REVIEW: Ink, Iron and Glass by Gwendolyn Clare

*Thank you to Netgalley & MacMillan for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: February 20, 2018

Publisher's Summary:
Can she write a world gone wrong?

A certain pen, a certain book, and a certain person can craft entirely new worlds through a branch of science called scriptology. Elsa comes from one such world that was written into creation by her mother—a noted scriptologist.

But when her home is attacked and her mother abducted, Elsa must cross into the real world and use her own scriptology gifts to find her. In an alternative 19th-century Italy, Elsa finds a secret society of pazzerellones—young people with a gift for mechanics, alchemy or scriptology—and meets Leo, a gorgeous mechanist with a smart mouth and a tragic past. She recruits the help of these fellow geniuses just as an assassin arrives on their doorstep.

Ink, Iron and Glass is a highly imaginative book in a new series. It is perfect for fans of steampunk but also those who enjoy the 'book jumper' thematic trend plus history, alternative world building and romance. Definite appeal to the right reader who likes these genres.

I was a little surprised by the ending but have a feeling there will be a lot happening for book 2. 

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Highlighted Reads - December 2017

Southern Eclectic #0.5

Molly Harper is back with another charming southern based series full of wit, romance and enough crazy characters to keep readers laughing and begging for more.  Welcome to the charming small town of Lake Sackett, Georgia!

Carl and Marianne were high school sweethearts, loving the way only teenagers can—with no thought to logic or pride, just a bone-headed, optimistic frenzy of unicorns and hormones. That was all they needed. Or so Carl thought.

Scared of being stuck in Lake Sackett, like so many of her friends—without a real shot at a future or achieving her own dreams—Marianne panicked and bolted to college after stomping Carl’s heart. But when she returns for the summer with her family after years away, she and Carl are drawn together like moths to a flame. As they rekindle their old romance and remember what it was like to be in love, they have to wonder: is this, finally, their real chance at happiness?

Everything a Harper fan could ever want in a short story--good structure, memorable characters, humor, romance, a bit of angst and a happy ending! The story's only downside is that is I was left wanting more. I love Carl and Marianne and wish they had gotten their own full length book rather than this little nibble. Audiobook fans will be pleased to know Amanda Ronconi is back for another fantastic performance!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Southern Eclectic #1

(Publisher's Summary) -- Nestled on the shore of Lake Sackett, Georgia is the McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop. (What, you have a problem with one-stop shopping?) Two McCready brothers started two separate businesses in the same building back in 1928, and now it’s become one big family affair. And true to form in small Southern towns, family business becomes everybody’s business.

Margot Cary has spent her life immersed in everything Lake Sackett is not. As an elite event planner, Margot’s rubbed elbows with the cream of Chicago society, and made elegance and glamour her business. She’s riding high until one event goes tragically, spectacularly wrong. Now she’s blackballed by the gala set and in dire need of a fresh start—and apparently the McCreadys are in need of an event planner with a tarnished reputation.

As Margot finds her footing in a town where everybody knows not only your name, but what you had for dinner last Saturday night and what you’ll wear to church on Sunday morning, she grudgingly has to admit that there are some things Lake Sackett does better than Chicago—including the dating prospects. Elementary school principal Kyle Archer is a fellow fish-out-of-water who volunteers to show Margot the picture-postcard side of Southern living. The two of them hit it off, but not everybody is happy to see an outsider snapping up one of the town's most eligible gentleman. Will Margot reel in her handsome fish, or will she have to release her latest catch?

(My Thoughts) -- Let me count the ways I loved this book! 
1) Amanda Ronconi narrates the audiobook. She's perfect as usual.  
2) The humor - no one writes charming, wacky characters and families quite like Harper. 
3) The romance - the perfect blend of fun, angsty, a little sexual tension and a fairy tale ending.
4) The setting - what a great little fictional southern town full of great narrative potential!

I can't wait for the next book!!!!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Oberon's Meaty Mysteries #2

Oberon is off to Portland to smell all the things with canine companions Orlaith and Starbuck, and, of course, his human, ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan. The first complication is an unmistakable sign of sinister agendas afoot: a squirrel atop the train. But an even more ominous situation is in store when the trio plus Atticus stumble across a murder upon arrival at the station. 

They recognize Detective Gabriela Ibarra, who’s there to investigate. But they also recognize the body—or rather that the body is a doppelganger for Atticus himself. The police, hampered by human senses of smell and a decided lack of canine intuition, obviously can’t handle this alone. Not with Atticus likely in danger. Oberon knows it’s time to investigate once more-—for justice! For gravy! And possibly greasy tacos!

Together they navigate by nose through Portland to find a bear-shifter friend with intel, delicious clues at the victim’s home, and more squirrels. Always more squirrels!

This is another super fun  novella meant to serve as a companion read to the Iron Druid Chronicles. Oberon remains one of my favorite supporting characters in any series I read.  His narrative voice (as written by Hearne and literally voiced by Luke Daniels) is honest and hilarious--basically how I imagine Scooby Doo might be if he lived with a 2000 year old Druid rather than a stoner. What's better is Hearne's ability to give each canine their own distinctive personality.  I always love Atticus too, but he really takes a back seat in these mysteries. 

A superb, fun, novella perfect for a hilarious but well developed read.  The audiobook is a real treat too!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Hercule Poirot #10

What more can a mystery addict desire than a much-loathed murder victim found aboard the luxurious Orient Express with multiple stab wounds, thirteen likely suspects, an incomparably brilliant detective in Hercule Poirot, and the most ingenious crime ever conceived?

This read satisfied part of my 2017 Reading Challenge and is our Third Monday Book Club selection for January 2018.  I knew the basic premise of the story even though I'd never read the book or seen any of the film adaptations.  Basic plot - there's a murder on the Orient Express with a limited number of suspects...so...whodunnit?  Poirot is conveniently there to conduct an investigation!

Overall, it is a great basis for a mystery; however, I'm less of a fan of how antiquated and stereotypical Agatha Christie's novels feel in the year 2017. I dislike the biased and rather prejudice voice and characterization that occurs throughout this book and others I've read.  For me, it dampers my ability to connect with the story. I am curious to finally watch the various film versions.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Crown & Key #2

When monster-hunter Malcolm MacFarlane comes across the gruesome aftermath of a ritual murder in a London church, he enlists the help of magician-scribe Simon Archer and alchemist extraordinaire Kate Anstruther. Studying the macabre scene, they struggle to understand obscure clues in the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics carved into the victim’s heart—as well as bizarre mystical allusions to the romantic poetry of William Blake. One thing is clear: Some very potent black magic is at work.
 
But this human sacrifice is only the first in a series of ritualized slayings. Desperate to save lives while there is still time, Simon, Kate, and Malcolm—along with gadget geek Penny Carter and Charlotte, an adolescent werewolf—track down a necromancer who is reanimating the dead. As the team battles an unrelenting army of undead, a powerful Egyptian mummy, and serpentine demons, the necromancer proves elusive. And when the true purpose of the ritual is revealed, the gifted allies must confront a destructive force that is positively apocalyptic.

The series hits its stride with book 2--the characters have developed and are really beginning to function as a group and even like a family. There is romance and some good flirtation between Kate and Simon.  I particularly was intrigued by Malcolm's struggle to accept those he would previously consider monsters. Altogether, this was a fun read that is just the kind of imaginative Victorian steampunk that I enjoy.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Crown & Key #3

Gaios, a deranged demigod, who is hell-bent on summoning the elemental forces of the earth to level London and bury Britain. The Crown and Key Society, a secret league consisting of a magician, an alchemist, and a monster-hunter, is the realm’s only hope—and to stop Gaios, they must gather their full strength and come together as a team, or the world will fall apart.

But Simon, the Crown and Key’s leader and the last living magician-scribe, has lost his powers. As Gaios searches for the Stone of Scone, which will give him destructive dominion over the land, monster-hunter Malcolm , alchemist extraordinaire Kate, gadget geek Penny, and Charlotte the werewolf scramble to reconnect Simon to his magic before the world as they know it is left forever in ruins.  

This book is a page turner from beginning to end. Will Simon get his powers back?  Will the Society save Britain? Will Kate discover a cure for her sister?  So many questions!  Luckily, they are all answered and then some :)

The only downside to this book is that it seems like the final one in the series! I wanted more--there are hints that the Society's mission will still continue but we'll have to wait and see if we ever get any of those stories in the future.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: The Shadow Revolution by Clay & Susan Griffith

As fog descends, obscuring the gas lamps of Victorian London, werewolves prowl the shadows of back alleys. But they have infiltrated the inner circles of upper-crust society as well. Only a handful of specially gifted practitioners are equipped to battle the beasts. Among them are the roguish Simon Archer, who conceals his powers as a spell-casting scribe behind the smooth veneer of a dashing playboy; his layabout mentor, Nick Barker, who prefers a good pub to thrilling heroics; and the self-possessed alchemist Kate Anstruther, who is equally at home in a ballroom as she is on a battlefield.

The Shadow Revolution marks the beginning of the Crown & Key series from Clay and Susan Griffith. Set in Victorian London, the novel dabbles in magic, mystery and the perfect amount of entice steampunk. The audiobook held my attention as the story progressed.

Loved the spin on the classic werewolves in London! Definitely a multitude of creepy villains and other monsters.  

The characters are equally intriguing and sometimes sassy. I'm curious about the 'key' and unlocking the secrets that link Simon and Kate together for the subsequent books.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

The first in a trilogy, Leviathan explores an alternate, steampunk influenced history of the advent of WWI and the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand.  Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battletorn war machine and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

Through many trials and tribulations Aleksander and Deryn's paths cross, forcing them to forge an alliance for survival. What follows it an epic, around the world adventure full of amazing machines and spectacular creatures.

Leviathan has been on my "to-read" radar for a long time. I love a good steampunk novel and this is truly a creative spin on a pivotal moment in history.  I am intrigued enough to continue the series; however, I did find it difficult to connect with the characters.

Overall, this is a well written and developed novel for readers interested in the genre or history. I recommend the audiobook narrated by Alan Cumming--he does a fantastic performance.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Vampire Empire Trilogy by Clay and Susan Griffith

By now, gentle readers, I would hope that you'd know I'm always on the prowl for the next great audiobook.  I seek out good stories but also narrators.  A while back, I discovered the Vampire Empire trilogy by Clay and Susan Griffith because it is narrated by one of my favorite actors, James Marsters. I'll always adore him as Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel but he holds legendary status for me as the narrator of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files.

This trilogy--The Greyfriar, The Rift Walker, and The Kingmakers, explores a historical fantasy world with a magic/elemental steampunk twist on the typical vampire tale. Once outed to the world, vampires have taken over much of the northern hemisphere, preferring cool places not prone to sunlight (i.e. London, Scotland). Any humans in these domains are typically slaves, little more than cattle kept alive for vampire meals. 

Human settlements inhabit the warmer regions of the world. Princess Adele is the heir to the Empire of Equatoria, a remnant of the old tropical British Empire. When she becomes the target of the London vampire clan, her only protector is The Greyfriar, a mysterious hero who fights vampires deep withing their on territories. Adele eventually learns Greyfriar's identity, a truth which will have a profound effect on the future of her Empire, love life and for vampires. LOTS more happens but I won't ruin it for you!

This trilogy is perfect for readers who love a good angst worthy romance but also like the inclusion of steampunk, magic and plenty of adventure and scheming. The principle characters wrestle a lot with identity, expectations and forging their own futures despite many obstacles. There are some truly memorable villains too!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the authors on Twitter: @clayandsusan

Follow the narrator on Twitter: @JamesMarstersOf

#vampireempire #thegreyfriar #theriftwalker #thekingmakers #steampunk #vampires #fantasy

REVIEW: The Invisible by Amelia Kahaney

The Invisible is the 2014 follow up the The Brokenhearted.  Protagonist Anthem Fleet is back and more determined than ever to discover the truth behind her father's involvement in the Syndicate, Bedlam's corrupt, secretive and high powered organization determined to keep the wealthy rich and the poor in their place. Her quest for answers is balanced by an attempt at regained normalcy following the experimental operation that left her with a bionic hummingbird heart and a budding chance at romance with Ford, following his own life saving surgery. When a new foe called The Invisible attacks the elite families in Bedlam, Anthem feels compelled to stop him and his followers before even more people are hurt.  She is shocked to learn that Invisible's appearance and motives for revenge are deeply rooted within her own family history.

This is a fantastic series! The characters are well developed and intriguing with a certain comic-esque flair.  I kept drawing strong comparisons to Batman and the plight of Gotham. I highly recommend this to reading wanting a fast paced and exciting read or a read-a-like for other re-imagined superhero tales like Brandon Sanderson's Steelheart series or Bethany Frenette's Dark Star trilogy (Dark Star, Burn Bright, Fire Fall).  If this is it for the series, then it is a fitting conclusion but I'd love to see the characters come back for just one more adventure!

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow these authors on Twitter: @akahaney   @bethanyfrenette  @BrandSanderson



#Invisible #superhero #action #adventure #romance #thriller #YAlit #TRC2016

REVIEW: The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

The Aeronaut's Windlass is the much anticipated Cinder Spires series debut from Jim Butcher. The genre is a bit difficult to pen down.  There are reader accessible elements of steampunk; however, at its core, this novel is an action/adventure fantasy novel focused on a building war between two Spires Albion and Aurora as well as the motley crew assembled to gain intelligence for the Spirearch of Albion.

Butcher artfully introduces a fantastic cast of characters.  Captain Grimm reminds me of a well crafted blend between Mal Reynolds of Firefly fame, a little bit of Once Upon a Time's Hook, and maybe a dash of Harry Dresden. He's intriguing with his status as an outcast but former respected military hero. I can't wait to find out more of his story. 

As characters come into the fray, I kept thinking that Butcher might have been on a recent Firefly binge while writing this adventure. I love it! Gwen is a little bit Zoe, a little bit Kaylee. I adore her ability to read situations and love her smart, snarky dialogue and is a surprisingly qualified and useful engineer.  Faris and Folley are like a River Tam duo. Their second sight and connection to the aether is as fascinating as it is alarming, given the predictions of turmoil and devastation to come. Rounding out the characters are Benedict and Bridget.  There is certainly the beginnings of a romance in place. 

Let's talk for a minute about Rawl! He is fantastic. If ever a writer could spin a fantasy warrior cat its Butcher. Rawl is just how I'd imagine a cat would think and speak. He has a sly sense of humor and is altogether puzzled by the often complicated and frivolous actions of humans. Rawl is formidable but I adore that he loves Bridget so fiercely that he allows himself to be cuddled and will literally face tremendous danger to ensure her safety.

Overall, I loved everything about this book.  The monsters are creepy and there is a delicious slow burn to the villains we've seen thus far. This definitely reads like the first in a much larger conversation.  I know they'll be more twists and turns based upon what we've learned in this tale and I can't wait for more!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

#steampunk #adventure #fantasy #jimbutcher #cinderspires #aeronautswindlass #bookreview #firefly

Steampunk Infographic

I'm a big fan of steampunk and I'm disheartened that it has never quite taken off with my community teen readers as I would have hoped.  I thought I'd share a new infographic I made to try to stir up more interest.