Book Review: The Beyond Experience by Michael Reid Jr

The Beyond Experience by Michael Reid Jr

Rating: 5 out of 5

"You're going to feel a chill."

The Beyond Experience was, in a word, stunning. To be blunt, I was skeptical about reading this. I'm a cognitive scientist, and most books I read that have something to do with neuroscience and psychology are so far from reality that they are painful to read. Mike, this story was fantastic.

The amount of passion and research that went into the characters and their story was quite clear from the get go. Even the setting of the story was intimately detailed. Mike clearly has a marvel of an imagination, and an eye for taking brilliant scientific ideas to the next level, while still remaining as realistic as possible. That is one tall order to follow.

The characters were really well written, it was enjoyable to watch them grow and change. The dynamic relationship between Dr. Lewis and Kyle, and their battle between science and religion, was well crafted. There were incredibly brutal struggles some of the characters faced, but I loved the book even more for that. It was easy to grow attached to the characters and really feel for them.

The Beyond Experience was captivating. It might be bold to say, but I think this book really has something to offer for everyone--whether you are a scientist, a religious/spiritual person, both, or neither--and that is an extremely difficult variety of people for an author to please.

Plus, how gorgeous is that cover?!

That'll do Mike, that'll do.

Go check out Mike's other two novels, Debt of Fear and Sins of the Father, on website (michaelreidjr.com) or on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, etc., etc., etc...

Synopsis: Dr. Lewis had always found a way to hide his deepest secrets: the abuse as a child, the loss of his fiancé, the reasons why he rejected the lucrative offer from Harvard. But, when Kyle, his lab assistant, convinces him to push the limits of the drugs he'd spent a decade perfecting, his lies begin to unravel. 

Kyle's emotional events during treatment forced him to believe it was an event on another plane of life, a spiritual experience at its highest echelon. Thousands of people all over the world were experiencing similar events to Kyle's, claiming they'd been to heaven. However, Dr. Lewis disagreed, and spent countless hours searching for a neural pathway within the brain itself as the source of the augmented reality. 

More secrets, lies, and love drive the two close friends apart, beginning a cascade of events that point Dr. Lewis toward entering The Beyond Experience himself. He fought the treatment for nearly two decades, convinced his terrifying past would confront him. What he experiences becomes far more world shattering than he'd ever imagined possible, but will finally give him the answer to why his fiancé, Lily, had spoken her haunting final words: "forgive me."*

*Synopsis from michaelreidjr.com

P.S. Sorry I've been absent for so long. This whole grad school thing has taken over the last 18 months of my life. I'm still here, and still reading (though sometimes, most of the time, it's textbooks and I'm sure you don't want reviews on those!).

Happy holidays,

Rae

Book Review: Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: In a galaxy powered by the current, everyone has a gift.

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation-planet of Thuvhe. Protected by his unusual currentgift, Akos is generous in spirit, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get this brother out alive — no matter what the cost.

Then Akos is thrust into Cyra's world, and the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. Will they help each other to survive, or will they destroy one another?*

I know I have been a bit MIA for almost a year, and I only have two words for you: grad school. That's a story for another time though. I have had the past few days off and finally got to read this beauty of a book, Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth. Roth is best known (thus far) for her Divergent trilogy (Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant), now all major motion picture movies. 

Carve the Mark was so much more than I thought it was going to be. Darker, smarter, fiery, and gritty. The adventure, heartache, and brutally honest and violent characters literally had me glued to the pages until 4 in the morning. Though some of the passion between the stubbornly fierce Cyra and alluring yet dangerous Akos was a bit predictable (a clear reminder of a Montague-Capulet predicament), there were quite a few mesmerizing and surprising plot twists. Roth's description of life, pain, and love spoke boldly about struggles people constantly face. I also absolutely loved that the characters weren't simply good or bad. There is no such thing as a person who is all good or all bad, and Roth did an incredible job writing multifaceted characters, people that live in that murky-grey area of life that we all know too well. Relatable characters like these are powerful because they show us that it's okay to not be perfect, as long as we are doing what we can. As Cyra, the leading, bad-ass lady in the book, says, "It's hard to know what's right in this life . . . We do what we can, but what we really need is mercy." 

Here's to hoping you don't lose as much sleep as I did reading this! (Or, maybe, I hope you do. It is that good, after all)

JR

*Synopsis by Goodreads.com

Book Review: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

The Dutch Crumb Apple Pie you see here is also on my blog, click here to enjoy that deliciousness.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane. 

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of color. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.*

Jojo Moyes, a British novelist, has previously won Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year and was a Nominee for Goodreads Choice Award in Fiction. Contemporary romance is not typically my cup of tea, everyone had been raving about this book though, and I finally gave in. Me Before You is the first novel of Jojo Moyes' that I have read, and I was pleasantly surprised. The novel was well written, and though the plot was somewhat predictable, I did enjoy that Moyes finished with a heart-wrenching, morally-questionable decision. I almost didn't think she would have the guts to go through with it, but she did, and it was fantastic (I apologize for the vagueness, I don't want to spoil anything). I think more authors need to write about 'questionable' topics, things people don't typically like to discuss in open conversation (e.g. disabilities, depression, rape, addiction, etc.). It's important to acknowledge these do, in fact, exist, try to understand them, and teach others about them. But I digress.

Original Photo from Sawtooth Adventure Company

Solo guitarist/river guiding extraordinaire is my little sis (aw, proud big sis moment!) 

The characters throughout Me Before You, were extremely intriguing to me, and, if I'm being honest, aggravating at times. I enjoyed the contrast between the Clark family and the Traynor family. While the middle class Clark family struggled financially, they seemed to love and support one another, even if it was in a unique way. Whereas the Traynor's, a wealthy, upper class family, seemed to be held together by the thin thread of Will's condition alone. The stubborn, exhausted, envious, and witty Will Traynor was startling and brutal to read about. I did not like that Will's character was so focused on being envious of everyone else's capabilities, or telling others how to live their lives, that he did not focus on what his capabilities were and how much he could do. I do have very mixed feelings about Lou Clark though, Will's co-star in Me Before You. Lou is awkward, witty, immature, and self-absorbed for almost the entire novel. I am perfectly fine with awkward characters, however, when they are immature, self-absorbed, and play the victim for almost the entire novel, I get a bit aggravated. Thankfully, we witness an emotional and mental growth within her character, as she beautifully learned how to let go of the past and put others before herself. The dynamics between the two co-stars, Will and Lou, really worked for me. Their banter back and forth was highly entertaining, and witnessing their relationship grow realistically (i.e. gradually, two steps forward and one step back) was a nice change from the all-too-common quick-paced relationships. I'm a firm believer in the idea that one of the best ways to help yourself out, is by helping others. Lou and Will's characters come to understand this idea near the end, and I have to admit, the wait was worth the phenomenal ending. Me Before You is a quick, entertaining, and daring reminder to help others, to love deeply, and to live well. 

Enjoy,

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: Jack, 12, tells the gripping story of Joseph, 14, who joins his family as a foster child. Damaged in prison, Joseph wants nothing more than to find his baby daughter, Jupiter, whom he has never seen. When Joseph has begun to believe he'll have a future, he is confronted by demons from his past that force a tragic sacrifice.*

The first book I read of Gary D. Schmidt's was The Wednesday Wars, and I absolutely loved his writing style. I was thrilled when I found out about Orbiting Jupiter. This book is written from the simple, young perspective of Jack, a sixth-grade boy who lives on an organic farm with his parents. His family welcomes fourteen-year-old Joseph into their home as a foster child. Coming from prison, Joseph, who rarely talks or smiles and doesn't let anyone stand behind him, starts adjusting to life with Jack and his family, a life of attending to farm animals and going to middle school. Through Jack's eyes, we learn what haunts Joseph, how differently people within his new community judge and treat him, and witness how trust and love can change someone for the better. 

Although learning Joseph's background is crucial, my favorite part of this book was reading about the new relationships, good or bad, that Joseph made within his new home and school life. It was fascinating and emotional to see how various people treated him. Jack, being a true example of a kind heart, accepted Joseph almost immediately. . . just as soon as his cows approved. "You can tell all you need to know about someone from the way cows are around him," (Orbiting Jupiter, pg 11). That is one of the most true statements I've ever read, though I would apply it to almost any animal--dogs, cows, horses, etc. 

We also view the relationships Joseph developed with various teachers at his new school. While some pre-judged him and immediately shrugged him off as a no-good, dirty-rotten criminal, others, bless their loving and caring souls, gave Joseph a chance and were shocked at what he was capable of. "It's not the solution. . . It's the path to the solution that's fascinating," (Orbiting Jupiter, pg 29). It was beautiful to witness the miracle of a young man who has been through so much at such a young age, start to open up and have hope, to smile and laugh like a fourteen-year-old should. "Christmas is the season for miracles, you know. Sometimes they come big and loud, I guess--but I've never seen one of those. I think probably most miracles are a lot smaller, and sort of still, and so quiet, you could miss them. I didn't miss this one." (Orbiting Jupiter, pg 114-115). It can be difficult to successfully write such an honest, painful story--to put such astounding life lessons into a middle-grade/young adult novel. This is where Schmidt has shown what a profound author he is. Through the voice of the tender youth, he effectively transforms difficult and painful topics into quiet and simple stories that demand our attention. It is impossible to read this book and not think about how you treat others, judge others, or how to be a better person. Orbiting Jupiter is simple and bold; a powerful, difficult, and beautiful story about hope, true friendship, and being a good person.

Enjoy,

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: "In Mongolia, when a dog dies, he is buried high in the hills so people cannot walk on his grave. The dog's master whispers into the dog's ear his wishes that the dog will return as a man in his next life. Then his tail is cut off and put beneath his head, and a piece of meat or fat is place in his mouth to sustain his soul on its journey; before he is reincarnated, the dog's soul is freed to travel the land, to run across the high desert plains for as long as it would like. I learned that from a program on the National Geographic channel, so I believe it is true. Not all dogs return as men, they say; only those who are ready. I am ready."

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. 

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.*

Because this review is largely about dogs and their goodness...

 here are all of the dogs in my life. 

Featuring: Rufio, Tiger, Jack, Buck, Jack Sparrow, Rudy, and Indiana Jones.

Garth Stein is a New York Times and international bestselling author, as well as a PNBA Book Award winner. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a masterpiece of contemporary fiction. Through the perspective of a dog, Enzo, Stein brilliantly reveals the beauty and cruelty of human life, the love within true friendship, the trials of an ever-changing family, and the wisdom that lies within car racing. From the first page, we are introduced to Enzo's loving, humorous, clever, and loyal-to-a-fault personality. His enthusiastic spirit, as well as his undying love for life, racing, education through means of cable TV, and envy of those with opposable thumbs are captivating. 

Enzo, that handsome son-of-a-furry-gun, is also a wise soul, one we could all learn something from. Which is why I now present you with (drum roll please!) . . . 

The Amazing Enzo and His Words of Wisdom:

• Enzo is a perfect example of companionship and hope. He tells us that he believes ". . . the center of our family could not be fractured by a chance occurrence, an accidental washing, an unexpected illness. . . However things might change around us, we would always be together," (The Art of Racing in the Rain, pg 106). 
• Enzo shows us humility and the art of being a champion. "Racers are often called selfish and egotistical. I myself have called race car drivers selfish; I was wrong. To be a champion, you must have no ego at all. You must not exist as a separate entity. You must give yourself over to the race. You are nothing if not for your team, your car, your shoes, your tires. Do not mistake confidence and self-awareness for egotism," (The Art of Racing in the Rain, pg 314). 
• Enzo, a brilliant dog, but dog nonetheless, is better at being a good human being than most of us human beings. "Here's why I will be a good person. Because I listen. I cannot speak, so I listen very well. I never interrupt, I never deflect the course of the conversation with a comment of my own. People, if you pay attention to them, change the direction of one another's conversations constantly. . . Learn to listen! I beg of you. Pretend you are a dog like me and listen to other people rather than steal their stories," (The Art of Racing in the Rain, pg 102). 
• Through his story, Enzo tell us that it's okay to lose, but we that have to try, even if we are scared of what could happen. "There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose," (The Art of Racing in the Rain, pg 277). 
• Finally, Enzo shows us the joy in living--in taking charge of, and being the champion in, your own life. "That which you manifest is before you; we are the creators of our own destiny," (The Art of Racing in the Rain, pg 43). It ". . . makes one realize that the physicality of our world is a boundary to us only if our will is weak; a true champion can accomplish things that a normal person would think impossible," (The Art of Racing in the Rain, pg 65).

And because I like lists so much, here are a few crucial items you will need while reading The Art of Racing in the Rain:

1. A full tissue box.
2. Pen and paper--to take notes on the pure genius and wisdom that Enzo has given to us, mere humans.
3. Your own furry friend to cry and cuddle with.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is by far the hardest book I have ever read, and will probably ever read. It is also, undoubtedly, one of the best books I have ever read. It is brilliant in it's unique perspective, through Enzo, of heartbreak, hope, love, and the exhilaration of racing and living. If only more humans were like dogs, were like Enzo. The world would be a far more pleasant place. A dog can teach you everything you need to know. This book may be heartbreaking to get through, but I promise you that every page is well worth it. The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of those books that will change you.

Love,

JR

*Synopsis provided by www.garthstein.com/works/the-art-of-racing-in-the-rain 

Book Review: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo #1) by Rick Riordan

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: How do you punish an immortal?

By making him human.

After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disoriented, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favour. 

But Apollo has many enemies - gods, monsters, and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.*

"Hoodlums punch my face

I would smite them if I could

Mortality blows."

-The Hidden Oracle, pg 3

Uncle Rick . . . to use your immortal words, "Why?" (The Hidden Oracle, pg 28). I thank you, sincerely, for your books, but still, why?! I wholeheartedly believe that he enjoys torturing us. Rick Riordan is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many books, including one of my favorite series--Percy Jackson and The Olympians. You can check out my review on Rick and his wondrous books here and here, if you wish.

The Hidden Oracle is another one of Rick's genius blends of Greek mythology and thrilling fiction. Many of Rick's novels are written through the perspective of demigods, children of one mortal parent and one godly parent. One thing I really enjoy about The Hidden Oracle, is that it is written in the voice of one of the gods (or former gods, in this case, sorry Apollo), a completely different perspective from Rick's previous stories. Rick introduces us on page one to the striking, ever-famous Apollo. In Rick's standard fashion, the first paragraph will hook you into the story and you won't want to put it down, "My name is Apollo. I used to be a god. . . But in all my immortal life, I never before crash-landed in a Dumpster," (The Hidden Oracle, pg 3). Apollo is (was?) the Greek god of archery, poetry, prophecy, music, healing, the sun, and plague (and probably a few other things even he can't keep track of). Rick phenomenally captures Apollo's humorous, egotistical personality from start to finish in The Hidden Oracle.

Throughout The Hidden Oracle, Apollo attempts to adjust to a mortal life with the help of new friends, and old acquaintances. The novel is riddled with dangerous and amusing obstacles that Apollo must overcome in order to earn back the favor of his dad, Zeus, the king of the gods. Apollo's comically self-centered personality had me giggling out loud, from his slight obsession with bacon, to his self-motivational speeches, "You are gorgeous and people love you!" (The Hidden Oracle, pg 33). While Apollo's pomposity is entertaining, we also witness a growth and change in his character as he is rocked by betrayal and chooses to battle evil side by side with other demigods (though Apollo may adamantly deny these, dare I say, humbling changes). "Things can turn out differently, Apollo. That's the nice thing about being human. We only have one life, but we can choose what kind of story it's going to be," (The Hidden Oracle, pg 348).

The Hidden Oracle is hilarious, daring, and irresistible. "I've found that thinking often interferes with doing," (The Hidden Oracle, pg 333). Don't think about reading this book, just do it.

Enjoy,

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: Untitled Won by Eugene Tan

Untitled Won (The Entitled Series #1) by Eugene Tan

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Expected Publication: September 2016

Synopsis: Terry Everhart is your average teenager who may or may not have failed his mathematics exams. During the summer of 2015, he was thrown into a prison island on a distant planet called Aalvark. Not only that, he was kept on the planet of Aalvark by powerful beings known as Omnescients as they protected him from a terrorist group led by the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Attending Jone's Academy of Immortales, Terry and his new Aalvarkian friends trained to survive, honed their abilities, and learn more about the world of Aalvark. However, outside the eccentric academy campus and underwater neighbourhoods, the stakes draw higher as The Apocalypsies spread fear into the world through each their own tactics. 

Untitled Won is the first installment of The Entitled Series. Follow Terry and his new friends on their journey through life, love, and death.*

Before I get into my review, I wanted to say a quick thanks to Eugene Tan for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the thrilling adventure he has created for us. Eugene Tan is a talented new writer, and I am extremely excited too see where his skills take him. I am also very anxious to know what is to come in the remainder of The Entitled Series.

Untitled Won not-so-subtly captured my attention right from the prologue--it was basically a deliciously decorated fish hook waiting to catch it's starving prey. After the cliff hanger prologue, we are introduced to the main character, Terry Everhart, a lonely, curious, and witty teenager. While the novel spends a lot of time with Terry, I still wish we knew him even more, had more insights into his personality than is told. Tan later introduces the well developed supporting characters, each having a detailed, intriguing, and unique personality. The dialog throughout the book is clever and entertaining, making it an easy and fun read. I think one of my favorite characters in Untitled Won was Pestilence. Pestilence is one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and one of the main antagonists of the novel. Tan did a phenomenal job of portraying Pestilence as a smart, cunning, and malicious character.

Untitled Won introduces us to a new world, Aalvark, and I absolutely loved Tan's detailed and engaging descriptions of it. Our first introduction to this new planet is a place called Somerryl, and reading it's brilliant description makes me giddy, so I must share: "I could not decide what was worse, the smell or the scenery. There was nothing for miles apart from the barren fields underfoot, which housed a plethora of creature carcasses, and the blue skies overhead which was flooded with red clouds. They mashed together over the horizon, creating a bittersweet nightmare," (Chapter Two, Untitled Won). Tan has a brilliant, detailed, and engaging writing style, and while these brilliant descriptions pepper the novel, I do wish there had been more of these detailed descriptions directed towards getting us acquainted with the setting more fully. We are told late in the book that there are various countries and districts on Aalvark, but I would have like to have that background information sooner, to get a more solid feel for where the story takes place and how the geography influences the story. While I enjoyed what Tan gave us of Aalvark, I was thirsty for more of those delicious details! 

What worked really well for me, is the witty voice Tan kept throughout the novel. There are numerous amusing plugs to various books, movies, and comics throughout Untitled Won.  Tan gave Twilight a nice poke, "Who would've known that vampires were the hotties in our world and on earth. Then again, you don't have the sparkle," (Chapter 9, Untitled Won), as well as had references to Star Wars, The Fault in our Stars, and Batman. Not to mention the adorable, clever, and hilarious Eltos's (llama-like creatures) Terry meets along his dance with Fate. Without spoiling the book, I think my favorite part of Untitled Won is the trials of Fate. Here Tan introduces the characters to Fate, and really shows each character's unique personality. It was thrilling and emotionally engaging to get to know the characters more intimately. The ending of Untitled Won is abrupt and left me feeling lost and wanting for more details. As Tan quotes in the book, "The end of one task always gives way to new uncertainties," (Chapter 14) and Tan brutally, but brilliantly, left us with some major uncertainties at the end of this book. When this book is released in September (of 2016), I recommend fans of fantasy and science fiction to check this new adventure out. Untitled Won is clever, suspenseful, and beautifully humorous. 

Check out Eugene Tan's website for The Entitled Series here!

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4) by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: For years, Gansey has been on a quest to find a lost king. One by one, he's drawn others into this quest: Ronan, who steals from dreams; Adam, whose life is no longer his own; Noah, whose life is no longer a lie; and Blue, who loves Gansey. . . and is certain she is destined to kill him. 

Now the endgame has begun. Dreams and nightmares are converging. Love and loss are inseparable. And the quest refuses to be pinned to a path.*

"He was a book, and he was holding his final pages, and he wanted to get to the end to find out how it went, and he didn't want it to be over." -- Maggie Stiefvater, The Raven King

I can't. I just can't. 

I have a serious love/hate relationship with finishing a series, and The Raven Cycle was no different. Maggie Stiefvater did an incredible job with the final installment of the wild and glorious tale of Blue and her Raven Boys. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that while I truly enjoyed the crushing twist Maggie releases upon us towards the end, I still did not like the ending of The Raven King. I could have worked with what Maggie gave us if it had been prolonged, but as it is, I felt like the novel ended extremely abruptly, with loose ends tied up in a mere few pages. Other than that, I absolutely loved The Raven King. The twists and turns are fantastic, the secondary characters added even more depth and entertainment, and the tangible tension between the main characters is delicious. The Raven King is a beautiful, brutal, tantalizing, and mystical brew, and I could not get enough of it.

I was holding the book, and I wanted to get to the end to find out how it went, but I didn't want it to be over. 

Check out my reviews on The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1), The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2), and Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3).

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson

Peter and the Starcatchers (Peter and the Starcatchers #1) by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: Don't even think of starting this book unless you're sitting in a comfortable chair and have lots of time. A fast-paced, impossible-to-put-down adventure awaits as the young orphan Peter and his mates are dispatched to an island rules by the evil King Zarboff. They set sail aboard the Never Land, a ship carrying a precious and mysterious trunk in its cargo hold, and the journey quickly becomes fraught with excitement and danger. 

Discover richly developed characters in the sweet but sophisticated Molly, the scary but familiar Black Stache, and the fearless Peter. Treacherous battles with pirates, foreboding thunderstorms at sea, and evocative writing immerses the reader in a story that slowly and finally reveals the secrets and mysteries of the beloved Peter Pan.

Peter and the Starcatchers is the tale of a curious orphan boy, Peter, setting sail on the dingy ship the Never Land, head on into an adventure that will change his life forever. While at sea, Peter meets Molly, a Starcatcher trying to protect a magical substance from getting into malicious hands that would destroy the world. Peter gets caught in a battle between the mysterious Starcatchers, disheveled and brutal sailors, villainous pirates lead by the ruthless Captain Black Stache, and the Britain-hating natives of Mollusk Island. Peter, through his curiosity and bravery, becomes the mischievous, fearlessly cocky, sword-wielding, Peter Pan who will never, ever grow up. David Barry (no relation to J.M. Barrie, the author of the original Peter Pan) and Ridley Pearson did a remarkable job emulating the spirit of Peter Pan throughout the novel. Peter and the Starcatchers is an enchanting and comical tale of fearsome adventure that you will not want to put down.

Slight side note here. I also attended the play of Peter and the Starcatcher at Hale Center Theater. It was fantastically comical and engaging, and I would highly recommend seeing it if you have the chance.

For my review on the original, Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, click here!

Godspeed and smooth sailing, mates!

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they're destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she's found the thing she's been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries' seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once. 

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking. 

Until one day, he does...

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in a new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?*

Original photo: Stanmer Park, Bright by Finn Hopson

Best-selling author Holly Black spun an excellent tale of monsters, faeries, and magic in The Darkest Part of the Forest. Though I did not have any specific expectations when I started The Darkest Part of the Forest, I was pleasantly surprised by the raw honesty and struggle between good and evil--not just between humans and monsters, but between the good and evil inside each character. "Grey characters" as I call them, are my favorite, characters that aren't all good or all evil, but a beautiful, awful, realistic mix of both. Black does a fantastic job creating these "grey characters". Hazel has always dreamed of being an honorable, evil-destroying Knight, yet there is a secret, chilling side to her that even she is afraid to face. While Ben, Hazel's brother, has been blessed with a beautiful and covetous gift, he battles with the horrifying responsibility of the gift and envies his sister's 'normal' life. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it's characters, I do wish it had been longer. The plot seemed rushed at times and I think it would have only improved the story if there had been more space to spread it's tentacles and display it's enchanting potential. The Darkest Part of the Forest is a fast and darkly clever read, with a bold blend of modern teenage life and childhood fantasy. 

Enjoy!

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: In a kingdom by the sea...

In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word.

A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other--but they can never fall in love. 

Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter, and the best in her generation. She lives for battle. Shoulder to shoulder with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols the streets of Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries--the most powerful of supernatural creatures--teeter on the edge of open war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma's parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma's chance for revenge--and Julian's chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks... and before the murderer targets them. 

Their search takes Emma from sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents--and can she bear to know the truth?

The feels. Cassandra, why do you do these things to us?! 

While Lady Midnight is technically is a separate series than Clare's other Shawowhunter series (The Mortal Instruments, and The Infernal Devices), I would not consider it a stand-alone series. Clare does a decent job summarizing the Shadowhunter world in the beginning of the novel, but I still would have been confused if I had not read the other two series first. I definitely recommend reading The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series before embarking on The Dark Artifices adventure. Clare created a new, captivating tale in the Shadowhunter world with Lady Midnight. It was thrilling to jump into a familiar world but with new characters, humor, and obstacles. The battle between love, life, and law is riveting. Having a strong female lead is somewhat of a signature for Clare's novels, and I loved that she created a more vengeful side to Emma, as opposed to Clare's other female leads (Clary and Tessa). Mark was another favorite character of mine. While sparks of his humorous and flirtatious side are shown, Mark also has an unrelenting, painful battle with himself and where he belongs—making his character feel more real. Lady Midnight is a dark, dazzling, and delicious tale, with plenty of plot twists to keep you on your toes. 

To see my reviews on Cassandra Clare's other novels, click: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Book #1), City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments Book #2), City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments Book #3), City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments Book #4), City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments Book #5), City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments Book #6), Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices Book #1), Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices Book #2), and Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices Book #3). 

Enjoy, 

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com 

Book Review: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: Neverland is home to Peter Pan, a young boy who has never grown up. On one of his visits to London, Peter makes the acquaintance of young Wendy Darling, whom he invites to travel with him to Neverland and become the mother of his gang of Lost Boys. Flying through the night sky to Neverland, Wendy and her brothers John and Michael soon become caught up in marvelous adventures with the Indian Princess Tiger Lily, the loyal fairy Tinker Bell, and Peter's nemesis, the sinister hook-handed pirate known as Captain Hook. 

Yes, Peter Pan, is a novel. Many people are shocked to find the musical cartoon Peter Pan that Disney produced is based on a novel (though it was actually, originally, a play). Let me start my review by stating the following: if I had to go to a deserted island, with only one book to read and reread for the rest of time, it would be Peter Pan. No hesitations whatsoever. My heart is shadowed with sorrow for those who have not had the chance to revel in it's enchanting story. J.M. Barrie's writing is poetic, thrilling, and intensely captivating. He has woven a delicious tale for any age to delve into, overflowing with palpable magic, speckled with wisdom, and peppered with playful dialog. While it is a fairly short novel, J.M. Barrie brilliantly created multidimensional, charismatic, and fearsome characters. The ever charming, clever, and adventurous Peter Pan will mesmerize you from his amusing introduction to his slightly heartbreaking ending plea for us to never grow up. Revolving around Peter Pan, are Wendy, John, and Michael, the children who left their comfortable home in London to join Peter Pan on a thrilling adventure in Neverland. They inspire belief in magic and hope in possibilities. I also have a special place in my heart for Peter Pan's brave, enthusiastic, and humorous gang of Lost Boys, and for Tinker Bell, the loyal, emotional, and whimsical fairy. Let us not forget Pan's hook-handed nemesis: Captain Jas. Hook, the most daunting, youth-hating, and loathsome pirate in all the seas. This tale will leave you feeling homesick for the rapturous adventures in Neverland you may have once believed in.  

As previously mentioned, Peter Pan is a play-turned-novel-turned-movie. There have been multiple film versions of the tale of Peter Pan, and in case you were wondering, the book is better than all of them. First, there was the aforementioned musical cartoon version Disney released back in 1953. Disney did a fairly decent job at following the original story, and was able to capture the magical nature of the tale. Peter Pan, the live action version released in 2003, did an acceptable job following the story line, and I really enjoyed that P.J. Hogan (the director) was daring enough to include the darker aspects of the story, in addition to the innocent and joyful parts. Finding Neverland, released in 2004 starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, was absolutely incredible. That movie had me in giggle fits, crying like a baby, and aching to share the love and magic of the story. Neverland, the mini-series released in 2011, did a phenomenal job with Peter Pan's pre-Neverland life, I would definitely recommend watching it if you enjoyed reading the Peter and the Starcatcher's books (review on that book to come shortly). Unfortunately, I entirely despised the 2015 movie, Pan, and would advise everyone not to ever watch it. Ever. As I don't want to get worked up, that is all I'll say about that particular disappointment. Think happy thoughts. Think happy thoughts

Speaking of Peter Pan, I (obviously) have to put a plug in for the show Once Upon a Time. Not that I need to state the obvious, but Hook is literally the best character on that show. Peter Pan unfortunately doesn't get too much screen time, but we love every second of what we get. While I thoroughly enjoy these OUAT characters, they do not actually follow the tale of the original characters. Though, admittedly, I prefer the looks of the smoldering OUAT Hook over the long, ringlet-haired original Hook. The redeeming factors with these OUAT versions, (other than their aesthetic appeal), is that OUAT does not ever try to keep the characters true to the originals, so it is not an unexpected disappointment.

The piece de resistance regarding Peter Pan film productions, though, is my favorite movie of all time: Hook, the 1991 film starring Dustin Hoffman (Captain Jas. Hook) and the late, most sincerely loved, Robin Williams (Peter Pan/Peter Banning). Words cannot express how much I love this movie. Hook follows the story of Peter Pan (now Peter Banning), who eventually chose to leave Neverland and grow up (yuck!). The infamous Captain Jas. Hook kidnaps Pan's/Banning's children, and Pan/Banning must return to Neverland, remember the spirit of Pan, and finish Captain Hook once and for all. Steven Spielberg did an unparalleled job in capturing the true spirit of Peter Pan and Neverland. I could honestly go on about this movie for hours, but I will, instead, just urge you to go watch and see for yourself. You will want to believe again.

Moral of the review: Peter Pan is one of the most magical tales ever told. Do not miss out on reading the book simply because you think you are "too old" or "don't believe" any more. It will awaken the child in you. "You know that place between sleep and awake, that place where you still remember dreaming? . . . That's where I'll be waiting" It's waiting for you, you just have to choose to believe.

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn #1) by Brandon Sanderson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: Once, a hero rose to save the world. He failed.

For a thousand years since, the world has been a wasteland of ash and mist ruled by the immortal emperor known as the Lord Ruler. Every revolt has failed miserably. 

Yet somehow, hope survives. Hope that dares to dream of ending the empire and defeating the Lord Ruler. A new kind of uprising is being planned--one that depending on the cunning of a brilliant criminal mastermind and the determination of an unlikely heroine: a teenage street urchin named Vin. 

Once, a hero rose to save the world and failed. This time, can a young heroine succeed?

Oh, the feels! Brandon Sanderson, you are a brilliant man, horrible, but brilliant. Mistborn: The Final Empire is phenomenal--I don't know how else to explain it (probably due to the fact that I literally finished the book about 9.39 minutes ago, and I'm an emotional wreck--in a good way, of course). I have read quite a few fiction and fantasy books, but I can honestly say this is one of my favorites. A word of warning though: don't trust Sanderson, he is one crafty author. I am fairly positive that he must be a Mistborn himself, as he clearly has the ability to Sooth and Riot my emotions like the clever mastermind he is. The characters, oh, the well-crafted and violently riveting characters Sanderson introduces in Mistborn: The Final Empire. Sanderson has created a magical, loathsome, charismatic, enigmatic, and simply addicting story. You will not be able to put this book down. In fact, this meme describes reading Mistborn: The Final Empire perfectly: 

Anyway, I am going to try to Sooth my own emotions now. [Translation: I am going to go purchase The Well of Ascension (Mistborn #2), because I'm truthfully addicted to Mistborn, and this book hangover will just not do].

Enjoy!

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com 

Book Review: At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: After embarrassing themselves at the social event of the year in high society Philadelphia on New Year's Eve of 1942, Maddie and Ellis Hyde are cut off financially by Ellis's father, a former army Colonel who is already embarrassed by his son's inability to serve in WWII due to his being colorblind. 

To Maddie's horror, Ellis decides that the only way to regain his father's favor is to succeed in a venture his father attempted and very publicly failed at: he will hunt the famous Loch Ness monster and when he finds it he will restore his father's name and return to his father's good graces (and pocketbook). Joined by their friend Hank, a wealthy socialite, the three make their way to Scotland in the midst of war. 

Each day the two men go off to hunt the monster, while another monster, Hitler, is devastating Europe. And Maddie, now alone in a foreign country, must begin to figure out who she is and what she wants. 

I was hesitant to start reading At the Water's Edge, as historical fiction is not the typical genre I indulge in. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by Sara Gruen's work. At the Water's Edge was rather frustratingly good to read. The main characters were well written, Gruen made it easy to adore or despise them. There are two extremely spoiled, whiny, and despicable men, who will strike a nerve if you have any sense of dignity. Then we have Maddie, who starts off just as entitled as her two counterparts, but slowly becomes aware of her situation and demeanor. I enjoyed witnessing her  journey in becoming more self-aware, capable, and independent [insert cheer for girl power in the mid-1900's!]. At the Water's Edge is an entertaining read for those who enjoy fiction with a touch of unlikely romance, fun and eerie folklore, traces of redemption, and a brief taste of the horrors of war.

Enjoy,

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: Rook by Sharon Cameron

Rook by Sharon Cameron

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: History has a way of repeating itself. In the Sunken City that was once Paris, all who oppose the new revolution are being put to the blade. Except for those who disappear from their prison cells, a red-tipped rook feather left in their place. Is the mysterious Red Rook a savior of the innocent or a criminal? 

Meanwhile, across the sea in the Commonwealth, Sophia Bellamy's arranged marriage to the wealthy Rene Hasard is the last chance to save her family from ruin. But when the search for the Red Rook comes straight to her doorstep, Sophia discovers that her fiance is not all he seems. Which is only fair, because neither is she. 

As the Red Rook grows bolder and the stakes grow higher, Sophia and Rene find themselves locked in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse.

What a spectacular, electrifying story Sharon Cameron has woven! Rook is artistically written, laced with romance, a fast and entertaining read with unexpected and delightful darkness and action. The characters are well developed--slimy and sociopathic villains, while the heroes are tough, clever and mischievous. Cameron was able to keep the book fast-paced, intense, and difficult to put down, as a standalone novel. I am actually fairly satisfied with the ending of Rook, which does not happen too often with books. I was thrilled that Rook did not give me the happy-ever-after, all-problems-resolved type of ending. While there were joyful and peaceful parts to the conclusion, it was also realistically littered with action, pain, and death. I'd recommend this book to anyone, young or older, looking for a fast, dystopian, good versus evil read. 

One note of advise regarding Rook: trust no one. 

Enjoy! 

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

Mr. Mercedes (Bill Hodges Trilogy #1) by Stephen King

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes.

In another part of town, months later, a retired cop named Bill Hodges is still haunted by the unsolved crime. When he gets a crazed letter from someone who self-identifies as the "perk" and threatens an even more diabolical attack, Hodges wakes up from his depressed and vacant retirement, hell-bent on preventing another tragedy.

Brady Hartsfield lives with his alcoholic mother in the house where he was born. He loved the feel of death under the wheels of the Mercedes, and he wants that rush again.

Only Bill Hodges, with a couple of highly unlikely allies, can apprehend the killer before he strikes again. And they have no time to lose, because Brady’s next mission, if it succeeds, will kill or maim thousands.*

All hail Stephen King, the king of all things beautifully evil (horrible pun intended). Mr. Mercedes is brutally realistic, disturbingly so. It is a fantastic murder mystery thriller, not one I would recommend for the faint of heart. King, as always, does an incredible job developing multidimensional characters that will suck you into the story from page one. Brady Hartsfield is a master villain with a frightening past, an alarming relationship with his alcoholic mother, and unremorseful psychopathic tendencies. He's like a train wreck, horrifying to watch but you can't seem to look away. Then we have the retired, overweight detective Bill Hodges, who, for a good guy, finds himself caught in the middle of some not-quite-legal situations. The tangled dance these two find themselves in is addicting. If you enjoy cruel plot twists, colorful prose, and brilliantly written, chilling stories, I highly recommend this novel. 

Enjoy,

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com