Blog Tour: Review - Secret Mage by Rebecca Jaycox

 

Secret Mage by Rebecca Jaycox
Series: The Blood Magic #1

Publisher: Aelurus Publishing
Publication Date:  June 9, 2020

Age Range: 14-18

Page Count: 340

 

Format: Ebook


About the Book: 

Some secrets are too deadly to keep, some bloodlines too powerful to contain …

Reggie Lang might only be seventeen, but she’s had to grow up fast. Losing a father as a baby made things hard enough, but when her mom turned to alcohol for refuge, Reggie had to hold things together. She still does. If only she could escape it all …

When the other kids at school start calling her a freak, things only get tougher. What’s worse, she worries they’re right. Reggie shouldn’t be able to bring dead creatures back to life but somehow she can? If it wasn’t for her ride-or-die best friend, she’d have completely lost it by now.

When a mysterious man invades Reggie’s dreams, is it just another sign that she’s falling apart? He claims he’s her guardian – that he’s from another world. He tells her that her father’s killer is there …

… and that now an evil mage is gunning for her, destroying anything in his way.

Reggie’s always wanted to escape her life, but not like this. Does she really have to run to protect the people she loves? Who will take care of her mom? The man in her dreams says he’ll teach her about magic and protect her. That he’ll send someone he trusts to collect her. That her blood makes her powerful. It’s a hard choice, but ultimately protecting her mom is worth anything.

The magic-saturated world she discovers might be full of wonders, but the horrors are worse than she could have imagined. Can the man sent to guide her really protect her, or is the sign of his slavery an omen of what will happen to her?

Reggie will be pushed to her limits as she attempts her treacherous journey, struggling to adapt to a strange new world and learning to wield her powers. The Dark Mage isn’t easily evaded. He rules this world with a bloody fist. Because it’s blood he’s after—Reggie’s blood. And avoiding capture might just be the toughest thing Reggie has ever faced.

Rating: 

Review: 

Secret Mage is the first book in The Blood Magic series. We follow Reggie a 17 year old girl who hasn't has the best time of it. Her father disappeared on them and her mother struggles with depression and drinking problems leaving Reggie to her own devices. She has struggled with bullies and had learned not only to take care of herself but also to defend herself, making her a strong and resourceful main character.

The story follows her as she learns that there is more to her than meets the eye as she begins to accidently bring animals and bugs back to life with a weird energy. She learns that he has magic and there is another world that needs her. 

The plot was strong and fast paced, so a quick read made even faster by the shorter chapters. We immediately get a sense for Reggie and her abilities and then are whisked away into the Other, the magic world that her bloodline comes from. I really liked the pacing of this book, it was quick and often to the point, but with just enough world-building to bring it all together. I also liked Reggie's strength and determination. The other characters were also a lot of fun. My favorite of which was a changeling, so I hope to read more about him in the rest of the series. I really hope that we get more character growth out of a lot of the other characters as well in the next book, they all see so interesting. 

I found that the romance to be a bit fast and heavy, which seemed weird to me. Reggie is only 17 and this was meant to be a young adult book from my understanding so there was more to the romance than I expected out of it. Another thing that I found a bit weird, was that this installment left a few thing hanging out. All things will get resolved as the series continues I'm sure, but there were a few characters that I felt like the author just forgot in the end as she resolved some things with Reggie.

Overall, I was impressed with the fast moving plot and how well the world was built up around the adventure. I will love to read this series and learn more about the characters as we progress. 

About the Author:

Rebecca Jaycox grew up in the tiny town of Berryman, which borders the Mark Twain National Forest and the Courtois River about 70 miles south of St. Louis. The beautiful landscape fed her imagination, and she began writing stories at age 10 and never stopped. Always seeking adventure, Rebecca moved to France after she graduated college with a journalism degree to teach English at a French high school. Bitten by the travel bug, she has recently visited Italy, Greece, Austria, Spain, and finally made it to her bucket-list destination of Istanbul last summer. Rebecca now lives in New York City with her husband, Gregory. She enjoys reading and writing fantasy, urban fantasy, steampunk, and science fiction. 

Find the Author

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Monthly Re-Cap - June 2021 / To Read in July 2021

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Here is the progress from the June TBR 

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.

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Almost made it! I am also half way through one more of these.

~~Books I Read in June 2021~~

~~Links to Some Reviews~~

• Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett - 2 stars
• Luna Howls at the Moon (MG) - 4 stars
• Poison Ivy: Thorns by Kody Keplinger (YA, GN) - 4 stars
• The Umbrella Academy #1 by Gerard  Way (YA/ GN) - 3 stars
• The Umbrella Academy Volume 2 - Dallas by Gerard Way (GN) - 3 stars
• The Umbrella Academy Volume 3 Hotel Oblivion -  by Gerard Way (GN) - 1 star
• Chucky by Yehudi Mercado (MG, GN)- 4 stars
• Crownless by M.H. Woodcroft (YA) -4 stars
• Call of the Night #2 by Kotoyama (GN) - 3 stars
• Shipped by Angie Hockman (Adult)  - 3.5 stars
• We Want A Dog by Lo Cole (Youth) - 4 stars
• Sleeping Beauties Volume 1 by Stephen King and Owen King (Adult, GN) - 3 stars
• The Library Book by Susan Orlean (Audio, Non-fiction, Adult) - 4 stars

Thanks so much for reading!
Support late night reading by sending caffeine 😴

 TBR for JULY

1. Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian - June BOTM
2. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle 
3. The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
4. Love you Bad by Louise Mullins
5. Secret Mage by Rebecca Jaycox
6. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
7. Let Sleeping Murder Lie by Carmen Radtke
8. Song of the Forever Rains by E.J. Mellow

Do you have a July TBR? Feel free to share it in the comments below! I would love to know what you are reading!

Recent Reads: The Library Book by Susan Orlean

The Library Book by Susan Orlean 
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date:  October 16, 2018 

 

Format: Audible Audiobook
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

On the morning of April 29, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles Public Library. As the moments passed, the patrons and staff who had been cleared out of the building realized this was not the usual fire alarm. As one fireman recounted, “Once that first stack got going, it was ‘Goodbye, Charlie.’” The fire was disastrous: it reached 2000 degrees and burned for more than seven hours. By the time it was extinguished, it had consumed four hundred thousand books and damaged seven hundred thousand more. Investigators descended on the scene, but more than thirty years later, the mystery remains: Did someone purposefully set fire to the library—and if so, who?

Weaving her lifelong love of books and reading into an investigation of the fire, award-winning New Yorker reporter and New York Times bestselling author Susan Orlean delivers a mesmerizing and uniquely compelling book that manages to tell the broader story of libraries and librarians in a way that has never been done before.

In The Library Book, Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves into the evolution of libraries across the country and around the world, from their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative to their current status as a cornerstone of national identity; brings each department of the library to vivid life through on-the-ground reporting; studies arson and attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; reflects on her own experiences in libraries; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago.

Along the way, Orlean introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters from libraries past and present—from Mary Foy, who in 1880 at eighteen years old was named the head of the Los Angeles Public Library at a time when men still dominated the role, to Dr. C.J.K. Jones, a pastor, citrus farmer, and polymath known as “The Human Encyclopedia” who roamed the library dispensing information; from Charles Lummis, a wildly eccentric journalist and adventurer who was determined to make the L.A. library one of the best in the world, to the current staff, who do heroic work every day to ensure that their institution remains a vital part of the city it serves.

Brimming with her signature wit, insight, compassion, and talent for deep research, The Library Book is Susan Orlean’s thrilling journey through the stacks that reveals how these beloved institutions provide much more than just books—and why they remain an essential part of the heart, mind, and soul of our country. It is also a master journalist’s reminder that, perhaps especially in the digital era, they are more necessary than ever.

Review: 

Complete honesty here - I picked up this book because the fire happened on the day I was born (probably dating myself) I was very intrigued! I also have an Audible subscription so I am constantly looking for interesting things to listen to and this one called to me. I am a lover of books, of libraries, and the date called to me.

Orlean weaves a wonderful tale of the 1986 fire, the present day library and its keepers, as well as the overall history of the library. Each chapter is begun with a list of book titles, authors, and call number that are central to the theme of the upcoming chapter. It is strange but a clever way to show how we references things. This might be lost on those that do not know call numbering or use libraries extensively which is a bit saddening. 

I was most intrigued by the fire and the case, it allowed for me to become more interested in the history and future of the library and was a good way to put it all out there. Orlean does a wonderful job researching everything about this - the library itself, interviewing the people working there, working with them, and explaining why she herself was so invested in this topic. 

Overall this was very well done. I really enjoyed learning all about the library and made me want to find my local library sooner rather than later - which I now have. 

Recent Reads: Sleeping Beauties Vol 1 by Stephen and Owen King

Sleeping Beauties (Graphic Novel) by Stephen King and Own King,
Illustrated by Alison Sampson, Adapted by Rio Youers
Series: Volume 1
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Publication Date:  October 13, 2020

 

Format: Hardback
Source: Borrowed from the Library

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

This graphic novel adaptation based on the horror novel by Stephen King and Owen King provides a visually stunning interpretation of the bestselling book.

A bizarre sleeping sickness, known as Aurora, has fallen over the world, and strangest of all, it only affects women. In the small town of Dooling, a mysterious woman has walked out of the woods; she calls herself Eve and leaves a trail of carnage behind her. More mysterious: she's the only woman not falling asleep.

Review: 

I know that a lot of people read Stephen King, I don't. There is one book that I have read that really resonated with me and that was The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. Otherwise they are too spooky for me. I saw Sleeping Beauties in graphic novel form at my library and was intrigued, so I picked it up. 

This graphic novel is violent, disturbing, a long and heavy read, and graphic. It is about a sleeping sickness rushing through the world. It only affects women and when they fall asleep they stay asleep and webbing covers their faces. This graphic novel adaptation paints a picture of hysteria in addition to other very sensitive issues - TRIGGER WARNINGS for rape, murder in various forms, assault and death of a child. There was a lot to swallow in this one. 

Aside from the very violent nature of the book, there were a number of characters to follow and I can only imagine the work that was done to convert this over to the graphic novel medium. Because there are so many characters it is hard to get fully invested in them and really care about what is going on with them specifically, especially because so many are women that become affected. 

I think what this book gains in shock and horror it lacks in character development and that is a downer. It was a good graphic novel but might not have needed to be a graphic novel.

Recent Reads: We Want a Dog by Lo Cole

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

We Want a Dog by Lo Cole
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication Date:  June 8, 2021

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

From the author-illustrator of Ten on a Twig comes a hysterical dog book for kids and adults alike, perfect for any pet lover!

We want a dog! What kind of dog...?

This hilarious rhyming texts takes us through twenty-seven unexpected and amusing varieties of dogs that one could have, like "one that begs, one that sheds, one that rips things into shreds." And while the book is sure to delight any dog lover, the narrator's choice at the end will make readers laugh out loud! See how many of these lovable and amusing pups you can recognize from your own life.

Review: 

This was a cute book with simplistic yet striking illustrations that will be sure to catch your eye and keep your youthful reader involved... and it is about dogs! 

This children's book is all about finding the right kind of dog. Using open ended questions, rhyme, and a bold red, white, and black color palette to pull you in. It also showcase some of the weird, troublesome, and fun things that dogs like to do that may help you make your doggy choice. 

The finished copy of this book will also include a clever gatefold surprise, although my ARC did not have it, I expect that is is adorable and will be fun for readers. 

If you are a pet household, this will be an enjoyable read.

Recent Reads: Shipped by Angie Hockman

Shipped by Angie Hockman

Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date:   January 19th 2021

 

Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed from Library

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Between taking night classes for her MBA and her demanding day job at a cruise line, marketing manager Henley Evans barely has time for herself, let alone family, friends, or dating. But when she’s shortlisted for the promotion of her dreams, all her sacrifices finally seem worth it.

The only problem? Graeme Crawford-Collins, the remote social media manager and the bane of her existence, is also up for the position. Although they’ve never met in person, their epic email battles are the stuff of office legend.

Their boss tasks each of them with drafting a proposal on how to boost bookings in the Galápagos—best proposal wins the promotion. There’s just one catch: they have to go on a company cruise to the Galápagos Islands...together. But when the two meet on the ship, Henley is shocked to discover that the real Graeme is nothing like she imagined. As they explore the Islands together, she soon finds the line between loathing and liking thinner than a postcard.

With her career dreams in her sights and a growing attraction to the competition, Henley begins questioning her life choices. Because what’s the point of working all the time if you never actually live?

Review: 

Henley is a persistent and driven woman. She is a list-maker pursuing a full time career marketing for a cruise line and an MBA. It would all be coming together if not for Graeme who walked in and took credit for her idea and now she has to work with him daily and her boss who seems to be speaking down to her at all times. When a promotion comes up Henley and Graeme are sent on on of the cruises to get a feel for it, come up with a marketing plan, and land the promotion. 

This is a fun hate-ish to love-ish romance with a lot of flirting and build up. The romance itself is very PG and wholesome, not steamy at all. I enjoy that in a romance. The cruise put the characters in a romantic setting and their personalities were hilarious and them getting together was a fun rollercoaster ride. I had some laugh out loud moments and enjoyed this read.

I only liked it though for a few reasons. I felt like Henley and her sister's relationship was not fleshed out enough. There was a lot of loathing there and then all of a sudden it is all forgiven and pet names are used - it seemed like too much. And from experience with sister ... we can hold a grudge so I felt like there needed to be more there. I also felt like Henley and Graeme's relationship was more insta-love than a built up love story. This was more a story of miscommunication, paranoia, and misjudgment than hate to love.

Building the Book Pile #351

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Another Sunday folks! I hope you made it though the week in one piece. 

I had another productive week of reading...still have a few more days to finish my TBR for June - wish me luck (I'm close!). I also FINALLY finished Guards! Guards! haha it has been on my finish list for MONTHS.

July will bring a lot of things - a trip up north for work, a trip to the lake with family, finishing my Master's program!!!!, lots of blog tour reviews to come. I am already feeling overwhelmed. 

Sorry for the short update - it is late as I am finalizing this post and the puppy has just informed me it is time to go to bed. He will sleep. I will read for a bit.

I hope you have a wonderful upcoming week!

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

 

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads:  Shipped by Angie Hockman (Adult)

Recent Reads: We Want A Dog by Lo Cole (Youth)

Monthly Re-Cap - June 2021 / To Read in July 2021

Recent Reads: Sleeping Beauties Volume 1 by Stephen King and Owen King (Adult, GN)

Recent Reads: The Library Book by Susan Orlean (Audio, Non-fiction, Adult)

Books Received Recently...

 

For Review:

Pumpkin Heads! by Wendell Minor

The Happy Pumpkin by DK Publishing

Other Bookish Stuff:

Book Beau was having a sale so I got myself some goodies!

A book sleeve and a book beau (which will double as a travel pillow).

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: Luna Howls at the Moon (MG) - 4 stars

Early Reader Review: Poison Ivy: Thorns by Kody Keplinger (YA, GN)- 4 stars

Recent Reads:  The Umbrella Academy Volume 3 Hotel Oblivion -  by Gerard Way (GN) - 1 star

 

 Recent Reads: Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett (Adult)- 2 stars

Comment or leave me a link and I will see you online again soon.

Happy Reading!

Recent Reads: Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett

Guards! Guards! by Terry Prachett 

Series: Discworld #8
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books 
Publication Date:  March 17, 2009

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

This is where the dragons went. They lie ... not dead, not asleep, but ... dormant. And although the space they occupy isn't like normal space, nevertheless they are packed in tightly. They could put you in mind of a can of sardines, if you thought sardines were huge and scaly. And presumably, somewhere, there's a key...

GUARDS! GUARDS! is the eighth Discworld novel - and after this, dragons will never be the same again!

Review: 

I should probably preface this review with the fact that I have not read the first 7 Discworld books before picking this one up. I read online that you could jump into this overall series at certain points and this was one of them. Our book club was looking for something with dragons and that was funny and Guards! Guards! was in that category. I think just about everyone in the book club gave up on this one. I inevitably pushed through just to add it to my finished pile because I was already 75% done when I decided to bail from the club aspect.

Guards! Guards! is funny and does have dragons so it met our criteria, it was just a very weird book. I know that people love Pratchett and Discworld and maybe I would feel differently going into the series properly, but I was not feeling this one from the beginning. The first major flaw for me was that there were NO Chapters/ no chapter headings... which means (for me) no good stopping points. This also made the book club planning not great. Don't get me wrong there were breaks and transitions where there could have been headers but there weren't. 

The plot of this story is essentially that some underground/illegal magicians are trying to overthrow the current leader and to do so they are going to summon a dragon to terrorize the city which would bring forth a prince to take over and rule. Their plot does not go as planned unfortunately. While we get the POV of these magicians for the plot set up, most of the book is told from the POV of the guards of the city. They are not taken seriously, they don't actually have any real rules they enforce, and are an overall farce. 

The characters were interesting, and as noted, funny. The plot was good. It just all took a little too long to get into the swing of it and without the chapters/dividing points I felt like I was reading a run-on sentence. It was exhausting. If you like this series - maybe it was me and the timing of it, but this was not for me.