Thursday, May 19, 2016
I've moved!
I've made the jump over to Wordpress. Please come find my blog at lostnagoodbook.wordpress.com
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Wink Poppy Midnight - April Genevieve Tucholke - SAMPLE
Book Title: Wink Poppy Midnight - SAMPLE
Series:
Author: April Genevieve Tucholke
Amazon Link: Click here
Disclaimer: I received this free SAMPLER from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.
It’s difficult to review a sample of a book, but here goes. The writing seems fairly lyrical and lovely at times, unfortunately, the e-sample was formatted badly. This made it very difficult to determine who was speaking. The book is written from the point of view of three different characters. Wink, a lovely elfin girl with a unique way of looking at the world. Poppy, a young blonde bombshell reminiscent of East of Eden’s Cathy Ames. Evil to the core. Finally, Midnight, a young man caught in his attraction to the two of them. It has potential. I liked the three voices, when I could distinguish them. I would like to read more of this book, but I hope that the actual e-book is formatted differently. The foreshadowing is a bit heavy handed, something mysterious will be happening. Someone is harboring a secret. Someone is a villain. Every story needs one. Who will it be?
Series:
Author: April Genevieve Tucholke
Amazon Link: Click here
Disclaimer: I received this free SAMPLER from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.
It’s difficult to review a sample of a book, but here goes. The writing seems fairly lyrical and lovely at times, unfortunately, the e-sample was formatted badly. This made it very difficult to determine who was speaking. The book is written from the point of view of three different characters. Wink, a lovely elfin girl with a unique way of looking at the world. Poppy, a young blonde bombshell reminiscent of East of Eden’s Cathy Ames. Evil to the core. Finally, Midnight, a young man caught in his attraction to the two of them. It has potential. I liked the three voices, when I could distinguish them. I would like to read more of this book, but I hope that the actual e-book is formatted differently. The foreshadowing is a bit heavy handed, something mysterious will be happening. Someone is harboring a secret. Someone is a villain. Every story needs one. Who will it be?
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Cogling - Jordan Elizabeth
Book Title: Cogling
Series:
Author: Jordan Elizabeth
Amazon Link: Click here
Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.
I wanted to enjoy this book. But it was not meant to be. The description was promising ...
When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother’s neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglings—clockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories.
Sounds fascinating! A new YA Steampunk Fantasy book would be a wonderful read. Plus get a load of that cover! Unfortunately, from the beginning, things didn’t start out well. As a mom of one teen and a younger child I was a little shocked to read, in the very first chapter, references to Music Hall ladies flashing their privates at patrons. What in the world?! In the same chapter, descriptions of catcalling men shouting out “harlot and alley whore” at a young girl absolutely stunned me. I had to do a double take and make sure I really was reading a YA book. Sure enough, that’s how the book is classified. Did they mean older teens? Maybe I’m reading too much into this. Let’s just get into the story. Things went downhill from there.
I found the characterization haphazard. The main character Edna, was presented as independent, and kind hearted. She is tolerant towards people and creatures, who were less fortunate and particularly those rejected by society. However, she was not consistent in her viewpoints. I guess only the cuter creatures warranted her concern because she could be downright bigoted about other groups who didn’t merit her approval. This was a major failing in the construction of her character for me. I found it difficult to relate to her. She was unlikeable. She was not the only character who suffered in this way. They were all for the most part two-dimensional. This culminated for me in the main character’s reaction to a death in the first half of the novel (no names, no spoilers). There simply wasn’t a reaction. It was as though the people present noted this passing, said they were sad, shrugged their shoulders and moved right on. They lacked heart and compassion in favor of pushing the plot ahead.
The action of the novel was uneven. It lacked grace and fluidity. The plot moved like a giant steam engine out of control. Switching tracks and tossing the reader around willy-nilly. Whenver the heroine was facing a sure and dangerous end, someone, at one point quite literally, just threw her a rope. No real explanation for why anyone was going out of their way to help her. I guess people just liked her that much. I’m willing to suspend disbelief to a certain degree in a Fantasy book, but it happened so often it got to be too much.
Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. It’s what I’d call a popcorn novel. A little fun, and a quick snack. I feel certain that it will appeal to younger readers. The world is atmospheric, and does have a nice variety of creatures and steampunk devices. A younger reader might feel the book is more of a romp. Am I just an old lady who doesn’t like rollercoasters anymore? Perhaps. I think the book has a nugget of a good idea. I wish the author had the time and space to stretch it out a little more. That likely would have helped.
Ugh, I hate writing a bad review. I'm sorry Ms. Elizabeth.
Series:
Author: Jordan Elizabeth
Amazon Link: Click here
Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.
I wanted to enjoy this book. But it was not meant to be. The description was promising ...
When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother’s neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglings—clockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories.
Sounds fascinating! A new YA Steampunk Fantasy book would be a wonderful read. Plus get a load of that cover! Unfortunately, from the beginning, things didn’t start out well. As a mom of one teen and a younger child I was a little shocked to read, in the very first chapter, references to Music Hall ladies flashing their privates at patrons. What in the world?! In the same chapter, descriptions of catcalling men shouting out “harlot and alley whore” at a young girl absolutely stunned me. I had to do a double take and make sure I really was reading a YA book. Sure enough, that’s how the book is classified. Did they mean older teens? Maybe I’m reading too much into this. Let’s just get into the story. Things went downhill from there.
I found the characterization haphazard. The main character Edna, was presented as independent, and kind hearted. She is tolerant towards people and creatures, who were less fortunate and particularly those rejected by society. However, she was not consistent in her viewpoints. I guess only the cuter creatures warranted her concern because she could be downright bigoted about other groups who didn’t merit her approval. This was a major failing in the construction of her character for me. I found it difficult to relate to her. She was unlikeable. She was not the only character who suffered in this way. They were all for the most part two-dimensional. This culminated for me in the main character’s reaction to a death in the first half of the novel (no names, no spoilers). There simply wasn’t a reaction. It was as though the people present noted this passing, said they were sad, shrugged their shoulders and moved right on. They lacked heart and compassion in favor of pushing the plot ahead.
The action of the novel was uneven. It lacked grace and fluidity. The plot moved like a giant steam engine out of control. Switching tracks and tossing the reader around willy-nilly. Whenver the heroine was facing a sure and dangerous end, someone, at one point quite literally, just threw her a rope. No real explanation for why anyone was going out of their way to help her. I guess people just liked her that much. I’m willing to suspend disbelief to a certain degree in a Fantasy book, but it happened so often it got to be too much.
Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. It’s what I’d call a popcorn novel. A little fun, and a quick snack. I feel certain that it will appeal to younger readers. The world is atmospheric, and does have a nice variety of creatures and steampunk devices. A younger reader might feel the book is more of a romp. Am I just an old lady who doesn’t like rollercoasters anymore? Perhaps. I think the book has a nugget of a good idea. I wish the author had the time and space to stretch it out a little more. That likely would have helped.
Ugh, I hate writing a bad review. I'm sorry Ms. Elizabeth.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Cover Reveal - Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet
Isn't it lovely!
Amazon blurb about book:
Maire is a baker with an extraordinary gift: she can infuse her treats with emotions and abilities, which are then passed on to those who eat them. She doesn’t know why she can do this and remembers nothing of who she is or where she came from. When marauders raid her town, Maire is captured and sold to the eccentric Allemas, who enslaves her and demands that she produce sinister confections, including a witch’s gingerbread cottage, a living cookie boy, and size-altering cakes. During her captivity, Maire is visited by Fyel, a ghostly being who is reluctant to reveal his connection to her. The more often they meet, the more her memories return, and she begins to piece together who and what she really is—as well as past mistakes that yield cosmic consequences. From the author of the Paper Magician series comes a haunting and otherworldly tale of folly and consequence, forgiveness and redemption.
Couldn't have said it better myself. I can't wait to read this book. Please visit the author's blog for more information about this and other books she's written.
I also reviewed her most recent book Followed by Frost HERE.
Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet looks terrific. Do yourself a favor and pre-order!
Monday, February 22, 2016
Risuko - David Kudler
Book Title: Risuko: A Kunoichi Take
Series: Seasons of the Sword
Author: David Kudler
Amazon Link: Click here
Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.
It’s so rewarding to find a new book series to love. It’s doubly satisfying to find one that I can share with my daughter as well. My daughter is only 7 now but in a couple of years’ time I can see her enjoying this new book, Risuko – A Kunoichi Tale. Risuko, which means squirrel, is the nickname of a young girl named Kano Murasaki. Like a squirrel she is playful, clever, intelligent, and loves climbing trees. Living in Feudal era Japan is tough and we find out quickly that she has been sold by her mother to a woman named Lady Mochizuki Chiyome. But before you start to feel too sorry for her, the Lady Chiyome is not quite what she seems at first, and this new life, though full of hardship will also give Risuko numerous opportunities. I don’t want to spoil the rest of the book so I will stop there.
What I loved most about this book is the setting and history. Yes this is YA, but it is also historical fiction. There are many details about life for the Japanese people, in particular the lives of women in that time. It is a fascinating story. Which the author has imbued with little details about language and day to day custom. I’ve been a fan of the Japanese culture for a long time. I love manga, anime, Japanese art and music, so this was right in my wheelhouse.
The main character also was very well written. Risuko has a lot to learn from Lady Chiyome, but how far does she bend her personal beliefs? The ideals she has learned from her beloved father are part of what make her such a lovely little person, and so valuable to Lady Chiyome. However, if she is to progress and make a success of her life in those hard times some of those ideals will need to change. This is all expressed in the book with feeling but also a light hand. The target audience is obviously a younger YA group and the book is appropriately an easy read, but still has a lot to say. I appreciated the authors’ easy touch.
I had only a few minor complaints when I read the book. One being that my copy, which is an early e-arc had maps that were not formatted correctly. They were unreadable, and the plot for the book does involve some maps and so that made it even harder to follow along with important plot points. That is not a reflection on the book itself and I’m sure that the publisher will change those things before its release. Secondly, there is some mention of menstruation which didn’t quite ring true to me. It felt a little more like a man’s view of what menstruation is like than what a girl’s first experience is really like. Some mention was made of the fact that the women in the household all had their period at the same time. This is not unheard of, but to the extent that it is in the book? Hmmm, not so much. I don’t feel it’s enough of a problem to mar the whole experience, and it’s not a major plot point, so don’t let that deter you from reading.
All in all, it was a really nice read. It was very quick, I finished it in just a few hours. I look forward to the next installment. From what I hear there is a second novel in the works, but I don’t have details about when it can be expected. I do know that I will be looking it up, and introducing it to my daughter as soon as she’s old enough.
Bonus link: Find sneak previews, character info, and more at Risuko.net. Enjoy!
Spotify Song for this book: Itsumo Nando Demo - Erutan
Series: Seasons of the Sword
Author: David Kudler
Amazon Link: Click here
It’s so rewarding to find a new book series to love. It’s doubly satisfying to find one that I can share with my daughter as well. My daughter is only 7 now but in a couple of years’ time I can see her enjoying this new book, Risuko – A Kunoichi Tale. Risuko, which means squirrel, is the nickname of a young girl named Kano Murasaki. Like a squirrel she is playful, clever, intelligent, and loves climbing trees. Living in Feudal era Japan is tough and we find out quickly that she has been sold by her mother to a woman named Lady Mochizuki Chiyome. But before you start to feel too sorry for her, the Lady Chiyome is not quite what she seems at first, and this new life, though full of hardship will also give Risuko numerous opportunities. I don’t want to spoil the rest of the book so I will stop there.
What I loved most about this book is the setting and history. Yes this is YA, but it is also historical fiction. There are many details about life for the Japanese people, in particular the lives of women in that time. It is a fascinating story. Which the author has imbued with little details about language and day to day custom. I’ve been a fan of the Japanese culture for a long time. I love manga, anime, Japanese art and music, so this was right in my wheelhouse.
The main character also was very well written. Risuko has a lot to learn from Lady Chiyome, but how far does she bend her personal beliefs? The ideals she has learned from her beloved father are part of what make her such a lovely little person, and so valuable to Lady Chiyome. However, if she is to progress and make a success of her life in those hard times some of those ideals will need to change. This is all expressed in the book with feeling but also a light hand. The target audience is obviously a younger YA group and the book is appropriately an easy read, but still has a lot to say. I appreciated the authors’ easy touch.
I had only a few minor complaints when I read the book. One being that my copy, which is an early e-arc had maps that were not formatted correctly. They were unreadable, and the plot for the book does involve some maps and so that made it even harder to follow along with important plot points. That is not a reflection on the book itself and I’m sure that the publisher will change those things before its release. Secondly, there is some mention of menstruation which didn’t quite ring true to me. It felt a little more like a man’s view of what menstruation is like than what a girl’s first experience is really like. Some mention was made of the fact that the women in the household all had their period at the same time. This is not unheard of, but to the extent that it is in the book? Hmmm, not so much. I don’t feel it’s enough of a problem to mar the whole experience, and it’s not a major plot point, so don’t let that deter you from reading.
All in all, it was a really nice read. It was very quick, I finished it in just a few hours. I look forward to the next installment. From what I hear there is a second novel in the works, but I don’t have details about when it can be expected. I do know that I will be looking it up, and introducing it to my daughter as soon as she’s old enough.
Bonus link: Find sneak previews, character info, and more at Risuko.net. Enjoy!
Spotify Song for this book: Itsumo Nando Demo - Erutan
Friday, February 12, 2016
The Memory Weaver - Jane Kirkpatrick
Book Title: The Memory Weaver
Series:
Author: Jane Kirkpatrick
Amazon Link: Click here
Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.
“Now, however, these three remain: faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love” – 1 Cor 13:13
This scripture is a fitting motto for this book, as well as for the primary character. This is historical fiction based on Eliza Spaulding Warren and the tribulations she endured when she was just a 10 year old girl. A daughter of missionaries, she was caught up in the massacre of a pioneer missionary group by the Cayause Indian tribe in what would become the state of Washington. She was a brave child, and acted as an interpreter during the long negotiation for return of the survivors. This book is written from the point of view of Eliza a few years later, growing up, making her own family but still suffering post traumatic stress from the incident. She has lost her mother to cancer and is now struggling to make sense of her life. While reading her mother’s diary, she eventually makes steps to heal her heart and find a measure of peace.
Thankfully, the book does not dwell too long on the politics leading to the situation. This is only right since the focus is on this little girl’s experience and she would have had little to do or say about what lead to the disaster. It does, however, touch on the issues of the day that motivated both sides of the conflict, without pointing a finger at either. It is a complicated issue. As a Native American I wasn’t unsure how I would feel reading a book about the ‘savage’ in early American history running amok and causing all manner of devastation. Yet again. I was pleasantly surprised. The writer does a good job of showing both sides. She doesn’t excuse the brutality but briefly explains what lead to the conflagration. She also shows another neighboring tribe who has a hand in helping Eliza to finally heal. No one side is wrong and the other right. They are simply humans for good or for ill.
I enjoyed the book. It is listed as Christian Fiction. Eliza’s faith was very important to her, so there are numerous references to it and to worship, but they were all appropriate and I believe it the book be read by any person of any faith without offense. I also really enjoyed, well not really but you know what I mean, the portrayal of Post Traumatic Syndrome that Eliza and her friend Nancy suffered from. I felt that it was well conceived and true to life. The small ways Eliza desperately grasped at in order to retain some small semblance of control over a life she felt was rapidly unraveling were touching. She was touching. I enjoyed this book. It is a quiet read. Introspective. I recommend it.
Bonus link: Here’s a link to the Washington State Library article about Mrs. Warren and more info about the Whitman TragedyWashington State Library Blog.
Spotify Song for this book: Gold Rush Brides – 10,000 Maniacs - As perfect a song for this book if there ever was one!
Series:
Author: Jane Kirkpatrick
Amazon Link: Click here
“Now, however, these three remain: faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love” – 1 Cor 13:13
This scripture is a fitting motto for this book, as well as for the primary character. This is historical fiction based on Eliza Spaulding Warren and the tribulations she endured when she was just a 10 year old girl. A daughter of missionaries, she was caught up in the massacre of a pioneer missionary group by the Cayause Indian tribe in what would become the state of Washington. She was a brave child, and acted as an interpreter during the long negotiation for return of the survivors. This book is written from the point of view of Eliza a few years later, growing up, making her own family but still suffering post traumatic stress from the incident. She has lost her mother to cancer and is now struggling to make sense of her life. While reading her mother’s diary, she eventually makes steps to heal her heart and find a measure of peace.
Thankfully, the book does not dwell too long on the politics leading to the situation. This is only right since the focus is on this little girl’s experience and she would have had little to do or say about what lead to the disaster. It does, however, touch on the issues of the day that motivated both sides of the conflict, without pointing a finger at either. It is a complicated issue. As a Native American I wasn’t unsure how I would feel reading a book about the ‘savage’ in early American history running amok and causing all manner of devastation. Yet again. I was pleasantly surprised. The writer does a good job of showing both sides. She doesn’t excuse the brutality but briefly explains what lead to the conflagration. She also shows another neighboring tribe who has a hand in helping Eliza to finally heal. No one side is wrong and the other right. They are simply humans for good or for ill.
I enjoyed the book. It is listed as Christian Fiction. Eliza’s faith was very important to her, so there are numerous references to it and to worship, but they were all appropriate and I believe it the book be read by any person of any faith without offense. I also really enjoyed, well not really but you know what I mean, the portrayal of Post Traumatic Syndrome that Eliza and her friend Nancy suffered from. I felt that it was well conceived and true to life. The small ways Eliza desperately grasped at in order to retain some small semblance of control over a life she felt was rapidly unraveling were touching. She was touching. I enjoyed this book. It is a quiet read. Introspective. I recommend it.
Bonus link: Here’s a link to the Washington State Library article about Mrs. Warren and more info about the Whitman TragedyWashington State Library Blog.
Spotify Song for this book: Gold Rush Brides – 10,000 Maniacs - As perfect a song for this book if there ever was one!
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Passenger - Alexandra Bracken
Book Title: Passenger
Series: Passenger Series
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Amazon Link: Click here
Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.
Time travel must be tough. To write that is. I can’t imagine the hurdles an author has to go through to make the science stick. Not to mention making it just fantastical enough without becoming completely unbelievable. On the other hand, the reader has to put a great deal of trust in an author. If I keep reading, if I suspend disbelief for just a bit longer will this be worth it? In the case of Passenger by Alexandra Bracken your trust is well founded.
A young girl, Etta Spencer, is suddenly drawn back hundreds of years through time to confront a destiny she was completely unaware of until this moment. Etta herself is a great character. Too often lately, authors are trying so hard for their lead to be portrayed as a “strong, female lead”, what we end up with is a girl so far from normal, unearthly, preternaturally accomplished that it’s hard to relate to the character. Etta Spencer is much more real. She is confused, sickened and frightened by her situation. She doesn’t have any special fighting skills to lean on (I swear if I read about one more teenage girl who (surprise!) is a genius with a bow and arrow I’m going to scream!). What she does have is determination, fierce loyalty to the people she loves and a firm sense of right and wrong. Those things will serve her well in the future, or in the past. Ha! I also like the way Ms. Bracken writes the men in her books. Nicholas is a complex character. I love that Ms. Bracken’s books are always so diverse. As an African-American this comes into play with Nicholas. The time he lives in has worked on him in ways that leave him understandably insecure but he is still a very principled and hardworking person. A match for Etta if there ever was one. Will they end up together? Unknown at this point. *wink wink*
I’m a fan of Alexandra Bracken’s, since I read her Darkest Minds series and this new series is just as promising. The story did bog down a little bit in the middle. Is it because I’m an older woman that I wasn’t swooning for the make-out sessions? Instead, I found myself yelling at them “For goodness sake's people, get moving! TIME is running out!” Well that in and of itself is testament to how invested I was in the story. For those of you looking for a little romance to temper the fantasy, this book is a good one for you. Ms. Bracken certainly knows her audience and delivers just what they like. I enjoyed the story, and am looking forward to the next installment of the series, Wayfarer. Which can’t come soon enough for this reader.
Bonus link: Here’s a treat – a Pinterest board by Alexandra Bracken with photos and artwork that inspire or are inspired by Passenger – fashion to die for! Click Here! Enjoy!
Spotify Song for this book:Edge of the Ocean – Ivy
Series: Passenger Series
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Amazon Link: Click here
Time travel must be tough. To write that is. I can’t imagine the hurdles an author has to go through to make the science stick. Not to mention making it just fantastical enough without becoming completely unbelievable. On the other hand, the reader has to put a great deal of trust in an author. If I keep reading, if I suspend disbelief for just a bit longer will this be worth it? In the case of Passenger by Alexandra Bracken your trust is well founded.
A young girl, Etta Spencer, is suddenly drawn back hundreds of years through time to confront a destiny she was completely unaware of until this moment. Etta herself is a great character. Too often lately, authors are trying so hard for their lead to be portrayed as a “strong, female lead”, what we end up with is a girl so far from normal, unearthly, preternaturally accomplished that it’s hard to relate to the character. Etta Spencer is much more real. She is confused, sickened and frightened by her situation. She doesn’t have any special fighting skills to lean on (I swear if I read about one more teenage girl who (surprise!) is a genius with a bow and arrow I’m going to scream!). What she does have is determination, fierce loyalty to the people she loves and a firm sense of right and wrong. Those things will serve her well in the future, or in the past. Ha! I also like the way Ms. Bracken writes the men in her books. Nicholas is a complex character. I love that Ms. Bracken’s books are always so diverse. As an African-American this comes into play with Nicholas. The time he lives in has worked on him in ways that leave him understandably insecure but he is still a very principled and hardworking person. A match for Etta if there ever was one. Will they end up together? Unknown at this point. *wink wink*
I’m a fan of Alexandra Bracken’s, since I read her Darkest Minds series and this new series is just as promising. The story did bog down a little bit in the middle. Is it because I’m an older woman that I wasn’t swooning for the make-out sessions? Instead, I found myself yelling at them “For goodness sake's people, get moving! TIME is running out!” Well that in and of itself is testament to how invested I was in the story. For those of you looking for a little romance to temper the fantasy, this book is a good one for you. Ms. Bracken certainly knows her audience and delivers just what they like. I enjoyed the story, and am looking forward to the next installment of the series, Wayfarer. Which can’t come soon enough for this reader.
Bonus link: Here’s a treat – a Pinterest board by Alexandra Bracken with photos and artwork that inspire or are inspired by Passenger – fashion to die for! Click Here! Enjoy!
Spotify Song for this book:Edge of the Ocean – Ivy
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