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stewardofbooks's reviews
197 reviews
Goblin Market by Diane Zahler
4.0
Delightful and just a little bit dark, this story is definitely going on my shelf for my own kids one day!
Lizzie loves her life on the little farm with her parents and sister, Minka. She wouldn't change it for all the world and she doesn't imagine that anyone would. She and Minka love each other dearly and nothing can change that, can it? All is well until Minka comes back from the market with a secret. At first, Lizzie is not too worried, a little upset yes, but not worried. But as time passes, the secret becomes a terrible thing with frightening consequences. Minka is not the cheerful, funny, loving sister she was. By the time that Lizzie figures out that the zduszes (mythical goblins) are involved, Minka has disappeared. It is up to shy, nervous Lizzie to conquer her own fears to rescue the person she loves most. She has to, because who will believe her when she comes to them with a children's fairy tale as proof?
I adored this story! The author clearly knows her audience well. The book is a perfect blend of adventure, creepiness and a little bit of innocent romance for younger readers. Lizzie is an endearing and fascinating main character and I loved how she comes to grips with a world that often terrifies her, all for the sake of her beloved sister. The idea of love (between family, siblings, friends, strangers) is central, what love is, can be and also isn't. Beautiful story!
Lizzie loves her life on the little farm with her parents and sister, Minka. She wouldn't change it for all the world and she doesn't imagine that anyone would. She and Minka love each other dearly and nothing can change that, can it? All is well until Minka comes back from the market with a secret. At first, Lizzie is not too worried, a little upset yes, but not worried. But as time passes, the secret becomes a terrible thing with frightening consequences. Minka is not the cheerful, funny, loving sister she was. By the time that Lizzie figures out that the zduszes (mythical goblins) are involved, Minka has disappeared. It is up to shy, nervous Lizzie to conquer her own fears to rescue the person she loves most. She has to, because who will believe her when she comes to them with a children's fairy tale as proof?
I adored this story! The author clearly knows her audience well. The book is a perfect blend of adventure, creepiness and a little bit of innocent romance for younger readers. Lizzie is an endearing and fascinating main character and I loved how she comes to grips with a world that often terrifies her, all for the sake of her beloved sister. The idea of love (between family, siblings, friends, strangers) is central, what love is, can be and also isn't. Beautiful story!
Alexander X by Edward Savio
4.0
Fast-paced, funny and exciting, this book had me completely hooked right from the start. Alexander and his two closest friends are on the run from a dangerous man who wants to destroy the modern world. The catch; Alexander is 1500 years old and the villain has been planning this for centuries. I loved the first-person point of view and Alexander's dry humor. The narrator was brilliant. The author weaves history and the present together to create an intricate story with new twists every chapter. As Alexander fights for his freedom and his friends' lives, he is also forced to confront who he really is and he has to face his long past (with its secrets) and uncertain future in a way he never has before. He loves his friends, who have accidentally become wrapped up in the chaos, but how much should he really tell them? I will definitely be reading the sequels.
(listened to the audiobook on NetGalley)
(listened to the audiobook on NetGalley)
Death on a Deadline by Joyce St. Anthony
4.0
'Death on a Deadline' is perfect for all the lovers of cozy mysteries out there! I loved the setting, it is a fresh story of the war times of that era and gives a very different perspective on what went on 'back home' during World War 2. In the little town Progress everyone is geared up to support the town fair where a number of actors are participating in a war bond drive. The town is shaken up when one of the actors is found dead on the fairgrounds. Irene, the local newspaper editor decides to investigate. At first the suspect seems to be obvious, either his wife or her angry father but it soon becomes clear that this man had a lot more enemies. Irene Ingram is a delightful heroine, tenacious and smart but also kind and gentle. In between the investigation, the ongoing war is on everyone's mind and no one is untouched by it. I will be looking out for more Irene Ingram mysteries.
Mouse by Scott Stedman
5.0
Mouse's name seems very descriptive of who she is: an orphan, shy, lonely, uncertain of her place in the world, not good with social interactions, unwanted by her various foster families, always being passed on to someone else. But Mouse is also smart, determined and on a mission. She wants to know who she is, where she comes from and above all, who her parents are. When she discovers coding a whole new world opens up. A world she understands and fits into. As Mouse uses her newfound skills to start hunting for information, her life takes a surprising new turn. She finds herself in a fancy, technology-centered new school and makes her first real friends. It seems too good to be true and to some extent it is. There is something mysterious going on and somehow it all seems to revolve around Mouse. Can she find the answers before it's too late?
I loved this book. It is a beautiful story of learning to accept and find yourself, of never giving up and of growing up. Mouse's character development is really well done and I got all emotional while I watched her grow! I also really enjoyed the coding and tech details even though it isn't something I know a lot about. It was also refreshing to read a YA book that did not have romance as an essential part of the story. Mouse's friendships are real and sweet and innocent and still not without drama or emotion. (Romance is cute and all but I often get tired of the same love triangle etc. in YA books.) I admire Scott Stedman's attention to detail and worldbuilding. This book is a must for both young and older readers!
I loved this book. It is a beautiful story of learning to accept and find yourself, of never giving up and of growing up. Mouse's character development is really well done and I got all emotional while I watched her grow! I also really enjoyed the coding and tech details even though it isn't something I know a lot about. It was also refreshing to read a YA book that did not have romance as an essential part of the story. Mouse's friendships are real and sweet and innocent and still not without drama or emotion. (Romance is cute and all but I often get tired of the same love triangle etc. in YA books.) I admire Scott Stedman's attention to detail and worldbuilding. This book is a must for both young and older readers!
The Prism Affect by J. Wint, J. Wint
3.0
Jet Stroud suffers from a mysterious condition (ephebus mortem) that no-one he knows of has ever survived. While he isn't physically ill, he is different. He can see and sense things. His eyes glow. When he goes to Skylight University, he is determined to learn more about ephebus mortem and finds a few fellow students with the same condition. As the groups starts investigating, they soon realize that something beyond just a medical condition is going on. They are part of something strange and a little sinister.
I really enjoyed the story setting and plot idea. The world building was interesting and different. I liked the attention to detail in the descriptions of the setting and the sports and a number of other little things. The narrator was very good and was pleasant to listen to. Unfortunately the characters fell a little flat for me. The relationships didn't feel very real. Their interactions were often a little stiff and awkward to read. The last few chapters also felt a little too rushed and the information given to Jet about who he is and his history was confusing. I didn't quite understand how all of it fit together. I suppose more will be explained in the next book(s) but I did want a little more clarity towards the end. Even so, I am still intrigued enough to read the next book.
(listened to the audiobook on NetGalley)
I really enjoyed the story setting and plot idea. The world building was interesting and different. I liked the attention to detail in the descriptions of the setting and the sports and a number of other little things. The narrator was very good and was pleasant to listen to. Unfortunately the characters fell a little flat for me. The relationships didn't feel very real. Their interactions were often a little stiff and awkward to read. The last few chapters also felt a little too rushed and the information given to Jet about who he is and his history was confusing. I didn't quite understand how all of it fit together. I suppose more will be explained in the next book(s) but I did want a little more clarity towards the end. Even so, I am still intrigued enough to read the next book.
(listened to the audiobook on NetGalley)
Not Good For Maidens by Tori Bovalino
3.0
"Are you coming to the market, the market, the market?"
Tori Bovalino is a masterful storyteller. As you follow the Wickett women through the generations in their perpetual struggle against the cruel goblin market, the market grips you too. Years after some nameless incident hurt and changed her mother and aunt's lives, Lou finds herself up against the same nameless terror. The existence of the market has been hidden from her, but she still is not free of its terrible grip. As she struggles to come to grips with her family's painful past, she is thrust headlong into the age-old fight against the bloodthirsty goblin market. Can she make it out again?
This is the second retelling of Christina Rosetti's poem 'Goblin Market' I've read (both totally different) and this one definitely brings the horror of the market to life in a very real way. I enjoyed the multiple points of view from the different time-periods and thought that the two timelines wove into each other really well. I enjoyed the character development in both May and Lou. Parts of the book were a little too gory for me (personal taste) but it only added to the story. Some of the romance felt a little forced and rushed and it would have been nice to see a little more in-depth development of the relationship. The narration was a little slow and uniform, I would love to rather read this book myself. I don't enjoy horror as much as other genres but this was a fun introduction into fantasy horror - a first for me.
Tori Bovalino is a masterful storyteller. As you follow the Wickett women through the generations in their perpetual struggle against the cruel goblin market, the market grips you too. Years after some nameless incident hurt and changed her mother and aunt's lives, Lou finds herself up against the same nameless terror. The existence of the market has been hidden from her, but she still is not free of its terrible grip. As she struggles to come to grips with her family's painful past, she is thrust headlong into the age-old fight against the bloodthirsty goblin market. Can she make it out again?
This is the second retelling of Christina Rosetti's poem 'Goblin Market' I've read (both totally different) and this one definitely brings the horror of the market to life in a very real way. I enjoyed the multiple points of view from the different time-periods and thought that the two timelines wove into each other really well. I enjoyed the character development in both May and Lou. Parts of the book were a little too gory for me (personal taste) but it only added to the story. Some of the romance felt a little forced and rushed and it would have been nice to see a little more in-depth development of the relationship. The narration was a little slow and uniform, I would love to rather read this book myself. I don't enjoy horror as much as other genres but this was a fun introduction into fantasy horror - a first for me.
The Bone Wars by Erin S. Evan
4.0
Unique fossils, mysterious secret societies and a mismatched group of fossil hunters on a mission to prove that they did really find what they found. High school student Molly Wilder is excited to spend her summer as an intern at a fossil dig. She discovers something special but before the team can identify their strange fossil, it is stolen. A wild chase follows as the they start hunting for more evidence of this species.
I really enjoyed this book! It was fast-paced and fun and full of interesting twists and turns. As an ecologist with some knowledge of paleontology, I loved all the details around the field itself but also the history of paleontology. While I liked the different points-of-view, they weren't indicated well and it took a while to figure out who was narrating which section. I loved the characters and the plot and I am looking forward to the next book!
I really enjoyed this book! It was fast-paced and fun and full of interesting twists and turns. As an ecologist with some knowledge of paleontology, I loved all the details around the field itself but also the history of paleontology. While I liked the different points-of-view, they weren't indicated well and it took a while to figure out who was narrating which section. I loved the characters and the plot and I am looking forward to the next book!
The Dragon's Threat by Peter King
3.0
Something about Dejection Island, which has been forgotten by the world for years, is suddenly attracting all kinds of interesting attention from governments and shady individuals alike. Professor Holroyd receives and accepts an assignment to investigate the island's history and suddenly finds himself in the middle of a very sticky web of intrigue, totally out of his depth. It seems that he can't trust anyone. Can he stay alive long enough to find the answers he needs?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is full of interesting history and culture that make the story seem real. The author really did amazing research. I would have liked a little more background into one or two characters' interest in Dejection Island, as well as their personal background. I also think there could also have been a little more about the island itself (in the part where Holroyd finds what he was looking for) but that is just personal preference.
My little old fashioned soul loves the fact that there is minimal blood and gore. Yes there are people who die (it is a thriller after all), but the dead bodies aren't the focus. I appreciate that. As a sensitive reader, I find I struggle with modern thrillers because they are just too gory. The characters were brilliant, complex and unique. It was easy to get invested in them. The action is fast-paced but not in a way that confuses or overwhelms. The only part of the book that fell a little flat for me was the end. After the great build-up and suspense, the reveal just felt too fast. It was like I was still waiting for something to happen and then it was all over.
All in all, I think Peter King's The Dragon's Threat is a really good first novel and I will definitely be recommending it and looking out for his next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is full of interesting history and culture that make the story seem real. The author really did amazing research. I would have liked a little more background into one or two characters' interest in Dejection Island, as well as their personal background. I also think there could also have been a little more about the island itself (in the part where Holroyd finds what he was looking for) but that is just personal preference.
My little old fashioned soul loves the fact that there is minimal blood and gore. Yes there are people who die (it is a thriller after all), but the dead bodies aren't the focus. I appreciate that. As a sensitive reader, I find I struggle with modern thrillers because they are just too gory. The characters were brilliant, complex and unique. It was easy to get invested in them. The action is fast-paced but not in a way that confuses or overwhelms. The only part of the book that fell a little flat for me was the end. After the great build-up and suspense, the reveal just felt too fast. It was like I was still waiting for something to happen and then it was all over.
All in all, I think Peter King's The Dragon's Threat is a really good first novel and I will definitely be recommending it and looking out for his next book.
True Honor by Dee Henderson
4.0
I loved this series. Dee Henderson's blend of action and romance is perfect! Her books are a1l so well-researched. I always enjoy them when I need something positive and uplifting to read.
The Boy Who Never Gave Up: A refugee's epic journey to triumph by Andrew Crofts, Emmanuel Taban
4.0
Young Emmanuel is truly the personification of absolute determination! This is the account of his journey from a poor, barely educated child in one of the most war-torn countries in Africa to a internationally celebrated pulmonologist. He details his early life in South Sudan in an almost matter of fact way, despite the fact that he lived through jail, torture, kidnapping, homelessness and war, all before he was 18. His single-minded perseverance in the pursuit of his ultimate goal is clear from the first few pages right to the end. He had and to some extent still has one goal - to educate himself and work hard so that his family does not need to suffer as he did.
This book hit me hard. It is not necessarily a great work of art in terms of the writing but it is so raw and real that I could not put it down once I started reading. I feel especially close to this story as my family moved to South Sudan around the same time that the author arrived in South Africa as a penniless young man. So many of the people, places and experiences he describes are familiar to me personally. It made the story all the more touching.
The only thing about the book that I disliked is the writing style. It is written very blandly, but at the same time the author is so honest in his descriptions of his life that the book doesn't bore at all. All in all, I really loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys true stories, especially the kind that inspire.
This book hit me hard. It is not necessarily a great work of art in terms of the writing but it is so raw and real that I could not put it down once I started reading. I feel especially close to this story as my family moved to South Sudan around the same time that the author arrived in South Africa as a penniless young man. So many of the people, places and experiences he describes are familiar to me personally. It made the story all the more touching.
The only thing about the book that I disliked is the writing style. It is written very blandly, but at the same time the author is so honest in his descriptions of his life that the book doesn't bore at all. All in all, I really loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys true stories, especially the kind that inspire.