"The Lost Book of the White" by C. Clare and W. Chu

The Lost Book of the White (Sept. 1, 2020) by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu.

*This is the second novel in a trilogy.*

That favorite star-crossed couple is making it work. No, not Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. High Warlock Magnus Bane and his Shadowhunter boyfriend Alec Lightwood. Obviously. Things are going well. Their loft is fabulous, their adopted son, Max, is learning to walk (there are also spontaneous bouts of magic from the warlock child, but no biggie), and life is relatively calm. But then Ragnor Fell (Magnus thought him dead a few years back) and Shinyun Jung, fellow warlocks, break into the apartment. Magnus gets stabbed with the Svefnthorn by Shinyun. She and Ragnor have been serving Sammael, “ruler of Greater Demons, the greatest of the Princes of Hell.” They also steal the Book of the White. To track the book down and learn more about the magical stabbing weapon, which is causing Magnus’ warlock powers to become powerfully erratic, they’ll travel from New York to Shanghai to Diyu (the realm of the dead in Chinese mythology). Time to confront powerful warlocks and “a demon so bad it took an angel to kill him last time” and lots of other demons, not other Greater Demons, but nonetheless, still not a picnic to deal with. So. Don’t die. Don’t fall into the thrall of Sammael. As usual, another basic mission for Magnus, Alec and their family/friends.

            Magnus continues to be one of my favorite characters in Clare’s Shadowhunters world (my other favorite is Jem). I was not disappointed with this installment with its dangerous action and intensive reaction to those numerous dangerous situations. The relationship between Magnus and Alec is intensifying, leading me to think that this novel may lose some of its appeal with younger YA readers. The overall feeling of this story is more mature with its romance and parenthood scenes, but it’s also as witty and cheeky as other stories of Clare’s have been. I enjoyed the introduction of Shanghai, the Shanghai Institute and Chinese Shadowhunters. Especially including Diyu, this installment deepens the mythology, and the ending! Along with the relationship between Magnus and Alec, another star-crossed romance between a Shadowhunter and a Downworlder symbolically mirrors the fight forward for marriage equality. This story is like a highly dangerous vacation. Strive to avoid the Devourer of Worlds (that one is Sammael’s favorite reference of himself). And amongst vampire dim sum, faerie dim sum and werewolf dim sum, you want the werewolf dim sum.

            Book One of The Eldest Curses: The Red Scrolls of Magic

"Active Defense" by Lynette Eason

Active Defense (Jan. 5, 2021) by Lynette Eason.*

Four months home after serving active duty in Afghanistan, and something is off. Surgeon Heather Fontaine has a stalker, and she assumes that it’s the same stalker who has threatened her friends. Growing up in foster homes, she learned early on not to trust others, so she doesn’t reach out, despite the good group of core friends she now has. Friends like Travis Walker. He’d like to be more than friends, and, when she’s being honest with herself, she wants likewise, but she stubbornly doesn’t reach out, even though Travis happens to own his own security agency. Heather goes into hiding without disclosing her location, but her friends are very good at investigating, and Travis has been keeping tabs on her for weeks in the tiny town of Sunrise, North Carolina (not a real town). But whoever’s following escalates her/his aggression by taking Heather by surprise on the road and running her right off. Travis is following not far behind, and they shakily get to safety, meeting a self-reliant teenager named Ryker, whose growing-up years somewhat mirror Heather’s own. As the trouble increases, so does the protection surrounding Heather, but that means more friends could potentially be hurt, and she doesn’t want that on her conscience. She isn’t making headway figuring out who her stalker is, so hopefully she can accept help before someone is killed. Because, if the person she suspects is her stalker isn’t the current stalker, then who is? And why the interest in her?

            The third in the Danger Never Sleeps series is a tour de force in inspirational, romantic suspense writing. Reading this is no casual hike along a straight trail; it’s a rigorous workout on a winding trail featuring uphill climbs, some precarious terrain and even the momentary serenity of an idyllic homestead. I appreciate that Eason’s female characters are strong, independent women and that the men around them appreciate such characteristics. I also like the introduction of Ryker, an almost-eighteen-year-old making lemonade out of too many lemons. Of all the characters, I found Ryker to be the most inspiring, and even though he’s a fictional character, I couldn’t help but want the best of things in life for him. “Active Defense” is a fast-moving thriller and, equally, a heartening story.

            Extra: I am a sucker for pets, especially pets with fur, and so, when a long-beloved pet is put down, I’ll admit that I cried. A character words it so well when she says to her son, “…but God created Herman to live his life on earth with us as a temporary arrangement.” “Like he loaned him to use?” he asks. The mom replies in the affirmative and then her son says, “I think it’s time to give Herman back to God so he can make him feel better” (p. 229).

            Book One: Collateral Damage

            Book Two: Acceptable Risk (I have read this, but it’s awaiting a compilation post.)

* 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 Positive Page-turner's Challenge: Take 11

For this edition of my Positive Page-turner’s Challenge, the first of 2021, I will continue to donate one package of bar soap for every book that I read, chapter books on up. Each package of soap will again contain 8-10 bars per package. For anyone curious, the brand I typically send is Ivory, but GoServ Global will not turn away full bars of soap of any brand. (For example, Dove is a nice brand, but it’s pricey in comparison.)

            Regarding my add-on to this Challenge, I will be donating $5 for every book featured in this picture. There are 18 books, so $90 will be donated to my home church of Trondhjem. It will be donated to the Haiti Fund.

            If your heart is likewise turned toward helping others close by or far away or any distance in-between, please share in the Comments. It can even be an idea of what you’d like to do or a dream project you’d like to come to fruition over time.

Happy 2021!

Location: Fireplace mantel of Lisa's house

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

If you’re at all like me, you began 2020 thinking it held such promise for a good year. After all, if you know the Chinese zodiac, you maybe knew that 2020 was a Year of the Rat. For better or for worse, that is my sign. Unfortunately, no one had a 2020 like they expected or dreamt or hoped for. Too many the world over have lost their lives to COVID, families & friends have unexpectedly had to say goodbye to too many and without the dignity and compassion of being able to be at the person’s bedside. Too many have struggled financially and are struggling to put food on the table for their families, to pay rent and other bills. So many are unemployed through no fault of their own. We’ve all struggled with things COVID-related, even just in the way we’ve all had to rearrange our lives and adapt to go get groceries. And there’s a good chance we’ve all struggled with our own personal things, because life happens.

            Throughout all of the darkness, though, we’ve seen so much positivity and so many of generous spirit. There is light always poking through the darkness, if only we can find those shafts of brilliance, those rays of hope. For anyone who reads this message, know that you are loved no matter your struggle. And if your darkness feels so great that you think you cannot find love, please reach out -- to someone you trust, to a licensed professional, just reach out. You are precious, and you are so loved. If you can, be someone else’s light. Whether you expect to receive a vaccination or feel better avoiding one at this time, the world is moving forward either way. And we will, too.

            Like a year ago, I wish you bravery, strength and courage navigating life’s potholes. I am rooting for you!

            Love, Lisa.

"Skyhunter" by Marie Lu

Skyhunter (Sept. 29, 2020) by Marie Lu.

*This is the first book in a duology.*

When Talin Kanami was eight years old, her homeland of Basea was invaded by the Karensa Federation. She and her mother fled north to Mara in terror and in pain. 10 years later, and Talin hasn’t spoken since the night Basea was invaded due to vocal cord scarring and emotional trauma. She uses sign language, knowing the languages of Basea and Mara. Mara is the last free nation (on this side of the sea), and Mara’s legendary Strikers are the only warriors standing between that nation and annihilation by the Karensa Federation, run by the young, sickly, tyrannical Premier, Constantine Tyrus. Talin, against all odds and through all of the bullying, is a Striker (thank you, open-minded Firstblade Aramin Wen Calla). Strikers don’t just battle the enemy soldiers, but, most specifically, they battle Ghosts. Ghosts are formerly human, but become “monstrous war beasts” after dark poison is poured down their throats. They are grotesque. To kill them, “you must bleed a Ghost out, cutting it at its neck, the only place with a vulnerable vein.” If a Ghost bites a human or scratches them with their poisonous fingernails, one must cut that person’s throat before s/he turns. And if it’s one’s own Shield (a.k.a. Striker partner) … uff da. With Redlen (Red) Arabes’ appearance, he may be the miracle weapon Mara so desperately needs. He’s the Skyhunter. Together with her friends and fellow Strikers Adena Min Ghanna and Jeran Min Terra, they plot to destabilize Karensa. They’ve pledged their lives to Mara and to one another. Strikers are “Bringers of Death,” “Assassins of Monsters.” They are Mara’s saviors and they will give their everything.

            Wow. This first novel in a duology from Marie Lu, one of my favorite authors, blew me away. This story isn’t only another science fiction fantasy set in a dystopia (references to the civilization of the “Early Ones” could be construed as Earth as we would know it) with some battle here and there. No. It runs much deeper than that. Not only do characters have varying skin tones, but Lu doesn’t steer away from xenophobia in her story, with Talin taking the brunt of it (the “Basean rat”). The trajectory of the story, from start to finish, is fast-paced and engaging. The world is expansive, darkly exciting, high-action and brutal with a core group featuring a main character and primary supporting characters that aren’t without sympathy. The way Lu writes is as well-balanced as a perfect sword.

"Midnight Sun" by Stephenie Meyer

Does this story deserve its own solo post? No. There are plenty other YA stories that should’ve easily been solo posts in my own personal arsenal alone, but I decided that it’s not always fair that I only choose books I really enjoy and love.

Midnight Sun (Aug. 4, 2020) by Stephenie Meyer.

Although this story likely needs no explanation, I’ll touch ever-briefly on the simplest of basics. There are beautiful, sparkling, immortal vampires. Fortunately, the core group doesn’t drink human blood. Unfortunately for Edward Cullen, who’s usually maintained such control over any human blood, he encounters Bella Swan. She is human and blushes easily, is self-deprecating, but also thoughtfully stubborn and annoyingly obsessed with Edward, not that he can hear her  thoughts. The Twilight tetralogy follow Bella’s point-of-view (POV) in a very long, but iconic, love story. In “Midnight Sun,” it’s Edward’s turn. Welcome back to Forks, Washington.

            Like ripping off a Band-Aid, I’ll state right away that I struggled with this story. I was once one of those women who sailed through the four books of the Twilight series, but my interest has waned since those years. I read the partial draft that Meyer had on her website back in the day (that was 2008 or 2009) multiple times, which she’d posted after it had been leaked by someone I’m assuming she thought she could trust. I was never Team Edward or Team Jacob (I was not an ardent fan, I’ll admit, though I did see all of the movies in the theater), but I expect that Team Edward has sighed (or squealed?) in content over Edward’s POV. I will say that “Midnight Sun” is more complex than the Twilight series, giving readers deeper characterization. Meyer doesn’t shy away from Edward’s often less-than-sympathetic views toward Bella, at least before he lets himself fall for her, and I did appreciate that darkness. It took away some of the innocence. I also actually liked the well of detail surrounding James’ storyline, when he’s made Bella his fixation and the chase is on. That strategizing felt fresh, and even though one knows how it’ll end, it still felt climactic when James’ end came. Edward’s internal struggles are convincing, despite my own struggle to get through the book. This novel is a love letter to fans, and even though I never chose a Team or redecorated an entire room in a Twilight theme, I still wrote my name on the line and gave myself a high five.

            If you read this post, you should give yourself a high five and leave a comment below!

Merry Christmas 2020!

No matter what degree of tumultuous your 2020 was, I hope you were able to find something merry this Christmas! (Ideas were gained by typing things such as "chalkboard Christmas trees" into a search engine. Credit goes to all people far more creative than me!) (But yes, I did draw this!)

"The Escape" by Lisa Harris

The Escape (Nov. 3, 2020) by Lisa Harris.*

It’s been some years since U.S. Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn have encountered each other, and now they are partners. Their orders are to transport two high-profile prisoners from Seattle to Denver. Two prisoners. Two U.S. Marshals. Two pilots. En route, the plane experiences trouble and goes down somewhere in the Salmon-Challis National Forest (it’s in Idaho). Both pilots are dead, as is one prisoner. The other prisoner, Damon Barrick, is armed and very dangerous. Together, Madison and Jonas will have to negotiate unfamiliar backcountry while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear and always seems to be at least one step ahead of them. This might redirect Madison’s thoughts from focusing on the five-year anniversary of her husband’s murder (the murderer has never been found). And, despite the treacherous situation they’re currently in, Madison and Jonas may find that their hearts are open to each other.

            This romantic suspense, inspirational fiction novel kicks off Book 1 in Harris’ US Marshals series, and it hits the ground running with action, suspense and danger. There’s even an extra element of the threat of danger with the appearance of a black rose. Harris brings us characters that are tireless in their dedication to their craft, but are entirely human in their suffering, romantic and familial relationships and faith. With the way the story ends, readers will find it difficult not to want to read the next installment. I expect this story to be a win with those who enjoy crime fiction and stories with a strong female protagonist.

* 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 Price of Valor" by Susan May Warren

The Price of Valor (Oct. 6, 2020) by Susan May Warren.*

A decade ago, Signe Kincaid was abducted by a rebel terrorist. Serving the CIA, she was undercover as a humanitarian aid worker in Chechnya. But things have gone wrong, and she’s already sent her daughter, Aggie, to Hamilton (Ham) Jones. Ham didn’t know he had a daughter until the call came to pick her up. Signe is on the run from the Chechen warlord Pavel Tsarnaev with the NOC (nonofficial covers) list and from those she’s dubbed the CIA bad guys. Trouble is, she can’t always be sure which are the CIA good guys and which are the bad. She wants to trust Ham and let go of some of the fear, but that’s hard to release after spending 10 years with a terrorist. Meanwhile, Ham wants to fix everything. After years thinking Signe was dead, he wants to be a family again. Having Signe alive and with him again, along with their daughter, makes being a family unit seem possible, if not for the guard that Signe never seems to lower. Ham will stay by Signe’s side through volcano eruptions, tsunamis and hostage situations. What will Signe do? Will she run? Is Tsarnaev truly dead? Will Ham be able to forgive Signe her secrets? What is the price of valor for the two of them?

            The third novel in Warren’s Global Search and Rescue series, this inspirational fiction, contemporary romance contains high stakes amid natural disasters and not-so-natural catastrophes. It is a story of renewal in faith, in reunion and in relationships. What is broken will slowly become whole again. Scars will remain, but they are but a roadmap on the long path of healing. The narrative is fairly fast-paced, but unfortunately, it remained lacking for me. While I appreciate Ham’s dedication to Signe, and her doubts are understandable after all she’s been through, their relationship struggles on top of those belonging to Orion Starr and Jenny Calhoun bogged down the story. It slowed down what should otherwise be a fast-paced tale. While likely a hit for Warren’s longstanding fans, for newcomers (I’ve only read this series’ previous novel before this) like myself, it’s shaky at best.

 

* 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.”