Here are some new reviews with a little something for everyone!

5 STARS

A fantastic smorgasbord by a consummate literary chef! Thirteen wonderful tales, each with exciting characters, and plots to keep dreaming about long after you’ve finished reading. After Hours derives from the Scholomance Trilogy. This spooky story introduces a school that rivals Hogwarts in its mystery and magic.

Buried Deep delves into Greek mythology with a bittersweet rendition based on the Minotaur and the labyrinth. Spinning Silver seems familiar but surprises the reader instead!

Isabeau, the twelve-year-old countess of Castle Coeurlieu, confronts a mysterious tower where few return once darkness falls.

Literally last, but certainly not least, The Long Way Round, gives us Tess, an indomitable sailor, who fearlessly plots a course across “The Empty” where no ship has ever survived. I, personally, would love to see this short story expanded into a novel. Tess was both vulnerable and determined. The cast of secondary characters were also well-developed, and the world building was amazing.

Each story is constructed meticulously. Relatable characters seductively draw readers into the realms of each fantasy, fairytale or Sci-Fi rendering. Novik leaves many tales open-ended. Each could easily become a novel, and fans can always hope to see those worlds in the future! A novelist who can spin a tale in 50 pages instead of 500, is one of the best!

I received a galley of this book from Penguin Random House, LLC. This in no way influenced my review.

4 STARS

When a world-famous rock band performs a special Christmas concert, the town of Sea Isle floods with tourists. The concert helps usher in a season of Christmas events, traditional to the small community. Dr. Emilia McCoy is looking forward to a peaceful vacation before her job begins as Doctor and Coroner for the residents. Her visions of decorating and baking, disappear when the lead singer is found murdered! Adding detective to her job title, she begins to sift through the evidence to unmask the killer.

 The town’s Christmas Festivals, celebrating holiday customs from around the world, make you want to visit, as do, the village’s warm and welcoming people. Christmas snow is plentiful, making Sea Isle the perfect place to spend the holiday. A romantic element is deftly woven into the plot. A fun cozy mystery if you ignore some tiny holes in the plot. My own personal peeve: writers and editors who do not know the correct usage of “I” and “me.”

I received a free audio book from the publisher, but it did not influence my review.

5 STARS

Porcupine loved his favorite sweater. It was very special to him because his grandma knitted it. Now, it’s missing! Porcupine comes up with all kinds of ridiculous schemes to replace it. Finally, he realizes that telling the truth may just be the best solution to the problem!

The illustrations are bright and sufficiently large enough for a Story Time circle or more than adequate for a parent and child reading together. Porcupine is adorable, as are his forest friends. Grandma is atypical: loving and forgiving. A lovely addition to any library or home collection with a subtle moral lesson.

This free book from the publisher was a joy for this children’s librarian to review!!