Geordie's bookshelf: all en-US Sun, 27 Apr 2025 17:43:06 -0700 60 Geordie's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem (The Blue Stars, #1)]]> 53024761 Two everyday superheroes set out to save the world—starting with their school—in an exciting new middle-grade graphic series from two award-winning authors and a debut illustrator.

When cousins Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma, they get off to a rocky start. Outgoing Riley misses her Muscogee cousins but is sure that she and Maya will be instant BFFs. Meanwhile, introvert Maya misses her parents, on active duty in Japan, and just wants some space to herself. At school, Maya joins Robotics Club and Riley bonds with fellow gymnasts. Just when they start to feel at home, their school culture is threatened by an influential foe in disguise. Joining student council feels like a way to help, so both cousins toss their hats in the ring for sixth-grade class president. But when they realize what they’re up against—money, power, and lies—they quickly shift from competition to cooperation, joining forces as superheroes. Riley is savvy with people; Maya is a whiz with gadgets. In no time, this dazzling duo is off to save the day! Relatable and rich in themes of family, community, and compromise, the Blue Stars series will entertain and empower, inspiring readers to be the stars they are.]]> 176 Kekla Magoon 1536228664 Geordie 0 currently-reading 3.79 2024 Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem (The Blue Stars, #1)
author: Kekla Magoon
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of OrĂŻsha, #1)]]> 34728667 They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.

Now we rise.

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving ZĂ©lie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now ZĂ©lie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, ZĂ©lie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in OrĂŻsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be ZĂ©lie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.]]> 544 Tomi Adeyemi 1250170974 Geordie 0 currently-reading 4.10 2018 Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of OrĂŻsha, #1)
author: Tomi Adeyemi
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/24
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> The Outsider 36124936
An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad.

As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, King’s propulsive story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face? When the answer comes, it will shock you as only Stephen King can.]]> 561 Stephen King 1501180983 Geordie 0 to-read, library 3.98 2018 The Outsider
author: Stephen King
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/16
shelves: to-read, library
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Whispering Skull (Lockwood & Co., #2)]]> 14059024
Things look up when a new client, Mr. Saunders, hires Lockwood & Co. to be present at the excavation of Edmund Bickerstaff, a Victorian doctor who reportedly tried to communicate with the dead. Saunders needs the coffin sealed with silver to prevent any supernatural trouble. All goes well-until George's curiosity attracts a horrible phantom.

Back home at Portland Row, Lockwood accuses George of making too many careless mistakes. Lucy is distracted by urgent whispers coming from the skull in the ghost jar. Then the team is summoned to DEPRAC headquarters. Kipps is there too, much to Lockwood's annoyance. Bickerstaff's coffin was raided and a strange glass object buried with the corpse has vanished. Inspector Barnes believes the relic to be highly dangerous, and he wants it found.]]> 435 Jonathan Stroud 142316492X Geordie 4 3-and-a-half-stars 4.33 2014 The Whispering Skull (Lockwood & Co., #2)
author: Jonathan Stroud
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/04/16
shelves: 3-and-a-half-stars
review:
The first book in this series was clever and exciting, but this one is even better - the same dynamic and relatable (and flawed) characters, but even higher stakes. The plot directions were a bit predictable, but not as glaringly so as the first book.
]]> One Hundred Years of Solitude 320 417 Gabriel García Márquez Geordie 0 currently-reading 4.10 1967 One Hundred Years of Solitude
author: Gabriel García Márquez
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.10
book published: 1967
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/16
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> Nettle & Bone 56179377
Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a prince—if she can complete three impossible tasks. But, as is the way in tales of princes, witches, and daughters, the impossible is only the beginning.

On her quest, Marra is joined by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra's family and their kingdom from its tyrannous ruler at last.]]> 243 T. Kingfisher 1250244048 Geordie 4 4-and-a-half-stars 4.07 2022 Nettle & Bone
author: T. Kingfisher
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/08
date added: 2025/04/16
shelves: 4-and-a-half-stars
review:
Great fun to read, a novel protagonist and plot, but even better are the lovable and hilarious supporting characters. The mix of witty, realistic humor and traumas just this side of visceral horror make for a hell of a read, with some brilliant interpretations of classic fairytale tropes.
]]> A Rumpole Christmas 6468909
Rumpole and Father Christmas --
Rumpole's slimmed-down Christmas --
Rumpole and the boy --
Rumpole and the old familiar faces --
Rumpole and the Christmas break]]> 176 John Mortimer 0670021350 Geordie 4 3.94 2009 A Rumpole Christmas
author: John Mortimer
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/04/16
shelves:
review:

]]> Bury Your Gays 195790870 From Chuck Tingle, author of the USA Today bestselling Camp Damascus, comes a new heart-pounding story about what it takes to succeed in a world that wants you dead.

Misha is a jaded scriptwriter who has been working in Hollywood for years, and has just been nominated for his first Oscar. But when he's pressured by his producers to kill off a gay character in the upcoming season finale�"for the algorithm"―Misha discovers that it's not that simple.

As he is haunted by his past, and past mistakes, Misha must risk everything to find a way to do what's right―before it's too late.]]> 295 Chuck Tingle 1250874653 Geordie 3 3-and-a-half-stars
Chuck Tingle dishes out some clever, passionate writing, telling an emotional story at the same time he makes some heart-felt arguments about the state of entertainment and public perceptions of LGBT+ people and personas. The story is often insanely strange, but even when it's at its most demented, the book is still smart and emotionally rewarding. The varied homages to horror classics are clever and feel like little easter eggs for the reader.

While much of the horror (one body horror scene in particular!) is well done, a few scenes feel pretty lackluster. One scene that was an apparent homage to slasher films felt like reading the script of a low quality slasher film. I don't know if Tingle was writing it intentionally dull, but that's what it was. The real weakness of the book was how contrived so many things were. Misha felt bad about going to a high school reunion without his boyfriend, but he was not ready to come out of the closet to the people in his home town. So, why not just NOT go to the reunion? Even before the plot went totally crazy, Misha had dozens of things on his plate, why would he want to go to this reunion in the first place. Well, he didn't have much realistic motivation, BUT the reunion led to a relevant flashback, and then to a scary scene on a plane. So, in other words, Misha's motivation was flimsy, but for the WRITER it was a good opportunity. There were a lot of incidents like this, where decisions and actions felt contrived for the writer's benefit. And ultimately, the climax had a contrived feeling of the main villain being pretty damned stupid with their precautions.

I mean, I still liked it. Please put on your 'live with contrivances' blinders when reading, because for the clever horror and the bold message it is definitely worth a read!]]> 4.13 2024 Bury Your Gays
author: Chuck Tingle
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: 3-and-a-half-stars
review:
Misha is a successful screenwriter for a streaming TV series. He plans to have the show's leads revealed as homosexual, but the studio tells him that, according to the studio algorithm, the best financial returns require them to either be heterosexual, or for the reveal to be the precursor to their tragic deaths. Misha fights back, but as he is stewing on how to force big Hollywood to allow some gays in their scripts to be people instead of plot devices, the plot of his own life is turned upside down. He is stalked by a series of characters from his own horror shows and movies. What at first seems a marketing stunt or over-the-top stalker fans soon crosses the border into the impossible, and the very deadly.

Chuck Tingle dishes out some clever, passionate writing, telling an emotional story at the same time he makes some heart-felt arguments about the state of entertainment and public perceptions of LGBT+ people and personas. The story is often insanely strange, but even when it's at its most demented, the book is still smart and emotionally rewarding. The varied homages to horror classics are clever and feel like little easter eggs for the reader.

While much of the horror (one body horror scene in particular!) is well done, a few scenes feel pretty lackluster. One scene that was an apparent homage to slasher films felt like reading the script of a low quality slasher film. I don't know if Tingle was writing it intentionally dull, but that's what it was. The real weakness of the book was how contrived so many things were. Misha felt bad about going to a high school reunion without his boyfriend, but he was not ready to come out of the closet to the people in his home town. So, why not just NOT go to the reunion? Even before the plot went totally crazy, Misha had dozens of things on his plate, why would he want to go to this reunion in the first place. Well, he didn't have much realistic motivation, BUT the reunion led to a relevant flashback, and then to a scary scene on a plane. So, in other words, Misha's motivation was flimsy, but for the WRITER it was a good opportunity. There were a lot of incidents like this, where decisions and actions felt contrived for the writer's benefit. And ultimately, the climax had a contrived feeling of the main villain being pretty damned stupid with their precautions.

I mean, I still liked it. Please put on your 'live with contrivances' blinders when reading, because for the clever horror and the bold message it is definitely worth a read!
]]> <![CDATA[The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co, #1)]]> 18108320
In The Screaming Staircase, the plucky and talented Lucy Carlyle teams up with Anthony Lockwood, the charismatic leader of Lockwood & Co, a small agency that runs independent of any adult supervision. After an assignment leads to both a grisly discovery and a disastrous end, Lucy, Anthony, and their sarcastic colleague, George, are forced to take part in the perilous investigation of Combe Carey Hall, one of the most haunted houses in England. Will Lockwood & Co. survive the Hall''s legendary Screaming Staircase and Red Room to see another day?]]> 400 Jonathan Stroud Geordie 4 4.32 2013 The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co, #1)
author: Jonathan Stroud
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves:
review:
Very clever, some great action, and believable characters that you root for despite their numerous flaws. The only downside was that the big "twist" was screamingly obvious, but maybe it worked better for the target audience? Even so it was a fun read that I'd recommend for any age.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mating Season (Jeeves, #9)]]> 16390 272 P.G. Wodehouse 1585672319 Geordie 4 4.19 1949 The Mating Season (Jeeves, #9)
author: P.G. Wodehouse
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1949
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves:
review:
I've read so many Jeeves books that they blend together in my memory, sometimes even exasperating me with the 'here we go again' web of problems and miscommunications. This one, though, was a really good reading experience. Sharp and clever, lots of pithy dialogue, and a well-paced plot that is not as outrageous or eye-rolling as some of them.
]]> <![CDATA[Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary (Fablehaven, #4)]]> 27777095 Librarian Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ISBN10: 1416990283 - ISBN13: 9781416990284 Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary.


Two hidden artifacts have been found. More preserves face destruction as the Society of the Evening Star relentlessly pursues new talismans. Desperate to stop them, Kendra discovers the location of the key to a vault housing one of the artifacts in Patton's Journal of Secrets. In order to retrieve the key, the Knights of the Dawn must enter a death trap � a dragon sanctuary called Wyrmroost. Will anyone who enters the sanctuary make it out alive? Or have Kendra and Seth finally gotten in too deep?]]> 526 Brandon Mull Geordie 4 4.35 2009 Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary (Fablehaven, #4)
author: Brandon Mull
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves:
review:
Stakes get even higher, and the twists will knock the socks off even a mature and jaded reader! An excellent middle-school fantasy, I'm eager to read the next (and final) book in the series.
]]> <![CDATA[Shirley and Jamila's Big Fall (Shirley & Jamila, 2)]]> 57062571 For fans of Raina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamieson, this middle grade graphic novel series tells the story of Shirley and Jamila, two girl detectives on a mission to stop their school's biggest bully once and for all

As Jamila settles into the rhythms of classes and after-school basketball practice, Shirley has a new mystery on her mind. Her old enemy Chuck is up to his usual tricks: He's been blackmailing kids all over school, and Shirley knows that she and Jamila can put a stop to it.

They hatch a plan: They'll break into his house late one night and recover all the notes Chuck's been using to blackmail innocent kids.

But while Shirley and Jamila are at the house, another intruder arrives--an intruder who can help them put a stop to Chuck's crimes once and for all.
]]> 240 Gillian Goerz 0525552898 Geordie 3 4.12 2021 Shirley and Jamila's Big Fall (Shirley & Jamila, 2)
author: Gillian Goerz
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/22
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: 2-and-a-half-stars, graphic-novels
review:
Shirley and Jamila work to stop a sleazy blackmailer at their junior high. Based on a Sherlock Holmes short story, this book lacks a lot of the creativity of the first book, and also suffers from a lot of padding as the story take a long time to go anywhere. The characters are still likable, and the book raises some good questions about breaking rules/laws for the greater good. Still, it was not nearly as clever as the first book, and if there is a third I hope the writer goes for an original plot-line, and puts a little more pep into it!
]]> <![CDATA[Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer]]> 48635847 Meet Jamila and Shirley, two unlikely friends who save each other's summers while solving their neighborhood's biggest mysteries.

Jamila Waheed is staring down a lonely summer in a new neighborhood--until she meets Shirley Bones. Sure, Shirley's a little strange, but both girls need a new plan for the summer, and they might as well become friends.

Then this kid Oliver shows up begging for Shirley's help. His pet gecko has disappeared, and he's sure it was stolen! That's when Jamila discovers Shirley's secret: She's the neighborhood's best kid detective, and she's on the case. When Jamila discovers she's got some detective skills of her own, a crime-solving partnership is born.

The mystery of the missing gecko turns Shirley and Jamila's summer upside down. And when their partnership hits a rough patch, they have to work together to solve the greatest mystery of all: What it means to be a friend.]]> 222 Gillian Goerz 0525552863 Geordie 4 graphic-novels 4.05 2020 Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer
author: Gillian Goerz
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/01
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
Shirley and Jamila have practically nothing in common except for their desires (though sometimes they deny it) to make a friend, and to do the right thing. Socially awkward Shirley solves mysteries for the local kids, and Jamila gets pulled into helping her as she tries to figure out if they are actually friends or not. This was a fun book, besides the mystery in it, the characters are fun, and there are some thought-provoking moral quandaries about hiding the truth and frustration making us do the wrong thing. Well worth a read and a talk about with any kid.
]]> <![CDATA[Besties! (The Big Adventures of Babymouse, #2)]]> 75665885 224 Jennifer L. Holm 0593430956 Geordie 0 hannah, graphic-novels 4.29 Besties! (The Big Adventures of Babymouse, #2)
author: Jennifer L. Holm
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves: hannah, graphic-novels
review:

]]> Julia's House Goes Home 55780532 Julia and her house full of fantastic friends are on the move, from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Ben Hatke.

Julia's flying house has come down to earth...and sprouted legs! Now it roams the landscape looking for the perfect spot to settle down. But just as Julia spots the Perfect Spot, off in the distance—her walking house trips! It tumbles down a steep mountain side, and Julia and her creatures are scattered across the hills while her runaway home continues rolling off on an adventure of its own. Now it's up to Julia to gather up her found family and track down her house, and maybe find that Perfect Spot once and for all.

With surprises around every corner and new creatures galore, master storyteller Ben Hatke weaves a moving and satisfying final episode for Julia's House, completing the trilogy of three picture books.]]> 42 Ben Hatke 1250769329 Geordie 4 hannah 4.38 2021 Julia's House Goes Home
author: Ben Hatke
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves: hannah
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Vol. 1]]> 61681727 ANCIENT DAEMONS AWAKEN TO FIGHT A NEW BATTLE IN AN AGE-OLD WAR!!

In a remote mountain village under the watchful eyes of two stone guardians, the young Yuru contentedly lives off the land while staying close to the only family he has left—Asa, his precious twin sister. Asa, meanwhile, carries out a mysterious “duty� on behalf of the village while locked in a cage. Why is Asa a prisoner? And what other secrets does Yuru’s otherwise idyllic home hide?]]> 208 Hiromu Arakawa 1646091868 Geordie 0 graphic-novels 4.12 2022 Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Vol. 1
author: Hiromu Arakawa
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Fox (Ice and Crime Book 1)]]> 55264698
His detective’s instincts are triggered when he hears about a foreign woman who arrived in this tight-knit community � and then disappeared as suddenly as she had appeared. The trail of the missing woman takes him back to Reykjavík, and then to a remote farmhouse beneath dark mountains where an elderly woman and her son live with their sinister past.]]> 206 Sólveig Pálsdóttir Geordie 2
ReykjavĂ­k police officer GuĂ°geir Fransson moves to a small Iceland town to spend some time away from his wife after having cheated on her. A Sri Lankan woman named Sajee comes to the same town for work, only to find herself without a job or place to stay.

I don't want to fault this book for being non-traditional in its story-telling, but, it had a LOT of meandering around and pointless conversations going on for a so-called thriller. The principal emotion the author was able to instill in me was depressing, also an odd choice for a "thriller".

A few weeks after Sajee disappears, Frannson kind of randomly decides to investigate whether something bad happened to her. He gets jealous and snippy with his wife, he stares at restaurants that he can't eat at because they're booked up, has dead-end talks with his landlord, and then passes the mystery over to his protege in Reykjavik.

Meanwhile, Sajee has indeed been abducted, but this is kind of incidental. The villains didn't mean to abduct her, it just sort of worked that way. They're actually starting a drug factory, and they're really terrible about it. Like, the most incompetent criminals one could see in entertainment outside of a comedy. Their decision to bring a stranger to their house to do some housework and just HOPE nothing went wrong was baffling. A lot of authorial decisions were similarly hard for me to wrap my head around. Like that Frannson spent so much time doing mundane things of no import. Or that some people liked to tell Sajee random stories about fairy (?) people who lived in the ice. And that the closest thing to a climax was Frannson having a FLASHBACK of physically overcoming a woman in her 60s or 70s.

I didn't hate this book, but I can't think of anything to recommend it. It just dragged on, with the writer and the characters making weird decisions and moping over and over again. ]]> 3.66 2017 The Fox (Ice and Crime Book 1)
author: Sólveig Pálsdóttir
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2017
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/16
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves:
review:
I'm not sure exactly how to feel about this book. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be "underwhelming".

ReykjavĂ­k police officer GuĂ°geir Fransson moves to a small Iceland town to spend some time away from his wife after having cheated on her. A Sri Lankan woman named Sajee comes to the same town for work, only to find herself without a job or place to stay.

I don't want to fault this book for being non-traditional in its story-telling, but, it had a LOT of meandering around and pointless conversations going on for a so-called thriller. The principal emotion the author was able to instill in me was depressing, also an odd choice for a "thriller".

A few weeks after Sajee disappears, Frannson kind of randomly decides to investigate whether something bad happened to her. He gets jealous and snippy with his wife, he stares at restaurants that he can't eat at because they're booked up, has dead-end talks with his landlord, and then passes the mystery over to his protege in Reykjavik.

Meanwhile, Sajee has indeed been abducted, but this is kind of incidental. The villains didn't mean to abduct her, it just sort of worked that way. They're actually starting a drug factory, and they're really terrible about it. Like, the most incompetent criminals one could see in entertainment outside of a comedy. Their decision to bring a stranger to their house to do some housework and just HOPE nothing went wrong was baffling. A lot of authorial decisions were similarly hard for me to wrap my head around. Like that Frannson spent so much time doing mundane things of no import. Or that some people liked to tell Sajee random stories about fairy (?) people who lived in the ice. And that the closest thing to a climax was Frannson having a FLASHBACK of physically overcoming a woman in her 60s or 70s.

I didn't hate this book, but I can't think of anything to recommend it. It just dragged on, with the writer and the characters making weird decisions and moping over and over again.
]]> Under Orders (Sid Halley, #4) 8520
It's the third death on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day that really troubles super-sleuth Sid Halley. Last seen in 1995's Come to Grief, former champion jockey Halley knows the perils of racing all too well-but in his day, jockeys didn't usually reach the finishing line with three .38 rounds in the chest. But this is precisely how he finds jockey Huw Walker-who, only a few hours earlier, had won the coveted Triumph Hurdle.

Just moments before the gruesome discovery, Halley had been called upon by Lord Enstone to make discreet inquiries into why his horses appeared to be on a permanent losing streak. Are races being fixed? Are bookies taking a cut? And if so, are trainers and jockeys playing a dangerous game with stakes far higher than they are realistic?

Halley's quest for answers draws him even deeper into the darker side of the race game, in a life-or-death power play that will push him to his very limits-both professionally and personally.]]> 308 Dick Francis 0399154000 Geordie 3 3-and-a-half-stars
This was a good read, though there were ups and downs. Sid was initially the same machismo 'never flinch at danger' type all Francis's characters are, he even felt a little blasé about it. But the threats to his new love-interest not only but that in good contrast, but it also brought out a lot of (well-written) emotion for Halley. His new lover, Marina, is great character, who pairs well with Halley, and gets some good growth and a few good one-liners as well. The writing was often punchy, but occasionally was padded with awkward complaints and tangents (London's buses cause too much traffic? Big city Americans should be so lucky!), that felt like Francis going on a septuagenarian rant. The big confrontation at the end was pretty dynamic, but it also felt painfully obvious that it was coming.

Overall not Francis's strongest book, but still a worthwhile read.]]> 3.86 2006 Under Orders (Sid Halley, #4)
author: Dick Francis
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves: 3-and-a-half-stars
review:
The fourth and last of Dick Francis's Sid Halley mysteries. Sid gets in over his head investigating a major crime, yet again. As always, threats of violence against him just make him angry and more determined to see justice done - but when his new girlfriend is attacked, fear for her safety makes him consider backing off.

This was a good read, though there were ups and downs. Sid was initially the same machismo 'never flinch at danger' type all Francis's characters are, he even felt a little blasé about it. But the threats to his new love-interest not only but that in good contrast, but it also brought out a lot of (well-written) emotion for Halley. His new lover, Marina, is great character, who pairs well with Halley, and gets some good growth and a few good one-liners as well. The writing was often punchy, but occasionally was padded with awkward complaints and tangents (London's buses cause too much traffic? Big city Americans should be so lucky!), that felt like Francis going on a septuagenarian rant. The big confrontation at the end was pretty dynamic, but it also felt painfully obvious that it was coming.

Overall not Francis's strongest book, but still a worthwhile read.
]]> <![CDATA[Suee and the Strange White Light (Suee and the Shadow Book #2)]]> 61783714
Suee and the Zero Detective Club are back and ready to unravel some mysteries! However, other than a bunch of missing cat cases, there really isn't too much to solve . . .ĚýThat is, until Smartie, Suee's kid-nemesis from her old school, goes missing leaving only one Central City.
ĚýĚý
Nemesis or not, it's up to Suee and the rest of the Zero Detective Club members to find her. But Smartie’s disappearance isn’t the only weird thing going on in this part of town. There’s an army of workers in white uniforms installing strange devices, and all the adults have started acting bizarre and ignoring their kids. With all these odd occurrences, it's up to the Zero Detective Club of Outskirtsville to find out what’s going on!
ĚýĚý
Author Ginger Ly and illustrator Molly Park return with fantastic energy and brilliant art for an incredible follow-up to Suee’s first adventure. This fast-paced and spooky tale is sure to capture the hearts of readers young and old.]]> 240 Ginger Ly 1419746421 Geordie 2 Though odd, the start of the book had some promise. but after a while the kids just repeatedly got rescued by someone else, and started to feel like supporting characters in their own book. While there initially felt like some really high stakes, by the end it felt clear that someone was always going to pop up and solve any dangers or complications for the group.
There was also a fair amount that was just baffling, but that might make more sense for anyone who read the first book. I'm so confused that I'm going to give that book a try, and who knows, maybe that'll affect my score of this one?

Having read the first book just made this book more disappointing. The first book was clever and the main characters really had to pull together and take risks to protect each other. I'm glad I read the first one, but in comparison book 2 is tepid, even a little goofy.]]> 3.80 Suee and the Strange White Light (Suee and the Shadow Book #2)
author: Ginger Ly
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.80
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/09
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves: 2-and-a-half-stars, graphic-novels
review:
A group of kids try to solve bizarre intertwined, possibly supernatural, mysteries.
Though odd, the start of the book had some promise. but after a while the kids just repeatedly got rescued by someone else, and started to feel like supporting characters in their own book. While there initially felt like some really high stakes, by the end it felt clear that someone was always going to pop up and solve any dangers or complications for the group.
There was also a fair amount that was just baffling, but that might make more sense for anyone who read the first book. I'm so confused that I'm going to give that book a try, and who knows, maybe that'll affect my score of this one?

Having read the first book just made this book more disappointing. The first book was clever and the main characters really had to pull together and take risks to protect each other. I'm glad I read the first one, but in comparison book 2 is tepid, even a little goofy.
]]> <![CDATA[Suee and the Shadow (Suee and the Shadow Book #1)]]> 34227671 240 Ginger Ly 1419725645 Geordie 4
This was a clever book, the message was good, and while the pacing was slow it built up to some high stakes and good (but age appropriate) scares.

Unfortunately the sequel was a let-down, but this one was definitely worth a read. ]]> 3.76 2017 Suee and the Shadow (Suee and the Shadow Book #1)
author: Ginger Ly
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/16
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves: 3-and-a-half-stars, graphic-novels
review:
Suee is intellectually sharp and socially withdrawn. Weird things happen at her school, and while she starts to investigate out of curiosity and self-preservation, when she finally makes some friends, desire to protect them makes her develop and take risks.

This was a clever book, the message was good, and while the pacing was slow it built up to some high stakes and good (but age appropriate) scares.

Unfortunately the sequel was a let-down, but this one was definitely worth a read.
]]> <![CDATA[What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions]]> 21413662 xkcd comic ask Munroe a lot of strange questions: What if you tried to hit a baseball pitched at 90 percent the speed of light? How fast can you hit a speed bump while driving and live? If there was a robot apocalypse, how long would humanity last? What if everyone only had one soulmate? What would happen if the moon went away?

In pursuit of answers, Munroe runs computer simulations, pores over stacks of declassified military research memos, solves differential equations, and consults with nuclear reactor operators. His responses are masterpieces of clarity and hilarity, complemented by his signature xkcd comics. (They often predict the complete annihilation of humankind, or at least a really big explosion.)

In celebration of 10 years of unusual insight, Randall Munroe has revised his classic blockbuster to ask what if? x 10. The result is 10x the adventure of scientific inquiry. Featuring brand-new 2-color annotations and illustrations, this special anniversary edition is far more than a book for geeks, What If? explains the laws of science in operation in a way that every intelligent reader will enjoy and feel much smarter for having read.]]> 303 Randall Munroe 0544272994 Geordie 5 This book is the kind of combo of educational science and comedy that I love, wish I'd read it years ago! A few of the explanations were hard to follow, but still, it is well worth 5 stars.

Reread in 2025 - still stellar!]]> 4.13 2014 What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
author: Randall Munroe
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/19
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves:
review:
What took me so long to read this??
This book is the kind of combo of educational science and comedy that I love, wish I'd read it years ago! A few of the explanations were hard to follow, but still, it is well worth 5 stars.

Reread in 2025 - still stellar!
]]> <![CDATA[Grip of the Shadow Plague (Fablehaven, #3)]]> 2146957
In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice–but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information that could lead to a cure–but can she be trust?

Meanwhile, Kendra and members of the Knights of the Dawn must journey to a distant preserve and retrieve another hidden artifact. Will the Society of the Evening Star recover it first? Will the plague eclipse all light at Fablehaven? Find out in Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague.]]> 477 Brandon Mull 1590388984 Geordie 4 hannah 4.30 2008 Grip of the Shadow Plague (Fablehaven, #3)
author: Brandon Mull
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/07
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves: hannah
review:
The third book in the series - Kendra, Seth and their allies continue trying to figure out who they can trust, and gain some advantage against their enemies. This book is grimmer than the previous two, but the writing is excellent and the higher stakes make it all the more enthralling. Excellent story-telling and world-building, I'm eager to see what twists and turns the next book brings.
]]> <![CDATA[The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding: a Hercule Poirot Short Story (Hercule Poirot, #SS-26)]]> 44066606 55 Agatha Christie 9897788093 Geordie 4 4.01 The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding: a Hercule Poirot Short Story (Hercule Poirot, #SS-26)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.01
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/03/15
shelves:
review:
A cute little Poirot vignette. It's a little weird how the impetus for the case is a big national incident, and then the rest of the story runs very cozy and small stakes. Also, must add, brace yourself if you (like me) get this as an audio book. It is a VERY short short story. Everything wrapped up just about the time I thought we were reaching the end of the first act. My mistake for thinking it was a novel!
]]> <![CDATA[Honey Girl: The Hawaiian Monk Seal (Arbordale Collection)]]> 32565341 32 Jeanne Walker Harvey 1628559225 Geordie 4 4.10 Honey Girl: The Hawaiian Monk Seal (Arbordale Collection)
author: Jeanne Walker Harvey
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/03/13
shelves:
review:

]]> Moby Duck (Cryptid Kids #2) 215149171 Dive into the latest adventure with Penny and friends in their hunt for the elusive 'Moby Duck'! Mysteries, monsters and valuable lessons abound in this new middle grade graphic novel from the fantastic duo behind Dungeon Critters.

A year after Penny, K, and Luc rescued the Bawk-Ness Monster and a submarine full of cryptids from the nefarious Alvida Scales, they’ve reunited for what’s supposed to be a low-key trip to the seashore with K’s dad. K has big plans to follow in her great-aunt’s cryptid-hunting footsteps and track down the mysterious Moby Duck with her two best friends in tow, but there are a couple big problems with this plan! First of all, Penny’s also bringing a stranger along � a kid named “Jo� who likes anime and video games and other things that K thinks are super boring. And if that wasn’t bad enough, because of everything that went wrong on their last big trip together, K is forbidden from cryptid hunting of any kind! It’s a disaster all around!

Will K be able to salvage her big chance at finding Moby Duck? Maybe! Will she and her friends once again be kidnapped by a villainous member of the Scales family? Probably! Will aliens somehow be involved as they track down dangerous cryptids of the sea? Gosh, wouldn’t that be crazy?]]> 208 Sara Goetter 1250899397 Geordie 0 to-read 4.20 Moby Duck (Cryptid Kids #2)
author: Sara Goetter
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Thousand Naked Strangers: a Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back]]> 25111005
In the aftermath of 9/11 Kevin Hazzard felt that something was missing from his life—his days were too safe, too routine. A failed salesman turned local reporter, he wanted to test himself, see how he might respond to pressure and danger. He signed up for emergency medical training and became, at age twenty-six, a newly minted EMT running calls in the worst sections of Atlanta. His life entered a different realm—one of blood, violence, and amazing grace.

Thoroughly intimidated at first and frequently terrified, he experienced on a nightly basis the adrenaline rush of walking into chaos. But in his downtime, Kevin reflected on how people’s facades drop away when catastrophe strikes. As his hours on the job piled up, he realized he was beginning to see into the truth of things. There is no pretense five beats into a chest compression, or in an alley next to a crack den, or on a dimly lit highway where cars have collided. Eventually, what had at first seemed impossible happened: Kevin acquired mastery. And in the process he was able to discern the professional differences between his freewheeling peers, what marked each—as he termed them—as “a tourist,� “true believer,� or “killer.�

Combining indelible scenes that remind us of life’s fragile beauty with laugh-out-loud moments that keep us smiling through the worst, A Thousand Naked Strangers is an absorbing read about one man’s journey of self-discovery—a trip that also teaches us about ourselves.]]> 261 Kevin Hazzard 1501110837 Geordie 4 3-and-a-half-stars 3.92 2016 A Thousand Naked Strangers: a Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back
author: Kevin Hazzard
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/06
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves: 3-and-a-half-stars
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Clue in the Reef (Surfside Girls #3)]]> 178818638
How did girls do anything dressed like this ? Sam is cranky -- the Surfside Days festival is on, and she and Jade have been conscripted to work the “Burger Dude Ranch� booth, dressed like it’s 1850! But when the girls paddle out at Danger Point on a break, it’s obvious that there’s a bigger mystery to be solved. What on Earth are those creatures doing stranded out there on that rock? As more weirdness unfolds, it’s time for Sam and Jade to re-open the Journal of Weird� searching for clues on an island adventure and testing their wits against their most dangerous foe yet!]]> 256 Kim Dwinell 1603095292 Geordie 4 graphic-novels 4.20 The Clue in the Reef (Surfside Girls #3)
author: Kim Dwinell
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:

]]> Two Tribes 63391906 American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. It is published by Heartdrum, an imprint that centers stories about contemporary Indigenous young people.]]> 256 Emily Bowen Cohen 0062983598 Geordie 3 I appreciate the message of this book, but the delivery was rough around the edges. It's a little hard to be sympathetic for someone who makes as many big lies as Mia does. The art is not that good, in either quality or choices - one time there was a panel with a close up of a pattern, I had no idea that I was looking at shoes until one of the characters mentioned it! The speech seldom felt authentic, sometimes being slightly stilted, sometimes forced and awkward. Overall it's worth a read at least once, and I feel kids who are similarly torn between cultures might be able to draw some inspiration or comfort from it. ]]> 3.84 2023 Two Tribes
author: Emily Bowen Cohen
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves:
review:
Mia's parents are divorced, and it is a struggle for her to connect to her heritages on either side.
I appreciate the message of this book, but the delivery was rough around the edges. It's a little hard to be sympathetic for someone who makes as many big lies as Mia does. The art is not that good, in either quality or choices - one time there was a panel with a close up of a pattern, I had no idea that I was looking at shoes until one of the characters mentioned it! The speech seldom felt authentic, sometimes being slightly stilted, sometimes forced and awkward. Overall it's worth a read at least once, and I feel kids who are similarly torn between cultures might be able to draw some inspiration or comfort from it.
]]> <![CDATA[The Inugami Curse (Detective Kosuke Kindaichi, #2)]]> 50362362 A fiendish classic murder mystery, from one of Japan’s greatest crime writers.

In 1940s Japan, the wealthy head of the Inugami Clan dies, and his family eagerly await the reading of the will. But no sooner are its strange details revealed than a series of bizarre, gruesome murders begins. Detective Kindaichi must unravel the clan's terrible secrets of forbidden liaisons, monstrous cruelty, and hidden identities to find the murderer, and lift the curse wreaking its bloody revenge on the Inugamis.

The Inugami Curse is a fiendish, intricately plotted classic mystery from a giant of Japanese crime writing, starring the legendary detective Kosuke Kindaichi.]]> 321 Seishi Yokomizo 1782275029 Geordie 2 2-and-a-half-stars 3.87 1950 The Inugami Curse (Detective Kosuke Kindaichi, #2)
author: Seishi Yokomizo
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.87
book published: 1950
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/28
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: 2-and-a-half-stars
review:
Another murder mystery with Japanese detective Kosuke Kindaichi. I feel there's a lot of improvement in the story-telling over the first book. It doesn't drag as much, there's more substance, the narrator isn't as annoying intrusive, and the writing is better (though with some purple prose still). Unfortunately the ending is a full let down. After a series of twists and clues that pulled me in and made me feel I was right on the verge of pulling things together, the end felt like the rug was pulled out from under me. Character motivations could not have been possibly guessed, there were a series of implausible coincidences, and the killer was able to choke younger, stronger people to death in a matter of seconds. I felt I'd had agreement with the writer and then been betrayed. It was tremendously disappointing, and also so dragged out it started to get dull.
]]> The Spite House 60784411
When he comes across the strange ad for the Masson House in Degener, Texas, Eric thinks they may have finally caught a lucky break. The Masson property, notorious for being one of the most haunted places in Texas, needs a caretaker of sorts. The owner is looking for proof of paranormal activity. All they need to do is stay in the house and keep a detailed record of everything that happens there. Provided the house’s horrors don’t drive them all mad, like the caretakers before them.

The job calls to Eric, not just because there’s a huge payout if they can make it through, but because he wants to explore the secrets of the spite house. If it is indeed haunted, maybe it’ll help him understand the uncanny power that clings to his family, driving them from town to town, making them afraid to stop running. A terrifying Gothic thriller about grief and death and the depths of a father’s love, Johnny Compton’s The Spite House is a stunning debut by a horror master in the making.]]> 261 Johnny Compton 1250841410 Geordie 4
This was a good read, enjoyable prose, full characters, and a lot of twists. The set-up and initial style felt a lot like Steven King, but it didn't take too long for it to develop its own unique voice and characters. The ideas for ghosts and other supernatural occurrences also had a unique approach that I liked. The depiction of spite as something that could be pleasant but horribly destructive was especially well thought out.

Maybe the only weakness I found was that things ended up happening too quickly. What was causing the haunting came out of left field, and the climax was somewhat unsatisfying with how abrupt it was.

]]> 3.50 2023 The Spite House
author: Johnny Compton
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves:
review:
Eric Ross and his two daughters are on the run from a secret they can share with no one. Eric takes a job documenting strange activity in a house with a dark past of death and hate.

This was a good read, enjoyable prose, full characters, and a lot of twists. The set-up and initial style felt a lot like Steven King, but it didn't take too long for it to develop its own unique voice and characters. The ideas for ghosts and other supernatural occurrences also had a unique approach that I liked. The depiction of spite as something that could be pleasant but horribly destructive was especially well thought out.

Maybe the only weakness I found was that things ended up happening too quickly. What was causing the haunting came out of left field, and the climax was somewhat unsatisfying with how abrupt it was.


]]> Rumpole At Christmas 10171282
'One of the great comic creations of modern times' Evening Standard 'There is a truth in Rumpole that is told with brilliance and grace' Daily Telegraph 'Rumpole remains and absolute delight' The Times Sir John Mortimer was a barrister, playwright and novelist. His fictional political trilogy of Paradise Postponed, Titmuss Regained and The Sound of Trumpets has recently been republished in Penguin Classics, together with Clinging to the Wreckage and his play A Voyage round My Father. His most famous creation was the barrister Horace Rumpole, who featured in four novels and around eighty short stories. His books in Penguin The Anti-social Behaviour of Horace Rumpole; The Collected Stories of Rumpole; The First Rumpole Omnibus; Rumpole and the Angel of Death; Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders; Rumpole and the Primrose Path; Rumpole and the Reign of Terror; Rumpole and the Younger Generation; Rumpole at Christmas; Rumpole Rests His Case; The Second Rumpole Omnibus; Forever Rumpole; In Other Words; Quite Honestly and Summer's Lease.]]> 152 John Mortimer 0141039779 Geordie 0 to-read 4.02 2009 Rumpole At Christmas
author: John Mortimer
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Squire & Knight (Squire & Knight, #1)]]> 61484917 A young squire tackles mysteries, monsters and magic, but the inept knight he serves takes the credit. Every time.

Squire is brainy, bookish, and terribly under-appreciated by the brawny, inept knight Sir Kelton, who somehow always gets all the glory. So when the two mismatched heroes find themselves in a cursed village plagued by a demonic dragon, Kelton rides off to slay it and Squire stays behind to catch up on some reading. But Squire starts to notice that something isn’t quite right about this town . . . Can he uncover its strange secrets?]]> 176 Scott Chantler 1250249333 Geordie 0 to-read 4.00 2023 Squire & Knight (Squire & Knight, #1)
author: Scott Chantler
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Shark Girl 211003742 A laugh-out-loud picture book with a feel-good message from bestselling comics creator Kate Beaton about a half-human-half-shark bent on revenge after a greedy fishing captain messes with her waters � perfect for fans of We Don’t Eat Our Classmates and The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors.

When Shark Girl is captured by an evil fishing captain's net, she makes a vow... for REVENGE!

With the sea witch's help, Shark Girl becomes a human sailor and launches a plan... for MUTINY!

But Shark Girl needs the help of her crew mates before she can enact her plan. Will Shark girl SINK... or SWIM?

Bestselling creator Kate Beaton has created a subversive and hilarious spin on the classic little mermaid fairytale that will inspire little readers to seek their own revenge on behalf of justice!]]> 48 Kate Beaton 1250184924 Geordie 0 to-read, library 4.02 Shark Girl
author: Kate Beaton
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.02
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves: to-read, library
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Capture: The Graphic Novel (Animorphs Graphix #6)]]> 210563317 The sixth adventure of the wildly popular, bestselling sci-fi series by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant returns in this new full-color graphic novel series, adapted by Chris Grine.

It was bad enough when Jake found out his older brother was one of them. It was even worse when Tobias stayed in his morph too long. But nothing compares to the horror the Animorphs are about to face -- nothing.

The Animorphs have discovered the location of the Yeerks’s new base. They’ve even figured out how to get in -- and they have a plan to hit those alien slugs where it hurts.

But they were never prepared for Jake to fall into a Yeerk pool. For Jake to become a human controller. The enemy.

It’s a race against the clock as the Animorphs face their biggest challenge Save Jake before the Yeerk can expose them all …]]> 208 K.A. Applegate 1338796275 Geordie 0 to-read, library, hannah 4.34 2025 The Capture: The Graphic Novel (Animorphs Graphix #6)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves: to-read, library, hannah
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dragon Rider (Pacey Packer, Unicorn Tracker, #4)]]> 58885765
The battle begins for Rundalyn, the land of unicorns! To protect everyone, Pacey and Slasher MUST collect the pieces of the magic horn before the evil Alpha Unicorn does. Piece of cake, right? And everything goes to plan . . . until Pacey’s sister, Mina, gets taken by a DRAGON—hold on,Ěýthere are dragons in Rundalyn?!
Ěý
Pacey isn’t afraid of some dragons . . . but she IS afraid of some heights. (Hey, it’s scary being up high!) With flying dragons taking little sisters, how are Pacey and Slasher going to save Mina? And with the Alpha Unicorn on their tail, can they still get the magic horn first? Find out in the fourth adventure of the Pacey Packer, Unicorn Tracker series!
Ěý
Bonus: Includes instructions for how to draw a dragon!]]> 240 J.C. Phillipps 0593179595 Geordie 4 hannah, graphic-novels 4.08 Dragon Rider (Pacey Packer, Unicorn Tracker, #4)
author: J.C. Phillipps
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves: hannah, graphic-novels
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect (Ernest Cunningham, #2)]]> 166998871 Alternate cover edition of ASIN B0C6KMGND1

When the Australian Mystery Writers� Society invited me to their crime-writing festival aboard the Ghan, the famous train between Darwin and Adelaide, I was hoping for some inspiration for my second book. Fiction, this time: I needed a break from real people killing each other. Obviously, that didn’t pan out.

The program is a who’s who of crime writing royalty:

the debut writer (me!)

the forensic science writer

the blockbuster writer

the legal thriller writer

the literary writer

the psychological suspense writer

But when one of us is murdered, the remaining authors quickly turn into five detectives. Together, we should know how to solve a crime.

Of course, we should also know how to commit one.

How can you find a killer when all the suspects know how to get away with murder?]]> 335 Benjamin Stevenson Geordie 3 3-and-a-half-stars 3.95 2023 Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect (Ernest Cunningham, #2)
author: Benjamin Stevenson
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/18
date added: 2025/02/18
shelves: 3-and-a-half-stars
review:
A pretty decent read. The pacing and humor were better in the first book, but this one was still a pleasure to read. The solution was irritatingly convoluted, but certainly more rewarding than the first book's motivation out of nowhere. Worth a read, but probably not a reread.
]]> Swing 200982357 Debut author/illustrator Audrey Meeker playfully explores complicated friendships, gender norms, and navigating other people's expectations in this charming middle grade graphic novel.

Marcus McCalister wants to fit in. So much so that he’s still playing on a soccer team with his childhood friend Ted, despite not liking soccer―or Ted―all that much.

Izzy Briggs wants to stand out. Being labeled the “weird kid� for her bold fashion choices is the price an aspiring designer must pay for a life of greatness―but being confident isn't always easy.

So when Izzy and Marcus are paired together to perform a swing dance routine for a gym project, it’s no surprise that everything goes up in flames, including their grade in the class. Until their gym teacher proposes a deal: if the pair performs the swing routine in the upcoming talent show, they’ll receive extra credit and a passing grade. They accept. . . but Izzy has her own proposal for Marcus: this time, she gets to be the lead.]]> 256 Audrey Meeker 1250864038 Geordie 4
This was a straight-up fun book with its heart in the right place. Marcus and Izzy were very believable and true to life, acting like the average kid who wanted to do the right thing, but also struggled to be part of the in-group, and not disappoint friends and family. It's not overly heavy or depressing, but it does a really good job demonstrating the the importance of standing up for oneself, finding one's values in life, and being a good friend.

So, I know this is a stand-alone book and aimed at a younger audience, but after being an interesting read with some challenging issues, the ending was much too easy. Everyone sees Marcus and Izzy like dancing, and so they stop pressuring them to do stuff. Boom, problem solved. And the big bully at school is caught bullying them, his big brother chews him out, other problem solved! I was a little disappointed that it was all so easy. Also, Marcus's big brother just telling him to quit soccer and go on with swing dancing disappointed me too - Marcus didn't dislike soccer, he disliked how obsessively competitive it'd become, and that he was on the team with the aforementioned bullying jerk. I wish Marcus's brother had said, 'hey, maybe you could do both?'

A really good read for any age IMO, the ending might feel a little spoon-feeding to an older reader, but the good examples given make it spot on for the target audience.]]> 3.88 2024 Swing
author: Audrey Meeker
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/15
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: graphic-novels, 3-and-a-half-stars
review:
Marcus and Izzy both have trouble fitting in at school and meeting family expectations. When their gym teacher pairs them together on a project about swing dancing these common points do not, unfortunately, lead them to bond together. After their dance demo falls apart, their gym teacher gives them a chance to make up their grade, by performing a swing dance at the school talent show.

This was a straight-up fun book with its heart in the right place. Marcus and Izzy were very believable and true to life, acting like the average kid who wanted to do the right thing, but also struggled to be part of the in-group, and not disappoint friends and family. It's not overly heavy or depressing, but it does a really good job demonstrating the the importance of standing up for oneself, finding one's values in life, and being a good friend.

So, I know this is a stand-alone book and aimed at a younger audience, but after being an interesting read with some challenging issues, the ending was much too easy. Everyone sees Marcus and Izzy like dancing, and so they stop pressuring them to do stuff. Boom, problem solved. And the big bully at school is caught bullying them, his big brother chews him out, other problem solved! I was a little disappointed that it was all so easy. Also, Marcus's big brother just telling him to quit soccer and go on with swing dancing disappointed me too - Marcus didn't dislike soccer, he disliked how obsessively competitive it'd become, and that he was on the team with the aforementioned bullying jerk. I wish Marcus's brother had said, 'hey, maybe you could do both?'

A really good read for any age IMO, the ending might feel a little spoon-feeding to an older reader, but the good examples given make it spot on for the target audience.
]]> One Bad Apple (Orchard, #1) 2685034 There's a killer in the orchard, and he's rotten to the core.

INCLUDES RECIPES

Meg Corey has come to the quaint New England town of Granford, Massachusetts, to sell her mother's old colonial home and apple orchard. Instead, she becomes embroiled in development plans that include her land, and her former flame from Boston. When he's found dead in the new septic tank on her property, the police immediately suspect Meg, whose only ally in town is the plumber Seth Chapin. Together, they'll have to peel back the layers of secrecy that surround the deal in order to find the real murderer, and save the orchard.


]]> 262 Sheila Connolly 0425223043 Geordie 2
I like a lot of this book, it was an easy read, and Meg was a likable character. I can't count how many cozy mysteries I've read where the main character was snide and petty, respected by everyone for no reason, and blase about being involved in murders. Meg feels very natural and realistic, trying to be a good person, but also really putting her foot into it, just as confused and awkward as a real human would be when in over their heads. Her interactions with a romantic lead were also done well, he was a well fleshed out character, and though she liked him, she wasn't unrealistically obsessed with him like happens in some cozies.

So, while characters are mostly good, the story is pretty all over the place, with a feeling that the author does not know how to handle mysteries. There were several scenes where the police said they couldn't share what they knew with Meg, and then a paragraph or two later they blurted out a bunch of details about the investigations! And three or four times someone showed up at Meg's house to just randomly spill their guts about a clue or murder motive that no normal person would be revealing to a total stranger.

What really wrecked the book was the terrible, meaningless ending. Having no idea how to solve the murder, Meg shows up to a town meeting to throw out some accusations with absolutely no evidence. Following which the actual murder shows up at her house and, like an idiot, blurts out that they were the killer, and now plan to kill her. Let's be clear, Meg didn't do a damn thing to track down this murderer! Apparently the murderer was an idiot, but was able to fool the police, and now for no sane reason decides to confront Meg. 100%, if the killer had kept their mouth shut, they never would have been caught, because Meg didn't know a damned thing! But, the writer needed a confrontation and a climax, and sadly had no ability to work a satisfying confrontation and climax where the protagonist did ANYTHING into the book, so this is what we got. We don't even get to have Meg fight her way out of this dangerous situation, as the cops show up and save the day, leaving her to do NOTHING.

A tolerable book, but with a completely insipid and powerless ending, very disappointing. ]]> 3.82 2008 One Bad Apple (Orchard, #1)
author: Sheila Connolly
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2008
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves:
review:
Meg Corey has moved to a small town in Massachusetts to restore the old house her family inherited, hoping to make a good profit from fixing it up and selling it. She has an unpleasant run-in with her ex-boyfriend, which becomes far more unpleasant when that boyfriend is murdered and hidden in the septic tank on her property.

I like a lot of this book, it was an easy read, and Meg was a likable character. I can't count how many cozy mysteries I've read where the main character was snide and petty, respected by everyone for no reason, and blase about being involved in murders. Meg feels very natural and realistic, trying to be a good person, but also really putting her foot into it, just as confused and awkward as a real human would be when in over their heads. Her interactions with a romantic lead were also done well, he was a well fleshed out character, and though she liked him, she wasn't unrealistically obsessed with him like happens in some cozies.

So, while characters are mostly good, the story is pretty all over the place, with a feeling that the author does not know how to handle mysteries. There were several scenes where the police said they couldn't share what they knew with Meg, and then a paragraph or two later they blurted out a bunch of details about the investigations! And three or four times someone showed up at Meg's house to just randomly spill their guts about a clue or murder motive that no normal person would be revealing to a total stranger.

What really wrecked the book was the terrible, meaningless ending. Having no idea how to solve the murder, Meg shows up to a town meeting to throw out some accusations with absolutely no evidence. Following which the actual murder shows up at her house and, like an idiot, blurts out that they were the killer, and now plan to kill her. Let's be clear, Meg didn't do a damn thing to track down this murderer! Apparently the murderer was an idiot, but was able to fool the police, and now for no sane reason decides to confront Meg. 100%, if the killer had kept their mouth shut, they never would have been caught, because Meg didn't know a damned thing! But, the writer needed a confrontation and a climax, and sadly had no ability to work a satisfying confrontation and climax where the protagonist did ANYTHING into the book, so this is what we got. We don't even get to have Meg fight her way out of this dangerous situation, as the cops show up and save the day, leaving her to do NOTHING.

A tolerable book, but with a completely insipid and powerless ending, very disappointing.
]]> <![CDATA[Escape From St. Hell: My Trans Teen Life Levels Up (St. Hell, #2)]]> 195261528 304 Lewis Hancox 1338824481 Geordie 4 graphic-novels 4.44 2024 Escape From St. Hell: My Trans Teen Life Levels Up (St. Hell, #2)
author: Lewis Hancox
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/13
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
A continuation from 'Welcome to St. Hell', Lewis Hancox's autobiographical story of his transexual experiences. I was a little worried near the beginning, that this was just going to be a rehash of the first book. But it quickly developed into new stories and new complications for Lewis. This was an excellent read, illuminating and emotional. The core is Lewis's story of coming out as a man, which is well worth the read. But it also delves into anxiety and modern masculinity's failure to support men grappling with emotional issues. The book was consistently relatable, sometimes funny, and overall sympathetic to practically everyone who was grappling with adjusting to change, or battling their own inner demons.
]]> <![CDATA[Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species: A Graphic Adaptation]]> 6658572
Few books have been as controversial or as historically significant as Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life. Since the moment it was released on November 24, 1859, Darwin's masterwork has been heralded for changing the course of science and condemned for its implied challenges to religion.

In Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, author Michael Keller and illustrator Nicolle Rager Fuller introduce a new generation of readers to the original text. Including sections about his pioneering research, the book's initial public reception, his correspondence with other leading scientists, as well as the most recent breakthroughs in evolutionary theory, this riveting, beautifully rendered adaptation breathes new life into Darwin's seminal and still polarizing work.]]> 192 Michael Keller 1605299480 Geordie 3
I'd read this book again, but not by this artist.]]> 3.72 2009 Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species: A Graphic Adaptation
author: Michael Keller
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/12
date added: 2025/02/12
shelves: graphic-novels, 2-and-a-half-stars
review:
It was a smart idea to put Charles Darwin's seminal book in the form of a graphic novel, unfortunately, the art is so poor and distracting that it makes it hard to appreciate either the science or the story. Some of the animals are tolerable, but others aren't, and the peoples always feel like rough drafts done in a rush. One page had Darwin in two different poses, and it was hard to tell if it was the same person or not. Later Darwin's father scowled when he was happy and smiled when he was disappointed, a few pages later he appeared again and it was just one of the earlier pictures but flipped to face the opposite way! The voice bubbles were sometimes poorly placed, the font was eye-straining, and though the animals were typically done with more care, sometimes it was hard to figure out what they were doing.

I'd read this book again, but not by this artist.
]]> <![CDATA[The Honjin Murders (Detective Kosuke Kindaichi, #1)]]> 52706058 One of Japan's greatest classic murder mysteries, introducing their best loved detective, translated into English for the first time.

In the winter of 1937, the village of Okamura is abuzz with excitement over the forthcoming wedding of a son of the grand Ichiyanagi family. But amid the gossip over the approaching festivities, there is also a worrying rumour - it seems a sinister masked man has been asking questions around the village.

Then, on the night of the wedding, the Ichiyanagi household are woken by a terrible scream, followed by the sound of eerie music. Death has come to Okamura, leaving no trace but a bloody samurai sword, thrust into the pristine snow outside the house. Soon, amateur detective Kosuke Kindaichi is on the scene to investigate what will become a legendary murder case, but can this scruffy sleuth solve a seemingly impossible crime?]]> 189 Seishi Yokomizo 1782275002 Geordie 3
The actual mystery is okay, a little over-obsessed with being a locked-door mystery (and pointing this out often!), and having a lot of stretches in believability to carry out the mystery. The highlight was probably the sleuth, Kosuke Kindaichi. He had a lot of charisma, his eccentricities gave him character, but weren't ridiculous or grating. The book picked up after his appearance, and his charm made some of the duller scenes (and contrived plot points) more tolerable.

I feel the author was very rough around the edges for this book, and over-copied the styles of too many authors from the period. I'm curious to read more in the series, to see if there's improvement and more originality. ]]> 3.63 1946 The Honjin Murders (Detective Kosuke Kindaichi, #1)
author: Seishi Yokomizo
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.63
book published: 1946
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/06
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:
A Japanese mystery written in 1946, and set just before World War II. I hesitate to call it cute, though I have a strange impulse... but definitely quaint! It feels very much a product of the time, with maps and the narrator talking directly to the reader, along with other tropes of the time. It feels a little jarring reading it nowadays, and the narrator's voice is sometimes annoying (along with being confusing over the actual need for a narrator).

The actual mystery is okay, a little over-obsessed with being a locked-door mystery (and pointing this out often!), and having a lot of stretches in believability to carry out the mystery. The highlight was probably the sleuth, Kosuke Kindaichi. He had a lot of charisma, his eccentricities gave him character, but weren't ridiculous or grating. The book picked up after his appearance, and his charm made some of the duller scenes (and contrived plot points) more tolerable.

I feel the author was very rough around the edges for this book, and over-copied the styles of too many authors from the period. I'm curious to read more in the series, to see if there's improvement and more originality.
]]> <![CDATA[The Basque Dragon (The Unicorn Rescue Society, #2)]]> 36497537 176 Adam Gidwitz 0735231737 Geordie 3
This was a perfectly fine book for the target audience. There was some action and adventure, a little humor, and chances for the characters to both mature and do the right thing. There's an interesting twist also, where we find out that their eccentric mentor had once mentored two other children, only to be tragically backstabbed by them later.

So it's perfectly fine for the reader it's aimed at, but just "perfectly fine" is kind of a disappointment. The first book had a lot of clever wordplay and humor, this book's comedy and word use felt like the writer had gone down the well-trod roads of 'kids will get it, kids will (probably) laugh'. I know humor is subjective, but I felt the first book was appealing for a wider audience, and making the reader think as well. Also, the last book had the main characters being proactive all the time, especially in the conclusion. In this book they get jerked around a lot. And they help in the climactic rescue, but half (or more) of the rescue is done by somebody else that pops into the scene just out of the blue. Again, not awful (and certainly fitting the age group), but it could have been better!

The first book was surprisingly clever, this book feels like it was cranked out to meet a sales deadline. I might take a peek at the third book, but unless the reviews are stellar I'm likely not going to bother. ]]> 3.88 2018 The Basque Dragon (The Unicorn Rescue Society, #2)
author: Adam Gidwitz
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/04
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves:
review:
The second book in the Unicorn Rescue Society has Elliot and Uchenna, just made freshman members of the society a day ago, travel to Basque Country to try to find (and rescue) a missing dragon.

This was a perfectly fine book for the target audience. There was some action and adventure, a little humor, and chances for the characters to both mature and do the right thing. There's an interesting twist also, where we find out that their eccentric mentor had once mentored two other children, only to be tragically backstabbed by them later.

So it's perfectly fine for the reader it's aimed at, but just "perfectly fine" is kind of a disappointment. The first book had a lot of clever wordplay and humor, this book's comedy and word use felt like the writer had gone down the well-trod roads of 'kids will get it, kids will (probably) laugh'. I know humor is subjective, but I felt the first book was appealing for a wider audience, and making the reader think as well. Also, the last book had the main characters being proactive all the time, especially in the conclusion. In this book they get jerked around a lot. And they help in the climactic rescue, but half (or more) of the rescue is done by somebody else that pops into the scene just out of the blue. Again, not awful (and certainly fitting the age group), but it could have been better!

The first book was surprisingly clever, this book feels like it was cranked out to meet a sales deadline. I might take a peek at the third book, but unless the reviews are stellar I'm likely not going to bother.
]]> <![CDATA[A Solitude of Wolverines (Alex Carter #1)]]> 53881856 “Both a mystery and a survival story, here is a novel written with a naturalist’s eye for detail and an unrelenting pace. It reminded me of the best of Nevada Barr…It’s so fraught with excitement and wondrous details that it demands to be read in one sitting and savored afterward. Don’t miss it.â€� —James Rollins, #1ĚýNew York TimesĚýbestselling author ofĚýThe Last OdysseyĚýĚý

The first book in a thrilling series featuring a wildlife biologist who courts trouble as she saves endangered species . . . and a mysterious killer who buries his dead in the land she helps preserve—a fast-paced, action-driven tale of suspense with the atmosphere and propulsive tension of works by Jane Harper, C. J. Box, William Kent Krueger, and Nevada Barr.

While studying wolverines on a wildlife sanctuary in Montana, biologist Alex Carter is run off the road and threatened by locals determined to force her off the land.

Undeterred in her mission to help save this threatened species, Alex tracks wolverines on foot and by cameras positioned in remote regions of the preserve. But when she reviews the photos, she discovers disturbing images of an animal of a different a severely injured man seemingly lost and wandering in the wilds.

After searches for the unknown man come up empty, local law enforcement is strangely set on dismissing the case altogether, raising Alex’s suspicions. Then another invasive predator trespasses onto the preserve. The hunter turns out to be another human—and the prey is the wildlife biologist herself. Alex realizes too late that she has seen too much—she's stumbled onto a far-reaching illegal operation and now has become the biggest threat.

In this wild and dangerous landscape, Alex’s life depends on staying one step ahead—using all she knows about the animal world and what it takes to win the brutal battle for survival.]]> 314 Alice Henderson 0062982095 Geordie 3
A lot of this book was suspenseful and well told. Alex was a great character, well defined and described. She was tough, but realistic, trauma and violence didn't stop her, but they DID affect her. And it was a real pleasure to have an environmentalist character who wasn't just 'nature good, pollution bad', but could logically lay out and defend her opinions. Descriptions of place were also evocative and immersive.

On the down-side, this book is just too crowded. Especially the first few chapters are stuffed with events and characters; a mass shooting, a strange stalker, Alex's toxic boyfriend, and none of them are involved in the main plot! It gets better afterwards, but there are still lots of goings-on, events and characters that make the book feel unnecessarily busy. There are a lot of coincidences - a necessity for many fictions, but this one really taxes suspension of disbelief. While settings are rich and clear, action isn't always as sharp - there's a chase scene near that beginning that I struggled to follow. And disappointingly, after some dramatic exchanges where Alex used her strengths to get out of danger, the book's climax involved OTHER people saving the day. I hate when writers do that, and if they really want to for whatever reason, I wish they'd do that during the build-up to the ending, not in the actual high point of the climax!

I'm curious to read another in the series, but I worry we're going to get more crowded story-telling and uneven plotting. So maybe, but maybe not. ]]> 4.15 2020 A Solitude of Wolverines (Alex Carter #1)
author: Alice Henderson
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves:
review:
After a series of short jobs tracking and studying endangered species, Alex Carter took a job in a big city to be closer to her lawyer boyfriend. She hated it, and she and her boyfriend eventually grew apart. Following a traumatizing mass shooting, she leaps at the opportunity to get back to work when a job offer comes up studying wolverines in rural Montana. The job is a challenge she takes to immediately, but in addition to surly locals and some harsh environment, she comes across clues of things far more sinister, even deadly.

A lot of this book was suspenseful and well told. Alex was a great character, well defined and described. She was tough, but realistic, trauma and violence didn't stop her, but they DID affect her. And it was a real pleasure to have an environmentalist character who wasn't just 'nature good, pollution bad', but could logically lay out and defend her opinions. Descriptions of place were also evocative and immersive.

On the down-side, this book is just too crowded. Especially the first few chapters are stuffed with events and characters; a mass shooting, a strange stalker, Alex's toxic boyfriend, and none of them are involved in the main plot! It gets better afterwards, but there are still lots of goings-on, events and characters that make the book feel unnecessarily busy. There are a lot of coincidences - a necessity for many fictions, but this one really taxes suspension of disbelief. While settings are rich and clear, action isn't always as sharp - there's a chase scene near that beginning that I struggled to follow. And disappointingly, after some dramatic exchanges where Alex used her strengths to get out of danger, the book's climax involved OTHER people saving the day. I hate when writers do that, and if they really want to for whatever reason, I wish they'd do that during the build-up to the ending, not in the actual high point of the climax!

I'm curious to read another in the series, but I worry we're going to get more crowded story-telling and uneven plotting. So maybe, but maybe not.
]]> <![CDATA[Acquisitions Incorporated (Dungeons & Dragons, 5th Edition)]]> 44649895
Acquisitions Incorporated is a different flavor of Dungeons & Dragons. A fifth edition D&D book created in partnership with Penny Arcade Inc. and inspired by the podcast and web series, this book is full of madcap heists, hilarious moments, and all the ingredients you need to include the adventurers of Acquisitions Incorporated in your own fifth edition D&D campaign.

•ĚýStart up your own Acquisitions Incorporated franchise in the Forgotten Realms or anywhere in the multiverse.
� Live out your fantasy of climbing the corporate ladder of the most notorious retrieval agency in the Forgotten Realms—Acquisitions Incorporated.
� The 224-page book will give Dungeon Masters and players plenty of bits to play a D&D fifth edition game just as if you were on stage with the crew at PAX! New backgrounds, character options, franchise information and more.
� You'll also find an adventure that will take characters from levels 1 through 6, establishing your party's claim on a world they've just begun to explore—and to strip-mine for profit.


Dungeons & Dragons is the world’s greatest roleplaying game. Created in 1974, D&D transformed gaming culture by blending traditional fantasy with miniatures and wargaming.]]> 224 Wizards of the Coast Geordie 3 d-d, 3-and-a-half-stars
I appreciate that this was a clever and well-thought out book. The adventures are challenging, but well balanced (especially compared to some of the joyless certain death adventures of other published D&D books!). It gives some clever challenges to be overcome by thinking or role-play, and highly encourages the DM to allow players to come up with novel solutions.

The big downside to this expansion is, you're supposed to be playing members of a money-loving, underhanded corporation. I'd rather be playing a game where I was kicking money-loving, underhanded corporation types in the teeth. In addition, there are added powers and abilities for different jobs in the corporation, which is added rules and details to keep track of, something D&D already has too much of. And finally, some of the humor was pretty weak. I'm leery of playing any role-playing game that's humor heavy, it can be tiring, and not every DM and player is a particularly funny person. Trying to force the humor may end up just painful.]]> 4.05 2019 Acquisitions Incorporated (Dungeons & Dragons, 5th Edition)
author: Wizards of the Coast
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves: d-d, 3-and-a-half-stars
review:
I somewhat like this book, but I'm not much into it. Does that make sense? Maybe it's just not for me.

I appreciate that this was a clever and well-thought out book. The adventures are challenging, but well balanced (especially compared to some of the joyless certain death adventures of other published D&D books!). It gives some clever challenges to be overcome by thinking or role-play, and highly encourages the DM to allow players to come up with novel solutions.

The big downside to this expansion is, you're supposed to be playing members of a money-loving, underhanded corporation. I'd rather be playing a game where I was kicking money-loving, underhanded corporation types in the teeth. In addition, there are added powers and abilities for different jobs in the corporation, which is added rules and details to keep track of, something D&D already has too much of. And finally, some of the humor was pretty weak. I'm leery of playing any role-playing game that's humor heavy, it can be tiring, and not every DM and player is a particularly funny person. Trying to force the humor may end up just painful.
]]> <![CDATA[Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal]]> 28881 Philadelphia Inquirer).

Verily, the story Biff has to tell is a miraculous one, filled with remarkable journeys, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations, demons, and hot babes. Even the considerable wiles and devotion of the Savior's pal may not be enough to divert Joshua from his tragic destiny. But there's no one who loves Josh more—except maybe "Maggie," Mary of Magdala—and Biff isn't about to let his extraordinary pal suffer and ascend without a fight.]]> 444 Christopher Moore 0380813815 Geordie 4
I feel some of the depictions of other cultures were, no sugar-coating it, ugly. The Chinese have silly names and know stereotypical "secret techniques", the Indians live in squalor and have hordes of human sacrifices. Yeah, a few chapters have not aged well!

Still a tremendously funny read, that I feel was compassionate and well-intentioned. ]]> 4.23 2002 Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal
author: Christopher Moore
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/28
date added: 2025/01/28
shelves:
review:
A retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, as told by his formerly unknown best friend Biff. This book was hilarious, witty and irreverent, but still with respect for the subject matter.

I feel some of the depictions of other cultures were, no sugar-coating it, ugly. The Chinese have silly names and know stereotypical "secret techniques", the Indians live in squalor and have hordes of human sacrifices. Yeah, a few chapters have not aged well!

Still a tremendously funny read, that I feel was compassionate and well-intentioned.
]]> <![CDATA[Rise of the Evening Star (Fablehaven, #2)]]> 784911 456 Brandon Mull 1590387422 Geordie 3 hannah
Like in the first book, there's some good writing in this sequel. Descriptions are good, and stakes (as well as emotions) get dramatically high. Seth and Kendra are still likable and distinct characters. The writer did an excellent job displaying their established personalities, but also showing growth. Seth is still impetuous and inquisitive, but he's matured a lot from the first book. And Kendra still gets scared easily, but is braver than before. The supporting characters are also quite good. There are some new characters that stand out well, and recurring characters get some development, and a few really good lines as well.

While the writing is a pleasure, the plot sadly belly-flops in the third act. Not unlike the first book, the threats ramp up until it seems impossible for Kendra to prevail. And then in the end she DOESN'T prevail. Someone else pops up and saves the day. Yikes, that was a dud way to end a promising book.

I'm curious how my daughter will think about this book. I didn't hate it, but I'm certainly disappointed. This makes two books where the protagonist got the ball rolling for the big climax, but somebody else actually achieved it. I'm really hoping the third book avoids falling into this trap!]]> 4.17 2007 Rise of the Evening Star (Fablehaven, #2)
author: Brandon Mull
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/01/28
shelves: hannah
review:
In this second book in the series, Kendra and Seth are targeted by agents of the Society of the Evening Star. They return to Fablehaven to take refuge, and to study different skills that will help them survive the society, as well as the various magical creatures of this world.

Like in the first book, there's some good writing in this sequel. Descriptions are good, and stakes (as well as emotions) get dramatically high. Seth and Kendra are still likable and distinct characters. The writer did an excellent job displaying their established personalities, but also showing growth. Seth is still impetuous and inquisitive, but he's matured a lot from the first book. And Kendra still gets scared easily, but is braver than before. The supporting characters are also quite good. There are some new characters that stand out well, and recurring characters get some development, and a few really good lines as well.

While the writing is a pleasure, the plot sadly belly-flops in the third act. Not unlike the first book, the threats ramp up until it seems impossible for Kendra to prevail. And then in the end she DOESN'T prevail. Someone else pops up and saves the day. Yikes, that was a dud way to end a promising book.

I'm curious how my daughter will think about this book. I didn't hate it, but I'm certainly disappointed. This makes two books where the protagonist got the ball rolling for the big climax, but somebody else actually achieved it. I'm really hoping the third book avoids falling into this trap!
]]> <![CDATA[The Creature of the Pines (The Unicorn Rescue Society, #1)]]> 36497525
Are you ready to protect the creatures of myth and legend? Then you belong in The Unicorn Rescue Society. HURRY! THE CREATURES NEED YOU!

Elliot Eisner isn't exactly thrilled with the first day at his new school. His class is going on a field trip to a creepy forest called the Pine Barrens. The trip is being led by Professor Fauna, the weirdest teacherĚýElliot has ever met. And the only kid who will talk to Elliot, Uchenna Devereaux, isn't afraid of danger. She likes danger.

Elliot and Uchenna are about to become part of a secret group of adventurers, The Unicorn Rescue Society, whose goal is to protect and defend the world's mythical creatures. Together with Professor Fauna, Elliot and Uchenna must help rescue a Jersey Devil from a duo of conniving, greedy billionaires, the Schmoke Brothers.]]> 176 Adam Gidwitz 0735231702 Geordie 4 hannah, 3-and-a-half-stars
The plot of this book is nothing unusual. Kids help cute fantasy creature, cute fantasy creature wants to be friends, they find a mentor, they find local meanies, but there's a happy ending. I'd even call it formulaic, but fortunately the writing is first rate. There's a lot of humor and wit that is unexpected and clever. the characters are very distinct, having strong personalities and voices that are easily identifiable after just a few chapters. Even supporting characters get fun descriptions and stand-out personalities that make them three-dimensional and intriguing.

As stories go, it fits the target audience fine, no complaints. But as for the writing, I did NOT expect it to be this smart and entertaining. ]]> 3.89 2018 The Creature of the Pines (The Unicorn Rescue Society, #1)
author: Adam Gidwitz
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/28
date added: 2025/01/28
shelves: hannah, 3-and-a-half-stars
review:
A middle-school fantasy about two kids, Elliot and Uchenna, who rescue and befriend a mysterious creature in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. When the creature follows them back to town, they have to seek help from an eccentric teacher, and also keep the creature safe from ruthless millionaires who collect mythical creatures.

The plot of this book is nothing unusual. Kids help cute fantasy creature, cute fantasy creature wants to be friends, they find a mentor, they find local meanies, but there's a happy ending. I'd even call it formulaic, but fortunately the writing is first rate. There's a lot of humor and wit that is unexpected and clever. the characters are very distinct, having strong personalities and voices that are easily identifiable after just a few chapters. Even supporting characters get fun descriptions and stand-out personalities that make them three-dimensional and intriguing.

As stories go, it fits the target audience fine, no complaints. But as for the writing, I did NOT expect it to be this smart and entertaining.
]]> <![CDATA[The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog]]> 29358517
Join William, an oblate on a mission from his monastery; Jacob, a Jewish boy who has fled his burning village; and Jeanne, a peasant girl who hides her prophetic visions. They are accompanied by Jeanne's loyal greyhound, Gwenforte . . . recently brought back from the dead. Told in multiple voices, in a style reminiscent of The Canterbury Tales, our narrator collects their stories and the saga of these three unlikely allies begins to come together.]]> 363 Adam Gidwitz 0525426167 Geordie 0 to-read 4.14 2016 The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog
author: Adam Gidwitz
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Land Remembered: The Graphic Novel]]> 39694189 A Land Remembered, the bestselling novel by Patrick D. Smith, covers three generations of the MacIvey family in the Florida frontier from the 1850s to the 1960s.

In A Land Remembered, Patrick Smith tells the story of a Florida family who battle the hardships of the frontier to rise from a dirt-poor Cracker life to the wealth and standing of real estate tycoons. The story opens in 1858, when Tobias MacIvey arrives in the Florida wilderness to start a new life with his wife and infant son, and ends two generations later in 1968 with Solomon MacIvey, who realizes that the land has been exploited far beyond human need. The sweeping story that emerges is a rich, rugged Florida history featuring a memorable cast of crusty, indomitable Crackers battling wild animals, rustlers, Confederate deserters, mosquitoes, starvation, hurricanes, and freezes to carve a kingdom out of the swamp. But their most formidable adversary turns out to be greed, including finally their own. Love and tenderness are here too: the hopes and passions of each new generation, friendships with the persecuted blacks and Indians, and respect for the land and its wildlife.

A Land Remembered has been ranked #1 Best Florida Book eight times in annual polls conducted by Florida Monthly Magazine and is winner of the Florida Historical Society's Tebeau Prize as the Most Outstanding Florida Historical Novel."]]> 312 Andre R. Frattino Geordie 4 graphic-novels 3.79 2018 A Land Remembered: The Graphic Novel
author: Andre R. Frattino
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/16
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
A story of ranching/farming settlers in Florida, this was a hell of a read, lots of high emotions and sympathetic characters who suffer loss and make terrible mistakes. Pretty heavy for a young reader, but well worth it.
]]> Circe 35959740
Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts, and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from or with the mortals she has come to love.]]> 393 Madeline Miller 0316556343 Geordie 4 4.22 2018 Circe
author: Madeline Miller
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/19
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves:
review:
Brilliant and emotional, the retelling of a Circe myth could have been enough, but Madeline Miller also dove deep into the grueling pain of parental love and fallen idols. HIGHLY recommended.
]]> <![CDATA[Myth-Gotten Gains (Myth Adventures, #17)]]> 74290 278 Robert Lynn Asprin 159222105X Geordie 3 3.86 2006 Myth-Gotten Gains (Myth Adventures, #17)
author: Robert Lynn Asprin
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/17
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves:
review:
Seventeenth in the Myth Adventures series, a series I haven't dipped into for a long time. It was a pleasure to read about the characters again, and some of the humor was spot on, but in other ways it was a long way from the earlier books in the series. Those older ones were rich in comedy, but also able to interweave peril and tension in a way that this entry cannot. The constant feel of the protagonists being jerked around got tiring very early. The stakes of the book felt artificially inflated, and the majority of the allies were unlikable jerks who filled the pages with snippy, but not particularly witty, dialogue. By no means did I hate the book, but from the repeating arguments to the editing errors, it had a disappointing aura of no one really investing themselves in the effort.
]]> Holly (Holly Gibney #3) 83638977
“Sometimes the universe throws you a rope.� —BILL HODGES

Stephen King’s Holly marks the triumphant return of beloved King character Holly Gibney. Readers have witnessed Holly’s gradual transformation from a shy (but also brave and ethical) recluse in Mr. Mercedes to Bill Hodges’s partner in Finders Keepers to a full-fledged, smart, and occasionally tough private detective in The Outsider. In King’s new novel, Holly is on her own, and up against a pair of unimaginably depraved and brilliantly disguised adversaries.

When Penny Dahl calls the Finders Keepers detective agency hoping for help locating her missing daughter, Holly is reluctant to accept the case. Her partner, Pete, has Covid. Her (very complicated) mother has just died. And Holly is meant to be on leave. But something in Penny Dahl’s desperate voice makes it impossible for Holly to turn her down.

Mere blocks from where Bonnie Dahl disappeared live Professors Rodney and Emily Harris. They are the picture of bourgeois respectability: married octogenarians, devoted to each other, and semi-retired lifelong academics. But they are harboring an unholy secret in the basement of their well-kept, book-lined home, one that may be related to Bonnie’s disappearance. And it will prove nearly impossible to discover what they are up to: they are savvy, they are patient, and they are ruthless.

Holly must summon all her formidable talents to outthink and outmaneuver the shockingly twisted professors in this chilling new masterwork from Stephen King.

“I could never let Holly Gibney go. She was supposed to be a walk-on character in Mr. Mercedes and she just kind of stole the book and stole my heart. Holly is all her.� —STEPHEN KING]]> 464 Stephen King Geordie 4 4.32 2023 Holly (Holly Gibney #3)
author: Stephen King
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/15
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Maplecroft (The Borden Dispatches, #1)]]> 20821288 Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks; and when she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one....
Ěý
The people of Fall River, Massachusetts, fear me. Perhaps rightfully so. I remain a suspect in the brutal deaths of my father and his second wife despite the verdict of innocence at my trial. With our inheritance, my sister, Emma, and I have taken up residence in Maplecroft, a mansion near the sea and far from gossip and scrutiny.
Ěý
But it is not far enough from the affliction that possessed my parents. Their characters, their very souls, were consumed from within by something that left malevolent entities in their place. It originates from the ocean’s depths, plaguing the populace with tides of nightmares and madness.
Ěý
This evil cannot hide from me. No matter what guise it assumes, I will be waiting for it. With an axe.
Ěý]]> 435 Cherie Priest 0451466977 Geordie 3
This mash-up of actual history and lovecraftian horror sets up a weird premise that I enjoyed far more than I'd expected. I really enjoyed this weird, creepy world, and the characters and their interactions were realistic and clever. Unfortunately, the setting and the characters were the highlights, the story and its conclusion - while not terrible - were not nearly as riveting. I got the feeling the author didn't really know what to do with the attention-grabbing premise and characters she'd come up with. Sticking to this being an epistolary novel didn't help. Maybe I just don't appreciate that writing style? But the journals and letters of different people didn't have very distinct voices, and included depth of detail and action that didn't sounded like authentic journals or letters. They sounded like the writing in a novel, slightly tweaked to fake being journals or letters.]]> 3.57 2014 Maplecroft (The Borden Dispatches, #1)
author: Cherie Priest
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/11
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves:
review:
Maplecroft is set in small town Massachusetts in the 1890s, in the years following the infamous murder of Lizzie Borden's father and step-mother. In this historical fiction Lizzie was the murderer, but not without reason, as her parents had been warped into inhuman monstrosities, controlled by some unknown creature from the ocean depths.

This mash-up of actual history and lovecraftian horror sets up a weird premise that I enjoyed far more than I'd expected. I really enjoyed this weird, creepy world, and the characters and their interactions were realistic and clever. Unfortunately, the setting and the characters were the highlights, the story and its conclusion - while not terrible - were not nearly as riveting. I got the feeling the author didn't really know what to do with the attention-grabbing premise and characters she'd come up with. Sticking to this being an epistolary novel didn't help. Maybe I just don't appreciate that writing style? But the journals and letters of different people didn't have very distinct voices, and included depth of detail and action that didn't sounded like authentic journals or letters. They sounded like the writing in a novel, slightly tweaked to fake being journals or letters.
]]> <![CDATA[Death by Darjeeling (A Tea Shop Mystery, #1)]]> 498594 Meet Theodosia Browning, owner of Charleston's beloved Indigo Tea Shop. Patrons love her blend of delicious tea tastings and southern hospitality. And Theo enjoys the full-bodied flavor of a town steeped in history—and mystery...

—It's tea for two hundred or so at the annual historic homes garden party. And Theodosia, as event caterer, is busy serving steaming teas and blackberry scones while guests sing her praises. But the sweet smell of success turns to suspense when an esteemed guest is found dead—his hand clutching an empty teacup. All eyes are on Theo... who is now trying desperately to save her reputation and track down the real killer. If only she can make sense of it all—before someone else takes their last sip...]]> 243 Laura Childs 0425179451 Geordie 2
Well I didn't hate this book, but I didn't enjoy it either. The big strike against it was it didn't feel like it wanted to be a mystery. There were lots of decent descriptions of the area and day to day life, but the mystery felt like an after-thought. There was actually a chapter that was two pages long, and about nothing but how wonderful Theodosia's dog was as a therapy dog for senior citizens. I don't know why the author didn't just write a slice-of-life book instead of a mystery. The mystery itself just kind of stumbles around. Theodosia's backstory of and popularity were laid on so think they felt like wish fulfillment. There were 3 or 4 scenes where Theodosia went somewhere to get some information, learned one minor detail, and then the scene ended. And, of course, the mystery isn't actually solved, the murderer just decides Theodosia is getting "too close" for no rational reason and tries to kill her. Just a shallow mystery that was very short, but felt weirdly padded all the same. If all the bits about Charleston, tea, and Theodosia's personal life were taken out, it could have been a short story.]]> 3.74 2001 Death by Darjeeling (A Tea Shop Mystery, #1)
author: Laura Childs
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2001
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/10
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves:
review:
Theodosia Browning tries to solve the murder that occurred at a party her tea shop had catered..

Well I didn't hate this book, but I didn't enjoy it either. The big strike against it was it didn't feel like it wanted to be a mystery. There were lots of decent descriptions of the area and day to day life, but the mystery felt like an after-thought. There was actually a chapter that was two pages long, and about nothing but how wonderful Theodosia's dog was as a therapy dog for senior citizens. I don't know why the author didn't just write a slice-of-life book instead of a mystery. The mystery itself just kind of stumbles around. Theodosia's backstory of and popularity were laid on so think they felt like wish fulfillment. There were 3 or 4 scenes where Theodosia went somewhere to get some information, learned one minor detail, and then the scene ended. And, of course, the mystery isn't actually solved, the murderer just decides Theodosia is getting "too close" for no rational reason and tries to kill her. Just a shallow mystery that was very short, but felt weirdly padded all the same. If all the bits about Charleston, tea, and Theodosia's personal life were taken out, it could have been a short story.
]]> <![CDATA[Escaping Peril (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel, #8)]]> 210563238 224 Tui T. Sutherland 1339001233 Geordie 4 graphic-novels Beside Peril, there are a lot of good plot twists and set-ups for future books. Prior characters return and have a chance to shine. And I really appreciate that Peril's parent figures are awful. There is a feeling of realism that Peril's mental problems have an origin in how she was "nurtured" growing up. And it's worth pointing out to young audiences that some people who put on an act of being your mentors or protectors, are really just trying to use you.]]> 4.54 2024 Escaping Peril (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel, #8)
author: Tui T. Sutherland
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/09
date added: 2025/01/10
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
The Wings of Fire series has been fun and exciting, and it's also managed to get a lot deeper as time has progressed, with this one being my favorite, being the most psychological and emotional (while still fun and exciting!). Peril cannot fit in with the rest of society, and grapples with what to do with herself and how to find love. Her upbringing and her lethal powers have profoundly affected her impulse control and morality, and her grappling with these is the core of the book. And though she's ruthless and has almost no empathy for others, she is a really great character, and it's wonderful to see her gradually developing to care about others.
Beside Peril, there are a lot of good plot twists and set-ups for future books. Prior characters return and have a chance to shine. And I really appreciate that Peril's parent figures are awful. There is a feeling of realism that Peril's mental problems have an origin in how she was "nurtured" growing up. And it's worth pointing out to young audiences that some people who put on an act of being your mentors or protectors, are really just trying to use you.
]]> <![CDATA[My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life (Nell of Gumbling #1)]]> 75500826
To everyone else, the Magical Land of Gumbling is something out of fairy tales. But to Nell Starkeeper, it’s just home. Sure, the town community center might be a castle, her dads run a star farm, and her best friend Myra is a fairy, but Nell is much more interested in finding out if she’ll get the seventh grade apprenticeship of her dreams with world-famous artist Wiz Bravo.Ěý

She’s pretty sure her entire life has been RUINED when she’s instead matched with boring old Mrs. Birdneck in the town archives. And of course her perfect rival Leabelle gets to work with Wiz, and mean girl Viola won’t let Nell forget it. Meanwhile, suddenly Myra seems more into hanging out with Leabelle and saving the town from some weird strangers who keep talking about turning Gumbling into a fancy resort than being friends with Nell anymore. Can Nell find a way to save everything that makes her world magical, while figuring out where she belongs in it?]]> 224 Emma Steinkellner 0593570669 Geordie 4 graphic-novels, hannah 4.13 2023 My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life (Nell of Gumbling #1)
author: Emma Steinkellner
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/29
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: graphic-novels, hannah
review:

]]> The Deep Dark 195263612 From Molly Knox Ostertag, writer-illustrator, comes a darkly beautiful story of identity, family, love, loss, and magic.

Everyone has secrets. Mags’s has teeth.

Magdalena Herrera is about to graduate high school, but she already feels like an adult with serious responsibilities: caring for her ailing grandmother; working a part-time job; clandestine makeouts with a girl who has a boyfriend. And then there’s her secret, which pulls her into the basement each night, drains her of energy, and leaves her bleeding. A secret that could hurt and even kill if it ever got out -- like it did once before.

So Mags keeps her head down, isolated in her small desert community. That is, until her childhood friend Nessa comes back to town, bringing vivid memories of the past, an intoxicating glimpse of the future, and a secret of her own. Mags won’t get attached, of course. She’s always been strong enough to survive without anyone’s help.

But when the darkness starts to close in on them both, Mags will have to drag her secret into the daylight, and choose between risking everything... or having nothing left to lose.]]> 480 Molly Knox Ostertag 1338839993 Geordie 4 4-and-a-half-stars 4.33 2024 The Deep Dark
author: Molly Knox Ostertag
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/24
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: 4-and-a-half-stars
review:
Extremely bold book about dealing with accepting yourself, and adjusting to how the people around you (even the ones you love) might not accept who you are. It's a deep book that takes a lot of thinking about, and the slow build-up won't be everyone's cup of tea.
]]> <![CDATA[Death in Castle Dark (A Dinner and a Murder Mystery #1)]]> 57246968 Actor Nora Blake finds her dream job when she is cast in a murder-mystery troupe that performs in an imposing but captivating old castle. When she stumbles upon a real murder, things take a nightmarish turn in this first book in an exciting new series.

Maybe it was too good to be true, but when Nora Blake accepted the job from Derek Corby, proprietor of Castle Dark, she could not see any downsides. She would sink her acting chops into the troupe's intricately staged murder-mystery shows, earn free room and board in the fairy tale-like castle, and make friends with her new roommates, which include some seriously adorable kittens.

But something sinister lurks behind the walls of Castle Dark. During Nora's second performance, one of her castmates plays the part of the victim a little too well. So well, in fact, that no one can revive him. He has been murdered. Not ready to give up her dream gig--or to be the next victim--Nora sets out to see which one of her fellow actors has taken the role of a murderous real-life villain.]]> 288 Veronica Bond 0593335872 Geordie 2 2-and-a-half-stars
I've had little luck with cozy mysteries, but I rather liked a lot of this one - the first two acts anyway. Nora is a good character, the setting was clever and the descriptions were quite good. The supporting characters were likeable and well-fleshed out. I also liked how many of them were actors and this explained how the killer (and others) was a good liar. I usually don't care much for romance sub-plots, but the one in this book was done pretty well. Nora developed a crush quickly, but she wasn't obsessed with her love-interest, and the romance didn't overshadow the main plot.

The big weakness in the earlier part of the book was the melodrama, which was laid on much too thick. Soon after the murder Nora is startled by a raccoon or other animal and makes the comment, 'not all predators live outside'. That felt like it was written by a gloomy high schooler! Later on a dog is running toward her and she thinks it 'was charging forward like the Hound of the Baskervilles'. Surely Nora (and the writer) know that the Hound of the Baskervilles was a savage mastiff painted with luminous paint. The dog Nora saw was very friendly and NOT glowing in the dark. I'm not sure how it was like the Hound of the Baskervilles other than... it was running?

The big suck of the book is the climax really, which I found a disappointment. To start with, the police investigate the murder, but apparently don't actually research anyone working at the castle, because Nora finds out about the victim and two suspects having past connection just from observation. So, she does some sleuthing, but it's all stuff the police should have found out in five minutes! And then, after finding out about the second connection, another character up and blurts out 'you're getting too close, I need to kill you.' Nora really didn't do anything to solve the murder, she poked around some alibis, and then the murderer blabbed like an idiot. Everything Nora knew was stuff the police already knew, the only reason the murderer had for confronting Nora was so the case could be solved with an exciting climax. I hate that, it feels so cheap that the main character's work is irrelevant, the central issue of the book is resolved by the antagonist jumping the gun. Ugh! It feels like modern mysteries are constantly doing this, and I don't understand why writers do it. Have your characters DO something, and have their decisions MEAN something! Don't just have them fall face-first into the ending of the book!]]> 3.82 2021 Death in Castle Dark (A Dinner and a Murder Mystery #1)
author: Veronica Bond
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2021
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/13
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves: 2-and-a-half-stars
review:
Nora is an actress looking for work who finds a unique position at a castle that hosts murder mystery dinners. What feels like the opportunity of a lifetime has a tragic turn when she discovers one of the other actors stabbed to death in the castle chapel.

I've had little luck with cozy mysteries, but I rather liked a lot of this one - the first two acts anyway. Nora is a good character, the setting was clever and the descriptions were quite good. The supporting characters were likeable and well-fleshed out. I also liked how many of them were actors and this explained how the killer (and others) was a good liar. I usually don't care much for romance sub-plots, but the one in this book was done pretty well. Nora developed a crush quickly, but she wasn't obsessed with her love-interest, and the romance didn't overshadow the main plot.

The big weakness in the earlier part of the book was the melodrama, which was laid on much too thick. Soon after the murder Nora is startled by a raccoon or other animal and makes the comment, 'not all predators live outside'. That felt like it was written by a gloomy high schooler! Later on a dog is running toward her and she thinks it 'was charging forward like the Hound of the Baskervilles'. Surely Nora (and the writer) know that the Hound of the Baskervilles was a savage mastiff painted with luminous paint. The dog Nora saw was very friendly and NOT glowing in the dark. I'm not sure how it was like the Hound of the Baskervilles other than... it was running?

The big suck of the book is the climax really, which I found a disappointment. To start with, the police investigate the murder, but apparently don't actually research anyone working at the castle, because Nora finds out about the victim and two suspects having past connection just from observation. So, she does some sleuthing, but it's all stuff the police should have found out in five minutes! And then, after finding out about the second connection, another character up and blurts out 'you're getting too close, I need to kill you.' Nora really didn't do anything to solve the murder, she poked around some alibis, and then the murderer blabbed like an idiot. Everything Nora knew was stuff the police already knew, the only reason the murderer had for confronting Nora was so the case could be solved with an exciting climax. I hate that, it feels so cheap that the main character's work is irrelevant, the central issue of the book is resolved by the antagonist jumping the gun. Ugh! It feels like modern mysteries are constantly doing this, and I don't understand why writers do it. Have your characters DO something, and have their decisions MEAN something! Don't just have them fall face-first into the ending of the book!
]]> <![CDATA[Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure (St. Hell, #1)]]> 58719265
Lewis has a few things to say to his younger teen self. He knows she hates her body. He knows she's confused about who to snog. He knows she's really a he and will ultimately realize this... but she's going to go through a whole lot of mess (some of it funny, some of it not funny at all) to get to that point. Lewis is trying to tell her this... but she's refusing to listen.

In WELCOME TO ST. HELL, author-illustrator Lewis Hancox takes readers on the hilarious, heartbreaking, and healing path he took to make it past trauma, confusion, hurt, and dubious fashion choices in order to become the man he was meant to be. It's a remarkable, groundbreaking graphic memoir from an unmistakably bold new voice in comics.]]> 304 Lewis Hancox 1338824430 Geordie 4 graphic-novels 4.28 2022 Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure (St. Hell, #1)
author: Lewis Hancox
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/10
date added: 2024/12/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Pale Queen: A Graphic Novel]]> 199793651 From the acclaimed creator ofĚýEstrangedĚýandĚýThe Legend of BrightbladeĚýcomes a lush fantasy graphic novel about an aspiring astronomer who attracts the attention of a mysterious being known as the Lady. Perfect for fans ofĚýAnya’s GhostĚýandĚýSnapdragon!

Agatha has always dreamed of the stars. But when a chance encounter introduces her to the Lady of the Hills, Agatha is shocked to learn that a secret magical world lays hidden in the mist-shrouded land next to her village. She finds herself quickly captivated by the Lady, but is the Lady who she appears to be?

As Agatha forms a new friendship with a girl in town, she learns that the Lady is far older and more powerful than she could’ve guessed, and that her plans aren’t as innocent as they appear. Will Agatha be able to protect the people she loves from the Lady’s sinister agenda?]]> 240 Ethan M. Aldridge 0063247216 Geordie 4 graphic-novels 3.99 2024 The Pale Queen: A Graphic Novel
author: Ethan M. Aldridge
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/11
date added: 2024/12/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
Bold and inventive, a clever mix of fairy tale tropes and modern ideals.
]]> Dungeon Critters 52750856 Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter's Dungeon Critters is a middle-grade graphic novel about a gang of adorable animal friends on a D&D style dungeon crawl.

Quests! Plots! Evil Plants! Magic and mayhem!

Join the Dungeon Critters � a tight-knit squad of animal companions � on a wild adventure investigating a sinister botanical conspiracy among the furry nobility. As they risk their lives traveling through haunted dungeons, swamps, and high society balls � they also come closer together as friends.

Motivated by rivalries, ideals, and a lust for adventure, these critters navigate not only perils and dangers of the natural world, but also perils and dangers� of the heart!]]> 256 Natalie Riess 1250195470 Geordie 4 4.20 2020 Dungeon Critters
author: Natalie Riess
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves: d-d, hannah, graphic-novels, 4-and-a-half-stars
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel, #1)]]> 35238083 224 Tui T. Sutherland 0545942152 Geordie 4 graphic-novels, hannah 4.26 2018 The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel, #1)
author: Tui T. Sutherland
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves: graphic-novels, hannah
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe]]> 203771671 The Princess in Black may know how to handle all kinds of monsters, but a kitten set on destruction? Me-OW!

Duchess Wigtower had heard that pets are fun, but all her kitten has gotten her is nine lives' worth of problems. Eeeeek! It’s time for someone else to deal with this catastrophe. Princess Magnolia is thrilled when a kitten lands on her doorstep, but just as she’s about to play with Plumpkins (or should it be Hugmaster Floof?) the monster alarm goes off. When Princess Magnolia returns to her castle, her furry companion has carved up the wallpaper! In fact, each time Princess Magnolia leaves to help the Goat Avenger fight a very grouchy monster, her feline friend wreaks havoc. Has the Princess in Black finally met her match? Ten years after she first donned her cape, the Princess in Black returns for a purrfectly hilarious entry to the New York Times best-selling series.]]> 96 Shannon Hale 1536234095 Geordie 3 hannah 4.16 The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe
author: Shannon Hale
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves: hannah
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Katie the Catsitter (Katie the Catsitter, #1)]]> 43605315 A new middle-grade graphic novel series about growing up, friendship, heroes, and cats (lots of cats!).

Katie is dreading the boring summer ahead while her best friends are all away at camp--something that's way out of Katie and her mom's budget, UNLESS Katie can figure out a way earn the money for camp herself. But when Katie gets a job catsitting for her mysterious upstairs neighbor, life get interesting.

First, Madeline has 217 cats (!) and they're not exactly . . . normal cats. Also, why is Madeline always out EXACTLY when the city's most notorious villain commits crimes?! Is it possible that Katie's upstairs neighbor is really a super villain?

Can Katie wrangle a whole lot of wayward cats, save a best friendship (why is Beth barely writing back? And who's this boy she keeps talking about?!), AND crack the biggest story in the city's history? Some heroes have capes . . . Katie has cats!]]> 229 Colleen A.F. Venable Geordie 4 hannah 4.15 2021 Katie the Catsitter (Katie the Catsitter, #1)
author: Colleen A.F. Venable
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves: hannah
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Twelve Labors of Hercules: A Modern Graphic Greek Myth (Mythology Graphics)]]> 122866789 48 Stephanie True Peters 1669050939 Geordie 2 graphic-novels 3.64 2023 The Twelve Labors of Hercules: A Modern Graphic Greek Myth (Mythology Graphics)
author: Stephanie True Peters
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2024/12/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
This is a disappointingly tepid retelling of the most famous Hercules legend. That's kind of understandable, since the original is pretty grim and violent for kids. But this version also dulls down the action in favor of a lot of really bad jokes, several of which ('hashtag' and "NOT!') feel years, even decades out of date! Generally low action and dumbed down, and Hercules' habit of constantly complaining about things makes him feel less tragic hero and more whiner.
]]> New in Town (Curlfriends #1) 103455737
Charlie has a foolproof plan for the first day at her new middle school. Even though she's used to starting over as the new kid—thanks to her military family's constant moving—making friends has never been easy for her. But this time, her first impression needs to last, since this is where her family plans to settle for good.

So she's hiding any interests that may seem “babyish,� updating her look, and doing her best to leave her shyness behind her...but is erasing the real Charlie the best way to make friends?

When not everything goes exactly to plan—like, AT ALL—Charlie is ready to give up on making new friendships. Then she meets the Curlfriends, a group of Black girls who couldn't be more different from each other, and learns that maybe there is a place for Charlie to be her true self after all.

Sharee Miller's graphic novel debut starts off an exciting contemporary series featuring four Black girls who each have a unique story, and each learn lessons about friendship, family, and being their true selves.]]> 288 Sharee Miller 0316591459 Geordie 4 graphic-novels
This is a pretty simple middle school graphic novel, but I found the message so important and believable! Charlie bends over backwards to be the girl she thinks is popular, even when this makes her miserable and makes her potential friendships worse, not better. Her parents try to get her to be herself, but it takes this support and also personal experience to make her realize that the fake act is not worth it.

This was such a sincere and realistic telling of such a vital message, I really loved it. The pacing was good and the characters were believable. The art wasn't bad, though a little too basic and cutesy for my taste.]]> 4.23 2023 New in Town (Curlfriends #1)
author: Sharee Miller
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/07
date added: 2024/12/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
Charlie Harper is the new girl in town and is longing to make a good impression and lots of friends. But it doesn't take long before her own image of what makes someone popular and worth being a friend, forces her to lie about herself to the girls around her.

This is a pretty simple middle school graphic novel, but I found the message so important and believable! Charlie bends over backwards to be the girl she thinks is popular, even when this makes her miserable and makes her potential friendships worse, not better. Her parents try to get her to be herself, but it takes this support and also personal experience to make her realize that the fake act is not worth it.

This was such a sincere and realistic telling of such a vital message, I really loved it. The pacing was good and the characters were believable. The art wasn't bad, though a little too basic and cutesy for my taste.
]]> <![CDATA[One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel]]> 217223432 “I wish I didn’t know that I was marching my sisters into a boiling pot of trouble cooking in Oakland…�

Eleven-year-old Delphine is like a mother to her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern. She's had to be, ever since their mother, Cecile, left them seven years ago for a radical new life in California.

But when the sisters arrive from Brooklyn to spend the summer with their mother in Oakland, Cecile is nothing like they imagined. While the girls hope to go to Disneyland and meet Tinker Bell, their mother sends them to a day camp run by the Black Panthers.

Unexpectedly, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern learn much about their family, their country, and themselves during one truly crazy summer.

This beloved Newbery Honor Book, National Book Award finalist, and Coretta Scott King Award–winning novel about the three unforgettable Gaither sisters has been adapted into a beautiful full-color graphic novel for a new generation, with vibrant art by Sharee Miller.]]> 304 Rita Williams-Garcia 0062935585 Geordie 0 to-read 4.27 One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel
author: Rita Williams-Garcia
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Anne of West Philly 58340720 Anne of Green Gables, with a twist: in this follow-up to Meg, Jo, Beth, and AmyĚý and The Secret Garden on 81st Street, this full-color graphic novel moves Anne Shirley to modern-day West Philadelphia, where where she finds new friends, new rivals, and a new family.

When Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert decide to foster a teenage girl for the first time, their lives are changed forever. Their redheaded foster daughter, Anne Shirley, is in search of an exciting life and has decided that West Philly is where she's going to find it. Armed with a big personality and unstoppable creativity, Anne takes her new home by storm as she joins the robotics club, makes new friends in Diana and Gilbert, experiences first love, and turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. But as Anne starts to get comfortable, she discovers one thing she wasn't looking for: a family.

This title will be simultaneously available in hardcover.]]> 256 Ivy Noelle Weir 0316459771 Geordie 3
As a book for kids on different troubles and challenges a modern kid might face there's certainly nothing wrong with it. But as a reinterpretation, some of the choices feel odd, disappointing, even lackluster. I'm no expert on the original, But I know the people who fostered Anne were crusty old people who had never fostered a child before, and very much wanted a boy. Changing it so the foster couple are experienced, younger people, who WANT to foster a girl, seems the weirdest choice, since it feels so different from the original, and worse it badly lowers the stakes from the original. In fact, a lot of the book makes the original's challenges and risks badly watered-down. Things are much easier for Anne in this book, and she's also not as likeable as in the original. She doesn't try to be helpful or nice like the original did, but still ends up with people gushing about how great a kid she is. Where did that happen? In between the panels?

Again, far from an awful or distorted retelling, it just isn't a very exciting or impactful retelling. I didn't hate it, but I don't think it brought anything to the table that makes it worth reading instead of the original.]]> 3.87 2022 Anne of West Philly
author: Ivy Noelle Weir
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/07
date added: 2024/12/07
shelves: 2-and-a-half-stars, graphic-novels
review:
A reinterpretation of Anne of Green Gables, set in modern day west Philadelphia.

As a book for kids on different troubles and challenges a modern kid might face there's certainly nothing wrong with it. But as a reinterpretation, some of the choices feel odd, disappointing, even lackluster. I'm no expert on the original, But I know the people who fostered Anne were crusty old people who had never fostered a child before, and very much wanted a boy. Changing it so the foster couple are experienced, younger people, who WANT to foster a girl, seems the weirdest choice, since it feels so different from the original, and worse it badly lowers the stakes from the original. In fact, a lot of the book makes the original's challenges and risks badly watered-down. Things are much easier for Anne in this book, and she's also not as likeable as in the original. She doesn't try to be helpful or nice like the original did, but still ends up with people gushing about how great a kid she is. Where did that happen? In between the panels?

Again, far from an awful or distorted retelling, it just isn't a very exciting or impactful retelling. I didn't hate it, but I don't think it brought anything to the table that makes it worth reading instead of the original.
]]> Bunnybirds #1 198139888 Princess Aster must leave home to discover why her people are disappearing—even if it means journeying over the rim of the world itself—in this animal fantasy graphic novel perfect for fans of blockbuster series like Warriors and Wings of Fire.

The Bunny who worries is heavy and slow. To fly with the flock, one must learn to let go.

Be content and with joy! Lay fears to rest: the bunny who smiles suits the bunny flock best.

In Princess Aster’s world, Bunnybirds live in contented isolation, keeping themselves detached from the world in order to practice magic and receive prophetic visions. Nothing is ever wrong, and no one is ever angry. . . even as Aster’s people seem to be slowly disappearing. But when her father is next to go, her goal is as definite and unclouded as her heart: she’s going to rescue him, no matter how.

To find her people, she must leave the royal Home Tree and travel to the Court of Dragons—and then across sea flats, through deserts, and over the rim of the world itself—to find out what’s happened, with only the exiled bunnybird thief Carlin and the lackadaisical centipede-dog Feet for company.

The further Aster travels from home, the more questions she has: Are the Bunnybirds truly as happy as they say? And if they aren’t, can she let go of age-old traditions in order to rescue her friends?

A sweet but sweeping graphic novel adventure, Bunnybirds offers readers a richly imagined animal world full of magic, danger, and excitement.]]> 196 Natalie Linn 0823449262 Geordie 4 graphic-novels
There's a lot of silly to Bunnybirds, the whole conceit of permanently jolly winged rabbits living on a floating island is pretty goofy, and the art, especially the manga-esque goggle-eye reaction pictures, is even goofier. But, the more I think about it, the more I like this book. Aster and her companions face some high stakes, and their disagreements feel authentic, and when they pull together it doesn't feel forced either. The overall message of the book is great, and I wish more middle-school graphic novels had this much courage and heart.

This was a book well-worth reading, the silliness might take some patience from a serious reader, but the pay off is definitely worth your time. ]]> 3.86 Bunnybirds #1
author: Natalie Linn
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/01
date added: 2024/12/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
Princess Aster of the Bunnybirds must journey far from home, with fractious companions she doesn't know if she can trust, to rescue her missing people.

There's a lot of silly to Bunnybirds, the whole conceit of permanently jolly winged rabbits living on a floating island is pretty goofy, and the art, especially the manga-esque goggle-eye reaction pictures, is even goofier. But, the more I think about it, the more I like this book. Aster and her companions face some high stakes, and their disagreements feel authentic, and when they pull together it doesn't feel forced either. The overall message of the book is great, and I wish more middle-school graphic novels had this much courage and heart.

This was a book well-worth reading, the silliness might take some patience from a serious reader, but the pay off is definitely worth your time.
]]> <![CDATA[Dungeon Club: Time to Party (Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Club, #2)]]> 199882205 The party continues but the problems get bigger in this second installment of this original Dungeons & Dragons graphic novel series brought to you by New York Times bestselling author Molly Knox Ostertag and critically acclaimed illustrator Xanthe Bouma.

Olivia loves being the Dungeon Master of her after-school club, creating a world with magic and epic battles with adventure around every corner. She’s always felt at home in her game, but now—with new members and new plotlines—her world has gotten more complicated than ever.

It doesn’t help when Olivia’s older sister, Lu, comes home from college and brushes off all Olivia’s hard work, telling her to get real. A seed of doubt is planted, and suddenly the colorful world of her game starts to fade around her. Will Olivia be able to keep everything from changing, or will the party fall apart?]]> 208 Molly Knox Ostertag 0063039265 Geordie 4 d-d, graphic-novels, hannah 4.43 2024 Dungeon Club: Time to Party (Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Club, #2)
author: Molly Knox Ostertag
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/29
date added: 2024/11/30
shelves: d-d, graphic-novels, hannah
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Retrograde (Mars Endeavour, #1)]]> 34468620
Mankind has long dreamed of reaching out to live on other planets, and with the establishment of the Mars Endeavour colony, that dream has become reality. The fledgling colony consists of 120 scientists, astronauts, medical staff, and engineers. Buried deep underground, they’re protected from the harsh radiation that sterilizes the surface of the planet. The colony is prepared for every eventuality except one—what happens when disaster strikes Earth?]]> 256 Peter Cawdron 1328834522 Geordie 3 2-and-a-half-stars
I liked the start to this book, the fun atmosphere on Mars, and then the sudden switch in mood as news of the appalling war on earth got out, really caught the attention. It got harder to follow along deeper into the book. Maybe the fault was mine, that I suspected the book was going one way only to have it go another. Still, the whiplash of the mood and the plot changes just felt off to me. Other choices were also confusing, like the moment after a violent fight having the main character muse about the future of pro sports on Mars...? And then philosophize on the nature of death... For a short book with a lot going on, it felt strangely padded in places. And after building up how terrifyingly dangerous the book's main threat was, the climax was rather abrupt and easy.

By no means a terrible book, I feel like maybe my own assumptions got in the way of enjoying it. If you like hard sci fi with a bit of personal drama, this might be a good choice for you.]]> 4.01 2016 Retrograde (Mars Endeavour, #1)
author: Peter Cawdron
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/20
date added: 2024/11/28
shelves: 2-and-a-half-stars
review:
After a horrifying and abrupt war on earth, the international colony on Mars is thrown into chaos, struggling to keep peace between each other, and not suspecting another threat they must face.

I liked the start to this book, the fun atmosphere on Mars, and then the sudden switch in mood as news of the appalling war on earth got out, really caught the attention. It got harder to follow along deeper into the book. Maybe the fault was mine, that I suspected the book was going one way only to have it go another. Still, the whiplash of the mood and the plot changes just felt off to me. Other choices were also confusing, like the moment after a violent fight having the main character muse about the future of pro sports on Mars...? And then philosophize on the nature of death... For a short book with a lot going on, it felt strangely padded in places. And after building up how terrifyingly dangerous the book's main threat was, the climax was rather abrupt and easy.

By no means a terrible book, I feel like maybe my own assumptions got in the way of enjoying it. If you like hard sci fi with a bit of personal drama, this might be a good choice for you.
]]> <![CDATA[The Death of Pie (Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery, #19)]]> 19084533 208 Tamar Myers 072788381X Geordie 1 zero-stars Saying "did not finish" would be generous to this book, which I COULD not finish.

A cozy murder mystery set in Pennsylvania, the mood is all over the place, the writing bad, and the humor (which massively dominates any attempt to tell the mystery) ranges from dull to mean-spirited.

With some odd non sequiturs and what felt like a veiled reference to masturbation on the first page, I had hopes this would be a fun book; or at least a 'so bad it's fun' book. But a few pages later the main character, Magdalena, talked about her parents' violent death like they were involved in a goofy pratfall, and then grossly abuses and shames her (then 18 year old) sister for reacting to these tragic deaths by getting drunk and hooking up with strange men. Whereas SHE goes on to be a colossally successful millionaire, and the combined self-insert ego and vulgar biases are really hard to read. Even if that's your thing (ew), I don't know who in their right mind would try to make this funny.

If I didn't make it clear, the whole book is the MC talking directly to the reader. And after the first chapter of her just going on and on about herself, we get to the mystery in chapter two. Specifically, we find out that the murder has already happened, and Magdalena was witness to it, but we (the readers) aren't going to actually see it. Just hear it second-hand. Yeah, with another writer I might sarcastically say "that was an odd choice," but I am too exasperated with this writing to bother. This is a terrible choice, and other than an attempt at Avant garde writing or laziness, I cannot imagine why a writer would take it.

Not a page went by that I didn't want to yell out to my wife, "you wouldn't believe the s**t that is happening now!" It's a non-stop stream of nonsense and bad jokes. I felt my patience was over when Magdalena hissed something, and then specified that it was okay for HER to hiss it, because she had a soft 's' in the sentence, not like those plebian authors who hiss all kinds of consonants. Tamar Myers, bad enough you are interrupting your fiction with a micro-rant about your personal pet-peeve, but you have a lot of damn goal to be telling anyone how to write a book! I struggled on, perversely. Then in chapter three comes a joke about someone's deceased parent spinning in their grave fast enough to generate electricity for the whole town, and it is the EXACT same tepid joke as was told in chapter one. Yeah, put that in your "here's how to write a sentence" pipe and smoke it. Your jokes are bad, your editing is bad, and your ego is the worst.

This book feels like someone read some mysteries and some Dave Barry style humor, and thought that they could smash the two together, without having any actual ability to write either. The flood of jokes totally distracts from the mystery, and the low quality, mean humor distracts from... I don't know, the 1% of humor that could be generously called "adequate"?

I cannot finish this book, it was fun analyzing the absurdity, but not fun enough to do for free. I see that some of the writer's other books had much better ratings than this one, but I'm not going to give her a second chance after this cesspit. ]]> 2.93 2014 The Death of Pie (Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery, #19)
author: Tamar Myers
name: Geordie
average rating: 2.93
book published: 2014
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2024/11/28
shelves: zero-stars
review:
DNF.
Saying "did not finish" would be generous to this book, which I COULD not finish.

A cozy murder mystery set in Pennsylvania, the mood is all over the place, the writing bad, and the humor (which massively dominates any attempt to tell the mystery) ranges from dull to mean-spirited.

With some odd non sequiturs and what felt like a veiled reference to masturbation on the first page, I had hopes this would be a fun book; or at least a 'so bad it's fun' book. But a few pages later the main character, Magdalena, talked about her parents' violent death like they were involved in a goofy pratfall, and then grossly abuses and shames her (then 18 year old) sister for reacting to these tragic deaths by getting drunk and hooking up with strange men. Whereas SHE goes on to be a colossally successful millionaire, and the combined self-insert ego and vulgar biases are really hard to read. Even if that's your thing (ew), I don't know who in their right mind would try to make this funny.

If I didn't make it clear, the whole book is the MC talking directly to the reader. And after the first chapter of her just going on and on about herself, we get to the mystery in chapter two. Specifically, we find out that the murder has already happened, and Magdalena was witness to it, but we (the readers) aren't going to actually see it. Just hear it second-hand. Yeah, with another writer I might sarcastically say "that was an odd choice," but I am too exasperated with this writing to bother. This is a terrible choice, and other than an attempt at Avant garde writing or laziness, I cannot imagine why a writer would take it.

Not a page went by that I didn't want to yell out to my wife, "you wouldn't believe the s**t that is happening now!" It's a non-stop stream of nonsense and bad jokes. I felt my patience was over when Magdalena hissed something, and then specified that it was okay for HER to hiss it, because she had a soft 's' in the sentence, not like those plebian authors who hiss all kinds of consonants. Tamar Myers, bad enough you are interrupting your fiction with a micro-rant about your personal pet-peeve, but you have a lot of damn goal to be telling anyone how to write a book! I struggled on, perversely. Then in chapter three comes a joke about someone's deceased parent spinning in their grave fast enough to generate electricity for the whole town, and it is the EXACT same tepid joke as was told in chapter one. Yeah, put that in your "here's how to write a sentence" pipe and smoke it. Your jokes are bad, your editing is bad, and your ego is the worst.

This book feels like someone read some mysteries and some Dave Barry style humor, and thought that they could smash the two together, without having any actual ability to write either. The flood of jokes totally distracts from the mystery, and the low quality, mean humor distracts from... I don't know, the 1% of humor that could be generously called "adequate"?

I cannot finish this book, it was fun analyzing the absurdity, but not fun enough to do for free. I see that some of the writer's other books had much better ratings than this one, but I'm not going to give her a second chance after this cesspit.
]]> Mabuhay! 56933291 From Zachary Sterling comes a middle-grade graphic novel that celebrates food, family, and folklore.

Can two kids save the world and work their family food truck?

First-generation Filipino siblings JJ and Althea struggle to belong at school. JJ wants to fit in with the crowd, while Althea wants to be accepted as she is. But that hope seems like a long shot, for both of them. To make matters worse, they have to help their parents run the family food truck by dressing up as a dancing pig and passing out samples. Ugh! And their mom is always pointing out lessons from Filipino folklore -- annoying tales they've heard again and again. But when witches, ogres, and other creatures from those same stories threaten their family, JJ and Althea realize that the folklore may be more real that they'd suspected. Can they embrace who they really are and save their family?]]> 228 Zachary Sterling Geordie 3 3.87 2022 Mabuhay!
author: Zachary Sterling
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/25
date added: 2024/11/28
shelves: graphic-novels, 2-and-a-half-stars
review:
Some good intentions, but poor pacing, sometimes annoying characters, and a feel that the writer doesn't know any actual children... Do gets still say "barf" and "rad"? I think those both went out in the 90s.
]]> Mapmakers and the Lost Magic 58678502 A young girl finds herself faced with an impossible choice--run away from her beloved valley, or unleash a hidden magic and become a Mapmaker to save her home from its new overlords.

For centuries, the Mapmakers kept peace in the Valley, but they've long since disappeared. Now the Night Coats hold power with an iron grip--there are only rules, punishments, and consequences. Until one night, on the run from the Night Coats (again), after breaking another rule (again), Alidade stumbles upon a secret door leading to a magical hideaway that belongs to the Mapmakers. There, she finds a map of her home and accidentally brings to life Blue, a magical creature called a memri who is meant to protect the Valley. Blue needs Alidade's help to find the Mapmakers and save the Valley from the Night Coats!

But the Mapmakers are long gone.

Alidade has a choice: leave the Valley like she's always wanted...or become a Mapmaker and save the only home she's ever known.

This is the first book in a thrilling series of adventures where Alidade discovers the world around her as she goes on a fantastical journey.
]]> 256 Cameron Chittock 0593172868 Geordie 4
There were ups and downs to this book, including a few moments that felt a little goofy and some dilemmas that felt too easy to overcome. But for the most part, it was fun and clever. I like the characters and their conflicts, which were understandable but not insurmountable. The stakes were high and the challenges believable. The villains were well made, ruthless and malicious (and sometimes petty), but quite believable.

The ending did feel a little simplistic, but not disappointing, and very much leaving the door open for what will come in future books. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequels. ]]> 3.79 2022 Mapmakers and the Lost Magic
author: Cameron Chittock
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/23
date added: 2024/11/28
shelves: 3-and-a-half-stars, graphic-novels
review:
A kid's first dystopia, Alidade lives in a close-knit village that falls under the control of the totalitarian Night Coats. She and her good friend Lewis find a magical creature that is tied to the surrounding land, and has a history with the best, and worst, of humanity.

There were ups and downs to this book, including a few moments that felt a little goofy and some dilemmas that felt too easy to overcome. But for the most part, it was fun and clever. I like the characters and their conflicts, which were understandable but not insurmountable. The stakes were high and the challenges believable. The villains were well made, ruthless and malicious (and sometimes petty), but quite believable.

The ending did feel a little simplistic, but not disappointing, and very much leaving the door open for what will come in future books. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequels.
]]> <![CDATA[Anzu and the Realm of Darkness]]> 195888866
Anzu has just moved to a new town during Obon, a time for families to remember and celebrate their ancestors. Ever since her obaachan died, though, Obon has lost its magic. She doesn't feel much like celebrating anymore.

While avoiding holiday festivities, Anzu spots a stray dog down the street. A dog that seems to be staring right at her . But when she chases after it, she slips and falls down a ridge, losing consciousness. When she awakes, she’s in the Shinto underworld known as Yomi, a place she’s only heard about in Obaachan’s stories. The stray dog, she finds out, is actually the Gatekeeper of Yomi, and he warns her to return to the human realm before it’s too late.

Only, getting home is not as simple as she’d thought. Faced with the nefarious Queen Izanami of Yomi and a world full of creatures she’d once thought weren’t real, the race against the clock is on. She must break a curse, free the spirits of other lost children, and reach the gate home before sunrise…or be stuck in Yomi forever.]]> 256 Mai K. Nguyen 0593525272 Geordie 0 4.23 2024 Anzu and the Realm of Darkness
author: Mai K. Nguyen
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at: 2024/11/24
date added: 2024/11/24
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lady of Ashes (Lady of Ashes, #1)]]> 15768795
Unbeknownst to his wife, Graham, who has nursed a hatred of America since his grandfather soldiered for Great Britain in the War of 1812, becomes involved in a scheme to sell arms to the South. Meanwhile, Violet receives the commission of a lifetime: undertaking the funeral for a friend of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. But her position remains precarious, especially when Graham disappears and she begins investigating a series of deaths among the poor. And the closer she gets to the truth, the greater the danger for them both…]]> 404 Christine Trent 0758265913 Geordie 2
I admit, this book isn't what I expected, and isn't my usual like. Still, some of the writing is decent, the depictions of day-to-day life were good, Violet was sympathetic, and her regular societal challenges were well told. But that did not, not by a long shot, save this book. This book is BLOATED. It's advertised as a murder mystery, but the murder takes up about 20% of the book! Violet is involved in one weird happening after another, which badly stretches suspension of disbelief. These attempts to be startling and suspenseful seldom pay off as well as they should anyway, since the author is much better at writing the everyday then action scenes.

This book really feels like, I don't know, for want of a better term, a Victorian era 'Perils of Pauline', as Violet bounces from one far-fetched mishap and conflict to another. If I'd known it was going to be that more than a murder mystery, I wouldn't have picked it up. On top of which, the murder mystery itself is one of the worst sub-plots of the book. It's far-fetched and melodramatic, climaxing with Violet careening into the killer's trap, then saved at the last second by other people. She didn't come close to solving the mystery, she had nothing to do with catching the murderer, it was all the murderer's idiocy and other people coming through at the cliched "knick-of-time". She had all the agency of a poodle. Maybe less, because the poodle wouldn't have charged into a blatantly obvious trap!]]> 3.44 2013 Lady of Ashes (Lady of Ashes, #1)
author: Christine Trent
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2024/11/13
date added: 2024/11/17
shelves:
review:
Violet Morgan is unique in 1861 London as the only female undertaker in the city. She had expected to suffer derision for her career and her unlady-like involvement in business, but she never could have expected the series of misadventures that would fall on her. First and foremost, her husband shows more interest in profit and one-upping the Americans than he does in their marriage. She also stumbles into fostering a mute girl who has escaped from a workhouse, then experiences a horrific train crash, suspect's her best friend's paramour of being a con-man, becomes a confidant of Queen Victoria, is involved with conspiracies to smuggle guns to America, and ultimately is targeted by a serial killer.

I admit, this book isn't what I expected, and isn't my usual like. Still, some of the writing is decent, the depictions of day-to-day life were good, Violet was sympathetic, and her regular societal challenges were well told. But that did not, not by a long shot, save this book. This book is BLOATED. It's advertised as a murder mystery, but the murder takes up about 20% of the book! Violet is involved in one weird happening after another, which badly stretches suspension of disbelief. These attempts to be startling and suspenseful seldom pay off as well as they should anyway, since the author is much better at writing the everyday then action scenes.

This book really feels like, I don't know, for want of a better term, a Victorian era 'Perils of Pauline', as Violet bounces from one far-fetched mishap and conflict to another. If I'd known it was going to be that more than a murder mystery, I wouldn't have picked it up. On top of which, the murder mystery itself is one of the worst sub-plots of the book. It's far-fetched and melodramatic, climaxing with Violet careening into the killer's trap, then saved at the last second by other people. She didn't come close to solving the mystery, she had nothing to do with catching the murderer, it was all the murderer's idiocy and other people coming through at the cliched "knick-of-time". She had all the agency of a poodle. Maybe less, because the poodle wouldn't have charged into a blatantly obvious trap!
]]> <![CDATA[Garvey's Choice: The Graphic Novel]]> 119033675
Garvey’s father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, reading—anything but sports. Feeling like a failure, he comforts himself with food. Garvey is kind, funny, smart, a loyal friend, and he is also overweight, teased by bullies, and lonely. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garvey’s life changes. The chorus finds a new soloist in Garvey, and through chorus, Garvey finds a way to accept himself and a way to finally reach his distant father—by speaking the language of music instead of the language of sports.

Garvey’s Choice was a School Library Journal Best Book, a Kirkus Reviews Best Book, a Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book, and a Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Honor Book. With Theodore Taylor III’s full-color illustrations, this graphic novel edition is enthralling and inspiring.]]> 144 Nikki Grimes 1662660081 Geordie 0 to-read 4.04 Garvey's Choice: The Graphic Novel
author: Nikki Grimes
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.04
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[K Is in Trouble (K Is in Trouble #1)]]> 145624814
K is nice, polite, and always does as he’s told. K is also always, always in trouble. Ěý
Ěý
No matter what he does or says, it seems there is someone ready to blame him for everything. K is in trouble for going to school. K is in trouble for staying home. K is in trouble for running an errand, getting sick, or just being thirsty. K gets into trouble with imperious crows, persnickety station agents, bombastic teachers, his own classmates...even one nice fresh carp. Ěý
Ěý
Whether it’s his easily annoyed parents or prickly pedestrians on the street, K gets on everyone’s bad side…and he didn’t even do anything wrong!Ěý
Ěý
Gary Clement takes a unique approach to the absurdities of childhood in this hilarious series opener that reinforces a timeless Most adults know less than a talking beetle.]]> 224 Gary Clement 0316468606 Geordie 3 graphic-novels 3.73 K Is in Trouble (K Is in Trouble #1)
author: Gary Clement
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.73
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/15
date added: 2024/11/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:

]]> Allergic 52664752
At home, Maggie is the odd one out. Her parents are preoccupied with getting ready for a new baby, and her younger brothers are twins and always in their own world. Maggie loves animals and thinks a new puppy to call her own is the answer, but when she goes to select one on her birthday, she breaks out in hives and rashes. She's severely allergic to anything with fur!

Can Maggie outsmart her allergies and find the perfect pet? With illustrations by Michelle Mee Nutter, Megan Wagner Lloyd uses inspiration from her own experiences with allergies to tell a heartfelt story of family, friendship, and finding a place to belong.]]> 240 Megan Wagner Lloyd 1338568914 Geordie 4 graphic-novels 4.18 2021 Allergic
author: Megan Wagner Lloyd
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/11/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Who Stole Grandma's Million-Dollar Pumpkin Pie?: A Chickadee Court Mystery]]> 6968573 256 Martha Freeman 0823422151 Geordie 3
All around this was a cute story and age appropriate. Sometimes kids got away with a lot more lying than I like, but, not so much that it derailed the whole book. The big weakness of the book is, actually, that for a middle-school novel, it is pretty darned long. It is packed with sub-plots and red herrings, which I know are normal for mysteries, but it really felt super long and bloated. I don't want to suggest dumbing down a kids' book, but there were just too many tangents and characters in this book! I feel a good 50 pages could have been cut out, or maybe a few pages could have been used to firm up the clues and backstories that mattered to the main mystery.

Ultimately, the book is fine, Alex and Yasmeen are fairly fun, and some of the interactions with Alex's eccentric family and cat got a chuckle out of me. But if your child is short on patience, they will not be able to make it all the way through.]]> 3.81 2009 Who Stole Grandma's Million-Dollar Pumpkin Pie?: A Chickadee Court Mystery
author: Martha Freeman
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/11
date added: 2024/11/12
shelves:
review:
A middle-school mystery novel about Alex and his best friend Yasmeen trying to solve the mystery of who stole the recipe for his great-grandmother's award winning pumpkin pie.

All around this was a cute story and age appropriate. Sometimes kids got away with a lot more lying than I like, but, not so much that it derailed the whole book. The big weakness of the book is, actually, that for a middle-school novel, it is pretty darned long. It is packed with sub-plots and red herrings, which I know are normal for mysteries, but it really felt super long and bloated. I don't want to suggest dumbing down a kids' book, but there were just too many tangents and characters in this book! I feel a good 50 pages could have been cut out, or maybe a few pages could have been used to firm up the clues and backstories that mattered to the main mystery.

Ultimately, the book is fine, Alex and Yasmeen are fairly fun, and some of the interactions with Alex's eccentric family and cat got a chuckle out of me. But if your child is short on patience, they will not be able to make it all the way through.
]]> <![CDATA[SĹŹndĹŹk: Princess of the Moon and Stars, Korea, A.D. 595]]> 440124 192 Sheri Holman Geordie 4 3-and-a-half-stars 3.74 2002 SĹŹndĹŹk: Princess of the Moon and Stars, Korea, A.D. 595
author: Sheri Holman
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/06
date added: 2024/11/12
shelves: 3-and-a-half-stars
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Kid Beowulf: The Blood-Bound Oath (Volume 1)]]> 27220706 Kid Beowulf! Inspired by the epic poem "Beowulf," this fun newĚýseries follows the adventures of 12-year-old twin brothers Beowulf and Grendel as they travel to distant lands and meet fellow epic heroes!

In book one of the series, our heroes' destiny is tied to the past, when a prince named Hrothgar begins a quest for power—one that leads him to a fiery dragon, an enchanted sword, and an oath sworn in blood. But when Hrothgar breaks his oath he breaks his kingdom, and the only thing that will save it is a family he’s forgotten and heroes not yet born�

"These broadly adapted retellings add a lot of fun and fighting to the basic bones of the classic tales!" �A Parent’s Guide To The Best Kids' Comics]]> 240 Alexis E. Fajardo 1449475892 Geordie 3
The stakes and action were often pretty good, but the humor was lackluster, even crude (at one point Beowulf calls a group called the Heathobars, "Heathotards". Maybe I'm overly hippy and sensitive, but that's gross). Overall, the story meanders all over, and the characters are inconsistent as well. I'd call it meh but appropriate for the target audience, but that "Heathotards" quip really set my teeth on edge.]]> 3.67 2008 Kid Beowulf: The Blood-Bound Oath (Volume 1)
author: Alexis E. Fajardo
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/04
date added: 2024/11/07
shelves: graphic-novels, hannah, 2-and-a-half-stars
review:
An okay graphic novel based on the epic poem Beowulf. There is some fun and action, but it is altogether too chaotic. The time and the focus change repeatedly, and there's no real main character until about half way through the book! It feels far too fixated on setting up for future books, and so we end up getting the stories of a series of different characters, some annoying, some totally unlikable. In other ways the story is all over the place. At one point a character starts walking with a pig. A few pages later that pig is his side-kick? Walking on its back legs and about as intelligent as a human?

The stakes and action were often pretty good, but the humor was lackluster, even crude (at one point Beowulf calls a group called the Heathobars, "Heathotards". Maybe I'm overly hippy and sensitive, but that's gross). Overall, the story meanders all over, and the characters are inconsistent as well. I'd call it meh but appropriate for the target audience, but that "Heathotards" quip really set my teeth on edge.
]]> Making Comics 43317485
“The self-help book of the year.”� The New York Times

Hello students, meet Professor Skeletor. Be on time, don’t miss class, and turn off your phones. No time for introductions, we start drawing right away. The goal is more rock, less talk, and we communicate only through images.

For more than five years the cartoonist Lynda Barry has been an associate professor in the University of Wisconsin–Madison art department and at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, teaching students from all majors, both graduate and undergraduate, how to make comics, how to be creative, how to not think. There is no academic lecture in this classroom. Doodling is enthusiastically encouraged.

Making Comics is the follow-up to Barry's bestselling Syllabus , and this time she shares all her comics-making exercises. In a new hand-drawn syllabus detailing her creative curriculum, Barry has students drawing themselves as monsters and superheroes, convincing students who think they can’t draw that they can, and, most important, encouraging them to understand that a daily journal can be anything so long as it is hand drawn.

Barry teaches all students and believes everyone and anyone can be creative. At the core of Making Comics is her certainty that creativity is vital to processing the world around us.]]> 200 Lynda Barry 1770463690 Geordie 2 4.47 2019 Making Comics
author: Lynda Barry
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2019
rating: 2
read at: 2024/11/02
date added: 2024/11/04
shelves:
review:
A guide to writing comics, in the format of a lesson plan. So, the guide is full of advice and exercises, consistently being positive and supportive of people who want to be creative. Ultimately, I want to like it, but I really didn't. First of all because it's hard to read, it's just so crowded and scribbly. On top of which, there's a lot of exercises that MUST be used with a class or group, they can't be used alone or with small groups. It otherwise goes off on repeated tangents outside of comic making advice, with stories and anecdotes all over. I really didn't care for the art style, and I know that's a matter of opinion, but, I can't help having my own taste! If the advice had been stellar and easy to use, or maybe with more styles or technical advice, I'd appreciate this a lot more.
]]> <![CDATA[Single Malt Murder (Whisky Business Mystery, #1)]]> 33632753
When Abi inherits her uncle’s quaint and storied single malt distillery, she finds herself immersed in a competitive high-stakes business that elicits deep passions and prejudices. An award-winning photojournalist, Abi has no trouble capturing the perfect shot—but making the perfect shot is another matter. When she starts to receive disturbing, anonymous threats, it’s clear that someone wants her out of the picture. But Abi’s never been one to back down from a fight.

Arriving on the scene with her whisky-loving best friend, Patrick, and an oversized wheaten terrier named Liam, Abi seems to put everyone in the bucolic village on edge—especially her dour but disturbingly attractive head distiller. Acts of sabotage and increasingly personal threats against Abi make it clear that she is not welcome. When one of Abi’s new employees is found floating facedown in a vat of whisky, Abi is determined to use her skills as an investigative journalist to identify the cold-blooded killer and dispense a dram of justice before he strikes again. But distilling truth from lies is tricky, especially when everyone seems to have something to hide.

Melinda Mullet’s delightful Whisky Business mysteries can be read together or separately. Enjoy
SINGLE MALT MURDER | DEATH DISTILLED | DEADLY DRAM | DIED IN THE WOOL]]> 278 Melinda Mullet 0399179054 Geordie 1 1-and-a-half-stars
This was a pretty typical, even generic, mystery. The mystery was okay, and I appreciate that Abi is a strong and proactive character. While the first 2 acts had ups and downs, the romance sub-plot was pretty terrible. Partly this is probably me, I'm not particularly interested in the tendency of modern mysteries to force romance into their story. But this one felt particularly terrible. Abi meets the love interest at the funeral of her uncle, who was her most beloved family member (pretty much a father figure) and she starts getting electric chills from him. At her father figure's funeral. Am I the only one to find that gross? He starts off being completely rude and disrespectful to Abi. And then about the mid-way point of the book he, for no clear reason, stops behaving this way, as if the author had suddenly realized he was being inexplicably unlikable and decided to abruptly transform his character.

Still, the first 2/3rds of the book were not that bad, Abi having good reason to investigate the murder, and doing a lot of hard work trying to find what is going on. Unfortunately, the conclusion itself was garbage. After all her investigating, Abi just bloody stumbles on the murderer while they're hiding in a cave. The murderer captures her, but fortunately other people pop up and rescue her. End. Literally, she stumbled over all the answers by stupid chance, and then was a bystander for the REST OF THE BOOK. She fell down a hole, and then stuff happened to her. If she'd been knocked unconscious, the book would have ended the exact same way, just with less ridiculous villain exposition. Yeah, also, the murderer's scheme was badly convoluted, with lots of effort put into terrorizing Abi instead of actually covering their tracks.

While the romance was bad, and the climax was abysmal, other parts of the book were also weak. Abi's ability to "read" 3 characteristics of everyone she meets was hilariously bad showing not telling. Sometimes these character reads were absurd too, like when she calls someone measured, but a sentence later describes him as impulsive. Aren't those two opposites??? Abi also ended up pretty thick in some cases. She didn't guess that the "Abbey Glen Distillery" was named after her. Which makes it seem like she'd seen the name in writing but never actually heard it spoken out loud! And large clues about lost whiskey cache and its connection to counterfeit whiskey labels went completely over her head.

Ultimately, I'm not impressed by the body of this book, but the spineless ending actually has me angry. A story that ends with its protagonist being a bystander is infuriating, and makes it feel like everything I read before was totally pointless.]]> 3.88 2017 Single Malt Murder (Whisky Business Mystery, #1)
author: Melinda Mullet
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2017
rating: 1
read at: 2024/10/26
date added: 2024/11/01
shelves: 1-and-a-half-stars
review:
Abigail "Abi" Logan inherits a whiskey distillery when her uncle passes away. She is harassed by a series of threatening messages, but these ugly threats do not prepare her for the horrible murder that happens one night!

This was a pretty typical, even generic, mystery. The mystery was okay, and I appreciate that Abi is a strong and proactive character. While the first 2 acts had ups and downs, the romance sub-plot was pretty terrible. Partly this is probably me, I'm not particularly interested in the tendency of modern mysteries to force romance into their story. But this one felt particularly terrible. Abi meets the love interest at the funeral of her uncle, who was her most beloved family member (pretty much a father figure) and she starts getting electric chills from him. At her father figure's funeral. Am I the only one to find that gross? He starts off being completely rude and disrespectful to Abi. And then about the mid-way point of the book he, for no clear reason, stops behaving this way, as if the author had suddenly realized he was being inexplicably unlikable and decided to abruptly transform his character.

Still, the first 2/3rds of the book were not that bad, Abi having good reason to investigate the murder, and doing a lot of hard work trying to find what is going on. Unfortunately, the conclusion itself was garbage. After all her investigating, Abi just bloody stumbles on the murderer while they're hiding in a cave. The murderer captures her, but fortunately other people pop up and rescue her. End. Literally, she stumbled over all the answers by stupid chance, and then was a bystander for the REST OF THE BOOK. She fell down a hole, and then stuff happened to her. If she'd been knocked unconscious, the book would have ended the exact same way, just with less ridiculous villain exposition. Yeah, also, the murderer's scheme was badly convoluted, with lots of effort put into terrorizing Abi instead of actually covering their tracks.

While the romance was bad, and the climax was abysmal, other parts of the book were also weak. Abi's ability to "read" 3 characteristics of everyone she meets was hilariously bad showing not telling. Sometimes these character reads were absurd too, like when she calls someone measured, but a sentence later describes him as impulsive. Aren't those two opposites??? Abi also ended up pretty thick in some cases. She didn't guess that the "Abbey Glen Distillery" was named after her. Which makes it seem like she'd seen the name in writing but never actually heard it spoken out loud! And large clues about lost whiskey cache and its connection to counterfeit whiskey labels went completely over her head.

Ultimately, I'm not impressed by the body of this book, but the spineless ending actually has me angry. A story that ends with its protagonist being a bystander is infuriating, and makes it feel like everything I read before was totally pointless.
]]> Bea Wolf 60316971 A modern middle-grade graphic novel retelling of Beowulf, featuring a gang of troublemaking kids who must defend their tree house from a fun-hating adult who can instantly turn children into grown-ups.

Listen! Hear a tale of mallow-munchers and warriors who answer candy’s clarion call!

Somewhere in a generic suburb stands Treeheart, a kid-forged sanctuary where generations of tireless tykes have spent their youths making merry, spilling soda, and staving off the shadow of adulthood. One day, these brave warriors find their fun cut short by their nefarious neighbor Grindle, who can no longer tolerate the sounds of mirth seeping into his joyless adult life.

As the guardian of gloom lays siege to Treeheart, scores of kids suddenly find themselves transformed into pimply teenagers and sullen adults! The survivors of the onslaught cry out for a savior—a warrior whose will is unbreakable and whose appetite for mischief is unbounded.

They call for Bea Wolf.]]> 208 Zach Weinersmith 1250776295 Geordie 4
This was way more fun than I expected, the lyrical prose, art, and even the (slightly goofy) action were all terrific. I don't think it'd be everyone's thing, though. Knowledge of the original Beowulf style and events really help appreciating it, so it might be less fun for someone who hasn't read the original. ]]> 4.36 2023 Bea Wolf
author: Zach Weinersmith
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/28
date added: 2024/11/01
shelves:
review:
A parodying retelling of Beowulf, re-interpreting it as fun-loving kids battling a grouchy old man Grendel.

This was way more fun than I expected, the lyrical prose, art, and even the (slightly goofy) action were all terrific. I don't think it'd be everyone's thing, though. Knowledge of the original Beowulf style and events really help appreciating it, so it might be less fun for someone who hasn't read the original.
]]> Fablehaven (Fablehaven, #1) 44652 Trespassers will be turned to stone

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary is one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite . . .

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, powerful forces of evil are unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives, to save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world.]]> 351 Brandon Mull 1590385810 Geordie 3
Overall this was a pretty good read. The writing was good, and the stakes were high. It sometimes felt cliche, but, since it was written almost 20 years ago, it's likely one of the earlier books to use some of these tropes. It's mostly (mostly) spot on for the target age, and there was a lot of excitement throughout.

There were some weaknesses to the story. Seth was particularly annoying, he repeatedly could not control his impulses, and this ended up getting himself and others in serious danger. It happened often enough to be really aggravating, if it had happened less, or if it sometimes didn't end in disaster, it would make more sense that he never learned from these blunders. But, no, he just did what he wanted to do repeatedly, and every time things went worse than the last time. Kendra had a good arc, really challenging herself just before the climax. However, the actual climax was mostly Kendra's allies and the main baddies fighting, with the good guys just watching. Pretty underwhelming. I also don't appreciate that a recurring part of the story is hiding things from family members, and in the conclusion Kendra and Seth hide the events of the summer from their parents. It makes sense in the story, but, I'm getting pretty sick of this trope, and don't think it's the healthiest lesson for young readers.

Other parts of the book I was okay with, but feel that some (young) readers might not enjoy. There was some surprisingly intense body horror that might be too much for some kids. And the foreshadowing for future books was a little heavy-handed, though not intolerable.

]]> 4.13 2006 Fablehaven (Fablehaven, #1)
author: Brandon Mull
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/25
date added: 2024/11/01
shelves:
review:
This is a middle-school fantasy book about 2 young siblings who, while staying with their grandparents, discover there is a magical fairy world alongside our own. Kendra, the older sister, is thoughtful and a little timid, while her brother, Seth, is rash and risk-taking.

Overall this was a pretty good read. The writing was good, and the stakes were high. It sometimes felt cliche, but, since it was written almost 20 years ago, it's likely one of the earlier books to use some of these tropes. It's mostly (mostly) spot on for the target age, and there was a lot of excitement throughout.

There were some weaknesses to the story. Seth was particularly annoying, he repeatedly could not control his impulses, and this ended up getting himself and others in serious danger. It happened often enough to be really aggravating, if it had happened less, or if it sometimes didn't end in disaster, it would make more sense that he never learned from these blunders. But, no, he just did what he wanted to do repeatedly, and every time things went worse than the last time. Kendra had a good arc, really challenging herself just before the climax. However, the actual climax was mostly Kendra's allies and the main baddies fighting, with the good guys just watching. Pretty underwhelming. I also don't appreciate that a recurring part of the story is hiding things from family members, and in the conclusion Kendra and Seth hide the events of the summer from their parents. It makes sense in the story, but, I'm getting pretty sick of this trope, and don't think it's the healthiest lesson for young readers.

Other parts of the book I was okay with, but feel that some (young) readers might not enjoy. There was some surprisingly intense body horror that might be too much for some kids. And the foreshadowing for future books was a little heavy-handed, though not intolerable.


]]> Kid Beowulf 2544507
This edition of Kid Beowulf was originally self-published under the Ambition Studios (2004) label and later reprinted under Lexpress (2005). It features a very early version of the Kid Beowulf story, which is no longer canon.

Elements of this version were used in the revised and redrawn black and white book "Kid Beowulf and the Blood-Bound Oath" originally published in 2008.

"Kid Beowulf: The Blood-Bound Oath" was remastered and republished as a full color edition in 2017 through Andrews McMeel Publishing.]]> 200 Alexis E. Fajardo 0974600016 Geordie 0 to-read 4.62 Kid Beowulf
author: Alexis E. Fajardo
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Beginning Pearls (Volume 1) (Pearls Before Swine Kids)]]> 16145516
Meet the always hilarious cast of Pearls Before Swine . Heading the cast is Rat, a mean-spirited rodent who lives with the trusting and simple-minded Pig. Their supporting cast includes the highly intellectual Goat; the meek and defenseless Zebra; and the hungry and incompetent Crocs. With cartoons specially chosen for young readers, Beginning Pearls retains the strip's signature dark humor and outlandish puns!

Ěý

ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý]]> 224 Stephan Pastis 1449423035 Geordie 0 to-read, library 4.08 2013 Beginning Pearls (Volume 1) (Pearls Before Swine Kids)
author: Stephan Pastis
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/29
shelves: to-read, library
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind (Momo Arashima #1)]]> 61421552
But then Momo's mother falls gravely ill, and a death hag straight out of those childhood stories attacks Momo at the mall, where she's rescued by a talking fox . . . and "normal" goes out the window. It turns out that Momo's mother is a banished Shinto goddess who used to protect a long-forgotten passageway to Yomi--a.k.a. the land of the dead. That passageway is now under attack, and countless evil spirits threaten to escape and wreak havoc across the earth.

Joined by Niko the fox and Danny--her former best friend turned popular jerk, whom she never planned to speak to again, much less save the world with--Momo must embrace her (definitely not normal) identity as half human, half goddess to unlock her divine powers, save her mother's life, and force the demons back to Yomi.]]> 384 Misa Sugiura 0593564065 Geordie 3
All around, it's not impressive, but it is decent. I liked the dive into Japanese mythology, and some of the adaptations to modern time were quite clever. The protagonist, Momo Arashima, struggles in a variety of ways, and also matures and gains confidence pretty naturally.

Unfortunately the only really exceptional thing about the book is its novel use of Japanese culture and legend. It's otherwise pretty generic, with a few glaring weaknesses. The biggest by far is its length - for a middle-school book, this novel is LONG. And not just long for the genre, but straight up needlessly long. There is recurring inter-character conflict with Momo's closest allies, with Danny being shallow, and Niko being a liar. These issues come up over and over and over... practically every chapter we get reminded of them, after the first couple times it adds nothing. This book could have easily lopped 50 pages off by turning these conflicts into mini-arcs of 'intro, development, conclusion', instead of dragging them out so much.]]> 3.85 2023 Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind (Momo Arashima #1)
author: Misa Sugiura
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/13
date added: 2024/10/15
shelves:
review:
This is a middle-school fantasy set in modern day and incorporating a variety of Japanese myths and legends.

All around, it's not impressive, but it is decent. I liked the dive into Japanese mythology, and some of the adaptations to modern time were quite clever. The protagonist, Momo Arashima, struggles in a variety of ways, and also matures and gains confidence pretty naturally.

Unfortunately the only really exceptional thing about the book is its novel use of Japanese culture and legend. It's otherwise pretty generic, with a few glaring weaknesses. The biggest by far is its length - for a middle-school book, this novel is LONG. And not just long for the genre, but straight up needlessly long. There is recurring inter-character conflict with Momo's closest allies, with Danny being shallow, and Niko being a liar. These issues come up over and over and over... practically every chapter we get reminded of them, after the first couple times it adds nothing. This book could have easily lopped 50 pages off by turning these conflicts into mini-arcs of 'intro, development, conclusion', instead of dragging them out so much.
]]> Foiled (Foiled, #1) 7159898
She's invisible at high school.

She's too visible at the fencing gym.

Aliera's starting to wonder...where does she belong?]]> 160 Jane Yolen 1596432799 Geordie 3 hannah, graphic-novels
Certainly not a terrible book, but, there's no way to describe it but weird. I don't understand a lot of the choices, the mood, the genre, and so forth. Aliera was interesting and easy to empathize with, but the side-characters were badly underdeveloped. I want to see what happens in the sequel, but it'll have to be pretty stellar to make up for this book teasing much more than it provided.]]> 3.53 2010 Foiled (Foiled, #1)
author: Jane Yolen
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2010
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/13
date added: 2024/10/14
shelves: hannah, graphic-novels
review:
I really like Jane Yolen, and illustrator Mike Cavallaro's art really brings this story to life. However, this is a weird book, and it's very hard to get into. Aliera is a fencing prodigy who doesn't fit in with her peers. She has a crush on a handsome but creepy new kid at school, she moons around for him for about 2/3rds of the book and then, abruptly the story turns into an urban fantasy. Like, literally more than half way through with practically no hints that this was coming. Some great secrets are revealed, other secrets are hinted at, and then the book kind of fizzles to an end, with some set-up for the sequel, but no strong pay-off for this book.

Certainly not a terrible book, but, there's no way to describe it but weird. I don't understand a lot of the choices, the mood, the genre, and so forth. Aliera was interesting and easy to empathize with, but the side-characters were badly underdeveloped. I want to see what happens in the sequel, but it'll have to be pretty stellar to make up for this book teasing much more than it provided.
]]> <![CDATA[Curses! Foiled Again (Foiled, #2)]]> 15792851
This time her cousin and best friend, Caroline joins her in both the human and the faerie realms--where the stakes are higher than ever.

And then there's the Unseelie-defector-troll Avery tagging along, Baba Yaga herself, and much, much more that is rarely what it seems.]]> 160 Jane Yolen 1596436190 Geordie 0 to-read, library 3.62 2013 Curses! Foiled Again (Foiled, #2)
author: Jane Yolen
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/13
shelves: to-read, library
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Doomful of Sugar (Maple Syrup Mysteries, 1)]]> 60046857 First in a new cozy mystery series!

There's nothing sweet about murder�

Leila Khoury has always believed that everyone loved her father as much as they loved his artisanal maple syrup. But when he's killed, and she returns to Sugar Ridge, Vermont to take over his business, she starts to realize how much of his life she's left untapped.

With her brother under suspicion, her mother just barely holding it together, and police not producing any leads, Leila will have to investigate herself if she wants answers about her father's sticky end. But the more she learns, the more she worries that there won't be a sappy ending to the story.

A cozy mystery perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke, this edition includes 5 delicious maple recipes for mystery readers with a sweet tooth!

]]> 308 Catherine Bruns 1728253934 Geordie 2 2-and-a-half-stars
This was a decent read, and certainly superior to a lot of other cozy duds I've read over the years. Leila was a well-defined character, and it was really refreshing to have a minority lead character (she and her family are Lebanese Americans), especially when her heritage was well-described, but only one aspect of her character and personality. I wasn't wild for the romance, but that just might be me, I'm here for a mystery, not a love story. Compared to other books where the romance trumped the mystery (not to mention the ones where the love interest was either a jerk or a personality-less cardboard cutout), this romance was FAR better. The descriptions of Vermont and the maple farm were quite good. The side characters were pretty likable, and the family dynamic believable.

What unfortunately brought the book down was the murder investigation. It felt really weakly thought out, and often caused Leila to feel, well, not very bright. To start with, we often have cozy sleuths trying to solve murder mysteries because the local police are uncaring or incompetent. In this book the police chief was actually a good friend of Leila's family, doing all he could to solve the mystery. Leila's motivation to investigate the murder (potentially messing up the chief's investigation) never felt true to life. It might be a cliche to have police be incompetent or barking up the wrong tree, but if the author had gone that direction it would have made Leila's investigation feel far more believable! Though it also would have been nice if Leila's investigation had been better thought out. A few times she wanted to talk to a suspicious character in town, and just showed up at their door, thinking "I'll figure out a way to subtly excuse for this visit eventually." She knew an associate of her father's had to be the murderer, but never considered some of them. And though she initially suspected the love interest, she decided that was absolutely impossible on finding out what a "good dad" he was. It felt like a bad editing choice to have the love interest say "I could never do something that'd get me arrested, my daughter needs me too much" and later say "ANYONE is capable of murder." Which one is it? And finally, while I appreciate that Leila is a proactive sleuth, pretty much every clue she comes across is a matter of luck, or the murderer making laughable errors covering up their trail.

Overall a pleasant cozy with a gutsy main character, but a pretty middling mystery at the core of it.]]> 3.95 2022 A Doomful of Sugar (Maple Syrup Mysteries, 1)
author: Catherine Bruns
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2024/10/08
date added: 2024/10/12
shelves: 2-and-a-half-stars
review:
Leila Khoury's father ran one of the biggest Maple Syrup farms in all Vermont, until his untimely, and suspicious, death. Leila gives up her teaching job to return and run the family farm. As much as she loves it, her first devotion is to finding her father's murderer and bringing them to justice.

This was a decent read, and certainly superior to a lot of other cozy duds I've read over the years. Leila was a well-defined character, and it was really refreshing to have a minority lead character (she and her family are Lebanese Americans), especially when her heritage was well-described, but only one aspect of her character and personality. I wasn't wild for the romance, but that just might be me, I'm here for a mystery, not a love story. Compared to other books where the romance trumped the mystery (not to mention the ones where the love interest was either a jerk or a personality-less cardboard cutout), this romance was FAR better. The descriptions of Vermont and the maple farm were quite good. The side characters were pretty likable, and the family dynamic believable.

What unfortunately brought the book down was the murder investigation. It felt really weakly thought out, and often caused Leila to feel, well, not very bright. To start with, we often have cozy sleuths trying to solve murder mysteries because the local police are uncaring or incompetent. In this book the police chief was actually a good friend of Leila's family, doing all he could to solve the mystery. Leila's motivation to investigate the murder (potentially messing up the chief's investigation) never felt true to life. It might be a cliche to have police be incompetent or barking up the wrong tree, but if the author had gone that direction it would have made Leila's investigation feel far more believable! Though it also would have been nice if Leila's investigation had been better thought out. A few times she wanted to talk to a suspicious character in town, and just showed up at their door, thinking "I'll figure out a way to subtly excuse for this visit eventually." She knew an associate of her father's had to be the murderer, but never considered some of them. And though she initially suspected the love interest, she decided that was absolutely impossible on finding out what a "good dad" he was. It felt like a bad editing choice to have the love interest say "I could never do something that'd get me arrested, my daughter needs me too much" and later say "ANYONE is capable of murder." Which one is it? And finally, while I appreciate that Leila is a proactive sleuth, pretty much every clue she comes across is a matter of luck, or the murderer making laughable errors covering up their trail.

Overall a pleasant cozy with a gutsy main character, but a pretty middling mystery at the core of it.
]]> Odd and the Frost Giants 2108198 And Odd has run away from home, even though he can barely walk and has to use a crutch.
Out in the forest he encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle - three creatures with a strange story to tell.
Now Odd is faced with a stranger journey than he had ever imagined.
A journey to save Asgard, City of the Norse Gods, from the Frost Giants who have invaded it.
It's going to take a very special kind of boy to defeat the most dangerous of all the Frost Giants and rescue the mighty Gods. Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever.
Someone just like Odd...]]> 97 Neil Gaiman 0747595380 Geordie 3 3-and-a-half-stars, hannah
Odd was clever and likable, and his "animal" companions were fun, but I really don't get what the story was hoping to convey.

Update; After reading this a second time I feel I might have been a little harsh. It's a good read for the target audience (my daughter really liked it), and the prose was rather good without being over the head of that audience. Still, the ending was pretty lackluster, I don't know if it was supposed to be funny, or if Gaiman just couldn't think of any other way for Odd to emerge victorious. But basically a lot of nothing happened and the titular Frost Giant just shuffled out of the book without much effort. ]]> 3.95 2008 Odd and the Frost Giants
author: Neil Gaiman
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/05
date added: 2024/10/12
shelves: 3-and-a-half-stars, hannah
review:
I love Neil Gaiman, but this is not one of his best works - in fact, it almost feels to me like it was written in one stream of free writing; it lacks the typical poetry of his works, and I fail to see what (if any) message it was trying to relate.

Odd was clever and likable, and his "animal" companions were fun, but I really don't get what the story was hoping to convey.

Update; After reading this a second time I feel I might have been a little harsh. It's a good read for the target audience (my daughter really liked it), and the prose was rather good without being over the head of that audience. Still, the ending was pretty lackluster, I don't know if it was supposed to be funny, or if Gaiman just couldn't think of any other way for Odd to emerge victorious. But basically a lot of nothing happened and the titular Frost Giant just shuffled out of the book without much effort.
]]> <![CDATA[Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (Ernest Cunningham, #1)]]> 60669112
I'm Ernest Cunningham. Call me Ern or Ernie. I wish I'd killed whoever decided our family reunion should be at a ski resort, but it's a little more complicated than that.

Have I killed someone? Yes. I have.

Who was it?

Let's get started.

EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE

My brother

My stepsister

My wife

My father

My mother

My sister-in-law

My uncle

My stepfather

My aunt

Me]]> 384 Benjamin Stevenson Geordie 3
This was definitely a fun read. The prose was good, including the wit, and there was a touch of black humor that was delivered well. The book was full of twists, but it was well plotted out, and though there were a few misdirections, at no point was the reader lied to or kept in the dark. The emotional moments were also done well, and the threats felt very real. The author (and Ernest) were very genre savvy, and the different amounts of satirizing and also paying respect to mystery tropes were smart and fun.

The conclusion wasn't awful, but it was pretty disappointing. The events and clues fits together nicely, but the motive for the murder was, well, a non-motive; the murder was committed for no reasonable reason at all. It also felt like it was stealing too many aspects from a classic mystery [spoilers removed]. Maybe it's a tribute or homage? I would have preferred more creativity!]]> 3.83 2022 Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (Ernest Cunningham, #1)
author: Benjamin Stevenson
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/02
date added: 2024/10/03
shelves:
review:
As the title says, everyone in Ernest's family is responsible for killing someone in some way or another. But when the family gathers for a prickly reunion there is a new killing. Not an accident, self-defense or even the result of emotions run wild, but a gruesome and calculated murder. Ernest, a would-be writer and the most estranged member of the fractured Cunningham family, joins various allies and loved ones, as well as "allies" and "loved ones", to try to figure out the murder, and all the other tragic death's in his family's past.

This was definitely a fun read. The prose was good, including the wit, and there was a touch of black humor that was delivered well. The book was full of twists, but it was well plotted out, and though there were a few misdirections, at no point was the reader lied to or kept in the dark. The emotional moments were also done well, and the threats felt very real. The author (and Ernest) were very genre savvy, and the different amounts of satirizing and also paying respect to mystery tropes were smart and fun.

The conclusion wasn't awful, but it was pretty disappointing. The events and clues fits together nicely, but the motive for the murder was, well, a non-motive; the murder was committed for no reasonable reason at all. It also felt like it was stealing too many aspects from a classic mystery [spoilers removed]. Maybe it's a tribute or homage? I would have preferred more creativity!
]]> <![CDATA[Reynard's Tale: A Story of Love and Mischief]]> 60316949
Inspired by the 12th century tales of the indomitable trickster fox Reynard, this offbeat tribute to the archetypal rogue has a satisfyingly old-fashioned feeling to it. Although this Reynard adventure is entirely the creation of modern fairytale master Ben Hatke (Mighty Jack), it fits seamlessly into the body of Reynard tales still beloved in Europe to this day.

Featuring evocative, charming black-and-white illustrations and a swiftly moving narrative, Reynard's Tale follows our hero through a series of encounters with other classic figures from this body of folklore to piece together a headlong journey through a perilous landscape filled with murderers, kings, ex-lovers, mermaids, and even Death herself.]]> 80 Ben Hatke 1250857910 Geordie 4 3-and-a-half-stars 3.81 Reynard's Tale: A Story of Love and Mischief
author: Ben Hatke
name: Geordie
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/10/03
shelves: 3-and-a-half-stars
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Science Comics: Crows: Genius Birds]]> 55893611 That's something to crow about! Learn all about these genius birds in Kyla Vanderklugt's Science Crows, the latest volume in First Second’s action-packed nonfiction graphic novel series for middle-grade readers!Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic—dinosaurs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, robots, and more. These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, these books are for you!Did you know that crows make their own tools, lead complex social lives, and never forget a human face? Scientists are just beginning to unlock the secrets of the crow's brain to discover how these avian Einsteins can be as smart as some primates, and even perform some of the same cognitive feats as human children! Crows have problem-solving skills that will make you you rethink what it means to be a bird brain!]]> 128 Kyla Vanderklugt 1250781582 Geordie 4 hannah 4.44 2020 Science Comics: Crows: Genius Birds
author: Kyla Vanderklugt
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/10/01
shelves: hannah
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Tilly and the Lost Fairytales (Pages & Co., #2)]]> 42427479
Tilly Pages is a bookwanderer; she can travel inside books, and even talk to the characters she meets there. But Tilly’s powers are put to the test when fairytales start leaking book magic and causing havoc . . .Ěý

On a wintery visit to Paris, Tilly and her best friend Oskar bravely bookwander into the land of fairytales to find that characters are getting lost, stories are all mixed-up, and mysterious plot holes are opening without warning. Can Tilly work out who, or what, is behind the chaos so everyone gets their happily-ever-after?

The second enthralling tale in the bestselling PAGES CO series.]]> 400 Anna James 0008229902 Geordie 3
Like the first book, there was some good writing in this book, including good pacing and stakes, and the incorporation of popular books and fairytales was really clever. Unfortunately, in terms of character the book was a huge disappointment. Tilly and Oskar developed a lot in the first book - in this one they didn't develop at all, maybe even regressing a little. And the plot felt contrived at points. [spoilers removed]

A lot of this book was setting up for future books in the series, and it felt sadly forced at times. I feel this could have been better handled by the author, especially since it made Tilly (and others) hard to sympathize with. It was good enough that I'm intending to read the next book in the series, but I hope the characterization goes better in that one!]]> 4.14 2019 Tilly and the Lost Fairytales (Pages & Co., #2)
author: Anna James
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/26
date added: 2024/10/01
shelves:
review:
In the second book in the series, Tilly and Oskar use their abilities to bookwander to visit different fairytales. However, they find that fairytales are bleeding together and warping in bizarre ways. At the same time, leadership is changing for the worse in the Underlibrary, and it looks like these two issues might be connected somehow.

Like the first book, there was some good writing in this book, including good pacing and stakes, and the incorporation of popular books and fairytales was really clever. Unfortunately, in terms of character the book was a huge disappointment. Tilly and Oskar developed a lot in the first book - in this one they didn't develop at all, maybe even regressing a little. And the plot felt contrived at points. [spoilers removed]

A lot of this book was setting up for future books in the series, and it felt sadly forced at times. I feel this could have been better handled by the author, especially since it made Tilly (and others) hard to sympathize with. It was good enough that I'm intending to read the next book in the series, but I hope the characterization goes better in that one!
]]> <![CDATA[Tilly and the Map of Stories (Pages & Co., #3)]]> 52710928 Third in the modern-classic and bestselling bookwandering series that celebrates all that is best in life: books, adventure, friendship � and cake.

Strange things are happening. A man comes into Pages Co looking for a book� then suddenly can’t remember it. Tilly and her family feel like the world is changing � but can’t quite put their finger on why.

Meanwhile, the Underwoods are expanding their control over bookwandering � and they still have their sights set on Tilly. Leaving the safety of the bookshop, Tilly heads to America to find the legendary Archivists and save bookwandering�

� or at least, that’s the plan. Wandering in layers of story, Tilly and her friend Oskar come up against dangers they could never have expected, team up with an unexpectedly familiar face, and ultimately find themselves taking on the biggest threat to stories there has ever been � with only their courage and ingenuity to help them. As well as some of their dearest fictional friends…]]> 448 Anna James 0008229945 Geordie 0 to-read 4.18 2020 Tilly and the Map of Stories (Pages & Co., #3)
author: Anna James
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Plain Jane and the Mermaid 180729678 From Eisner Award winner Vera Brosgol comes an instant classic about courage, confidence, and inner beauty.

Jane is incredibly plain. Everyone says so: her parents, the villagers, and her horrible cousin who kicks her out of her own house. Determined to get some semblance of independence, Jane prepares to propose to the princely Peter, who might just say yes to get away from his father. It’s a good plan!

Or it would’ve been, if he wasn’t kidnapped by a mermaid.

With her last shot at happiness lost in the deep blue sea, Jane must venture to the underwater world to rescue her maybe-fiancé. But the depths of the ocean hold beautiful mysteries and dangerous creatures. What good can a plain Jane do?

From Vera Brosgol, the author of Anya's Ghost and Be Prepared, comes an instant classic that flips every fairy tale you know, and shows one girl's crusade for the only thing that matters—her own independence.]]> 368 Vera Brosgol 1250314852 Geordie 4
This was a really fun middle-school book. The pacing wasn't always spot on, but the overall plot was excellent. Pretty much every character developed over time, becoming more relatable and likable. There was a frequent pattern of failing and then trying again, which helped make the villains threatening, and also helped demonstrate that Jane and others were developing resourcefulness and perseverance. The art was good, with a tinge of creepy that was imaginative, but not too much for the target audience. The lessons of the book are pretty overt, but important nonetheless, and Jane's transition from being pitied to being in charge of her own life was a perfect example for young readers.]]> 4.31 2024 Plain Jane and the Mermaid
author: Vera Brosgol
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/24
date added: 2024/09/26
shelves: 4-and-a-half-stars, graphic-novels, hannah
review:
Jane has spent all her life being shamed for her appearance by her family and her peers. She makes the ill-considered choice to try to marry Peter, the handsomest boy in town, half out of a crush, half out of an attempt to finally take some control of her own life. Only, a mermaid also has her eyes on Peter, and Jane's attempts to get Peter back plunge her into a series of perils and adventures.

This was a really fun middle-school book. The pacing wasn't always spot on, but the overall plot was excellent. Pretty much every character developed over time, becoming more relatable and likable. There was a frequent pattern of failing and then trying again, which helped make the villains threatening, and also helped demonstrate that Jane and others were developing resourcefulness and perseverance. The art was good, with a tinge of creepy that was imaginative, but not too much for the target audience. The lessons of the book are pretty overt, but important nonetheless, and Jane's transition from being pitied to being in charge of her own life was a perfect example for young readers.
]]> <![CDATA[Lady of Ch'iao Kuo: Warrior of the South, Southern China, A.D. 531 (Royal Diaries)]]> 39941945
2nd Month, 3rd Day
...There was once a time when the Chinese could just make up stories and write them down.
They didn't have to be afraid of enemies attacking. They could make gardens instead of forts. They could walk out at night without weapons and look up at stars.
Master Chen calls it "peace."
It is hard to think there really is such a thing. I find it easier to believe that a warrior can fly through the stars in a magic chariot.
However the history books and Master Chen all say peace really existed.]]> 300 Laurence Yep Geordie 4 4-and-a-half-stars, hannah
This was a VERY heavy book. Though it wasn't graphic, it addressed war and death very directly. Some of the characters who were lost, how they died, and also the tragic way some people survived, almost moved me to tears. It was great to see how the princess used her wits to keep people together and fight the enemy. It was also very thought out, as many books might condemn war, revenge and killing as bad without explaining why. This book really brutally shows how they ruin lives and people, when humanity can be so much better.

Great read, rough at times, but my favorite in the Royal Diaries series so far. ]]> 4.04 2001 Lady of Ch'iao Kuo: Warrior of the South, Southern China, A.D. 531 (Royal Diaries)
author: Laurence Yep
name: Geordie
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/24
date added: 2024/09/25
shelves: 4-and-a-half-stars, hannah
review:
The story of a princess of the Hsien, a tribal group in southern China, set in 531 A.D. All based on real history, this was a great read. There are no end of struggles for the protagonist, as circumstances grow worse and worse. She starts out studying at a Chinese colony, embracing learning and diplomacy, even though most of the Han Chinese treat her like a sub-human primitive. The serious topics of racism, education and cultural divides all become secondary when war breaks out with another tribe that threatens to wipe out the Chinese colonists and her own people.

This was a VERY heavy book. Though it wasn't graphic, it addressed war and death very directly. Some of the characters who were lost, how they died, and also the tragic way some people survived, almost moved me to tears. It was great to see how the princess used her wits to keep people together and fight the enemy. It was also very thought out, as many books might condemn war, revenge and killing as bad without explaining why. This book really brutally shows how they ruin lives and people, when humanity can be so much better.

Great read, rough at times, but my favorite in the Royal Diaries series so far.
]]>