This is a tale of a haunted house In Japan. This house eats peoplebecause it’s fed people. Mainly young women who’ve lost their love. In modern times a group of young adults decide to have a haunted wedding. Oh yeah and the wedding is a spur of the moment surprise. Well they’re all going to be really surprised when not everybody survives to the “I do”. This was a short Gothic read for the holidays that was quite interesting but not really long enough to build the story. Personally I think the cover is better than the story. I enjoyed the story but didn’t find it spooky or haunting or scary. Maybe for newcomers or people who don’t need horror very often this would be a great jumping in novel. A book for people who like the haunting of hill house. But if you are a horror lover you might find this book lacking. But for something short to pass the time away it works.

Certain dark things is a different type of vampire novel. This book takes place in Mexico City and breaks down vampires into different factions. The first one is the Aztec vampires. These are some of the oldest and our main heroine Atyl is just such a vampire. However in this story it’s the vampires that run the drug cartels. Her family has been doing this for centuries and now there are consequences. After the death of her family Atyl is on the run. While vampires are not allowed in Mexico City that is where she is hoping to find passage out of the country. Instead what she finds is Domingo, a street boy who is willing to do almost anything for her. He will be her snack, he will walk her dangerous dog, he will help her live and find a newlife. But this is no easy task. You see the other forms of vampires Necros are after a Atyl. Necros vampires aren’t only mean and nasty they are violent and they will get their revenge. But maybe just maybe with the help of Rever, Atyl and Domingo just might find safety and avoid attacks by the Necros Nick and others that are out to get them. Overall this was a very interesting take on a vampire novel. The world building is well done. It brings to life Mexico City and  it makes it feel like someplace with a past present and future. It also makes you feel for the characters with the way the author describes and gives back stories to her vampires. Whether it’s the biologically altered protective dogs or the feathers that sprout with no notice this is a book that’s going to keep the reader entertained and engaged in the story. Is it the best vampire novel ever, No, however it is one that’ll feed the need for somebody who’s looking for something new or a new take on vampire lore.

 In this tale, Vlad the Impaler is not Dracula.  He is just a king at war with the Turks.  His daughter Rauxandra has been in a convent for 10 years.  She has spent her childhood there.  Until Dad shows up and says, come with me.  Turns out daddy has nefarious plans.  His warriors strip her naked and lay her out in a pentagram inside a cave to call forth a demon.  Vlad demands power to defeat the Turks and offers his virgin daughter as a sacrifice.  But the fallen angel wants nothing to do Vald.  It asks Rauxandra if she wants to live.  When the answer is Yes, the fallen angel gives Rauxandra everlasting life and Princess Dracula is born.  But this book does not Follow most Dracula stories.  Rauxandra spends most of the book learning and dreading what she has become.  There are scenes that try to be spicy, but it’s a man writing sex scenes for women and it reads like one.  It has Sapphic moments as Rauxandra and her her best female friends experiment so they are knowledgeable for their future husbands, but these parts of the story are not done well.  Overall the book is intriguing.  I am not sure I will read the rest of the series.  Book 1 ends with a note of what happens 132 years later in order to get you interested in the next book, and while intrigued, I’m not sure, I’m intrigued enough to continue. 

 It is hard to believe Bleach started 20 years ago. It’s even harder to believe I have slept on this series that long.  Why did I never pick it up?  It is so good and now I need the next volumes.  Soul reapers send hollows to their resting place.  Ichino didn’t know this.  He only knew that he has been able to see spirits his entire life.  But danger lurks around every corner, and he will need the help and the powers of a Soul Reaper to survive and keep his family alive.  This book was action packed, not too gory, but a little bit, and all over a fun read.  I know there is an anime as well, I will be checking that out as well.  But I think for now, I shall be requesting the next books.  

 This title is used in many books that I have read, but this may be my favorite.  This story follows a boy that wants to be a witch, instead of the shapeshifting demon hunting man he is supposed to become.  He has always been drawn to magic, and just can not stop doing it.  If only his parents would understand.  This book has made its way to a few banned books list.  It’s a transgendered allogory.  The family believes boys do boys things and girls do girls things.  They can not change positions.  This story is wonderful and heartfelt.  I loved it and I can not wait to read the next two. 

 Doctor Dolittle seems to be pretty popular right now.  However, this book will not be.  It extremely simplifies many stories into one quick short book.  There is not really an explanations of any of the adventures, and so much has been cut out it barely makes sense.  If you want to read Doctor Dolittle, then read Doctor Dolittle.  Leave this on the shelf. 

 My first reaction to finishing this book was.. Ahhhh…..no.  Chadwick is a young boy who seems to be getting into a lot of trouble.  This is the second time in 2 weeks the teacher has had to talk to his parents. First off this book was more about how the child’s parents felt than the child.  And it was about how embarrassing the child was to the parent.  There is also something else that just leaves me feeling icky.  At the beginning it feels like the teacher is picking on the child, and by the end the child is doing much better, but it’s the way the author writes the father.  To morally superior.  This just,...no.  Just no. 

 

The author put a pretty interesting spin on getting up in the morning, and I loved it.  Bartholomew spent the night partying with monsters, and when morning came those same monsters made it hard to get out of bed, get ready for school etc.  It took dad stepping in to get Bartholomew back on track in the morning.  I really like how the author blames morning sluggishness on the monsters, and the illustrator hits a home run with pictures that perfectly match the mischievous pranks.

 

 9781611809466 

 This is an interesting book.  It is more for those who love to paint than any other type of craft.  The artists really emphasize working in studies to get to know your supplies and also getting to know yourself and finding your style.  This book was interesting, but since I am not really into painting, I didn’t get as much out of it as others will.  Yes the projects presented are mixed media, but still heavy on the painting.  And while I may not find this book the best for me, I do recognize it’s value and think it will go out quite a bit in a library.