Book Review - The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

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Ivy Rose returns home after she receives news of her grandmother passing. She organizes an estate sale for her grandmother's things but, she realizes her grandmother left her a key to unlocking Ivy's adoption. Ivy tries to find the truth about her past but, she realizes she is missing an important piece of the mystery.

 Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James is out scavenging the highway for abandoned things he can use. He stumbles upon an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection that he has never had. He wants to take care of the child because of his own past abandonment. However, he struggles with taking care of the child because he is homeless. Two people see Harvey struggling and are trying to help Harvey find his way. Harvey is afraid of letting them in before he ends up losing the baby.

I enjoyed reading the emotional read. I actually found myself drawn to Harvey's storyline than the Ivy in the present day. I thought it was a change of pace that a male character found a child and went to extreme lengths to care for and protect her. I found it enjoyable on finding out the thread that connected all the characters. The book showed readers that not all family bonds are made by blood. 

  **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Estranged #2: The Changeling King by Ethan M. Aldridge + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Changeling Edmund Carter resumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below after spending years pretending to be human. However, not all of the underworld inhabitants are happy about his return to the throne. Ed is still adjusting to his new human life in the World Above. His birth parents are kind and accepting of him but, he misses his sense of purpose as a knight.

When a new threat threatens the lives of everyone in the World Below, Cinder must rely on his friends and family to assist him. However, Cinder discovers a dark secret at the end of their journey. Will Cinder be able to protect his family and kingdom against all odds?

The graphic novel was illustrated in beautiful watercolor paintings. I enjoyed the first book in the series and the second one didn't disappoint. We got to see the characters learn about themselves and how they fit in with their world. They also learn the importance of friends and family is not only people who are related by blood. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

 

Series: Estranged (Book 2)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (October 1, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006265389X
ISBN-13: 978-0062653895

Praise for ESTRANGED Series

“A splendid tale of faery magic and adventurous siblings, all told in gorgeously rendered watercolor panels: this is exactly my kind of thing.” —Ben Hatke, author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Zita the Spacegirl trilogy

“It’s got dragons. It’s got drama. It’s got depth. And it’s got me impatiently awaiting Ethan M. Aldridge’s next eye-popping adventure.” —Tim Federle, award-winning author of Better Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate!

“A compelling story about finding identity in a world where magic dangers lurk just around the corner. I loved Estranged!” —Molly Ostertag, author-illustrator of The Witch Boy

“As richly imagined in the full-color illustrations, the worldbuilding is both accessible and as familiar as those genre stalwarts… this should easily resonate with preteen and teen fans of both Holly Black and Neil Gaiman.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Worthy of inclusion in any fantasy collection.” —School Library Journal

“[F]un, daring, and dark...with themes and art that fall into the realm of Neil Gaiman, Michael Ende, and Jim Henson. Coupled with the beautifully toned watercolor art, the interdependence of and tension between the two protagonists makes this book stand out.” —Publishers Weekly

“The deliciously captivating start to this adventure series will leave readers hungry for more.” —Booklist

Enter a world of faerie magic and epic adventure in this spellbinding sequel to Estranged—a rich fantasy graphic novel perfect for fans of Amulet.

After years of pretending to be human, the changeling Edmund Carter has assumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below. But not everyone at the royal palace is happy about his return.

Meanwhile, Ed is adjusting to human life in the World Above. His birth family treats him with a kindness he never knew growing up in the Fay court, but Ed misses the sense of purpose he had as a knight.

When a mysterious new threat emerges in the World Below, Cinder must call on Ed and their older sister, Alexis, for help. But nothing can prepare them for the family secret that awaits at the end of their perilous quest.

With over two hundred pages of gorgeous watercolor paintings, The Changeling King invites readers on an epic journey through a magical world—one they will not soon forget.

You can purchase The Changeling King at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Ethan M. Aldridge 

Ethan M. Aldridge is a bestselling author and illustrator. He is the creator of the fantasy graphic novel ESTRANGED (a Junior Library Guild selection, Indie Bestseller, and YALSA Great Graphic Novel For Teens), and it's follow up THE CHANGELING KING (coming fall 2019).

Ethan was raised in a small town in Utah. Growing up, Ethan’s favorite things to draw were monsters and whatever dinosaur he liked that week. He now does more or less the same thing for a living. Ethan lives in New York City with his husband, Matthew, and their dog, Kitsune.

Ethan has had the pleasure to create work for HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Random House, and EA Games.

        

WEEK ONE - REVIEWS

DECEMBER 9th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 10th TUESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
DECEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY JeanBookNerd PODCAST
DECEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY Wonder Struck REVIEW
DECEMBER 12th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
DECEMBER 13th FRIDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 

WEEK TWO - REVIEW & CREATIVE INSTAGRAM PICTURE
DECEMBER 16th MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
DECEMBER 17th TUESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW
DECEMBER 18th WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 19th THURSDAY Life Within The Pages REVIEW
DECEMBER 20th FRIDAY For The Love of Fictional Worlds REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Book Review - The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig by Don Zolidis + Giveaway

Photo Source - Amazon

Dating Amy is the best thing that has ever happened to Craig. However, it is also the worst thing that ever happened. Craig and Amy are complete opposites and should have never gotten together in the first place. Amy is beautiful and the intelligent student body president. While Craig is a Dungeons & Dragons geek who is a bit awkward. During their senior year, Craig and Amy go through a vicious cycle of breaking up and getting back together. Will Craig and Amy be able to work through their differences?

The novel is a heartwarming read about high school romance. The characters were relatable and realistic. It was interesting to watch the characters grow and experience life. While I found the book to be realistic, I had a hard time liking the main characters. I found Craig to be a bit self-centered and I was a bit confused with Amy's motives. Overall, an enjoyable read but, not something I would reread again.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

About the Book:

Title: THE SEVEN TORMENTS OF AMY & CRAIG

Author: Don Zolidis

Pub. Date: October 2, 2018

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 352

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks, TBD

Janesville, Wisconsin (cold in the sense that there is no God)

1994

The worst thing that's ever happened to Craig is also the best: Amy. Amy and Craig never should've gotten together. Craig is an awkward, Dungeons & Dragons-playing geek, and Amy is the beautiful, fiercely intelligent student-body president of their high school.

Yet somehow they did. Until Amy dumped him. Then got back together with him. Then dumped him again. Then got back together with him again. Over and over and over.

Unfolding during their senior year, Amy and Craig's exhilarating, tumultuous relationship is a kaleidoscope of joy, pain, and laughter as an uncertain future-and adult responsibility-loom on the horizon.

Craig fights for his dream of escaping Janesville and finding his place at a quirky college, while Amy's quest to uncover her true self sometimes involves being Craig's girlfriend?and sometimes doesn't.

Seven heartbreaks. Seven joys. Told nonsequentially, acclaimed playwright Don Zolidis's debut novel is a brutally funny, bittersweet taste of the utterly unique and utterly universal experience of first love.

About Don:

Originally from Wisconsin, Don Zolidis is a novelist and one of the most-produced playwrights in America.

His 102 published plays have received more than 12,000 productions and have appeared in every state and 64 countries.

His first novel, The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig, will be published by Disney-Hyperion in October 2018.

He currently splits time between Texas and New York and aspires to owning a dog.

Website | Twitter |  Goodreads | Facebook

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of THE SEVEN TORMENTS OF AMY & CRAIG, US Only.

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Tour Schedule:

Week Five:

11/5/2018- Novel Novice- Review

11/6/2018- BookHounds YA- Review

11/7/2018- Owl Always Be Reading- Review

11/8/2018- Two points of interest- Review

11/9/2018- Book-Keeping- Review

Book Review - The Cadence of Gypsies by Barbara Casey + Giveaway

Photo Source - Amazon

Carolina Lovel knew that she never quite fit in with her parents. When she receives a letter on her eighteenth birthday that she was adopted she kind of expected it.  The letter was written in an unknown language and has answers surrounding her birth and her family. Carolina decides that she would take  her three intelligent and gift students with her to discover more about her past. Will Carolina and her students be able to decipher the note?

The novel had an interesting premise and was fun to read. I found the four main female characters to be lovable and well-developed. However, I found that the story was more of a cozy read than a thriller or action packed that I thought it would have been. I felt like a lot of the mysteries and answers just fell into the protagonists' lap and there wasn't much mystery or action. I also appreciate how the author weaved in historical facts but I was dismayed that she referred to the Hindu people as "Hindoo" and alternated the spelling of "Sanskrit". If one is going to use a culture and religion, please make sure to use it correctly.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

The Cadence of Gypsies: Book 1 of the F.I.G. Mysteries

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Cadence of Gypsies (Book 1 of The F.I.G. Mysteries)by Barbara Casey
Category:  YA fiction,  272 pages
Genre:  Literary/Mystery
Publisher:  Gauthier Publications/Hungry Goat Press
Release date: April 2015 (e-Book)
​Content Rating:  PG-13 (A few expletives, mild sexual innuendo)

​Book Description:

On her 18th birthday Carolina Lovel learned that she was adopted and was given a letter written by her birth mother in an unknown language. After years of research she travels to Italy on a mission to find the truth about her past. Carolina is accompanied by three extremely gifted but mischievous students the FIGs from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women. In an effort to help their favorite teacher, the FIGs will have to use their special abilities to decipher the Voynich Manuscript, the most mysterious document in the world, and the one thing that is strangely similar to what Carolina was given. Their search will take them into the mystical world of gypsy tradition and magic, more exciting and dangerous than any of them could have imagined.


Meet the Author:
​
Barbara Casey is the author of several award-winning novels for both adults and young adults, as well as book-length works of nonfiction true crime and numerous articles, poems, and short stories. Her nonfiction true crime book, Kathryn Kelly: The Moll Behind Machine Gun Kelly, has been optioned for a major film and television series. In addition to her own writing, she is an editorial consultant and president of the Barbara Casey Agency. Established in 1995, she represents authors throughout the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan. Barbara is also a partner in Strategic Media Books Publishing, an independent publishing house that specializes in cutting-edge adult nonfiction. Barbara lives on a mountain in Georgia with her husband, and three dogs who adopted her: Benton, a hound-mix; Fitz, a miniature dachshund; and Gert, a Jack Russel terrier of sorts.

Connect with the author: Website

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