Rutabaga's Reads 2021: Part 1

Presenting the first adult fiction compilation of 2021! By “adult fiction,” I mean that they aren’t marketed for children or middle-schoolers or young-adult readers; I do not mean that these stories are categorized as erotic fiction or some such potentially eyebrow-raising thing. That said, I’m not saying a story doesn’t make reference to such subjects or include an occasional scene, but it’s not the focal point of the stories.

Dark Tribute (Mar. 26, 2019) by Iris Johansen.

*This is a standalone novel with recurring characters.*

From a tragic childhood to a young woman with stable people in her life, Cara Delaney is making her mark as a violin prodigy. As a professional musician, she is traveling and does not often get to Atlanta where her guardians, forensic sculptor Eve Duncan and ex-Navy SEAL Joe Quinn, reside with their 10-year-old son Michael. Life is going remarkably well for Cara lately, except lifelong friend Jock Gavin isn’t in her life like she’d like, and she also gets abducted by a man called John Svardak. The past haunts Svardak in the present and drives him into a madman bent on violence to avenge a dark past involving Cara’s biological grandfather Sergai Kaskov (who is himself a dangerous man). Eve, Joe and Jock rush to rescue Cara, but they’d better be prepared to have Kaskov’s involvement, too. And don’t rule out Cara herself, who does not plan on becoming Svardak’s next dark tribute.

            I’ve mentioned this of Johansen’s books previously, but it is real now. This was the last book of hers that I read. I have purchased zero books of hers since this one. Another Eve Duncan Novel, it does contain the elements that readers expect: thrills, danger, aspects of paranormal suspense, headstrong female characters, super bad guys and the occasional scene of intimacy. The occasional scene of intimacy isn’t going to upset me, but what I found aggravating is Cara’s obvious desire to lose her virginity to Jock, a man who’s gotta be, what, at least 15 years older than her? And there is a lengthy paragraph where she tells Jock that she doesn’t care if she gets pregnant after Jock freaks out that he didn’t use protection (and she willfully didn’t, either). That, to me, just screams immaturity. Characters readers once knew as youth are growing up, but her books have continued to feel the same to me (my opinion only, obviously) despite the different characters. For this reason, I finally stopped ordering her books. I did not make this decision lightly.

The Library of the Unwritten (Oct. 1, 2019) by A.J. Hackwith.

*This is the first novel in a trilogy.*

There is a neutral place in Hell known as the Unwritten Wing. It’s the space where all stories that were unfinished by their authors (sometimes known as unauthors) reside. It is Claire Juniper Hadley’s job to watch over those unfinished manuscripts, her usual duties being to maintain order and repair the books as needed. But sometimes an unwritten book wakes up, manifesting itself as a character. If that character’s author is alive, there will be no fascination stronger than the character pining for its unauthor. So this is why Claire, her apprentice librarian and ex-muse Brevity and a nervous junior demon called Leto find themselves with a day pass to Earth (well, only Claire and Leto need day passes, both having mortal souls, but Brevity needs no such ghostlight). They encounter Hero, who, as expected by Claire, does more harm than good in reaching out to his author. She stamps him, marking him a part of Special Collections, which means the library can IWL it (Interworld Loan, meaning the book can be loaned out or called back from anywhere). Retrieving Hero should be relatively simple, except a fallen angel, a Watcher, known as Ramiel (or Rami) thinks the group from Hell is hiding pieces of the Devil’s Bible (Codex Gigas). Nothing can persuade him or his commander, Uriel, the avatar “Face of God,” otherwise. It does not help that Leto managed to grab the scrap of text from Rami. Rami, getting an unexpected leave from his mundane assignment (punishment?) at The Gates, tending Heaven’s inbound processing, tracks Hell’s residents from Earth to Hell and back again, with stops in Valhalla and even the afterlife of a local dead religion that dealt in “water worshipping and sacrifices.” It turns out that the text of the Devil’s Bible is powerful and would be a significant weapon to Heaven or Hell. And if those realms are affected, Earth will be, too.

            I took a chance on this fantasy novel, first because of the title and then because of the book jacket text, and I was not disappointed. I loved this book and am very pleased that it’s the start of the Hell’s Library trilogy. The entire story is brilliant in its approach, and the story moves swiftly thanks to it. The book is overall clever, the world-building is wonderfully intricate, and the characters are each their own, some of them coming together like the most eclectic family across any dimension. It is tiered like an impressive cake and reads like a robust wine. I could definitely do without the creepy demons, but this is a library I’d happily visit, even though the story does make me feel sorry for those unfinished stories. For anyone who’s ever tried writing their own stories, you might want to take the time to finish them, so they don’t wind up in the Unwritten Wing.

The Starless Sea (Nov. 5, 2019) by Erin Morgenstern.

*This is a standalone novel.*

Devotion is the way of acolytes. Worthiness is for the guardians. Keepers retain spirit and keep it aloft. What is Zachary Ezra Rawlins? Is he the heart or the feather? “We are the stars,” a character says. “We are all stardust and stories” (p. 373), which I like better than another quote taken from the Latin that anyone who’s familiar with the Shadowhunter universe will know: “We are but dust and shadows.” 11-year-old Zachary does not find his way to the Starless Sea. Graduate student Zachary does, but it’s not an easy adventure. It is wrought with questions and forged in mystery. A mysterious book contains a story from his childhood, yet the book is far older than he is. Encounters with strangers will change his life, but are these strangers the sort that he should entrust his life with? There’s Mirabel, the fierce, pink-haired painter, story sculptor and Something Else. And there’s Dorian (not his real name, but the name is his now), the handsome man with shifting alliances who doesn’t like to wear shoes. The fate of the current Harbor is drawing to a close. How far will Zachary venture? And at what cost?

            I was enthralled by Morgenstern’s novel “The Night Circus.” With the magic and inventive plot, it was a fantastical place that I wanted to live in. I was far less dazzled when I began this story. Perhaps my expectations were too lofty, but I felt like “The Starless Sea” tried too hard to be “The Night Circus.” It doesn’t have the seamless magic and gorgeous ease of Morgenstern’s previous novel. It lacked muchness, but then it began to return. Fully restored? No, but the dreamlike quality I’d been seeking flared within, emotion burbled and magic began to restore itself like puzzle pieces fitting themselves together. I became bewitched. Although it didn’t enthrall me from the get-go like I wanted it to, I can appreciate the rich narrative, gorgeous complexity and inventive, lush, magical storytelling. Like “The Night Circus,” it is a timeless tale. Are you ready to sail the Starless Sea (it’s not water, as one might expect)?

            P.S. Those cat-sized bees. I love them, too, and will they please send me cupcakes?

            Also from this author: The Night Circus

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 17

I do not read much adult fiction. This would be why it’s taken me much of this year to create this compilation post featuring this age category. Surprisingly, it’s not the only adult fiction compilation on my blog this year thanks to the “Crazy Rich Asians” trilogy by Kevin Kwan.

Every Breath (Oct. 16, 2018) by Nicholas Sparks.

*This is a standalone novel.*

While a weeklong retreat to her family’s cottage in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, preparing to attend a good friend’s wedding should be a joyous celebration, Hope Anderson is flailing. She’s thrilled for her friend, but her own life is nowhere she expected it to be. At 36, she’s been dating her orthopedic surgeon boyfriend for six years, and there is still no proposal in sight, plus Josh isn’t coming to the wedding since an explosive argument prompted him to put their relationship in “off” mode and go to Las Vegas, her parents have actually recently sold the family cottage at which she’s staying, and her dad has been diagnosed with ALS. It is 1990. Enter next door Tru Walls, a 42-year-old safari guide from Zimbabwe who’s staying at the monstrosity-of-a-beach-house awaiting his first meeting with his birthfather, who’s recently reached out to him. Hope and Tru’s first meet-cute is thanks to Hope’s dog, a sly Scottish terrier named Scottie with gobs of energy and selective listening skills. That meet-cute turns into an epic, whirlwind romance with a visit to Kindred Spirit, a lone mailbox on Bird Island. Their love is real; it’s not a fleeting moment to be chased away by the wind.

            Fast forward 24 years to 2014. Hope made a choice that did not involve Tru and put her life on a trajectory that succeeded in certain ways and failed in others. She tried to find Tru eight years ago, but could never locate him. Desperate to reach him, she went back to the only place she could think of to leave a message: Kindred Spirit. What sort of fates will have to be at work for Tru to be reached? Where has he been all these years?

            Whereas I struggled with the previous story I’d read by Sparks, I am relieved to say that I liked this novel. I enjoyed how the bookends of the story were written as though the author was explaining how he came across this story as though it’s reality, even though it is a work of fiction. I felt more invested with the characters where I did not in the other story, even knowing that Hope’s decision wouldn’t fully turn out in the long run. The depiction of Hope’s father’s ALS diagnosis and subsequent battle was very moving. The expected North Carolina setting is stronger for the real places involved, in particular the Kindred Spirit mailbox. (Road trip, anyone?) Sparks’ novels are about as much romance as I can handle. You know Tru and Hope will somehow return to each other, but it isn’t without a winding path of heart-wrenching decisions, tricky fate and desperate hope that an epic, sweeping love can transcend time and time zones.

Shattered Mirror (Apr. 24, 2018) by Iris Johansen.

*This is a standalone novel with recurring characters.*

In the disturbed and twisted mind of Rory Norwalk, instead of an eye for an eye, it’s a twin for a twin. He personally delivers a mystery skull to highly-sought-after forensic sculptor Eve Duncan. The skull looks alarming; there’s a bullet hole, and it has been blackened by fire. The face, which she calls Sylvie, courtesy of Michael, who’s now six, is stunning, and she wonders what monster would do something so dreadful to her. It becomes clear that Norwalk is targeting her, but also threatens those she loves, particularly Michael (her son) and Cara Delaney (her ward). While Cara thinks it’s her new roommate, Darcy Nichols, who may be the target, Jock Gavin has his doubts. He’s been keeping tabs on Cara, expecting a threat to her to arise with the knowledge of who her grandfather is. He will be very upset if Sergai Kaskov gets involved, but if Kaskov is one of the targets, he’ll get involved and not care if he steps on anyone’s toes. Why is Rory targeting Eve and Kaskov and those closest to them? What is the connection? Does there even need to be a connection with someone as clearly unbalanced as Rory Norwalk?

            I am torn. With Eve and Joe having a son, it on one hand adds a potential layer to the plot when Michael is involved, but it’s also a convenient filler. I’m not saying this is the case, but it can seem like Johansen brought a child into the picture to distract from a lack of new ideas. As a mostly loyal reader of Johansen’s novels over many years, I don’t apologize for thinking this. It is my opinion, after all. Additionally, I think it’s too convenient that Michael, like Bonnie, is wise beyond his years and isn’t usually so much a six-year-old than a conscientious adult with childlike conviction. I wouldn’t be able to write a current six-year-old and perhaps the author struggles in that arena, thus her reasoning behind making Michael so much broader and shrewder in his thinking. Also, what is the age difference between Jock and Cara? Because no, just no.

            If you’re thinking I should halt reading Johansen’s books, you’re right. I probably should quit reading her books. Or at least choose not to write about them after reading them. I see a new recurring character in Darcy. For anyone wanting to read what you’d expect from Johansen, you’ll be satisfied with this novel. For others, you may want to skip this one.

Vendetta (Oct. 23, 2018) by Iris Johansen.

*This is a standalone novel with recurring characters.*

I really thought I wouldn’t write about this book, but I changed my mind since Catherine Ling is in it. Catherine is an Asian woman in a stack of Johansen books usually featuring a white default.

            What CIA Operative Carl Venable says with his dying breaths both puts his daughter in the crosshairs of terrorist Max Huber and tries to protect her in convincing Jude Brandon to find Rachel Venable and keep her safe. Rachel is a spectacular physician who’s also highly proficient at crafting poisons. Huber has connections to Rachel’s past that she is unaware of, though she is aware that she’s responsible for the death of his father, though it was without her consent or initial knowledge. Huber is the leader of Red Star, and he’s orchestrating a catastrophic event in California that he wants to be vastly and impressively worse than 9/11. While Rachel is safe with Brandon, she wants Huber dealt with, no matter how scared dealing with him makes her. When he takes someone she cares about, she’s willing to set herself up as a sacrifice if there’s any chance the other person can be safely extracted from Huber’s evil and horrific clutches. She may come out alive as well. Familiar characters in Catherine Ling, Richard Cameron, and, to a lesser extent, Hu Chang come to fight the fight. Dealings with high-echelon CIA Operative Claire Warren are tense at best, and who is Nemesis?

            Action and drama from the get-go are constants for Johansen, which is a plus. Unfortunately, I was not fully engaged in the story. I had to make myself sit down to read one chapter a day. This, of course, is simply my opinion, but it seems that all of her characters – no matter which story you’re reading – are the same. Sure, they have different names and different physical features and different backstories, but they remain like fraternal multiples. An exception is given to Catherine, who is at least of partial Asian descent and not Caucasian. All the lead females are strong (which is good) and stubborn and holding it together but still savvy and strong with the same emotions and attitudes in each book no matter the character. All the lead males are masculine and tough and struggle to let the females be strong and want to hold them when they’re having a vulnerable moment, and it hurts them to see the women like that, and they want to wreak extra havoc on the bad guys. Same, same, same. I’ve read so many of Johansen’s books over the years that I can’t stop cold turkey, but I will be tapering off. I can’t say I’ll stop reading her stories for good, but I’m heading that direction, which does make the dedicated bibliophile in me a little sad.

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 8

For this compilation, I’m pulling from multiple age categories and genres. While I don’t read every single sort of thing – for example, I avoid graphic novels, as I simply don’t care for them – I aim to be a well-rounded reader … most of the time. All these stories are works of fiction.

Analiese Rising (Jan. 8, 2019) by Brenda Drake.

YA mythological fantasy novel.

*This is a standalone novel.*

She sees gorgeous people. Analiese Jordan happens upon the paths of them, and they turn up elsewhere in a group like the most impressive Gorgeous Persons Clique ever. But here’s the catch: She doesn’t only sight them in her hometown of Philadelphia, but in Rome. Yes, Rome, Italy. Creepy! A man bequeaths his satchel to her as he lay dying and instructs her to find his grandson. Marek Comte wants to know what secrets his grandfather (Adam Conte) held, and it seems Adam has been training Marek for years to follow his trail of clues when the time comes. The time is now, and it’s why Marek convinces Analiese to go to Rome with him, Shona Jackson and Shona’s scary boyfriend Cain. Analiese and Marek are going to find out new facts that seem so outrageous at first that they might as well be make-believe … or mythology.

            My first impression of the lead female character was that she’s really annoying. I don’t mind sarcasm (most of us have at least a little bit in us), and I understand that Analiese is dealing with a fairly recent grief on top of her existing anxiety/panic attack issues, but no matter if this is considered a standard way to deal with either or both, it didn’t make for someone I rooted for. Her lack-of-filter outbursts and sarcastic remarks were grating, but I suppose that is not out-of-depth for a teenager. Teenage dramatics aside, this adventure was filled with secrets and puzzle-solving, new friends and new romance. While I thoroughly enjoyed Drake’s Library Jumpers trilogy, I cannot say the same for this standalone novel, though I did appreciate the representation of multiple lands’ mythologies.

Burning Magic (Apr. 10, 2018) by Joshua Khan.

Middle-grade fantasy novel.

*This is the final book in a trilogy.*

Away from Herne’s Forest and away from Castle Gloom, Thorn (a squire) and his best friend Lilith Shadow (a queen), are in the Sultanate of Fire where resides their other best friend K’leef. K’leef is the fourth son of the  recently deceased sultan. The mourning period has just ended and now the people revel in honor of the crowning of the next sultan. Sadly, the excitement of a new sultan is short-lived when he dies. It isn’t that his magic failed to protect him from the lava crown; he was murdered. But his death means the Sultanate still needs a sultan. It could go seamlessly to Jambiya, one of K’leef’s significantly older brothers, who happens to be blind and cruel, but K’leef challenges him. It’s a “trial by stupid,” according to Thorn, though it’s actually a trial by fire. This trial will take Thorn, K’leef and the narcissistic idiot Gabriel Solar across lands in search of a phoenix. Lily escapes those in the Sultanate who seek her power, only to become a prisoner to a traitorous relative of House Shadow who’s aligned himself with Jambiya. At least Thorn’s magnificent bat-steed Hades is along. Fighting monsters and defeating possibly murderous rivals have nothing on Hades, right?

            The third and final in the Shadow Magic trilogy, “Burning Magic” is a middle-grade fantasy novel resplendent with magic and shadow, caring and banter, loss and gain. The world is macabre, but in a delightful way. Zombie servants to unload the ship and carry your luggage?  Why not? While there is pain and death, battles and bereavement, there are light moments to break through the shadows. I originally read the first story because Rick Riordan mentioned it, and I never hesitated to pre-order the successive volumes. If you enjoy Riordan’s stories and also enjoy magic, fantasy and new lands, give this trilogy a try. While this story ends a trilogy, the story’s ending gives hope to what I’m hoping will be a new series.

            Book One: Shadow Magic

            Book Two: Dream Magic

Called to Protect (July 31, 2018) by Lynette Eason.

Inspiration fiction, romantic suspense novel.

*This is the second book in a series.*

For most of the St. John siblings, law enforcement runs in their blood. This includes Chloe, who’s a K-9 officer with her Dutch Shepherd¹, Hank. They’re a great team; he’s a terrific partner, albeit a furry one. Hank responds to commands in Dutch only and is super sharp and well-trained, but has a playful side as well. They get called in to find drugs, but they’re not sure which vehicle, as there has been a multi-vehicle crash. Hank doesn’t just find drugs, but young women who have clearly been abducted. With human trafficking suspected, Chloe and her siblings wonder if there is any connection to their cousin, Penny St. John, who’s been missing for six months.

            One of the young women in the truck is “Beth.” She’s the daughter of Deputy US Marshal Blake MacCallum, and her name is actually Rachel. She was taken because her captors want Blake to kill the judge he shares detail in protecting after threats were made against him and his passionate stance on doubling down on human traffickers. With 20 or more cases where human trafficking was involved, and a time limit, how can they narrow down who the abductors are? And what’s their connection to the judge?

            Rachel has been rescued, but she has to find a way back. Not for herself or the judge, but for her best friend Lindsay. She doesn’t want to abandon her. Her dad says he will find her, and there is concern in his voice, but she knows he does not love her. After all, why would he?

            This inspirational fiction story is the second in Eason’s Blue Justice series. It is fast-paced, and the action does not halt until the last page acts as any stop sticks would. While all of the characters maintain their faith, I was most impressed with Rachel’s. Eason wrote her as such that she isn’t immune to wondering, “Why is this happening to me?” but embraces the doubt in an extreme situation, which I feel gave the character an increase in dimension and relatability. This story hits so many right targets with me, from dynamic characters to quick-footed action to plot-filled suspense and a budding romance that isn’t annoying, with plenty of faith, courage and heart.

            Book 1: Oath of Honor

¹The synopsis on the back cover states Hank’s a German Shepherd, but it says Dutch Shepherd in the book, so I went with the latter.

The Mermaid (Aug. 22, 2017) by Jan Brett.

Children’s picture book.

*This is a standalone book.*

A young mermaid named Kiniro is hungry and tired after hours of swimming with her puffer fish friend, Puffy. Curiosity gets the best of her when she swims upon a beautiful home comprised of seashells and coral. She tries an octopus family’s marine food, elaborate chairs and aquatic beds, each time favoring Baby’s items. Otōsan, Okāsan (Japanese for father and mother, respectively) and Baby are in for a surprise when they return to their saltwater dwelling, Baby sporting the floppy new hat she’s not happy about. “The hat was not happy either” (it is a live ray tied about Baby’s head with seaweed).

            In this dazzling and gorgeous rendering of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” readers swap land for sea, a young girl for a young mermaid and three bears for a trio of octopuses. “The Mermaid” features Brett’s trademark illustrations of beauty, activity and color. Her gloriously-detailed illustrations look as though they should leap from the page as we’re reading them, unbound by the confines of paper. The signature sidebar vignettes are there, primarily in the doings of the octopus family and then when the family returns and Kiniro is sleeping offstage, but they also include tropical fish. I will say that I also appreciated Brett’s twist in her main character: creating a character with East Asian features inspired by a trip to Okinawa, Japan, as opposed to the familiar girl with the golden tresses. A must-have for many (not just Jan Brett fans)!

Mind Game (Oct. 24, 2017) by Iris Johansen.

Adult suspense/thriller novel.

*This is part of a longstanding series*

Someone is reaching out to her, and it isn’t Cira. Jane MacGuire has already been spending time at Loch Gaelkar with Lord John MacDuff and Jock Gavin, where MacDuff continues his fanatical search for floodlights that will penetrate the unceasing mist. Is he finally close to finding Cira’s purported treasure? The woman trying to reach her is Lisa. Lisa Ridondo, and she is familiar to her, though she doesn’t know her. But Lisa is able to link with her, and it is obvious that the woman is in trouble. Lisa makes it clear that she does not want Jane to involve Seth Caleb, but as a force to be reckoned with, he often ignores what others want or manipulates them to get his way. After all, he has the blood gift and Persuasion happens to be a part of that gift. They will all need to work together and trust others as need be to track down the masterminds behind Lisa’s abduction.

            Although marketed as “An Eve Duncan Novel,” Eve is not the central character. Jane, Seth and even Lisa are. However, Eve has surprising news of her own …

            I wrote in a post last year that I thought maybe 2019 would be the year where I finally stopped pre-ordering Iris Johansen’s novels (I order them in mass market paperback form). *sigh* So far, this is not the case. As I’ve said before, these books are not bad; they’re simply very predictable. And I appreciate strong, independent female characters, but Johansen’s characters can often be strong-willed to the point of annoyance. Even so, as a fairly loyal reader, I continue to purchase her books. The story is action-packed, and the bad guys remain the cream-of-the-crop of baddies, as they consistently do in her novels. Predictably straightforward work from the author, but that’s fine, as the thriller element we all expect to be there is there.

Rutabaga's Reads 2018: Part 7

Because it is my favorite category, I read a lot of YA (young-adult) novels. And because I have received them from publishers, I next read a healthy amount of inspirational fiction titles. Then I read a fair amount of middle-grade stories. I will read from any age category, though certain age categories hold more weight for me than others. This compilation features novels geared for adults. However, since I don’t read a lot of adult fiction, there are only two titles here.

No Easy Target (Apr. 25, 2017) by Iris Johansen.

*This is a standalone novel with occasional recurring characters.*

Some people say they like animals more than humans. Margaret Douglas would be one such person, but it’s for a far more unique reason: she has the ability to communicate with them and understand them in a way that the animal understands. She changes her name as needed and never stays in one place overlong. The violence in her past has a name, and it’s Stan Nicos. He knows her ability, and he wants to use it for nefarious purposes. She escaped from him once and vowed never to return to Vadaz Island. But John Lassiter found her. It took him far longer than he’d have liked, but found her he has. Someone close to him is a captive of Nicos’, and he’s prepared to use Margaret as bait. Naturally, she fights that, and the two try to outwit the other until something of a tentative understanding comes to light. They have a common enemy, so they need to match wits to outwit him.

            I’ve been reading Johansen’s novels now for so long, that I automatically preorder them when a mass market edition is available, but I do ask myself why I keep buying her books. They are action-filled thrillers with macho men and steely women. A splash of the supernatural (like with Margaret’s ability) is not uncommon. The bad guys are always the great evils of the books. The baddies never have a moral compass, and the word “ethics” is probably not in their vocabularies. It’s a lot of the same, but with different characters and different locales.

            Perhaps 2019 will be the year that I quit preordering her books. I do not read those she writes with her son, Roy Johansen, so I’ve got that going for me. Her books are not bad; they’re simply very predictable.

Two by Two (Oct. 4, 2016) by Nicholas Sparks.

*This is a standalone novel.*

Idyllic life for the Green family is about to fall apart. Russell has missed all the telltale signs. After he leaves his job (before being fired), entrepreneur Russ starts the advertising company he’s dreamed of: Phoenix Agency. But building a client base is slow-going, which prompts his wife, Vivian, to get a job. She quickly secures a well-paying job. Suddenly, Russ finds himself bussing London to her numerous activities (even though she’s only five/six), while trying to gain his first client. Vivian’s new job is demanding, and she’s often on overnight trips. When they’re together, she’s very hot and cold. Vivian’s also masterful at making Russ feel like the guilty party. Every. Single. Time. While it’s so obvious from a reader’s perspective, it comes as a shock when the 32-year-old Russ sees the fault lines of his life are cracks that cannot be repaired.

            Mr. Mom-type character. Good idea. Banter between Russell and his older sister, Marge. Great. Emily’s a strong character, though it takes awhile for her to be involved in the story. Overall, unfortunately, I struggled to read this novel. I was bored. I started this book months ago, and I’ve read almost 20 books in between. Perhaps I missed the lack of suspense as in his more recent novels. Or, and I can’t believe I’m saying this about a Nicholas Sparks novel, it could be that he created an over-watered storyline with lackluster characters. Russ is a needy, over-thinking, naïve, hopeless romantic. Vivian, while a good mother, comes across as vain, spoiled and only beautiful on the outside. Both have woe-is-me mentalities, which, if this were real-life and not fiction, I expect would be damaging in the long-term to London. You know what the outcome of the couple will be, so you can only watch them spiral out-of-sync. The story ended conclusively; it was even a bit emotional, but don’t expect surprises. The disappointment of this novel won’t stop me from reading the next one, but unless you’re a loyal Nicholas Sparks fan (*raises hand*), I’d pass on adding this one to your bookshelf.

Rutabaga's Reads 2016: Part 1

It has been awhile since I’ve compiled a post featuring more than one book. Here is my first compilation post for 2016. I nicknamed it “Past Hodgepodge,” since the three books are from different genres and/or age categories, and I read them all a couple years ago.

A Change of Fortune (Nov. 1, 2012) by Jen Turano.

Historical Romance Christian Fiction.

After losing her faith, fiancé and fortune, Lady Eliza Sumner travels from London to New York City to track down her stolen fortune. Stripping herself of her outwardly noble appearance, she becomes known as Miss Sumner, governess-at-large for the Watson family. She is tracking down Bartholomew Hayes, who’s been living grandly off of her fortune under the false aristocratic name of Lord Southmoor. Unfortunately, her covert operations aren’t so inconspicuous when Agatha Watson (not one of her charges) invites herself along. Eliza ends up fired by Mr. Watson.

            Brothers Hamilton and Zayne Beckett are around when Eliza’s thrown out and so Hamilton invites her to stay at his home. He’s a widower with two young children: Piper (short for Penelope – age 5) and Ben (age 3), but as his mother, Mrs. Gloria Beckett, is also staying at his home, it is not improper that Eliza is staying there, too. Although he’s sworn off dating, he’s drawn to Eliza. That’s no small feat considering he and Zayne first meet her wearing a very ill-fitting puce dinner gown with a stuffed bodice and bad spectacles. Hamilton is seeking out a weasel as well, one Eugene Daniels. And it turns out that Bartholomew and Eugene are connected, which in turn connects Eliza and Hamilton (as far as the investigation goes). Eliza wants to find her fortune and return to England, though she is indubitably drawn to Hamilton.

            After reading the subsequent books courtesy of the publisher, I finally got around to reading the series’ first book, and I’m glad I finally did. This debut novel remains lighthearted despite the danger, and those believing in faith and prayer are never overbearing with their beliefs. “A Change of Fortune” is delightful and filled with adventure thanks to Turano’s strong-willed female characters. There are points to make one grimace, though, like when Eliza loses the skirt of her gown. Fortunately, she’s wearing trousers underneath, but still. *shudder* Hamilton and Eliza’s path to declaring love is not easy, of course, and is full of blunders and awkwardness, but we all know it’ll end well. A change of fortune is in store, after all, and surely it’ll be a happy one for the main characters!

            Book 2: A Most Peculiar Circumstance

            Book 3: A Talent for Trouble

            Book 4: A Match of Wits

Live to See Tomorrow (Apr. 29, 2014) by Iris Johansen.

Adult Suspense Fiction.

There’s always a madman. In this case, it’s Paul Kadmus, a monster with a god complex who’s obsessed with the idea of a Shangri-La (Shambhala). He thinks it’s his destiny to find it, and it all started with a lotus necklace. American journalist Erin Sullivan has one. Tortured in the mountains of Tibet, she’s rescued by CIA operative Catherine Ling. Catherine’s beautiful, lethal and mad-as-all-get-out. She’s mad (understatement) over what Kadmus has done to Erin and she’s mad that Venable’s sent her on an assignment that takes her away from her son, Luke, again. She has Hu Chang safeguarding her son in her absence, but that’s a small comfort when they both show up in Tibet. In Tibet with Richard Cameron. Cameron’s an unknown quantity to her with his Guardian title and unnerving ability to get inside her mind (literally). She needs to keep him around to help keep Erin and Luke safe, but she isn’t 100% sure he can be trusted. From Hong Kong to Tibet to San Francisco, they can’t keep Kadmus away indefinitely. Eventually they’ll have to confront him, but will it be on their terms? Or his?

            I like that Johansen has created an Asian female lead. Still, the novel is as predictable as her other novels. Not a lot of variation – just new names. At this point, I keep reading her books just because I’ve read so many of them. The novel is full of action and danger, but the content isn’t new. I don’t want to discourage you from reading her books, so know that I’ll likely continue to read them, at least as long as she keeps an Asian lead around.

            Keep in mind that this is considered adult fiction, so there are scattered expletives, and there are some provocative scenes in the book. At times, there was too much focus on the physical tension between the characters when there should’ve been more of a focus on Erin, Luke and ridding the world of one more bad man. Of course, that is my simple opinion. It’s also my opinion that these new and relatively new characters – Catherine, Luke, Hu Chang, Erin, Cameron – should live to see tomorrow and keep on living so Johansen will write more books featuring them.

Teardrop (Oct. 22, 2013) by Lauren Kate.

Young Adult Supernatural Fiction.

Crying is not allowed. That has been drilled into Eureka Boudreaux’s mind since she was a little girl. By her mother. Who’s dead. Now Eureka’s left with a father and stepmother who don’t understand her, half-siblings she actually loves even if her step-monster-mother doesn’t see it, Cat Estes (her gal best friend), Noah Brooks (her guy best friend) and Ander, a mysterious, blond-haired boy with pale skin and turquoise eyes “like the ocean in Miami.” He seems to know more than he lets on, and it weighs heavily. Eureka doesn’t know it yet, but Ander is a Seedbearer.

            There is a story about a girl who, so aggrieved, cried an entire continent into the sea. To Eureka, it is the stuff of fiction. But Seedbearers are purported descendents of those from the lost continent of Atlantis. The Seedbearers – with Ander as the exception – believe that Atlantis’  rising could only be an apocalypse and so they determine to kill the Tearline. The Tearline is always female, but one hasn’t been around since the 1930s. And it isn’t just the Seedbearers whose interest is piqued when a Tearline is born. The Atlanteans themselves notice as well, but they are evil (powerful, too). It will take awhile for Eureka to learn all of this information. For the moment, all she’s armed with is her mother’s legacy, which is confusing at best: a locket, a book in an odd language, a “thunderstone” and, best of all, a handwritten letter. And Ander. But what does it all mean?

            Despite this being a work of supernatural fiction, there is a sense of destiny for the main character. Destiny may seem strong for a seventeen-year-old, but it is there in her lack of tears and in Ander’s sudden involvement in Eureka’s life. A relationship is definitely blooming between Ander and Eureka, but that didn’t feel like the main point of this tale. The first in a new series, there is mystery and plenty of questions. I do wish Eureka had learned more about Atlantis earlier on in the story, but I understand the author is setting up her tale. The locale (Louisiana bayou) is very descriptive through Kate’s words, and her characters have a richness and depth which I appreciate when being “introduced” to new characters. It’s a brave new world for Eureka, at least, once she finds things out. A dangerous but exciting one, and one that can be washed away … with a good cry?