Geek With a Book

Librarian who blogs about books, DIY crafts, and geeky fun with some real life thrown in. This blogger loves Taylor Swift, Sansa Stark, Jon Snow, Dean Winchester, and Laurel Lance.

[marshamello13]

Book Review: "The Conspiracy"

"The Conspiracy: The Legend of the Winged People" by Alessandra Coco

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

The most unique thing about teenage Pamela Kendall isn't her blue hair but her ability to talk to and understand animals. After discovering that her parents have been lying to her to her whole life Pamela sets out to discover who she really is. Equipped with a medallion she’s worn since she was a child that she can’t let anyone else touch, a message in a bottle and an ancient map she sets off to Crete but she isn't alone…

Sixteen-year-old David Thompson does not fit in with the rest of his family. He is the family klutz. But after winning a free trip to Crete he is drawn to Pamela and her quest. But they aren't the only ones with questions…

I struggled with this book. I felt like nothing really happened and then it ended in way that made me go that is it?! The whole book was about building the backstory and introducing us to all the players. It felt more like a graphic novel then I book. According to the author this book is not a meant to be standalone story but part of a six-book consecutive series that needs to be read in order. This first book did not appeal to me in way that would make me want to continue the series.

One out of five stars.

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “The Spellbound Abbey”

“The Spellbound Abbey” by Mason Monteith

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in return for an honest review from LibraryThing.

Audrey Hughes is a young librarian living in the country of Flaize. A country where a mysterious deadly disease is spreading. A country that is also on the verge of war with the neighboring country of Dragnoir, a country of dragons. After the sudden death of her friend Lady Farah Davies, one of the leaders of Audrey's district, she discovers Farah left her everything. In her new position of her new position of power it is up to Audrey to save her home before it is too late.

I found the idea behind this book to be interesting, however I felt that this book fell short of its potential. I found it to be predictable and I felt it could use some more world building in the beginning of the book.

Two out of five stars

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “The Dark Prince of Lazera”

“The Dark Prince of Lazera” by Rachel E. Croxton

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

Simina is a poor girl living in a small village who loves to read. One day she discovers a book called The Dark Prince of Lazera. It claims to tell the true story of an evil prince who possesses dark magic. She does not believe he is real until one fateful encounter that changes her life.

This book is reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. I personally did not enjoy this book. I found it hard to get into and I felt like the author introduced plot points only to never mention them again. The relationships felt very one dimensional and I wish there was more world building.

One out of five stars

[marshamello13]

Book Review:” The Portals of Sparkling Falls”

“The Portals of Sparkling Falls” by J.S. Bailey

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

Sixteen-year-old Laura wakes up in a strange house with no memory of who she is. Things go from bad to worse for Laura when she is transport back in time to Sparkling Falls. She is forced to try and fit in with the Villagers while trying to find her way back home and who she is. But when a little girl goes missing it is up to Laura and her new friends to find her before it is too late.

I found this story to be very engaging. My only critiques would be that the ending felt rushed and there was an emphasis on the Christian religion that felt out of place in the story. However I enjoyed this book overall.

Three out of five stars.

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “Heirs of Eriad”

“Heirs of Eriad” by Adam Roach

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review. Kat is your average high school senior. She is looking forward to turning eighteen, going to prom, and graduating. But all that changes one night at a high school party when she discovers she has powers. With the help of her twin brother, Maximus or Mouse, it is up to her to uncover a secret that could change everything. I struggled to finish this book. I found the plot to be very slow. It seemed to be more about what was going on in Kat's high school then about discovering where her powers came from.

1 1/2 out of five stars

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “The Faithful Dog”

“The Faithful Dog” by Terry Lee Caruthers

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

German-born Louis Pfief leaves his home and family to join the 58th Illinois Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. But he does not go alone. His hound, Bärchen, joins him in the fight. Bärchen rapidly proves himself a loyal companion and endears himself to all he meets. When his regiment is transferred to Tennesse Lois and Bärchen find themselves under fire at Erin Hallow. When one of them falls during a battle it is up to the other one to survive.

This book is based on a true story. It was a quick read; I would say it is written more for middle school age children. It was a cute book and I enjoyed it overall.

Three out of five stars

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “Discovering Puracordis”

“Discovering Puracordis (The Guidal 1) by Roxy Eloise

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in return for an honest review.

Sixteen-year-old Aurora has spent her whole life training to become an enforcer at the Boulderfell Institute. A place for orphans and children whose parents "can't" take care of them. Aurora is desperate to avoid matching at Unity. A ceremony where students are matched and betrothed to their "perfect" partner. She tries to make herself as un-matchable as possible but that fails when she is matched with Pax. As she falls more and more for Pax, she discovers something about herself that could change everything...

This book sucked me right in. I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to read the next book. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger so if that isn't your thing this book might not be for you. My only real critique is that I felt like I took a while to understand the world this story takes place in. I wish the author had included a prologue or an introduction describe the world clearer rather than jumping right into the main plot.

Four out of five stars.

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “Black Rock”

“Black Rock” by David Odle

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

Thomas Loggins, a small-town pastor, is a family man, with a loving wife and daughter. But all that changes after he meets new congregate Benjamin Clark. He knows a terrible secret from Thomas' past. Now Thomas has to choose between saving himself or his daughter...

This book was not for me. I had a hard time finishing it. I found the protagonists to be unlikeable. To the point that I found myself actively rooting for the antagonist.

1 out of 5 stars

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “Sleep Deprived”

“Sleep Deprived” by Therese Heckenkamp

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in return for an honest review.

Sleep deprived Mae is grieving the loss of her infant daughter. After a strange encounter late at night in the cemetery with a man and a baby in need, she finds herself accused of kidnapping. The police don't believe Mae's story. With the help of her estranged husband, she works to clear her name. But can she do it before it is too late?

This book is classified as a Christian romance suspense novella however the Christian and romance aspects are not very in your face. It is a quick read that I felt could be fleshed our more. With that being said I still enjoyed the story overall.

2 1/2 stars out of 5

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “Ash and Gold”

“Ash and Gold” by Lydia R. Outland

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

Briar "Buggy" Pierce has been having terrible nightmares about in which she dies in different violent ways. Things only get worse for Buggy after she is kidnapped by two men. One man is her birth father and the other is a psychic who. claims they are here to help her. But someone else is hunting her. Can they help her before it is too late.

I found the beginning of this book to be very slow and the end to be very rushed. It took a long time to build to the main plot and once it did, I felt like it could have been fleshed out more. Everything felt too convenient. It does end on a bit of cliffhanger, but nothing too big. Overall I enjoyed this book.

Three out of five stars.

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “Cassidy Smith”

“Cassidy Smith, Book One: The Gray Man” by Paul Wilson

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in return for an honest review.

18-year-old Cassidy Smith comes from a family of monster hunters. She returns home from a party to find her home burning and her whole family murdered. Cassidy travels across the west in the pursuit of the thing that killed her family, the Gray Man. Can she stop him before she becomes a cold-blooded killer?

I struggled with this book. I found the protagonist to be unlikeable which made it hard to finish this book. It also includes descriptions of violence that made me uncomfortable.

One out of five stars

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “Catching Hell”

“Catching Hell (Jinx McGee Book 1) by D. B. Sieders

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

Jinx McGee is possessed by a demon, she calls Hannah.  She has turned her situation into a lucrative career hunting demons with the help of her demon. But there is a rebellion brewing in hell and their leader believe Jinx and Hannah are the key to his victory. Her demon ex-boyfriend has also returned after being missing for years. He also knows more about the rebellion then he is letting on.  Now it is Jinx and her friends to stop him before it is too late.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the protagonist Jinx. She is dynamic, tough, and sarcastic. On the other hand, I found her boyfriend Dominic to be one dimensional and dull. This supernatural thriller is a great set up to what is sure to be an interesting series. I would read the next book in this series.

Three out of five stars

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “The Lying Season”

“The Lying Season” by Heather Christie

Disclaimer: I received the book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

Piper Rose finds herself dragged into the cover-up of an accidental death along with her two brothers, her friend, and her crush. They vow to never speak of that night again. But the guilt is causing her OCD tendencies to intensify. After she fails her college ballet audition Piper knows they need to confess the truth. But will she be able to convince the others?

This book is full of so many twists and turns. It keeps you guessing till the very end. The main characters are well rounded and likeable despite the horrible thing they did. I could not put it down and ended up finishing in in one day. It ends on a huge cliffhanger, fingers crossed we get a second book. Overall I loved this book.

[marshamello13]

Book review: “Old Cravings”

“Old Cravings (A Scary Good Romance) by Joy Jarrett

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

Veterinarian Piper is trying to start over after separating from her husband, Dylan. When Dylan calls her out of the blue and asks her to come back to the ranch. Her horse has been savagely attacked by something and has to be put down. What attacked her horse and some other animals on the ranch? When an epic blizzard hits their area Dylan again needs Piper's veterinarian expertise. But this blizzard is not like any normal blizzard it has a supernatural feel to it, and something is hunting them. Can they survive this storm while battling their growing feelings for each other?

This book sucked me in right away and I could not put it down. I did find the main characters to be a little dull and their "romance" to be lack luster. But I enjoyed the mystery around the monster hunting them. There are several instances of violence towards animals. If you are very sensitive about that type of thing this book may not be for you. Personally, I usually can't deal with descriptions of violence against animals, but I did not find the ones in this book to be terrible. Overall I enjoyed this book.

Three out of Five stars

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “The Correction”

“The Correction” by John Hazen

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

Joseph Vance has a gift that has been passed down in his family for generations. All the first-born child in his family have the ability to transport people back in time for a do-over of a wrong decision they made. His family calls it making a Correction. But after one Correction costs Joseph his family he has to make a choice, one that will determine the future of Corrections.

This book sucks the reader in from the very beginning. It tells the history of the Vance family up to the present day. I did find the second half to drag a bit but overall it was a compelling and enjoyable story.  

Three out of five stars

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “The Dark and the Darker”

“The Dark and The Darker” by J.L. Hickey

Disclaimer: I recieved this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

For years someone or something has been stealing children from Ojibway City. Everyone knows about it, but nothing is being done to stop it. But that all changes when clairvoyant Lydia Cayce begins investigating. But is it too late?

This book was not for me, I had to force myself to finish this book. It contains descriptions of graphic violence including violence against animals which I cannot deal with. I also felt like this book dragged and the ending was rushed. It felt like the author spent more time describe the violence only to suddenly solve the monster mystery behind the scenes.

[marshamello13]

Book Review: “ShadowCast”

“ShadowCast” by V.P. Morris

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

Dakota Kilroy is an investigative journalist living in New York City. She is forced to move back to her childhood home in Santa Monica, California after being laid off. Back home she is haunted by her past. When she was in high school her best friend, Maddy Montgomery, disappeared. Dakota decides to use her skills as an investigative journalist to find out really what happened to Maddy all those years ago. She starts a true crime podcast, ShadowCast, to publicize the case and gain some new leads. With the help of Sean, a CEO with an interest in true crime, Dakota is close to solving this case. But Maddy’s kidnapper is listening, and he will stop at nothing to keep his secrets.

I could not put this book down! It alternated between Dakota and the kidnapper's POV. It is full of twists and turns. I tend to find a lot of "thrillers" to be predictable but that is not true of this book.   However, I did have some issues with this book. It felt like the protagonist lucked into a lot of her answers. The ending also felt rushed, and the main romance was questionable to say the least. But overall I enjoyed this book.

Three out of five stars.