"Daughter of the Deep" by Rick Riordan

Daughter of the Deep (Oct. 26, 2021) by Rick Riordan.

*This is the first in a new series.*

Welcome to Harding-Pencroft (HP) Academy, a five-year high school “that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world.” Ana Dakkar (a freshman) and her brother, Dev (a senior), are two of the academy’s students. Ana is prefect for House Dolphin (they excel at communications and counterintelligence and a talent for languages is a must), and her brother is house captain for House Shark (they excel at combat and logistics). Ana and her classmates, including roommates/best friends Nelinha da Silva of House Cephalopod (engineering and applied mechanics) and Ester Harding of House Orca (medicine and marine biology), are up for their freshmen trial at sea. Along with their professor, Dr. Hewett, they all witness HP fall into the sea, and it’s no accident. Their only escape is on the Varuna, HP’s 120-foot training vessel (yacht), but rival Land Institute (LI) isn’t far behind on the Aronnax. And HP now knows LI will kill. After all, HP is gone and so is Dev.

            Their safe point is someplace out on the open ocean. When they finally arrive, after bearing the stress of decryption under a time limit, they see something that shouldn’t exist: an island completely hidden with dynamic camouflage so remarkable that it’s invisible at point-blank range. It is called Lincoln Base. For years, its only inhabitants have been Luca Barsanti, his wife, Ophelia Artemesia, and Jupiter, an orangutan and resident chef (“Mary Berry is his goddess.”). Ana will discover something astounding about her heritage and what it means to be the last Dakkar. They’ll also realize that being at Lincoln Base doesn’t automatically mean they’re safe. LI is still out there, and with HP’s destruction, they know there must be a traitor within HP. Ana, her classmates and residents of Lincoln Base will need to put their heads together, lest they all wind up as food for the fishes.

            I wouldn’t have thought I needed a modern-day spinoff of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Mysterious Island, but it turns out that’s exactly what I needed. Ana frontlines this story that is part sci-fi, part retro, and she is of Bundeli Indian ancestry (Bundeli is a derivation of Hindi), but the entire cast is diverse, not only racially (e.g. Gemini Twain is African-American and Nelinha is Brazilian), but including who I believe is Riordan’s first neurodivergent character in Ester (she’s on the autism spectrum and can get overly anxious; she has an emotional support dog named Top (who’s “part Jack Russell, part Yorkie, part tornado”)). This story is entertaining and riveting, Ana’s growth into leadership is uplifting, and the cast – including Socrates, a dolphin – is magnificent. Readers will root for Ana and her classmates. For any fan of Riordan’s mythology-based books, I’m a dedicated fan, too, yet bought this one without worry that it wasn’t what I’ve typically read from the author.

            P.S. I took the quiz. I am in House Dolphin.

            Favorite line: “At this point, my brain is so mushy the message could say TOFU IS MY FAVORITE MAMMAL and I wouldn’t know the difference.” --Ana (p. 136)

"Life Flight" by Lynette Eason

Life Flight (Jan. 4, 2022) by Lynette Eason.*

*This is the first novel in a series.*

As an EMS helicopter pilot, Penny Carlton is used to high-stress environments, so she will go rescue a critical patient during a furious storm. The situation becomes immensely stressful when she’s got to make an emergency landing on the mountain, travel in the raging thunderstorm to find a working phone (there’s no satellite phone because their new boss cuts corners), and learns that there’s a serial killer on the loose on the same mountain. Her nerves will be stretched to the limit, not only because it gets leaked to the media that her mom is famous actress Geneva Queen and not simply due to a very persistent reporter (Frankie Olander) following (stalking) her, but because the killer who died on the mountain turns out to be a very good lookalike thanks to plastic surgery. Who is that man? And where is Darius Rabor? They’ve gotta find him, for his next target looks to be Penny.

            Penny won’t be alone, as she has her friends on the EMS team. Most significantly, she has FBI Special Agent Holt Satterfield. He’s got a bad history with Rabor with a scar to prove it. He’d like to be more than friends with Penny and pushes her to share more of her personal life. He’s offended that Penny never once told him who her famous mother is, yet has the audacity to keep his own family stuff close to the vest. Can a relationship beyond friendship get off the ground? Or will it cascade like an angry rockslide down a mountain?

            One of my go-to authors for inspirational suspense, this book did not disappoint. The characters are vivid, especially the lookalike antagonists. Her skill at making them so creepy and evil as the characters themselves act confident, superior and right in their beliefs is impressive. Eason is accomplished at taking her plot one direction and then making a sharp 90-degree turn, so the reader is never bored with the same, expected plot. I don’t have much patience for romance – and will say I wouldn’t be so quick to overlook Holt’s reluctance to disclose personal stories when he pushed so hard for me to divulge my own – but I can admire the ease with which Eason can weave romance and suspense so seemingly effortlessly. This first in the Extreme Measures series is off to a high-velocity start!

 

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"The Excalibur Curse" by Kiersten White

The Excalibur Curse (Dec. 7, 2021) by Kiersten White.

*This is the final novel in a trilogy.*

She thought they were coming to attack Camelot, so Guinevere formed a magical barrier (in a land which bans magic, though Arthur knows of her magic and expects her to use it discreetly) to keep the enemy army out. It turns out the Picts (or northern people), led by King Nechtan, and accompanied by the sorceress Morgana and her son, Mordred, want Guinevere. They had been coming for her. To take her to the Dark Queen. Arthur isn’t near Camelot, having been lured away on a false promise, so Guinevere takes matters into her own hands. Mordred is with her, but whether he’s a help or a hindrance remains to be seen. She’s found a new friend in bold Fina, the younger daughter of Nechtan, and a fierce warrior like her sister, Nectudad. Guinevere is determined to discover the truth of her past by freeing Merlin. Just why is she so afraid of water? What she’ll find out will turn her mind on its axis, so she’ll vow to right the wrong. Even if it means unraveling who she is now, leaving behind Lancelot, Brangien, Dindrane, Lily … Arthur, Mordred. But can she leave them behind?

            This novel wraps up the Camelot Rising trilogy. It is powerful and consuming, but not without passages that are indicative of Guinevere’s youth, despite her angst definitely being existential as opposed to the regular, run-of-the-mill teen. Not only this story, but the entire trilogy, has been a female-led Arthurian adventure, which has been remarkably satisfying. The characters are all wondrously distinct, whether protagonist or antagonist or a gray area in between. Guinevere grapples with passion, duty, love and family. She’s battling her own internal war, even as an outward physical battle is certain to ensue. The conclusion closes the curtain on White’s interpretation of Arthurian legend, and it is satisfying, though a little bittersweet.

            Favorite piece of [heated] conversation:

   Morgana: “Hush, you wretched girl, or I will make all your hair fall out using my magic.”

   Fina: “Try it and I will make all your blood fall out. Using my ax.” (p. 52)

            Book One: The Guinevere Deception

            Book Two: The Camelot Betrayal

Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 1

When it comes to picture books, I oftentimes default to my favorite authors. I do; however, enjoy discovering new-to-me authors with great picture books. Learning that their stories involve great illustrations, engaging wordplay, a message so important that adults, too, should read the book are what help me find those new authors. This post features all new-to-me authors!

            Fun fact: I checked out all five of these stories from the local library. Living rural, I actually feel like I have a couple local libraries, but I’m referring to the library that I also happen to work at. :-)

A Sari for Ammi (Nov. 9, 2021) by Mamta Nainy.

   Sandhya Prabhat, illustrator.

Two young girls see that their ammi (mother) works so hard to make the most beautiful saris, but never keeps one for herself, as they need to sell them to afford their family’s basic needs. The daughters decide to pool the money from their gullak (piggy bank), plus earn even more, to be able to purchase one of the special saris that their ammi has skillfully woven.

            This sweet, colorfully illustrated story is one of the power of family working together to sustain and care for each other and showcases two children who are generous of heart and clever of mind to express their love for their mom. With this story, the author shines a light on Kaithoon, “a town in the Kota district of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan.” It is known for its saris, made from a local fabric called “kota doria.” I love the vibrancy of the illustrations, the knowledge gained from the history of “The Saris of Kaithoon”  at the story’s end and the way the text is woven together to create a book that is filled with textured detail. It shines a light on this Indian Muslim community (the author writes that the majority of weavers are part of the Muslim Ansari community). It is delightful, and I highly recommend it.

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem (Sept. 21, 2021) by Amanda Gorman.

   Loren Long, illustrator.

In this story, a young black girl wanders through her community, encouraging positive change. She’s accompanied by her guitar, but the reader soon sees her doing things such as holding up a garbage bag to help in clean-up efforts, holding out a bowl of food to someone in need, and enacting a difference with many other people. She shows tolerance when a response is unwelcome, but does not let that deter her from bringing others together to better the community. Change sings inside of her, “Because I’m the change I want to see.”

            This is the picture book debut of presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman, and I saw it at the local library (the one I happen to work at). While I read it because of the hype, I am pleased by the rallying cry that this story is. Read in verse, it is a kaleidoscope of inclusion and diversity, and the illustrations only enrich Gorman’s words. The story is uplifting and is a call to action and compassion for every age.

How to Spot an Artist (Sept. 1, 2020) by Danielle Krysa.

This is the book to have if you’re wondering about spotting a real artist. It’s like a field guide, but more entertaining. It says helpful things like, “…they come in every size, shape, and color,” state that it’s obvious that an artist lives here if you find glitter “on the kitchen table, in the fridge, on the cheese, beside the couch, in the bathtub, on the dog,” and even informs readers to beware the art bully. Artists of every type know the bully: the one who says, “You can’t do this” or tells you to quit and get a real job. Such troublemakers. But artists MAKE STUFF! So go all wild and PAINT AN ICE CREAM VOLCANO. Or something. You’re the artist. It’s really up to you!

            I LOVE this picture book. I truly think I need to buy this book. The other stories in this compilation showcase the importance of having friends, encourage positive behavior, etc. Yes, this one encourages creativity, but it is presented in such an exaggeratedly fun way. The mixed-media illustrations aren’t necessarily overly detailed, but they are bright and draw the readers in with the embellished typography. The story wants you – no matter your age, whether you’re two or ninety-two-and-a-half – to find creative sparks and run with them. (Running with creative sparks. Good. Running with scissors. A no-no. At every age. In case you didn’t know/forgot.) Prompts for art projects are included at the very end of the book. Highly, highly recommend!

Little Mole’s Wish (Nov. 19, 2019) by Sang-Keun Kim.

   Chi-Young Kim, translator.

Little Mole is new to the area and needs a friend. He befriends a snowball which he forms into a bear. They wait for a bus … and wait again … and wait once again until finally Mr. Deer allows Little Mole and his snowball bear on (the snowball/bear make transformations during the waits). But Little Mole is devastated when he arrives at his stop – after falling asleep on the warm, cozy bus – because his friend is nowhere to be seen. He’s so disappointed that he didn’t get to say goodbye. Fortunately, tomorrow is a new day, and a friend waits for him. Is it magic? Is it Grandma? Does it matter?

            “Little Mole’s Wish” is Korean author and illustrator Kim’s U.S. debut, and it is truly delightful in a gentle, patient, comforting way. The translated text tells a story that might be a little big magical or maybe just wishful in a wistful fashion. The illustrations feel furry in a downy, cuddly way, and despite the winter setting, Little Mole’s snow-covered world is warm and cozy and inviting. Many will understand the risks of befriending anyone made of snow, but dwell not on that. Instead, appreciate this tender story of friendship, sweet Little Mole, and the beautiful stillness that winter can be. This story is a gem that glows with hope and innocence!

Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind (Jan. 14, 2020) by Jessica Hische.

What sort of person will you be tomorrow? In this story, unnamed animal characters will be helpful, patient, gentle, honest, generous, grateful and kind “…and even when it’s difficult, I’ll work to find a way.” Friends help when something falls from a height, they show tenderness to others, and they share, amongst other positive behaviors.

            Hische is both author and illustrator. Her text features in short, catchy rhymes, while her illustrations are digitally-rendered, but cheerful and vivid. I especially love the wonderful lettering illustrations, although they might be more challenging for young readers to decipher. It is a story that encourages positive attributes and daily positive behaviors, which may come across as proselytizing to adults, but it remains a compassionate story and an empathetic one. And, let’s be honest, that’s not a story solely suited to young readers, but ALL ages.

Happy 2022!

Photo by Alexandr Podvalny via Pexels

      

Happy New Year! (For real-real, this year, I hope.)

It’s a strange thing for me to reflect on the year that was 2021. With COVID-19 continuing to run rampant, variants quickly became the issue of the year. Fortunately, I remained healthy, whether thanks to being fully vaccinated + boosted, my lack of needing to be often out and about, sheer luck, or any combination of two or all three. 2021 was difficult in other ways, though. Like in unexpectedly saying goodbye to my grandfather. Even when someone’s led a long life, life doesn’t tend to prepare the living for unexpected goodbyes.

            I look to 2022 with positivity. I want to be better, do better, think better. I want to be a better me today than I was yesterday and better tomorrow than I was today.

            Wherever you are in life – physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally – my wish is that your 2022 is blessed, healthy, happy, loving, and bountiful. Dream big dreams and spread positivity. Empower others as you’d want others to empower you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. Try new things. Step out of your comfort zone. But most of all, live your life well!

            Love you, Lisa.