Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I love how she flew only at recess and knew exactly when to return. It was so full of imagination. I’m glad she still had her friends at the end. I would 10/10 read again!
In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
King Gilgamesh beats to his own drum, he is a man of power who has begun to have nightmares that have him feeling like things are about to change. He meets Enkidu and finds someone who is completely different than the others. The problem is during a time of war and change life can veer in a different direction in a heart beat.
This was entertaining, the pace was fast and I thought the character of Gilgamesh was intriguing. I felt like we were placed into a story that was already developed so some of the characters, for me, I would have liked to know more about. I would be curious as to what happens next.
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Flying at Recess is a fantasy children’s book by Lois Wickstrom. Soara is a young lady who likes to fly. We get to go along with Soara as she flies high over the trees and hangs with the butterflies. The only rule is that Sora can only fly at recess. This book is sweet and easy to follow. It shows how you can do anything if you use your imagination. It also shows the benefit of boundaries, so you don’t miss out on important things like school and time with your friends. The book will allow children to use their imaginations like Soara. The illustrations are bright and beautiful.
Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
Vague Directions: Into the Woods is a Fantasy/ Paranormal Romance that will keep you turning the pages till the end. This book didn’t quite check the boxes for me this time. I had a hard time getting into the story but once I did I had a hard time putting it down. I didn’t connect with the characters at all. I just didn’t feel it this time. With that being said I will revisit at a later time and reread to see what happens. I’m a fan of this author and I’m chalking this up as I’m having an off day. I still highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading many more books from this Author.
Vague Directions is an urban fantasy set in medieval times. Heather is the MFC, and Rylan is the MMC. Heather finally agrees to go with her friend to the medieval reenactment for the weekend. There is angst, scary situations, fear, confusion, rats, ratmen, owls, holes opening in the ground, and peppermint. There is a lot going on in this book, but the author tells it in such a way that it all flows perfectly.
Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the story of Heather, AKA Lady Wren, Rylan, AKA Sir Roland, and the rat-men. The story is okay…I really liked the medieval aspect of it and the added drama of the rat-men was fine. I believe that this was originally a short story that Parmley has turned into a novella, but there are still some kinks that need worked out. The rat-men part of the plot line is shaky in parts and doesn’t get fully addressed in the book. Heather and Rylan’s relationship is extremely rushed and it’s cute and sweet, but 3 days and they are already talking forever? I don’t know…it just doesn’t seem like they are the type of characters to do that. This was a quick read so it has that going for it if you are looking for something in-between longer reads. I really liked Heather and Steph’s friendship…Parmley did that relationship really well.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What another lovely and heartwarming story by an amazing author. As with all of her books, we were hooked in this one straight away. My kids both loved the idea of being able to fly around while on a school break. It was such an exciting prospect to them, they spent the next 10 minutes trying to fly! My daughter in particular was really taken with the idea of flying with butterflies!
This is another fun, engaging and well-illustrated story by an author that is a favourite in our house.
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Flying At Recess by Lois Wickstrom was a great children’s book with a magical feel. I will admit this book is different than what I am used to by this author but it is a good addition to my 7 year old’s library. My daughter loves butterflies, especially since my mother passed away so flying with butterflies was special to us. I personally loved the illustrations as well.
In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Series) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Jessica Stone
So this is my first read of this authors, I have done some looking into them and it seems as though recreating stores based on myth and lore in a sort of retelling is their things. That being said I had heard the name Gilgamesh before but didn’t know to much about him until I read this book and did some further research.
This turned out to be a really fun read, it’s a little slow going at first but I believe many good books start slow to really build the character and the world that everything’s taking place in. That’s exactly what this author did, built and built and built until you can’t put the book down because you’re ensnared. The relationships between our main character in this story and everyone he interacts with is so genuine and thought it makes everything feel so genuine not only that but it creates a sense of familiarity for the reader that helps move the story along seamlessly.
I read that that is going to be a duology but I do believe that with everything the authors given us so far it has the potential to be many more books that that, but I am truly excited to see where she takes us in the next book. The angst and slow burn of this book was ADDICTIVE, I couldn’t help but keep reading to see if one of the characters would finally give in, and i was not disappointed!
In the Midst of Omens, The Legacy of Gilgamesh Series, Nicole Bailey, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Fantasy, MM Romance, Jessica Stone
Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great paranormal romance story that is interesting to read with some strong characters. It is easy to connect with the book from the moment you start reading, and I enjoyed watching how the story unfolded. It felt like it had an element of fun the whole way through which made it more enjoyable to read.
The characters fit really well with the story the author created. Heather really had a great adventure. I always enjoy the books I read by this author. This one is perfect for those lazy afternoons doing nothing but reading. This is a thoroughly enjoyed book.
Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fascinating and intriguing story. I found the premise quite engaging. I love to dive into this author’s romantic suspense because she writes in a way that grabs you. There is action, drama, romance and suspense that keeps you going. The characters can be intense. Theya re in this story. We see a strong FC. I liked how she was fairly independent even with finding herself in a bit of trouble. Ransom did get to be her hero. It’s a book that gets your attention and you’ll enjoy reading it. You’ll feel every emotion and love the characters.
In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In The Midst Of Omens (Book 1)
By: Nicole Bailey
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
What an amazing re-imagining of the great story of Gilgamesh! I was absolutely glued to this book from page one and can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. Nicole Bailey does a divine job of making her characters feel real and her writing style is superb. I especially like the relationships between Gilgamesh and the people in his life. As someone who loves ancient worlds I am in love with how Bailey portrayed this one. This was truly a breath of fresh air! Such a wonderful story!
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an interesting book! Maddy is a 17 year old girl who always follows the rules. Always. All of them. Her grandmother gives her a DNA test for her 17th birthday. She’s less than excited about it. If she’s not adopted, why should she care where she came from? Her mom finally has to threaten making her stay home from a football game to get her to actually take the test. When they get the results back it says she’s one quarter villain! But she’s the good girl! When her best friend goes missing, she is thrown into a world of adventure she never expected. Can villains have a happy ending? Definitely grab this book and find out!! It’s not your typical fairy tale story and I loved it!
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a fun book. The main character faces a challenge all teens face around the age of 17, an identity crisis. Not knowing exactly who she is, what she wants, or where she belongs. This book takes this concept to a fun level where it is understandable for all. Read this book if you like a coming of age novel, magic, and friendship.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I hadn’t read a book by this author before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The cover caught my eye immediately, and once I read the synopsis, I knew I had to pick it up. Everything about it seemed to intrigue me, so I got home and dove right in. This author made my watch list in just one book! Their ability to create such an imaginative world with amazingly detailed features is incredible! The characters are relatable, unique, and very well developed. Will Maddie be able to save her best friend while dealing with a sort of existential crisis? I will give zero spoilers! I blew through this entire book in one day because it was absolutely addictive. This definitely should be at the top of any YA/fantasy reader’s list because it is unbelievably captivating. I highly recommend this book as it allows you to escape to another world and experience what’s happening instead of just reading on the sidelines.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What’s a fairy tale without a villain? This is the first book I have read by the imaginative and amazing Cori Cooper, and I kick myself for not reading one sooner. Officially one of my new favorite authors of 2024 and one of my new favorite books.
Maddy is like me, always follows the rules, ALL OF THEM. Never doing anything outside of them. At least that was before the gift that changed everything. Every teenager thinks about their birthday and getting closer to being an “adult”, but Maddy’s seventeenth birthday changed everything. Grams got her a DNA test. Strange but okay she’d always wanted to do one and now was her chance to finally know what she was made of. How is that even tested for and what does it all mean. Living your life dreaming about happily ever after and then being told you’re a quarter villain makes Maddy question everything. Is it even possible to have a happy ending when you’re a villain? Just as she was trying to understand what she was her best friend Leo is banished to another realm. Once again everything changes but she is ready to do anything to get Leo back, even if it means being a villain.
How can the villain save someone? Is Leo her happy ever after she always dreamed of? What does “being a villain” truly mean for Maddy? The world the author creates is breathtaking. The way she weaves different fairy tale aspects together but also brings in some modern-day elements and truly brings this world to life. Maddy’s journey leading to the test and navigating the results is inspiring. Just because your DNA says your something doesn’t mean that’s what you’re destined to be. I truly cannot wait to see what Maddy and Leo conquer next.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper. This is a really good young adult fantasy that is a spin off of a fairy tale. Its the story of Maddy and on her 17th birthday she gets a DNA kit from her grandma. She does it and sends it off but doesn’t think anything else about it. Her mom practically had to bribe her to send it off. When she gets the results back she is horrified, it tells her she is part villain and what does that even mean. She is suddenly thrown into another realm to save her best friend and she realizes what being a villain entails. Her best friend has been mistakenly sent to this other realm so Maddy has to find him and get him home. Maddy ends up working with the other realm because there is a problem with it and they actually listen to what Maddy has to say about the two realms not working together. Maddy is determined to save her best friend and will do whatever it takes to find him. Such a good story full of twists, turns and major chaos. It will have you flipping the pages late in the night.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
On Maddy’s 17th birthday, her grandmother sent her a DNA kit to submit. Maddy doesn’t understand why it would matter. She knows who her parents and grandparents are so who cares about the rest right? Maddy forgets about the kit until a few weeks later when her mother confronts her about it and tells her that since it means so much to her grandmother, Maddy should just get it over with and do it. After threatening to withhold a fun trip Maddy has planned with her friends she finally does it.
When her results come back, Maddy is confused when it says she’s 25% villain. Is it a typo? Must be. Based on both her mother and grandmother’s reaction, she isn’t so sure. Then the phone calls from a strange organization start up. Maddy’s views have always been black and white. There is good and there is evil. No one can be both. Now she has no idea what to think. She is one of the most trustworthy, rule following, goody two shoes. No way can she be part villain.
Then her best friend and potential love interest gets banished to another realm and it is up to Maddy to go and save him. She will have to let go of everything she has once known to do this.
I really enjoyed this book. Just the premise of finding out if you are a villain via a DNA test was intriguing enough to me to pick this book. The author did a wonderful job portraying a confused teenage girl on a journey of finding herself while trying to find someone else. There is action and adventure around every corner. I could not put the book down once I started it.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was an amazing retelling of beauty and the beast. This had a few different twists and turns into it that really kept it entertaining. One aspect that I thought was interesting was that being a villain actually was in your DNA and can even show up. This book was also had a magical twist to it and caused so much mayhem that it was interesting to know if this would end in happily every after or not. This book also had some references to all the other fairly tales that we all know and love to read. it was so entertaining that I couldn’t put it down, filled with adventure, action, fantasy, magic, mystery, 9and so much more it really had me hooked till the end. Maddy and Leo really bring the story together, banished to another world, and to try and save themselves and figure out how and what to do really made this a really great read.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really cute story with a different take on fairy tales. The main female character, Maddy, is given a DNA test by her grandmother. When she gets her results she finds that she is one quarter villian. This throws her and her best friend, the main male character Leo, into a story of their own. This is a great story for younger kids just starting out with chapter books.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper was a wonderful YA Fantasy read. I’m not joking when I say this book will keep you hooked from start to finish. The concept of this book is simply one of a kind, and is absolutely fascinating. Maddy’s growth throughout the book was beautiful to read, and the adventure kept me glued to my screen! I definitely recommend this book, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more content from this author!
Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This one is good but not written with the same flair as previous books. It kept me interested and engaged but this one I struggled with and more than once and just flipped forward past all the narrative. That did not bother me at all and I was able to keep up with the story. I thought this would be thrilling with Madame Chalamet have an apprentice. It was good but the girl is more of an irritant than a good addition to the story. I was expecting hi-jinks in regards to her but it was more serious.
Overall its an okay story. Not my favorite in the series. That sensual tension between the Duke and the Madame is palpable.
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series, but this can be read as a standalone if you want. I enjoyed the first book as well, so you’ll likely circle back to enjoy more of this fantastic writing! The author expertly crafts a mysterious adventure with phenomenal characters. It feels like you get to experience the story instead of just standing on the outside looking in. I love the flow of the story because it’s so natural that it sucks you in and never lets go. The main character is a strong, determined woman that is sure to be an inspiration to everyone that picks this book up. If you enjoy the Sherlock Holmes adventures, you will absolutely adore this book (and series). I highly recommend this book if you enjoy suspense stories with an incredible cast trying to solve an unbelievable paranormal mystery!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read the first book in this series and enjoyed it! I was very much looking forward to the continuing story. Just as in the previous, there is a strong female detective lead in this story as well. Elinor is in the midst of the holiday season and is looking forward to enjoying its festivities. Then the mystery of poisoning the King happens and it is up to Elinor to find out who could have committed such a heinous act. The story keeps you so captivated by its illustrious steampunk atmosphere, delving into detective work in sorting out through possible suspects and some twists and turns. It is such an enjoyable quick read and I look forward to reading more by Nash!
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Delicious Death is the second book of six in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series by Byrd Nash. This has been said before, but Elinor is very much like a female Sherlock Holmes. I find myself enjoying Elinor and even the Duke a little more this time around. They are both really growing on me. I love how her character is so well written. I truly feel like I would get along with her in real life! I enjoyed seeing Elinor’s character showing a softer side where she just wants to relax and be a lady. I felt this was a very quick and easy read and you don’t have to read the books in order to keep up. But I am definitely excited to continue this journey into book three. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance mystery with some ghosts thrown in!
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by the author Cori Cooper. It is a surprising and fun YA fantasy book. There were times that the book was a little on the slow side, but it wasn’t so slow that it took away from the book. It is jam-packed with adventure, quirky & loving characters, wonderful fantasy worldbuilding, teenage drama, magic, emotions all over the place, and so much more!
The concept of doing a DNA test to see if you have “villain” in your heritage is such an interesting idea and then to expand that idea into finding out your ‘tendencies’ is even more interesting! The most fascinating aspect for me is that we all want to be seen for who we are now, or who we are trying to become, not who we used to be. No one wants to be known for the past. What had me hooked was the statement “Every good fairy tale needs a villain” because YES!!
Maddy is less than thrilled when her DNA results come back with 1/4 villain, not only is she not thrilled, she is insanely confused by her mom and grams reactions to the DNA results. What does this even mean?
Maddy figures out quickly that the world she knew is completely incorrect, there are magical realms. After Maddy’s best friend is banished to another realm, she MUST go rescue him. After things take a turn for the worst, Maddy starts to think there is fact to her DNA results – could she actually be villain, does that make her a bad person? Maddy’s black/white view of you can only be good OR evil, but not both, is turned upside down, and I absolutely loved how she grows as a person!
All of the characters involved in the story were so personal and entertaining, especially Leo. There is a wonderful mix of modern day teenager and magical fairytale. The ending was *perfection* – one of the best endings I’ve read! The book does not end on a cliffhanger, BUT, I would love to see where Maddy and Leo’s story goes, so I am looking forward to that. This is an amazing book for YA, while there is some romance, it is wholesome. This would also be a good pallet cleanser for just a clean, fun, and quirky book! Highly recommend too anyone YA (and even older!) who enjoys a little modern mixed with their fairytale magic.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
4 stars
On Maddy’s 17th birthday her grandmother gifted her a DNA kit to find out more about her heritage. After reluctantly not turning it in right away she finally does and finds out she is 25% Villain!! Maddy thinks its a typo but then she keeps getting calls and emails from someplace called VDA. Maddy confided in her best friend Leo and after taking a quiz where Leo answers jokingly to all the answers and Maddy answers honestly, Leo disappears the next day and nobody but Maddy, her mom and grandmother remember him.
This book is filled with 2nd chances, sweet, fun, family and a whole lot of love. I won’t ruin the ending, but it is a great read and I can’t wait for my daughter to start it after her current read.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61328651-delicious-death” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1655738309l/61328651._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61328651-delicious-death”>Delicious Death</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19182817.Byrd_Nash”>Byrd Nash</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6594208481″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The second book in the series by this author and the story does not disappoint.<br />We continue to follow Elinor as she is woven into another mystery again with the Duke de Archambeau. The characters continue to grow, and their interactions are one of the reasons that this series is one that you cannot put down.<br />Elinor is on holiday and is invited to the King’s winter feast; an assassin attempts to poison the King. <br />Although there is no murder to solve but a Lady’s reputation to protect and there is certainly otherworldly input from ghosts linked to the story have a lot to say to Elinor as her medium training kicks in to help.<br />
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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really good YA fantasy adventure. I have read books by this author before and I have loved them all. This was such a good read that I couldn’t put it down.
The author has a great skill for world building and writing characters that you can’t help but be invested in.
When Maddy gets a DNA test kit of her gran for her birthday she isnt impressed but decides to do it anyway. Little does she realise the results will alter her life forever.
Turns out Maddie is one quarter villian. What does that even mean?
With her friend Leo they try to figure out what it means. When they both take the test to find out how bad they are Leo doesn’t take it seriously which then causes him the he taken to another world.
When Leo disappears Maddie has to face challenges and obstacles to try and save Leo but these challenges have her starting to question just how much of a villain she does have inside her.
Is Maddie really a villain? Can she save Leo?
This is an interesting look at good Vs evil and whether we are born that way or our choices in life make us that way.
With the fantasy/fairytale elements added in it makes the story and references easier to understand for younger audiences as well as older ones.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RTNY0XJ6HGJND?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was one of the first books I have read by Byrd Nash and it was amazing. I feel like this book was slower paced than the 1st but eventually picks up. It really was a great book and I read this one in a day! I highly recommend if you love ghost stories and mysteries! I will be reading more by this author because it was an amazing read.
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https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1765743150
