Mysterious World by Laura Knowles

Mysterious World by Laura Knowles -- 191 pages

I read this book in preparation for a homeschool class I'm teaching.  It was very interesting.  It contained information on various mysterious creatures, places, events, etc.  I've read several other similar books yet this one contained a lot of things I have not heard of before. I would definitely recommend this book to kids.

Absolute Batman, Vol. 3: Devil's Workshop by Scott Snyder

Absolute Batman, Vol. 3: Devil's Workshop by Scott Snyder

Absolute Batman (2024) #15-18, 208 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Batman won his explosive battle with Bane, but his friends will never be the same—and he might not be able to help them, even if he crosses worlds and enlists the help of a god to do it.

Meanwhile, another of Ark M's residents will be unleashed on Gotham. And the biggest question of all still remains…what is the true identity of the man behind everything? Legendary artist Jock reunites with writer Scott Snyder to tell one version of the story Alfred’s been chasing for years, and a one-shot explores the origins of Ark M!

The Fang Arrangement by Sarah Blue

The Fang Arrangement by Sarah Blue -- 328 pages

It was a stupid mix up. A string of bad decisions tethering me to one of the most powerful vampires in Louisiana. When I agreed to go out on a date with a wolf shifter, I didn’t think the night would end with me covered in vampire blood and accused of murder. My options were simple: make a deal to be Warin Auclair’s on call witch, or face the vampire council. Warin might be manipulative, scheming, and rude, but he promises me his protection.
Vampires and witches don’t mix. There’s no way any of this can end well.
Danger keeps lurking around every corner, from deadly vampire slayers to precarious secrets. Yet, he shockingly keeps his promise, ensuring my safety, and amid all the threats, showing me who he truly is. I shouldn’t be falling for the attractive vampire. He’s immortal and I’ll never abandon my coven. So why do I want him to sink his teeth into me and never let go?

The Marriage Hex by Sarah Blue

The Marriage Hex by Sarah Blue -- 305 pages

It was a stupid wish. One that’s come to haunt my doorstep fourteen years later. When I made a pact with my best friend to marry each other if we were both still single at thirty, I had no idea it would be magically bound… by me. Time and circumstance have separated us, and we’re no longer the naïve teenagers we once were. I’m thriving with my coven and Silas is the newly appointed Alpha of the local shifter pack. Which is why this marriage will never work.

The Celestial Coven and the Moon Walker Pack have had an ongoing feud that spans generations. My former best friend has now become my sworn enemy. Unfortunately, my magic hasn’t gotten that memo and my nemesis/husband is now living under my roof and walking around my house topless in gray sweatpants. I don’t want him. I shouldn’t want him. But why do I find myself stalling at figuring out a counter curse?

Wolf Blood by Lola Glass

Wolf Blood by Lola Glass -- 399 pages

The werewolf who's been keeping me alive with his blood for the last few months just declared me his. He also says he isn't mine, so that's fantastic. At least we're not soulmates. Yet. Being a turned vampire has been rough for me, but I'm determined to survive long enough to make sure that my best friend has a support system of some kind when I'm gone. It doesn't help that my mother is somehow behind the murders that nearly took her out, though. Or that the wolf who's claimed me isn't willing to let me go. Somehow, I have to keep myself sane just long enough for everything to fall into place… and I have to do it without falling for a werewolf.

The Shortest History of Scotland by Murray Pittock

 The Shortest History of Scotland by Murray Pittock-205 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/4

From clan castles and conflict to Hadrian's Wall and BrexitScotland is one of the oldest nations in Europe. Its territory has remained fundamentally unchanged since the fifteenth century, and its southern border with England has barely altered– with the exception of Berwick and a few square kilometres of 'debatable' land – since 1237. And yet Scotland – a country with a global brand – is not a state at all. The Shortest History of Scotland argues that its very ambiguity is what has made the nation a central part of the global story.

Starting at the very beginning with a Scotland before Scotland – a tribal society connected closely by sea to Ireland, before becoming a place defined by being the part of an island beyond the Roman wall – Pittock ranges with dazzling expertise through the defining episodes of Scottish history up to the present.

Thoughts: Pittock weaves a compelling narrative of Scotland's history from the Roman era to present day. I learned more than simply facts and dates (although I did learn a bit of that). I also learned about the social history of Scotland and what it means to be Scottish (both historically and in modern times). I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a great overview of Scottish history.

Bleach, Vol. 3 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, Vol. 3 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, 192 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Ichigo Kurosaki was a little boy when his mother passed away. One rainy day, Ichigo, whose ability top see the undead is a blessing and curse, tried to stop young girl from drowning in a nearby river. His mother, Masaki, ran after them, frantically trying to rescue her only son. Then everything went black, and Ichigo awoke only to discover his mother dead and the little girl gone.

It's the anniversary of Masaki's death, and the entire Kurosaki clan, along with former Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki, head to the cemetary to pay their respects. Sleeping demons rarely ever stay still and pretty soon Ichigo confronts the Grand Fisher, the Hollow that may be responsible for his mother's demise.