This was the third and final book I grabbed on the last trip to WHPL.
I'm able to overlook the ridiculous romance scene. It was eye roll worthy.
That being said, I was surprised how much I liked this, being that it's beach-read murder-mystery romance.
5 women create an investment club (which, at first at least, is just an excuse to eat munchies and drink). Then one goes missing and another is murdered. Then a third is nearly murdered and a 4th goes into hiding. The missing one's stepsister Charlotte and the deceased one's family PI Max meet and begin to investigate what is really going on. Going back and forth between the cities and rural Pacific Northwest, these ladies might be up to much more than trying a make a bit of side money.
This is a story with many twists and turns. I did "figure it out" fairly early, but again, this isn't deep reading.
I also think this is going to be book 1 in trilogy. Max happens to have 2 foster brothers who are mentioned just enough to make you wonder about their stories (intentionally I believe).
Overall, a good quick read without a lot of thought required. If the sequels come to fruition, I'd probably read them, but not actively seek them out.
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Flashmob by Christopher Farnsworth
I could not get into this.
This was another book I picked up at our most recent stop at WHPL. Cover looked awesome, jacket description sounded very interesting, reviews on the back of the author's other books were glowing.
Nope.
I kept picking this up and putting it down, trying to get into it. I later learned it was book #2 in the series, though there was no indication of that anywhere before starting the book. I just could not find any oomph, for lack of a better word. The main character's ability to read minds made him too superheroish and the Kardashian-wannabe Iranian family he works for more annoying than the actual Kardashians.
I really wanted to like this, but at half-way through I'm giving up.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
This was another book I picked up at our most recent stop at WHPL. Cover looked awesome, jacket description sounded very interesting, reviews on the back of the author's other books were glowing.
Nope.
I kept picking this up and putting it down, trying to get into it. I later learned it was book #2 in the series, though there was no indication of that anywhere before starting the book. I just could not find any oomph, for lack of a better word. The main character's ability to read minds made him too superheroish and the Kardashian-wannabe Iranian family he works for more annoying than the actual Kardashians.
I really wanted to like this, but at half-way through I'm giving up.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #summerreading
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Twelve Angry Librarians by Miranda James
I'm usually very hesitant about starting a series midway (or in this case with the most recent of a long series). However, I was perusing the new books section at WHPL while my son was getting a book on hold that had come in (the sequel to Swim the Fly) when I saw this.
I'm not a cat person, but I'd love a library cat. Read Dewey of you're looking for a cat memoir.
I was pleasantly surprised that I did not need any background info on the characters to understand the plot (except maybe how this giant Maine Coon cat ended up in the library in the first place).
An interim library director's university is hosting the annual librarian conference (I've only been to one...CASL last year). He finds his college nemesis is the keynote speaker. In addition, the speaker, Gavin, seems to be quite the diva with his hotel room demands. No one actually seems to like him, and no one but his smitten assistant is really upset when he drops dead mid-speech. Everyone is a suspect because everyone hates him.
This reminded me a lot of the play the Carrigan Drama Club put on when I was advisor--the name is escaping me at the moment, but several comedians are in a cabin when one of them turns up dead.
I liked this as a light, rainy day on the couch read. Enough to seek out the titles earlier in the series? Not really. Enough to read one of them if it crosses my path? Definitely.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
I'm not a cat person, but I'd love a library cat. Read Dewey of you're looking for a cat memoir.
I was pleasantly surprised that I did not need any background info on the characters to understand the plot (except maybe how this giant Maine Coon cat ended up in the library in the first place).
An interim library director's university is hosting the annual librarian conference (I've only been to one...CASL last year). He finds his college nemesis is the keynote speaker. In addition, the speaker, Gavin, seems to be quite the diva with his hotel room demands. No one actually seems to like him, and no one but his smitten assistant is really upset when he drops dead mid-speech. Everyone is a suspect because everyone hates him.
This reminded me a lot of the play the Carrigan Drama Club put on when I was advisor--the name is escaping me at the moment, but several comedians are in a cabin when one of them turns up dead.
I liked this as a light, rainy day on the couch read. Enough to seek out the titles earlier in the series? Not really. Enough to read one of them if it crosses my path? Definitely.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #summerreading
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Monday, July 24, 2017
If the Log Rolls Over by Hank Silverberg
Time for a tale of Westie history. No really.
My Dad grew up on Noble Street. His later Best Man lived next door. They were class of 74 and 72 at WHHS, respectively.
The author is also Class of 1972!
So, as most of you know, my Dad passed away in 2011 (followed by my Mom in 2013). When he died, I took my Dad's old records, which he'd always said he'd give me someday. In going through them, I found the name Larry Slater. I knew this was my Dad's Best Man and that he once he lived in what was now Kathy's house next door to them. I found him on Facebook shortly after my Dad's passing. He even came to my Mom's memorial and met Kathy in person.
Fast forward a few years and he purchases a copy of two of the author's books to donate to the WHHS LMC. Silverberg, who now lives in Virginia but is still a member of Red Sox Nation, even autographed them for us!
I thumbed through this and knew I had to read the whole thing once I was done with The Giver Quartet.
Some of the names have been changed. But between my Dad, my secretary (77) and my counterpart (79), I'm pretty sure I've actually heard some of these stories before. In fact, I'm certain Mrs. Taylor and Silverberg had the same French teachers. And I know my Dad despised the kids from Leete Street. We're no longer sinking into the swamp; well, let's hope not any further until the new building is ready.
This will be up in the memoirs on the special shelf come September.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
My Dad grew up on Noble Street. His later Best Man lived next door. They were class of 74 and 72 at WHHS, respectively.
The author is also Class of 1972!
So, as most of you know, my Dad passed away in 2011 (followed by my Mom in 2013). When he died, I took my Dad's old records, which he'd always said he'd give me someday. In going through them, I found the name Larry Slater. I knew this was my Dad's Best Man and that he once he lived in what was now Kathy's house next door to them. I found him on Facebook shortly after my Dad's passing. He even came to my Mom's memorial and met Kathy in person.
Fast forward a few years and he purchases a copy of two of the author's books to donate to the WHHS LMC. Silverberg, who now lives in Virginia but is still a member of Red Sox Nation, even autographed them for us!
I thumbed through this and knew I had to read the whole thing once I was done with The Giver Quartet.
Some of the names have been changed. But between my Dad, my secretary (77) and my counterpart (79), I'm pretty sure I've actually heard some of these stories before. In fact, I'm certain Mrs. Taylor and Silverberg had the same French teachers. And I know my Dad despised the kids from Leete Street. We're no longer sinking into the swamp; well, let's hope not any further until the new building is ready.
This will be up in the memoirs on the special shelf come September.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Review of The Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son by Lois Lowry
I read The Giver was released in 1993. I remember reading it as a freshman in high school 94-95 as an outside reading book in English I Honors.
Early in my teaching career, I did several home-bound tutoring assignments for additional compensation. In my first year (02) I read Gathering Blue, which was released in 2000, to use with an 8th grader on medical home-bound.
I loved both of these books.
Late last winter I added to the wish-list for the WHHS LMC. I came across a box set of FOUR books in The Giver series. Wait, what? We did not have Messenger (2004) or Son (2012), nor had I even heard of them.
Being rather impatient, I ordered them off Amazon. Of course they will be donated come September.
Let's look at a brief plot summary of each.
The Giver--in a future dystopian society, everyone is the same. Color does not exist. Children are assigned to their future careers at age 12. There is no memory of the past, except for one old man, known as Giver. As the end of his life approaches, he must give these painful memories to a new Receiver. Jonas, the older of two children given to his parental units (a third child, Gabe stays with them nightly; the family Father is a caretaker of babies and Gabe needs some extra attention) is chosen as his replacement and begins the grueling task of taking on these painful memories. He cannot cope with the horrible truths he learns about his society and escapes, along with Gabe.
Gathering Blue--in another future dystopian society, anyone sick or deformed is left in a field to die. Kira was born with a bent foot, but her mother convinces the council to allow her to stay as her father Christopher was recently killed on a hunting trip. After Kira's mother dies, other women attempt to kick Kira out, but a kind man on the council, Jameson, makes the case for her to stay as she can repair the Singer's Robe. Kira befriends the Carver and Singer of the future, along with a boy named Matt and his dog Branch. Kira learns Jameson is not what he claims to be and her father is alive in another village. Matt agrees to be their go-between while Kira, through her thread-work, will rewrite the future of her village.
Messenger--Matty and Christopher live together in a village separated from Kira by a forest. Jonas has been elected Leader of this village. Jonas has the ability to see far away places and into he future. Matty has learned he has the ability to heal. What was once a place of refuge has become hostile to outsiders, especially those who are different. A dark presence oversees a trade market, in "Devil and Daniel Webster"-esque dealings. Matty battles the evil, which saves the village, but costs him his life.
Son--This flashes back to Jonas's home society before Gabe was born. Claire is assigned the role of Birthmother and is impregnated at 14. She needs a C-section to deliver her son, who will be known as Product 36 until the following December when he is given to a family. She is deemed unfit for further pregnancy and is re-assigned to the fish hatchery. She defies all rules to interact with the baby, who does not seem to be thriving at the childcare center. He is granted a second year, but is later voted to be released (the reader knows this means execution). Claire wants to escape with him, but Jonas beats her to him. Claire jumps about a supply boat and suffers a mishap at sea losing her memory. Little by little she regains them under the care of a kind family in a new village. Claire gains strength at sets out to find Gabe. She finds the Trademaster in the forest and makes a deal: her youth for her son's whereabouts. Eventually they are reunited, and Gabe sets out to destroy Evil and free his mother from the deal.
After reading books 3 and 4 in the series, I will say Gathering Blue is still my favorite by far, with Son coming in second.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Early in my teaching career, I did several home-bound tutoring assignments for additional compensation. In my first year (02) I read Gathering Blue, which was released in 2000, to use with an 8th grader on medical home-bound.
I loved both of these books.
Late last winter I added to the wish-list for the WHHS LMC. I came across a box set of FOUR books in The Giver series. Wait, what? We did not have Messenger (2004) or Son (2012), nor had I even heard of them.
Being rather impatient, I ordered them off Amazon. Of course they will be donated come September.
Let's look at a brief plot summary of each.
The Giver--in a future dystopian society, everyone is the same. Color does not exist. Children are assigned to their future careers at age 12. There is no memory of the past, except for one old man, known as Giver. As the end of his life approaches, he must give these painful memories to a new Receiver. Jonas, the older of two children given to his parental units (a third child, Gabe stays with them nightly; the family Father is a caretaker of babies and Gabe needs some extra attention) is chosen as his replacement and begins the grueling task of taking on these painful memories. He cannot cope with the horrible truths he learns about his society and escapes, along with Gabe.
Gathering Blue--in another future dystopian society, anyone sick or deformed is left in a field to die. Kira was born with a bent foot, but her mother convinces the council to allow her to stay as her father Christopher was recently killed on a hunting trip. After Kira's mother dies, other women attempt to kick Kira out, but a kind man on the council, Jameson, makes the case for her to stay as she can repair the Singer's Robe. Kira befriends the Carver and Singer of the future, along with a boy named Matt and his dog Branch. Kira learns Jameson is not what he claims to be and her father is alive in another village. Matt agrees to be their go-between while Kira, through her thread-work, will rewrite the future of her village.
Messenger--Matty and Christopher live together in a village separated from Kira by a forest. Jonas has been elected Leader of this village. Jonas has the ability to see far away places and into he future. Matty has learned he has the ability to heal. What was once a place of refuge has become hostile to outsiders, especially those who are different. A dark presence oversees a trade market, in "Devil and Daniel Webster"-esque dealings. Matty battles the evil, which saves the village, but costs him his life.
Son--This flashes back to Jonas's home society before Gabe was born. Claire is assigned the role of Birthmother and is impregnated at 14. She needs a C-section to deliver her son, who will be known as Product 36 until the following December when he is given to a family. She is deemed unfit for further pregnancy and is re-assigned to the fish hatchery. She defies all rules to interact with the baby, who does not seem to be thriving at the childcare center. He is granted a second year, but is later voted to be released (the reader knows this means execution). Claire wants to escape with him, but Jonas beats her to him. Claire jumps about a supply boat and suffers a mishap at sea losing her memory. Little by little she regains them under the care of a kind family in a new village. Claire gains strength at sets out to find Gabe. She finds the Trademaster in the forest and makes a deal: her youth for her son's whereabouts. Eventually they are reunited, and Gabe sets out to destroy Evil and free his mother from the deal.
After reading books 3 and 4 in the series, I will say Gathering Blue is still my favorite by far, with Son coming in second.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Going Bovine by Libba Bray
I picked this up at the Scholastic Warehouse sale when shopping with the bottle return money.
Um...this was an acid trip and a half.
I honestly have no idea what to make of it.
Short synopsis: Cameron, a C+ish stoner with an uber popular twin sister, has the human equivalent of Mad Cow Disease. He's going to die and is declining rapidly.
Now, here comes the acid trip. He's being guided on a save-the-universe and himself mission by a guardian angel with a candy addiction, a dwarf (sorry if that's not the correct term anymore) who is a germaphobe, and talking garden gnome who is a Viking God entrapped. And the ultimate battlefield to save humankind is in Disney World...behind the scenes of the It's a Small World ride.
I had a lot of trouble keeping straight what was happening--in truth I don't know even now what was real, what was a hallucination, and what was symbolism masked as hippies going bowling.
Weird, weird, weird!
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Um...this was an acid trip and a half.
I honestly have no idea what to make of it.
Short synopsis: Cameron, a C+ish stoner with an uber popular twin sister, has the human equivalent of Mad Cow Disease. He's going to die and is declining rapidly.
Now, here comes the acid trip. He's being guided on a save-the-universe and himself mission by a guardian angel with a candy addiction, a dwarf (sorry if that's not the correct term anymore) who is a germaphobe, and talking garden gnome who is a Viking God entrapped. And the ultimate battlefield to save humankind is in Disney World...behind the scenes of the It's a Small World ride.
I had a lot of trouble keeping straight what was happening--in truth I don't know even now what was real, what was a hallucination, and what was symbolism masked as hippies going bowling.
Weird, weird, weird!
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #summerreading
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Incantation by Alice Hoffman
I saw this when shopping for the WHHS LMC at the Scholastic Warehouse Sale with our bottle return money. Hoffman's The Museum of Extraordinary Things was a great book, and I am glad I picked this up because it was amazing writing, but I'm absolutely heartbroken after reading it.
The story is set during the Spanish Inquisition (if you need a quick history lesson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Inquisition). During this time, Jews and Muslims were persecuted. Even those who converted to Christianity were sometimes executed as fakers.
The family central to the plot pretends to be Christian, but is secretly Jewish. I don't feel I am spoiling this, as it is fairly obvious to the reader, but not to the main character, Esther (I am using her true Jewish name). The giveaway was the Friday night candles.
Sadly, it is Esther's best friend who betrays the family, after a fight over a boy.
The torture Esther's grandfather and mother endure is terrible. It is a nausea-inducing read. But, like my last review, not every story based on real history has a happy ending.
This was a really quick read; it took me just one evening. It is rather short, but the length does not matter because the writing itself is so powerful.
Do NOT read this if a pet's murder (and worse) would be a trigger for you.
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
The Ancient Aliens Official Companion Book
If you've followed this review blog for a while, you know I'm obsessed with Ancient Aliens. So there was no way I could resist buying the companion text. However, it was a bit of a let down. The material presented in the book has, for the most part, already been so on the show. There is some "behind the scenes" and "extended version" type stuff that was mildly interesting, but I was rather bored since I'd already heard of all of it (I've seen every episode). I almost felt ripped off, as the show name was used to sell the book (Jurassic Park lunchbox, anyone?).
I'll be donating this to the WHHS LMC come autumn. Maybe someone who has heard of the show but not watched it will read it and get hooked!
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I'll be donating this to the WHHS LMC come autumn. Maybe someone who has heard of the show but not watched it will read it and get hooked!
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Friday, July 7, 2017
Stealing Indians by John Smelcer
Heartbreaking. There is no other word for this dark part of American history.
Imagine the government authorizing you being taken from your home. You are placed in a boarding school with other kids who look like you, but are not from the same culture. You are beaten, abused, tormented to be more white. You are expected to forget the culture you came from.
This is not dystopian literature. This is not some far off land. This is right here, in our past.
The four teens are blends of real people, created from actual children Smelcer learned about in interviewing elders. These children were American Indians.
I have done a lot of reading about the Indian boarding schools, much of it when I was working on my Master's. It still makes me want to throw up, even now. Sadly, this cultural genocide is usually swept under the rug in our U.S. History classes, as if it never happened. Happened it did, and the ending is not happy.
This will be added to the WHHS LMC collection when we get back. Currently there is no fiction included in our American Indian history section, but I may be putting this there. Because every word of it is true.
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Imagine the government authorizing you being taken from your home. You are placed in a boarding school with other kids who look like you, but are not from the same culture. You are beaten, abused, tormented to be more white. You are expected to forget the culture you came from.
This is not dystopian literature. This is not some far off land. This is right here, in our past.
The four teens are blends of real people, created from actual children Smelcer learned about in interviewing elders. These children were American Indians.
I have done a lot of reading about the Indian boarding schools, much of it when I was working on my Master's. It still makes me want to throw up, even now. Sadly, this cultural genocide is usually swept under the rug in our U.S. History classes, as if it never happened. Happened it did, and the ending is not happy.
This will be added to the WHHS LMC collection when we get back. Currently there is no fiction included in our American Indian history section, but I may be putting this there. Because every word of it is true.
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Papi: My Story by David Ortiz
It does not matter if you are a Red Sox fan. If you know anything about baseball, at all, you know David Ortiz.
And I am a Red Sox fan; Boston is my f*%$#^(g city.
I expected to read a memoir full of laughs. While there are plenty, I was not expecting how much I'd cry reading this. I mean flat out bawling at his mother's death. Shaking with anger at the way his girlfriend was treated in Minnesota because they had children but were not yet married. Unable to hold it together as he recounts that terrible day at the marathon. Seriously, I'm crying now rethinking about these and other moments.
Here's a rather funny in a wrong way but so true statement from Tiffany Ortiz to lighten the mood: a parking space in Boston costs more than a house in Minnesota. True story.
This was one of the best memoirs I've ever read, and I'm not just saying that because it's Papi. I've read other Red Sox memoirs and been under-impressed. This is so good I'm NOT donating it to the WHHS LMC. I'm keeping this one and just ordered another off Amazon to donate.
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
And I am a Red Sox fan; Boston is my f*%$#^(g city.
I expected to read a memoir full of laughs. While there are plenty, I was not expecting how much I'd cry reading this. I mean flat out bawling at his mother's death. Shaking with anger at the way his girlfriend was treated in Minnesota because they had children but were not yet married. Unable to hold it together as he recounts that terrible day at the marathon. Seriously, I'm crying now rethinking about these and other moments.
Here's a rather funny in a wrong way but so true statement from Tiffany Ortiz to lighten the mood: a parking space in Boston costs more than a house in Minnesota. True story.
This was one of the best memoirs I've ever read, and I'm not just saying that because it's Papi. I've read other Red Sox memoirs and been under-impressed. This is so good I'm NOT donating it to the WHHS LMC. I'm keeping this one and just ordered another off Amazon to donate.
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Monday, July 3, 2017
Camino Island by John Grisham
*sigh*
I wanted to love this, as I do most other Grisham novels. It was just OK. But OK for a Grisham is like an F for anybody else.
The beginning of this book was fabulous. I was all into it and super excited to continue. I've got a weird obsession with the stolen antiquities market, and here's a literary theft. A gang of thieves breaks into the Princeton Library and steals priceless F. Scott Fitzgerald manuscripts.
And that's where the excitement ended.
Two of the thieves are caught almost instantly, thief 3 kills thief 4 to make a faster getaway. The tech guy behind the theft gets away and is never mentioned again.
Enter a laid-off professor and wannabe writer. The university's insurance company hires her to infiltrate the used book store and gain the trust of its owner, whom they believe now has the stolen manuscripts.
It. Was. So. Boring.
Wannabe writer (I kept picturing her as Velma from Scooby Doo for some reason) and used book salesman end up sleeping together. Thief 3 seeks to steal back the manuscripts. Insurance rep keeps popping up randomly.
In the end, and yeah SPOILER ALERT, used book salesman ransoms the manuscripts for insurance money and invites the wannabe writer/spy back for sex any time she's visiting.
Perhaps for someone not familiar with the usual caliber of John Grisham this would be a good read. Huge Fitzgerald fans might like it as well, simply for the way he figures into the plot (Hemingway does too). An OK time killer.
This will be donated to the WHHS LMC when we get back.
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
I wanted to love this, as I do most other Grisham novels. It was just OK. But OK for a Grisham is like an F for anybody else.
The beginning of this book was fabulous. I was all into it and super excited to continue. I've got a weird obsession with the stolen antiquities market, and here's a literary theft. A gang of thieves breaks into the Princeton Library and steals priceless F. Scott Fitzgerald manuscripts.
And that's where the excitement ended.
Two of the thieves are caught almost instantly, thief 3 kills thief 4 to make a faster getaway. The tech guy behind the theft gets away and is never mentioned again.
Enter a laid-off professor and wannabe writer. The university's insurance company hires her to infiltrate the used book store and gain the trust of its owner, whom they believe now has the stolen manuscripts.
It. Was. So. Boring.
Wannabe writer (I kept picturing her as Velma from Scooby Doo for some reason) and used book salesman end up sleeping together. Thief 3 seeks to steal back the manuscripts. Insurance rep keeps popping up randomly.
In the end, and yeah SPOILER ALERT, used book salesman ransoms the manuscripts for insurance money and invites the wannabe writer/spy back for sex any time she's visiting.
Perhaps for someone not familiar with the usual caliber of John Grisham this would be a good read. Huge Fitzgerald fans might like it as well, simply for the way he figures into the plot (Hemingway does too). An OK time killer.
This will be donated to the WHHS LMC when we get back.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #summerreading
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
This was recommended to me by Amazon, perhaps due to my obsession with Jack Sparrow. My review is simply "mixed".
First, I love pirates. Especially ones being portrayed by Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. I've read a lot about Anne Bonny and Mary Read, probably the two most well-known female pirates. So, I was eager to read this, with the red-headed female lead (perhaps a tribute to Bonny) labeled "Lady Jack Sparrow" in the cover tagline.
First, a few annoyances:
Alosa is half-human, half-siren. I don't feel like I'm spoiling this, because it's ridiculously obvious shortly into the story. It wasn't any kind of surprise when the fact is revealed.
Alosa worries way too much about her appearance. This attempt to feminize her backfires in my opinion. I know this is her "siren side", but it felt wrong.
The (mild and only PG rated) romance scenes are eye-roll worthy.
Those out of the way, the story itself wasn't bad. Alosa allows herself to be kidnapped to find a third of the map her father, the Pirate King needs. Riden and Draxen are the sons of her father's rival and (somewhat of course) Alosa and Riden fall in love.
Eh. That's my answer. Awful? Certainly not. Easy read that held my interest enough to finish it? Yes. Must read this now and eagerly await the sequel? Not so much.
I'll be donating this to the WHHS LMC when we get back.
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
First, I love pirates. Especially ones being portrayed by Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. I've read a lot about Anne Bonny and Mary Read, probably the two most well-known female pirates. So, I was eager to read this, with the red-headed female lead (perhaps a tribute to Bonny) labeled "Lady Jack Sparrow" in the cover tagline.
First, a few annoyances:
Alosa is half-human, half-siren. I don't feel like I'm spoiling this, because it's ridiculously obvious shortly into the story. It wasn't any kind of surprise when the fact is revealed.
Alosa worries way too much about her appearance. This attempt to feminize her backfires in my opinion. I know this is her "siren side", but it felt wrong.
The (mild and only PG rated) romance scenes are eye-roll worthy.
Those out of the way, the story itself wasn't bad. Alosa allows herself to be kidnapped to find a third of the map her father, the Pirate King needs. Riden and Draxen are the sons of her father's rival and (somewhat of course) Alosa and Riden fall in love.
Eh. That's my answer. Awful? Certainly not. Easy read that held my interest enough to finish it? Yes. Must read this now and eagerly await the sequel? Not so much.
I'll be donating this to the WHHS LMC when we get back.
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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
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