The Montague Twins: The Devil's Music

It's been a while since I read the first graphic novel in this series so it took me a little bit to recall the characters and what had happened prior. Honestly though - it wasn't a major plot point to remember everything from the first book (although it does help). A handsome stranger comes to town and attends the twins rock band concert. They soon discover that this stranger is actually a famous rock and roll star - but how did he end up in Port Howl? After his arrival - someone from their school begins acting weird - does he he worship Satan? What is going on? Also, a long lost uncle in town? Something fishy is definitely on the horizon. A graphic novel that explores, friendships, romance, family troubles, and mysteries. It will be interesting to see where this series goes! 

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

This is one of those books that I can't believe I've waited soo long to read. Honestly, it's a bit of a travesty that I waited nearly 27 years of my life to get around to reading this. I made the fortunate decision to listen to the audiobook version narrated by Douglas Adams himself and I was not disappointed. He perfectly captured the essence of his work with his fast paced, British, odd humored narration. Perfection. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is the first of its series and hilariously recounts the adventures of Arthur (a human earthling) and Ford (an experienced alien hitchhiker) as they try to muddle their way around the galaxies. Ridiculousness abounds. Excellent, tongue in cheek book and I can't wait to read the next in the series.

The Paris Apartment

This book has one hell of a hook and will keep you guessing. Even when I correctly guessed some of the parts there were twists on top of that so I was constantly surprised. Not quite as strong as her first thriller, The Guest List, but still a solid read that will keep readers engaged. When Jess needs to get away from her life for a bit she calls up her brother and asks to crash at his Paris apartment. He reluctantly agrees to allow her to stay, but when she arrives at his apartment building he is not there to let her in. Where has he gone? She finagles her way into the apartment eventually, and is shocked to see the cat covered in blood and a strong smell of bleach in the apartment. Whatever happened to her brother probably isn't good. She decides to start asking the people in the surrounding apartments if they know anything, but things keep taking weirder turns. What is going on? Twisty and dark. Some elements are easy to suss out and others are completely surprising. 

World of Wonders

Lyrical, charming, and unique; this collection of vignettes talk about the author's life through the lens of her favorite animals and plants. From dancing tree frogs to cacti - all vignettes contain fascinating information about a particular natural wonder and somehow tie into the author's life - whether it be a flashback to childhood, an observation, or an emotion. Accompanying many of the stories are gorgeous illustrations which help readers visualize the often exotic and unique natural wonders in question. Many of the vignettes bring up sexism, racism, motherhood, and other tough topics; but does so in a approachable, unique way that invites discussion. A wonderful book to read and discuss with others. 

This Woven Kingdom

Alizeh is just a lowly servant. Or is she more than she appears? Even though the kingdom has forged a fragile peace with the Jinn, they are still forbidden from using any of their magic or capabilities. In order to hide her identity, Azileh becomes a servant who sews gowns on the sides. It's backbreaking work, but as a Jinn, she can withstand the pain a little better. She is completely unnoticeable, or at least she thinks she is. A chance encounter with the prince will change both their lives in ways they can never imagine. A well built young adult fantasy world that is new and fresh. It ends on a complete cliffhanger so readers will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. 

Medusa

I love a good Greek mythology retelling - but this one just wasn't that exciting. Granted it was a quick read, but it was slow and kind of dragged on. The illustrations were a nice touch, but they didn't help make this young adult retelling any more exciting. I was happy that Medusa had her own voice and we hear her side of the story, I just didn't care as much as I should have. Was she wronged? Absolutely. Is her story often overlooked? Yes. Could this have been written better? Also yes. This story takes place four years after Medusa has had her hair turned to snakes, she's living on an island in exile with her two sisters when a beautiful young man finds himself washed ashore. She won't let him see her, but the two grow close as they tell each other their tragic stories. Readers already know that it won't end well. Perfectly ok retelling. 

The Catch

Admittedly the third book in the series, this was my first book by this author. That being said, I had no trouble following the storyline. Action packed, this clean thriller follows Madison as she deals with a flurry of cases. She's just received word that they may have finally apprehended her husband's killer, years after the fact. She is trying to process that when a trial goes bad and there is an attempted kidnapping of a judge. While protecting him they discover that his wife has been murdered and it might be by the judge's mistress. On top of that, the baby he and his mistress had together, is missing along with the babysitter - when will things end?! Fast paced, the plot sounds complicated, but quickly straightens itself out. Many characters prove redeemable, while others are bad through and through. The Catch is a clean, inspirational thriller about learning to trust others, but to most importantly place trust in God. 

A River Enchanted

While this book started off slow, it had a gradual build up and I was hooked by the end. A bard is called back to the island that sent him away ten years ago. The island is magical and mainlanders stay far away from it. The island is divided into two halves, each side governed by a warrior clan that despises the other. The bard is summoned back by his childhood nemesis to help discover why some of the clans children have been disappearing - is it the neighboring clan or is it the faeries and spirits? Magical, romantic, and beautifully written. This is the first in a new fantasy series that shows great promise - I can't wait to see how the next book unfolds! 

Bear Town

I was entranced, disgusted, and pulled in. This is definitely my favorite Fredrik Backman book to date. It is MUCH heavier than his other material, but it is written in such an amazing way. Bear Town is known for one thing and one thing only, hockey. It unites the sleepy little town and is the only thing holding the community together. But what if something were to tear it apart? The junior team is the best hockey town the club has seen in decades - they are on track to win the finals, at the center of the team is Kevin, an insanely talented high school player. The story alternates between perspectives of the players, the coaches, and other townsfolk and really gives readers "all sides" to the story as it unfolds. The book does center around a sexual assault and how it pits the community against each other, it's so believable because it mirrors what we see in the news and our lives. There is victim blaming, slut shaming, and boys will be boys mentality - and behind all that is the mental anguish for the the victim of assault. Eye opening, thought provoking, and masterfully done. A story that may be triggering to some - but is such a compelling read.