Review: The Gauntlet

They're celebrating Farah's birthday. Because of a move, she hasn't seen her two best friends in a while. They head upstairs to try to escape her younger brother. Her aunt left her a birthday present. When they unwrap it, they find the strangest game they've ever seen: The Gauntlet of Blood and Sand.

Before they realize what happened, her younger brother vanishes into the game. They go in after him, knowing they must beat the game or be trapped inside forever. 

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved the Middle Eastern flair. I loved how the friends had to come together to save Farah's little brother. Of course I loved the description of food. And the board gaming. I loved reading about the puzzles and the challenges they had to solve. I enjoyed the characters (especially the giant lizards) in the game who wanted to help them and get out of the game itself. The world building was amazingly good; I loved the descriptions. The action and the danger pulled the story along making me not want to put the book down. 

Cover Thoughts: Really Great
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have for both middle school and public libraries

Cozy Review: Grace to the Finish

 * Book 8 in the Manor House Mystery series *

Grace's concerned about her sister exiting jail and reentering society. Now that Grace has become Bennett's heir, she knows that Liza will do everything in her power to get her fair share of the money. Grace's happy to finally convince her Aunt Belinda to come help out with Liza's reentering. But Aunt Belinda has her own view on the sisters' relationship.

With all the family drama, Grace can't wait to move forward with her new business adventure. She's the new silent partner in her roommates' business. They have a new building. But during a walk through, they discover the bank manager at the bottom of the stairs - murdered. Could this halt their project for good?

My Thoughts: I'm sad to see this series end, but I loved hanging out with the characters once again. The solving of the murder was well done, the climax terrifying. I love that the murder brought up romantic drama in Grace's life. I love how Frances tried to manhandle her love life - that made me giggle. I enjoyed the family drama - especially how it ended. I'm happy where the characters left off; the series ended well. 

Cover Thoughts: Amazing
Source: Reviewed for Fresh Fiction

Library Recommendation: Grab this cozy series for your library!

Anthony Horowitz Book Tour

On Tuesday, I left work early to go to an author event - Anthony Horowitz. I've been reading his books for years and I was SO happy to meet him.

If you're not familiar with him, he's the author of the Alex Rider series. Which I adore. I'm a huge fan.

Here he is chatting.

Alex Rider first came out in 2000, now 17 years later the 11th book came out. But he swore he would stop at 10. So for the last five years, there hasn't been any new Alex Rider stories.

Then his publishers asked him to polish up some short stories for publication. And he fall back into the rhythm of Alex Rider's life. We left Alex in a dark place, hoping that he would get better as time passed. He started writing new stories about Alex and this one wouldn't let go. Thus we have book 11 (which is amazing - read my review here) and book 12 will be out next year (or so). 

He had a boring childhood, but he used to play spies with his sister in their neighborhood. They would sneak about the garden and spy on their neighbors.

Anthony Horowitz hated school, but he loved the library. It was the one place he felt happy. He read action adventure stories. He loved James Bond - first the films and then the books. He hated how old Roger Moore was in the last films, he wanted someone much younger and cooler. A light bulb went on, and Alex Rider was born.

He had written kids books about roughly 10 years with mild success. His wife advised him to give up writing, but he wanted to write one more: Alex Rider. 

The first book sold double of his previous books and then the series took off. And millions of readers enjoy Alex's adventures. 

There's a new TV series in the works, starting with book 2 coming from British TV. I'm quite looking forward to that. 

Besides Alex Rider, he's done quite a lot with British television. 

It was a really fun night and I'm so glad I finally got a chance to meet him!

 

Review: Princesses, Inc

When their favorite YouTube star announces plans to visit their state, Hailey and her friends would do anything to see him. But the trip to the local comic-con is expensive and their parents aren't willing to pay for it. So the girls come up with a plan - they will become princesses and babysit the neighborhood kids. Babysitting is easy right?

Hailey has another reason for going to the comic-con; she wants to enter a writing contest. She loves writing, especially the fanfiction starring a certain YouTube star. But she needs something more impressive to enter.

In between school work, babysitting, and writing Hailey barely has time to sleep. Can she and her friends pull off their plan or will it be a complete failure?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Hailey because of all the pressure she was under and how she didn't have any time for herself. I enjoyed the babysitting moments - both the sweet and the crazy ones. I loved the magic show in the hospital and how that worked out for the friends. I really liked the writing moments - even the accidental email. The writing advice was great; I loved the different between the fanfiction and the more literary writing. I loved how Hailey and her friends have so many interests: writing, video games, cosplay. And that they get excited about them. Another fun novel from Mari Mancusi.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: I just saw on Facebook that Mari and I have been social media friends for 9 years. I've been reading and loving her books for a long time!

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for both public and school libraries. Hand it out to everyone with a fandom.

Children's Book Review:Creepy Pair of Underwear

From the moment Jasper sees an advertisement for this new underwear, he must have it. He's definitely old enough for it. But at night, when the lights go out, you can still see the green glow. No matter what Jasper does to get rid of his creepy underwear, it always comes back.

A great cover and great illustrations will have readers picking up this book. It's creepy and fun. A winning combination! Plus who doesn't love a story about underwear? Readers will love this one. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Fall Covers

This week's topic is fall covers - which for me means a mix of picturesque covers and horror covers. 

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Fall Covers

Horror/Creepy Covers

Review: Marge in Charge

Jemima and Jake have a new babysitter. When they first meet her, Marge looks - normal and boring. But as soon as the adults leave, she's anything but. Her rainbow hair comes out and she looks younger - much younger.

While the siblings always have a crazy adventure, they still manage to get everything done on the list from their parents - but never in expected way. Because when Marge is in charge, new rules are made.

My Thoughts: The book consists of three short stories that are entertaining and amusing. Marge would be a fun babysitter to have as a kid and you can't help wishing she were your babysitter. I love the crazy wild ideas but also how everything works out. I love relationship between the siblings; it's sweet.

The pictures are fun, capturing the moments. I love how this book started out as bedtime stories for the author. I can see more Marge books in the future. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - it shows the chaos at times
Source: BEA Arc

Library Recommendations: A cute story that's perfect for kids with big imaginations (aka - everyone). Grab this one.