Review: The Lost Power

The Lost Power by Avanti Centrae
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a possible review.

I want to start off by saying this really should be 3.5 stars, nearly 4. I'll get into why in a second.

It is the first book in a series. You have to start here because I don't think the second book is available yet. I was drawn to it because it was liked to James Rollins and Steve Berry books, and I really love those books. It also happened to have a positive blurb from Ann Charles who is another of my favorites. In a weird coincidence, the author started following me on Twitter before I even saw this on Net Galley. It felt fated that I should read this book.

There were a number of things to like about this book. One of the main characters is a kickass woman with a twin brother who is not so kickass. The history related to Isabel and Ferdinand was new to me and very interesting. There is a secret society or two which will always catch my attention. Weird initiation rites. A trip to the pyramids! And my favorite part, not one but TWO dogs. Both live for those that care about that kind of thing.

I found the beginning a little confusing because I expected this book to be about VanOps. It took a bit before VanOps is even mentioned and then VanOps doesn't play a huge role in the book until the end. It was a different approach to the start of a series about an organization. I also questioned whether someone grieving the loss of their spouse would hook up with a stranger within a couple of days after the death. It ended up being a short plotline I felt could have been left out completely because it didn't really further the greater story. Maybe it will have meaning in the grander scheme of the series.

I started out a solid 3 stars, but the characters grew on me as the book was drawing to a close just not quite enough to get me to 4. I would read the next book though to see if that changes.

View all my reviews

Review: I love happy cats

I love happy cats by Anneleen Bru
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a potential review.

As a cat mama, I was drawn to the idea of this book. Who doesn't want their cat to be happy or happier? Plus, the cover is really cute. I have read a lot of things about cat behavior, so I wasn't expecting to learn very much. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. While there was some information that you made have already heard from people like Jackson Galaxy if you read about cats, but there were some concepts that were new to me.

The book is easy to read and goes quickly. I read it in a day. The tips are practical and easy to follow. You don't need a bunch of space or money to implement her concepts. Even though I have had my cats for years, I've realized there are some small changes I could make to improve their lives.

I would recommend this book to cat lovers but new cat parents in particular. It will help you understand your cat and see things in a new light.

View all my reviews

Review: Hollywood Wanted

Hollywood Wanted by M.Z. Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 23rd book in the Hollywood Alphabet series. You are not going to want to start reading here. You could but there are many references to things that happened in the other 22.

I was starting to think the story was going a little off the rails, but this book brought it back to what initially got me invested. I suppose with only three books left it would be necessary to start tying things up. I was still a little frustrated about the main character's love life. I hope that something good happens for her before the end of the series. It is nearly impossible for it to get worse. I am looking forward to finally figuring out some of the secrets of Kate's life. So far, I don't even have a good guess.

View all my reviews

Review: Warcross

Warcross by Marie Lu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Warcross series. I first heard about this book on the Reading Glasses podcast. Then, it kept turning up in book recommendations for me. It felt like I was meant to read this book. Then I started reading. I was meant to read this book.

Warcross involves so many things I love: a strong female main character, gaming, virtual reality, and some sort of mystery to figure out. Either Marie Lu is a gamer, or she has done her research. When she referenced a certain infamous Leeroy, I laughed out loud. With the rise in esports, I imagine many gamers dream of the day that they are accidentally recognized for their skill and given an opportunity for gaming fame.

The book moves at a fast pace, and I didn't want to put it down. The ending was a cliffhanger, so don't be like me and not have the second book teed up for when you finish!

View all my reviews

Review: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave

Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 13th and final book in the Charley Davidson series. I loved this series, and this book was no exception. If you haven't read the other books, this is not the place to start. Go directly to book one now! I almost didn't want to read this book because I knew it meant things would be over, but I put on my big girl pants and did it.

There's always a lot riding in the final book in a series. How are you going to wrap up something satisfactorily that people have become invested in? Darynda Jones pulled out all the stops. All your favorite characters are back. There were a couple of unexpected twists. Take that, M. Night Shyamalan! I shed actual tears more than once. Just thinking about it now makes me a little misty. I will miss this series so much. But, Darynda how could you end the book like that????? You're killing me.

View all my reviews

Review: The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep

The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a possible review.

I am not even a huge fan of Dickens, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really love Jasper Fforde's writing and this gave off a very Thursday Next kind of vibe. If you like the classics, especially Dickens, you may enjoy this book. Understanding where the literary references and analysis come from deepened my engagement with the story and made me think as well.

The book is mainly told from the perspective of the brother of an avid reader and Dickens expert who happens to have a special ability. Sometimes the characters he is reading come to life. As the title suggests Uriah Heep is one of those characters and integral to the plot. If you know anything about Uriah Heep that can't possibly be a good thing. If you want to know more, I suggest reading the book. I'm not going to give any more away.

The book was longer than I expected but kept a good pace. It made me want to reread Dickens which is something I never thought I would say. Certainly, it gave me a greater appreciation of Dickens.

View all my reviews

Review: All Dressed in White

All Dressed in White by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Under Suspicion series. There are references to the previous books, but you could read this as a standalone.

I thoroughly enjoy these books. Mystery, reality TV, smart female lead...I devour these books. This was not my favorite of the series, but it still kept me guessing until nearly the end. I didn't like it as much because a few of the things that happened toward the end felt like they were stretching for a way to wrap up the story and came off a little unbelievable. The first two books didn't have that issue, and I hope the next one gets back on track.

View all my reviews

Review: Ajax Penumbra 1969

Ajax Penumbra 1969 by Robin Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the prequel to Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. You don't have to read it first. I didn't. In fact, it may be better if you didn't. I could see it spoiling a bit of the mystery of Mr. Penumbra. If you are like me and really loved that book, you will surely want to read this one. It won't unlock the secrets of the universe, but it will extend the story just a bit longer for those that weren't ready to let go just yet.

So why four stars instead of five? Because I am a bit pouty that this book was sooooo short. I'm not quite ready to admit it is over.

View all my reviews