Almost Always by Bobbi Reed

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…where the reading schedule is set long before the month due ever rolls around, but you can always count on the material being fresh.

Today’s featured title is one that I had wanted to feature last month as it has a few wintery themes running about, plus the curious little cover of gingerbread wonder, but alas time got away from me, among other things.  Those other things were more along the lines of my concentration..and unfortunately, interest.  *le sigh*  Yep.  For those readers out there that blog themselves, you know where this is going; for those that don’t, hang tight my friends…we’ll make it through this bumpy ride together.  Whether your halls are still decked or not, it’s time to great today’s book of choice…

Almost Always

By

Bobbi Reed

9781939403032

Cup of Tea Books

About the book…

Here’s the way Eva sees it:  if John is so concerned about her butting into strangers’ lives, he shouldn’t leave her sitting at a table in Bob Evans with nothing to occupy her time…

Enter Cecelia – a pregnant teenager who needs a family for her baby.  Fate has placed her at a table behind Eva and John.  Now Eva has a chance – a chance to give her daughter, Shelly, the one thing Shelly desperately wants.  But nothing is ever as easy as it seems.  Because sometimes daughters are not born to us – they are gifted by desperate teenagers – seated behind us at Bob Evans…

I select my review books carefully, gauging my acceptance or gracious decline by my interest in the book.  The questions I ask myself run the gambit of what does it sound like, do I have  vested interest in the characters or situation, do I feel a desire to know more, and many other choice phrases of pondering.  If initially unclear or if I’m teetering on that little ledge of uncertainty, I look closer at the cover, explore the links provided by the “pitcher” to this “pitchee”, even read the excerpts that were included or are accessible online.  In other words, I do my own version of due diligence because let’s face it, it’s not helping anyone if I accept a title for review that I have absolutely no interest in (not every book is for every reader).  This pans out…to steal a line or rather the title from this book, almost always.  However, there are some instances where my initial impressions don’t hold water fully.  Sadly, such is the case here.

Eva’s intentions were noble, I’ll give her that but the extent to which she carried them with a blind eye to what was really happening, was hard to take.  I think for her it was a case of wishful thinking and maybe a mother’s love, getting in the way of what was right in front of her.  Her easy acceptance of Cecelia’s situation showed she has a big heart, and yet at the same time, she couldn’t extend that heart fully to her own husband’s idiosyncrasies.  I mean, I get it.  In Eva’s mind, John’s former profession was much more ‘manly’, something to talk about and be proud of.  His new pastime in his retirement is a bit more on the frilly side of things, but you know what?  It’s not hurting anyone.  He’s not changed as a person.  He merely wants to put his mind to work on something crafty while still providing aesthetic beauty to his surroundings.  If she can accept a teen’s pregnancy, be open to working on her relationship with her own daughter, and handle the less-than-always-there neighbor, she should be able to handle a bit of confectionery sugar and dried apple witch’s.  Just my opinion…..anywho…

Aside from those in both starring and bit roles, the story itself was….how to put it….just too drawn out.  I think the author was trying to show all the facets of Eva’s life, all the balls she was constantly trying to juggle, but in the end, it proved too much for not only her but readers, well…this reader anyway.  The writing itself was nice enough, and the story certainly filled with messages of acceptance, honesty and a caution against meddling, but I do believe they get lost a bit along the way. 

In the end, it just wasn’t a good fit for my own reading tastes.  The story took too long to develop.  The tale was heartfelt with good intentions but I never could fully connect with the characters; I cared about them, but only just.  Unfortunately, it made for a longer than usual read but I’m not sorry I persevered.  About 2/3 of the way in, we finally unearthed the feelings behind some of the actions seen and by book’s end, we’ve not only welcomed a new life into this fictional world, but seen many people grow beyond their previous selves; something we could only hope to see occur in our own lifetime.  So, although it wasn’t for me, perhaps it is for you!  If you’re looking for a read to while away your time in the “snow-pocalypse”, have run across similar times in your own life where empathy might play a common denominator, or can appreciate when good intentions mixed with a bit of heavy handed butting in go…well, not exactly your way, this may be the read for you.

Review copy received courtesy of author Bobbi Reed and Rebecca at Page Spring Publishing.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site.  This title is available now via Cup of Tea Books, an imprint of Page Spring Publishing, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!

Andi Unexpected by Amanda Flower

Hello!

Welcome friends to the site that reaches over the rainbow to pull out the bookish good in each day just for YOU…Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

So, how much do you know about your family history?  Can you trace your roots back generations upon generations or is your family tree a little more spotty?  Are you perchance named for someone in your family or is your name as unique as the nose on your face (no pun intended)?  Or perhaps though you are unique (because you totally are), your uniqueness isn’t simply NAME deep.  Perhaps it’s what’s inside of you, that thing that makes you, YOU and the discovery of a connection name wise is just a mystery waiting to be solved.  Welcome to Andi’s world!  Today’s book of choice is…

Andi Unexpected

By

Amanda Flower

9780310737018

Zonder Kidz

About the book….

After the sudden death of their parents in the jungles of Central America, twelve-year-old science geek Andora “Andi” Boggs and her diva teenaged sister, Bethany, move to rural Killdeer, Ohio to live with their eccentric twenty-something aunt. And while the timeworn house has been home to the Boggs family for generations, Andi feels far from at home. Exploring the attic in her grief, she discovers proof of another Andora Boggs in the family tree hidden in a Depression-era trunk. Despite the meddling of the citizens of Killdeer, Andi and her new friend, Colin Carter, are determined to find out who this first Andora was, how she vanished, and why no one in town wants to talk about her. As more and more unanswered questions pile up, Andi and Colin must decide who they can trust with their secrets and who is interested in Andora’s story for the wrong reasons.

Andora, aka Andi, was an endearing character....and not merely for her "sweet" nature either.  She was a nice girl, don't get me wrong, and she knew the difference between right and wrong (even if she DID stretch those limits a time or two...it WAS for the greater good!), but she was also tenacious, calculating, and a truth seeker to her core.  So, of course, upon uncovering the little mystery of the "first" Andora, she HAD to know the whole who, what, when, where, and why about it.  The thing is....she never anticipated the reach of the truths she might uncover, nor the lengths to which others would go to claim the info treasure trove as their own.  I'm sorry but making a name for oneself is rather overrated at times...especially when it's put over family.  Tisk tisk Mr. ....well, someone we meet in the story.  ^_^  *ahem*  Anyway....

The supporting cast is equally worthy of notice; from Bethany (her sister) to Colin (her next door neighbor and sidekick in "crime"), Mr. Finnigan (the museum curator) to Miss Addy (the lady of some years that knows everything there is to know about anything in Killdeer, OH).    The discoveries of not only connections, trusts and betrayals along the way but friendships AND enemies, both shock and delight as we're lead from days gone by into the here and now with ease.  Speaking of those transitions...

Author Amanda Flower

I'm not a big fan of Historical Fiction nor a frequent reader of Christian Fiction, and yet I did find myself intrigued by this combination of both.  Perhaps it was the lack of needing to have foreknowledge of the places and times that worked in my favor.  Maybe it was the light handedness used in including the messages from above within the work.  Or better still, it could be the author's talent combined with the fact that it's written for a Middle Grade audience that kept all elements in balance, allowing me (and many of you, I'm sure) to enjoy this read the way it was meant to be.  Oh and before you go thinking this is merely a glimpse into the past without any action or adventure to speak of, think again.  There is danger to be weary of, and the extent to which it is carried out does surprise.  So beware.... ~oooohhhhoooohhhh~  Just kidding, well, at least about the ghostly wail part there.  

ARC for review courtesy of author Amanda Flower.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as her future works, be sure to stop by her site, check out her blog, like her on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  This title was released via ZonderKidz, an imprint of HarperCollins so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you. 

Until next time....happy reading!

In the Hall of the Mountain King by Allison Flannery

Hi gang!

Thanks for stopping by Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers and making reading a part of your day.

We’re rolling out the red carpet today for a Children’s Storybook pick.  It comes to us on the wings of inspiration from across the seas, Norway to be precise, and was inspired by other works of greatness in various fields of creativity…namely music and theater.  Curious?  As was I, and once I saw the cover, that feeling only grew.  Ready to dance with royalty and be dazzled by the unimagined?  Grab your scarf and hat, it gets mighty cold on those mountain tops.  Today’s book of choice is…

In the Hall of the Mountain King

By

Allison Flannery

Illustrated by

Vesper Stamper

9781938633133

Samizdat Publishing

Combining music, lively illustrations and a story simple yet adventurous, this tale has a folkish feel that is sure to enchant readers of all ages.

The story stars young Peer out for a walk turned expedition with his four-legged friend.  While wandering here and there and further than they’ve been before, they stumble upon the Mountain King’s castle.  *cue dramatic music* Never before has he seen the likes of this place, nor will he probably ever again; such a tragedy and yet lucky for our young lad.  How so?  Well, let’s just say that the King of the castle doesn’t exactly take kindly to uninvited visitors which leads to a rather interesting reception when the two come face to face.  *-*

Aside from the excitement built in the story itself, we have the wonderful artwork to dazzle our eyes.  The sharp edges and mix of earth tones and livelier colors such as found in a field of flowers, make for interesting pieces that really bring the Norwegian feel of it all to life.  Don’t know what I mean?  Well, take a look at some of the classic images of Norway, or rather the way it’s depicted; my own mind is wandering back to the World Showcase at Epcot.  Think trolls and rough edges, high peaks and shadowy valleys, sea passages and Vikings.  It mixes the mythical with the magical from the past and presents it in a package easily accessible to today’s reading audience.  Speaking of that audience…

This is not going to be your average sedentary read-along.  No siree.  The author has made sure of that.  How so?  Well, seeing as her other calling in life is as a teacher, Ms. Flannery wanted to invite young minds in for a great story, but also to take part in the adventure.  The included audio CD featuring Edvard Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” as well as four other selections from the “Peer Grynt” suite, ensures that not one but two senses are engaged.  We also have the suggested variations on how to present the story at book’s end to keep things lively courtesy of the author herself, and when combined with the downloadable activities from the official website, what can I say….you’ve got a winner whether read in a classroom or family setting.

Author Allison Flannery

Review copy received courtesy of author Allison Flannery.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, be sure to stop by the official site.  To pick up a copy to call your own, shop from the site directly, or click on over to the big A (< - That’s Amazon…). 

Until next time…happy reading!

Blast from the Past: Chomp by Carl Hiaasen

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when you’re in the mood for something to while the hours away, bookishly of course.

Today, we’re sampling another blast from my reading past with a title that released a year or two ago.  It’s a Children’s Fiction story from an author known both in this genre as well as General Fiction.  It’s been said he has a wicked sense of humor, an active imagination, a penchant for Florida locales and is pretty righteous with wielding the pen.  This being my first venture into his literary world, I have to say…I was not disappointed.  Ready to add a new pick to your wish list or perhaps even reminisce about an old favorite?  Let’s!  Today’s book of choice is…

Chomp

By

Carl Hiaasen

9780375868429

Alfred A. Knopf

About the book…

Wahoo Cray’s life is a zoo – literally.
His father, Mickey is a professional animal wrangler, so Wahoo’s backyard is crawling with gators, snakes, raccoons, monkeys, and turtles.  The critters, he can handle.  His dad is the unpredictable one.
When Mickey Cray takes a job with a reality-TV show called Expedition Survival!, Wahoo knows he’ll be doing some wrangling himself – to keep his father from strangling Derek Badger, the show’s outrageously inept and egotistical star.  The job gets off to a harrowing start when Derek stages a near-disastrous scene with Alice, the Drays’ gigantic gator.
Then things get even hairier after Derek, who foolishly believes his own PR, insists on using only wild animals in his stunts.
Meanwhile, Wahoo has acquired a shadow named Tuna – a girl who’s sporting a shiner courtesy of her father and needs a place to hide out.  Wahoo doesn’t know what else to do but bring her along on their Everglades adventure.
The TV crew is on location for barely a day before Derek gets chomped by a bat and goes missing in a storm.  Then, as search parties gather at the edge of the swamp, Tuna’s dad shows up waving a gun…
Will anyone survive Expedition Survival?

Think of this one as a mixture of Steve Irwin and Jeff Corwin, with middle grade leading man.  Well, come to think of it, Bindi did (or does?) have her own TV and book series, but she’ll represent the femme population.  Anywho…

Wahoo is hands down one of my favorite leading lads.  Why?  Well let’s see, for starters his name is amazing.  No, I wouldn’t name my son that (sorry Wahoo!) but he owns it and it fits him as well as his personality.  Then we have his nature.  For such a young boy, he is remarkably caring and his concern extends not just to his friends and family, but those in need, no matter if they are two, four, or more legged.  Speaking of the two-legged variety…our friend Tuna is a special gal too, though her life has been turbulent in far more dire ways than Wahoo’s; considering he basically lives in a wildlife rehabilitation center, that’s REALLY saying something.  Hey, give me an angry gator (not really) over a drinking, abusive human any day…or at least turn around so you can’t see what I’m about to do to that person.  *grr*  Let’s just say Tuna’s Dad is WAY less than worthy of the title.  Thank goodness Wahoo and his dad are there to lend a hand…even if things do get a wee more than dicey as the story moves along.

Rolling along with the river ripples, we would be negligent if we left out the team that is Extreme Survival…mainly shining the spotlight on Derek of course.  Who’s he?  Well, if you read the synopsis, you’d have at least a hint (^_^) but barring that, he’s the STAR of the show. You know, the main man, the top banana, the one who actually does all the survival practices that are showcased on his amazing show…or wait, maybe not.  Yeah, he might “demand” wild animals only on his show, but umm, don’t let him be the one to handle them.  He manages to tick off the semi-friendly croc that resides at the Cray’s residence and get “attacked” by a bat…which if you know anything about wildlife, you know their bites carry A LOT of disease; hence his running off on his own after being bitten was not only less-than-smart, but also QUITE entertaining.  *ahem*

In conclusion, it’s a deceptively hard hitting book with an ending satisfying on many levels.  The writing allows readers to visit Florida without ever driving South.  Inside the pages you’ll get swept away by the danger the Everglades and the people in them have to offer, caught up in the emotions, revel in the respect shown for animals and habitats (by most at least) and cheer on the good guys when the cheering is good.  There’s a little something for every reader whether boy or girl, young or young at heart, and a few valuable lessons to walk away with as well.  A definite recommendation for older middle grade readers through adults; if any of the elements discussed appeal to you, you won’t be disappointed.

ARC snagged from the reaching hands of my fellow associates at our local bookstore.  (^_^ …just kidding…well, sorta.)  Special thanks to Alfred A Knopf, a division of Random House Books, for spreading the word on their ever growing catalog and sharing special opportunities to read and share titles like this with all of us.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, be sure to stop by their official site.

Until next time…happy reading!

Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when it’s time to celebrate the bookish side of life because you know I’ll always roll out the red carpet any day, any night for THAT gathering.  ^_^

Today, we’re featuring a Young Adult title from the fab folks over at Peachtree Publishers.  (Hi guys!) While their YA collection is small, it is growing and can almost always be counted on for a great read.  This time around…we’ve got another winner!  Ready to meet the next fabulous read that should be gracing your “to read” list?  Here. We. Go.  Today’s book of choice is…

Life in Outer Space

By

Melissa Keil

9781561457427

Peachtree Publishers

About the book…
Sam Kinnison is a geek, and he’s totally fine with that.  He has his horror movies, his awesomely nerdy and loyal friends, World of Warcraft, and a stack of screenplays to finish.  He stays under the radar and out of reach of the “Vessels of Wank and their various minions” who roam the halls.  Life is normal.

When the beautiful Camilla Carter starts at Bowen Lakes Secondary, the school erupts in a flurry of interest of “the new girl” – but Sam couldn’t possibly care less.  Soon though, despite the status quo and Sam’s attempts to ignore her, Camilla becomes increasingly part of his life and stranger still, she likes Star Wars.  Weird.

Sam believes that everything he needs to know can be learned from the movies…but now it looks like he’s been watching the wrong ones. 

This, ladies and gents, was one of those surprising sleeper types of reads.  You know the ones where you went into it thinking..this sounds like a good read…and came out thinking…wow, this was SO much BETTER than I even imagined!   Yep.  That’s the sort of read this is.

Sam is one of THOSE characters.  He’s the lead per se, but unwillingly so…no worries, it makes him more likeable for it.  At times you want to both hug him AND strangle him, the winning emotion being whichever way your fancy took you because both reactions would have been suitable.  You think I’m kidding, don’t you.  Promise…I’m not.  Need examples?  Okay, well how about the time he kissed…and that other time when he totally missed the opportunity to tell her how…and then there’s the time he punched him in the face…but then there was that time his troll danced for her…and the big fight he “staged” to uncover what was going on with and…you see where I’m going with this?  Okay, well maybe not seeing as some of the key players are left out of that run on sentence, but trust me…you don’t want me to spoil the surprise.  With that in mind, I shall continue my assessment…

Despite falling in and out of like with our lead, he will endear himself to you nonetheless.  From his quirky likes and habits, to his reactions to changes in his normal environment, his antics or lack thereof provide for many laugh worthy and hand-to-face moments.  Many readers will connect with him on some level, some might even COMPLETELY identify with him, but rest assured, if you don’t find yourself there, one of the other members of his friendship crew (Mike, Allison and Adrian) will definitely fit the bill…even when they don’t seem to fit each other at times.  Hey, THAT’S the beauty of friendship…it can withstand the best AND worst of times and still be strong in the end.  Now new friendships on the other hand are a whole other beast…please enter Camilla Carter.

She’s a whirlwind and a half, disturbing the peace left and right, and shaking things up both at school and in the lives of Sam and his friends.  I gotta say though, I really liked her character.  The way that she handles herself and any situation that comes her way.  The way she floats in and out of all the social groups regardless of what others think and while doing so, tries to change the WAY they think about each other.  Wanna know a secret?  I liked her even more when we discovered she too has a flaw.  She’s human, not super human, and though she’s in the same boat as Sam and his buds, she chooses to be there and that lends her a whole other shade of cool.

Story wise…we hit highs, we hit lows.  We meet people and risk losing everyone.  We walk to the very edge of reason where sanity is eclipsed by the unspoken desires of our hearts and climb back out again…um, admittedly, a bit worse for wear but with a new understanding about life overall and how important letting those we care about in really is.  You wouldn’t think a Young Adult novel fleshed out with “Vessels of Wank” (aka Jocks…but not the “nice” ones), nerds, gamers, intellects and the like would get into something somewhat heavy now would you?  Didn’t think so…and it sneaks up on you too, all thanks to a screenplay writing WOW geek and his unexpected Princess Leia.  ~smirk~

In conclusion, it’s not a book about life in ACTUAL outer space, but rather that space that we keep around ourselves and create around others based on our own thoughts and preconceived ideas.  It’s also about breaking those barriers down, letting others see the real version of ourselves we sometimes hold TOO close, and being okay with the fact that they may or may not accept us as we are.  It’s a part of life and those worth knowing, those worth caring about will be open to the real you; those that aren’t, well…too bad for them.  ^_^

Recommended read for YA fans and beyond.  Review copy received courtesy of the fab team at Peachtree Publishers.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, blog, Facebook page, or catch up on Twitter.  This title reached publication August of this year, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!

The Book of Someday by Dianne Dixon

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be every day of every season because even if the weather outside is frightful, the reading will ALWAYS be delightful.

Today’s featured title comes to us from the fab folks over at Sourcebooks and stars an author’s second journey into the Fiction genre.  Though I’ve not read her previous work, if this title is any indication of her talent, I’m SO there.  Make room on your wish list, it’s time to greet today’s book of choice…

The Book of Someday

By

Dianne Dixon

From the back cover…

Mysteriously connected and soon to be forever changed, three women begin a story that will haunt you long after they are gone.

Ever since she was a little girl in California, Livvi Gray has been tormented by a nightmare – the image of an eerily beautiful stranger in a shimmering silver dress.  Shortly before Livvi’s thirtieth birthday, she will come face to face with this stranger, an encounter that will not only alter Livvi’s future, but also change much of what she thinks she knows about her past.

The Book of Someday tells Livvi’s story in parallel with that of Micah, a brilliant Boston photographer, and AnnaLee, a young Long Island wife and mother.

Like Livvi, these two women are swiftly moving toward events that will prove to be the ultimate turning points in their lives.  Linked by an unforgettable mystery, they reveal a web of devastating secrets about the unexpected ways in which we choose to protect – and betray – the people we love.

  

It was great getting to know each of the women featured in this story and though each received their time in the spotlight, including one that speaks not a word, none is followed more closely than Livvi…and with good reason.  We get to see her as a child, seeking the attentions of her destroyed father while attempting to outmaneuver her stepmother’s attention (not the good kind either).  We see her as an adult, just learning to stand on her own two feet and being sideswiped by society time and again.  We watch as she grows and changes into the person she was meant to be though it is hard won and not without its setbacks, one that even involves a young child though not of her own flesh and blood.  How easily she loves despite all that she’s encountered is perhaps the truest miracle although allowing herself to feel it, really see it through is another obstacle entirely…no worries though; she’s working on it…and has a helping hand too.

The world needs a soul like Livvi’s; able to share and give of herself to those in need.  I was amazed to see that the story she authored was so close to her heart and yet she was not able to reveal that part of herself to anyone.  All of that brought to the surface and we STILL haven’t even touched on the mysterious woman that plagues her dreams with the memorable dress and pearl button shoes.  You almost can’t help but wonder if she’s completely from her imagination, an enigma of sorts…that is until she makes an appearance in the lives of our other two leads.

Now Micah, she is at the complete opposite end of the spectrum.  A hard hitting presence in her field she specializes in a unique brand of photography…stills with no life.  Yep, that’s right. Zilch.  Zero. Nada. Add to that AnnaLee, a wife and mother, she has no more in common with the other two as they do with her...except this mysterious woman, a story well worth reading and a future that entwines with everything else when all is said and done.  OH, did I mention that the key players in each of these ladies lives ALSO feature prominently in the overall scheme of things so be sure to take note and of their who's and what's while you figure out the why's.  

In conclusion, this is an AMAZING read that will stick with you long after the final “Aha” moment.  Though my attention was captured throughout the story, the final chapters really bring it all home and the connections you find make sense of all the little moments you were patiently waiting on.  I still can’t get over when the big reveal occurred.  I mean I literally gasped, causing several heads to turn in my direction at the time…~whistles~.  Hey, there’s no shame in my game, and when it comes to reading if I turn a few heads, the bigger the audience I have to share a potential great read with. 

Recommended for adult readers who like mystery, love, and second chances as well as multiple narrators, memorable characters and story lines that converge to a satisfying end.  It’s a wonderful mix that I’m happy to spotlight for all of you…and hopefully entice a few of you into my “been there, read that” circle,  ^_^  ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Landmark.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to visit themonline, or follow along on Twitter.  This title reached publication September 2013, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you or online retailer of your choice. 

Until next time…happy reading!

The Thousand Year Curse by Taylor Lavati

Hi there!

Welcome back to another day, another reading adventure…here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re cracking the spine (not literally, perish the thought! ^_^) on a title from the YA Lit genre that’s sure to garner some attention. It’s the first YA release from a young writer who loves to explore the romance of life in her writing from a teenage point of view.  In this story, it seems we’re taking a leaf from her own life adventure, college; more precisely, the Greek system, and the mythology behind it all.  So if you’re ready to get your heart racing, put it all on the line and hunt down the creator of a curse that’s upon you that you never knew existed, grab your toga, it’s time to party!  Today’s book of choice is…

The Curse Books, Book One:

The Thousand Year Curse

By

Taylor Lavati

9781491090862

From the back cover…

Being a teenager isn’t all fun and games for seventeen year old Ryder Mason.  After being thrown down the social hierarchy, Ryder has one goal for her senior year – survive.

Within the first month of school, Ryder goes from bullied teen to a cursed half goddess with two boyfriends.  AS if that wasn’t enough, she travels into the Underworld to confront Hades about the curse and her missing mother.

Ryder delves head first into a Godly world as her knight’s fight to seek her approval, her best friend’s loyalties are tested and people’s true intentions are shown in the first Curse Books novel.

Oh me, oh my.  Where to begin! *le sigh*

Okay, so the story has a lot of doom and gloom, understandably so seeing how Ryder’s life has played out thus far.  I mean she has a good Dad, a great friend (mostly) in Junior (don’t be fooled by the name because he won’t match the image you’re conjuring), and more recently here, two hot guys vying for her attention and causing hormonal races she didn’t know she was even running in.  (FYI on those hormones, the book is rated for a Young Adult audience HOWEVER there are several more than steamy scenes so I’d put it to at least OLDER teens…maybe even adults.)  Sounds good, right?  Yeah…you haven’t heard the OTHER half of this story.  She also has been having weird unexplained dreams, experiencing power surges of the non-electrical variety, blacking out from supposed panic attacks A LOT more than usual, hating on a Mom she never had a chance to know and oh…she just found she’s part god and under a curse thanks to that favorite chap of Greek mythology, Hades.  Yep.  Life’s a walk in the park, right?  Told ya so.

Chalk this new trilogy, well book one of it anyone, up on the tally board for the Greeks.  Yes sir, it’s another trip to the Underworld, but not exactly like I’ve seen it before.  The classics are there, but we get to explore additional areas and meet the man, or rather “god” himself, in an interesting twist.  Good stuff.  Anywho, the majority of the story takes place above ground as Ryder, or more precisely Eurydice, is placed in a tug of war that’s lasted oh for the last several HUNDRED years with varying outcomes based on time, place, and whether or not she met BOTH gents (gods).  Note to readers, when she’s met both (like here), her days were numbered more than usual.  Good thing she’s only met Ollie…oh wait, she met him FIRST.  *-* How could I forget.  (*said with raised eyebrows*)  Hey, you wouldn’t forget these guys either, though I can’t really pin down which one I’d root for when Ryder finally decides.  I mean, Ollie’s got the whole beyond gorgeous, musically inclined gentleman act down pat, but he also has QUITE the temper.  Ari on the other hand seems more kindly and loving but that’s once you get behind his bad boy-esque exterior and I can’t help but feel he’s only sharing info that works in his favor.  Hmm…something to ponder AND enjoy along the way.  Moving forward…

The story is good, in fact I’d even cross that line into the “great” field at times, and the characters certainly make an impression (gotta love her meeting with the “H” man and the fellas, whew!), but the grammar and proper word usage can drive you up a wall.  It’s something that happens to the best of them (authors, I mean) but sometimes it simply plagues a work.  From her acknowledgements, I do believe the author is editing her work herself; not necessarily a bad choice but one has to be EXTRA careful when editing your own words…heck, even in BLOG posts I run into trouble once in a while.  If you’ve ever taken that reading “test” of sorts that has a complete paragraph filled with words made up of letters that are garbley-goo…only the first and last of each remain intact, you know that the brain can do AMAZING things when reading something, including make sense of what would otherwise not make sense…or at least be a hiccup.  The same applies here. 

It doesn’t change the story, but it does distract.  There were several times I had to stop and reread a sentence or paragraph to realign what was being said because either the train of thought was interrupted or the incorrect-yet-spelled-correctly word was used.  If spell check is the primary source of her editing tools, I would certainly reconsider…at the very least, use the type that checks grammar AND spelling.  Better still, if self-editing is her path of choice seeing how she is a student currently and the traditional publishing methods are perhaps still a smidge out of reach, at the very least, READ IT OUT LOUD.  I’ve caught many of my own errors doing just that; hey, no one is perfect!  The sooner we all accept that, the sooner the world can become the kinder place we dream of.

Book 2

In conclusion, an “A” for effort and creativity, but  my ratings take a small dive when factoring in the grammar.  Sorry.  Blame my 8^thgrade English teachers.  It’s just something that REALLY irks me.  In small doses, no biggie; the more, the not-so-merry.  That being said, I will admit I am HOOKED and ready to go on Ryder’s next adventure, whenever that might be available.  The author brings everything introduced full circle and yet still leaves you craving more.  Good call on her part indeed.

Review copy received courtesy of author Taylor Lavati.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as her future works, be sure to stop by her official site, friend her on Facebook or catch her on Twitter.  This book is the first in a planned trilogy and is available now, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf or online retailer of your choice.

Until next time…happy reading!

Adventure ho!: Sir Seth Thistlethwaite and the Soothsayer’s Shoes by Richard Thake

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that aims to be the bookish break in your day…well, at least ONE of them, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re looking back at a title from my reading history last year (hey, it's only the 1st...there's still time for reflection!) that’ll get you tongue tied in a hurry, and have you reaching for the next installment before you can pronounce our leads knightly name.  Don’t believe me?  What?!  You doubt my honesty?  My integrity?  My very name?  Oh…wait…~listens~…not my name but the rest.  Well.  *humpf*  Read on, readers…READ ON.  (^_^) The book of choice for today, my fair lasses and lads, is…

Sir Seth Thistlethwaite and the Soothsayer’s Shoes

By

Richard Thake

Illustrated by

Vince Chui

9781897349939

Owlkids Books, Inc

About the book…

How do you spend a lazy day?
For best buds Seth Thistlethwaite and Ollie Everghettz, it’s a chance to imagine themselves as none other than Sir Seth and Sir Ollie, the Mighty Knights of Right and Honor!

Hauntedly hidden within the bubbling bogs and craggy crevices of rain-soaked High Dudgeon, that poxy Prince Quincy of Poxley has secretly stolen the most magical soothsaying shoes of the wise wizard, Sir Shawn Shrood.

Can our knightly heroes, Sir Seth and Sir Ollie, turn this woeful wrong into a righteous right?  With the help of a saber-toothed sloth, a 3,000-year-old ghost king, fire-breathing bats, and some creatures called bog runners, they just might.

It truly is a marvelous time to be a knight!

Okay, let me just say that if you have a reluctant reader in your home particularly of the male variety (though trust me, females will be just as enchanted), this might just be the book you’ve been waiting for. 

Picture it…two ten-year-old lads plotting the course of their Saturday off with their trusty steed, I mean best ruff pal, Shasta.  Are you thinking pranks?  Are you thinking mischief?  Are you thinking dastardly deeds are afoot?  Wrong!  Think IMAGINATION. Think ADVENTURE.  Think a “magical” escape to a mystical land to save the day, raise a kingdom, and help a distressed damsel (note she’s not in distress, she’s more stressed out by the sitch but with a fairly cool head on her shoulders).  Sound good?  Oh, it gets better.  Add to that the awesome assortment of critters and creatures, both living and a step beyond post mortem (aka ghosts), and you’ve got a fun read for all ages.

To me, it was like a kiddy version of that old David Bowie movie…The Labyrinth.  Well, okay…so without the girl wishing away her brother to the goblin king, get-stuck-in-you-head songs and dancing, and more with the crazy kooky cast of unlikely friends, unusual trials and tribulations, and wordplay fun.  I mean, come on!  Imagining yourself as a knight?  No problem!  Bringing to life the kingdoms, customs, and people that surround…now that takes some talent; these boys DEFINITELY have talent.  I mean as far as I’m concerned, they totally went to Thatchwych Castle guided by Lady Sheri-Sue Shrood in search of the Soothsayer’s shoes because I mean without a little sooth, where would any of us be?  (Sooth = truth …case you were wondering.)  Anywho…

In closing, I shall pass along a few sooths, I mean truths, as I see them to all of you.  First, you can be the BEST soothsayer in the kingdom but without the support of those residing within, it matters not what you say in the least.  Second, be sure to remember the little guys and gals you meet along the way, they’ll be the ones that remember YOU when it counts.  Finally, and perhaps above all else, ALWAYS appreciate those that share your path in life…and let them know how much they count on your scorecard; one never knows how long we’ll be in each others lives to make an impression, make each second count.

Review copy received courtesy of the great folks at Owlkids.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site.  This title is available now so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you or online retailer of your choice…and while YOU’RE doing that, I’LL be adding the other books to my wish list.  Kay?  Kay.  ^_^

Until next time…happy reading!