Graphic Novel Review of The Tea Dragon Tapestry by Katie O'Neill

 

Read for: Requested Review/Netgalley/ Anticipated Release

Previous Books in the Tea Dragon Series:

The Tea Dragon Society
The Tea Dragon Festival

Synopsis: "Join Greta and Minette once more for the heartwarming conclusion of the award-winning Tea Dragon series!

Over a year since being entrusted with Ginseng's care, Greta still can't chase away the cloud of mourning that hangs over the timid Tea Dragon. As she struggles to create something spectacular enough to impress a master blacksmith in search of an apprentice, she questions the true meaning of crafting, and the true meaning of caring for someone in grief. Meanwhile, Minette receives a surprise package from the monastery where she was once training to be a prophetess. Thrown into confusion about her path in life, the shy and reserved Minette finds that the more she opens her heart to others, the more clearly she can see what was always inside.

Told with the same care and charm as the previous installments of the Tea Dragon series, The Tea Dragon Tapestry welcomes old friends and new into a heartfelt story of purpose, love, and growth."

My Review: I absolutely love Katie O'Neill's story telling and illustration style and this book is no different. I like how this book brought the previous two together, admittedly it has been a while since I read them and I was a bit confused at first. I love the soothing feel of this book, both the the colors chosen for the illustrations and with the story itself. It is a great message about finding the right path for yourself and being who you are with all your flaws and emotions. I also really appreciate the diversity put into this series, it isn't there for a statement or to push an agenda, it just is and it is so beautiful. We also get a great side story about grief in this one as we follow one of the tea dragons after loosing its beloved caretaker. All in all it is beautiful in all ways and I look forward to more!

My Rating: I really enjoyed this one, maybe not quite as much as the first book but I think if I were to re-read the whole series again, I would enjoy it more.  I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!

 I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The above is my honest review and opinion.

You can find out more about Katie O'Neill and her books on her Goodreads Page or Website. (I have loved every one so far). 

The Tea Dragon Tapestry comes out on September 1st but you can pre-order your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your library or local comic book store.

Bedtime Story: Tank's Forever Home by Carol Kim & Illustrated by Courtney Godbey

Read for: Early Reader/ Bedtime Story/ Requested Review/ Netgalley

Synopsis: "Tank is a bullmastiff named for his great size. At least, that was the name Shawn and Kat gave the gentle giant after they found him behind the bookstore. The kids convince their parents to let them foster the stray while animal rescue looks for his owner. Meanwhile, Shawn and Kat try to figure out how such a loving dog could come to be lost. What will happen to Tank if Shawn and Kat can’t help him find his forever home? 

Doggie Daycare is open for business. Join siblings Shawn (9) and Kat (7) Choi as they start their own pet-sitting service out of their San Francisco home. Every dog they meet has its own special personality sending them on fun (and furry) adventures all over the city!"

My Review: I am a big supporter of animal adoption and when I saw this book, I knew it was one I wanted to read and share. This was a great tale about a dog finding the right home for him. I like how it is handled in this story, not a dog that was just dropped off but with an owner trying to do the right thing but just not being the right fit for him. I really liked the art style and I think the kids will also like the colors and bold drawings. This is a great book for both little ones to listen to and also for older kids to read aloud.

My Rating: This is such a great story about animal adoption and finding the right home for the animal. It was easy for kids to grasp and may be a great way to discuss why or why not a pet is right for your home.  I give it a rating of Four Paws! I hope to see more books in this series in the future!

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The above is my honest review and opinion. 

You can find out more about Carol Kim and her books on her Goodreads Page.

Tanks Forever Home releases September 1st but you can pre-order your copy in print and digital from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your local library or bookstore.

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

 

Review of Fable by Adrienne Young

Read for: Requested Review/Netgalley/ Anticipated Release

Synopsis: "As the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows, the sea is the only home seventeen-year-old Fable has ever known. It’s been four years since the night she watched her mother drown during an unforgiving storm. The next day her father abandoned her on a legendary island filled with thieves and little food. To survive she must keep to herself, learn to trust no one and rely on the unique skills her mother taught her. The only thing that keeps her going is the goal of getting off the island, finding her father and demanding her rightful place beside him and his crew. To do so Fable enlists the help of a young trader named West to get her off the island and across the Narrows to her father.

But her father’s rivalries and the dangers of his trading enterprise have only multiplied since she last saw him and Fable soon finds that West isn't who he seems. Together, they will have to survive more than the treacherous storms that haunt the Narrows if they're going to stay alive.

Welcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men." 

My Review: After only two books by Adrienne Young, I have really come to trust her writing to be everything I love, so I jumped at the opportunity to read this one. Fable did not disappoint! I love how rich and vivid this world is, you can completely picture it as you read. I also love how different this book is from her previous two, I loved the brutal, each for themselves pirate world in this book (just as much as I loved the brutal, honor bound viking world). Fable lives and does what must be done to survive but there is one thing she wants, a family. This was quite the adventure in finding and giving trust, overcoming the odds and what is worth the sacrifice. Be forewarned, the ending is quite the cliffhanger! I am dying for Namesake!!

My Rating: This book met all my expectations and more! It was an enthralling read, the pages fly by, you have to know what happens next! I loved the characters and want so much more.  I give it a rating of Four Paws!

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The above is my honest review and opinion.

To find out more about Adrienne Young and her books you can check out her Goodreads Page, Website and I highly recommend following her on Instagram as she is the sweetest person ever and gives some really amazing writing advice!

Fable releases on September 1st, but you can pre-order your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your local library or bookstore.

Can't Wait for . . . The Empire Strikes Back From a Certain Point of View

 

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hoste at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

You guys! Seriously, I had no idea this was coming but I am beyond excited!! I have always been a huge fan of the original Star Wars movies, but I held off reading the first From a Certain Point of View book because I was worried about it not living up to the movies.  Little did I know how it would change my view even on the movie! I love the little background stories of the side characters in the movie and the way the stories integrate so seamlessly. I love watching A New Hope and noticing more of those characters, it adds so much to the experience.  I am so excited to read this one, and with all those amazing authors too!

The Empire Strikes Back From a Certain Point of View

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Synopsis: "From a Certain Point of View strikes back! Celebrate the legacy of the groundbreaking Star Wars sequel with this exciting reimagining of the timeless film.

On May 21, 1980, Star Wars became a true saga with the release of The Empire Strikes Back. In honor of the fortieth anniversary, forty storytellers recreate an iconic scene from The Empire Strikes Back, through the eyes of a supporting character, from heroes and villains to droids and creatures. From a Certain Point of View features contributions by bestselling authors and trendsetting artists."

What do you think about Movie to Book Adaptations & retellings?

Review of The Menu by Steven Manchester

 

Read for: Requested Review/ Favorite authors

Synopsis: "Blessed with a high emotional IQ, Phinn Reed enters the world with the promise of finding his soul mate. With heaven’s memories erased, his romantic quest teaches him that the heart often sees clearer than the eyes—and that not everyone has ordered the same items from The Menu. Evidence that love stories come in many different forms, The Menu is a spiritual journey involving more than just a man and a woman; it is a modern-day tale that reaches far beyond the boundaries of reason."

My Review:  Steven Manchester always manages to hit me in the feelings, and this book was no different. I wasn't sure if I was going to get as involved with the characters, but Phinn really grew on me along with all of the other characters he comes in contact with in his life. I really enjoyed the more faith driven, as opposed to religion driven, theme of this story. The way he wrote The Menu, it renews your own belief that there is a purpose for you to be here. Definitely the boost and the glimmer of hope I needed during these times. Of course in classic style, there are some truly beautiful moments in the story but also so emotionally painful moments, as always Manchester's books should come with a complimentary pack of tissues! Even with the emotional roller coaster you are sent on, full of bittersweet moments, while following Phinn's journey, you are left with a beautiful sense of peace.

My Rating: This was a short and easy to read book, but it packs some powerful emotional punches. I love the way faith is brought in but it doesn't read like an agenda. Even though it makes a lot of references to God and spiritual well being, it is still open to your own interpretation.  I give this one a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The above is my honest review and opinion.

You can find out more about Steven Manchester and his books (I highly recommend any of them - I have read almost all of his work) on his Goodreads Page or Website.

The Menu was recently released and you can now obtain your own copy in print and digital format from Amazon. You can also request it at your local library or bookstore.

Monday Reading List

 It is Monday again, and time to update with what I read last week, what I am currently reading and what to look forward to next week.

Reviews Posted Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Happy and You Know It by Laura Hawkin

Pete the Cat's Family Road Trip by James & Kimberly Dean (Early Reader)

 Books Finished Last Week:

Reviews will be posted at a later date

Death by Dumpling - DNF 50%

Book Line & Sinker 

A Heart of Blood and Ashes

At Wolf Ranch

The Horse Master of Shanhasson

Currently Reading:

You Can't F*ck Up Your Kids by Lindsay Powers - Print - on page 98 of 320
The Ranger of Marzanna by Jon Skovron - print/ebook - on page 134 of 528

Fable by Adrienne Young - ebook - on page 108 of  368

The Phoenix Empress by K. Arsenault Rivera - Audio/Print - on page 67 of 544

Pages Read/ Time Listened
623:06 Hours Listened (21:56 listened this week)
18,460 Pages Read (443 this week)

Books Added to Shelves Recently: TBR
The Eyes of Tamburah (gift)
The Wolf in the Whale
~~~~~~~~~~March Birthday Waiver Books ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Rain Dragon Rescue
The Order of the Unicorn
#Frankenstein
All the Wandering Light
Life on the Leash
Phoenix Unbound
You Can't F*ck Up Your Kids  (gift)
Mary Shelley Monster Hunter Vol. 1
The Caged Queen
The Mum Who'd Had Enough
The Voyage to Magical North
I Needed a Viking
The Overdue Life of Amy Byler
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Birthday Waiver~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Red Hood (gift)
Scavenge the Stars
Beefcakes
Hades & Persephone
Red, White & Royal Blue
Dark Skies
No Country for Old Gnomes (gift)
About That Kiss
The Ranger of Marzanna
A Heart of Blood and Ashes (gift) - READ
The Girl and the Stars
A Choir of Lies
Loving Cara
This Will Kill That
Woven in Moonlight
Girl of Fire & Thorns (gift)
Murder Past Due
Books Can Be Deceiving - READ
Due or Die - READ
Book Line and Sinker - READ
Apple Cider Slaying
All My Loving
Fury of a Phoenix
Homicide in Hardcover (gift)
Unravel the Dusk
Ruthless Gods
Mexican Gothic
Happy and You Know It - READ
Flirtasaurus - READ
At Wolf Ranch (gift) - READ

A Touch of Stone and Snow (gift)
Bookish and the Beast

A Thief Among the Trees

Tooth and Claw
The Librarian of Auschwitz

Ember and the Ice Dragons

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


It was a pretty good reading week, I was really enjoying the books I was picking up!  I absolutely flew through my first Tome Topple book! The second book is a bit of a slower read but I am enjoying it.  I need to catch up on a few more requested reviews, but I am finally making some progress on the list.  This week also kicks off the week long Bout of Books Readathon, so I hope to use it as motivation to read a few more books!

In other news, this weekend we welcomed a new furry family member.  It has been a long process selecting just the right cat for our family but we were finally able to bring him home over the weekend.  I will make a post sometime in the near future introducing him to you all, but I will tell you now he is an absolute love and we already adore him!