Graphic Novel Review: Bird Boy #1-2

The Sword of Mali Mani by Anne SzablaThe Liminal Wood by Anne Szabla

The Sword of Mali Mani (Bird Boy, #1) 
by Anne Szabla

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

Bali is the smallest member of his tribe, always stumbling into trouble, unable to throw a spear in the hunts, and a general nuisance. He ventures into the darkest forest to prove himself, and discovers the hiding place of the legendary sword of Mali Mani. The evil Rooks are after the sword, and Bali must brave the dangers of the forest to keep the sword and its power from falling into their hands.

I loved the artwork in this graphic novel! There is such a contrast between the white snows of the village fields, and the lush green forest environment. There are these beautiful designs carved into everything- rocks, creatures, trees, and the masks of the tribal men. As though some ancient civilization had etched their history into every stone and plant, most surfaces are covered in intricate patterns reminiscent of the Aztecs and Mayans.
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Picture Book Review: How to Trick the Tooth Fairy

How to Trick the Tooth Fairy by Erin Danielle Russell
Jennifer Hansen Rolli (Illustrations)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

Kaylee is a prankster who tries to trick the Tooth Fairy, but the Tooth Fairy has a few magical tricks of her own, and the two begin a prank war with disastrous results. Can Kaylee and the Tooth Fairy put an end to their endless pranks, become friends, and clean up the mess they’ve made?

The cuteness! The adorableness! The hilarity! I fell in love with this darling book the second I saw the glittery cover art. The illustrations are utterly delightful on every page, with cute little details that bring the story to life. Continue reading

Picture Book Review: Little Orange Honey Hood

Little Orange Honey Hood by Lisa Anne Cullen
Little Orange Honey Hood: A Carolina Folktale 
by Lisa Anne Cullen

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


In this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, a little girl named Blossom sets out to take a peach pie to her grandmother up the river. She encounters a wily alligator, and uses all her intelligence to outsmart him.

I loved this funny retelling, with a decidedly Southern charm! I especially liked that Blossom does not rely on anyone else to save her and her grandmother, but instead she outsmarts the alligator herself.  Continue reading

Book Review: A Lemon and a Star

A Lemon and a Star by Elizabeth C. Spykman
A Lemon and a Star 
by Elizabeth C. Spykman

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


The four Cares siblings run around the country side in 1907, running races, exploring the reservoirs, chasing after burglars, fighting their own private wars, and making secret trips into the city. They are constantly in trouble for dirtying their clothes, tearing their stockings, and coming home covered in mud, but they certainly have fun!
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Graphic Novel Review: A Sea of Love

A Sea of Love by Wilfrid Lupano
A Sea of Love 
by Wilfrid Lupano,Gregory Panaccione (Illustrator)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


A simple fishermen gets up one morning, eats breakfast with his wife, and sets out to sea hoping for a good catch. But his day does not go as planned. A massive fishing trawler almost runs him down, a storm hits his little craft, he encounters bloodthirsty pirates, and gets his propeller tangled in a fishing net. Meanwhile, his wife is distraught with worry, and decides to go looking for him, falling into adventures of her own with belligerent chefs, sleek fashionistas, and military dictators.

This story takes so many twists and turns! I loved every page. It is absolutely hilarious and fun from start to finish, and I felt such a connection with the dear fisherman and his sweet wife. It was delightful to see good and simple people, who only want a quiet life in their little village, thrown out into the world in the most ridiculous circumstances.  Continue reading

Graphic Novel Review: Chimera

Chimera by Tyler Ellis
Chimera: Book One – The Righteous and the Lost 
by Tyler Ellis

1 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


I was unable to read past the first few pages because of all the profanity in this graphic novel. I’m very disappointed. So I guess I can’t really write a review, because I only read 5 pages.
The colorful artwork looks beautiful, which is mainly why I wanted to read this. Too bad it looks beautiful, but the dialogue is ugly.

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.

Classics Review: Peter Simple

Peter Simple by Frederick Marryat
Peter Simple (Heart of Oak Sea Classics Series) 
by Frederick Marryat

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Young Peter Simple is given a place aboard ship as a midshipman, and he tells us his adventures on the high seas. He distinguishes himself in battle, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow officers. He is shipwrecked, imprisoned, and somehow manages to fall in love in the middle of it all. Peter meets a variety of interesting characters all over the world, who play a part in his epic story.

The plot is full of action and intrigue, betrayal and sneaking plots, raging storms and bloody battles, and of course a little romance. I love the setting of the British frigates cruising through the West Indies looking for trouble with the French.

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Book Review: Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway’s Ghost

Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway's Ghost by Iain Reading
Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway’s Ghost (Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency, #2) 
by Iain Reading (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Kitty Hawk is vacationing in the Florida Keys where she encounters a mystery in the treacherous waters of the Gulf. Her adventures lead her to sunken shipwrecks, peculiar echoes of Hemingway’s typewriter, and strange lights on the ocean floor. The history of the Keys unfolds as Kitty’s curiosity propels her into danger and the uncovering of ancient secrets.

I loved every minute of this book! The plot takes many twists and turns that kept me wanting to read more. There is so much action and spying, and Kitty flies all over the Keys investigating every clue on the trail of each suspicious circumstance. One of the best things about the plot is the puzzling aspect of the mystery. I love plots that have some sort of puzzle to solve, with cryptic maps or symbols to decipher. Continue reading

Graphic Novel Review: Gone Rogue

Gone Rogue by Marissa Meyer
Gone Rogue (Wires and Nerve, #2) 
by Marissa Meyer  (Author), Stephen Gilpin & Douglas Holgate  (Illustrators)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Iko and Kinney are teaming up again to stop the bloodthirsty Lunar wolf-soldiers who are terrorizing Earth, but this time Alpha Steele is planning even worse atrocities, murdering and kidnapping Cinder’s friends to get his revenge on the Lunar throne.
Cinder and all the gang are back, navigating the tenuous politics between Earth and Luna, and finding a little time to just hang out as friends.

I really enjoyed seeing more of Iko’s story unfold, and how her unique programming was developed. And of course, I loved seeing all my favorite characters again, being all cute and delightful and fierce.
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Book Review: Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by Iain Reading
Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold (Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency, #1) 
by Iain Reading (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars

Kitty is a 19-year-old pilot on a summer mission to observe humpback whales in Juneau, Alaska, when she stumbles across the path of some gold thieves and is forced on a trek through the Alaskan wild as their captive.

Move over, Nancy Drew! I have a new favorite teen detective! This book ended up being so much more amazing than I ever expected, with an adventurous plot full of twists and turns, compelling and complex characters, and clever dialogue. Continue reading