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 16

Being more up on my blog this year has cemented that I read a lot of middle-grade stories. I knew that, but this fourth compilation of 2019 helps put it in perspective. Anyone else reading books geared for 8-12-year-olds? If so, what are you reading? Which authors have you discovered?

A Crystal of Time (Mar. 5, 2019) by Soman Chainani.

*This is the fifth in a series / second in a related trilogy.*

It’s all falling apart. A false king sits upon Camelot’s throne. Its true king, Tedros, has been sentenced to death. Agatha has escaped (barely), but does not know where she can go to find even one ally. Sophie is caught in King Rhian’s trap. Japeth is more twisted in the head than probably his own brother realizes. Merlin is missing. Clarissa Dovey is amongst the captured. Secrets long-buried are being unearthed, and the group learns more about the Storian, though Rhian has Lionsmane, a golden pen of his very own, which is actually a scaly black scim. Still, that won’t stop him from creating his own tales told by the pen, except the pen doesn’t choose the tale; Rhian does. Friends are freed, reunited and separated again. Lives are lost, though on the side of good, they are lost valiantly. But Agatha, Tedros, Sophie and company seem to be fighting a losing battle. So many are turning to Rhian’s false promises of protection because of his lies. As people turn away from Camelot’s true king, they destroy their rings, which are inexplicably linked to the Storian. What happens if every single ring is destroyed?

            Due to the sheer size of this novel (624 pages), I did as I had with the previous book and read one chapter a day until I finished it. Although I read one chapter at a time, it read as swiftly as a dramatic waterfall plummeting over a steep cliff. The landscape of the entire novel is generally very serious, as danger lurks most everywhere. The lives of all of the protagonists are fraught with peril, and death can be intense. Middle-grade though this is, it’s not for the tender of heart. Sometimes the death is written almost beautifully, violent as it is: “I shatter to a million crystals,” but oftentimes it’s just violent. I suspect the author is gearing readers up for an epic conclusion, and I hope we aren’t disappointed. Or we’ll find our own pens!

Luciana: Braving the Deep (Dec. 26, 2017) by Erin Teagan.

*This is the second book in AG’s Girl of the Year series for 2018.*

For a girl wanting to be the first female to go to Mars, attending youth astronaut training camp as one of the “Fail Smart” kids is perfect. Luciana Vega is one of six youth in the astronaut training portion of the camp, but only three will be chosen to dive to Cetus, an underwater habitat where astronauts train for life in space. Her other teammates in the program will be the mission control group. Luci passes each of the three skills tests on the first round. Her chances of making the dive team seem bright until she accuses one of her teammates of sabotage in front of the entire group. Suddenly, even her good friend and fellow teammate is treating her like the problem, and Luci begins to wonder if that’s true. When an underwater crisis seems to affect Luci negatively, can she conquer her fears? Or will Luci’s dream to be the first female to Mars end before it’s barely begun?

            As with any American Girl (AG) story, this is a sweet story with a good message. In this story, the main character isn’t only overcoming a fear, but also wading through a tough situation with a best friend. She might have always thought trust was an untouchable core of their friendship until it’s rocked by a newcomer who’s like a bright, shiny new phone (and also has a world-renowned dad whom the friend is a fan of). When it comes to the astronaut training camp, the author’s research appears thorough, as all aspects of the camp – from learning to snorkel to descending with a tank to hydroponics – were believable and specifically-detailed. For the 8-12 age set who prefer less complex stories, who are fans of American Girl or who want an uncomplicated read featuring empowered female youth, these stories from American Girl may be for them.

Red: The (Fairly) True Tale of Red Riding Hood (Apr. 12, 2016) by Liesl Shurtliff.¹

*This is the third book in an unofficial series.*

When Granny gets sick, Red fears she is dying and takes it upon herself to find a cure. Granny is known as The Witch of the Woods and is adept at anything from everyday cure-alls to complex spells and curses. One would expect Red to be as adept, but Red actually fears using magic. Her most spectacular fail could’ve once killed Granny, and since then, she’s avoided the simplest magic. Even to save her grandma, she prefers a cure which doesn’t require her to incant a spell. So she sets off into the Woods. An annoying human-turned-friend named Goldie (yes, like that Goldie, but not actually that Goldie; however, names have power) comes along on her quest, even though Goldie loses her most recent memories at one point, and she befriends an unexpected tagalong in a wolf who, forlornly, has no pack because of the huntsman called Horst (he is that huntsman). “Monster!” the wolf communicates. They meet an angry bear, a witch with a youthful face but no memories, a grumpy dwarf name Borlen (he’s young, only 276 years old) and a Beauty-turned-Beast. The one person they can’t seem to ditch is Horst. Does he sense the wolf is with them? Can they protect each other and cure Granny?

            Although not part of a named series, this is the third middle-grade story by Shurtliff revolving around the same Woods. Red and Rump are actually good friends. The thing I like about Shurtliff’s fairy tale mash-ups, including this one, is that they can be read by a wide audience without worrying about content or a mature reading level. Additionally, the story is not long and can be swiftly read. Red finds she is braver than expected, and Goldie is as brightly innocent as sunlight glinting off her bouncy golden curls. Good magic and bad magic alight in this sweetly clever and sassy story, where danger may come in a beautiful red rose and friendship in an intimidating wolf.

¹To dispel any confusion, there is a minor difference in the titles based on whether one reads the hardcover or paperback versions. The title you see above is on the paperback version; the hardcover’s title is: “Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood.” I have previously read “Rump” and “Jack,” and their titles reflect the hardcover versions, though they were paperbacks that I once purchased through Scholastic.

The Positive Page-turner's Challenge: Take 8

So Many Books, So Little Time!

Contents of a Health Kit + 3 finished Kits

Good day, fellow bibliophiles! What are you reading? Whereas in my last Page-turner’s Challenge I had read all of the books by the time I posted my picture, I have read very few of these books. Although I’m already accumulating books for my next Page-turner’s Challenge (every bibliophile will understand having a continuous TBR stash), I expect this will be the last Challenge for 2019.

            My packages of bar soap continue to accumulate per my January 2019 Challenge, though I’ve been reading far fewer books than in other months this year. I only read three books in October, but that’s still another three packages of bar soap with 8-10 bars per pack, so that’s nothing to sneeze at!

            As I did for the Page-turner’s Challenge I posted at the end of August, I will donate a dollar amount to a fund at my home church. I will again donate $5 per book in this picture. At 17 books, I am donating $85. I decided that the money will go to Trondhjem’s Altar Guild.

            Since it’s my last Challenge for this year, I want to make it a little more involved. For every book in this picture, I am going to drop in $1 in quarters when Noisy Offering begins again. That’s a lot of quarters!

            And, for each group of four books that I can create in this photo, I will put together one health kit. With four groups of four, that’s four health kits. For anyone interested, I will include below Trondhjem’s lists for the health and layette kits that we put together for the Birthing Center.

            Does anyone out there have personal passion projects they are working on? Or do you have ideas but are unsure where to begin? Or would you maybe want to get involved in helping Haiti through GoServ Global? Please share positivity in the comments!

      Health Kits      

      - 1 bath towel (not white)

      - 2 bars of soap (in original package: mild soap like Ivory)

      - 1 adult toothbrush in original packaging

      - 1 wide tooth comb (remove from package)

      - 1 nail clipper (remove from package)

Wrap all items in the towel and tie with ribbon or yarn. Items should be new.

      Baby Layette Kits

      - 2 receiving blankets

      - 4 cloth diapers

      - 2 sleepers or gowns (one should be 0-3 mo. size)

      - 3 onesies or t-shirts (onesies preferred)

      - 2 pairs of socks

      - 1 baby cap

      - 2 baby safety pins

Clothing: varying sizes 3-18 mos. Wrap items in the blankets and secure with baby safety pins. Items should be new or in very good condition.

"Stitches in Time" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Stitches in Time (Oct. 1, 2019) by Suzanne Woods Fisher.*

Detachment from people has worked well for Sam Schrock until he meets Mollie Graber. Mollie is a schoolteacher who came to Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania, for a fresh start from an overbearing, overprotective worrywart (a.k.a. her mother). When Sam’s brother, Luke, new to his role as deacon, asks the congregation to temporarily take in foster girls from the local group home, she’s the first to raise her hand. Not only that, she wants to take in two girls. Preferably sisters. She feels that the power of love can knit together the dropped stitches and make a whole. Unfortunately, the 11-year-old twins she takes in seem unmoved by her caring, open spirit and have no regard for common courtesy. They smoke in Mollie’s small home, skip school and repeatedly get caught by the Stoney Ridge sheriff when they’re hitchhiking at night to Las Vegas. When they start working around Sam’s horses – first mucking out stalls as a consequence for negative actions – their interest is piqued. Is it genuine or is it merely a passing fancy?

            The positive thing about having Tina and Alicia working with the horses is that Sam has more opportunity to be around Mollie, whom he’s always held in high regard. The feeling is mutual, though Mollie is reluctant to begin a courtship, because, as her mother continually reminds her, “…loving Mollie brought complications.” When a scare shakes Sam to his core, will he overcome it and be the pillar of support that’s needed? Or will he be “like a turtle” and hide in his shell at the slightest sign of emotion?

            I verily enjoyed this Amish inspirational fiction romance, the second in The Deacon’s Family series. Not having read any other Amish fiction books from Woods Fisher, I’m missing backstory on multiple characters, but not so much that I was lost while reading this one. This story provides for us a rich tapestry of love, faith, trying times and picking up the pieces by accepting support from those around us. Like the characters in the story, we each need people in our lives who will take the “time to unravel the yarn and go back to fix the dropped stitches.” Our lives are all filled with dropped stitches and those that help us at each step provide us stitches in time (p. 175). There is beauty and meaning in this story that sheds important light on the significance of foster care.

            Favorite line: “Luke was busier than a one-eyed cat watching nine mouse holes” (p. 40).

* 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.”

"A Distance Too Grand" by Regina Scott

A Distance Too Grand (Oct. 1, 2019) by Regina Scott.*

She didn’t know how sick her photographer father was until it was too late. Margaret (Meg) Pero has been working with photographic equipment since she was big enough to tote it around and intends to make photography her life’s career. Getting the shot is always her passion. She reports to Fort Wilverton, Arizona Territory, as the official photographer on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is 1871. Her dad, Matthew, had signed the contract M. Pero, making it legit for Meg as well, and, indeed, some of the photographs attributed to her father were taken by her. The contract was accepted and signed by Colonel Coleridge, but it’s Captain Ben Coleridge whom she finds at Fort Wilverton. They have a past; Meg’s the woman who broke Ben’s heart when he was still a West Point cadet.

            Ben knows Meg’s skills, but he isn’t thrilled to have her on the survey; he was expecting her father, but he doesn’t want to delay the survey for even one more day. They’re venturing out later than expected as it is. The small group expects they’re simply surveying the land in order to try to find a feasible wagon road across the canyon, but it’s far more personal for Ben. He wants to find his missing father, but the others cannot know about this part of the mission. As if that weren’t enough, a “midnight visitor” is lurking about. Nothing seems to be missing, but something precious to Meg is destroyed. Then there’s nature itself and the possibility of things such as cougars and flash floods. Ben has never given up on Meg, but Meg doesn’t believe Ben could love her for the smart, independent, camera-wielding woman that she is. Will their love rekindle in the great wide world? Or will any new attempts at courtship go up in flames like a wildfire?

            My first story from Regina Scott, I was pleasantly surprised by how well I liked it. It read like a smoothly-flowing stream until you’re approaching the rapids and drama and conflict descend like waterfalls. The story includes the beauty of nature as well as the harshness of it, glorious vistas unseen by many in 1871 and the brutal reality of foraging and making do with the clothes on one’s back. This inspirational fiction, historical romance novel encourages keeping the faith in the toughest of times and during dire situations. It’s a story of endurance and teamwork, bravery, grit and, yes, stubbornness.

* 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 Tyrant's Tomb" by Rick Riordan

The Tyrant’s Tomb (Sept. 24, 2019) by Rick Riordan.

It’s never easy being a mortal teenager with acne and love handles, especially when you’re normally the blindingly handsome, immortal god of the sun, archery, prophecy and healing to humbly call out some highlights. Apollo (a.k.a. Lester Papadopoulous) remains on his path to restore five ancient oracles, defeat a Triumvirate of evil Roman emperors and return to his throne on Mount Olympus as a [reformed] immortal god. Apollo and Meg McCaffrey journey to Camp Jupiter in the San Francisco Bay Area where the Roman demigods are preparing to die … er, make a frantic last stand against the Triumvirate and the “foul undead thing” they have aligned themselves with. Camp Jupiter is already in dire straits after the ambush that Leo Valdez barely made it in time to tell them about. Losses were heavy, and they are not over. They officially say goodbye to a familiar character. And Apollo is the worse for wear for much of this book, as he’s working hard so as to not turn into a zombie. One knows it’s bad when even the Arrow of Dodona is trying to give a pep talk.

            Fortunately, Apollo and Meg are not alone. At Camp Jupiter, they meet up with Tyson (Percy Jackson’s Cyclops half-brother) and Ella (the harpy with a photographic memory), both of whom are working to record the Sibylline Books. It’s in Ella’s memories, and Tyson “helps” her (“Oh boy! Tattoos tickle!”). Hazel Levesque, Frank Zhang and Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano also make substantial character appearances in this book. It is like meeting up with old friends, but I’m hoping that the last installment includes our oldest favorites like Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood.

            Again, Riordan regales us with ceaseless action, cheeky banter, spot-on comedy and the right amount of drama in this fourth in The Trials of Apollo series. Also, don’t forget the haikus. As expected from the author, all action scenes are sequenced with all the detail of a cinematic film. His mythology-based, middle-grade novels are hard to put down; it takes great effort to spread the book out over a week when all I want to do is read without interruption like the happiest hermit in her own personal library. Fans will likely enjoy seeing familiar faces in Riordan’s ever-expanding, though well-developed, cast of characters. These are characters that we all root for and would gladly fight monsters with. Be sure to avoid those eurynomoi, though, as I’ll be conflicted about it if I have to dispatch an ally-turned-vrykolakai.

            Book One: The Hidden Oracle

            Book Two: The Dark Prophecy

            Book Three: The Burning Maze

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 15

Something YA this way comes (again)!

Children of Blood and Bone (Mar. 6, 2018) by Tomi Adeyemi.

*This is the first novel in a trilogy.*

There is no magic left in the world, but there are still repercussions stemming from the Raid. Eleven years ago, King Saran, a merciless tyrant, destroyed magic and had all maji massacred, including Zélie Adebola’s mother, a great Reaper. Zélie is not off the hook, either. Although magic is gone, she remains visible with the white hair of divîners, those descendants of maji that could’ve one day become maji, wielders of their respective magics. Her brother, Tzain, is not a divîner, but a kosidán (someone without magic). Zélie’s life is further complicated when a young woman desperately reaches out to her to escape, as she is being pursued for an artifact (scroll) she has stolen. This young woman is Orïsha’s Princess Amari, daughter of Saran. What she has stolen could help restore magic back to the world. Amari, Zélie and Tzain, with the Adebola’s family lionaire, Nailah, set off to collect two other holy artifacts (a bone dagger and a sunstone) and reach “a sacred island off the northern coast of the Orinion Sea” and complete the ritual before the centennial solstice. Close on their trail is Amari’s older brother, Crown Prince Inan, who’s always looked for his father’s approval and has even gone so far as to physically maim his only sister. His hatred of magic runs deep, but fate is going to throw a wrench into his life in a very big way. Denial won’t help. The harder he fights it, the tougher it will be on him. Is Inan’s heart as hardened as Saran’s?

            Although the starter in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, it already feels epic. In this YA novel featuring a complex cast of West-African characters (who speak the Yoruba language), a captivating and variegated narrative, and an Atlas-like weight-of-the-world on Zélie’s shoulders, this debut is worthy of any and all accolades. The novel is presented in an expansive and immersive landscape with themes current to our world despite its fantasy setting. It evokes the conscience, but instead of brutality revolving around race or religion or sexual orientation, it stems from hatred of those who wield magic or potentially can wield it. Still, justice is needed as much here as in any non-magical society. This story is not always easy to read, but it’s a literary achievement of imagination, emotion, grit and more than one strong female. If you’re a YA reader, and this isn’t on your shelf, it should be!

Finale (May 7, 2019) by Stephanie Garber.

*This is the final novel in a trilogy.*

The Fates are free. Considering how long they’ve been trapped in a special Deck of Destiny, they are not running around wreaking havoc right away, as their powers are weak, but it’s obvious when it begins. A family enjoying an outside dinner is frozen; Scarlett can see their feelings vividly (The Poisoner). Paid servants are forced to dance endlessly along invisible strings; most are no longer conscious, as they were probably animated a full day previous when their employer was killed in a horrible manner (Jester Mad). But Scarlett and Donatella’s mother is also free, and that’s what matters to Tella. Unfortunately, the Fallen Star – the Fate at the top of the totem pole – seems to have come back strong. Certain Fates are less terrible than others, though one would never call them friends. Friendly acquaintance would also be a stretch. Scarlett, Julian, Tella and Legend must find a way to outwit the Fallen Star. Can they do so before utter chaos and irreversible damage descend upon Valenda? Because it isn’t just the four of them that will suffer, but Valenda’s residents, too. And when Scarlett learns a life-changing truth, will she harness it willingly or by force?

            I know I mentioned it for the previous book, “Legendary,” but I do not care for Tella. This remains true for this final installment in the Caraval trilogy. She grates on my nerves, and because I don’t care for her, I don’t see why one boy loves her, much less two. I think it’s her lack of maturity compared to her older sister, Scarlett, which annoys me.

            Negatives aside, I remain a spellbound fan of this trilogy. It ensnared me in its magical force much like Erin Morgenstern’s “The Night Circus” and may also appeal to anyone who enjoyed the lesser-known film “Stardust.” I like that this novel features the perspectives of both sisters. It is darkly lustrous and ominously enchanting. Imagine glitter and beauty and a façade of opulence where the likes of black diamonds and blood-red gems twinkle with millions of sparkles that could hurt you as they mesmerize you. It is a spectacle for the imagination, and I hope the author has a new series brewing.

The Red Scrolls of Magic (Apr. 9, 2019) by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu.

*This is the first novel in a trilogy.*

The High Warlock of Brooklyn, Magnus Bane – suave, stylish and hedonistic – wants nothing more than to enjoy a fabulous European vacation with his boyfriend, Alexander “Alec” Lightwood, a shy yet fierce Shadowhunter whose blood caries that of angels (Nephilim). Magnus’ plans are waylaid almost from the get-go when he is told by a trusted friend that a cult known as the Crimson Hand has been sacrificing faeries in order to raise Asmodeus, a Greater Demon/Prince of Hell. Asmodeus has significance in Magnus’ life, though none of it is positive. Unfortunately, all Magnus remembers of the Crimson Hand is that he founded it as a drunken joke; his other memories of the cult appear to be missing. The Spiral Labyrinth, the warlock’s mysterious underground headquarters, will not be forgiving to Magnus if the Crimson Hand, with Magnus as their rumored leader, continues as is. He teams up with Alec and a Korean warlock they encounter along the way named Shinyun Jung, who has a storied past with the cult. When Alec goes to the Rome Institute, he falls into step with Shadowhunters Aline Penhallow (lives in Alicante, the capital and only city of Idris, the Shadowhunters’ home country) and Helen Blackthorn (of the Los Angeles Institute). With destructive demons and questioning Shadowhunters, Magnus and Alec’s romance will be tested … through battle, pain and fire. Can such a new love overcome such obstacles?

            According to the acknowledgements, this story falls chronologically during “City of Fallen Angels” (2011), the fourth novel in The Mortal Instruments series. “The Red Scrolls of Magic” launches the first in The Eldest Curses trilogy, Clare’s collaboration with Chu. Magnus and Alec are far more star-crossed than Romeo and Juliet; there’s Downworlder and Shadowhunter, immortal and mortal in play here. Action and adventure is plentiful in this installment of secrets, magic, new love, combat, self-doubt and compassion. It is compelling and thrilling, and considering when the story takes place, it’s nice to encounter a certain familiar character in all his sarcastic, undead form (I’m talking about you, Raphael Santiago). I so appreciate the ethnic diversity of this series, especially in introducing a Korean character, but I didn’t choose it for the diversity or the LGBTQ+ representation. At its core, I’m a fan of Clare’s work, and Magnus is my favorite of her characters. He is “a blazing riot of life and color, a source of joy for everyone around him” (p. 204). This includes us as readers!

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 14

Normally I read the book before I watch the movie, but in this case, I watched the movie first. I have my out-of-state brother and sister-in-law to thank for this trilogy, and I wholly enjoyed the ridiculous extravagance of the stories.

Crazy Rich Asians (June 11, 2013) by Kevin Kwan.

When her boyfriend asks her to accompany him to his best friend’s wedding, in which he’s the best man, Rachel Chu is excited. Not only is the wedding overseas, but she’ll finally get to meet Nicholas Young’s family! As she and Nick are university professors (she of economics and he of history), Rachel is blindsided when she arrives in Singapore. First, there was the luxurious flight in first class, though she had thought that Nick shouldn’t have splurged on something so extravagantly expensive. Then they’re greeted at the airport by the groom- and bride-to-be, Colin Khoo and Araminta Lee. It turns out the Khoo family is one of the richest families in the world and Araminta is very famous, the supermodel daughter of one of China’s richest men and luxury hotel queen mother. Araminta is a celebrated fashion icon, though both appear down-to-earth, yet theirs is the wedding of the year. It’s a media frenzy to rival any royal wedding! Rachel is unprepared for all the judgment about her lineage (or lack thereof) all the way down to the clothes she wears (and the designers that she clearly doesn’t). She is out of her league and even moreso the first time she’s admitted to Tyersall Park, which is outfitted with Gurkha* guards, no less, and is so vast and protected that it seems remote, like they’re not in Singapore anymore.

            Nick should’ve prepared Rachel for this life and for his family. But how do you explain that you come from a family that’s elite-of-the-elite? His mother, Eleanor, does not approve of her, nor does Shang Su Yi, his ah ma (paternal grandma), and he’s always been close to her. Others around her have shown petty jealousy and downright maliciousness (the fish incident) that she should come in her cheap, no-name clothes on the arm of one of Singapore’s most handsome, phenomenally rich and eligible bachelors. Fortunately, there are those who’ve only shown Rachel kindness. From her college friend, Goh Peik Lin (whose family is ultra-rich), to Astrid Leong Teo, Nick’s beautiful cousin, to Colin and Araminta and Oliver T’sien, another of Nick’s cousins, friends are present but few in a land and lifestyle completely new to Rachel.

            Talk about a grand adventure-of-a-novel! This satirical novel is over-the-top ridiculous yet elegant. Despite all the Asians headlining and decorating the novel, the story remains culturally intense. From Mainland Chinese to overseas Chinese to “ABC” (American-born Chinese), judgment isn’t reserved solely for Rachel and her American self. Reading this story has been wicked good fun, though it doesn’t stop me from wanting to roll my eyes at the extremely vapid and materialistic snobbery. All the same, if given the opportunity, I’d suggest reading this 1,500-carat-gem-of-a-novel on your private jet wearing next season’s Oscar de la Renta with your Chopard by De Rigo sunglasses atop your head and Hermès bag in its own chair while sipping your Ono Champagne Cocktail next to your jet’s koi pond!

*Gurkha: “They are the deadliest soldiers in the world. … The Sultan of Brunei only uses Gurkhas as his private protection force.” (p. 157)

China Rich Girlfriend (June 16, 2015) by Kevin Kwan.

As providence would have it, Eleanor Young’s path crosses with Bao Shaoyen’s. Shaoyen is an immensely wealthy client of her nephew, Edison “Eddie” Cheng, and she’s dealing with trauma that has befallen her son, Carlton (it’s his own fault). When Eleanor and her friends are shown a picture of Carlton, his features are immediately shocking. He looks just like Rachel (except, you know, Rachel has long hair and wears makeup). The resemblance is so strong that Eleanor finally asks Bao Gaoliang (once known as Kao Wei) if he knew a Kerry Ching (Rachel’s mom, though she goes by Kerry Chu) who was married to an abusive man by the name of Zhou Fang Min (yep). He’s completely open to a relationship with his long-lost daughter and in fact finds a connection with her that he’s never had with Carlton (“He had never seen his father display physical affection for anyone like that before, not even his mother.”). Carlton is also very open to knowing Rachel and seems to thrive on having a half-sibling. His not-girlfriend and daughter of one of the richest billionaires in China, Collette Bing, also seems fond of Rachel and Nick, inviting them on her family’s private jet for a massive spending spree and sending delectable foods direct to their lavish hotel suite (suite courtesy of Gaoliang). Unfortunately, Shaoyen is wholly against meeting Rachel, much less welcoming her into their home. She worries about the scandal it’ll bring to their lives when people learn that Gaoliang fathered a child out of wedlock, and she thinks Carlton has betrayed her for wanting to know Rachel.

            Astrid Leong Teo has got her own drama to work through. Gone is the sensible, thoughtful husband, and in its place is someone she doesn’t know. Wealth has gone to Michael’s head and suddenly he “needs” a bigger house, a collection of expensive cars, Astrid in better jewelry and better clothes (she is already a fashion icon to anyone who’s anyone and knows who she is) and only perfection in their five-year-old son, Cassian, including harsh discipline (e.g. being locked in a dark closet for four hours). Michael once wanted a divorce, but Astrid was desperate to keep him out of love. Where is the love now?

            While second novels usually fall short, this one did nothing of the sort. Vicarious escapism at its finest, I was deliriously entertained by the hoity-toity cast in this story. At the very tip-top of their socioeconomic classes with gargantuan egos to match, there is enough snobbery to outfit entire countries with designer handbags. Cattiness jumps levels, and certain characters behave so dreadfully, yet it makes for such a delicious read. I love when a certain socialite gets put in her place, and where I would’ve rooted for Michael in the first book, I hope he falls hard in the next story. That man needs to take a big ole bite of humble pie. As for the reader, I’d recommend settling into a cozy spot with a generous mound of pearls adorned with nonpareils of platinum + precious gems and topped with diamond sprinkles served in a lavish crystal bowl.

Rich People Problems (May 23, 2017) by Kevin Kwan.

The esteemed and lifetime-pampered matriarch, Young Su Yi, has taken a turn for the worse. Her historically favored grandson, Nicholas Young, has been estranged from her these five years since she disapproved of him marrying Rachel Chu. Rachel convinces Nick to go to Singapore alone and make amends with his beloved grandmother. When he arrives at Tyersall Park, he’s barred entrance as Ah Ma has supposedly said she doesn’t want to see him. This comes from Edison Cheng, his ridiculously pompous and high-end-brand-obsessed cousin who’s prone to screaming tantrums. Eddie thinks if he schemes smartly enough and keeps Nick and Astrid away, he alone will inherit Tyersall Park. Who will actually inherit the massive 64-acre, architectural-folly-of-a-property? What are the contents of Su Yi’s will? What secrets has Su Yi kept all these decades?

            Astrid should be looking toward a future with tech billionaire Charlie Wu (whom she’d long ago once been engaged to), but she looks to be heading toward imminent disaster with two bitter ex-spouses (or soon-to-be). Michael Teo is demanding five billion dollars from the heiress and is threatening to go for full custody of their son, Cassian. Isabel Wu is present with multiple psychotic episodes, one of which includes publicly posting an illegally-obtained video of Astrid and Charlie being intimate. All madness has broken loose in her life to the point that her judgmentally racist mother tells her to leave the country.

            Rachel is not off the hook in this installment, as Eleanor is figuratively foaming at the mouth for a grandchild. Her scheming gets disturbingly elaborate and potentially invasive when she invites Rachel to a Bible Study. A niece flown in from Sydney happens to be a gynecologist and there happens to be a gynecologic exam chair set up in the private prayer room of “The Star Trek House” (Carol Tai’s house). Run away. Quick!

            Meanwhile, the newly minted Kitty Bing is fanatical over the stepdaughter she’s never met, Collette (from “China Rich Girlfriend”). She feels constantly upstaged by her, especially now that Collette fled Asia and married some rich, handsome young man with a title. To Kitty, this is war, and it’s one she plans to win.

            All of the over-the-top shenanigans in this concluding novel in a trilogy have been more dramatic than the soapiest soap opera or most salacious tabloid. This trilogy is its own name-dropping gossipmonger. The absurdity of it all makes it simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny and eye-roll-inducing. I love it! I love the story all the way down to the often entertaining footnotes. I certainly never pictured loving a series featuring many (but not all) ultra-rich, wealth-obsessed, upper-echelon snobs, but it’s flashy and enthralling and flamboyantly wicked. Kwan’s storytelling navigates this rarefied world with jocularity and verve. So go all out. Find your most expensive everything, take your private plane to your world’s largest yacht somewhere in the tropics and have your personal Michelin-star-rated chef cook you something delectable and delicious while all your well-paid (because you are fair and generous, of course) personal assistants anticipate all you need before you realize you need it.

"Christmas in Winter Hill" by Melody Carlson

Christmas in Winter Hill (Sept. 3, 2019) by Melody Carlson.*

Growing up in the foster care system and with a Christmas Eve birthday that was usually overlooked, Krista Galloway is not charmed by the holiday season. She’d rather skip right into the new year. As it were, she’s taken a new city manager job in the [fictional] town of Winter Hill, Washington. Her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, notices the idyllic town’s sign for Christmasville, which is a grand to-do for the town. Krista is unexcited to learn that she is expected to be active in this celebration, not just in helping to oversee it, but participate as well. Her daughter loves Christmas and is thrilled about a weeks-long Christmas celebration. Growing up in Phoenix, she has never seen snow and can’t wait for the first snowfall. There’s also the Christmas House. A very fortunate essay writer will win it, and she prays so much that it is her. Krista doesn’t have the heart to dash her young hopes, but winning a house simply isn’t realistic. Can Winter Hill change Krista’s mind about how she feels about Christmas?

            Conner Harris and his teenage daughter, Anna, help Krista and Emily move into their apartment. Conner’s mom is Pauline Harris, a city assistant who’s invaluable as Krista’s settling into her new role in a new town. It is clear that Conner is a hard worker, a great father, a helping hand and someone who knows the Lord. He helps Krista with a potential health safety issue at City Hall and donates his company’s time to do so, which makes speechless a tirade-spewing Winston Palmer. Winston would make a good Scrooge, as he’s the town grump and the city’s chief financial officer. Krista has asked repeatedly for last year’s budget, but he drags his feet in  getting her the report. When he does, something is off about it. Is Winston doing something he shouldn’t?

            As someone who loves Christmastime, the thought of helping organize a Christmas celebration sounds fantastic! And getting to dress up and play a part? Where can I sign up?! I’ve been reading many books laden with deep world-building, too many plotlines and sometimes too many points-of-view characters, so it was refreshing to read this slim tale. Despite the hijinks of a rabble-rouser, this story was mostly as sweet as a Christmas bakeshop and as delightful as a Hallmark holiday made-for-TV movie. Certainly that won’t appeal to everyone, and we all know, realistically, that praying hard for something doesn’t mean we will get it, but this book was the type of relaxed read that I needed. If you enjoy uncomplicated holiday tales, this may be for you. If you’re looking for more depth and less sweet, I’d recommend detouring around Winter Hill.

* 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 Girl Behind the Red Rope" by Ted Dekker & Rachelle Dekker

The Girl Behind the Red Rope (Sept. 3, 2019) by Ted Dekker & Rachelle Dekker.*

How far would one go to be obedient and pure in faith? For members of the Holy Family Church, they retreat deep into the woods of Tennessee with their only partition of protection a red rope around the perimeter. There is a gate at the main entrance, but it’s clearly for aesthetic, as it’s keeping no one out except the Fury. Haven Valley is their refuge, and they live simply. Women wear compressors (corsets) and long dresses with multiple layers so that no man can know their shape and be tempted. Nineteen-year-old Grace has been married five months to Andrew Marks, a widower in his late 40s, but she does not live with him. She’s only permitted scheduled conjugal visits and will move in once she has conceived.

            Grace has been helping Jamie Weathers, her brother, avoid the perimeter patrols so he can slip beyond the red rope. Breaching the perimeter isn’t permissible and when he questions what is beyond and Grace admits her role in aiding him, they are both banished from Haven Valley. The Fury supposedly run rampant outside of the rope, so why was Jamie never attacked? When he is attacked and Grace is left unscathed thanks to her guardian, Bobbie, they are allowed re-admittance to Haven Valley. Jamie’s conviction in and commitment to Sylous, their guardian, is renewed and stronger than ever. Now it’s Grace who’s filled with doubt. Ben Weathers returns unannounced, clearly dying, but still unscathed by Fury a decade after being cast out for not putting his faith in Sylous. He arrives with Eli, who’s around the same age Lukas would have been had he lived. Grace is told Eli is her brother. Eli seems to Grace to be light and love; to Rose Pierce – who brought them to Sylous – he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Who is correct? Who is Eli? Why does Sylous feel threatened by a young boy?

            When I began this inspirational fiction novel by father-daughter duo Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker, I was thinking, It’s about a cult. Then I thought, It’s a supernatural cult, because that is what it felt like. It didn’t feel like an apocalypse so much as an ultra-dramatic world where all types of fear have manifested itself into corporeal form, even if not always seen. I typically love fantasy novels, but I found myself struggling with the pacing. I simply couldn’t fully engage with the novel, but I expect I’m in the minority there. The way the Fury present is a thought-provoking idea, and the plot is stimulating. The examination of obedience and faith from the perspective of a brainwashed group in this fictional setting was interesting, but I also can’t imagine not knowing I can think for myself without retribution or punishment. And that’s where my struggle with this book lies, so I’ll be grateful that I can be free-thinking.

* 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.”