The Raven and the Reindeer by T. Kingfisher Adventure Fantasy Retelling of the Snow Queen Romance * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) In her author’s note, T. Kingfisher says this has its roots Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” but it’s much more palatable. “Hans Christian Andersen was a weird dude…His idea of a happy ending is that everybody died attended by angels (or if you are very fortunate, in church with your feet … Read more
Dungeon Crawler Carl Dungeon Crawler Carl #1 by Matt Dinniman Adventure Fantasy Science Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Earth has been repossessed by aliens for its minerals, and anyone who was inside some kind of structure when the aliens showed up is immediately crushed out of existence. Any remaining humans have been invited to participate in a dungeon crawling game for their survival and the rest of the universe’s entertainment, as their progress … Read more
Aru Shah and the Song of Death Pandava Quintet, book #2 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Aru Shah and the Song of Death” by Roshani Chokshi is the second book in the “Pandava Quintet”. The series continues to follow Aru Shah and the Pandavas. This time, Aru Shah is accused of stealing the god of love’s bow and arrow, which causes all sorts … Read more
Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes Pandava Quintet, book #3 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Science Fiction Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes” by Roshani Chokshi follows Aru and her friends as they continue their quest to stop the Sleeper, a villain threatening to destroy the world. This time, they must find the Tree of Wishes to gain a powerful wish … Read more
Aru Shah and the City of Gold Pandava Quintet, book #4 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Romance Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) In “Aru Shah and the City of Gold” by Roshani Chokshi, Aru, and the Pandavas continue their quest to stop the Sleeper from destroying the world. They travel to the City of Gold, where they have to go through a series of challenges that lead … Read more
Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan Adventure Fantasy Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This series follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who is chosen as an apprentice Ranger, one of the skilled archers, trackers, and warriors of the King of Araluen. Will strives to keep the Kingdom safe from intruders. This book is an exceptional start to a thrilling series with vivid imagery, compelling character development, and impressive storytelling. … Read more
It’s Like This, Cat by Emily Neville Adventure Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Dave and his father don’t get along. At all. In fact, one of the only reasons that they keep their arguments to a smaller level (that still ends with Dave storming out of the house and running to a different house, Kate’s) is the fact that his mother gets asthma anytime she hears a more violent … Read more
The Dog Who Could Fly: The Incredible True Story of a WWII Airman and the Four-Legged Hero Who Flew at His Side by Damien Lewis Adventure Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * * (Amazing!) In the winter of 1939-40, a French pilot and his Czech gunner are shot down over the German front lines while trying to gather photos for reconnaissance. Robert needs to find shelter, and fast: Pierre’s leg is bleeding and he … Read more
Watership Down Graphic novel adaptation by Richard Adams, James Sturm, Joe Sutphin Adventure Fiction Fantasy (because, talking rabbits) Graphic Novel * * * * Stars (Great!) This is an excellent graphic novel adaptation of Richard Adams’ book, “Watership Down.” It captures the personalities of the rabbits and the urgency of their perilous quest to find a new, safe home to call their own, when developers destroy their old home. Adams created a wonderful world, mythology, … Read more
Good Girl, Bad Blood A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder #2 by Holly Jackson Adventure Mystery Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) “Good Girl, Bad Blood” by Holly Jackson is the gripping sequel to “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”. This mystery novel follows the pursuit of truth by amateur sleuth Pippa Fitz-Amobi. Pippa finds herself entangled in another perplexing case. When her friend’s brother (Jamie Reynolds) goes missing, it is Pippa’s … Read more