Jill's Book Blog

Review: There Might Be a Magical Unicorn at the End of This Book

Title: There Might Be a Magical Unicorn at the End of This Book
Author: Andy Waters, Mark Kummer (illustrator)
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Taffy Tales
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: July 7, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Prepare for a tale of enchantment and quacky chaos! Join our intrepid narrator as he embarks on a whimsical retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, only to find himself in a feathery frenzy thanks to an inquisitive duck! This feathered mischief-maker can’t help but dive beak-first into the heart of the story, peppering the narrative with uproarious questions and hilariously skeptical speculations about the potential appearance of a majestic unicorn. Will the narrator manage to corral this whimsical waddler and bring the fairy tale to its majestic conclusion, or will the duck-driven disruptions lead to a side-splitting showdown of epic proportions? Get ready for a quacktacular adventure that’s bound to have you giggling, grinning, and dreaming of unicorns! About the There Might Be book series: The There Might Be series from Taffy Tales is silly. It is funny. It is funny and silly. That’s it. It is for every young reader who impatiently wants to rush to the ending of the story, but one who also enjoys some jokes and silliness along the way. Taffy Tales creates best-selling children’s titles that will be cherished and remembered.

Review:

The narrator is reading Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the duck, but the duck is only interested in finding a unicorn in the story. The narrator told the duck that there might be a unicorn at the end of the story. After the duck gets too excited and rips up the book, the story takes an unexpected turn with seven squirrels appearing and possibly a unicorn.

This was such a fun picture book! The duck was impatient to find out what happened at the end of the story. I’m sure most readers will know that the traditional story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs doesn’t include a unicorn, so the story has to take an unexpected turn to end the way the duck wants. This story reminded me of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, which is one of my favorite picture books!

There Might Be a Magical Unicorn at the End of This Book is a fun picture book!

Thank you Taffy Tales for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read There Might Be a Magical Unicorn at the End of This Book? What did you think of it?

Review: A Curse of Mayhem (Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions #2)

Title: Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions #2)
Author: Sunayna Prasad
Genre: Middle Grade, Contemporary, Fantasy
Publisher: Independent
Source: Author
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 15, 2020
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

History, like magic, has a habit of repeating itself.

It’s been six months since thirteen-year-old Alyssa McCarthy left magic behind for good. Or so she thought…

Then the enchanted objects that protected her disappear. Now a skeleton named Errol has cursed her with magical powers that keep getting her in trouble. Suddenly strange things are happening with disastrous effects, and if Alyssa can’t remove the magic, she will lose everything she holds dear.

In order to get rid of her unwanted wizardry, Alyssa will have to boost her bravery and confidence and determine who Errol really is. But every time Alyssa uses an enchantment, Errol is one step closer to getting his flesh back and becoming alive, and he will do anything to achieve his goals…even if it means destroying Alyssa’s happiness.

Review:

Alyssa McCarthy has left magic behind since moving in with her godfather, Alex. When the magical items that had been left in her care disappear, Alyssa discovers that she now has magic powers. However, she can’t control them, so she gets in trouble at home and school for using magic. Every time Alyssa uses her magic, an evil skeleton named Errol gets one step closer to getting his body back, so she must quickly figure out how to get rid of her powers.

This is a great sequel in the Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions series. This story was quite different from the first one. Alyssa had new friends in this book, because she had moved from New Jersey to Chicago. I liked that this introduced new characters to help Alyssa on her mission.

A Curse of Mayhem is a great middle grade fantasy!

Thank you Sunayna Prasad and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book for a paid campaign.

Content warnings: death of parents (off page)

Other books in the series:

The Frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions #1)
The New Enchantress (Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions #3)

Have you read A Curse of Mayhem? What did you think of it?

Happy Pub Day – November 12

Happy Pub Day to these authors!

Time and Tide by J.M. Frey

The Love Interest by Helen Comerford

All’s Fair in Love and Treachery by Celeste Connally

Fortune’s Kiss by Amber Celement

A Queen’s Game by Katharine McGee

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis

The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis

We All Fall by Arden Coutts

Thank you Wattpad Books, Bloomsbury YA, Minotaur Books, Union Square and Co., Penguin Teen Canada, and Arden Coutts for providing copies of these books!

What books are you most excited for this week?

Review: DeadEndia: The Divine Order (DeadEndia #3)

Title: DeadEndia: The Divine Order (DeadEndia #3)
Author: Hamish Steele
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher: Union Square and Co.
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Eisner Award–winning creator Hamish Steele’s DeadEndia series is Steven Universe meets Adventure Time for fans of Scott Pilgrim, Rick and Morty , Adventure Time , and Pumpkinheads .

In this diverse YA graphic novel, third in the DeadEndia trilogy, Barney, Norma, and friends team up with unlikely heroes to fight a battle for the fate of the universe, all while dealing with their greatest challenge of their love lives.

The battle between angels and demons rages on, and Courtney finds themselves restored to former glory in the realm of the angels with a new bring about a new Divine Order and create a fourteenth plane of existence to keep the demons at bay. On the seventh plane, known to us as Earth, Norma Khan and Barney Guttman have allied with the demons in a search for both freedom and peace. There’s just one thing standing in their the Guttman family reunion. Badyah has joined the resistance as well, honing her martial arts skills and getting ready to protect Norma in battle.

But Pael, the Divine’s lead angel, has tricks up their sleeve that throw everything into chaos as Norma, Barney, and Badyah learn the truth behind everything. The three friends struggle to stop Pael before their lives are changed forever, and a familiar friend returns with a power that just might save them all in this stunning conclusion to the DeadEndia series.

Review:

Barney, Norma, and their friends must begin their final fight to save the world. Their friend Courtney has returned to the angels and is trying to restore Divine Order to try to keep the demons away. Pael, the Divine’s lead angel, throws twists their way that causes chaos in the world, so Barney and Norma have a huge fight on their hands.

This is a great finale to the DeadEndia series. There were unexpected twists, but I really liked how everything came together at the end. This story has great inclusivity, with characters of different gender and sexual identities and cultural backgrounds. I’m excited to go check out the Netflix series that accompanies this series!

I highly recommend checking out the DeadEndia graphic novel series!

Thank you Union Square and Co for sending me a copy of this book!

Content warnings: death, violence

Other books in the series:

Have you read DeadEndia: The Divine Order? What did you think of it?

Review: My Way Home

Title: My Way Home
Author: Holly Heaton
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Independent
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Paperback
Release Date: August 11, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Enter the hidden realm of the Little Folk and follow Kit on a thrilling adventure. Can he reclaim an object precious to his people and return home to the Hollow Chestnut? Using his wits and environment, Kit embarks on this miniature odyssey through a lushly illustrated world.

Review:

When a fox snuck into the home of the Little Folk, he stole their crystal that had ensured they had an abundant harvest every year. Young Kit embarks on an adventure, tracking the wolf to retrieve the crystal for his family.

This is a beautiful picture book. I loved that Kit was clever in outsmarting the fox to get the crystal back. The illustrations were gorgeous. They were coloured in pencil crayons, which gave them a natural effect, reflecting the forest setting.

My Way Home is a beautiful picture book!

Thank you Holly Heaton and iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign.

Giveaway:

Author-Signed Copy of MY WAY HOME
one winner / US and Canada
ends Nov 22
https://gleam.io/G6dKL/my-way-home-by-holly-heaton-book-tour-giveaway

Have you read My Way Home? What did you think of it?

Review: Fall Into Me (The Fall Trilogy #2)

Title: Fall Into Me (The Fall Trilogy #2)
Author: Arden Coutts
Genre: Romance, Thriller, Contemporary
Publisher: CEI Media LLC
Source: Author
Format: Paperback
Release Date: June 4, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A night of passion, a world of vengeance, and a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Will Marcus and Kee fall for each other or fall to the dangers around them?

Kee and Marcus have been playing a game of emotional cat and mouse and have finally surrendered to their desires. After a passionate night together, they find themselves falling for each other. However, their newfound happiness is abruptly shattered when Marcus disappears without a word.

Confused and hurt, Kee wonders why Marcus would leave her without any explanation or information about his whereabouts. Little does she know, he has embarked on a dangerous mission.

As Marcus plunges into the treacherous world of vengeance, he faces numerous obstacles and life-threatening situations. He relies on his cunning, physical prowess, and unwavering determination to navigate the murky waters of retribution.

Meanwhile, Kee struggles with her conflicting emotions—torn between worrying for Marcus’s safety and feeling betrayed by his sudden departure. She embarks on her own journey of self-discovery as she seeks answers about Marcus’s motives and contemplates the nature of their relationship.

Will Marcus survive the perils he faces along his path of revenge? Will he find redemption and make it back to Kee? And can Kee find it in her heart to forgive him for leaving her in the dark?

Review:

Following the events of Fall Into Midnight, Kee and Marcus have fallen for each other. After a night of passion, Marcus runs away to Russia without telling Kee. He’s on the hunt for his nemesis Dimitri’s daughter, who was connected to Marcus’s father’s murder. Kee joins Marcus’s friends to travel to Russia and save him.

This was such a great sequel in the Fall Trilogy. The characters were all introduced in the first book, so the action started right away. There’s romance but there’s also a lot of danger that the characters face. I’m excited to read the third book soon!

Fall Into Me is a great suspenseful romance!

Thank you Arden Coutts for sending me a copy of this book.

Content warnings: death, kidnapping, torture, blood, sexual assault

Other books in the series:

Fall Into Midnight (The Fall Trilogy #1)
We All Fall (The Fall Trilogy #3)

Have you read Fall Into Me? What did you think of it?

Review: The Frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions #1)

Title: The Frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions #1)
Author: Sunayna Prasad
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Publisher: S.A. Prasad Publishing
Source: Author
Format: Paperback
Release Date: October 20, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A world of magic and adventure awaits for 12-year-old Alyssa McCarthy. A sorcerer kidnaps her to an enchanted island, filled with magical creatures and technology, but also danger. It is up to Alyssa to defeat the peril and overcome the warlock.

Review:

Twelve-year-old Alyssa McCarthy has lived with her uncle and cousin since her parents died in a car accident five years earlier. One day when she’s doing the chores that her uncle assigns to her, she sees words appear on a window. Alyssa discovers that magic is real, and she’s the key to a dangerous wizard regaining his powers. Alyssa must work with other wizards to save herself and her friends.

This is a great start to a middle grade series! It was fast paced and exciting. I liked that the story was short, so it would be easy for young readers to read it fairly quickly. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!

The Frights of Fiji is a great middle grade fantasy!

Thank you Sunayna Prasad and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book for a paid campaign.

Content warnings: death of parents, memory loss

Other books in the series:

A Curse of Mayhem (Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions #2)
The New Enchantress (Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions #3)

Have you read The Frights of Fiji? What did you think of it?

Review: How to Dream: A Motivational Guide to a Life of Hope, Success, and Freedom

Title: How to Dream: A Motivational Guide to a Life of Hope, Success, and Freedom
Author: Deedee Cummings
Genre: Nonfiction
Publisher: Cummings Consulting
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

How do you dream in a world that actively crushes dreams?

Everything you’ve been told about dreams is wrong. Our dreams have been hijacked. Dreams aren’t just fanciful thoughts; dreams are the very reason we’re here. Yet, we’re constantly told they’re impractical, a waste of time. How to Dream, by best-selling author, therapist, and entrepreneur Deedee Cummings, is your guide to reclaiming the power of your dreams.

In this inspiring and practical book, Deedee uses her expertise and the art of storytelling to help you turn your dreams into reality. Whether you’re just getting started or are well on your way, How to Dream offers doable steps and momentous mindset shifts that will make you unstoppable.

Drawing from her own journey and years of experience helping others achieve their goals, you will

Practical strategies to overcome self-doubt in a world filled with rampant negativityPowerful affirmations to fuel your successActionable steps to put your dreams in motionTechniques to develop a growth mindset and become unstoppablePacked with affirmations, strategies, and practical advice, How to Dream is the essential toolkit for anyone ready to take their life to the next level. If you’re struggling to find direction, seeking to reignite your ambition, or need encouragement to stay the course, this book will inspire you to dream bigger, push harder, find freedom, and create the life you’ve always imagined.

Don’t let another day pass without pursuing your true potential. It’s time to make your dreams a reality-starting now.

Review:

When we’re children, we’re encouraged to dream and told we can become whoever we want to be. However, when we get older, we’re told that we shouldn’t be dreaming and to find practical careers. This book gives great advice on how to find and follow your dream, even if it’s difficult.

I’m a writer, and it’s not easy. My dream is to make a living as a published author, but I’m not there yet. However, I’m not giving up. This book made me feel motivated to keep going, even though it’s difficult most of the time. This is a guide for how to find your dream, if you’ve lost your way, and how to set aside time to make it come true.

How to Dream is a great, motivational book!

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

Favourite Quotes:

“When you find your purpose, you will feel connected to your life, this planet, and to your journey in a way that nothing will be able to replace.”

“Break the cycle of thinking of life as something that happens to you and make it something you actively create. Every day.”

Giveaway:

Author signed copy of How to Dream: A Motivational Guide to a Life of Hope Success and Freedom
one winner
USA only
ends Nov 29

https://gleam.io/Y0qGe/how-to-dream-book-tour-giveaway

Have you read How to Dream? What did you think of it?

Happy Pub Day – November 5

Happy Pub Day to these authors!

Stranger Skies by Pascale Lacelle

Love Advice from the Great Duke of Hell, Vol. 1 by Unfins

Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher

Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada, Wattpad Books, and Firefly Books Distributed Lines for sending me copies of these books!

What books are you most excited for this week?

Review: Squirrel-ish

Title: Squirrel-ish
Author: Bambi Edlund
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Publisher: Owlkids
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

At the park, people give squirrels free peanuts. And nobody screams when a squirrel crosses their path. But for Rat, it’s all screams and no nuts … until he comes up with a plan: be more like a squirrel—squirrel-ish!

When his attempts at adopting a squirrel-ish posture and pinning his ears down don’t make a difference, Rat considers his tail. And after a few crafty but failed squirrel-ish tail prototypes made from cotton balls, feathers, and spaghetti, he lands on a winning material: straw from a broom!

Finally, Rat can walk through the park without getting shooed. Free peanut in hand, he daydreams about building a re-tail empire … until the dogs in the park spot him and give chase. All of a sudden, Rat understands why squirrels do so much scampering! Maybe his rat tail isn’t so bad after all …

Brightly illustrated and packed with hilarious details and hidden gags, this laugh-out-loud ode to self-love reminds readers that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Review:

This rat wants to be liked as much as the squirrels in the park. People scream and run away when they see him, but when they see squirrels, they’re given peanuts. The rat figures out that it’s the squirrel’s fluffy tail that makes them more likeable so he tries to give himself a bigger tail. However, he will find out that not everyone loves the squirrels.

This is such a cute picture book! I’m scared of rats, but not squirrels, and I do think it has to do with their tails. The fluffy squirrel tails make them more appealing and friendly looking. However, this story teaches that even though squirrels are more well liked by people, other animals don’t like them. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Squirrel-ish is a cute picture book!

Thank you Owlkids for providing a digital copy of this book!

Have you read Squirrel-ish? What did you think of it?