Paragraph Review: Tunnel of Bones (Victoria Schwab)

Title: Tunnel of Bones

Series: Cassidy Blake, Book 2

Author: Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Scholastic
US Release Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal Thriller
Content Rating: Teen (scary and near-death situations, briefly disturbing ghosts)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon
Summary:

Trouble is haunting Cassidy Blake . . . even more than usual.

She (plus her ghost best friend, Jacob, of course) are in Paris, where Cass's parents are filming their TV show about the world's most haunted cities. Sure, it's fun eating croissants and seeing the Eiffel Tower, but there's true ghostly danger lurking beneath Paris, in the creepy underground Catacombs.

When Cass accidentally awakens a frighteningly strong spirit, she must rely on her still-growing skills as a ghosthunter -- and turn to friends both old and new to help her unravel a mystery. But time is running out, and the spirit is only growing stronger.

And if Cass fails, the force she's unleashed could haunt the city forever.

*          *          *

Series: This is the second book in the Cassidy Blake series. As of October 2020 there are two released books, with a third to release March 2021. You can read my review of Book 1, City of Ghosts, here.

Young ghost-hunter Cassidy Blake returns for another chilling adventure in Tunnel of Bones, the second installment in the Middle Grade paranormal thriller series. This time she, her ghostly best friend, her paranormal investigator parents, and their cat visit Paris, France, a city of light and life aboveground but tunneled with darkness and bones beneath. While taking us on a brief but engaging tour of the city's more ghostly locales, Cassidy accidentally attracts the attention of a young poltergeist and is forced to quickly seek out his long-lost story to send him on and save Paris from his menace and mayhem. Along the way she makes curious new acquaintances, finally learns about Jacob's deadly (and mysteriously intriguing) past, and catches a glimpse of the creepy future that no doubt awaits her in the next book. As with City of Ghosts it was overall a quick and engrossing read with a spooky setting and entertaining story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I'm so eager for Book 3, Bridge of Souls, that I may just resign myself to reading the hardcover (a great compliment indeed).  

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

The Archived by Victoria Schwab
Shutter by Courtney Alameda
The Mediator Series by Meg Cabot

Re-Review: Heaven's Queen (Rachel Bach)

Title: Heaven's Queen
Series: Paradox, Book 3
Author: Rachel Bach
Publisher: Orbit
US Release Date: April 22, 2014
Genre: Adult Paranormal Science Fiction
Content Rating: Adult (heavy violence, some language, child mistreatment, sexual content)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon
Summary:

From the moment she took a job on Captain Caldswell's doomed ship, Devi Morris' life has been one disaster after another: government conspiracies, two alien races out for her blood, an incurable virus that's eating her alive.

Now, with the captain missing and everyone -- even her own government -- determined to hunt her down, things are going from bad to impossible. The sensible plan would be to hide and wait for things to blow over, but Devi's never been one to shy from a fight, and she's getting mighty sick of running.

It's time to put this crisis on her terms and do what she knows is right. But with all human life hanging on her actions, the price of taking a stand might be more than she can pay.

*          *          *

Series: This is the third and final book in the Paradox trilogy. All are released and available. You can read my review of Book 1: Fortune's Pawn here, and re-read review of Book 2: Honor's Knight here.

After my original 2014 read of the trilogy, this third and final book was my least favorite because, as my original brief review declared, there was "way too much introspection and discussion where there should've just been action, and because of this the climax dragged on way to long (almost half the book)." That opinion now surprises me after this 2020 re-read because, while I can see in retrospect where those feelings came from, I didn't hold to them this time around. 

There are really two parts/halves to Heaven's Queen: on-the-run, and the climax. The first half sees Devi trying to keep away from capture while at the same time make some kind of progress towards doing some good with the cards she's been dealt. It's a lot of action-rest-infodump-repeat sequences, but this read I felt the action-to-discussion ratio was pretty well balanced. I also enjoyed the longer bouts of downtime (except for the romantic sappiness it encouraged) along with the bits of quieter galactic exploration as Devi visited some interesting planets and stations in search of help and answers. 

And then the second-half climax kicked in. Almost all breathless and violent action, Devi fights tooth and nail to see her wild plan through against literally all odds. While it is long, it's a thrill-ride with a few twists that granted I wasn't particularly impressed with but they kept the story and the characters on their toes until the explosive end. Despite all of the physical and emotional pain the story concludes on a surprisingly happy note with everything wrapped up rather neat and tidy - not exactly plausible, but I've never enjoyed the depressive aftertaste of a melancholy finish so I gratefully ignored the inconsistency and reveled with Devi in the win of a job well done. 

Through it all Devi maintained her kick-arse personality and moral convictions and remained the best reason to read this series, although the sappy romantic struggles created by her perceived weakness of her feelings for Rupert took up a bit too much time in my opinion. Rupert continued to be his charming if tortured self and only grew more adorable despite the nauseating sappiness he brought to the book - and brought out in Devi. But theirs is a sweet and fierce female-dominated romance and, for all its passion, Ace me definitely considers it a favorite.

Conclusion: While it had a little more discussion and sappiness than I prefer and the paranormal plot continued to be ridiculous right to the finish, overall I enjoyed this re-read more than my original 2014 one due to the on-the-run first half and thrill-packed second. The end wrapped up way too neat for the violent mess the story was, but I appreciated that most of the characters got what they wanted. A must-read if you enjoyed the first two.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Series Conclusion: While I felt the paranormal aspects diminished this otherwise thrilling sci-fi action-adventure trilogy about a kick-arse female warrior and her violent escapades, Devi was a solid and engrossing character and despite my problems with the mystical plot I pretty thoroughly enjoyed myself (some language, sex, and sappiness aside). If you like a decent paranormal sci-fi read then this is series not to be missed.

Series Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach
Honor's Knight by Rachel Bach
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Nyxia by Scott Reintgen

Manga Review: Frau Faust Series (Kore Yamazaki)

Series Title: Frau Faust
Author: Kore Yamazaki
Volumes Reviewed: 5 (complete)
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
US Release Date: September 2017 - November 2018
Genre: Alternate Historical Fantasy
Content Rating: Older Teen (strong violence, human experimentation, child possession, murder, a few words of language)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | Azon | BookDepo | RightStuf
Summary (of Volume 1):

From the creator of The Ancient Magus' Bride comes a supernatural action manga in the vein of Fullmetal Alchemist! With electrifying art and a gripping story, Frau Faust reimagines the protagonist of the classic tale who makes a deal with the devil as a tenacious female scholar.

More than a century after an eccentric scholar made an infamous deal with a devil, the story of Faust has passed into legend. However, the true Faust is not the stuffy, professorial man known in fairy tales, but a charismatic, bespectacled woman named Johanna Faust, who happens to still be alive. Searching for pieces of her long-lost demon, Johanna passes through a provincial town, where she saves a young boy named Marion from a criminal’s fate. In exchange, she asks a simple favor of Marion, but Marion soon finds himself intrigued by the peculiar Doctor Faust and joins her on her journey. Thus begins the strange and wonderful adventures of Frau Faust!

*          *          *

Series: This is a five-volume manga series, all released and available.

Frau Faust is a brief but entertaining five-volume series about following your heart and doing things your own way with the time you have. Set in an alternate historical world of alchemy and religion that we barely scratch the surface of, it tells the story of the immortal Faust as she hunts for the hidden pieces of her formerly contracted demon, Mephisto, in an attempt to finally achieve death after over a century. Along the way she makes new friends, reconnects with old ones, reminisces past accomplishments and failures, weaves a little magic, and loses a bit more of herself in every violent confrontation with those who would try to capture or kill her. There's a lot of pain, and as typically happens when dealing with demons things can get pretty creepy at times, but despite a more melancholy finish there's a little humor and a lot of hope for all concerned by the end. Although the artwork is not afraid to be occasionally grotesque with unusual creatures and violence that doesn't shy away from blood and gore, it's generally rather simple and handsome with backdrop settings and expressive, emotionally-charged characters.

Bonus Stories: Volume 1 boasts the bonus short story, The Invisible Museum. Not only does it offer a fascinating location in the mysterious museum of invisible exhibits along with a fun cat-and-mouse chase story, but the intriguing theme of desiring to disappear proved both a dark and hopeful one. And the butterfly really was quite beautiful. 4.5 Scribbles.

Conclusion: A short but engaging alternate historical fantasy with lots of thrills, chills, and onion-layered characters. Especially recommend if you already enjoy Yamazaki's other series, The Ancient Magus' Bride.

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

Nightschool: The Weirn Books by Svetlana Chmakova

Pandora Hearts by Jun Mochizuki

Time Killers by Kazue Kato

Review: Network Effect (Martha Wells)

Title: Network Effect
Series: Murderbot Diaries, Book 5
Author: Martha Wells
Publisher: Tor.com
US Release Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: Science Fiction Suspense
Content Rating: Adult (strong violence, language)
Format Read: Hardcover
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon

Summary:

Murderbot returns in its highly-anticipated, first, full-length standalone novel.

You know that feeling when you’re at work, and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot.

Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable A.I. you’ll read this century.

I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are.

When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.

Drastic action it is, then.

*          *          *

Series: This is the fifth book, and first novel, in The Murderbot Diaries series. I highly recommend reading the series in order, and for this book you definitely need to have read Book 2, Artificial Condition.

After thoroughly enjoying three of the first four novellas in this thrilling science fiction series about the awkward and emotionally stunted but highly relatable human/bot construct, Murderbot, I was rather looking forward to this fifth book and first full-length novel. But while some of the action was engaging and a new character piqued my interest, on the whole Network Effect did not impress.

Cons:

• Movement. Right from the start I struggled to follow the movement of the characters, occasionally so lost I didn't even understand that someone had been shot, or even crossed a room. At one point I had to go back and re-read a section four times and still didn't quite see what I'd apparently been told. This disappointingly lessened the impact of the action and Murderbot's clever plans.
• Emotional Growth. Murderbot is naturally growing emotionally through the series, but unfortunately in this book it grew into a petulant teenager who went about whinging and generally being an annoying arsehole. Thankfully the griping and backtalk tapered off in the second half as action took up a great deal of its attention, but then at the end it started to really contemplate its feelings and for the first time not exactly hate them, and this new emotional turning point was somewhat off-putting for me. I will be interested to see how it continues to progress, I guess, but in general I wasn't a fan.
• Pacing. After four novellas that really only had enough word count for action and really important non-action bits, this full-length novel had way too much time on its hands. Every little detail of the "adventure" was laid out, over-complicating a plot that really wasn't that complicated and even dragging out the action scenes a bit longer than necessary. The whole middle of the book was step-by-step planning, with actual bullet-point strategy sessions and checklists (seriously). This made the story a bit too tediously realistic and sadly drained most of the urgency out of the whole affair.

Pros:

• Action. The action was entertaining when I could follow it.
• Three. New character Three was a surprising and interesting addition to the cast, and its uncertain bits were my favorite sections of the story. I hope we'll continue to follow its growth in future books.
• Murderbot. Despite Murderbot's petulant first half and overly emotional second half, when it wasn't whining I still relatively enjoyed its adventures for the most part and look forward to continuing its story in future books. 

Conclusion: Disappointing. The action and movement were unusually described and a struggle to follow, Murderbot acted like a whiny teenager, and with so many extra pages the story took its time to walk us through every single bullet-pointed and check-listed step of their "adventure." What I understood of the action was engaging though, and when Murderbot was too busy being violent to ponder its emotions the story was generally enjoyable. And I really liked new character Three. Although Network Effect is currently battling Book 2 for least favorite of the series, I'll definitely be giving the next book/novella, Fugitive Telemetry (April 2021), a read.

Scribble Rating: 

2.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach
Made to Kill by Adam Christopher
Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast

Review: The False Prince (Jennifer A. Nielsen)

Title: The False Prince
Series: The Ascendance Series, Book 1
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic
US Release Date: April 1, 2012
Genre: Older Middle Grade Fantasy
Content Rating: Teen (brutal violence, minor torture, murder)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon
Summary:

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point—he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together. 

*          *          *

Series: This is the first book in The Ascendance Series, formerly The Ascendance Trilogy. The series originally had three books, all released and available, but a fourth book is now scheduled to release October 2020.

The False Prince is the intriguing and carefully-worded account of an unreliable narrator's quick ascent from orphan to king by way of a lot of bravado and half-truths. If you know this going in it makes for a thrilling read, and if you don't then it makes for a thrilling second read because by the end you'll want to go back and read it again to catch all the subtle clues. 

For the most part the plot is a political intrigue, a genre I typically pass on but here was simple, confined, and engrossing enough to sufficiently invest me. The story is not just sneaking and scheming, though - with its many beatings, minor torture, murder, and threats of much more, it's not for the faint of heart and I was surprised by the Middle Grade label for all the brutal violence. Main character Sage also acts and reads much older and wiser than his young age as he comes to terms with the state of the world and his place in it, although he's still completely relatable for teens as he brazenly fights against the controlling nobleman while quietly working in the shadows to save the lives of his new friends and the nation from sinister plans. 

To say much more would spoil the read, so if you'd enjoy a quick fantasy of political intrigue with a delightfully unreliable narrator, lots of snarky wit, and bursts of violence, then I highly recommend you give The False Prince a try. As this book is only the beginning of Sage's story I have since binged the rest of the trilogy, and you can look for my review of Books 2 & 3, The Runaway King and The Shadow Throne, soon.

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

The Fog Diver by Joel Ross
Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
The Girl of Fire & Thorns by Rae Carson
Trial By Fire by Josephine Angelini
A Shadow Bright & Burning by Jessica Cluess

Paragraph Manga Review: Love in Focus Series (Yoko Nogiri)

Series Title: Love in Focus
Author: Yoko Nogiri
Volumes Reviewed: 3 (complete)
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
US Release Date: March 2019 - July 2019
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Content Rating: Teen (kissing, brief minor stalker issues)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | Azon | BookDepo | RightStuf
Summary (of Volume 1):

Mako's always had a passion for photography. When she loses someone dear to her, she clings to her art as a relic of the close relationship she once had... Luckily, her childhood best friend Kei encourages her to come to his high school and join their prestigious photo club. With nothing to lose, Mako grabs her camera and moves into the dorm where Kei and his classmates live. Soon, a fresh take on life, along with a mysterious new muse, begin to come into focus!

*          *          *

Series: There are 3 volumes in the series. All are released and available.

Love in Focus is a short three-volume teen contemporary romance about first loves and photography. Set in a high school boarding house, it features a love triangle between an oblivious young photographer girl, her childhood best friend, and the moody housemate who catches her photographic attention. As they discover each other's secrets and confess their feelings, they help one another face their fears and embrace more hopeful futures with love, honesty, and lots of pictures. Despite the inevitable heartbreak that comes with love triangles, it's a sweet if brief story with cute characters, soft artwork, and gentle emotions that made for a pleasant if slightly melancholy afternoon read. Recommend for readers who enjoy their romances with right angles, secretly gorgeous boys, and just a touch of photography.

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

That Wolf-Boy is Mine! by Yoko Nogiri
Strobe Edge by Io Sakisaka
Me & My Brothers by Hari Tokeino

Paragraph Review: City of Ghosts (Victoria Schwab)

Title: City of Ghosts
Series: Cassidy Blake, Book 1
Author: Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Scholastic
US Release Date: August 28, 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal Thriller
Content Rating: Middle Grade (frightening images and situations involving ghosts)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon
Summary:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Schwab comes a sweeping, spooky, evocative adventure, perfect for fans of Stranger Things.

Ever since Cass almost drowned (okay, she did drown, but she doesn't like to think about it), she can pull back the Veil that separates the living from the dead . . . and enter the world of spirits. Her best friend is even a ghost.

So things are already pretty strange. But they're about to get much stranger.

When Cass's parents start hosting a TV show about the world's most haunted places, the family heads off to Edinburgh, Scotland. Here, graveyards, castles, and secret passageways teem with restless phantoms. And when Cass meets a girl who shares her "gift," she realizes how much she still has to learn about the Veil -- and herself.

And she'll have to learn fast. The city of ghosts is more dangerous than she ever imagined.

*          *          *

Series: This is the first book in the Cassidy Blake series. Two books are presently available, with a third currently scheduled to release March 2021.

City of Ghosts is a spirited middle-grade paranormal thriller with a brisk pace, atmospheric setting, and compelling story. The writing style is brief but engaging with light banter and simple description, the haunted Edinburgh toured succinctly with interesting historical tidbits. The ghostly aspects were pretty canon but for a few unique exceptions, and although there were many frightening moments the horror was quick and light-handed. Cassidy was a good balance of childish bravery and naivete, her actions both bold and foolish and therefore realistic for her age without crossing the line into frustrating stupidity. Sidekick Jacob was a favorite with his playfulness and voice of reason, and the mystery of his power and death are the driving force behind my eagerness to soon continue the series with the next book, Tunnel of Bones. If you enjoy fast-paced ghost-hunting stories set in historical locations then I highly recommend City of Ghosts for a thrilling and chilling read.

For Fans Of: ghost stories

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

The Archived by Victoria Schwab
Shutter by Courtney Alameda
The Mediator Series by Meg Cabot

Re-Review: Honor's Knight (Rachel Bach)

Title: Honor's Knight
Series: Paradox trilogy, Book 2
Author: Rachel Bach
Publisher: Orbit
US Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Paranormal Science Fiction
Content Rating: Adult (strong violence, language, sensuality, child mistreatment)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: 
Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon
Summary:

The rollicking sequel to Fortune's Pawn -- an action packed science fiction novel.

Devi Morris has a lot of problems. And not the fun, easy-to-shoot kind either.

After a mysterious attack left her short several memories and one partner, she's determined to keep her head down, do her job, and get on with her life. But even though Devi's not actually looking for it -- trouble keeps finding her. She sees things no one else can, the black stain on her hands is growing, and she is entangled with the cook she's supposed to hate.

But when a deadly crisis exposes far more of the truth than she bargained for, Devi discovers there's worse fates than being shot, and sometimes the only people you can trust are the ones who want you dead.

*          *          *

Series: This is the second book in the Paradox trilogy, all of which are released and available. You can read my review of the first book, Fortune's Pawn, here.

I originally read Honor's Knight, the second book in the Paradox trilogy, back in 2014. According to my very brief review it seemed to be my favorite of the series, but after this 2020 re-read it is not the favored book it once was.

At its core, Honor's Knight is the story of an uncomplicated merc who gets dragged into a highly complicated paranormal situation and has to fight her way out. Put this way it sounds pretty interesting, and with all its action and sudden twists and kick-arse main character it essentially is. But the paranormal situation was a bit too weird for me to fully accept, the vastly different alien races and plasmex powers somewhat random and ill-fitting with each other. The contrast between Devi and the paranormal elements was also a little too uneven, the main character and plot not quite meshing for a cohesive story that I could fully invest in.

However, the no-nonsense, hard-hitting protagonist Devi was luckily there to save the book in spite of the plot. Naive though her choices were, no matter what was thrown at her she did things her own way - and as her way typically involved throwing things (punches, bullets, aliens, what have her) the more unbelievable moments didn't distract very long with her at the story's helm. Despite her merc mentality she still had her principles and stuck to her guns (figuratively and literally), and I especially liked how she handled her former lover's crap with strength and laughter and didn't let him and his sappy feelings push her around.

Honor's Knight starts with an unfortunately creepy prologue but ends with an inquisitive bang, so although I have vague recollections of the paranormal mess to come in the final and previously least-favorite book of the series, Heaven's Queen, I'll definitely be finishing my re-read of the entire trilogy immediately. If you enjoyed the first Paradox book and don't mind a heavy dose of paranormal with your sci-fi, then I definitely recommend giving this sequel a read. 

For Fans Of: paranormal sci-fi

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Nyxia by Scott Reintgen