Graphic Novel Review of The Unwritten, Vol. 2: Inside Man by Mike Carey

Read for: Graphic Novel Challenge

 

Synopsis: "In this volume, Tom arrives at Donostia prison in Southern France and falls into the orbit of another story: The Song of Roland. Unfortunately for Tom, it's a story that ends with a massacre. .Tom discovers the true meaning of "out of the frying pan" after his escape from Donostia jail takes him to Stuttgart in 1940, a ghost city inhabited by the master liar of the Third Reich, Josef Goebbels, and a tortured soul who's crying out for rescue - or death..."

My Review: I thought after the first one being a little difficult to read, I would give this series one more chance. If anything it got worse, I am more confused than ever. The obvious play on Harry Potter is a little irritating too. I am sure if you tried to stick with it things would be worked out in the long run but for me there are too many other good books and graphic novel series out there to enjoy.

 

My Rating: This is one series that many my really enjoy but it is clearly not for me. I give it a rating of One Paw and a Stump Wag.

Bedtime Story: The Gingerbread Man by Karen Schmidt

Read for: Children's Book Challenge

 

Synopsis: "The gingerbread man outruns everybody, until he meets the quick-witted fox." My Review: This is a great classic story. The main rhyme of the story was a little different than I remember but I am sure everyone has their own little variation on it. Munchkin didn't quite grasp the clever fox or why exactly the Gingerbread Man was running. I think in another year or two it might be easier for him to grasp and enjoy.   My Rating: This is a book that even though it is dated, should still be on the shelf. It has a lesson to be taught but children need to be a little older to grasp it. We give it a rating of  Two Paws and a Stump Wag.       Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Beginning Reader Review of Dixie and the Class Treat by Grace Gilman

Read for: Early Reader Challenge

 

Synopsis: "Emma gets to make a special treat for her class, so she decides to make her favorite, oatmeal spice cookies!

But when there’s a kitchen mix-up, sweet turns to spicy, and Emma goes to school with some bad treats. Luckily, Dixie sniffs out the problem and Emma’s mom figures out the solution—but will the pair make it to school before it’s too late?"

My Review: This is a good level 1 early reader book. The now familiar characters, Dixie and Emma have a simple but fun adventure. Most of the words and sentences are short and easily read, any new words could be sounded out. The story is also one that is funny and relatable.

 

My Rating: Young readers will have fun with this story of mishaps. It is a level they will still need some assistance with but should be able to read mostly on their own.  I give it a rating of Three Paws.

Pen to Paper: Holiday Mailing Deadlines

 

So did you decide what mailing you are going to do if at all? I decided I would send out Christmas cards for pen pal and online friends and then a New Years photo card for family. I am thinking that breaking up this mailing will take a bunch of stress off the holiday season for me.

 

 

Today I wanted to make you aware of some of the postal service mailing deadlines for the holidays. They always tend to sneak up on people and the last mailing day is always a nightmare at the post office.

 

 

The standard post deadline is December 15th

The First Class deadline is December 19th

The Priority Deadline is December 21st

and the Priority Express Deadline is December 23rd

 

Now if you are like me and have friends internationally here are a couple of deadlines to keep in mind too.

 

First Class & Priority International deadline is December 1st

Priority Express International deadline is December 8th

Global Express deadline is December 19th

 

 

And please don't forget our men and women serving in the military! We have already passed the standard post deadline but you still have time to get your care packages to them.

 

The First Class and Priority Mail deadline is December 10th (in most cases)

The Priority Mail Express Military Service deadline is December 17th (in most cases)

 

 

 

You can also use UPS services for packages

 

The 3 Day select deadline is December 21st

2 Day Air deadline is December 22nd

Next Day Air is December 23rd

 

 

 

Keep in mind that weather does effect shipping times as well.  

 

**I am posting these deadlines just as a helpful tip, I am not affiliated with them. 

 

 

 

Your Mission for the Week: Mark your calendars with shipping deadlines! Not that anyone really minds receiving mail after the holidays but it is nice to know someone thought that far ahead of time to accommodate shipping times.



Review of Gearteeth by Timothy Black

Read for: Requested Review

 

Synopsis: "“In 1890, a disease that turned sane men into ravenous werewolves swept through the United States like wildfire. On the brink of humanity’s extinction, Nikola Tesla and a mysterious order of scientists known as the Tellurians revealed a bold plan: the uninfected would abandon the Earth’s surface by rising up in floating salvation cities, iron and steel metropolises that carried tens of thousands of refugees above the savage apocalypse. The remnants of mankind huddled fearfully in the clouds, waiting for the werewolves to devour each other.

Yet, twenty years later, only one salvation city remains aloft, while the beasts still rule the world below. Time has taken its toll on the miraculous machinery of the city, and soon the last of the survivors will plummet to their doom. But when Elijah Kelly, a brakeman aboard the largest of the city’s Thunder Trains, is infected by the werewolf virus, he discovers a secret world of lies and horrific experiments that hide the disturbing truth about the Tellurians.

When the beast in his blood surges forth, Elijah must choose between the lives of those he loves, and the city that is humanity’s last hope of survival.”

My Review:  This is the first Steampunk book I have ever read, and it is a genre I have been curious about for a while now. It was a little difficult for me to wrap my brain around it at first, but once I developed an interest in the characters the story really pulled me in. There is obviously a lot of world building that takes place in this book but it is definitely a great kick off to a series, I am curious as to what will happen next in the storyline as it was left a little on a cliffhanger. It has a great combination of forcing you to think, emotional involvement, and a good dose of fear. There were definitely times late at night I just had to keep reading because it was just too heart pounding to stop. While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it did take me until nearly halfway through to really get into it, I may not recommend this book to someone new to the genre but it would be great for avid Science Fiction and Fantasy readers.

 

My Rating: I really did enjoy this book even though it was difficult to get started, but as a fantasy reader I am used to pushing through some world building until the big picture finally forms in my imagination. I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

 

 

 

Gearteeth was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

If you would like to learn more about Timothy Black and his work on his Goodreads Page or Website.

 

You can get your own copy of Gearteeth in digital or print formats from Amazon or in print format from Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

Re-Read Review of Fire by Kristin Cashore

Read for: Re-Read Challenge & Because I needed a comfort read

 

Synopsis: "It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was."


My Review: I cannot rave about this book enough, it is by far my favorite book and one I revisit often (especially when I need a good comfort read). This story has so many elements and so much depth to the characters. I must say that I have a huge character crush on Brigan. Every time I read it I can't help but find multiple ways to connect with Fire, the only downfall is how she goes from being so strong and mature beyond her age, to being extremely fragile and needy, but everyone takes things differently. The same with the story, there are several plot lines occurring and you can read with more focus on the personal turmoil, the political intrigue or the fantasy element. This book has yet to loose my interest after re-reading it about every year or two!

 

 

My Rating: I absolutely love this book and will continue re-reading it rather frequently. This is definitely the book I turn to when I am down, sick or just in need of some comfort. I have found though that the book just doesn't have the same impact for me in digital format as it does in print, I by far prefer to read this one in print and pause every once in a while to stroke the cover and smell the pages. I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

Monday Reading List

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

Reviews Posted Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

The Right Hand Rule by R.M. Clark
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Sweet Dreams Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Deisen (Bedtime Story)
A Highlander's Homecoming by Melissa Mayhue

 

 Books Finished Last Week:

Reviews will be posted at a later date

Gearteeth = 3pts
South of Superior = 5pts

 

Currently Reading:

The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl - Audio - 16%




 Books to be Read Soon:

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas - Mount TBR/ Series Challenge

 

Total Points Earned
135 points + 8 points earned = 143 points

Pages Read/ Time Listened
52,644 pages read (731 read this week)
183:46 listening time

Books Added to Shelves



Interesting Tidbits on the Web:



 



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Slowly working my way back to the land of the healthy and living. Thankfully I had a day off in the middle of last week to catch up on some house work and am all caught up in the office (of course catching up means I had less reading time). Can you believe that Thanksgiving is next week?! I hope that you are all having a wonderful fall and have been having wonderful bookish adventures!

Fun with Munchkin: Construction Site Visit

I have decided to add a new post to my list of things that could happen on the weekends.  As part of my resolutions for 2015, I wanted to do more fun things with Munchkin and as a family.  I will be posting sporadically about some of the fun adventures we are having together.

 

 

I believe Munchkin might be one of the luckiest boys there are, not only did he get to go to a coal mine last year where his grandpa works but now he was invited to see a working construction site by friends of Hubby's. These adventures totally light him up with excitement and he will be talking about it months from now (he is definitely his father's son).

 

 

 

 

 

Another fun adventure for Munchkin to see the equipment operating and sit in the driver's seat too!