Series Review: The Books of Elsewhere #2, #3, #4, and #5

Titles:

Spellbound: Goodreads     Barnes & Noble     Book Depository

Synopsis: The house isn't the only one keeping secrets anymore. You'll never guess what happens next in this thrilling, chilling fantasy series, perfect for fans of Pseudonymous Bosch, Coraline, and Septimus Heap.

Publisher/ Release date: Puffin Books; May 24, 2012

The Second Spy: Goodreads     Barnes & Noble     Book Depository

Synopsis: In Olive's third adventure, what lurks below the house could be as dangerous as what's hidden inside . . .

Publisher/ Release date: Puffin Books; Jul 11, 2013

The Strangers: Goodreads     Barnes & Noble     Book Depository

Synopsis: The stakes grow higher, the secrets more dangerous, and mystery and magic abound as Olive, the boys, and the cats uncover the true nature of the house on Linden Street.

Publisher/ Release date: Puffin Books; May 15, 2014

Still Life Goodreads     Barnes & Noble     Book Depository

Synopsis: In this fifth and final book, Olive must seek the full, complex story of Elsewhere, its magical origins, and its creator, and in so doing, face her own fears and limitations--and possibly the destruction of Elsewhere itself. How far will Olive go to save the people and home she loves? And what will be the final cost?

Publisher/ Release date: Puffin Books; Jun 2, 2015

Series: The Books of Elsewhere (#2-#5)

Author: Jacqueline West

Illustrator: Poly Bernatene

Source/Format: Bought; Paperback

You can read each full synopsis by clicking on the respective Goodreads link.

What I Thought:

This is a series review for the last four books in the Books of Elsewhere series (Spellbound, The Second Spy, The Strangers, and Still Life). You can find my thoughts for The Shadows HERE. Each book deals with Olive discovering yet another mystery about her stone mansion, its paintings, and sometimes the cats. Between Spellbound and The Strangers, she meets some new and exciting characters that usually, inadvertently, join her on her quest.

In general, and something I realize after I finished Still Life, I enjoyed Olive’s relationships. Especially concerning her mathematician parents. On many occasions it was made known she didn’t excel at the subject for her age, yet in the few spaced out scenes that we see the whole family, they were never hard or harsh on her for it. I enjoyed this aspect since the situations and each antagonist Olive would have to deal with became more and more dire as the series went along. And many times she had to face them without her parents. However, outside of her parents and the cats, she had a support system and wasn’t alone. Pretty much throughout the series, it was always a question of how is she going to get out of this? And just when it seemed hopeless, along with her friends, she found a way through the dark, murky paint. Plus, for the last two books, it was a relief when some of her character development finally showed itself. Some of it could have come a book earlier, but it didn’t make much of a difference anyway.

Overall I loved reading the rest of The Books of Elsewhere Series. Still Life wrapped up everything in a nice blanket revealing the truth of Elsewhere and a perfect ending for the characters. Sometimes it got dark, but this depends on the reader. If it sounds interesting to you or a young reader, you may want to check it out.

For the series.

Thanks for reading!

2022 September/October Art Dump

This year my co-blogger Breana got me to do Sha'an d'Anthes' (Furry Little Peach) Peachtober. I only took a few progress photos before finishing them. Some of them I almost forgot to take any at all.

I did have a digital Halloween painting that I started a little late. I'll post it when I'm happy with it. I'm really enjoying the process. Anyway, here are the photos. And you can find Breana's art here. 

    

    

Book Review: Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra

Title: Frizzy
Written by: Claribel A. Ortega; Art/Illustrations by: Rose Bousamra
Source/Format: Bookish First, First Second; Paperback
Publisher/ Release date: First Second; Oct 18, 2022

Goodreads        Barnes & Noble        Book Depository

Synopsis From Goodreads:
A middle grade graphic novel about Marlene, a young girl who stops straightening her hair and embraces her natural curls.

Marlene loves three things: books, her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and "growing up." That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have "presentable", "good hair".

But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn't understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tia Ruby—she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.

What I Thought:

Frizzy, written by Claribel A. Ortega and art by Rose Bousamra, revolves around Marlene as she takes the steps to figuring out her curly hair and ultimately being herself.

The story was quite an emotional one as Marlene encountered various terms being thrown around by her family. Terms like “good hair” or “You should be more like your cousin.”(page 31), pushing the idea of a best type of hair. And I’m sure many who have curly hair may relate to this. I enjoyed Marlene’s supportive relationships with her best friend Camila, and her  curly haired aunt Ruby (who helped a lot). Most of all, Marlene was more concerned about her mother. Marlene wanted both her mother’s approval and to not hurt her feelings, especially given some rather sad memories. In the end, the story came together with a very heartwarming and emotional conclusion. 

Also, Bousamra’s art is beautiful and I love the style. It’s simplistic but not in a way that’s overly simplified. It’s just right. The colors are like muted pastels that mesh really well with the overall feel, giving off a refreshing modern retro vibe. I think Ortega's writing and Bousamra's art are a perfect combination.

Overall, I enjoyed reading frizzy. It sort of brought me back to the trials and fun of going natural, I loved it. If it sounds interesting to you or your young reader, I recommend checking it out.

I received this book from Bookish First and First Second for this review.

Thanks for reading!

Book Review: How to Heal a Gryphon by Meg Cannistra

Title: How to Heal a Gryphon
Author: Meg Cannistra
Source/Format: Bookish First and Inkyard Press; Hardcover
Publisher/ Release date: Inkyard Press; Oct 4, 2022

Goodreads        Barnes & Noble        Book Depository

Synopsis From Goodreads: 

With her thirteenth birthday just around the corner, Giada Bellantuono has to make a big decision: Will she join the family business and become a healer or follow her dreams? But even though she knows her calling is to heal vulnerable animals, using her powers to treat magical creatures is decidedly not allowed.
When a group of witches kidnaps her beloved older brother, Rocco, and her parents are away, Giada is the only person left who can rescue him. Swept into the magical underground city of Malavita, Giada will need the help of her new companions to save her brother—or risk losing him forever.

What I Thought:

I thought How to Heal a Gryphon by Meg Cannistra would be a sweet story after I read the preview and wanted to know what would happen next. The begninning was a pretty slow start and the pacing didn’t pick up until a few chapters in. After that it was smooth sailing –moving along nicely after Giada realized what was going on. Something else I liked was that she had a supportive friend, Alessia. While Alessia followed the tradition of only healing people with her magic, she was there for Giada throughout the story. And In some ways she grounded her since Giada tended to be reactive and impulsive. But she also had a go getter attitude and would do anything to help her brother, even break from a little more than tradition. In the end my main gripe was the Gryphons. They were imbedded throughout the story, yes. But I did wish they appeared a little more.

Overall, How to Heal a Gryohon ended up being a quick read that I liked it. It was a nice little adventure story with a vibrant environment. If it sounds like it’s up your alley, especially a young reader, you may want to check it out.

I received this book from Bookish First and Inkyard Press for this review.

Thanks for reading!

ARC Review: Black Skinhead by Brandi Collins-Dexter

Title: Black Skinhead: Reflections on Blackness and Our Political Future

Author: Brandi Collins-Dexter
Source/Format: Celadon; Paperback ARC
Publisher/ Release date: Celadon; Sep 20, 2022

Goodreads        Barnes & Noble        Book Depository     Celadon

Synopsis From Goodreads:

In Black Skinhead, Brandi Collins-Dexter, former Senior Campaign Director for Color Of Change, explores the fragile alliance between Black voters and the Democratic party. Through sharp, timely essays that span the political, cultural, and personal, Collins-Dexter reveals decades of simmering disaffection in Black America, told as much through voter statistics as it is through music, film, sports, and the baffling mind of Kanye West.

While Black Skinhead is an outward look at Black votership and electoral politics, it is also a funny, deeply personal, and introspective look at Black culture and identity, ultimately revealing a Black America that has become deeply disillusioned with the failed promises of its country.

Read the more on Goodreads.

What I Thought:

Politics is not my typical genre, but I still wanted to give Black Skinhead by Brandi Collins-Dexter a read since Celadon sent it to me. And I'm glad I did. Besides I thought I would like it from the sound of the synopsis.

I found Collins-Dexter’s writing to be excellent and enjoyable. I loved the way she incorporated her personal experiences into her points (or vice versa depending on how you look at it). Plus the way she goes about explaining said experiences and opinions does give a reader much to think about. For once I don’t actually have much to add since the synopsis (above) sums up Black Skinhead well. If it sounds like it’s up your alley, then you may want to check it out.

I received this book from Celadon Books for this review.

Thanks for reading!