Weekly Reads (05/19/17)

I've been feeling pretty much under the weather since Monday and even had to take a sick day.  I don't know if it's allergy related or a full-blown cold but I've been trying to rest and pump vitamin C. I'm really not surprised as busy as the last few weeks have been.

Booker T had a wonderful birthday and it was pretty much a whole weekend celebration.  Saturday he had to go to the vet and get shots (which he doesn't mind) and Cass went along.  We are trying to get Cass used to riding in Mr. Barb's Kia.  He usually just rides with me in my truck.  Then they went for walks that evening.  Sunday we took them both to the local pet store where Booker T got to pick out anything he wanted.  He found some snacks, he and Cass picked up adorable "tough toys" - a bull and a tiger, and then T fell in love with a stuffed star - go figure.  Guess he knows he's the star in the family.  Then Sunday evening we took him to the field in front of our local high school where he and Cass could run and roam.  It's his absolute favorite place.  Tuesday night, his actual birthday, he had pupcakes and ice cream and got some treats.  I have pics but due to feeling poorly all week, I'll have to post them next week.

We got a month free of Hulu (and unfortunately will probably subscribe due to the new Stephen King series "Castle Rock" which is starting up).  We watched all of "Freakish" which is entertaining because it's a bunch of dumb high schoolers trying to survive a zombie outbreak.  We also finished watching "Frontier" on Netflix which I am now a huge fan of and can't wait for season 2.  I also binge watched "Girlboss" while I was sick and found it freaking' hilarious.

This week I hope to sleep and read...and maybe sleep some more - haha!  Here's what's up on the stack.  Looks like I'm in the mood for cozy mysteries and horror.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy week!!!!

Time Weaver Tour

Time Weaver: Heart of Cogs
Jacinta Maree
(Time Collector #1)
Publication date: February 21st 2017
Genres: Steampunk, Supernatural, Young Adult

I have a clock for a heart…and the man who put it there tried to take it out.
Time Collectors are modern day genies capable of exchanging wishes for time. Elizabeth Wicker lives within a steampunk world riddled with the supernatural. Among the stories of witches, Bacts, and other monsters, Time Collectors remain as the greatest hushed secret among the noble families. They are temptation’s greatest tools. A contract with a Time Collector is a guaranteed death sentence, and for some the price isn’t worth the prize. But when Elizabeth is struck down by a fatal heart attack, she finds herself trapped beneath a Time Collector’s blade. With no time left to offer, she makes a desperate sacrifice for a second chance at life. If there’s only one truth, it is a Time Collector will always come back to collect.

MY THOUGHTS:  I fell in love with this cover and think it's quite reflective of the book.   I've been trying out some new genres and while I'm not sure steampunk is for me, I still found this to be an interesting concept and enjoyable read.  I liked the added element of supernatural beings and especially enjoyed the interaction between Klaus and Elizabeth.  I have to admit I don't know that I ever really connected to Elizabeth, and at times found her rather boring at times. However, the fast pacing and author's imagination managed to keep the book soaring along despite my concerns.

If you love fantasy, steampunk and supernatural elements, "Time Weaver" should definitely go on your radar.  I am curious enough that I will probably pick up the next one when it releases and haven'r given up on steampunk quite yet.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Author Bio:

Born in Melbourne Australia, Jacinta Maree considers herself a chocoholic with an obsession with dragons and Japan. Published in 2012 to USA publisher Staccato Publishing, Jacinta writes a variety of genres from YA paranormal, steampunk, horror and fantasy. Winner of 2014 Horror of the year and best selling author, Jacinta writes to answer all of her absurd questions and to explore themes and characters not often seen in main media.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Blue's Prophecy Blog Tour

TITLE: Blue's Prophecy (The Canis Chronicles #1)
AUTHOR: Emily Ross
PUBLISHER: Titletown Publishing, LLC
PUBLISHING DATE: May 15, 2017

FROM GOODREADS: Two genetically altered dogs, two different fates. One is Robo, a beloved Great Dane, who is tricked out of the embrace of his human family and then is horribly altered by an evil scientist who rebuilds him with robotic parts, weaponizing the dog for money from the military. But that s not all the scientist does the experiments he conducts leave Robo a genius, almost immortal and with powers beyond explanation. But the horror Robo experiences at the scientist's hands changes him driving him insane with the sole mission to destroy all humans, especially those who have tortured and hurt dogs.

Meanwhile, a scrappy alley husky sits in a shelter, when she with her blue eyes and tough wolf-like features captures the attention of another group of scientists desperate to stop Robo from his path of destruction. This dog, called Blue, could be the chosen one to fight and defeat Robo. She is also genetically enhanced and left with glowing turquoise eyes before being released to face Robo s vicious dog army. Her mission: save human civilization and the packs of dogs she's grown to love.


MY THOUGHTS: I was quite happy to join the blog tour for Ross' first book, Blue's Prophecy because when I saw the cover, I'm pretty sure it was love at first sight. I'm also really impressed that the author is so young (13) and this is her first publication. While some areas of the book presented some problems for me, overall it was a quick, action-packed read and I can see quite a few middle-graders, young adults and even adults enjoying this one as well.

There are two main characters in the book, a Great Dane named Robo and a Husky mix named Blue. Robo used to have a loving family but because of a crazy scientific vet who wants to use dogs as military weapons, he is ripped away from his human family and made into some cyborg/dog hybrid. This triggers a lot of anger in Robo so he eventually escapes and become leader of movement made up of dogs who are out to end the human race. Robo is consumed by hate and considers no human worthy of being saved. Blue has been a stray all her life and has known very little love. However, she meets two young pups who she rescues from getting hit and slowly but surely, starts showing a softer side. In addition, Blue is also genetically enhanced but is just learning to use her powers. Blue becomes "The Chosen One" and starts a rebellion to stop Robo and his evil plan.

I really liked the underlying message of this book. Pretty much it shows the canine/human bond and what happens when "bad" dog owners intervene. There are lots of different breeds throughout the book and the book is never dull. The reason why I didn't rate is higher than 3/5 is basically due to personal preference. I have a really hard time reading books with dog violence and death, even when it's done by other dogs. The book was written well and none of what occurred was in bad taste. However, it's just hard for me to stomach. In addition, there is a cliffhanger at the end and I sort of wished it had just been a stand alone novel.

That being said, Ross should be proud of her accomplishment and I will definitely be keeping an eye open for any future works. I will also more than likely pick up any sequel because I have gotten attached to quite a few characters in the book and I really want to know what happens next.


RATING: 3 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Ross, 13, is a fifth generation writer and an owner of three dogs, Balta, Buddy and Zoey. Her prose exceeds her years, with Emily starting work on Blue's Prophecy, a science fiction/fantasy book for pre-teens and teens, when she was 10. Living in Atlanta, Emily is also an animator and a skilled archer, and relaxes by playing the double bass in her middle school orchestra. 

Can't Wait Wednesday (106)

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. 

FROM GOOREADS: A collection of four chilling novels, ingeniously wrought gems of terror from the brilliantly imaginative, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fireman, Joe Hill

“Snapshot” is the disturbing story of a Silicon Valley adolescent who finds himself threatened by “The Phoenician,” a tattooed thug who possesses a Polaroid Instant Camera that erases memories, snap by snap.

A young man takes to the skies to experience his first parachute jump. . . and winds up a castaway on an impossibly solid cloud, a Prospero’s island of roiling vapor that seems animated by a mind of its own in “Aloft.”

On a seemingly ordinary day in Boulder, Colorado, the clouds open up in a downpour of nails—splinters of bright crystal that shred the skin of anyone not safely under cover. “Rain” explores this escalating apocalyptic event, as the deluge of nails spreads out across the country and around the world.

In “Loaded,” a mall security guard in a coastal Florida town courageously stops a mass shooting and becomes a hero to the modern gun rights movement. But under the glare of the spotlights, his story begins to unravel, taking his sanity with it. When an out-of-control summer blaze approaches the town, he will reach for the gun again and embark on one last day of reckoning.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  First of all, it's Joe Hill.  Secondly, look at that creepy yet gorgeous cover.  And lastly, it sounds terrific.   

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

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOOKER T!

MOM, DAD AND CASS LOVE YOU!!!!!

TTT - Mother's Day Freebie

This top 10 weekly meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and can be found HERE.  Each week they focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading. 

So today is a Mother's Day freebie.  Now I don't want to offend any mothers out there because yes, you do deserve to be celebrated.  But what about those who can't have kids?  Or the ones who chose not to have kids?  Where is their holiday?  Little biased aren't we?

So in light of my feelings, I am sharing with you the best Doggy Mom's I've ran across in books. ENJOY!!!

Alex Halstad from "House Trained."  Alex is motherless by choice and would rather parent her dog Marie instead. 

Jane Bailey lost both her husband and her dog within weeks of each other - and she actually thinks she mourning her dog more.  If you can't tell, Jackie Bouchard writes awesome Dog Moms and she herself is one as well (waving at Jackie and Rita).

Elvis' mom Callie Jones is a wonderful pet parent...even if Elvis has yet to forgive her for adopting other pets as well.  

Mac Harris not only rescues Tulip from an alley, she quickly decides to adopt her as well.  In return, Tulip reunites her with her former fling, Gavin, who just happens to be the town vet.

I can't forget Smooshie's mom, Lily.  She also adopts Smooshie and they quickly become the best of friends.  She allows Smooshie to kiss her in the face and always makes room for her in bed.

Erin Taylor Young has written two wonderful books about her dog Henry.  Erin dearly loved the Henry despite all his issues and her books are must-reads for any dog lover (especially boxer lovers).

Almost all of Dillon's books are full of great dog moms but this one featuring Gina Bellamy and her rescue greyhound Buzz is one of my favorites.

Sara Renault loves her dog Cody and is a good mom until  she fell in love with someone who didn't care for dogs in the beginning.  Let's just put her in the questionable dog mom category for now.

It's no surprise McKinlay is now writing contemporary books featuring dogs because Lindsey, the town librarian is a wonderful Dog Mom to her pup Heathcliff (and I love the name too!)

McCoy wrote one of the best cozy mysteries series featuring dogs that I have found.  It's sad that she passed away before finishing the last book. However, Ellie and her relationship with her dog Rudy is one of the best I've seen in the cozy category.

So hope all mothers, no matter 2 legged or 4 legged children, had a wonderful holiday!  And yes, I do get Mother's Day gifts from the pups so the holiday isn't completely lost on me,

This Is Why I Can't DNF Books - You Were Here review

TITLE: You Were Here
AUTHOR: Gian Sardar
PUBLISHERS: G.P. Putnam's Sons
PUBLISHING DATE: May 16, 2017

FROM GOODREADS: Death, accidental and early, has always been Abby Walters's preoccupation. Now thirty-three and eager to settle down with her commitment-shy boyfriend, a recurring dream from her past returns: a paralyzing nightmare of being buried alive, the taste of dirt in her mouth cloying and real. But this time the dream reveals a name from her family's past. Looking for answers, Abby returns home to small-town Minnesota for the first time in fourteen years, where she reconnects with her high school crush, now a police detective on the trail of a violent criminal. When Abby tries on her grandmother's mesmerizing diamond ring, a ring she always dreamed would be hers, she discovers a cryptic note long hidden beneath the box's velvet lining. What secret was her grandmother hiding? And could this be the key to what's haunting Abby? As she begins to uncover the traces of a love triangle gone shockingly wrong nearly seventy years before, we, too, see that the layers of our lives may echo a past we’ve never known. With mesmerizing twists and a long-buried secret that may finally rise to light, You Were Here weaves together two worlds separated by decades, asking if the mistakes made in past lives can ever be corrected in the future, and if some souls are meant to find one another time and time again.

MY THOUGHTS: 
So this book just reinforced my inability to DNF books. Let me explain.... This book starts out really slow. So slow that I was seriously considering DNF'ing which I never do. Yet, I read on and after I read the first 100 pages or so, I became so engrossed in the book that I read the remainder 260ish pages in one evening. So see, if I HAD DNF'd this book, I'd have missed out on what really was quite an enjoyable read.

Abby left her hometown almost 17 years ago and has never returned. Prior to her leaving, she would have horrible nightmares where she was in a grave being covered by soil. Abby's life is not what she wants. Her boyfriend is working desperately at trying to sell his screenplay and he tells Abby if he does, they can finally get married and all the rest of the pieces will fall into place. Abby feels that Robert is just continuing to put her off and that marriage isn't a priority for him. Suddenly, Abby's nightmares return so she decides to go to her class reunion and try to figure out what is behind her dreams once and for all. While in town, Abby reconnects with her teen crush, Aiden, who is now a detective trying to solve a serial rapist case. She also begins to investigate the disappearance of grandmother's best friend and see if it somehow ties in to her horrible nightmares.

As mentioned, I found the first 100 pages or so of this book to be extremely slow and almost dull. The reader gets a little insight into Abby's past and the nightmares which have haunted her for years. Also during this time the reader is introduced to all of the major players. The story is told in dual timelines and once the story picks up, it really is quite an interesting tale. There are several twists and turns throughout and the resolution of the mystery was extremely satisfying. I enjoyed Abby's character for the most part and found her fascination with death creepy yet wonderful.

Besides the slow start, there is one other element to this book which really bothered me. It is full of cheating. Spouses, paramours, boyfriends, girlfriends, best friends...you name it and they are either cheating or hiding the secret for someone else. I am not a huge fan of cheating and yet I still found this book to be interesting and tolerable. Just be aware if that is something that usually puts you off on reading a book.

"You Were Here" is a strong debut and one of the better thrillers I've read lately. I feel that it's probably going to get a lot of comparisons to "Gone Girl" which I hope isn't the case because I actually consider that the kiss of death. If you have been curious about this one from the start, I would recommend you go ahead and pick it up. However, if you easily DNF books, please realize you have to get through the first 100-120 pages for it to get good. If that's too long a wait, then you might want to pass this one by.

RATING: 4 PAWS