Dog Days of Summer 2019 Wrap Up

I want to thank La La in the Library and Jo's Book Blog for hosting this wonderful event for the 3rd time.  As usual, I didn't get nearly enough dog books read but I loved participating and am very happy with how the month went.  I was able to read and review 4 dog books (2 with the help of Cass) and I had a wonderful article from Jan S. Gephardt about our 4-legged friends/family.  Cass participated in all 4 of my Can't Wait Wednesday posts and I am pleased to announce he is now a regular CWW contributor.  Finally, I was able to complete BINGO for La La's contest.  Here is my chart and details.  

KISS A DOG ON THE NOSE - Those that know me have to realize not a day goes by where Cass doesn't get at least one kiss on the nose.

POST A DOG PHOTO ON IG WITH #DDOS - I posted one per week.

PET A DOG - Again, see Cass 

READ A BOOK WITH A DOG IN IT - I read and reviewed 4 this month!

RETWEET THE POST - DONE!

So if you didn't participate, then you missed all the fun.  But hey, there's always next year!

What's Happening...(08-31-19)

So I'm doing things a tad bit differently this year and will be combining all of my regular weekend posts.  This will enable me to add more content on Fridays and it is just starting to make more sense.  I'll still be linking up with Stacking the Shelves at Tynga's Reviews and Sunday Post at Caffeinated Reviewer.  Both blogs are awesome so make sure you check them out.

I can't believe it's the end of August already.  But there is a hint of Fall in the air, pumpkin spiced everything has arrived, there's football everywhere and it's a 3-day weekend so it's all good. Cass is enjoying some cooler temps and has been quite popular this weekend.  He has made 5 new girlfriends (high schoolers who stop to pet him on his morning walks) and has a friend named "Black Jack" down the street who he meets up with sometimes when out walking.  Also he loves to wear bandanas and his collection is growing (at $1.00 a pop, it's worth it to see him smile).  

A lot of my summer challenges are ending and I hope to get a wrap up posted on Sunday.  I'm also gearing up for Monsterathon so here's what is on the stack this weekend.  

I did pick up a few things for review.  "The Unsuitable" and "Unnatural Magic" both sound pretty Gothic and of course, I couldn't resist "Molly."

So what did you add this week?  Hope those who are celebrating have an awesome Labor Day.

Who Would Have Thought? Sci-fi and Dogs!

TITLE: What's Bred in the Bone (XK9 Bones Trilogy #1)
AUTHOR: Jan S. Gephardt
PUBLISHER: Weird Sisters Publishing, LLC
PUBLISHING DATE: May 22, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: XK9 Rex is a dog who thinks too much—and it could get him killed. 

He and his Packmates were bio-engineered and cyber-enhanced to be the most advanced forensic tools available to law enforcement. Transplanted to a habitat space station in the Human Diaspora and separated from his Packmates, Rex has only his human partner Charlie to depend on. Then Rex’s rookie mistake during a catastrophic explosion on the space dock sends Charlie to the ICU. 

Now Rex is truly all alone. Without Charlie, he’s sidelined. Written off by the humans. But his keen senses picked up a vital clue on the space dock that the investigation needs know. He must get the humans to listen somehow! 

Rex doesn’t realize that larger forces are at work. The XK9s are more than just forensic tools, and they’re more than their new owners, the Orangeboro Police Department, ever bargained for. When Rex accidentally unmasks a disturbing secret, he blows open an international conspiracy that could destabilize the entire System—and places himself, his Pack, and all XK9s everywhere in mortal peril.

MY THOUGHTS: I honestly don't know where to start with this review.  Rex and his team are policed dogs who were once a pack, but are now split up between their human handlers. These canines are able to communicate with their handlers through a psychic mind link and with each other and non-handlers through a intercom.  During an investigation, Rex's handler is harmed and hospitalized and several of his pack have been assigned to find out what happened.  Rex desperately wants to help so he dives right in knowing his actions may lead to trouble.  However, will what he uncover actually help or harm him and his pack?

There were so many things to love about this book.  Not being a huge reader of science fiction, I was a tad hesitant but since there were dogs throughout I figured it was a good chance to take.  I am really glad I did.  The author, who did a canine guest post earlier this week, truly has a handle on dogs and their abilities/emotions.  While reading the book, I was captivated by the bond between the animals and their handlers.  I was also somewhat upset. The person who trained the pack was very abusive and at times, Rex is so fearful of repercussion of his actions that it's hard for him to function.  He doesn't trust a lot of humans but desperately wants to.  Add in the fact that he is not allowed to see his mate Shady, but only talk to her via com, and there are some really sad times.  However, Rex's joy when humans show him compassion and believe that he has a lot of offer society and mankind it very infectious.

But besides from all the animal goodness, there is a good mystery going on. I think this can best be described as a police procedural in space - and with dogs.  There's plenty of action and intrigue to keep the reader's attention.  It's just told from the dogs' point of views.  I will note that there were a few typos and grammar mistakes that weren't caught in editing and while it did bug me, it didn't damper my enjoyment and it shouldn't keep anyone from grabbing the book. 

I want to thank the author and her publicist for reaching out to me and providing this book for honest review.  I enjoyed every minute of it and at over 400 pages, there was a lot to enjoy.  I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy.  Bring it on!

RATING: 5 PAWS

Blog Tour - The Deaths and Afterlife of Aleister Crowley

Today I'm taking part in a blog tour for an interesting book to say the least.  You guys know I adore my odd reads and "The Death and Afterlife of Aleister Crowley" definitely fits the bill.

TITLE: The Deaths and Afterlife of Aleister Crowley

AUTHOR: Ian Thornton

PUBLISHER: Unbound

PUBLISHING DATE: August 22, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: Aleister Crowley, also known as the Great Beast, is one of the most reviled men in history. Satanist, cult leader, debauched novelist and poet, his legacy has been harshly contested for decades. 

Crowley supposedly died in 1947, but in Ian Thornton's new novel, set in the present day, the Great Beast is alive and well and living in Shangri-la. Now over 130 years old, thanks to the magical air of his mystical location, he looks back on his life and decides it is time to set the record straight. 

For Crowley was not the evil man he is often portrayed as. This was just a cover to hide his real mission, to save the twentieth century from destroying itself and to set humanity on the road to freedom and liberty. 

The Death and Afterlife of Aleister Crowley is an epic novel that will make you see this notorious figure in a completely new light, as he encounters an impressive cast of real-life characters including Timothy Leary, The Beatles, Princess Margaret, Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock.  

MY THOUGHTS: I tend to enjoy reading about controversial historical figures and have a slight and morbid fascination with Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson and Lizzie Borden.  So when I saw this book, I was immediately intrigued.  Also, I will admit that the synopsis roped me in with the mention of famous real-life pop cultural figures.  And if you like books with flawed characters who could be lumped into a somewhat broad anti-hero category, then this book might be for you.

Crowley isn't the most likable character yet he is definitely interesting.  His sarcastic edge in the novel is also something you're either going to love or hate.  Yet I found this book to be a very interesting take on a character who has been either glamorized or slandered throughout history depending on the forum. While I found the book quite interesting, at times the writing style rambled on a little too much for my taste so just be aware of that if it is something you decide to pick up.

If this is a subject that interests you, whether because of the historical nature or morbid curiosity, give it a try.  The author has put a new spin on Crowley and his backstory and I am curious to see what Thornton writes about in the future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Ian Thornton’s debut novel, The Great and Calamitous Tale of Johan Thoms (How One Man Scorched the Twentieth Century, but Didn’t Mean to) was published by Simon & Schuster Canada in September 2013. Harper Collins published worldwide on June 28th 2014 to coincide with the centenary of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the pivot of the novel. It was translated across Europe and taught at the Sorbonne.

Prior to becoming a novelist, Ian worked for Broadcast magazine in London and also for Variety. He is a co-founder of the global television industry publisher, C21 Media and www.c21media.net.

He covered the Royal wedding in London for CTV, Canada's premier independent broadcaster, and has recently written for Wisden Cricketer, The Guardian, The Hindu and for the Soho House magazine, House. He also wrote on the football World Cup in South Africa for the Canadian sports channel, The Score, and has worked for Queen’s University in Ontario, where his project was presented at the White House as part of President Obama's new media initiative.

Ian is the official biographer of the Compton cricket club in California and has been a judge on the largest Latin American film festival, Expresion en Corto. He is currently producing a feature documentary.

Originally from Leeds, Ian currently resides in Toronto with his wife Heather Gordon and their children, Laszlo and Clementine.

2 Bloggers 1 Series - Magic Rises

This month Stormi and I are back with our continuing read of the Kate Daniels series.  The last one we reviewed was two months ago when we read Andrea's book - "Gunmetal Magic."  We took a break in July but I'm so glad that this month we're back with Kate and Curran.  I also can't believe we only have 4 books left.  So read on for my thoughts on "Magic Rises" and then go check out Stormi's review at  Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!

TITLE: Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6)

AUTHOR: Ilona Andrews

PUBLISHER: Ace

PUBLISHING DATE: July 30, 2013

FROM GOODREADS: Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost. 

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta. 

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap… 

MY THOUGHTS: As this series continues it gets harder and harder to review without giving anything away.  However, I know a lot of people have read it already and don't mind and if you haven't, be warned something might slip but it's not intentional.

In this installment, Kate, Curran and members of the Pack are headed across the ocean.  They have been contacted to be bodyguards for a pregnant shifter daughter whose own father might be trying to kill her.  In return, they can earn a much needed medical remedy for an on-going Pack problem.

Because of this nature, this book contains a lot of political intrigue and manipulation.  We meet some overseas packs and learn how they handle some things.  We also meet some old acquaintances who show up in some surprising places.  Let's just get this out of the way - the pregnant woman they are tasked to protect is horrid.  Initially I was all "let her die already" and stuff by the author's did a great job of showing why she acts the way she does and by the end, I didn't completely hate her.  I'm also back to wanting to smack Curran.  As much as I love him and Kate as a couple, sometimes they drive me absolutely nuts.  We also get to meet some new creatures (enter weredolphins - I can't even imagine) and miss some old familiar faces - good old Grendel the attack poodle, why did you have to stay behind?

Finally I have to say the author's were finally able to come full circle and I started to really enjoy a characters who in the past I didn't care much for...and they they died.  No spoilers but I really didn't appreciate that.  All in all, "Magic Rises" was a blast to read. It was extremely action-packed and I just can't wait to see what happens next!

RATING: 5 PAWS

COYER CHALLENGE UPDATE:  Read a book by someone you've previously given 5 stars.

Can't Wait Wednesday (225) - 2 New Finds and a Question at the Bottom

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

And in honor of DOG DAYS OF SUMMER, all month long you'll be getting a pick from me and an additional one from Cassius!

FROM GOODREADS:  From the New York Times bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series comes a hilarious and high-octane adult novel about a vodka-drinking, Flashdance-loving dragon who lives an isolated life in the bayous of Louisiana—and the raucous adventures that ensue when he crosses paths with a fifteen-year-old troublemaker on the run from a crooked sheriff.

In the days of yore, he flew the skies and scorched angry mobs—now he hides from swamp tour boats and rises only with the greatest reluctance from his Laz-Z-Boy recliner. Laying low in the bayou, this once-magnificent fire breather has been reduced to lighting Marlboros with nose sparks, swilling Absolut in a Flashdance T-shirt, and binging Netflix in a fishing shack. For centuries, he struck fear in hearts far and wide as Wyvern, Lord Highfire of the Highfire Eyrie—now he goes by Vern. However...he has survived, unlike the rest. He is the last of his kind, the last dragon. Still, no amount of vodka can drown the loneliness in his molten core. Vern’s glory days are long gone. Or are they?

A canny Cajun swamp rat, young Everett “Squib” Moreau does what he can to survive, trying not to break the heart of his saintly single mother. He’s finally decided to work for a shady smuggler—but on his first night, he witnesses his boss murdered by a crooked constable.

Regence Hooke is not just a dirty cop, he’s a despicable human being—who happens to want Squib’s momma in the worst way. When Hooke goes after his hidden witness with a grenade launcher, Squib finds himself airlifted from certain death by…a dragon?

The swamp can make strange bedfellows, and rather than be fried alive so the dragon can keep his secret, Squib strikes a deal with the scaly apex predator. He can act as his go-between (aka familiar)—fetch his vodka, keep him company, etc.—in exchange for protection from Hooke. Soon the three of them are careening headlong toward a combustible confrontation. There’s about to be a fiery reckoning, in which either dragons finally go extinct—or Vern’s glory days are back.

A triumphant return to the genre-bending fantasy that Eoin Colfer is so well known for, Highfire is an effortlessly clever and relentlessly funny tour-de-force of comedy and action.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  Anyone who knows my love of weird books knows I wouldn't be able to resist and vodka-drinking, Flashdance-watching dragon in Louisiana!  I need this NOW!

CASSIUS'S PICK: 

FROM GOODREADS: IT’S A “RUFF” WORLD OUT THERE

Trigger is a talented private detective down on his luck… and he’s also a one-eyed brown Chihuahua. In fact, everyone in Arc City is a dog or cat — from Lily the pretty white Chihuahua, to Rico the infamous yet benevolent thief, to Patches the straight-laced police officer trying to survive within a corrupt police force — they’re all part of Trigger’s adventure.

When Lily needs to track down the missing collar left to her by her late mother, it’s Trigger who hunts for the thief’s scent. But there’s a bigger problem out there. Namely, Mr. B, all around mean cat and the most feared criminal mastermind in the city. He controls most of the police, politicians, and business leaders, and he’s not going to stop anytime soon. And when Trigger enlists the help of Rico and Patches, what starts as a missing ruby collar becomes the case of Trigger’s career.

The Ruby Collar is the first book in the Detective Trigger series. Join Trigger and his pals as they make Arc City safer for dogs and cats alike. Because it’s a dog’s life… and every dog has its day. 

WHY CASS CAN'T WAIT:  I think this sounds like a lot of fun and I think Mom would really enjoy it (so much so it's already preordered to arrive on her Kindle today!)  I think Trigger sounds cool and I'm sure if I was helping, he'd find the collar in no time.  

QUESTION:  So I used to assist the boys in doing "Books to Bark and Crow About" but I'll be honest, it just isn't the same without Booker T.  So Cass wants to know if our regular visitors mind if he becomes a regular contributor to Can't Wait Wednesdays - or is 2 books each week too much?  Just let us know in the comments.

MONSTERathon 2019

So basically my best pal Stormi has convinced me to join another readathon.  COYER ends on Saturday and this one starts on Sunday.  You know what they say, no rest for the wicked.  Be sure to check out her TBR HERE.

MONSTERathon is a new readathon being hosted by Chaptercviii (Chapter Cate) on Booktube.  You can find all the information about the readathon HERE.  In a nutshell there are 3 teams - The Beasts, The Haunts and The Conspiracies.  You initially join a team because this is a competitive challenge.  Each team has an individual story to read and then there are book challenges and post challenges where additional points can be earned.  Each point gained is "one villager terrorized."  Sounds complicated but really it isn't. You can also earn points by read the other people's assigned story.

So this is my official TBR. To be honest, I was able to work a lot of my planned reads in anyway which makes it somewhat easier.

GROUP READ

The Beasts - The Griffin and the Minor Canon

The Haunts - Come Lady Death

The Conspiracies - The Spot

CLASSIC CREEPERS

WHAT BIG EYES YOU HAVE:

This book is over 400 pages and features vampires.

CHIMERA 

This books falls into several genres - fantasy, mystery and weird fiction

REAL MONSTERS

This has actual people doing monstrous things

UNSIGHTLY

A graphic novel or manga

ANGRY MOB

A book recommended by several people

SACRIFICE

A book that's been unhauled.  (BookswithEmilyFox on Booktube)

THE BEASTS 

A book with a monster with animal traits

THE HAUNTS

A monster that is dead or undead

THE CONSPIRACIES 

Featuring alien, robot or sci-fi creatures

So there you have it. As always, the books are subject to change :)

TTT - 5 Books I Just Might Preorder...

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading.

This week's topic has to do with books I'd like in my personal library.  I collect a few kinds of books but on the whole I'm an impulse reader/buyer.  I also like to use my library as much as possible.  That being said, Fall is a great time for new releases so I'm sharing 5 books I'm SERIOUSLY considering preordering - something I rarely do.

I do actually collect hardcover Stephen King books so whether I preorder this one or not, it will be on my shelves soon - releases September 10th.

So it's Prince so of course I'm all over it.  This book actually has the beginning of the memoir he was writing before he passed.  So sad it wasn't finished but then there were a lot of sad things about his death.

I want this to go with my other illustrated editions.  However, these make great Christmas gifts so I may hold off on it and have Mr. Barb get it at the holidays.

My chief complaint about Gwendy's Button Box is that I felt like there was so much more to tell.  Glad I was right.  This one comes out November 19th - just in time for my anniversary!

Do you see a theme?  This one comes out October 1st and it's another one I'll have on my shelf one way or another.

So there you have it!  

Dog Days of Summer Special Guest Post!

A few months ago a publicist contacted me about a book I had on my radar.  I knew it would be perfect for Dog Days of Summer 2019 and happily agreed to accept a copy for review.  When I explained my August activities, Beverly agreed to see if the author would be willing to provide a special post for the occasion.  So Booker T's Farm is happy to welcome the author of "What's Bred in the Bone," Jan S. Gephardt.  

How much does your dog understand?

By Jan S. Gephardt

Have you ever wondered how much your dog knows? Does she understand your facial expressions and gestures? How much of what you say does he really comprehend? And when your dog greets you at the door with a wagging tail, is it really love—or does she just see you as a meal ticket?

Recent studies suggest the answers are “often,” “more than you might think,” and “it’s probably a lot like love.” Just how much your dog understands is still being studied, but it’s already clear we have more in common with our canine companions than we might think.

Humans have a longer history of evolving side by side with dogs than with any other domesticated animal species. Archaeologists have found dog remains with a human burial from as long as 14,000 years ago. Geneticists have found mutations that would suggest a more domesticated diet dating back some 32,000 years. And a sandstone cliff in Saudi Arabia offers pictorial documentation of a man hunting with dogs on leashes that’s more than 8,000 years old. 

So dogs and humans have had a pretty long time to get used to each other. How much have we “rubbed off on each other”? Some researchers say quite a lot! Neither humans nor dogs would be what we are today, without each other.

That’s true physically, but studies in dog cognition also tell us it’s true in terms of dogs’ brains. This first became clear when dogs showed they could easily understand gestures such as a human pointing to an object, although chimpanzees could not. Researchers also have shown that dogs pay attention to where we are looking, and recognize the difference between happy and angry human expressions.

Verbal Virtuosos

Dogs can’t speak our languages, but they can respond to our wishes, cued by words (sounds) we’vetaught them, and guided by the tone of our voice. (Scientists haven’t, as far as I know, done studies on “selective hearing” in dogs who choose not to respond). Probably the most famous canine “verbal virtuoso” was Chaser, a border collie who belonged to a psychology professor named JohnPilley.

Pilley and Chaser were able to demonstrate that she had a vocabulary of 1,022 different nouns (the names of toys), and that she could comprehend (by reacting appropriately to)sentences containing a prepositional object, a verb, and a direct object. Pilley memorably showed her talents to the world on an episode of 60 Minutes, first aired in 2014, but still available online.

And while dogs can’t read the way humans can, it is possible to teach them to recognize individual written words (visual symbols) and respond to them as if they were verbal commands. Several different dogs have been taught to do this, as an inspiration for elementary students just beginning to read. The largest “written vocabulary” I found online was four words, demonstrated by a Labrador Retriever in the UK, named Fernie.

But is it truly love?

Many people, especially scientists wary of being accused they’re anthropomorphizing, have been reluctant to say that our dogs “love” us.

Several studies have shown that oxytocin levels (the so-called “love hormone”) rise in both dogs and humans when the human smiles, when dogs and humans look at each other, when they snuggle, or when dogs are caressed. Some researchers believe this mutual reaction is key to dog domestication.

But oxytocin isn’t the only scientific proof. Studies of dogs in MRI scanners show the brain structure associated with anticipation and positive feelings (the caudatenucleus) lights up in dogs when they smell the odor of a familiar person.

And then there’s body language. How can you mistake the message of the facial expressions, the wriggling body, the wagging tail? How can you mistake the hugs?

Dog owners know: they “get” us, in a way few other animals do. After 32,000 years, even scientists are beginning to agree.

It's clear that Jan has done her research and it's even more evident in "What's Bred in the Bone."  I'm about 100 pages in and already I've fallen in love with the dogs I've encountered, especially Rex.  Be sure to check back Friday for my review and thanks so much Jan for stopping by!

What's Happening...(08-23-19)

So I'm doing things a tad bit differently this year and will be combining all of my regular weekend posts.  This will enable me to add more content on Fridays and it is just starting to make more sense.  I'll still be linking up with Stacking the Shelves at Tynga's Reviews and Sunday Post at Caffeinated Reviewer.  Both blogs are awesome so make sure you check them out.

So as I'm typing this (on a Friday) it's rainy softly and is gloomy and cooler and I'm loving it.  I don't want Winter to come, but I'm ready for Fall and this weather reminds me it just might be right around the corner. I am also strongly fighting to urge to decorate my mantels for Halloween.  What can I say?

So I managed to get the truck back. It cost more than I wanted to get it repaired but believe it or not, the garage came in $400.00 under the estimate and even gave me a coupon for a free oil change.  I will definitely be using them again if needed.  The same day Mr. Barb had a recall on his Kia so we were both dealing with garages all afternoon and running here and there.

We watched "Brightburn" this week and I actually enjoyed it.  I was hesitant but knew we'd watch it anyway so we took the plunge.  It was definitely worth the watch but man, that kid needed taken out.  I don't know what we'll watch this weekend but hope we find something good.  Oh I almost forgot, I got sucked into a "YOU" binge-a-thon Sunday while Mr. Barb was at work.  I'm up to episode 7.  I find all the characters despicable yet am fascinated.  I can now see why everyone has mentioned Joe as a likable villain.  I personally think he has bad choices in girlfriends though because his obsession is certainly no winner. 

I managed to get some reading done and of course have more planned.  This is primarily a book blog after all.  Here's what I'm looking at on the stack.  You will notice "YOU" by Caroline Kepnes. I had to pull it off the shelf after starting the series because I needed more Joe.

So I didn't have much of a haul last week but I made up for it this week.  From Netgalley and the publishers I received "Murder in the First Edition" because you all know I'm obsessed with snow - on books at least.  I was thrilled to get a copy of "Chilling Effect" after featuring it on a Can't Wait Wednesday post not so long ago.  I hope to work this into September as I seem to be craving Sci-fi...wait, who am I?  Did I just say I was craving Sci-fi?  And finally I received "Saving Buddy."  Do I have to even offer an excuse?

And finally some holds came in at one of my libraries.  I really need to learn to curb hitting the "hold" button when I see what new books they have order.  I've heard good things about "Salvation Day" as well as "The Bookish Life of Nina Hill." I'm also curious about "The Babysitter."

So what did you watch and read this week? Any new books on your shelf?  And just because it's still the Dog Days of Summer, I have to share a picture of my best friend, Cass.  He's made lots of appearances on instagram this month. 

If you want to follow Booker T's Farm there, here's the link:

https://www.instagram.com/boxermommyreads/

Cassius Reviews Atomic Frenchie Vol. 2

Seems like Dogs Days of Summer is still going strong.  Today Cassius joins us for a review of a book which would be enjoyed by young or old alike!

TITLE: Atomic Frenchie Vol. 2 - The Cow with the Nuclear Heart

AUTHORS: Tom Sniegoski and Tom McWeeney

PUBLISHER: Insight Kids

PUBLISHING DATE: May 7, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: Kirby the French bulldog, OB the turtle, and the ghost of Erasmus J. Peckinpah embark on a road trip to the mysterious Area 51, hidden in the wastelands of the Nevada desert. Erasmus has convinced Kirby to help resurrect his cryogenically frozen body (which they've brought with them in the trunk of an old Cadillac Eldorado they're driving) by acquiring a nuclear heart currently inside the chest of a cow at the facility. 

On their journey, the gang encounters the angry spirit of an old prospector, a motorcycle gang with a grudge against French bulldogs, and last but not least, a full-fledged alien invasion! 

From New York Times best-selling author Tom Sniegoski and renowned comic artist Tom McWeeney comes the new and hilarious sequel to Atomic Frenchie, an original middle-grade graphic novel series about Kirby, the world’s most diabolical supervillain. 

CASS' THOUGHTS: This book was so much fun!  It was a combination of a graphic novel and narrative and if there's a word for that forgive me, I am a dog after all.  Anyway, that means it told a great story but I also got to see fun pics of Kirby, OB and Marie Claire, the cow.

So Kirby is basically trying to help Erasmus J. Peckinpah come back to life.  And to do that, they need Marie Claire's mechanical, nuclear heart.  The gang travels to Area 51 to find Marie Claire and complete the procedure.  Kirby doesn't mind helping Erasmus, but he really wants all of Erasmus' scientific plans and blueprints so he can take over the world.  The gang gets into all kinds of trouble, meets some bratty aliens and their mother, and recruits a intellectually-challenged biker.

I really liked Kirby even if I don't agree with his plans to take over the world.  I mean, not all humans are bad, right?  Mom says maybe the world should be run by a dog though so maybe she is on to something - she is Mom after all.  She also says Kirby reminds her a lot of my brother, Barkley.  I only knew Barkley for about 7 months but I totally agree he had the attitude and the smarts for world domination.  The other characters are fun and there is a great cliffhanger which means hopefully there will be a volume 3.  I was a tad worried about Marie Claire and how she would survive without her heart but don't worry, Kirby always has a plan.

I highly recommend you pick up this book. It's a quick read but substantial (look Mom, big word) enough to pack quite a tale.  Please please please be a volume 3.

And hey Mom, can I have a turtle?

CASS'S RATING: 5 PAWS

COYER CHALLENGE UPDATE: Read a book with a number in the title.

2 Bloggers 1 Series - The Book of Life

So we did it!  Stormi and I finally finished the All Soul's Trilogy.  I really own Stormi a huge thanks for motivating me to pick these up.  I can't tell you how happy I am to have finally read them.  So read on for my final thoughts and then hop over to Stormi's at  Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! and read her opinion.

Since this is the third in the series, some spoilers may exist.

TITLE: The Book of Life (All Soul's Trilogy #3)

AUTHOR: Deborah Harkness

PUBLISHER: Viking Adult

PUBLISHING DATE: July 1, 2014

FROM GOODREADS: Bringing the magic and suspense of the All Souls Trilogy to a deeply satisfying conclusion, this highly anticipated finale went straight to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. In The Book of Life, Diana and Matthew time-travel back from Elizabethan London to make a dramatic return to the present—facing new crises and old enemies. At Matthew’s ancestral home, Sept-Tours, they reunite with the beloved cast of characters from A Discovery of Witches—with one significant exception. But the real threat to their future has yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for Ashmole 782 and its missing pages takes on even more urgency. 

MY THOUGHTS: Well it's been quite a ride getting to this point.  Basically some 1500 pages later I can say I'm finally finished.  And I have to admit, this series was well worth the time I invested in reading it.

Matthew and Diana have returned back to the future.  They know what they need to put the Book of Life back together but there are still tons of other people who want to read it first.  We still get to meet a few new characters in this book and one in particular I love, Chris, but most of the old gang is still present.  Matthew and Diana are having some difficulties adjusting to all the time hopping, but finally they are able to settle down.  They are still battling the Congregation, who basically doesn't believe in interspecies relationships, and some characters we met before are nastier and more disgusting then ever.  However, the relationship between Diana and Matthew remains at the forefront and as each page turned, I was both excited and scared for what might happen next.

I am happy with how this series concluded.  The ending was both suspenseful and satisfying.  In fact, I can say I will honestly miss reading this series and it kind of created a book hangover which I had to force myself to trudge through. However, I have some consolation in the fact that Stormi and I are reading the first book in the companion series, Time's Convert, in September.  There are plans for Harkness to continue on with these characters and I hope she has several in the works because I need a book with Miriam's story, Jack's story, Ysabeau's story and DEFINITELY Gallowglass' story.  In addition, Season 2 of the series needs to start pronto because I'm already going through withdrawal. 

If you've ever considered picking this series up, and it seems even remotely like something you'd want to read, then do it! 

RATING: 5 PAWS

COYER CHALLENGE UPDATE:  Read a whole trilogy in 3 months (3/3).