Hollow Bones

 

 

Hollow Bones

CJ Lyons

ISBN: 978-1-250-01537-2

August 2013

4 Stars

*I received a copy of this through Library Thing early reviewers*

When an archaeology student goes missing FBI agent Caitlyn Tierney follows her gut into the jungles of Guatemala.  Finding resistance from the missing girl’s family and the locals’ only makes her more determined. She only has one ally, FBI agent Jake Carver, at her side as she faces the unexpected twists and turns leading her into the heart of darkness.

This is the first book I have read by this author and will not be the last. With that said I will jump into my big complaint right at the start. These books are rated as standalone novels but I did feel like I was missing a little something when it came to character relationships.  That aspect could have been a lot worse (I have experienced it a couple of times so far), but it was still present.  I also expected a little more action dispersed throughout the story.  This genre benefits from action but again this was a minimal problem.

I really liked the plot of this one.  Even though there is a lot of interest in Mayan culture the author keeps that part of it fresh and unique.  There’s a lot of vivid imagery and it’s easy to lose yourself in the descriptions. The characters are great with interesting histories. This genre can easily seem bogged down and cluttered but I didn’t feel that way while reading. It has the intensity it needs but almost has an easy going feeling that makes it seem like a light read.  I have no problem recommending Hollow Bones.

 

The 9 Lives of Alexander Baddenfield

 

The 9 Lives of Alexander Baddenfield

John Bemelmans Marciano, (Illustrator) Sophie Blackall

ISBN: 978-0-670-01406-4

October 2013

*I received this ARC copy from Goodreads first reads*

5 Stars

Alexander Baddenfield is not a good little boy. In fact he is a very mean little boy who has inherited his bad attitude from the long line of Baddenfields’ before him. Being so bad has earned them all very short lives and Alexander is the very last Baddenfield left. So he comes up with a plan to have lives to spare and end the Baddenfield curse.

This is a very quick and fun read. I will say up front that obviously this book talks about death and parents should be aware of that.  Although the topic of death is a tough and touchy subject the author does so in a way that isn’t traumatic. Alexander ends up going on a few adventures and has some learning experiences.  There are a lot of moral lessons intertwined as well and they aren’t only for children.  I am sure a lot of us could learn a thing or two from Alexander Baddenfield lives.

I do recommend this book to everyone and think parents will have fun sharing it with their children.

 

Trying something a bit different

I really would like to get other readers' feedback and to discuss what you are reading too. This shouldn't be a one way street. So, I am trying to make this a more active blog instead of just my opinions on what I have read. So feel free to chime in but please be mindful of spoilers.

Ostrich

 

Ostrich

Matt Greene

ISBN: 978-0-345-54519-0

August 2013

*I won this ARC copy via goodreads.*

4.5 Stars

While recovering from brain surgery twelve year old Alex starts to take notice that the people around him are acting more strangely than usual. Written in stream of consciousness this novel follows Alex through his investigations not only of people but also of life in general.  Between his father’s Thursday night disappearances and his mother’s mysterious darkroom Alex finds that sometimes it’s not always easy to accept the truth.

First of all I will say that even after waiting a bit I am still on the fence between four and five stars.  I won’t even mention what I didn’t like because I may after more time decide it wasn’t worth pondering at all.  This is another one of those books that got me researching the facts tossed here and there throughout so I learned a few things and that’s always exciting for me. I even bothered my husband endlessly and he will be so relieved that I finished it. The humor is abundant enough to balance the rough spots which only made this book better. I recommend this novel wholeheartedly as it has something for everyone.

P.S. I do think it’s important to mention that even though this is a coming of age type of plot there are some very mature topics in which I have seen other reviewers mention.  Yes, I was shocked by some things but I have heard and seen worse on animated television shows.