Synopsis:
Some bonds reach beyond the realms.
Molly McMillan has lived in Saint’s Grove her entire life and aside from the normal gossip and disputes that make up life in a small town, nothing exciting ever happened.
Until one day, a cosmic event occurs and not only is Saint’s Grove suddenly overrun with beings only heard of in stories, Molly is attacked by one of the same creatures that have haunted her nightmares for years. Luckily, evil creatures aren’t the only beings that appeared in Saint’s Grove that night.
Aero doesn’t know why he’s been pulled out of his realm, but the moment his feet planted on the ground in Saint’s Grove, he found himself surrounded by chaos and creatures that shouldn’t be roaming Earth. Nearby, he hears the fearful screams of a woman, and hurries to the rescue.
Little did he know that by saving her, his life will be changed forever.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).
My Thoughts:
Jennifer Malone Wright has always been one of my favorite authors. She is on my list of authors that I will automatically buy her books as soon as they are released. When she asked me if I would review her new book, Immortal Ties, I fangirled for bit. Of course, I said yes. I loved Immortal Ties. It reminded me of all the reasons why she is an automatic one-click author.
I have always been obsessed with Greek Mythology. Jennifer Malone Wright perfectly blends mythology with suspense, romance, and intrigue to create a story line that had me captivated from beginning to end. It was absolutely perfect. I kept flipping pages, dying to know what happens next. I finished the book in one sitting, in a total of about two hours. I just needed to know how Molly was going to overcome everything that happened to her.
I loved all of the characters. The author wrote all of the characters in a way that made them relatable to the reader, even with the fantasy setting. I was able to picture myself as Molly while she was going through her situation. I also loved everything about Aero. He was the perfect book boyfriend. He was caring, and attentive to Molly. His parents cracked me up. I do wish that there would have been a little bit more of them in the story, especially Psyche.
I loved Immortal Ties. By the time I finished it, I was twitching to read the next book in the series, and learn more about the other citizens of Saint's Grove. I can't wait to see if the Greek Mythology plays into anyone else's story. I'm hoping that Jennifer Malone Wright will write a prequel at some point about Psyche's journey that led her to the Underworld. I recommend Immortal Ties to anyone wanting a new spin on Greek mythology.
I give Immortal Ties: 5/5.
Want to know more about the author?
Website: https://www.jennifermalonewright.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjennifermalonewright/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jennichad217
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JenniferWrightAuthor
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jenniferwrightauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4824985.Jennifer_Malone_Wright
I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Synopsis:
Eddie, a passionate reader and a shiny green bug, saves the school library in this funny, heartwarming tale that fans of Flora & Ulysses and Charlotte's Web will love.
Eddie is a tiny green bug who loves to read and who lives behind the chalkboard in Mr. Wang's fourth-grade classroom with his parents, his 53 brothers and sisters, and his Aunt Min. But when Aunt Min goes to the school library and never returns, Eddie leaves the comfort of his home for the first time and begins the dangerous trek through the elementary school. After dodging running sneakers, falling books, and terrifying spiders, Eddie reaches the library, where he finds Aunt Min stuck on a desk with two broken legs! To top it all off, there's a substitute librarian who has terrible plans to close the library and turn it into a local testing center. No more books at all! Encouraged by the brave deeds done by small creatures like Stuart Little and Charlotte from Charlotte's Web, Eddie comes up with a plan to save the library--a plan that requires all the courage one little bug can muster. Perfect for fans of Chris Grabenstein's Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library and Lynne Rae Perkins' Nuts to You. Featuring extensive black and white art from Newbery Honor Medalist and New York Times bestseller Victoria Jamieson as well as references to classic children's literature sprinkled throughout."
(Synopsis from Goodreads).
My Thoughts:
I used to love middle grade books when I was a kid. Unfortunately, as an adult, I find them hard to get into. They don't hold the same magic and wonder that they previously held for me. I find myself getting bored after a few chapters. However, every now and then there will be an exception to that rule. The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library was definitely one of those exceptions.
I loved everything about this story. It captivated me from beginning to end. I felt the magic and wonder in this book, which a middle grade book hadn't made me feel in a long time. I kept wondering how Eddie was going to survive his various adventures, from going to the library, to his showdown with the mouse, and everything in between.
For me, the best part of the book, besides all of Eddie's crazy adventures, was all of the different literary references. It made me feel like I was being transported back to my childhood. I loved when Eddie started reading the librarian's copy of Stuart Little. It was my favorite book when I was a child, and brought back a lot of memories. Not only did it make me nostalgic, but it filled me with a lot of happiness.
I loved The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library. The book proves that no matter what size you are, you can do astounding things if you set your mind to it. I recommend this book to children and adults both. I will gladly pick up the next middle grade book that this author writes.
I give The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library: 4/5.
Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.lindabaileybooks.com/home.html
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/186774.Linda_Bailey
I received this eARC from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Synopsis:
Jeremy Feig was at rock bottom - broke, alone, and living in a shoebox-sized apartment. At the same time, his cat was perfectly content. What was her secret? She couldn't say it out loud, but it was clear she had all the answers to living a good life. How My Cat Made Me a Better Man is a hilarious self-help book for guys that gals like, too, based on the lessons of an edgy cat named Shelly. It's packed with useful advice on topics like relationships, dealing with stress, and even grooming habits. If you feel like your life is spinning out of control, this book will help you set things right - and keep you laughing along the way.
How My Cat Made Me a Better Man is a "darling" of cat bloggers, recipient of a Readers' Favorite 5-star review, and "highly recommended" by MidWest Book Review.
Delightfully illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings by Zhenya Yanovich.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).
My Thoughts:
I love books about cats. It's one of those subjects that I find fascinating. It's almost an instantaneous buy/one-click when I see one that I want to read. When I heard that How My Cat Made Me a Better Man was about a guy that owns a black cat, I was even more intrigued. I have a black cat named Sir Pig, and he is my world. He's just like my child. Therefore, black cats are my favorite cat breed, and I thought I would find the book enjoyable. However, I found this book incredibly disappointing. I didn't care for it at all.
I'm not even sure where to start on why this book fell flat for me. I was hoping that How My Cat Made Me a Better Man would feature a lot of heartwarming stories about Shelly, the author's cat. Unfortunately what actually happened was maybe a paragraph or two talking about Shelly, and the rest of the chapter was him giving advice, and rambling about things. Rinse and repeat for one-hundred and fifty six pages, and that's the book. Also, I thought some of the advice that the author gave, and the things that he said, were terribly sexist. There were a few times while reading where I had to stop, and double check because I couldn't believe that he said what he did.
There are two reasons why I'm giving How My Cat Made Me a Better Man two stars instead of one. The first reason is that although the stories about Shelly were short, I did like a couple of them.I especially loved the one where the author bought her a seven dollar cat toy, but she played with the wrapper instead. As a cat owner, I can definitely identify with that. The other thing I liked about the book was that in the end, the author had a section about the importance of adoption. As an animal advocate, I agree that adopting from an animal shelter is so important, especially for cats. There are thousands of cats that get euthanized in shelters each year, because it's hard for them to find homes.
For the most part, I didn't care for How My Cat Made Me a Better Man. It didn't meet the high expectations I had set for it. Even though I didn't like most of it, I can't say that I completely hated it. I did enjoy one or two of the stories about Shelly, and the author's love for animal shelters. I'm not sure that I would recommend spending money on it. The description was slightly misleading. If you do want to read it, I recommend checking it out from the library.
I give How My Cat Made Me a Better Man: 2/5.
Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.jeremyfeig.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeremyFeigAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyfeig
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15103880.Jeremy_Feig
I received this ebook from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Synopsis:
“What are you reading?”
That’s the question Will Schwalbe asks his mother, Mary Anne, as they sit in the waiting room of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In 2007, Mary Anne returned from a humanitarian trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan suffering from what her doctors believed was a rare type of hepatitis. Months later she was diagnosed with a form of advanced pancreatic cancer, which is almost always fatal, often in six months or less.
This is the inspiring true story of a son and his mother, who start a “book club” that brings them together as her life comes to a close. Over the next two years, Will and Mary Anne carry on conversations that are both wide-ranging and deeply personal, prompted by an eclectic array of books and a shared passion for reading. Their list jumps from classic to popular, from poetry to mysteries, from fantastic to spiritual. The issues they discuss include questions of faith and courage as well as everyday topics such as expressing gratitude and learning to listen. Throughout, they are constantly reminded of the power of books to comfort us, astonish us, teach us, and tell us what we need to do with our lives and in the world. Reading isn’t the opposite of doing; it’s the opposite of dying.
Will and Mary Anne share their hopes and concerns with each other—and rediscover their lives—through their favorite books. When they read, they aren’t a sick person and a well person, but a mother and a son taking a journey together. The result is a profoundly moving tale of loss that is also a joyful, and often humorous, celebration of life: Will’s love letter to his mother, and theirs to the printed page.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads).
My Thoughts:
I love books about books. I'll read fiction books about books, but typically non-fiction are my favorite. However, The End of Your Life Book Club isn't just a book about books. It's so much more. The journey that Will Schwalbe takes the reader on is one that will stick with me for the rest of my life.
I have to admit, when going into The End of Your Life Book Club, I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought I would probably hear a heartwarming story, and get some book recommendations, but it was so much more than that. I laughed, I cried, and everything in between. Not only did I get great book recommendations, but I learned a lot of life lessons too.
My favorite lesson that The End of Your Life Book Club taught me was about family, and how to treat those that you love. Always cherish them, because you never know when you might lose them. Treat them like every moment might be their last, because it very well could be. I loved reading about the interactions between Will and his mother. It was obvious from the way that he talked about her that he admired her, and really did love her.
I also liked hearing about all of the different books Will and his mom read. I have bought several of the books, just because they sounded so captivating when he and his mother are talking about them. My favorite that I've read out of all the recommended books that I bought was The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.
I loved this book. It was one of my favorite books that I read when it was released in 2012. It was everything I wanted it to be, and so much more. I think it's one of those books that should be required reading for everyone. Maybe if everyone read it, people would learn how to act towards others. I can't wait to read Will Schwalbe's latest release, Books For Living. His writing style is very compelling, and I know I'll have another huge list of books to read once I finish it.
I give The End of Your Life Book Club: 5/5.
Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.theendofyourlifebookclub.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillSch
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/willschwalbe/the-end-of-your-life-book-club/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/274511.Will_Schwalbe
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Synopsis:
With her feelings for Lance warring with her recent encounter with Søren, Nora returns to Lance's bed and finds herself toying with the idea of…toying with him on a permanent basis. But after she gets a glimpse into his personal angst, Nora realizes she has the power to rescue this white knight….
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads).
My Thoughts:
I love Tiffany Reisz's writing. I have to admit, I haven't read a lot of her books yet, but the ones I have read, I'm obsessed with. The Last Good Knight is my favorite series that I've read by her so far. I really love how the reader gets an inside look at Nora's life before The Siren.
Fit to Be Tied wasn't my favorite part in The Last Good Knight Novellas, but I did still enjoy it. I felt like the plot didn't advance much in this part of the series. There was only one thing that was important. The rest just felt unnecessary.
There were a few things I did like about Fit to Be Tied. I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Lance and Nora develop. I really hope that they can find a way to make it work, although I have a feeling it isn't going to happen. I love the way Tiffany Reisz is able to capture the chemistry that Nora and Lance have together. You can practically feel it sizzling off the page. I'm about to say an unpopular opinion, but I really don't like Soren. I think he's such a jerk, and that Nora deserves much better.
The Last Good Knight series is highly addictive. Although Fit to Be Tied wasn't my favorite volume in the series, I have high expectations for the last volume in the series, The Last Good Night. I'm excited to see how Tiffany Reisz wraps everything up, and get some answers to the questions I have.
I give Fit to Be Tied: 3/5.
Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.tiffanyreisz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleredridingcrop
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiffanyreisz
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/tiffanyreisz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8thcirclepress/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4480131.Tiffany_Reisz
I received this ebook from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Synopsis:
Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water.
Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.
Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.
But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….
With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).
My Thoughts:
It's been quite a while since I've read a dystopian novel. I kind of got out dystopian novels once they were everywhere, and the genre became too over populated. However, I had heard a lot of hype surrounding Not a Drop to Drink, so I decided to pick it up. I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed it. It was unlike any dystopian novel that I've ever read.
Not a Drop to Drink had some of the cliches from your typical dystopian novel, but most of it was an original premise, which was refreshing to see. The idea of a futuristic society without water was interesting. It's not something that I've seen a lot of. Typically dystopian novels are about a zombie apocalypse, or a natural disaster. It was nice to see something different. The plot itself had a lot of different twists and turns that kept the reader guessing until the very end. Speaking of, the ending was heartbreaking. I wasn't expecting it at all, and it left me sobbing.
While I didn't agree with all of the characters actions, I did like all of the characters. Other than Lucy, Stubbs was my favorite character. I really liked how he balanced Lynn out, and made her softer and more caring. I also like how he took care of Lucy, and those around him.
The book ended in a way where it will be hard to create a sequel. It should be interesting to see what Mindy McGinnis does with the next book in the series. I can't wait to read it. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a refreshing take on dystopian.
I give Not a Drop to Drink: 3.5/5.
Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.mindymcginnis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindyMcGinnisAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindyMcGinnis
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/MindyMcGinnisMe/
Tumblr: http://mindymcginnis.tumblr.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bigblackcat97
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigblackcat97/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MindyMcGinnis
Vine: https://vine.co/u/1033174585857708032
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-mcginnis-a131b126
Riffle: https://www.rifflebooks.com/profiles/129040
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5351825.Mindy_McGinnis
I received this ebook from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Synopsis:
Greg has just killed the man he hired to kill one of his wife’s many lovers. He’s now got a dead body in his office. Carlton, Greg’s brother, desperately needs a dead body. It’s kind of related to the lion corpse that he found in his basement. This is the normal part of the story. From Jeff Strand, the author of Benjamin’s Parasite, The Sinister Mr. Corpse, and Fangboy, comes a tale that’s weird even by his standards. Facial. It’s not about what you’re thinking. Well, okay, part of it is...
(Synopsis from Goodreads).
My Thoughts:
I love Jeff Strand's books. I've read his YA, and adult books, and enjoy both genres. Facial was what I've come to know from Jeff Strand. It wasn't necessarily the classic horror that most people are used to. Instead, it's a weird psychological horror that makes you think. Facial is my favorite Jeff Strand book that I've read so far, just because it is so weird and messed up.I have to admit, I typically go into books without reading the synopsis. That way I don't get spoiled for anything. Due to that, when I started Facial, I was in for a surprise. I don't even know how to begin to describe what happened without giving away spoilers. It was one of the weirdest things I have ever read, but it was so good. It had a lot of dark, cynical humor, which I always love. It also makes the reader wonder about life. Where do you draw the line between what is right and wrong? Or what is moral or immoral? When do.the means justify the cause, and how do you know you've gone too far?Facial is definitely one of my favorite Jeff Strand books of all time. I've only read a few of his books, but I plan on reading all of his backlog at some point. I recommend this book for anyone who likes an original, slightly creepy, out of the box story.
I give Facial: 5/5.
Want to know more about the author?
Website: https://jeffstrand.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeffStrandAuthorFanPage/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffstrand
Tumblr: http://jeffstrand.tumblr.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/207708.Jeff_Strand
I received this ebook from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
