Graphic Novel Review of Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 1: Redemption by Scott Lobdell

Read for: Graphic Novel Challenge

 

Synopsis: "No sooner has Batman's former sidekick, Jason Todd, put his past as the Red Hood behind him than he finds himself cornered by a pair of modern day outlaws: Green Arrow's rejected sidekick Arsenal, the damaged soldier of fortune, and the alien Starfire, a former prisoner of intergalactic war who won't be chained again. As a loner, Jason has absolutely no interest in this motley crew of outlaws. So what's he going to do when they choose the Red Hood as their leader?"

My Rating: I so want to like this one, I enjoyed the characters but it took forever to really get into it. The reason I am finding that I dislike about super hero graphic novels is that no matter if you are getting the first issue there is always some backstory to years and years of previous issues and graphic novels that you haven't read. It seems all super hero graphic novels are linked and unless you have a vast knowledge of them, you will be totally lost for a while. With that said I did really enjoy these individual characters and conflicts throughout this graphic novel. I really enjoyed the style of illustration as well.

 

My Review: I clearly need more backstory on these super heroes and villains.  Maybe someone should but out a character profile comic book for each one that you can get as a supplement before starting a new graphic novel series.  Anyway, it was fun and enjoyable and I may try to follow this one a little bit. I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

Bedtime Story: Clifford's Spring Clean Up by Norman Bridwell

Read for: Children's Book Challenge & Time to Clean House!

 

Synopsis: "In this all-new adventure, he's hard at work getting the house clean. When Emily Elizabeth airs out some throw rugs, he grabs the living room carpet and gives it a good shake--in fact, he shakes it to pieces! What Clifford does best is help clear out the weeds for the vacant lot on Earth Day."

My Review: We are in full spring cleaning mode in our house and I was looking for a book to encourage Munchkin's help. Clifford tries to help but ends up making a mess, that is until he finds the perfect job for him. It is a fun book that combines the normal spring cleaning chores with some outside spring activities and a little Earth Day as well. Munchkin enjoyed Clifford's antics and seems to be excited about spring projects.  

 

My Rating: I love reading Clifford books to Munchkin, I remember him so vividly from when I was a kid, though Munchkin doesn't seem to understand why.  This was a fun book about not only spring cleaning (which we will be tackling next week) but also a little bit about Earth Day too.  We give it a rating of Four Paws!

 

 

 

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Beginning Reader Review of The Berenstain Bears Clean House by Stan Berenstain

Read for: Early Reader Challenge & it is that time of year!

 

Synopsis: "It's time for spring cleaning and the Bear family decides to have a yard sale. Mama Bear goes through the house gathering up all sorts of tattered things—but each tattered thing seems to be someone's favourite tattered thing! Perhaps spring cleaning will just have to wait until next year."

My Review: I picked this book up to help Munchkin get into spring cleaning mode with the rest of the family. This book initially helps with that, going through the big chores and general clearing out of the house. Unfortunately, the things that everyone decides to clear out end up back in the house. That is not exactly the message I wanted Munchkin to get from the book but it is still a fun story to read. It is also great for those beginning readers, with simple sentences, words and actions.

 

My Rating: This is a great book for early readers and fans of the Berenstain Bears, Munchkin isn't really too much though.  It didn't really get the message across that I was looking for in the end but it still has a good story.  I give it a rating of Three Paws.

After Dark Review of Falling Softly by Jayne Rayon and Mari Carr

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

 

Read For: Series Challenge & Mount TBR Digital

 

Synopsis: "Darkness has crept into Sterling Compton’s charmed life, relentlessly stealing what’s left of her grandmother’s memories. When she happens upon a compelling stranger leaning against a broken-down pickup in the middle of nowhere, grief and a gut-deep attraction spur her to take that too-safe life by the horns.

From the instant Sterling emerges from her Jeep, Viho is drawn to her carefree spirit. Her innocent offer of a ride turns into the ride of his life in his truck bed—and he forgets why he meant to avoid Compton Pass at all costs.

He should have known that karma was waiting to laugh in his face. Especially when Viho figures out Sterling’s father is the one who stood between him and the man he should have called “father”.

Yet it’s tough to hate someone who offers him a job. Especially when he and Sterling realize there’s a living tie on the way that will bind Viho to her family forever—if he can convince her she’s much more to him than an obligation.

Warning: Sometimes it’s hard to let go, but every story has an ending. This one has a Native American hero with a chip on his shoulder the size of Wyoming and a vulnerable heroine who has a gift for polishing up diamonds in the rough. Some scenes may tug heartstrings so hard it’ll hurt, but the oh-my-god orgasms make up for it."

My Review: This was a good conclusion to this series even though I did not want it to end. I have really enjoyed all the books so far and the characters were all unique and well developed but I felt I knew Sterling the least, I still feel like I don't know her as well as I should for having read a book with her as the MC. I enjoyed Viho but I did find him to be a little immature at times for what his age is supposed to be. The ongoing storyline with Vivi seems to take over the storyline a little, which I actually almost preferred, the family dynamics were great to read and feel. I am so sad to see this series ending, but I can go back and read the series of books featuring the fathers at least!

 

My Rating: I enjoyed this book for the series long storyline as opposed to the one set around Viho & Sterling.  I did think it make a good conclusion to the series and it was still very enjoyable to read.  I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

Update

Sorry to everyone who I have left hanging this past week.  I unfortunately came down with the flu last Wednesday and haven't been up to doing anything but surviving.  I hope to be contacting the winners of the Dr. Seuss giveaway shortly.  I also hope to get back to regular schedule next week, health providing.