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samantha_randolph
This is an adorable and creepy book, a combination that surprisingly works really well. It almost reminds of a Tim Burton movie, but more adorable. Warren is the latest in a long line of Warrens who run a hotel. Since his father died, the hotel has fallen into disarray thanks to his lazy uncle and his uncle’s scary wife. Her goal is to find the mysterious All-Seeing Eye that is supposed to be somewhere on the grounds.
The story reads quickly, full of fun, hilarious, spooky, and several sweet moments. I love how the illustrations tie in and work so well with the text. The whole design of the book is incredible, and I found myself taking extra time just to look at the illustrations a little longer.
Some parts of the story were a little confusing, but for the most part, I really liked this one and definitely want to read the next!
Originally posted at The Forest of Words and Pages: http://www.forestofwordsandpages.com/2015/12/review-warren-the-13th-and-the-all-seeing-eye/
The story reads quickly, full of fun, hilarious, spooky, and several sweet moments. I love how the illustrations tie in and work so well with the text. The whole design of the book is incredible, and I found myself taking extra time just to look at the illustrations a little longer.
Some parts of the story were a little confusing, but for the most part, I really liked this one and definitely want to read the next!
Originally posted at The Forest of Words and Pages: http://www.forestofwordsandpages.com/2015/12/review-warren-the-13th-and-the-all-seeing-eye/
When Breezy wakes up, it isn’t from a normal night’s sleep. Instead, she wakes up from the ground, after a year of being dead, and the first thing she does is touch a man and unexpectedly kills him. Not knowing what has happened to her, she wanders and struggles to piece together her previous life while being thrown into a world of magic, creatures she never thought could exist, and a fate she may never escape.
What I Loved:
Breezy is an unapologetic main character who knows who she is (if not what) and makes no excuses for her actions. She is tough and rough around the edges, never striving to be perfect or even terribly concerned with being good. Her opening narrative provides an incredible hook immediately, and the premise is intriguing and mysterious. Diversity is also a wonderful and natural part of the story, featuring a bisexual woman of color protagonist to a plethora of diverse secondary characters.
What Left Me Wanting More:
Though the premise is fascinating, the story line often derails into seemingly directionless areas. The mystery behind Breezy’s murder only surfaces occasionally between a sort of cult community take down. However, readers who enjoy genre-bending stories may find that part the most invigorating. Likewise, the story hints at many deep and complex themes from humanity to murder, yet they are only seldom explored given their weight in plot progression.
While the secondary characters are interesting, they have a tendency to feel flat and often little time and dialogue are given to get to know them. Even so, this does make Breezy’s character a strong focus and opens her primary narrative to more detail and development.
Final Verdict:
Though Shallow Graves isn’t the best fit for me, the layers of diversity, intriguing premise, and unapologetic heroine make this book a lovely selection for those who desire magic, murder, and the unusual in their stories.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/18916-shallow-graves
What I Loved:
Breezy is an unapologetic main character who knows who she is (if not what) and makes no excuses for her actions. She is tough and rough around the edges, never striving to be perfect or even terribly concerned with being good. Her opening narrative provides an incredible hook immediately, and the premise is intriguing and mysterious. Diversity is also a wonderful and natural part of the story, featuring a bisexual woman of color protagonist to a plethora of diverse secondary characters.
What Left Me Wanting More:
Though the premise is fascinating, the story line often derails into seemingly directionless areas. The mystery behind Breezy’s murder only surfaces occasionally between a sort of cult community take down. However, readers who enjoy genre-bending stories may find that part the most invigorating. Likewise, the story hints at many deep and complex themes from humanity to murder, yet they are only seldom explored given their weight in plot progression.
While the secondary characters are interesting, they have a tendency to feel flat and often little time and dialogue are given to get to know them. Even so, this does make Breezy’s character a strong focus and opens her primary narrative to more detail and development.
Final Verdict:
Though Shallow Graves isn’t the best fit for me, the layers of diversity, intriguing premise, and unapologetic heroine make this book a lovely selection for those who desire magic, murder, and the unusual in their stories.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/18916-shallow-graves
When Greta’s little brother is kidnapped by a witch whose hut has chicken feet, Greta must find a mysterious magical item to save the only family she has left. Unfortunately, locating such an item requires going back to the place Greta has her worst memories- the kingdom of Belladoma. She must face her own fears if she wants to save her brother.
This companion to Monstrous and reimagining of Hansel and Gretel brings magic, complex issues of right and wrong, and beautiful friendships. The lyrical writing creates a strong personal atmosphere where Greta voices her thoughts and brings out interesting facets of the power of fear and the consequences of magic. Never shying away from tough topics, Ravenous is not for the faint of heart but is sure to deliver a heartwarming experience by the end.
Out of all the beautiful layers in this story, the most powerful might be the way the book highlights the best way to face fears: with determination, support, and gentle courage. Greta is strong and independent, but she also grows to value a powerful friendship with Dalen, a moral and courageous character in his own right.
As intricate as the characters are, there are areas when the plot, particularly in the middle of the story, tends to drag a bit. However, readers who love character-focused stories will greatly appreciate the extra time to dive into Greta’s mindset on her journey to save her brother.
Those who loved the brilliant folklore and friendship elements in Monstrous will find them again in this companion. Ravenous dives right into the hearts of emotionally and morally complex conflicts and introduces a new spin on a classic tale.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/18342-ravenous
This companion to Monstrous and reimagining of Hansel and Gretel brings magic, complex issues of right and wrong, and beautiful friendships. The lyrical writing creates a strong personal atmosphere where Greta voices her thoughts and brings out interesting facets of the power of fear and the consequences of magic. Never shying away from tough topics, Ravenous is not for the faint of heart but is sure to deliver a heartwarming experience by the end.
Out of all the beautiful layers in this story, the most powerful might be the way the book highlights the best way to face fears: with determination, support, and gentle courage. Greta is strong and independent, but she also grows to value a powerful friendship with Dalen, a moral and courageous character in his own right.
As intricate as the characters are, there are areas when the plot, particularly in the middle of the story, tends to drag a bit. However, readers who love character-focused stories will greatly appreciate the extra time to dive into Greta’s mindset on her journey to save her brother.
Those who loved the brilliant folklore and friendship elements in Monstrous will find them again in this companion. Ravenous dives right into the hearts of emotionally and morally complex conflicts and introduces a new spin on a classic tale.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/18342-ravenous
Jayden’s heart was nearly torn apart when she thought her beloved, Kadesh, was dead. After months of hard traveling and almost lost hope, she is reunited with him again only to discover the danger she was running from is closer than she ever imagined. Together, she and her prince must fight together to overcome familiar and new battles.
The sequel to FORBIDDEN packs as much adventure as the first. BANISHED is a sweeping historical romance that takes readers across cities and deserts. The provocative imagery will absorb readers into the time and place of the Bronze Age. The descriptions of the rituals, dancing, and marriage customs paint a magnificent cultural picture. With Jayden’s travels, readers get a glimpse of a variety of different lifestyles of the time, displaying strong research on the author’s part.
Though so far away in time and social structure, Little does a phenomenal job of making Jayden realistic and easy to connect with. Her relationship with Kadesh journeys from the first book with new and first love to a developed connection that has multiple potential conflicts. Though their love is strong, the past has a way of catching up to them that makes nothing easy but is excellent for dramatic flair. Readers will love seeing how they bond and change as the world around them turns to chaos.
Overall, readers like me who fell in love with FORBIDDEN will be very pleased with this sequel, BANISHED. The storyline deepens beautifully, ebbing and flowing in all the appropriate places as set ups for the final installment continue to develop. I eagerly await the conclusion of Jayden’s story.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/19313-banished
The sequel to FORBIDDEN packs as much adventure as the first. BANISHED is a sweeping historical romance that takes readers across cities and deserts. The provocative imagery will absorb readers into the time and place of the Bronze Age. The descriptions of the rituals, dancing, and marriage customs paint a magnificent cultural picture. With Jayden’s travels, readers get a glimpse of a variety of different lifestyles of the time, displaying strong research on the author’s part.
Though so far away in time and social structure, Little does a phenomenal job of making Jayden realistic and easy to connect with. Her relationship with Kadesh journeys from the first book with new and first love to a developed connection that has multiple potential conflicts. Though their love is strong, the past has a way of catching up to them that makes nothing easy but is excellent for dramatic flair. Readers will love seeing how they bond and change as the world around them turns to chaos.
Overall, readers like me who fell in love with FORBIDDEN will be very pleased with this sequel, BANISHED. The storyline deepens beautifully, ebbing and flowing in all the appropriate places as set ups for the final installment continue to develop. I eagerly await the conclusion of Jayden’s story.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/19313-banished