If you enjoy: Our Flag Means Death Terry Pratchett Douglas Adams Black Sails Pirates of the Caribbean Adventure Anxiety-Riddled Protagonist Sea Serpent matiIf you enjoy: Our Flag Means Death Terry Pratchett Douglas Adams Black Sails Pirates of the Caribbean Adventure Anxiety-Riddled Protagonist Sea Serpent mating Hot Monks who shouldn't be hot Theft from the Government (well...sort of...) Glowing Dogs Cake and Cake Competitions Innuendos Insults Sex LGBTQ Cast of Characters Glowing Ships Ghosts Naughty Sea Shanties Romance Sexiness Booze Hiding on top of Dressers Humor
Read this... For me, if you enjoy Pratchett, this will be right up your alley. The plot felt "lacking" for me, but it was nevertheless a fun read. ...more
You may be familiar with the tales of Arthur and Gwen, Merlin and the Sword in the Stone, right? This is not that story. Gwen and her shy brother, GabYou may be familiar with the tales of Arthur and Gwen, Merlin and the Sword in the Stone, right? This is not that story. Gwen and her shy brother, Gabe, are the crown royal siblings in Camelot. Gwen finds herself engaged to be married to her childhood nemesis, Art, who is arguably, the biggest pain in her butt. Art and Gwen discover some secrets about each other and decide to unite for the sake of their own protection. With handsome knights, potential budding romances, cultists, and prospective war looming in the distance, could these two actually get the fairytale ending they want?
Lex Croucher reimagines a Queer take on Arthurian lore, full of biting banter between Art and Gwen, witty humor from Art's bodyguard Sidney, emotional and relevant journeys for all of the characters, a fresh uplifting take on feminism in a predominantly male-run society (GO Bridget!), a ton of butt-kicking action, and a fun ride that will have you shipping for Gwen and Art NOT to be in love. ...more
Fatma is one of the only female agents at the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. Presently she has a big problem. A very proFatma is one of the only female agents at the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. Presently she has a big problem. A very prolific lord and his entire party have been viciously murdered. Who or what did this and WHY? Set amidst a steampunk Cairo, in 1912, Fatma must put her faith, intuition and even love into Djinns, Angels, Demons, a delightfully B.A. femme fatale, the 40 Leopards, robotic servants, a creepy reptilian reincarnated god, the police and the combined unity of science and history to unmask a ruthless villain who appears to be a very evil being. From politics and warfare, to romance and friendship, steampunk to theology, abounding with mythology, fantastic action-sequences and vivid descriptions, P. Djeli Clark brings about a fantastic mystery fantasy!
However, I will say that between the world-building (which is fantastic) and the set-up of the crime/clues drag a bit too long in the first part of the book (which is understandable, given the detailed build-up and exposition), it may question your choice, but once it gets going, it doesn't stop.
For fans of the world-building of Brandon Sanderson or J.R.R. Tolkien, Indiana Jones and Lara Croft-style action, or a unique steampunk world similar to League of Extraordinary Gentlemen or The Seeker series, try this wonderful clever and witty story....more
I give you... A gender swap take on the classic Musketeers Story with one of the most B.A. protagonists I've ever read. Tania is the daughter of a 'reI give you... A gender swap take on the classic Musketeers Story with one of the most B.A. protagonists I've ever read. Tania is the daughter of a 'retired' Musketeer, living with her parents. Her mother insists on marriage and status, while her father teachers her how to fence and sword fight. Tragedy strikes and Tania goes to fulfill a final request for JUSTICE. She finds that her new school is not what she thought. The books' pacing, political intrigue, suspense, and verbiage that keeps the READER guessing and turning every page until the end. It really was a fun story. While it has the potential to be a mystery, a romance and a classic spin, this book is really one of those good ones that you give to fans of Princess Bride or the Original Alexandre Dumas' classics. It has a little of everything for everybody.
One of the biggest takeaways is the fact that the #OwnVoices author feels so real in her descriptions of what Tania faces: POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)...more
What a fun read! Lena has been born with elongated fingers (an extra knuckle) and feet. This makes her..."peculiar". Perhaps she is part-Goblin. PeculWhat a fun read! Lena has been born with elongated fingers (an extra knuckle) and feet. This makes her..."peculiar". Perhaps she is part-Goblin. Peculiars are taken away from society to a mysterious wild-land known as Scree, where there are mines, highwaymen, and Peculiars. On Lena's 18th Birthday, she receives a letter from her absent father, that she has inherited a fortune (of sorts). Desperate to know her heritage, Lena boards a train, meeting a scientifically-minded librarian, Jimson, and a young Marshall, Thomas, who both seem to know more than they let on. She joins Jimson at his job, working for an eccentric retired scientist with painted eyebrows, Mr. Beasley. Mr. Beasley may be working with these Peculiars and Thomas recruits Lena to find out how and why. So begins a thrilling adventure filled with Blimps, a disappearing winged girl, and a terrifying frightening "ghost" of lore, all culminating in the vast mysterious landscape of Scree. Can Lena find her father before the law catches them?
I love a historical mystery that contains (but doesn't feature) real historical figures. It makes the reader go, "Huh, I wonder if that actually happened or that this figure might have met someone like the characters." This Steampunk Adventure features a plethora of "steam" based inventions and "new ideas", particularly in transportation and the medical fields. There was a lot going on in the 1800's in reality, and just as much fills this steampunk world. Aside from History and invention, the book takes a good look at the ideas of false charity (missionaries in this case), prejudices, sexism, and human slavery. These provide some good discussion points as well. While predictable in places (cough, Love Triangle), other twists do provide eyebrow raises enough to keep the reader engaged.
The ONLY let-down for me is that this feels like the story could go on, but after the climax, it snowballs very quickly to its conclusion. However, that doesn't mean it isn't a fun adventure full of banter, mystery and action. ...more
I know that there are many fantasy storylines out there that are "Being the Monarch is actually really hard", but never has this subject been addresseI know that there are many fantasy storylines out there that are "Being the Monarch is actually really hard", but never has this subject been addressed so bluntly as with this laugh-out-loud D&D-flavored adventure romance.
A seemingly "weak" young man, defeats the dark lord who ruled the land (defeat is a weird word here...), and with the help of a handsome knight, the BFF mage, a busty magically entrancing bard, an elf-like rogue and a warrior woman, join together to help revive the kingdom to its former glory. One big question? HOW? Also our young man must find a soul-connecting partner or he dies. There is no giving up or getting rid of this crown. But who could he possibly make this sort of life commitment to???
While we all may know "Once upon a time" and "Happily ever after", the Aftermath of creating Ever After is filled with hilarity. I can't give away anything beyond that.
Milton P. Greene is having the worst year of his life! His parents are fighting, he's being bullied at school, no friends and worst of all, he's beingMilton P. Greene is having the worst year of his life! His parents are fighting, he's being bullied at school, no friends and worst of all, he's being shipped off to the remote Lone Island with his environmentalist uncle for the summer. His only comfort is his handheld videogame about the adventurous jungle-trekking Sea Hawk. That is, until it runs out of battery power (on an island with no electrical outlets). Upon learning the island may be sold to a commercial realtor if new flora and fauna cannot be discovered, it is up to Milton..umm Sea Hawk...to discover it! With a cryptic field guide and 3 scientific kids, they will do everything from sing to sea monsters to fend off thorn-shooting plants to find the treasure that will save the island!
Full of magic, Hallmark-worthy heartfelt moments, plenty of peril, gross-out elements of nature, honesty and fun, Milton and his friends will go on one heck of an adventure!
A great read a-like for Jumanji fans, anyone who needs a fun Re Start, and for gamers and nature explorers! ...more
11 of the Adventures serve as an introduction to some of the best classic adventure stories. Time Travel, Battles, Pirates, Buried Treasure, Sea Monst11 of the Adventures serve as an introduction to some of the best classic adventure stories. Time Travel, Battles, Pirates, Buried Treasure, Sea Monsters, International Travel, Ghosts, Friendships and Knights are abundant here!
-Sandokan by Emilio Salgari -The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper -Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe -Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson -The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain -Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne -The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde -Moby-Dick by Herman Melville -David Copperfield by Charles Dickens -The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas -and Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott The book includes a mini bio of each author, sharing interesting tidbits about each author and often, ties to the other authors featured. The ending of the book also includes a portrait of the main characters. The illustrations are kind of stark, but very direct in their approach of showing off moments in the stories. ...more
Alfred Kropp is a self-proclaimed chubby teen, living with his security-guard uncle, when he is asked to help steal a valuable weapon. The story movesAlfred Kropp is a self-proclaimed chubby teen, living with his security-guard uncle, when he is asked to help steal a valuable weapon. The story moves swiftly from there! There is double and triple-crossing, fast cool cars, sword fighting, dark followers, guns, car chases, helicopters and that is before Alfred flies to the U.K.
Paul Michael does a nice job in the narrative of the audiobook, giving a calming presence to mentor figures, offering over-the-top diction and projections for various secondary characters, respectful and eloquent array of accents for others and Alfred's adventure-overloaded, PTSD-suffering teen feels very honest. Characters aside, Michael, much like the plot, predominantly keeps the narrative moving at a steady pace, even when it is an in-between-the-action moment.
Rick Yancey does a very nice job appealing to the audience that he is clearly trying to reach and does so with gusto and heart. ...more
A young biracial slave boy, forced under the cruel hand of a pirate captain and his half-crazed first mate, must serve as translator and tradesman to A young biracial slave boy, forced under the cruel hand of a pirate captain and his half-crazed first mate, must serve as translator and tradesman to the varying ports and locals. A fierce Hurricane destroys the pirates' ship and the boy escapes to land, hiding among a local sea-god worshipping community. He befriends a fisherman, who is in love with the chiefs' daughter, but who must be forced into an arranged marriage. When the boy must face off against his captors, holding their fate in his hands, will he chose compassion or a fate worse than his own treatment?
Told in alternating perspectives between the boy, the seemingly selfish captain, the feverish and hallucinating first mate, the fisherman, and the chief's daughter, Margarita Engle (#OwnVoices Cuban author of Slave Boy of Cuba, one of my favorite Pura Belpre winners) brings action, adventure, romance, compassion, culture, danger, hurt and heart amongst these characters in verse style poetry.
A fantastic story that opens up both the mind and the heart! ...more
Revisit all of the classic and memorable moments of Mark Twain's enduring hero, Tom Sawyer! From whitewashing the fence, pretending to be pirates, firRevisit all of the classic and memorable moments of Mark Twain's enduring hero, Tom Sawyer! From whitewashing the fence, pretending to be pirates, first crush, to murder witness and town hero!...All of the intrigue, action, fun, wit and heart of Twain's classic are clearly and simplistically illustrated in this graphic novel version by Tim Mucci.
The characters are all very clearly defined and different and all fit beautifully into the colorful small-town that Mark Twain based on his own childhood experiences.
A seemingly sickly prince is going on his coming-of-age tour when he is captured by pirates. A mysterious rescuer helps the prince find his own voice A seemingly sickly prince is going on his coming-of-age tour when he is captured by pirates. A mysterious rescuer helps the prince find his own voice and hope they both can save the kingdom from a War.
Fantasy, adventure, sibling love, and fun await! As I described the book to a friend: Pirates, Princes, Shapeshifters, Myth, OH MY!
A good read-alike for Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee, Princess Bride by William Goldman or for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean stories...
I really wish I could write more, but I won't give anything else away.
The only negative critiques I have about the book, while enjoyable, was the writing started off...clunky, and the plot does become a little bit predictable (in terms of the antagonist), but otherwise, it was an enjoyable read. A good summer adventure! ...more
Join three friends as they embark on a once-in-a-lifetime roadtrip to the Underworld and the Center of the Earth to rescue their new cat.
This book doJoin three friends as they embark on a once-in-a-lifetime roadtrip to the Underworld and the Center of the Earth to rescue their new cat.
This book does a fantastic job of showcasing Aztec mythology, Latin culture (including trends of Lowrider cars, Luchadore wrestling, and the homage of Dias de los Muertos), animals of the desert, and Spanish vocabulary.
The book is a perfect tool for readers who have begun to glean both Spanish and/or English. This is one of the most in-depth reads for middle grade readers to include so much vocabulary at once.
The (mostly) black, white and red illustrations give this book the allure of old-fashioned comic strips. They do engage the readers with exceptional detail, action, emotion and humour.
Though not the first or last in its series, this graphic novel won the Pura Belpre Award and its easy to see why. ...more
For Fans of Tolkien, Leigh Bardugo and a touch of Philip Pullman, here is a fantasy Epic for you! What do you get when you combine a Sleeping-Beauty awFor Fans of Tolkien, Leigh Bardugo and a touch of Philip Pullman, here is a fantasy Epic for you! What do you get when you combine a Sleeping-Beauty awakened Fae Prince, a physically disabled Prince, an angry disgraced Courtier, a deserter Guardsman, a power-hungry sorcerer, an evil Queen, a tough-as-nails actress, a foul-mouth thief, magic silver, mirrors and an epic journey of rescue, battles, self-discovery, love, friendship, and hope, You have got ONE heck of a story...and I'm not even telling you everything.
King Jaron returns in this high adventure series newest story.
A plot full of compelling twists, turns, bruises, romance, spies, betrayal, explosions,King Jaron returns in this high adventure series newest story.
A plot full of compelling twists, turns, bruises, romance, spies, betrayal, explosions, floods, ghosts of the past, pirates, captive maidens, villains, and the goal to seek a long-lost treasure... sounds perfect, right?
Nielsen does a fantastic job of regaling audiences with Sage/Jaron's unique, snarky and witty humor.
One of the things that I LOVE about the Ascendance Series, is that I don't usually see just how deep the intricacy of her plots or Sage's reliable friends will do, until the end of the book for the big reveal. That, for me, is one of the great appeals of wondering just what Sage will do and how he and his friends will achieve it.
For me, there isn't really an author I would compare her to, but Nielsen is definitely one that I would surely say belongs on the shelves next to Rowling's Harry Potter series. ...more
(Movie Trailer Announcer Voice) In a world ruled by Elemental Controlling Monarchs, a water-powered Mezo-American Princess must win the heart of the P(Movie Trailer Announcer Voice) In a world ruled by Elemental Controlling Monarchs, a water-powered Mezo-American Princess must win the heart of the Prince of the Sun or face a terrible fate. Dare she question the ritual sacrifices required to honor the Gods they worship? Will her secrets of wondering whether or not her view of their beliefs is valid? Can she make friends amongst the other contending princesses? What secrets are locked behind their powers?
Showcasing Aztec and Mayan culture in a very respectful and researched manner, this mostly fast-paced (but slightly predictable) fantasy-romance is reminiscent of The Selection Series or anyone who is a fan of reality T.V. dating. Each of the other contending princesses seem a bit stereotypical, although they do have very clearly defined personalities and appearances. As the story picks up its action and romance, it becomes very clear that this story is not yet finished. However, you can't quite guess what is ahead and specifically how it will all work out. You will root for your strong-minded heroine and physically appealing and logistical Prince. You will face very clearly defined antagonists and even some that you may question as to where their loyalties lie. As a friend told me, Imagine Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Selection by Kiera Cass. The compelling ending was compelling enough for me to pick up the next book in the series.
I will also add that this is one of the first YA (and I could be wrong here) that showcased Aztec and Mayan culture with very thorough research. It was definitely well researched regarding the dress, architecture, ceremonies, and reasonings for attitudes/acts that are supported/performed without bias. ...more
3.5 Stars for The Black Mage, would have gotten higher if the plot had (for me at least), kept going more than it did.
Join Tom Token, the newly intro3.5 Stars for The Black Mage, would have gotten higher if the plot had (for me at least), kept going more than it did.
Join Tom Token, the newly introduced first black student to the St. Ivory's school of magic, a floating Hogwarts in the sky. He is bullied and regarded in multiple racist situations before showcasing his own magical abilities. Something is fishy at the school when he suddenly receives a former (also black) student's I.D. card. Now with the help of the nerdy Lindsey, some famous Civil War ghosts, and his crow, Jim, Tom must uncover the secrets of St. Ivory's, duke it out with Bryce (the headmaster's very racist bullying son) and Alexis (his mean-girl girlfriend), and hope that history doesn't repeat itself....
The book does do a good job of addressing racism, tying in some history and myth (specifically surrounding John Henry, Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglas), keeping plenty of action, and bringing to life a butt-kicking adventure/fantasy. Tom is a strong hero, mostly keeping his cool throughout, but he, nor Lindsay, will tolerate intolerance. The illustrations are very colorful and reminiscent of the Harry Potter private school look (and even characters). Good suggestion for reluctant readers who may think that Potter books are too overwhelming. ...more
"Stolen at birth and replaced with a fae changeling, Edmund grows up as a human spectacle, called only the Childe, in the fae World Below. When he esc"Stolen at birth and replaced with a fae changeling, Edmund grows up as a human spectacle, called only the Childe, in the fae World Below. When he escapes a coup that leaves the only family he has ever known dead, he flees to the human world-the World Above-in hopes of finding his changeling, the one true heir to the fae throne. Accompanied by his only friend, Whick, a candlestick golem, the two locate the changeling, who has recently realized that he does not belong in the human world. To navigate a world of assassins and magic and determine who they really are, the two must learn to trust one another and somehow live in each other's worlds. Newcomer Aldridge delivers a fun, daring, and dark take on the classic switched-at-birth narrative, with themes and art that fall into the realm of Neil Gaiman, Michael Ende, and Jim Henson. Coupled with the beautifully toned watercolor art, the interdependence of and tension between the two protagonists makes this book stand out. Ages 8-12"-Publisher's Weekly says it all...
If you are a fan of Neil Gaiman, Michael Ende, Jim Henson's the Dark Crystal, this is a great one. I love the art work, it is stunning to say the least. Also love the girl power with the Changeling's mortal sister (she's pretty B.A.)...more
**spoiler alert** Combine Pirates, Mermaids, Princesses, Travel, Magic, Voyages, Secret Political Agendas, and Ancient Curses and you have one heck of**spoiler alert** Combine Pirates, Mermaids, Princesses, Travel, Magic, Voyages, Secret Political Agendas, and Ancient Curses and you have one heck of a road trip!
The protagonist is a very strong-minded young woman soon to become the next monarch if she can prove her worth. However, when the ceremony goes awry, she runs off with a pirate (with his own agenda) to set things right. Throw in the Princess' devoted betrothed prince (with a weak stomach), a mermaid with seducing songs and water powers, and a young officer bent on righting wrongs. I love these strong willed women, the sassy dialogue of the mermaid, the suave charm of our pirate guide, and the storytelling journey akin to "Princess Bride", geared towards a teen audience.
I have feelings about this book....Mostly good (What I despised was how it ended-TOTAL set-up for another book, which is fine, but What I DON'T like is when the plot of a series book does not resolve its issues and leaves it to be spread out onto another book for more dramatic purposes, which destroys the protagonists' integrity in THIS book, because super strong heroine puts her moral compass aside so she can have a sequel.....) -I admit adjectives (and changing them up, especially in reference to colors) is important. ...more