Jill's Book Blog

Review: Grim Lovelies

Title: Grim Lovelies
Author: Megan Shepherd
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Release Date: October 2, 2018
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Anouk envies the human world, where people known as Pretties lavish themselves in fast cars, high fashion, and have the freedom to fall in love. But Anouk can never have those things, because she is not really human. Enchanted from animal to human girl and forbidden to venture beyond her familiar Parisian prison, Anouk is a Beastie: destined for a life surrounded by dust bunnies and cinders serving Mada Vittora, the evil witch who spelled her into existence. That is, until one day she finds her mistress murdered in a pool of blood—and Anouk is accused of the crime.

Now, the world she always dreamed of is rife with danger. Pursued through Paris by the underground magical society known as the Haute, Anouk and her fellow Beasties only have three days to find the real killer before the spell keeping them human fades away. If they fail, they will lose the only lives they’ve ever known…but if they succeed, they could be more powerful than anyone ever bargained for.

From New York Times bestselling author Megan Shepherd, Grim Lovelies is an epic and glittering YA fantasy. Prepare to be spellbound by the world of Grim Lovelies, where secrets have been long buried, friends can become enemies, and everything—especially humanity—comes at a price.

Review:

I was drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover! I love the gold accents on it.

This was a good story. It has an unusual setting. It seems to be set in modern day Paris, however the witches and Royals are living in the past. They have old-fashioned, Victorian homes and customs. Some characters used cell phones, so I could tell that it is happening today. The two kinds of settings created a strange kind of dueling atmosphere in the story.

There was lots of tension in the story, especially at the end. The story was also fast paced. I read it in just a few hours, and I couldn’t put it down. I’m curious to see how the story continues.

First Lines Friday – October 5

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:

“If I’m not home in two months, I’m dead. Her mother’s warning haunted her as Enne Salta lugged her leather trunk down the bridge leading off the ship, filling her with an inescapable sense of dread.”

Do you recognize these first lines?

…

And the book is… Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody.

Goodreads synopsis:

Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, Enne has only one lead: the name Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn’t have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne’s offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless Mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi’s enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.

Have you read Ace of Shades? What did you think of it?

Review: Swallow’s Dance

Title: Swallow’s Dance
Author: Wendy Orr
Genre: Middle Grade
Publisher: Pajama Press
Source: Publisher
Release Date: October 1, 2018
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

I wonder if the first day of Learning is always like this – do the girls on the hill always feel the ground tremble under their feet? Leira is about to start her initiation as a priestess when her world is turned upside down. A violent earthquake leaves her home – and her family – in pieces. And the goddess hasn’t finished with the island yet.

With her family, Leira flees across the sea to Crete, expecting sanctuary. But a volcanic eruption throws the entire world into darkness. After the resulting tsunami, society descends into chaos; the status and privilege of being noble-born reduced to nothing. With her injured mother and elderly nurse, Leira has only the strength and resourcefulness within herself to find safety.

Review:

This is a great tale about Ancient Greece.

Leira loses almost everything when an earthquake hits her home. Her home is destroyed and her mother bangs her head, losing consciousness. She eventually wakes up but she can no longer speak. Leira and her nurse Nunu, along with her mother, are sent to Crete, where more tragedy strikes. Though Leira suffers devastating losses, she stays strong to help her nurse and her mother.

This is a very powerful story. It was quite emotional at times. I had tears in my eyes by the end, but I was pleased with the ending. This story has a traditional Greek form because it is written partly in verse. The sections in verse are particularly descriptive and lyrical. This reinforces the Greek atmosphere of the story.

This is a beautiful and powerful story. I loved it!

TBR Thursday – October 4

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 Obsidio (The Illuminae Files, #3) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Kady, Ezra, Hanna, and Nik narrowly escaped with their lives from the attacks on Heimdall station and now find themselves crammed with 2,000 refugees on the container ship, Mao. With the jump station destroyed and their resources scarce, the only option is to return to Kerenza—but who knows what they’ll find seven months after the invasion?

Meanwhile, Kady’s cousin, Asha, survived the initial BeiTech assault and has joined Kerenza’s ragtag underground resistance. When Rhys—an old flame from Asha’s past—reappears on Kerenza, the two find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.

With time running out, a final battle will be waged on land and in space, heroes will fall, and hearts will be broken.

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

Review: Dawn and the Impossible Three (Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #5)

Title: Dawn and the Impossible Three (Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #5)
Author: Gale Galligan
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel
Publisher: Graphix
Source: Library
Release Date: September 26, 2017
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Dawn Schafer is the newest member of The Baby-sitters Club. While she’s still adjusting to life in Stoneybrook after moving from sunny California, she’s eager to accept her first big job. But taking care of the three Barrett kids would be too much for anybaby-sitter. The house is always a mess, the kids are out of control, and Mrs. Barrett never does any of the things she promises. On top of all that, Dawn wants to fit in with the other members of the BSC, but she can’t figure out how to get along with Kristy. Was joining The Baby-sitters Club a mistake?

A graphic novel adaptation of the original story.

Review:

This fifth instalment in the Baby-Sitters Club series has a new illustrator! I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about the change because I love Raina Telgemeier. I am very pleased with how Gale Galligan put her own spin on the girls.

In this story, the girls have to deal with changing friendships. Kristy will be moving into her new stepfather’s house, so she worries that her place in the club will be jeopardized. She also gets upset when Mary Anne and Dawn seem to be getting closer because their parents are dating. She is jealous of the possibility that they could become stepsisters.

Another important issue the girls have to face is how to address problems with adults. Dawn babysits for three difficult siblings, and she can see that she steps in many times when their mother should be there instead. The mother doesn’t even tell Dawn about one child’s allergies, which could have had dangerous consequences. Eventually, Dawn must figure out a way to solve this problem.

This is a great series! I can’t wait for the next Baby-Sitter’s Club graphic novel!

‘Waiting on’ Wednesday – October 3

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 The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Five years ago, Evelyn and Philippa Hapwell cowered from air strikes in a London bomb shelter. But that night took a turn when the sisters were transported to another realm called the Woodlands. In a forest kingdom populated by creatures out of myth and legend, they found temporary refuge.

When they finally returned to London, nothing had changed at all—nothing, except themselves.

Now, Ev spends her days sneaking into the woods outside her boarding school, wishing for the Woodlands. Overcome with longing, she is desperate to return no matter what it takes.

Philippa, on the other hand, is determined to find a place in this world. She shields herself behind a flawless exterior and countless friends, and moves to America to escape the memory of what was.

But when Evelyn goes missing, Philippa must confront the depth of her sister’s despair and the painful truths they’ve been running from. As the weeks unfold, Philippa wonders if Ev truly did find a way home, or if the weight of their worlds pulled her under.

What books are you waiting on this week?

Review: Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir

Title: Son of a Critch: A Newfoundland Memoir
Author: Mark Critch
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Publisher: Penguin Random House Canada
Source: Publisher
Release Date: October 2, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A heartfelt and outrageously funny memoir about Newfoundland, family, and being the weirdest kid in school

What could be better than growing up in the 1980s? How about growing up in 1980s Newfoundland, which as Mark Critch will tell you, was more like the 1960s. Critch takes us to where it all began in this tremendously funny and warm look back on his formative years. A “recovering Catholic,” he recalls his many misadventures growing up on the outskirts of a small town. And when your radio-star dad is the talk of the town, and your mom can’t stop talking at all, life at home is always entertaining.

Best known as the “roving reporter” for CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Mark Critch has photo-bombed Justin Trudeau, interviewed Great Big Sea’s Alan Doyle (while impersonating Alan Doyle), offered Pamela Anderson a million dollars to stop acting, and crashed White House briefings. But in this hilarious debut, we learn that Critch has been causing trouble his whole life. Son of a Critch will have you longing for life in Canada’s most unique province–even if you’ve never been there–and marvelling at how one person’s childhood could be so ridiculously funny.

Review:

My favourite comedians are all from Newfoundland: Jonny Harris, Rick Mercer, and, of course, Mark Critch. I was so excited to learn that Mark Critch had written a book, and I knew I had to read it!

Mark Critch is one of the funniest men on TV. The segment on his show, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, that I enjoyed the most was based on the news story of the boy who went up in a homemade hot air balloon a few years ago. The actual news story ended up being a hoax. Mark did a parody of this story, which was a baby in a grocery bag that blew into a tree. I still burst out laughing thinking about that sketch! I became a lifelong fan of Mark Critch. (Here’s the link to the clip on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE1CW7-bFv8)

If you love 22 Minutes, you will love Son of a Critch! This book was hilarious! Mark’s storytelling from the show was evident in this book. I learned some of the history of Newfoundland from his stories. I loved the stories and I could hear my own relatives from Bishop’s Falls, Newfoundland in this book.

I loved this book! I recommend it to anyone who needs a good laugh!

Top Ten Tuesday – Authors I’d Love To Meet

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 Authors I’d Love To Meet. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a number of great authors, but here are some that I have yet to meet! Here’s my list:

1. Victoria Schwab

2. J.K. Rowling

3. Marissa Meyer

4. Kendare Blake

5. Stephen King

6. Ransom Riggs

7. Meg Cabot

8. Sara Shepard

9. Karen M. McManus

10. Diana Gabaldon

(All photos taken from Goodreads)

Review: Misfits (Royal Academy Rebels #1)

Title: Misfits (Royal Academy Rebels #1)
Author: Jen Calonita
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Release Date: October 2, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A brand new series from Jen Calonita, set in the world of Fairy Tale Reform School! Not everyone born royal is meant to rule…

In the magical fairytale kingdom of Enchantasia, becoming a legendary Prince or Princess doesn’t happen overnight. Enter Royal Academy, the training ground for the fairytale leaders of tomorrow!

But reluctant-future-princess and new-student Devin has some reservations about RA, especially when it comes to the Headmistress. Olivina seems obsessed with preparing students for possible villain attacks. But when Devin asks when they’re going to learn how to actually rule a kingdom, Olivina becomes enraged. Something isn’t right with this lady, and what Devin discovers could change the fairytale world forever…

Review:

I loved this story!

The characters in the story are new princes and princesses. Some are related to familiar princesses, such as Raina who is Snow White’s sister. Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel graduated from the school years ago, but they still make appearances in the story.

Devin was a rebel, which didn’t go with Olivina’s vision for the school. Olivina is the fairy godmother who runs the school. However, everything is not what it seems at the school. People who you think should be good are actually connected with villains.

Though I haven’t read the Fairy Tale Reform School series, which comes before this book, I really enjoyed this story! I’m going to look for that series to see what happened to the original princesses.

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? – October 1

This blog meme is hosted by Book Date. It is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile!

What I just finished:

This weekend I finished Misfits (Royal Academy Rebels #1) by Jen Calonita.

What I’m currently reading:

I’m currently reading Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir by Mark Critch.

What I’m reading next:

Next I will be reading Swallow’s Dance by Wendy Orr.

What are you guys reading this week? Have you read any of these books?

Goodreads Synopsis:

Review:

What to read next:

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Goodreads synopsis:

Goodreads Synopsis:

Review:

What to read next:

Dragonfly Song by Wendy Orr

Nim’s Island (Nim #1) by Wendy Orr

Goodreads Synopsis:

Goodreads Synopsis:

Review:

What to read next:

Dawn and the Impossible Three (The Baby-Sitters Club #5) by Ann M. Martin

Kristy’s Big Day (Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #6) by Gale Galligan

Goodreads Synopsis:

Goodreads Synopsis:

Review:

What to read next:

Canada by Mike Myers

Rick Mercer Report: The Book by Rick Mercer

1. Victoria Schwab

2. J.K. Rowling

3. Marissa Meyer

4. Kendare Blake

5. Stephen King

6. Ransom Riggs

7. Meg Cabot

8. Sara Shepard

9. Karen M. McManus

10. Diana Gabaldon

(All photos taken from Goodreads)

Goodreads Synopsis:

Review:

What to read next:

Flunked (Fairy Tale Reform School, #1) by Jen Calonita

Fairest of All (Whatever After, #1) by Sarah Mlynowski

What I just finished:

What I’m currently reading:

What I’m reading next: