Fiction Addict

Dragons of the Watch  by Donita K. Paul

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Adventure

Publisher: Waterbrook Press

Publication Date: October 2011

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

Several years ago, Mrs. Paul introduced us to the world of Amara with The DragonKeeper series.  It was instant love. Two years ago, though, Mrs. Paul went back to a time before the Dragon Keeper with two of her characters, the wizard Fenworth and his librarian (and unwilling partner in crime) Librettowit. She tells of a time they hopped continents a place called Chiril who had never heard of Wulder, Paladins, dragons, or dragon keepers.

Book one of this new series, now called The Chiril Chronicles, was originally titled The Vanishing Sculptor but has been renamed The Dragons of Chiril, where we were introduced to the lovely emerlindian Tipper, an emerlindian prince named Jayrus, and a tumanhofer artist named Bealomondore. It’s through this band of oddball questers that Wulder is introduced to Chiril and a world literally coming apart. Book two, Dragons of the Valley, took us further in-country and into a plot of treason, enemy invasions, war, and a flavoring of a love triangle, wherein the cruel Oddidodex tries to take advantage of the outcome of the previous book.

Dragons of the Watch, however, is a bit of a different bird. It centers around the artist-turned-soldier, Bealomondore, a couple years after the war.  Now, I have to admit: Bealomondore has probably been my favorite throughout The Chiril Chronicles, and I’ve always felt he got a bit shortchanged in the previous installments (other characters’ faults, not Mrs. Paul’s).  He’s a lover first and a fighter second, reserved and comfortable with his sketchpad. By Dragons of the Watch, though, dear Bealomondore has transformed from starving artist to well-renowned sculptor, painter, military hero, statesman, and friend of Prince Jayrus and Princess Tipper.

We’re introduced first, however, to the female lead of this story, Ellicinderpart (Ellie), a tumanhofer goatherdess  living in the hills some distance from the Amber City. She’s a sweet, determined little thing with a big heart. Her family receives an invitation to the royal wedding, and her aunt and uncle agree (or, rather, insist) to take her.  No sooner have they started out, though, then one of the goats gets loose, and she’s got to get him back on her father’s land. Ellie hops off the wagon, intending to rejoin her aunt and uncle in a few hours, and then finds herself inside an invisible, enchanted glass bottle in a giant city, being chased by giant six-year-olds.  A dashing, slightly gruff, young man saves her from these rude enemies. Oh, yes, it’s Bealomondore, also headed to the wedding, also trapped, and hiding in a giant library. And that’s just the beginning.

Again, Mrs. Paul creates fully developed, lovely characters and spins a dense story laced with themes of justice and mercy, honor, and family.  She’s always been elegant in her ability to weave truth naturally into a story, and she does so this time, too. Reading her books is much like visiting with an old friend, and I look forward to whatever she’s got next.

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, unabridged CDs
Publication Date: June 21, 2011/CD  July 17, 2007/paperback
Reviewed by P.J. Coldren

In this continuation of the Dragon Keepers series, Kale has grown up some and is now married to Bardon.  They have been blissfully ignoring the world around them for a while as they celebrate their marriage and get to know each other better.  It has been a wonderful time for them and now they have to come back into their real world, which isn’t going as well as they’d like.

Amara is threatened by an evil couple, married to each other and not the happiest couple to come down the pike.  Paladin is very ill, perhaps dying.  Amara, as many countries have done in bad times, hopes that if they ignore the evil threatening them, it will just go away all by itself.  Paladin gives Kale and Bardon their missions.  Already Kale is upset; she doesn’t want to be separated from Bardon.  Their connection is deep, and she is afraid that being apart will change that.  She is also unhappy about having to work with her father, a man she barely knows and is not at all sure she trusts completely.

Bardon has his mission, too.  He is also working with people he doesn’t know well, and misses his wife.  He’s not sure her father knows how to handle her, and Bardon thinks he has a lock on that skill.  He does trust Paladin, however, and is sure that good will triumph.  At least he really hopes so.

Paul has, as in previous books, a definite message to send.  Those looking for Christian concepts won’t have to look very hard to find them.  Paul has the grace not to beat the reader over the head, always a pleasant surprise.  Grafton does an excellent job reading this story, as she did with the previous book I listened to on CD.

Caveat Emptor: Obviously fantasy, but nothing else.

Review copy purchased by reviewer.

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Publisher: Baen Books
Publication Date: October 2011
Reviewed by P.J. Coldren

Stephanie Harrington is a very bright eleven-year-old, an only child.  She and her parents are recent (as these things go) settlers on Planet Sphinx in the Manticore Binary Star System.  Her parents are scientists and allow her considerable freedom, but not nearly as much as she’d like.  Something to do with hexapumas and peak bears.  She’s tired of being indoors, or of having to deal with months and months and months of snow.  She just wants to have a little freedom.

Her parents suggest, in an off-hand kind of way, that she try to find out what has been sneaking into the greenhouse and stealing all the celery.  Celery, of all things!  Still, it’s something to do, and Stephanie is convinced that she’s seen the creature – and it’s not something she’s seen before.  She’s right.  It is, at least in human terms, a treecat.  A sentient being.  The first anyone on Sphinx has encountered; the first anyone on any settled planet has encountered.  This presents Stephanie and her family, as well as the treecats, with a great many problems.

David Weber, if his list of prior publications has any bearing on it, has been writing for a while.  It shows.  His ability to build a character is quite good.  The setting is given to the reader a little at a time, so that by the end of A Beautiful Friendship readers have a good idea of what makes up Sphinx.  The story is believable, as is the plot.  Involved parents can find many sources for discussion.  Peer pressure?  Got it.  Gifted children dealing with a world not always accepting of their gifts?   Got it.  The ramifications of xenophobia?  Got it.  Negative and positive ways to deal with new things?  So got it.  The possibility of more books to come?  One can only hope.

Caveat Emptor: Some violence, mostly off-screen (as it were)

Review Copy provided by The Amazon Vine program

Genre: Historical Noir Crime

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publication Date: September 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

Turn of the century Detroit, Michigan was once called the New Paris. But by 1911, it is a town embroiled in wars between the visionary owners of the fledgling automobile industry, mob sponsored unions, and corrupt law enforcement. Finding himself at the center of everything is Will Anderson whose family owns the Anderson Electric Car Company.

Motor City Shakedown by D.E. Johnson continues Will Anderson’s story begun in The Detroit Electric Scheme. In that installment, Will and his fiancée barely survived a vicious encounter with crime boss Vito Adamo. The aftermath was the murder of Will’s best friend, a disfigured hand, horrible pain, and a nasty morphine addiction.

We pick up Will’s story here as he finds himself suspect for a murder he did not commit. The DA and police are convinced Will carried out a murder of revenge and there a few willing to take his side. As Will awaits trial for months, his family’s company teeters on the edge of bankruptcy and the mob, using the unions, looks to take control.

A trial that seems all but lost comes to a sudden end and Will is released. But he is far from free. What ensues is a classic noir story of crime bosses putting the squeeze on an innocent man caught in the middle. With the lives of his former fiancée and his family at stake, Will soon comes to believe the enemy of his enemy may be the best ally he has.

Author, D.E. Johnson, spins a thrilling story of the Motor City a century ago.  His description of characters and settings captures the essence of a city and population in a headlong dash toward both wealth and the price they will pay for it. Civic corruption, labor unions, organized crime, violent teenage gangs, and families intent on remaining united and strong combine to make the perfect platform for the story of one man’s determination to survive against all odds.

Historically based novels are always a tricky affair. Balancing story and plot with factual intrusions require a skilled writer and Johnson proves to be just that person. He does a great job of including recognizable and historic figures like Henry Ford, William Anderson of Detroit Electric, Edsel Ford, and Vito Adamo (Detroit’s first crime boss) in a story line that is seamless. Will Anderson is the perfect flawed hero. With all of his faults, failures, and addictions, you will root for him all the way as he puts his life on the line to avenge the murder of his friend and protect his family at all costs from the crime ridden labor unions.

As one might expect in this kind of story, there is a good deal of graphic violence and some decidedly non-family friendly language. But if you love a rousing good crime story where you learn something about another time in the process, Motor City Shakedown is an excellent read indeed.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Comedy

Publisher: Salt River (Tyndale)

Publication Date: September 2011

Reviewed by Josh Olds

Matt Mikalatos has a problem. His neighbor is a werewolf. Honestly, it really isn’t his problem. The real problem when his adventure begins is the zombies that are chasing him. But they’re just zombies, so they’re dispatched easily enough. Matt’s a good guy and he’s devoted himself to helping other people, so he’ll stop at nothing to help Luther Martin get his life back on track and eviscerate his inner wolf…which leads him to some interesting characters.

Matt and Luther decide that the best way to get rid of the wolf is to go to church—Christians live redeemed lives, after all, right? Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Or at least that’s what the good book says. But there’s something wrong with the church. Something’s amiss. The people don’t seem to think here, but just mindlessly believe what they’re taught. The people of the church soon begin manifesting their zombieness and are soon after Matt and Luther’s brains.

After a series of similar (mis)adventures that hold scattered insight into the transformed life of the Christian, Luther is finally faced with the only way to rid himself of the beast within. For I am crucified with Christ, and I no longer live. But that would require facing the father he hates and the death of the spirit he loves.

Through it all Matt discovers a series of monsters ranging from the unthinking zombie hordes, to werewolves who struggle to control their base desires, to vampires who put their needs before the needs of others. Matt even discovers a bit of the monster inside himself. The Night of the Living Dead Christian is a humorous, campy monster parody/allegory that combines both fiction and non-fiction to ask the question: What does a transformed life really look like? Ranging from wildly absurd and hilarious to deeply serious and thought-provoking, Matt Mikalatos’s newest novel (following Imaginary Jesus) is a blending of genre to create a unique reading experience.

The idea of humanity as monsters isn’t a new one. Some of the great classic novels of the horror genre were meant to teach us about the shortcomings of our own natures. But the Mikalatos twist of making it humorous and campy really makes the novel. Once I got used to the writing style and the fact Mikalatos doesn’t always take himself seriously—and once I saw Mikalatos’s themes wouldn’t be so much implicit but overblown to be obvious—I was able to really enjoy his novel.

Don’t be expecting a serious treatise or a serious novel from The Night of the Living Dead Christian, but do expect to come away with some serious thoughts. Amid the humor, Mikalatos manages to ask some deep and relevant questions about what it means to be a Christian.

Genre: Legal / Horror

Publisher: Pinnacle

Publication Date: August 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

Mallory Caine is a lawyer with a taste for intelligence in her men.  She goes for the brainy college types- especially the brain portion.  Being a zombie will do that to you.  But Ms. Caine isn’t your average, stiff-armed, head-cocked, moaning zombie.  No, a healthy dose of night cream applied liberally every morning helps keep the decomposing flesh at bay.

Mallory is not a zombie without a conscience, either.  Every life, every meal haunts her.  But she must feed in order to keep the fraction of life she has.  Otherwise, she would die without her soul, and she can’t do that.  No, Mallory must stay alive in order to find out who murdered her, who turned her into the monster she is now, and why.  Is there any cure for being a zombie?  Pay Me In Flesh puts a whole new spin on leading a double life, with its main character trying to make her living by defending in the court of law and getting her meals by picking up men on the street.

It’s tough to catch a break in a city like L.A., especially when Mallory is hearing voices and constantly getting dive-bombed by birds.  Things get complicated when her vampire friend Traci Ann is framed for murder- a murder that Mallory knows her client didn’t commit.  How does she know this?  Because Mallory herself was responsible for the policeman’s death.  When Mallory decides to defend the shape-shifting supernatural, she must go head to head with her ex-boyfriend and prosecutor, Aaron Argula, in a battle of wits and desire.  Whether the desire stems from hunger or passion, Mallory couldn’t say.

As she progresses, Mallory must deal with a corrupt system of police, lawyers, and judges who thwart her at every turn.  At night, the battle rages on to a fight for her undead life against a sword-swinging, head-slicing zealot with a vendetta against zombies.  Will Mallory be able to defend her friend without revealing her own secrets? A wry read, the story dips and twists at every turn, keeping the elusive conclusion just out of sight.  The gore is kept at minimum, with our heroine using her trusty hook-nosed pick instead of the traditional zombie method of biting.

The book promises more to come, as Mallory Caine’s story is far from over at the end.  She has yet to solve her own murder, or come to any sort of resolution with her ex or the green-eyed detective that she quarrels regularly with.  Pay Me In Flesh will keep you intrigued until the end, with its wit and unpredictable plot.

K. Bennett displays a broad knowledge of his home city, Los Angeles, as well as the law profession he once worked in.  This is his first zombie book, following his bestsellers Deadlock and Try Fear, published under a name familiar to many, James Scott Bell.

Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy

Publisher: Backlit Fiction

Publication Date: November 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Zoe Calder just wants to survive high school. To make it past the snobby girls who constantly laugh behind her back, or perhaps to find at least one guy worth dating. But so far, it’s been rough going, and she’s just looking forward to the end of her junior year. Because then she’ll join her aunt and uncle in Greece on an archaeological dig. But there is something much more dangerous waiting for Zoe than a few petty high school jerks. Destiny is calling, and it has terrible things in store for her. When Zoe is sent back in time to ancient Greece, she discovers the Greek gods are real. And some of them are just as petty as high schoolers. The only problem is, when a powerful Greek goddess is bent on Zoe’s destruction, the only thing to hope for is a quick and painless death.

Audrey Hart’s The Dig: Zoe and Zeus is the first installment in a three part series, and it definitely starts off perfectly. Hart brings us the most original and probably most fun look at Greek mythology in a long time. I would say her interpretation of the Greek gods and goddesses is better even than Rick Riordan’s take in the Percy Jackson books. She takes the whole cast of them, Zeus, Athena, Hera, and nine others, and turns them into teenagers with emotions, fears, and hormones.

The story is told from Zoe’s perspective, and she has become one of my favorite female characters in a fantasy novel. She’s funny and highly relatable – someone who’s always on the fringes of the group and an underdog. But then she finds herself on a crazy journey back in time. At first she only wants to get home, but later begins to appreciate the adventure she’s on. Most characters put in similar situations only whine about wanting to get home, but Zoe is tough and wants to try and figure things out. It’s a lot of fun to root for her as she battles monsters, outwits crazed goddesses and begins to fall in love.

The chapters are short and quick, and the whole book is pretty easily read. Hart keeps things light, but doesn’t shy away from some darker moments that really shine. Hart has a wonderful grasp of Greek mythology, and uses and twists it in good ways to suit the story. Frequently, she introduces things like the Minotaur, or nymphs, or other creatures, and they play their parts in the story in a natural way. It never felt like a Percy Jackson adventure with random encounters with vicious monsters. Each encounter plays a part to unfold the plot.

Some of the best moments are Zoe explaining life to the reader. Often, she’ll use her time at boarding school as ways to explain what’s happening to her. Some were downright funny, and others were sobering. The story ends up being a blend of fantasy adventure with touches of teenage drama. The mix is good, and the drama never overloads the story or becomes obnoxious.

Readers who enjoy a good Greek mythology story will definitely have some of the best fun they’ve had on Mount Olympus with The Dig: Zoe and Zeus. Others who enjoy coming-of-age tales will have something to like as well. Overall, I can’t imagine Hart giving us a better first entry. And that said, be warned: the ending escalates and leaves the reader waiting for the next installment. It can’t come too soon.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Drama

Publisher: Howard Books

Publication Date: September 2011

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Two years ago Beth received the news that turned her life upside down. Her son, James, went missing while saving the life of a fellow soldier on a mission in Afghanistan. Beth has refused to give up hope and continues to send James letters, despite the advice to “move on” from those around her. Each day brings more struggles, making it harder to hold on and harder to believe. As Beth and family strive to cope with their heartache, she finds solace in the letters from war her son has written.

Travis Thrasher teams up with Dove Award winning artist Mark Schultz to breather new life into Schultz’s 2003 hit song, Letters from War. Thrasher’s writing style mixes perfectly with this touching message of hope and sacrifice that so many American military families can relate to. The timeline bounces around between James’s old letters and Beth’s ongoing letters, with the present day narrative couched between. Thrasher is no stranger to time altering storytelling and he handles these transitions easily, both making the story easy to follow and hard to put down.

Letters from War accomplishes much more than just re-telling the story from a popular song. As a matter of fact, even if you’ve never heard the song or seen the music video you will be moved by the unwavering faith of a soldier’s mother and the honor of a son setting out to fight for his country. The story is balanced out well with some glimpses into James’s relationship with his wife and son, and the emotional rift between Beth and her daughter, Emily. Each is hurting in their own way and their reactions never come across as manufactured for the sake of a good drama.

Thrasher and Schultz bring us an emotional ride to be sure, but one that will warm the heart and remind us all of the sacrifices our soldiers make each and every day to ensure our freedom.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: January 2009

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Angela Cardenas is one of the worst. She’s been kicked out of school after school and gotten into more trouble than she’s worth. At least that’s how her parents think of her. So with nothing else to do, they decide to send Angela to Hidden Oak, a school tucked away in the snowy Colorado mountains. The staff is ready to be tough and make Angela into a model citizen. No matter what it takes. Only as Angela goes from her classes to strange group therapy to breeding, she’s beginning to wonder if it’s not the students who are dangerous, but the staff. Something is going on at Hidden Oak, and now, with the few friends she can find, Angela vows to find out what is going on behind all the closed doors. The only thing is, how long will she be able to survive? Because the closer she noses to the truth, the closer she is to being hidden away. Forever.

Eliot Schrefer has put together a highly intriguing novel in The School For Dangerous Girls. All the students at the school have either been in trouble with the law, or just never rose to their parents expectations, or have some inner demon chasing them down. And so they have been sent to Hidden Oak in a last ditch effort to rehabilitate them. The mystery begins from the first pages, as Angela arrives in Colorado. Things don’t seem to go well for her as she tries to rebel against the set-up authorities in her new life. It’s apparent something very dangerous is happening throughout the school: like what happened to all the abandoned buildings? Where are people disappearing to? What is this school really all about? And who is the mysterious headmistress no one ever sees?

Questions swirl around throughout the book, and just as some things are solved, others are introduced, creating new levels of paranoia for the main characters. Angela leads off the cast as the questioning rebel, who just wants to figure out what is really going on. She really drives the novel, and everything centers around her. She’s brazen, but funny, and definitely fits the mold of dangerous. A lot of her actions near the beginning of the book go beyond simple angry rebellion. But she grows, and doesn’t even realize as she begins to turn her life around and use her bravery for something other than sticking it to the authorities. Some typical characters bleed into the novel, with wallflower Carmen and leader-punk Juin, but they revolve around Angela so well it ends up working.

There isn’t necessarily a lot of action in the plot. The story weaves in and out and sets up more scenes where the reader is wondering if the girls will get caught or escape. There is some gang-type violence near the end of the book, and some of the violent moments are somewhat gory. But it fits the tone and the atmosphere as Schrefer approaches some very dark subject matter. This is definitely a YA book with some language littered throughout, and heavy themes of abuse in various forms come up often.

Fans of mystery novels with an edgy twist will definitely enjoy The School For Dangerous Girls. It kept me up, wondering exactly what would happen next, and even delivered a couple of pretty frightening revelation moments. Near the end, things go a little sideways, but Schrefer manages to bring it back around. Almost a grittier Tower Prep, this book is one you’ll want to finish for that book report. Because you never know what your teacher might do if you don’t…

Review copy provided by Amazon Vine Program.

Genre: Drama

Publisher: Word of Mouth Books

Publication Date: October 2009

Reviewed by Chrystal Dorsey    

Holler At The Moon is a stimulating descriptive, though sometimes bittersweet, dramatic novel.  This story definitely offers a heavy slant towards the importance of family, friendships, love, and loyalty – which I’m certain readers will enjoy.

As ghastly as it was, this story is not just about three young sisters witnessing the murder of their mother at the hands of their father.  It is about the trials and tribulations that they suffer following the senseless act committed by their father. It is about three sisters who are seemingly delightful, talented, and gifted individuals, and who in spite of their youth must somehow triumph over adversity. But is it possible for them to do so, or has their fate already been sealed by the dreadful situation and the blood that runs through their innocent veins?

The author’s skill, imagination, and gifted storytelling provide a captivating story for readers. The realism of this story is what makes it heartfelt, yet frightening because it is the life-story far too many children live daily.  And it’s certain that more than just a few readers will be able to identify family, friends, or even themselves  depicted throughout the pages of this challenging story – and because of this or in spite of it, this story will cause readers to, laugh, become angry,  and even want to cry.

Tinesha Davis manages to dab a bit of humor throughout the novel as she tells a horrific tale of the abandonment the girls experienced and the never ending grief they suffered, as well as the horror they were made to endure at the hands of those that were suppose to love and protect them. However, the strength that the main female characters continued to maintain throughout and in spite of their horrendous circumstances is to be admired.

The three Jackson sisters are separated, and must live hard lives far away from each other. The oldest Jackson sister, Dominique is sent to Virginia to live with her father’s cousin Rhanda.  Unfortunately, Rhanda’s home is absent of any type of love and Dominique seeks comfort elsewhere. Unable to grieve so she can embrace her past, Dominique finds herself on a destructive path.   Dominique later becomes a well adjusted twenty-five year old professional, living a seemingly perfect life…or so it seems – she’s in love with a man who once saved her, but is now threatening to destroy her.  Will she be able to break free from him in time?

The middle Jackson sister, Donya  was sent to live with her father’s sister, Aunt Chuck, and tries hard to keep in touch with Dominique and look after her younger sister,  Damita.  But as a young teen Donya is forced to leave her Aunt’s house and falls into troublesome circumstances, and has to claw her way from living on the streets to being a self-made Bohemian whose life becomes filled with rainbows and dance.  But then she finds herself stuck in the middle of two disasters and not certain which she should try to resolve.

And then there’s the youngest of the Jackson sisters, Damita, who is also sent to live with Aunt Chuck; and learns quickly that in order to survive she must gravitate and become indispensable to the only person left in her immediate circle, and that is Aunt Chuck – another mean character who needs Damita to run errands, that her obesity won’t allow her to handle.  Damita becomes a fast-talking, straight-A high school student with a serious sarcastic wit and an attitude and temper inherited of her father and his desire to resolve issues by any physical means necessary. She is an intellect with a promising future, but will she allow her hot-headed ways to ruin her the way her father allowed his to ruined him?

Author Tinesha Davis displays a writing talent that is so polished that it is difficult to believe, Holler At The Moon is her debut novel.  The story was awesome, and I believe that readers will find this book to be an enjoyable and fascinating read, so if you haven’t had the pleasure of reading this book, be certain to pick up a copy before the sequel, Twice On Sundays hits the stands.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Suspense/Thriller

Publisher: Little, Brown, and Co.

Publication Date: October 2011

Reviewed by Melody Ballard

The Outlaw Album is classic noir with rural flavor.  This anthology of twelve stories is filled with the same twists and turns as an Ozark river.  Without exception, as we journey through the minds of madness, eerie and unsettling footprints mark our journey.

In “Uncle”, we feel the terror of a young girl faced with a nightmare existence as her uncle continues his rampage of rape, murder and unimaginable terror.  We look through her eyes as she journeys to her breaking point, and the inevitable conclusion of her nightmare.

In “Returning the River” we are able to relish the sweet taste of vengeance and   savor every moment of pursuit as our victim Harky desperately tries to avoid his inevitable fate.  We thrill at the chase but are left with an almost disappointing resolution upon its completion.

“The Horse in our History” leaves us curiously unsettled as calliopes of recollections converge to paint a picture that captures the disjointed events of a specific period of time.  Or do they?  The uncanny nature of this story leaves our mind churning to find semblance where none is to be found.

Perhaps the most disturbing story of all is the one presented at the beginning of The Outlaw Album. “The Echo of Neighborly Bones” is filled with a curiously calm but vengeful rage that mingles with tenderness as a husband avenges the death of his wife’s dog. The first two sentences set the tone for not only this story, but all the others.  “Once Boshell finally killed his neighbor he couldn’t seem to quit killing him. He killed him again whenever he felt unloved or blue or simply had empty hours facing him.”

Throughout these twelve tales (The Echo of Neighborly Bones; Uncle; Twin Forks; Florianne: Black Step; Night Stand; Two Things; The Horse in Our History; Woe to Live On; Dream Spot; One United; and Returning the River) runs a curious logic intermingled with desperation and violence. Somehow the dark, twisted, chilling events and the extraordinary actions of ordinary people seem curiously plausible.  The Outlaw Album is an amazing collection of eerie stories that is sure to not disappoint fans with an appetite for unnerving suspense.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi

Publisher:  Putnam Adult

Publication Dates: Sept 13, 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twitchell

Eve Dallas is a woman of strength, courage and above all, honor. These are not traits that she learned during her childhood or her formative years. Instead, they’re traits picked up, honed and sharpened to a deadly point in the years since becoming a police officer. And each and every one of them are about to be tested.

On her rookie assignment, just out of the academy, Eve had the misfortune to come across Isaac McQueen, a sick, foul and deeply disturbed man whose favorite hobby was taking young girls, using and abusing them and then killing them. He also kept careful track of each one with a number carved into their chests. Dallas was baptized by fire with the McQueen case and she was beyond relieved when she was able to put him away. Now years later, Dallas is a seasoned homicide detective –the best on the force. But it still rattles her to the core when she discovers that McQueen has escaped prison and that he’s got a personal vendetta against her. More concerned for the others in the case than herself, Dallas dives headfirst into the investigation with her team and loved ones all close around her for support. Little does she know that the case that pushed her to be the exceptional cop that she is today is about to
take an even darker and more personal turn than she’d thought possible.

McQueen, knowing just enough of Eve’s past to be dangerous, takes his talents to Dallas which requires Eve to leave behind her comfort zone and go back to the place where she earned her name. With Roarke in tow to keep her safe, Eve throws herself heavy and hard into bringing McQueen down.

Just when I think that J.D. Robb has taken me everywhere she can with Eve Dallas, another layer is pulled back, revealing more depth and history for an already complex and well beloved character. This book brought Eve, Roarke, and everyone around them to a new level of intrigue, danger.  Mixed through it all Eve has to deal with a lot of self introspection. How did she become the woman she is today? How did she evolve? Is it something wrapped in her DNA or is it choices she made along the way?

I loved this book. I had only just decided that Robb’s earlier outing Treachery in Death, was my favorite Dallas book but now, Robb has handed me a dilemma. Rich with backstory and history of Dallas and the struggles of everyone around her on how best to protect and love her, this book opened up my favorite characters and gave me even more respect for each of them. I could not read this book quickly enough and have already recommended it time and time again to people that I know would love it. Though it’s heavy in backstory, you can still enjoy the murder mystery without knowing all of the fine details of Dallas’ early life. If you have read any books though, and are a Dallas/Roarke fan like myself, this book will tear your heart out, stomp on it, and then slowly piece it back together and hand to you completely remade.

If you like murder mysteries, futuristic books or romance, this one’s for you.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: New American Library – Penguin Group
Publication Date: April 2011
Reviewed by Chrystal Dorsey

Lynne Bryant grew up in rural New Hope, Mississippi – outside of Columbus – and admits she had little interaction with “Black folks”, yet it was not until she reached adulthood and moved away, that she became intrigued with the history of her hometown and her obliviousness of the issues of race raging around her and uses many of the events as inspiration for her debut novel, Catfish Alley.

Catfish Alley is about a White woman in the South whose research into local Black history introduces her to several elderly Black women, and their stories of tragedy and endurance in the days before Civil Rights. In Clarksville, Mississippi, Blacks and Whites live largely separate lives, and racial prejudice maintains a powerful hold.  Although she claims not to have a self-serving motive, Roxanne Reeves didn’t take on the task of adding African-American history to the town’s famous annual Antebellum House tour, because she had an interest in, or some deep desire to examine Black history, no, she did it so that she could get the contract to do the restoration at Riverview  – the most beautiful property in Clarksville. Not only would it be a feather in Roxanne’s cap, but the money she’d earn from getting the contract  to restore it, would be substantial.  However, she thought it was going to be some simple little list of places that Grace Clark would come up with and they’d be done- Roxanne never thought she would get so pulled into their lives and their history.

Catfish Alley is a story involving Grace Clark, a retired Black schoolteacher who mysteriously owns one of the grand plantations of Clarksville.  She becomes Roxanne’s guide to undistinguished places that are sacred to the Black community because of what happened there – even a senseless photographed hanging used as an initiation into the Klan.  Grace and a few of her friends share stories of the past, especially 1931, when they were young, happy and full of hopeful promise – yet a racist’s hatred for Grace’s brother, Zero, led to events that changed all their lives, and continued to touch people decades later.  Bryant manages to do a good job of maintaining the White characters’ tone of entitlement throughout the novel with ease; and sadly during this journey much is revealed about how the majority, if not all of the Black characters suffer terrible tragedies at the hands of White people. Yet they continue to pursue their personal dreams, refusing to allow grief and loss to make them bitter, resentful or angry.

Books of this nature generally depict Blacks living with the expectation that law enforcement would offer little if any protection against violence so they try not to make waves or seek help against their oppressors – but instead opt for the old turn-the-other-cheek mentality, and Lynne Bryant vividly expresses how her characters in Clarksville, Mississippi are content to preserve the status quo.  In the beginning chapters, the multiple points of view, and multiple time periods are slightly distracting, but evidently the reader can become accustomed to it and follow along easily, as the author’s writing skill kicks in and demonstrates how  she can readily maintain the flow quite well.

As Bryant wraps up the story, Roxanne and Del have gained a whole new perspective about the Black community in Clarksville Roxanne so easily dismissed, and her life opens up in unexpected ways;  thereby making Catfish Alley a somewhat heartwarming story of hope, self-discovery, and friendship.

This book contains extreme racially offensive content, strong language, and descriptions of horrible scenes of White brutality.  This book can also be considered extremely insulting and a challenge for anyone, but more so if the reader is African American.

That said,  I’m not certain if there was a need for yet another derogatory book written by a White woman about Blacks in Mississippi – after all,  The Help managed to stir up enough controversy surrounding this subject to last the readers for quite some time.  The two books may not be exact in their content, but they are not far off the mark from one another.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Romance / Historical Fiction

Publisher: Doubleday

Publication Date: October 2011

Reviewed by Jen Roman

After being abruptly dumped by her childhood love, Gideon, Mattie Eash leaves her home in Apple Ridge, PA, to Berlin, OH. She rebuilds her life around a bakery, which is famous for her decorated cakes. She also finds a new steady, Sol. Unfortunately, her bakery is destroyed by a fire and she is forced to go home to stay with her family until the bakery can be rebuilt. Being at home again is wonderful, until she sees Gideon interacting with the English girls. She believes he is establishing a romantic relationship with this new girl until she learns the horrible truth: he dumped her when he found out he had a rare form of leukemia and didn’t want her to have to deal with the knowledge and his possible death. He believed he was setting her free to find a new love.

Woodsmall demonstrates her knowledge of the Amish world by the peppering of Amish words in the conversations and shows how idyllic life in the Amish community can be. She also shows the hardships and support the community shares. The story itself is not new, but it is charming and simple. This one is particularly charming because it occurs at Christmas, and readers get to feel that special Christmas magic. The characters are likeable, and even though Gideon breaks Mattie’s heart, the reader still feels sympathy for his situation. The only drawback is that Amish families are so big, it is hard to keep the characters and their relationships with one another straight. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the large families offer opportunities for more stories. The book, at only 189 pages, is a quick and easy read. For those tempted by the descriptions of Mattie’s famous cakes, there are some recipes at the back of the book.

Because the book is about the Plain folk, who live upstanding, decent lives, this book doesn’t contain any offensive language or sexual situations. Teens are just as likely to enjoy this book as adults because it is a sweet romance that is not inappropriate. In fact, it takes us to a time when dating and courtship involve a lot of interacting and getting to know one another. This book would make a good read for anyone interested in romance and the Amish way of life.

Genre: Young Adult / Children’s

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks

Publication Date: May 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

The War is all any adult will talk about. How the War has changed everything: ID bracelets must be worn by everyone. No longer do miles of shopping centers line the highways busy with traffic. Places once thought safe aren’t anymore. And now Louisa’s parents feel they have one choice left: Send their daughter to Country Manor School — where she will be safe. At first, Louisa loves the new school – she even manages to set aside her new friend Evelyn’s crazy conspiracy theories about the place. But then, strange things are happening. And now, Louisa begins to wonder… if Country Manor is so good… can it really be true? But no matter what question she asks, all she hears is: “It’s for your safety.” Soon Louisa’s only question becomes: exactly how safe is she?

Behind The Gates, book one in Eva Gray’s new series, Tomorrow Girls, opens things out slowly. Most of the novel read like a contemporary high-school type drama. There’s the preppy girls looking down on everyone else, there’s the more nerdy types, and there are those just trying to blend in with the wallpaper. What really changes things up is the underlying intrigue Gray lays down. Throughout the book, it appears something strange is going on as Louisa and her friends go through classes, some normal, and others teaching the girls basic survival skills. And while Louisa doesn’t buy into all these conspiracy theories about the school’s sinister motives, there’s enough to keep the reader wondering.

Louisa is a fairly typical character: she has fears, questions, and worries just like anybody else. What does make her interesting though is how Louisa isn’t the girl worrying about the school. She’s just trying to forget the terrible things happening in the world while trying to stay afloat with classes and friends and popularity. Most books like this would have been written from the paranoid character’s perspective, making this one a bit refreshing.

The story moves along swiftly, and by the end, there are a few good plot twists that leave the series wide open for book two to pick things up. Gray has definitely created a fascinating future world where resources are scarce, and people can’t really be trusted. More secrets will be unveiled as time unravels in the series.

Behind The Gates is a quick read perfect for fans of shows like Cartoon Network’s Tower Prep or books about boarding schools. This story ends up as an interesting take on the dystopian fad running strong in YA literature. And it’s definitely a worthy addition.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Genre: Young Adult / Children’s

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Publication Date: February 2009

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Alex Taylor didn’t think much of the strange looking bookshop. But then there was the blinking sign. The wooden, hand-painted blinking sign. The sign that kept telling him to come inside. As soon as Alex walks through the door, his life changes forever. Questions he’s always had will be answered: who is he? Why does the “real” world feel so strange? Who are his parents? Alex discovers another world: a place where he can travel with elves and dwarfs, and face countless danger and adventure. And now Alex has his first quest: Find an evil dragon’s lair and rescue the hoard of gold. The only problem is: no one has ever come back alive from a quest to the dragon’s rotting domain. On all accounts, this adventure is a not much more than a death sentence.

Mark Forman’s debut book, Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog’s Gold, is a pretty fun, adventure story, with some heavy borrows from The Hobbit and RPG-esque ideas. The story world is firmly rooted in high fantasy with trolls, goblins, wizards, dwarfs, elves, and quests. I wondered about this book for a while: would I be inwardly groaning over the obvious similarities to other fantasy titles of the past? Or would Forman manage to pull his own weight and give us something fun and exciting to follow? As I read, many of the plot devices and elements reminded me heavily of The Hobbit, but the writing drew me in. Forman keeps things moving along at a steady pace, and there are mysteries and questions to be answered unique to the world he’s created.

Alex is a fairly typical and straightforward character – he doesn’t know who his parents are, or who he really is. And as he begins to discover the secrets surrounding his life, he humbly embraces them. This aspect of Alex’s character won me over. A lot of characters traveling from the “real world” to a fantasy world end up whining their entire way through their journeys. Those characters question things in a very grating way and just want to get home. Alex, however, is different. He starts out wondering what is happening around him, but not in a whiny-sort of way. And slowly we can see his wide-eyed wonder at the magical world he’s stumbled into.

Forman doesn’t drag us into long and drawn-out descriptions either, which was definitely a plus. It didn’t take long to get to the action or the mystery. And by the novel’s end, he delivers a couple of interesting twists that made me excited for the second book. There’s also the interesting dose of RPG elements into the book from the use of inventory-holding magic bags to the dividing of gold based on a character’s adventurer level.

All this said, the book did feel like a more modern-day telling of The Hobbit, and die-hard fans of Tolkien will definitely turn up their noses here. Being a fan of The Hobbit myself, I wondered if by the end I was going to be annoyed or not, but I was surprised to have really enjoyed the book as a fun epic fantasy that didn’t feel dragged through the mud in description or utter clichés.

Fans of Brandon Mull’s Beyonders series would do well to pick up Slathbog’s Gold and check it out in between books. Light-hearted readers of fantasy will definitely enjoy this adventurous romp through magical worlds and into the very mouth of danger.

Book purchased by reviewer.

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Entangled

Publication Date: November 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo 

Adrenaline junkie, Deznee Cross has one goal in life, to make her father as angry as possible. So when she stumbles across a boy near the river embankment, she takes him home. However, Kale isn’t a normal teenager. The simplest things fascinate him and he avoids contact acting like his touch is lethal. When her father returns home pointing a gun in their direction, Deznee realizes that there is more to this strange boy and to her “lawyer” father than she ever imagined.

Now on the run with Kale, Deznee’s life goes from worrying about where she’ll find her next adrenaline high or wild party to how she can stay alive. In the process, her strength and courage will be tested as her life is turned upside down and everything Deznee thought she knew will be taken from her.

X-Men meets Twilight (minus the vampires and werewolves!) in Jus Accardo’s debut novel, “Touch,” the first book in the Denazen Series. Deznee is the typical ignored daughter acting up to get daddy’s attention. Kale is the tortured, naïve boy that gives her a new outlook on life.

“Touch” is a fast-paced thriller that keeps the adrenaline pumping and the pages turning. This is a book that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories with mutants and villains. That being said, while it is clearly written for a younger audience, mature content keeps me from recommending this book especially to those on the lower end of the young adult spectrum. Readers should be aware of some vulgar language, underage drinking, and sex before picking up this novel. Though all of them may be part of many teenagers’ daily lives, I cannot, with a clear conscious, recommend a book that contains these to a young audience. They were not necessary for the plot and the lack of vulgar language, drinking, and sex would have made the novel both YA adult friendly and more about romance than lust.

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: November 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Malcolm is a loser. At least according to all the others: the jocks, the cheerleaders, the perfect people who surround him every day. He’s gliding through life, just trying to make it through. The past haunts him in many ways, and until now he’s never shared the truth with another living soul. For three days, Malcolm disappeared completely. Most people think he just lost it and wandered into the middle of the desert on purpose. But Malcolm knows: he was left there. After being taken by aliens. He never thought anyone would believe him: until he met Hooper, a strange man with strange secrets. Soon, Malcolm and the only people he would ever call friends, head out deep into the desert to discover the truth about Malcolm and Hooper.

Cecil Castellucci has crafted a very intriguing, yet strange, coming-of-age novel in First Day On Earth. Parts of the writing reminded me of Travis Thrasher’s The Solitary Tales – with sudden and deep introspection, coupled with strange events that at first seem to have no meaning. But Castellucci weaves everything together deftly, and by the end of this short novel, Malcolm discovers himself and the truth about who he is.

This isn’t a mystery or a thriller. And most action is relegated to flat tires and typical high school bullying. A definite sci-fi thread winds its way throughout, however. Some parts of Malcolm’s story are truly depressing, and at moments, I found myself really hurting for him. Other moments are so raw and honest, I put the book down just to sit and think about everything Castellucci had written. And the entire time, I kept wondering, was Malcolm really abducted by aliens? Or not? It drove me through the book – wondering if Malcolm was truly crazy. Or was he really the sane one?

The surrounding characters seem fairly typical at first: there’s the nerdy kid who just wants to fit in, brown-nosing to everyone. There’s the picture perfect girl who seems to have the perfect life, and then Malcolm: the loser kid who is just barely surviving day to day. But as the book moves along, Castellucci opens them all up and truly makes them complicated in a good way. Their stories became so interesting, I kept stopping to read parts aloud to people around me. And some of the book’s hardest moments come when Malcolm describes his relationship with his father: staring up at the stars together, memorizing constellations… and then the morning Malcolm heard the soft click of the door shutting, and the footsteps of his father leaving for good.

There is a fair bit of language and some eyebrow-raising content throughout, definitely putting this book on the edgy side of YA. Readers should be aware there are a couple of graphically-described physical traumas. But even through the heavy issues, Malcolm’s journey is truly one that ends with hope.

This is not a book I’d come back to again and again, but it is one that will weigh on me. Fans of coming-of-age novels will enjoy First Day On Earth. Castellucci has done a fine job here, relating raw emotions and the true pain of living in a world where you feel truly alone.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Romance, Suspense

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication Date: October 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo 

Megan Connors lives in a man’s world. As part of the secret service, she’s constantly fighting to prove she’s just as capable as her male counterparts. And for the most part, Megan has succeeded. She is being considered for an opening in the PPD (Presidential Protective Division). However, before any decision is made she has one more assignment—protecting the vice president’s daughter. In order to do this, she must work under the command Ash Zanders who is known for being tough, critical, and completely against women in the special service. To make matters worse, he’s vying for the same PPD promotion she is.

Ash has been on Lindsay Hall’s protective detail for a couple years. He has watched as drugs and alcohol have spun her life into a downward spiral. Her years of running with the wrong crowd have caught up with her and someone wants her dead. To keep Lindsay safe, they secretly transport her to a ranch where she can undergo rehabilitation. But, protecting Lindsay from herself will present as great a challenge as finding the person or persons behind the threats. Ash isn’t happy either with the new agent assigned to his team. Megan may have an impeccable record, but the secret service is no place for a woman.

When those after Lindsay discover her location and make it clear that they can reach her whenever they want, Ash and Megan will be forced to work together to keep her safe. In the process, the two will come to understand and respect the other and with that will come feelings and emotions neither one is prepared to face.

In Attracted to Fire, Diann Mills delivers everything you would expect from a suspense/romance novel. The characters are likeable. I found myself especially rooting for Lindsay as she struggled to regain control in her life and make the difficult journey of self-discovery. Ash is the classic “woman-hater” and Megan the typical woman who breaks through his defenses and eventually takes over his heart. Though I didn’t find any shocking twists, I did enjoy reading Attracted to Fire. This is novel for those looking for a story with romance, suspense, and faith.

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Harcourt Children’s Books

Publication Date: September 2010

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Sara’s life seems anything but exciting: long, boring days sitting in a Turkish hotel waiting for her father to return from the hydroelectric plant. But then she discovers the carpet – a magical flying carpet. And everything changes for her and a Turkish friend, Amesh, when they board the carpet under the light of the stars. They sail out over the ocean and find themselves on the Island of the Djinn, who will grant wishes – for a price. And now they’re both in over their heads as their very souls are in danger. But then the real question looms: who will Sara be able to save? And at what price? Because in the end, she must learn to be very careful what she wishes for.

Best-selling author Christopher Pike dabbles into Middle Eastern mythology in The Secret of Ka. He carefully unfolds the story and the djinn legends as the book progresses, steadily gaining speed until the very last pages. It’s been quite a while since an author has truly surprised me, but Pike did so multiple times. At first things seem so simple and straightforward, and I believed I was settling into what might end up being a long, drawn-out book. But I was glad Pike proved me wrong. He strings the reader along with just enough mystery to keep us going. And the plot is fairly tight and interesting. Pike has said this is one book he didn’t really sit down and plan, but the little pieces come together near perfectly by the end – creating a tapestry almost as impelling as the flying Carpet of Ka.

There is a heavy romance throughout the book, and it drives much of the narrative along. Sara and Amesh’s relationship is highly strange – especially as the more fantasy-esque elements of the story emerge – and sometimes I didn’t always believe it. Near the end, they both make a few choices that left me baffled. I didn’t think the direction their romance headed in the end always felt right. And this was the one downfall of the book. If Pike had led the romance in a slightly different direction, I think it would have worked very well.

The beginning is firmly rooted in a very real, young adult world, with Sara first encountering Amesh. But things really pick up just a couple chapters in, and the payoff for what some might consider a slow start is worth it. Pike definitely aims at a slightly higher audience with some light language and a higher romantic tension throughout.

Not much more can be said about The Secret of Ka. To say more would ruin the surprises to come. And there are surprises. I love when a good book really picks me up and twists around near the end. And that’s exactly what Pike has accomplished here. I’m eager to try a few of his other novels now.

Readers who have grown past books like P.B. Kerr’s fantastic Children of the Lamp series would do well to find Pike’s The Secret of Ka. Wrapped up in this delightful book is a great blend of magic, mystery, and a dose of romance. The Secret of Ka leaves the reader wishing for their own flying carpet to float on under the stars.

Review copy provided by the Amazon Vine program.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication Date: August 2011

Reviewed by Jen Roman

Just in time for our own “doomsday” predictions, The Leftovers allows us to imagine what would happen if the Rapture, or End of Time, really did happen.  In Perrotta’s version, there is a Sudden Departure in which people absolutely vanish in the middle of whatever they happen to be doing.  Some entire families disappear, but in most cases, only one family member or close friend disappears.  Kevin, the mayor of his small suburb, doesn’t lose anyone directly, but his wife joins a cult-like group in order to deal with these changes.  His teen daughter becomes despondent at losing her mother, and his college-student son quits school and follows a corrupt evangelist.   While Kevin’s family is the main focus of the story, Perrotta introduces us to other characters who are intertwined in the lives of Kevin’s family.

I have never read one of Perrotta’s books and didn’t know what to expect, and to be honest, at first, I was confused.  Each chapter focuses on a different character, and at times it was difficult following who was who and what he or she was doing.  I also had a hard time understanding how the concept of the Sudden Departure was explained; it left me wondering what exactly happened.  I am glad I stuck with it, however, because the characters quickly developed and established relationships with each other.  The whole notion of the Sudden Departure made more sense, and I was able to see the thought process behind the characters’ decisions.  I don’t necessarily agree with some of the decisions the characters made, but I can understand their motivation.

Due to the topic of the book, some people may be offended by its content.  Readers interested in seeing how people react to such a tragic event will appreciate the storyline.  The whole plot was thought-provoking and managed to keep my attention, once I got into it.  Because it does address cult-like behavior, some readers may not enjoy this.  Additionally, Kevin’s daughter Jill starts rebelling and engaging in promiscuity, which may also offend some readers.  While not described in graphic detail, readers will get an eyeful of sexual situations.   For those able to overlook the sexual content, give it a chance.  The Leftovers grows on the reader and engages in a completely offbeat manner.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Harcourt

Publication Date: April 2011

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

The Little Red Pen is grading school papers. She has to. If she doesn’t, the students won’t learn, the school will close, the sky might fall and it will be the end of the world! So she tries to enlist the help of Eraser, Scissors, Stapler and others to finish the work. All cry, “Not I!” But when the Little Red Pen falls into the Pit (the trash can), the other classroom supplies must somehow rescue her from certain doom, grade the papers and prevent the end of the world!

From the sister-sister team of Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel comes a delightful retelling of The Little Red Hen, combined with hints of Chicken Little, told from the perspective of school supplies. Almost like an animated short, the story is told largely in dialogue and illustration, with only a few snippets of narration.

Mixed media illustrations take children into the larger-than-life world of the classroom, as viewed by highlighters, rulers and others. Touches of Spanish from the Pushpin (Senorita Chincheta) increase the classroom value of this book. Creative problem solving is also in abundance here. The supplies think on their “feet” to save the day.

This delightful mix of feisty characters, goofy wordplay and daring rescue will make a great back-to-school present or teacher gift.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Clarion

Publication Date: November 2011

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

A Middle Eastern boy is learning his father’s trade—recognizing a certain type of tree, assessing its readiness and collecting precious “tears,” or drops of resin, from the trees. Then one day, the boy harvests a particularly large, special tear, a proud moment for the young man. Later, strangers in the market decide to purchase the tear as a special gift. A gift for a strange recipient.

The Third Gift by Newbery Medal-winner Linda Sue Park offers a unique historical look at the uncommon practice of tear collecting. Not the usual picture book fodder, this book beautifully portrays Middle Eastern culture in expressive, clear language. An author’s note features further historical details.

Bagram Ibatoulline’s stunning acrylic-gauche paintings bring a definite realism to the book and capture the setting’s climate. Truly masterful art.

An unexpected surprise awaits readers; wonder will dawn on them as the book’s twist is unveiled. Park skillfully weaves small clues into the text, never revealing too much, until the satisfying moment of realization. A book to warm the heart and invigorate the spirit!