy tale.

There is a Chosen One, but he is unlike any One who has ever been Chosened.

And there is a faraway kingdom, but you have never been to a magical world quite like the land of Pell.

There, a plucky farm boy will find more than he's bargained for on his quest to awaken the sleeping princess in her cursed tower. First there's the Dark Lord who wishes for the boy's untimely death . . . and also very fine cheese. Then there's a bard without a song in her heart but with a very adorable and fuzzy tail, an assassin who fears not the night but is terrified of chickens, and a mighty fighter more frightened of her sword than of her chain-mail bikini. This journey will lead to sinister umlauts, a trash-talking goat, the Dread Necromancer Steve, and a strange and wondrous journey to the most peculiar "happily ever after" that ever once-upon-a-timed.

I am a little over two hundred pages into this book and loving it! I've already put the next book in the series on my TBR list for next year! Not to mention I have a line of people wanting to read it when I'm done with my copy. So run don't walk to get this one!

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

They say don't judge a book by it's cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes it's the cover that originally catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday I'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon! Some are by authors I already enjoy, some are the reason I gave the book a longer look. Either way they're all going to find their way here!

Release Date: August 28th, 2018

Pages: 368

Genre: Horror

1982, the summer before seventh grade. Five kids with nothing in common--Sep, Arkle, Hadley, Lamb, and Mack--become instant friends. On the last day of summer, they find a stone box buried in the forest, and each places an object inside to seal their friendship. And they make rules:

Never come to the box alone. 
Never open it after dark. 
Never take back your sacrifice.

1986, the summer before eleventh grade. The five haven't spoken since that day in 1982. Sep has gone through the past four years alone and plans to escape to boarding school. But strange things are happening--mirrors are breaking unexpectedly, electricity is flickering in and out, and people are coming down with inexplicable physical ailments.

Someone has broken the rules. And it seems the five committed more than objects to the box's ancient stone--they gave it their deepest secrets and darkest fears, and now these are being returned in a flood of shambling corpses, murderous toys, and undead pets. The gang must reunite in an attempt to discover the secrets of the sacrifice box--and Sep might be the only one who can stem its tide of evil before it's too late.

The cover was what drew me to this book initially, but the plot is what had me putting it on my TBR. It sounds like something I'll love to read curled up on my patio this fall.