Violet Waverly dropped everything in Chicago and raced to Cascade Springs after her grandmother's call hinting she was at death's door. She arrives toViolet Waverly dropped everything in Chicago and raced to Cascade Springs after her grandmother's call hinting she was at death's door. She arrives to find a very lively Grandma Daisy who isn't at all ashamed of lying to get Violet back home from graduate school. Violet might have turned right around for Chicago but for the deep fatigue after driving numerous hours to Upstate New York. So she stays the night and finds her grandmother's boyfriend dead in the driveway in the morning. Some of the police see Grandma Daisy as a prime suspect, and Violet knows from experience what it is like to be falsely accused of murder in Cascade Springs. So she's sticking around until her Grandma's name is cleared, and then she's back to her doctorate on 19th century American authors.
This is my first Amanda Flower cozy mystery and I really enjoyed it. A lot of cozy mystery sleuths can start to feel the same after a while, but Violet is refreshingly different in a couple ways. She goes about her sleuthing in a more open, honest, and natural way for one. Her past and why she hasn't been back to Cascade Springs for so long is also slowly being revealed to the reader which added depth to her character. I liked the touches of magical realism that made it feel a touch whimsical but not cheesy. The bookstore her grandma runs is lightly magical (it makes certain books appear in front of readers and "helps" with the case by having certain passages fall open in front of Violet). There's also the resident raven in the bookstore and newly adopted cat that seem to have uncanny ways that hint they might understand more than the average animal. Grandma Daisy is a hoot who also has a tender side. And the town is full of all sorts of lively and interesting characters to flesh it out. I had my suspicions about who the murderer was but I couldn't figure out why for a while. It was just the right mix of being able to figure some out and still being kept guessing. I'll definitely be picking up more in this series and other series by Amanda Flower. Highly recommended to cozy mystery fans.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a kiss. Two murder investigations are part of the plot, neither of them is very bloody. There is violent intent at one point, but someone steps in to stop it....more
The Cat Massage employees are busy keeping the office employees relaxed and comfrotable, but they're also trying to expand their services by offering The Cat Massage employees are busy keeping the office employees relaxed and comfrotable, but they're also trying to expand their services by offering facials and acupuncture. A new dog massage place opens up next door and the cats are worried about the competition. And finally, the cats meet the overworked local convenience store employee who has been very curious about the demand for cat treats.
Another cute set of adventures with the cat massage therapy gang. This is a great relaxing read at the end of a crazy day.
Notes on content: Possible cuteness overload. No other notes....more
Jackson Burnett is an agent with Interpol stationed in Switzerland. He's called in to help local police deal with a crime that is extra taboo, as magiJackson Burnett is an agent with Interpol stationed in Switzerland. He's called in to help local police deal with a crime that is extra taboo, as magic is illegal in Switzerland and this crime definitely involves magic. A man and his family have disappeared from their house. There's nothing in the house but ash, a desk, and a vault. There aren't even any bodies, just imprints of where the bodies had been. But all is not as it seems, and a special agent, Luca Tami, is called in to help Jackson investigate a crime that threatens to rewrite the world as they know it.
I normally like Davis Bunn's writing, but I feel like this one should have been twice the length it was. I wanted a LOT more world building. I think he was trying to build the mystery by just feeding you as much as you needed to know for the moment about the rules of this world, but I think it backfired by not getting me as invested in the story as I would have been had there been even just a prologue giving a bit more of a setting for the world and the magic system and the politics of normals vs magic users. As it was, it felt like even Bunn didn't know all the rules of this world when he started writing and it built as he went along. The characters were interesting, but a mystery in themselves as they all have secrets to be revealed over the course of the book. Another Interpol agent named Krys joins the investigation, and I found her the most likable character. I believe there's a 2nd book in this series and I've got a feeling I'll like it more now that I know the characters and world more.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sex scenes. It is mentioned that one character was assaulted but fended off her attacker by bashing him with magic and then tasing him a good number of times. One evil character is said to use sexual allure to ensnare men, but no details about what she does with them other than having power over them. Jackson lost his wife in an incident that isn't fully described but he thinks might have been murder. There's a couple magical battles that results in people getting magically vaporized or burned or stabbed with poison, some do not survive while others come away with injuries that are only somewhat described. Some alcohol consumption, but not to excess....more
Paisley Sutton has inherited her Aunt Zelda's wedding planning business in little ol' Sugar Creek, Arkansas. The will states that she has to help run Paisley Sutton has inherited her Aunt Zelda's wedding planning business in little ol' Sugar Creek, Arkansas. The will states that she has to help run Enchanted Events for a few weeks and then she can sell it if she wants. Last time Paisley was home from her music tours, Aunt Zelda's smelled like mothballs and looked like a relic from the 70s. What she finds in Sugar Creek, Arkansas is nothing like that. It is a high end fashion boutique catering to very wealthy clients coming from all over to have the day of their dreams all planned out. Paisley thinks this may be just what she needed since her music business is currently on the rocks. A few weeks with her grandmother and other family, then she can sell Enchanted Events to Aunt Zelda's business genius Henry Cole (the brains behind the transformation) and she can return to LA. But when the first bride Henry assigns to her turns out to be a bridezilla to beat them all AND engaged to the man who left Paisley at the altar, Paisley starts to question if all this is worth it. And then bridezilla ends up dead in her test cakes and Paisley is the prime suspect. And the police seem to not be looking at anyone else. So it is up to Paisley and her ex-CIA grandmother to hunt down who really killed Sasha Chandler.
This wasn't what I expected at all. This was marketed as Christian fiction but other than some characters mentioning they go to church or breathing a prayer in a moment of danger, that's about it. And then you have Paisley's grandmother and her best friend who talk all the time about their sexy book club and seem to be pushing Paisley to sleep with her temporary neighbor, Beau. If it were just marketed as a cozy mystery it would feel pretty clean, but for something marketed as Christian it felt rather edgy and like it was marketed that way just to get more buyers. On a positive point, when Paisley's grandmother and her friend go all full CIA operative they are quite funny and a little scary (but in a humorous way). Paisley and her neighbor Beau are both working through some deep hurts that they aren't willing to share with anyone but find in each other someone they can be real with, which added some depth to the story. I can't fully decide how I feel about this one. It definitely hooked me and kept me guessing as to who done it. Having Grandma be ex-CIA was a stroke of genius. But some content surprised me based on marketing.
Notes on content: No language issues. There's only some kissing on page. The older ladies talk all the time about reading their "smutty novels" (that's their words) but don't go into any graphic details. They pressure Paisley quite a bit to throw herself at Beau. There's more than one scene with talk about a bra being loose or not on and it felt so unnecessary. An affair is uncovered over the course of the investigation but no details. There's the murder which is hardly described at all. Paisley is threatened several other times, and is in serious danger at least once. One person is assumed dead in a fire. Beau was in the military and has PTSD after a fatal incident in Libya which he eventually talks about. ...more
A collection of short comics showing how cats are secretly taking over humans' lives with their cute antics, their needy behavior, and their dominatioA collection of short comics showing how cats are secretly taking over humans' lives with their cute antics, their needy behavior, and their domination of social media.
If you are a cat lover or owner, this will be quite humorous. Dog lovers may use it as proof that cats are conniving, but I'm pretty sure most cat lovers know the cat in their life is trying to run the show and they're ok with it. The cuteness and fluff make up for the world domination tendencies. ...more
During the early 1900s, Karl Fabergé made a name for himself and his company with his decorative eggs designed for the Russian royal family. Many crafDuring the early 1900s, Karl Fabergé made a name for himself and his company with his decorative eggs designed for the Russian royal family. Many craftsmen and even some craftswomen, like Alma Phil, found their livelihood designing and creating jewelry with Fabergé. But being tied to the Russian aristocracy had its drawbacks, especially as revolution gained momentum. In the present, treasure hunter Nick Laine's time is running out to find his last treasure. He had just started hunting down an egg Fabergé made for the royal family but never made it to them and may or may not be just a rumor. Ava has never really known the father who chose his career over his only daughter and wife. But she's secretly always dreamed of going treasure hunting with her father, after all, that's why she got the history degree which hasn't panned out job-wise. So when Ava and her mom decide to go see Nick, and he asks her to go to Russia on his behalf to finish his last hunt, how can she say no? But does she really trust him or the guys he's recruited to help her and her mom (who is interested despite herself)?
This is ultimately the story of two flawed men who chased their careers and fleeting happiness, only to reach the end of their lives and realize they sacrificed what really mattered (but realized it in time to say sorry to the women they hurt). It's a reminder to re-evaluate priorities before it is too late. And yes, it is a fun fictional international treasure hunt with adventure and thrills. Fabergé and Alma Phil are historic characters and you learn a lot of real history about them and the end of the Russian empire along the way. Kelli Stuart obviously did her research. Recommended to those who like well-researched what if... treasure hunt mystery/thrillers, and character studies.
Notes on content: No language issues that I remember. No sexual content beyond a kiss on page. It is mentioned that Fabergé had a mistress and how that hurt his wife. He eventually realizes how much his wife really has meant to him and apologizes to her. There are perilous circumstances both in the historical time period and present, some are shot and killed. Nothing super gory on page. ...more
Mercury Hale is the unsung hero of Earth, Procyon pays him to keep people safe from the astral fiends they don't even realize slip through reams from Mercury Hale is the unsung hero of Earth, Procyon pays him to keep people safe from the astral fiends they don't even realize slip through reams from another dimension and threaten the planet. Not to worry. He and his trusty pulsar stave will dispatch those slimy, tentacled aliens while you sleep, no problem. Or at least, it didn't used to be a problem. But lately, the fiends have been not been following the rules. They've been appearing unannounced or more than one at the same time. What is going on? As Mercury starts to probe the current issues, someone gets him asking questions about the past. When did the astral fiends first start arriving on Earth? Why do they keep coming? And where did Mercury's pulsar stave come from? And perhaps more worrying, why is Procyon so reluctant to share any answers to his questions?
Mercury's macho attitude at first started to get on my nerves, but after he gets humbled and has to rely on help from others (and learns some important lessons) he starts to become a more likable guy. Once the mystery of what kinds of secrets Procyon is hiding is introduced the book really picked up speed for me and I found it much harder to put down. I liked how Rzasa wove in elements of Christian faith with side characters Mercury meets and events that get him questioning deeper meaning of life type things. It felt natural and non-preachy (especially as they are facing situations that look like they might end in their own deaths), and looks like it will get built on in future books. I have book 2 and I look forward to diving in when I need a good scifi adventure with touches of humor and lots of action.
Notes on content: 1 minor swear. No sexual content beyond a little kiss. There are several battles in which alien monsters and humans get injured or are fatally wounded. Some casual drinking of alcohol. ...more
Painter is stuck in a rut, just doing the bare minimum to keep the nightmares from overtaking the city. He despairs of things ever getting any better.Painter is stuck in a rut, just doing the bare minimum to keep the nightmares from overtaking the city. He despairs of things ever getting any better. Yumi also gets the feeling she is stuck in a rut. Every day feels so much like the last. But the daily rituals are important as the yoki-hijo. They attract the attention of the spirits and help provide the things each city needs. Neither Painter or Yumi are prepared when something happens and they each start waking up in the others' worlds and bodies (well, at least Painter does, he takes her body while she goes incorporeal in her world...but for some reason Yumi gets to keep hers body though Painter still goes incorporeal in his world). Painter thinks it might have something to do with the almost solid Nightmare he prevented from killing and child was tracking right before this stuff started. Yumi thinks it has something to do with the spirits and a machine threatening her role in her world. The problem is, to solve either issue, they will have to teach the other their special skill. Yumi has to learn to paint in a way that will capture Nightmares. And Painter has to learn to stack rocks artistically enough and high enough to attract spirits. It's going to take a while. And that's if they don't drive each other crazy or ruin each others' lives in the meantime.
It took me a little while to get into this story. I found it harder than usual for a Sanderson tale to feel invested in the characters or setting. I think that was because Painter doesn't like himself at the start, and Yumi's life feels so stifled and regimented. Once they were linked and had to figure out what was going on and how to stop swapping places each time one of them fell asleep, then I was hooked. I liked the very different settings each of them live in. Painter's world is always dark with these glowing magenta and cyan lines of electricity that keep the city going. Yumi's world has floating plants, super hot ground, and other floating elements. Painter's world is Japanese-inspired, and Yumi's world is Korean-inspired. I did not see the twist in this coming. It was extremely imaginative and unexpected (as I'd expect from Sanderson). I can't say too much more without spoilers so I'll leave it at that.
Notes on content: Language: A handful of minor swears. Sexual content: No sex scenes and nothing beyond a kiss. There are awkward naked moments at a spring as part of Yumi's daily routine is ritual bathing in the spring (it is awkward funny not awkward suggestive or lewd). Violence: Nightmares have been known to wipe out whole cities. We only see one scratch a child. Ethnic diversity: Japanese-inspired and historic Korean-inspired. LGBTQ+ content: One character is an alien who is neither male nor female, but is appearing as a female in this world. Other: A horrible incident resulted in a lot of souls being trapped in the past....more
Crystal Falls has been invaded by a movie production crew and cast shooting a Christmas romance. Luke thinks those Christmas romance movies are a jokeCrystal Falls has been invaded by a movie production crew and cast shooting a Christmas romance. Luke thinks those Christmas romance movies are a joke, but his Mom and best friend Kenny are thrilled. They are big fans of the director and stars of the movie, and Kenny thinks he's about to make it big when they hire him to do drone shots for the production. But when the leading man's assistant suffers a bear attack, someone drugs the leading man, a giant candy cane almost crushes the stars, and the prop director is found dead, things aren't feeling so festive. Who could be behind the attacks and why? The Crystal Clear Detective Agency (the private investigation group made up of Luke, Kenny, Luke's mom, and Bandit) are hired by the leading man to find whoever is out to get him. And of course police officer Brooke is also on the case, but is willing to work with the CCDA now that they are a bit more official.
This was another fun case with Luke, Bandit, and gang. The movie being made totally sounds like a Hallmark Christmas movie plot. The mystery elements kept me guessing. Bandit and Kenny are along to help provide comic relief. I continue to appreciate how Regnier writes Bandit's voice in a believable food-obsessed way. Luke and Brooke's relationship finally starts to be making some solid progress. Kenny has a glimmer of hope in the romance department. And in all, this was a fun and funny cozy mystery read with lots of Christmas elements and movie behind the scenes.
Notes on content: No swearing. No sexual content beyond a little kiss. The murder happens off page and isn't described much at all. There's a couple other attempted murders/harmful incidents, but the worst injury on page is some bruised ribs from a scuffle with the murderer. ...more
Luke is chagrinned that his big news story assignment is covering the Crystal Falls silent auction. He wishes he had bigger things to write. And his wLuke is chagrinned that his big news story assignment is covering the Crystal Falls silent auction. He wishes he had bigger things to write. And his wish is soon fulfilled when a garnet collection valued at $80,000 is stolen during the fireworks. Now Luke has real stuff to write about. And he, Bandit (his trusty Aussie dog who can communicate telepathically with him), his best friend Kenny who lives in the back of their property, and his Mom are determined to figure out who stole the jewels. But there's just too many suspects, and one of them shows they are capable of murder to protect their secret.
I liked this much better than the first book in the series. Luke seems like he has less to prove with his love interest, police officer Brooke. He's a more likable guy. Kenny and Luke's mom are hilarious, but also helpful. Bandit's voice is so how I'd imagine a dog to talk. He's a delightful character, but also a great help to the investigation. I figured out who done it before Luke, but it was still a fun ride watching him figure it out. Recommended to cozy mystery fans who like humorous touches and dogs.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. One murder which is only minimally described. ...more
Vis is an orphan after the Heirarchy overtook his kingdom of Suus and killed the rest of his family. Now he's a prince on the run, doing his best to aVis is an orphan after the Heirarchy overtook his kingdom of Suus and killed the rest of his family. Now he's a prince on the run, doing his best to avoid pledging Will, which is extremely hard in a society in which Will is the moving power. You are no one unless you give or receive Will. When a suspicious man visits the prison where Vis works, his stubborness pays off. Ulciscor is a Quintus in the Heirarchy (mid-level in the pyramid of Will ceding that the Heirarchy is built on) looking for an orphan who doesn't use Will, is smart, and a bit educated. He notices things about Vis that catch his eye, though Vis does his best to hide his royal upbringing. Ulciscor wants to adopt Vis, send him to the elite Academy, and while there have him sneak around some ruins that Ulciscor had to do with his brother's death which was ruled a suicide, but Ulciscor believes was a coverup. The ruins are in forbidden areas of the island the Academy is on, so Vis will need to be stealthy. At the same time, Ulciscor also wants him to make it to the top level of the Academy within the year by the time the big test at the end comes around, the Iudicium. This will mean Vis will have to study hard enough to replace students in the level above him, demonstrate great physical skills, maneuver the political dance of the other students and teachers, and learn to manipulate the Labyrinth with exceptional skill. It's a cut-throat training ground since final standing determines where you get a job in the Heirarchy's pyramid. And on top of Ulciscor's extra assignments, a resistance group in the empire also has contacted Vis and are blackmailing him to help them out as well. Vis has no idea who he can trust, who is in the right, or where he can find a safe place to finally rest after all this is over.
This is loosely based on Roman society. The names are obviously Roman-influenced, and so is the empire taking over all these other countries and imposing their culture. Instead of Emperor worship there's the pledging and use of Will, which was an interesting concept. Basically people pledge a bit of themselves, touch a pillar from ancient technology, and this allows those above them to use a bit of the power that gives them to push, pull, and if they have enough, track and listen through objects they put Will into. The higher up in the pyramid someone is, the more Will they can call on and the more powerful they literally are. The stuff Vis finds in the ruins was weird and interesting and isn't fully explained in this book (and which are from an era before anyone can remember, but has advanced technology...I have many questions I want answered). The cut-throat Academy had shades of Hogwarts but if it were run by a mixture of Roman and Japanese schooling methods (Roman for the warrior/Senatorial skills; Japanese for the way everyone is ranked, everyone knows everyone else's rankings, and the pressure to improve your rank). Vis himself is a likable character. He's broken, angry, but crazy skilled. He knows he was spoiled as a child, but he had a good father who was trying to shape him into a wise ruler before their kingdom was overthrown and some of his father's wisdom has stuck with him. Ulciscor and his wife Relucia are interesting, and it is still up in the air how much Vis can trust either of them (also Lanistia who Ulciscor had help train Vis for the Academy, and Veridius who is Principalis of the Academy). I can't really say more without spoilers, so I'll leave it at that. I really liked Eidhin and Callidus, Vis's two unlikely friends at the Academy. I'm still trying to figure out Aequia and Emissa, two of the girls Vis gets to know at the Academy and their motivations. (I have hunches, but nothing was fully confirmed in this book.) And that ending confirmed my suspicions at least somewhat, though it opened up a whole slew of other questions. I will definitely be interested to read book 2 when it comes out.
Notes on content: Vis uses a made up swearword a lot, but real swears are few in number. No sexual content beyond a kiss. There are several fights Vis gets in that result in bumps, bruises, and some trauma for him and his opponents (some get a bit brutal, it is based on gladiatorial contests after all). There are two attacks that result in numerous deaths, and there's a lots of blood and gore involved. In his investigations and adventures, Vis manages to get cut, bit, stabbed, etc and some are quite serious and moderately described. At one point Vis learns how his parents and sisters died. The powers trying to manipulate Vis for their purposes are not above murdering adults or teens to help him advance in the Academy, which Vis does not like (most of these happen off page). The ruins include some maimed human remains/animated corpses/zombies that are quite disturbing. Lanistia is blind from an event she doesn't remember, but her eyes are gone....more
When Talia Inger's foster sister tells her about refugee children going missing from camps in Thailand, Talia at first doesn't know what she can do. BWhen Talia Inger's foster sister tells her about refugee children going missing from camps in Thailand, Talia at first doesn't know what she can do. But Tyler, Val, Finn, Mac, and Eddie have stumbled on a crowdsourced crime syndicate that may be behind the kidnappings. Talia isn't sure her CIA life and helping Tyler and gang can work any more, but when someone within the CIA starts trying to kill her and her boss commands her to take a 3 week vacation it seems like a sign. Soon she and Val are going undercover as wealthy criminal sisters eager to climb the ranks in the crime syndicate "Jungle." Meanwhile Finn and Mac go to Thailand and work with local Compassion workers and refugee parents to see if they can track the kidnapped children's location. And Tyler thinks the leader of the Jungle may also have answers to the identity of Archangel, a crooked CIA operative who ordered him to take out Talia's father years ago.
This was just as exciting as the first book in the series. Hannibal continues to balance spy thriller with character development and tactfully worked in Christian elements very well. A book that revolves on child trafficking has the potential to be very heavy, and while Hannibal conveys the very real issue that this is in the world and its seriousness, it never feels too heavy and avoids getting too gritty. It is informative and sobering but with sparks of hope helping it avoid being depressing. This book travels from Russia to Mid-Atlantic US to Europe (Prague and Milos mostly) to Thailand. As an expat who has lived in Bangkok, Thailand going on 18 years now I was impressed by how accurately Hannibal depicted Bangkok and other areas of Thailand. The only detail I noticed that he got wrong were some of the guys picking up Mountain Dew at a corner store in Bangkok which is something not available in Thailand most places (every once in a while it can be found at import speciality grocery stores). And if that's the only thing, that's quite impressive. He obviously did his research. The whole series is strongly recommended to those who like spy thriller stories without some of the grittier content often found in such stories.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a kiss. Children and teens being trafficked is a major part of the story, but it never dives into elements of the sex trade. A couple people are shot on page (some with fatal bullets others with clay bullets) or die of falls and a man is mauled by a tiger but there's very, very little description of any wounds. Some of the refugee children recount losing parents in attacks in Myanmar from gun shots or burns, the horror is conveyed without many details of the deaths. The kidnapped children and two adults are ill-treated, again the horror is conveyed without many details at all. The Jungle is a cut-throat competition that encourages competitors to take each other out by financial or lethal means....more
Talia Inger almost washed out during her final assessment in the CIA Academy, but her mentor saw something in her and has decided to give her a chanceTalia Inger almost washed out during her final assessment in the CIA Academy, but her mentor saw something in her and has decided to give her a chance. So Talia and her friend Eddie the hacker find themselves working in a literal closet under a man in danger of dying of donut overdose in a division of Eastern Europe with the dubious designation of "Other." Not exactly the Moscow assignment Talia had been dreaming of. After only a short amount of time, though, her boss sends her and Eddie out on assignment to Eastern Europe to check up on a Dr. Ivanov who has developed something the CIA is afraid could be hijacked to deploy missiles. For some reason her boss has them working with a shady civilian named Mr. Tyler who Talia cannot figure out, especially his motives. And when the threat goes from theoretical to very real, Talia and Eddie have to figure out who they can trust and how to stop this missile attack from launching.
There's so much more involved in this plot that cannot be adequately summarized without some major spoilers. Suffice it to say that this quickly drew me in and provided the smart spy international hopping thriller story I've come to expect from James R. Hannibal. He works in some Christian elements as characters wrestle with anger, hurt, and forgiveness. One of the characters is a former assassin who had a major crisis and found Jesus and has decided to use his skill sets for good. He does things like uses non-lethal rounds in firefights that frighten and slow down but don't permanently injure people. It's such a new concept I've never seen in a spy thriller before, but Hannibal makes it work in believable ways and cuts down on the body count significantly. Talia's father died in a car accident when she was young after her mother died in childbirth, so she bounced from foster home to foster home and is struggling with anger and allowing herself to acknowledge that her last set of foster parents were actually pretty great. Her past adds a layer of complexity to her personality and something about her father's death actually ends up tying into the plot. Overall, a very fun spy thriller with tactfully done Christian elements. I was very glad I had book 2 on hand to start right away.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are two murders somewhat described (gore is very minimal, an amount of blood lost is mentioned for one, but the actual wounds aren't really described). As mentioned, there are other battles, but one character tries to keep fatalities to a minimum and it usually works. That said, there are plenty of perilous circumstances and edge of your seat moments....more
Teppic left his small home country to train as an assassin in Ankh Morpork for practical reasons, being a royal doesn't make much money in Djelibeybi,Teppic left his small home country to train as an assassin in Ankh Morpork for practical reasons, being a royal doesn't make much money in Djelibeybi, in fact, dying is rather expensive what with the huge pyramids and all the decor expected. But just as he finishes his training his dad up and dies and he finds himself compelled to go back (divine right and all that). But after experiencing how things are done in the big city, Pteppic is chafing under all the rigid traditions and the heavy hand of the high priest Dios who is very used to having his way. He'd really like some more freedom for his people, a feathered mattress, and some plumbing. But what can one little Pharaoh do against millennia of tradition? Thankfully, it isn't all up to him...because the pyramid being built for his dear ol' dad is about to throw a wrench in things with a bit of magical calamity.
Lightly humorous if you are well-versed in ancient Egyptian traditions and appreciate the storyline of a young royal trying to bring his kingdom up to modern times but faces a very steep uphill climb. Not Pratchett's best work, but not his worst either.
Notes on content: A handful of minor swears plus some stronger British swears. No sex scenes. The handmaidens in the Pharaoh's house are well-versed in certain arts of an intimate nature and they dance around talking about it a couple times. Teppic's half-sister Ptraci (who is a handmaiden and doesn't know she's royal, but you do) is described as being scantily clad without much detail given. Thanks to the magic, there's a lot of undead walking around and a war brewing. There's also the assassin training, but despite all that there really isn't that much death or violence on page. Some get thrown to the crocodiles, but the result is left to your imagination. Some get magically altered, but once things are fixed they're all good.
Meet the penguins turned gentlemen who staff a bar in the human world. As you meet each one, you will learn much about their penguin characteristics, Meet the penguins turned gentlemen who staff a bar in the human world. As you meet each one, you will learn much about their penguin characteristics, habitat, and habits.
So let me tell you a secret, there's very little plot to this. I think Kishi Ueno actually wanted to write a guide to penguins, but the editor said you have to make it creative and voila, this is what resulted. Ok, that's just my guess. Regardless, this is a scientific guide to penguins masquerading as a fantasy manga. It's actually a tricky way to teach you lots about different types of penguins. I love penguins, they're my favorite animal, but even I learned several things about the different types of penguins from this.
Notes on content: About 4 minor swears. No sex scenes. It talks about mating habits but it stops at selecting a mate. The aggressive territorial penguins get into scuffles, realistically. King penguin smokes a cigarette....more
A collection of comics that ponder matters of Christian theology, general philosophy, or just living life well.
I devoured this quickly one night. TherA collection of comics that ponder matters of Christian theology, general philosophy, or just living life well.
I devoured this quickly one night. There were a few of these I didn't fully get, but for the most part I liked how Hendrix invites readers to ponder along with him and his characters or makes poignant points in tactful and humorous ways. Definitely read his note in the back of the book about the purpose of these comics. Utterly delightful.
Daniel Goodman is trying to make amends for his past mistakes and life as a thief. He wants to help his mother save her bakery, but her roof repairs aDaniel Goodman is trying to make amends for his past mistakes and life as a thief. He wants to help his mother save her bakery, but her roof repairs are going to cost a lot. A possible solution arises when he meets Abbott Kinney who has a vision to bring a version of Venice to California. Kinney needs someone to go to Italy, make sketches of key places in Venice, and also hunt down the legendary copy of The Book of Waters that includes the end of the story. Daniel is the man for the job speaking and reading/writing both English and Italian, and being a talented sketch artist (as long as he can see what he's creating ever since a brain injury). As Daniel tracks down the story of The Book of Waters with the help of local Vittoria and others he meets along the way, he uncovers the tale of Sebastien, a baby found floating in the canals in the early 1800s and raised by a whole group of people. Sebastien grows up during a turbulent time in Venice's history with Napoleon and Austrians and others switching control, and with the constant nagging question in the back of his mind, who is he? Sebastien's story will impact Daniel in ways far beyond putting a roof over his mother's head.
This is a beautifully woven story of redemption, purpose, and God's provision/hand. This ties for favorite Dykes story with her first book. I love how she deftly ties the stories together and so lyrically turns a phrase. The character growth was done so well and tenderly. And these two time periods of Venice's history were so interesting to learn about. Usually authors go much farther back or stick in the present. A heartwarming story that really draws you in. Highly recommended.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a kiss. There is a fight with one side aiming to kill that results in some injuries (very minimally described). One character dies of a congenital condition. Deaths in a past plague are mentioned....more
As war comes to Soldonia, traitors arise, unlikely heroes find courage, and those who don't feel like they deserve a second chance may see a second anAs war comes to Soldonia, traitors arise, unlikely heroes find courage, and those who don't feel like they deserve a second chance may see a second and a third. Ceridwen has been disowned by her father since her ambition to capture a fireborn got her brother killed. Now she works with her fireborn, Mindar, to redeem herself by putting her life on the line as an outrider to stave off the attacks of the invading Nadaari threatening to overwhelm her father's kingdom. She's been partnered with Finnian who is a shadowrider. She can't wait to shake him, his horse, or his wolf. She works better alone. Rafi has already died a couple times. He used to be a prince, but now he's just a fisherman living on the coast trying to forget his troubled past. But when trouble and his past are coming for him. Jakim is a freed slave who survives a shipwreck only to find himself in shackles once again. He's the translator for the invading Nadaari's scientist/inventor who knows he can bring this invasion to a quick conquest if they will only listen to him. Jakim would think all hope is lost, if not for the prophecy his sister game him long ago that he would bring freedom to his people.
I read the first chapter of this a while ago and put it down, and now I'm kicking myself. This is my favorite YA/adult fantasy read of the year so far! I gave up way too quickly. This was marvelous! Gillian Bronte Adams has thought out a fantasy adventure that is epic in scale and scope and characters, and she's done a marvelous job with it. I like all the fantasy horses with super capabilities (some breath fire, some can melt into shadows, some basically are hard as rock, some can fly and cause storms, and some can melt into water). And I felt like all different voices were distinct and so interesting in all their different background stories. They all have different issues and challenges to face, which allows the book to explore a number of themes. By the end of this book the main characters were starting to cross paths somewhat. Jakim's story is somewhat inspired by Joseph's story in the Bible, but there are plenty of unique aspects. I didn't notice any other inspired parts other than maybe the Nadaariians being inspired by the Roman empire, and overall the book feels exceedingly imaginative and unique. An the world building is absolutely phenomenal. I can't wait to return to this world in book two! (And things end on a bit of cliffhanger so it can't come soon enough.) This is marketed a bit as YA which is probably because some of the main characters we follow around are teenagers, but the plot is definitely sophisticated enough to be marketed as adult.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a kiss. There's a lot of battles, fighting, injuries, death, and accidents. Some of the injuries and fatalities are somewhat described including an arm being cut off and a beheading (more emotionally described than physically). There is a lot of death and dying, but the author treats it with an appropriate seriousness and it isn't there just for shock factor, it drives in the seriousness of the conflict and you can feel how the characters long for peace and an end to the war....more
Sephone Winter is a slave, a mem forced to use her ability to view memories to soothe and diminish those memories of the ones who hire her through herSephone Winter is a slave, a mem forced to use her ability to view memories to soothe and diminish those memories of the ones who hire her through her cruel master, Cutter. When a Lord Adamo comes through town looking for a powerful mem like Sephone to help him on a quest, she is intrigued. The fact that the lord was the young man who saved her from the ice when she was 4 gives her extra bravery to trust him and take a chance by running away with him and his guards, Bas and Bear. They make their way from town to town in a quest to find the Reliquery, a legendary item that predates the cataclysm and is supposed to increase abilities of those with powers. But Cutter is hot on their trail as is another powerful Lord who wouldn't mind having Sephone's powers at his beck and call and would like to finish the job of killing of Lord Adamo's family. Along with the very smart wolf, Jewel, who has been a companion to Lord Adamo, and another man with powers to discern when people are telling the truth, Damian, Sephone, Lord Adamo, Bas, and Bear must find the item of legend without falling into evil clutches.
This was a thought-provoking fantasy dystopia with a lot of complex, flawed characters. There's a bit of a mystery of what caused the cataclysm that changed the world and brought about the powers that various people possess which I'm guessing will be addressed more in future books. We just got tantalizing bits in this book and they had me intrigued. Sephone is a likable, pitiable character. She's never known the sun or moon, doesn't remember her family, is forced to sooth others' horrible memories, and has been a slave to a cruel man as long as she can remember. Damian is a likable rogue who you can tell has been hurt by something and puts on an act to keep others from realizing how hurt he is. Lord Adamo is also a deeply hurting man, as his wife and daughter were brutally murdered in front of him. He wants Sephone to erase their memories when they find the Reliquary, and she keeps insisting that removing his hurt will also drastically change who he is. This discussion comes up several times (it is an ongoing disagreement) and will get readers thinking about if bad things that happened to us were totally wiped from our memories would we be the same? Would we be a better person or a worse person for it? By the end of the book Sephone also has her own reasons for wanting the Reliquary (view spoiler)[she has a disease that will slowly kill her if she doesn't find it to help heal her (hide spoiler)]. Bas and Bear are more background characters, but they are likable protectors who you can tell care about their charges. Overall, this is an interesting world full of very complex characters and I will be interested to see where Fischer takes things next.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sex scenes. It is mentioned that Damian sleeps around but no details. There are battles that result in deaths and injuries. The past murder of Adamo's family is related but it is more emotional trauma that's related than gory details. Some wounds incurred in battles are mildly described. Sephone's revulsion at some of the things she's seen in memories of others is conveyed without getting too detailed. Damian gets drunk to shut off his gift, he's more a pitiable character and not set up as an example....more
Upon returning from caring for her dying mother-in-law, Mirror Lake resident rat Mrs. Dorothy Springfield claims the rat everyone believes is her husbUpon returning from caring for her dying mother-in-law, Mirror Lake resident rat Mrs. Dorothy Springfield claims the rat everyone believes is her husband is not her husband and that her husband has been murdered. But Edward Springfield certainly looks like himself and acts like himself. Vera at first thinks (along with the rest of the town) that Dorothy has lost it, but someone encourages her to investigate if there is any basis for her claims. So Vera starts digging and uncovers a bloody rug in the Springfield home that soon disappears, as well as some other oddities in the area. There's nothing conclusive, even when the body of a rat roughly Edwards size shows up (but with all identifying features removed). Vera is also a bit distracted as Lenore finally has the author coming who cancelled last season and needs help. And Orville has had enough and announced he's running for Chief in the coming election. She wants to support him, but doesn't want to mess up her relationship with him or her professionalism as a reporter.
Another cozy time spent with the Shady Hollow residents. It is fall in this book, and there are lots of references to yummy fall time foods. I figured out who done it, how, and why pretty quickly, but it was still fun to tag along with Vera and watch how she figures it out and finds evidence. (Getting evidence is the hardest challenge.) The demeaning author who insists on "helping" Vera with her investigation drove me crazy, and I wish she had told him off way earlier. So glad when she finally did. Vera is a delightful sleuth to spend time with. I hope there are more Shady Hollow mysteries to come in the future.
Notes on content: Only 1 or 2 minor swears. No sexual content. Two murders are uncovered, but neither is described much. ...more
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