Monthly Re-Cap: February 2018

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

It was a crazy month and it flew by. I read a bunch of comics because I fell into another slump and finished a bunch of comics made me feel like I was doing something. I was reading but not quickly at all and I was busy at work and doing stuff on weekends. 
 Some of the things we did: We went snowshoeing for the first time and boy was that hard and painful - we essentially hiked up a mountain trail with them on. We also got to go on a dogsled ride - that was SO much fun. We went to the Owl Festival at Vermont Institute of Natural Science and saw some owls and hawks, it was a pretty cool day of learning, but it was cold out so we weren't there all day, just a few hours. I love looking at the birds. We had a 'family' dinner with friends at our house and we had a few warm days so we spent some time outside too. This is the time of year when we get a day of Spring weather and then it snows again.. it is a bipolar time here in Vermont. How is it where you live? Warm yet?

How was your month? What are your goals? What did you read this month?

~~Books I Read in February~~
   

How did I do on my February TBR?

I finished 1 of 4. I have a few chapters left in Otherword and I am about 15% into my audiobook. Sadly it was busy busy so comics and graphic novels were the books I was reaching for to get some reading done and feel accomplished.

~~Links to Some Reviews~~
Live. Love. Bark (Inspirational Quotes and Cute Puppies) - 5 stars
Audrey's Magic Nine by Michelle Wright (MG, GN) - 5 stars
Harley Quinn #30 (Comic) -4 stars
Harley Quinn #31 (Comic) -4 stars
Harley Quinn #32 (Comic) -5 stars
Harley Quinn #33 (Comic) - 4 stars

Harley Quinn #34 (Comic) - 4 stars

Harley Quinn #35 (Comic) - 4 stars
Ten Little Night Stars by Deb Gruelle (Youth) - 4 stars 
Ancient Astronauts by Vincent Pompeii (GN) - 2 stars
Banished (Storymakers #3) by Betsy Schow - 4 stars 
The Hidden Loch by Marlaine Maddux White (GN, MG) - 5 stars

~~Reviews Up This Month From Previous Re-Caps~~


Harley Quinn #28  (Comic) -5 stars
Harley Quinn #29 (Comic) - 4 stars
Lies We Tell Our Kids by Brett Wagner (Adult, GN) -3 Stars
A Windy Spring Day by Wendy Dunham (Youth, MG)  - 3 stars



Reviews still on their way to you: 
 Coming soon in 2018 ...

Crafty Cat and the Great Butterfly Battle (Crafty Cat #3) by Charise Mericle Harper (MG, GN) 
My Bed by Anita Bijsterbosch (Youth)
Fish-Boy by Vanita Oelschlager (Youth)
Unicorn of Many Hats by Dana Simpson (GN, MG) 
The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw (Youth)
Fox and Racoon by Lesley-Anne Green (Youth) 

Recent Reads: The Hidden Loch by Marlaine Maddux White and Claude St. Aubin

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Hidden Loch by Marlaine Maddux White and Claude St. Aubin

Publisher:  Penny Farthing Productions
Publication Date:   September 15, 2017

 

Format:  Hardback

Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

There is a separate world secluded deep beneath Scotland s infamous Loch Ness. It is called THE HIDDEN LOCH and it has existed for thousands of years as a serene community of extinct and mythological creatures totally unknown to the human world above. In order to find the answer of how to protect this ancient ancestral realm from encroaching humans (Drywalkers), Nessandra, a young plesiosaur, is forced to depart the safety of her secret underwater paradise to embark upon a journey of tantalizing discovery. She and her three brave companions, is destined to learn that the vast ocean depths lying before them are a far more dangerous and awe-inspiring place than they could have ever imagined. Their adventures transform their understanding of the world at large especially as it has evolved in ways which are a stark contrast to what they had always known to be true while growing up in The Hidden Loch. It is a time of great crisis even impending doom for The Hidden Loch. The outcome of Nessandra s critical mission may well determine the ultimate fate of that unique and beautiful world she calls home! 

Review: 
Another wonderful graphic novel from Penny-Farthing Productions. The Hidden Loch is about a hidden grotto under Loch Ness where creatures have gone to hide and live in a safe place away from the prying eyes of the humans, which they call drywalkers. There are paddle giants or what we call -  the Loch Ness Monsters and there are other fish, some that have even been extinct to us. They story is about the creatures checking on the outside world and the trouble that can some with it. A young paddle giant is about to take over this task and is terrified. When she tries to take a look before she is supposed to chaos erupts and now she must take action in other ways.

I really loved reading this book. I loved seeing where the Loch Ness monster would be hiding and her family, it was magical. It was made all the better by incorporating Lake Champain's "Champ" as well. The story was interesting and I found it so fun to read. Ocean life always amazes me and I love books like this, taking the real and the magical and spinning it all together is a lot of fun for the reader.

Early Reader Review: A Windy Spring Day by Wendy Dunham

Source: From Netgalley and Harvest House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

A Windy Spring Day by Wendy Dunham

Series: Tales of Buttercup Grove
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Publication Date:  March 6, 2018

 

Format:  Ebook
Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

A Blustery Day in Buttercup Grove

When a big wind goes whoosh, Skunk gets scared and could sure use a friend. Braving the storm to check on his best pal, Raccoon comes over for a visit and brings a big surprise—supplies to make a kite. Skunk and Raccoon work together to get the kite made and invite everyone in Buttercup Grove over to fly it, because some things are better to do with more than just two!

Review: 

A Windy Spring Day is about a skunk that is afraid of the wind while he is at home alone. He calls his friend Racoon who offers to come over and bring a surprise to help Skunk through his fears.

This was a cute book about friendship, that showcases being afraid and needing the help of others. The story is very cute and a quick read with a quick message and the illustrations are adorable.The story ends with a Bible verse (as the title alludes to) however it is not necessarily needed to focus the moral nor is it forced upon the reader, which I appreciated. 

I think that the overall idea the book portrays is a good one and important for young readers.

Building the Book Pile #273

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

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

This week was the beginning of my craziest time at work. I help with searches for new faculty positions and we are starting interviews. I am arranging all of them and helping the candidates around to their meetings. So busy busy busy. 

I did read some this week though, which is always the plan and a good one. We also went to the Owl festival yesterday and learned about owls and hawks at the local nature center. It was fun but cold.

How has your week been?

Share about your week with me in the comments below!

 

  Giveaways  on Cover2CoverBlog!
None right now.

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: The Hidden Loch by Marlaine Maddux White and Claude St. Aubin (GN, MG) 
Early Reader Review: A Windy Spring Day by Wendy Dunham (Youth)
Monthly Re-Cap: February 2018
TBR Pile: March 2018
Recent Reads: Otherworld by Jason Segel (YA)
Blog Tour w/ Review: The Super Life of Ben Braver by Marcus Emerson (MG)

Books Received this Week

No Books this week  

Have you missed anything lately?

Week of February 19 -February 24
Recent Reads: Ten Little Night Stars by Deb Gruelle (Youth) - 4 stars

Recent Reads: Ancient Astronauts by Vincent Pompeii (GN, Adult) - 2 stars

Waiting on Wednesday: Switched by Jen Calonita (MG)

Recent Reads: Harley Quinn #34 and #35 by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner (Comic) - 4 and 4 stars

Recent Reads: Banished (The Storymakers #3) by Betsy Schow (YA) - 4 stars

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!

Recent Reads: Banished by Betsy Schow

Source: From Netgalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Banished by Betsy Schow

Series: The Storymakers #3
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Fire
Publication Date:  February 6, 2018

 

Format:  Ebook

Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

While lying in the hospital in a place called Kansas, Princess Dorthea of Emerald struggles to regain her memory of the events that propelled her out of the land of Story—and to remember how to get home.

Meanwhile, in Story, Rexi, with the help of Excalibur, continues to gain confidence in writing her own tale as she fights to save the land from the Wicked Witch. But as is always the case with evil villains, she is not to be underestimated. Can Dorthea and Rexi save their home while protecting the prince they both love from getting caught in the crossfire?

Review: 
Banished is the conclusion to the Storymakers series about Dot and Rexi. In book two Rexi has banished Dot to the real world (for good reason - you should read book 2) and is trying to make things right in story while Dot is trying to return home from Kansas. 

The story is told in alternating chapters we hear some from Dot and then some from Rexi as the story progresses. Dot is stuck in Kansas, while Rexi is fighting for Story but they have to work together to finish the tale.

I don't want to go into too much detail about this book because it will give away a lot of important details from the previous two but it was a very good ending to the trilogy. Rexi had a lot of growth in this series and I think Dot did as well. They both learned about being more than what they believed themselves to be. Rexi wasn't fully a thief, while Dot wasn't just a princess. Coming together and this tale also made them help each other to make these changes in themselves when they needed them. I loved the character developments in this series. Sadly in the end, it was hard to tell the two characters apart. They were in different places but their personalities started to seem similar.

I enjoyed the ending and the story leading up to it. The plot picked up right where book two seemed to leave off and there was enough action to keep the reader interested. There were even a few twists that caught me off-guard which I think is always nice. Being a little unpredictable in a series is a good thing to have.

I have really been enjoying retellings and I think that if you want a trilogy to read in this genre, this is a pretty good one.

Recent Reads: Harley Quinn #34-35 by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner

Harley Quinn: Time Off for Bad Behavior or We are Outta Here!

Series: Harley Quinn #34
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date:  January 10, 2018

 

Format: Comic
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:


 




Goodreads Synopsis: 

“AFTERMATH” part two! We said the election would change Harley’s life forever, and we weren’t kidding! For one of the people closest to her...it’s ended their life! And in the “Secret Origins” backup story, you’ll learn how the incredible Eggy came to be the man...err, egg...he is today!

 Review: 
These synopses are getting confusing again... not sure what these "Secret Origins" are but they aren't in these comics ... probably another off-shoot installment series. Anyway apart from that, this issue was a glimpse into Harley's normal life with her parents and her brothers. Her and Ivy make a stop over there and there isn't a lot of action. We do get a glimpse of her old hyena pals though and it was an adorable interaction.It was a weird ending to all the action and craziness of the past few, so it might not be for all  HQ readers.

Harley Quinn: Batter Up Part 1 by Frank Tieri

Series: Harley Quinn #35
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date:  January 17, 2018

 

Format: Comic
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:


 




Goodreads Synopsis: 

“MAN-BATTER UP” part one! Harley’s in a dark, dark place after the hard right turn her life took...so when the citizens of Coney Island say it was a mysterious “bat” that kidnapped one of her friends, she is not going to take it lying down!

Review: 
WTH Frank! Again we are back to a Frank Tieri rendition of Harley. That is fine but it always a weird change over. The story from last issue abruptly ends and this one picks up back in the city. The cover is a HUGE spoiler (even though I really enjoy it). In this installment, Tony is taken and Harley is still trying to have alone time but is brought back into the swing of things to search for him. She not only finds him but also finds herself captured and now a bat-woman too. ..and we wait until next issue to find out more... 

Waiting on Wednesday: Switched by Jan Calonita

Switched by Jen Calonita
Series: Fairy Tale Reform School #4

Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: March 6, 2018

Synopsis:  

Things are changing at Fairy Tale Reform School.

At least, that’s what Gilly’s heard through the Enchantasia rumor mill. Word is, notorious trickster Rumpelstiltskin has taken over management from Headmistress Flora, and he’s locked down the school tighter than the Pied Piper’s pants. Not that this news concerns Gilly. She’s been released from FTRS and is attending Jack of All Trades School, where she gets to learn about different kinds of shoe leather and ways to measure feet. Truly riveting stuff.

But when Gilly’s little sister Anna gets whisked off to FTRS thanks to her troublemaking new friends, Hansel and Gretel, Gilly knows she’s got to get Anna out of there. There’s only one thing to do; make some serious trouble and get thrown back into FTRS.

It’s time to out-trick a trickster.

Why I Am Waiting:
Because I love this series SO much!

Recent Reads: Ancient Astronauts by Vincent Pompeii

Source: From Black Panel Press in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Ancient Astronauts by Vincent Pompeii
Publisher: Black Panel Press
Publication Date:  August 16, 2017

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

In the infinite cosmos are scattered millions of galaxies. Lost among them, a world similar to ours develops in its own solar system. On Plaine, a highly developed planet-nation, the opening reveals Onys, a young and daring archer. She emerges from sleep, short of breath, alerted by a dangerous presence lingering around her. An imperceptible but undeniable entity, defying the laws of physics, manifesting itself like a cloud of smoke, almost palpable. A presence whose mysterious nature would soon rock her senses and shake her perceptions of reality.

The sudden arrival of Yulunga, the astonishing shaman, will open the doors to a universe wholly unexpected by the young Onys. A place where the interpretation of what is real is commanded by the subconscious. A place at the center of which, the laws of nature are defied by the power of the mind.

What if, since the beginning of time, there was something else? Maybe, it was the world of Ancient Astronauts.

Review: 
I received a review copy of this from the publisher with a wonderful email about the artwork throughout being wonderfully hand-painted in watercolor. I found this unique and the sci-fi plot sounded interesting. Since reading through this graphic novel I have learned that it was originally done in French, which may have led to some of the issues I had with it. Don't get me wrong, the art is what saved it, so props for that, but the story fell very short for me. Maybe it was a lost in translation kind of issue or maybe not, I am not sure. 

The story was imaginative and interesting to some extent but I felt like the author tried to pack too much in to too -short of a medium. A novel with this much world building and detail would be good, a graphic novel... I think it was too hard to read through the text and not feel like it was slow and dragging. If you are a sci-fi fan it might be easier to read, I don't read it often, so there might be techniques used here that I just don't understand as well. 

Some other notes: 
It was REALLY hard for me not to call it "Ancient Aliens" ... isn't that a US History Channel show? I don't know, but I kept calling it that.

And

What on earth was the main character wearing? Are you telling me that in the future women don't just wear pants? But instead just underwear and a split dress/tunic thing over them? I found that very hard to believe and don't think it furthered the plot at all or even enough to be a justified artistic choice.

I tried to like this one, the art brought it up a star in my rating, but I just could not get into the story like I wanted to.

Recent Reads: Ten Little Night Stars by Deb Gruelle

Source: From Booklook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Ten Little Night Stars by Deb Gruelle
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date:  January 23, 2018

 

Format: Board Book

Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

One!

One little night star,

Twinkling in deep blue.

I run inside to take my bath,

Then there are…

Two!

Ten Little Night Stars is a sweet bedtime counting book perfect for the youngest readers. One by one the stars come out in the night sky as cute and cuddly animals go through their bedtime routines. This board book will encourage children to turn the page with interactive and engaging rhyme, and will take them through bath time, story time, and sleep. Written by Deb Gruelle, great-great-grand-niece of Johnny Gruelle, the creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, Ten Little Night Stars is the perfect bedtime story for parents and children alike.

Review: 
Ten Little Night Stars is a counting and bedtime board book for younger children.  The stars appear as you turn the pages and the story is a little rhyme to go along with the counting. The pictures are of little animals and their parents getting ready for bedtime. This book has so many useful functions  - it is a counting book, it is short enough to read for bedtime, and it is also a good list of things to do before bed. As a Zondervan book, it does talk about the stars in heaven and prayers for bed, to those might not be for all families, but it was a very cute book.