Beth Tabler
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the third and final volume in a trilogy written by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse fame) and Christopher Golden. I picked this up on a whim because I am a big fan of Sookie Stackhouse books and it looked interesting. First off let me say that I was a little lost here and there just starting at this book. You can read this as a standalone, but I recommend going and reading the other two before this one just to give you a firmer base. Secondly, this is a YA page turner. It has some very exciting parts and the graphics are well done. Story-wise it is a little predictable and cliched but it is a fun read and worth going out and checking it out.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
I have to admit that I was afraid of poetry, or maybe more aptly put I didn't understand poetry. What was the big deal? I now believe I a starting to understand. There is so much more than I understood. I want to learn, to grow, and understand now. All of these essays, each one on a different poem, are based on Adam Sol's blog. If poetry scares you or fascinates you, this is a worthy read. I know I am going to go out and try and write bad poetry now.
I have to admit something to you. I had never heard of My Brother, My Brother and Me. Not until a friend of mine Paul at Paul's Picks reviewed this graphic novel. It looked like an intensely fun and laugh out loud romp through geekery that I needed to embrace tout suite. Let me tell you, go out there find this book and the podcast, My Brother, My Brother, and Me. Dip your toe into it. Embrace your inner nerd and do it quickly because this is hilarious gut-busting fun. We have dick jokes, mage jokes, cleric jokes, and dwarf jokes — enough crass hilarity to cover the proverbial bases.
The story is about three adventures. Taako the elf wizard, Merle, the dwarf cleric, and Magnus, the human warrior. All bumbling morons in one way or another. They are guided by a DM full of snark and wisecracks on an adventure that you are sure they will not survive. It is nuts. It is funny. It is precisely what you expect to be said while sitting around playing dungeons and dragons with a few of your friends. Alcohol will be involved. Will they roll a 20? Will they survive an encounter with a goblin bent on their destruction?! What is with that magic spoon?
The artwork perfectly pairs with the story. It is bouncy, silly, and not too lofty which is exactly what one would expect from these three adventures. We need facial expressions that perfectly sum up Taako's annoyance and blase attitude, not artful decadence, and we get that.
I do want to caution you, this book is not for everyone. I found it funny because I have the sense of humor of a 12-year-old boy and an appreciation for D&D. The highbrow narrative this is not. However, if you enjoy the excellent crass pun and occasional double entendre, this is for you. Order it; I will wait.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read “Girl With All the Gifts,” and I am only vaguely aware that there is a movie for it. However, I found that “The Boy on the Bridge” can stand alone just fine. It is technically a prequel, but the way that it is written makes it very accessible to readers not familiar with the series. I enjoy Carey's writing style quite a bit being a big fan of Lucifer and Hellblazer and again he doesn't disappoint. This book could easily fall into the realm of mindless horror, but it doesn't. It has heart and I care about the characters. I definitely recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
Graphic novels are a wonderful way to tell history. Not only does the reader get the subtle nuances of the written word, but they also get a graphic representation. This book does both very well. It is engaging without being over-cramped with facts. Beautifully inked. Definite recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
I am always a fan of a good spy thriller and intrigue. This novel reads like a John le Carre novel, I was kept on the edge of my seat most of the reading. There are some scenes that take some suspension of disbelief. Just go with it. Intriguing characters and beautifully rendered. I Definitely recommend if you love some intrigue.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing with a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
This is a lovely book with beautiful pictures. The text is calm and soothing, much like the author's message that she wants to convey and wants you to eternalize. How you make your life a more soothing place. It isn't groundbreaking work, a lot of the maxims in the book I have found in other works and much is common sense. However, the packaging and simplicity of the maxims and advice go a long way to help someone unclutter their mind enough to be able to make positive change. I recommend.
Thank You Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am all about getting more out of less space. It is the future and I will back anything that explains how I can do that with concise information and great pictures. This is an excellent guide on how a gardener can achieve more with less. Plus! It isn't vague allusions on how achieving this is done. She provided technical information! This is how it is done. Definitely, recommend for the gardening enthusiast.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely, positively could have dreamed that the world of whiskey making or tasting could be so interesting or involved. Upon opening this book I thought I was in for a nice collated list of whiskeys from around the world graded on taste. This book has that. However, what I wasn't expecting were the chapters with fantastic writing and beautiful photography. The creation of whiskeys from barley to the barrel is complicated and really an art form. This book illustrates that. To bring out the subtler flavors in what could be considered a simple drink takes years of cultivation and detail that blew my mind a bit. I had no idea. I now have a greater appreciation for whiskeys. Also, the author took detailed and technical information that in any other hands would be dry and difficult for the reader to digest and made it approachable. As a layman, I appreciate that. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a micro-history or who is a whiskey lover. Absolutely worth the read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I do believe that Debbie Tung is my spirit animal. Who else could understand my profound love of books?
However, I think this book is just a little too long with too much love. I will happily adore, embrace, remember and understand her love of books for about 50 pages. I have been in every one of the scenarios she draws adorable cartoons of. Believe me, I agree and get it. But, after 50 pages it gets repetitive. There are only so many different scenarios in which I can get all the feels in one sitting. If a reader were to pick this up and randomly turn to any page, read it, smile and move one about your day. I think it would be much more effective. I would recommend this for an adorable coffee table book. One that you turn to occasionally read a few pages, get the feels and put down. Otherwise, it is just too much.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am sad, after reading this book, that I can't patronize the restaurant Bean Sprouts kitchen daily. It looks like so much fun. I have a picky three-year-old and as so many moms out there I tear my hair out trying to come up with creative ways to get her to eat her dinner. Many pinter-fails later, I am still at a loss. This book is a godsend for a mom like me.
The recipe book includes 60 recipes from their restaurant menu that have been thoroughly tested by 1000's of kids from their 15 locations in the United States. The philosophy of their restaurant is to “Spark children's appetites with yummy, good-for-you food; and delight grown-ups with a happier mealtime.” They have achieved that! I am an adult and I am interested in making mealtime more fun for myself, let alone my child after reading this. Who doesn't want a quesadilla shaped like a rocket ship?!
A fantastic gift for a parent and/or grandparent who wants more fun and an easier time at meals with their kid. Highest possible recommendation!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Excellent imagery, and quick biting text. It took much of what women deal with on a daily basis and brought it to the forefront. I can absolutely see teenagers reading this and getting some perspective on the plights of women globally. Great read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I started reading this thinking that this would be light and fluffy. It is not. This is serious stuff. I know, I know the title says as much. It is loving and sweet and way too short. I wanted to wrap the prose around myself like a warm blanket. It is lovely and perfect for a dog lover or anyone who can appreciate the better half of a dog/human relationship. Truly I think dogs are too good for us humans. Wonderful book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
I have been following Joshua Becker and http://www.becomingminimalist.com/ for years, and I am a fan. This book did not disappoint. Joshua Becker has a way of putting things in his writing that makes something like minimalism less daunting. He goes room by room and illustrates different ways to simplify your home. This is useful and practical without being preachy and unapproachable. Also, I love the philosophy of Joshua that, “the goal of minimalism is not just to own less stuff. The goal is to unburden our lives so we can accomplish more.” It is so much more than how many socks you own. Great book. Read it if you want to dive into this type of philosophy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really wanted to love this. I have read quite a few books on adopting the minimalist lifestyle over the last few years and this seems more of the same. But the problem is this is just a regurgitation of all the basic adages of, “have you used this in the last two months, do you love it?” It isn't groundbreaking, but it isn't bad. Also, I had some issues with some of her suggestions. They aren't practical, but I just may not be her target audience. All in all not a bad book, but just not for me.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this little book. Wendall is so cute and it is almost heartwarming the way that it is rendered and narrated. It is the soft colored by highly detailed pictures that sold me on the story. I think I would buy it just for that and keep in on my shelf. The story is cute and bittersweet, a bit light and childish, but cute nonetheless. The story works. I would recommend for a precocious middle schooler who is being introduced to the gorgeous world of graphic novels.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a really cute idea, but it was really slow to start for me. I wanted to get some of the action going! I did very much enjoy the dynamics of the story between the two sisters, however, the rest of the writing left me a bit flat. The art is good, stylistically cartoonish which accommodates a younger audience. Overall a decent read and I would recommend it to younger readers. Older teens and adults may find it lacking.
You can find many of the other books and graphic novel reviews on my blog, www.beforewegoblog.com
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Design by Nature has a whole lot going for it. But, specifically excellent photography, well-written ideas, and great design. It is very wabi-sabi design-wise, so if that is not something you are interested in this book will not be for you. However, if it is, consider this a light primer on interior design utilizing natural elements. It isn't really deep, nor are you going to learn much. But, you will be inspired by the photography. You will want to incorporate some of her ideas into your own spaces. I recommend!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Great book. It provides detailed info on shrub placement throughout a variety of climates and garden locations. I thought it might be a little long-winded, who wants to read 300 pages about shrubs (spoiler alert. I totally do), but it keeps the reader interested. A useful resource for future gardening projects. Plus it has great pictures and cover. Would Work for a coffee table book. Definite recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Seed saving has always been a huge mystery to me. As an avid gardener, I have been interested in the idea of propagation, but I could never figure out how to do it well. Until I found this book. It is going to take some practice, but I plan on utilizing some of these methods in hope of ramping up next years crop. Love it. Definitely recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is just too cute. It is the story of Daniel and his new friend Megabat. It is a chapter book written for middle-schoolers that explores the idea of loneliness and friends coming together. Also, what the idea of home means for someone. Great lessons for a middle schooler to start investigating. The writing is good and the pictures are very well done. As this is for children, I don't think many adults would appreciate it. However, this can really stand on its own. It's a great story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
First, let us talk about how cool a cover this book has. Before even reading one word, the reader is already feeling a noir vibe. Getting into the story, which is very well written, we meet Nina Overstreet. She is a talented and very strong female character. Who also has a sympathetic vibe. It is so cool that she takes martial arts in the 1950's and is a musician. We already know that she is a character who bucks tradition. The writing for the story is concise and fast moving. Which I appreciate. The art is not cartoonish and it gets the point across without being overly minimalistic. I won't go into the plot, so as not to spoil but think Nazis. music, spies, and secret societies. Read it. It is a very fun journey.
Holy shit.
Imagine if The Wire and the third season of Breaking Bad had a love child then throw in Native American culture and you have the first volume of the Scalped series. Geez, I feel like the inside of my skull needs a handful of rock candy, and maybe some Teletubbies after reading this. Jason Aaron explores desire, power, intrigue, and mystery all within the guise of a modern-day crime story.
What sets this series apart, is how well it is written and the totality that each character is messed up. So much so, that is it easily believable. Which is a sad commentary... Dashiel is not a “bad guy with a heart of gold” trope. He is just not a nice guy, who has a hard past that he has overcome. And is now thrown back into a blender of crap that is his hometown by the higher-ups in the federal agency. He hates it and pretty much hates everyone he encounters, including his mom, his boss, and ex-girlfriend. Expertly written, it conveys the ennui of the main character Dashel Bad Horse as he is forced to reconcile with parts of his past that he never planned to deal with again. I hope in future books that we may see some glimmer of hope somewhere. I am not sure I can take ten volumes of angst, and hatred.
I'll give it to you straight, this series is not for the easily offended. There is graphic sex, murder, drugs, alcoholism, and mayhem.
All of the imaging is gritty and shown baking in the sun by the superb artwork of R.M Guera. This series is unforgiving like black asphalt when it is 110 outside. It hurts, it smells, and it is necessary for the story. There is a rawness, and ruthlessness to these characters that reminds me very much of the Preacher series and I look forward to seeing what it brings.
I am a long time reader of Laurell K. Hamilton. So much so, that I have been to conventions, book signings, and meet-ups because I was such a fan. But, something happened along the way. Maybe I have changed, or maybe she has. But, Anita Blake has lost its magic. I went into reading this story with both apprehension and hope. Maybe things have changed since the last Anita book I read, book 16? They haven't. After reading this all I can come up with is this story is the verbal sludge of Anita's brain. It is too many emotions, asides, and inner monologing. I like Anita as a character, and this being book 26 the reader has probably figured out a lot of what Laurell K. Hamilton tells us about what is going on inside her head. so we don't need 300 pages of inner monologing about how Anita feels about being poly. Or how she likes Nathaniel's ass or jean Claudes eyes.
I am done. It has been a “mostly” wonderful road Laurell. But this novel is middling at best. If you write another series, I will gladly take it for a spin. But I am done with Anita.