A Season of Monstrous Conceptions is a unique entertaining story.  It had a lot of historical references and was not boring.  I like this story was not long and drawn out.  Fast paced, but thorough in characterization of Sarah as well.  You definitely get the notion women’s roles during this time period was not a respected one and women made hard choices to survive, even including marriage.  I like the midwives were ambitious.  Overall, a great story I am happy to have read.  I received as a netgalley ARC.

According to the author, Compelled to Murder is an adapted novelization of movie “A Reason to Kill”.  Apparently there was some issue with the screenplay, so this book was written.  I looked around and did not find a movie with this plot by that name, so I guess this particular plot didn’t make the cut.  If you are reading this, let me know if I am wrong.  I did not like the 3rd person omnipresent POV.  Too much in the head of tons of characters.  Also the characters talking to themselves was dumb. This book’s format just was a turn off.  Lots of jumping around between characters one paragraph to the next.  Just very busy.  I enjoyed the plot, the kills and the entitled privileged kids that the adults seem to have an issue confronting; however, this book needs work.  Meh…

Queenie was an enjoyable ride down history lane.  I learned quite a number of things about this smart, tough, entreprenur.  She was about her business, but still took care of her community.  Of course, it all benefit her too, but she didn't play.  St. Clare had a difficult and sad life, but she did what she had to do to survive and I commend that.  Life wasn't easy back then being poor, black and female.  She used her resources wisely; those networking skills are exceptional.  I enjoyed all the references, descriptions, and translations also.  Good quick read, with well done graphics. It annoyed me that in the beginning of the book, a reference states C.J. Walker, the first black millionaire, is a “he”. That is definitely not correct.  How could this book get that wrong.  Inexcusable. 

Sing Me to Sleep is a fun time.  You got humans, wiches, fae, and sirens, each with unique abilities.  I liked the idea of the keal (disguise) beads, which kept me guessing who else is hiding besides Saoirse.  I like Saoirse as a character, but was annoyed with her interactions with Hayes.  First she’s rude, then clams she want to be professional with him.  I felt she was reckless and impulsive.  And Hayes is an annoying boundary stepper, who needs to grow up and recognize his privilege.  He definitely don’t need to be King, but whatever.  I would not have minded more information or first had knowledge expressed about the oppression of the humans.  And it took forever, to find out about Rain, the sister.  I am not normally a YA reader, so not sure if that is the reason I have so many hang ups.  But I did enjoy the story.  I just wished it were fleshed out more.  My favorite part was when Hayes asks Saoirse why she trains so hard to be the best and she asks him, should she strive for mediocrity.  Boo ya.  Loved that line.  Overall, a fun story.  Not sure I would pick up the sequel though. 

his was a great sampling of NKJ if you have never read her.  I have read a few books already so I definitely see her grass roots of those stories in his anthology of short stories.  Overall, I did enjoy them.  You see the talent.  Valedictorian was really good.  I enjoyed how she said people don’t like to see people that are different to excel because it challenges them to be worthy of their own potential. Well said.  

Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone was an interesting whodunit version of Sherlock Holmes type mystery.  The 1st and 2nd person POV was unique, enjoyable and allowed for lots of sarcasm/comedy.  The foreshadowing was fun, and no too spoilery.  Book is paced well and enjoyable.  I did not guess the killer and I don’t think anyone else would either. 

BRZRKR was a wild bloody good time. Lots of violence, blood, guts, take no prisoner, “everyone dies”. Graphics are definitely intricate and busy.  Kudos to illustrator.  I felt that comic was more illustrations than words which made for a fast read.  I read volumes 1 and 2 in one day.  At times the character looked like Keanu Reeves, but mostly just the hair.  Story is a good one and is sad at times.  A man trying to find his place in this world.  I enjoyed it and want to read more.

White Out was fun to read.  I saw the movie in 2009 and loved it.  I cringed when she got hypothermia and…OK, Imma leave it at that, but she took it better than me.  I like the book and movie were very similar with no major deviations.  I enjoyed all the information about Antarctica.  Gotta respect the ice people.  The black and white images are perfect to add suspense and show the harshness of the landscape even if at times I was not able to understand them.  Great short book worth a read and see the movie. 

Sandcastle was a good read since I have already seen the movie Old.  Had I not seen the movie, I would have had quite a number of questions, because this book is full of plot holes (the movie fills them in).  That said, it was still a fun book.  The black and white is appropriate in that it adds to the thriller aspect. Illustrated very well.   Plot was definitely unique and enjoyable.  There was quite a bit of nudity, no graphic sex but definitely included (maybe too much added), and racism.  Book has many shockers and is enjoyable.  It is a quick read, but I definitely suggest adding the movie into your schedule.  I think after watching movie, it lessened my enjoyment of this book.

Tina Turner My Love Story gave me insights into Mrs. Turner that  I did not know.  I think most people think they know all they need to based off What’s Love Got to Do With It movie, but there is so much more.  Not to mention, just like she stated, her life has been without Ike longer than when he was in it.  So I am happy she has taken control of her life and living it on her own terms.  Who wouldn’t want that.  Story was honest, specific, and inspiring.  I love how she embraces aging (although she herself even admits that is only as good as your looks and health hold up) and love.  I did find a bit of a contradiction in that she states she is not a diva, but I clearly get deva vibes.  She is an expensive label junky and high end furnishings.  However, a lady knows what she wants and has the dollars for it.  Lovely lady and I appreciate her telling her story. Very inspirational.  RIP Tina Turner, aka Anna Mae Bullock.  May you continue rock n roll in eternity