Recent Reads: The Not-So-Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens

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

The Not-So-Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens 
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Publication Date:  August 6, 2024 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

On the sleepiest of nights, when the air is still and the moon is full, the conditions are just right… for WITCHES TO TAKE FLIGHT! And among all these terribly wicked, cackling witches, is one… who is actually, surprisingly quite nice! This little witch doesn’t enjoy being wicked like the others. Not one little bit. She doesn’t like creating mischief, she doesn’t like making a mess and she definitely doesn’t like any naughtiness! The other witches decide that the littlest witch needs rescuing from all this icky, gooey goodness! It’s time for some lessons in wickedness, and the best way to do that is by making a completely terrible and utterly awful potion…! Will our little witch leave her kind and gentle ways behind her and join in the wickedness? Or will she persuade her fellow witches that actually, being wicked isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? This playful take on spooky witches from the award-winning Bethan Stevens takes readers to a magical world of wickedness and kindness. This is the wonderfully funny follow-up to the prize-winning Grumpy Fairies and the fairytale twist A Damsel Not in Distress.

Review: 

This group of young witches is so wicked. They make trouble for all the kids and pets, steal cookies and socks and make messes... There is one little witch though, that isn't quite so mean, she is kind and smiles. The otehrs think that it is terrible and they try to help her become more witch-like and wicked. 

I liked the themes in this book: Kindness is better than wickedness and that there are other ways to get what you want.I think young readers and parents will really like it. 

There was a great diversity of race and also disability rep in the characters seen in the illustrations. The illustrations were also colorful and enegaging and fun. I loved the little animals depicted and thought that saying cats were also wicked was cute and funny. Some cats are. 

I think young readers will enjoy it. 

Building the Book Pile #466

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Morning everyone, I hope your weekend has been a fun one. We are dealing with a broken furnance - hope it is fixed this upcoming week because nights in New Hampshire are starting to get chilly. We are doing ok though with space heaters for the time being. 

I am doing some reading... but getting time to sit and write reviews is always difficult with work getting in the way, so I missed putting one up last week (boo work, buy yay adult money for books and furnace parts...i guess).

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week

Early Reader Review: The Not-So-Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens (Youth)

Recent Reads: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (Adult)

Early Reader Review: Warrior of Legend by Kendare Blake (YA)

Books Received Recently...  

 

The Chalice of the Gods (Percy Jackson #6) by Rick Riordan - bought

Wrath of the Triple Goddess (Percy Jackson #7 by Rick Riordan  - bought

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas - bought

It's Not Me, It's You by Alex Light - for review from the Publisher

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: John the Skeleton by Triinu Laan (Youth) -3 stars

2024 HO-HO-HO Readathon! Commitment page

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

2024 HO-HO-HO Readathon!

Here are some of the Read-a-thon Details

Borrowed from Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Visit her site for more information   

• Link-up! It is unnecessary to link to goal post but of course we love them. You can link to the social media platform you will use to track your reading. This can be your blog, or a special Goodreads Shelf you create. Be sure to label the shelf hohohorat2024. You can use a social media account, but you’ll need to tag me and use hashtag #2024HoHoHoRAT. (I must be able to see it. So friend me there)

• Declare your intentions on your blog or through social media. Be sure and link back to this HoHoHo Readathon Sign-up page. Linky will close November 29th, so be sure to link up, even if you will only take part for a few days.

• Grab the image and share! Tell your friends, post the image and link on social media using X (Twitter), Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, Threads, and others. Be sure to include a link to this page, so others may join.

• Take part in at least one challenge and complete two books to be eligible for grand prize.

• Read or listen to as many Holiday or Winter themed books as you can from any genre. If you are unsure, contact me. Goodreads is an excellent source for finding Winter & Holiday reads. Ask your librarian.

• Read-a-thon starts on Thursday, November 21st 12:01 am (your time zone) and ends on Monday, December 2nd, at 11:59 pm (your time zone)

I have all of these books on my Kindle and this is a great time to get to them.

I do not have this one yet but it is a Xmas/Halloween mash-up that I might need to grab.

Challenges completed:

✅Added a lovely Mulled wine recipe to this Challenge:

Carla @ Carla Loves to Read “Share A Holiday Recipe"

https://www.wellplated.com/spiced-wine/ - here is the link to a yummy one.

✅Loved participating in Ruth's puzzle challenge:

• Ruth @ Ruth A. Casie “Ruth’s Holiday Puzzles"

✅Got a Bingo!:

Marlene @ Reading Reality “Holiday Book Bingo"

1. Winter Mystery: Meltdown in Christmas River, a who-done it mystery set in a holiday town
2. Xmas Romance: All I want for Christmas is Them, a MMF romance/ naughty Christmas romance
3. Other Winter Romance: Witching you a Charmed Christmas - set leading up to Christmas, winter themes, cute Cozy romance 

✅Completed the Scavenger Hunt:

• Lisa @ Lisa Loves Literature “Holiday Book Cover Scavenger Hunt Mini-Challenge"

1. Candy Cane: All I Want for Christmas is Them by Adora Crooks
2. Kinara: The Night Before Kwanzaa by Natasha Wing
3. Ornament: The Little Christmas Tree by Thomas Meyer
4. Santa Hat: Dear Monster Claus by Maeve Black
5. Menorah: My First Menorah by Salina Yoon
6. Wreath: Little Blue Truck's Christmas by Alice Schertle
7. Holly: The Nightmare before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
8. Stocking: All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
9. Mitten: The Mitten by Jan Brett
10. Dredel: Little Dreidel Learns to Spin by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
11. Scarf: A Very Merry Mistake by Lyra Parish
12. Sweater: My Frosty Fake Christmas Date by Cassie Bowen

Books read: 

Early Reader Review: John the Skeleton by Triinu Laan

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

John the Skeleton by Triinu Laan  

Publisher: Yonder
Publication Date: October 1, 2024 

 

Format: Paperback ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

2022 Bologna Children's Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition winner

2021 The White Ravens catalog

2021 Tartu Prize for Children’s Literature

Everyone deserves a quiet, restful retirement. But for John, a newly retired classroom skeleton, life is just beginning. When John is adopted by Grams and Gramps and leaves the classroom to live on their farm, every day is an exciting new John rides in the car for the first time, makes a snow angel, scares away crooks, and becomes a source of comfort for Grams, Gramps, and their grandkids. With delightful illustrations and a charming cast of characters, John the Skeleton is a quirky, touching, and unforgettable book. Triinu Laan thoughtfully weaves aging and death into the fabric of life, crafting a tender portrait of what it means to care for one another, grow old together, and appreciate the little things.

Review: 

This is a translated book from Estonian but it works very well in the translation. It is about an elderly couple that help a classroom skeleton retire to the countryside. 

I love spooky, halloween themes especially this time of year when it is getting colder and darker, but John the Skeleton is a wholesome story about Gramps and Grams in the country and their skeleton friend. The main themes being about growing older together, grief and mourning and how it can impact people. 

This was a weird book - just meaning I am not sure how it will be recieved by younger readers. It is odd and a bit sad at times, and since it is international some customs might differ from ours (great learning opportunity, but for young kids a bit different).

I really enjoyedt this read John the Skeleton got a car ride and scared some people, Gramps and Grams dress him up and talk to him like part of the family. They personify him and take him on adventures - it is very cute. I think if you are looking for an interesting way to talk about grief and mourning, this would be a lovely book to bring into your household - especially if related to grandparents. 

Bonus points for "Gramps" that is what I called my grandfather. I miss him dearly and think about him every day. I think my Gramps would be just as fun if he had a skeleton. 

Building the Book Pile #465

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

This is a late one- apologies. The universe has asked me to rest a bit. So I am here and reading but don't have much to say today. Love you all! Hope you are well.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week

Early Reader Review: John the Skeleton by Triinu Laan (Youth)

Early Reader Review: The Not-So-Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens (Youth)

Books Received Recently...  

 

The Not-So-Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens from Netgalley and the publisher for review

The History of Everything by Victoria Evans from Netgalley and the publisher for review

They Work: Honey Bees, Nature's Pollinators by June Smalls from Netgalley and the publisher for review

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: One Wild Christmas by Nicholas Oldland (Youth) -3 stars

Early Reader Review: The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott (YA) -5 stars

Early Reader Review: Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood (YA) -3 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

Early Reader Review: Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood

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

Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood 

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  October 1, 2024

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

On the island of Zakynthos, nothing is more powerful than Desire―love itself, bottled and sold to the highest bidder by Leandros, a power-hungry descendent of the god Eros.

Eirene and her beloved twin sister, Phoebe, have always managed to escape Desire’s thrall. Until Leandros’ wife dies mysteriously and he sets his sights on Phoebe. Determined to keep her sister safe, Eirene strikes a bargain with Leandros: if she can complete the four elaborate tasks he sets her, he will find another bride. But it soon becomes clear that the tasks are part of something bigger; something related to Desire and Lamia, the strange, neglected daughter Leandros keeps locked away.

Lamia knows her father hides her for her own protection, though as she and Eirene grow closer, she finds herself longing for the outside world. But the price of freedom is high, and with something deadly―something hungry―stalking the night, that price must be paid in blood . . .

Review: 

I would probably round this one up to a 3.5 star rating.

I appreciate that Sarah Underwood likes to write Greek mythology retellings. This is her second - both attempt to take Greek Myths and have a sapphic element/ romance. Both have fallen into some of the same issues though.

The story follows Eirene, twin sister of Phoebe, who has caught the attention of demi-god Leandros. To save her frailer sister, Eirene takes her place as willing to wed Leandros. He tasks her with four objectives to 'ensure she will be an adeqaute wife'.  This story takes from a few Greek myths, Lamia, Psyche and Eros, and Aphrodite with love and desire.

What I liked about this story was that the love story could have been between sisters. So if you read it with that in mind, it is a lovely story. Through the story, Eirene is determined to keep her sister safe and out of Leandros' way - she does everything in her power to accomplish the tasks...for her sister. This devotion and love was wonderful, and while Eirene is stubborn she is so because of her attempt to save her sister. 

I liked the steady pace of the book, but if you are looking for something quicker, this might not be for you. It has a very steady cadence - Eirene gets a task... she panics, but works to accomplish the task, slight chaos... and then progression. The bigger climax might have been around discovery of what Lamia is - I will leave that out, but it was not what I expected (because I know of a lamia as another type of creature and expected something a bit different).

Some dislikes: To the same effect as above - there really wasn't a sapphic romance. There was one kiss and maybe a little swooning, but the Lamia/ Eirene relationship came off as more of sisters than romantic love. I would have prefered the focus just be on sisterly love because if you are giving me "sapphic retelling" I really hope for more than this. 

I also feel like the Psyche/Eros/ Aphrodite myths got a bit jumbled in the attempt to tell this story. Eirene was set with tasks, taken from the Psyche story - but I wanted more explanation of that myth and story to build the bridge a bit more clearly. Maybe a full story telling between Eirene and Lamia could have built up more of that romantic feel between them that I was missing.

Overall, this was a likable read. I enjoyed my time with it and will continue to read Sarah Underwood's retellings. The story had a fair amount of good qualities and if you come in knowing that the sapphic romance is a bit lackluster and that the pacing is  kinda of monotone, I think you will be better prepared for your read. I really like the incorporation of Greek myth, and will continue to read for that reason alone. 

Early Reader Review: The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott

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

The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott

Series: Empyreal #1
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: August 27, 2024 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Nicole Palmer has needed to study the supernatural art in a local Cornish manor for years. Encoded in it is the last message from her mother on how to stay safe from The Wake—the organization that governs all supernaturals. As an Empyreal, Nicole has the ability to hunt and kill dangerous creatures, making her invaluable. But if her power was ever triggered, they would find her, use her, and then kill her.

Like they did her mother.

Securing an undergraduate research role to study the collection, Nicole discovers her greatest enemy—one of The Wake’s Empyreals. Kyan McCarter is their best hunter, stationed at the manor to track and kill a deadly creature, but when they realise a painting’s been stolen by his prey, Nicole and Kyan are forced to work together to find it.

As the creature threatens to expose Nicole’s power, her tenuous alliance with Kyan threatens her heart. If Kyan finds out what she is, he’ll hunt her next—or risk execution. No one disobeys The Wake and survives. Especially not when the art they’re seeking holds the key to a conspiracy that could get them both killed, and change the lives of creatures, and humans, forever.

SERPENT AND DOVE meets A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES, in this luxurious, forbidden romance.

Review: 

Nicole is an Empyreal, but she hasn't made the full change yet. Her mother taught her to run should that ever happen or if she met another Empyreal. Her whole family has been on the run since her mother was murdered by an Empyreal many years ago and they still don't know the full story of why. Nicole is determined to find out through clues her mother has left for her in supernatural pieces or artwork. Nicole is studying art as a college student and living a pretty normal life around searching for her mother's clues, and she is starting to get somewhere when her mentor dies unexpectedly and an Empyreal shows up to investigate. 

Kyan is also an Empyreal and has been for centuries. He is conscripted to the Wake, a supernatural justice provider who are more than they seem. He is a loyal and faithful hunter and just there to do a job and get back out.  Part of that job is also to bring back any Empyreals he comes across once they have started hunting to the Wake. 

Told in dual POV - Nicole and Kyan, this was a blend of fantasy, romance, mystery, and a very interesting clue/ scavenger hunt. The Empyreal creature is essentially a shapeshifter which was a pretty interesting way to use a supernatural creature but put a spin on it. 

The book overall had lovely pacing, once you made it past the 100-page point, the reader was given enough to hold on, but also not enough so they wanted to keep pushing forward. I know that for some this might seem a bit slow and lagging but for me I thought it was nicely balanced. 

I appreciated the push and pull of the romantic elements. It was insta-love, but they are both so confused that they don't realize it, so that was a good move and like most books with forbidden romance, bit built up the danger and action within the plotline. I liked Nicole, she was determined and smart, but as most MCs was stubborn as well - thinking she can take on the world alone and that put her in some bad situations. That said, I liked her interests in Art History and wanted more of that, I love art, and it would have been cool to 'see' some of that art come through more. Kyan was your classic emo-boy to start. He is just getting by, doing what he needs to do, being angsty, but Nicole challenges him and he is interested in her for that reason to start - she pushes him. 

There are more books coming in this series, but the author doesn't leave you on a complete cliffhanger.  Quite a few things are wrapped nicely, so that you feel like you have some conclusion although there is more to come. 

Early Reader Review: One Wild Christmas by Nicholas Oldland

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

One Wild Christmas by Nicholas Oldland 

Series: Life in the Wild
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date:  October 1, 2024 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Best friends the bear, the moose and the beaver have been so busy getting ready for Christmas, they have forgotten the most important decoration of all - the Christmas tree! Rushing through the snowy forest, they reject one tree after another. And then they spot it. A pine tree that is just the right size, with soft needles and a wonderful scent - it's perfect! But just as the beaver is about to chop it down, the bear stops him. He can't allow this tree to be harmed, it is simply too beautiful! But the moose and the beaver disagree. Is there a way they can have a perfect Christmas - without chopping down the perfect tree?

Review: 

Bear, Moose, and Beaver are friends and at Christmas time they divide up all the chores and to do list so that they- can ensure the best Christmas ever.  This year they forgot the tree! They all run out into the woods to find the perfect tree but there are some that are too big, some too small, and some that are not the right type. When they come to the perfect Christmas tree though, Bear is very unhappy about chopping it down. They have to change plans.

This was a cute story. I liked that it was about preserving nature in its natural enviornment. It was also a quick, fun holiday read. I think that kids will like the animals and the fighting that ensues over the tree chopping. I enjoyed this one for its heart and concern for nature and it will be a great children's book to add to the collection.

Building the Book Pile #464

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Hi there - I hope you all had a great week! I am back home from NYC. Always such a whirlwind of a trip but I had a nice time. I was there for work with a bunch of students visiting some companies.  While there, I at a lot of good food... including Chipotle which I don't have where I live (I know...it is so sad, closest one is ~1 hr away). I also got to see some siblings and saw SIX the Musical- which was WONDERFUL live. If you have the chance, I recommend. It is like a concert the whole time. 

Anywho. I also did some reading on the bus ride down and back up, so that was productive. I always plan to work on the bus but the wifi is not that great, so reading instead (really it is a win for me).

Now back in NH... it is getting cold. Our heat is kicking on now ... which is normal and the leaves have mostly all changed. It is beautiful. After being in the city, the pretty trees and crisp, fresh air were so nice to come home to. 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week

Early Reader Review: One Wild Christmas by Nicholas Oldland (Youth)

Early Reader Review: The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott (YA) 

Early Reader Review: Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood (YA)

Books Received Recently...  

The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett (MG/YA) - From the publisher for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: The Littlest Christmas Tree by Thomas Meyer (Youth)- 4 stars

Early Reader Review: My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows (YA) - 5 stars

Recent Reads: Witchy Reservations by Stephanie Damore (Adult) - 3 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!