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Apocalypse NOPE!! (Queerpocalypse) by Deidre Huesmann – Review by Danielle Thompson

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Apocalypse NOPE!!Apocalypse NOPE!! by Deidre Huesmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Apocalypse Nope! by Deidre Huesmann is an LGBTQ+ YA/teen comedic romance novel. The teen angst of the main character Ivy-Jean took me back to my teen years (insert MCR songs now please) and yet the quips of humor were ongoing subtle perfection. A delightful spin on the apocalypse with modern-day details bringing it to life. So if you like an apocalypse-themed read this one is for you. The author has their version of the four horsemen, or rather, the four horsepeople of the apocalypse and they are my favorites of the whole book. I loved it every step, or rather, page turn of the way. That being said, be aware if you have arachnophobia (*raising my own hand*) there are indeed spiders literally crawling on Ivy-Jean. Albeit some actually come quite cute; Like Ivy-Jean’s fuzzy little friend, Spinderella. Having called forth the horsepeople she now has the conflicting task of bringing about the apocalypse. Her creative solution to the scenario they end up in is interesting. I also enjoy the character growth of Ivy-Jean throughout the story. This story is well-suited for the YA/teen group, with subtle romance, fun characters, and a humorous spin at the end of days. I also think New Adult age-ranged fans would enjoy this read as well.

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Chased (A Cambridge Men of Honour Novel Book One): A Dark Mafia Bad Boy Romance (Cambridge Men of Honour—Dark Mafia Romances 1) by Felicity Brandon – Review by Danielle Thompson

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ChasedChased by Felicity Brandon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chased (A Cambridge Men of Honor Book One): A Dark Mafia Bad Boy Romance by Felicity Brandon has all the trimmings of what one could hope for in a dark romance. It’s a first-person read told from the point of view of our two leading characters. Alegra is a lawyer with a strong personality and do-good moral compass who finds herself enthralled with a villainous male, Chase. Opposites attract indeed; he is the leader of the largest crime organization in Britain (albeit with the world at his fingertips). I actually appreciate that in sticking with the theme his character is true to what one would expect of someone involved in organized crime without all sugar-coating the character for the sake of making them more likable. Honestly in that position of power being a softy would make you weak and a target. So if you have any interest in organized crime historically you might appreciate that. The story is a page-turner and recommended for adults who enjoy a true “bad boy” type fictional character.

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The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Danielle Thompson

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The Earl's Scandalous WagerThe Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson is a historical period romance that does not let the readers down. In addition to romance genre themes, there are also some mystery and drama when it comes to family betrayals with all the scheming, and plotting. The beginning starts out with the main character Emily Brumville being practically given away in a wager to settle her stepbrother’s debts. Phillip Beckley Benton is the Earl of Lenbridge is the winner of this little bet and Emily was the reluctant prize to be won. Despite these unsavory turn of events, they find themselves in a budding romance as newlyweds. It does seem the family may have other ideas as readers follow these two characters. For me, this was an enjoyable read. I recommend this book to adults who enjoy period fiction and historical romance.

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about New Experiences, Friendship, Stress Relief, and Kindness (Jake the Growling Dog Book 2) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Danielle Thompson

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about Trying New Things, Friendship, Finding Comfort and Kindness is the second installment in the Jake the Growling Dog! A children’s picture book series written by Samantha Shannon and illustrated by Lei Yang. Through this book’s fifty-two vibrant pages children will able to learn about healthy ways to overcome their own fears, deal with stress, and cope with new situations.

The book is told through the eyes of the series star character, Jake. He is a sweet and joyful dog who has a tendency to growl. In this particular book, Jake is faced with the adventure of going to Doggy Daycare for a couple of days for the first time. This makes him nervous and scared. With the help of his best friend Neet helps Jake overcome his fears in the beginning. After settling in, Jake is able to overcome his conflicting feelings when faced with more situations. By the end, he makes new friends at Doggy Daycare.

The story is told in rhyming verse with colorful pictures featuring Jake that will capture young readers’ minds as they relate to his struggles. It is a great read for young children who might be faced with new situations or people. They will encounter guidance that can help their own self-confidence in these situations and empathy for others in similar situations while encouraging friendship. I recommend this book to school-agers, and parents to read to their children.

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Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne – Review by Danielle Thompson

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Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and GunningTapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Author Hadley Thorne’s second installment in the Tapestry of Worlds series: Running and Gunning is a YA dystopian, sci-fi book with fantasy elements. The story from book one (The White Raven Awakens) continues the storyline with descriptive writing cheating vivid scenes and believable dialogue. The protagonist Jack (a.k.a. Ransom), his bestie Cash, his girlfriend Erika (a.k.a. The White Raven), and his team of militarized shifters facing off with an opponent out unleash hell on earth: The Black Queen.

While the story has a classic good-versus-evil theme the dynamic post-apocalyptic world with well-developed characters makes it a page-turner. The addition of Norse mythology ties in with the magic system of the world the characters are fighting to protect the remnants of the world. I do favor how the supporting characters make this dystopia feel alive. Another positive note is that the Prologue and Epilogue are both worth the read (don’t skip them!). The ending does have the feel of a cliffhanger and I definitely want to know what happens next!

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Danielle Thompson

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On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas is the third book in the Forerunner Series by Jay Veloso Batista set in the Viking Era around 880. It is a historical fantasy with all the trimmings. Suspense, magic, and mystical beings are melded perfectly into a historical period. Hold on to your seat cryptozoology fans, we have (drum rolls please)… dragons. Did I mention dark elves? History buffs and fellow pagans will truly enjoy the detail and historical notes given in this fantastic story when it comes to the Wild Hunt, legends, and other historical events.

The story follows the protagonist children of the Agneson clan: Cub, Kara, Sorven, Fin, Karl, and forerunner Thorfinn. Each alone in facing grueling troubles, events, and enemies. From plotting alderman, pet dragons, forced marriage, slavery, life at sea, and the ever-looming Jarl’s curse they seek to end. They remain determined despite the grim onslaught of troubles that face them as they continue their journey across Midgard (in summary: the Viking version of Earth).

The main characters stay at the forefront of this work while the subplots are tangled in perfectly. The care the author put into the historical details, the magic system, the mythology spills onto the pages of this book in an unforgettable way. Fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike will gravitate to this series and find themselves spun in. Recommended for any age YA to Adult.

The Ocean’s Light (Blood of the Pirate Book 1) by Mina Chara – Review by Danielle Thompson

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The Ocean's LightThe Ocean’s Light by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Ocean’s Light (Blood of the Pirate Book 1) by Mina Chara is an adventurous pirate fantasy spun artfully around the main character Evie Waters. Evie is a 19 year old orphaned-as-an-infant young woman who despite her shortcoming makes up for it in her charismatic determination and intelligence. The diverse supporting cast of secondary characters bring her quest to find her parents on the high seas to life. The author truly gave these characters depth and life that does wonders in keeping the plotline moving in a captivating way. While the book’s target audience is YA it is also befitting for readers in the New Adult and Adult age groups who enjoy a delightful adventure that will truly suck you into the tale.

Another aspect to enjoy about this story is that you have a vast water encompassed world explored through Evie’s quest. Different nooks and crannies of the ports and islands that Evie finds herself are presented in a way that you can imagine the settings vividly without losing the story’s pace. The imagery of the different ships, bustling markets, divey bars, and (starkly different) posh palace interiors give the fantasy world a sense of wondrous tangibility.

The action is balanced with humor and tender moments throughout the book. Though Evie was raised an orphan she is able to find a home for herself and more on the seas with her newfound companions. The ending to this first book is well written and seems to close Evie’s initial adventures. As a reader I can’t wait to dive into the second book.

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Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock – Review by Danielle Thompson

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Guardians of the Garden (Guardians of the Garden, #1)Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock

Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock is an enchanting YA fantasy that pulled me into a mythical meets reality world. A wonderful book for adults as well. The book changes perspectives between it’s core characters who are coming of age: Miriam, Peter, and Seth. This gives a well rounded perspective into the magical world within the world, Edenia. These characters are faced with family tensions, tests of faith and trust while battling their founding perspective of the world as they have known it.

The inhabitants of Edenia refer to their individual magic as their nature. Each person living there has a unique nature of an elemental variety. However even where things aren’t quite the norm compared to the rest of the world, anything outside of what is traditionally acceptable isn’t seen in a good light. This causes Miriam to face dejection from the only community she has known. The slight nods towards religion (Hello Garden of Eden and Tree of Life!) are subtle and give this story a strong original element that is refreshing while also peeking the readers curiosity.

The characters are strong and have individual depth. Angsty outsider Seth, who is absorbed in uncovering the truth of the lies his father has told his family. Then there is Miriam trying to control her still new nature while faced with isolation and loss of autonomy. Naturally, Seth and Miriam develop a romance that only adds to the complexity of their lives. There is also the point of view of Miriam’s brother Peter. Peter is desperately trying to save his sister while struggling to come into his power.

The story is really well woven for the readers. The characters’ conflicts will have anyone drawn in and questioning their own perspective. The ending is a well done cliff hanger. Personally, I would recommend the book and definitely am looking for the second installment.

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