Come Tumbling Down (Wayward Children #5) by Seanan McGuire

Come Tumbling Down (Wayward Children #5) by Seanan McGuire-208 pages

In this installment of the Wayward Children series, Jack and Jill Wolcott's story continues where it left off at the end of the second book (Down Among the Sticks and Bones). Jill and her Master storm the Windmill and kill Dr. Bleak and force Jack to trade bodies with Jill. Jack is shaken to her core by these events and travels back to Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children to solicit help for her and her love, Alexis. Kade, Sumi, Christopher, and Cora agree to go with Jack and Alexis to the Moors. Jack's plan is to switch bodies back with Jill and to kill her sister to restore balance to the Moors. She also wants to get Dr. Bleak's head back so she can attempt to resurrect him. Will she and her companions succeed? The balance of the Moors depends on it. Will her companions survive and return to Eleanor West's School? I liked this one just as I liked the others I've read so far. I rate it 4 stars out of 5. I am eager to continue reading (and finishing) this series. 

Down Among the Sticks and Bones (Wayward Children, #2) by Seanan McGuire

 Down Among the Sticks and Bones (Wayward Children, #2) by Seanan McGuire-187 pages

Jacqueline (Jack) and Jillian (Jill) Wolcott are raised by parents who didn't really want kids until they saw colleagues at work with kids. Chester (their dad) wanted a boy to show off to the male work colleagues. Serena (their mom) wanted a perfect daughter to show off to her female colleagues. They didn't know a thing about parenting. They end up having twin girls. They tried to mold Jillian into a tomboy and Jacqueline into the perfect, prim daughter. However, one day Jack and Jill venture to their Gemma Lou's old room (Gemma Lou/Grandma stayed and helped raise them until they were 5) they find a trunk that should be filled with dress up clothes. They're intrigued and surprised to find a staircase instead. Jack and Jill venture down the stairs into a new fantasy world with strange rules and people. They venture into the dark world of the Moors, which is full of danger. A vampire Master, a mad scientist, werewolves, and sea creatures abound. Jill is taken in by the Master and longs to be molded into a vampire. Jack is taken in by the mad scientist, Dr. Bleak. It's the story of Jack and Jill's adventure and how they came to be at Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children. I enjoyed this one just like the first and would give it 4 out of 5 stars. I am liking this series so far. 

Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children, #1) by Seanan McGuire

Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children, #1) by Seanan McGuire-175 pages

Eleanor West once went through a door to a fantasy world and came back to the "real world." Now, she runs a school to help other young girls and boys who have had a similar experience. Nancy arrives at the school after having been in a "Land of the Dead" for years (6 months in the "real world"). This has some Chronicles of Narnia vibes, but with some differences. Each student at the school is "different"(for example Nancy is asexual and felt at home in the world through their doorway. None of the students feels at home in the "real world." All are trying to return to the world through their doorway. First, Sumi, Nancy's roommate is found dead with no hands, and then others are found missing various body parts. Who is killing them and why? I liked this one and rate it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Frank Herbert's Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 1 adapted by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

 Frank Herbert's Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 1 adapted by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson-163 pages

Duke Leto has been made new leader of Arrakis and he travels there from Caladan with his longtime concubine Jessica and their son Paul. Jessica is a Bene Gesserit and it is believed that Paul might be Kwisatz Haderach. A longstanding feud exists between the Atreides (Duke Leto and his family) and the Harkonnens (Baron Vladimir Harkonnen). The Baron Harkonnen wants to rule Arrakis and destroy the Atreides. Treachery and betrayal from within the House of Atreides threatens to ruin Duke Leto's tenuous grasp on Arrakis. This is book 1 of a planned trilogy of graphic novel adaptations of Dune. The story continues in book 2, which is slated to be released spring of 2022. I have not read the novel Dune, but I bought it a while ago with the intention of reading it. I wanted to read this first to get a feel for what the story is about and if I would enjoy the novel or not. I definitely enjoyed reading this graphic novel adaptation. 

Lore by Alexandra Bracken

Lore by Alexandra Bracken-466 pages

 Lore is the story of Melora Perseous the last of the line of the god Perseus. The Agon happens every 7 years since the gods sparked Zeus' rage and anger. Every 7 years, the gods become mortal for 7 days and the lines of the old gods hunt down the gods to try and ascend to become gods themselves. Lore is in the middle of all this. Her entire family was murdered the day after the last Agon, 7 years ago. She is now the only Perseide left and has been trying to stay hidden. However, she is drawn back into her old life and into the Agon by Athena. Will Lore and her friends survive the Agon? I enjoyed reading this standalone teen novel by Bracken. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's good, but I didn't enjoy it as much as some of my favorite books and authors. It is worth reading, though, especially if you're into Greek mythology and/or teen fantasy. 

A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses #4) by Sarah J. Maas

 A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses #4) by Sarah J. Maas-769 pages (Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition)

I read the first 4 books in the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series in a short span last year. I had been anticipating this new title in the series since I learned of its impending release. The previous titles in this series were mainly from Feyre Archeron's perspective. However, Maas changes it up and features Nesta Archeron (Feyre's older sister) and Cassian (an Illyrian warrior and best friend of Rhysand) in this installment. I really liked the new perspectives. The reader is taken on a journey with Nesta as she finds out who she really is and where she fits in. Nesta makes friends and comes out of her shell and is awoken from her depression. I enjoyed reading this just as much as the previous titles in this series. I am not sure if there will be more titles in this series, but I hope so. 

Into the Dark (Star Wars: The High Republic) by Claudia Gray

 Into the Dark (Star Wars: The High Republic) by Claudia Gray-425 pages

Reath Silas, Padawan to Jedi Master and Council member Jora Malli, is enthralled with studying for endless hours in the Jedi Archives on Coruscant. He loves reading stories of past adventures and travels, but is not keen to go on adventures of his own. He has travelled, but does not find it very enjoyable. When his Master, Jora Malli, informs him that she has accepted a post on the Outer Rim at the newly completed Starlight Beacon Reath does not take it well. However, events unfold and Reath and other Jedi (Cohmac Vitus and Orla Jareni) inadvertently encounter a new enemy on the Outer Rim that will test their limits. The Nihil (who were introduced in "Light of the Jedi") are in play in this story, also. Reath's Master, Jora, dies during the events of "Light of the Jedi" and Reath must deal with her loss. Will he thrive or will he wither? Who will he choose as his new Master? I really liked the ending of this book. Claudia Gray is my favorite author of new Disney Can Star Wars novels. 

Light of the Jedi (Star Wars: The High Republic) by Charles Soule

Light of the Jedi (Star Wars: The High Republic) by Charles Soule-380 pages

 

This is the first book in the new "High Republic" series of Star Wars. It is 200 years before the events of "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace." The Chancellor, Lina Soh, has a saying that she wants to become synonymous with the Republic: "We are all the Republic." A new threat has revealed itself to the Republic and to the Jedi. It is called the Nihil and it is a group of marauder pirates who have access to hyperspace routes/paths that no else does. A disaster occurs in the Hetzal system related to the Nihil that threatens billions of lives. However, the Republic soon learns that it could be billions or trillions more lives at stake if the Nihil are not stopped. New Jedi and other characters are introduced in addition to Chancellor Soh (including Jedi Master Avar Kriss, Jedi Knight Elzar Mann, and others). This book is a good introduction to this new series/era of Star Wars. I eagerly await the rest of the new books in this series coming out soon. In fact, I am now reading "Into the Dark," which is the next book in this series and it is written by Claudia Gray (author of several previous Star Wars novels that I enjoyed). 

Ready Player Two (Ready Player One, #2) by Ernest Cline

Ready Player Two (Ready Player One, #2) by Ernest Cline-370 pages

 I really enjoyed reading Ready Player One a few years ago, so I preordered this as soon as it was available. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first, but I didn't hate it either. Pop culture references still abound in this sequel, such as Tolkien, Prince, John Hughes, and many others. I am a moderate fan of John Hughes and have seen many of his films and I have read The Hobbit and seen all of the movies based on Tolkien's works (The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit trilogy). I am not  as familiar with Prince, however. Anyway, many of the references hit home and this is still a good read. I am not sure how I feel about the ending, but each reader can decide for himself or herself. 

Most Wanted (Star Wars Disney Canon Novel) by Rae Carson

Most Wanted (Star Wars Disney Canon Novel) by Rae Carson-348 pages

I watched Solo: A Star Wars Story in theaters and this is a standalone prequel novel to that film. It is a somewhat thrilling look into Han and Qi'ra living on Corellia before the events of the movie. Han and Qi'ra (and a Rodian friend) embark on an adventure related to a Datacube with a shield tech blueprint on it. An Imperial defector, who is an engineer, created the blueprint and is attempting to sell it to the highest bidder. Both Han and Qi'ra are sent on separate missions related to the sale of the datacube. I was a bit disappointed that the story didn't really leave Corellia (it did go to space, briefly). Overall, it was a decent read and worth reading once, especially for a Star Wars fan.

Green Rider Series

By Kristen Britain

High King's Tomb Book 3 679 Pages

Blackveil Book 4 663 Pages

Mirror Sight Book 5 770 Pages

After Karigan gives up fighting the Rider Call she is thrown into even more difficult situations and her life made more complicated by interfering gods and her own feelings.

The Geek Feminist Revolution - Kameron Hurley

The Geek Feminist Revolution - Kameron Hurley - 272 pages

This book is a collection of essays and blog posts by the author about a wide variety of topics, most of which carry a common theme of inclusivity, feminism, and geekdom.  Specifically, she discusses the representation of women, various sexual orientations, races, and economic statuses in the realm of gaming, sci-fi/fantasy, and fandoms.

This collection is a clarion call to awareness and responsibility for members of all communities, not just the geeks.  Because she is so stylistically strident, I had to pace myself more than I usually would as I was reading my way through this book for a couple of reasons; first, after reading two or three chapters, the essay presentation started to feel formulaic and that lessened the impact of her otherwise pointed observations, but also just because there's a lot to absorb here.  At times, it also seemed a little like an advertisement for her other fictional works and herself (near the end of the book is an entire chapter about how it feels for her to be "the man," or the accomplished author that's made it, and her tone of humility seemed too strained to be convincing to me), but she also gets very personal about events in her personal life that brought her to this most recent presentation of how she feels about the modern feminist movement.  And that is kind of the overall point here: marginalized persons moving to de-marginalize themselves by ripping the veil of complicity off of the words and attitudes we exhibit as a society every day.  This book is going to open your metaphorical peepers, whether you agree with every point or not.

December Books 2014

Blood of Olympus 502 pages by Rick Riordan
 Our heroes are still trying to make a deadline to stop Gaea from destroying the world. More hardships as well as humor are thrown their way and all the heroes must prove what they are made of.

Vampire Knight Vol 14 187 pages Matsuri Hino
Vampire Knight Vol 15 187 pages Matsuri Hino
Vampire Knight Vol 16 187 pages Matsuri Hino
Vampire Knight Vol 17 189 pages Matsuri Hino
Vampire Knight Vol 18 189 pages Matsuri Hino
Vampire Knight Vol 19 191 pages Matsuri Hino
 Okay so this is where the story gets weird and confusing. Kaname wants to end all purebloods lives including his and Yuki's so he starts killing them all. Yuki starts the night class again with some of the old night class and new members. Big battles happen and more confusion ending with Kaname's heart in a furnace to make hunter weapons and Yuki ending up with Zero and two kids.

Shifting Shadows 450 pages Patricia Briggs
 This book has the best of Mercy's world all rolled into one volume. Reader favorites and new, never published before stories.

The D.U.F.F. 277 pages by Kody Keplinger
 This one makes me glad I am done with High School and didn't know anyone like some of the people in this book.

Clariel 382 pages by Garth Nix
 Set six hundred years before "Sabriel" we see upsets in the magical community that flow over to the non-magical. We meet some old friends and discover some new along this new path in an old kingdom.

Apple Turnover Murder 292 pages by Joanne Fluke
 Hannah's old assistant professor is in town as her sister Michelle's advisor and Christmas guest. During the Christmas talent show he turns up dead and get what the dirty rotten womanizer deserves.

Plum Pudding Murder 303 pages by Joanne Fluke
 Crazy Larry is doing dirty business during Christmas in Lake Eden and it's up to Hannah to find out who knew enough to want to kill him.

Devils Food Cake Murder 322 pages by Joanne Fluke
 Rev. Bob and Claire finally get a honeymoon and an old friend comes back to hold the fort down while they are away. when he turns up dead it is up to Hannah to uncover the secrets of why he was killed. Meanwhile Norman goes out of town and comes back with his ex-fiance who drops a bomb on their lives.

Cinnamon Roll Murder 363 pages by Joanne Fluke
 During the Lake Eden jazz festival the Cinnamon Roll Six, the band hired to play, has a horrible wreck. Now Hannah has to figure out if the bus driver was murdered or if it was truly an accident as well as find out who killed the keyboard player in the hospital. We find out Dr. Bev is a lying conniving witch and the whole town pitches in to help break up Norman and Dr. Bev.

Red Velvet Cupcake Murder 323 pages by Joanne Fluke
 The evil Dr. Bev is back in town and engaged to a new man but still hitting on anything she thinks she can manipulate. Not surprisingly she winds up dead and it's up to Hannah to find the killer and clear her own name!

Blackberry Pie Murder 339 pages by Joanne Fluke
 A stranger shows up in town pinned under the bumper of Hannah's cookie truck. Now she needs all the help she can get to figure out who he was and stay out of jail for vehicular homicide.

Poison Study 427 pages by Maria V. Snyder
 One of my favorite series, this is the first book, has everything you could want. Magic, spies, politics, intrigue, and creepy bad guys getting what they deserve.

Magic Study 392 pages by Maria V. Snyder
 Yalena travels to her home to meet her family for the first time since she was kidnapped fourteen years ago. From there she travels to the Citadel to learn how to control her magic and all hell breaks loose as usual when Yalena is around. Murders, mistrust, and uncovering the past run rampant through her life in a country where she is supposed to be free.