Early Book Review: Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on October 3 2017. This book tells the story of an Indian-American girl named  Priyanka. She struggles to fit in at high school and dreams of visiting India, her mother' home country. She finds a beautiful Pashmina which transports her there, but it is much different there than it actually is. She gets her chance to finally go to India and it's not exactly how she thought it would be.

Pashmina is a much needed graphic novel, as it gives insight and an honest portrayal to what life is like to how an Indian-American girl might struggle with her dual identity, and the struggles we all face in finding ourselves and our place in the world we find ourselves in. Her desire to know about her family, and her mother's past is relatable, and adds a sense of drive and yearning to the story. I felt that the fact that her mother's reluctance to share information with Pri results in exactly what denying any teenager something this important, Pri's utter determination to have what she feels she needs. Most of the story is in black and white, but I liked how the illustrations change from the grayscale showing Pri's real life to vivid colors in the fantasy scenes. While I enjoyed the story, and that it delivers a message about women choosing their own future combined with the interest and embracing of their heritage and background, I did have some trouble follow the action of the story on occasion. It is still a wonderful read, and one I think will be an important read for many.

Pashmina is a charming read, and one that tells a story that is important and poignant.  I think this is a must buy for both public and high school libraries.

Book Review: The Brightest Fell (October Daye) by Seanan McGuire

The Brightest Fell is the eleventh book in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire. I do not recommend reading this series out of order, skipping around, or picking up just one random book and starting. The character and world building is intense, and builds up throughout the series. However, do not be afraid to start this series because of the size. The series has only gotten better as it continues. This might just be the best one yet!

For once, everything in October “Toby” Daye’s life seems to be going right. There have been no murders or declarations of war for her to deal with, and apart from the looming specter of her Fetch planning her bachelorette party, she’s had no real problems for days. Maybe things are getting better. Suddenly Toby’s mother, Amandine the Liar, appears on her doorstep and demands that Toby find her missing sister, August. But August has been missing for over a hundred years and there are no leads to follow. And Toby really doesn’t owe her mother any favors. Then Amandine starts taking hostages, and refusal ceases to be an option

The Brightest Fell is another roller coaster ride for Toby, with her mother taking precious hostages just as Toby was starting to relax. The continued character growth for Toby and Simon in particular is simply fantastic. I loved that many seemingly loose ends from previous books, and some things we thought to be resolved as best they could, came to be extremely important again. It is so hard to gush about this book without dropping spoilers, because I would hate to ruin any part of the ride for anyone else since I enjoyed it so much. There are so many twists and turns, so many surprises, that I think I held my breath through half the read. If you love this series, it is a must read. If you like the other books by McGuire but have not delved into this series- start right now with Rosemary and Rue.

The Brightest Fell is a wonderful addition to the series. This is a must read for McGuire fans, and definitely stick around and read the bonus novella at the end. As a side note- if you enjoy audio books- I listened to the first ten books and the reader is fabulous. My only complaint is that about half way through the series the reader changed the pronunciation of a word- and it drove me crazy. I think I am going to stick to the print format for the rest but don't let my issue be yours, they are still very well done.

Early Book Review: Rivers, Seas, and Oceans by Mack Gageldonk

Rivers, Seas, and Oceans by Mack Gageldonk  is a children's non fiction book that is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2017. Most part of our planet consist of water. This book explores the water cycle, the different types of water, and what lives in it. When you read this big book about water you get to know a lot about the most beautiful water spots on earth, and more.

Rivers, Seas, and Oceans explains the basics about the water cycle and the differences between oceans, seas, rivers, and other bodies of water. I like that it did go into some details about the differences between fresh, salt, and brackish water- and the creature that live in each one. Some of the photographs are absolutely beautiful, and I liked the intention of the book. However, some of the execution was lacking. While I normally like when books have questions for their young readers at the end of chapters, I found some of these to be forced or just not fitting well with the text. I felt that there was very little flow to the book, and the drawings did nearly as much as the real photographs did to the book. I think more photographs would have worked better than the illustrations. It could still be a useful classroom book for studying water.

Early Book Review: Zoo Scientists to the Rescue by Patricia Newman, Annie Crawley

Zoo Scientists to the Rescue, written by Patricia Newman and illustrated by Annie Crawley, is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2017. While the staff at zoos certainly do take care of animals and welcome visitors of all ages, that is not all they do. This book brings young readers behind the scenes at three zoos to meet scientists working to save endangered animals. Meredith Bastian's experiences studying wild orangutans help educate both zoo visitors and the zoo workers who care for captive orangutans. Jeff Baughman breeds black-footed ferrets and reintroduces them into the wild. And Rachel Santymire examines poop from black rhinoceroses at the zoo and in their natural habitat to benefit all black rhinos. Find out how zoo scientists are helping us learn more about these remarkable, at-risk species before it's too late!  

Zoo Scientists to the Rescue is a wonderful book to show young readers the complex and multilayered nature of working with animals. Scientists that work with zoos do so much more that feed lions and clean animal enclosures. Their work is helping the world understand animal biology, health, and behavior while working toward protecting them and conservation.  The text is informative and accessible, with full color photographs and bubbles of additional information that might inspire more interest or desire for further research in young readers. I think this book would be a great resource in school libraries, classrooms, and for interested young readers. I might just be buying my own paper copy for my animal loving daughter. 

Book Review: Dating the Undead (V-Date.com) by Juliet Lyons

Dating the Undead is the first book in the V-Date.com series by Juliet Lyons. When Silver Harris kisses sexy Irish vampire Logan Byrne on New Year's Eve, she knows other humans just won't suffice. Convinced she'll never see him again, she joins the uber-popular vampire dating site, V-Date.com.What Silver doesn't know is that the site is more dangerous than she could ever imagined, and soon she's in over her head. When Logan returns, sparks fly and attraction sizzles, but they'll have to escape some very real demons if they have any chance of lasting forever.

Dating the Undead is a paranormal romance with a couple fun twists. I liked Silver's spunk, but found the convenience of some of the coincidences that moved the story forward a bit too much. However, the ride was still entertaining. I liked the pairing between Logan and Silver, and their banter. However I found Silver's eagerness to get people in bed a little offputting. I get the idea of a liberated woman, but there is still safety and common sense- which she is lacking much of the time. I liked much of the set up and world building and character interactions. I enjoyed the read and loved some of its parts, but did not love the book as a whole.

Dating the Undead is a fun and exciting romance, with a nice blend of emotional and physical conflicts. It was not amazing, but satisfying for a quick read.

Early Book Review: Gruel Snarl Draws a Wild Zugthing by Jantzer Studios

Gruel Snarl Draws a Wild Zugthing by Jantzer Studios is currently scheduled for release on September 28 2017. Modeling-clay character Gruel Snarl is driving his mom zonkers! Just an ordinary kid with an extraordinary imagination, Gruel spends his days doing all kinds of things but always seems to find his way into mischief. Desperate to find something to keep Gruel out of trouble, his mom offers him paper and crayons. Find out what happens when his imagination takes an unexpected turn in this story as the main characters merge and jump right off the page.

Gruel Snarl Draws a Wild Zugthing is a fun story about an alien kid driving their mother up the wall. After being handed the tools to draw things only get worse as the creatures jump off the page. I liked that things are turned around and Gruel and the boy he draws switch roles. It leaves the book with an interesting twist leaving readers wondering who is drawing who. The artwork is interesting, with a combination of clay creatures and drawn cut outs leading the majority of the action. At first the artwork left me a little apathetic, but by the end I was a little more impressed. It was an interesting and reasonably unique story, however it still left me content but not overly impressed. I think there is definitely a market for the book, and highly imaginative kids (and their families) are likely to appreciate it the most.

Book Review: Highland Barbarian (Murray Family) by Hannah Howell

Highland Barbarian is the thirteenth book in the Murray Family series by Hannah Howell. It was published back in 2006, but I has missed it. The books in the series can all be enjoyed as stand alones, but those that have read one one or more will come in knowing a little more of what to expect. 

Sir Artan Murray was right when he decided that the dying old man who bid him collect his niece didn't know her at all. The furious woman facing him is neither "sweet" nor "biddable." She demands the brawny Highlander return her to the wedding party from which he took her. But Artan has no intention of allowing so spirited and bewitching a creature to endure a loveless marriage to a ruthless lord for her clan's sake. He aims to woo the lass and to show her that true love also yields unforgettable pleasure. Cecily Donaldson knows a bond forged by danger and desperation cannot endure. But Artan's touch leaves her breathless, and she knows this to be her one chance to experience true passion before an arranged marriage seals her fate. Yet once begun, passion cannot be denied nor can a love with the promise to change everything.

Highland Barbarian is more complicated than the blurb leds you to believe. Cecily's guardians are not exactly caring, and are pretty much selling her into an arranged marriage with someone even worse than they are. Artan is a highland warrior trying to help his uncle, knowing he is being manipulated at least a little. I liked the spunk that Cecily discovers inside herself, and the interactions between her and Artan. I think the action and danger is well done, but there were about three points in the book where it could have been wrapped up satisfyingly, but it just kept going with another crisis. I did like how Cecily and Artan handled each crisis, and how Angus and the rest of their extended family acted. 

Highland Barbarian is not a surprise in the Murray Family series. It is an enjoyable read, but nothing that stuck out at me. Fans of the author will get exactly what they like and are looking for- a nice weekend read.

Book Review: Princesses, Inc. by Mari Manscuso

Princesses, Inc. by Mari Manscuso is a middle grade novel that will also appeal to young adults. Twelve-year-old Hailey and her BFFs are all big fans of Collin Prince, a YouTube star. When the opportunity to meet him at a local Comic-Con comes up, the girls jump at the chance. The problem? The convention isn’t cheap—and the girls don’t have the money to go. But Hailey isn’t ready to give up just yet. In addition to meeting Collin at the convention, there is a young writer’s competition that she is determined to enter—and win. The girls dream up Princesses and Pirates, Inc., a babysitting service where the girls will dress up in costume to entertain their charges. Of course, they aren’t as prepared as they thought they would be to deal with bratty kids, scheming older siblings (who are less than thrilled that their own babysitting jobs have dried up), and trying to balance their new “jobs” with school. And more responsibilities means less time for Hailey to work on her contest entry. Will their plan to make it to Comic-Con pay off, or could their business end up as shipwrecked as the pirates they portray.

Princesses, Inc. is a nice story about girls taking a creative approach to reaching their goals. I liked the initiative, friendship, and passion of our main characters and think that on that level they set a good example for readers. They face problems, work toward a solution and despite stumbling blocks and some problems they found their way through, with a little help. I loved the humor and unpredictable nature of the babysitting jobs the girls undertook- as a mom and former babysitter I know that anything can, and will, happen. The balancing of activities and interests is something many tweens and teens face, and I liked the way it was tackled here. I also liked the realistic and relatable way the girls (and their families) are portrayed. I found it refreshing that the parents were parents, and said no but were not actively trying to stop the kids from following their own paths. This is a rare balance in children's literature, and I was incredibly glad to see it here. I think this is an inspiring and entertaining read for the middle grade audience.

Princesses, Inc. is a book that will appeal to readers that are already interested in youtube, comics, videogames, and writing. I liked the writing style and the initiative of the characters, but as a reader that is not overly fond of YouTube or fan fiction (but love the rest of the aspects of ComicCon) I just could not get fully engaged in certain aspects of the story. 

Book Review: Claiming Alexis (Ace Security) by Susan Stoker

Claiming Alexis is the second book in the Ace Security series by Susan Stoker. The first book was Claiming Grace, which I really enjoyed. I highly suggest reading this series in order, because the character and larger story arc development continues from book to book. 

Nothing is more important to Blake Anderson than the work he does with his brothers at Ace Security. At least that’s what he thinks until he meets the fiercely independent Alexis Grant. The security firm’s new intern pushes all his buttons—and makes his temperature rise. But giving in to temptation might be risky business. Alexis can tell that Blake has his doubts about her ability to commit. But while most people look at her and see only a flighty rich girl, she knows he sees much more. Determined to prove herself to Blake, Alexis jumps at the chance to work undercover. And when her case takes a dangerous turn, she puts her trust—and her heart—in his hands. Now, as Alexis digs into the deadly secrets of a local gang, Blake will lay everything on the line to protect the woman he’s come to love.

Claiming Alexis starts right after Grace's story stopped. The foundation of character development and the friend slash coworker relationship between Alexis and Blake has already been established. I like that we get insight into Alexis's mind, that the struggles that she has had, but felt like Blake's issues were not really dealt with, although based on his home life growing up we know they are there. I liked the way the Anderson brothers work and support everyone they consider part of their family, and anyone needing help. My only issue was Alexis' need to prove herself and put herself at risk, above and beyond anything I thought was sensible, but that is just me. I liked the character interaction, but think that anyone who skipped the first book would be lost as to the pre-established relationship and the need to bring down the gang that is causing most of the conflict in this book.

Claiming Alexis did not grab me the same way Claiming Grace did, but I still enjoyed the read and fully intend to continue the series. The only trouble I have is that the third book, Claiming Bailey, is not schedule for release until December. I am looking forward to the third Anderson bother finding his happy ending.

Early Book Review: If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Age Men by Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal)

If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Age Men by Matthew Inman (also known as The Oatmeal) is currently schedule for release on September 26 2017.  This charmingly absurd gift book about man’s best friend is the kind of humor and art that one fully expects from the mind behind The Oatmeal and books like How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You. In If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Aged Men, Matthew Inman imagines what life would be like if his dogs were a couple of old men running around his house. The result is a pitch-perfect gift for any dog owner, animal lover, or fan of The Oatmeal.

If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Age Men gives readers exactly what they should expect from this author, with this title. Inman draws his two dogs as middle age men and puts them in everyday doggy situations. Not high brow humor by any means- but anyone with dogs (or pets of any kind really) can relate to the adventures of this two, and the reactions of their owner. They are suitably silly and occasionally gross- like any animal is bound to be. The book is amusing and hits all the right notes, at least the ones that anyone with any prior knowledge of the Oatmeal would expect. It was short, but I think that is better than dragging on the jokes to the point where they are no longer quite as amusing.