New Release Tuesday

Hot on the heels of the New York Times bestsellers The Twin and The Lake, another pulse-pounding read from the undisputed queen of YA thrillers!

They said goodbye to their friends and family for the weekend. They weren’t counting on forever.

Jagged Island: a private amusement park for the very rich—or the very influential. Liam, James, Will, Ava, Harper, and Paisley—social media influencers with millions of followers—have been invited for an exclusive weekend before the park opens. They’ll make posts and videos for their channels and report every second of their VIP treatment.

When the teens arrive, they're stunned: the resort is even better than they’d imagined. Their hotel rooms are unreal, the park’s themed rides are incredible, and the island is hauntingly beautiful. They’re given a jam-packed itinerary for the weekend.

But soon they'll discover that something's missing from their schedule: getting off the island alive.

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

     

They say don't judge a book by its 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!

An insidious darkness threatens to devastate a rural New England village when occult forces are conjured and when bigotry is left unrestrained.

After a recent string of disappearances in a small Connecticut town, a grieving widower with a grim secret is drawn into a dangerous ritual of dark magic by a powerful and mysterious older gentleman named Heart Crowley. Meanwhile, a member of local law enforcement tasked with uncovering the culprit responsible for the bizarre disappearances soon begins to learn of a current of unbridled hatred simmering beneath the guise of the town’s idyllic community—a hatred that will eventually burst and forever change the lives of those who once found peace in the quiet town of Henley’s Edge.

HAPPY READING!!

The Nightmare Man - Review

Author: James Tynion IV

Genre: Horror

Format: Paperback

Pages: 336

What originally drew me to The Nightmare Man was the creepy scarecrow vibes. I grew up next to corn fields and in the era of Children of the Corn. So I'm always down for books about creepy scarecrows and weird small towns. All the things I thought this book would be.

And, it was both of those things. New Haven gives off Gotham City vibes, and there is a killer scarecrow on the loose. 

At some point, I read the plot of this book. It's been all over this blog, and it was one of my anticipated reads of 2023. But between all of that, I forgot about the creepy library. Why? Because this cover distracts me every time. The cover is the reason I even noticed the book.

I was so excited about the murderous scarecrow that I forgot everything else.

This is ironic considering this book is all about lost memories, or at least unreliable ones. 

The first half of this book is absolutely wild. Just in the first hundred pages so much happens. Explaining this plot sounds crazy because I never felt like I was doing it justice. Yes, it sounds convoluted and like it should work. But, I swore it did.

In fact, having so many plot points in the air to juggle is why I kept reading the book. Markert made it work. It never felt like feel like too much because you know each piece had to fit together. Like they should all feet together.

You know you're not getting the whole story, but I couldn't quite figure out what some of the pieces that were missing were. But, I had a thousand theories I kept reading. Every chance I got. My thirty-minute bus ride to and from work, my small waits for my bus, and right before bed.

I have had some of the trippest dreams while reading this book. Because it screws with your head. I finished this book on Monday, and I'm still thinking about it. About how Markert used all this different lore from all over the world to weave this weird and wild story. I loved the mix of magic and realism as well.  There's a balance that needs to be held.

And, when you finally start connecting the dots. That's when I had a hard time putting this book down.

Was it scary? Personally, I didn't think so. At least not in sleep with the lights on kind of scary. However, it is a mind-meld kind of book. It's gross and icky as well. Those are two different things, if you know, you know.

While the book was super gross at parts what with them solving murders. It never felt like too much for the type of book I was reading. As for the ick, those were just mentioned not played out. Which personal I'm thankful for. 

Cause, no, no thank you.

My only issue is the last few pages of the ending felt a little rushed. I didn't hate the idea of how the showdown happened. Or, even when it happened. It's just all this build-up, and then that's all we got. Though, the twist with Mr. Dream was solid. I really enjoyed that. 

But, yeah I wished we had just a few more pages with The Nightmare Man himself. Just a little more meat on his bones.

That being said I do that we got a small flash forward. A small little look to see where everyone was a few years later. I also like that it was more of an open ending. There could be more books in the future, but there doesn't need to be more. This story is over, but there is so much more we learn about this world. Even a prequel would be cool, but really not needed. 

I also would love to see this book picked up as a mini-series. Personally, I just feel like it was translated really well. It's spooky enough and twisted enough that it would pull viewers in!

So yeah, a solid book, and I'll definitely have to pick more books up by this author. I really liked what he did with The Nightmare Man.

 

HAPPY READING!!

Twin Peaks Day!

THERE'S A FISH IN THE PERCOLATOR! 

I adore this series and have ever since my Mom introduced me to it. As a kid, I loved the mystery of the show and having something in common with Mom. As an adult, I love how just utterly weird Twin Peaks is and how I love still love it years later. So much happens in this series that there's always something I forget about during my rewatch. It happens yearly, even if I don't make it through the whole show on every rewatch. 

Though, I do have to admit I've not seen the newest season. I loved that so many people came back to take on their original roles and that David Lynch came back to direct. There's just a part of me that's worried I'll hate it. So many shows, and movies, have gotten a sequel and it's just not the same. Though, eventually, I'll break down and watch it. Because I'll do a rewatch, get through the whole thing, and be like, it's the time! 

But, there are some really fun and interesting books that have come out that cycle into the series. One of my favorites is the Secret History of Twin Peaks. There is a second book in that series that I need to buy to complete the collection. Also, my roommate stumbled across a promotional book that is the Diary of Laura Palmer, which is one I still need to read. And, I'm sure there are some I haven't even discovered yet!

So today find a damn fine cup of coffee and remember the owls aren't what they seem!

HAPPY READING!!

Book Mail

I always love to see mail from Quirk Books sitting in my mailbox. It was even more exciting when I finally got back inside to see what they'd sent me. I was over the moon when I got the arc last year, and I wasted no time cracking it open and reading it. In fact, it quickly became one of my favorite books of last year. Not only was it absolutely adorable, but was filled with much nostalgia for me. I've loved vampires for a long time, since the first time I ever read Dracula, and growing up as one of the Buffy Generation. 

So I was beyond excited to see Hanging with Vampires: A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural by Insha Fitzpatrick. It's so cute and brimming with pop culture references, and really cute illustrations, and teaches you how to successfully hunt vampires in your own neighborhood. What more could want?

From cover-to-cover Insha Fitzpatrick had my laughing out loud, and the best part of having a finished copy of Hanging with Vampires, my ARC copy is going with a friend of mine who works for a summer camp. I really think the campers will enjoy it as well! They are the perfect demographic for this book.

Hanging with Vampires is set to be released on March 28, 2023! You can click here for my review from last year and here for the Goodreads page!

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 that 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.

In Strictly No Heroics, a normal teen girl must navigate crushing on her best friend, starting a new summer job, and not being squashed during the next supervillain showdown in B.L. Radley's young adult debut filled with humor and heart.

A Normie’s guide to staying alive in Sunnylake City:

1. Keep your head down.
2. Don’t make enemies.
3. Strictly no heroics.

The world is run by those with the Super gene, and Riley Jones doesn’t have it. She’s just a Normie, ducking her way around the hero vs. villain battles that constantly demolish Sunnylake City, working at a crappy diner to save up money for therapy, and trying to figure out how to tell her family that she’s queer. But when Riley retaliates against a handsy superhero at work, she finds herself in desperate need of employment, and the only place that will hire her is HENCH.

Yes, HENCH, as in henchmen: masked cronies who take villains' coffee orders, vacuum their secret lairs, and posture in the background while they fight. Riley's plan is to mind her own business and get paid...but that quickly devolves when she witnesses a horrible murder on the job. Caught in the thick of a gentrification plot, a unionization effort, and a developing crush on her prickly fellow henchwoman, Riley must face the possibility that even a powerless Normie can take a stand against injustice.

HAPPY READING!!

New Release Tuesday

Who hasn’t wondered for a split second what the world would be like if a person who is the object of your affliction ceased to exist? But then you’ve probably never heard of The McMasters Conservatory, dedicated to the consummate execution of the homicidal arts. To gain admission, a student must have an ethical reason for erasing someone who deeply deserves a fate no worse (nor better) than death. The campus of this “Poison Ivy League” college—its location unknown to even those who study there—is where you might find yourself the practice target of a classmate…and where one’s mandatory graduation thesis is getting away with the perfect murder of someone whose death will make the world a much better place to live.

Prepare for an education you’ll never forget. A delightful mix of witty wordplay, breathtaking twists and genuine intrigue, Murder Your Employer will gain you admission into a wholly original world, cocooned within the most entertaining book about well-intentioned would-be murderers you’ll ever read.

HAPPY READING!!

House of Slaughter: Scarlett - Review

Author: James Tynion IV

Genre: Horror

Format: Paperback

Pages: 144

This series! Actually, this entire world that James Tynion has created is brilliant! And I'm really enjoying that we're getting pieces of a massive showdown not just from Erica's point of view. This series, House of Slaughter is bringing in new characters and through them, we're learning about the Order, the Oscuratypes, and what's coming for the House of Slaughter. Personally, I really enjoy this because we're getting a look at the Order through different sets of eyes, along with various Oscuratypes, but learning about the world the Order lives in at the same time.

I think that's why I like this series so much. It's not just the new main characters we've been introduced to, but characters that better get eaten by Oscuratypes. But bringing in backstories gives us more people to root for, and keeps the story going without feeling stagnant or repetitive.

Honestly, as much as I adore Erica and Aaron they are great. But, Edwin is such a soft soul and his back story is absolutely heartbreaking. Okay, so every child who comes through the Order of St George has a trauma by the bucket loads, and that place doesn't help. Edwin's story feels worse somehow. Maybe because no one wanted him and he was basically left for dead by the white masks. Which no one was surprised about. Maybe it's the lack of faith anyone seemed to have in him. Even his own Scarlett Masks.

Still, it was cool to see a bit into the world of the Scarlett Masks. They've been talked about briefly in the other books, but this is the first time they've taken center stage. And, really my only complaint was that we'd have gotten a little more about the inner working of the part they play with the Order. Other than a couple of them being catty toward Edwin, and unbelieving of his story. We didn't get to see much.

Though, Edwin's part of the story was great. It was almost three stories in one. While the main story is the same, it's all about how Edwin fits past is so important, it's the three ways in which it was told that were really interesting. One point of view is of course Edwin (and a few moments with other Scarlet Masks), one is through some campers telling ghost stories, and the last is from the Oscuratype itself. Because Edwin's story is different from that of other children who came into the Order.

Do I know how this is all going to play out? No, I haven't puzzled it all together yet. I know that Erica and Edwin are going to play big roles in how it ends. Though I have no idea if they'll be on the same side. I still have no idea if we'll ever see Aaron again. I do know there is a list of Scarlet Masks I'd love to see dead. Eaten by the Oscuratypes. I also know I cannot wait for the next volume!

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

     

They say don't judge a book by its 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!

A wanted thief. A murdered emperor. A killer somewhere on the station. Knives Out goes sci-fi in this gripping YA mystery set in space, perfect for fans of Nina Varela and Tamsyn Muir.

As an expert thief from a minor moon, Cass knows a good mark when she sees one. The emperor’s ball is her chance to steal a fortune for herself, her ailing father, and her scrappy crew of thieves and market vendors.

Her plan is simple:
1. Hitch a ride to the planet of Ouris, the dazzling heart of the empire.
2. Sneak onto the imperial palace station to attend the emperor’s ball.
3. Steal from the rich, the royal, and the insufferable.

But on the station, things quickly go awry. When the emperor is found dead, everyone in the palace is a suspect—and someone is setting Cass up to take the fall. To clear her name, Cass must work with an unlikely ally: a gorgeous and mysterious rebel with her own reasons for being on the station. Together, they unravel a secret that could change the fate of the empire.

HAPPY READING!!

Eat the Rich - Review

Author: Sarah Gailey

Genre: Horror

Format: Paperback

Pages: 144

Hi, I knew that Sarah Gailey was writing something in the Buffy Universe and was super excited about that. What I didn't know was that they had a whole freaking original series as well! This is one of my favorites finds over my birthday weekend.

It's also the reason I'm so glad I took time off reading after my monster of reading in January. Because this was gold! 

Now, while Sarah Gailey is an insta-buy author for me, I don't always click with everything they right. Which is cool, not every book is meant for everyone. So I always go into their books with an open mind. 

In case the fangirling above didn't tell you, I absolutely enjoyed this! I fell in love with Joey on the first page, bless her anxiety. I question things like this all the time, I'm also very awkward in most social situations. Even worse when the word fancy is involved. So right out of that gate, I bonded with her. 

And, Sarah Gailey didn't hold back either. Not even through the first issue and people are being eaten. It's not a spoiler the word cannibalism is the summary. (And, that is a word I've gotten way to comfy spelling in the last few months).

Overall this solid story, solid stand-alone, and the team that did the artwork were awesome. It matched exactly how felt an original story form Sarah Gailey should feel with colors, and the panels were easy to follow as the story progressed. No guessing which panel is next.  (There's a whole rant there for later.)

I also really liked the over all message of the story. How much are we willing to endure for a good job? Personally, I stayed at one of my jobs too long. The perks surely out weighed the bad. And, no one was trying to eat me there.

Is it so far-fetched that people would allow themselves to be hunted and eaten for decent wages, good insurance, and good schools? Honestly, I don't think so. I see how long a stayed at a job that had me living pay to pay check because it was a 'good job'. 

People will do crazy things to make sure their families are looked after. Besides, if it's just a retirement clause, you'll be old anyway. And, whose to say there wasn't a retirement pension for your remaining family? After all, you don't want them asking too many questions...

HAPPY READING!!

Discussion Post - Reading Burnout

 

I know I don't do a lot of these discussion posts here on Bookish Whispers, but this one has been on my mind for a couple of days. So I thought why not write a post about it. Put it out into the world in case someone who needs it stumbles across it. Because at the end of the day, we read to relax, unplug form the world, and escape.

Which I've struggled with this month, and I don't want to call it a slump. Not when so many books sound good. I have great books sitting on my TBR cart, in my library stack, and on my Kindle. My problem, they want to read. 

Lately, reading has felt like a chore. I think I need to do content, and I already have a full-time job that requires my full attention when I'm clocked in. The last thing I want is for my reading time to feel like it's also a job. Because I don't owe anyone content. 

On top of that feeling, last week wasn't a great week for everyone in my house. I haven't really been able to focus on much. 

So, I've been calling this reading burnout. Because last month I read nine books and over fourteen hundred pages. This is a lot for me, and a lot of those books hit the middle road for me. I felt like maybe I just needed a break from my TBR, and let myself obsess over something.

Recharge so that when I picked up my next read, it didn't feel like a chore. So I opened a new puzzle and let that drive me insane for a couple of days. I marathoned old favorite tv shows because who knew Pluto had reruns of the CSI series. I watched a lot of CSI: New York. To this point, I finally started to see episodes for the second time.

But, all of this was a good idea because on Monday (my day off) I dipped my toe back into reading. I had some great Graphic Novels I got over my birthday, so I picked those up, and I spent the entire morning reading! I actually spent a good chunk of my "weekend" reading. So taking a week to breathe and give my brain a break was the best choice for me.

I just wanted to remind people it's okay to take a break from reading, or whatever hobby you are passionate about. Because you can always pick it back up. At my job we use the quote: "The rules are made up and points don't matter." I work in a pub kitchen so we cook with our hearts and emotion when we make dishes. I feel like that applies to reading. We read with our hearts and our emotions. Books speak to readers in different ways.

So maybe that book I DNF'ed wasn't bad, I just wasn't in the head space to read it. Maybe I needed a break and smaller reads. Because now, despite taking a break, I feel like I'm keeping on track with my reading goal. Even though it doesn't matter if I hit that goal or not. 

Because at the end of the day, it's just reading. It's just a blog, and I don't want to disappoint anyone who is following it. Anyone who comes back day-after-day, and blesses every single one of them does, but sometimes I just need to curl up with my fat cat and watch crime shows. 

To the point, my roommate hears the theme song in her sleep. Seriously she's put up with a lot this last week, she's the best!

But, yeah, that's my hot take on reading burnout. Sometimes I think as bloggers and avid readers, we get so focused on our challenges and goals that we don't realize we might not be enjoying what we're reading. Breaks are important in all things.

So remember: Reading is supposed to be fun, and... 

HAPPY READING!!

Mini Reviews

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon the amazing news that Gertrude is coming back to Fairyland! This is one of my favorite series and has been on the list of comic series I wanted to own. With a new volume getting ready to hit shelves this Fall, it seemed like the perfect time to finally start grabbing these volumes. And, of course, doing another read-through! 

This series throws light on the childhood stories of visiting a fairyland and trying to find your home. Only in this one, Gertrude isn't really the smartest and she's been in Fairyland for decades. It's as funny and as gory as I remember, and I love the bright colors and Gertrude's absolute lack of having any fuck left to give.

I Hate Fairyland isn't the only graphic novel that's been on my mind. I was hanging some prints onto my wall and realized I had a signed print of Deadly Class. Another one that's been a few years since I read them, and I'm not really sure it's a series I finished. So while I was at my favorite little comic book store, I lucked out and they had a copy. It was meant to be! 

I forgot how much I love this series.  Because listen this is a wild ride from start to finish, and it's a school to train world-class assassins. So from page one, you know this gonna be a trip. But I honestly forgot how much I really like Marcus. I mean there isn't a redeemable character among them really. They just keep killing people, but on the scale Craig and Remender created. Marcus is a pretty solid main character. And, honestly who doesn't want what he wants. But this is a freaking trip and it ends on such a good note. 

I was honestly surprised by how much I remembered since it's been five years since I first read Volume One. So kudos to the writers on that. I picked the story right back up. 

It's really hard to find the second volume of both of these graphics on shelves at any of my local shops.  I'm going to try a few Indie sites before I order them from Amazon. But, I'm definitely excited to be jumping back into both of these series!

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 that 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.

"Mom seems off."

Her brother's words echo in Sam Montgomery's ear as she turns onto the quiet North Carolina street where their mother lives alone.

She brushes the thought away as she climbs the front steps. Sam's excited for this rare extended visit, and looking forward to nights with just the two of them, drinking boxed wine, watching murder mystery shows, and guessing who the killer is long before the characters figure it out.

But stepping inside, she quickly realizes home isn’t what it used to be. Gone is the warm, cluttered charm her mom is known for; now the walls are painted a sterile white. Her mom jumps at the smallest noises and looks over her shoulder even when she’s the only person in the room. And when Sam steps out back to clear her head, she finds a jar of teeth hidden beneath the magazine-worthy rose bushes, and vultures are circling the garden from above.

To find out what’s got her mom so frightened in her own home, Sam will go digging for the truth. But some secrets are better left buried.

HAPPY READING!!

New Release Tuesday

Freshman Sam believes that joining a fraternity is the best way to form a friend group as he begins his college journey – and his best chance of moving on from his past. He is the survivor of a horrific, and world-famous, murder spree, where a masked killer hunted down Sam and his friends.

Sam had to do the unthinkable to survive that night, and it completely derailed his life. He sees college, and his new identity as a frat boy, as his best shot at living a life not defined by the killings. He starts to flirt with one of the brothers, who Sam finds is surprisingly accepting of Sam’s past, and begins to think a fresh start truly is possible.

And then... one of his new frat brothers is found dead. A new masked murderer, one clearly inspired by the original, emerges, and starts stalking, and slaying, the frat boys of Munroe University. Now Sam will have to race against the clock to figure out who the new killer is - and why they are killing - before Sam loses his second chance – or the lives of any more of his friends.

Elements of horror, mystery, and a gay romance make this a story readers won't want to miss.

HAPPY READING!!

The Wehr Wolf - Review

Author: Alma Katsu

Genre: Novella

Format: Kindle Book

Pages: 79

This book may, or may not, have been the reason I started thinking about getting a Kindle. Alma Katsu is one of my favorite authors. Her books immediately go on my To Be Read shelf on my Goodreads the second I hear about them. And, they will eventually find their way onto my shelves. The number of people I have pushed the Hunger onto is so many. So I was bummed when she announced this book because it was a Kindle exclusive and I've been such a stick in the mud about getting a Kindle for years.

Which lead to a whole downhill sort of situation, and long story short I own one now. Not just because of this book, but a lot of books finally made up my mind. But this book started the train of thought.

Anyway, this was the third book I've read by Alma Katsu, and it's definitely my second favorite. Because unlike The Deep, where I didn't connect with any of the characters but loved the lore, I really liked Uwe as a main character. I liked his wife and her backbone. I liked how much I hated Hans because right from the start, from his first entry into this world you know he's a bad guy. 

I loved the story arc that Uwe goes in just a few short pages, and how much you keep rooting for him do the right thing. There is a lot of emotion in just seventy-nine pages. 

And, there is a lot of history. I love an alternate history book that makes me Google things. My history education gets spotty after the American Civil War. So I spent a lot of time trying to figure out why I know that name. Did that really happen? Personally, I love these types of books because it shows how much research an author puts into the story based on just the pure knowledge that appears throughout the story. And, to do under a hundred pages and not confuse me. 

Just kudos.

And as always, I loved the lore that Alma paired with the story. Werewolves are not my favorite creature feature, I don't have a good reason for this. It's just a fact. But, I will go where Alma Katsu takes me, and I really liked this version of the story. It was a part of the lore I'd never heard before and it worked perfectly with the story.

Here's what bummed me out about this book. I wanted more pages. Not a hundred more, just a few more pages to get to know Uwe and his family better. To get to know the village more. Maybe a little more to spread out the decline of the pack because that part felt really rushed to me. But the ending was perfect and sad and I felt true to Uwe as a character. I just think if I'd gotten a little more time with him that ending would have smacked me in the feels a little bit harder.

But, I have no regrets about this book. It's everything I adore about Katsu's writing and how the weaves fact with fiction. It was a wild ride and I cannot scream about her books enough from the rooftops. Everyone should give her books a try they are great!

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

     

They say don't judge a book by its 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!

A chilling domestic story of terror for fans of Black Mirror and The Amityville Horror.

When a young family moves into an unfinished development community, cracks begin to emerge in both their new residence and their lives, as a mysterious online DIY instructor delivers dark subliminal suggestions about how to handle any problem around the house. The trials of home improvement, destructive insecurities, and haunted house horror all collide in this thrilling story perfect for fans of Nick Cutter’s bestsellers The Troop and The Deep.

HAPPY READING!!

Book Mail

FEBRUARY THEME: Haunted Past

I have been so excited about this month's delivery of Night Worms because I love Grady Hendrix's books! In fact, I am only missing two books (I think) to have the complete collection. His writing style is so much fun, and sometimes super creepy. I've read two of his books, and Horrorstore freaked me right out. Sleeping with the light on, and bathroom and closet doors closed, and not amused with the space between the floor and my bedframe kinda of scared. And, from what I've heard others saying about his newest book, this one is on that level. I mean haunted house and creepy dolls, already not happy about this. 

 

As for the book in the package this month, I have no idea about them. But! I have heard some really positive things about the book through Bookstagram. It sounds like something I'd love to give a go. 

I live in the realm of knowing the ladies who run Night Worms wouldn't steer me wrong in reading choices.

The goodie bag was also amazing, as always. I'm loving that we're getting more magnets because my roommate cleared our fridge of old magnets over her Holiday Break. So I'm really enjoying filling up the fridge door again. Also, the hot beverage this month has my attention. I will say it's not flavor combos I would normally pick up for myself. However, it has my attention!

HAPPY READING!!

Beast and the Bethany #2 - Review

Author: Jack Meggitt-Phillips

Genre: Middle Grade 

Format: Kindle Book

Pages: 272

I adore this series! I stumbled across this series a couple of years ago through NetGalley, and time passed as it does. Through the passage, I didn't realize that Jack Meggit-Phillips not only continue the series, but I missed the release of the second book. The upside is that books never expire so thankful the third book in the series came to cross my FYP Instagram. Because what I didn't remember about this book was that it was absolutely adorable, I loved Bethany, and the storyline is great for readers who grew up with Roald Dahl. 

This book series is as weird as you think it's going to be, and personally, I loved that Meggitt-Phillips leaned all the way into it. The first book was weird, but this was a whole new level of weirdness. I would say somewhere between Roald Dahl and Terry Pratchett.

Revenge of the Beast takes place not long after the first book ends. At the core of the story is about Bethany and Ebenezer learning to do good things, but with the class twist of the Beast doing everything in power to make sure Bethany is isolated always seen for her old ways. Sure there is a lesson in there about pranks gone too far and thinking rationally instead of reacting. All great things for readers of all ages to learn.

But, I liked that we got more of a look at Ebenezer's backstory. We know how old he is, it's one of the main points from the first book. But, having that number and then seeing little Ebenezer through memories are two different things. You honestly feel a little bad for him because he didn't stand a chance against the Beast from day one. All he ever wanted was a friend. 

I also liked how those flashbacks were important to the end of the story in a small way. Everything came to circle in a really fun sort of way. And, Ebenezer found his backbone! I knew he could do it! Honestly I adore this series. It's wholesome and fun and completely ridiculous. I already have book three borrowed from the library sitting on my Kindle.

HAPPY READING!! 

Birthday Book Haul

Book haul part two! But this one comes with a bookstore cat! Which makes it all the better. That's just good maths: books + cat = a very good time. I promise it all maths out. Anyway, not only did this place have a cat, but it's the type of bookstore that you have to crawl around in, and move things. That you should check the shelves twice. She had so much vintage horror which has been jam the last few months. Mostly because the covers are perfection, but also some of them are way out there and I love a ridiculous tagline. 

Also ran into a thrift store after dropping off some stuff. Found some stuff for the house and an R.L. Stine book just chilling with the children's chapter book section. Not where I thought I'd find that, but now it's mine! And, no birthday trip is complete without heading to one of my favorite comic book stores. I had no idea that Sarah Gailey had a graphic novel out! How did I miss that? It also felt like a good time to go back and re-read Deadly Class. It's been forever since I've read it, I just finally hung my signed print! 

Just so many good books and there is snow in the forecast which means I go to work and home. Because I hate the cold. I swear I meant to be a desert creature.

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 that 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.

 

Carmen Sanchez is back in her home country of Mexico, overseeing the renovation of an ancient cathedral into a boutique hotel. Her teen daughters, Izel and Luna, are with her for the summer and left to fill their afternoons unsupervised in a foreign city.

The locals treat the Sanchez women like outsiders, while Carmen's contractors openly defy and sabotage her work. After a disastrous accident at the construction site nearly injured Luna, Carmen's had enough. They're leaving.

Back in New York, Luna begins acting strange, and only Izel notices the chilling changes happening to her younger sister. But it might be too late for the Sanchez family to escape what's been awakened...

Piñata is a bone-chilling story about how the sinister repercussions of our past can return to haunt us.

HAPPY READING!!