Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #207: The Lost Plot by Genevieve Cogman

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

Synopsis:

A covert mission
A royal demand
And a race against time

The fourth title in Genevieve Cogman's witty and wonderful The Invisible Library series, The Lost Plot is an action-packed literary adventure.

After being commissioned to find a rare book, Librarian Irene and her assistant, Kai, head to Prohibition-era New York and are thrust into the middle of a political fight with dragons, mobsters, and Fae.

In a 1920s-esque New York, Prohibition is in force; fedoras, flapper dresses, and tommy guns are in fashion: and intrigue is afoot. Intrepid Librarians Irene and Kai find themselves caught in the middle of a dragon political contest. It seems a young Librarian has become tangled in this conflict, and if they can’t extricate him, there could be serious repercussions for the mysterious Library. And, as the balance of power across mighty factions hangs in the balance, this could even trigger war.

Irene and Kai are locked in a race against time (and dragons) to procure a rare book. They’ll face gangsters, blackmail, and the Library’s own Internal Affairs department. And if it doesn’t end well, it could have dire consequences on Irene’s job. And, incidentally, on her life...

The Lost Plot is due out January 9, 2018 from Ace Books.

Why am I waiting on this one? Even though I am not familiar with the series, I am looking forward to this one. I love books set in the 1920s. And add in some wit, dragons, and Fae and the book sounds really interesting.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: We Are All Completely Fine by Daryl Gregory

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

We were a team of professional insomniacs. Once you know there are monsters under the bed, closing your eyes becomes a foolhardy act. (80% through on my Kindle)

We Are All Completely Fine by Daryl Gregory was published July 2014 by Tachyon Publications. It's an award winning horror novella. It won the Shirley Jackson Award for a novella in 2014 and a World Fantasy Award for Best Novella in 2015.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Banned Books Week 2017

September 24-30, 2017

The Top Ten Challenged Books for 2016 are:

1. This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki Illustrated by Jillian Tamaki

This young adult graphic novel, winner of both a Printz and a Caldecott Honor Award, was restricted, relocated, and banned because it includes LGBT characters, drug use, and profanity, and it was considered sexually explicit with mature themes.

2. Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Parents, librarians, and administrators banned this Stonewall Honor Award-winning graphic novel for young adults because it includes LGBT characters, was deemed sexually explicit, and was considered to have an offensive political viewpoint.

3. George by Alex Gino

Despite winning a Stonewall Award and a Lambda Literary Award, administrators removed this children’s novel because it includes a transgender child, and the “sexuality was not appropriate at elementary levels.”

4. I Am Jazz by Jessical Herthel and Jazz Jennings Illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

This children’s picture book memoir was challenged and removed because it portrays a transgender child and because of language, sex education, and offensive viewpoints.

5. Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

Included on the National Book Award longlist and designated a Stonewall Honor Book, this young adult novel was challenged because its cover has an image of two boys kissing, and it was considered to include sexually explicit LGBT content.

6. Looking for Alaska by John Green

This 2006 Printz Award winner is a young adult novel that was challenged and restricted for a sexually explicit scene that may lead a student to “sexual experimentation.”

7. Big Hard Sex Criminals by Matt Fraction Illustrated by Chip Zdarsky

Considered to be sexually explicit by library staff and administrators, this compilation of adult comic books by two prolific award-winning artists was banned and challenged.

8. Make Something Up: Stories You Can't Unread by Chuck Palahniuk

This collection of adult short stories, which received positive reviews from Newsweek and the New York Times, was challenged for profanity, sexual explicitness, and being “disgusting and all around offensive.”

9. Little Bill (series) by Bill Cosby 

This children’s book series was challenged because of criminal sexual allegations against the author.

10. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

One of seven New York Times Notable Children’s Books and a Printz Honor recipient, this young adult novel was challenged for offensive language.

Have you read any of these? And of note, this is the first time a series of books was challenged based on criminal allegations against the author.

All graphics and information are from the ALA website.

Sorry the graphic is cut off a little on the right. I haven't been able to figure out yet how to fix that and maintain readability of the graphic.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #206: The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

This week the book I am waiting on is The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo. And I won't have to wait too long. It's due to be released September 26, 2017 from Macmillan.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.

Why am I waiting on this one? I love stories that draw on myth, folklore, and fairy tale. Even though I am unfamiliar with the Grishaverse, I still think I will enjoy this book because of the subject matter. And then there is the appearance of the book. The art that is to be within the pages sounds awesome. I can't wait to see the finished product. And I think the cover is lovely.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: The Ninja's Illusion by Gigi Pandian

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

The phone was still clasped in my hand. I willed Sanjay to call me back. What had he seen over his shoulder? (3% through on my Kindle)

The Ninja's Illusion by Gigi Pandian is expected to be released October 3, 2017 from Henery Press. I've been reading the ARC and really enjoying it. 

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #205: The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

The book I'm waiting on this week is The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn. It's expected to be released January 2, 2018 from William Morrow.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Anna Fox lives alone, a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times...and spying on her neighbors.

Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, mother, their teenage son--the perfect family. But when gazing out her window one night, Anna sees something she shouldn’t. Her world begins to crumble, and its shocking secrets are laid bare. What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems.

Why am I waiting on this one? I like the way it sounds. It's noir-ish. It has a nod to "Rear Window" by Hitchcock. And it's got a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews over on Goodreads.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: It Looked Different on the Model by Laurie Notaro

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

Now the last time I had my makeup done was the day I got married, and I walked out of that salon looking less like a girl who was about to snag a cute boy for the rest of her life and more like an undercover cop who was about to go stand out in front of a cheap motel and arrest ministers. All I needed was a fur vest and a chipped eyetooth. So, I wisely passed on the dolling-up and chose the hand massage instead, because I'd never had one. (95% through on my Kindle)

It Looked Different on the Model: Epic Tales of Impending Shame and Infamy by Laurie Notaro was published July 26, 2011 by Random House Publishing Group.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Review: Wicked Deeds by Heather Graham

Vickie Preston and Griffin Pryce are on their way to Virginia for Vickie to enter the FBI Academy. They stop in Baltimore for a pleasant, romantic few days, but alas that's not in the cards for them.

The body of a popular writer is found in the basement of the Edgar Allan Poe themed restaurant that the couple ate at the night before. His wife calls on the Krewe of Hunters to help prove that it was murder and not suicide and to catch the murderer. It could be any one of the staff or a member of the Edgar Allan Poe appreciation society that has met there. More Poe related crimes occur and more of the Krewe come for backup.

At the same time, Vickie begins to have vivid dreams about Edgar Allan Poe and his demise in Baltimore. Nightmares. Are her dreams somehow connected to the events in present day Baltimore?

Vickie and Griffin were introduced in Krewe of Hunters #21- Dying Breath. They appeared again in #22 - Dark Rites. This is their third outing. While this could be read as a stand alone, I think you get more out of it and the characters if you've read the previous 2 books as well.

The action grabs you early on. There are few well-timed lulls. It's pretty much a fast-paced mystery with a touch of romance.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was the background on Poe and how the author used it in the crimes. You get information on his biography and a few of his relevant works. This is mostly courtesy of the character Vickie as she is a historian. There are other contributors as well. And Vickie poses an interesting explanation for Poe's death in Baltimore.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well written. The characters are enjoyable. The mystery is fast-paced. And the information shared on Poe makes it all the more interesting.

Wicked Deeds is #23 in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham. It's due to be published September 19, 2017 from MIRA Books.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Waiting on Wednesday #204/Can't Wait Wednesday: The Devil's Wedding Ring by Vidar Sundstol

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

This week the book I am waiting on is a mystery that takes place mainly in Norway, The Devil's Wedding Ring by Vidar Sundstol. It's due out later this month, September 26, 2017 from University of Minnesota Press.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

On Midsummer Eve in 1985, a young folklore researcher disappears from the village of Eidsborg in the Telemark region of Norway.  Exactly thirty years later, the student Cecilie Wiborg goes missing. She too had been researching the old, pagan rituals associated with the 13th-century Eidsborg stave church.  And then Knut Abrahamsen, a former police officer from the area, is found drowned in the nearby Tokke River, a presumed suicide since his pockets were filled with stones.

Hearing of the death of his former colleague and friend, private investigator Max Fjellanger feels compelled to leave his long-time home in Florida and return to his native Norway to attend Knut’s funeral. Even though they haven’t spoken in more than three decades, Max is not convinced that Knut killed himself.  There are details about the circumstances of his death that just don’t add up. And there seems to be a link to the case of the missing researcher in Telemark, which the two of them had worked together—until threats from a corrupt sheriff put an end to the investigation and to Max’s career on the police force.

This time Max is determined to find out the truth. Reluctantly he finds himself drawn into a dark universe in which ancient superstitions, religious cults, and sinister forces are still very much alive. And the stave church, with its famed wooden statue of Saint Nikuls, is at the center of it all.

Finding an unlikely partner in Tirill Vesterli—a university librarian and single mother who is obsessed with crime novels—Max is plunged into a menacing world of ghostly monks, severed pigs’ heads, and mythic rites, all somehow connected to Midsummer Eve, which is fast approaching. As Max and Tirill quickly learn, it’s a misconception that the past is past—the truth is that it’s never over.

This is award-winning crime novelist Vidar Sundstøl at his best, spinning a tale that is taut with suspense and steeped in Norwegian culture, past and present.

Why am I waiting on this one? I like the folklore aspects and that one of the investigators in the case is a university librarian. 

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Sasquatch, Love, and Other Imaginary Things by Betsy Aldredge and Carrie DuBois-Shaw

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

"Ah, quality family time." I smiled. "Other families go bowling or play board games, but we'll always have subterfuge and searching for mythical animals." And despite my grumbling, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. (Chapter 9, p.165 of the extended excerpt)

The extended excerpt is courtesy of a program from Simon Pulse called Riveted. Each week they feature at least one extended excerpt and one full novel that you can read for free. Sasquatch, Love, and Other Imaginary Things by Betsy Aldredge and Carrie DuBois-Shaw was featured last week as one of the excerpts. It was published August 8, 2017 from Simon Pulse. You can find out more about the Riveted program at http://rivetedlit.com/

Would you keep reading? I liked it enough I will be looking for the complete book. 

What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Review: The Dire King by William Ritter

"All right then, my sage young apprentice - what do we do next?"

"Something foolish, I imagine," I said. "Foolish and decidedly dangerous. That sounds about our style, doesn't it?"

--- 

Abigail Rook and her somewhat unusual employer Jackaby are once again seeking to solve mysteries of unnatural occurrences. There is a rend forming between the realms of fairy and the mundane world in New Fiddleham, New England. And there are zombies popping up. Abigail and Jackaby must solve the problems and seek the Dire King's accouterments (the crown, the spear, and the shield) before he can regain power. 

Meanwhile, Abigail and Charlie are growing closer. Jenny and Jackaby are as well in an awkward sort of way. The romances are put on the back burner while the fate of the world lays in the balance.

The characters are well drawn as they have been in the past books in the series. The sarcasm and snark that mark their interactions are evident as well, unintentional and intentional. I like the way the characters work together, especially the four main characters of Jackaby, Abigail, Jenny, and Charlie.

The plot starts out a little slow as we are reacquainted with the world in which they live. Then quickly picks up. More often than not, there is forward movement at a gradually increasing speed. As the end of the book approaches, it is positively breakneck. 

The book ties up loose ends. And the ending itself is bittersweet and rather surprising. It's a fitting end for the series. 

I gave this book 5 out of  5 stars. It's among the few books that I've read that made me both laugh and cry, although at different parts. Generally, I am not fond of books that make me cry, but this one is an exception. Great characters and well plotted, I heartily recommend this addition to the Jackaby series. I would start at the beginning with Jackaby, though, rather than jump in here at the end.

The Dire King was released August 22, 2017 from Algonquin Yong Readers.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.