A Bookworm's Book Reviews

Beneath a Golden Veil – Melanie Dobson

Title: Beneath a Golden Veil

Author: Melanie Dobson

Genre: Historical Fiction

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.

Guest Post – A Murder in Time

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.

Artemis 1-2 – Lindsey Stirling

The rest of the series is available now: Issue 3, and Issues 4-6

Title: Artemis: Issues 1 & 2

Author: Linsdey Stirling

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.

The Red Queen’s Daughter – Jacqueline Kolosov

Title: The Red Queen’s Daughter

Author: Jacqueline Kolosov

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult

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.

The Paper Magician Series – Charlie N. Holmberg

Expanded storyline for this trilogy is here: The Plastic Magician

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.

The Girl Behind the Red Rope – Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker

Title: The Girl Behind the Red Rope

Authors: Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker

Genre: Thriller

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.

Every Tool’s a Hammer – Adam Savage

Title: Every Tool’s a Hammer: Life’s What You Make It

Author: Adam Savage

Genre: Memoir

Plot: Adam Savage of Mythbusters tells of his experiences and what he’s learned from his life. Throughout the book, Adam gives advice for how to be a better maker, whether that be a engineer, designer, artist, writer, etc. Though he mostly uses his examples of building props and cosplay costumes, his ideas, examples, and advice is for anyone who creates something. He encourages everyone to dive into their passions, find a community (especially one that builds you up), use what you have around you, and find a system that works for you. Adam also stressed the importance of making lists. He gave lots of examples of the lists that have helped him and others. Throughout the book Adam also stresses having people that support and encourage you. He tells many stories of people who have helped him and encouraged him along the way. He told stories of bad times and good times. Adam tells the importance of finding a system that works for you. And that it’s not gonna be the same for everyone. He encourages everyone to find their own rhythm and find their own processes. He says what’s worked for him and what’s worked for his friends. Adam also talked about the importance of setting deadlines for stuff for fun or for a job. It can keep you motivated, especially if it’s for a for fun task or project. The book ends with finding what tools you need for making what you want.

Rating: 4.0 – a book about finding what you need to do to stay creative

Opinion: This was a good book about finding what you need to be creative. Some parts were harder for me to relate to because I’m not a builder. But overall, it’s a great way for anyone who creates. It’s good to realize that people don’t have the same process for creating things. Some stories made me chuckle. I really related to other ones. I enjoyed learning about some behind the scenes for plays, movies, and Mythbusters. I hadn’t known that Adam had met some great creators like Guillermo del Toro and Star Wars and Lord of the Rings creators. I smiled when I could read a story in Adam’s voice as he’s got a unique voice and I’ve seen a lot of Mythbusters. This is a great book for anyone who’s a creator. It’s even better for anyone who’s a builder.

Capturing the Devil – Kerri Maniscalco

This is the last book of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series.

Title: Capturing the Devil

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Plot: Audrey and Thomas have arrived in New York. A new string of murders have started. On top of that, Thomas and Audrey are engaged. On the day of their marriage, an unexpected disaster strikes. A woman arrives saying she’s engaged to Thomas and has the papers to prove it. Desperate to change things, Thomas fights his father’s wishes tooth and nail. Then he threatens Thomas’s sister. In an act of desperation, Audrey and Thomas track the murderer to Chicago and follow him there. But the murder’s changed his method. Women are disappearing and fewer are being found. They must find him before more women disappear. Who is truly behind the murders and disappearances? Will the police ever take them seriously? Will the marriage issue be solved?

Rating: 3.7 – a good murder mystery but a little distracted by marriage issues

Opinion: This was a good final book in the Jack the Ripper series. Though I was a little upset that there was they got a little distracted by the romance. I love a good sappy romance but not when it takes away from the story. I kind of felt like this one did. The other books in the series do have romance woven in, but the story still focuses on the mystery. I cheered a little when the story goes back to focusing on the mystery aspect again. I did enjoy this book. I liked the additional historical facts about Chicago and New York City. This is a good historical fiction and murder mystery. I’d recommend it for anyone who enjoys them.

Guest Post – Reaching Out, Trusting God

Thank you Brenda of Ruby Hem Ministries for this book.

Title: Reaching Out, Trusting God

Author: Brenda Marie Hoffman

Genre: Christian devotional

Plot: As Christians we’re told that we can live a joy-filled, purposeful life with Christ as our guide. Seeing miracles along the way is a true blessing that’ll help solidify our faith. However, we shouldn’t believe that because “we don’t have enough faith” we won’t be healed, or we’re destined to be poor or unsuccessful. Unfortunately, this is what some Christians tell us that it means to trust in God.

With these words filling our head it’s no wonder that when something doesn’t work out like we expect it to we believe it’s because we don’t have enough faith. This results in us believing that we aren’t loved by God or it may cause us to doubt if we’re really a Christian.

All these things are taken into consideration here in this devotional. Through exploring these things we’ll arrive at a deeper understanding of what it really means to trust God.

Rating: 4.0 – A good book to lead you to a deeper trust in God

Opinion: This book was written for women who have PTSD from child abuse or domestic violence. Throughout the devotional the author looks at why trusting God is so much more challenging when you’re dealing with PTSD. As you’re guided through the pages of this devotional you really will arrive at a point where you have a deeper trust in God.

Return of the Witch – Paula Brackston

This is the sequel of The Witch’s Daughter.

Title: Return of the Witch

Author: Paula Brackston

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Plot: Elizabeth, Bess, Hawksmith has returned from Summerland (heaven for witches) where she’d captured Gideon Masters. She learned that Gideon escaped. Elizabeth rushes home to start her search for him. As promised, Tegan has been caring for Elizabeth’s house. Elizabeth tells Tegan about Gideon. Together they start setting up wards against him. Tegan starts to tell Elizabeth about her travels. While Elizabeth is running errands, Gideon strikes. He kidnaps Tegan and time travels her away. Elizabeth finds a Time Stepper (a witch who can time travel), called Erasmus. He helps her find Tegan throughout their travels. First, Elizabeth must confront her past and where she first learned her witchcraft and learned of Gideon’s darkness. Second, she must determine if she’s powerful enough to stop Gideon. But what does Gideon want with Tegan? Can she find Tegan in time? Will she be strong enough to save her friend?

Rating: 4.0 – a good book about witches

Opinion: I enjoyed this sequel. Though it was a little hard to follow at times. It deals with time travel in a good way. There are rules set up for time travel. It’s consistent and there are consequences for those who do travel. Though a few more hints about Gideon’s plans would’ve been nice. There were a few parts where I thought ‘hurray they did it! Wait it’s never this easy…’ It has lots of good historical fiction, more fact based magic based in pagan magic (like all of the author’s books). I enjoy learning about this kind of magic even though I don’t really agree with it. I can understand where they’re coming from. I was surprised about the sparks of romance in it. It’s a realistic example of how a good romance develops. I highly recommend this book for those who love history and magic with some mystery.