Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic Review

Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the R.M.S. Titanic 

Iain Reading

Rating (out of 5): 5

Genre: Young Adult Adventure/Mystery

Release Date: February 16, 2014

Series: Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency
Series Number: 4

Profanity: Mild

Violence:Mild

Sexual Content: None

Age Recommendation: 16 +
Book Website: http://kittyhawkworld.com/

About the Author:

Iain Reading is passionate about Root Beer, music, and writing. He is Canadian, but currently resides in the Netherlands working for the United Nations.

Iain has published 4 books in the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series (Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold, Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway's Ghost, Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue, and Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic). He is currently working on the 5^th book in the series. For more information, go to http://www.kittyhawkworld.com/.  

Iain is also the author of The Wizards of Waterfire Series. The first book in the series The Guild of the Wizards of Waterfire was published in April 2014.

Connect with Iain on Twitter and Goodreads.

 Summary: 

Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic is the thrillingly cryptic fourth installment of the exciting Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series featuring the intrepid teenage seaplane pilot Kitty Hawk and her various adventures of mystery and intrigue as she follows in the footsteps of Amelia Earhart on an epic flight around the world. This fourth book in the series brings Kitty to the emerald hills of Ireland where she meets a handsome stranger and is quickly swept up in a perplexing hundred-year-old family treasure hunt involving secret codes and puzzling clues that lead her on a fast-paced adventure that carries her from Dublin to London - from the decks of the ill-fated ocean liner Titanic to the temples of ancient Egypt and the streets of Jack the Ripper - until she finally unlocks the mystery and discovers the long-hidden treasure. Much like the earlier books in this series, Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic is a perfect book to fire the imaginations of armchair detectives of all ages. Filled with fascinating and highly Google-able locations and history the reader will find themselves immersed in brand new worlds that are brought to life before their very eyes as Kitty Hawk experiences the stories and history of a doomed ocean liner and unravels the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic.

Review:

Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the R.M.S. Titanic is the first Kitty Hawk book that I’ve read. Even though it’s the fourth in the series I had no trouble getting into this book and falling in love with Kitty and the story.

At the start of the book Kitty Hawk finds herself in Ireland promoting  the sushi shop that is funding her adventure around the world. She is quickly swept up in a story of tragedy, mystery, and adventure when she is approached by the handsome Andrew after the promotion.  This adventure deals with the tragedy of the Titanic and I enjoyed all of the code-breaking, break-in's and general detectivness of the whole thing.

Kitty’s adventurous spirit and love for trivia drew me to her immediately and her tendency to over worry about situations made her feel very real to me since I tend to do the same thing. I also really liked Richard. His quest to find out the truth about his ancestor and his willingness to do anything to find out the truth impressed me. The other characters in the book were also all very enjoyable and each stood out in their own way. 

The trivia and code-breaking in this book really stood out to me. I found myself eagerly trying to figure out what each clue meant and I even took time out of reading to look over many of the detailed pictures in the story to try and figure out what the different symbols and numbers meant. I figured out a few of them while others had me as stumped as Kitty often found herself being. As for the trivia, I feel like I learned so much from this book, and not just trivia about the Titanic. I was treated to information on planes, Egyptian hieroglyphics, England’s history, and much more. I never felt like I was being lectured and I really enjoyed the bit after the story with further information on much of the trivia discussed in the book.

Overall I really enjoyed reading Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the R.M.S. Titanic and I'm eager to read more adventures with this spunky and fun character. This book would be great for any fans of mystery, history, adventure, and general fun.

Note: I received an electronic copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my fair and honest opinion which I have stated above. 

~Dawn 

 

Virtual Arcana: The High Priestess Review

Virtual Arcana: The High Priestess

Karen Amanda Hooper

Rating (out of 5): 5

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: December 15, 2014

Series: Virtual Arcana
Series Part: 2

Profanity: none

Violence: none

Sexual Content: none  

Age Recommendation: 12+

Author Website: http://www.karenamandahooper.com/




Summary:

The THIRD book in the VIRTUAL ARCANA series.
The series starts with book 0: The Fool.

As Kelsey delves deeper into the illegal world of virtual reality, her understanding of the Arcana expands and her feelings for Xander evolve.

When Xander's tarot cards fail to give her clarity, Kelsey's training commences. But mystical meetings and storybook scenarios provide her with answers that only trigger more questions.

Approximately 17k words.

SEASON 1 EPISODE LIST:

The Fool ~ Virtual Arcana #0
The Magician ~ Virtual Arcana #1
The High Priestess~ Virtual Arcana #2
The Empress ~ Virtual Arcana #3
The Emperor ~ Virtual Arcana #4
The Hierophant ~ Virtual Arcana #5
The Lovers ~ Virtual Arcana #6

Review:

The High Priestess was another wonderful installment in the continuing story of Virtual Arcana. Kelsey end's up with more questions then answers and we finally get to start learning a little more about Arcana, the government, and the world outside. 

I loved all of the different Virtual landscapes that we were treated to in this installment. Seeing the High Priestess's card reading was really interesting giving us a further glimpse into what Kelsey is really thinking about all of this.

 I also really enjoyed getting to see Kelsey explore her feelings for Xander a little more, and seeing his reactions to her was great. I really like them together and I can't wait to see their relationship develop further. 

I loved the new characters that were introduced in this book as well and I can't wait to see more of each of them as the story continues. And the Arcana! I was so excited to start learning more about the cards, virtual reality, and what they all have to do with the government.

With all the questions and answers in this story The High Priestess is definitely an installment that you don't want to miss!

Note: I reccieved an electronic copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest opinion which I have stated above.

~Dawn

The Orphan of Torundi Book Review

The Orphan of Torundi 

J.L McCreedy

Rating (out of 5): 5
Genre: Young Adult Romance/Adventure
Release Date: November 28, 2014
Series:n/a
Series Number:n/a
Profanity: mild
Violence: mild
Sexual Content: none
Age Recommendation: 14+
Author Website: www.TongaTime.com





Summary:

To find the truth, she must first uncover the lie ….

Orphaned as an infant, Sam is raised by a pharmaceutical research mission in the rain forests of Torundi. She wields a mean machete, makes soap from candlenuts and is a fairly astute amateur entomologist. You know, the normal stuff. But a month before her seventeenth birthday, she is exiled to an American boarding school in Malaysia.

Armed with little more than her unusual upbringing and church-lady clothes, Sam must contend with her new existence as the world's most socially unprepared high school senior. Well that’s just fine. Because she is determined to solve the mystery behind her banishment and return home tout de suite.

But when she discovers the unthinkable – that her banishment is tied to an enigmatic corporation with illicit designs on Torundi – she realizes the real mystery she must uncover is ... why? Soon, Sam is caught in a whirlwind of intrigue, danger and greed. As she chases this thread of truth to its end, she unravels a plot that threatens her beloved Torundi, her trust in the boy she has grown to love and her own existence.

Blending espionage elements akin to The Bourne Identity with those high-school-awkward-moments (hey, it could happen), THE ORPHAN OF TORUNDI is a quirky, cross-cultural tale of adventure, suspense and romance.

Review:

The Orphan of Torundi is the second book I've read by J.L. McCreedy and I loved it just as much as I loved her first book, Liberty Frey and the Witches of Hessen. As with Liberty I wasn't sure how to feel about this book when I first started reading it. I shouldn't have worried because it turned out to be so much more than I expected. It is not only an adventure but it's also a journey into growing up and learning just what it takes to find one's place in the world.

Samuel (Sam) Clemens thought she had it all,  orphaned and raised on the island of Torundi and had spent most of her life helping at the Mission where she was raised. She is shocked when suddenly she is sent away from the island to a boarding school. Angry, hurt, and confused Sam struggles to make sense of everything. Her search for the truth leads her into more than she ever imagined including: exotic locales, espionage, romance, and adventure all combining to make this story unforgettable.

There is so much I want to say about this book. I loved the characters, especially Sam with her quirky humor and tenacity to find out the truth. I loved the locations and the beautiful imagery that pulled me into them creating a wonderful cross cultural experience. I loved the adventure and the mystery. The story was one that kept me turning the pages weather Sam was running down a clue or paddling downriver with her classmates.

J.L. McCreedy did a great job balancing espionage and everyday life. It's not something that I'd normally look for in a book and I'm excited to have found it here. I also enjoyed reading Sam's reflections on how life can just move on around you. Her comments on how jarring it is to be thrust from one place to another really hit home and I found myself nodding in agreement with much that she said.

I had no problem getting into this book and once I started I had a hard time putting it down. Anyone who enjoys mystery, romance, espionage, cross cultural experiences, and adventure would love this book. The Orphan of Torundi will make you laugh and cry and leave you breathless at the end wishing for more.

Note: I received an electronic copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review which I have stated above.

~Dawn

You can find my review for J.L. McCreedy's other book Liberty Frey and the Witches of Hessen here.

UnHappenings Cover Reveal

Hey everyone! I am excited to be a part of the cover reveal for the new YA book UnHappenings! Below is all the information you may want about this stunning new Scifi romance!

UnHappenings

Edward Aubry

Genre: Literary/Science Fiction/Romance

 Release Date: January 8, 2015

 Cover Design:  Andy Garcia

 Publisher: Curiosity Quills

Review Tour: January 5-16

Interested in taking part in the review tour?
please sign up here.

 

 

 

Summary:

When Nigel Walden is fourteen, the UNHAPPENINGS begin. His first girlfriend disappears the day after their first kiss with no indication she ever existed. This retroactive change is the first of many only he seems to notice. Several years later, when Nigel is visited by two people from his future, he hopes they can explain why the past keeps rewriting itself around him. But the enigmatic young guide shares very little, and the haggard, incoherent, elderly version of himself is even less reliable. His search for answers takes him fifty-two years forward in time, where he finds himself stranded and alone. And then he meets Helen. Brilliant, hilarious and beautiful, she captivates him. But Nigel’s relationships always unhappen, and if they get close it could be fatal for her. Worse, according to the young guide, just by entering Helen’s life, Nigel has already set into motion events that will have catastrophic consequences. In his efforts to reverse this, and to find a way to remain with Helen, he discovers the disturbing truth about the unhappenings, and the role he and his future self have played all along. Equal parts time-travel adventure and tragic love story, Unhappenings is a tale of gravely bad choices, and Nigel’s struggle not to become what he sees in the preview of his worst self.

Add UnHappenings to your Goodreads 'to-be-read' list: UnHappenings

About Edward Aubry:

Edward Aubry is a graduate of Wesleyan University, with a degree in music composition. Improbably, this preceded a career as a teacher of high school mathematics and creative writing. Over the last few years, he has gradually transitioned from being a teacher who writes novels on the side to a novelist who teaches to support his family. He is also a poet, his sole published work in that form being the sixteen stanza “The History of Mathematics.” He now lives in rural Pennsylvania with his wife and three spectacular daughters, where he fills his non-teaching hours spinning tales of time-travel, wise-cracking pixies, and an assortment of other impossible things.

Find Edward Aubry Online:

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Virtual Arcana: The Magician Review

Virtual Arcana: The Magician

Karen Amanda Hooper

Rating (out of 5): 5

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: Nov 15, 2014

Series: Virtual Arcana
Series Part: 1

Profanity: none

Violence: none

Sexual Content: none  

Age Recommendation: 12+

Author Website: http://www.karenamandahooper.com/




Summary:

The second book in the VIRTUAL ARCANA series.

The series starts with book 0: The Fool. (Available for free on most book retailer sites.)

Mysterious cards keep appearing in Kelsey’s life, stirring up questions and forcing her to keep secrets from her sister, Keekee.

Triggered by Kelsey’s fear and Keekee's worry, the twins become bright blips on their tyrannical government’s radar.

Xander’s magic seems to be their only chance at escaping a dangerous confrontation, but is Kelsey willing to break multiple laws and finally step into Xander's illegal world of virtual reality?


SEASON 1 EPISODE LIST:
The Fool ~ Virtual Arcana #0
The Magician ~ Virtual Arcana #1
The High Priestess~ Virtual Arcana #2
The Empress ~ Virtual Arcana #3
The Emperor ~ Virtual Arcana #4
The Hierophant ~ Virtual Arcana #5
The Lovers ~ Virtual Arcana #6


Review:

I thought I was hooked on this series after reading The Fool, but now I know. Karen Amanda Hooper does an amazing job of pulling readers into this story. She gives us just enough information to keep us moving forward through the story. I'd have to say that Virtual Arcana is quickly becoming one of my favorite series and I can't wait for the next installment.

The Magician pulls readers even further into Kelsey and Xander's story giving us the answer to some questions, but posing even more by the end of this latest installment. It opens up where The Fool ended, with Kelsey in a bit of a mess. She's trying to figure out what's going on while still protecting her family. Through the story she is drawn into a web of mystery as the governement begins to reveal its true colors. Xander turns out to be more than he first seemed as well, providing Kelsey with help in the most unexpected of ways.

Both Kelsey and Xander got a lot of time in this book and I found myself liking them both even more. Kelsey for her dedication to her family and her desire to keep them safe and Xander for his curious mix of genuineness and mystery.  I cannot wait to see more of both of these characters as the story progresses. I loved getting to see more of Keekee and their parents in this book as well as get introduced to a few new characters who I am eager to see more of.

The Magician is a stunning continuation of Karen Amanda Hooper's Virtual Arcana and I cannot wait to see more in this story. Don't miss out on this next part of Kelsey and Xander's exciting tale.

Note: I received an advanced electronic copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest opinion which I have stated above.

~Dawn

Find my review for part 0 of this series here

The Palace Job Book Review

The Palace Job

Patrick Weekes

Rating (out of 5): 5

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: 

Series: The Rouges of the Republic
Series Number: 1

Profanity: Mild

Violence:Mild

Sexual Content: 

Age Recommendation: 16 +

Author Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Weekes





Summary:

Loch is seeking revenge.

It would help if she wasn’t in jail.

The plan: to steal a priceless elven manuscript that once belonged to her family, but now is in the hands of the most powerful man in the Republic. To do so Loch—former soldier, former prisoner, current fugitive—must assemble a crack team of magical misfits that includes a cynical illusionist, a shapeshifting unicorn, a repentant death priestess, a talking magical warhammer, and a lad with seemingly no skills to help her break into the floating fortress of Heaven’s Spire and the vault that holds her family’s treasure—all while eluding the unrelenting pursuit of Justicar Pyvic, whose only mission is to see the law upheld.
What could possibly go wrong?

The Palace Job is a funny, action-packed, high-fantasy heist caper in the tradition of Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastards series, from debut author Patrick Weekes.

Review:

The Palace Job caught my attention immediately with it's themes of magic and mischief and didn't let go until I turned the last page. It's the perfect blend of magical mayhem and hilarious action.

The story opens up with Loch in the process of trying to escape from the most impenetrable prisons ever, one that makes Alcatraz look like like a picnic. From there she moves on to collect a haphazard crew of misfits to help her break into an even more heavily guarded palace to steal...a book.

The Palace Job is filled with funny, exciting, and delightful heist activity driving readers deeper into the story as the mystery of what is really going on thickens. The pace really picks up at the end plowing ahead at breakneck speed as everything finally comes together in a stunning conclusion. What I found great about this book is that while there is a sequel it can be read by itself without worry of needing to read the next one for a conclusion. It also kept me laughing through the entire read, which is something I always enjoy.

Patrick Weekes did a wonderful job with each of the characters in this book. There were a lot to juggle and he bounced between points of view so often it should have been confusing but wasn't. Each character had their own distinct personality and carried themselves true through the entire story. I liked them all, but I particularly liked Justicar Pyvic and Kail. Pyvic for his dedication to duty and Kail for his laugh out loud personality.

Weekes has crafted a wonderfully extravagant world that left me pausing more than once to just enjoy it's fullness. It has everything from a wide range of different peoples to a corrupted government vying for the peoples attentions via puppet shows. And I'm  not being figurative, literal puppet shows are the source of news for the people. I can't forget to mention the wide variety of magical aspects that are spread through this book. One of the things I enjoyed best about the magical elements in this book was that they all tied in together, nothing felt thrown in without a reason.

Overall The Palace Job was a great read. It was fast paced and funny but definitely aimed towards an older audience. I'd recommend it to a slightly more mature audience. There isn't anything explicit in it but it does hint at and mention things that might not be suitable for younger audiences. If you like heists, magic, or a funny read then The Palace Job is for you.

Note: I received a copy of this e-book from Netgally for my fair and honest opinion which I have stated above.


~Dawn

The Job Book Review

The Job

Janet Evanovich

Lee Goldberg 

Rating (out of 5):5

Genre: General Fiction/Heist Fiction

Release Date: November 18, 2014

Series: Fox and O'Hare

Series Number: 3

Profanity: mild

Violence: mild

Sexual Content: mild  

Age Recommendation: 17+

Author Website: http://www.evanovich.com/ and http://www.leegoldberg.com/




Summary:

He’s a charming con man and she’s a dedicated FBI agent, and they’re about to drive each other crazy . . . again! 
 The FBI had one demand when they secretly teamed up Special Agent Kate O’Hare with charming con man Nicolas Fox—bring down the world’s most-wanted and untouchable felons. This time it’s the brutal leader of a global drug-smuggling empire.  The FBI doesn’t know what their target looks like, where he is, or how to find him, but Nick Fox has a few tricks up his sleeve to roust this particular Knipschildt chocolate–loving drug lord. From the streets of Nashville to the back alleys of Lisbon, from the rooftops of Istanbul to the middle of the Thames, Nick and Kate chase their mark. When they find themselves pitted against a psychopathic bodyguard and a Portuguese enforcer who gets advice from a pickled head, they decide it’s time to enlist some special talent—talent like a machete-wielding Somali pirate, a self-absorbed actor, an Oscar-winning special effects artist, and Kate’s father Jake, a retired Special Forces operative. Together they could help make this Fox and O’Hare’s biggest win yet . . . if they survive.


Review:

The Job shows readers once again that Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg still have it. Readers are swept up in not only an adventure across the globe but also in the increasingly interesting relationship between Nick and Kate. The stakes are big, the danger is high, and as always the laughs abound in this latest installment of the Fox and O'Hare series. 

This time the story starts out in the middle of a bust interrupted by a call from Nick to Kate, "I didn't do it." With that the pair sets off on an adventure across the globe after a brutal drug lord. As always Nick and Kate are great together, working well with each others strengths and weaknesses. In this book Kate has really began to gain some confidence in working with Nick and pulling off heists. I felt like this story was more about her than anyone with Nick taking a little bit of a backseat through the story. 

That's not to say Nick wasn't terrific, he was. He showed a slightly different side of himself in this story after running into an old friend and then again when he and Kate were split up in an unavoidable situation. I really would have liked to have seen a little more of this side of Nick in this book, but I'm sure as the series progresses we'll get to see more of it.

The story and heist were delightful and I was never short of laughs while reading. I found it a little grittier than the previous books in this series which threw me a few times but didn't ruin my overall enjoyment of the book. Instead of the somewhat rocky pace of the last book we are treated to wonderful pacing in the Job, with excitement and mystery from start to finish. The heist was pulled off brilliantly and I enjoyed getting to see further into the point of view of the mark in this book. 

I was pleased to see some old favorite characters return in The Job. Growing steadily as one of my favorite characters is Kate's father, Jake. I really enjoyed seeing him interact with Nick. Their relationship should a rocky one, but the two get along remarkably well, and even take time to pick on Kate a little bit. Boyd and Willy return along with Tom Underhill. As with the other books we're introduced to a few new colorful characters and they all get their chance to really shine in this book. 

The Job is a wonderful read from start to finish, returning to the excitement and laughs that hooked so many readers in the first book. I am convinced that this series will  only get better and better in the capable hands of Evanovich and Goldberg. The Job is a book not to miss.

Note: I received an electronic copy of this book from Negalley for my fair and honest review which I have stated above. 

~Dawn

You can find my reviews for the other books in this series here:

The Shell Game
The Heist
The Chase

Big News!

Hello all! I wanted to let you know that I will be moving all of my posts on this blog to my new website Matina's Bookcase.

This website will be much the same as the blogger just with a different name. I will still be posting book reviews, writing stuff, and other fun tidbits so don't think I'm going anywhere.

For the time being I will still post reviews here as well, but all of my reviews will also be posted there. Most links will redirect you to Matina's Bookcase as well.

Thanks for sticking with me through all of the moves and changes going on lately!

~Dawn

The Chase Book Review

The Chase

Janet Evanovich 

Lee Goldberg 

Rating (out of 5): 4.5

Genre: General Fiction/Heist Fiction

Release Date: February 25, 2014

Series: Fox and O'Hare

Series Number: 2

Profanity: mild

Violence: Mild

Sexual Content: mild 

Age Recommendation: 16+

Author Website: http://www.evanovich.com/ and http://www.leegoldberg.com/



Summary: 

Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg, bestselling authors of The Heist,return in this action-packed, exciting adventure featuring master con artist Nicolas Fox and die-hard FBI agent Kate O’Hare. And this time around, things go from hot to nuclear when government secrets are on the line.

 Internationally renowned thief and con artist Nicolas Fox is famous for running elaborate and daring scams. His greatest con of all: convincing the FBI to team him up with the only person who has ever caught him, and the only woman to ever capture his attention, Special Agent Kate O’Hare. Together they’ll go undercover to swindle and catch the world’s most wanted—and untouchable—criminals. Their newest target is Carter Grove, a former White House chief of staff and the ruthless leader of a private security agency. Grove has stolen a rare Chinese artifact from the Smithsonian, a crime that will torpedo U.S. relations with China if it ever becomes public. Nick and Kate must work under the radar—and against the clock—to devise a plan to steal the piece back. Confronting Grove’s elite assassins, Nick and Kate rely on the skills of their ragtag crew, including a flamboyant actor, a Geek Squad techie, and a band of AARP-card-carrying mercenaries led by none other than Kate’s dad.  A daring heist and a deadly chase lead Nick and Kate from Washington, D.C., to Shanghai, from the highlands of Scotland to the underbelly of Montreal. But it’ll take more than death threats, trained henchmen, sleepless nights, and the fate of a dynasty’s priceless heirloom to outsmart Fox and O’Hare.


Review:

The Chase is a great addition to the brilliantly crafted Fox and O'Hare series by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg. This book takes readers along with Nick and Kate after former White House chief of staff, Carter Grove who's stolen more than meets the eye. The Chase dives further into Kate's relationship with Nick and gives us glimpse into Nick's past. 

The story and con in this book were good, not as great as in The Heist but they were still enjoyable to read. The book was full of great moments and some really funny scenes. My favorite thing about this book was getting to learn more about Nick's past as well as see his relationship with Kate move forward, if only a little. The two are not only a great team, but generally great together. As for Nick's past, lets just say it's as colorful as he is. We got to see some repeat characters return and meet new one's including Duff MacTaggert a key person in getting Nick into the con game.

The one problem I had with this book was the pacing. I found it to be rocky and slow in the middle. The start the book was good and then fell a little flat as Nick and Kate worked to steal back a rare Chinese artifact from a plane. The pace finally picked back up later when the duo moved on to hitting the man who stole the artifact in the first place and we were finally treated to a real con. 

There was a lot of character building in The Chase, which I enjoyed. I feel like this book did a lot for the characters, especially Nick and Kate. It built up a lot of what was started in the first book and gave readers a good look into how this team is going to work in the future. I am eager to see where their relationship goes from here and how their work together changes and molds over this series.

Overall The chase was a wonderful read. I wish that the pacing had been a little better but I know that in the next book that should be rectified. This was a good sequel to a great series and I am eagerly awaiting the third book in this series The Job.  

~Dawn

You can find my reviews for the other books in this series here:
The Shell Game
The Heist
The Job