Book review

The Devil’s Garden

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Title: The Devil’s Garden

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: 27 June 2011

ISBN: 9781426891793

Author: Kindred, Jane

‘The Devil’s Garden’ by Jane Kindred is a strange story. Well, at least, it is strange to me in the beginning. It was rather difficult to grasps and imagine the world of the characters, but I got used to it after awhile and everything was absolutely captivating from then on.

This book ought to be praised for the creativity and imagination, and I devoured this book within an hour. Highly engaging, seductive and delicious fiction to read.

If you’re looking for a quick escape to the world of sexual intrigue and passionate fantasy, then  you might want to pick up this book. You won’t regret it, I promise you.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley.

Book description:

In the Devil’s Garden, appearances can be deceiving…

Ume Sky enjoys her place of honor as temple courtesan for the reigning Meer of In’La-until an assignation with a client ends in violence. Her elite status stripped away, Ume is forced to return to a life on the streets as Cillian Rede, the boy she used to be.

Cillian finds temporary harbor with dockhand Cree Sylva, where fear keeps him from revealing his former identity. As the two become lovers, Cillian learns that Cree is not without secrets…

When Cillian has the opportunity to regain his position through a liaison with the Meer himself, he is torn between his feelings for Cree and his need to live as Ume. But there’s even more at stake when Ume finds herself entangled in a plot to rid the Delta of divine rule…

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Book review

Say Cheese, Medusa!

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Title: Say Cheese, Medusa!

Publisher: Capstone

Imprint: Stone Arch Books

Pub Date: 1 August 2011

ISBN: 9781434229984

Author:Kate McMullan

Illustrated by: Denis Zilber

A word of warning: Never ever read this book while drinking or snacking. You’d choke on your drinks or food. Why? The book is too funny that I’m sure you’d find it hard to resist the urge to laugh.

The mythologist will be going around tsk-ing at the twist, though. ‘Say Cheese, Medusa’ is not exactly the story where Perseus chopped off Medusa’s head and emerge a hero. It’s quite the other way around. A very refreshing and humourous touch to the age old serious story of heroism.

I definitely can get used to reading the books in Myth o Maniac series. It tickles my funny bones and I enjoyed it very much.

I received an ARC of this book from Capstone via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon — a winged monster with snakes for hair. Anyone who looked at her was instantly turned to stone. But she wasn’t born that way. Not even close. Athena was so jealous of Medusa’s beauty that she cursed her. Zeus changed the story to make his son, Perseus, look good. Hades is here to set the record straight on Perseus, Medusa, and everything in between. A part of the Myth-o-Mania series.

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Book review

Say Cheese, Medusa!

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Title: Say Cheese, Medusa!

Publisher: Capstone

Imprint: Stone Arch Books

Pub Date: 1 August 2011

ISBN: 9781434229984

Author:Kate McMullan

Illustrated by: Denis Zilber

A word of warning: Never ever read this book while drinking or snacking. You’d choke on your drinks or food. Why? The book is too funny that I’m sure you’d find it hard to resist the urge to laugh.

The mythologist will be going around tsk-ing at the twist, though. ‘Say Cheese, Medusa’ is not exactly the story where Perseus chopped off Medusa’s head and emerge a hero. It’s quite the other way around. A very refreshing and humourous touch to the age old serious story of heroism.

I definitely can get used to reading the books in Myth o Maniac series. It tickles my funny bones and I enjoyed it very much.

I received an ARC of this book from Capstone via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon — a winged monster with snakes for hair. Anyone who looked at her was instantly turned to stone. But she wasn’t born that way. Not even close. Athena was so jealous of Medusa’s beauty that she cursed her. Zeus changed the story to make his son, Perseus, look good. Hades is here to set the record straight on Perseus, Medusa, and everything in between. A part of the Myth-o-Mania series.

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Book review

Say Cheese, Medusa!

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Title: Say Cheese, Medusa!

Publisher: Capstone

Imprint: Stone Arch Books

Pub Date: 1 August 2011

ISBN: 9781434229984

Author:Kate McMullan

Illustrated by: Denis Zilber

A word of warning: Never ever read this book while drinking or snacking. You’d choke on your drinks or food. Why? The book is too funny that I’m sure you’d find it hard to resist the urge to laugh.

The mythologist will be going around tsk-ing at the twist, though. ‘Say Cheese, Medusa’ is not exactly the story where Perseus chopped off Medusa’s head and emerge a hero. It’s quite the other way around. A very refreshing and humourous touch to the age old serious story of heroism.

I definitely can get used to reading the books in Myth o Maniac series. It tickles my funny bones and I enjoyed it very much.

I received an ARC of this book from Capstone via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon — a winged monster with snakes for hair. Anyone who looked at her was instantly turned to stone. But she wasn’t born that way. Not even close. Athena was so jealous of Medusa’s beauty that she cursed her. Zeus changed the story to make his son, Perseus, look good. Hades is here to set the record straight on Perseus, Medusa, and everything in between. A part of the Myth-o-Mania series.

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Book review

Nice Shot, Cupid!

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Title: Nice Shot, Cupid!

Publisher: Capstone

Imprint: Stone Arch Books

Pub Date: 1 August 2011

ISBN: 9781434219855

Author: Kate McMullan

Illustrated by: Denis Zilber

This is definitely one book your mythologist would definitely won’t approve of. ‘Nice Shot, Cupid!’ is a part of Myth o Mania series and it will surely make you go wacko with the the re-tellings of famous mythological stories.

In this one, Cupid is painted as a wimpy geek with a not so attractive feature but fancies Psyche

I couldn’t help myself but laugh when I read this version of the story about Cupid and Psyche. Highly recommended to those who loved mythology and those who are in desperate need of witty humour.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Capstone via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

The story about the handsome Greek god Cupid and how he met Psyche? Just another lie from that myth-o-maniac Zeus! The truth is, when Cupid met Psyche he was a gawky teen god with bad skin and braces. Psyche was so beautiful, Cupid was scared to even approach her. Instead, he and Zeus cooked up a plan to kidnap Psyche. Hades, King of the Underworld, is here to shine some light on what really happened. A part of the Myth-o-Mania series.

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Book review

Backward Bowwow

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Title: Backward Bowwow

Publisher: Capstone

Imprint: Picture Window Books

Pub Date: 1 August 2011

ISBN: 9781404864801

Author: Sarah Hines Stephens

Contributors: Illustrated by: Art Baltazar

Backward Bowwow is doggie version of Superman, and naturally, being a fan of Clark Kent and Superman, I enjoyed the book very much (after being aghast at the fact that the doggie is bent on making things ‘right’).

Backward Bowwow is funny and highly entertaining. The story is highly captivating and engaging, and I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book. I’m sure my boy was thinking that his mum has finally lost it and gone cuckoo.

Very nice book to read. I highly recommend this book to both adult and children alike. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Capstone publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for it, and I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

When BIZARRO KRYPTO crash lands on Earth, he can’t believe his eyes. Humans own dogs as pets! On his planet, everything is the exact opposite. Canines rule the world! Before returning home, he  promises to make things right . . . or maybe wrong. A part of the DC Super-Pets series.

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Book review

Secrets, Monsters, and Magic Mirrors

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Title: Secrets, Monsters, and Magic Mirrors

SubTitle: Stone Arch Fairy Tales Volume 2

Publisher: Capstone

Imprint: Stone Arch Books

Pub Date: 1 August 2011

ISBN: 9781434234568

Author: Donald Lemk

If you love fairy tales, you’ll definitely love this bold graphic novel. Each page is beautifully illustrated and the fairy tale re-tellings are just as wonderful.

But as much as I recommend this to older readers, I wouldn’t exactly recommend this book to younger readers who tends to be very curious. This is because one of the fairy tale in this book: Rapunzel is rather creepy.

I’m not sure what exactly the original version of Rapunzel is, but I do not exactly appreciate the fact that the book implied that Rapunzel had spent the night with her prince before they got married in the tower and she got pregnant soon after.

I am not sure I if I want to explain to the children how Rapunzel and her prince managed to have children without being married in the first place. How am I supposed to explain about the birds and the bees to the children if they asked me about it?  Hmm… not sure if I want to deal with the issue of pre-marital sex with younger children.

I suppose this book is not for younger readers.While the retelling are wonderful, the illustration are too bold for a fairy tale. Rather creepy and provocative as well.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Capstone publisher via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

Five of the world’s greatest fairy tales are retold in the popular and attractive graphic novel format. Beautiful, bold illustrations give these timeless tales a modern edge. The stories include Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel, Princess and the Pea, Snow White, and Thumbelina.

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Book review

The Naked Truth

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Title: The Naked Truth

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: 13 June 2011

ISBN: 9781426891755

Author: Cain, Lilly

‘The Naked Truth’ by Lilly Cain is not only highly sensual and sexy, but it’s highly captivating and emotional. The plot is rather complex, but it’s not complex enough to put me off. The book was beautifully written and I could relate myself to the main character and I feel for her.

I understand how it feels like to be accused of something you did not do and how frustrating it gets when people believe in beautifully crafted lies as well as sugarcoated words instead of truth.

Very nice book to read. My only complain is that it is too short and I couldn’t get enough. The pace is fast and definitely a keeper. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

Captain Susan Branscombe was the victim of brutal torture at the hands of terrorists. Though rescued, she’s now facing an equally brutal accusation: treason.

The only way she can prove her innocence is to allow Asler Kiis, a Confederacy Examiner, to delve into the depths of her mind. Asler is Inarri, the alien race that made contact with Earth just months before. His duty is to find the truth, but when he explores Susan’s mind he can’t resist drawing her into a more intimate experience.

Susan takes comfort in Asler’s heated sensuality. Their erotic sensory exploration chases away the darkness and her body aches for more. But as their desire reaches new limits Susan finds it difficult to suppress the memories she is desperate to forget.

Is the passion they share enough to let Susan push aside her fear and trust Asler, not only with her mind and body but with her ever-opening heart?

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Book review

Tangled Past

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Title: Tangled Past

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date:13 June 2011

ISBN: 9781426891687

Author: Braemel, Leah

‘Tangled Past’ by Leah Braemel is a very odd erotica. Well, maybe it is not odd, considering it’s an erotica. Maybe I’m not just familiar with a threesome or a few way sexual relationship.

Anyway… as I said, it’s an erotica and you can expect all sort of explicit scenes in it. It’s steamy and hot enough to burn. But one thing that I admired is that the main character of this story, is that Sarah is a very strong character in her own right. She did not feel sorry for the decisions that she made and instead of getting people to sympathize with her…unfortunate condition, she finds a proactive solution instead; something that I think alot of people should learn.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley.

Book description:

Forced to marry a man she just met, Sarah McLeod clings to the hope that she’ ll finally find the love and acceptance she’ s always craved. Her tenuous dreams of a happy life on the frontier are in danger of being dashed by the one thing she can’ t change—her husband’ s love for another man.

Jackson Kellar’ s determined to do right by his bride, yet he’ s torn between his newfound love for Sarah and his still-burning desire for Nate.

Ranch owner Nate Campbell loves them both. He hates to see Jackson’ s loyalties so divided, and doesn’ t want Sarah hurt either. How can they fix the tangled mess they find themselves in? Nate suggests a possible solution—a permanent threesome.

With the open frontier closing in around them, is Nate’ s solution their path to happiness—or will others destroy what they’ ve found together?

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Book review

Huber Hill and the Dead Man’s Treasure

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Title: Huber Hill and the Dead Man’s Treasure

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Imprint: Bonneville Books

Pub Date: 8 October 2011

ISBN: 9781599559117

Author: B.K. Bostick

When I was a little girl, I used to read wonderful stories where a group of young children get stranded on a mysterious island or where’re they’re kidnapped or they go for an adventure without adults supervision. It was a blissful form of escapism for me when I was a little girl. I wish I’m one of the book characters and I was the one who is on an amazing adventure instead.

Unfortunately for me, Young Adult or Children fiction these days has lost such charms and authors tends to write stories more on paranormal side… a darker side.

Huber Hill and the Dead Man’s Treasure is a very rare book… I mean, it’s a gem. The story reminds me of books I used to read when I was a little girl. Very nostalgic and I enjoyed it very much. I’m very pleased that I finally found a book that’s not tainted by the darker side of children storytelling.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Cedar Fort Publisher via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

When his grandfather dies, Huber Hill is devastated—until he opens Grandpa Nick’s mysterious box. An old gold coin and directions to a hidden Spanish treasure send him and his friends off on an mind-blowing adventure, but he’s not the only one on the hunt. Filled with dangerous animals and cryptic puzzles, this book will have you on the edge of your seat until the last page.

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