2 Bloggers 1 Series - The Dire King (Jackaby #4)

 

Boy has it been a while since Stormi and I last read from this series.  I had to do some searching but I believe it was the end of November 2023.  Wow!  Almost three years.  So, I was actually surprised about how much I remembered once I read a few chapters.  This was a great choice to read for spooky season too.  So read on for my thoughts and then hop over to Stormi's blog to see hers.  

TITLE: The Dire King (Jackaby #4)

AUTHOR: William Ritter

PUBLISHER: Algonquin Young Readers

PUBLISHING DATE: August 22, 2017

PAGES: 352   

SOURCE: KU

FROM GOODREADS: The fate of the world is in the hands of detective of the supernatural R. F. Jackaby and his intrepid assistant, Abigail Rook. An evil king is turning ancient tensions into modern strife, using a blend of magic and technology to push Earth and the Otherworld into a mortal competition. Jackaby and Abigail are caught in the middle as they continue to solve the daily mysteries of New Fiddleham, New England — like who’s created the rend between the worlds, how to close it, and why zombies are appearing around. At the same time, the romance between Abigail and the shape-shifting police detective Charlie Cane deepens, and Jackaby’s resistance to his feelings for 926 Augur Lane’s ghostly lady, Jenny, begins to give way. Before the four can think about their own futures, they will have to defeat an evil that wants to destroy the future altogether.

MY THOUGHTS: This book basically completes the Jackaby arc of this series and is the final conclusion to what has been building in the previous book - the big battle with the Dire King. Thankfully I was able to jump back into this series pretty easily and since the book contained lots of the supernatural entities in Jackaby's world, it was a fun one to read in October.

The Dire King is trying to gain domination of the world again and Jackaby has been asked been tasked with trying to prevent it from happening.  Once again, he is relying heavily on his assistance, Abigail Rook, to assist him, along with Jenny the ghost and Charlie the shifter.  Charlie's extended family also comes into play and adds some extra tension as they want Charlie to return home and assume leadership over their clan.  In addition, they are not pleased Charlie has fallen for Abigail and is planning a life with her.

This series has always been a lot of fun and this one especially such since it brought a lot of the supernatural being, including trolls, fairies, witches and monsters together for the final battle.  I have always enjoyed Jackaby's relationship as a teacher and mentor with Abigail, and added with his dry wit and sense of humor, he is one of my favorite characters.  And of course, I still love Charlie which is to be expected because he shifts into a dog. 

The ending of this book went pretty much as expected and was full of action and peril.  There is a spin-off book which starts the Rook series which I plan to read in January.  However, I don't think anymore were ever written so it might be sad to visit this interesting world one last time.

If you like mysteries, action and urban fantasy, this is a good series to pick up.  I believe it is classified as YA but overall, I would say it leans into the older side of YA more than the younger.  It might have even been classified as new adult if that were a thing when they first were written. So glad Stormi picked this for this month's buddy read and we both vowed not to wait three years before reading the last one.

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

This Book Might be Therapy Inducing!

TITLE: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring

AUTHOR: Patrick Hovarth and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (letterer)

PUBLISHER: IDW Dark

PUBLISHING DATE: July 21, 2026

PAGES: 144   

SOURCE: Amazon Comixology Unlimited

FROM GOODREADS: It’s been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck’s family painstakingly sought justice…but this brown bear was smart…she covered her tracks…and in the ’80s, there simply wasn’t a way for the duck’s family to find answers. 

But it’s not the ’80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era. As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven’t given up the flame of justice.

MY THOUGHTS: So, after some digging, I was finally able to get my hands on this graphic novel sequel by implementing a free 30-day trial of Amazon's Comixology Unlimited.  It translated pretty well on my Kindle Fire tablet and was a perfect way to spend a dark Saturday evening.

The town of Woodbrook has entered the 90s and along with it, are learning how hard it is to hide things as technology expands.  The sister of one of Samantha's victims in book one has spent years trying to find out what happened to her brother.  Someone finally reaches out to her on the internet saying they may have info for her if she travels to Woodbrook.  Meanwhile, Woodbrook is still recovering from what happened years prior.  Will they ever find out what evil lurks beneath their small town?

I liked this installment a lot, but it was much darker than the first one, which is saying a lot. This one shows the reader Samantha's teen years and some of the things back then.  If anything, the author hammered home the fact that Samantha really is a murderous psychopath.  In addition, the town is still reeling from what happened in the past and we get to see elderly animals in nursing homes abandoned and forgotten as well as those who have lost their loved ones at a killer's hand resorting to substance abuse to get through the days.  

I am glad I read this and I did like it overall.  It went way darker than I anticipated but again, kind of perfect for this time of the year.  I also have to note the artwork which manages to portray bloody and gruesome situations using muted colors which lure the reading into a sense of false security. 

If you enjoy graphic novels and dark themes, definitely try to get your hands on this series.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

At Least There Was a Dog - Wait, Was There a Dog?

TITLE: Find Me Where It Ends

AUTHOR: Cassandra Khaw

PUBLISHER: Tor Nightfire

PUBLISHING DATE: October 6, 2026

PAGES: 144   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: Antigone is no stranger to death. 

For the women of her family, death always comes in the form of a black dog. 

When Antigone’s own black dog arrives, she isn’t afraid. She invites it inside, where it soon becomes a daily source of companionship and comfort. It also forces her to reflect on the life she’s led—the parts of herself she’s hollowed out for the sake of others, and the bone-deep exhaustion that’s hounded her every step. 

Her Death’s arrival must be a sign, permission to finally let go. To rest. Because while mortality is inevitable, living is a choice. 

But a good death comes at a price.

MY THOUGHTS: I'm really not sure how to review this one so this might be a short one. The book is a rather short novella anyway and I'm afraid to give away too much to boot.

Antigone comes from a line of women who are always heralded into death by the appearance of a black dog.  Antigone lives alone in the home she inherited when her mother died a few years ago.  She planned to pack it up, but it on the market and leave, but never did.  Her mother had been visited by a black dog right before she passed so when Antigone finds a black dog on her steps one evening, she knows she doesn't have long left.

Antigone starts tying up loose ends.  She has one close friend in town and to be honest, I found their relationship strained at best.  She has a sister who lives state's away who begs Antigone to ignore the dog.  And halfway through the book, a man from Antigone's past - a boyfriend, ex-lover, demon from hell, your guess is as good as mine - shows up.  He is a comfort to Antigone because he isn't pressuring her to do anything but be herself and handle things as she wants.  As the book progresses, Antigone grows closer with her dog and they become friends. But how long with the dog stick around before he expects Antigone to leave with him.

This book was odd, depressing and beautiful.  I really wouldn't call this horror if it wasn't for the man I still don't understand.  I think for the most part, I figured out this book at about the 90–100-page mark, but even then, I'm sure parts of it went over my head.  It would be interesting to reread and see what I pick up on the second time around but reference the depressing mark above.

This is the second book I've read by this author, and this one is sitting about the same as the first one.  I do believe I enjoyed this one a bit more though.  I would recommend this to anyone who likes shorter, unusual reads and beautiful, thought-provoking writing.  

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

What Craziness Did I Just Read?

TITLE: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees

AUTHOR: Patrick Hovarth and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (letterer)

PUBLISHER: IDW Publishing

PUBLISHING DATE: September 17, 2024

PAGES: 152   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Live, laugh, shed blood. Dexter meets Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town in this twisted debut graphic novel. 

Don’t murder the locals—this is small-town serial killer, upstanding citizen, and adorable brown bear Samantha Strong’s cardinal rule. A sea of potential victims is in the city just beyond the forest, but when you’ve worked as hard as Sam to build a cozy life and a thriving business in a community surrounded by friendly fellow animal folk, warm decor, and the aroma of cedar trees and freshly baked apple pie, the last thing you want is to disturb the peace. So, imagine Sam's indignation when one of Woodbrook’s own meets a grisly, mysterious demise. You wouldn’t blame her for doing anything it takes to hunt down her rival before the town self-destructs and Sheriff Patterson starts barking up the wrong tree.

MY THOUGHTS: I ran across this as a recommendation on Hoopla for a read for Spooky Season.  I knew as a graphic novel, it would be something I could read in one sitting, so I grabbed it last night and off to the races I went.  I also have to add that I am always seeing comparisons when books are recommended and this one is pretty spot-on with the "Richard Scarry meets Dexter."

Samantha Strong owns the neighborhood hardware store and seems to be pretty much love by all.  She is familiar with a lot of the town residents and kids seems to flock towards her.  But little does anyone know that every few months, she travels to a neighboring city for supplies, with a side of murder.  Samatha is handling her double-life well until someone brings murder and mayhem to her lovely little town of Woodbrook.  Before Samantha knows, she is being framed for murder - ones she isn't responsible for.  Can Samantha find the real killer before her extra-curricular activities catch up with her?

I won't call this a cute read because honestly, I don't know if it's the juxtaposition of adorable animal characters and blood, murder and mayhem but I found the book rather jarring.  Of course, it was also right up my alley and I loved it. The story was interesting and engaging and the artwork and lettering pleasant.  Overall, it was very muted colors, all except for the red blood that is.

If you like graphic novels and are looking for good spooky read, then definitely consider this one.  Just be warned, it does contain cute cartoon animal deaths.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Feed Your TBR - Wolf Season

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" 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.

October 20, 2026

FROM GOODREADS: It’s been seven long years since Everett Johnson set foot in the wilds of Killdeer, Montana. But his father, the sheriff, is missing, and Everett is determined to find him…or bury him.

In the weeks before he vanished, Sheriff Dale Johnson was investigating the murder of Orsie Armel, a beautiful young girl found naked in the woods, shot with her own gun. Orsie came from a family of reclusive, powerful women whose prime acreage has long been the target of many people’s speculation – and ire. She also happened to be the cousin of Bernadine Armel, the only woman Everett ever loved. His return thrusts him headfirst into the minefields of estranged family and neglected friendships, and back into the arms of Bernadine, who is still as beautiful and mysterious as ever.

But as he delves deeper in the family’s past, he uncovers a sinister pattern of murders and hints of supernatural phenomena he can’t explain. In the end, Everett’s search for truth forces him to confront the past that has haunted him all these years—and the impossible secret beneath it all.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  Technically I'm just now noticing this came out yesterday, but I still want to share it.  I'm saving this from the winter season and am interested in the supernatural element, whatever that might be.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

Feed Your TBR - The Off Season: A Novel

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" 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.

April 20, 2027

FROM GOODREADS: Ben Getty is an LA cop banished to rural Maine, and now finds himself patrolling the streets and forest roads of Little Enoch. It’s an unremarkable town with a small summer tourist trade and a camp across the lake. For Ben, it’s his last chance.

However, there’s something that Ben’s new employers didn’t mention. The summer camp and its surrounding forest are the hunting grounds of a serial killer that has stalked the woods for decades, leaving a trail of bodies that stretches back to the first camp massacre fifty years ago. Only by following an ironclad list of rules that everyone in town already seems to know are the townsfolk kept safe… mostly.

But as the killings increase, Ben must choose between keeping the job he loves and discovering what really happened that night half a century ago. Between obeying orders and learning the dark secret behind the masked killer. Between protecting unsuspecting visitors from an inhuman monster and maybe becoming the latest victim himself. And perhaps most importantly...learning why everybody in town seems okay with it.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: I won't lie, the cover initially caught my attention.  But when I read the blurb, I realized I really needed to learn more about the masked killer and the woods near the campground.  

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK????

Go Gators! (And I Don't Mean University of Florida's Football Team)

TITLE: The House Built on Alligator Bones

AUTHOR: Sophia Huneycutt

PUBLISHER: Dutton

PUBLISHING DATE: October 6, 2026

PAGES: 384   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: Dartrine Beaumont believes her mother’s sudden death has left her alone in the world—until she learns of long-lost wealthy relatives living in Florida. Confused but delighted by the possibility of extended family, Dart travels to her grandmother’s stately Gilded Age mansion on Amelia Island for answers, just in time to stake a claim on an unusual inheritance: an alligator farming empire. 

Her arrival at Greer House isn’t everything she hoped. Without warning, Dart finds herself in fierce competition with her grandmother’s arrogant heir-apparent, and tensions rise as threatening acts of vandalism escalate on one of the farms. More unsettling is her hostile grandmother’s fanatical belief that the danger stems from a curse; according to legend, a larger-than-life alligator hunted down by a bloodthirsty ancestor still haunts the family. Yet Dart can’t deny that the farm’s placid alligators hiss only at Greers, or that a shadowy figure creeps through the mansion’s halls, plaguing her with suspicions that the mythical alligator and monstrous, long-dead matriarch may have unfinished business. 

As Dart uncovers the truth about her violent birthright, she faces a terrible accept her place in her family’s grim legacy or forge a new path by slaying a different beast entirely.

MY THOUGHTS: Let's just be honest.  I completely requested this book based on the cover.  In fact, it is probably one of my favorite covers of the year so far.  I couldn't wait to dive into its pages and while I found some of the animal abuse, which I will speak more about later, a bit much, it did further develop the story, and I found this a thoroughly enjoyable debut.

Dart's mother has recently died following a surgical complication.  Most of Dart's life, she has been isolated by her mom, and she is somewhat reeling being on her own.  She wants desperately to fit in and is surprised to find out that before her death, Dart's mother was contacted by her mother.  Dart had no idea she has any family anywhere, so she reaches out and soon thereafter, finds an unknown aunt waiting for her on her apartment steps when she arrives home from work. 

Aunt Virgina offers for Dart to come to Amelia Island to visit the family estate for several months, even going as far as saying she will cover the rent for her empty apartment back in Savannah.  Desperate to learn more about a family she did not know existed, Dart agrees.   When she arrives to Greer estate, Dart is met with the fact that her family has owned an alligator farm for generations and the family is well-off.  Dart starts learning more about the business but also learns more about the shady doings of her family.  In addition, her grandmother Gazzie is not extremely welcoming as she is about to name the family heir, and she believes Dart has ulterior motives for her sudden arrival. 

What ensues is a thriller/horror/family drama that kept the pages turning and the atmosphere and suspense amping up the more the story develops.  Dart straddles the line between likeable and unlikeable, but I really was cheering her on at the end.  I will also say that this book is another Gothic thriller with some paranormal aspects rather than a straight-out horror, but there were a few creepy scenes and I loved the swampish Florida setting.

Now for the hard part.  This book is about an alligator farm.  I know that implies some degree of death and dismemberment but added with Gazzie's cruelness, and the descriptions of some of the acts, and I found myself really feeling sorry for the poor gators.  So much so that I had no problem with human causalities.  So, if you do decide to read this book, just be prepared.  Everything really did tie into the story and I didn't get the feeling the author included it just for shock value, but at times, it really was a lot.

All that being said, I found this to be a strong debut novel, and I will definitely read more of this author's work as it releases. 

MY RATING: 4 PAWS