Borrowed Magic

Title: Borrowed Magic
Author: Dave Roman & John Green

Publisher: AiT/Planet Lar
ISBN: 1-932051-11-2

Why Read?: For Fun
Challenges: Graphic Novels, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

Thoughts: This was the first compilation of the Jax Epoch and the Quicken Forbidden comics, and if this is any indication, this was a fun series...for the 90s.  It is very dated, and while the artwork is enjoyable, it is also uneven at times. 

Rating: 3 stars

2013 A to Z Challenge Recap

Challenge:  A to Z Challenge
Host:  Babies, Books, and Signs
2013 Level: 26 books - FAILED!
Thoughts:  Q, X, and Y stymied me this time.
A. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
B. Blowing Embers by Lauri J. Owen
C. Cinder by Marissa Marr
D. The Darwin Elevator by Jason M. Hough
E. Echoes from the Infantry by Frank Nappi
F. Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke
G. The Game of the Gods by E. J. Dabel
H. Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
I.  I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
J. Jump Cut by Ted Staunton
K. Keeping Secrets by Linda Byler
L. The Legend of Mickey Tussler by Frank Nappi
M. Many Bloody Returns by Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner, eds.
N. The Namesake by Steven Parlato
O. Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen by Donna Gephart
P.  The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Q.
R.  Rennefarre by Tamara Ramsey
S.  Sophomore Campaign by Frank Nappi
T.  Tempestuous by Kim Askew & Amy Helmes
U. Untimed by Andy Gavin
V.  The Visitor by Roert G. Pielke
W. The Woman from Paris by Santa Montefiore
X.
Y.
Z. Zen of Wonder by Frank Beddor

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Title: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Author: Mark Twain

Publisher: Kobo
ISBN: n/a

Why Read?: For Fun
Challenges: Why Buy the Cow, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

Thoughts: I tried reading this back in grade school and got stuck on the dialect.  Either I have gotten better at reading dialect or this one did not have as much.  Anyway, the story was actually more fun than I would have thought and was less episodic than many novels from the same time period, but I still would have liked a tighter story.

Rating: 3 stars

The Darwin Elevator

The Darwin Elevator

by Jason M. Hough

published by Del Rey

July 2013

ISBN 978-0-345-53712-6

Why Read?: Net Galley, Book Club

Challenges: Aussie Authors, Chunkster, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

Jason M. Hough takes an interesting spin on the sci-fi genre in The Darwin Elevator.  While firmly a dystopian novel, it also contains elements of space opera and zombie fiction, making it more accessible across genres and a truly entertaining read.

Skyler Luiken makes a decent living as a scavenger since he is immune to the animalistic disease that has affected everyone living outside of the aura of the space elevator that landed in Darwin, Australia.  No one really knows why the elevator is there or where the disease came from, but they know the Builders will be back…although only one man has an idea as to when.  Neil Platz is the richest man in Darwin, and his company leads all research into the Builders’ works.  Working for him is Tania Sharma, a brilliant researcher and daughter of his former partner.  When the elevator begins failing and the disease gets stronger, Platz hires Skyler’s crew to retriever some data cubes to aid in Tania’s research into the return of the Builders.  What they all discover is something that not even Platz could have predicted.

Hough presents some really great ideas in The Darwin Elevator.  The dystopian world he has created is raw and gritty, and the disease that turns humans into animalistic zombies is truly terrifying.  The characters are all very well-formed as we meet quite a few of the major players in Darwin – both on the ground and in space.  The one flaw was that a future date was actually given.  What made this harmful was that while research technology seemed to be realistically advanced for 250 years in the future, weaponry seems to have not aged a day, and this often would throw me out of the story.

Even though I am not the biggest fan of some of the subgenres that Jason M. Hough drew from, I really enjoyed The Darwin Elevator.  It is a fast-paced read that really pulls the reader in.  And the ending definitely left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Rating 4/5

Many Bloody Returns

Title: Many Bloody Returns
Author:  Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner, eds.

Publisher: Ace
ISBN: 978-0-441-01522-1

Why Read?: For Fun
Challenges: Immortal, For Fun, 100 Books in a Year

Thoughts: This anthology contains 14 stories from famous authors that mix vampires and birthdays.  Some of my favorite stories were the funny ones, such as "I Was a Teenage Vampire" by Bill Crider, and the mystery ones, such as "Grave-Robbed" by P. N. Elrod.  Of course, I really enjoyed the funny mystery "How Stella Got Her Grave Back" by Toni L. P. Kelner, which was the perfect ending to the collection.

Rating: 4 stars

Untimed

Untimed

by Andy Gavin

published by Mascherato

2012

ISBN 978-1-937945-04-6

Why Read?: Review

Challenges: A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

Andy Gavin has put a new twist on time travel in Untimed.  In this creative tale, we follow Charlie, a modern boy who is rather forgettable, making his life somewhat boring.  All of that changes when he follows a clockwork man through a hole in time and finds himself in 1725 London.  He is immediately accosted by Yvaine, a street urchin with more than her fair share of secrets.  Once he gets his wallet…er, coin purse…back, Charlie discovers that Yvaine is a time-traveler – and he is one, too.  It turns out, boys can only travel to the past and girls can only travel to the future, but they can travel with each other.  Yvaine, however, is reluctant to leave 1725 because of her son.  Charlie, though, has an idea that involved Ben Franklin…and that is where the time changing adventure truly begins.

Untimed is a very unique novel and Gavin has obviously spent considerable time on world-building and figuring out the logistics.  The only problem is that some parts seem rather slow for what should be a fast-paced YA adventure. Part of this is because it takes some time to really get to know Charlie and Yvaine – and to like them – but once their problems escalate, so does the pace.

Fans of time-travel, YA adventure, and steampunk will enjoy the world Andy Gavin has created in Untimed.  Just remember to give the novel a bit of time to suck you in.

Rating: 4/5

The Visitor

A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor

by Robert G. Pielke

published by Altered Dimensions

2010

ISBN 978-1-936021-23-9

Why Read?: Review

Challenges:  e-Book, 100 Books in a Year

Robert G. Pielke has quite the imagination!  His A New Birth of Freedom series tells the story of giant aliens sent back in time to be defeated during the Civil War.  The Visitor is just the start of this fascinating series that mixes history with science fiction.

Edwin Blair, a history professor, is sent back to the Civil War area with one mission:  gain President Lincoln's support in defeating the Pests, an insect-life alien race that has overtaken the Earth in Blair's time.  With the help of his "map machine" (aka computer), Blair does manage to convince Lincoln and his advisers that he is indeed from the future and that something bad is coming their way.  However, as soon as the Pests land, history begins changing and Blair is unsure of anything anymore...including why the Pests are trying to wipe out the human race.

The Visitor is one interesting read.  Pielke makes sure the action never lags and that Blair's visit to the past is historically acurate, postulating believable outcomes as Blair starts to change history.  The historical figures really come to life on the page in ways that they never do in history books.  The Pests are also very unique as the reader just starts to really find out about them when the story ends with a great cliffhanger.

The Visitor is a must for any fan of sci-fi and the Civil War.  Robert G. Pielke shows great skill in imagination and storytelling, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the second A New Birth of Freedom novel, The Translator.

Rating: 4/5

Echoes from the Infantry

Echoes from the Infantry

by Frank Nappi

published by author

2012

No ISBN

Why Read?: Review

Challenges:  eBook, Historical Fiction, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

Echoes from the Infantry is Frank Nappi’s first novel, and the one that established him as a writer of historical fiction.  This touching story alternates between the present and World War II, helping to bring the past to life for both the protagonist and the reader.

After their mother died, John and his two younger brothers must clean out their father’s home to sell.  Being the oldest, most of the work falls to John.  Growing up, John was never close to his father, James, although he could never understand why his father was so distant.  In the attic, John discovers his father’s letters home to his mother, and as the story of James’s tour of duty during World War II comes to light, John begins to understand his father a little better.

Nappi does an excellent job of bringing the past to life, and it was these passages of Echoes from the Infantry written in past tense that really stood out.  The modern day story about John seems rather stilted in present tense and definitely points out that it is Nappi’s first novel.  However, whichever tense they were written in, both John and James are very powerful characters who will stay with the readers long after the book is closed.

While the writing in Echoes from the Infantry is not quite up to par with Frank Nappi’s later works, it is a wonderful look at World War II and the relationship between a father and adult son, and for that alone, it is a remarkable read.

Rating: 3/5

The Prophet

Title: The Prophet
Author:  Kahlil Gibran

Publisher: Random House Audio
ISBN: 9780739333280

Why Read?: For Fun
Challenges: Audio Book, Free Reads, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

Thoughts: This is a very interesting listen.  The Prophet is not so much a story as treatise on Gibran's understanding of philosphy and religion.  There are some beautiful points made, but others that seem confusing.  The narration was rather odd.  Paul Sparer has an amazing voice, but it would work better in an epic fantasy, and therefore gave the whole work a feel of the fantastic.

Rating: 3 stars

Heart-Shaped Box

Title: Heart-Shaped Box
Author:  Joe Hill

Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780061262852

Why Read?: For Fun
Challenges: eBook, A to Z, Paranormal Fiction, 100 Books in a Year

Thoughts: This was a pretty excellent ghostly horror.  It truly was terrifying in parts, but I wish the dogs were not a part of it.  Otherwise, it was a gripping, fast read.

Rating: 4 stars

Sophomore Campaign

Sophomore Campaign

by Frank Nappi

published by Sky Horse

2012

ISBN 978-1-61608-663-3

Why Read?: Review

Challenges:  Historical Fiction, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

Frank Nappi has done it again!  Just like The Legend of Mickey Tussler, Sophomore Campaign combines baseball with tough issues to create a home run.

After the rollercoaster ride that was the 1948 season for the minor league Milwaulkee Brewers, Arthur Murphy is not quite sure what is in store for him.  His girlfriend, Molly, has declared that her autistic son Mickey will not be returning to the team, but his contract for the 1949 season hinges on Mickey returning.  Once Molly realizes that baseball is in Mickey's blood, she relents on the condition that if Mickey ever wants to quit, Murph will let him.  Happy to have his team back, Murph starts spring training, only to learn that there is something wrong with his team captain and star player, Boxcar.  Boxcar refuses to admit anything is wrong or see a doctor, but Murph knows that he must find a good back-up, and he does in Lester Sledge.  However, Lester is African-American, and even though Jackie Robinson has made his professional debut, that type of cosmapolitan thinking has not made its way to Wisconsin where Klan activity has recently resurfaced.  Can Murph keep his team together - and keep his job - in the face of all this adversity?

Sophomore Campaign is a wonderful follow-up to The Legend of Mickey Tussler and does not suffer from the dreaded sophomore slump.  Nappi's writing easily transports the reader back to what seems to a be more simpler time until you really get there.  And with adding in issues such as autism, racism, and debilitating illness, Nappi brings to light the real mid-20th century.  Sophomore Campaign is filled with memorable characters and a story that will stay with the reader long after.

Frank Nappi has definitely hit his stride with Sophomore Campaign.  Hopefully, he has more in store for Murph and Mickey.

Rating: 4/5

The Legend of Mickey Tussler

The Legend of Mickey Tussler 

by Frank Nappi

published by Sky Horse

2012

ISBN 978-1-61608-658-9

Why Read?: Review

Challenges:  Historical Fiction, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

The Legend of Mickey Tussler is at heart a baseball book.  However, Frank Nappi weaves many tough themes throughout, which makes it so much more.

Arthur Murphy is the manager of the minor league Milwaukee Brewers.  Murph keeps hoping that each season, will be their season, but 1948 is definitely not shaping up to be a winning one.  His luck changes, though, when his car breaks down on a scouting trip and he stumbles across seventeen-year-old Mickey Tussler throwing apples with perfect aim into a barrel.  Murph talks to Mickey’s parents, but his father, Clarence, tells Murph he is just wasting his time as his mother, Molly, explains that Mickey has autism.  Murph is undeterred and wins Carl over with money.  With some creative coaching, Mickey is soon the start pitcher of the Brewers, but some of his teammates cannot accept him, alienating and taunting him at every turn.  When the bullying turns nasty, Mickey is hurt, possibly ending his budding career for good.

The Legend of Mickey Tussler heavily relies on baseball, so those with no understanding of the game may be lost.  However, for those who can at least follow a ball game, there is a story much deeper than a simple fictional Cinderella sporting legend.  Nappi deals with some deep issues that were not really talked about in the mid-20^th century: autism, bullying, and spousal abuse.  Nappi handles these elements so naturally, that the book easily flows from the public life of the team on the field to their private lives at home.  This adds an amazing richness to this historical fiction sports story.  The ending is rather sudden, though, leaving the reader feeling a little let down.

While The Legend of Mickey Tussler may be listed as Young Adult, it actually falls into the category of New Adult and runs over into just plain Adult.  Deep at is core, Frank Nappi has penned a story as exciting as an actual baseball game.

Rating: 4/5

2013 A to Z Reading Challenge

Challenge:  A to Z Challenge
Host:  Babies, Books, and Signs
2012 Level:  26 books - FAILED!
2013 Level: 26 books

A. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
B. Blowing Embers by Lauri J. Owen
C. Cinder by Marissa Marr
D. The Darwin Elevator by Jason M. Hough
E. Echoes from the Infantry by Frank Nappi
F. Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke
G. The Game of the Gods by E. J. Dabel
H. Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
I.  I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
J. Jump Cut by Ted Staunton
K. Keeping Secrets by Linda Byler
L. The Legend of Mickey Tussler by Frank Nappi
M. Many Bloody Returns by Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner, eds.
N. The Namesake by Steven Parlato
O. Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen by Donna Gephart
P.  The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Q.
R.  Rennefarre by Tamara Ramsey
S.  Sophomore Campaign by Frank Nappi
T.  Tempestuous by Kim Askew & Amy Helmes
U. Untimed by Andy Gavin
V.  The Visitor by Roert G. Pielke
W. The Woman from Paris by Santa Montefiore
X.
Y.
Z. Zen of Wonder by Frank Beddor

The Woman from Paris

The Woman from Paris 

by Santa Montefiore

published by Simon & Schuster

February 2013

ISBN 978-1-451607668-6

Why Read?: Review

Challenges:  British Books, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

I hate to admit it, but I had never heard of Santa Montefiore until now.  However, if her latest novel, The Woman from Paris, is any indication, I am now a fan.

When Lord George Frampton, his devoted widow, Antionette, expected her world to change.  What she did not expect is his secret illegitimate daughter to appear at the funeral.  The immensely likable Phaedra quickly turns the life of the Framptons upside down as each member has a different reaction to her.  One of the strongest reactions is from David, the oldest of Antionette's three boys, who fell in love with the mysterious woman at first sight...before finding out she was his half sister.  Another strong reaction comes from the wife of the middle son who sees Phaedra as a threat, especially after the will is read.  How this family comes together makes for a wonderful tale that readers will relish and remember long afterwards.

Montefiore knows how to immediately draw a reader into a character-driven story, which is oftentimes harder than one that relies many on action.  Her characterization is superb, as is her imagery, especially in bringing the lush English countryside to life.  With writing this good, an author is able to really take her time with the story and the reader enjoys just meandering along.

With The Woman from Paris, I have fallen in love with Santa Montefiore's writing.  I will definitely be seeking how more of her works.

Rating: 5/5

Cinder

Title: Cinder
Author:  Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Macmillian Young Listeners
ISBN: 9781427215000

Why Read?: For Fun
Challenges: Audio Book, Book Blogger Recommendation, Dystopia, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

Thoughts: I am not a fan of cyborgs, but I am a fan of stories based on fairy tales, so I thought I would give Cinder a try. I am so glad I did. This was a wonderful twist on Cinderella set in a future Earth much different but still similar to our own. Aside from excellent world-building, the characterization was also phenomenal. The ending definitely left me wanting to run out and buy the sequel.

Rating: 5 stars

Rennefarre

Rennefarre: Dot's Wonderful Travels and Adventures 

by Tamara Ramsey, translated by Malve von Hassell

published by Two Harbors

2012

ISBN 978-1-938690-38-9

Why Read?: Review

Challenges:  Standalone, YA/MG Fantasy, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

            Rennefarre: Dot’s Wonderful Travels and Adventures was originally written by Tamara Ramsey in 1941.  While it has gone through many editions in Germany, Malve von Hassell has provided readers with the first English translation of this children’s fantasy.

            On Midsummer’s Eve, Dot is upset about having to stay home and watch her siblings while her parents get to attend the bonfire.  Thinking she can sneak out while her brother and sister sleep, Dot crawls through the meadows to the bonfire.  However, along the way, a Rennefarre flower falls into her shoe, rendering her invisible to humans.  While her family cannot see or hear her, she finds that she can hear and see animals and spirits.  This ability leads on her a long, adventurous journey back into her own world as she tries to help as many as she can along her path.

            Rennefarre has a very interesting concept, but it feels like some of the true magic may be lost in translation.  Some passages flow nicely, while others seemed bogged down with explanations and simplistic wording.  Monica Minto’s illustrations are a nice touch and provide a break to a rather long children’s tale.  Some of the German editions were broken up into multiple volumes, and even though this version is translated from an abridged one, I cannot help but think it would benefit from being broken down into more sizeable chunks for a younger reader.  The “Chronicle of Major Historic Events” and glossary at the end are very helpful, though.

            Rennefarre: Dot’s Wonderful Travel and Adventures can make a great bedtime story, especially since the chapters are broken into many parts.  Children will definitely enjoy Dot’s magical world.

A to Z Challenge Recap

Challenge:  A to Z Challenge
Host:  Babies, Books, and Signs
2012 Level:  26 books - FAILED!
Thoughts:  So, so close.  X, Y, and Z just stymied me this time.  I'll try again, though, because this was loads of fun.
Books:A. Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green
B. Broken by David H. Burton
C. Camera Obscura by Lavie Tidhar
D. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
E. Entwined by Heather Dixon
F. Fire of My Heart by Erin Grace
G. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift
H. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
I. Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
J. Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
K. Knee Deep by Jolene Perry
L. Lunatics by Dave Barry & Alan Zweibel
M. Mongrel by K. Z. Snow
N. The Nameless One by Kathryn Meyer Griffith
O. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
P. The Priest and the Peaches by Larry Peterson
Q. The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker
R. Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers by Chris Grabenstein
S. Sorceress by Lisa Jackson
T. The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt
U. Until Next Time by Amy Lignor
V. Veil of the Unknown by Kelly Leigh & Terri Lucas
W. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
X.
Y.
Z.

Oliver Twist

Title: Oliver Twist

Author: Charles Dickens
Publisher: Kobo
ISBN: n/a
Why Read?: For Fun
Challenges:  British Books, Why Buy the Cow? (Kobo), A to Z

Thoughts: I am not a big fan of Dickens, and Oliver Twist did nothing to persuade me. After the first third, the story began winding here and there (it was a serial after all), and I just lost the plot, especially as more and more characters were introduced.

Rating: 2 stars

Knee Deep

Knee Deep
by Jolene Perry
published by Tribute
2012
ISBN 978-0-9837418-8-6
Why Read?: Review
Challenges: YA Contemporary, Standalone, YA Saves, A to Z, 100 Books in a Year

Jolene Perry knows how to present tough issues in a way that is accessible and acceptable to teens, as evidenced by her latest novel, Knee Deep.  This is a realistic portrayal of abusive high school relationships, charged with emotion.

Ronnie has always known Shawn was the one for her.  They began dating as young teens, stayed connected when Shawn's family moved, and are stronger than ever now that it is senior year and Shawn has moved back.  However, Shawn is different from that boy she fell in love with.  Lately, he has become moody and temperamental when Ronnie does things he does not like - such as wear shoes that make her taller than him.  When Ronnie finds out that his parents have been getting into heated arguments that often become physical, she blames his irritability on that...and even looks the other way the first time he leaves bruises on her wrist.  Soon, though, the bruises become more frequent, but Ronnie knows she must stand by Shawn.  Their friend Luke, though, begins to notice that something is not right, and even stops Shawn from hurting Ronnie a few times.  But no matter what Luke says, or how close she and him become, Ronnie feels Shawn can go back to that boy she feel in love with and she must stay by him no matter what.  What will it take for Ronnie to finally see the truth?

While I, luckily, have never been in a situation like Ronnie's, Perry made it really easy to see where she was coming from.  So many times we read about an abusive relationship and wonder why she (or he) does not just leave; through Ronnie's viewpoint, Perry shows why that is not possible.  Hearing Ronnie's thoughts and seeing how they parallel some of my own in totally different situations helped me connect with her and truly understand her predicament.  

Knee Deep is a must read for all teen girls, whether they are in an abusive relationship or not even in a relationship at all.  Jolene Perry gets to the heart of the matter in a story that is highly readable and enjoyable.

Rating: 5/5