“One thing was for sure: This Christmas was going to be anything but boring.” A Castle in the Clouds is the book equivalent of cotton candy. Fluffy, sickly sweet, and somewhat insubstantial. Nevertheless, with its Clue meets Scooby Doo story this latest novel by Kerstin Gier makes for an entertaining, if silly, read. A Castle […]
More“She was good at all sorts of puzzles—word searches, hangman, acrostics, cryptograms, any puzzle with words.” Although I am not part of Winterhouse’s target audience, I do enjoy reading the occasional book aimed towards younger readers as they can be quite uplifting and entertaining reads. In fact, I picked Winterhouse up hoping for a […]
More“ Dreams and stories merge with lived experience, the dead and the living brush against each other in their comings and goings, the past and the present touch and overlap. Unexpected things can happen. Did the solstice have anything to do with the strange events at the Swan? You will have to judge for yourself. […]
More“All this time, Dad had taught Leni how dangerous the outside world was. The truth was that the biggest danger of all was in her own home.” A strong beginning leads the way into an increasingly exasperating storyline.I’m not going to deny that Hannah is a talented writer, because she is. However, her story and […]
MoreA very underwhelming follow up to the both magical and interesting The Bear and the Nightingale. The Girl in the Tower shares little with its predecessor. Yes, Arden’s writing style in undoubtedly gorgeous, made up by pretty phrases and vibrant descriptions. But, it didn’t make up for a slow story, one that involves a silly […]
More“They dare not follow, thought Vasya. They fear the forest after dark. And then, darkly: They are wise.” The Bear and The Nightingale is an enchanting tale imbued with Russian folklore and traditions. Arden has crafted a story that abounds with fantastical creatures and mystical prophecies that will entice the reader from the very first […]
More“This is how sudden things happened that haunted forever.” Equal parts poetic and stark, Winter’s Bone is a short and compelling read. It follows sixteen-year old Ree Dolly who, after her father skips his bail, risks losing her home. “Fading light buttered the ridges until shadows licked them clean and they were lost to nightfall.” […]
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