Book Review - The Shadows by Alex North

Photo Credit - Amazon

In the small town of Gritten Park, there lives an unstable teenager named Charlie Crabtree. Every town has at least one kid who has a dark imagination, a sinister smile and is an outcast. People always suspect that they are capable of doing something awful and it was only a matter of when.

Twenty-five years ago, Charlie committed a heinous murder. It was a murder so shocking that it has attracted a fanbase on the darkest corner of the internet. The murder has inspired more than one copycat with countless others following the case closely.

Paul Adams remembers the murder and moved away in hopes of forgetting the murder. Charlie and the victim were Paul's friends. After moving away, Paul has finally gotten his life together. When his mother suffers a fall and takes a turn for the worse, Paul decides to move back home. Paul doesn't want to return home but, he feels duty-bound to his mother to see her.

Shortly after Paul returns home, things start going wrong. Paul learns that there is a copycat murder in the nearby town. His senile mother is getting distressed and mentions that something is in the house. Paul realizes that someone is following him and he is worried that it might be Charlie who hasn't been seen since the day of the murder.

I haven't read the first novel by the author but, this novel can be read as a standalone. I felt like there were a few references made to the previous book that I didn't quite understand. I thought the book was a thrilling and engaging read. The book will keep you up at night wondering if there is something out there in the shadows. I look forward to reading other books by the author.

**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 - My Singing Nana by Pat Mora

Photo Credit - Amazon

The cute picture book depicts a family that has a member who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. It shows a child who is adjusting to life with his beloved grandmother who is forgetting things. The story helps instill the values of family, heritage, and relying on happy memories during tough times. A cute read for little ones who has beloved family member with the disease.

 **Disclosure -  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 - The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley + Listicle - Magical Powers

Photo Credit - Amazon

Magician in training, Micah Tuttle is still learning the ropes while he is living and working at the Circus Mirandus. The circus is filled with magical acts like fire and light shows, strong men performing amazing feats, magical animals, and magicians from every corner of the world. Micah feels like he needs to prove he belongs here. 

Everything seems to be going well when a dangerous enemy from the past is threatening the circus. Micah has to work to figure out his own magic while trying to help protect the circus from malevolent forces.  Will Micah be able to help the other magicians to fight off the evil forces?

This book was deliciously fun and an entertaining read. I love how Micah was able to grow into his own and his magic.  While I enjoyed the novel, I was a bit disappointed that Micah wasn't more involved in the final battle.  Overall, the book was an enjoyable read and I can't wait to read more books from the author.

Topic - Fun Circus Names & Abilities -

I thought it would be a fun treat to create a few imaginary circus names and their magical powers! After all, who doesn't love a fun + silly name?! Leave your favorites in the comments!

- Ivy Flowers - the ability to grow flowers from every surface
- Snow Melt - the ability to turn water into snow
- Tsumani - the ability to control water
- Fire Eater - the ability to control fire because they ate too much hot sauce
- Whirlwind - the ability to control wind
- Creepy Curlie Charlie - a man with the ability to control insects
- Reptile Ralph - a man with the ability to control reptiles
- Flaming Aces - the ability to transfer energy to objects
- Hairy Albert - just a really hairy guy
- Gwen the Gnome - a woman with good luck
- Vesper the Sand Maker - a woman who can tell stories with sand
- Fierce Bob - security protection
**Disclosure - I received a free unedited 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.**