Review: The Elephant of Surprise by Brent Hartinger

The Elephant of Surprise
by Brent Hartinger

Published on: January 10, 2024
Published by: Buddha Kitty Books
Paperback
266 Pages
Rating: 4/5







   Although this is the fourth book in The Russel Middlebrook Series, it would make as a good standalone. It gives enough info to fill you in on what's going on and hold a good storyline throughout to keep your interest at attention. Russel is known as the main character but I found myself having far more interest in the life of his best friend Min. I feel as if she has more drama throughout this novel than Russel.
  Russel does realize that living with a long distance relationship isn't cut out for all that it's worth. Having to deal with those problems are easy. It's helping Min through her crisis at hand that will prove the most difficult. It's obvious that something secretive is going on, but the outcome of it is the biggest mystery of all.




Received for review purposes from the author.

Because You're Awesome 3 Book Giveaway

I wanted to offer something really good for you guys because you have been so great to me and I haven't been around much lately. So, here's what I have in store. Three books, two of which are released, the other will be preordered. The giveaway is international. I am going to leave it up to you on what book you want to preorder but I am going to give some suggestions. You do NOT have to choose my suggestions.

I'M NOT FINISHED

If I can get 1200 entries by Saturday then I'll add a $10 Gift card to Amazon. Happy reading everyone!

The first two books being offered are:

I have this book but haven't read it yet. I chose this one because I have heard so many great things about it. 

I have read this book and need to buy my own personal hard copy for myself. I loved this book and want to spread the word on it. That's why I'm offering this one! I hope the winner loves it as much as I did. 

The last book is winners choice of preorder.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Host Directory Sign-Ups

It seems like more and more tour hosts are popping up. I have no clue as to how many there are but it seems like several. I have also been asked to recommend tour hosts. So all of this has got me to thinking, are there any tour hosts or authors out there that think they would benefit with a list or directory of some sort? Possibly going by genre? I have included a form to fill out and if I get enough people interested in joining, I'll be working on setting one up next week. If there is anything else that I should add to the form or would be helpful when finding a host, please let me know.



 

Review: Sylo by D.J. MacHale

Sylo
by D.J. MacHale

Published by: Razorbill
Released on: July 2, 2024
Hardcover
407 Pages
Rating: 5/5


*Please note, this review was based from an ARC*





  From the beginning, all the way to the end, this book leaves you clueless on what's really going on. It keeps you in the dark and guessing at every moment. Not only do you not know what's going on, the characters are left to sort things out as if putting a puzzle together in the dark. I loved this book!

  All is wonderful on Pemberwick Island and Tucker is at his football game, thinking about girls, and wanting to win. Just like all the other guys there. But when one of the star players drops dead with no reason and no clues, people start asking questions.

  Tucker now has to fill that position on the team and is sure that with all the brutal practices, he'll be the next one to drop dead, but when more people are found, he's not the only one suspicious. Sneaking out at night to go on a late run and clear his mind, Tucker and a friend see something far from normal and even further from explainable. And when troops with badges on the sleeve, sporting the words SYLO on them, the town goes into panic mode.

  The government has issued a lock-down and SYLO is there to help. That's what's being said anyway. But when people get locked up for asking questions, it's SYLO that starts becoming feared. Tucker sets out to find out what's really going on with SYLO, the outside world, and this stuff called Ruby that's being passed around behind closed doors. Just when you think he's getting close, more and more questions arise.


Received from Penguin for review purposes.

Where I've Been

I feel like I owe everyone an explanation for my blog sitting dormant recently. I had yet another surgery a couple weeks ago. This time it was for carpal tunnel on my left hand and carbital tunnel in my left elbow. I will be going out again for a third surgery next Thursday for carbital tunnel in my right elbow. After that, I should hopefully be all healed and much better. In the meantime, Amy from Lady Reader's Bookstuff and I have taken over the YA Book Blogger Directory and we've been working on going through the list and deleting all the blogs that are shut down or inactive. Once this is finished, we can begin adding new blogs. I'm excited to go through the list and find more new book blogs. There are so many that I still stumble across that I never knew about. If you have added your blog to the list, please be patient There are many to go through and add, but we will get you on the list soon. In the meantime, happy reading everyone!

Review: Double Feature by Brent Hartinger

Double Feature
by Brent Hartinger

Published by: Self
Released on: November 24, 2024
Paperback
267 Pages
Rating: 3/5








  This is the third installment of The Russel Middlebrook series. The beginning events of this book does make it worth the read, I just didn't expect the second half to come out the way it did. An interesting concept, but I just felt like I was rereading much of it over again.

  The time has come that Russel's parents finally hear what their son has been up to and what the club he attends every week is about. He isn't prepared for their questions but is honest and forthcoming with his answers. He definitely stands firm in his beliefs and feelings.

 The other exciting and interesting thing is that there is a movie that is taking place and they are looking for teens to fill the roles of zombies. I found that concept to be neat. It's when the second part of the book starts, which is a different perspective, looking in on Russel's life,that I had troubles getting into. It did offer more to the story, it just didn't grab me like I hoped it would.


Received for review purposes from the author.

Review: Beauty by Nancy Ohlin

Beauty
by Nancy Ohlin

Published by: Simon Pulse
Released on: May 7, 2024
Paperback
175 Pages
Rating: 4/5








  Ana has known her place for many years now. Growing up under the Queen's beautiful shadow, she knows that looks are the most important thing to her mother. Nobody should ever attempt to be at the same level as the Queen. Even if it's her own daughter.

  Never being able to experience life in it's fullest, Ana knows that if her mother is happy, then that is all that should matter. If only the woman would give her some attention every now and then, all would be perfect. She's alright with not bathing or brushing her hair. Setting of a radar within the Queen that her daughter could ever be beautiful would lead to such tragic events.

  It's when Ana starts hearing of other girls getting accepted into a private school only allowed for the elite, that something in Ana stirs. She wants to be accepted. She wants to be loved. This is her chance of finally being open and herself. She can be away from her mother's watchful eye and flourish.

  The school isn't what anyone had expected. Certainly not Ana. And as time goes by, she learns what the school's main purpose is, just as her mother learns hidden truths.




Received from Simon & Schuster for review purposes.

Review: The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

The Book of Broken Hearts
by Sarah Ockler

Published by: Simon Pulse
Released on: May 21, 2024
Hardcover
368 Pages
Rating: 5/5


*Please note, this review was based from an ARC*





  I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The synopsis is great but holds nothing to what is inside. Sarah Ockler has filled it with such a strong and powerful story that is so unlike so many out there. I bonded easily with the characters and fell deeply into the story line. The Book of Broken Hearts is a definite read by all.


  We learn that Jude is the youngest of all her siblings. Living in a household full of sisters has definitely taught her a thing or two but what she's about to embark on throughout this summer, nothing could've prepared her for. I loved how strongly bonded all of the sisters were, but still felt kind of sorry for Jude. She is the last one in the house and never got to bond as much as the others. More importantly, she was never properly inducted into the Book of Broken Hearts.

  Jude had many plans for the summer but when her Papi started showing more frequent signs of his illness, she knows that he is her number one priority. Throughout the summer and her Papi's growing illness she meets Emilio Vargas. He comes to be everything that Jude needs through this difficult time. He's also the one thing that will cause her much trouble.


Received for review purposes from Simon & Schuster.

Swag Tag- The June List

   So, the idea for this came to me while I was thinking about some of the swag that I used to have and gave away and later read the books, fell in love, and really wish I hadn't gave my goodies away. I desperately want them back. The purpose isn't to only find lost swag out there, but hopefully establish friendships with fellow bloggers. It's a cheap and easy way to connect, receive goodies in the mail, and make connections. I do hope you enjoy what I have put together. Oh, did I mention that some FABULOUS authors have sent swag so that I can put together a package to send to one lucky participant every month?? The picture of this months prize is below. If you have suggestions or concerns, feel free to email me.

Have Swag?
Pass some along to others.

Looking for Swag?
Fill out the form and maybe someone will have what you're looking for. It's ok if you just want some swag too. We all do! 

Don't have Swag but still want to Participate?
It's all good. Just send someone a note. We all love mail as long as it isn't bills, I'm sure. Small notes just saying hi or saying something thoughtful can really brighten ones day. 

Pass it On!
Yes guys, if you receive something, I can't make you send something to someone else, but I do encourage you to. 

Don't have a Blog?
It's okay. When filling out the form, just enter N/A in the section where it asks for you blog info.

Join the June list here

I don't know how well this idea will hold up guys. Help spread the word and add your name to the list! Just add your name and if you want to send something to someone, send them an email to get their address. Please DO NOT add your mailing address to the list. In doing this, please don't forget our international people. Swag is only a few dollars to mail out of the country.


View the list of entries here

 June's swag package giveaway (special thank you shout out's to Elaine Wolf, J.H. Trumble, Kathleen Peacock, Jessica Spotswood, Wendy Higgins, Chelsea Pitcher, Jessica Brody, Leigh Fallon, Polly Holyoke, K.M. Walton, and Mindy McGinnis.

Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm
by Leigh Bardugo

Published by: Henry Holt
Released on: June 4, 2024
Hardcover
448 Pages
Rating: 4/5



*Please note, this review was based from an ARC*





 Siege and Storm is the second book in The Grisha Trilogy. I fell deeply in love with Shadow and Bone and couldn't wait for this one. I definitely enjoyed it, but I can say that the first book is my favorite so far.

  Full of action, mystery, and high levels of fantasy, the journey that Alina must take is far beyond your normal imagination. As she embarks on her new life and an identity that must be kept hidden,  she sees things through a different perspective. She also knows that deep inside herself, she has the ability to take charge and do what's necessary to help keep things safe for everyone. With so many tough choices ahead, and consequences that can effect so many, Alina really has her work cut out for her. She must stay strong. She is powerful and she is determined. Let's hope that is enough.


Received from Macmillan for review.