Jill's Book Blog

Review: David Bowie

Title: David Bowie
Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Genre: Children’s, Non-Fiction
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: ebook
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

New in the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of David Bowie, the starman who dazzled audiences with his music. As a child, young David had a head full of songs and ideas. He was inspired by the pop and mod scenes in Britain to pick up the saxophone. After earning his stripes in some of the coolest bands in London, David splashed onto the solo scene. His songwriting talent and musical skill made him one of rock and roll’s all-time greatest artists. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the musician’s life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

Review:

I haven’t read any books in this series, but this one was very cute.

This series is great for young kids to learn about important historical figures. This book is about David Bowie and how he became a rock star.

David Bowie was an interesting man. I think his music and costumes would appeal to kids, so this book is a great way to introduce kids to David Bowie.

Thank you Lincoln Children’s Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Mid-Year Freak Out Tag

This is my first time doing this tag! I don’t usually do tags, since I do a lot of reading. I was going to do this one last year… but I got side-tracked. Thank you Emma from Emma’s Chapter for tagging me this year!! (P.S. Check out her blog! She’s awesome!)

Best Book of 2019 So Far

I just started reading this series this year, and I’m so hooked on it! I can’t wait for the next book, but I also don’t want the series to end. Here’s my review.

Best Sequel of 2019 So Far

This is a fun series, where Victorian classics are retold in a fantasy world. The first one was a retelling of Frankenstein and this one was a retelling of Oliver Twist. I love this series! Here’s my review.

New Release That You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

I’m so excited to read The Bride Test! I hope to read it soon, because I’ve heard good things about it.

Most Anticipated Release of the Second Half of 2019

I’m dying to read Ninth House! I can’t wait for it to come out in the fall!

Biggest Disappointment of 2019 So Far

I thought this book would be funnier, but it was actually quite creepy.

Biggest Surprise of 2019 So Far

I enjoyed Ash Princess, but the ending of the second book in the trilogy, Lady Smoke, was so intense! I have no idea what will happen in the next book. Here’s my review.

Favourite New Author

I loved Nocturna! Maya Motayne is awesome. I’m excited to read the next book. Here’s my review.

Newest Fictional Crush

Ashish Patel was adorable in this book! I love all of Sandhya Menon’s characters, but they’re especially sweet in this new book! Here’s my review.

Newest Favourite Character

I really liked Cam in this book. He played an important role in the ending of this book, which I can’t say too much about without giving spoilers. I highly recommend it! Here’s my review.

Book That Made You Happy

I’m going to start reading more romantic comedies, because they are so much fun! This book was a hilarious ending to the Don Tillman series. Also, the event I went to at Indigo with Graeme Simsion was the funniest book event I have ever been to! Here’s my review.

Books To Read By the End of the Year

I have so many books to read by the end of the year, but I have preordered these ones so I can read them ASAP! I’m so excited for them to come out!

Favourite Post You Have Done So Far This Year

Other than this fun tag, I really enjoyed writing my Top Ten Tuesday list of Characters That Remind Me of Myself. This one was a bit of a challenge, since I couldn’t just pick the ones that I like, but rather the ones that I am the most like. It was a fun challenge!

I Tag

Evelyn @ Evelyn Reads

Mani @ Mani’s Book Corner

Deb @ The Reading Chick

Libby @ Libby Reads

Brittany @ Bookaholic Brittany

Review: Captain Ginger

Title: Captain Ginger
Author: Stuart Moore
Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction
Publisher: Ahoy Comics
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: ebook
Release Date: June 18, 2019
Rating: ★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Now in one volume: the acclaimed tale of a starship run by cats! The intrepid Captain Ginger struggles to keep his fellow felines united against a hostile universe―and their own worst feline instincts, too. Featuring the entire original miniseries, plus two rare extra stories and a sketchbook of character designs.

Review:

This book started out great but it got quite strange by the end.

This story is an imagining of Star Trek cast with cats. There were tons of cat jokes throughout the story. There was a character called Sargent Mittens. Their enemy targeted them by sending laser lights to distract them. One cat even had a ton of kittens that overcrowded the ship!

The story took a strange turn by the end. One cat was transformed into an omniscient being that could create new parts of the ship. It was very weird and quite creepy.

This book could have been clever, but it was just too strange for me.

Thank you Diamond Book Distributors for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Have you read Captain Ginger? What did you think of it?

First Lines Friday – June 28

This is a weekly meme hosted by Wandering Words, where you give the first few lines of a book to hook your readers before introducing the book.

Here are my first lines:

“‘Can you come into my office?’ I look around at the desks beside me and then back at Frankie, trying to confirm to whom, exactly, she’s talking. I point to myself. ‘Do you mean me?'”

Do you recognize these first lines?

…

And the book is… The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Goodreads synopsis:

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ’80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
Written with Reid’s signature talent for creating “complex, likable characters” (Real Simple), this is a mesmerizing journey through the splendor of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means—and what it costs—to face the truth.

Have you read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo? What did you think of it?

Review: Jasmine: Crown of Kings

Title: Jasmine: Crown of Kings
Author: Howard Mackie, Deivis Goetten
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Publisher: Zenescope
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: ebook
Release Date: June 11, 2019
Rating: ★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

When a fiery explosion erupts in the ancient city of Petra, Jasmine races against the terrorist group THE FORTY THIEVES to prevent the shattered pieces of the Crown of Kings, an object that haunts her past from being reunited and unleashing an unearthly power on the world and all that she holds dear. Collects Jasmine Crown of Kings #1 – 5.

Review:

I was interested in reading this book, since there has been a renewal in interest in Aladdin with the new movie. However, this graphic novel didn’t work for me.

Jasmine is a tough character in this story. She used to have magic, but now she is trying to stop Aladdin from stealing pieces of a crown. She ends up helping him when he can’t figure out what to do. She was a more powerful character than in the original story, because she has her own magic and fighting skills.

I didn’t like the illustrations in this book. The colors were dark, but that may have been just the e-ARC I was reading. The costumes could have been better. Jasmine was wearing revealing outfits, which didn’t match with her new active role. The book could have been much better if the illustrations were better.

Thank you Diamond Book Distributors for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Have you read Jasmine: Crown of Kings? What did you think of it?

TBR Thursday – June 27

TBR Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly Faye Reads, where you post a title from your shelf or e-reader and find out what others think about it.

My pick this week is Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson.

Goodreads Synopsis:

It was Sloane who yanked Emily out of her shell and made life 100% interesting. But right before what should have been the most epic summer, Sloane just…disappears. All she leaves behind is a to-do list.

On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back?

Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough.

Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not?

Kiss a stranger? Um…

Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane’s list. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go skinny-dipping? Wait…what?

Have you read this book? What did you think of it?

Review: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Movie Scrapbook

Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Movie Scrapbook
Author: Rick Barba
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Source: Loot Crate
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: November 18, 2016
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Learn all about Newt Scamander and the incredible film from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Peer inside Newt Scamander’s enchanted suitcase, encounter marvelous creatures, roam the streets of 1920s New York City, and meet Newt’s fascinating friends! This magical scrapbook takes readers on an interactive adventure through Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Filled with removable artifacts, such as wizarding newspapers, posters, and other fascinating finds, this book has something for everyone!

Review:

This book is about the first Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them movie. It has details about the movie, characters, and the beasts.

I loved these kinds of scrapbooks when I was a kid. This book has pieces that can be removed, including different kinds of cards and maps. It is a lot of fun to pull out these pieces and play with the different parts of the book.

I think fans of the book will love this fun book!

‘Waiting on’ Wednesday – June 26

This is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. In this post we highlight a book that’s highly anticipated.

The book that I’m waiting on this Wednesday is Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars #1) by Elizabeth Lim. The release date is July 9, 2019.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she’ll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There’s just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia’s task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor’s reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.

What books are you waiting on this week?

Review: Dear Wife

Title: Dear Wife
Author: Kimberly Belle
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Park Row Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

From the bestselling author of The Marriage Lie and Three Days Missing comes a riveting new novel of suspense about a woman who, in a fight for survival, must decide just how far she’ll go to escape the person she once loved
Beth Murphy is on the run…
For nearly a year, Beth has been planning for this day. A day some people might call any other Wednesday, but Beth prefers to see it as her new beginning–one with a new look, new name and new city. Beth has given her plan significant thought, because one small slip and her violent husband will find her.
Sabine Hardison is missing…
A couple hundred miles away, Jeffrey returns home from a work trip to find his wife, Sabine, is missing. Wherever she is, she’s taken almost nothing with her. Her abandoned car is the only evidence the police have, and all signs point to foul play.
As the police search for leads, the case becomes more and more convoluted. Sabine’s carefully laid plans for her future indicate trouble at home, and a husband who would be better off with her gone. The detective on the case will stop at nothing to find out what happened and bring this missing woman home. Where is Sabine? And who is Beth? The only thing that’s certain is that someone is lying and the truth won’t stay buried for long.

Review:

I loved this suspenseful thriller.

There were three different perspectives in this story: Jeffrey, Beth, and Marcus. Jeffrey’s wife, Sabine went missing. Beth has changed her name and run away from her abusive husband. Marcus is the detective on the case of Sabine’s disappearance. It was a very clever mystery.

I figured out how some of the characters were connected halfway through, but I still loved reading through until the ending. I hadn’t figured out all of the pieces to the puzzle so I had more to discover. The only parts I didn’t really like were the scenes in the church. I didn’t think they added much to the story, but I can see that they developed the character of Beth more thoroughly.

This is a fantastic, fast-paced thriller!

Thank you HarperCollins Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Top Ten Tuesday – Books On My Summer TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish and it is now hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s theme is Books On My Summer TBR. Here’s my list: