I know that this is a much-loved series but, for some reason, I was sure it wouldn't be for me. How wrong I was! This is a delightful middle-grade fantasy and I cannot wait to read the next in the series. SYNOPSIS A magical adventure to delight the imagination. A curl-up-on-the-sofa debut from a uniquely... Continue Reading →
Serious Series Love: The Heir Series by Cinda Williams Chima
I read the first book in the Warrior Heir series more than 10 years ago. I picked it up, sat down and consumed the book. Excitedly, I grabbed the second book and....lost interest. I couldn't remember why but, after a bit of insomnia, I decided to jump back into the series. This series was a... Continue Reading →
The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery
Another delightful middle grade book set in England during WWII. The additional fantasy was an unusual, and welcome, addition. SYNOPSIS When Col's childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians - a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight... Continue Reading →
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Everyone told me it was amazing but I was not prepared for how much I would adore this story. The world Alston has created layers realty with fantasy and I can hardly wait for the next installment. SYNOPSIS Quinton Peters was the golden boy of the Rosewood low-income housing projects, receiving full scholarship offers to... Continue Reading →
Warren the 13th and the Whispering Woods
This second book in the series was twice as cute as the first. Oh Warren, you're just lovely. I'm going to say it right here: even the synopsis has spoilers! If you want to start at the beginning check out my review of book one here. SYNOPSIS Warren the 13th is back in another lushly... Continue Reading →
Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye
Oh, you are a cute book. Witches and wonder and everything I could have asked for in a story was here for my delight. SYNOPSIS Warren the 13th is the lone bellhop, valet, waiter, groundskeeper, and errand boy of his family’s ancient hotel. It’s a strange, shadowy mansion full of crooked corridors and mysterious riddles—and... Continue Reading →
The House in the Cerulean Sea
The book that scooped me up and gave me back the gift of reading. SYNOPSIS Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world. Arthur Parnassus is the master of... Continue Reading →
My Favorite Books of 2020
My goal was to read 120 books this year and I managed to read 166. Actually, I'm hoping to make that 167 by finishing D-Day Girls today. I had two reading slumps where I laid in bed for hours at a time watching Netflix instead of sleeping but, honestly, thanks to my fellow bloggers I... Continue Reading →
Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi
Quite simply the most gorgeously written middle grade book I have enjoyed in....forever. I felt drenched in description and fell deeply in love with Alice and Oliver. SYNOPSIS Inspired by her childhood love of books like A Secret Garden and The Chronicles of Narnia, bestselling author Tahereh Mafi crafts a spellbinding new world where color is currency, adventure... Continue Reading →
Gloom Town by Ronald L. Smith
Middle grade is often accused of being predictable but there was nothing forceable about the mystery and adventure of this story. I genuinely hope that there is a sequel so I can spend more time with these characters. SYNOPSIS When twelve-year-old Rory applies for a job at a spooky old mansion in his gloomy seaside... Continue Reading →