See You At Harry’s – Jo Knowles

Posted on May 1, 2012 by EHL

We meet a busy, slightly dysfunctional family that owns a diner/ice cream restaurant called Harry’s.  Told from Fern’s point of view, she is the third of four children and has never quite had all the parental attention she would like.  Her sister, Sarah, is 18, but didn’t get into college so she is staying home, expected to work at the family restaurant.  Holden, 14, is routinely bullied at school and the torturous school bus for being gay.  Something he is slowly coming to terms with but hasn’t had the courage to admit to his family.  Fern knows, but doesn’t care.  She loves and adores Holden for who he is and will stick up for him whenever she can.  Charlie is the youngest and is a typical 3-year-old with equal parts cute, yucky, loving and annoying.  Their father shoots a commercial featuring the family much to the embarrassment of the older ones, but little Charlie ends the commercial with a catchy, “See you at Hawee’s”, that becomes the catch phrase around town.

Then tragedy strikes.  A family that is often too busy for each other learns to turn to each other.  While at first it looks like they will never be the same again, they begin to realize how much they love each other.  The writing excels, making this a difficult book to set aside because there was never a good stopping point.  It is the fluidity of the writing, the way the story unfolds and also how past events are woven into the present to tell the backstory.  This endears all of the flawed characters to the reader and shows how they grow as individuals and as a family.  The author does an excellent job with Holden’s coming to terms with his sexuality and facing his bullies and his concerned father.  Tissues are needed for this exceptional story and perfectly told.  Highly recommended.

NetGalley Review    Publication date 5.08.12

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The Lost Code: Book One of the Atlanteans – Kevin Emerson

Posted on May 1, 2012 by EHL

The Earth is dying.  Radiation from the sun is extreme.  Huge domes, Edens, have been constructed for large pockets of civilization in key places in the world.  Within one of the Edens, a summer camp has been built over a submerged temple that has special powers.  Certain children attending the camp mutate and grow gills.  It turns out that all of the campers were selected for their distant genes linked to the citizens of ancient Atlantis.  The key to the Earth’s salvation are the awakened powers of three chosen children.  Before they can truly figure out how to save the world, they have to escape the evil people in the Eden dome.

The stereotypical characters are here:  the camp bully, the twisted camp director, the lovely camp counselor, and the ugly duckling boy turned swan hero.  The story premise is interesting but a bit difficult to follow at times.  Many readers might give up.  Perhaps with the background laid out in book one, the following installments will advance the story at a brisker pace. It will be interesting to see how the mission continues in the next book.

 Digital Galley    Publication date 5.22.12

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Unraveling – Elizabeth Norris

Posted on April 24, 2012 by EHL

A truck appears out of nowhere and mows down Janelle days before her junior year.  She dies instantly.  A severed spinal cord is just one of her massive injuries.  As her life flashes before her, Ben appears and she can feel him healing her.  A classmate she has barely known all these years has brought her back to life.  How?  Using the skills she honed from her FBI father, she pieces together the clues of Ben’s abilities and the weirdly horrific deaths in the area from massive radiation exposure.

The taut suspense, complete with a countdown clock to the end of our universe takes the reader for a nonstop ride.  While the magnetic relationship between Ben and Janelle is restrained in sexual description, the “f-word” increases in frequency as suspense rapidly builds.  It is difficult to find novels that maintain a PG rating while meeting the cravings of voracious middle school readers who demand a complex plot.  However, readers caught up in the action might just read through the f-word and that is the extent of the foul language.  A few things nag at me, like Ben’s ability to heal and her freshman brother’s selfish inability to help around the house, but I can’t justify nit-picking minor aspects of a book based on the multiple universe theory. Flawless writing pieces together the story with brilliant pacing; driving the reader to devour each page in the hopes the characters can stop the countdown to the end of our universe.  The ending hints at more to come.  I hope so! 

Digital Galley Review   Publication date  4.24.12

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Breaking Beautiful – Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Posted on April 24, 2012 by EHL

This murder mystery wrapped in teen drama hits the mark.  Allie has survived an accident that apparently killed her boyfriend, Trip.  It looks like she jumped out of his truck before it went over a cliff and into the ocean that swallowed the truck and Trip’s body.  She suffered a severe head wound and can’t remember the accident or the events leading up to it.  Or can she?  Allie has been covering up an abusive relationship with Trip for years.  Trip comes from a wealthy family that owns and controls the town and she hadn’t had the strength to leave the abuse.  Her twin brother has cerebral palsy that limits his mobility but not his intelligence.  He saw through the façade and urged his sister to leave Trip.  But now Trip is dead.  Was it an accident or murder?  The pace of the novel is excellent so that the reader learns Allie’s story as Allie comes to terms with it.   The characters feel real and the drama around the relationships is spot on.  Blake, Allie’s childhood friend and champion, tugs at the heart.  The author delivers a gripping story while addressing abusive relationships.  Several library copies will be needed to satisfy demand.  Highly recommended.

NetGalley Review     Publication date  4.24.12

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The Princess of Trelian – Michelle Knudsen

Posted on April 24, 2012 by EHL

The sequel to The Dragon of Trelian, once again has Princess Meglynne , her dragon and sorcerer’s apprentice friend, Calen, saving the kingdom from the evil Sen Eva.  Sen Eva is intent on bringing the ultimate evil sorcerer, who was magically banished generations ago, back into the world.  The book ends with a twist paving the way for another to come.

While I enjoyed the first book – princess finds dragon, mind melds, saves kingdom – type of light fantasy, this second in the series is rather tedious.  There seems to be an awful lot of explaining how characters think and feel and react.  Perhaps the novice reader that needs a lot of hand holding to understand character insight will appreciate the explanations.  This book does satisfy the needs of the beginning fantasy reader.  The characters are likeable, especially young Calen who grows into his powers and looks to play a pivotal role in the next book.

 NetGalley Review  Publication date 4.10.12

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Midnight in Peking: How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China – Paul French

Posted on April 24, 2012 by EHL

 The eastern section of old Peking has been dominated since the fifteenth century by a looming watchtower, built as part of the Tartar Wall to protect the city from invaders.  Known as the Fox Tower, it was believed to be haunted by fox spirits, a superstition that meant the place was deserted at night.

So begins this compelling book.  It has all the components of a first-rate murder mystery:  an eccentric, distant father with an interesting past, a seedy underworld, hints of scandal among the upper classes, corrupt officials, plus a skilled and determined detective.   All of this painted against a backdrop of Peking hovering on the brink of war.

On the morning of January 7, 1937, the body of an English schoolgirl is found near the base of the Fox Tower.  To the horror of the policemen, the girl had been savagely mutilated; her chest cut open and her internal organs removed.  Peking is already in turmoil, filled with refugees from Russia and peasants from the countryside.  The Japanese army is surrounding the city.  Only the residents of the gated Legation Quarter seem unaffected.  These privileged foreigners, mostly Europeans and Americans, seek to maintain face at all costs. 

The murdered girl was identified as Pamela Werner, daughter of E.T.C. Werner a respected scholar who had lived and worked in China since the 1800’s.  The Chinese police department, knowing that the British legation required an envoy to monitor the investigation, called in DCI Dennis from the British Concession in Tientsin. He was experienced and had trained at Scotland Yard.  But Dennis was hampered from the beginning with restrictions imposed by his superiors, all in the interest of saving face.

Paul French spent seven years meticulously researching this true story, unearthing long lost files and visiting locales in China involved in the case.  The rich details faithfully recreate old Peking, the lives of the people involved, and the investigation following the murder to make this a compelling read.  Highly recommended.

NetGalley Review  Publication date 4.24.12

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Kill Me Softly – Sarah Cross

Posted on April 15, 2012 by EHL

It seems the fairy tales we grew up with are not so magical and wonderful in real life.  Mira was orphaned at a young age and was raised by her two godmothers in a sheltered environment.  Although the godmothers will not divulge many details about her parents, Mira knows where they came from.  She runs away from home to find out more about her past and experience life.  She ends up in a fancy hotel in Beau Rivage, and is immediately befriended by a group of local teens.  Felix, the young manager of the hotel, takes an instant liking to her, but his brother, Blue, is less than hospitable at first. As she begins to explore, she realizes that these teens are not quite normal.  They have all been blessed or cursed by fairies, with traits reminiscent of those in Grimms’ fairy tales.  Mira belongs here.  She is one of them and is cursed in a fashion similar to Sleeping Beauty.  While she knows who the designated prince is to wake her from her impending slumber, she doesn’t know what will trigger the deep sleep.  As she searches for answers, she learns more about her past and realizes that her parents may still be alive.  This is a beautifully woven story with a great balance of romance, mystery, and fantasy that will keep the readers engaged.

NetGalley Review    Publication date 4.10.12

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The Hunt – Andrew Fukuda

Posted on April 8, 2012 by EHL

Instead of the traditional humans turning into zombies storyline that wipes out humanity, humans are facing extinction from a vampire-ish majority that crave a diet of the few remaining true humans called hepers.  The story opens with Gene, a heper doing his best to blend in at school by adopting the habits of the perverse form of humans.  Heper scent is enough to cause his classmates to salivate uncontrollably while the smell of human blood makes them frenetic.  One wrong step and he’d be eaten alive.  There are very few hepers left.  The few in captivity will be released in a Hunt, where seven lottery winners will get the honor of chasing the hepers down and devouring them.  Wouldn’t you know, Gene and his girl crush, Ashley June, are among the lucky few chosen to go on the Hunt.  Disguising his heper identity will be impossible as the lottery winners are confined to the Heper Institute for training in the days before the Hunt.

The action never stopped!  Brilliantly written, opening with the story of a kindergarten girl who made the mistake of attending school only to be discovered on her first day and devoured by classmates.  The author weaves the story of Gene and his lonely, isolated life, and his desperate fight to blend in that is literally a fight for survival.   The book ends with an interesting puzzler, meaning much more to come in the next installment.  This will be a huge hit – several copies will be needed in school libraries to meet demand.  Highly recommended.

NetGalley review    Publication date  5.8.12

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The Wicked and the Just – J. Anderson Coats

Posted on April 7, 2012 by EHL

The story takes place in Wales around 1280 when King Edward I of England conquered Wales.  He sealed his control of the Welsh by granting lands to loyal Englishmen and moving them into newly built town houses within castle walls.  The Welsh were treated harshly, with no rights and heavy taxes.  Spoiled English girl Cecily is miffed with her father when he decides to seek his fortune and move them to Caernarfon in Wales, one of King Edward’s new castles.  She treats the Welsh servant girl, Gwenhwyfar, rudely and punishes her severely.  The story alternates to Gwenhwfar’s voice and her struggles to survive, now as a servant to the cruel English in lands she was raised to rule.  The Welsh rebel and take bloody revenge on their English masters.  Now the roles are reversed.

I finished this book a week ago and have been trying to gather my thoughts before writing this review.  This story has lingered with me, hovering in the back of my mind while I read two other excellent books.  The historic background is woven into the story through the well-drawn characters to truly immerse the reader into the story.  Highly recommended.

NetGalley Review  Publication date 4.17.12

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Sister Queens: The Noble, Tragic Lives of Katherine of Aragon and Juana, Queen of Spain – Julia Fox

Posted on April 7, 2012 by EHL

The five surviving children of King Ferdinand of Aragon and Quen Isabella of Castile were given the best of educations, were taught the nuances of statecraft and were raised to realize that their role in life was to increase the power of Spanish dynasty.  They learned their lessons well.  The son died before he could become king, but the four girls became queens, founding royal lines that exist today.   Katherine became Queen of England after marrying Henry VIII.  Juana married Philip of Burgundy, then became Queen of Castile and Aragon when her mother died.  Both women were pleased by their new husbands, seemed to love them and were loved in return. But in spite of the fairy tale beginning, the sisters didn’t live happily ever after. 

Juana was manipulated by the three men she loved most, her husband, her father, and her son.  All wanted to rule in her stead.  Occasional erratic behavior was conveniently labeled “mad” and she was locked away for most of her life.  The story of Katherine and Henry VIII is much more familiar, the first wife tossed aside when the male heir was not produced.  Both women were betrayed by their husbands and separated from their children.  They then turned to their deep faith to help them endure.

This is a dual biography book that reads as fluidly as fiction, fast-paced and full of colorful detail.  The characters were fully fleshed and sympathetic.  I was captivated from the first page and found it hard to put down.  Because it was so well written without the distraction of dates and endless battle scenes, the information easily embedded itself in my brain.  I have a renewed appreciation for the rights afforded women today.

NetGalley Review    Publication date  1.31.12

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The Child Who – Simon Lelic

Posted on April 7, 2012 by EHL

Leo Curtice, an attorney in a town in southern England, is excited when asked to defend a 12-year-old boy accused of murdering an 11-year-old girl.  This is a career-making case.  The excitement is short lived however, as Leo experiences the fury of a public out for blood.  When his wife is spit on at the market and his daughter is attacked at school they beg him to give up the case.   Leo struggles to do the right thing. The child must be defended properly and Leo becomes empathetic to the disturbed boy.  He seems insensitive to the feelings of his family.   The tension builds when Leo receives notes threatening his daughter. 

This gripping story is told primarily from Leo’s conflicted mind.  Should he put the needs of his family before the needs of this damaged boy?  But does the boy need him more?  But the boy is a monster.  How can you defend a monster? His turmoil generates almost unbearable suspense.  I felt that one plot resolution wasn’t completely thought out, and a bit far-fetched, but overall this was a very good psychological thriller.  And for a time I will be chewing on the moral issues that were raised.

NetGalley Review    Publication date 2.28.12

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Illuminate – Aimee Agresti

Posted on April 1, 2012 by EHL

Illuminate has a mix of elements that will attract a variety of readers.  It is a combination of romance, mystery, coming-of-age, self-discovery, and paranormal good versus evil.  Haven is an over-achieving, hard working girl, whose adoptive mother found her outside when she was very young.  The only clue to her life before adoption is the persistent scars on her chest and shoulders.  Haven and two of her high school classmates, Dante and Lance, are selected to participate in an internship at an upscale, mob-themed New York hotel.  Her first task at the hotel is to take portraits of the silent, oddly beautiful staff members called the Outfit. Everything starts to change when the photos morph into portraits of scarred, decaying, horrifying people.  She also finds a book in the hotel with her name on it.  Every few days, entries appear in the book directing her to explore tunnels in the bowels of the hotel and to train for battle.  She and Lance begin to uncover more secrets behind the staff.  It appears the Outfit members have sold their souls to the Devil.  The three students are being lured to by every means necessary to join the soul recruitment campaign.  Can Haven and her friends resist or do they prepare for battle?  This engaging book will have readers clamoring for more.

Galley review   Publication date 3.6.12

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Poison Most Vial – Benedict Carey

Posted on March 29, 2012 by EHL

This murder mystery stars two students, Ruby and Rex, who are determined to clear Ruby’s father of murder charges.  The famous head of the university forensics lab was poisoned and all evidence points to Ruby’s father who works in the lab.  With a bit of help from their reclusive elderly neighbor, who has a background in forensics, and two clever classmates, they piece together evidence.  Filled with fun dialogue, fast escapes, and likable characters, this is a classic whodunit.

NetGalley review   Publication date 4.1.12

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Grimalkin The Witch Assassin – The Last Apprentice (bk 9) – Joseph Delaney

Posted on March 24, 2012 by EHL

The storyline in the highly addictive The Last Apprentice series continues with the focus on Grimalkin, the witch assassin.  The books must be read in order.  Tom is the apprentice to the Spook whose mission is to hunt down and bind evil creatures; many are staunch supporters of the Fiend.  The Fiend is the root of all evil and deserved to have his head severed in the last book by Tom, the Spook, and Grimalkin working together.  The entire book is about Grimalkin’s efforts to keep the Fiend’s head from falling into the hands of the Fiend’s legends who intend to unite the head with the body.  That would be very bad.  The horrendous kretch designed to kill Grimalkin leads to plenty of fighting scenes where we witness the splendor that is Grimalkin.  Her cunning and bravery along with that of her devoted friends bring emotion to the emotionless witch’s story.  While I am ready to continue with Tom’s story, I want more of Grimalkin.  The series deserves the huge popularity it enjoys!

NetGalley review    Publication date  4.17.12

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Peaceweaver – Rebecca Barnhouse

Posted on March 17, 2012 by EHL

The historical fantasy setting is 6th century Scandinavia and the scene of constant fighting between the clans.  Hilf is the niece to the Scylfing (Swedes) king and is prone to spells of hyper-adrenaline when she skillfully uses her sword to kill the would-be assassin of the young prince.  Instead of receiving praise for her actions, she is exiled when the king promises her as the bride to the new King Wiglaf of the Geats.  Is this truly a peace offering or is betrayal intended?  Hilf displays her warrior skills during the treacherous journey to her new king and learns to respect her new people.  Hilf is a rich character.  She is raised as nobility but not overly spoiled.  She can hold her own and values honor.  This companion novel to The Coming of the Dragon, a retelling of Beowulf, stands alone.  But now that I have read Peaceweaver, I will go back and read The Coming of the Dragon because the author is a superb storyteller and I want to know more about Rune aka King Wiglaf.  Highly recommended.

This map from Wikipedia might help:

NetGalley Review   Publication date 3.27.12

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