REVIEW: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

Expected Publication: October 20, 2015

Illuminae is so truly unique it is difficult to describe in mere words.  This is a multigenre, fast paced futuristic science fiction drama. Set in the year 2575, readers learn that two megacorporations are at war over the tiny, ice encrusted Kerenza. The morning of a devastating attack on her planet, our feisty teen heroine and hacker extraordinaire, Kady Grant, has just broken Ezra Mason's heart. However, while barely on speaking terms, they have to work together to survive. Separated on two separate ships, Kady soon discovers that the only person who can help her is her ex who she vowed to never speak to again.

And yet, surviving this attack is just the tip of the iceberg. While trying to outrun the Lincoln, which wants to blast both the Hypatia and the Alexander to bits, we learn that a deadly plague (think homicidal Jack from Stephen King's The Shining) has broken out aboard a ship carrying survivors and the ship's Artificial Intelligence A.I.D.A.N., whose primary job is to protect, might actually be plotting to kill them all.

It is hard for me to express the coolness factor for this book.  It is a visual feast and readers really need to get their hands on it to absorb the experience. Truly, the composition is like nothing I've ever seen before.  It's an action packed thriller filled with big, bad greedy corporations, tight lipped and corrupt political leaders and a psycho super computer! Plus, it's a love story with realistic characters! Teen readers will love the format and the snarky dialog.

The feels are tremendous. I had more than a few panic stricken moments spent shouting at the book pages, willing Kaufman and Kristoff to quit torturing me. I know that I will wait with baited breath for the next book now that even more delicious characters and complications have arisen at Illuminae's conclusion.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the authors on Twitter: @AmieKaufman @MisterKristoff

#illuminae #review #YAlit #sciencefiction #awesomeness

REVIEW: The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

Expected Publication: April 5, 2016

The Nameless City is the first volume in a trilogy slated for Spring 2016 publication from acclaimed graphic novelist Faith Erin Hicks and First Second Publishing.  Taking place in a historical China or fictional counterpart, readers learn that the 'Nameless City' in fact has thousands of names and is a geographical and political stronghold. Whenever a new regime takes over, the city is renamed.  

Enter young Kaidu, who has just come to the city to train as a Dao warrior. He soon learns that such training will be difficult as will garnering the affection of his busy and often absent father.  Soon Kai meets Rat, a homeless street urchin. She, like so many others, is not treated as a person because of her lack of social status.  Kai and Rat build a realistic friendship that is in many ways the crux of this story.

Perhaps, more importantly, greater themes of rebellion, freedom, and social inequality are intrinsic notions throughout this work. As the political situation of the Nameless City, appears to unravel, the next parts of the story will see all factions of citizens working together for a common goal.

I enjoyed the art, characters, themes and overall story. I am intrigued to see what Hicks explores for the rest of the trilogy.  Fans of Hicks' previous works (i.e. Friends with Boys) will recognize the common ties of friendship and a desire to fit in despite outside odds.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

#review #netgalley #faitherinhicks #namelesscity #graphicnovel #YAlit

REVIEW: Fables Vol. 22: Farewell

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

Reading Fables has been a monumental part of my life for the past several years. In fact, these were the first graphic novels I ever read.  As the series comes to a close, there is a bittersweet sense of finality.

This final volume brings readers once again to the ultimate showdown between Snow White and Rose Red. Who will win this battle? Who will choose sides? Who lives? Who dies? Will Bigby remember his family or slaughter them all? All of our questions are answered and then some Likewise, fan favorites such a Boy blue, Lake, Flycatcher, Grimble and more take a final bow with great flourish.

Fans certainly won't be disappointed. This is a fitting end with much of the tell tale elements Fables lovers have come to expect.  There is certainly close attention paid to characters and the finalization of key stories.  While most loose ends are wrapped up nicely, readers get a few glimpses into the future which lead us filling fulfilled but also wanting more.

The illustrations continue to be colorful, detailed and so lush that the seem to jump from the page. I'm sad that this is the end of an era; however, Fables goes out on top.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

#review #netgalley #Fables #BillWillingham #graphicnovel

REVIEW: Trashed by Derf Backderf

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

Expected Publication: November 3, 2015

Illustrator and graphic novelist extraordinaire Derf Backderf (most notably of My Friend Dahmer fame) shares with readers an intimate, humorous and well informed look into the life and processes of garbage collection.  Trash. We all make and typically take for granted not only the collection process, those who work in this field and more importantly just how much trash individuals discard on a daily basis.

This graphic novel is a sincere yet biting look at this industry based on Backderf's own work experience as a trash collector. Fans of his work will see similarities.  Much attention is paid not only to dialog but also detailed black and white illustrations. There is certainly an edge of dark humor; however, what is most impressive is Backderf's incorporation of research, facts and additional statistics about the history of landfills and their impact on the planet.

As a reader, I came to this topic not entirely devoid of knowledge but I learned so much more and appreciate the author's message. Backderf's work sheds light on the issue in a unique manner and does so in a genre that will appeal to a wide audience. I continue to admire the author's style.  While black and white illustrations are less flashy than some, Backderf's attention to detail and artistic talent bring each illustration into focus.

Overall, I recommend this to fans of Backderf's work, graphic novel readers and those looking to be educated or teach other about trash and its effect on the environment in a uniquely humorous way.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars.


#trashed #derfbackderf #review #graphicnovel #netgalley 

REVIEW: Speaking in Bones by Kathy Reichs

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

Speaking in Bones is the 18th and latest release in the Temperance Brennan forensic anthropology mystery series from author Kathy Reichs.  This novel certainly doesn't disappoint for fans of mystery thrillers steeped in suspense and science.

Despite all that science and law enforcement can do to solve crimes, there are inevitably those cases and questions which remain unanswered.  In her long career, Brennan has dealt with these such cases. Approached by "web-sleuth" (amateur detectives combing the Internet and other venues to tackle unsolved crimes) Hazel 'Luckey' Strike, Brennan learns that Strike believes she has info and the identity of one of our favorite forensic anthropologist's unsolved cases-- a young girl missing for several years named Cora Teague.

At first, Brennan is skeptical; however, soon some rather puzzling and significant discoveries thrust her into a perplexing mystery unlike others she's faced.  Filled with suspense, Reichs once again uses past professional experience and strong, emotional writing to weave a compelling story which will have readers breathless from beginning to end.

In addition to the case at hand, Brennan must still wrestle with the events of the previous book Bones Never Lie including her amusing, if not ailing, mother as well as her turbulent relationship with Detective Andy Ryan and his (SPOILER ALERT) surprising marriage proposal.

As a reader, if I had one criticism it would be that very rarely does Temperance Brennan learn her lesson.  Book after book, she wanders off to collect evidence, question potentially dangerous suspects or just plain snoop all by herself.  While she is usually smart enough to inform others of her whereabouts, it is painful to experience her making the same stupid mistakes.  Brennan is a scientist not a cop.  Don't got into a shootout with a flashlight and a spray bottle of Luminol. I've lost count how many times she's been whacked it the head, knocked unconscious or worse.  Hopefully, one day she'll learn.

I couldn't put this down and read it in a matter of hours.  If you are a fan of the series, the genre or forensics, then I wholeheartedly recommend that this be your next read.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @KathyReichs


#review #netgalley #mystery #temperancebrennan #bones #kathyreichs

REVIEW: Apollo-the Brilliant One (Olympians #8) by George O'Connor

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

Slated for a January 2016 release, Apollo: the Brilliant One marks the 8th release in O'Connor's graphic novel Olympians series. Within this volume, O'Connor continues to blend thoughtful illustrations with an approachable history for each major Olympian.

What I enjoyed most was that each story is told by at least one of the nine muses.  As in other volumes, the stories include the background of Apollo's birth and other notable stories including the slaying of Python, which illustrates the significance of the Pythian oracle at Delphi. Also included are Apollo's ill-fated infatuations with both Daphne and Hyacinth. 

The last two stories round out Apollo as a multi-faceted and often vengeful deity.  The tragedies of Marsya and Asklepios exhibit for readers that the god of the sun, inspiration, music, and medicine is not without the dark side present within the other Olympians.  Readers learn of Apollo's cruel vengeance against the satyr, Marsya, for daring to best the god is a musical competition. 

Likewise, the story of Apollo's son, Asklepios, his rise, and tragic death at the hands of Zeus, illustrates Apollo's brash reactions (killing Zeus' beloved cyclops') while demonstrating his distress over losing his son.

Perhaps the following quote per the Muses best sums up Apollo and this particular volume: 

"He is the best of what Olympus has to offer, and the worst...The most divine god is the most human."

I highly recommend this novel for upper juvenile, middle school, high school and readers of any age who are interested in Greek mythology and graphic novels.  If you have not read the previous titles, please do so. They are very well done and would be a great purchase for any public, school, or personal library.

Final rating: 5 out of 5

#olympians #apollo #greekmythology #graphic novel #YAlit #netgalley

PROGRAM: Sharpie Tie-Dye

My favorite crafting supply is the Sharpie. It is cheap, versatile, and relatively mess free.  This past week, the Teen Tuesday project was DIY sharpie tie-dye.  Each teen received a pair of plain, white socks purchased by the library.  During previous interactions, I shared with them that they could bring additional items of their own to tie-dye as well.

Supplies:

• Something to tie-dye (socks, shirt, scarf, etc...)
• Sharpies 
• Rubbing alcohol
• Small plastic cups
• Eye droppers or chemistry pipettes
• Lots of newspaper

Instructions:

Line your tables with a healthy layer of newspaper. This will make cleanup easier and should keep the messes to a minimum. Distribute additional supplies onto tables as necessary. We made sure each teen had a cup with rubbing alcohol, a pipette, socks, and some extra newspaper.  There was an assortment of Sharpies in the center of each table.

Make sure to have a few examples handy at the beginning of the program. Work with your teens during each step.

1. Grab a sock and let the creativity flow! Design a pattern on each side. Do the same for sock #2.
2. Stuff each sock with newspaper. (This step will soak up the excess rubbing alcohol and prevent seepage to the other side.
3. Using a dropper or pipette, drip alcohol onto the sock design where the tie-dye effect is desired.
4. Let dry!

Aftercare:

Doing research online, it is recommended that any of the items be heat set. I made little 1/2 sheets with instructions on how to wash and dry this items. The teens took these home to their parents. Per recommendation:

1. First, wash the items separately on the hottest washer cycle.
2. Then, dry the items separately on the hottens dryer cycle.

Here are some pictures of their creations!

REVIEW: Falling Away by Jasinda Wilder

*Thank you so much to Jasinda Wilder for an autographed copy of this book via Goodreads!*

Falling Away marks the fourth and final novel in the Falling series.  Fans of the series (me included!) have been waiting not so patiently for Benjamin Dorsey's story after his heartbreak in Falling Under, when Ben's lifelong best friend, Kylie, chose Oz over him.  Ben has been in a downward spiral ever since. Traveling the country, working odd jobs and trying to ease his pain.  Things begin to look up with an opportunity to play football; however, a career ending injury crushes this dream.

Ben finds a kindred spirit in physical therapist, Cheyenne Leveaux. However, their friendship is short lived as tragedy strikes once again. Enter, Echo -- Cheyenne's beautiful, talented, wild, and emotionally devastated daughter. With an instant attraction, Ben and Echo lose themselves, for a time, in desire. Nonetheless, crippled by guilt and secrets, Ben just might lose his chance at happiness unless he pulls himself together, makes amends with those he loves and reconnects with Echo before she self-destructs.

As a reader, what I continue to find profound about this series and Wilder's work in general are the intricacies of character development.  The relationships and surrounding issues are realistic and contemporarily significant. Wilder has a knack for writing great character interactions while introducing and negotiating heart-wrenching themes of depression, grief, heartbreak, substance abuse and suicide. She does so in a way that is thoughtful and lends hope to her characters and readers.

In contrast, Wilder can write 'sexy' to rival some of the biggest names in fiction. Her erotic scenes will make the room seem just that much hotter. So, if you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for!?! Go forth and read!

Finished with this series? I also recommend Wilder's other series. Find out more about these on Goodreads. Need more emotional turmoil? Read the Ever Trilogy, Wounded or Captured.
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P.S. If you're an audiobook fan, I highly recommend the entire series as a great listen.
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Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @JasindaWilder

#fallingaway #review #romance #grief #goodreadsgiveaways #audiobook

REVIEW: Insider by Olivia Cunning

A big thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.  

Insider is the first book in Cunning's highly anticipated new series featuring rock band, Exodus End. The author continues to write in the genre that she does best, contemporary erotic romance, or what I've come to deem "hot rock".

The story picks up where the Sinners on Tour books left off but now predominately features the dangerous and devastatingly handsome rockers of Exodus End.  Readers are teased as to the intricate character backgrounds of books to come; however, this novel follows bassist Logan and his whirlwind, sexually charged relationship with Toni.

Toni has sacrificed much of her life and chance at independence to assist her mother in caring for her now 9 year old little sister with Downs Syndrome following the tragic death of her father. Touring with Exodus End to write an edgy and technology based interactive biography is Toni's first big break while working for her family's publishing company.  Needless to say, she is terrified that she'll fail and that her awkward, bookish nature won't lend to the band's trust, especially since they've been burned by the media before.

The attraction is instant. Toni cannot believe that daredevil bassist Logan wants her. He pushes her to claim her independence, her wild side, and take what she wants out of life. In turn, Logan is surprised how quickly Toni finds a place within his life and changes his outlook for what he wants for his future. There are plenty of twists and turns that make this a fun, sexy, and intriguing read.

Fans of Cunning's Sinners on Tour series won't be disappointed by cameos of our favorite couples. Furthermore, those looking for romance with just the right amount of screaming hotness are in luck. I can't wait for me in this series!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Follow the author on Twitter: @oliviacunning

#netgalley #review #rock #erotica #romance #musicians #hotrock