Review: Mary Ann Loesch – Bayou Myth

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Rose Herbert

Bayou Myth

Mary Ann Loesch

Joan’s a mixed blood voodoo witch. When I put it like that, it sounds very negative – but really Joan is on the side of good. There’s lots of nasty things out there though to get her, and she’s not got anyone who really can help her other than a dead great grandma. Sound good?

Before reading this novel I had had hardly any contact with any form of voodoo. I found it to be a good introduction with just the right amount of detail. Hoodoo I have come across, in the movie “The Skeleton Key”. If you like horror, and you’ve got a thing for magic, I’d recommend it. It’s totally a great film (coming from me who never watches movies, that must mean something).

Joan is a likeable enough character, although I didn’t get a feel for her until later in the novel. The first couple of chapters are far more about what she can do, and the big things that are changing in her world. This novel is plot driven somehow, rather than character driven.

I kept thinking about this novel, and how Joan was going to fix things (and also how many more people would die) while I was away from it, so I would have said I was suckered in by it. It was obvious who the bad people were, but the how and why of things was much more fascinating.

The ending was quite satisfactory, although I don’t feel the need for a sequel as if I would if it was an outstanding novel. I’ll give it three stars, because I still could put it down, and wasn’t completely hooked.

I received this book free in a giveaway. It took me far too long to get around to reading it though, and I’ve had this book on my ebook shelf since September last year. That kind of reading length really upsets me, but I’m glad I’ve gotten a chance to read and review it now.

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Review: Nathanael West – the Day of the Locust

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Rose Herbert

the Day of the Locust

Nathanael West

Tod loves Faye, a woman of questionable talents and questionable motives. In a romance gone wrong, Tod fights over her, but never seems to progress on anything – except perhaps his wonderful painting that describes everything that is wrong with American society.

This is another American literature novel for me. It starts out quite slowly, but interestingly, but does not build to the expected climax. Of the whole book, I would have said that the ending left me most underwhelmed – but that that was the point, because the themes of the book are unfulfilled sexual gratification and unfulfilled dreams.

This novels quite a gritty one, and I wouldn’t have said I really enjoyed it. It’s going to be a fun one to write about in the exam though, because there is just so much there to comment on. The narrator really made the story for me with his forknowledge and snarky remarks about the characters. I really didn’t feel any sympathy for the characters, even poor Homer.

Apparently this novel has multiple references to pop culture – or that pop culture references it. Homer is as of “The Simpsons” in humour, and additionally apparently there is a similar scene in Seinfeld. See, I had to even google that to spell it correctly!

Overwhelmingly this novel dreams of blood and violence. Tod often fantasises about raping Faye, and sometimes you even feel as if that would be justified, she’s so annoying and teasing. I actually really liked the Mexican with the chicken, and felt that in an odd way, of course it was he that got Faye in the end.

Not the finest example of American literature I’ve read so far, but not the worst. I wouldn’t personally recommend reading it, but if it was on your bookshelf and you felt like some violence and unfulfilment go for it!

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Review: Michael Santolini – The Rainbow Stick Boy

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Rose Herbert

The Rainbow Stick Boy

Michael Santolini

This is a cute little children’s book which extols the virtues of being different, and finding that someone special to share it with you. Rainbow Stick Boy is different from all the other people in his village because he’s multiple colours, not only one. But there’s something else special about him anyway.

This is a cute little picture book, but not a particularly unique one. There are plenty of others in this genre for kids (‘The Rainbow Fish’) that are better. I didn’t get any requests for a reread – I’d say let your local library buy a copy, and borrow it for your children to read.

I liked the straws he used! That was the highlight of the book for me, and gave me something to laugh about. It was also popular with my young audience.

I’d suggest to the author that although the artwork is as good as other picture book I’ve read, the prose could use some work. Also the title made me think this was a picture book for teaching children about LGBT children and adults, but it wasn’t at all.

I received this novel free, but this in no way influenced my review.

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Review: Marie Brennan – Lies and Prophecy

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Rose Herbert

Lies and Prophecy

Marie Brennan

Kim is majoring in divination, but it doesn’t mean her life is clear cut. There’s signs that things aren’t going smoothly, but with no way to turn, and piles of college work, Kim doesn’t really have enough time to devote to her budding romance as well

I really liked the beginning pages and opening chapters of this novel. They drew me in, and kept my interest up. This hints and things were exactly as you should set up a novel. However The middle of the text felt like it was dragging somewhat, which I found annoying.

As always, the fact that this novel is set in a university for fascinating for me, and held my interest in the same way that the early Harry Potter books did. I just love learning things! I dabbled in some tarot and runes when I was younger (as well as wicca) and I think that this novel is quite accurate in its portrayal. Of course there is not enough there for a whole training in it though.

Although the majority of the text is told for Kim’s point of view, some is from Julien’s, which becomes more important as the text progresses. I would have found the final scenes very jarring had I not had any insight into him before. However his narration is more of a limited kind as you feel less feelings from him.

The ending was less inspiring than I had hoped. I kept checking, going “Uh oh, only 20 pages left and I don’t think they’re going to solve the problem in that time and I don’t think this is a series” and indeed it wasn’t, and I wasn’t satisfied! Yes, the hurdles they overcame made sense and made things work out well though, but there wasn’t any real resolution of conflict.

I did finish this novel, and think that I wished something had been different, but it wasn’t a bad book by any means. I wonder whether there will be more in the series, and I’ll totally read them if I can get my hands on a free copy. I probably wouldn’t opt to buy this for myself. Recommended for teenagers.

I received this novel as a free copy from somewhere (no idea where any more), but that has in no way altered my review.

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Review: Victoria Simcox – The Black Shard (review and giveaway)

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Rose Herbert

The Black Shard

Victoria Simcox

I originally read and reviewed The Magic Warble, the first book in this series, and said it reminded me of Enid Blyton’s ‘The Faraway Tree’. This novel is listed as a ‘middle-grade’ read, ages 9-13. It has 1-2 images every chapter.

Kristina is getting older, but she still remembers the fun times she had in her fantasy land Bernovem. Even as she writes about them in her journal, and others who went with her tell her she is stupid, she still perseveres with her memories.

The language of this novel could have done with a little more polishing for my liking. Certain things such as “Davina and Hester bonded together like lint on sticky glue.” made me giggle, but others just seemed as if the book hadn’t had enough editing.

The beginning of the novel was quite slow, but things quickly heated up. I found some elements to be similar to Lord of the Rings, which can only be a good thing! Introducing younger readers to fantasy early is always good.

Once again, the plot points are quite transparent to me, but it wouldn’t be as obvious to younger readers. I’m glad I read this novel – seeing Kristina and Werrien develop is wonderful. I hoped for more development from the antagonists, but it wasn’t quite there for me…

I received a free copy of this book after I previously reviewed The Magic Warble, and then offered to do a review and another giveaway for the author. This has in no way influenced the review I have given.

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Review: Jodi Picoult – My Sister’s Keeper

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Rose Herbert

My Sister’s Keeper

Jodi Picoult

Anna was conceived in order to save her sister. So far she’s donated blood and marrow… but now she is being told she must give a kidney to save Kate. Anna isn’t comfortable with the idea of having such a horrible operation done to her – but she isn’t being asked for permission.

I found the changing perspectives, especially those into the past, very confusing to start off with. Just as I would get into the rhythm of the character or time, it would change! It did provide valuable insights into each character though. I still couldn’t bring myself to like Sara, but I could understand where she was coming from. The storyline of Campbell and Julia adds an element of romance, but seems a little off centre where other lives are at stake.

Some of the twists that are saved until the last third of the novel you won’t have even seen coming – they’ll hit you out of the blue. Each of the plot points that Picoult introduces has a special part to play, and you absolutely have to pay attention. Don’t worry though, you’ll find yourself unable to put the novel down and it won’t be a challenge

The irony of the ending! Oh, and how simple it all seems. You have to feel sorry for Anna really – she’s battled it out so far, and yet she is so far from a satisfactory conclusion.

I think if I had a particular interest in these kinds of cancer, and more legal knowledge, I would find this novel to be a reread. As it is, I don’t think I will, unless I want something familiar. I would like to get my hands on some more of her novels for sure though, as it was an enjoyable and thought provoking read.

‘My Sister’s Keeper’ is apparently one of the most famous (or at least the most Googled) of Picoult’s novels. Personally, I read ‘The Tenth Circle’ first, because it was in my highschool library. I ended up loving that one so much that it’s a reread for me. Having just had a quick browse of a number of other Picoult novels, I think the next one on my list to read is ‘Sing You Home’.

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Review: Jessica Penot – Midnight Queen

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Midnight Queen

Jessica Penot

Welcome to Reading Addiction Blog Tour’s stop for ‘Midnight Queen’.

Aiela isn’t like the other children, and her mother wasn’t a typical woman either. Despite her mother’s wishes that she remains on the island, Aiela is determined to see more of the world. She doesn’t know of her history though, and that could be her undoing.

The official blurb:

Aiela has spent her entire life sheltered from the world. Her only dream has been to escape
the quiet island life she’s know and find adventure in the world outside. After the death of her
mother, Aeila escapes to the University, a world filled with technological wonders and exotic
people. But her own history is dark and the secrets behind her birth may destroy everything that
hold Aiella together.

My review:

I read and reviewed the first novel, The Twilight Saint, after it was free as a promotion on Amazon. I found it very enjoyable, if a little dark, and so I signed up for this novel’s tour.

The beginning is catchy, nothing like a race against time to get the feelings for the main character pumping. You get the idea that Aiela doesn’t give up easily. I felt very attracted to her, particularly when she picked biology as her major! I didn’t think she was as weak as others had suggested.

Some of the descriptions in the novel still didn’t sit well with me, although I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was wrong with it. The world was really detailed and enjoyable. I guess some of the telling vs showing problems – but it’s difficult to do that with life on a ship.

The storyline was engaging, because initially it was impossible to tell which way things would go. Fascinating really. The University hasn’t changed at all since The Saint was there. Oh, but there was an extra layer of awkwardness when Aeila met H. If you didn’t read the Twilight Saint, you wouldn’t know just how awkward it was.

The changes in perspective, and very similar character names made it a bit difficult for me to follow the story at times, but it was interesting to see how people’s lives changed after they met Aiela. She was a catalyst of change – just as her mother was, despite what Aiela may have thought.

Sex is dealt with in the same matter of fact way as it was in The Twilight Saint. Yes, it’s there, it will be in your face almost immediately after you open the novel, but it’s not offensive until later in the novel. Aeila uses it to manipulate people mercilessly. I loved the idea of the water containing birth control! If only it was the case here.

The ending was a little ambiguous for me, and it left things open for perhaps a third book. It’s hard to tell! I found myself still wondering what was going to happen next, so that was a good feeling.

This was a relatively quick read for me, but I liked it. It’s a plot driven novel, and the motivations of most of the characters are unclear. I give it 3 stars!

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About the Author

I am a therapist and writer who lives in Alabama with my three corgis, children, husband, and other strange creatures. My short stories have been published in numerous literary magazines and anthologies including CSM, Summer Gothic, Bound By Blood, and Outer Darkness. I have ghost story columns in theValley Planet and White Cat Magazine where I share my love for ghost stories that send shivers down your spine and keep you up at night. I also share my passion for all things ghostly and haunted at my blog, ghost stories and haunted places.

I am currently working on my next Haunted America Book for History Press, Haunted South Alabama. Follow me at my blog to learn about the ghost stories I am chasing and collecting for this fascinating addition to Haunted America. I’m also workng on the next book in my Circe series. The demon is awake and waiting for my new heroine in the swamps of Southern Alabama. Click Here to Follow My Blog!
You can contact me at jessica.penot@gmail.com

You can find her at:

Not sure if you like my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other reviews, guest posts and promos at each of these tour stops:

December 12 – Reading Addiction Blog Tours – Meet and Greet

December 14 – My Cozie Corner – PROMO

December 15 – Bunny’s Reviews – Guest Post/PROMO

December 16 – A Dream Within a Dream – PROMO

December 18 – Pure Textuality – Guest Post/PROMO

December 19 – Mom With a Kindle – Interview/PROMO

December 20 – Jen McConnel – Guest Post/PROMO

December 21 – Marked By Books – Review/Interview

December 22 – Lovely Reads – Guest Post/PROMO

December 26 – The Avid Reader – PROMO

December 27 – My Cozie Corner – Review

December 27 – Words I Write Crazy – Review/Guest Post

December 29 – Black Lillies are Dead – Guest Post/PROMO

December 30 – Book Lovin Mama’s – PROMO

December 31 – Delirious About Books – Interview/PROMO

January 1 – The Cosy Dragon – Review

January 2 – Krystal’s Enchanting Reads – PROMOJanuary 3 – Brooke Blogs – PROMO

January 4 – My Reading Addiction – Review

January 4 – Waiting on Sunday to Drown – Review

Review: Robert Jacoby – There are Reasons Noah Packed No Clothes

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Rose Herbert

There are Reasons Noah Packed No Clothes

Robert Jacoby

Richard has just tried to commit suicide. It’s not the first time, and who knows if it will be the last. He will be committed to a mental hospital, and he signs himself in before he knows what he’s doing. Richard is only 19.

The writing at the beginning of this novel got me worried .The stream of consciousness style doesn’t normally do it for me, as I find it really disconcerting. In this instance though, it worked the majority of the time. This was not a comfortable book to read. So if you were looking for comfort, don’t read it.

I think out of all the characters, I liked the schizophrenic the best. The depiction of depression here was quite accurate though (from my personal experience only), although I would have liked to know more clearly about the cause behind it.

The cover sort of appealed to me, and sort of didn’t. It fit in with Richard’s life, in that the colours of his life weren’t really clear, and tied in with the way he often saw strange things. The language, the strange metaphors I think they were pretty amazing and unbelievable.

I didn’t feel that the ending was satisfying. I didn’t understand about the shirt, or whether Richard was feeling better, or whether he was still hallucinating. For much of the novel it felt like nothing was happening, and then there wasn’t even much of a climax at the end.

What I would have liked was a preface telling me what time period this book was set in. The medication Richard was on seemed to make him hallucinate which is a rare side effect of depressive drugs. And isolation wards are not as common as they once were, or at least, they aren’t applied quite in that way. It’s a very jaded view of the mental health system.

Adults only on this one, unless you want to freak out a teenager. Frequent mentions of porn and sex. Three stars from me, simply because I wasn’t satisfied with the ending. A good example of this style of writing though.

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Review: Galia Ryan – Choices (review and giveaway)

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Choices

Galia Ryan

Welcome to Innovative Online Book Tours’ stop for ‘Choices’.

Anna has too many debts to pay – ironic for someone who works to loan money to others in need. With no bonuses at her day job, she decides to pick up some extra shifts… of both kinds. Plenty of erotica here folks, don’t proceed if you’re under the minority age of your State.