Book Review - Shadowed Threads by Shannon Mayer

Shadowed Threads

by Shannon Mayer

 

Rating *** (3 stars)

 

I really do not like how unthought out Mayer is with this series. I think really great series authors know what will be happening a few books ahead, even if it is not specifically plotted they know their characters well enough to know. However, as I have already mentioned this is not a great series. If it is a good series is still up for debate. This is a bit sad considering this is the fourth book.

 

If you have made it through the first three books then you should continue on with the fourth. It is the best so far. It clears up a lot of screw ups in the previous books and has some good character development. Do not buy it though, just borrow it, unless you like urban fantasy no matter how poorly written it is.

 

I suppose I should not be so hard on the book. . . except I like a story that I can escape into. I like the writing to be so smooth that it does not make me think about it - unless it is to repeat it in my head and marvel at the quality of a sentence. I like characters that I can believe actually exist, and a world that makes since even if it plays by a different set of rules. This series has none of that. I think I am going to officially stop reading the series here.

 

Maybe I will try again later when I am despite for something to read. Then again, maybe not.

Book Review - Raising Innocence by Shannon Mayer

Raising Innocence

 

by. Shannon Mayer

Rating **1/2(2 1/2 stars)

If this was the first book in the series Rylee Adamson series I would not be continuing on. As it is, this is the third book in the series. Many series seems to have a time when they are a bit dried up, and you can see the writer struggling to continue the series. In Raising Innocence it seems that Mayer hit an period of adolescence instead.

She made completely irrational decisions in the plot, and then tried to backtrack and connect them to what has happened in the first two books - in most cases completely unsuccessfully.

The vulgarity is absolutely horrible in this book. While the series never was clean, it was at least semi appropriate. In this novel Rylee basically tells the reader that she is going to speak like she wants to, and screw anyone who does not like it.

Along the same lines Rylee's attitude has downgraded to that of a thirteen  year old book with authority issues. Yes, she always had issues, but not to this degree.

The saving grace is that Mayer is able to put two words together without making the reader cringe - unless those two words are actually a whole string of unnecessary profanity. Even then it does no good unless the plot and charactors are worth investing time in reading.

I was so excited when the third book in the series finally came to Kindle Unlimited. Then I read it, and wished I would have just skipped to the fourth book. However, I would have probably had a hard time understanding what was going on in the fourth book since the third book took everything from the first two books and threw them out the window.

Overall, not impressed but hopeful that Mayer took feedback and improved in the forth book.

Book Review - The Woodlands by Lauren Nicolle Taylor

The Woodlands

by Lauren Nicolle Taylor

Rating ****(4 Stars)

I love the dystopian genre. I think there is something about tarring down the system and making the world a better place that resonates with our current society. Just look at the protest in Hong Kong. We are living in a world that needs to be fixed. I think that is why dystopian literature is so popular at the moment, and why it is mostly geared towards young adults.

I had no idea what to expect when I first picked up The Woodlands. It was free and looked interesting. I had no idea that it was going to be such an amazing series, well book since I have not finished the series.

The writing is good, allowing you to forget the words and get lost in the characters. The characters have their flaws, but that is what helps make them real. I found them to be realistic and agreeable given the society.

The plot is interesting. It is not majorly unique in dystopian literature. However it is not boring and overdone as well. I cannot wait until I get book two and continue on in the series.

The best part is the book is still free (check before purchasing) so you have nothing to loose and everything to gain!

Book Review - Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver

by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating ***(1/2)

 

 

 

Shiver is a first in a young adult series that features werewolves. It is hard to find a series that features paranormal creatures that is different and exciting. Yet, Shiver does deliver on the different aspect at least.

 

The writing is good, and the plot is unique, and the characters are relatable. It is a young adult novel, so it is about young love, which can be a bit hard to believe at times. However, I do appreciate that the novel is clean and respectful for younger readers. The werewolf plot development is unique, I have not seen anything really close to it. I am not saying it isn't out there, just that I have not seen it.

 

 

Should you read it? Yes, it is well worth reading, and the ebook price is reasonable as well. As an added bonus it is part of Kindle Unlimited. Which, is admittedly one reason why I started this series. I do plan on continuing onto the next book, and am eager to see what happens.

 

 



Book Review - Gossamer by Lois Lowry

Gossamer

by Lois Lowry

Rating - ***** (5 stars)

I really cannot believe it took me over thirty years to discover the writings of Lois Lowry. I have no idea why I did not happen upon them during all my time in the library as an adolescent. It was my son talking about reading The Giver in his middle school that finally brought her writing to my attention. Since then I have been playing catch up. I have yet to read a book by Lois Lowry that I would not recommend. However, all of her books are so very different.

Gossamer is almost like a fairy tale. It falls in lines with fairies that dance in gardens. Except it is little wispy creatures that protect dreams. The book is truly magical, it is also very sweet. From the perspective of the little dream protector we witness an older women taking in a foster child. Even more magical is we see all of the characters start to heal with the help of these magical creatures.

While the topic of the book itself could be very traumatic, it is presented in a manner that is age appropriate for older elementary school students. This book is not exactly a must read, but I would add it to your list anyway.

Book Review - Cupcakes, Trinkets, and other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic

by. Meghan Ciana Doidge

Rating - *** (3 stars)

This is a paranormal story that is not quite like most paranormal stories. For one, it is centered around a cupcake store. The owner is a part witch who believes she has no true skill with magic. Instead she focuses on baking the most amazing cupcakes (she even will bake up gluten free cookies, so the cupcake theme did not even loose the book a star).

For such a dark ending the writing was pretty light and easy going. It was a short and easy read. However, it was also an enjoyable one. I stayed up late just to finish the book, and was disappointed when it was done. I do eventually have plans to even go on and read the next book, which is about as high of praise as you can get.

Should you read it? If you like paranormal stories of any kind - then yes. If you do not, then you should probably give it a try anyway if it is still free. Either way just remember this is a great book for the beach, not one for really making you think. However, we need all kinds.

Being Anti-Social by Leigh K Cunningham

Being Anti-Social

by. Leigh K Cunningham

Rating ****

I admit that I did not know what to expect upon starting this book. The title is what drew me to it in the first place. How could I not love reading about another anti social individual? There is a reason that this blog is called The Book Recluse after all.

The book is well written. There were no major stand out flaws in grammar or that, although as long as it is not major in your face it is easy for me to overlook such things. The writing flowed well, which is harder for me to overlook. The main character really came alive, all her faults and admirations as you follow her through approximately a year of her life.

The novel is an adult coming of age story. Sometimes we do not have everything figured out once we hit the adult age, or even after we turn 40. There is still plenty of room to grow. It is this growth that the novel portrays.

My favorite aspect of the story is that it does not end all wrapped up and placed with a bow. Yes, the main character grows, but she knows that there is still so much more room for her to grow. Although, I must say that the ending is also very predictable, and not entirely satisfactory. Although I understood it was going to end that way, I did not think the reason given that it did was enough.

 


 

Book Review - Had to be You by Juliet Chatham

Had to be You

by Juliet Chatham

Rating **** (4 stars)

I received this book for an exchange of an honest review.

It has been a while since I have read a straight up romance novel. I took a break because I was done with the cliche plots and poor writing. Yet, I was intreated by It Had to be You, and offered to review it.

I am glad that I did. This novel is not some quick Harlequin romance that you can pick up and finish in an hour. It is a well written, plot driven novel which left you hooked and wanting to keep reading.

Even while I was hooked to the plot I could not help wondering why the main hero of the story, Matt, was so hung up on his long time fling, Rory. She is a bit of a drama queen, and damaged goods. By the end of the novel it fit a bit better to me, yet even if it would not have the characters were very lifelike throughout the entire story.

The one aspect of the story that was annoying was the massive amounts of flashback scenes. It was not the scenes themselves, they were well written and excellently placed, it was that there was no consistency to know how old the characters were in the flashbacks. Since they broke up and got back together so many times it was hard to know WHICH time it was. It helped me to further my impression of Rory as being a drama queen, and damaged goods.

Should you read this book? Yes, if you like romance novels with plots and real characters. As a nice bones the writing in this novel is excellent. There are sex scenes throughout the novel, although nothing in poor taste or massively graphic.

 

Book Review - A Better World by Marcus Sakey

A Better World

by Marcus Sakey

Rating ****1/2 (4 1/2 stars)

A Better World is the second book in the Brilliant series by Marcus Sakey. It continues building on the plot and characters in the first book, so if you have not read the first book in the series, start there. But really start there - this series is perhaps the best new science fiction series in our generation (since I was born right in-between two generations that goes for quite a few people!).

The book is engaging, well written, and hits on issues that are paralleled in our own world - namely discrimination and massive protests. Perhaps no matter how the word is disrupted it is bound to suppress and rise up time and time again.

So, if you have not starting reading this series yet, do so. Even if you do not typically read Science Fiction this will be a good series to pick up.

Book Review - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rawlings

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

by JK Rawlings

Rating ***** (5 stars)

I have a fear sometimes of going back and rereading books. Specifically this is when the plot to the books are so ingrained in my head. Harry Potter is such a pop culture figure that nearly everyone knows how the story goes. If they have not read the book, then they have seen the movie, or heard about it from someone who has. I my case all three.

It is not that I remember the Harry Potter books as this horrible piece of fiction. On the contrary I remember loving the books, specifically the first five in the series. It is just I have read them so many times. I reread them all before reading the next book in the series, before seeing the movies, and just when I felt like it. Admittedly it has been a few years since I have last picked them up. This is why I could once again enjoy the words on the page.

It also has helped me to appreciate that the second book in the Harry Potter series is a really good book. It is even better then the first. It is well written, has a great plot, and flows very well. It is truly a book to make you love reading. So, if it has been a few years - pick them up again. If you know a child who has not read them yet - share them. It will be a magical experience.

 

Book Review - Jane Eyre by

Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Bronte

Rating ***** (5 stars)

It has been a very long time since I had first read Jane Eyre. I mean I think I was about twelve at the time. I only had vague memories of the book, but I remembered it as a idealistic romance.

Wow was I a young naïve soul.

Jane Eyre is depressing. It was an updated (well for the time) version of Romeo and Juliet. Except for opposing families, there were different social classes.

I suppose in truth Jane Eyre ended on a less depressing not then Romeo and Juliet. There still left the hopeless romantic reader hope for a happy ever after to their young idealistic love. How young it was - Jane is only eighteen during most the main plot.

There are a lot of classics that you wonder why they ever were turned into classics. Jane Eyre is not one of these. It is a masterpiece that drags emotions from the reader and leaves you holding on for the end.

 

Book Review - Immune (Book 2 of Rylee Adamson Series) by Shannon Mayer

Immune

by Shannon Mayer

 

Rating **** (4 stars)

 

The second book in the Rylee Adamson series is a quick read. It picks up shortly after the ending of the first book. Except the tables are turned Rylee is no longer trying to flirt with O'Shea, in fact she is trying to do anything to get him to leave her alone. The thought of falling in love with him is freaking her out - I think even more then all the new advisories thrown in her way.

The second book is as good as the first, or even better. It is a light but fun read. I look forward to what is coming next. I feel a connection with Rylee, but some of the other characters could use a little more depth including O'Shea, however I have hope that will continue in the rest of the series.

If you are looking for a new series. Check this one out!



 

Book Review - The Silent Boy

The Silent Boy

by Lois Lowry

 

Rating ***** (5 stars)

I have been on a Lois Lowry reading spree as of late. It is one that I foresee continuing until I have devoured all of her books. I am uncertain how I made it through adolescence, with my obsessive reading habit, without having discovered her before now.

I seriously believe that Lois Lowry should go down as one of the greats. She should be hoisted right next to Charles Dickens.

The Silent Boy is another amazing novel. It is a book set in the early 1900s. The main character is a very young girl who wishes to be a doctor like her father. The young girl has wisdom beyond her years, which includes her ability to accept others for who they are. This is all accompanied by a ten year old temperament. She makes for a highly entertaining narrator.

One interesting character with whom she meats is Jacob, a fourteen year old boy who would most likely be diagnosed with Autism in today's society. It is fascinating seeing a character with Autism depicted in a less modern setting. While he helps out with his farm chores, like is expected of all the children, he also refuses to take off a woolen hat, is obsessed with the grinding stones at the mill, mimics sounds, is non verbal, and has a very strong connection with animals.

The ending is a bit sad, and you can see it coming early, some aspect of it from the first chapter. Yet that does not stop the reader from being swept up in the lives of the characters.

I think it is an excellent book for a middle school student, high school student, or adult. I do think it may be a bit difficult concept wise for early elementary school students.

Book Review - Brilliance by Marcus Sakey

Brilliance

by Marcus Sakey

rating ***** (5 stars)

One of the downsides of reading a lot of genre fiction is that you are exposed to a lot of very poor writers. This is especially true if you are like me and will pick up anything that remotely sounds interesting. Yet, every so often it pays off in a big way. You are exposed to a book that is not a brilliantly written genre book, but a beautiful novel that happens to fit into a genre category. It is ironic that Marcus Sakey is writing about individuals with above average talents  when he himself rises above the everyday writer to create an amazing piece of literature.

Ultimately Brilliance is a Science Fiction book that takes place in an alternate reality, a reality in which people with extraordinary abilities started being born in the 1980s. The main character is an agent sworn to protect the world from these individuals, however he is also one of them.

This book is about the harsh realities of the world. It is about the scarifies of being a parent, and of standing up for what you believe in. It is also just really good fiction. It is a book that I could not stop reading, even when I had to put the book down. The plot never seemed to leave my head, the characters walked with me throughout my day. It is that good of a book.

Book Review - Changeling's Crown

Changeling's Crown

By Juli D. Revezzo

 

Virtual Book Tour Dates: 8/12/14 – 8/19/14

Genres: New Adult Paranormal Romance (Sweet)

Tour Promo Price: $.99

 

Rating  - ***1/2 (3 1/2 stars)

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was eager to read Changeling's Crown because I was drawn to the unique plot. Paranormal romance is so full of werwolves and vampires that having the main character be a fairy godmother seemed ingenious. The world continues to be unique with the main characters going between the land of the fairies and the human realm.

The writing of Changeling's Crown is great. The words flowed together well. They were not awkward in construction. I did not notice one awkward comma or even misspelled word - but I will admit that is not my major strength.

The characters are good. They could have used some build up and a bit more backstory earlier in the book to make them seem a bit more real. In truth it was the last few chapters where I really formed an emotional connection with them.

There is an adage in writing to show do not tell. Yet, I think this book could have benefited from a little more telling. The world is so different from what is in the mainstream market that a few sentences, or even paragraphs of backstory of the society and the main character earlier in the novel would have stopped me from having to always feel like I was having to play catch up and could really focus on the characters.

Overal, I really enjoyed the book. It is a fun light read that is different then most everything you will pick up.

Giveaway:

One winner will win an e-book copy of any title from Juli D. Revezzo backlist! See them all at http://julidrevezzo.com/julis-novels/ – Open internationally, must be 18 or over to enter. Enter through Rafflecopter.

Blurb:

When Ianthe began her career as a faery godmother, she stumbled so badly that Snow White will probably never speak to her again. After a long suspension, she’s finally been given a chance to redeem herself…but everything on this latest assignment is going wrong.

But why?

Worse, she definitely doesn’t need an attractive mortal man distracting her from her duties. Of course, needs and wants are two different things.

Briak has had his eye on Ianthe for a very, very long time, but he’s been waiting for just the right moment to make his move. Despite the fact all hell’s about to break loose on his watch, he can’t resist the opportunity to insert himself into her earthly assignment. Can he convince Ianthe of her true calling and thereby win her heart? Or will his subterfuge ultimately cost him her love?

See the book trailer on Youtube

 

Excerpt:

What had she said wrong?
“If Mallory cared about their relationship, would she’ve done something like this? I mean, she didn’t even check with us first.”
But [Briak] didn’t seem quite as annoyed as he should. Indeed, Ianthe thought he was amused.
“These things happen,” she said, watching her father [examine the sick mare]. The elder man muttered to himself and from the sound of it, Ianthe didn’t think he was coming up with good news for Snow White’s owner. “We’ll deal with it.” She frowned. “Who knows if you might not need to reschedule both?”
[Briak] glanced at her, worry wiggling deep into his eyes. “Yeah.” He cared about the horses if not so much the owner’s schedule. What a weird guy.
She reached out and smoothed a hand down his back. Briak relaxed a little and so did she. “She’ll be okay,” she said. “Daddy’s the best vet I know. Why don’t we get him some coffee? You don’t need to hover.”
“I’m not hovering.” A smile lit over Briak’s face for the first time. “Besides, we’re going to owe you a check for this. Come on inside and I’ll see to it.”
She laced her arm through his and tugged him to the doors. “Whatever you want to call it, I’m not going to refuse.”
Though he seemed reluctant to go, that he followed her, and she liked it, confused her. She didn’t need the distraction. What had she been thinking to suggest they go inside, away from the others? Maybe a little faery dust would make him go away—and knock sense into her.
He opened the office door for her, ushered her over the threshold, and disappeared into Randall’s office for a moment.
“Tell me about this group Mallory booked,” she called out.
“They’ve been here, I don’t know... Years,” Briak said. “I’ve seen them around the hospital now and then. Their coordinator said they work with the cancer patients.” He reemerged and handed her a check. “Hang on to this.”
“Daddy’s not finished his exam, yet,” Ianthe said.
“I trust your word. If you say he’s skilled, he’ll be worth the pay. Will this do?”
She glanced down at the check, studying Briak’s fine, clean script. He’d offered more than she suspected they paid their own veterinarian. “I can’t take this.”
He folded her hand around it. “It’s the least we can do. Keep it.”
She didn’t want to break his hold, but he soon moved away and she folded the check into her pocket.
“You wanted some coffee,” he said.
She nodded. “Please. I hear drumming circles can be a boon to good health,” she said, returning to the previous subject.
Briak shrugged. “I guess. You ask me, they’re loud.”
She smiled. “Drums tend to be.”
He retrieved a can from the cabinet. His hands unsteady, he spilled coffee grounds on the counter as he tried to fill the filter. Ianthe marched over and took the coffee can away. “Here, you’re making a mess. Let me.”
She took a spoon from the strainer and used it to scoop out more grounds. Briak shifted behind her and she felt his warm breath on her neck. She gulped and shut the basket. Turning to seek out water, she landed against Briak’s broad chest.
Ianthe blinked up at him, surprised, startled, and pleased all at once. “Hi.”
“Hi,” he said.
“I need to get the water if I’m going to finish this coffee.”
“How do we keep ending up like this?” he said in a soft voice.

 

 

 

About the Author:

Juli D. Revezzo is a Florida girl, with a love of fantasy, science fiction, and Arthurian legend, so much so she gained a B.A. in English and American Literature. She loves writing stories with fantastical elements whether it be a full-on fantasy, or a story set in this world-slightly askew. She has been published in short form in Eternal Haunted Summer, Dark Things II: Cat Crimes (a charity anthology for cat related charities), Luna Station Quarterly, Potnia, By Blood, Bone, and Blade (forthcoming charity anthologies by Biblioteca Alexandrina); Crossing the River, An Anthology in Honor of Sacred Journeys; The Scribing Ibis: An Anthology of Pagan Fiction in Honor of Thoth, and Twisted Dreams Magazine. She’s the author of The Antique Magic series and the Paranormal Romance Harshad Wars series.

She is a member of the Independent Author Network and the Magic Appreciation Tour. Come learn more about her at http://julidrevezzo.com

 

Author Links:

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Book Review - Priceless

 

Priceless

by Shannon Mayer

Rating - **** (4 stars)
I have been trying to find another really good paranormal romance or urban fantasy series. While I love Patricia Briggs and Kim Harrison I can only reread the books so many times. The current market is so saturated that you are more likely to pick up a book that appears to be written by someone who did not even pass their sixth grade literature course. While I have my own difficulty with spelling and grammar, there is a point where you just can not ignore it.

I have had Priceless in my to be read pile for a long time. I picked it up when it was offered for free on Amazon. I was afraid of another horrible disappointment.

After the first chapter I knew that this was going to be a good series. The writing is good, not poetic literature like Dickens, but quality enough to get lost in the drama of the book. The characters are good, they are strong willed but mostly believable. There could have been some more development, but overall it was a great start. I foresee me happily reading through the rest of the books in the series.

Book Review - Son

 

Son

by Lois Lowry

Rating ***** (5 stars)

In the fourth and last book of the The Giver series we are taken back to events before The Giver even started. We are taken through the events of the first book through the perspective of a new main character. We then follow this character through new societies and back to the village of the third book. Many years have past and we see how life has changed in the community. It has a nice happy ending which sums everything up nicely, distinctly different from the ending of the last three books.

In truth I am still not thrilled with the plot development of the first book. It still does not make since to me. However, if different decisions were made then the next three books would not exist.

The writing of the fourth book was just as amazing as the first three. The storyline seemed a little more flushed out. The book was much longer in length, and gave a more in-depth look at the main character, which I appreciated. In any ways it was my favorite book of the series. Yet, it is dependent on the first three books for it to make any sort of sense.

 

Book Review - Number the Stars

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

Rating ***** (5 stars)

I have only recently been exposed to the beautiful writing of Lois Lowry. I am appalled that I was not introduced to her works in any of my coursework, and I am sadden that I did not run across her novels in all my time spent in various libraries in my youth. I am convinced I would have loved her writing even more then I love it as an adult.

There is no doubt that Lowry is writing for younger children. The main character in Number the Stars is only ten years old - she would be in upper elementary school. It is amazing that Lowry can write a novel geared towards this young of a reader, in words that are appropriate for the reading level, and still write such a breathtaking novel.

Number the Stars is a novel about the relocation of Jews during the German occupation of Denmark. The story plot is a difficult time in history, yet the bravery of the many Danish citizens, both old and young, is beautifully portrayed in the novel. The novel teaches bravery, and standing up for what it is right. Children who have known loss will relate to many themes in the novel, yet it is not a novel of despair. It is a novel of bravery and hope. It is written in such a way as to appropriately capture young readers and still appeal to adults.

There is no wonder why Lois Lowry has won many awards for her novels. Her writing is beautiful, and her characters provoke deep passion. When you pick up one of her novels you leave the book behind and enter into an entirely new world. If you have not yet read any of her novels, this one is a great place to start.

Book Review - Messanger

 

Messanger

by. Lois Lowry

Rating **** (4 stars)

 

Messanger is the third book in The Giver series. In this book we start to see some connection between the first book in the series and the second. The main charactor is the young Mat from Gathering Blue. He is older now and has found the ability to heal.

It is a real good thing that he has, since the village that collects broken people and the very forrest sorrounding it seems to be turning in on itself.

The story, like all the others, is short and a fast read. It follows the tradition of ending the story with so much left to say, however at least the reader is left with a better sence of the outcome then the other two stories.

Like all the stories in the series the writing is beautiful. That alone is worth reading this series.  Lowry truly has the gift of putting words together. Unfortunatly her plots have ranged from downright frustrating to beautiful. The plot of Messanger is inbetween. While it is good, it really does not bring the reader any closer to the world which she has created.

I am interested in how the fourth book will conclude the series.

Book Review - Gathering Blue

Gathering Blue

by Lois Lowry

Rating ***** (5 stars)

 

Gathering Blue is the second book in The Giver's series. This book does not have to be read after The Giver. It also works very well as a stand alone novel. It, so far, has absolutely no connection to the first novel in the series. So, while The Giver's rating has not been adjusted I have no problem with how Lowry moved the plot along in this book.

I do not give five star ratings very often. I would have to go back and search to see if I ever have before on this blog. Yet this book is worthy of the rating. The writing is amazing. The characters are vibrant and alive. The plot is engaging, and captivating, and while slightly predictable it is not completely so. Gathering Blueis a young adult novel. As such the vocabulary is not extremely complicated. The characters are young. I read it over the course of two days - less then a 24 hour period. None of that takes away from the breathtaking beauty of the novel.

To my understanding Lois Lowry has already gone down as one of the great authors. After reading two of her books I completely understand why. I have every plan to finish reading all of her works.

As a side note, I slightly peaked at reviews to see if I would ever find an explanation for the way that The Giver progressed. It looks like the world begin to collide in the third novel. I cannot wait to start reading it.

Series

The Giver

Gathering Blue