Only four this month! I’ve been slacking.
Actually, I’ve been super busy preparing for my launch and then dropping into bed at night, too tired to read.
This month, my offering of 4 and 5 star reviews includes fantasy, sci-fi, and a children’s book that my 7-year-old grandson reviewed. I hope you enjoy the browse.
Click on the covers for Amazon global links.
*****
Coyote Summer by Laura Koerber
I really, really enjoyed this book. The story starts with a “boys will be boys” rape of a very drunk teenager at a party. The main character, Ben, doesn’t participate, but he also doesn’t take strong action. This story is about his loss of innocence as he grapples with his guilt and the disheartening cultural biases, including within his own family, that force the victim into silence and give the perpetrators a break.
The story, the attitudes, and the choices of all the characters felt authentic to me. I related deeply to Ben as his rosy, privileged world dimmed, and he was forced to grow up and consider his values and actions, to decide what kind of person he wanted to be. Though his situation was unique, the loss of innocence and the rite of passage into adulthood felt universal. He’s a great character that I liked a lot.
There is a paranormal thread to the story that complements the main one. I wasn’t sure the paranormal aspects were necessary, but they didn’t detract, and I appreciated Ben’s relationship with the young woman Puppy and how healing and defining that was for him. All of the characters were beautifully written. The pace is perfect, and the story moves along without a hitch. The ending felt important. Highly recommended.
*****
Serang by C. S. Boyack
This is my first read from Boyack that wasn’t a madcap paranormal adventure, and I enjoyed the seriousness of this story. It’s described as an origin story about Serang who has a role in the Lanternfish books (which I haven’t read yet). I think that description is exactly right.
The story begins when Serang is 6 years old and progresses through her teens. As a child, she’s abandoned at a temple by her mother. The monastery becomes her home, its residents her family, until the Emperor has the monks killed. On the run, Serang finds a new master who continues her training as the two of them travel across the harsh land.
The characters are wonderfully 3-dimensional, and I enjoyed the way their relationship developed. The worldbuilding is exquisite. After I finished reading, I learned that the tale is a fantasy, and I laughed because I had assumed that the setting was a real place.
The plot consists of the journey as well as Serang’s training and mastery. As an origin story there’s no giant climatic conclusion, but there is a satisfying ending to the intriguing tale. The pace is steady overall with moments of exciting action. I recommend this book as a companion read/prequel to the Lanternfish books, which I’ll be reading soon.
*****
Aftermath (Book 2 of the Shard Chronicles) by Ono Northey
Aftermath is the second book in the Shard Chronicles series. Any book that’s over 600 pages makes me a little squirrelly, but I enjoyed the first book in the series and dove in.
The main strength of both books is the wonderful characterization. Steve is an awesome protagonist and tough as nails. In this book, we get to know the bad guys who were rather nebulous in the first installment. These mages are so powerful that they almost don’t know how to function in the real world and the situations can get funny as well as outrageously weird. They also kill and destroy indiscriminately without the slighted idea that this might be wrong.
The writing is exceptional. Northey has a wonderful grasp of language, description, action, and dialog. It’s hard not to be impressed. The world-building is also outstanding. It’s broad and deep, and comes off as real science and psychology… and after reading, I almost believe that magic exists. Overall, I enjoy the long discussions of the power of perception and mind over matter, though some readers may find this too labored.
And that gets me to the challenge with this book. I think it suffers from a second book slump. As wonderfully as its written, there’s a long long stretch (about half of the book) where the plot stalls. Several characters from book 1 disappear while Steve trains his mind and the mages prepare for conflict within their ranks. The action is great when it happens, but much of this book seems like preparation for the third book. That’s a lot of preparation.
This is a hard book to rate. I love the writing and characters and didn’t skim any of the 600+ pages. But the lack of movement in the plot and long delivery were a disappointment. I’m going in the middle with four stars and a warning to readers that the “action” in this book is conceptual more than physical.
*****
Brody Cody and the Stepmother from Outer Space by Toni Pike
I purchased this book for my grandson, and this is what he said about it:
I liked this book. It’s about this boy, Brody Cody, whose mom died. He and his dad live together and Brody doesn’t have very many rules. Then his dad goes away and comes back with a new mom. Brody doesn’t like her because she has rules, like eat vegetables and do chores. He thinks she’s an alien. The best part is when he thinks he sees the spaceship. I liked Brody, and he found out having a mom was pretty good. I read the whole book. There aren’t pictures, but it was good.
*****
Myths of the Mirror 
Horsefeathers… I didn’t realize just how much I’ve been missing because of lacking Internet. Sorry I missed this Diana. I really enjoyed your reviews. Some very intriguing selections here. I hope you and yours are safe and well. Hugs on the wing.
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No sweat, Teagan. I’ve been having computer problems for two days, so I know how completely frustrating it is! I hope your internet is getting figured out. Stay positive, my friend and take care. ❤
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Great reviews, Diana. I am always to hear direct feedback from children on books written for them and your grandson knows his mind and sums up the points very well. We have a reviewer in the making!
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Thanks for browsing the reviews, Olga. My grandson was delighted with all the comments on the blog. Hopefully, he’ll turn into a future reviewer! 😀
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Reblogged this on Toni Pike and commented:
I’m so thrilled to have Brody Cody and The Stepmother From Outer Space included in the amazing D.W. Peach’s August Book Reviews.
There is also exciting news as she will soon be launching her new book.
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Aww. Thank you for the reblog and the sweet shout out for my new one. Much appreciated!
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A pleasure, Diana. Toni x
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Thank you so much, Diana, for the wonderful review of Brody Cody and including it here. It was so thrilling to have a review from your grandson as well. How exciting to be launching your new book. Toni x
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Thanks for stopping by, Toni. The review was a hit if you look through the comments. I didn’t have many reviews to share this month that that one made up for it. Delighted to share. 🙂
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How wonderful, Diana – thank you again. Toni x
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Great reviews Diana! The Shard Chronicles sounds intriguing enough that I think I might have to check it out. And your grandson sounds gorgeous! I love his observations about the mum type rules, & it’s so cute that he likes it even without pictures 🙂
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Thanks for taking a peek at the reviews, Barbara. I found The Shard Chronicles super interesting, but there is a lot of focus on the concepts. If you enjoy that stuff, like I do, you’ll enjoy the books. Only two out now and I don’t know the timing on the third. And thanks for the comment on my grandson’s review. He is cute! Happy Reading!
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Sounds like four excellent reads!
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Thanks for the visit, Sue. I usually get more books into the mix, but just didn’t have time this month. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Reading. 🙂
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[…] Myths of the Mirror […]
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Great reviews, Diana. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by to browse, Harmony. Not too many this month, but some good ones. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading. 😀
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You rock, Diana! How you are able to give reviews, write, and prepare for a book launch is inspiring.
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Thanks, Jennie. I write the reviews as soon as I’ve finished a book. Otherwise I’d never remember or get to them. I know how important they are to authors, so it’s the least I can do. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend. ❤
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You are organized and awesome. 😍
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Says the amazin’ Jennie… 🙂
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🥰
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Thank you for sharing your beautifully written, thoughtful review, Diana. I also enjoyed the range of books you reviewed. And your grandson’s review is a delight:)).
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Thanks for stopping by, Sarah. Not too many this month as I prepare for a launch. I hope to do a reading marathon this fall. My TBR pile is teetering! Lol. Have a great weekend.
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Best of luck with the launch, Diana! And I know about teetering TBR piles – I’ve been mainlining NETGALLEY during the Lockdown in a rather profligate manner.
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Lol. I’m going to binge read through the fall 🙂
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Quite right, too. It sounds like you’ve thoroughly earnt a rest to put your feet up and get lost between the covers.
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Hi, Diana! Thanks for sharing your fabulous reviews. I loved your grandson’s review too. ❤ xo
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Thanks for visiting, Vashti. I’m hoping to do more reviews with my grandson. It was fun to interview him about the story and his reading experience. 🙂 Have a lovely weekend and Happy Writing!
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That does sound like fun. 😀 Have a fabulous new week, my friend!
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Nice review of Serang. I enjoyed that story very much.
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Thank you, Joan.
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Thanks for visiting, Joan. It’s nice to see all the story empire writers over here to cheer Craig on. A great story and now I have to keep reading! Have a wonderful Friday and weekend. Take care.
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Another set of terrific recommendations Diana.. two new authors to me and great to see Craig and Toni on the list.. hugsxx
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I picked up Toni’s book after you started posting children’s book authors. It was definitely a wise choice. So thank you to you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Sally. I’m planning a reading marathon this fall to deal with my bloated kindle! Lol. Happy Friday and be well.
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Thanks Diana.. and I am attempting that at the moment since we seem to be already in autumn and my outside activities are curtailed. Enjoy the weekend…hugsx
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Wow, your grandson’s talent obviously doesn’t fall far from the tree. Or something like that. I read a review of the Cody book previously and it sounded great. Your grandson’s review clinches the deal. I enjoyed your other reviews too. The 600 page book! I don’t know if I have the steam for that right. now. 😬
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Thanks for stopping by, Pam. I had to interview Tornado Boy and this was his 5-minute review. Lol. I’m training the next generation of reviewers. Yeah, 600+ pages are a lot of pages. Not usually my first choice either. Have a wonderful, happy, healthy weekend, my friend. ❤ ❤
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Great to see Serang featured here today with this other interesting books, Diana. I have it, plus both Lanternfish fantasies on my Kindle, and have been really looking forward to reading them. Your stellar review of Serang makes me even more eager to get to the series. I’ve enjoyed several of Craig’s books, and am sure I’ll love these, too. Thanks for a super Review Post! 🙂
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Thank you, Marcia. Hope they measure up for you.
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I’m sure they will, Craig! Can’t wait to sit down and dig in! 🙂
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I’ll be moving on to the Lanternfish books in the near future, but I have to read WRR first! So many good books. My kindle overfloweth. Lol. Thanks for the visit and have a great Friday! Happy Reading.
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We are always fussing about our Kindle TBRs being so huge, but truly, how lucky are we to have so many books at our fingertips, day or night? It’s one of the biggest blessings in my life (that isn’t someone I love). 🙂 Happy Reading to you, too! 🙂
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It’s a great problem to have. I’m going to read every book in my kindle starting on Nov. 1st. A book a day challenge! Lol.
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Presumably you’ll be hooked up to an IV so you don’t have to stop for things like sustenance? 😀 But in all honesty, if I don’t set myself some sort of schedule I’ll never catch up. I’ll probably shoot for something a bit more accomplishable, though. Like 1 every 2-3 days. Or maybe 1 a week. Or possibly a month? 😉
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Lol. I can set aside about 6-8 hours a day for reading if I’m not writing, Marcia. And if I get behind, I’ll stick a short read into the mix. 🙂
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Great selection, Diana. Of all of them, I’ve only read Serang, and it was wonderful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these.
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Thank you, Staci.
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Thanks for visiting, Staci. Not my usual number of reads this month but I hope to make up for it this fall. I’m glad you enjoyed these. Have a great weekend. 😀
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Your grandson writes a great review! These all sound interesting, congrats to the authors.
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Thanks for stopping by Jacquie. I did interview my grandson and transcribe his answers. It was really fun. Perhaps he’s do more. 🙂 Have a fantastic weekend, my friend. Be well.
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Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
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Thanks so much for stopping by and for reblogging, Charles. I’m honored. I’m glad you enjoyed the reveiws. Have a wonderful Friday and weekend. Happy Writing.
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You’re welcome. Enjoy the rest of your week too.
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Excellent review of Serang, Diana. Thank you.
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Thank you, John.
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Thanks for stopping by, John. I find Craig’s work very entertaining and quite unique. And he’s prolific! I can’t keep up. Lol. Have a lovely Friday and weekend. 😀
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
Serang is getting some love today over at Diana’s. Some of the comments made me chuckle. Check out this super supportive blog, and some of Diana’s wares in the sidebar.
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Thanks so much for the reblog, Craig. So many bloggers have read or are interesting in reading your books. A great bunch. And yes, you fooled me with your worldbuilding! I’ll be moving on to the Lanternfish books soon. 🙂
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It seemed like a pretty active post. Means a lot to me that you included me.
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This is a great community and it’s so nice to see everyone cheering each other on. 🙂 And delighted to include your books!
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It’s an incredible community. I’ve made some wonderful friends along the way and hope to make more.
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So excited to find this review here today. I’ve been trying to beef up my world building skills and maybe it’s paying off. Glad you enjoyed Serang, and shared your thoughts.
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😀 Your grandson needs to write all your book reviews.
I read that you’re working on a release. I want to do an interview with you once I’m blogging again -would you like me to read your newest book and incorporate that into the interview instead of the sorcerer’s garden one I read?
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That’s so sweet of you, Chelsea. I’d be delighted to do an interview on either book. Since you’ve read The Sorcerer’s Garden, I’m just fine if you want to do that one. 🙂 🙂 In the mean time, I hope you have a smooth transition into the school year!
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Either or. When’s your launch?
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It officially kicks off on Saturday for the 1st book in the series Liars and Thieves. Then the 2nd book on Sept 30 and the 3rd on Oct 30!!! Then I’m going to take a nap! Lol. Maybe we could do something on the first book at the end of September when the 2nd is ready to go? Just a thought. Though people will probably be sick of it by then! Lol.
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😀 Sure!… is there any way to get a signed copy?
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Of course. Just send me your address, Chelsea! my email is dwallacepeach@gmail.com. 🙂 I should have paperback copies in about 2 weeks or so. 🙂
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Thanks for another lot of excellent reviews/recommendations, Diana. I think I’ll give Serang a go. I read C.S.Boyack’s Yack book [sorry too tired to find the proper title] and really enjoyed it. Plus I do love martial arts. 😀
Btw, tell your grandson that he wrote an excellent review. Once he’s a little bigger he might like a book called ‘The Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking’. It’s about a 14 yr old girl whose magic power is bread. She can make bread dough do all sorts of interesting things, and she can make gingerbread men who dance. The author’s name is T. Kingfisher [nom de plume]. No pictures, but it is very good, even for adults like me. 🙂
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Thanks for the recommendation! I might start doing more review-interviews with the grandson. He loves reading and got a kick out of it. I think you’ll like Serang if you like Craig’s writing. It’s not a long read and a great intro to the Lanternfish books (I suspect). Have a great day, my friend. Happy Reading!
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Yes! to the grandson reviews. We all enjoyed his first effort and you’re never too young to get the reading and, possibly? writing bug.
Serang is next on my TBR list. 🙂
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I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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Hope you enjoy Serang when the time comes.
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I’m half way through a military sci-fi novel of all things, but Serang is next cab off the rank. 😀
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I’m honored. Military SF could be fun, too.
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Actually it’s funny, I never much liked military scifi until a couple of years ago. I discovered an Indie by the name of Elliot Kay. He wrote the Poor Man’s series. Then Chris James got me hooked on the Repulse Chronicles, and now another Aussie writer, Joel Shepherd has me hooked on The Spiral Wars. I guess it’s always the Singer not the Song. 🙂
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Yes, I agree, Andrea. A great author can make us like any genre.
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Funny you should say that, Diana, because I’ve long believed that the best books, the ones that ‘have it all’, are literature, regardless of genre.
Of course that could just be me defining ‘literature’ my own way. 😀
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🙂 The readers are the bosses of what works every time.
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Great reviews and I am a little partial to your grandson’s review…so cute!
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Thanks for the visit and for checking out the reviews. The grandson and I will probably do more of them. 🙂 This review had been a big hit. Lol. Have a lovely day and Happy Reading!
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I think children’s reviews is a great idea!
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I love your reviews Diana. And your grandson’s review was precious for Toni’s book. Slacking? Book writing, publishing and reading 4 books in a month. I’m envious, lol. ❤
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Thanks for stopping by, Debby. Well, I only read 3. Tornado Boy read Toni’s book. I hope he will provide more reviews for me to post. It was loads of fun. I’m going on a reading binge this fall – my goal is one book a day! Lol. Thanks for the visit and Happy Reading!
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Ok, what? A book a day? Pray tell how you get that luxury? Are you a speedreader? Lol, yes happy reading my friend!! ❤
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Most books, it seems, are about a 6-7 hour read for me. And I won’t do anything else! (I’ll stick some short ones in there, too, if I get behind. Lol.)
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Lolll, that’s what I do. If I can’t finish a book in a week, I’ll start a shorter one so I can have a review for my Sunday post, lol. 🙂
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Ha! Yup. 🙂
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Thank you, Diana! I think I will love Coyote Summer. I have read Serang, it is very good.
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Thanks for stopping by, Inese. I really enjoyed Coyote Summer. The author did a beautiful job of showing the emotional, ethical journey of this teenage boy and how he deals with having witnessed the rape and done nothing. It becomes a tale of compassion and strength. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the visit and take care. I hope you’re doing well. ❤
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Thank you Diana. Take care you too ❤
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So glad you enjoyed Serang.
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I did indeed.
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Loved, loved your grandson’s review. So much that I am going to get that book for a little friend!
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Aw. That’s great, Noelle. Just as long as your little friend can get past there being no pictures. Lol. We have to train the next generation of reviewers. I’m sure I’ll share more of my grandson’s reviews in the future. 🙂
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Slacking? i don’t think so. Great job (again) with reviews, Diana. I honestly don’t know how you keep up with everything. 🙂
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It’s been hectic, Steven. But I’m looking forward to a peaceful slide into winter. Once my current bunch of books are released, I’ll take a short writing break to lounge around and read. My review posts will be a mile long. Lol. Thanks for the visit, my friend. ❤ Take care and Happy Writing!
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I’ve heard quite a few people who are looking to a quiet winter. It somehow sounds assuring. Your break will be well-deserved, Diana. Take care. 🙂
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Loved these reviews Diana, especially the first book, ‘Coyote Summer’. I think it is on my reading list but I haven’t got round to it yet. I love ‘coming of age/out of innocence’ stories because like you, I relate to them so much. Also liked what you said about the concept being universal despite the experience being unique… eventually those rose-tinted glasses have to come off, and that’s fascinating to see unfold. I loved loved loved your grandson’s review. So cute! ‘There aren’t pictures, but it was still good.’ I laughed at that! Also found it funny you thought Serang was based on a real setting.. I have done that plenty of times, it must be a testament to how well the setting is written?
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Thanks for reading the reviews, Lenora. I think you’ll enjoy Coyote Summer. The emotional journey was really well done, as well as how it impacted the main character’s future choices. Craig’s writing is always well done and his worldbuilding is great. And my grandson… I’m training the next generation of reviewers. Lol. I expect we’ll do more reviews together. ❤ Have a wonderful day, my friend. Have fun with your future reviewer!
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‘My future reviewer’ – i like that! 😀 Happy reading!
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As usual, an eclectic bunch from Miss D. Coyote Summer sounds interesting. After reading the majority of your review, you floored me when you said there are paranormal elements in the book. Not something I was expecting.
Serang is one on my list. I’m mid-way through the first Lanternfish book, and I now know who Serang is, so I’m keen to read her origin story. Like you, I thought Lanternfish took place in a real world; it wasn’t till I looked up the war between Hollish and Prelonia that I realised Craig had pulled the wool over my eyes! Seriously, such good descriptions and names for made-up places.
The ‘second book slump’ that you spoke of scares me a bit. I’ve heard other people speak about this, and I’ve read it myself in some series’. I guess that’s where a good beta/critique/edit comes in handy.
The review from your grandson was so cute! I mean, I totally get that he had to knock marks off for no pictures – that’s my biggest bugbear with books these days – but I’m glad he enjoyed it, and most of all, that he read the WHOLE book. What a superstar 🙂
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Thanks for taking a look at the reviews, Jess. Only four, but an eclectic bunch. I agree with all your observations on all the books. I don’t think the paranormal aspects of Coyote Summer were necessary, but they didn’t really distract either. Craig does have a way of pulling the wool over our eyes, huh? Lol. And that second book slump is tricky. Strong goals and serious obstacles help, And yes, honest feedback. Regarding my little reviewer. I interviewed him and he was into it for about 5 minutes. Lol. But we’ll do it again, I’m sure.
Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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Keep at him – you’ll make a writer/reader out of him yet!
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Glad you’re enjoying the first Lanternfish. Sorry about tricking everyone about their world. These comments have me laughing a little.
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Just speaks of good writing 😉
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I loved your grandson’s review of Brody Cody and the Stepmother from Outer Space! Now, is this is first publication, and did he ask for a byline? I thought Coyote Summer sounded very good, unless the paranormal element came in. The paranormal seems to be a big trend currently?
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Lol. It was fun to interview my grandson for the review. I had his attention for all of 5 minutes. Lol. And Coyote Summer was very good in my opinion. The paranormal piece didn’t need to be paranormal, but I didn’t think it detracted. I thought the emotional elements were beautifully done. Thanks so much for stopping by, Liz. Happy Writing. 🙂
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You’re welcome, Diana! I always enjoy my visits to your site.
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Excellent reviews as always, Diana. I liked Coyote Summer. There are so many human issues such as this are ignored or avoided to address. But people can get insight from fiction and gain courage to move on.
It’s wonderful to have Cody review the children’s book. I chuckled at his comment on no pictures but it was good.💖😀
I was amazed at the language development of my not yet three years granddaughter.
Thank you for sharing the reviews. 😊
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I thought Coyote Summer did a great job of showing how rape impacts everyone, including the bystanders. And I thought the book had a lot of heart. And yes, my grandson did such a great job. I interviewed him and it was so fun to write down his answers. I’m so glad you’re having fun with your granddaughter. What a treat. Have a great visit. ❤
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Rape is such a heartbreaking issue, it’s even harder when the victim gets pregnant.
Did you interview your grandson through video?
I was playing school with Autumn every morning. Will be heading home tomorrow, and come back next month. 💖
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I interviewed him in person. I babysit now and then when my daughter has an opportunity to work. It’s a risk with my parents’ poor health, but we don’t know what else to do. Sigh.
And so cute that you’re playing school. Awww.
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Do you have your parents living with you? It maybe earlier to care for them. My husband’s mom started Alzheimer’s disease but she’s concious enough wanting to live alone. Hubby’s siblings live close to her.
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Mine are about 45 minutes away, but a nice drive. I don’t mind. And I get to relax when I’m home.
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We’re about 45 minutes away with no traffic. Four of them are 15-20 minutes away.
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Perfect.
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I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s mom. It’s hard, and we have to have big hearts. It’s a time of live when we get to pay back the years of kind care we received. ❤
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Exactly, that’s what my husband always said that his mom took good care of the six kids. All the siblings divided up responsibilities to care for her. 💖
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I have Serang in my TBR, but I’ve read the first Lanternfish book. Glad you enjoyed it – and you’ll love Lanternfish and the root monsters. Your grandson’s book review is fantastic – the book sounds adorable!
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My grandson did a great job, Teri. It never hurts to start them reviewing early in life. I’m certain we’ll do more together. I’m looking forward to Craig’s next books but have to get control of my TBR list! It doesn’t help that you keep enticing me with more great books. Lol.
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Thanks for your kind comments, Teri.
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And this is slacking, Diana! 😀😀 Four terrific reviews and I’m smiling how your love of reading and reviewing has touched your grandson! I love his in-depth thoughts about the book, highlighting the story and character with a small aside about lack of pictures for those that might have expected these. Boyack‘s book is one that has been on my radar for a while and I’m now keen to take a closer look at this. Oh, I’m smiling at how you thought his imagined world was real … the writing and creativity must be exceptional! Many thanks for sharing these books with us during your busy book launch month! Xx
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I training the next generation of reviewers, Annika. Lol. I interviewed my grandson about the book, and he was very honest about his opinion. 🙂 You’ll enjoy Serang – definitely an origin story, but I think it probably adds to the enjoyment of the trilogy that follows. Fun Fun Fun. I love reading as I know you do too. Happy Reading into Fall.
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Hope you enjoy Serang when it reaches the top of the pile. Her origin was too interesting not to write.
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I try not to spend the whole post-dinner portion of the evening watching TV, because I don’t want to go to bed completely depleted and with no stamina left to read! But I agree that when you’re pouring 100% of your energy into your own writing, sometimes you’ve got no concentration left for recreational reading! Either way, I’m sure your creative energy has been well spent, Diana, and I’m looking forward to your next release!
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As soon as the trilogy is completely out (end of Oct), I’m going to take a couple of months to read… a book a day is the goal. That will take a big chunk out of my backlog! 🙂 Thanks for the kind comment and all the wonderful support!
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Some amazing books here, Diana. If C.S. Boyak can write a fantasy novel and have the reader believing it’s real, I would say that’s pretty good writing. And I love your grandson’s review! Hopefully he’ll continue reading and writing reviews right into adulthood.
Looking forward to what you read for September!
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I love really good world-building, Amy, and ancient cultures had all kinds of interpretations of events that sound like magic… so why not? Lol, I’m easily fooled. And you’re right, I’m training the next generation of reviewers. Thanks for the visit. Be well!
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🙂
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I’m kind of blushing at this review. I’ve worked hard to beef up my world building skills, so this makes me pretty happy.
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You should be thrilled that your hard work has paid off. Congratulations!
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I am so thrilled. It really matters when someone comments about it. Otherwise we never know.
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🙂
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Hi Diana, On the whole I also enjoyed this book by Laura Koerber. I do recall that I also found the supernatural elements a bit out of kilter with the rest of the book. I loved Toni Pike’s book and I have a few of Craig’s on my kindle. I am not to keen on a 600 page read, no matter how good it is. I’ll save that thought for my holiday.
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Yup, we’re in agreement on all counts, Robbie! I’m so far behind on my reading and this month didn’t catch me up at all. Lol. My plan is a huge reading extravaganza for the last quarter. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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Have a good weekend, Diana.
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Thanks for reviewing these gorgeous books. I really perked up at Brody Cody and that Is a recommendation I can get with. My nephew would love this. Thank you for all the amazing books and reviews! 💞
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Thanks for reading, Holly. I had a lot of fun interviewing my grandson. I’m helping to mold the book reviewers of the future. Lol. Have a lovely day, my friend. ❤
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And a gone critique he gave. I’m sold!
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😀
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A fine critique…spell ck grr.
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I got the picture.
The one that gets me is when I mean to write “my friend” and spell check makes it “my fiend” Lol.
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Haha! Oh I’ve said terrible things I never meant to say.
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Great reviews, Diana. I especially love your grandson’s take! I loved Serang and Lanternfish tied to it.
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Thanks for stopping by, Denise. I’m looking forward to Lanternfish, but need to whittle down my kindle first. It’s loaded! I have one of yours in there too. After my trilogy is out there, I’m going to take a couple of months and just READ! Have a beautiful sunshiny day. 🙂
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Wonderful and awesome reviews of all these books. They all are sounding so nice to the touch, Diana. I too felt very bad about the young boy and his rape but so nice that he picked himself up and found a nice person who could show him love and kindness. The monk book too sounds so beautiful and the last one, Brody has started to love being with his stepmother too. Too good.
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Thanks for taking a peek, Kamal. All reads that I enjoyed and am happy to share. Have a wonderful, peaceful day and take good care of yourself. 🙂
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You are always welcome dear Diana. Yes all of them were good to read from your review. You too have a lovely day and take care.
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Nice reviews Diana. Thanks for sharing. A 600 page book could be really arduous, I’m glad you could finish it! The maximum length of a book should be around 300, more than that must be split into two books, as series is quite a norm now.
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I was nervous about it, Balroop, and honestly it could have been a lot shorter. It was hard for me to rate because in some ways it was wonderful. I’ve noticed books getting shorter, and I think writers are having to keep their prose lean, which is a good thing! Thanks for stopping by, my friend. ❤ Be well.
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I have a lot of respect for anyone who can write a book 600 pages long! It doesn’t sound too good though.
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I actually did enjoy it, but I think it’s one of those books that some readers will like and others will find too slow with too much focus on process. It was a hard one to rank. My past career was in mental health so the psychological aspects were interesting to me. Thanks for stopping by to take a peek, Elizabeth. Happy Reading. 😀
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Brody Cody looks soooo cute. I love that you included what your grandson said about the book. Another batch of wonderful reads and reviews!
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Thanks, Tessa. I had Brody Cody shipped directly to my grandson, so I didn’t read it with him. Instead, I interviewed him. His attention span was about 5 minutes, but he did a good job. Lol. It was fun. Thanks for the visit! Happy Reading.
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Aw, I like that you wrote your grandson’s review.
I haven’t heard of any of the books above, but you’re right, sometimes I too read a book and realize later the setting was fictional.
Great reviews!
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Thanks for stopping by, Jina. Two of these books were Goodreads finds and the other two were from blogger recommendations. It was fun interviewing my grandson for his review, and I hope to do more of that. Have a happy, healthy day, my friend. ❤
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Your grandson’s review made me grin. I also love that he enjoys reading!
I’ve read Serang and it’s a great story that gives valuable insight to a major character in the Lanternfish books—which I predict you’ll love.
Congeats to all the author’s featured here. Very thoughtful reviews, Diana!
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Thanks, Mae. I’m trying to mold a new generation of reviewers. Lol. I’ll definitely get to the Lanternfish books, but my kindle is bulging. And I still have to read McDoogal! Once my trilogy is out, I’m going to take a few months and just read all day for a couple of months. It will be awesome. Have a great day and Happy Reading!
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I can give a big thumbs-up to McDoogal. You’re going to enjoy it.
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I’m sure I will. I think I’ve read all of Mae’s other books. 🙂 And a light read will be fun.
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These books will go on my TBR list. Cody’s review was sweet and to the point.
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Thanks for the visit, Laurie. I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews, though only 4 this month. I’ll finish Maya and the Book of Everything this weekend, so it will be in my September lineup. What a delightful read. 🙂 Have a lovely day and be well.
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Oh, nice! Thank you very much. I’m looking forward to reading your book. Coming soon, I think.
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Great reviews Diana. I’m intrigued by a couple of them and love that you included your grandson’s review. I’m excited about your book launch and glad to hear you’re following the directives of your muse!
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Thanks so much, Brad. Lovely to see you here this morning. My grandson had a lot of fun being interviewed about the book. I plan to do more of that. Have a wonderful day, my friend. ❤ Take care.
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Great idea. Maybe more kid’s books too? Do you know Cynthia Reyes and her Myrtle the Turtle kid’s books? I highly recommend her and the books.
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I do!! The illustrations by Jo are beautiful. My grandson is aging up into chapter books now, so I’m gearing up for those but there was a time I was purchasing picture books. So much talent out here!
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Agreed!
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I love that you had your grandson review! That was so precious. I might have to add The Shard Chronicles to my reading list. Thank you!
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I really enjoyed the series so far. The characters are fabulous. But there is a lot of discussion of psychological (magical) concepts. Fascinating to me, but some reviewers have complained. I think this is one of those series that readers will love or hate, nothing in between. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to check out the reviews! Have a great day.
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Great reviews, Diana. Oh my…Cody! I loved his review. xoxo “There aren’t pictures, but it was good.” So sweet!
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Isn’t that funny? He’s right on the cusp of wanting pictures and starting to read books without them. That comment made me laugh. Have a wonderful day, my friend. ❤
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Those of great reviews Diana. Thank you for sharing. And Cody is something else. You must be very proud of him.
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My grandson enjoyed the book, Gabriela. I did a formal interview with him to get the review, which was a riot. I’ll do more of that in the future. Maybe it will become a habit for him when he gets older! Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Be well. ❤
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My pleasure Diana. I am sure you guys spent wonderful moments together. Let’s hope it become a habit; something beautiful he will get from his grandmother.
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