Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

According to Publishers Weekly, “In this powerful beginning to a complex family saga...Dayton excels at creating memorable characters.”

SEEKER is billed as a Young Adult fantasy novel. And while the characters are memorable and the family saga complex, there is something off.

What I loved: 
The relationship between Quin, John and Shinobu. This book reminded me nothing of the Hunger Games or Divergent, but at times I did find myself thinking it reminded me a bit of Clockwork Princess with the love triangle.

The little physics class about traveling between dimensions was fun.

The deceptions and family secrets intriguing, but not as intriguing as Maud’s character.

What I didn’t like: 
Wait, what’s a Seeker and what are they seeking? And why did Quin suddenly become this magnificent healer for 18 months and then we never revisit that power and it was never hinted at in the first place?

Parts of this book are great, but there’s something missing and the 18 month span in Hong Kong seems out of place in a book like this. It’s a good fantasy read, but lacking in the world building. Maybe book 2 will bring it all together, but the story didn’t draw me in enough to feel like I have to read the next one.

3/5 Stars

**I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review**

The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

 


I have been looking forward to reading this book for a long while. I finally did last night! The Paper Magician was a bit Harry Potter and a bit Night Circus. It moved fast, barely enough time to really get to know the characters. Part of me wishes it went a little deeper and we had more time for Ceony and Emery to get to know each other before the drama hit. The flashbacks were a bit overwhelming and overtook around 2/3 of the book. And then, it suddenly ended. I see this is a trilogy, and while I enjoyed this book, I'm not chomping at the bit to read the others. It just seemed like a lot of rushing even if the premise was great and the writing was good.
  
Still, if you like Harry Potter and you like The Night Circus, then definitely read THE PAPER MAGICIAN. 

3/5 stars

I received an ARC for an honest review 

Sparrow Man is Free for a limited time

I’m using up my Kindle freebies before branching out to Nook, iTunes, Kobo, etc. So SPARROW MAN is free Jan 22-26.

Get the Kindle eBook here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MLUIIV0

Being Human: Best series and best series ending

I live the simple life, one without cable. We do have a TV and a Netflix subscription and we look forward to a few shows each year. For a few years now we have been watching this show called Being Human. Awesome, amazing, loveit. Last night we watched the last of season 4 and found out it was the final of the series. Ultimate sadness.

I don't usually do TV show reviews but this series is pretty amazing. Basically it's a show about a brooding Vampire, a self-loathing Werewolf and a crazy ghost-girl. (And most of the main characters are Registered Nurses! Being an RN, I loved this!)

There's plenty of drama and humor. I was never disappointed or bored with any episodes.

If you're an 80's kid there are plenty of references and jokes about the Koolaid man and Harry Potter. The series had an emotional closing and it was pretty perfect. I'm sad that it's over but since it's on Netflix I can re-watch the series over and over and over again.

The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly

I was really excited to get my hands on this book. The blurb sounded intriguing and this author is known for writing excellent thrillers.
Was I thrilled reading The Great Zoo of China? Yes. But was I thrilled reading The Great Zoo of China, um, well since I've already seen/read Jurassic Park I was a bit disappointed with this read.
It's Jurassic Park with Dragons. And if you're wondering, is it really Jurassic Park with Dragons, I'm telling you, it's almost a play by play Jurassic Park with Dragons.
I've read the author's Q&A at the back of the book is by far the most interesting aspect of this novel. He gives is reasoning for choosing the setting of China and expresses his love for Michael Chrichton's Jurassic Park.

An author can pay homage to their favorite book, but using it as a carbon copy is a bit frustrating for readers when they are promised something refreshing and new.



3/5 stars
 

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