Review: Aftershocks

*Gasp* Look! A review! How nice. I haven't reviewed a historical fiction book in awhile, so I thought I'd mix it up a bit. Be back with more reviews in the next few weeks (hopefully!).

Aftershocks by William Lavender

Jessie’s troubles start when she is discovered looking at medical instruments in the local medical supply shop window. She can’t help but be fascinated by the strange tools used by doctors, especially since she wants to practice medicine herself. However, her father has other plans. A doctor himself, he is adamant that no proper young lady in San Francisco’s high society will ever practice medicine. He insists that it is not a dignified profession for a woman.

All of this changes when Jessie discovers some less-than-reputable late-night excursions between her father and the family’s new Chinese maid, Mei Lin. On New Year’s Eve in 1904, Mei Lin disappears, and Jessie is sure that Mei Lin has fled to protect her unborn illegitimate child. When Chinatown is almost completely destroyed by the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, Jessie seizes the opportunity to search for her half-sister. It isn’t long before she finds Lilly, a Chinese orphan with distinctively reddish-black hair like Jessie’s father. She is sure that this is her half-sister, but how can Jessie save her sister, and spare her strict family the shame of the secret she’s discovered?

San Francisco in 1906 is a dangerous place. William Lavender’s book Aftershocks does an excellent job of capturing this spirit of chaos and showing that sometimes it’s not the natural disaster, but what happens afterward that will ultimately change lives. This one of those truly multi-layer novels that has so much going on, it's hard to summarize in just a few short paragraphs. However, far from making the story confusing, it gives this historical novel a new level of depth and complexity.

The cover of this book reveals that this is “a tale of romance and social justice,” but it ends up being much more. Although this story takes place during a major historical disaster, the book focuses more on how the event changes Jessie’s life, not how it ravages the city. While engulfed in this book, the audience grows, changes, and matures right along with Jessie as she struggles with the family secret that literally changes her life.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10

Review: I Can Has Cheezburger?

I Can Has Cheezburger?: A LOLcat Colleckshun by Professor Happycat and Icanhascheezburger.com

I know what you're thinking... "A review? She's actually posting a review?" Haha, so funny. Yes, after a long break, I'm actually taking a few minutes to post a review. I literally have a stack of 50 or so books that really should be taken care of before this one, but I enjoyed this book so much I just had to share it.

For those of you who haven't heard of I Can Has Cheezburger?.com, let me tell you, you are missing out. This website collects funny pictures of cats, rabbits, squirrels and other animals and readers caption and submit them to be voted on by viewers. The best images are then placed on the homepage.

It sounds simple enough, but the brillance is really hard to explain without experiencing it firsthand. Some of them are funny, some are not funny, and some are roll on the floor gasping for breath funny.

As a follower of the site for about a year, I was exstatic when I found out they were releasing an I Can Has Cheezburger?book. My very own collection of Lolcats? I am so there! The book is an excellent collection of the best, funniest, and quientissential Lols found on (and off) the site. It's a quick read (mostly pictures with a few phrase captions) but it's a book I will read over and over, especially when you need a humor pick-me-up. I only had the guts to ask for one book this Christmas (since I have so many already), but I am so happy that this was the only book I got. It totally made up for a lack of books in other areas.

Just to give you a taste of what you've been missing, here are my some of my favorite Lolcats pulled from the site's blog. For your enjoyment, and to convice you how much you need this book, you may want to click on each picture to enlarge it and enjoy it fully. I'll catch you again down at the bottom.

So if that hasn't convinced you that you need this book, I don't know what will. If you've enjoyed these, head over to I Can Has Cheezburger?.com and check out the thousands they have over there.

I need to warn you, there's quite a few reoccuring phrases and jokes, which may take a bit to catch onto. And the grammar and spelling are horrible. But that's one of the things that makes it so funny. Besides, you'll be fluent in Lolspeak in no time! Of course, the book is great for explaning the jargon and reoccuring gags, if you're simply lost altogether. Bottom line: if you're in a humor slump, you need to order your copy of I Can Has Cheezburger? right away!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

I Can Has Cheezburger? is available to order on Amazon.com:

My Favorites: Dealing with Dragons

I’ve decided to start a feature where I review some of my absolute favorite books. These are usually ones that have been out for awhile, and most people have heard of them. This is my chance to convince you just what you’re missing if you don’t read these. So first up, here’s

Dealing with Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book One by Patricia C. Wrede

Cimorene isn’t your normal princess. In fact, she doesn’t look, talk, or behave like any normal self-respecting princess. So when Cimorene runs away and volunteers to be a dragon’s princess, it’s not completely unexpected. Well, for the reader anyway. But Cimorene’s parents refuse to believe anyone would choose to be a dragon’s princess.

But Cimorene has much more important things to think about than her parents. She’s too busy cooking Cherries Jubilee, sorting treasure, and learning the history of the dragons from her new dragon friend, Kazul. So when knights start showing up to “rescue” her, Cimorene is more than a little annoyed. Little does she know, things are about to get a lot more interesting, and pesky knights are the least of her problems!

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you know how much I adore retold fairy tales. This book turns them all on their heads! Think of every stereotype possible in traditional fairytales and be prepared to toss them all out the window while reading this one. In addition to the great new perspective caused by breaking these stereotypes, this book has the perfect blend of humor, adventure, and just enough suspense to keep you going. Everyone I’ve ever recommend this book to LOVES it, and it’s been one of my favorites for many years.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10 (Were you really surprised?)

Read the continuation of Cimorene’s adventures in the rest of the series:
Searching for Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book Two
Calling on Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book Three (my personal favorite of the series)
Talking to Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book Four

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Review: Flight Vol. 3

Flight, Vol. 3 by Various

Flight is the ultimate graphic novel meets fantasy anthology. Filled with several comic “short stories,” every reader is bound to find something to their liking. Read about a brave fox who confronts a vicious subterranean monster in “Underworld,” a cat who gets his comeuppance for terrorizing birds in “Hunter” and a mischievous cloud who gets overruled by his elders in the justly titled “The Cloud.”

Not only do the storylines differ, but there is a wide range of artistic styles from the traditional, to soft watercolors, to illustrations that look like they created with colored pencils. Many of the stories also contain limited or nonexistent text, letting readers delight in the simple art of the story. A great introduction into the world of comics/graphic novels, you’ll love this one!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: Princess Bubble

Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb

It isn’t very often that I have the opportunity to read a children’s book that I know parents and teens will enjoy just as much as children. Fortunately, Princess Bubble is one of those books.

Princess Bubble has just graduated from college and takes a job as a flight attendant in order to travel the world. She buys her own castle, and invites all her princess friends over for all sorts of celebrations. Soon all her Princess friends are getting married and living “happily ever after.” But Princess Bubble just can’t seem to find her own Prince Charming. What’s a princess to do?

Offering a positive message for today’s girls, this book is a wonderful addition to any library. It teaches us that we can find “happily ever after” our own way, rather than by doing what others tell us to do. Parents are likely to enjoy the story just as much as their daughters, as well as girls of all ages. My favorite part was the illustrations, which are absolutely beautiful. The book also has several examples of artwork from real Princess Bubble fans, which gives it a personal touch.

Recommended for princesses of all ages, especially those age 8 and up!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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*Please note* This was originally posted off-site. Clicking on the below link will take you to the full body of my reviews found at www.yabookscentral.com

Click here to read the original review.

Review: Emma Vol. 1

Emma: Volume 1 by Kaoru Mori

Emma is a shy lady’s maid in Victorian London. Raised by her mistress because she had no family of her own, Emma is happy with her life. But when William, a former charge of her mistress’s governess days, comes to visit unexpectedly Emma’s life is about to take a turn.

Emma and William are instantly drawn together, even after their awkward fist meeting (she accidentally hits his face with a door). But William is a wealthy young businessman, expected to marry a young lady from good society. Likewise, Emma’s position prevents her from expressing any feelings for a member of upper-class society. Meanwhile, Emma is being showered with gifts from young men all over London. How do two people who can never be together ever have a chance?

Although this is a graphic novel, it is not like any you would expect. It really reads more like literature than a graphic novel, and it presents a fairly accurate presentation of Victorian London. Throughout it all, you want the two to be together, even though neither one will admit their feelings outright. The book ends in a bit of cliffhanger, so I’m rushing to get my hands on the next one. Read this one, you will not be disappointed!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: Dramacon Vol. 2

Dramacon Vol. 2 by Svetlana Chmakova

I happened upon the world of Dramacon as a member of the Cybils nominating committee. If nothing else, this book was definitely worth the job! I must admit that so far I haven’t had the opportunity to read Volume one, but after this amazing book, nothing is going to stop me from getting my hands on it eventually.

Dramacon continues the story of Christy, amateur comic book writer as she enters her second year of the yearly anime convention. Much of Christy’s life has changed in the past year, including the addition of a new artist, Bethany, for her growing comic. In addition to some new faces, Christy also reunites with old flame Matt... who has brought his girlfriend. Christy isn’t sure what to do, but never fear. This is one convention that never gets boring.

This was definitely on my shortlist for the Cybils, and the rest of the nominating committee agree with me. Despite the fact that the book mostly centers on characterization as opposed to plot, it was extremely engaging and very hard to put down. Filled with great characters, humorous situations, and pun references to pop culture, this book was excellent. Pick this one up, you won’t disappointed. (but I suggest you read Volume 1 first… it makes more sense that way.)

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: Oddly Enough

Oddly Enough by Bruch Coville

This is Bruce Coville’s first collection of short stories. Although some of these have been previously published in other anthologies, this book is worth reading just to have them all in one spot. These stories deal with the unusual and bizarre: from monsters and werewolves to unicorns, elves, brownies and so much more! My favorite story is called “The Language of Blood” which tells the story of a vampire who must save his country by ritually drinking blood. It sounds creepy, but trust me it really isn’t. I also like “Duffy’s jacket” where a monster visits Andrew, Marie and their cousin Duffy, but not for the reason you think.

This is a wonderful collection of short stories. Full of magic, believable characters, humor and suspense, this is definitely a book you don’t want to miss! I recommend it to everyone I know and my copy has been worn out with all the re-readings. With such a wide variety, you’ll find at least one you love, although I’ve found many more!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: Castle Waiting

As you may know (or maybe you don't...) I was on the Cybils Graphic Novel nominating commitee this past two months. As a result, you get to be treated to reviews of my favorite books from this past experince. Lucky you! We start of with our first novel... Castle Waiting.

Castle Waiting by Linda Medley

Everyone knows that when Sleeping Beauty woke up from her 100 year sleep that she left the kingdom with her handsome prince. Well, what happened to the castle that was left behind?

Castle Waiting tells us the story we never find out: what the people who live at the castle do after their princess, and the only heir to the throne, leaves. Decades later, a small group of stragglers continues to live out their lives in the castle, a place that has become a safe home for all sorts of people. Follow the lives of the Groundskeeper (who also happens to be a stork), Lady Jain (who ran away from an abusive husband), a bearded nun, a crazy doctor obsessed with avoiding the plague, and a whole host of interesting characters.

Although this is a graphic novel, it really doesn’t seem like you are reading one. The characters, plots and storylines are just as developed as any book, and this 400-page fairytale-like story is no exception. Seasoned fairytale readers with be delighted with occasional references to fairy-lore, while newcomers are just as likely to be enchanted with this magical world. My biggest complaint about the book was that it ended! I sure hope Linda Medley is planning on writing more about the world of Castle Waiting, because I’m not ready to say good-bye to these characters yet.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: Stravaganza: City of Masks

Stravaganza: City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

Lucien has been diagnosed with cancer. Undergoing chemotherapy is very tiring, and soon he finds himself falling asleep while clutching a beautiful notebook. Unbeknownst to Lucien the notebook is from a parallel world called Talia, similar to Renaissance Italy. Lucien finds himself in the beautiful city of Bellezza, similar to our Venice. Ruled by the powerful and beautiful Duchessa, Lucien soon finds himself being drawn closer into the beautiful city. But all is not right in Talia. The powerful di Chimici family is determined to take over all of Talia, but the Duchessa is in the way. Can Lucien help save the Duchessa before it’s too late?

Part historical, part fantasy, part mystery, and part political intrigue, this book has everything. The author has crafted a wonderful mystery perfect for any fantasy lover. This book is truly too complicated to summarize in such a short amount of space. It is so involved that there is no way I can do it proper justice without giving parts away. You’ll just have to take my word for it, and go and read it yourself! This is the first of the Stravaganza series, make sure you also check out City of Stars and City of Flowers!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: The Blue Day Book

The Blue Day Book by Bradley Trevor Grieve

Have you ever suffered from a blue day? One of those “the world is against me” days? Well, here’s the solution! In this book Bradley Trevor Grieve has excellently combined a simple lesson on how to rid ourselves of life’s blue days with animal photographs that magnificently illustrate his points. From the causes of blue days to how to get rid of them, this book is classic. The text and photos go so well with each other, it is impossible to feel sad after reading this book. Whether you are in the mood for a pick-me-up or just a good laugh, check out The Blue Day Book! Let me tell you, it works! It’s the only thing getting me through finals this week!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: The Fairy’s Return and Other Princess Tales

The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Tales by Gail Carson Levine

For those of you who haven’t had a chance to read Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales yet, here’s your chance. And for those of you who consider these stories among your favorites already, now they are available in one magnificent volume. And the new cover’s pretty, which is always a plus!

The Princess Tales take us to the village of Snettering-on-Snoakes in the kingdom of Biddle. Each chapter takes a traditional fairy tale and turns it on its head until it emerges as a hilarious and charming new story, sometimes unrecognizable as the original tale.

What would happen if the fairy’s gift backfired as it does in “The Fairy’s Mistake”? How about a boy Cinderella (that’s Cinderellis to you!) and has to rescue his princess by climbing a glass hill (“Cinderellis and the Glass Hill“? What if the “princess” in The Princess and the Pea wasn’t really a Princess (The Princess Test”)? It’s all here in this book.

These tales are a true delight to read. I first discovered them several years ago, when “The Fairy’s Mistake” had just been published. To this day they remain some of my favorite fairy-tale retellings. Quick, easy reads full of laughter and fun, this is a book you will not want to pass up.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: The Book of Enchantments

Book of Enchantments by Patricia C. Wrede

This book is a wonderful collection of short stories written by Patricia C. Wrede, author of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. There is a little bit of everything here! Some stories are funny, while others have a more serious, or even spooky, atmosphere. Most are set in traditional fantasy worlds, but a few have modern settings as well. “Stronger Than Time” explores what would have happened if Sleeping Beauty’s prince had never come. “The Lorelei” explores a modern twist on the German legend. And look for the story “Utensil Strength”; a story featuring our favorite characters from the Enchanted Forest and an amazing weapon: The Frying Pan of Doom. This one is my personal favorite, but I also really enjoyed "The Princess, the Cat and the Unicorn."

This is just a small selection of the wonderful stories found in this book. The stories are easy to read, and yet many of them make you think after you finish them. I love reading this book so much, I re-read it all the time! The book also offers a author’s note at the end to answer the question “Where do you get your ideas?” A very cool, very good, book.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: The Hollow Kingdom

The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B. Dunkle

“Oh I know what’s bothering you,” Marak teased before Kate could turn away in disgust. “The cloak and the hood. It’s been on your nerves all evening.
You’ve been imagining all sorts of horros, I’d guess.”

This is just another way to goad me, Kate thought grimly, but he was absolutely right.

Marak tugged back his hood and examined her stunned expression. He watched her cheeks grow pale, her lips bloodless. He grinned in delighted amusement. “You imagined all sorts of horrors. But maybe not this one.”

Kate and Emily Winslow are the newest residents to come to Hallow Hill. Uprooted after the sudden death of their father, they are shipped off to live with their Great-Aunts in this new and mysterious place. It isn’t long before Kate and her sister learn about the tragic history of the estate. For hundreds of years, young women have been disappearing from the estate and never heard from again. Kate laughs at the thought that goblins are the cause of the problem…. That is until she meets one.

Lost in the woods after dark on a stormy night, Kate and Emily are shown the way home by a mysterious stranger named Marak. Kate soon learns that Marak is King of the Goblins, a powerful and mysterious magician who rules the kingdom under the Hill. The catch? Marak is looking for a new bride, and he’s found one… Kate.

Kate refuses to be taken underground and held captive for the rest of her life. She manages to outwit the Goblin King several times, but time is running out. Appealing to her guardian, Hugh Roberts, she is promptly placed under house arrest for fear of insanity. Kate knows she isn’t crazy, and she is no longer safe at the estate. Can she outwit the King one last time? Or will she become the next King’s Wife?

Part fantasy, part suspense, part romance, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink, The Hollow Kingdom is a book you don’t want to miss. When I first picked up the book, I was rather skeptical that it would turn out to be “another goblin story.” Nothing could be farther from the truth!

With a loveable and realistic characters, a wonderful writing style, and more plot turns than the Indianapolis 500, Clare B. Dunkle has created a masterpiece. Written with a lyrical and descriptive style, the book presents a whole new look at the goblin world. No longer are they simply monsters who live underground, but a whole society with technology, towns, and - of course - magic.

Recommended for readers ages 13 and up. Don’t read this one before bed, the suspense will keep you reading all night long! And don’t forget to read the other two books in the series, Close Kin and In the Coils of the Snake.

Shady Glade Rating 10/10!

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*Please note* These were originally posted off-site. Clicking on the below link will take you to the full body of my reviews found at www.yabookscentral.com

Click here to read the review.

Review: The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies

The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker

If you’ve never seen Cicely Mary Barker’s amazing work before, be prepared to be blown away! Ms. Barker was an author/illustrator prominent in the 1930s and 40s in England. She published a total of 8 different books featuring her “Flower Fairy” illustrations. For the first time, all 8 books have been gathered together in this magnificent collection.

Each page features Barker’s wonderful watercolor illustrations of a Flower Fairy. Each fairy comes from a different flower (for example, The Rose Fairy), berry (The Strawberry Fairy), Tree (The Pine Tree Fairy) or plant (The White Clover Fairy). In addition to the wonderful art, all of the fairies come with an accompanying poem that tells it's "story".

Unlike many modern fairy illustrations, these fairies are cute and filled with child-like innocence. Barker used real children as models, and even the plants she portrays are botanically accurate. The poems are so cute, and each one matches what the fairy is doing in the picture. This is truly a magnificent book for both young and old. The illustrations alone are worth it.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10! (especially for fairy-lovers!)

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