October 2025 – Jill's Book Blog

Review: Hockey Night on Halloween

Title: Hockey Night on Halloween
Author: Harry Caminelli, Jack Stubbs
Genre: Children’s, Board Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board book
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s that spooky time of year again, and you know what that means… Monsters on ice!

Every fall, a ghoulish game takes place—one where the stakes are high, the players are terrifying, and the puck is… well, it’s spooky! This isn’t your average hockey match. In fact, the winning team gets the ultimate prize: the right to haunt your house on Halloween night. Eek!

Coach Frankenstein is leading his team of monstrous misfits, including a new player he’s pieced together himself. Will his Frankenstein-inspired monster be enough to take down the competition? Or will Coach Dracula and his team of creepy critters, like a sneaky mouse and flying witches, rise to the challenge and put an end to Frankenstein’s scary winning streak?

Review:

Halloween falls at the beginning of hockey season so there are usually games on Halloween night. In this book, Halloween monsters are playing a game of hockey to determine who gets to haunt your house. The teams are led by Dracula and Frankenstein. This was such a funny and festive Halloween story.

Hockey Night on Halloween is a fun Halloween book!

Thank you Taffy Tales for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Have you read Hockey Night on Halloween? What did you think of it?

Review: The Quest for Freedom (The Conquest Trilogy #1)

Title: The Quest for Freedom (The Conquest Trilogy #1)
Author: Matthew Devitt
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Bold Publishing
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: July 5, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Affer was once a peaceful planet, until a war broke out between its six inhabiting species. The humans, who were once the mightiest force on Affer, were massacred in droves, and the ones who survived the onslaught were reduced to mere slaves. The five other species divided the humans amongst themselves and returned to their respective kingdoms.
The years passed, turning into decades and centuries, without any change. Eventually, the humans had accepted their fate as slaves. All except one. Four hundred and seventy-three years later, Fletcher Rush starts his journey to free his kind…and conquer the planet.

Review:

This book is set on a planet where humans were enslaved. A couple of humans decide to rise up to free their species from slavery. The long battle scenes were broken up with some funny moments. The politics between species were intriguing to read about.

The Quest for Freedom is a great fantasy novel!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign.

Content warnings: violence, death, stabbing

Have you read The Quest for Freedom? What did you think of it?

Review: Curly Sue and the Beetle

Title: Curly Sue and the Beetle
Author: Chad Billmyer, Kory Alexander (illustrator)
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Luminare Press
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Paperback
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A dog named Curly Sue spends her day waiting for her boy to come home from school. Told through the dog’s perspective, this story follows Curly Sue as she observes nature in the yard, wishing her boy were there to see the birds, squirrels, and insects she sees. Because her boy loves nature, she tries to capture different critters like a bee and a ladybug to give as a gift to her boy. She successfully captures a beetle and presents it to her boy upon his return from school. He is thrilled by the dog’s creative expression of love and loyalty.

Review:

In this picture book, Curly Sue is a dog who misses her owner while he’s at school. She decides to catch a bug for him for when he gets home. She tries to catch a few bugs until she settles on a beetle. Anyone with pets knows how hard it can be to leave them. This story shows a glimpse of what a dog might do while thinking about their humans who aren’t home. Curly Sue reminded me so much of my dog who passed away earlier this year. This is a beautifully illustrated book.

Curly Sue and the Beetle is a beautiful picture book!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Have you read Curly Sue and the Beetle? What did you think of it?

Review: Super Science, Vol. 1

Title: Super Science, Vol. 1
Author: N. Alessandro K., Perker
Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction
Publisher: The Lab Press
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In a world where imagination becomes reality, a global phenomenon grants ordinary people extraordinary scientific powers.

Super Science is a sci-fi/comedy about a world where the limits of human imagination have become real. For five days the entire sky over twelve spots across the globe turn amethyst purple. The inexplicable result was in each location, professional engineers and scientists, as well as tinkers, amateur inventors, and high school science teachers were able to create scientific and engineering breakthroughs in ways far surpassing the world’s top scientific institutions. Our story starts three years later in Los Angeles, where a breed of actual superheroes and super villains are emerging.

Dealing with this new phenomenon is LAPD’s new “Mad Scientist Division.” Our two main characters are the no-nonsense Sergeant Esmerelda Villanueva and her idealistic young partner, Officer Jack Mantle. Other main characters are manipulative industrialist Burt Montague, and his bold lab assistant Felicia Bari; perpetually unlucky Karen Katz, a former biology teacher who has turned herself into a human-cat hybrid; Esmerelda’s son Gabe, who might be the smartest teenager on the planet; and finally, nefarious super villain Dr. Cornelius Otherland, and his nemesis, bumbling superhero Gas Giant.

This mind-bending graphic novel from THE LAB ships in a gold-foil stamped cloth slipcase.

Review:

In this graphic novel, scientists have discovered how to give themselves scientific super powers. Many of them use their powers for evil, rather than good. However, it’s difficult for law enforcement to figure out how to keep the peace. I liked the vibrant illustrations and the colorful cast of characters!

Super Science, Vol. 1 is a great start to a graphic novel series!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Content warnings: death, violence

Have you read Super Science, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: Cranky the Snowman

Title: Cranky the Snowman
Author: Carrie Hager
Genre: Children’s, Board Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board book
Release Date: November 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

When Cranky the Snowman comes to life, it’s a full-on winter disaster. Raised from the icy depths of the local dump (because, where else?), Cranky’s idea of spreading holiday cheer involves a little chaos… and a lot of naughty behavior. Instead of building snow forts or having snowball fights, Cranky drives an ice cream truck and raises the prices, shuts down the town’s Wi-Fi, and—get this—he even chops down his neighbor’s Christmas tree! (We told you he’s cranky.)

Rhyme, rhythm, and mischief galore!
From the moment Cranky hits the streets, it’s an all-out snowstorm of trouble. The town’s residents are absolutely up in arms—who can stop this frosty menace before things really get out of hand? But after Cranky is arrested, a shocking twist leaves us with… just a puddle in his jail cell.

What happened to Cranky? Did he melt? Escape? Head for a vacation in the tropics? We may never know… but one thing’s for sure—you’ll be laughing all the way through this hilarious, frosty tale!

Review:

This is a fun story in the style of Frosty the Snowman. Cranky the snowman is the opposite of Frosty. He isn’t warm and friendly. Instead he chases children and cuts off the Wi-Fi. I always found Frosty the Snowman a little sad because he melts at the end of the story. However, I didn’t feel bad about Cranky melting in this story.

Cranky the Snowman is a fun winter board book!

Thank you Taffy Tales for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign.

Have you read Cranky the Snowman? What did you think of it?

Review: Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy

Title: Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy
Author: Christiano Maki
Genre: Thriller, Religious
Publisher: self-published
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

How far would you go to possess the unholy? In this supernatural thriller, the boundaries between men and monsters blur as power and greed collide with forces beyond comprehension. What begins as a pursuit of the world’s most precious relics spirals into a war between the ruthless elite and the dark prophets of Satan himself. With every step deeper into the unknown, ambition fuels destruction, and those who believe they control their own fate soon realize—they were never in control at all.

As the will of men clashes with the temptations of the abyss, the institutions that claim to lead us are exposed for what they truly pawns in a game older than time. Those who seek to harness evil for their own gain will learn a harrowing truth—no one steals from the Devil and lives to tell about it.

This is not just a story. It is a warning. One that will haunt you long after the final page.

Because believers believe.

Believers is a darkly atmospheric supernatural thriller. If you like ancient mysteries, epic battles between good and evil, and the search for forbidden knowledge, then you’ll love Christiano Maki’s immersive and haunting tale of faith, ambition, and deadly secrets.

Review:

This was an intense supernatural thriller. It explored ideas of religion, good versus evil, and greed. There were some chilling scenes that make this book perfect for spooky season. This is a book that you won’t soon forget!

Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy is a creepy thriller!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Content warnings: possession, body horror

Have you read Believers: The Hunt for the Unholy? What did you think of it?

Review: Hockey 123

Title: Hockey 123
Author: Taffy Tales
Genre: Children’s, Board Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board book
Release Date: October 3, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Get ready to hit the ice and start counting! Hockey 123 is the ultimate hockey board book and interactive counting book for toddlers, part of Taffy Tales’ best-selling Fun Flaps series. With chunky flaps, playful illustrations, and hockey-themed surprises, this hands-on learning book makes counting numbers exciting for preschoolers and young hockey enthusiasts.From 1 hockey puck to 10 cheering fans, kids will learn to count using everyday hockey objects, silly surprises (yes–even animals on skates!), and legendary jersey numbers. Along the way, they’ll discover fun facts about hockey legends like Wayne Gretzky and iconic numbers like 3 for a hat trick or 99 for hockey greatness.

Review:

This is a cute board book that teaches kids how to count using hockey terms. It counts everything in hockey, including how many players are on the rink and the numbers on famous players’ jerseys. This book also has fun flaps that show more hockey facts underneath.

Hockey 123 is a great board book for hockey families!

Thank you Taffy Tales for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Have you read Hockey 123? What did you think of it?

Review: The Invasion (The After Series #3)

Title: The Invasion (The After Series #3)
Author: J. Taylor
Genre: Middle Grade, Dystopia
Publisher: Friesen Press
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

With no central government to support Canada, chaos reigns as invaders seek control, and the Resistance rises to challenge them. Charlotte and Anna find themselves entangled with those protecting their country, desperate to prevent the intruders from seizing power and dismantling what remains of their nation.

Fleeing through unfamiliar territory, Charlotte and Anna’s resolve is tested as they evade relentless pursuers determined to capture or eliminate them. Although hopeful they can make a difference, every step forward is fraught with uncertainty, the looming threat of captivity pushing them to their limits.

Despite fear and exhaustion, the determination to protect Canada’s future keeps the girls moving, even as the shadows of war close in around them.

Review:

This was an intense and fast paced third story in The After series. Anna and Charlotte’s world grew bigger as they got involved in the Resistance group. I wasn’t sure how they would finish everything that needed to be wrapped up in this story but there will be another book in the series. This story was more heartwarming than the first two.

The Invasion is a great middle grade story!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Content warnings: death of parent

Other books in the series:

Have you read The Invasion? What did you think of it?

Review: Old MacDonald Had a Farm Team

Title: Old MacDonald Had a Farm Team
Author: Jody Houser, Roberta Ingranata
Genre: Elena Sturgess, Jack Stubbs
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board book
Release Date: October 7, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis:

Join Mother Moose on a hilarious countryside adventure in Old MacDonald Had a Farm Team, part of the beloved Mother Moose series. This playful board book follows Old MacDonald as he assembles his farm team for the hockey season. From Beaver, the log-solid goaltender, to Goat, the mischievous player who headbutts opponents, picking the perfect team is a fun-filled challenge–especially before the song ends!

Review:

This board book is a fun twist on the “Old MacDonald” nursery rhyme. Old MacDonald has a hockey team made up of animals including a goat and a sheepdog. There were lots of hockey references as well as fun illustrations of the animals playing hockey.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm Team is a fun Canadian twist on the classic nursery rhyme.

Thank you Taffy Tales for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Have you read Old MacDonald Had a Farm Team? What did you think of it?

Review: I Love Hockey

Title: I Love Hockey
Author: Harry Caminelli
Genre: Children’s, Board book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Board book
Release Date: November 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Get ready to hit the ice with I Love Hockey, the latest title in Taffy Tales’ popular Look and Find Lift-the-Flap series! This exciting, interactive board book takes young readers on a thrilling journey from a friendly road hockey game to the big game on the ice, teaching them all about the fast-paced sport of hockey along the way.The adventure begins with a fun road hockey game, where kids warm up before their exciting match later that night. As the puck drops, readers will:

Look, find, and count different players Learn basic hockey terms and positions, like forwards, defensemen, and the goalie Discover hidden surprises behind lift-the-flap tabs–from the locker room to the game-winning goal in overtime With vibrant illustrations and playful interactions, I Love Hockey introduces young fans to the world of hockey in a fun, accessible way. Children will count players, learn about hockey equipment, and understand the rules of the game–all while having a blast. The sturdy board book format, complete with chunky tab flaps, makes it perfect for on-the-go reading.Whether it’s their first introduction to the game or an addition to their growing hockey library, I Love Hockey is sure to inspire a love for the sport and have kids excited to play–both on the road and on the ice!

Review:

This adorable board book is all about hockey. It shows kids playing ball hockey on a street. It also shows scenes of an ice hockey game, from the locker room to the rink. There are fun flaps that ask questions, like how many skates are in the illustrations.

I Love Hockey is a fun board book for hockey fans!

Thank you Taffy Tales for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!

Have you read I Love Hockey? What did you think of it?