Shannon's Review - Sigil: Out Of Time by Mike Carey

Title: Sigil: Out Of Time
Series: Sigil
Author: Mike Carey
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: (pencilers) Leonard Kirk, Pat Olliffe (inkers) Ed Tadeo, Pat Davidson (colorist) Guru Efx (letterer) Rob Steen (cover art) Jelena Djurdjevic
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fiction, Fantasy, Marvel, CrossGen
Publisher: Marvel
Received: Bought
Release Date: 2011
Pages: 96
Rating:





Author’s Official Websites:




Website:
https://www.mikecarey.net/

Blog:
http://mikeandpeter.com/

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/michaelcarey

Instagram:
None found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Sam is dealing with the loss of her mother and failing high school. She probably does not need the problems that come next which including time jumps, pirate ships, and magic powers from a birthmark.

This a reboot of a sort. This comic story first belonged to CrossGen which was a comic publishing company that created various stories for different worlds with the goal of connecting their stories in the end. Later CrossGen was bought by Disney which had Marvel. Marvel tried to rewrite (just a little) and restart the comics hoping for interest. I had the pleasure of having read the original comics from CrossGen. I loved every series that came from them, including Sigil. This Sigil story is just a little different but it has been so long I am not sure how different. I enjoyed this again very “girl power” and reminds me of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

I wished I had saved the original comics now that Marvel has rights. Out of all the stories from CrossGen to start out with I am not sure Sigil was the strongest. There was Soujorn and Magick…I believe those were the names. Even though this comic is from 2011 I still hold hope I will see more of the story again.

I enjoy graphic novels and enjoy most of Mike Carey’s stuff. Sigil is action-packed and charged with exciting magic.

Shannon's Review - Unchosen by Katharyn Blair

Title: Unchosen
Series: Not at the moment
Author: Katharyn Blair
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Chris Slabber and Molly Fehr
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopian
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Received: Free For Honest Review
Release Date: January 2021
Pages: 416
Rating:





Author Katharyn Blair’s Official Websites:





Website:
https://www.katharynblair.com/

Blog:
https://www.katharynblair.com/blog

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Katharyn_Blair

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/katharyn_blair/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Charlotte and her two sisters have survived the virus that has spread throughout the world. There is a mythology about the chosen one who will save the world. The chosen one happens to be Charlotte’s younger sister. Her older sister is the leader of their compound who fights the infected. Charlotte feels average but fights for her life not to be.

I enjoyed this from the very beginning. The character Charlotte is very relatable. She will do whatever she can for her family even if that means being cannon fodder for them. The facts we learn about the virus and how it affects people was interesting and different from anything I had seen before. The different levels of infection made a good creepy atmosphere.

Charlotte was sometimes very whiney. She very much had the “Jan Brady Complex” going for her which isn’t flattering. I tried to chalk it up to she is a teenager and dealing with life the way it was for her...so she was allowed some whining. If it were me as a character I bet I would have whined more.

I enjoyed the story and at times reminded me of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. The writing was very easy to jump into, and I feel I will be reading more from the author, Katharyn Blair.

Shannon's Review - Firenze's Light by Jessica Collaco

Title: Firenze’s Light
Series: not at the moment
Author: Jessica Collaco
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Angela Li
Genre: Fiction, Children’s, Picture book,
Publisher: Shine Your Light Books
Received:
Release Date: June 2014
Pages: 28
Rating:



Author Jessica Collaco’s Official Websites:



(borrowed from goodreads.com)

Website:
https://www.shineyourlightbooks.com/

Blog:
None

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ShineYourLightBooks/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FirenzesLight

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jessicacollacocreates/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Firenze is a firefly that does not like her light. Her mother tells her it is what makes her special but she disagrees. She tries hard to hide her light even though others discourage it.

Even as an adult reading stories about what makes a person, animal, or insect special hits a note for me. As a human, I think we all want what we don’t have. Firenze has a light she would rather not have because she sees it (at first) as a negative. We always want what we can not have and then realize that we want what we did have.

I think it is a good story but kinda peters out in the end. Strong message but the realization at the end of the book is just unrememberable.

The art is beautiful and cute. It really helps tell the story. I would recommend this for kids ages 4 and up. I would absolutely read more from this author.

Shannon's Review - Children Of Dune by Frank Herbert

Title: Children Of Dune
Series: Dune Chronicles #3
Author: Frank Herbert
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Vincent DiFate
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Classic
Publisher: J.P. Putnam’s Sons
Received: Bought
Release Date: January 1976
Pages: 444
Rating:



Author Frank Herbert’s Official Websites:


(taken from goodreads.com.)


Website:
https://www.dunenovels.com/

Blog:
None

Facebook:
None

Twitter:
None

Instagram:
None




Shannon’s Thoughts:

In this third installment of the chronicles, we jump 9 years after Dune Messiah. Paul and Chani Atreides twins, Leto and Ghanima, are infused with knowledge of the past and future because of the actions of their parents. There Aunt Alia is temporary on the throne until the twins come of age, but Alia’s mental stability is declining. She leading towards darkness. The twins follow their fate and Leto becomes something unthinkable and wondrous.

I am a fan of family sagas and so far the Dune Chronicles are fast becoming one of my favorites. Normally the fact the book being science fiction would get 1 thumb down but this series has been different. With the sci-fi twists, I never would have guessed what would happen. It helps that I keep picturing the actors that will be in the new movie. Hard not to like Duncan Idaho character when he’s being played by Jason Momoa in your head. Compared to the first and second books I found this one moved quicker. I felt there is more action

The political side of the stories I do not completely follow. Sometimes it is a little over my head. Herbert does not get into too much detail when he describes things. He is not Stephen King, meaning he does not over-describe situations. Sometimes I wish he would add a little more when it comes to people talking and a little more straightforward with their thoughts.

I am very curious as to what is to come in the next couple of books. I plan to read them all...even the newer ones I think.

Shannon's Review's - Everybody Loves Valentines by Sally Huss

Title: Everybody Loves Valentines
Series: Not at the moment
Author: Sally Huss
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Sally Huss
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picturebook, Holiday, Valentine’s Day,
Publisher: Huss Publishing
Received: Bought
Release Date: February 2015
Pages: 29
Rating:




Author Sally Huss’s Official Websites:



(borrowed from Goodreads.com)


Website:
https://www.sallyhuss.com/

Blog:
https://www.sallyhuss.com/sallys-blog

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sally.huss.5

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/sallyhuss

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sallyhuss/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

When making Valentines this kid will not leave anyone out because everybody loves Valentines.

Illustrations are sweet and the message is a good one. The kid making valentines for his family and friends brings a little smile to a little one's face.


The message does get lost because the flow and rhyming scheme are off. Especially once the author is spelling out Valentines' with a little too much sugary sweetness.


The young ones might get a kick if it is their first Valentines' but others may get lost. I would read another by this author. There was a short excerpt from one other book and the writing seemed to flow better. This is still a cute book though.

Shannon's Review - Love, Tink by Elle Strauss

Title: Love, Tink (Complete Series)
Series: Tink series 1 - 6
Author: Elle Strauss aka Lee Strauss
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: unknown
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Fairies, Magic
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Received: Free for an honest review
Release Date: October 2013
Pages: 314
Rating:



Author Lee Strauss’ Official Websites:




(borrowed from Goodreads.com)


Website:
https://www.leestraussbooks.com/

Blog:
https://www.leestraussbooks.com/blog/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeeStrauss/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/LeeStraussBooks

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lee.strauss/



Shannon’s Thoughts:


Author Lee Strauss takes some well know characters from J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan but gives it a twist. This version is the complete 6 books of the Love, Tink series. Mainly written from Tinkerbell’s point of view and sometimes Peter’s. We learn of Tink’s feelings for Peter and how he came to be in Neverland. Peter has lost the enjoyment he first found being in Neverland and now he wants to go home. Tink helps him by breaking some fairy rules and eventually follows Peter to his world.


The first two books take place in Neverland. So there were the traditional pirates who are the bad guys, along with Peter and the lost boys getting in hijinks, and Tink helping the lost boys while pretending to help Captain Hook as well. Those first chapters are okay. I really enjoyed it when Tink and Jangles follow Peter to New York. It felt like a whole new story, not just retelling. There was magic in the writing that made it feel somewhat original. I liked the idea of how Peter got into and out of Neverland.


I was torn about how Wendy was introduced and her personality. She was pretty dislikable but had reason to be. I think if I were in her shoes I might have been bitchy to certain people too. If the whole story had been written with not as Neverland and its characters I think I would have enjoyed it a little more. There are so many retelling of Peter Pan and his adventures I would rather see new characters.


I still liked the books and would love to read more by the author.

Shannon's Review - A Family Dinner by Cory Q. Tan

Title: A Family Dinner
Series: Not at the moment
Author: Cory Q. Tan
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Cory Q. Tan
Genre: Children’s, Fiction, Picturebook,
Publisher: The Luminous Cat
Received: Bought
Release Date: August 2019
Pages: 39
Rating:




Author Cory Q. Tan’s Official Websites:

NO PHOTO FOUND

Website:
https://coryqtan.com/

Blog:
https://coryqtan.com/blog-2/

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
None found

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/coryqtan/?hl=en



Shannon’s Thoughts:

A wife asks her husband to go to the store for carrots to make dinner. Insisting she can not make dinner without said carrots her husband reluctantly heads out for what should be an easy task. He soon finds that getting these carrots are more trouble than what they are worth. The first store is closed and the second is out of carrots. He continues on and as he does the story becomes more and more insane.

I was surprised by the turn this took into fantasy. I was not expecting talking worms or rabbits. It reminded me of an old fairy I read as a child. Especially the part with the giant fish.

While I like the unexpected, I think the book went a little too far into fairy tale land for me. I kept thinking maybe the dad hit his head or fell asleep and he will wake up...but that did not happen. All the weird things that happen just really happen.

The artwork is awesome. The story is like the old fairy tales. I like fairy tales, especially when I know they are going to be a fairy tale. I am curious about other children’s books by Cory Q. Tan and may read more of his work later. I think young kids will like the fantasy of the story.

Shannon's Review - Confessions Of Super Mom by Melanie Lynne Hauser

Title: Confessions Of Supermom
Series: Confessions Of Supermom #1
Author: Melanie Lynne Hauser
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unknown
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Superheroes
Publisher: Berkley Books
Received: Bought
Release Date: August 2006
Pages: 314
Rating:





Author Melanie Lynne Hauser(aka Melanie Benjamin) Official Websites:


(borrowed from Goodreads.com)

Website:
https://melaniebenjamin.com/

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Melanie-Benjamin-Author-208671032480607/#

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MelanieBen

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melaniebenjamin_author/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

After a cleaning accident single mother of two teenagers becomes infused with superpowers...very unique superpowers. Her powers seem to stem from her core being which is being a mother. With her abilities, she learns about a scam that is directed to hurt children and make an evil corporation money.

Confessions of supermom is a very uniquely written book. It is a quick and fun read. As I was reading it I could see it as a movie. In fact, I pictured Drew Barrymore as Supermom, Birdie. She’s cute, she’s strong and loveable.

Some of Birdie’s story is a little cheesy...but I like cheese. The more cheese the better for me.

I think this series deserves more reads. Many of you may not know that historical fiction author Melanie Benjamin is the same author who wrote this supermom series. The similarities are that she writes people and stories that are so real and hard to believe that she is writing fiction. The sequel to this is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read.

Shannon's Review - Dress Up Day by Tina Marie Kaht

Title: Dress Up Day
Series: Not at this time
Author: Tina Marie Kaht
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Hatice Bayramoglu
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picturebook, Imagination
Publisher: Createspace
Received: Bought
Release Date: May 2014
Pages: 40
Rating:



Author Tina Marie Kaht’s Official Websites:


Website:
Not found

Blog:
Not found

Facebook:
Not found

Twitter:
Not found

Instagram:
Not found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Young children dress in different outfits and pretend that they are who they are dressed as.

The idea and the art is cute. The writing is sweet and short. It is a very simple book and easy for kids to relate to.

Some of the writing rhymes and sometimes it does not but it tries to. Some sections are kinda clunky.

I think little kids ages 3 to 8 will absolutely enjoy this. It would be nice to read to kids and encourage them to learn about different jobs and maybe show them what each worker does.

Shannon's Book Review - Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder

Title: Mountains Beyond Mountains
Series: None
Author: Tracy Kidder
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unknown
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography, Medical History,
Publisher: Random House Trade
Received: Purchased
Release Date: August 2004
Pages: 333
Rating:







Author Tracy Kidder Official Websites:





Website:
https://www.tracykidder.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/officialtracykidder/

Twitter:
None Found

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tracy_kidder/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

In this non-fiction semi biography of Dr. Paul Farmer who has gone to great feats to helps those afflicted with TB and other life-threatening diseases in 3rd world countries.

The way author Tracy Kidder describes Dr. Farmer scheduled his time and hours from country to country sounded exhausting. Dr. Farmer’s drive is something I think most people wish they had, including myself. He seemed to have great persistence and drive to not only heal and help so many but to also encourage others to do the same.

This was my first book by Tracey Kidder and the book was interesting but the way the book was written was almost like a list of what Dr. Paul Farmer had done with his life. I feel I wanted more descriptions of people and situations not just “This guy was great at this.”. For me, this was a long-winded story with no actual story.

Even though I did not enjoy this book it does not mean I would not try another book by this author. I read this as part of the Life’s Library book club and to be honest, I do not read that much non-fiction so maybe this, not a book I was going to like even if it was written differently.