Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Short Story
Plot: Thomas Cresswell is distraught. His girlfriend, Audrey Rose Wadsworth, has been attacked and stabbed in the leg. The knife almost hit her femoral artery. But their on a boat in the middle of the Atlantic. No one’s sure if she’ll survive because of the blood loss. Now it’s a waiting game and Thomas isn’t the most patient man. He wants revenge on those who almost killed Audrey Rose. His heart is torn. He loves Audrey Rose but she may not him in return any more. He respects her to make her own choices. But will Audrey Rose ever wake up? Who will she chose?
Rating: 3.5 – a good short story about what happens between books 3 and 4
Opinion: I enjoyed this short story. It was nice to know what happens between books 3 and 4. There is a bigger time gap between those books and I was curious about what happens. The book gave some hints but didn’t give the full picture. I liked that this short story was from Thomas’ perspective. The other books were from Audrey Rose’s. This book was more about Audrey’s and Thomas’ relationship than a mystery. I enjoyed this relationship because they were both very respectful towards each other and wanted the best for each other, even if they meant their relationship was over. This is a good short story that adds a little bit more of a behind the scenes look into their relationship. If you’ve liked the series, then add this book to it.
Plot: Julia Broeder has just been expelled from one of the first medical schools for women. In a moment of impulse, she’d agreed to help stitch up a dog then ‘stole’ it to keep it from the fighting ring. Julia dejectedly returns home, hoping for help. At first she finds none, Julia tries to think of something else that can help her fulfill her dreams of traveling. Her family’s landlord’s attorney, Ashton Carlyle, has been the one helping send money her way for tuition. After some convincing from Julia and the landlord, Ashton agrees to help Julia. But is that what Julia truly wants? Or will she change her mind?
Rating: 3.8 – a fun short, sappy, historical fiction story
Opinion: This was a nice break from the full length books I’ve been reading. It was a nice little prologue, in a way, to another of Elizabeth Camden’s books, Towards the Sunrise. It was good little sappy, historical fiction short story. Though I missed the mystery of Elizabeth Camden’s other books. It was shorter than I was expecting. I didn’t expect an excerpt from the other book at the end. While the ending was fine and wrapped everything up nicely, I wanted to know more about the characters. I wanted to know about their other adventures they went on after the short story ended. It’s a great little story that still reels you in, despite its short length. It’s great for anyone who needs a break from full length novels and loves sappy, historical fiction.
Plot: Kevin Pearson is a seminary student driving home after classes when he receives a call. The caller calls himself Slater and wants Kevin to admit his sin to the world or he’ll blow Kevin up. He has three minutes to do so. But what sin? There’s a hint in the riddle Slater left for him. Kevin drives his car to an almost empty parking lot seconds before it blows up. The police question him. Kevin’s hesitant to bring up his past. And manages to avoid doing so this time. Not long after he arrives home, Slater calls again. There’s another riddle and more time to solve it. Only problem is that Slater demands that no cops are involved. His childhood friend Samantha, Sam for short, calls to help. She promises to help however she can. While Sam and Kevin are trying to solve the riddle, the FBI arrive on the scene. Jessica is in charge as the serial killer known as the Riddle Killer has surfaced, possibly as Slater. Jessica is quick to help solve the riddle and save who they can before the next bomb goes off. But Slater sets it off early as the cops get involved. Then Sam helps Kevin disappear so Slater is forced into the open. But will it be enough? Slater is blowing up bigger and bigger things while demanding Kevin admit his sin. Will Jessica and Sam be able to save Kevin? Or will Slater win? But what is the sin? Who is Slater? Is he the Riddle Killer? Or are there more than one killer out there?
Rating: 4.0 – a good, creepy serial killer thriller
Opinion: I liked this book so much better than Ted Dekker’s other serial killer book, BoneMan’s Daughter. The book had a much more believable story and more cohesive, believable ending. I was still creeped out by both but I believed this one more. I was a little scared to look out my bedroom window after reading this book. This serial killer seemed to have a better, more believable motive for his actions. This book does a good job going into mental health and traumatic and abusive childhoods. It tells of what can happen to people who’ve dealt with things no one should have to deal with. This book made it easier to understand what the characters went through. It made me want to research more about the mental health issues. I’m curious to know what others who know more about this topic think about this book. This is a good book for those who love thrillers and good versus evil stories.
Title: 1 – The Wolf Gift, 2 – The Wolves of Midwinter
Author: Anne Rice
Genre: Fantasy
Plot: 1 (The Wolf Gift) – Rueben Golding is a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicler researching an old mansion outside of town. He decides to stay the night and is considering buying the house. That night, the house is broken into. Rueben is attacked by an animal and left to die. Someone finds Rueben and rushes him to the hospital. There he undergoes some miraculous changes. He grows bigger, gets stronger, and hair gets thicker. When Rueben gets the all clear, he goes home. Then it happens. He transforms into a wolf. Then the voices start. The voices of the suffering call out to him. Rueben has to respond to the suffering. In the morning, Rueben becomes a human again. Each night he transforms again and again. He finds Laura. She helps him learn about what he is. Another of his kind finds him and wants to kill him. Rueben comes out victorious. As Rueben’s wolf man gains more media attention, other more threatening forces are drawn out. Rueben is forced to learn who he can trust. Or die trying.
2 (The Wolves of Midwinter) – Rueben has a new home and a new family. Laura has become a Morphenkinder like him and is waiting to change. Christmas is fast approaching and the others like him are planning a gran celebration. Rueben gets caught up in the festivities. His friends teach him the subtleties of transforming. Rueben starts learning about the others that are like him as well. There are other immortal creatures out there and other wolf packs. And not everyone is as accepting as Rueben’s pack. Hostilities rise as more people gather around Rueben’s house. He learns who his true family is.
Rating: 3.2 – an interesting take on werewolves
Opinion: This was an interesting take on werewolves. Though there wasn’t a ton of plot. The author focuses more on imagery and descriptions than the plot. I could skim parts of the book and not miss anything because of all the descriptions. The plot doesn’t go much of anywhere. There are points where it really picks up then it dies right down again. It was kind of annoying. In the first book there is more sex than I’m used to or like in books. The first one is different because there is an info dump at the end of the book. You learn more about the werewolf lore at the end of the book rather than the beginning or middle. The second book focuses more on the secondary characters and building up to the Christmas celebrations than moving the plot along. I kept thinking something was going to happen but it never did until later in the book. Then it picked up for a couple chapters then went on as normal. While the werewolf lore was great, the plot was kind of lacking. Still a decent fantasy series.
Plot: Isabelle Labrie owns and runs the Golden Hotel in Sacramento in 1854 during the California Gold Rush. There she waits for her sweetheart, Ross, to return from the gold fields and marry her. But Fanny, a new arrival to the hotel from New York, says she’s already married to Ross. Then Isabelle helps a runaway slave escape. Now she’s under suspension, even though California’s supposed to be a free state. Then Alden Payne arrives with a young ‘slave’ Isaac. He’s intent on freeing Isaac as soon as he can. Isabelle instantly recognizes Alden from her past that she’s tried so hard to forget. To make matter’s worse, Isaac’s master, Victor, is hot on their trail. He intends to take back what is his, no matter the costs. Then Isabelle is caught trying to help another runaway slave that was on the same ship as Alden and Isaac. Alden tries to help, but will it be enough? Will Isabelle ever be free of her past? Can Alden ever free Isaac? Or will Victor take back all that is his?
Rating: 4.0 – a different take on the Gold Rush
Opinion: I originally found this book on super sale at a local Christian book store. It looked interesting so I thought I’d give it a shot. It didn’t disappoint. Though it was a little slow to start, it kept my attention the whole time. For some reason I’d never connected that the California Gold Rush happened while slavery still existed till I read this book. Maybe because I’d always been taught them separately. This books makes a good point that not every matter is as black and white as we’d like it. I really did enjoy that a woman was running and owned a fine hotel, instead of the usual places we hear of women operating at this time. It was easy to root for Isabelle and Alden and want them to succeed. The ending almost broke my heart cause the ending I wanted almost didn’t happen. The author is very good with the changing view points. She did a great job writing a creepy villain. This book does a great job of showing the different mindsets about slavery and how it effected them. I enjoyed learning about how life was in those days. This is a good book for any historical fiction fan.
Thank you Daphne of Free at 50 for this book review.
Title: A Murder in Time, Kendra Donovan Book 1, and series overview
Author: Julie McElwain
Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Plot: Kendra Donovan is a twenty-something FBI agent and genius, estranged from her family and without ties outside work. While in England, she accidentally travels back to 1815, where she uses her 21st century skills to solve a murder. The 5-book series follows her adventures solving crime in 19th century England.
Rating: 4.8 – Unique spin on historical mysteries.
Rating: I do not get into science fiction, fantasy, or anything remotely close but this series, starting with Murder in Time, drew me in. In the first book of the series, one of the most brilliant rising stars in the FBI goes off on her own in England, without backup, and somehow ends up traveling back to 1815 during an altercation in an old castle. While there, she stumbles into a local murder mystery. She cannot help but inject herself into it, building relationships with the Duke who’s castle she is in, his nephew, a London policeman and a lady from a nearby manor. She is desperate to get back to the 20th century, but clearly, I won’t be spoiling it by telling you she doesn’t since there are 4 more “in Time” books as of November 2020. Her balance of using her skills and ensuring she doesn’t give herself away or inadvertently impacting history is riveting. Staying true to what is available in 19th century England and applying 21st century FBI concepts and techniques makes for an outstanding read. Each book in the series is truly different covering geography from the English countryside to the streets of London and the climate of the time from class discrimination, gender roles, and political tensions.
Artists: Jason Badower, Wataboku, Rodrigo Luff, Danimation, Anna Marie Navaja, Andworld Design
Genre: Fantasy, Comic Book
Plot: Issue 1 – Citizen SE21 is an excellent roof rat (like a repairman) living in the the slums of a dystopian world. Cece, a friend of SE21, wants to help lead a rebellion against the Empress Nyx and her Shadow Wardens who have complete control of every citizen. When she meets a smuggler named Calix, he says he can get some medicine her uncle needs desperately from a mysterious man named Magnus. Calix asks SE21 what her codename is, and she decides to call herself Artemis when she finds a bracer on her arm with that etched in it after a strange dream. Artemis agrees to help Calix. When they are ambushed, Artemis learns she has some super powers. Her powers allow her to conjure a bow and arrows made of light. But will it be enough to save her and Calix?
Issue 2: Calix and Artemis manage to escape thanks to Artemis’ bow and arrow. Cece is still trying to encourage Artemis to join the rebellion. She tries to convince her to use her newfound powers to help the rebellion. Artemis is still unsure about joining. She’ not even sure how to use them. Now the Shadow Wardens alert Empress Nyx to Artemis’ powers. She orders the Shadow Wardens to track her down. Artemis is forced to flee. Artemis’ friends Cece and Calix agree to help her and her uncle go into hiding on the Upside. They’re forced to split up when the Shadow Wardens show up. Artemis hides with her uncle in an elevator shaft. Artemis’ powers come alive again. Will it be enough to save herself and her uncle? Will Artemis be able to control her powers?
Rating: 4.0 – a interesting take on a dystopian society
Opinion: I am new to the world of comics. I was still curious about the story line. I also enjoy Lindsey’s music so I thought, why not try this. I enjoyed this take on fantasy and dystopian future. While the idea isn’t new, the way the author does it is new. I like the fact that Artemis gets these powers and doesn’t instantly know how to use them. She has to learn how to use them. That and the fact that there is a rebellion starting before she gets her powers is also an interesting point. Another thing I like about this series is that Artemis doesn’t immediately want to join the rebellion after she gains her powers. She wants to help, but doesn’t see the need to join the rebellion. Artemis states that there are other ways to help. While I agree with this, I am really curious to see where this series goes. The artistry in the series is more of an anime (Japanese style comics) but still gorgeous. There are also hidden QR codes that link to Lindsey’s music which is another fun thing to look for. The panels are easy to follow. This was a fun read and I hope it will gain some traction. These are good comic books for any who love them. I would recommend this for any who love fantasy and dystopian reads as well.
Plot: Mary Seymour has just lost her guardian. Her mother, Jane Seymour passed just after she was born. Her father, Thomas Seymour, was executed a year later. Now she finds herself in the care of Lady Strange, a former resident of the court. Lady Strange tells Mary that she’s destined for greatness. If she accepts her destiny, she can learn the ways of the white magician. Mary heartily accepts. Over the years, Lady Strange teaches Mary all about white magic. When she tuns 16, Queen Elizabeth invites Mary to be a lady-in-waiting. Mary goes knowing she can’t pass up the offer. She bring her dog, Perseus, whom she has a special bond with. Mary uses the skills she’s learned to protect the Queen and her friends. Soon Mary learns of a plot that threatens relations with Russia and endanger the Queen. Mary must use her allies and friends to stop the culprit. But the culprit is her cousin, Edmond Seymour. He is her opposite, dangerous and cunning, and a black magician. She’s encouraged to distract him by pretending to like him. But will she fall for him? Or will she keep her promise to herself and not fall in love? Then Perseus disappears. Will Mary be able to find him? Who’s behind his disappearance? Can Mary succeed in changing Edmond’s mind? Will she foil his plans?
Rating: 3.3 – a good take on history with magic
Opinion: I remember reading this book in high school and decided to give it another shot because I enjoyed it. My high school book club got a couple advanced copies of books each month. It combined what I like to read, history and magic. While it is a great book, I’d forgotten how long it takes for the plot to get going. There’s a fair amount of time spent learning the details of being a white magician. While they are important to the story in the end, I still found them a little distracting from the story. It was interesting to learn more about what ladies-in-waiting did. I wish the story had spent a little bit more time developing Edmond and Mary’s relationship. Mary’s behavior seems to change instantly with very little reasoning. What I did enjoy was Mary’s independence. Though she was willing to ask for help when she needed. Even though the book started out slow, I did enjoy it overall. It kept me interested. This is a good book for young adults who enjoy historical fiction with magic mixed in.
Title: 1 – The Paper Magician, 2 – The Glass Magician, 3 – The Master Magician
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Plot: 1 (The Paper Magician) – Ceony Twill has just finished her general schooling at Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined. Now she can start her apprenticeship. Ceony desperately wanted to be a Smelter, a magician who works specifically with metals. Instead, she’s assigned to Folding, a magician who works with paper. Magician Emery Thane is her mentor. But lucky for Ceony, she’s a quick study. She tries to make the best of her situation. Not long after her apprenticeship begins, a woman, Lyra, breaks into Emery’s house. Lyra takes his literal heart from his chest and vanishes. When the investigators come, Ceony is confined to the house. She defies orders and searches for Lyra and Emery’s heart. But will she be able to track down Lyra? Can she stop her in time? Can she save Emery in time?
2 (The Glass Magician) – Ceony stopped one of the Exsicionists, some who uses dark magic, but the world still isn’t safe. Laura’s teacher, Grath Cobolt, is still at large, as well as the teacher’s colleague. Both are dangerous and looking for Ceony. Ceony holds a secret; a new spell that can trap people forever. Grath wants Ceony to help him. But with what? When Grath threatens her family, Ceony becomes desperate. With help she tracks him down. But will she be able to save her family? Can she stop Grath? Or will he destroy everything?
3 (The Master Magician) – Grath Cobolt has been stopped by Saraj Prendi is still on the loose and looking for Ceony. But Ceony has other things on her mind. Her exam to become a master magician are coming up. She has also learned she can change what type of magic she can use. Ceony is also starting a romantic relationship with Emrey. To avoid any bias, Ceony goes to take her test with another Folder. With Saraj on the move, and though Ceony promised not to look for him, she found a way to find him. Slipping out, she tracks him down, but he’s already gone. Will Ceony be able to find and stop him? Will she pass her test? What about her relationship with Emrey?
Rating: 3.6 – a good young adult fantasy
Opinion: Overall, this was a good trilogy. It was a little cheesy. For the first one, Ceony found Lyra right away. I was wondering what they were going to do. I was a little surprised about where the plot went from there. I enjoyed the use of magic. It was different from most types of magic stories I’ve read. It’s one of things that drew me to this series. That and I’m a sucker for sappy romance. The idea that people could only use magic on things humans have created (fire, metal, paper, plastic, glass, and flesh) was an interesting idea to me. And that a person could only use one material forever was also intriguing. Ceony was a very independent woman who wanted to make her own way in life. She still always made sure to help her family whenever possible as well. I wished I was more like her. This book was a little too cheesy for me to truly appreciate. It would be better for younger adults and teenagers. I would recommend this book for anyone who’s interested in reading a book about a different style of magic and doesn’t mind a sappy romance.
Plot: Thirteen years ago, Grace’s eyes were opened to the Fury, demons. Their community’s leader, Rose, was given instructions from Sylous, an angel, to take them to a secluded area and start a new community there, Haven Valley. There were to stay within the community until the Fury were driven from the world. Sylous will protect them in Haven Valley so long as they remain pure. There they remain living as pure as they can and in fear of the Fury. But Grace’s brother, Jamie, is curious and ventures beyond the rope boarder that keeps them save, breaking one of their many purity rules. During chapel, Jamie challenges Rose. Grace supports his claims that he’s been sneaking out. For that, they are punished. They are sent beyond the border in search of Furies. They find Grace and Jamie and attack Jamie, but Grace escapes. They make it back to town, but Jamie’s severely hurt. While Jamie is healing, their father shows up with his son, their half-brother Eli. Rose turns the community against them on Sylous’ orders. She calls them wolves in sheep’s clothing. But Grace is unsure about that. Despite warnings, Grace tries to help Eli. Is Eli really evil? Or is he here to save the community? Who will Grace choose?
Rating: 4.0 – an interesting book about choosing love over fear
Opinion: At first, I was a little unsettled about the book. It deals with a cult like community. It’s a super fanatical Christian cult that focuses on rules to stay pure and those who break the rules are severely punished. Sylous and Rose made me uneasy because their personalities were a little slimy and controlling and manipulating for me to trust them. I didn’t trust them and my gut was proven right. I enjoyed the ideas that Ted and Rachelle talked about throughout the book. Fear is very prevalent in today’s society. We fear many things and it takes many forms. We can create our own fear, as well. What can break fear is love. True love, loving without condition, drives out fear. It’s easy to get caught in the cycles of fear and forget this. This book was a good reminder to let go of fear, drive it out, and turn to love. In this day and age, we all need this reminder. I enjoyed this book for putting this theme in a positive way with a good twist and good explanation. I recommend this book for those who need the reminder and for those who love a good thriller.
A Bookworm's Book Reviews 