Early Reader Review: Through Lya's Eyes - Seeking the Truth by Carbone

Source: From Netgalley and Europe Comics for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Through Lya's Eyes: Seeking the Truth by Carbone / Art by Cunha Justine
Series:  Through Lya's Eyes Volume 1
Publisher:  Europe Comics
Publication Date:  May 15, 2019

 

Format:  Ebook

Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 

The day before her seventeenth birthday, Lya's life changed forever. Hit by a speeding car and left for dead, she lost the use of her legs as well as some of her faith in the world... Lya learned to live again with the support of her parents. But having discovered that someone bought their silence, Lya is determined to unmask the perpetrator and obtain justice. Her search for the truth takes her to a famous law firm... and down a dangerous path. With the help of her friend Antoine, she'll stop at nothing to get to the bottom of it all...

Review: 
This was a gorgeous graphic novel. It is a mystery that follows a young girl trying to find out who hit her and paralyzed her with their car. The novel shows the struggles of those in wheelchairs but it also a deeply emotional story about a girl just trying to find answers.  Lya is working at the law firm that was used to pay off her parents after the accident and trying to find out what happened. 

Lya is strong but very stubborn and will do anything to find out the truth about the accident. She enlists the help of a few old friends and a few new in order to investigate and all of the suspense builds as the plot progresses. 

I love that this was a mystery - but you should know, that it is a cliffhanger ending... but that was also kind of why I loved it. There is movement in the story, enough to keep a reader intrigued but then it all abruptly ends when you are really getting into it. 

The illustrations through the story were very beautiful and easy to follow, and the text was just enough. Sometimes with Graphic novels they go overboard with the text and don't tell as much story with the images as they could - this book uses the imaging very well to tell parts of the story and struggle Lya's going through.

Early Reader Review: Spiky by Ilaria Guarducci

Source: From Amazon Early Review program. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Spiky by Ilaria Guarducci, Translation by Laura Watkinson
Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids
Publication Date:  June 1, 2019

 

Format:  Ebook

Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 

When Spiky loses his spikes, he must learn to share his softer side.

Spiky lives in the dark of the forest, where he spends his days being very, very bad, bullying the other forest creatures and sharpening the spikes on his body. Those spikes are handy for keeping everybody at a distance, and that’s just how Spiky likes it! But then one day the unthinkable happens: Spiky starts losing his spikes! Soon he is left looking as soft and as pink as a soft, pink marshmallow. What will Spiky do, now that he can no longer scare away the other forest creatures? Will he have to (gulp!) make friends? It’s a good thing Bernardo the bunny comes along to show him how it’s done.

First published in Italy, this charming story of friendship will have children giggling until the very end.

Review:
Spiky is about a little guy that is covered in spikes and so he tries to be bad and scary all the time. One day he looses his spikes and has no clue what to do or how to act so a friend comes and helps him. 

This was a cute story about learning about who you are and who you can be. And the being a bully isn’t always the best choice. 

The illustrations were simple and fun and the overall story was creative and interesting. I really liked this book.


 

Blog Blast w/ Giveaway! House of Earth, House of Stone by Joshua David Bellin

Nerd Blast Link

About the Book

The Ecosystem is at war

The dark queen Miriam has attacked the City of the Queens. Commanding an army of creatures from legend and nightmare, she appears unstoppable. Sarah is forced to flee into the treacherous mountains north of the city, where she seeks to discover word of the missing queen, Celestina. Only with their combined strength, Sarah believes, is there any hope of contesting the dark queen’s might.

But to wage the final battle against the dark queen, Sarah will have to overcome an ancient curse that threatens not only the survival of the city but the existence of the Ecosystem itself. And she will have to decide whether to save Isaac, the boy she loves, at the cost of losing everything else she holds dear.

House of Earth, House of Stone is a riveting fantasy-adventure set in a world where Nature holds dominion over humankind. The final book in the Ecosystem trilogy, it completes the journey Sarah began in Ecosystem and The Devouring Land.  

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for ECOSYSTEM Trilogy

“Joshua David Bellin proves once again that he’s the master of SciFi survival stories that explore the devastating consequences of environmental destruction. If you’ve ever walked in the woods and felt that the trees were listening, this book is for you!” ―Jennifer Bardsley, author of GENESIS GIRL 

“This page turner will give you a new respect for the forces of the natural world. I’ll never look at plants or animals the same way again. A five star tour-de-force. Can’t wait for a sequel.” ―Darlene Beck-Jacobson, author of WHEELS OF CHANGE 

"If you’re a fan of survivalist and post-apocalyptic literature then I would definitely, and not so subtly, tell you to read ECOSYSTEM." ―YA Bookers

About the Author

Joshua David Bellin has been writing novels since he was eight years old (though the first few were admittedly very short). A college teacher by day, he has published numerous works of fantasy and science fiction, including the two-part Survival Colony series (Survival Colony 9 and Scavenger of Souls), the deep-space adventure Freefall, and the short story collection Ten Tales of Terror and Terra. The Ecosystem series—Ecosystem, The Devouring Land, and House of Earth, House of Stone—is his latest foray into speculative fiction. In his free time, Josh likes to read, watch movies, and take long nature hikes with his kids. Oh, yeah, and he likes monsters. Really scary monsters.  

PHOTO CONTENT FROM JOSHUA DAVID BELLIN

Find the Author

WEBSITE / TWITTER / GOODREADS / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM 

Giveaway is open to International. 

Must be 13+ to Enter

2 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of HOUSE OF EARTH, HOUSE OF STONE by Joshua David Bellin.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover and Trailer Reveal w/ Giveaway! - A Midnight Clear

Cover and Trailer Reveal Tour

JUNE 10, 2019

Publisher: Black Spot Books

Release Date: November 15, 2019

Six stories of not-so-merry Yuletide whimsy from the authors of Black Spot Books.

A woman so cold she hardens to ice on a winter’s eve. Risen from his grave before his time, a winter god alters the balance between seasons. A wolf’s holiday season is interrupted by a strange curse. From a murder at the Stanley Hotel to demons of Christmas past, present, and future, and a mad elf and Santa’s Candy Court, the authors of Black Spot Books share their love for winter holidays in this collection of dark winter tales, destined to chill your bones and warm your heart for the Yuletide season.

You can purchase A Midnight Clear at the following Retailers:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY

FANTASTIC NEWS BOOK NERDS!! First 100 PRE-ORDERS  directly from >>>BLACK SPOT BOOKS<<< will received a Signed Bookplate from ALL the authors! Starting NOW! Click Link Above!

About the Authors

All Photo Content from Black Spot Books

Sam Hooker writes darkly humorous fantasy novels about thing like tyrannical despots and the masked scoundrels who tickle them without mercy. He knows all the best swear words, though he refuses to repeat them because he doesn't want to attract goblins.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Alcy Leyva is a Bronx-born writer, teacher, and pizza enthusiast. He graduated from Hunter College with a B.A. in English (Creative Writing) and an MFA in Fiction from The New School. He has been published in Popmatters, The Rumpus, Entropy Mag, and Quiet Lunch Magazine.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Laura Morrison lives in the Metro Detroit area. She has a B.S. in applied ecology and environmental science from Michigan Technological University. Before she was a writer and stay-at-home mom, she battled invasive species and researched turtles.
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Cassondra Windwalker is a poet and novelist writing full time from the coast of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. She is supported by a tolerant husband, three wandering offspring, a useless dog, and a zombie cat. Her hobbies include hiking, photography, and having other people's demons over for tea. 

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Dalena Storm  has lived in India, Japan, Germany, and on both coasts of the United States. She currently resides in a converted general store in the woods of Western Massachusetts with a rare Burmese temple cat, a purring black fluff-beast, a professor of magic, and an infant with an astonishing ability to resist sleep.
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Seven Jane is an author of dark fantasy and speculative fiction. Seven is a member of The Author's Guild and Women's Fiction Writing Association. She also writes a column for The Women's Fiction Association and is a contributor to The Nerd Daily.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Giveaway is open to International.

 Must be 13+ to Enter

1 Winner will receive Selected Print Copies of titles by the Authors.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Building the Book Pile #302

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Hiiiiiii.....  Today's post brought to you by procrastination! I have a paper I need to write that is due tonight... so yea obviously I am blogging instead... (it is only a 3 page thing so I'm ok).

How was your week? This week was so busy with assignments already and I still have more to do, then I need to get a jump on next weeks assignments :/ ...But other than school here is what I did this week: I volunteered for half a day and helped garden at a farm, I am chasing a groundhog out of my veggie garden - little piece of .... ate all my broccoli tops and half the peas that were come up, I cleaned a bunch too, so it was a successful week!

I did read some for pleasure but really not too much. I got way too many books for review recently and need to find the time to designate to that...

Hope you are all wonderful and enjoying the summer weather that is finally showing up (at least here in Vermont!)

If you enjoy the blog and want to share some love and caffeine, you can buy me a coffee via Ko-fi

Share about your week with me in the comments below!

 

  Giveaways  on Cover2CoverBlog! 

  Coming up on the Blog

Blog Blast: Trailer Reveal and Giveaway! A Midnight Clear
Blog Blast w/ Giveaway! House of Earth House of Stone by Josh David Bellin
Early Reader Review: Spiky by Ilaria Guarducci (Youth)
Early Reader Review: Through Lya's Eyes (Vol. 1 Seeking the Truth) by Carbone (YA, GN)


Books Received Recently...

       

Spiky by Ilaria Guarducci  - From Amazon Early Reads

Beekeeping for Beginners by Amber Bradshaw - From Callisto Publishers Club and Rockridge Press for review

The Little Grey Girl by Celine Kiernan (The Wild Magic Trilogy #2) - From Librarything Early Reviewers program and Candlewick Press

Croquette & Empanada: The Book Romeo Would Have Given Juliet by Ana Oncina - From Netgalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for review

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner - From Netgalley and Aladdin for review

June Freebies with Audible Originals/ Subscription

 

Even Tree Nymphs Get the Blues by Molly Harper 
Jukebox Joyride by Jacob Stein, Jason Rabinowitz, The Pop Ups

Have you missed anything lately?

Blog Tour: Dark Shores by Danielle Jensen (YA) - 4 stars
Early Reader Review: The Artist Who Loved Cats: The Inspiring Tale of Theophile Alexandre Steinlen - 4 stars
Monthly Re-Cap: May 2019

Promo with Giveaway: The Channeler: A Future Forewarned by Jenna Ryan
Recent Reads: Zero G by Dan Wells (MG) - 4 stars
Waiting on Wednesday: Harley Quinn by Mariko Tamaki (GN)

Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up/ STS/ Weekly...anything, post and I will happily stop by and say hello!

Happy Reading!

Monthly Re-Cap: May 2019

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Happy June! My Re-cap is a little late but here it is!!
May was SO extremely busy! I feel like every month flies by so quickly. 

In May, I actually got a lot of books read, finished a class, started 2 new classes, visited Las Vegas, had/ attended a few BBQs for the beginning of summer, and worked a whole lot. I am exhausted and a bit overwhelmed and blogging is going to be the first hing to suffer- sorry. I will still try to post some reviews but reading for pleasure will be slowing down for sure.

 I am excited for somewhat warmer weather here in Vermont finally, but now it just needs to just stop raining all the time too... has it been rainy and or warm where you live?


How was your May? Did you pick up anything good to read? Did you attend BookExpo or BookCon?!

~~Books I Read in May~~
           
                         

How did I do on my May TBR? 
I don't think I will have  June TBR... I have not been doing well reading the books that I need to especially now with more classes. I feel like I keep giving this excuse :/

~~Links to Some Reviews from Books Read in May.~~
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell (YA) - DNF
Emily Windsnap and the Pirate Prince by Liz Kessler (MG) - 4 stars
Bedtime by Guido Van Genechten (Youth) - 4 stars
Lady Mechanika La Belle Dame Sans Merci by MM Chen and Joe Benitez (GN) - 5 stars
Hide and Seek, Little Chameleon by Anita Bijsterbosch (Youth) - 5 stars
The Beast's Heart by Leife Shallcross (YA) - 4 stars
The 3-Day Effect by Florence Williams (Audio, Adult, NonFiction) - 3 stars
Zero G by Dan Wells (Audio, MG) - 4 stars

 
~~Coming Soon Still~~ 

My Furry Foster Family: Truman the Dog by Debbi Michiko Florence  (MG)
The Artist Who Loved Cats by Susan Schaefer Bernardo (MG)
Team Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia (GN)
Through Lya's Eyes by  Carbone,  Justine Cunha (illustrator) (GN)

Early Reader Review: The Artist Who Loved Cats: The Inspiring Tale of Theophile Alexandre Steinlen

Source: From Netgallet and Inner Flower Child Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Artist Who Loved Cats: The Inspiring Tale of Theophile Alexandre Steinlen
by Susan Schaefer Bernardo and illustrated by  Courtenay Fletcher

Publisher: Inner Flower Child Books
Publication Date: June 6, 2019 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 

The Artist Who Loved Cats is a picture book biography of artist Theophile-Alexandre Steinlen, the creator of iconic French "Chat Noir" posters. 

When Antoinette notices a little bronze cat in the window of her favorite Parisian antique store, she begs the shopkeeper Monsieur Arvieux and his clever cat Noir to tell her all about the artist. Steinlen moved to Paris in 1881 to pursue his artistic dreams, ultimately creating not just the iconic Chat Noir posters but also more than 700 journal illustrations, famous posters, sculptures, cartoon strips and paintings. Many of Steinlen's artworks feature cats, his favorite subject. Delightful verse, a sweet sprinkling of French vocabulary, and lovely illustrations by the award-winning team of author Susan Schaefer Bernardo and artist Courtenay Fletcher bring art history to life. 

More than just a biography, The Artist Who Loved Cats is a celebration of art, inspiration, and following your heart to create a life that you love!

Review: 
It was so great to see a book about Theophile-Alexandre Steinlen. I have had a Chat Noir poster for over a decade and I love it. The large black cat is a presence in our office, and it would not feel like the same space without it.

The book is a children’s book about a girl who is interested in a cat sculpture in an antique shop. Upon entering she learns about the famous artist from a cat that knew him.

This was a very cute way of telling the story, the modern little girl and the talking cat telling her about the artist. There were flashbacks and the text had a rhyming scheme that worked nicely. The illustrations included not only new images for this book but also replications of the artists work for the eyes of the younger readers.

It was very well done and I learned a lot about he artist that has had a place on my wall for over a decade. If your young one likes cats this book is full of them but it is also educational.