Lumberjanes, Vol. 5: Band Together (#17-20) by Noelle Stevenson, etc

Lumberjanes, Vol. 5: Band Together (#17-20) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

What gives, two-legs?!
It's a battle of the bands... with mermaids! April takes it upon herself to restore a friendship that has fallen apart, but will she be in over her head as her above water friendships take a hit? When friendships are challenged, can the Lumberjanes save the day? Don't miss out on this exciting collection!

This New York Times bestseller and multiple Eisner Award-winning series written by Noelle Stevenson (Nimona, Runaways), Shannon Watters, and Kat Leyh and illustrated by the tremendously talented Brooke Allen (Home for Mr. Easter) and Carolyn Nowak (Rungs).

Review

Another enchanting volume. This time featuring on a flashback and mermaids.

Tyson Hesse's Diesel: Ignition by Tyson Hesse, etc

Tyson Hesse's Diesel: Ignition - 4 Stars

Synopsis

The first-ever original graphic novel spawning out of Tyson Hesse’s Diesel, Hesse’s popular “punk motif”-inspired, coming-of-age story about Diandra “Dee” Diesel, her mysterious flying engine, and the airship colony she lives on, Peacetowne. When a long-lost army suddenly appears from beneath the clouds, one impulsive decision made by Dee will change her destiny forever. With only her broken-down robot companion and a mysterious flying engine to help her, Dee is sent on a sky-bound journey that will take her from the darkest wastelands below the clouds to the brightest capital of her world. Her greatest challenge will be to look beyond her family legacy and create a destiny of her own choosing. Tyson Hesse’s (Amazing World of Gumball, Bravest Warriors) visually stunning graphic novel examines the importance of family, responsibility, and heroism, all set in a grand, new world! Includes the first 4 issues of Tyson Hesse's Diesel comic series, as well as over 80 pages of new, original content. 

Review

What an excellent beginning to an imaginative new world. Really enjoyable.

Goldie Vance Vol.1 (#1-4) by Hope Larson and Brittney Larson

Goldie Vance Vol.1 (#1-4) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

GOLDIE VANCE IS ON THE CASE

Sixteen-year-old Marigold "Goldie" Vance has an insatiable curiosity. She lives at a Florida resort with her dad, who manages the place, and it's her dream to one day be the hotel's in-house detective. When Walter, the current detective, encounters a case he can't crack, together they utilize her smarts, skills, and connections to solve the mystery...even if it means getting into a drag race, solving puzzles, or chasing a helicopter to do it!

Review

OMG this was so cute. I loved following Goldie during her detective adventures.

Giant Days Vol.3 (#9-12) by John Allison, etc

Giant Days Vol.3 (#9-12) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Continuing their first semester at university, fast friends Susan, Esther, and Daisy want to find their footing in life. The girls, along with their male hall-mates, Ed and McGraw find that college is more than academics and bad microwavable meals. Add some pub hopping, hookups, breakups and political scandal this might just be the most eventful first semester ever. Giant Days, the comedic slice-of-life series from creator John Allison (Bad Machinery, Scary Go Round) and fantastic newcomer Max Sarin, has graduated to a third volume, collecting issues 9-12 of the Eisner Award-nominated series. 

Review

Love this series and going on adventures with these girls.

Giant Days Vol.2 (#5-8) by John Allison, etc

Giant Days Vol.2

Synopsis

Continuing their first semester at university, fast friends Susan, Esther, and Daisy want to find their footing in life. But in the face of hand-wringing boys, holiday balls, hometown rivals, and the willful, unwanted intrusion of "academia," they may be lucky just to make it to spring alive.

Collects issues #5-8. 

Review

Another great read. Loving this series so far.

Lumberjanes Vol.4 Out of Time (Lumberjanes #13-16) by Noelle Stevenson, etc

Lumberjanes Vol.4 Out of Time (Lumberjanes #13-16) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Jen just wants a normal lesson with her cabin, teaching Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley the basic survival skills needed without any supernatural intervention. But when a blizzard hits camp, Jen finds herself separated from the girls and in more trouble than ever... until a mysterious taxidermist swoops in to save the day. Who is she and what is her relationship to Rosie? Join Jen as she finds a way back to her girls, and a way to save the day!

This New York Times Bestseller and Eisner Award-Nominated series is written by Noelle Stevenson (Nimona, ADVENTURE TIME™), and Lumberjanes co-creator Shannon Watters, and illustrated by Brooke Allen (A Home For Mr. Easter).

Review

Another excellent instalment with the awesome Lumberjanes.

The Frog Princess (Tales of the Frog Princess #1) by E.D. Baker

The Frog Princess (Tales of the Frog Princess #1) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Princess Emeralda a.ka. Emma isn't exactly an ideal princess. Her laugh is more like a donkey's bray than tinkling bells, she trips over her own feet and she does not like Prince Jorge, whom her mother hopes she will marry. But if Emma ever thought to escape her troubles, she never expected it to happen by turning into a frog! When convinced to kiss a frog so he might return to being a prince, somehow the spell is reversed and Emma turns into a frog herself! Thus begins their adventure--a quest to return to human form.

Fascinating and hilarious characters ranging from a self-conscious but friendly bat to a surprisingly loyal snake and a wise green witch confirm that readers won't soon forget this madcap story. A fantastic debut from the talented E.D. Baker.

Review

OMG this was so cute.

I loved the Disney movie The Princess and The Frog, so when I saw this I had to give it a go.

I enjoyed reading the tale of Princess Emeralda or better known as Emma. Emma who is not your typical princess and who is always clumsy. One day she is told that she is now engaged to a prince that loves himself more than he loves others. Not wishing to marry a vain prince Emma decides run away to her favourite place by the swamp. In the swamp she meets a talking toad. This toad claims to be the lost prince Eadric. He tells her that he has been cursed by an old witch and that he needs a princess to kiss him to return back into a frog. So Emma kisses him and then promptly turns in a frog herself. With the help from a flurry of various animals. Emma and Eadric go on a adventure to find a way to turn them both back into humans. 

This story has everything a classic fairy-tale should have, witches, fairies and lots of magic. I adored the writing style and the humour of this adorable tale.

Lumberjanes Vol.3 A Terrible Plan (Lumberjanes #9-12) by Noelle Stephenson

Lumberjanes Vol.3 A Terrible Plan (Lumberjanes #9-12) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

F YOU GOT IT, HAUNT IT!

Trying to take advantage of the first quiet day at camp in a while, Mal and Molly's date takes a bizarre turn with the appearance of the Bear Woman! Back at camp, Jo, April, and Ripley must stay on their toes as they try and earn every badge possible, which ends up being a lot harder than any of them ever planned.

This New York Times bestselling series continues with Lumberjanes #9, "If You Got It, Haunt It Badge;" #10, "Abscence Make the Heart Grow Fondant Badge;" #11, "Go Ball-istic Badge;" and #12, "Oldie but Goodie Badge."

Review

Another amazing instalment. Cannot wait to continue on with this amazing series.

Lumberjanes Vol.2 Friendship to the Max (Lumberjanes #5-8) by Noelle Stephenson, etc

Lumberjanes Vol.2 Friendship to the Max - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are not your average campers and Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types is not your average summer camp. Between the river monsters, magic, and the art of friendship bracelets, this summer is only just beginning. Join the Lumberjanes as they take on raptors and a sibling rivalry that only myths are made of.

This New York Times bestseller and Eisner Award-nominated series is written by awesome all-star Noelle Stevenson and brilliant newcomer Grace Ellis, and illustrated by the tremendously talented Brooke Allen.

Lumberjanes, Vol. 2: Friendship to the Max includes issues 5-8 and the first fourteen pages of Giant Days, Vol. 1 by John Allison.

Review

Just like the previous volume this was amazing. Friendship to the Max.

Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicles #1) by Jay Kirstoff

Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicles #1) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Mia Covere is only ten years old when she is given her first lesson in death.Destined to destroy empires, the child raised in shadows made a promise on the day she lost everything: to avenge herself on those that shattered her world.But the chance to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting, and Mia must become a weapon without equal. Before she seeks vengeance, she must seek training among the infamous assassins of the Red Church of Itreya.Inside the Church's halls, mia must prove herself against the deadliest of opponents and survive the tutelage of murderers, liars and demons at the heart of a murder cult.The Church is no ordinary school, but Mia is no ordinary student.

Review

“Never Flinch, Never Fear, Never Forget” This is the motto of Mia Corvere, given to her by her mother during the execution of her father, by a corrupt government. After losing her father, she soon would lose her mother and brother to the philosophers stone a prison. The prison is described as a punishment that is worse than death. After losing her family, Mia was raised by an old master assassin and he trains her to get revenge against the men who destroyed her life. Mia is not a girl to messed with and see quickly learns the art of death. But this is not enough for her, she wants to sharpen her skills. Her master sponsors her application to join the Red Church of Itreya. This is the home and training centre of the lands assassins. Here she would follow the blessed mother of death and learn the arts to take the lives of those she swore revenge. Her journey is filled with plenty of twists and turns.

Mia is a complex main character, who can come across and a sweet teenage girl and then other times a girl could kill without a moment of thought of worry. The secondary characters are just a twisted and complex. Here is school, where if you put a foot wrong, could mean your death. The writing style is lyrical and did take me a little while to get used to. But once I got a hand of the writing style and going back and forth between Mia’s past and her present. This book is not for the faint hearted and has mature themes including, sex and violence. But I think this what made the book for me, as it did hold back the punches. Will be reading Godsgrave when I get a chance.

Great fantasy for those who want something different and special.

Ace of Shades (The Shadow Game #1) by Amanda Foody

Ace of Shades (The Shadow Game #1) - 3.5 Stars

Synopsis

Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…
and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of Ace of Shades from HQ Young Adult & Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody. This is due was published on 17^th May 2018

This was my 1^st Amanda Foody book and will not be the last. This was an interesting ride with plenty twist and turns. Enne and Levi were an interesting pair to read about. I cannot wait until their next instalment. Plenty of Rogues, Thieves and other unique characters are within this story. The authors writing style is unique and enjoyable. I have had the pleasure of going to Las Vegas many, many years ago and it was enjoyable to read a story that has a Vegas type atmosphere.

Great book for YA fantasy lovers.

Say Yes to the Maquess (Castles Ever After #2) by Tessa Dare

Say Yes to the Marquess (Castles Ever After #2) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Your presence is requested at romantic Twill Castle for the wedding of Miss Clio Whitmore and... and... ?

After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She's inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.

Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.

So how does a hardened fighter cure a reluctant bride's cold feet?

● He starts with flowers. A wedding can't have too many flowers. Or harps. Or cakes.

● He lets her know she'll make a beautiful, desirable bride—and tries not to picture her as his.

● He doesn't kiss her.

● If he kisses her, he definitely doesn't kiss her again.

● When all else fails, he puts her in a stunning gown. And vows not to be nearby when the gown comes off.

● And no matter what—he doesn't fall in disastrous, hopeless love with the one woman he can never call his own.

Review

Say Yes to the Marquess is the 2^nd instalment in the Castles Ever After by Tessa Dare. This was enjoyable as the last.

This one follows Miss Clio Whitmore who has been engaged for the last eight years to the future Marquess Piers Brandon. The engagement has been going on so long that Clio has been rebranded Miss Wait-more by the social society in London and beyond. Piers had been on diplomatic trips for the nation for the last eight years and Clio is fed up of waiting. When Clio is gifted a Castle in Kent by her godfather and now having means of her own, she decides to call of the wedding. To do this Clio goes to the family black sheep, prize fighter and brother of the groom Rafe Brandon. Rafe is currently training for his come back fight and does not have time for cold footed brides, who wish to dump his brother. Rafe has been taking care of brother’s affairs while he has been away. He swore that he would not let down his brother and decides to encourage Clio to go ahead with the wedding. Rafe follows Clio back to her castle and tries his hardest to get her to change her mind. But as with all good love stories all the best laid plans do not go smoothly or the way the parties intend.

I loved reading the story of Clio, she is strong and independent and enjoyable to read about. Her family are interesting mix. Once again, the writer brings in secondary characters that are just as interesting as the leads.

I would highly recommend this series and the author.

Romancing the Duke (Castle Ever After #1) by Tess Dare

Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After #1) - 4.5 Stars

Synopsis

In the first in Tessa Dare's captivating Castles Ever After series, a mysterious fortress is the setting for an unlikely love . . .

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities.

And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one.

Ugly duckling turned swan?
Abducted by handsome highwayman?
Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?

No, no, and… Heh.

Now Izzy’s given up yearning for romance. She’ll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who’s never even been kissed?

This one. 

Review

Romancing the Duke is my 1st Tessa Dare book and will not be my last. This is the 1st book in the Castles Ever After series.

We follow Miss Isolde (Izzy) Goodnight the daughter of a famous writer who used to publish weekly fantasy stories for a local paper and who has recently passed away. Her father unfortunately was not good with money, so she was left the goodwill of others. Shortly after her godfather passes away and leaves her a castle as part of his last will and testament. She is thrilled to learn that she will have finally a home of her own. But there is one slight issue, the castle already has an occupant and is not happy to hear that another person wishes to claim his home. Ransom the Duke of Rothbury, does not want company let alone someone trying to steal his home from him. He was injured a short while ago and has decided to keep away from society and most of all women. The two must learn to get along and to work out how Ransoms home was sold to another and then passed on to Izzy.

The book reads like a beauty and the beast retelling. It was an intriguing and swoon worthy romance with lots of plot, twists and turns. I implore you read this story if you enjoy a good historical romance.