Merry GIFT-mas...for one and all!

It’s the most MAGICAL time of the year and you know what that means...the holidays have arrived! In all the rush and the fuss, it’s easy to forget to make your own list and check it twice because we all know you’ve been nice...or at least naughty in a “still-on-the-nice-list” kind of way, right? Right! If not, you know you know someone that has, and I’m here to give you a little nudge in the direction of a couple titles that should be on those MUST BUY lists for your gifting needs. So whether you’re shopping for the kiddos, your grandparents, friends, or even yourself, there’s bound to be something bookishly delightful in today’s MERRY GIFT-MAS post! Ready, set, here we go… 

His Dark Materials:  Once Upon a Time in the North (GIFT EDITION)

by Phillip Pullman

Illustrated by Chris Wormell 

Knopf | November 13th, 2023

Once upon a time, I read the His Dark Materials trilogy.  Once upon a time, I was ensconced in the world of the North, Lyra, magical companions, DUST, and so much more.  Once upon a time is here once again in this beautifully rendered tale that sweeps us back into the story with gorgeous illustrations to steal your breath away.   If you read (or watched) any of the first stories, you'll remember Iorek Byrinson (the battle ready bear?) fondly, and even perhaps Lee Scoresby with a kind smile on your face.  This is the story of how they first met, so it's technically a prequel to the original trio of books, but that just means that those familiar and those just stepping into this magicial world are on equal footing.  You get to see the adventure before the biggest battle/quest has begun, while meeting those that will play memorable parts in the tales to come...all while having your eyes dazzled along with your mind because of the rich illustrations throughout.  It's an edition that collector's will adore, but readers will cherish just the same.

Three Tasks for a Dragon

by Eoin Colfer

Illustrated by P.J. Lynch 

Candlewick | October 2023

Dragons are definitely a thing right now (well, I guess they were always a thing, but I digress), and so it should come as no surprise that this tale of knights, dragons, and a maiden with magical powers (of a sort) caught my attention, and I think it might do just that for the readers in your life (even yourself!).  The illustrations are grand, the story one of the ages and yet new all the same, and it's something that can be shared with kiddos embarking on their own knightly quests because who doesn't love a challenge, especially when you get to turn the tables on the one's that sent you!

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by Julie Morstad 

Candlewick | October 2023

The author alone would have drawn my attention, but when combined with the curious cover and illustrations, and I was sold.  It's a shorter story in length, but big on presentation, and the first in a projected trilogy of tales.  Puppets of different walks of life, sharing a journey to a most unexpected end...but along the way they draw strength from one another, and build courage within to face whatever comes their way.  A tale that begs to be experienced, whether on ones own, or with an audience!

Oliver’s Great Big Universe

by Jorge Cham 

Amulet | September 2023

An 11 year-old boy taking on middle school while tackling subjects like the Big Bang, Mercury, and sun burps?  I can definitely see this one being a draw to fans of the Wimpy Kid series, and even MacKenzie Blue.  It totes the fact that Science is not a subject to be shunned, nor the person who has an interest in it (score one for STEAM!), and elevates the leading lad for his brainy triumphs.  Grant it, he has a side that could end him on the Naughty List, but who doesn't love a challenge, am I right?

Adventure Game Comics: The Beyond

by Jason Shiga 

Amulet | August 2023

Part book, part graphic novel....part story, part literary escape room, this is definitely a CURIOUS read indeed!  Although it is book 2 in the series, it seems to read perfectly fine on its own, and I'm loving the fact that we, the readers, only become privy to things along the way that the author and illustrator want us to.  We don't start out with all the facts, merely a direction, and it's up to us to follow in order to uncover where we are, why we are, and find a way out.  A good selection for hesitant readers, or those wanting to crossover from one reading style to another without embarking on a lengthy tome.

The Little Match Girl Strikes Back

by Emma Carroll

Illustrated by Lauren Child 

Candlewick | September 2023

Most have heard of the classic Little Match Girl, and while it's a story that spans the ages, this one was written for a new generation.  This one takes the sad tale and spins it in a new direction.  No longer is the little girl doomed to spend her last match on dreams and visions, but empowered to spark change in her circumstances and bring about a revolution (of a sort).  I love the powerful retelling, and the striking illustrations scattered throughout where the pops of color really bring it to life.   A great way to introduce the story of yesteryear, while setting the light of forward motion in the hearts of those taking those steps towards the future. 

Outcasts (Ferryman trilogy, Book 3)

by Claire McFall 

Walker Books US | October 2023

OMG.  When I saw this one land on my doorstep, I legit did a happy dance.  No, you don't understand!  If you haven't read any of the Ferryman trilogy, you really don't know what you're missing.  I've read the first, and second...the third (TADA!) is happily added to my own reading list, and I can't recommend this series of books enough for YA lit fans that love the lush world of folklore and legend brought to life, love found against impossible odds, strength found that could conquer death itself, and ultimately the realization of whether all that fighting, all that pushing against the norm was worth it in the end.  DON'T WALK, RUN TO SNAG THIS TRILOGY!

The Temple of Fortuna (The Wolf Den trilogy, Book 3)

by Elodie Harper 

Union Square & Co | November 23rd, 2023

Book three in The Wolf Den trilogy...of which I have still only read the first (don't judge!).  It's not that I didn't like the first one (you can see how much I did or did not right here on my site if you type the title into the little search bar over there on the left), it's just that it took me a bit because it was darker, and heavier than I imagined, and ye olde reading schedule has been a bit overbooked this year (hence to purposefully open December, and a bit of January...but watch out for February! 😁).  Perhaps I can catch a break and sneak back into the set, but this is definitely one for those that like some historical in their fiction, some romantic elements in their literature, but also keep it to the ADULT READERS because some of the topic matter is definitely geared in that direction.  Don't miss what I've heard has been a trilogy that has gotten better and better with each release!

A Holly Jolly Ever After

by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone 

Avon Books | October 2023

A holiday rom-com with some steamy fun?  Yes please!  Sounds like just to ticket to heat up those cold winter nights...not that it's actually cold down here (we joke that our winter weather passed us last week), but that doesn't mean warming up is frowned at either.  😉  I'd come in from the cold to check out this tale of opposites attract, where catching feelings is easier than dodging a snow ball!

It Had to be a Duke (The Liars’ Club, book 1)

by Vivienne Lorret 

Avon Books | November 28th, 2023

I won this little beauty over on GoodReads (yeah, can you believe it because I STILL can't!), and I'm happy to say it was definitely a title on my wish list...so Merry Christmas to me! 🤶 Spinsters, dukes, enemies to lovers, and fake engagements...color me trope happy!  All I can say is that I love a good Historical Romance and this sounds like a great add to MY reading list, and even more so because it's the first of a new series!  Woo hoo!  Also...GORGEOUS cover, no?

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Special thanks to the publishers, and publicists for the copies for review and feature here today, and to the authors and illustrators for sharing their amazing talent.  (THANK YOU!)  For more information on any titles featured above, feel free to click through the links provided.  Don't forget to snag your copies when you're out and about this holiday season because books are definitely the gift that keeps on giving!

Until next time, happy holidays and remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

Hi there insatiable readers!

How goes your week thus far?  Good I hope.  Mine...ehhh, could be better, could be worse.  The short of it would be I'm hanging in there.

This week has been refreshing what with a little extra time to write up reviews in my usual fashion.  I'm certain not everyone is as happy about that as I since I tend to get a bit wordy when the time presents itself.. but you love me despite that, right?  ^_^  Anywho, onward to today's post....it's a doozy!

The spotlight shines today on a book that made it's debut earlier this year from the good folks over at Knopf Books for Young Readers.  If you're one of THOSE readers that shies away from reading a title because the recommended age group doesn't include your own (as in it's written for younger readers), than I have a few words of advice.....GET OVER IT. 

It may seem rude, it may seem crude...it may seem like an insult from the 80's when words like that were apparently common place ~whistles~ but it is the truth.  There are so many good, no GREAT books that while intended for such and such an age range are perfectly enjoyable to the adult psyche and I for one will not be stopped by seemingly imposed limitations (well, they would be self imposed really because publishers put that on there as a guide for parents/guardians anyway...).  That being said, I give you the fantastical work that is today's feature...intended for younger readers but an adventure YOU CAN'T MISS!  Today's book of choice is....

The Books of Beginning, Book One:

The Emerald Atlas

by

John Stephens

From the publisher...

A snowy winter's night. Three small children are chased from their home by the forces of a merciless darkness. Ten years later, Kate, Michael and Emma are no closer to the truth about what separated their family.

The answer lies with an enchanted atlas.

A short and sweet summary of the wonder that lies within the pages of this novel...but just revealing the top of the iceberg on this title.  Being the first book in a series (trilogy, technically), it could have easily fallen under the curse of the first book.  What curse?  Oh you know...that stage where book one is merely used as a vehicle to introduce everyone and everything without actually getting into the actual story...that curse.  It's not that authors that choose that particular route are unwise in their decision, it's just that we as readers are left wanting MORE than more....we're still seeking sustenance.  This book?  Oh boy...you'll be satisfied and then some....and yet by books end, STILL craving another round.  Let's jump back to the actual story...

So, we begin by meeting our lead characters, three "orphans" left on the river banks of St. Mary's Orphanage.  You might be wondering why I used quotations marks there with the word orphan...am I right?  Ah, fair readers...there is a reason for that, but one I can not divulge entirely.  Suffice it to say that while one is either an orphan or not (usually), these three fall into a new category altogether for the time being.  Ahem...getting back to that story....the children were left there to protect and hide them from those that would do them harm...and then subsequently moved from place to place to place in order to keep their location a secret. 

Landing at the Edgar Allan Poe Home for Hopeless and Incorrigible Orphans (I certainly hope there weren't any promo items with the name because WHEW try fitting that on a key chain!), Kate, Michael and little Emma try their best (sorta) to fly under the radar, when one Mrs. Lovestock (nice name) comes to see about adopting the children.  As usual, things just don't work out (she reminded me a lot of Grue {before his change} on Despicable Me with all her "no this" and "no that") and as their final option for adoption comes and goes, they are shipped out once again.  Final destination....Cambridge Falls.  Sounds picturesque, right?  WRONG.  The surrounding town is peculiar in that it lacks life, color...and children for that matter.  The new orphanage that requested their presence has exactly three orphans....THEM.  The caretakers Ms. Sallow and Abraham are certainly not your usual guardians and what of the tall, thin man that even in shadow eerily resembles a memory that Kate (the eldest) can't fully produce.  There's something amiss in this town...and the children intend to find some answers.  The mystery they uncover will not only change their circumstances but the very world they live in.

Oh the magic that is reading...how I love it so.  If a day goes by without it, I am worse for wear...know what I mean?  I must advise you on this one fair readers...once you begin this reading journey, you won't want to put it down.  Best set some time aside simply to read it straight through...and then a little more time to savor all that you've learned and yearn for the next installment.  The characters are uniquely individual and despite their brother/sister ties, each personality is strong.  This aspect of the children actually leads them on their own adventure filled paths within the book so not only is there the overall story, but smaller ones within it.  Still following me?  Good.  The growth they experience over the course of the tale makes them seem much wiser than their years and in fact they are in some ways...life or death situations will do that to you as well as dealing with a magical heritage that comes out of the blue.  Yep...this is one strong sibling trio and yet the roles given to each of them are not necessarily typical of your average story.  The youngest ends up the bravest...the middle child, somewhat devious but book smart...the eldest, self-sacrificing and true.  Apart they can stand on their own two feet but together they are a force to be reckoned with.



UK Cover

 The story itself was unique in my eyes, not the orphan portion or their being something non-earthly behind the strange happenings about, but the actual meat of the book....and the blank green book they discover on their journey.  I loved how things were revealed piece by piece....never too much nor too little at once.  The pacing was just right to allow readers the opportunity to know each character and explore each location but not overly done to where you got  lost in the explorations.  It would seem (to me at least) that the author's natural writing talents are right at home in the literary arena and I for one welcome the next installment with open hands. 

Recommended reading for 8-ish readers and up.  This is one adventure you should not ignore.  I see in some places it's being toted as the most exciting read since the infamous Harry Potter series.  The most?  That's a very tall bill to fill...but I can definitely say it ranks very high on that comparison list.  To explore this bookish world a bit more in depth, be sure to check out the dedicated website for the series where you can read an excerpt, meet the characters, watch the book trailer and so much more.  Book one is available in hardback now, so be on the lookout for it on a store shelf near you; if you prefer paperbacks, watch for its debut in early 2012.  Book two and three in the series are still unnamed at this time (darn it) but rest assured I'll be on the lookout for both...and holding a spot open on my wish list just for them.

Review copy received courtesy of Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, a division of Random House Children's Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this prolific publisher, be sure to check out their site, or follow along on Twitter!

Until next time...happy reading!