The Lost Samurai: Japanese Mercenaries in South East Asia, 1593–1688

The samurai were a hereditary military nobility caste in medieval and pre-modern Japan. Their high social rank conferred prestige and special privileges. It also imposed great social responsibility: they lived by the bushido code (comparable to the European notion of chivalry). This book’s timeline coincides with the early Edo period, which was characterized by economic growth, strict social order, isolationist policies, and peace. However, with peace came a problem for the warrior class as they had nothing to do. This book explores what some of the samurai did during that time.

The term “samurai,” as used in this work, does not refer to the classical samurai. It includes traders-turned-pirates and leftover warriors from earlier campaigns. These samurai were hired as mercenaries––not an uncommon practice in Southeast Asia––and employed as soldiers, bodyguards, and garrison defenders. The European presence in Southeast Asia provided the samurai with additional avenues of employment. They served the Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch powers in addition to local principalities. Fierce and extremely loyal, the samurai were feared by their enemies and distrusted by their employers.

The book’s eleven chapters are largely self-contained and focus on samurai (or possible samurai) in service of the various non-Japanese powers (either European or other South Asian ones). Definitely a book that explores a little-known area of Japanese history.


The Kid's Guide to Camping

The Kid’s Guide to Camping is a long book. It has some activities in it like mazes, codes, and word finds. It has packing lists and checklists for things like first aid kits. Kids are reminded to know the environment where they are and to take bear spray if there are bears and water shoes if there is water. But what do you do with the bear spray if you actually see a bear?

There are tips on how to take better pictures. The author recommends LeafSnap to identify leaves that you find on your hikes. She recommends National Geographic Kids, which has a geology page with some pictures of rocks. I think the point of this book is to get kids excited about camping. The advice seems useful, but it seems a little overwhelming. It might have helped to organize the book differently.

Some of the book reads like an advertisement for KOA. I’ve never stayed at KOA, so I don’t have an opinion. The author says some KOA campgrounds have pools and waterslides, even zip-lining and mini-golf! If you haven’t taken family camping trips before, there is a lot of information here to think about.


The Ones We're Meant to Find

The author has created a unique world not so far ahead from ours, where climate change is here and natural disasters are the natural consequence. The environment people used to call home and thrive throughout the centuries has turned against them and threatened their existence. Humanity's response was to build eco-friendly cities where non-toxic air and soil would be provided in order to continue surviving.

That's where Kasey resides, with the hope that one day the planet will welcome them back. Her sister Celia is presumed dead, her body somewhere in the deep depths of the ocean where she drowned. But Celia is far from dead and her sister can't let her go. So Kasey embarks on a journey to find her but their secrets will be revealed and everything will change.

Joan He delivers a tale of two sisters and one of the most intriguing, page and mind-turner YA books of the year. When you least expect it, there comes a twist and when you expect it, it's not the twist you thought of. A masterfully built world, with two dynamic female protagonists and a well-orchestrated plot, make The Ones We're Meant to Find your next YA read!


A little sunshine and a little rain: A Poetry Journal

People write poetry for a lot of different reasons — for pleasure, to hone writing skills and many others. For some, this is a brand new endeavor while for others, they have been at it for years. But this book is perfect for everyone who wants to write poetry, no matter the level of experience or the reason for writing. It begins with a good introduction to the art of poetry as well as a list of several poetic devices such as assonance and metaphor and a few notes about structure. The rest of this lovely book is a writing journal defined by the four seasons. Writing prompts such as “Write a poem that contains the words ‘fire,” ‘earth,’ ‘water,’ and ‘air’” or “Write a piece of prose about letting go” are interspersed every few pages with poems by the author Sabina Laura and occasional simple drawings. The pages are lined and encourage the luxury of taking the time to handwrite whatever is sparked by the prompts, pictures, and poems. Everything is printed in a calming shade of blue on thick, creamy-white pages. This is the perfect gift for anyone interested in writing or even for oneself.


Like No Other Boy

Tommy looks like an ordinary child with “symmetrically aligned features on porcelain skin, curly, honey-wheat hair.” At eight, he’s adorable with his angelic appearance and tip-toe walk, but underneath the surface, there’s a troubled boy who lives inside a prison of his own. He doesn’t like to be touched and gnaws on his knuckles. His speech is fragmented, spoken in broken syllables, and expressed through unrecognizable sounds.

Ever since they received the diagnosis of autism, his parents have tried everything conceivable to help him, but nothing seems to work for long. One day, Tommy’s father takes him to the zoo, and he notices something extraordinary. Tommy’s fascinated with the chimpanzees and connects with them in a way his father has never witnessed. After a second visit, they travel to the Weller Institute, a primatological research center at which Tommy can interact directly with chimps. He’s asked to participate in a research study, and despite his mother’s reservations, his father accepts the invitation eagerly. He embraces it, and over time Tommy’s linguistic abilities progress; his walls of protection begin to break away one piece at a time. His interactions with the chimps fundamentally change him and his prognosis, and his work with researchers leads to possibilities neither he nor his parents could have ever imagined.

This is a beautiful story about the remarkable transformation of a young boy. When circumstances and love come together, the outcome is nothing short of miraculous. The foundation, linguistically and emotionally, he builds with these brilliant animals is confounding, and the relationships that fester are life-altering.

The intricate descriptions of Tommy’s behavior, reactions, and growth enable readers a telescopic view of his world, and often that of his parents. For example, when referring to a chimpanzee who’s sick and distraught, he tells his father, “I cage too, just like Awbert, Daddy. Hurt. Hurt bad sometimes. I know now, Daddy. Now. No like . . . back. No want front. Just want . . . Now! Can’t talk. Like other peoples.” He’s essentially explaining how trapped he feels being unable to relate to and communicate with others the way most do. In another circumstance, he says to a chimp, “Ball red. You good chimpie, Obo. You like play ball. I do too. We play together. And we have fun here. With my daddy too.” These brief, but rich inclusions of dialogue grant extensive insight into Tommy’s persona. Though a work of fiction, Like No Other Boy will enlighten readers and mark their hearts with compassion and their minds with understanding.


White as Frost: A Dark Elf Fairytale (The Darkwood Trilogy Book 1)

When Rose’s mother takes her away to become the princess of a foreign land, she is not at all excited. Everything she has ever known is gone, and she awaits the day she can go back to Parnese. When they arrive, Rose is thrilled to find the promise of friendship in the king’s daughter, Neeve. However, Neeve is annoying, and she has magic, much to Rose’s jealousy. Rose soon realizes that there is more to her new sister and her strange powers than she thought. One day, she follows Neeve into the Darkwood, the mysterious forest that surrounds the castle. The Darkwood soon becomes Rose’s refuge, and a source of friendship when she meets the guardian of the forest, Thorne. But there is more to Thorne and Neeve than meets the eye, and Rose might be a key player in the Darkwood’s future.

Will Rose be able to hold on to the Darkwood and her dreams of magic? This book was an interesting and imaginative approach to a well-known fairy tale. It was full of adventure, magic, and delicate hints of romance, and I liked the characters. I will look forward to reading other books in the series!


Lead with Hospitality: Be Human. Emotionally Connect. Serve Selflessly.

Poverty, down to the last dollar poverty, is unimaginable to most of us. In The Hospital, subtitled Life, Death, and Dollars in a small American Town, such reality offers a disturbing revelation. Brian Alexander spares no punches as he describes the independent hospital in Bryan, a town in northwest Ohio where medical, economic, and social challenges never let up. Across the country, such hospitals are scooped up by large medical consortiums making it increasingly difficult to retain nonprofit independent status.

Alexander draws attention to the problems on all fronts. He draws on national statistics to demonstrate what costs are confronted. Phil Ennen draws special attention as CEO who has been responsible for keeping the hospital afloat for over 20 years.

But this is not all. The book unflinchingly describes the suffering in a community where obesity, diabetes, suicide, sickness, and terminal disease are increasing, where too many cannot afford treatment, nor foresee a future without debt. Keith is among several individuals the author befriends, a man whose health and personal life persistently deteriorate but who always insists, ‘Doin good, buddy. Doin’ good.’
This is an awesome book, hopefully in the running for a well-deserved award.


Cracking Up: Black Feminist Comedy in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Century United States (Studies Theatre Hist & Culture)

Katelyn Hale Wood’s treatise to the dissenting and deconstructive power of Black feminist comics and their craft is an important read, especially during a time of increased awareness of racial and gender justice issues. This book is designed for audiences in academia and those interested in the history of Black performing arts. Cracking Up analyzes and evaluates the legacy of pioneering comic Jackie “Moms” Mabley and anti-racist and queer feminist comedic styles of contemporary artists, namely Wanda Sykes, Mo’Nique, Amanda Seales, Sam Jay, among others.

As a queer white feminist, Wood was up-front in identifying the limitations of her own vantage point and social location in conducting a thorough analysis of the complexities of Black art. Their critique of gender and racial power dynamics with a keen understanding of the history of Black feminism and the utility of comedy to critique, i.e. speak truth to power against interlocking systems of oppression.

Black feminist comedy is the realness, and Wood makes the case for the genius of Black stand-up comedians in confronting anti-Black racism, misogyny, and heteronormativity. Even as the author quotes bell hooks, Patricia Hill Collins, Michel Foucault and other intellectuals, their writing adequately captures important moments of truth-telling and audience engagement. As Wood described jokes that deal with threats of rape, the experiences of women in prison, and the trauma of coming out, I laughed out loud and cried at the same time.


The Nature of Witches

The natural world is in turmoil: wildfires rage, once in a lifetime storms occur regularly, and temperatures soar or plummet out of season. These anomalies have always been remedied by the magic of witches, but as the stakes get higher and the weather gets worse, Everwitch Clara Densmore finds herself at the center of a battle she isn’t ready to fight in Rachel Griffin’s The Nature of Witches.

Everwitches are rare; they are in touch with their magic through all four seasons. Unlike other witches who are strongest and most in control in one season, an Everwitch can practice and feel all year long. But there is a price. There is a mortal danger that comes with that kind of power; the kind of power that can consume its host and destroy everything and everyone in its path. Clara knows this and is terrified of losing even more people she loves if she works to harness and control her ability.

Until she meets Sang, the gifted Spring witch and botanist charged with helping her. Their relationship gives Clara strength and eventually brings her to an understanding of The Nature of Witches that can save not only the world but Clara herself.


Learn more about the illegal gold trade from South America and the need to reimagine our politics to provide a sustainable future economy through honest and thorough books. These take a harder look at the world through the lesser-known criminal underground of illegal gold mining and the denialism that has taken place within sources of power.

Dirty Gold: The Rise and Fall of an International Smuggling Ring - Jay Weaver

Jay Weaver broaches the subject of the South American illegal gold trade and the businessmen that profited from it. In March 2017, federal agents apprehended a group known as the three amigos – Juan Pablo Granda, Samer Barrage, and Renato Rodriguez – who had gotten rich off a scheme to illegally acquire metals, primarily Peruvian gold which was mined out of the rain forest. They saw a profit of $3.6 billion dollars. The arrest of this trio shined a light on the scheme of a large illegal international business and criminal underworld that has provided more money than drug trafficking. Latin American drug money has been infused into illegal gold mines with the materials sold to sources such as metals traders and unknowing Americans.

Overheated: How Capitalism Broke the planet – and how we fought back – Kate Aronoff

This book focuses on the denialism that has taken place within sources of power which has stemmed out of neoliberal policies and goes back to the 1980s when Republicans and Democrats allowed industries to proceed with business as usual. Executives in the oil and gas industries have been provided with a voice in creating policies that should have put an end to their business models. This approach Kate Aronoff highlights as driving our planet deeper into emergency. The book focuses on an alternative vision that details how society can overcome the power of polluters, provide millions of union jobs that are well-paid, put climate reparations into place, and create an economy that will be more sustainable. To provide a better future, it will require radical action such as reimagining our politics.


Love and Other Moods

Love and Other Moods is the story of a young woman named Naomi who was raised in the United States but whose heritage spans to both Japan and Taiwan. Naomi finds herself moving to Shanghai with her fiancee Seth and is ready to start a new life with him there. Upon finding some unsavory photos on Seth's phone from another woman, Naomi makes the difficult decision to leave Seth. But what will she do now? Working for the Shanghai World Expo in the fashion industry, Naomi finds that she loves her work. Although her mother is almost absent from her life, Naomi finds comfort and solace in her friend Joss and some of her work colleagues. She meets playboy restauranteur Logan and strikes up a friendship with him. She also meets a man named Dante whom she enjoys spending time with the more she gets to know him.

Love and Other Moods takes the reader into the world of Shanghai. With its competitive fashion industry, beautiful scenery, and delicious cuisine, Shanghai sounds like a wonderful place to visit.

What I enjoyed most about Love and Other Moods is the way the author took the reader through the daily routine of Naomi. When I was reading the book I could feel what Naomi was feeling during each scene-whether it was at a noisy bar or club or while working at the Expo during stressful moments. The characters in this book were easy to remember as was their relationship to Naomi. Although Naomi is the main character, the author also did a fantastic job of explaining both Joss and Dante's background stories as well. The dynamic behind Asian family relationships may seem complicated to an outsider, however, Crystal Z. Lee was able to explain some of the reasons for the behaviors in the book. I found this to be truly interesting and the Chinese culture to be very bold. Of course, as a Chinese-American, I have heard of many of the customs but it is still a bit jarring to hear about parents setting up their children via social status.

Overall, Love and Other Moods is a heartwarming and satisfying story about making life decisions-both big and small-while living in a fast-paced world. I would recommend this book to anyone who is planning to visit or move to Shanghai or who would like to know a little bit more about Chinese culture in this part of the country.


Hidden: Animals in the Anthropocene

Photographs deliver a message louder than words can project. Seeing these images of animal suffering caused by human self-interest, greed, gluttony, and indifference, the viewer must ask why and how we have come to this degree of complacency regarding the barbaric animal cruelty practiced in our so-called modern world.

There are photos of animals crammed into feeding pens on family farms, within live transport, standing in slaughter yards, imprisoned within holding tanks, and restricted from natural light or land. The animals are being prepped to appear on the dining table. Check out the photos of horses and other beasts of burden in their miserable stations, or look at how primates, elephants, dolphins, and other creatures are primped and forcibly trained to elicit laughs from the viewer.

Scientific research requires uncountable numbers of rodents, rabbits, and primates. This age of human dominance also has cultural traditions that demand sacrifices of goats and snakes, whale hunts, and other rites. Animals are sentient creatures yet man has abused that quality of compassion and mercy when dealing with those critters that share the planet with us. Blood, gore, and misery flow from these images, which record the wretched relationship between man and non-human life. This shocking and illustrative display is the educational evidence necessary to prompt an impassive public to demand corrective actions.


A Deadly Chapter: A Castle Bookshop Mystery

Shelby is loving her life in the scenic Alexandria Bay, where she has found peace on a houseboat and among the locals. But when she finds a body, she finds herself falling headlong into another mystery. The body belongs to a mysterious stranger who had been searching for a woman who once lived on Blythe Island. The mystery deepens the closer Shelby comes to the truth, which results in surprising twists and could put her in the killer's crosshairs.

Life is going good for Shelby as she's found happiness in Alexandria Bay and with Zack Griffin, but another murder lurks around the corner. Their relationship is a strong component within the mystery as events put her face-to-face with questions about her future and ghosts of the past. Essie Lang captures the joy of sleuthing with a heroine who is clever, smart, and courageous, driven to find answers even if she goes up against a killer. The mystery is one that will be hard to put down until you reach the end and discover who the killer is.

Lang delivers another entertaining mystery in A Deadly Chapter, which is humorous, witty, and entertaining, with a stunning setting, an addictive story, and delightful characters.


Wings of Ebony

Wings of Ebony is the coming of age story of Rue, a normal teenager growing up in the tough neighborhood of East Row in Houston with her mom, sister, and play aunties and cousins. Life is not easy, but they make it work because their mama is raising diamonds. Until the day that Rue’s mother is gunned down on their doorstep, her little sister Tasha is taken away and Rue herself is kidnapped by a man who claims to be her father but whom she has never really met. But then it all goes wrong and Tasha’s life is in danger. Rue has to make a choice between following the rules or saving her sister. Want to know what she chooses? You will have to grab yourself a copy of Wings of Ebony to find out what happens with Rue, Tasha, Bri, and the land of Ghizon.

Wings of Ebony was a great read. It started off a little slow but picked up as the characters began to come to life. This story is definitely meant for teenagers fourteen years and older but I think adults would like it too.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers


The Plot

Jacob Bonner teaches writing at a small college after having written one successful book. One student tells him that he doesn’t need to be taught because his story is so good. He tells Jacob The Plot and Jacob knows immediately that this will be a best seller. When the student dies before publishing anything, Jacob takes it on himself to tell the story. Then come the anonymous notes that he is a thief and the story doesn’t belong to him. The plot was too good to be true, or so he thought. It’s possible that the student based the plot on real life and the subject isn’t happy about it and will do whatever it takes to stay hidden.

Jacob is an interesting character and as you grow to like him, it’s painful to watch the downward spiral he takes as the anonymous person messes with his mind. The plot within a plot and a book within a book was a fun and new experience in world where a lot of psychological thrillers are beginning to look more and more alike. Some thought-provoking topics were included about whether or not you can steal a plot. Put this book on your list.


Ancient Remedies: Secrets to Healing with Herbs, Essential Oils, CBD, and the Most Powerful Natural Medicine in History

Cures for ailments have been around since the dawn of civilization. These have primarily been based on a combination of magic, religion, and science. This book embraces the principles of holistic medicine and uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as its basis for diagnosing and curing various ailments. The book is divided into four parts: Part I (five chapters) makes the case for holistic medicine (specifically TCM). Part II (five chapters) provides an overview of the various aspects of TCM. Part III & IV seek to apply the principles by providing an overview of the five basic elements, prescription for some common ailments, and recipes.

The book is easy to read, well organized, and the chapter subsections make it easy to reference. However, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence, and references to scientific studies virtually disappear later into the book. The book’s tone is positive, so positive that some portions may come across as hype. It also makes the assumption that modern medicine cures the symptom and not the cause of the ailment. Some readers may take issue with these aspects. Overall, a good introductory text for TCM, but some of its claims may go too far.


Tell No Tales: Pirates of the Southern Seas

The book Tell No Tales is about the pirates of the southern seas - particularly female pirates. It is a partially fictional book. Some characters were real, like Anne Bonny and Calico Jack, while other characters in this book were made up. It is a comic/graphic novel book which makes it more fun to read. Unfortunately for me, the book was a little confusing on where I should start. Because all the words in each different square tied in to one specific argument or conversation it made it difficult to follow, but I got the hang of it after a while. The illustrations are really good.  Reading through this graphic novel visually is like I am watching a movie. The book does have the “H” word in it, so if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want your kids seeing that in books, then this is not the book for you to grab for them. But if you do not mind that word, then it doesn’t really matter.

I would recommend this book for kids twelve and up because it is a much longer graphic novel and a little difficult to follow because of the layout. Overall it is a pretty good book and I liked the story.


Goodnight, Little Bunny (Baby Animal Tales)

Bunny is scared to leave the cozy burrow. Thanks to the help of the mouse, she learns all she needs to know about being a bunny and how to keep herself and others safe. Will she remember her training when the fox comes to chase her?

This is a bedtime storybook, but I don’t know that a bunny trying to escape from the fox is soothing. I mean you probably know how it ends, but it seems like the plot doesn’t fit the title or illustrations. I also found it a bit strange that a mouse was the mentor telling the bunny how to be a bunny. Why wasn’t it an older bunny? The illustrations/pictures are the stars of this book. The photos of the bunny are so adorable, and I love how the illustrations compliment her. I do feel a great soothing tone by the majority of the illustrations. I hope that pictures/illustrations become commonplace because I liked them a lot. My four-year-old liked the cute bunny. Age Recommendation: Three to five year olds.


The Portrait of a Mirror: A Novel

Wes and Diana are ambitious, ill-suited spouses rattling around a showy but poorly designed loft in New York City. Dale and Vivien, in Philadelphia, are an engaged couple more in love with the idea of their upcoming wedding than with each other. It seems fated that the couples’ lives will intersect: Wes and Vivien went to the same prep school, and Vivien is in NYC for work; Dale and Diana are both consultants on the same project in Philadelphia. Attractions, flirtations, risks, and genuinely terrible decision-making lead all four parties to an inflection point. They must reassess their requirements for happiness—and ask themselves who they really are when not in the direct line of others’ adoring gazes. These wealthy, privileged, beautiful millennials are as in love with themselves as they claim to be with one another, and no one will escape the entanglements entirely unharmed.

Billed as a retelling of the myth of Narcissus, Portrait is as funny as it is tragic; the arch-intellectuality, painful self-consciousness, and exquisitely strict codes of conduct give these characters slim room to maneuver as they move about their urban, urbane lives. Their desire for happiness is, perhaps, the only truly genuine thing about them—but happiness, like Narcissus’s watery reflection, proves to be an illusion, always out of reach.


The Lady of the Library

How do you save a library from demolition? More challenging still, how do you save it when you are the ghost of a former librarian who continues to haunt its halls? You start by teaming up with a very determined young girl, of course.

Angie Karcher has written an entertaining story that follows the various obstacles the ghost and the girl must overcome to save their beloved library. Karcher’s evident skill with rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration makes this story a delight to read aloud and also pairs well with Rachel Sanson’s illustrations of the Victorian lady librarian and her library.

Inspired by the haunted Willard Library in Evansville, Indiana, this book not only contains additional information about the role of community libraries today, but also about other haunted libraries. For those seeking to inspire an interest in libraries, learning, and books, The Lady of the Library makes a good choice. Just don’t be surprised when your listeners peek around corners and glance at the rafters on their next trip to the library.


City on the Edge

These thrilling reads will take you up against an outbreak in Greenland, on a journey through the Middle East in search of a missing man, and into a Post-Trump/Biden nation struggling under new leadership. The stories are authentic, action-packed, and full of surprises around every turn.

Phase Six: A Novel – Jim Shepard

An eleven-year-old, from Greenland, and his friend steal from a mining site and take the objects back to their village. Little do they know that the thawing permafrost in the mountains has caused exposure and creates the catalyst to Aleq's journey to becoming one of the first survivors of an outbreak. His experiences as the index patient lead to isolation which adds to Aleq's guilt over being the source but his story isn't without hope as he searches for answers. Epidemic Intelligence Service Investigators arrive from the CDC to help. Epidemiologist Jeannine and M.D. Danice work to put an end to the outbreak. Jeannine transfers locations from Greenland to the Rocky Mountains where she enters a Level 4 facility to help Aleq. Taking a direct look at the political, biological, and cultural structures that go into place when a disaster occurs, the story highlights the bonds formed during an outbreak while the various characters come to understand what it means to support loved ones during a crisis.

Proof of Life: Twenty Days on a Hunt for a Missing Person in the Middle East – Daniel Levin

Daniel Levin's life was normal as he worked in his office when a phone call changes everything. He leaves New York to take a mysterious meeting in Paris which puts him on the trail of a missing man in Syria. No agency offered their assistance so it's up to Daniel to take a brutal journey through the Middle East over the course of twenty days. As Daniel evolves from a lawyer to an arm-conflict negotiator, he tracks down leads while encountering a variety of dangerous people including sheiks, drug lords, and sex traffickers. The story also provides a study on how leverage can be used for people to get what they want from someone else. A cinematic thriller, /Proof of Life/ is fast-paced and intriguing with an adventure that goes inside a hidden world.

The Executive Order: A Novel – David Fisher

In a time after Trump and Biden, a new president has been elected and charged with fixing the friction within the nation. Ian Wrightman was an independent senator who is now tasked as president to create normalcy which citizens like Rollie Stone and his co-workers happily accept. Stone works as a journalist who spent his career reporting the chaos at the White House. Everything changes following terrorist attacks that shook the nation. Wrightman and his administration release executive orders under the guise of keeping the people safe while steadily declining their constitutional freedom. Stone is a wounded warrior who, along with his Mighty Chair which assists during his investigations, discovers surprising evidence behind the terrorist attacks. His only hope is getting the evidence to the right people but the president's war on journalists and anyone who fights back forces him to make a run for it. An underground resistance movement springs into action to help Stone as he works to stay alive, to tell the truth to the nation. This is inspired by the Sinclair Lewis novel /It Can't Happen Here/.

The Vanishing Point: A Novel – Elizabeth Brundage

Rye Adler and Julian Ladd are both studying photography when they cross paths in a Brodsky Workshop. The two soon become roommates when Julian moves in with Rye but it's not long before Julian becomes envious of Rye's success. The two roommates fall for the stunning Magda who stands out in the class due to her unique photographs taken in her Polish neighborhood. A romantic entanglement begins with each man though only one of them will be able to love her. The story then jumps twenty years later where Rye has achieved fame for his celebrity photos but he's removed himself from the downtrodden subjects that sparked his career. Rye is thrust back into a broken world of addicts and street people when Magda reappears in his life requesting his help which pushes him on a dark path in search of a missing boy. He's forced to look at the artist he was in the past as he engages in his own battle for survival. The months that follow find Julian stumbling across an obituary for his former roommate. Rye's death has been ruled a suicide and despite how they ended things, Julian goes to the funeral only to find no casket or body. He soon begins to question his own life and the circumstances around Rye's death.

Arctic Storm Rising: A Novel (Nick Flynn Book 1) – Dale Brown

Nick Flynn has been exiled from the CIA after a covert mission went sideways and is now tasked with being a guard in Alaska's Arctic frontier where he's assigned to protect a remote radar post. The assignment is meant to end his career but he refuses to let go easily. As freezing storms sweep through Alaska and Northern Canada, an opportunity is created for a Russian aircraft to make its move. Is this a rehearsal leading to a strike or is there another reason behind these actions? A collision between an American F-22 and a Russian craft leads to missiles fired and no survivors. Flynn and a team parachute into the site despite the weather in a desperate attempt to reach it before the Russians. The Pentagon and CIA are keeping information from them, forcing Nick and his team to risk the jump which unfolds into a deadly game between them and Spetsnaz commandos secretly working in the United States. As they discover other aircraft have disappeared, the Kremlin searches for a prototype that disappeared with missiles armed and onboard. Nick is tasked with finding the bomber and saving the world from a nuclear holocaust.

City on the Edge – David Swinson

Graham is thirteen years old when a tragedy causes his family to move to the coast of Beirut, Lebanon, live on the border of cataclysmic violence. Graham soon comes to the assumption that his State Department father actually works for the CIA and that his family's life is merely a front for the American efforts taking place on the Israeli border. As 1972 evolves, Graham faces a series of challenges including his parent's marital problems, two murders, and along with ex-pat friends, discovers forces beyond his understanding. The story is authentic and atmospheric, unfolding a journey about the plights innocents face in American espionage. Compared to /The Body/ by Stephen King and /A Perfect Spy/ by John le Carre, /City on the Edge/ is transformative and tells the story of the children caught beside the dangerous turns of history.

Scorpion: A Novel – Christian Cantrell

Quinn Mitchell strives for balance in her life working as a nine-to-five spy and as a mom in her off time. After she loses her daughter, Quinn strives for normalcy through a new assignment which puts her on the path of assassinations that have occurred across the globe. The victims were found with numeric codes that were burned, carved, or tattooed on them. The trail of the killer takes her on a harrowing journey, keeping her a step behind until she makes an unsettling connection that she has with the murders. She's closer to understanding the encrypted message, called the Epoch Index, found in the Large Hadron Collider archives. She struggles to find the connection between the murders, the killer, a physics prodigy, and her own past. A shocking discovery leads her to a surprising twist that threatens everything she believed about her past and could impact her future.


Poems for Time Travelers in Love

Robert Anbian’s Poems for Time Travelers in Love is a marvelous antidote to the trendy, confessional work promoted in a world where so much writing is self-therapeutic social media. These are love poems that can be read as both personal and universal in the same voice. They are by turn pensive and celebratory, tenderly innocent and knowing, and sexual without resort to profanity or gratuity. Like any honest relating of love, there are nostalgic elements as well as lasting regrets.

Anbian’s work is equally delightful in its technique. These are free verse pieces, unmarred by unintentional rhyme or form-dictated constraints. They work well on the page as well as when read aloud. If there is a conceit, it is the abandonment of periods, relying throughout on capitalization for sentence breaks. The language is consistently strong and considered throughout, with word choice and imagery that reflect intent rather than hurry. Throughout, we are offered poems that are conversational, intelligent, sometimes challenging, but never elitist.

Not all time travelers are in love, but all lovers are time travelers, as evidenced by these mature poems that fully occupy both past and present while unapologetically believing in, and tangibly visualizing, a future.


Scoundrel of My Heart (Once upon a Dukedom)

In order to inherit her grandmother’s cottage by the sea, Lady Kathryn Lambert must marry a titled gentleman. Unfortunately, the man she has obvious chemistry with, her old friend (and former annoyance) Lord Griffith Stanwick, is a second son… and the son of a convicted traitor. Once he is cast from polite society, she has no reason at all not to marry the Duke of Kingsland.

Except for the fact that Griffith is still in London, and Kathryn still feels the pull that began shortly before meeting the duke. Caught between two desires, Kathryn must decide which is more important to her: her inheritance or her passions.

I was introduced to Lorraine Heath through her A Sin for All Seasons series, and this new series, Once Upon a Dukedom, is a delightful spinoff. Kathryn and Griffith are an enticing couple, the classic pair that can’t stay away from each other despite having every reason in the world to do just that. My one wish is that the reasons had been stronger, at least at the start of the book. Kathryn’s desire for the cottage seemed like a candle compared to the sun of her attraction to Griffith. I greatly enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the next, featuring none other than the spurned Duke of Kingsland.


Revenge Cake

Revenge Cake is a love story between the main characters Logan and Leilani that is anything but perfect. Told in alternating viewpoints of the main characters, the reader is given both the past and present to compare. Logan is a serial dater and hops from one girlfriend to another, checking out of the relationship before it is completely dismantled and finding another girl to date. He falls in love easily which his best friend Armaan makes fun of him for throughout the book. Leilani is an intelligent girl who has an addictive AND vindictive personality. As she tries to control her anxiety and panic attacks she starts to overmedicate with Ativan that she is prescribed by her doctor. This, combined with drinking alcohol makes for a dangerous cocktail and turns Leilani into a different person; a person who flirts with other guys in front of Logan and who is a sloppy mess.

I was first drawn to Revenge Cake by its cover and title. I love the watercolor picture of the cake and the title gives the book an air of vindictive sweetness. At the beginning of the book, Leilani and her best friend, Brenna, make a cake for Logan for closure of his relationship with his last girlfriend, Brittani. Brenna is Armaan's girlfriend and this is how Logan meets Leilani and falls in love with her. They call the cake "Closure Cake".

The book deals with several underlying issues that the characters are dealing with. The main one, the one that may be most important, is that of mental health. As written in the author's note to the reader at the end of the book, the author herself has struggled with anxiety and panic disorder and was able to integrate the seriousness of these into the plot of her book through the character of Leilani. There are many people who will be able to relate to Leilani's character. The other issue in the book is codependency. Logan's character felt so lonely at times that this turned him into a very desperate character. Despite having a supportive best friend and a twin sister he is very close to, I felt that Logan's childhood and the way his mother treated him created this need for love that he couldn't seem to fulfill in his relationships.

I really enjoyed reading Revenge Cake and recommend it to fans of romance, heartbreak, and beautiful endings.


Girl in the Walls: A Novel

I hear that sleep is overrated, said no one ever. Nevertheless, sometimes you need to stay up late into the early morning hours, watching a young one; perhaps you have the night shift at a creepy hotel; or you’re a security officer at a new building complex where someone was murdered; or maybe you’re the hired help for a family in a safe house, and it’s up to you to stay awake no matter what. Sure, there’s coffee and other fancy heart-racing drinks to stave off the sandman, but one tried and tested method is a gripping murder mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat, and your senses on high alert for any strange sounds. Here are six murder mysteries guaranteed to help you do the job.

Girl in the Walls

Elise’s parents were taken from her in a horrific car crash and now she remains hidden in her home and knows it like the back of her hand: every nook and cranny, crawlspace, crevice and hideout. Eddie enjoys living in the house with his family, except for the girl he sees out of the corner of his eye every once in a while. Is she really there? Is she real? Is he just imagining things? But when she’s also seen by his brother, they have to do decide to what to do about the girl who might or might not exist.

The Captive

Brooke Holland has a sedentary, peaceful life with her family on a rural farm. Times are hard, and sometimes they barely scrape by, but she’s happy to be away from everything in the peace and quiet, where her past cannot come back to haunt her. But then Stephen Cawley, an escaped criminal, attacks them at the farm and Brooke does what she needs to to protect her family with her hidden talents and skills. Then she needs to bring Cawley to justice so she can get the reward to help her family and keep her dark and bloody past buried.

Run for Cover

In the second installment of the series, Michael Gannon is hiding out on a friend’s ranch deep in the heart of Utah where he hopes no one will find after his previous dealings. But when his friend’s brother is found murdered near Grand Teton, he has to decide whether to keep a low profile, or help out his friend, and see if the murder my be linked to the strange killings happening at various national parks around the country. Gannon finds himself teaming up with FBI agent Kit Hagen to get to the bottom of it all.

Hide in Place

Life seems to finally be going well for Laney Bird in the haven of Sylvan, New York. Three years ago after her cover was blown in a racketeering case that involved the Russian mafia, Bird had to flee with her son with her life in peril. Now she’s finally starting to relax, but then her son suddenly goes missing and she knows her demons have come back to haunt her. The police are dismissing it as a runaway, but she knows there’s more to it. As she digs deeper into her son’s disappearance, she discovers he and a friend were meeting with a stranger who has also gone missing. As a snowstorm sweeps through, Bird will need to keep working to find out what happened to her son if she has any hopes of getting him back alive.

If I Disappear

Sera loves podcasts, in particular true crime podcasts. She can’t get enough of them, and on some level, she feels she has been in training after listening to them for so long. Then one of her favorite podcast hosts named Rachel goes missing, and she takes this as a sign for her true calling. Sera begins to investigate, combing through the true crime episodes for clues and details and pieces of evidence that will lead her somewhere. They do eventually, to an old ranch near her hometown, but as she digs deeper she discovers that Rachel may not be the first woman to disappear.

The Mitford Trial

It is the summer of 1933 and Louisa Cannon is joining the Mitfords on a wonderful cruise, where she gets to rub elbows with the rich and famous. What more could anyone want? Except Louisa has made a deal: on her wedding day she was approached by someone incognito and told to spy on Diana Mitford and confirm her supposed illicit affair with Oswald Mosley. The cruise it brought to an abrupt halt when a man is found murdered, and the case is taken up back in London by Tom Mitford. Louisa will find her honor and emotions rent asunder as she must decide what is the right thing to do.


The Wolf and the Woodsman: A Novel

Évike and Gáspár are The Wolf and the Woodsman, enemies due to the conflict between pagans and those of the Patrifaith. Every couple of years, a wolf-girl, one with magical powers, is brought to the king to be sacrificed. Gáspár is the Woodman chosen to bring Évike to the king. He’s also the prince, the one true heir of the king. Betrayed by her people because she has no magic, she begins the long journey to the city with Gáspár. The forest is dangerous and they will face many obstacles, including Gáspár’s zealous brother trying to seize power, Évike finding some of her own, as well as the affection growing between them. The world that Reid creates is full of intrigue and danger, as well as Jewish history and pagan magic. The story itself, including each chapter, is somewhat anti-climactic. You can feel the build and then it just kind of peters out. The Hungarian history aspect was not clear and came across as a made-up world. If you enjoy the retelling of folktales, you might enjoy this book. However, I would recommend reading Katherine Arden’s work instead. Reid’s work so far lacks the same panache but shows some promise.


The Mediterranean Wall: A Novel

Three women of various ages and family backgrounds must cross the Mediterranean Sea from the Middle East to Europe. Their situations require it. These women will be labeled refugees upon their arrival.

During the journey, aboard the trawler Torm Lotte with its maniacal captain (who, unlike Ahab, does not know the names of his cargo), there is only one certain destination, and that is the unknown.

Along the way, we encounter desperate people, broken people, and people who capitalize on the uncertainty and violence bringing so many strangers into such a crowded port.

The Mediterranean Wall is epic in scope and ruthless in the details of the journey all immigrants face physically and emotionally. Louis-Philippe Dalembert has created living, breathing characters with legs and made us suffer and empathize with them. Not every young reader has a steady beau, a tenacious reputation, or dreams of family life (and this book is all about dreams) but every reader young or adult can relate to the bitterness in the hearts of those who are wronged by society at every turn, only searching for a better life.


A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Murder in Ancient Rome

With summer just around the corner, you may be looking for some good history books to get lost in while you’re enjoying the sun on the beach, or a shady spot by the pool, or some beautiful mountain vistas in an Adirondack chair. Here are three books that will suck you into their incredible historical retellings and make you forget for a moment where you even are.

A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum:

Take a journey back to ancient Rome where there were the gladiatorial games, the impressive senate, and a civilization like no other; but where there was also murder most foul. Remus was murdered by his brother Romulus to found the city, and I don’t need to tell you about Cesar’s assassination to save the Republic, because everyone knows some detail about it. In A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Emma Southon takes you back to the notorious and numerous murders of Rome, who the victims were, who the perpetrators were, and what the vox populi thought of it all.

Spymaster’s Prism

It seems like each month we wait to hear of a new hacking incident that has breached United States security and given criminals access to places you would never want prying eyes to be able to see, and more often than not Russia is the one behind it all. As tensions continue to heat up between Biden and Putin, one can’t help but wonder how we got to this point? Spymaster’s Prism brings you the story, going into detail with the history of intelligence agencies and our national security. What has the CIA been up to? How about the KGB? And perhaps most importantly: where do things stand now?

Return to Victory

Let James P. Duffy take you back to an important moment in US history when two and a half years earlier in 1942 General Douglas MacArthur had promised the people of the Philippines that they would return. It has been said that the key to taking down the Japanese Empire were the 7,000 islands. Duffy goes into immense and wonderful detail covering the commanders, sailors, and airmen, as well as the regular soldiers; covering the entirety of the campaign from both a tactical and strategic perspective. No matter where you are, Return to Victory will have you gripped to the page, even when you already know the outcome.


A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 5)

Enjoy reading about threats from an alien race, journeying to Mars, and a political epic fantasy while you explore this selection of fantasy and science fiction reads that will take you into another world. Check out the sequels to /The Salvation Sequence/ and /Wake the Dragon/, a spin-off from Gregory Maguire that expands the /Wicked/ world, and the next book in the /Court of Thorns and Roses/ series.

Salvation Lost – Peter F. Hamilton

Book two of /The Salvation Sequence/ explores the encounter that utopian earth has with a visiting race of aliens that are quickly discovered to be among the worst threats that mankind dealt with. The Olyix plan to convert the residents of earth into their belief system under their own god. But the aliens didn't expect mankind to fight back. As the Olyix try to take power, humanity is more determined than ever to stop them before they're the ones destroyed.

The Brides of Maracoor – Gregory Maguire

Kicking off a new series, this spin-off from Gregory Maguire features Rain, the green-skinned granddaughter of Elphaba. It was ten years ago when the fourth and final volume of /Out of Oz/ was released. Rain washes ashore on a strange island where she's saved by a women community that uses devotional practices considered more obscure. A mysterious navy attacks the mainland which causes the civil-servant overseer over the island to wonder how an alien could put a whole nation under threat. This new trilogy will follow Rain's journey as it takes her from an outpost on the island to the uncharted Maracoor badlands as she works to find her way home again where she'll return to her family and lover. The beauty and suffering of Oz come to life through the mystery, injustice, and possibility of this story that serves as a reminder of the sacred terrain found in our lives.

A Court of Silver Flames – Sarah J. Maas

Nesta is known for how slow she can be to forgive and how quick she can be toward anger. Ever since she became High Fae by force through the Cauldron, she has worked to fit into her new role. Cassian is the best at making her angry and she can't avoid him thanks to his own role in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court. The friction between them is just the beginning as the two have an undeniable chemistry that draws them closer when they're near each other. As if this wasn't enough, the human queens have joined forces and this proves to be a threat against every realm. To stop them, Nesta and Cassian each have to confront the pasts that have haunted them which is a journey set against a background of war and uncertainty. Together find healing and acceptance as they battle monsters and inner demons.

Thin Air – Richard K. Morgan

Hakan Veil is a killing machine after he received body tech that's military-grade and once a corporate enforcer, he's now been abandoned by his former employers. He's been left on Mars where overlords that are earth-based engage in a fight for profits and power despite the growing independence movement. Harkan quickly grows tired of life on Mars and searches for a way to return home which leads him to accept a position from the Earth Oversight organization. The job makes him a bodyguard for an EO investigator. It's easy to work until his charge looks into what happened to a lottery winner that suddenly vanished. The deeper he's drawn into this world, the more secrets reveal themselves and push him up against enemies that he must take down – no matter what.

Vengewar – Kevin J. Anderson

The second book in the /Wake the Dragon/ series continues with war unfolding between The Three Kingdoms and Ishara. For over a thousand years, the two sides have been at war until an outside threat made itself known. An ancient race awakened which brought the two continents together and had them put aside their feud to form an alliance against this common enemy. Book one led to the awakening of a dragon which created events that set the two continents against each other. Now in book two, the Three Kingdoms is facing serious consequences thanks to having a king that is inexperienced. The king is receiving encouragement from a regent, with a lot of ambition, to not take threats made by the Wreths seriously and to instead choose a vengewar with Ishara. His brother and uncle spot the danger that lies within the Older Race. Meanwhile, the Ishara queen lies comatose which provides the opportunity for a priest to take power only to fail the country when he doesn't have the experience to effectively it.

The Wood Wife – Terri Windling

Maggie Black has left the fashion of her old life behind on the West Coast in exchange for a new life in the Southwestern desert. She's determined to pursue her dreams even if this means starting over. Her mentor, the poet Davis Cooper, died under mysterious circumstances and left his estate to her. Now it's up to her to figure out the mystery of his life and the cause of his death. Maggie is drawn into this new life she discovers and is captivated by the people she meets – including Fox. He's unlike any man she's met before and he has a deeper understanding of the power the desert possesses. Maggie uses Cooper's letters as a way to understand his life and soon this search draws her to the ancient spirits residing within the desert.

The Blue-Spangled Blue – David Bowles

Over a hundred years ago, the Aknawajin came to a planet called Jitsu where they were forced to serve as workers. Despite their oppression, they've won their independence and have gotten freedom from the corporate owners of the world. The planet has started to allow humankind to enter which allows for an architect, that also serves as a leader to a religious reform group, named Tenshi becomes acquainted with Brando D'Angelo who left earth to work as a teacher on Jitsu. Tenshi shares about her faith in the Path with Brando and guides him on his own journey which inspires him to say goodbye to his identity and to reform under the guidance of Tenshi so he can obtain a soul. Tenshi's enemies create obstacles for the couple while the growing struggles on Jitsu cover up the plans of a dangerous mind. They'll be guided along a new path that will inspire the creation of a movement that will have effects on history.


The Brothers Silver

This story opens to introduce a family in the midst of a divorce. The parents are at each other at every turn, and the two boys, Jules and Leon (Lee), are having to deal with that. We are hearing the story at first from Jules's point of view, and it is not a pretty story. Jules's father, Ed, is a gambler and womanizer and mean as a snake to his wife, Ethel. She is clearly unstable, but how much of the blame for that belongs to Ed is yet to be seen. The boys fight with each other and treat each other badly. It’s clear they have learned the lessons of their parents. We are introduced to the extended family of cousins and aunts and uncles and the father’s girlfriend and are given stories along with the introductions making it hard to focus on the story of the main characters. The story is many, many years long, and it feels like it to the reader. None of the characters are particularly likable, making this a tough slog.

There are paragraphs laden with a description detailing every sight, sound, smell and filled with internal rhymes and consonance (“A muggy ocean breeze teases with its wheezes. It glides between the buildings, reminding me the seas are near. It fills the streets with sticky nuzzles and the puzzle of the clouds: will it drizzle, will it drench?”). In a paragraph about family photos, the author describes nearly thirty photos when three or four would give the reader enough. One paragraph of stream-of-consciousness description goes on for four pages!  Chapters are told from different point-of-view characters, but it sometimes takes pages of reading to discover who the point-of-view character is. One chapter is a long conversation between two people with identical voices and speech patterns and no dialogue tags, repeating things they both know well, another chapter is told by Jules emotions at a hysterical pitch, and another is a letter, and so on. All are information dumps with virtually no action. One chapter is all questions. One might be a prose poem. Some seem to be stuck in just to experiment with language and don’t add to the story. This book is badly overwritten and could use some rounds of serious editing to get the writing out of the way of the story, not that the story is very compelling. Readers really don’t need all the detail — what Ed’s girlfriend's breasts look like, how moldy the dishes are over and over, every thought Ethel expresses, every jarring thing family members do. It is exhausting to read. The last interminable chapter (half the book) tells the tale of a road trip that introduces a great many unlikable characters without really illuminating readers in any meaningful way.


Iron Butterfly

What is it about the past that lures the curious like a moth to the flame? Edward Bennett is intent on exploring the past. Edward is a young man, college-educated, about to begin time abroad. Edward is currently seeing Celeste, a young woman he’s been friends with since childhood. However, there is another woman who has a predominant presence in his life: His Mother Marie. The possibility of skirting curfew rules leads Edward to abruptly end an intimate moment with Celeste. Marie loves Edward but is overprotective at best. Edward seeks to placate his Mother but also bristles at her set ways. Before Edward is due back at school, he and his friends are traveling to Italy. Edward plans a side trip to Lavenna, the town where Marie was born and raised. Marie explicitly warns him away from any such tomfoolery. Edward decides to display independence and ignore his Mother.

Edward wants to learn more about his Mother and her heritage. Lavenna is a town that is off the beaten path, yet Edward eventually finds it. The town was leveled by an earthquake a few years back and still displays ruinous evidence. Edward eventually finds records relating to his Mother’s birth but finds more questions than answers. Fortune is on his side when after an inquiry into his Mother, he is introduced to a cousin. Edward is both enchanted and intrigued by his Mother’s homeplace.

Marie has kept her life in Italy close to her. Her father served in World War for the United States and eventually relocated there. He planned to send for his family once enough money had been saved. Maria was watched over by her Mother and Grandmother while in Lavenna. Three generations living under the roof, the older women are strong role models for their ward. Her childhood was marked by two troubling events: World War II and the mental breakdown of her Mother. Both are interconnected and form the reason for Marie’s reticence about her past. Marie wished that Edward didn’t make the trip to Lavenna, as his journey into nostalgia threatens to open old wounds.

Iron Butterfly is an affecting drama about love and family. The family dynamics are well written and relatable as personified by the Bennett Clan. The main focus is Edward and Marie, but Father (Guy) and siblings (Albert and Lisa Marie) make a lasting impression as your tight-knit, semi-dysfunctional family. Author Andrew Eustace Anselmi writes with a keen grasp of his character's emotions, never feeling over the top in the display. An emotionally satisfying and overall enjoyable read.


Marching for Change: Movements Across America (SBP Learning)

Marching for Change focuses on three movements that have happened across America. Sometimes when we believe in something strongly, we must take a stand to stand up for what we believe in. As the past has taught us with Dr. Martin Luther King, a peaceful march can show the world what we believe in and get our point across without violence. The 1963 March on Washington did just that and showed the world just how many people wanted equal rights for all Americans regardless of their skin color or other attributes. Sadly, today there is still racism and Black people are not always treated equally, just like the terrible treatment that led to the death of George Floyd. George Floyd's death led to the most recent March in 2020 to show that black lives matter, and no one should be killed as he was. Hopefully, society can learn and grow to treat one another with kindness no matter the differences. This book also covers the Women's March. It is sad today that in our society not only people of different colors but also females are treated differently than males. This book was very informative and hopefully will help people to think differently about each individual's human right to be treated equally!


Old Enough to Save the Planet

Every day we are bombarded with negative messages about the environment. This dire situation can be overwhelming for adults, let alone children, who may feel as though they are powerless to change the world they will soon inherit. Old Enough to Save the World provides a powerful antidote, however. Here, author Loll Kirby tells the true-life stories of twelve children from all over the world who saw a problem and set out to make a difference. For example, Felix in Germany became passionate about reforestation and created Plant-for-the-Planet, while Himangi in India reduced the effects of traffic pollution outside of her school, and Adeline in Indonesia reintroduced native plants and animals after severe flooding. Kirby writes and Adelina Lirius illustrates each of these stories to provide a wealth of knowledge about environmental issues. Aptly, Kirby also offers additional information on ways to help save the planet and make your voice heard, along with a list of websites for those who wish to learn more. This book both encourages hope and action in children, and maybe even adults.


Husna and the Eid Party: An Eid Story

Husna and the Eid Party is a tale about a child wanting to be invited to a friend’s party, not getting an invitation, experiencing a series of misunderstandings, and then finding resolution. I appreciate that the author and the Islamic Foundation have used this universal experience to introduce Muslim culture from a child’s perspective.

Husna is just like any other girl; she goes to school, spends time with her family, and wants to be with her friends. She just happens to wear a head scarf and attend an Islamic school. I appreciated the opportunity to learn a lot of Arabic words and Islamic terms in this book. However, it was difficult to figure out the intended audience––was it aimed at all children so they can learn more about Islam and Muslim culture? Or was it geared more toward Muslim children, to give them representation in literature?

As there are comparatively few books featuring diverse characters, they need to be accessible and enjoyable. I want to acknowledge that while I didn’t find this story particularly engaging, I think it serves an important purpose. Sometimes there are more important things than the quality of the story––and I think this is one of those times. Although the illustrator wasn’t named, the illustrations were vivid and engaging.


Slime for Dinner (Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel #2)

Geronimo Stilton, a mouse who loves writing adventure stories, his sister Thea, and his cousin Trap are invited to solve a mystery at Cacklefur Castle. Geronimo hates creepy stuff, and there will be clues in both a terrifying mystery dinner and the castle. The winner gets to go with the host, Creepella, to Transratania. Will Geronimo solve the mystery and get out of Cacklefur Castle? Read how Geronimo and the others experience Werewolf slugs, slime, disco boots, and something to do with a coffin.

I loved this sequel! It makes me want to try reading the original novels. I like the art because it is messy, scribbly, and funny. I love how some of the words written in the book are written in a unique font based on the word, for example, if the word was “moon,” the font would look like a moon. I also like that each character has their own color word bubble, so it’s easy to tell who's speaking. This book also helped me learn about different cheeses. I recommend this book to people who are Dav Pilkey fans.


Hard Reboot

It’s pretty bleak out there right now. You’re gonna want to avoid the news at all costs in fact. Why not get lost in a good book? And regular fiction ain’t gonna cut it; it’s time to get lost in the worlds of speculative fiction. I’m talking about a healthy dose of science fiction and fantasy, so here are some great new and forthcoming stories to take you away from all the bad stuff.

Light Chaser
From scifi master Peter F. Hamilton and Gareth F. Powell comes a fun little novella that packs the same epic story power of a long novel. Our main character is Amahle who is one of the eponymous light chasers and spends her time traveling the universe, all alone except for her accompanying AI, as she trades trinkets for memory collars and getting the most she can vicariously from these past lives. But there is a voice she hears more than once that appears to be talking directly to her somehow.

Shadow & Claw
From bestselling author Gene Wolfe comes the first two books of the tetralogy collected in //Shadow & Claw//. In //The Shadow of the Torturer//: on the world of Urth there is the Guild of Torturers where a young man named Severian is apprenticed to them, but his world is completely upended when he commits the ultimate wrong of the guild by showing mercy to a victim. In the second book, //The Claw of the Conciliator//, Severian continues with his banishment when he learns of an ancient relic he must find because it is his destiny.

 The Starless Crown
James Rollins has delighted mystery thriller readers for over a decade and now he returns to the fantasy world he used to write in with //The Starless Crown//. There are four characters mysteriously drawn together: an imprisoned thief, a drunken prince, a broken soldier, and a gifted student who predicts an oncoming apocalypse. How can they stop? Will they be able to? And who will claim the starless crown?

Paper & Blood
Al MacBharrais is a magician of ink and sigil magic who can cast powerful spells, but he is also one of a number of sigil agents to seek to protect those in need from demons and monsters across the world. When a fellow agent goes missing, it’s up to Al to leave the comfort and familiarity of Glasgow and travel down under to Australia to pick up the trail and see if he can find out what befell his comrade and solve the mystery behind the disappearance.

Reset
Aris is a scientist living in a world very different than ours. The Last War destroyed most of her planet and what remained was able to rebuild a little in four cities across the globe. But their goal is never to repeat the mistakes of the past and so every four years everyone undergoes “tabula rasa” where there minds are wiped and they begin life anew. Aris is a huge supporter of tabula rasa and looks forward to her new existence each time, but she keeps having this recurring dream that seems like it might be something from her distant past, so she must begin her quest to find what it is all about.

Hard Reboot
Hard reboot can mean a couple things: it can be something you do to your computer when you are having problems and everything crashes; or it can mean state-sponsored battle-droid prizefights. The book from Django Wexler is fortunately the latter. Kas, through ignorance and some bad choices, has ended up wagering a large some of not her money on the result of an arena battle featuring manned robots, and she soon finds herself pulled into a world she never intended to get into.


The Hospital: Life, Death, and Dollars in a Small American Town

Poverty, down to the last dollar, is unimaginable to most of us. In //The Hospital//, subtitled //Life, Death, and Dollars in a small American Town//, such reality offers a disturbing revelation. Brian Alexander spares no punches as he describes the independent hospital in Bryan, a town in northwest Ohio where medical, economic, and social challenges never let up. Across the country, such hospitals are scooped up by large medical consortiums, making it increasingly difficult to retain nonprofit independent status.

Alexander draws attention to the problems on all fronts.  He draws on national statistics to demonstrate the costs that are confronted. Phil Ennen draws his special attention as the CEO who has been responsible for keeping the hospital afloat for more than 20 years.
But this is not all. The book unflinchingly describes the suffering in a community where obesity, diabetes, suicide, sickness, and terminal disease are increasing, where too many cannot afford treatment nor foresee a future without debt. Keith is among several individuals the author befriends, a man whose health and personal life persistently deteriorate but who always insists, ‘Doin good, buddy. Doin’ good.’
This is an awesome book, hopefully in the running for a well-deserved award.


The Stringer

Kick Off a New Graphic Novel Series

You know that feeling when you find a new comic book or graphic novel and it just totally sucks you in, and you love the story and you love the characters and the artwork just blows your mind. You’re hooked on every page and when you make it to the very end you feel like reading it was one of the best experiences you’ve ever had, and you’re left hoping for one wish: that there will be more. Well, the beauty of this graphic novel list is that they’re all the first volumes of a series, so if you fall in love with the story, you’re guaranteed to get more.

The Stringer by Ted Rall

Mark Scribner has spent years doing what he does best as a war correspondent. Traveling the world in harm’s way to get to the truth and nothing but the truth and reporting on it. But as the world changes and things like layoffs and budget cuts become everyday occurrences, Scribner thinks his time has come and he’s ready to call it quits and retire. But then he stumbles upon something that might just save his career. It’s going to be difficult, with many twists and turns and surprises along the way, but he thinks he might just be able to do it.

Asadora Vol 1 by Naoki Urasawa

Asa has always felt left out and ignored, being part of a huge family, but when her mother is about to give birth she must rush into a dreadful storm to find a doctor. What started out as a huge undertaking becomes even more insurmountable when she runs into a burglar who mistakes her for another kid and decides to kidnap her, and so begins a new and unique journey for Asa fand for the burglar, who has his own interesting story and history.

Lemonade Code by Jarod Patt

Robbie Reynolds is like ordinary kids, he actually not even like ordinary genius kids, but that’s because he’s a super SUPER genius. He also has a secret master plan that’s going to change the world, he just can’t talk to anyone about it, yet. He also needs some serious funds to make it happen, so he comes up with a plan to setup a lemonade stand, only this will be like no other lemonade stand in the world. It will be the best, featuring an automatista where he can make any flavor of lemonade you could want. The only problem is Daphne Du-Ri has just set up her lemonade stand across the street and now there’s some serious competition.

Godzilla by Duane Swierczynski

Unlike the graphic novels mentioned about, this one is special. This Godzilla title was originally released as a thirteen issue series, but is now wonderfully collected all in this one volume, and in full color! Godzilla is terrorizing the world, destroying buildings left and right and leaving civilizations in ruin; populations traumatized. Boxer is a tough guy who has an ax to grind with just about everyone, but now he’s been giving the opportunity to take on the biggest problem facing the world. He puts together a crack team and sets out to take on Godzilla once and for all, along with keeping the $7 billion bounty in mind.


Summer of the Tree Army: A Civilian Conservation Corps Story (Tales of Young Americans)

Charlie is nine years old and lives with his parents in northern Michigan. He spends his summers exploring the dense woods around his home, but in his ninth year, he finds rows of cabins being built in his woods. His parents tell him that because of the depression, President Franklin Roosevelt is putting young men to work all over the country in the Civilian Conservation Corps building roads, bridges, public buildings, and more as well as planting trees, working on parks, and fighting fires. When Charlie is out in the woods, he meets a young man, Luke, working for the CCC who is lost. Charlie leads him back to his camp, then invites him to go fishing and come home for dinner. They become friends and Charlie learns about the important work the CCC does.

Gloria Whelan has written an interesting text that will give youngsters a good introduction to the CCC and all the wonderful work they did. Back matter supports the story. Kirby Fagan has filled the pages with lush illustrations in saturated woodsy colors with lots of excellent details to help youngsters connect to the story and stay engaged. This is a lovely book.


The Girls I've Been

The Girls I've Been tells the story of Nora, a girl who is the daughter of a con artist mother whom she helped put behind bars. Her saving grace is her older sister, Lee, a private detective. Nora, her girlfriend Iris, and ex-boyfriend Wes go to the bank to deposit money, but it is held up by two men, Red Cap and Grey Cap. The two guys don't know what they're in for because these kids are smarter than most. Growing up as part of her mother's cons, Nora knows how to deceive people like it's a normal everyday thing. She shows little fear even though she is scared and pushes forward the whole book.

This book is supposedly going to be made into a Netflix movie starring Millie Bobbie Brown and I can't wait to see it. It is told in alternating chapters set in the past (Nora as many different girls helping her mom con people) and the present (the bank robbery). With the theme of domestic and child abuse at its forefront, The Girls I've Been is an epic tale that will have you biting your nails and cheering for the good guys (and girls) every step of the way.


The Unreasonable Virtue of Fly Fishing

A large number of fly fishers fall into one of two groups: first, those who read about fly fishing when not in the rivers fishing and second, those who write about fly fishing. Admittedly, I fall in the first group, while Mark Kurlansky, award-winning and bestselling journalist, author, and fly fisher falls into the second. The New York Times bestselling tackles the subject of fly fishing in his latest release The Unreasonable Virtue of Fly Fishing. This is not your typical fly-fishing book, because it’s not a “how-to” nor does it document the author’s fishing adventures. It truly is a book of virtues, a refreshing blend of autobiographical, scientific, and historical angles to a sport that continues to gain popularity. We learn what led to Kurlansky’s enviable fly fishing exploits, who has had the chance to fish all over the globe, including Japan and Russia. He covers the science of fish of the Salmonidae family: trout and salmon. Most of the book is dedicated to the history of fly fishing across the world and in the United States. He explores the history of the flies themselves, as well as rods and reels. He also writes of the writers who fish and write of fishing. We learn of Rudyard Kipling and Zane Grey fished for Steelhead in Oregon and William Butler Yeats fly fished and wrote poems about it. If you are looking to read and learn about "the what and whys" of fly fishing and less about "the how" this is a great book.


Churchill's Band of Brothers: WWII's Most Daring D-Day Mission and the Hunt to Take Down Hitler's Fugitive War Criminals

Churchill’s Band of Brothers by Damien Lewis is a true account of an SAS operation during World War II. It is a story of real people, in real situations, who were killed or faced death. The SAS were behind-the-lines operatives. Their mission was to sabotage, disrupt, stall, and confuse the German war effort. The SABU-70 team, who the book is about, created mayhem and confusion and twice returned successfully after the D-Day invasion. Their third parachute jump was into the waiting guns and personnel of the Gestapo. Against all the rules of war, some who were dressed in civilian clothes were killed. After the war, their murderers faded back into the general populace.

The book is well written and moves along rapidly. The backgrounds and personalities of the SAS members, and the German officers, are detailed as they become pertinent to the story. The author does a good job of making them appear real people to the reader. He details the conundrum of an order from Hitler to shoot all commandos. The order contravened the rules of war. This fact sets up the last half of the book: the identification, capture, and execution of the German officers who carried out the order. It is an exciting and very thought-provoking book. I heartily recommend it to those curious about the situation in Europe after D-Day.


Don't Call Me Fuzzybutt!

Bear is tired. It is time for his long winter nap. He will sleep for 243.5 days. But Bear is a very light sleeper. The slightest thing will disturb him, so he knits ear muffs and posts signs and even chops down trees to make a sturdy front door for his den, and then he goes to sleep. Meanwhile, Woodpecker is working on the houses he builds, but he notices several of the houses have disappeared. He sees bits of them scattered on the ground and follows the trail of bits to the new front door Bear built for his den. That is where the houses went. Woodpecker tap-tap-taps on the door. Bear wakes up and is not happy about having his nap disturbed. The two get into a shouting, name-calling match. Can they resolve their differences?

Robin Newman has written a laugh-out-loud story that little ones will want to hear over and over. It is funny, sweet, and hopeful. The illustrations by Susan Batori are so much fun and filled with details that will keep little eyes on the pages. This is a real winner. Don’t miss it.


Sock on the Loose

Sock on the Loose is the story of the blue sock that left his partner. In the drawer, there are two of every color of sock that sleep, get wet, and get used together. One day, the blue sock was getting ready for bed and noticed that its partner sock wasn't around. The one blue sock started getting worried, thinking of what could be going on with its partner. The blue sock didn't know that its partner was having a fun time at the beach and doing different things by itself instead of together with the other blue sock. In the end, the blue sock decides to come back because he missed his partner.

Sock on the Loose is a funny story about things that socks might do. My mom told me about socks going missing in the laundry, so maybe this is what they do when we can't find them?! The story is easy to read and understand and the pictures are bright and colorful. Any kid will like reading about their socks and then thinking up things that they might be doing when the kid isn't looking.


Sweet & Bitter Magic

For years, strict rules have been placed around magic’s use. When Tamsin, a powerful witch, commits an unspeakable crime, she is punished by not being able to love. Reduced to stealing love from others in exchange for magical favors, Tamsin awaits the day she may, if ever, be forgiven and return to her home in the land of witches.

Wren has a secret. She is a source, someone who is made of magic. By law, Wren should have gone to the coven to train, but she has stayed at home to care for her father. Stuck in her village, Wren yearns for the day she will be free. When a new plague sweeps through the land, Wren and Tamsin form a shaky alliance. But there are more dangers than either reckoned for and a dark secret waits that may destroy the queendom.

I really liked this book! It has an interesting plotline, sweet romance, and relationships I rooted for the entire book. I especially enjoyed the vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was in the story. I liked the character development, and will look for more books by this author!


Overheated: How Capitalism Broke the Planet--And How We Fight Back

Learn more about the illegal gold trade from South America and the need to reimagine our politics to provide a sustainable future economy through honest and thorough books. These take a harder look at the world through the lesser-known criminal underground of illegal gold mining and the denialism that has taken place within sources of power.

Dirty Gold: The Rise and Fall of an International Smuggling Ring - Jay Weaver

Jay Weaver broaches the subject of the South American illegal gold trade and the businessmen that profited from it. In March 2017, federal agents apprehended a group known as the three amigos – Juan Pablo Granda, Samer Barrage, and Renato Rodriguez – who had gotten rich off a scheme to illegally acquire metals, primarily Peruvian gold which was mined out of the rain forest. They saw a profit of $3.6 billion dollars. The arrest of this trio shined a light on the scheme of a large illegal international business and criminal underworld that has provided more money than drug trafficking. Latin American drug money has been infused into illegal gold mines with the materials sold to sources such as metals traders and unknowing Americans.

Overheated: How Capitalism Broke the planet – and how we fought back – Kate Aronoff

This book focuses on the denialism that has taken place within sources of power which has stemmed out of neoliberal policies and goes back to the 1980s when Republicans and Democrats allowed industries to proceed with business as usual. Executives in the oil and gas industries have been provided with a voice in creating policies that should have put an end to their business models. This approach Kate Aronoff highlights as driving our planet deeper into emergency. The book focuses on an alternative vision that details how society can overcome the power of polluters, provide millions of union jobs that are well-paid, put climate reparations into place, and create an economy that will be more sustainable. To provide a better future, it will require radical action such as reimagining our politics.


Her Dark Lies: A Novel

Artist Claire Hunter is about to marry Jack, one of the sons of the wealthy Compton family, in a beautiful villa on an idyllic island off the coast of Italy. However, things begin to go wrong the day before they reach the island and increase once they set foot on it. Remains are found, Claire’s wedding dress is ruined, and bodies start to turn up. The Compton family has many enemies due to the nature of their business; Jack’s first wife, Morgan, died under mysterious circumstances; and Claire has secrets of her own. This weekend, lies will be exposed, but will they be Claire’s or Morgan’s?

The plot of this book had promise and was interesting at the beginning, but things started to fall apart in the middle. It ends with a lot more questions than answers, and not in a good way. There are quite a few storylines with holes. Most of the characters lack depth, making it hard to mourn them when they are killed off. If you enjoy the typical mystery you find on the best seller lists these days, you’ll love the shock and awe attempted here. I personally miss the days of mysteries with substance.


Death by Chocolate Snickerdoodle (A Death by Chocolate Mystery)

Jake and Ellie are the owners of the Chocolate Moose, which has made them experts in all things chocolate, but they're also no strangers to murder. Jake thought her biggest obstacle was getting her daughter-in-law back into the baking mood until a detestable local is found dead and a friend of the family is quickly considered the prime suspect. To help their friend, Ellie and Jake dive into another mystery that puts them on the path to discovering surprising secrets and catching a killer.

This story has such warmth to it. It is welcoming and lighthearted, with an emotional core about family. The inviting setting makes you want to go to the Chocolate Moose for a treat and to spend time solving mysteries with Jake and Ellie. The community tone within the story provides a long list of suspects and allies as the duo searches for a killer.

Death by Chocolate Snickerdoodle is perfect for your sweet tooth as well as being a charming read that hits all the right notes for a cozy mystery.


Headstrong Hallie!: The story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the First Female "Fire Guard"

This story is about a woman named Hallie Morse Daggett and how she became the first female fire guard. It is based on a true story. When Hallie was a little girl, there was a forest fire near her house and she decided to be a fire guard to help fight fires. But, in the early 1900s, the US Forest Service did not allow women to work for them. In 1913, Hallie finally got a job as a fire lookout. Many men did not think Hallie was strong enough and thought she would quit. Hallie would prove them wrong.

I really like reading books that are based on true stories. It helps me learn about people and events that I might never have heard of otherwise. The illustrations are really nice. I especially like the illustration of the old phone that Hallie would have used to call for help in 1913 and the one where Hallie is feeding a chipmunk out of her hand. In the back of the book, there are photographs and more information on Hallie Morse Daggett. I would recommend this book to kids who like to learn about women in history.


A Dark and Hollow Star

Since the beginning of time, faeries and other mystical beings have peacefully lived among humans. This all changes the day strange murders begin in the city of Toronto. Four teens, each with ties to the magical world, must combine their knowledge and talents to find the murderer. Nausicaä: a temperamental ex-Fury, Arlo: a shy half-fae girl who is not what she seems, Vehan: a fae prince desperate to earn his mother’s approval, and Aurelian: Vehan’s bodyguard, with a secret of his own, choose to form an alliance driven by their urges to find justice for the dead. But the truth may be darker than any of them anticipated, and it may just unveil the beginnings of a war. Will Aurelian, Nausicaä, Vehan, and Arlo find the killer and stop the brewing tide of destruction? Or will they fail and doom both human and faerie worlds to destruction?

I loved this book! The cast of characters was awesome, inclusive, and original. The plot was wonderfully imaginative and unique, with perfect combinations of mystery and romance. I enjoyed the sharp twists and turns I did not see coming. I thoroughly look forward to the sequel!


The Widow Queen (The Bold, 1)

The Widow Queen by Elzbieta Cherezinska is the tale of one of the many remarkable women that history has forgotten. Swietoslawa is the third daughter of the ruthless Duke of Poland and in 984 A.D. he has begun the search for a husband for her. Like those of her two sisters and her brother, Swietoslawa’s marriage will be used to forge strong alliances that will make the Duke’s empire grander. She, however, desires power and a crown of her own, without the traditional husband by her side.

Though I was desperate to like this story of an unsung female hero rescued from history’s dark depths, sadly, I could not. Perhaps it is a problem with translation, in that words or emotions sometimes simply don’t translate well from one language to another, or the fact that the novel is too episodic and jumps from section to section too often and without seamless transitions. Whatever the reason, I found myself struggling to hold the plot together on one hand, and totally unengaged with the characters on the other.

Though not a book I would read again, it is still wonderful to see writers rediscovering fabulous historical women. That certainly is worth praise!


Mornings with Monet

The book Mornings with Monet is about what the famous painter, Claude Monet, did every morning. It was a very beautiful book from beginning to end. From the illustrations, which look like Monet painted them himself, to the beautiful scenery in the book, everything that the illustrator, Mary Grandprē, did was amazing. I liked this story because it was about what a real person’s life consisted of, but it was like poetry almost. To quote the book, “It is magic.” This picture book is short and it has a picture on every page, so this is a good book to read to young children. People who like painters, painting, or art would really love this one. I would recommend this book for kids of all ages because what kid doesn’t like a lot of pictures in a book? It would also be recommended for people who are fascinated with the famous artist Monet. This is a good choice and I enjoyed reading it. I read it to my eight-year-old little sister and she LOVED it and we think you would, too.


The Incredible Hulk: My Mighty Marvel First Book (A Mighty Marvel First Book)

The Incredible Hulk: My Mighty Marvel First Book is such a fun book to read.

It’s a good book for beginners who like Marvel superheroes. Toddlers and little kids who can't read will like it because the illustrations are very exciting and colorful. It's also a board book with pop-outs and fold-out pages. I like how they have a lot of onomatopoeias because they describe what is happening, and you can picture all the actions. They make the book more fun. My favorite is "He can clap his hands so hard, he sends out a huge Shock Wave! WHOOMP!" I can tell how strong he is from this.

Hulk is the strongest superhero and the graphics make him look the strongest. The Incredible Hulk: My Mighty Marvel First Book is an okay book and I think most toddlers and younger kids would like it.


Amelia Unabridged: A Novel

Amelia never thought that in an instant her whole world would shatter and she would have to live in a world without her best friend. The only thing that ever made sense in Amelia’s life was Jenna and the magical book-world of Orman. When a rare first edition of the Orman Chronicles mysteriously arrives, she knows it has to be a message from Jenna. Taking fate into her own hands, Amelia decides to track the package’s origin, which takes her on a journey that might open the door to more than just answers.

Heart-wrenching in its raw emotion and sadness, Ashley Schumacher writes a story so captivating it will leave her readers breathless and gasping for air through a veil of tears. Amelia Unabridged is an invitation for grief, for longing, and for allowing yourself to let go. With some of the most heartbreaking and honest writing, this story creates a tie so strong that readers will be unable to break its hold. With almost too much emotion for one heart to hold, this book is for the soul who is wandering or searching. This book is your whale in the clouds guiding you to a place where acceptance is possible and fate is miraculous.


What About X? An Alphabet Adventure

What About X? is the story of the letters of the alphabet at Alphabet Academy getting ready to go camping. X is excited about the trip until Question Mark asks him what they should all bring along. All the letters show what they have picked out to bring, things that start with their letter. A is bringing an apple, F is bringing a fishing pole, G is bringing some graham crackers for s'mores, K is bringing a kite, and U is bringing an umbrella. X is getting worried because he can't think of anything good to bring for a camping trip that starts with his letter. Finally, the other letters find something for him that makes everyone happy.

I like this book because it shows friends who think of ways to help their friends when they're upset. X was feeling sad and didn't think his friends would notice that he wasn't around because he was still looking for something. X became happy when his friends said they weren't going to leave without him, but I think that if X had talked to them before then he wouldn't have been upset. I liked this book because it's happy and the pictures are bright and colorful.


Treemendous: Diary of a Not Yet Mighty Oak

A small acorn drops from a big oak tree. It waits to sprout and grow tall. Read about the journey of a tiny acorn to a mighty oak. In the story, I liked when the acorn said the walnuts in the forest are a bit nutty, the florals have a certain buzz to them, and the pines go overboard with Christmas decorations. I also liked when the acorn said she has an average family of ten thousand oak trees. I thought it was funny when she called her brothers and sisters her “twigmates,” and when she thought a squirrel was playing hide-and-seek but it was actually trying to eat her. I loved it mostly because it's educational, but also because it is funny and cute. The book includes lots of facts about oak trees and lists other books and websites for you to check out. I recommend this book to people who love nature. If you want to read an educational book about oak trees then this is the book for you.


Wench

Summertime is a great time for tweens to take adventures and to stretch their imaginations to new heights. These five great reads will allow you to ride with dragons, enter fantastical places, take to the stars, and exploring chilling mysteries. From space adventures to feminist treats, this list has something for every tween to enjoy.

Legend of the Dragon Slayer – Brandon Mull

The edition breathes life into the origin story behind the legendary Dragonwatch from the /Fablehaven/ series. Brandon Mull delves into the Dragon War by exploring the events that brought Dragon Slayers together and sent dragons into sanctuaries. The story of the first Dragon Slayer is brought to life in /Legend of the Dragon Slayer/ through a time when monsters terrorized the land and the kingdom needed a hero. Konrad wants to prove that he's more than just a cobbler's son and is willing to do whatever it takes even if it brings him up against dangerous creatures. None of the monsters compare to the threat that the Dragon brings which is a threat that will push Konrad to face his greatest quest. The edition comes with amazing features such as stunning illustrations from Brandon Dorman, a catalog of Dragon Slayers, and a map that will let you explore the kingdom of Selona.

Winterkeep – Kristin Cashore

The /Graceling Realm/ series receives another dazzling installment from Kristin Cashore that delivers another charming tale. Bitterblue has spent the last few years as Queen rebuilding the nation with the determination to give her people a second chance after taking the throne from her father. The land of Torla is now on her radar which inspires her to send envoys to Winterkeep which is the nearest nation. Winterkeep is a wondrous place with telepathic foxes, bonds formed between foxes and humans, and amazing airships, but all is not as it seems when she learns that her envoys drowned which raises questions about the nation's intentions. Bitterblue takes it upon herself to investigate by venturing to the nation with her two most trusted allies but their journey is quickly derailed by a tragedy that has severe repercussions. Elsewhere, Lovisa Cavenda from Winterkeep could be just the key that Bitterblue is searching for but Lovisa has her own choice to make about whom to become. The books in the series can be read in any order.

The Stitchers – Lorien Lawrence

In the thrilling first book in the series /Fright Watch/, Lorien Lawrence embodies everything you love about frights, chills, and ghost stories. Quinn Parker has neighbors down the street that she's convinced are strange as they've been long-time residents on Goodie Lane and never seem to age which has earned them the nickname: the Oldies. Before her father died, he used to her come up with crazy theories about the Oldies that ranged from aliens to vampires and now she has her heart set on keeping the investigation going in his honor. She turns to her crush (and fellow neighbor) for help digging into the secrets that the Oldies hold. Their search takes a surprising turn when they discover the local pond has its own secrets and comes with shocking answers after the Oldies catch onto their investigation.

Wench – Maxine Kaplan

The tavern has been Tanya's home since she was a child, and by the time she reached eleven, she even had mastered how to kick out the drunkards. The bar has provided her with a home and allowed her to grow into an empowered confident teenager. She learned to not let anyone take advantage of her and has even come to know how to run the tavern inside out, but the death of her guardian could change everything. Now she may have to watch everything she loves slowly slip away from her and she'll do whatever it takes to get the bar in her name even it takes a visit to the queen. She embarks on an epic quest where she takes on guards, thieves, and even the presence of a magical feather. /Wench/ is a stunning feminist read that is original, funny, and charming.

Trouble in the Stars – Sarah Prineas

Trouble is a shapeshifter with a problem. They're running from something that they can't remember and doing everything they can to stay a step ahead of the StarLeague. Trouble changes their form from blob to puppy to the eventual form of a human boy. They soon find their way onto the ship /Hindsight/ where they find safety even under Captain Astra and learn how to be a human boy. That safety soon comes to an end when a StarLeague cadet enters the ship in search of them which pushes Trouble into an unexpected shapeshifter. Trouble will do whatever it takes to find freedom and a place to call home which leads to a chase across the galaxy in an adventure about finding a family. Sarah Prineas delivers an epic journey about a band of misfits with an unlikely hero at the heart and an adventure that pulls you in from the beginning.