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

REVIEW: Hellhound by Nancy Holzner

Only a few weeks have passed for Vicky and the events of Darklands. Her beloved, Kane, is still beholden to the Night Hag, which is draining him a bit at a time. Vicky is fighting the increasing rage she feels since she's once again connected to the Destroyer via demon mark. And, of course there's the new adjustment that her long thought dead father is now a mystical, talking white falcon!

When Boston's zombies become violent, Vicky is called in as a consultant and quickly learns that her cousin, Pryce, has even more nefarious plans as part of his partnership with The Destroyer. He plans to release a staggering amount of the zombie plague into the population and bring back the Old Ones to wreak havoc in the human realm.  Adding another confusing layer of complication, Vicky receives visions of herself fighting alongside demons. Determined to stay on the right side of the coming war, Vicky once again aligns herself with her Aunt Mab to protect the city and those she loves. All she has to do is bring down her enemies, save the day and not get torn to bits by a pack of hellhounds in the process.   There are some surprising twists and turns as Vicky's true destiny is revealed and has major consequences for the series finale, Firestorm.

I didn't like this book as much as others. It wasn't quite as snarky but admittedly Vicky has a lot going on at the moment.  The wrap up of several lingering story arcs were handled well. I was most surprised by the revelation of Vicky's greater purpose.  Holzner's been hinting at this for a while now but it certainly puts a new spin on just how Vicky will defeat her remaining foes and what might be in store for her professional and personal life.

Tina!  I'm a put out that she's still in peril and that I have to wait until Firestorm to find out her fate. I absolutely adore that Vicky's father, Evan, is back in the picture.  I did love the stunned yet humorous acceptance by her family that he's back but a bird. Leave it to a child, Vicky's nephew, to get all on board with talking to birdie-grandpa. I loved that dad/falcon sits chatting and snacking on microwaved treats with Vicky's vampire roommate, Juliet.  I also liked the end where Vicky, Mab and Evan were on hand to help Maria through her first change.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars



#deadtown #hellhound #nancyholzner #UF #bookreview #magic

REVIEW: Slasher Girls & Monster Boys

Slasher Girls & Monster Girls is an YA anthology of scary stories edited by April Genevieve Tucholke.  Thirteen notable teen authors lend their prowess to some downright terrifying stories that will have general fans and more cowering in a corner with a blankie and flashlight at the ready. This is a fantastic go-to volume for year-round reader's advisory.  I know I get teens wanting something 'scary' all the time.  Let's face it, for YA readers there often aren't a lot of truly scary titles. I often recommend anything by Brenna Yovanoff or the Asylum series by Madeleine Roux if they want something beyond R.L. Stine and aren't quite ready for Stephen King.

Personal standouts within Slayer Girls & Monster Boys:

• "Verse chorus verse" by Leigh Bardugo - a teen superstar lands herself in 'rehab' but sinister things happen that make this a not so sweet retreat to get her life on track.

• "Sleepless" by Jay Kristoff - inspired by Hitchcock's Psycho, readers are in for a creepy treat. Full of Kristoff's trademark edgy humor.

• "Dark, scary parts and all" by Danielle Paige - set in high school and heavy with Frankenstein and Dracula allusions.  The school outcast encounters bullying and other drama with a surprise supernatural twist.

• "Fat girl with a knife" by Jonathan Maberry - a short story about a high school outcast but what happens when the bullied girl is your best defense at the beginning of the zombie apocalypse.

• "Girl without a face" by Marie Lu - great, creep imagery.  This one will give readers chills!

• "Stitches" by A.G. Howard - super, super creepy! A young girl agrees to dismember her father over time as part of his penance for other deeds.

Each story is inspired by a song, film or another literary reference. By far my favorite was "Sleepless".  In fact, a week later, I'm still pretty creeped out!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars




#YAlit #teen #anthology #shortstories #bookreview #horror #scary #slashergirls&monsterboys

Verse chorus verse /Leigh Bardugo

REVIEW: Boundary Lines by Melissa F. Olson

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.

Boundary Lines is book two in Olson's Boundary Magic series. Protagonist Allison "Lex" Luther has recently learned she's a boundary witch and is still learning to master her powers over the living and the dead. Strange things are happening in Boulder nonetheleast that the supernatural community has it out for her. Lex and super sexy vampire Quinn are tasked with investigating the disappearance of several vampires during a full moon. Of course, they end up with more questions than answers. The supernatural stakes are at an all time high as head vamp, Maven's authority is challenged, werewolves have reinvaded outlawed territory and there is a gigantic and horrifyingly creepy ancient snake creature on the loose. Lex has to keep her cool and protect those she loves.

I haven't actually read the first book in the series but I didn't feel lost. Folson does a nice job incorportating just enough clarifying details about past events to clue in a new reader without making the rehashing of these events redundant for a returning fan. I like Lex.  She's got a good personality, humor and plenty of flaws. Adding layers to her magical blocks based on the trauma she experienced while in the military was an interesting twist.  I hope there is more exploration of this in future books.

I also liked the supporting cast of characters. Quinn is a good romantic interest but he needs to learn not to overstep his relationship with Lex.  She is perfectly capable of holding her own.  I do want to go back and read the first book since Lex head to L.A. and met Scarlett and a few other characters from Olson's Scarlett Bernard series.  I have read the first book of that series and liked it.

The overall plot was well organized with good pacing.  This was a quick read and I admit to being a little surprised with the villain reveal at the end.  There are certainly enough tidbit to keep readers wanting more. I'm interested to see how Lex's magic continues to grow and the fallout that is bound to happen based on other events.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars



#boundarylines #boundarymagic #melissafolson #UF #magic #witches #werewolves #vampires #netgalley

REVIEW: Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

Set some 14 years after the zombie apocalypse that ended the world, 15 year old Benny Imura has lived within the protected fences of Mountainside nearly all his life.  Benny must now find a job within town or face the reduction of his food rations.  When other opportunities don't pan out, he reluctantly agrees to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his brother Tom, whom Benny sees only as boring and cowardly.  However, their first trip outside into the Rot and Ruin begins to open his eyes to just how dangerous the world still is and that Benny knows little about his older sibling.

Violent events inside Mountainside lead Benny and Tom on a crucial rescue mission.  During this high stakes operation, he learns some truths, meets others who will impact his future and ultimately begins to discover more about himself and how he wants to fit into this world. Will he stay within Mountainside's fences and pretend everything is fine? Or, will he take a stand and acknowledge that he and others can stop more innocent people from being hurt?


What I liked...

Everything!  But to elaborate:

• Characters - Benny is a well developed but evolving teenager.  He, like all the other protagonists, come across as memorable and authentic.  I absolutely adore Tom! What a multi-layered mentor.  Nix is also a force to be reckoned with and her continued development throughout the series always holds my interest.  There are plenty of others but I have to mention Lilah. I'm awestruck by her each and every time. The fierceness. The pain. I think she might be one of the most fascinating characters written in any genre that I've come across. Maberry is also top-notch at developing memorable villains.  They come to life and nearly jump off the page with their diabolical plans.

• Story - the premise is just plain awesome.  What do you do when you are are teenager who has grown up after the zombie apocalypse? Get a job, of course! I love Benny's and Chong's failed job attempts.  The story builds beautifully. As readers, we watch Benny mature with the rise and fall of the major plot points.  The story is very much a coming of age, just with zombies and some truly unique challenges! I love how easy it is to get swept up in the humor, the action and the emotion.

What I didn't like...

Absolutely nothing!  This is my second reading of book 1.  I am a self professed Maberry fangirl.  I first read his adult Joe Ledger series. However, these are entwined with the Rot & Ruin and Dead of Night books. So, to get the true reading experience, you'll have to read them all as a before, during and after commentary.

Maybe what I don't like it that it is over. I want the series to go on and on and on.  Don't get me wrong. I thought the ending (Fire & Ash) was poignant and a fantastic conclusion but I adore these characters so much that saying goodbye makes me want to re-read them again and again. One bright spot is the 2015 publication of Bits & Pieces, a short story collection that fills in more of Benny's adventures. I'm still waiting (not patiently) for the audio of this since Brian Hutchison does a phenomenal job.

If you haven't read these yet, please do! I know some readers sigh and say, "I'm not into zombies!" However, like watching The Walking Dead this series is only partly about the presence of 'zoms' in the post-apocalyptic world and more about the evolution of the survivors and the choices they make to uphold the principles of their former society or spiral into lawlessness or fanaticism. The characters are so well developed and authentic that this is a great reading recommendation, especially for reluctant readers. There's a significant amount of humor offset but bigger thematic issues and fantastic fast-paced action.

You will laugh AND you will cry.  The ending wrecks me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

Follow the author on Twitter: @JonathanMaberry

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars



#jonathanmaberry #Rot&Ruin #YAlit #zombie #bookreview #teen 

REVIEW: Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: War Cry

War Cry is an original graphic novel story of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. Set after Dead Beat and during the height of the White Council's war with the Red Court vampires, newly appointed Warden, Harry Dresden leads his young and inexperienced team of Wardens on their first assignment.

Chaos quickly ensues when the mortals they are sent to protect are ambushed by a small army of the Red Court.   The real questions for Dresden remain: just who are these mortals and what are they protecting that is so important to winning the war? Our favorite wizard just might find that out, if and only if, he can keep everyone alive.

I really enjoyed this volume.  The illustrations certainly enhance Butcher's storytelling. The panels are vivid and action packed, making for an exciting experience.  Dresden is the same determined, wise cracking, brute force wielding wizard we love from the series.  I love that the graphic novels are taking the time to explore more stories and characters in a way we haven't had in the novels.

We also get to learn more about Dresden's team and see them struggle with their experience but fight on with that same kind of determination as their unlikely leader.  Another fan favorite makes a surprise appearance but I won't spoil it for readers who haven't caught up yet. Safe to say this arrival is most welcome and fits nicely within the larger story arc (hint: White Night) and character development.

Overall, I didn't love this volume as much as let's say Ghoul Goblin or Welcome to the Jungle. However, it is certainly on par with Down Town.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars





#jimbutcher #dresdenfiles #graphicnovel #magic #vampires #warcry #bookreview

OUTREACH: Lunchtime Book Club

Outreach Challenges

Let's face it. Outreach isn't always a walk in the park.  We're busy. Schools are busy. So how can we come together to make such a community partnership work?  I know I feel like I'm pulled in too many directions sometimes. It is often challenging connecting with the right person, be it school media specialist, administrators or that one teacher that makes a difference.

School outreach for me has been hit or miss.  I've been lucky to find a strong ally in the librarian at one of the local private schools.  She has previously worked in a public library setting and understands the importance of building these community partnerships AND that I'm available as a support system to her and the students without trying to create extra work for her.

Lunch Book Club -Year One

We've just entered the third year of monthly book club meetings.  It all started in the spring of 2013. We mulled over the idea of getting such a group started. She emailed all students and waited to see if we got any interested nibbles.  Turns out we did!  Ten high schoolers ranging from 9th-12th grade expressed interest.  Since it was late in the year, we started with 3 accessible and popular titles: Cinder, Seraphina and Divergent.  All were well received and luckily my library had access to enough book club copies.

Lunch Book Club -Year Two

After the obligatory summer hiatus, all teens returned for the second year.  Since this is a book club at a private Christian school, I do have to work with the school librarian to pick appropriate reading choices which won't be challenged by parents or administrators.  I make the distinction that we aren't censoring just being mindful.

You'll see below that we chose a wide range of titles. One original choice was Ashfall by Mike Mullin; however, we changed to Ender's Game after the librarian felt that the language, violence and sexuality present in Mullin's book wasn't appropriate four our group. Last school year we read: The Maze Runner, The Raven Boys, Ender's Game, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, A Christmas Carol, Feed, Code Name Verity, Midwinter Blood and The Book Thief. Attendance and interest remained consistent.

Lunch Book Club -Year Three

Now we're back for a new school year.  Apparently word has gotten out that we're the cool group to eat lunch with or the junior high students who haven't been able to participate are now old enough! Enrollment is up to 26 students!  That it amazing but such a large group comes with a new set of challenges--Namely that finding enough copies of each book title is difficult or next to impossible. Therefore, as facilitators, we've come up with the plan of themed months to a) provide enough books for the number of interested students b) expose students to more titles in the specified genre.

Our tentative schedule is as follows:

September: Open book discussion - choose your own to share - summer catch-up

October :  The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis AND The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

November:  Steampunk theme - Clockwork Scarab, Girl in the Steel Corset, Leviathan, Friday Society, Etiquette & Espionage, Inventor’s Secret, Incarceron...

December: Dystopian theme - Legend, Starters, Gone, Matched, etc...

January Mythology theme Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan; Runemarks by Joanne Harris, and more.

February: Winter by Marissa Meyer (other adaptations of a twisted fairy tale--Splintered by A.G. Howard; anything by Alex Flynn, Jackson Pearce, Sarah Cross)

March: Bomb: the race to build--and steal--the world’s most dangerous weapon by Steve Sheinkin OR another non-fiction of their choice--(Hidden Like Anne Frank)

April : Heist Society by Ali Carter; Illusive by Emily Lloyd-Jones, White Cat by Holly Black; Also Known As by Robin Benway

May:  a classic or twisted classic (Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, Dracula, Sense and Sensibility, etc. )

Another Lunchtime Approach

I have a co-worker at a different branch who has had great success with book clubs. Each month she visits 4 school and has 3 concurrent book discussions at each school.  How does this work?

1. She works with the librarian at each school to advertise the initial meeting.
2. At the first meeting, she shows the students a list of possible titles and lets them vote on which they'd like to read this year.
3. She tallies the votes and then puzzles together a rotating schedule. No one group is ever reading the same book at the same time. One downside is that she has to make sure to have read all the multiple book titles. 

Money, Money, Money

Where do all these books come from? How do you buy extra copies on a limited budget?  Let's face it, all budgets are tight, especially teen services.  How do we swing having all these extra copies available? Since some titles are so popular and are crossover hits with adults, we often have extra system copies, especially through our contract with McNaughton. This is particularly helpful with popular new releases or those with spiked interest based on major film releases. 

A teen services predecessor in our system wrote a grant proposal to our local community foundation. When approved, this gave her funds to purchase the initial start up of titles. Before she left, the grant was extended and more titles and copies were purchased as well. We share these book club copies among three branches. A certain amount of damage and loss is expected. We replace or phase out copies/titles as needed.

The Wrap Up

My Advice - any way you decide to organize your own lunchtime book club and outreach, keep these tips in mind:

• Start small - its perfectly okay if only a few students are interested at first. 
• Find an ally in the school - be it school media specialist, administrator or a teacher who wants to help or at least be your voice at the school when you aren't there.
• Set a plan for books in advance (make sure to pick titles you know you can feasibly get copies of for a set number of readers)
• If you have more than one group, make sure to have a rotating schedule so that groups don't want to read books all at the same time. 
• Bring a set of discussion questions to each meeting, but use them only to jump start the discussion - usually the participants will jump in and run things themselves.
• Investigate grant options - if you can't afford to purchase additional copies, learn if a grant is the solution whether if be through a local organization or YALSA. Another suggestion would be to approach the Friends of the Library. 

Your Thoughts?

I'm really curious to see what you do or don't do for your own book clubs? Have you tried one at school? What works? What doesn't? What titles have you chosen? 

#YAlit #bookclub #outreach #library #teenservices #teen #school