Book Review - The Ghost Tree by Christina Henry

 

Smiths Hollow is a small quiet town. So, when two bodies of girls are found torn to shreds, Lauren is surprised. She feels that the police will never find the killer because her father's murder went unsolved. A year before, her beloved father was found dead with his heart missing. Everyone has been able to move on including, her mother. Lauren has a hard time coming to terms with her father's death and she struggles when her best friend, Miranda, is starting to move on too. Miranda and Lauren used to be two peas in a pod but, now Miranda wants to spend more time with boys than hanging out by the old ghost tree, like when they were kids.

One day, Lauren has a vision of a monster dragging the remains of the slain girls through the woods. She knows that she can't just sit there like everyone else and do nothing. She is determined to find the killer. As Lauren tries to find clues, she realizes someone is keeping a dark deadly secret. Will Lauren be able to solve the mystery behind the missing girls before it's too late?

I have read several books by the author and have enjoyed them. I thought the plot of this book was a unique and interesting. However, I don't think the book should have been so long. I felt like that there was unnecessarily long because the "plot" behind the murders was pretty straightforward. For example, when Lauren's grandmother told her story, the author spends pages where Lauren doesn't believe it. Even when, Lauren herself keeps mentioning evidence that her grandmother might be telling the truth. I felt like there could have been more action in the middle of the book because it was a bit slow action wise. Overall, it was a good book and I would read more books by the author.

Book Review - Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert

 

Ivy was planning on spending her summer relaxing and doing things that every other teenager does at her age. However, when she gets into an accident and meets a stranger in the middle of the road, her summer vacation takes a turn for the weird. After a string of unsettling events, Ivy starts to question everything she believes to be true. She feels that her mother is a keeping something from her.

Dana always has been perceptive even as a child. When she was sixteen, her and her friends decide to learn and dabble in magic. As the fall deeper into the magic bubble, they realize that there is a dark force around them and it might be leading to unwanted consequences.

I thought this was going to be an interested read with the dual timelines. However, it was incredibly boring and unnecessarily long. The author wrote in a long winded flowery prose that took up too much time to read. After awhile, my eyes started glazing over. The novel could have been so much more interesting if the author had limited her metaphors. Not everything needs to be given nuanced description. I didn't really care for any of the characters and Ivy was very annoying at the end. I felt like she did a complete 360 personality wise.

 

Book Review - Salt Magic by Hope Larson + Giveaway

 

Vonceil is excited to have her older brother, Elber, return home to Oklahoma after serving in the war. However, she quickly realizes Elbert isn't who she remembers him to be. Elber  has became more serious and responsible after the war and he barely has time for Vonceil anymore. He even married this childhood sweetheart that he had left behind.

A beautiful and mysterious woman shows up and claims that Elbert had abandoned her in France. Elber refuses to leave his wife so, the woman puts a curse on the family well. The town's entire water supply turns into saltwater. Vonceil is determined to find the woman and save her family.

The graphic novel was an endearing and lovely read. I love Vonceil and the wonderful world of witchcraft that the author created. The gorgeously illustrated book is perfect for young readers who want a standalone adventure. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received an unedited copy in exchange for an honest opinion**

 

About the Book:

Title: SALT MAGIC

Author: Hope Larson, illustrated by Rebecca Mock

Pub. Date: October 12, 2021

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Pages: 240

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

When a jealous witch curses her family's well, it's up to Vonceil to set things right in an epic journey that will leave her changed forever.

When Vonceil's older brother, Elber, comes home to their family's Oklahoma farm after serving on the front lines of World War I, things aren't what she expects. His experiences have changed him into a serious and responsible man who doesn't have time for Vonceil anymore. He even marries the girl he had left behind.

Then a mysterious and captivating woman shows up at the farm and confronts Elber for leaving her in France. When he refuses to leave his wife, she puts a curse on the family well, turning the entire town's water supply into saltwater. Who is this lady dressed all in white, what has she done to the farm, and what does Vonceil's old uncle Dell know about her?

To find out, Vonceil will have to strike out on her own and delve deep into the world of witchcraft, confronting dangerous relatives, shapeshifting animals, a capricious Sugar Witch, and the Lady in White herself--the foreboding Salt Witch. The journey will change Vonceil, but along the way she'll learn a lot about love and what it means to grow up.

Hope Larson is the author and illustrator of the Eisner Award nominated All Summer Long and the illustrator of the Eisner Award winning A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel. Salt Magic is an utterly unique graphic fairy tale complete with striking illustrations by Rebecca Mock. 

Praise For SALT MAGIC:

"The best comics reading experience I've had in a long time." —Ben Hatke, author-illustrator of #1 New York Times Bestselling Zita the Spacegirl series
 
"Sumptuously detailed in all aspects, readers of all ages will be whisked away by this unique and modern fairy tale. Hope Larson and Rebecca Mock take a story filled with fantasy and imagination and ground it with great humanity and depth. A book to return to over and over again."—Jen Wang, author-illustrator of the Eisner award-winning The Prince and the Dressmaker
 
"The perfect alchemy of gorgeous illustration and richly imagined story." —Victoria Ying, author-illustrator of City of Secrets
 
"Salt Magic is an epic coming-of-age adventure. Rebecca’s artwork is some of the most gorgeous cartooning I have ever seen, bringing Hope’s incredible storytelling to vibrant life. With witches, magic, and cowboys, you’ve never read a Western like this before!" —Cathy G. Johnson, author-illustrator of The Breakaways


"This story by the previous collaborators (Compass South) unfolds skillfully, taking time to develop memorable heroine Vonceil and her quotidian world . . . before setting her on an adventure that echoes fantasy classics yet feels entirely distinct."—Publishers Weekly

"Unusual and excellent, containing wonder within."—Kirkus Reviews

  

About Hope Larson:

Hope Larson has written and illustrated many graphic novels including All Summer Long, which was a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018 and an Eisner Award nominee, as well as its recently published sequel, All Together Now. She adapted and illustrated A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel, which spent forty-four weeks on the New York Times graphic novel bestseller list and for which she won an Eisner Award. She is also the author of Compass South (A New York Times Bestseller), and its companion volume, Knife's Edge, both illustrated by Rebecca Mock. She lives in North Carolina.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Rebecca Mock:

Rebecca Mock is an illustrator and comics artist. They illustrated the graphic novels Compass South and Knife's Edge, both written by Hope Larson. Their work has also appeared in various publications, including the New York Times and The New Yorker. They are the co-organizer of the Hana Doki Kira anthology. They live in Brooklyn, New York. Visit their website at https://rebeccamock.com

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

 

Giveaway Details: 

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SALT MAGIC, US Only.

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/4/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
10/4/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
10/5/2021	YA Books Central	Excerpt
10/5/2021	Little Red Reads	Review
10/6/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
10/6/2021	Pick a good book	Excerpt
10/7/2021	Celiamcmahonreads	Review
10/7/2021	History From A Women's Perspective	Review
10/8/2021	Nerdophiles	Review
10/8/2021	The Momma Spot	Review

Week Two:

10/11/2021	Books Are Magic Too	Review
10/11/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
10/12/2021	two points of interest	Review
10/12/2021	@coffeebooksandmascara	Review
10/13/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
10/13/2021	@abackwardsstory	Review
10/14/2021	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review
10/14/2021	Midnightbooklover	Review
10/15/2021	@bookisheclectic	Review
10/15/2021	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review

Book Review - The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

 

When Elise marries Rupert Bainbridge, she felt like her luck has finally changed. She would finally live a life of luxury instead of having to work in a match factory. Elise becomes pregnant weeks after her wedding and Rupert leaves to ready the family estate for her and their child. Elise receives news that her husband has passed and she must come to the country. There Elise finds the servants resentful of her and the locals to be hostile.

Elise only has her husband's awkward cousin, Sarah for company. The pair decide to take a tour of the house and come across a locked door. Behind the door is a painted wooden figure that looks like Elise. The servants are terrified of the figure but, Elise believes that it's just simple superstition. However, weird things are starting to happen and then Elise noticed that the eyes on the dolls are following her.

I have read the previous novel of the author and enjoyed this book too. The book had a special creepy and unnerving factor to it. However, I felt like there were few parts of the story I wish the author went into more detail on. For example, Hetta's relationship with the gypsy boy and Elise's history with her parents and brother. Some details were given but, most were hinted at. Overall, it was an interesting read and I would read other books by the author.

 

Book Review - Craven Manor by Darcy Coates

 

Daniel is down on his luck and he is desperate for a job. He is willing to take any job to be able to afford food and rent. Someone slides a note under his door offering him a job as a groundskeeper at an old crumbling estate. The job offers him free housing and food along with a generous salary. He feels like the job is too good to be true.

When he arrives at Craven Manor, he feels like he might have been a victim of a prank. The mansion is dilapidated and its front door is wide open. The house is covered in leaves and cobwebs and it's apparent that no one has lived there in a long time. When he turns to leave, he finds an envelope with his name on it. There is a note offering him the job and it contains money with the promise of more if he accepts the job.

Daniel accepts the job because his only other option is to be homeless. He moves into the groundskeeper's cottage and tries to do his job. He tries to ignore all the strange occurrences and focuses on getting his job done. However, he feels that something is wrong deep in bones especially when there is a candle flickering in the abandoned tower window. He feels that Craven Manor is hiding a terrible secret but, can he survive it?

I enjoyed this novel. I like for the first time, a character isn't oblivious that something is wrong. Unfortunately, I feel for Daniel because he is stuck in a tough spot.  However, I didn't like that Daniel kept caring for a person who didn't even have his best interest at heart. I understand that Daniel was at a low point and that person was there for him but, it seems that everything that person did was motivated by greed. Daniel realized that this person was motivated by greed but, still tries to be positive and caring towards that person. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading other books by the author

**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 - Mermaid Moon by Susann Cokal

Photo Credit - Amazon

Sanna is a mermaid but, she is half landish. When Sanna was born, an old sea witch cast a forgetting spell that made Sanna, her mother, her father, and her people forget the details of her birth including her mother. When Sanna turns sixteen years old, she decides to find her mother as she feels like an outsider in her seavish flok. Determined to find her roots and identity, she apprentices herself to the sea witch who cast the spell on her and her family.

After learning the magic to make a pair of legs for herself, she decides to follow the clues to the location of her mother. Before she leaves, the sea witch gives her a cryptic quest to complete. As Sanna begins her journey, her flok wait for her news on her journey. While on land, Sanna comes across a village who is desperate for a miracle and a baroness who will stop at nothing to live forever.

I was quite torn with this review. I thought the novel was beautifully written but, then at times, it was just too much. I was more than 85% done with the book before I couldn't be bothered anymore. The story progressed so slowly that the story didn't even progress in 50 pages. It was mostly 50 pages of atmosphere building or Sanna debating what to do or the sea life that lives on the old witch's body. I wasn't a fan of the different points of view because I felt like it added little to the story. I wanted to enjoy this book more because I love a good tale. I am still looking forward to 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 - The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Elena Boureanu is a young vine witch who wakes up from a curse after being dormant for seven years. As she regains her senses, she realizes everything she knew has changed. The vineyards at Château Renard has long relied on the talents of vine witches, whose spells help create world-renowned wine. However, her beloved vineyard fell to ruin when Elena becomes cursed.

After breaking free from the curse that confined her, Elena is hellbent on avenging herself. However, Elena must find a way to return to her former life to regain her power. The vineyard that she was destined to inherit is now in possession of a stranger who doesn't believe in magic.

Vigneron Jean-Paul Marte believes the following of science will help him craft the best wine. He doesn't believe in the locals' beliefs of witches. But Elena knows a hex when she sees one, and Marte's vineyard is covered in them. She convinces Marte to let her stay on to help the vines heal but, she has to hide her true identity. While Elena is helping the vineyard recover, will she be able to find the one who hexed her?

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I was actually both disappointed and happy there was going to be a second book to the series!  Some parts of the novel were predictable but, there were a few surprises. I like that even though the two main characters were stubborn, there weren't many petty fights over a lack of communication. They both knew what they wanted and worked together to get what they wanted. Overall, it was a decent debut and I look forward to the second book!

**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.**

Print Length: 263 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1542008387
Publisher: 47North (October 1, 2019)
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English 

FROM THE EDITOR
It starts with a toad. A slimy one, too, warts and all. But as you may have guessed, with witches involved, this toad just happens to be enchanted. This toad, in fact, is the witch—and now that she’s free, she’s out for revenge against whoever has cursed her.

Elena Boureanu, former toad, is a vine witch. Her magic is responsible for creating some of the best wine of the age, and her legacy is all but ruined when she finally returns home. The vineyard’s new owner may be handsome, but he’s a city man of science who knows nothing about the valley’s vine witch tradition. And on top of that, Elena can clearly detect dark magic surrounding the estate. She knows her own curse must be connected to the hex on the fields, and she vows to put her world back into balance.

Elena’s story of redemption may be fantasy, but it feels real enough to touch. Reading this novel is like falling into an Instagram picture—atmospheric, and surrounded by the smells and tastes of the natural world. I hope you’ll fall with me. ―Adrienne Procaccini, Editor

A young witch emerges from a curse to find her world upended in this gripping fantasy of betrayal, vengeance, and self-discovery set in turn-of-the-century France.

For centuries, the vineyards at Château Renard have depended on the talent of their vine witches, whose spells help create the world-renowned wine of the Chanceaux Valley. Then the skill of divining harvests fell into ruin when sorcière Elena Boureanu was blindsided by a curse. Now, after breaking the spell that confined her to the shallows of a marshland and weakened her magic, Elena is struggling to return to her former life. And the vineyard she was destined to inherit is now in the possession of a handsome stranger.

Vigneron Jean-Paul Martel naively favors science over superstition, and he certainly doesn’t endorse the locals’ belief in witches. But Elena knows a hex when she sees one, and the vineyard is covered in them. To stay on and help the vines recover, she’ll have to hide her true identity, along with her plans for revenge against whoever stole seven winters of her life. And she won’t rest until she can defy the evil powers that are still a threat to herself, Jean-Paul, and the ancient vine-witch legacy in the rolling hills of the Chanceaux Valley.

You can purchase The Vine Witch at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Luanne G. Smith 

Luanne G. Smith is the author of THE VINE WITCH, a historical fantasy novel about witches, wine, and revenge set in early 20th century France, and the forthcoming second book in The Vine Witch series, THE GLAMOURIST. She’s lucky enough to live in Colorado at the base of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, where she enjoys reading, gardening, hiking, a glass of wine at the end of the day, and finding the magic in everyday life.

        

PART ONE

OCTOBER 14th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

OCTOBER 15th TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

OCTOBER 15th TUESDAY Clarissa Reads It All REVIEW

OCTOBER 16th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST

OCTOBER 17th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

OCTOBER 17th THURSDAY Book Briefs REVIEW

OCTOBER 18th FRIDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW & INTERVIEW

PART TWO

OCTOBER 19th SATURDAY Random Bookish Banter REVIEW

OCTOBER 20th SUNDAY TTC Books and More INTERVIEW

OCTOBER 21st MONDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW

OCTOBER 21st MONDAY A Bookish Dream REVIEW

OCTOBER 22nd TUESDAY Starlight Reads REVIEW & GUEST POST
OCTOBER 22nd TUESDAY Wonder Struck REVIEW

OCTOBER 23rd WEDNESDAY Kait Plus Books EXCERPT

OCTOBER 23rd WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

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

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Book Review - The Furies by Katie Lowe

Photo Credit - Amazon

Violet is nervous on her first day at the all-girls Elm Hollow Academy boarding school. It's her second chance to have a fresh start in the midst of a family tragedy.  Desperate to fit in, Violet finds herself joining a group of girls who are considered outsiders. She soon finds herself in an advanced study group with the other girls, leads by her mysterious art teacher, Annabel.

The group studies mythology and Greek and Celtic legends but, also the school's own gruesome history.  Annabel tries to teach the girls that class is about learning history and mythology and not about magic. However, this doesn't stop the girls from trying to get their hands on some spells. 

Together, they try to harness the power of magic for themselves. They find themselves wrapped up in power they never had before. When a violent incident occurs, Violet finds herself feeling defenseless. When her friends' actions take a turn for the darker, Violet finds herself conflicted.

I thought this novel was going to be about a group of girls who were using magic to get their way. Instead, I am not sure what this novel is. I have a few mixed feelings about it and I am still not entirely sure if I enjoyed the novel. I was reminded of Emma Cline's "The Girls" (which I was also in-between with). I didn't really feel like the book came together in a cohesive and enjoyable way for me. I didn't really care for any of the main characters and thought they didn't really face any consequences. While I didn't really love this novel, I am open to reading other books by the author.

 **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 Witch of Lime Street: Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World by David Jaher

Photo Credit - Random House

An exhilarating page turner that reads like an authentic source between the feud of Houdini and "The Witch of Lime Street".  The story takes place in a time where science and paranormal lines blur. The time when people crave to believe there is more to live than what the eye and science and prove.  

The Roaring Twenties, is mostly known for the jazz and flappers but also the rise of Spiritualism.  "The Witch of Lime Street", also known as Margery or Mrs. Crandon and Houdini cross paths when the Scientific American decides to run a contest (which also was all in rage) to see if they can find the first scientifically verified medium. The judges composed of 5 men from various backgrounds embark on the journey together. One by one, they were able to systematically weed out the frauds.  Until, the "witch" showed up, causing the committee to be torn and turned against each other as the time passes.

The book is deeply engrossing and leaves you wondering which of the two characters is telling the truth. Is there a way to connect to the afterlife or is it all hocus pocus?  A great read all year around but especially thrilling to read around Halloween under a blanket and hot cocoa in hand.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion. **