Hunter by Mercedes Lackey

Hunter by Mercedes Lackey

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Andrew Zollman

What I Read: Hunter by Mercedes Lackey

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: Mercedes Lackey's post-apocalyptic science fiction mixes magic and technology and a view of society 250 years after a series of catastrophes call the “Diseray”. Millions died and creatures once a part of legends and folktales came into the world to terrorize those who were unprotected. Some were terrors ripped from our collective imaginations, remnants of every mythology across the world. And some were like nothing anyone had ever dreamed up, even in their worst nightmares. Monsters.

Long ago, the barriers between our world and the Otherworld were ripped open, and it’s taken centuries to bring back civilization in the wake of the catastrophe. Now, the luckiest Cits (Civilians) live in enclosed communities, behind walls that keep them safe from the hideous creatures fighting to break through. Others are not so lucky. To Joyeaux Charmand, who has been a Hunter in her tight-knit mountain community since she was a child, every Cit without magic deserves her protection from dangerous Othersiders. Then she is called to Apex City, where the best Hunters are kept to protect the most important people.

Joy soon realizes that the city’s powerful leaders care more about luring Cits into a false sense of security than protecting them. More and more monsters are getting through the barriers, and the close calls are becoming too frequent to ignore. Yet the Cits have no sense of how much danger they’re in—to them, Joy and her corps of fellow Hunters are just action stars they watch on TV. When an act of sabotage against Joy takes an unbearable toll, she uncovers a terrifying conspiracy in the city. There is something much worse than the usual monsters infiltrating Apex.

What I Thought: Where should I start… Ah, although the book is set for adults, it should be noted that the book would have been better served for a young adult or transitioning teen reader. The friendships, relationships, and interactions between characters have an innocence to them that you don’t generally find in adult relationships.

Just remember that there are no bad books, just poorly written ones.

I have to say that Mercedes Lackey did not do a good job writing to build or create this new post-apocalyptic world. This may be why our library hadn’t picked up the book and series until 2016 even though it was released in 2015 as a paperback. There might have been revisions and changes for the rerelease to warrant buying it.

I know I may be ostracized for saying this, but I wish authors wouldn’t base their stories in the same type as hunger games or another series just because it is successful. Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar Series, is better constructed and well written, where Hunter was slow and painful to read. Initially, the book was hard to understand and the background of the character is barely touched upon throughout the first 25% of the book. When looking on Goodreads, I found that many readers did not finish the book at this point and gave up. I however didn’t let this daunt me, so I continued to plug away and read through.

Once again, it seems this book was written for a younger audience. The story does eventually pick up and actually start moving forward at about the halfway point. I believe if Mercedes Lackey had provided a little more information about the society and how people live, it would have given me a better understanding and made it easier to follow. Joy did learn about Cit customs and society, but these interactions were limited to semi intimate dates and interviews with Apex News reporters with Hunters. This was the reader’s only window to society and how it worked. I wish shed had fleshed out the story and built the world a little bit better.

The second half of Hunter took a complete turn back to the story and its objective. Lackey introduced the conflict and hidden side of society Hunter Joy found alarming. The conflict with other Hunters pushes the story to the true problem of society and what it was doing to the Cits and how it treats the people within and without Apex.

Hunter is not a new type of novel and despite its obvious weaknesses in the first half of the book and throughout, it is not a bad read. The content of the first book is set up to change and grow with the second book Elite. My hope is that the content will mature and become a cohesive whole to the greater issue at hand instead of smaller disputes and political maneuvering going on in Hunter. I recommend this series for younger readers more interested in following a character, learning again about fairy tales, and following the action of the Hunters. It gets better at the end so keep with it, even though it is barely compelling in the beginning.

Readalikes: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins; The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Elia Juarez

What I Read: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: Ever since her parents died, 17-year old Emmerson can see ghosts just about everywhere she goes. The problem is, no one believes her, and her older brother has sent her to psychiatrists, psychologists, and hospitals trying to “help” her but the only thing that seems to help is heavy doses of medication that leave Emmerson feeling like a zombie. As a last ditch hope, Emmerson’s brother hires a man from an organization known as “Hourglass,” which claims to be experts in this sort of thing. That’s when Emmerson begins to the dangerous truth about what she’s really seeing, what she really is, and why this is all happening to her. 

What I Thought: Though it has an interesting premise and includes elements of both fantasy and science-fiction, this is pretty typical teen fare. Everyone is impossibly beautiful, impossibly rich and impossibly brilliant (even though none of them are even old enough to legally drink yet) and of course, there’s a kind of love triangle that starts to emerge by the end.

However, this is part of a series, and because of that, lots of strings are left loose, and frankly some of what happens here makes very little sense. Still, I want to give it the benefit of the doubt BECAUSE it is only book 1 of 3 and I am hoping a lot of my unanswered questions get answered before the series is over (book 2 is Timepiece and book 3 is Infinityglass). I did like the uniqueness of the premise, but too many characters seemed one dimensional. And the time travel elements just sort of seem scientifically unsound.

Readalikes: Possess by Gretchen McNeil

Or look this book up on NoveList!

The Guns of Empire by Django Wexler

The Guns of Empire by Django Wexler

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Becky Brendel

What I Read: The Guns of Empire by Django Wexler

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: This book is volume 4 in a projected 5-volume military fantasy series set in a world similar to Europe in the Napoleonic era. In previous books, the more "fantastic" elements of the story (mostly people who have gained powers by speaking the names of various demons) have balanced themselves with the reality of life on the march in a large army. This volume ratchets up the magical action, however, as tactical genius Janus bet Vhalnich sends his army to defeat the "Priests of the Black" he believes have been threatening the world from the shadows. But their country is not so easily taken, and even within Janus's army, not everyone is sure he's trustworthy - not even his own Queen.

What I Thought: In previous volumes of this series, I'd figured out fairly quickly that Wexler was retelling French history in a fantasy world: previous plot points include a brilliant general, a domestic Reign of Terror, and an immensely successful campaign against a desert country. The previous volume had also ended with Janus assuming more power than any general had in his nation's history. I thought, therefore, that I knew where this story was going.

But if a story draws its cues from actual history, it's easy to surprise the audience by diverging from that history. That's exactly what happens here. And it's excellent.

With The Guns of Empire, Wexler takes his story completely on its own path, making clever use of the magical elements that separate his world from ours. He's already toyed with history in various ways - his Queen character is unlike anyone in the French aristocracy, and not just because she happens to be immortal - but here he both nods to historical fact (do not invade Russia in the winter, for example) and points out all the ways magic subverts it (if they have demons on their side, it does not matter what time of year you invade Russia). Wexler using my expectations against me made reading this book a delight.

He also ties up most of the subplots he's included in previous books so that the final volume can focus on the main conflict. While this does make this book serve as setup for the finale, it's also very satisfying. Like George R.R. Martin's popular A Song of Ice and Fire, Wexler switches between multiple characters' points of view when telling his story. Each of those characters has their own story and motivations and desires, and in The Guns of Empire, many of those stories are concluded (though not necessarily with death). Having followed these characters through several long volumes, I was happy to see their stories resolved. Wexler is very good at creating flawed people it's still easy to root for, with an emphasis on talented yet complicated female characters.

His best character, however, is absolutely Winter Ihernglass, the young woman who'd disguised herself as a man to join the army and now serves as one of Janus's generals. She's also the closest thing this series has to an actual main character, and so it's fitting that of all the stories in this series, hers is the one most closely tied to the conflict he's set up for Book 5. She also, I was happy to note, gets to start a new romance in this book - normally I don't really care for too much romance, but Winter prefers women. A lesbian whose previous relationship ends badly, and then is allowed the chance to be happy with someone new, is a rare duck indeed in fiction (unfortunately). I am rooting for Winter to save the world, get the girl, and maybe finally let her old flame go. They care for each other, but they just aren't compatible anymore.

If Wexler manages to bend history to his will some more in the meantime, however, I will not say no.

Readalikes: Cold Iron by Stina Leicht, for more "flintlock fantasy"

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Andrew Zollman

What I Read: Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: Talia is a member of the Valdemar citizenry who live along the eastern border called Holderfolk. Holderfolk keep to themselves living in a patriarchal family system with women subjugated by the men in their lives. They live day to day following orders and completing tasks of their fathers and his wives.

When confronted by her family at the age of 13 that she is to begin the process of marriage, Talia is terrified. Her only other option is to be cloistered, giving up her own livelihood to prayer and the church. So Talia does what any youth in her situation would do with only unfavorably options given in their future. She becomes a runaway and seeks solitude from her family and others while she thinks about where she will take her life next.

Talia, while hiding, is confronted by a Companion. Companions are mystical creatures linked throughout Valdemar history to Heralds. She soon finds herself bareback riding the Companion back to the capital in hopes to return it for some kind of compensation. Instead she is made a Herald at the royal court after she rescues the Companion and trained as a Herald. During her training she soon uncovers a plot to seize the throne and Talia must use her newly trained empathic powers to save the queen.

What I Thought: This is the first of the Valdemar books written by Mercedes Lackey. It sets the tone and flow for every other Kingdom of Valdemar book in publication by Mercedes Lackey and does a good job of presenting and summarizing the basics for any reader of her books. The Kingdom of Valdemar is a complex communal system of checks and balances run by a King or Queen (who has to be a Herald) and Heralds and their Companions who ride circuits around the kingdom working with its citizenry.

I didn’t start with Arrows of the Queen in the Valdemar books and had to learn through 5-6 novels the ins and outs of how Valdemar society works and was shaped by its complex history. I recommend starting from the beginning and working your way forward so you don’t have to backtrack in the readings. There are many concepts and ideologies associated with the books and the functions of its many characters. If you don’t start from the beginning I would suggest a healthy dose of Medieval European history and a lot of high fantasy novels with a focus on magic or pscionics a.k.a. mind magic. Just flexing my inner geek for you.

Mercedes Lackey loves to tackle social norms and controversial topics in today’s society. One of the things I like to see in her writing is how she approaches clashes between characters in relation to something like controversial family relationships and governance, same sex relations, and things we still take for granted 19 years later.

One thing I can tell you about the book is that Talia is your typical female protagonist for a fantasy. She has her own set of social and emotional cuts she tries to hide from others. The traumas from her past life and the expectations she has for her every action shapes and defines her character and personality. She is difficult to get to like sometimes but that’s part of her struggle and the life she once had. Relationships come hard to her and reaching out even harder. It takes the character a long time to open out and accept new emotions and feelings, but when she does it opens up a new talent within her to connect with others. This is a very strong and encouraging aspect of Arrows of the Queen and helps progress the story.

If you like violence and conflict this book isn’t for you. The message and execution is a subtle thing that drives this series. There are times when description is vivid but it is done in a tasteful fashion.

I recommend this for High Fantasy readers and older teenagers who find that there isn’t enough substance in YA novels. Enjoy!

Readalikes: Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by John Tiffany & Jack Thorne

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by John Tiffany & Jack Thorne

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Becky Brendel

What I Read: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by John Tiffany and Jack Thorne; based on characters by J.K. Rowling

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: Albus Potter, son of Harry Potter, is miserable. He doesn't feel his famous father understands him, he got sorted into Slytherin - a House he hates - and his only friend Scorpius is rumored to be the son of the Dark Lord. When the two boys hear of something they can do to try and change their world for the better, they seize the moment, but may in fact be making things worse...

What I Thought: Despite being the eighth installment in the Harry Potter series, this screenplay would have worked better as a standalone story about a boy growing up with a famous father. As-is, it's written itself into a corner: the plot hinges on young Albus Potter's frustrations at living in his father's shadow, but it's not allowed to ever fully become Albus's story - the title isn't Albus Potter and the Cursed Child for good reason. The climax of the story hinges completely on Harry's personal trauma, and events from Harry's life are frequently revisited (sometimes physically) by the characters.

The plot and many of the characterizations also read like fan fiction: full of cameos, trivia, full redemption arcs for fan-favorite characters, and a villainness with a completely unbelievable backstory. The moral of the story, that "anyone can become anything if circumstances were different", also flies completely in the face of the Harry Potter novels' focus on personal choice. This is not a Harry Potter story. It's an anti-Harry Potter story starring the cast of Harry Potter.

All of which is unfortunate, because the two new protagonists, Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy, are delightful. Both sound very believably like teenagers - their banter is great - and the "anyone can become anything" theme isn't a bad idea in and of itself, just one at odds with the world of Harry Potter in the novels. The screenplay is also very good at "show, don't tell" for evoking how miserable Albus is: its use of short vignettes to show time passing is very powerful, as incident upon incident piles on Albus until he reaches a breaking point. I would very, very happily read a seven-novel series about Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy. Just maybe not one with this plot. Or where Albus's dad still manages to get his name in the title.

Recommended, ironically enough, more for casual fans of Harry Potter than diehard ones.

Readalikes: The Magicians by Lev Grossman, for more "gritty" fantasy; Carry On by Rainbow Rowell, for a pair of main characters that should appeal to fans of Albus and Scorpius.

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2016 - Week 5

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2016 - Week 5

Posted by Anonymous

There's one more week to participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program at the Yuma County Library District! Sign up at any library to receive a Reading Log. Read three books (or attend library programs) to be entered in a drawing to win a Kindle Fire. Complete a Reading Championship Challenge for another shot at the prize. Or write a book review for a chance at a gift card! Here's this week's entries:

Reviewed By: Mary H.
What I Read: That Summer by Lauren Willig
Find It @ YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book was about a young woman as just pieces together her past. It was a light read for me and I enjoyed it.

Reviewed By: Wendy P.
What I Read: Rena Drake by Liliana Hart
What I Thought: This book has a strong main character. Action packed with a reluctant love interest and internal conflicts from distinctional family members definitely keeps you turning pages. Oh by the way did I mention the main characters are dragons?!

Reviewed By: Wendy P.
What I Read: The Dragon and the Princess by Jo Beverley
What I Thought: A joy to read. A very creative blend of Renascence type settings mixed with the authors own dragon creation. Great read with minimal sex scenes and a focus on honoring one's commitments to the greater good of others verses self.

A big "thank you" to everyone who's sent a review thus far. How many can we get for our last week?

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2016 - Week 4

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2016 - Week 4

Posted by Anonymous

Happy Fourth of July! This is also the fourth week of Summer Reading, and we've received quite a few reviews this week. Thanks to everyone who's send a review in thus far! Don't forget - you can submit as many as you'd like for multiple entries into our weekly raffle.

Reviewed by: Whitney K.
What I Read: Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
Find It @ YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is the first book of the Drake Chronicles. It is about the preparation of 16-year-old Solage Drake's Blood Change. This is when she will join her parents & brothers as vampires. Solage & her best friend Lucy are always getting into dangerous situations. There is a prophecy that says after the Blood Change Solage will be the vampire queen. Because of this many want to kill Solage or marry her. This book is a page turner & leaves you looking for more.

Reviewed by: Wendy U.
What I Read: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Find It @ YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Speak was about a teenage girl who was friendless because she called the police to a party. A year passed until the truth was "spoken". She had been raped at the party and was too afraid to tell.
This is an excellent book for teens or women of any age. It may help the reader understand that letting your voice be heard is the first step in dealing with the crime and starting the healing process. It's ending helps her realize she was not alone and voices needed to be heard for a change to occur and the predator to pay.

Reviewed by: Celina L.
What I Read: Tinker Bell & the Pirate Fairy by Tea Orsi
Find It @ YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Zarina got in trouble for misusing the pixie dust. Zarina tried one last experiment and the results don't disappoint her at all. The pixie dust turns change. She shares her experiment with Tinker Bell. She flew away and left Pixie Hole behind. One year past. And every fairy gathered to celebrate the Four Seasons Festival and a fairy entered through the back.

Reviewed by: Wendy P.
What I Read: Dominated by Maya Banks
Find It @ YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book is a sequel to Mastered. I was enthralled by the characters. Evangeline is a well thought out character. I even cried on her behalf. This book is erotic fiction and not for the easily offended.

Did you spend any of your Independence Day with a good book? Let us know!

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2016 - Weeks 1 & 2

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2016 - Weeks 1 & 2

Posted by Anonymous

Summer Reading is well underway in Yuma!  Don't forget - you can submit your own reviews for a chance to win a gift card. There's a different winner every week! Just fill in the form here or ask for a book review log at any Information Desk.

Here's our first book review of the summer:

Reviewed by: Wendy P.
What I Read: Lord Sunday by Garth Nix
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This was the final book in the keys to the kingdom series. I was taken in by the authors fantasy of how creation was brought about and the workers behind the scenes however the end result of a creator bent on suicide for lack of a better term left me with a feeling of being let down not only because of how it ended but saddened to know Whether while trying to help all was tricked into immortality.

Thanks, Wendy! Keep checking the Yuma Staff Picks blog all summer for more patron reviews.

Blameless by Gail Carriger

Blameless by Gail Carriger

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Becky Brendel

What I Read: Blameless by Gail Carriger

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: Lady Alexia Maccon is a "preternatural", a woman born without a soul who can turn supernatural creatures mortal just by touching them. This is the third book of her adventures in a tongue-in-cheek, alternate version of the Victorian era, centering primarily upon an announcement of her pregnancy in the London gossip columns. Such rumormongering would be embarrassing enough on its own - Alexia shouldn't be capable of having a child with her husband, a werewolf, who refuses to believe the child is his - but the vampires of London fear what powers the baby might possess and are, as a result, out to kill her. Alexia may even have to flee as far as Italy, where she hears they drink (horror upon horrors!) coffee instead of tea.

What I Thought: In case the summary doesn't make it clear enough, this is not a book - or a universe - that takes itself seriously. Characters stand on propriety even when engaged in the most outlandishly swashbuckling feats, a carriage is attacked by a swarm of homicidal mechanical ladybugs, and a running gag develops where Alexia discovers a fondness for pesto (which is useful for repelling both vampires and werewolves - the garlic for the vampires, the basil for the werewolves). The humor is also, however, the primary reason to read the book: the dissonance between being placed in mortal peril and wishing one's opponents would politely state their murderous intentions, for example, makes action scenes laugh-out-loud funny instead of just thrilling, and everyone's fixation on tea is a fun parody of what's come to be seen as Victorian mores and manners. The characters also endear themselves immediately if you're in the mood for whimsy - Alexia is a thickset woman who wields a modified parasol as her weapon of choice, for example. There's a lot to like here if you're looking for beach reading.

Unfortunately, though everyone is amusing and charismatic, they're also (by and large) stereotypes. The foppish gay vampire may be hiding a brilliant mind behind that ridiculous facade, and may care deeply for each of the young men he's cultivated as "drones", but he's still both flamboyant and polygamous; the German scientist who studies preternaturals like Alexia may own a ridiculous, yappy, tiny dog, but he's still ultimately a mad scientist who treats his subjects as specimens and not as people. Carriger does a good enough job of making everybody likable (even the villains, usually through the use of more well-timed humor) for this not to grate as much as it might in other books, but it's present. A few notable characters buck conventions, however: Lord Maccon may be the brawny, proud Alpha of his werewolf pack, but his Beta is a compassionate, diplomatic "professor" who breeds sheep in his spare time. Overall, I'd recommend this book to fans of historical and comedic fantasy - especially those who prefer their supernatural creatures banding witty quips about instead of brooding.

Readalikes: The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett, for more humorous fantasy; the Immortal Empire series by Kate Locke, for more funny (if more gruesome) supernatural antics in Victorian England.

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn

Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Andrew Zollman

What I Read: Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: The D'Artigo sisters are half-human and half-Faerie operatives from the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But their mixed-blood heritage short-circuits their talents at all the wrong times.  One sister, Delilah, is a shapeshifter who can turn into a tabby cat. Another, Menolly, is a vampire who's still trying to get the hang of being undead.  And the last sister is Camille--a witch.  Except her magic is as unpredictable as the weather, which her enemies soon find out the hard way...

What I Thought: Being a fan almost exclusively of high fantasy or urban fantasy contemporary fiction, when I first got introduced to this series I was skeptical whether I would like it at all. As with all series of books, the first always has a lot of character and worldbuilding involved to set the tone and pace. Galenorn does a great job of fleshing out each sister’s personality, starting with Camille in the first book. She’s sexy and flirtatious but has a sharp edge to her personality and relationships. This is an urban contemporary fiction but has strong romantic tones and distinctly different character types. One of the best themes included with each character is the inclusion of flaws and quirks that make them unique or stand out. It contrasts well with the three sisters because they are inherently flawed from the start due to their dual natures.

The action is fast-paced and hits hard on the emotional side of the conflict in which Camille and her sisters become involved. If you like mystery or thriller themed books, Witchling has elements of each as the story progresses. However, the actual description of the fights can lack at times or be very brief with more emphasis on the end result and the condition of the characters afterwards.

If you like a story with strong ties between the characters you will certainly enjoy the interaction as the first book unfolds and in later books of the “Otherworld Series”. As I mentioned before there are strong romantic scenes in this book and later on in the series. If you are looking for a light romance or Christian romance this is not the book for you. There are adult themes throughout and the content and language matches these themes. There are also themes not commonly talked about or viewed as normal in the series related to relationships and archetypes in families; sometimes it can be hard to like the characters if you don’t have an open mind.

I really enjoy these books as a contrast to other series I read that either have strong negative tones or dark content. Whichling and the following books, even if they can be emotional at times, leave you refreshed or excited to read the next book in the series. I recommend this series for adult readers.

Readalikes: The Six-Gun Tarot by R.S. Belcher

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Andrew Zollman

What I Read: Hounded by Kevin Hearne (Book 1 of the Iron Druid Chronicles)

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: Atticus O'Sullivan, the last of the Druids, finds his peaceful life in Arizona shattered by the arrival of an angry Celtic god. He will stop at nothing to take an ancient magical sword from Atticus's possession.  A looming battle forces Atticus to call upon some unlikely allies for help. The battle pulls Atticus back into the spotlight of others' forces he was avoiding or running from for hundreds of years.

What I Thought: I didn’t know what to expect with this series.  Two of my friends had read it a while back so I thought I would give it a try.  If you’re a fan of urban contemporary fantasy fiction like I am, then this book is for you. The writing is similar to Jim Butcher with a little more emphasis on the history and mythological aspects of our world.  Everything involving the character or provided for the reader in the story is done in a way that is easy to understand.  This is done through concepts that explain how he interacts with others, fights, and uses his own talents.

You can tell by reading the books there is real effort by the author to pull both fact and fiction to make the story realistic and alive.  Hounded and all of the proceeding books in Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles are packed with wit and action.  Every action taken by Atticus entwines him further and further with his enemies and a past he was trying to avoid. Atticus’s actions and the consequences of his efforts add complexity to the story and his later interactions.

My favorite character in the series so far in Atticus’s dog and trusty sidekick, Oberon. He gives a new meaning to the word man’s best friend.

Readalikes: Six-Gun Tarot by R.S. Belcher

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Andrew Zollman

What I Read: Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: During a time similar to our own but with the existence of magic and the supernatural in more evidence, Anna never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack... and became one herself. Once turned, she found herself trapped and hounded in a new family, trying to pick up the pieces left of her life. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she's learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. Then one day something went wrong with the pack's mate and Charles Cornick, the enforcer--and son--of the leader of the North American werewolves, gets involved with her pack and her life.

Charles insists that not only is Anna his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. Right after Anna’s transition to Charles father’s pack in the Montana Valley, attacks matching a werewolf’s description start to pop up in the Cabinet Mountains. And it is Anna's inner strength and calming presence that will prove invaluable as she and Charles go on the hunt in search of a rogue werewolf--a creature bound in magic so dark that it could threaten all the pack...

What I Thought: True to the genres I like the read, Patricia Briggs's Cry Wolf is set in a urban contemporary world similar to our own. I would suggest reading her Mercy Thompson series before this one to get a grasp on the characters and content of the Alpha & Omega series due to how she traces back to key points and background information to explain situations and reasons for certain behavior. Even though the Mercy Thompson series follows a skinwalker and her life, there is a lot of information provided about werewolves and the forces surrounding them.

Cry Wolf was similar in writing to Briggs's other series in tone and direction. Most of her novels are fast-paced and involve a strong female protagonist facing long odds and difficult situations. Briggs's characters aren’t don’t whine, which I find refreshing, since most authors tend to portray the women involved with kid gloves or as damsels-in-distress.

Scenes and character back history can be pretty graphic for readers. The main character survives being assaulted and worse and the author uses those experiences as the basis for the character's personality. Additionally, the strong male characters portray excessive behaviors that would be on the extreme side of a normal individual.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and have since read the rest of the series. If you want complex back history, fun characters with contrasting personalities, and non-stop action, then this is the book for you. Briggs does tend to include some romance in her novels, but who doesn’t? If you do decide to pick up this book, I hope you enjoy it and continue reading.

Readalikes: Moon Called (Mercy Thompson Series) by Patricia Briggs or Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows Series) by Kim Harrison

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes

Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Sherri Levek

 What I Read: Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: Broken Monsters is a crime/fantasy/suspense novel set in Detroit, Michigan. A gruesome killing is discovered and Detroit Police Detective Gabrielle Versado is given the lead on the case, while trying to maintain a relationship with her teenage daughter, Layla, who is keeping her own secrets.  Writer Jonno has recently arrived in Detroit from New York City in the hopes of discovering a story amidst the ruin and decay of the once vibrant city.  Homeless ex-convict T.K. only wants to help his friends and forget his troubled past.  Broken Monsters is the story of what happens when this diverse group of characters are forced to confront their worst fears.

 What I Thought: Lauren Beukes’ Broken Monsters is both character and plot driven.  I became increasingly pulled into the story, which is many-layered and suspenseful.  The characters are diverse - gritty, professional, artsy, naive, compassionate, and arrogant - a combination that reflects the city of Detroit’s struggle to survive.  Beukes is critical of our current obsession with social media, which is given a large role in her novel and while at times this becomes a bit preachy, it doesn’t ruin the story.  Overall, I found this to be an edge-of-your-seat read that I found trouble putting down.

 Readalikes: The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes, Niceville by Carsten Stroud, and The Boy Who Drew Monsters by Keith Donohue

 Or look this book up on NoveList!

The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Andrew Zollman

What I Read: The Aeronaut’s Windlass (The Cinder Spires #1) by Jim Butcher

Find It @YCLD: Here!  

What It's About: Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship, Predator. Loyal to the people of Spire Albion, he has taken their side in the coming war with Spire Aurora. He has accomplished this by disrupting the enemy’s shipping lines and attacking their cargo vessels. But when the Predator is severely damaged in combat, leaving captain and crew grounded, Grimm is offered a proposition from the Spirearch of Albion—to join a team of agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring Predator to its fighting glory.

 The Cinder Spires have stood for thousands of years, towering for miles over the mist-shrouded surface of the world. They protect and shelter humanity from the harsh outside world where the light and very space you move can make a person mad, and the surface of the earth is all but inhospitable to normal life forms. There are many spires surrounding the earth, each with a different civilization and aristocratic house to govern within their halls. They have ruled for generations, developing scientific marvels, fostering trade alliances, and building fleets of airships to keep the peace.

As Grimm undertakes this dangerous task, he will learn that the conflict between the Spires is merely a premonition of things to come. There is another enemy lurking in the shadows pulling the strings. Humanity’s ancient enemy, silent for more than ten thousand years, has begun to stir once more. And death is sure to follow in its wake…

What I Thought: I have rarely been able to get through a steampunk-type novel without a strong reason to enjoy the story. With all of the descriptions necessary to explain how inventions work and how things run it can get confusing. Jim Butcher’s The Aeronaut’s Windlass exceeded my expectations in this regard. He did a wonderful job of integrating both the characters and the technology into the story without making the reader feel overwhelmed. The tone had a sort of matter-of-fact quality to the writing.

As you know from reading my other reviews, I enjoy strong or well-written characters in the stories I read. They can be broken. They can be romantic. As long as they show a well-rounded personality and traits you would find in the real-world that’s what I am looking for in a character. Jim delivered that for me. My favorite characters were Bridget and Rowl, and you will see why when reading it yourself.

Like Jim Butcher’s other books, he writes in an in-your-face manner when describing conflict and dangerous situations. Follow along and enjoy the ride. Remember, this is the first book in the series, he will expand on the culture, characters and scope of the world as it progresses. The first book is but a glimpse of conflict between only two spires and the people who fight for them.

Readalikes: Agatha H. and the airship city by Phil Foglio

Or look this book up on NoveList!

The Drafter by Kim Harrison

The Drafter by Kim Harrison

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Andrew Zollman

What I Read: The Drafter by Kim Harrison

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: In this first novel in the Peri Reed Chronicles, Kim Harrison touches on a new frontier in science fiction with an edge-of-your-seat thriller filled with spies and time travel that will keep you guessing until the very end.

In the near future, Peri Reed is an Opti Soldier trained to complete U.S. government missions others would never dream of being able to complete. The year is 2030, the setting is Detroit. Peri is double-crossed by the person she loved and betrayed by the covert government organization that trained her to use her body as a weapon.  Peri Reed has become a renegade on the run. "Don't forgive and never forget" has always been Peri's creed.

But her day job makes it difficult: she is a drafter, possessed of a rare, invaluable skill for altering time, yet destined to forget both the history she changed and the history she rewrote. When Peri discovers her name is on a list of corrupt operatives, she realizes that her own life has been manipulated by the agency. Her memory of the previous three years erased, she joins forces with a mysterious rogue soldier in a deadly race to piece together the truth about her fateful final task. Her motto has always been only to kill those who kill her first. But with nothing but intuition to guide her, will she have to break her own rule to survive?

What I Thought: Kim Harrison’s new novel The Drafter is a fast paced techno-thriller that pushes the boundary of morality and understanding of the world around you. Peri Reed is a very strong character with a very unique problem. The people around her as using her, and because she can draft she doesn’t know who she can trust.

Peri can take care of herself in a fight, but at times can seem fragile and broken. She’s been used by both sides for so long that her life has become a fragmented mess. The book will keep pulling you in different directions, but your feelings toward other characters in the story will be immediately grounded by their actions.

Kim Harrison doesn’t pull any punches and even if you think you know where the story is going, you don’t have all of the details. The Peri Reed Chronicles reminds me a little bit of the movie Time Cop without the horrible acting or the need for a fancy device or machine to make the process work. The characters mesh well together and provide support for Peri throughout the story through their actions.

If you like sci-fi thrillers with a strong female protagonist, but don’t like space ships or far futures, I would recommend this book to you. If you do get to read the book, I would recommend Kim Harrison’s first adult fiction Hollows Series. You won’t be disappointed.

Readalikes: Agenda 21 by Glenn Beck or Amped by Daniel H. Wilson

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015 - Week 6, Part 2

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015 - Week 6, Part 2

Posted by Anonymous

Here's the last installment of book reviews from this year's Adult Summer Reading Program! We had a fantastic turnout for our first year of patron reviews. Thanks again to everyone who participated.

Reviewed by: Diana A.
What I Read: My Daniel by Pam Conrad
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: I like the story about a brother & sister. Also the brother died at young age. The sister becomes a grandmother she conclusion a story about dinosaur bones.
Story was very touching its interesting too. I lived in the west we were have desert, so reading about the Nebraska farm was is something different. I enjoyed the story.

Reviewed by: Diana A.
What I Read: Remnants by Robin Barcell
What It's About: I like the book it was interesting. It was a fantasy. It was something of the make believe. I like reading about mystery and fiction combine It made a book I would recommend to anyone to read.
Coming back 500 yrs. and finding that everything has change everything is gone. I find it extremely sad.

Reviewed by: Humberb L.
What I Read: Party Games by R.L. Stine
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: I liked the book Party Games because when I was reading the book I imagined myself being in the story and I thought to myself I'd be scared to death to play those games. What I thought about "Goosebumps The Haunted Mask" is what can a scary mask do? I thought the book gave me goosebumps when I was reading the book I couldn't believe how the girl in the story had these powers by just wearing a scary mask but I still liked it.

Reviewed by: Deb D.
What I Read: The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy
What It's About: This book is a novel of war & survival taking place during the winter of 1947 - World War II. It follows the lives of children & adults who survived the Holocaust by hiding out in an ancient forest, changing their identity, participating in resistance movements & those who did whatever they could to overcome racism & war.
The heroes of this book are those who struggled for survival. This is an extremely important event in history that should never be forgotten!

Reviewed by: Deb D.
What I Read: Soul Healing Miracles by Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: This book, although not an easy read, gave a variety of resources & techniques to approach meditation & spiritual healing. The author makes an attempt to bring Western Mind into Eastern Thoughts by incorporating multiple religious philosophies. This book would appeal to someone with a very open mind who is looking for a new way to heal the spiritual, mental, emotional & physical bodies.

Reviewed by: Deb D.
What I Read: Unnatural Selection by Emily Monosson
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: This book is about the constant evolution of all organisms & how environmental factors impact this evolution.
It discusses the use of pesticides, toxic chemicals, vaccines, antibiotics & other drugs to treat a variety of environmental issues affecting insects, birds, fish, animals & humans.
The information presented is useful for anyone concerned about the environment they live in. The heroes of this book are those who started addressing some of these issues over 50 years ago & those who continue to bring an awareness of these issues.

Reviewed by: Kristin B.
What I Read: Winter of the Ice Wizard by Mary Pope Osborne
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: The Wizard learned how to "see again" not only with his eyes, but with his heart.
It was a great adventure that is another to show how working together works best.
My oldest (7 yr old) has become infatuated with the series and has learned quite a bit from Jack & Annies travels.

Reviewed by: Kristin B.
What I Read: The Best Mistake Ever! and Other Stories by Richard Scarry
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: This main story is a great way to show kids how to cope with issues. The pictures really kept my kids interested in the story as well.
Having multiple short stories in a book kept my youngest son (3 yr. old) interested, because things just kept changing.

Reviewed by: Kristen B.
What I Read: No Mail for Mitchell by Catherine Siracusa
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: It was nice to see that the community thought so highly of the dear mail carrier.
When he fell ill everyone sent him mail and showed that they really do appreciate him.

Reviewed by: Phyllis C.
What I Read: Fear the Darkness by Becky Masterman
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: It was an easy to read & enjoy book. Kept you guessing to the end. A real unexpected ending. Sometimes the one you least expect shows their true colors in the end.

Reviewed by: Phyllis C.
What I Read: Broken Bonds by Karen Harper
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: I thought the book easy reading. Sometimes it made you remember thing like schooling that you took for granted was not always so for everyone. It also made you realize there was always someone who cared and tried to make a difference. And of course the mystery part was what made the book what it is. I always like all of her books.

Reviewed by: Phyllis C.
What I Read: Life or Death by Michael Robothan
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: I wasn't sure I would like this book. It was a new author for me. Most of the book I read are by authors I am familiar with. However they cant write them fast enough for me so I am always looking for some one new. This was very good - a little different from the usual. I had me really feeling sorry for who I thought was a criminal. A strong character & what he goes through make a very interesting & tense reading

Reviewed by: Phyllis C.
What I Read: Kickback by Robert Parker
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: The book was about a judge, and his unreasonable sentencing of juveniles to lock down facilities on an island. The judges proved to be corrupt but. the people of the town were too intiminate to do anything till Spencer & Hawk went to their rescue.
As always R. Parker came through with a well written, easy to follow enjoyable book.

Reviewed by: Phyllis C.
What I Read: Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: Silver Thaw was a book about an abused wife and child and the fears they had & how difficult it was to live. Until a gentleman & his family and neighbors helped them survive a very bad snowstorm & then continued to help them gain their freedom from the abusive husband.
I really enjoyed reading the book and following their gradual acceptance of everyone's help, although it was difficult to read about the HORRIBLE ABUSE

Reviewed by: Phyllis C.
What I Read: Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: This book is about life in the Mennonite village the people encounter life threatening situations and their struggle to uphold their beliefs and still try to protect their people.
The book was easy reading and was informative about life as a mennonite and what they believe in!
I enjoyed this book!

Reviewed by: Laurie B.
What I Read: Cow Pies & Bases by Robert B. Coates
What It's About: I went to grade school with this author. His book was wonderful & as if I had written it because he described stuff just like I remembered.
The Yuma library got it for me on interlibrary & I really wish they owned it.
He went to a one room school for our last 8 years. Explained how it differed from a school in town, described his bike ride to school & who lived there. Names were changed, but I knew.
It was a farming community. There were 2 stores & a tavern on one crossroad & a school-church & cemetery on the next.

Reviewed by: Laurie B.
What I Read: Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: A wonderful book - only 3 or 4 pages to a sort of chapter. Had me in tears
Katie was in love with Matt after a different broken relationship. One day he said goodbye & a few days later sent a diary for her explanation
Suzanne & Matt were married & had a baby, Nicholas. A wonderful family for a year. But Suzanne had a bad heart years before. Didn't tell him at first. She was a doctor. She kept a diary for Nicholas. Wonderful words to her little boy. Then one chapter - Matt wrote in the diary because Suzanne had been killed by a heart attack & car accident. Matt sat by Nicholas crib & talked, but he was not there - killed too. When Katie finished the diary she went to find him. A neighbor told Katie he loved her. All turned out good - married & had baby.

Reviewed by: Laurie B.
What I Read: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: This is not my kind of book, but my adult granddaughter said it was so good: so I got it & kept on reading it. Parts were so violent I don't know how I could stand it. Terrible the things that man had to endure. Was an exceptional book though
Louis Zamperini was famous even before the war. He was a champion runner.
After his plane crashed he & another man were in rafts for days. Another man died & was pushed overboard. Rescue brought them into even more danger. One Japanese seemed to pick on him.
In 1998 at age 81 he carried the Olympic torch.

Reviewed by: Laurie B.
What I Read: Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What It's About: My husband chose this book for me not having any idea what it was about. It was wonderful & definitely started me on a new author.
Megan was a foster mom to Cory since his mom Amy died. She worked a lot with foster kids & got some football players to visit for a pizza party. Cory wrote a letter for one quarterback to give to another who he believed to be his dad. Then he met Aaron, but he hadn't read the letter. Went on like that & Aaron came more cause he began to talk to God. The other quarterback did that cause he needed to win for a promise he made
Finally Aaron was given a letter from Amy saying Cory was his son

That's it for the summer! Keep reading the Yuma County Library Staff Picks blog for more great suggestions from our librarians, and we'll look forward to featuring your input again next year.

Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence

Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Andrew Zollman

What I Read: Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence

Find It @YCLD: Here! 

What It's About: The Red Queen is feared not for who she is but who she brings. The kings of the Broken Empire hold a fear like no other of what she can bring upon them. The Red Queen fights the long war. She works in secret against the other powers behind nations. Her greatest weapon is however The Silent Sister. She is unseen and most don’t know she exists until it is too late. The story follows the Red Queen’s grandson, Prince Jalan Kendeth. He’s a drinker, gambler, a seducer of women and one of the only men able to see The Silent Sister. Jalen or ‘Jal’ is the Tenth in line for the throne and is content with his role as a minor royal. For all his life he’s pretended that the hideous crone is not there. Unfortunately for Prince Jalen, war is coming. An undead army is on the march, and the Red Queen has called on her family to defend the realm. Jal, thinks it’s all a rumor—that nothing that will affect him—but he is wrong.

After escaping a death trap set by the Silent Sister, Jal finds his fate magically intertwined with a fierce Norse warrior named Snorri. As the two undertake a journey across the Empire to undo the spell that now bind them together, they encounter grave dangers, willing women, and an upstart prince named Jorg Ancrath along the way. Jalan gradually catches a glimmer of the truth: he and the Norseman are but pieces in a game, part of a series of moves in the long war—and the Red Queen controls the board.

What I Thought: The first in the series of the Red Queen’s War, I really enjoyed the creativity at play between the characters and how they think through their almost impossible situations. The action and adventure is edgy and gritty and not at all for the faint of heart. If you like adventure, magic, and dialog filled with intrigue and heart, this is a story for you.

Like Mark Lawrence’s first series ‘The Broken Empire’, he relies on presenting the reader with a smattering of pieces of a puzzle for the reader to put together as they go through the story. You will pick up little hints and tidbits here and there to lead you to the final goal of the character, but I bet you still won’t guess the ending with all that help. Have fun with the story and get to know the characters, the Red Queen’s War is long and it’s always going to be a bumpier ride than you are first lead to believe.

Readalikes: Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence | The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015, Week 5

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015, Week 5

Posted by Anonymous

 
There's only one week left for summer reading! Be sure to turn in your last book reviews by Saturday, July 18th. If you haven't submitted a book review yet, this week's reviews may provide some inspiration: 

Reviewed by: Dusty W.
What I Read: What the Bible Says About the Future by eChristian Guides
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Excellent! Very simple, short, easy to read! I recommend ALL of the world to read; no matter what language spoken, or what faith practiced. Not to exclude readings from the whole Bible; discerning with the True Translation: The 1611 King James Version is always best! ALL must be warned while there's still time!

Reviewed by: Mea F.
What I Read: Women Who Live in Coffee Shops by Stella Pope Duarte
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Stella Pope Duarte is one of my favorite authors. She is a born and raised Phoenician. She began writing after having a dream about her father, who had passed away, and she was encouraged to write from his message. She is very proud of her culture. I have read all of her books. This book in particular was filled with wonderful short stories. The stories, locations noted and points-of-interest were very relative to me, as I too am a local. The book would be enjoyed by readers from anywhere. Each story seems as if it is perhaps a memory from days past. My favorite stories were Homeage, Mismatched Julian and Confession. Confession was great and paralleled my life growing up in church. I enjoyed being able to put the book down but never loosing my place, as each story was independent of the rest of the stories. Stella puts great substance into each story and there will be one which will sing to your heart personally. Please enjoy her other books as well. She is truly and amazing and proud author.

Reviewed by: Pat M.
What I Read: One Mile Under by Andrew Gross
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: I am fond of the author Andrew Gross and his work. This book did not disappoint.
Almost from the first page, the reader is started on a fast paced journey. There is a lot of action with great descriptions of white water rafting - something I had never done - and an extremely unlikely to do -
The story also brought into play fracking and the damage it would do to the environment. It was pertinent to things happening in the U.S.
All in all, a very good book.

Reviewed by: Pat M.
What I Read: Never Die Alone by Lisa Jackson
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is one of the authors I read and I almost always enjoy her books.
This book had a little convoluted lot but I must say while I usually figure out the end before the end, this one alluded me.
It was quite suspenceful and detailed in its descriptions, especially the torture of the main character.
I would recommend this book to others - great read.

Reviewed by: Patricia M.
What I Read: Season of Fear by Brian Freeman
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is another I read, but more infrequently than my usual ones. And I normally steer clear of political dramas, with the exception of "House of Cards" and "Scandal" on television.
This book had a good story line but sometimes I found it hard to keep track of the characters.
I just goes to show that the "game of politics" can be dirty and corrupt.

Reviewed by: Maria L.
What I Read: Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Oskar Schindler was responsible for saving the lifes of many Jews, He went broke trying to many Jews. My thought on this story are that Schindler above all had a soft heart and care for people;

Reviewed by: Angela T.
What I Read: The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: A great series, Princess Academy, of which this is the third book. The main character, Miri, is called upon to teach three royal cast-offs living in a swamp how to become princesses, to avoid war. An empowering princess story with strong themes of education, strength, (physical and mental) and friendship.

Reviewed by: Barbara Sapp
What I Read: Tail Gait by Rita Mae Brown
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Rita Mae Brown always writes wonderful stories about the animals. I love the way she has them talking, so we understand them. She thinks up great stories, even to include stuff from history, and ties it in with the present's goings on. I just wish she could write them faster, as I always want to read her books first, even if I have several at a time. I really enjoy how she has her pets as the brains behind the outfit helping to solve the mysteries & helps keep her heroine out of trouble!

Reviewed by: Barbara Sapp
What I Read: Picked to Die by Sheila Connolly
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: I love Sheila's orchard series books. She makes the little town where the heroine lives, so interesting, quaint, and full of history! I love hearing about the varieties of apples & al the things they have to do to get the crop in, She's another author I wish could get out books faster, as I love her easy style, & I like that she grabs my interest immediately, no matter how she starts out her cozies. And her recipes are fun to read, as well. Some I may just try one day!

Reviewed by: Sandra F.
What I Read: Double Down by Fern Michaels
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book is an offshoot of the Sisterhoods' series, which I read and loved every one. In this book it not about the girls but about the boys. All who are either husband or boyfriend of the girls. As with the girls they are keeping everything a secret from them. Thanks to Dennis's money they have a secured & fully functional building as a base of operations. There is love, intrigue, upsets, argument and a lot of brotherhood involved. Very good book, Hope for more.

Reviewed by: Michele J.
What I Read: Wisdom from Women in the Bible by John C. Maxwell
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book is incredible!! I loved it. I feel like I walked along side the author as he experiences what he is writting. I feel like I was there! This book seems to be written just for me. By the Creator Himself! Working through the author. I really feel this is a true experience in the authors life. It happened. Split second time also!!

Thanks to everyone who submitted a review! The last week's worth of patron input will be posted to the blog early next week.

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015 - Week 3

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015 - Week 3

Posted by Anonymous

The Summer Reading Program is halfway through, but Yuma County's readers are more active than ever! There's still plenty of time to turn in a book review at any Yuma County Library for a chance to win a gift card - and to be featured on this blog!

Reviewed by: Dusty W.
What I Read: Thoughts from Within by Bonnie Moehle
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought:  I thought that this book was a very easy read. Nice little "self-help" book for those looking for a little boost in their lives. I appreciate how the author conveys her ideas for others in order to live stress-free lives without imposing upon their upbringing and moral values and even religious beliefs! I'd recommend this book to anyone especially if they are grounded in their belief/faith; although I do not believe in hypnotherapy, I DO believe we all possess (or have the ability to) the Power of A Higher Being to help us lead peaceful, loving, productive lives!

Reviewed by: Diane N.
What I Read: Moving Target by J.A. Jance
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Another great story from Jance. I love Sister Anselm. I hope she is in many more storyline to come. I love how each story stands alone, yet builds from prior ones. Well done again.

Reviewed by: Diane N.
What I Read: Cold Betrayal by J.A. Jance
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Great Read. I love getting 2 stories in one. What great way to bring Az. to life. I had to break out the Rand McNalley. Well done.

Reviewed by: Martha C.
What I Read: The Missing Piece by Kevin Egan
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: It is about a trial for a collection of silver. When things go wrong at the first trial the characters go on with their lives until the trial is brought back. I thought the book was predictable. There were too many characters involved and I had trouble remembering everyone's rolls. Once the story delved deeper I was more engrosed and I wanted to know who finally got ownership of the silver. It had a happy ending and the bad guys were dealt with. I would not recommend this book.

Reviewed by: Martha C.
What I Read: Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book is about a new bride trying to fit into a much different world than she has ever known. She is the second wife of a wealthy man and soon finds out all is not as it seems. I enjoyed this book! I could not put it down! I was enchanted by the way Mrs. de Winter had to adjust to her new surroundings. When we finally learn about the first wife, it is a sad tale, but has a true love story to overpower it. I don't think I had even heard about this classic before but I'm glad I have finished it.

Reviewed by: Martha C.
What I Read: Innocence by Dean Koontz
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book was really interesting. It was frustrating when things weren't revealed early enough and I felt like some secrets were mentioned but never fully explained. I like that the two main characters were not your average people and were good. I would describe the story as bizzarre. It kept my attention because the secrets always felt just out of my reach. I would recommend this book with a small warning.

Reviewed by: Merrilie J.
What I Read: The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet by Colleen McCullough
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Ms McCullough is one of my favorite authors, and I've always enjoyed reading books about the English upper class in the early 1800's. This book did not disappoint. The premise is the "coming out" of spinsterhood of the 3rd sister in the Bennet family - sisters Elizabeth and Jane married into the Darcy family of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Mary had been tasked with caring for their mother, a tedious old lady. Mary spent her time reading "good" books and newspapers - she became enthused about doing charity work among the poor. When Mom died Mary was 38 and set out to make her Mark on the world.

Reviewed by: Merrilie J.
What I Read: Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book is what I call the Wonder Bread of reading material - mind fluff - but every so often I enjoy a book of this type. Janet Evanovich is an amusing writer, good for several (many) chuckles. It will be quite some time before I'm ready to read another episode of Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter.

Reviewed by: Merrilie J. 
What I Read: HUGHES by Richard Hack
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is a biography of Howard Hughes, said to be America's first Billionaire.
What I think: is that for a man whose original wealth stemmed from his father's oil-drilling bit (at the time the U.S. was beginning it's love affair with automobiles) he never really grew up or matured. True, he had an innovative brain which made improvements and innovations in the aircraft industry - but he was also enamored with the movie industry and young, beautiful Starletts. He died a lonely death, in his own filth (but still RICH!

Reviewed by: Joy M.
What I Read: Unintended Consequences by Stuart Woods
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Stone Barrington wakes up in Paris not knowing how he got there. The race is on for my favorite attorney. Stuart Woods uses great dialogue and presents a fast read that you can't put down. His character development is masterful. Each book is like visiting with old friends and catching up. Suggest that anyone new to Woods should start at the early books. You will find good friends, exciting action, not a lot of sex, and stories you can't put down, as stated earlier.

Reviewed by: Michael H.
What I Read: Saxon Series (The Burning Land, Death of Kings, The Pagan Lord) by Bernard Cornwell
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Great series of historical fiction. Tells the story of Uhtred & his friends & family during the times of King Alfred & his family. It is a great series - it has drama, action, intrigue, battles, love stories, family heritage & all done in a time of the forming of England under Alfred the Great & his family.

Reviewed by: Michael H.
What I Read: Inheritance Cycle (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance) by Christopher Paolini
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is a story of Eragon & how he finds a dragon egg & then how he & the dragon become essential in defeating the Empire The place is Alagaesia. The dragon is a female named Saphira. They encounter the various races of Alagaesia (elves, dwarves, werecats, & others) in a desperate fight with King Galbatorix. This is a coming of age tale & it is an interesting & compelling series.

Reviewed by: Jean W.
What I Read: Hell Gate by Linda Fairstein
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is the second book by Linda Fairstein that I have read.
It was really interesting and kept me so interested that I finished it in less than 6 hours (different days) It had a surprise ending that always delights me. Since I am originally from upstate New York, I enjoyed reading & learning about the places mentioned in the Manhattan area. I look forward to reading more books by this author. Hopefully her future books will have some of these characters. I was impressed by the main characters.

Reviewed by: Jimmie D.
What I Read: Several books by Sandra Brown
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Sandra Brown is an amazing authoress. She creates a novel that holds you spellbound throughout the entire issue. What is really awesome about her, she has never told the same plot to any of her novels. It takes extreme concentration and imagination to create so many novels with entirely different ideas about a single topic.

Reviewed by: Patricia F.
What I Read: The Assassin by Clive Cussler
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Interesting story about Standard Oil by a rich man who wanted to own every oil fields in the world and didn't care who stood in his way wanting power & profit to line his pockets.

Have a wonderful holiday, and happy reading!