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Showing posts with label Action/Adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Action/Adventure. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 06, 2021
A Historical Girl-Power Survival Novel Set in the Arctic? Yes, Please!
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Sir John Franklin and his crew of explorers disappear after an 1845 trip to the Arctic, everyone is eager to learn of the company's fate. After several parties fail to find her missing husband, Lady Jane Franklin decides to take the matter into her own hands. She pays for an all-female crew to make a secret trek into the wilderness. If they succeed in finding Franklin, the team of women will become famous the world over. Should they fail? No one will ever know. Or will they?
Virginia Reeve has helped lead hundreds of pioneers across the United States to California Territory. She's proved herself against inclement weather, ferocious wildlife, and ill-prepared gold seekers, but she has never taken on a journey the likes of which Lady Jane is proposing. Is she really up for leading a group of women she doesn't know into the frozen unknown? A million things could go wrong—is she prepared to deal with the potential fallout?
One year later, Virginia is standing trial for murder. A young socialite is dead. And she's not the only one who perished in the Arctic under Virginia's watch. What really happened out there on the ice?
I love survival stories set in remote, dangerous places. Mix in a murder mystery and you've got my attention, one hundred percent. As soon as I read the synopsis for The Arctic Fury, the newest historical novel by Greer Macallister, then, I knew I had to read it. A girl-power survival novel set in the Arctic? Yes, please! I was all-in for what I hoped would be an absorbing, immersive read. Did The Arctic Fury meet my (admittedly high) expectations? Yes and no. The premise is definitely unique and interesting (the all-female expedition is entirely fictional, but what if it weren't?). As far as plot goes, there's enough tension, suspense, and mystery to keep the tale moving at a satisfactory clip. The tale definitely never got boring for me. I had a hard time with the characters, though. The cast is large and even though each of the women in the expedition narrates at least one chapter of the book, I still didn't feel like I really knew any of them. Thus, it was difficult to care too much when characters died—none of them felt real enough to make me mournful. Since I'm not sure exactly what purpose all the book's courtroom scenes served, I would have preferred that the whole novel—or at least a good 80% of it—took place in the Arctic. That way, the story would have been more atmospheric, intense, and compelling. Plus, it would have given Macallister more time to really develop all the female explorers, create a bond between them that the reader could feel, and offer more excitement and thrills to the plot. I also would have liked to see the women have a more proactive role in their own rescue.
Considering all these things, I ended up liking The Arctic Fury without loving it like I wanted to. The book kept my attention, but it didn't yank me in and make me feel like I was trudging through the Arctic along with Virginia and her crew. Ah, well.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Terror by Dan Simmons)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, innuendo, and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Arctic Fury from the generous folks at Sourcebooks via those at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Friday, October 30, 2020
LOST Meets Stranger Things? Does YA sci-fi/horror novel deliver?
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Tasia "Sia" Gianopoulos has spent so much time in the water over the last 17 years of her life that it seems she was born with gills. These days, she's diving not just for fun but because, with her dad in prison, she and her mom desperately need the money. Their charter scuba diving business allows them to do what they love and pay the bills.
Leading diving expeditions to shipwrecks in the Florida Keys is second nature to Sia, but she has an odd, unsettling feeling about visiting the U.S.S. Andrew. Something about the trip just feels off. When one of the divers die, the whole group desperately tries to get back to land. An attack by a horrifying sea monster leaves divers dead, the Gianopoulos' boats in ruins, and four kids stranded on a remote island. With a thick jungle at their backs and a sea of deadly water in front, there is no escape route. As the days wear on with no rescue in sight, Sia, her younger brother, and two kids who are virtually strangers to them must learn how to survive on an island where nothing is as it seems. Can they learn its strange ways? Can they defeat the sea monster that guards the terrifying secret that may be their only way home?
When a book is described as LOST meets Stranger Things, it leads the reader to expect a certain level of greatness. Did Fractured Tide, a debut YA sci fi/horror novel by Leslie Lutz, deliver? I'm not sure it's possible to totally meet the expectations of such an illustrious billing, but the book offers a story that is tense, tightly-plotted, and exciting. Told through letters Sia writes to her father, the tale has an intimate feel that just adds to the plot's intensity. With the urgency of LOST and the eeriness of Stranger Things, it uses classic sci fi/horror elements to keep the reader on the edge of their seat while they burn through the pages to see what happens next. Entertaining and satisfying, Fractured Tide is simply a good read. Despite some violence and gore, it's also a mostly clean read that I can hand to my 15-year-old LOST lover without reservation. I love that.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
(possibly PG-13—for violence, blood/gore, and scenes of peril)
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, April 06, 2020
With Irresistible Jacky Faber, the High Seas Are Always Exciting!
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for The Wake of the Lorelei Lee, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from previous Bloody Jack adventures. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
I've talked a lot about the Bloody Jack books by L.A. Meyer on my blog because it's long been one of my favorite YA series. Reading it is like listening to a skilled storyteller recalling highly entertaining, obviously embellished tales full of adventure, romance, danger, and derring-do. It matters little that the books are all basically plotless (other than Jacky needing to get out of whatever scrape she's currently gotten herself into) because they're just so darn fun! I've especially enjoyed listening to the tales on audio. Katherine Kellgren is an exceptional narrator. Sadly, both Meyer and Kellgren have passed away—they were a brilliantly talented duo and I miss the perfection of their combined genius.
The Wake of the Lorelei Lee is the eighth installment in the Bloody Jack series. The novel starts with a very happy Jacky Faber in command of the ship she purchased with the Spanish gold she pocketed after her deep-sea diving adventures in Rapture of the Deep. Under the false belief that she has been pardoned by her homeland's government, she is excitedly making her way toward England and her true love, Jamie Fletcher. Of course, life is never that simple for ole Jacky. Almost before she knows what's happening, she's a prisoner on her own ship, headed for a penal colony in New South Wales, Australia. Scrappy Jacky never goes down without a fight, however, and this time will be no exception. From riding an elephant to saving an island people from a tyrant to charming a powerful Chinese pirate, her latest adventure is another thrilling episode in the life of the inconquerable Jacky Faber.
As you can tell, Jacky's crazy adventures are always entertaining. She's a spunky, irresistible heroine who's fierce, funny, and loyal. It's impossible not to be drawn in by her engaging voice and her colorful, exciting escapades. Although The Wake of the Lorelei Lee is a little more graphic than its predecessors, I still very much enjoyed listening to this engrossing tale.
(Readalikes: Other books in the series, including Bloody Jack, Curse of the Blue Tattoo, Under the Jolly Roger, In the Belly of the Bloodhound, Mississippi Jack, My Bonny Light Horseman, Rapture of the Deep, The Mark of the Golden Dragon, Viva Jacquelina!, Boston Jacky, and Wild Rover No More)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a couple F-bombs [unless I heard wrong], plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, sexual innuendo/content, and references to prostitution/rape
To the FTC, with love: I bought an audio copy of The Wake of the Lorelei Lee from Audible with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Exciting Dogsled Race Novel Perfect for MG Readers Who Dig Outdoor Adventures
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
McKenna Barney loves mushing. Always has. Under normal circumstances, she—and her eight sled dogs—would be chomping at the bit to enter an upcoming, 200-mile dogsled race commemorating the brave work of early Canadian mail carriers. But these aren't normal times. The 14-year-old is showing signs of Stargardt disease, the same degenerative vision condition that has been stealing her younger sister's sight. McKenna doesn't want to admit her symptoms to her parents. That would only cause more tension, more fighting, and more stress over money. They're dealing with enough of that with one affected child. How much worse would it be with two?
When 8-year-old Emma realizes what McKenna's hiding, she makes her sister a deal. McKenna will run the race, carrying a letter from Emma to Foundation Fighting Blindness, asking the organization to help spread awareness about Stargardt disease. If she wins, Emma will say nothing to their parents about McKenna's condition. If she loses, Emma spills the beans. McKenna's not ready for that, so she must win. Even if it means navigating rough terrain, ice storms, animal attacks, and dogsled maintenance with low vision that's getting worse by the day. And it will. Can McKenna finish the race, let alone win?
Terry Lynn Johnson is an outdoor enthusiast with extensive dogsledding experience. It shows in her newest MG novel, Dog Driven, which rings with authority. The story includes lots of interesting information about mushing that's shared in a way that doesn't talk down to the reader or slow the plot's forward action. It also stars a strong, but vulnerable heroine who has to learn to have confidence in her abilities, accept her limitations, and ask for help when needed. Although the story stars several likable characters, the focus is really on the action-packed plot. There are plenty of exciting twists and turns in McKenna's path (literally and figuratively) to keep the tale exciting. Hand this one to kids who love the outdoors and are always up for a thrilling adventure.
(Readalikes: This is the first book I've read by Johnson, but I know she's written others about dogsledding and other outdoor adventures. Dog Driven also reminds me a bit of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and The Wild Lands by Paul Greci)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Dog Driven on Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Taut, Exciting Dystopian/Survival Story an Engrossing Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Three years ago, amidst chaos created by climate change and natural disasters, the United States drained Alaska of oil, then withdrew statehood to the cut-off land. Residents who desired to leave were removed to Maine. Those who refused were left to fend for themselves in the newly-designated "Sacrifice Area."
Travis' prepper father saw no reason to flee Alaska then, but he does now. With almost no food left and none to be found in the wild, his family is in danger of starving—and that's if they don't get killed first by the bands of hungry, half-feral people who roam the land, ready to kill for a can of soup. Their trek toward the Arctic ends too soon, leaving 17-year-old Travis and Jess, his 10-year-old sister, on their own. Determined to travel the 300+ miles to Anchorage, the pair sets out across the lonely wasteland. Along the way, they encounter dangers of every kind, from wild beasts to treacherous weather to impossible roadblocks to people who will help them to those who would just as soon eat them. With everything against them, can they make it all the way to Anchorage? What will they find if they get there? Will they ever be able to feel safe and at peace again?
The Wild Lands by Paul Greci is a taut, tense story that combines action/adventure, survival, and dystopian themes to create an exciting tale that should appeal to even reluctant readers. Greci is an experienced outdoorsman, which shows as he details the inventive methods Travis' family uses to survive in a harsh, unyielding environment. He's also a long-time Alaskan, which explains the vivid way he describes the land. The setting is so atmospheric that I could see, hear, and smell it as well as feel the desperation cloying the air. The characters are interesting, the prose strong, and the plot action-packed. True, there's nothing really fresh or original about the story. It's also a bit far-fetched, as the kids deal with literally every kind of survival/dystopian scenario there is on their journey. Still, though, it's a pulse-pounding thriller that I enjoyed. The ending is infuriating, yes, but also satisfying enough. I'm just hoping Greci has a sequel in the works.
(Readalikes: I'm trying to think of other novels that combine wilderness survival and dystopian elements, but no specific titles are coming to mind. Ideas?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a few F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, mild innuendo, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Wild Lands from the generous folks at Macmillan for the purpose of Cybils Award judging. Thank you!
YA Canadian Survival Story Keeps Me (Mostly) Riveted to the Page
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Every summer, the Crows and the Hoebeeks trek out to their remote, neighboring cabins in the wilderness of northern Ontario. The same age, Nate Crow and Dodge Hoebeek have spent happy days together swimming, fishing, exploring, and canoeing. Then, four months ago, Dodge and his father took a trip into the mountains alone; neither one came home. Although Mr. Hoebeek's body was recovered, Dodge's has never been found. Nate has made it his mission to find Dodge. Something in him can't help but hope that maybe his old buddy is alive, just holed up somewhere awaiting aid.
Nate finally convinces his father he's skilled enough in wilderness survival to trek to the cabin without adult supervision. When the friend who was supposed to accompany him gets grounded, Nate decides to make the trip alone without telling his parents he'll be going solo. As soon as he arrives, he realizes he's in for more than he bargained for. Several rough-looking men, whom he recognizes from the news as escaped convicts, have taken over his family's cabin. Paralyzed with indecision, Nate can't fathom what to do next. With an incoming blizzard making everything worse, he must rely on his instincts and the survival skills he's learned over the years to escape the mountain alive.
The Starlight Claim by Tim Wynne-Jones is an action-packed adventure/survival novel that will appeal to even reluctant readers. There's enough going on to keep anyone's interest, although the flashback sections do slow down the story's forward momentum. They humanize Dodge, who still seems like a jerk, but I'm not sure how much they actually add to the story. The other chapters, though, are exciting enough to make up for the slow parts. I saw the big reveal coming from a mile away, so that was a little disappointing. Overall, though, The Starlight Claim is a decent action/adventure story that kept me (mostly) riveted to the page.
(Readalikes: Um, nothing is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Starlight Claim from Candlewick Press for the purpose of Cybils Award judging. Thank you!
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Plot Holes and Unsatisfying Ending Make Teen Search and Rescue Novel a Disappointing Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Kira Bennett knows what it means to be a kid lost and alone in the wilderness. The memories of her earliest years as a feral child doing whatever it takes to survive still haunt her, even though she was rescued at five years old and adopted into a loving family. Now 17, Kira finds purpose in helping her adoptive mother train Search and Rescue dogs, so no one—especially a child—has to live the way she once did.
When Bales Bennett, Kira's estranged birth father, comes to her adoptive family asking for help locating a child who's gone missing from a campsite, Kira wants in. Along with her adoptive mother, foster brother, and two of their friends (including the hot, but possibly dangerous Gabriel Cortez), the group of handlers head to Sierra Glades National Park with one goal: find 9-year-old Bella Anthony. As the search grows increasingly dangerous, Kira is pummelled with crushing memories of her own past, especially as secrets about her birth parents and her new family start coming to light. Can Kira clear her head enough to find little Bella? What truths will she learn about herself along the way?
Books about search and rescue operations in remote wilderness settings always intrigue me, so naturally, I was drawn to The Lovely and the Lost, a YA novel by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. It's peopled with characters who are likable, but not original or really memorable. The teens don't speak like real kids, nor are they really treated as such since they have little adult supervision throughout the novel and are basically left to do whatever they please. This, as well as the fact that the teens are even involved in a search and rescue operation of this kind, makes the plot seem far-fetched. The purpose behind Bella's disappearance also seems illogical. The story is fast-paced, though, as well as compelling, even if it doesn't always make sense. I appreciate that The Lovely and the Lost is a clean YA novel with no annoying insta-love, but for me, there are some big holes in its construction. Add to that a weird, unsatisfying ending and, meh, this read just didn't do it for me. It was propelling enough that I finished the book, but I certainly didn't love it. Bummer.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence, scenes of peril, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Lovely and the Lost at Barnes & Noble with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, August 12, 2019
Fun, Fantastical Adventure an Engaging Story Even Reluctant Readers Will Enjoy
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Everyone in the village knows the thick forest that looms at the edge of town is full of deep, dark magic. Tales abound of strange creatures lurking in its depths, just waiting to ensnare too-curious children with their monstrous claws. The most cynical may think the stories are only that, but even the strangest of cautionary yarns are often based in truth ...
What the townspeople don't realize is that the Wild Wood is losing its magic. Almost thirteen years ago, a goblin named Kull was tasked with performing an ancient ritual that would restore the balance between the magical and non-magical worlds. He botched the simple task of switching a rare and powerful goblin changeling with a human baby; the changeling so perfectly mimicked his human counterpart that no one has ever been able to tell the difference between the boys. Whispered rumors have always hinted that one of the twins is not exactly like the other, but in a town that delights in superstitious stories and paranoid rants, what's one more?
When Cole and Tinn Burton receive a puzzling message from Kull begging for their help and beckoning them into the woods, the boys can't resist the promise of adventure. Unaware that a dark presence is luring them deeper and deeper into danger, the twins revel in meeting colorful forest folk and enjoying the most diverting of quests. As their journey brings them ever closer to trouble unlike any they've ever known, the boys must work together, harnessing all their courage, to save not just a magical forest but also themselves and everyone they love.
Changeling, the first book in a new fantasy series by William Ritter, offers kids a fun read that's exciting but not too scary. It features a pair of delightful heroes, as well as a supporting cast of intriguing story "people" to keep the tale interesting. Through it all, the book teaches important lessons about loyalty, love, and belonging. Even reluctant readers should dig this engaging, enjoyable adventure.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scary scenes/scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Changeling from the generous folks at Algonquin in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Friday, December 28, 2018
My Favorite Salty Sea Girl Sails Again in Seventh Bloody Jack Adventure
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Rapture of the Deep, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Jacky Faber adventures. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Ever since her first adventure as an orphaned street urchin turned swashbuckling sailor, Jacqueline "Jacky" Faber has pined for one James "Jamie" Fletcher. Now 16, Jacky is finally getting her wish to marry her long-time love. Only moments before she takes her vows, however, she's captured by her constant enemy, British Naval Intelligence. The powers that be force her to take on another dangerous mission, although this one is much more to her liking. This time, Jacky will be searching the Caribbean sea for lost Spanish treasure. With the glint of gold in her eye, she embarks on her newest adventure—one that will bring Jacky new challenges, fresh risks, and another chance to appease her greedy, sea-yearning soul. Along the way, there will be plenty of laughs, romance, and at least one "starkers" episode that will surely go down in naval history.
As Rapture of the Deep is the seventh installment in L.A. Meyer's incomparable Bloody Jack series, you've no doubt heard me rhapsodize about how much I adore these books. Each is an engrossing, exciting tale full of laughs, romance, adventure, and derring-do. Jacky is the kind of bright, fun, admirable character that you never want to stop reading about. Unfortunately, her creator passed away in 2014, so after Wild Rover No More, the 12th book in the series, there are no more high sea chanteys for my beloved Bloody Jack. I'm reading the remaining tales slowly so I can savor every word. Rapture of the Deep, by the by, is just as much fun as its predecessors. It gets a little long-winded (like every seafaring storyteller does at times), but it's still a charming, always entertaining read. It might not be my favorite of the bunch; still, I adore any Jacky yarn and this one was no exception.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Bloody Jack series, including Bloody Jack; Curse of the Blue Tattoo; Under the Jolly Roger; In the Belly of the Bloodhound; Mississippi Jack; My Bonny Light Horseman; The Wake of the Lorelei Lee; The Mark of the Golden Dragon; Viva Jacquelina!; Boston Jacky; and Wild Rover No More)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and innuendo/mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Rapture of the Deep from Half Price Books with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Series Review: Mark of the Thief Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Do you have certain time periods or places that you avoid in your reading? Settings that, for whatever reason, just don't really appeal to you? I for sure do. Ancient Rome being one of them, I was naturally reluctant to give Jennifer A. Nielsen's middle grade Mark of the Thief series a go. If it hadn't been for a book award gig I'm involved in, I probably would not have bothered. In an effort to do a thorough judging job, however, I read not just the latest and greatest book in the trilogy, but also the first two. And you know what? Overall, I enjoyed them.
The first installment, Mark of the Thief, introduces Nicolas "Nic" Cava, a slave who works in the mines south of Rome. With his fevered desire for freedom, he's never been a favorite of the cruel overseer. Thus, Nic is chosen to risk his life by entering a cursed cavern in search of a vast treasure rumored to belong to Julius Caesar. What he discovers is wealth beyond his wildest imagination. Despite a warning not to remove anything, Nic takes a bulla—an amulet that's been infused with the power of the gods. With its magic thrumming through his veins, Nic finally has the power to free himself as well as his mother and sister.
Escape won't be that easy, however. The bulla's powers are so unimaginably strong that every Roman wants them for himself. With a rebellion brewing in the city, the amulet could be used to save Rome—or destroy it. With traitors and villains on both sides, Nic doesn't know who to trust. He only knows he must keep the bulla out of the wrong hands. The more destruction he causes while trying to harness the object's power, however, the more Nic wonders if his hands are the most wrong of all ...
With lots of action to keep readers immersed, Mark of the Thief offers an exciting story that moves along at a fast clip. Plot twists are fairly predictable as are the characters, who definitely need more development. Still, Nic is an admirable hero whose loyalty, honor, and compassion keep him root-worthy. While I didn't love the novel, I liked it enough to want to know what would happen in the next book.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
As in its predecessor, Rise of the Wolf races along with plenty of life-or-death action and adventure to keep readers turning pages. With non-stop derring-do, this installment is by far my favorite of the three. It still lacks in character development, but the story kept me enraptured. I cared about the race's outcome, even though I knew how it would end. By the end of the book, I wanted more and was more than ready to see what would happen in the series finale.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Rome's major players are salivating over three mystical objects—Julius Caesar's bulla, the Malice of Mars, and the Jupiter Stone. With only certain people able to harness the items' power, Nic continues to be a pawn, pulled this way and that by a host of dangerous enemies. Not all of which are human. Exhausted by the constant battle that has become his life, Nic wants only to end it. He'll do what he must to save the Empire, keep those he loves safe, and secure his own freedom. Even if it means sacrificing his own life.
After binge-reading the first two books in the series, I wanted to know what would happen in Wrath of the Storm, the final installment. Despite the story having lots of action, though, I found myself growing bored as the tale just seemed redundant with the same ole capture, escape, threats to loved ones, surrender patterns. With nothing really original happening, I just wanted to get to the end. Would I have felt this way if I hadn't read the series so fast? Maybe not. Still. 
Overall, I liked this trilogy more than I thought I would, but I didn't love it. It boasts lots of action, which will keep readers engrossed. While the characters are engaging enough, they definitely need more development as, in the end, they remain pretty cliché and personality-less. None of them experiences much growth. The story also felt repetitious toward the end, which made it seem dull when it should have been most exciting. In the end, I enjoyed the trilogy, but didn't find it overly rave-worthy.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Wrath of the Storm from the generous folks at Scholastic. Thank you!
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Mutant Bunny Island Enjoyable in All Its Goofy Glory
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
If 10-year-old Perry Owens had his druthers, he'd spend all day every day reading comic books and gorging on junk food. Who needs nature? Or friends? Or an ordinary, mundane life in the real world where nothing exciting ever happens? Perry would rather imagine himself inside Ocean Blasterzoids, his favorite comic series. There's always something thrilling going on there.
When Perry finds a distress note inside the newest comic Uncle Zeke has sent in the mail, he's startled. The message doesn't say much, but it's pretty obvious that the man needs someone with Perry's unique skill set to help him. Traveling alone to Bunny Island, he soon realizes that something is very, very wrong in America's 37th Favorite Vacation Destination. Not only is Zeke missing, but his island home is covered in ... bunnies. Impossibly adorable, the cute little rabbits can almost distract one completely from the fact that a lot of strange things are going on. Almost. Perry vows to figure out what has happened to his uncle no matter what it takes. Can a comic book couch potato step up and become the kind of hero he's always imagined himself to be? Or will the overwhelming cuteness overload be the death of him—and everyone else on Bunny Island?
I'm not generally a fan of silly tales like Mutant Bunny Island by Obert Skye, so I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this zany mystery. It's wacky and campy and kooky and, overall, a lot of fun. A quick read with lots of engaging comic book-style illustrations (by Eduardo Vieira), Mutant Bunny Island will appeal to reluctant readers who dig graphic novels and fast-paced, easy-to-read adventure stories. I'm not sure I'll be seeking out more Obert Skye books (although his newest, Wizard for Hire, looks good), but I didn't end up hating this one like I thought I would. In fact, I quite liked it in all its goofy glory.
(Readalikes: Hm, I have no idea. Suggestions?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for some scary scenes
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Mutant Bunny Island from the generous folks at HarperCollins. Thank you!
Tuesday, February 06, 2018
Retribution Rails a Fun, Action-Packed Yarn
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: Although this review will not contain spoilers for Retribution Rails, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its companion novel, Vengeance Road. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
When aspiring journalist Charlotte Vaughn boards a train bound for Tucson, she does so with a determination to make her way as a reporter. If the 16-year-old can earn money for herself, she can save her mother from a disastrous marriage, keep her family's mine, and make sure she doesn't become a pawn in a crooked scheme cooked up by her greedy uncle. The last thing Charlotte expects from her train ride is to find herself in the middle of a breaking story. But that's what happens when a gang of outlaws robs the very locomotive on which she's riding.
Furious with the Rose Riders—especially the young, handsome one—Charlotte vows to use her keen observation skills to bring the criminals to justice. That prospect proves more difficult than it seems, especially when she finds herself held hostage by Reece Murphy, an 18-year-old Rose Rider who claims to be on the run from his outlaw pals. Charlotte doesn't believe that tall tale for a second—still, she could use a ride to Prescott and that's where Reece is heading. The two might not trust each other, but they do need each other. Forming an uneasy truce just may be the only way for both of them to get what they want. With enemies closing in from every direction, they'll have to rely on each other—whether they like it or not.
If you loved Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman (and I certainly did), you're going to adore Retribution Rails. While it's not exactly a sequel, the novel revisits the Wild West setting of its predecessor as well as some of its characters. Charlotte and Reece, the stars of Retribution Rails, are appealing in their own rights—both are sympathetic, brave, and loyal. Their story brims with action, making for a tense, exciting reading experience. With a vivid historical setting, an intriguing cast, and an action-packed plot, Retribution Rails offers a fun, enjoyable tale that makes a perfect companion for Vengeance Road. Give this series a read—you won't regret it.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and vague references to rape and prostitution
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Retribution Rails from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, February 03, 2018
Gold Seer Ender Offers a Smashing, Satisfying Finale to a Favorite Series
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Into the Bright Unknown, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from previous novels in the Gold Seer trilogy. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
Ever since she fled her home in Georgia, life has been one big adventure for Leah "Lee" Westfall. The 16-year-old has survived innumerable threats, accumulated more wealth than she could ever have imagined, and found a happy home among friends who feel more like family. Now that Glory has become a more established town, Lee's ready to settle down to a simple life with her childhood best friend and husband-to-be, Jefferson Kingfisher, by her side. Despite all the hardships she's been through, she's more content than she's ever been.
Of course, peace can never last in the Wild West. The riches Lee and her friends have made have attracted the attention of a greedy, unscrupulous billionaire. While the group from Glory is in San Francisco, he keeps a sharp, suspicious eye on Lee, making her fear that he knows her secret. With a mysterious companion whose uncanny abilities feel very familiar, James Henry Hardwick may be an even more sinister foe than Uncle Hiram. Several of Lee's friends have troubles of their own in The Golden City. Can the merry band survive their woes and make it back to Glory in one piece? After more trials and tribulations than any person should ever have to encounter, will Lee finally get her happily ever after?
It's no secret that I adore the Gold Seer books by Rae Carson. They're clean, exciting, well-crafted, and just all kinds of enjoyable. Into the Bright Unknown, the final installment in the trilogy, is no exception. It wraps up the series with a smashing, satisfying conclusion. My only complaint with it is that I'm now forced to say goodbye to these characters whom I've come to love so much. It's been a delightful ride and I cannot wait to see what Rae Carson does next.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, scenes of peril, mild sexual innuendo, and brief, non-graphic references to prostitution and rape
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Sixth Installment in Charming Action/Adventure Series As Enjoyable As All the Rest
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: Although this review will not contain spoilers for My Bonny Light Horseman, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Bloody Jack novels. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
Jacqueline "Jacky" Faber is no stranger to danger. In fact, it seems to follow the 16-year-old orphan wherever she goes. Although she's had a fine time being a ship's boy, a pirate, a riverboat captain, an entertainer, and a student at a fancy Boston school, it seems her life of adventure is about to come to an end—at the guillotine. She's in deep trouble and there seems to be no way out.
Luckily (or unluckily as the case may be), everything is not as it seems. By faking Jacky's death, British Intelligence is able to enlist her as a spy in the war against the French. Going undercover as a dancer in a seamy Parisian nightclub, her job is to flirt her way into the private lives of enemy soldiers, coaxing out secrets she can pass along to her own government. Jacky's not happy about taking such a big risk—both to her life and to her virtue—but it's the only way she can get her friends freed from prison. In her trademark fashion, Jacky soon finds an even more daring way to fight the French, one that will take her to the front lines, even into the presence of Napoléon Bonaparte himself. While Jacky's certainly gotten herself into some grand scrapes before, this one might be the most dangerous one of all. If she fails, her friends will surely rot in prison and "Bloody" Jack—the infamous, unforgettable pirate and adventurer—will be no more.
It's no secret that I'm mad about the Bloody Jack series by the late L.A. Meyer. I've loved every installment, each of which is full of humor, adventure, and charm. My Bonny Light Horseman, the sixth book, is no exception. It's exciting, fun, and just downright enjoyable. No surprise here, I adored it. I'm reading this series slowly, savoring every book, knowing that there will be no more. R.I.P., Mr. Meyer.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Bloody Jack series, including Bloody Jack; Curse of the Blue Tattoo; Under the Jolly Roger; In the Belly of the Bloodhound; Mississippi Jack; Rapture of the Deep; The Wake of the Lorelei Lee; The Mark of the Golden Dragon; Viva Jacquelina!; Boston Jacky; and Wild Rover No More)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of My Bonny Light Horseman with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
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