Review - The Assassination Of Brangwain Spurge, by M. T. Anderson

The Assassination Of Brangwain Spurge, by M. T. Anderson

Candlewick Press - 2018
Fantasy - Teen
Audiobook (with supplemental PDF of illustrations by Eugene Yelchin)
Narrated by Gildart Jackson

5 Hours, 58 Minutes
Finalist, National Book Awards 2018 for Young Peoples Literature

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A quirky little story that was fun!

Brangwain Spurge is an Elvin historian on a mission. Being shot by crossbow from his home in Elfin territory over the mountains and into Goblin territory, delivering a gift as a peace offering to the Goblin overlord, and oh yeah, spying on the goblins and reporting back to his Elvin leaders. No big deal - but no Elf who has ventured into Goblin territory on a diplomatic mission in the last 100 years has ever returned!

After landing the Goblin territory he becomes a guest of Werfel, a Goblin archivist. While these two should get along famously, things get lost in cultural translation, and through a series of misunderstandings and missteps they soon find themselves offended by one another. Before long, it is apparent that there are political wranglings going on that neither was aware of, and that they must find a way to work together to avoid war or even their own deaths. 

Written for a younger audience, it is a good story to foster consideration or conversation on the effect of perspective and cultural differences in relating to other individuals; but the story can easily be enjoyed by an older audience as satire, social commentary, or just a pleasant and light diversion. 

The story was performed by Gildart Jackson. Animated, with a good range of character, I couldn't imagine it being performed by anyone else. He was a perfect choice to narrate this story. 

Unfortunately, I use my Android phone to stream audiobooks, and I cannot access the PDF of the illustrations by Eugene Yelchin, but they are wonderful and I would suggest to anyone choosing to listen to the audiobook to take the time and look at them, - even if, like me, you are unable to look at them until after you have finished listening. 

An amusing story that will delight teens and adults alike.

Happy Reading,

Christine

Sunday Summary: June 16th to 22nd, 2019

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the past week.

Summer is now officially here, but you would never know it around here. I love to sit outside and read, but so far the weather has not been conducive to that, especially on the weekends. Here's hoping that July sees us enjoying more seasonal weather. 

Books Reviewed:

A Philosophy Of Ruin, by Nicholas Mancusi. My review of this story about  life derailed by depression and grief can be found in THIS POST.

Miracle Creek, by Angie Kim. This stunning story is probably the best courtroom thriller I have ever read. You can read more about it in my 5-star review HERE

Ramblings and Miscellany:

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released this Week:

A Philosophy Of Ruin,  by Nicholas Mancusi was released this past week on June 18th. You can find a link to my review above under "Books Reviewed".

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

A review is pending for The Assassination Of Brangwain Spurge,  by M. T. Anderson.

I am currently reading The Need, by Helen Phillips and listening to Tempests And Slaughter,  by Tamora Pierce. 

Next up in my reading list is The Toll, by Cherie Priest.

Hard to believe another school year is wrapping up already!  Hoping the summer brings great books and great weather to relax outside with a good book.

Happy Reading, 

Christine

Review: Miracle Creek, by Angie Kim

Miracle Creek, by Angie Kim

MacMillan Audio  - 2019

Thriller - Courtroom / Literary Fiction

Audiobook

Narrated by Jennifer Lim

13 Hours, 53 Minutes

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This may very well be the best courtroom thriller I have read in some time, maybe ever!

The story starts with a lie. Not a big one, just a small lie, but when things go wrong, the consequences are huge. 

The story has many characters, but focuses mainly on Young and Pak Yoo, who immigrated from Korea to America, in search of the American dream for themselves, and more importantly their daughter Mary. 

Pak is a certified hyperbaric technician. Pak and Young run Miracle Submarine - not really a submarine but a private facility offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients seeking help with anything from autism, to cerebral palsy, to infertility. There are strict rules to make sure each "dive" is conducted safely - as oxygen is highly explosive, but one day there is an explosion at Miracle Submarine and two people die - one of them a child. Pak and Mary are both injured. Ultimately, a single mother of one of the patients is put on trial for murder.

From here, Kim paints a picture of that day's events in multiple points of view, by exploring the perspectives of each of the characters in regards to the specific events of that day - the motivations and secrets, and the tensions leading up to explosion. Kim's approach to revealing the events of that day is so delicate and intricately woven, it really is a work of art. No one character holds all the answers of what went so terribly wrong, and each character's story overlaps with other character's in some way, and holds information that seems insignificant until pieced together correctly. Slowly and delicately a clear picture emerges.

While Kim's experience as a trial lawyer shines in the courtroom scenes, the real heart of this story lies in its emotional depth. The characters in this story are incredibly well written, defined, and so incredibly human - as are the interactions between different characters. Each has their own struggles, motivations, passions and secrets that affects not only how they perceive and interpret information, but how they choose to act and react to it. 

This is one of those stories that is difficult to summarize and review because it is difficult to discuss some of the most intense aspects without risking spoilers. This book really hit me in the feels. There is love, hope, joy, pain, loss, forgiveness, disappointment, anger, jealousy, you name it.

Naration was provided by Jennifer Lim and was absolutely on point. She was well suited to the story and performed with very good range of emotion and character. Lim's performance made listening to this stunning story an absolute pleasure.

I expect that the hype around this book is still building, and regardless of how hyped it may become in the future, and when you may be reading this review, trust me when I say - it IS worth the hype!

Happy Reading,

Christine

Review: A Philosophy Of Ruin, by Nicholas Mancusi

A Philosophy Of Ruin, by Nicholas Mancusi

HarperCollins - 2019
Thriller/ Action
E-book 

256 Pages

* I received this digital review copy courtesy of *HarperCollins, via Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review. This does not influence the following opinions which are my own.

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

A solid debut novel about a life derailed by depression and grief. 

Oscar Boatwright was not expecting a visit from his parents. He found out of his parent's plans to visit when an airline official called to tell him his mother died on a plane heading from Hawaii to his home in California - he thought them to be at home in Indiana. He picks up his father from the airport, and in trying to deal with his own grief and console his father Lee, Lee tells him that his mother's battle with depression led her to seek out self-improvement guru Paul St. Germaine and spend their life savings on attending his retreats and seminars, and that was why they were in Hawaii. Furthermore, Lee informs Oscar that there is still a large sum of money owing to St. Germaine. 

As an assistant professor of philosophy, Oscar barely earns enough to scrape by. Now, concerned for his father's well being, he finds out his sister is also going through economic difficulties as her marriage is being dissolved, and she is not in a position to help either. Overwhelmed with worry, he becomes an easy mark to be coerced and blackmailed into doing a drug run. But things go sideways quickly, and Oscar soon finds he is fighting for more than mere money, Oscar is fighting for his life.

With plenty of action, the reader is kept engaged and on the edge of their seat. The second half of the book really took off! The character of Oscar is relatable and likeable. For me there was something missing from the St. Germaine thread though, it just seemed a little "lean" for my tastes, and could of used a little extra something to round out that part of the story a little better.

All in all, an engaging and action filled story that puts Mancusi on the map as an author to watch for.  

Happy Reading,

Christine

Sunday Summary - June 9th to 15th, 2019

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the past week.

Wishing all the Dads, step-dads, foster-dads, special uncles, father-figures, and doggie-daddies a very special day! 

Wow! June is half-way done and school is starting to wind up! Time is flying by - as it does every year when the warm weather is finally upon us - or supposed to be at least. My son's school library is no longer checking books out and all books must be returned by Tuesday. Our trips to our local library will be even more important to us now  - thank goodness for our vibrant library system.  I also made sure to place an order through scholastic. Is there anyone who doesn't remember the joy of receiving scholastic books growing up?  

Books Reviewed:

Only two reviews posted this week. 

First up is Sorcery of Thorns, by Margaret Rogerson. This stunning YA fantasy was a 5-star read for me.  Read my review HERE.

The Conjoined, by Jen Sookfong Lee. you can read my review of this wonderful and touching  piece of Canadian fiction in THIS POST

Ramblings and Miscellany:

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released this Week:

Nothing to report this week.

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

Reviews pending on  Miracle Creek, by Angie Kim, The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge, by M. T. Anderson, and The Philosophy Of Ruin, by Nicholas Mancusi.

I will be starting to read The Need, by Helen Phillips today, and I am currently listening to Tempests And Slaughter, by Tamora Pierce. 

On deck is The Toll, by Cherie Priest - described as a Southern gothic horror novel. 

What are you reading this week?

Happy Reading, 

Christine

Review: The Conjoined, by Jen Sookfong Lee

The Conjoined, by Jen Sookfong Lee

ECW Press
General Fiction
Audiobook
Narrated by Sabryn Rock

7 Hours, 26 Minutes

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A well written story of family, heartbreak, love, and legacy in all their many and complicated forms.  

Like most kids, Jessica Campbell grew up believing in the inherent goodness of her parents - especially her mother who devoted herself to fostered children from troubled homes, often themselves somewhat troubled. Her mother's work as a foster parent is what inspired Jessica to become a social worker - to help. 

After her mother loses her battle with cancer, Jessica is helping her father empty the family home as he downsizes. Imagine the shock when the bodies of two young girls are found in a freezer in the basement.  Jessica remembers two sisters - children of troubled Chinese immigrants,  that were staying with the family before disappearing many years before and were assumed to have run away.  

What follows is a search for answers. Who were these girls really? Who was her mother really?  How can she reconcile what she knew of her mother against the backdrop of finding these two bodies, stored in the family home all those years? In reexamining the past, Jessica must also reexamine who she truly is in the present. 

The story is told in alternating time lines.  Little by little we learn of what led to these young girls being taken into the system, and how easily their disappearance was written off as "just a couple of runaways". Lee's approach to the story made the book very readable, despite some very disturbing themes. 

This book may be a work of fiction, but it is also a social commentary on the issues facing society in regards to protecting children who are at risk due to unstable family situations. Lee does a fine job of portraying the difficulties of providing proper care for at risk families in a system that is burdened well beyond its limits.

Narration was provided by Sabryn Rock with good cadence and tone, and good range of character and emotion. Her performance was well suited to the story.

A profound and moving novel, well written and delivered.

Happy Reading,

Christine

Review: Sorcery Of Thorns, by Margaret Rogerson

Sorcery Of Thorns, by Margaret Rogerson

Simon & Schuster - 2019
Fantasy - YA
E-book 
464 Pages

* I received this digital ARC courtesy of Simon & Schuster Canada via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. This does not influence the following opinions which are my own.

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A stunning example of what fantasy should be! 

Books, magic, and demons, with a strong female lead - what is not to love? While primarily marketed as YA, the book can easily be enjoyed by a more "mature" audience as well.

As an orphan, Elisabeth grew up in Summershall - one of Austermeer's Great Libraries  that house magical grimoires. Elisabeth has learned much during her years at Summershall. She has learned that sorcerers are evil. She has learned that a grimoire can drive a person mad, and one that is angered or provoked can turn into a Malefict - a monster of sorts, snapping at fingers spitting ink, and even killing, depending on how powerful it is. She has learned how defend against the powers of grimoires. She hopes to become a warden some day, charged with protecting people from grimoires, and grimoires from people.  

One day as the library sleeps, Elisabeth is the only witness to an act of sabotage that takes the life of her mentor, the director of Summershall, and releases a powerful grimoire. Now she is implicated in the crime, and needs to clear her name and save Austermeer from the evil that is threatening to be unleashed. Her only hope is with the sorcerer Nathanial Thorne  and his demon servant who is the source of his magic.

From the very first page, I was drawn in to this story and fully immersed. Highly imaginative and original, full of enchantment, and beauty, and danger, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. .  The story is intricate and engaging, but not overly complicated. A pleasure from start to finish.

This YA Fantasy is the perfect summer read for people young and old, who like a little magic in their lives.

Happy Reading,

Christine

Sunday Summary - June 2nd to 8th, 2019

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the past week.

Ahhh June. The weather is glorious, even the storms - there is nothing like a prairie thunderstorm!  Time to get outside and enjoy our brief summer! Fortunately, books are portable and so is my Kindle! 

Books Reviewed:

The Suspect, by Fiona Barton. You can read my review of this stand-alone featuring Barton's character Kate Waters HERE.

The Better Sister, by Alafair Burke. I reviewed this thriller in THIS POST.

Ramblings and Miscellany:

I admit, I have been slacking in this department lately. This time of year is so demanding of my time with Soccer twice a week, and swimming once a week, and my son just wanting to get outside - and me wanting him to get outside! Swimming just wrapped up, but soccer goes to the end of the month (as does school of course).

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released this Week:

Sorcery Of Thorns was released this week.  Unfortunately I did not have a review ready prior to pub-day.  I have finished reading this book and a review will be posted soon.  Heads-up - I really enjoyed it! 

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

I have a few reviews pending of books I finished this week, The Conjoined by Jen Sookfong Lee, and the above mentioned Sorcery Of Thorns, by Margaret Rogerson. 

I am currently reading A Philosophy of Ruin, by Nicholas Mancusi,. I am currently in-between audiobooks

Happy Reading, 

Christine

Review: The Better Sister, by Alafair Burke

The Better Sister, by Alafair Burke

HarperAudio - 2019

Thriller

Audiobook

Narrated by Sophie Amoss,     Samantha Desz, and Mike   Chamberlain

9 Hours, 24 Minutes

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

A good Thriller that pales slightly to Burke's previous novel - The Wife.

Growing up, sisters Chloe and Nicky could not be more different. Where Chloe was motivated and studious, Nicky was free-spirited and wild. Nicky seemed to have pulled her life together, marrying a young lawyer and starting a family; but when Nicky's recklessness returns with near catastrophic results, the sisters become estranged.

Fast forward 14 years and the Chloe is working as editor-in-chief at a major feminist magazine, is married to Nicky's ex-husband Adam, and is raising Nicky's son.  When Adam is found murdered in their East Hampton beach house, Chloe is forced to re-open the lines of communication with Nicky, and even long buried family secrets are threatened with being exposed.

The book was well written, but I enjoyed the story in her last book - The Wife, more than this one.  

I really enjoy Burke's style though. She gently and deftly coaxes out a story, easily keeping the reader interested from beginning to end. There is no doubt that Burke knows how to write an engaging thriller.

Narration was provided by a cast consisting of Sophie Amoss,  Samantha Desz, and Mike  Chamberlain, and was well performed by all.

An all round good noir thriller, but not as good as Burke's previous novel.

Happy Reading,

Christine

Review: The Suspect, by Fiona Barton

The Suspect, by Fiona Barton

Penguin Random Audio - 2019
Thriller
Kate Waters Series
Audiobook
Narated by: Susan Duerden, Fiona Hardingham, Nicholas Guy Smith, & Katharine McEwan

11 Hours, 32 Minutes

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐1/2

First off, let me note that I didn't realize that this was part of a series until  after I finished it.  Normally that might pose a bit of a problem for me, but in this case, the story worked completely well as a stand-alone. None of those references to past events that are glaringly obvious to a reader who hasn't read the previously related work. The story is marketed as a stand-alone, but I have seen it labeled as part of the series as well since the main protagonist was introduced in Barton's previous work. Rather than getting into splitting hairs over whether this is truly a stand-alone, or part of a series, I will just leave it at that and carry on to the story and review.

The ultra responsible Alex and the impulsive, care-free Rosie set off for adventure in Thailand together during their "gap year".  When communication from the girls stops suddenly, Alex's mom sounds the alarm and involves the authorities. 

Kate, a reporter whose son has been in Thailand for some time, but whose own communication has dropped off, takes on the story and goes to Thailand to find answers for the story unfolding about the girls disappearance, all the while hoping to track down her own missing son while there. 

The story was good, but for me it wasn't a "WOW" book. While the story teased out slowly and kept me engaged, it felt like it really stretched a bit too far at times, and lacked some of the hard punching twists I have come to love from the genre. 

Narration was provided by a full cast and was well performed quite well. As with any full cast narration, characters were easy to identify and follow, and the characters were portrayed with appropriate emotion during the story.

All in all a good if not particularly memorable read.

Happy Reading,

Christine