A Bookworm's Book Reviews

The Plastic Magician – Charlie N. Holmberg

This is an addition to the Paper Magician Trilogy world.

Title: The Plastic Magician

Author: Charlie N. Holmberg

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Plot: Alvie Brechenmacher has just finished her studies at the magician’s school. Now she starts her internship with Magician Praff to be a Polymer (a magician who works with plastic) in London. While traveling to London, she meets Magician Ezzell. Magician Praff is trying to think of something new for the Discovery Convention. Alvie learns Magician Ezzell is a rival magician to Magician Praff. While volunteering at a hospital, Alvie thinks of an idea. Magician Praff loves the idea and gets to work immediately. Alvie helps whenever and wherever she can. She grows suspicious of Magician Ezzell. He continually finds Alvie when she’s running errands and with her new friends Bennett and Ethel. Magician Ezzell starts becoming more desperate for what Alvie and Magician Praff are working on. How desperate will Magician Ezzell become? Will Alvie and Magician Praff be able to finish their contraption in time for the Discovery Convention? Or will Magician Ezzell stop them?

Rating: 3.7 – a good addition to the Paper Magician trilogy world

Opinion: This was a great addition to the Paper Magician Trilogy. Though the story focused on new characters, a few from the original trilogy were mentioned. While this book was great, I didn’t love it as much as the original trilogy. I was hoping for a little bit more suspense from this book. It hinted at some suspense at the beginning. As the book continued, I thought it would increase, but it didn’t, at least not as much as I thought it would. The ending was very good. There was lots of good stuff going on. It was a bit of a classic ending, but I like how the author did it. One thing I’m glad this author does, is put realistic expectations on relationships. Nothing in the relationship is forced or rushed. They don’t always agree on everything, but they find ways to make it work. They make mistakes and talk through them. It’s very refreshing, especially in young adult books. I also enjoyed the magic in this series. It’s a different sort of magic than what I’m used to. People can only use magic on man made things. I like that idea. This is a great book for those who are looking for a new kind of magical books.

The Outlands – Tyler Edwards

Thank you Tyler Edwards for letting me read this book. This book will be available on January 24.

Title: The Outlands (book 1)

Author: Tyler Edwards

Genre: Dystopian

Plot: Jett Lastings is an outcast. The government, called the Patriarch, has deemed him one after his parents died. He and his group of friends, Victor, Jensen, Gibbs, Spike, Telman, Olivia, and Becka live in an abandoned house, away from the Patriarchs influence. Life in the Patriarch’s caste system is difficult, especially if you’re an undesirable. Jett and his friends have taken to stealing whatever they can. Things start to change after Jett steals a data pack (a device that holds all a person’s important information) of a Patriarch official. That gains notice of the police (called Red Caps), Levites (those who deal out punishments), and Grent (a leader of the small rebellion). They chose to help Grent after Red Caps take some of their friends. They bargain with Grent for help. He helps get their friends and they give him the data pad and take control of the Market (where the stores and vendors are). Jett and the others help get control of the Market but his friends weren’t there. Grent has an idea but needs Jett and his friend’s help. But will it be enough? Can they start a true revolution? Can they find their friends? Then rumors of a mole within the rebellion. Who is it? One of Jett’s friends? Or one of Grent’s men? Can the mole be found? Or will the mole destroy everything? Can Jett find fix the mess? Or will he and his friend get caught?

Rating: 3.8 – a different take on dystopian future

Opinion: At first I thought this was going to be another standard dystopian fiction book. It took some time for the book to get set up. It had all the making of another standard young adult book. Then it slowly started to make itself different. The love interest doesn’t take over the whole plot. It stays focused on finding their friends, taking over the Market, and dealing with the consequences of their actions. I appreciated that. I’m not a big fan of young adult books where the main character finds love and it distracts them from their origins goal. While it did distract Jett, he still found a way to help his friends. I still kind of predicted the ending. Though I didn’t predict one of the character’s actions towards the end. I had my suspicions of the other characters but not that one. It made for a good ending and a cliffhanger. Though the character’s actions still brought about the ending I predicted. I’m curious to see where the series go from here. I’m hoping it doesn’t pull a Divergent. This was a nice change for a dystopian future book. There were no love triangles or love distractions. They stop and think about things logically more than in other books. They try to figure out the best plan for beating the government instead of charging ahead. They find ways to make right choices for everyone. They’re quick to be suspicious when things go too well or not well enough. They talk about the consequences of their actions and think them all the way through. But even then it’s not enough. I’m sure they’ll find a way in the next books. Overall, this was a great book. It was different and found ways to keep me reading. This is a good book for anyone who enjoys dystopian future books.

Time’s Convert – Deborah Harkness

This is part of the All Souls Trilogy.

Title: Time’s Convert

Author: Deborah Harkness

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Plot: Marcus’ mate Phoebe has just been turned into a vampire. They’ve decided to go the traditional route for vampires and stay away from each other so that Phoebe has a good amount of time to adjust to becoming a vampire. It’s torture for both of them, but with all of the recent controversy surrounding Marcus’ family, the De Clarmonts, it’s better that they do it this way. Phoebe is struggling with hunting. Light continues to bother her as well. While Phoebe adjusts to being a vampire, Marcus waits at his father’s and his mate’s house, Matthew and Diana. In between taking care of the twins, Marcus tells Diana of this past and his life as a vampire. Marcus was born in Massachusetts not long before the Revolutionary War to a kind mother and controlling father. Marcus and his father fought constantly until Marcus ran away. He started as a soldier for the colonies, then became a physician. That’s when he met Matthew who was working for the Marques de Lafayette. Matthew took Marcus under his wing and eventually turned Marcus into a vampire when he was sick. Marcus is a rebellious vampire. He fights the De Clarmont’s traditions. Marcus wants to do things his own way. He fights with the people during the French Revolution. Matthew and Phillipe, Matthew’s father, find him and talk some sense into him. Marcus grumbles about this but accepts his fate for a while. Marcus strikes out again and escapes and heads to New Orleans. But with sickness raging around the city, Marcus and his new vampire family are drawing attention as they can’t get sick. Will Marcus’ actions tell the world that vampires are real? Or will the secret of vampires stay safe? Will Phoebe ever adjust to being a vampire?

Rating: 3.8 – a good blend of fantasy and historical fiction

Opinion: I was excited to read this book. It did not disappoint. The changing viewpoints threw me for a moment because I thought it was going to focus solely on Marcus and his past. Instead it switches between Marcus, Phoebe, and Diana. Everyone else I loved. I enjoyed learning about history through Marcus’ eyes and learning more about magic through Diana’s eyes. I had a hard time putting the book down because it was such a good book. The history was great and the fantasy was amazing. Though the two things that did annoy me was Phoebe. Phoebe kind of annoyed me because she seemed whiny and snobby. I had a hard time relating to her, too, because she seemed so aloof. Thankfully her chapters weren’t very long. Also, the big ending in New Orleans was kind of anti-climactic for me. I thought there would be a bigger fight instead of what actually happened. While I was reading the All Souls Trilogy, I was curious about Marcus. He was a side character in the trilogy but he was always around. His past fascinated me. I’m so glad I got to read more about him. It made me connect so much more to him. This is a great addition to the All Souls Trilogy. And a great read for those who love fantasy and historical fiction.

Artemis 3 – Lindsey Stirling

This is the continuation of the Artemis comic books. Issues 4-6 are available now.

Title: Artemis: Issue 3

Author: Lindsey Stirling

Artists: Jason Badower, Emily Chow, Rodrigo Luff, Damination, Anna Marie Navaja, Andworld Design

Genre: Fantasy, Comic Book

Plot: Artemis has been captured by the goddess Nyx. She convinces Artemis that they knew each other in a past life, they were Greek goddesses. Nyx promises Artemis that she can give everyone in the Trenches what they want if she does what Nyx asks. She needs Artemis to round up the people trying to break Nyx’s laws. Artemis is conflicted, but agrees if she can do it her way. Artemis slowly starts to remember her old life. She starts to think Calix might be from her old life. But she needs to bring him in. Before she can talk to Calix, the Shadow Wardens capture him. Will she be able to help Calix and the others? Or will Nyx get her way?

Rating: 4.0 an excellent continuation of the Artemis series

Opinion: I’m starting to really enjoy comic books. This series is really amazing. The details in the drawing are incredible. The story is really starting to come together. Though it’s a more classic story line, I like the twists on the story. There are Greek gods thrown into a dystopian future. It deals with forgotten memories and past lives. And there’s a sappy romance starting to bloom. This is the makings of a good series for me. I’m excited to see where this series is going. I’ve hooked and ready for the next one. This is another great addition to the series. It’s a great book for those who enjoy comic books and fantasy series.

The Scarlet Thread – Francine Rivers

Title: The Scarlet Thread

Author: Francine Rivers

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction

Plot: Sierra Madrid’s husband, Alex has just taken a job in Las Ángeles. He’s already looking for houses in the area when Sierra finds out. Sierra is outraged that he wants to uproot their family on such short notice and didn’t consult her or the kids. Her mother encourages her to make the most of the situation. Sierra reluctantly goes with. She drags her feet the whole way. Once they move to LA, Alex becomes consumed in his work. He starts ignoring her and their kids. The two of them become more and more distant. They fight more often than not. Until Alex wants out and cheats on Sierra. He demands a divorce. Then Sierra’s mom passes away. Sierra hits rock bottom after the funeral. After a cop pulls Sierra over, her life starts to turn around. She finds faith and healing. But will it be enough to help with her and family? Can she find healing for her and Alex? Or is it too late for them?

Before Sierra’s mother passed away, she gave Sierra a journal of one of her ancestors, Mary Katheryn. Mary’s journal is split between the chapters. Mary talks about the sadness of her childhood and challenges of living on a homestead and the journey on the Oregon Trail. Mary Katheryn finds love, forgiveness, and faith along the trail and in her new home.

Rating: 3.4 – a little hard for me to relate to and a little slow to start

Opinion: This book was a good book. It was probably meant for someone older or married, or a child of divorce. It went deeply into the trials of marriage. But by the end of the book, I found myself hopeful and rooting for Sierra, Alex, and Mary Katheryn. It made me realize how much work marriage is. It can be so easy forget to see how other people see things and how our actions can effect other people. We get so caught up in our own problems and worries that we don’t see how others are affected. While not every marriage will change for the better, some can. I went into the book thinking things would end so differently than they did. There was more reconciliation than I hoped for. There was peace on both sides in each story. While I wasn’t sure about the book in the beginning, I didn’t start this book liking it, I ended up enjoying it the more I read. The stories connecting Sierra and Mary Katheryn made the story more relatable. I like stories that connect the generations. While this wasn’t my favorite Francine Rivers book, it was still a great story or redemption. A great book for those who need a redemption story.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz – Heather Morris

Title: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Author: Heather Morris

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Lale Sokolov has surrendered himself to the Nazis so they will spare his family (so they tell them). He’s a Slavic Jew and is taken to Auschwitz in 1942. At first he’s optimistic. Then reality sits in after the first night at the concentration camp. Lale does what he needs to survive. He starts to befriend the right kapos and guards. He’s daily reminded of the horrors of the camp. Then he gets sick. Somehow, Lale lives. The camp’s tattooist takes care of him and offers him an assistant tattooist job. Lale hesitantly accepts, knowing it could help him survive. While tattooing, he sees a brave woman. Lale knows she’s the girl for him. Then the other tattooist disappears. He internally knows what happened. A guard Lale’s befriended gets him the information he needs. The woman’s name is Gita. They meet through the fence and start talking when the guards aren’t looking. Slowly, they fall in love. Lale finds some ways to bribe the guards so he can meet with Gita. But will it be enough? Can both of them survive? Or will they be caught? Can their love outlast the Nazis? Or is the hate and oppression stronger?

Rating: 4.5 – a heartbreaking story of love during the Holocaust

Opinion: As sad as this story was, I really enjoyed it. It broke my heart every time I read it, but I had to know if they survived. Both Lale and Gita, as did everyone else, did what they had to to survive. But they didn’t let it destroy their souls. They had hope somewhere inside them. That’s what kept me reading. Even when the odds kept stacking up against them, they found ways to survive, to hope, to love. The book made me feel the panic when the characters faced the obstacles, the horrors of Dr. Mengele, the doctor described as the ‘Angel of Death,’ and despair when Lale was sent away. The book was personal as it was about real people who survived the Holocaust. Even though the book was sad, it still had hope and love woven throughout. It keeps you reading. I highly recommend this book for those who love historical fiction and need a survival story with hope and love.

Becoming the Dark Prince – Kerri Maniscalco

This is a novella between books 3 and 4 in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series.

Title: Becoming the Dark Prince

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

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.

Toward the Sunrise – Elizabeth Camden

This is a Towards the Dawn prequel.

Title: Toward the Sunrise

Author: Elizabeth Camden

Genre: Historical Fiction, Short Story

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.

Thr3e – Ted Dekker

Title: Thr3e

Author: Ted Dekker

Genre: Thriller

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.

Wolf Gift Chronicles – Anne Rice

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.