This second installment in the Shadow of the Leviathan series is just as entertaining as the first.  And while this is definitely a continuation of the story, one could definitely read this as a standalone novel and be highly satisfied.

Robert Jackson Bennett is a master world builder and storyteller.  And,  we know Bennett has created remarkable characters in Ana Dolabra and Dinios Kol, but in this book we get introduced to another interesting character, Tira Malo.  
These three take the hunting of the murderer to new levels in the medieval-esque society of Yarrowdale.   

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Inklore, and NetGalley for the digital ARC. 

A wonderful retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” from the story’s smallest character, Toto!  

This wonderfully charming book by Molly Williams takes you through all the flora that influenced Jane Austen.  It would be a delightful gift for a Austen lover or a gardener.   Both would find things in the book to keep them amused.  Jessica Roux’s illustrations make the book even more lovely.  This is sure to be a timeless edition classic to any library. 

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

Adored this book.   

Tanya Guerrero has written such a wonderful little book about finding one’s family. 

The story centers around a black street CAT who has interacted with numerous people in one NYC neighborhood.   It is the cat who brings all of the people together in different ways.   We start with the lonely barista who champions the cats of the neighborhood.  Then to a recluse writer who is looking for someone to share his life.  We also meet the friendly mailman who is looking for his life’s purpose.  Then there is the widowed Bodega owner and a young woman searching for a sibling. 
The author blends each individual voice plus the cat’s thoughts together beautifully.  We are able to learn a lot about each character and the satisfaction of seeing them become family because of the cat. 

The author’s  style reminds me of a cozy Japanese novel.  The writing is not overly flowery.  It is just sweet, kind, and moves the story gently along. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Delacorte Press for the digital ARC. 

Heather Fawcett has written a wonderful finale to the Emily Wilde series.  While I feel the book started off a bit slow, it does pick up and leads us to a satisfying conclusion.  We get to meet a whole slew of new characters to love and hate and the return of some of our favorites.  We also get to experience more of Wendell’s kingdom, which the author gives us an extensive introduction too.   All in all an highly enjoyable read! 
Now my only question is when does a companion book for the series get written with the stories that Emily has collected?   Or how about a book written like a journal with descriptions and drawings?   I would be all in on those as well.  

Thank you to Random House, Ballantine/Del Rey and NetGalley for the digital ARC!

If you believe the US is going down the wrong road in 2025, then you probably should read this book.  Unfortunately, it should have been printed and mailed out to every household in Jan 2021.