THE ARTIST OF RUIN

This is book 3, and sometimes a series can start to stall as the number of books progresses.  That is definitely not the case for this series.  Even in book 3, Sarah is still going strong!

This continues to be one of my favorite vampire series.  Its not cheesy.  Sentences aren’t filled with clichés.  These books are refreshing and leave you feeling good, instead of annoyed or weirded out.  Check out this series if you’re getting sick of the usual vampire books.

Note: I did speak with the author.  I was thinking this was young adult, because most vampire books these days are for young adult.  It isn’t young adult, although young adults can certainly enjoy it.

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO FANGS

This is book 2, and it had been a while since reading book 1.  I skimmed book 1 before starting this one, and it didn’t take me long to get right back into the story.    

This story had just as much excitement, adventure, and the antics of a quirky teenager to leave me happy.  She isn’t all quirky, but there’s enough there to make her realistic without ever being annoying or perfect. 

I really like this idea of vampires.  Sarah still clings to her humanity.  I found it refreshing.  It isn’t like the normal vampire books, so it doesn’t feel old or overused.  I can’t wait for the next book!

OF MYTH AND SHADOW

Wooo.  Where do I start with this book?

For one things, its gigantic, come in at a whopping 896 pages.  I personally love longer books.  I feel as if I become more immersed in them.  The story isn’t broken up as much.  I feel more grounded in the characters and setting.  I spent more nights than I would like to admit to reading this because I wanted to see the next chapter.

This is an epic fantasy at its finest.  It reminded me of the epic fantasies I loved back in high school.  There are elves.  Humans.  Demons.  Destroyer.  I can see this as a three-part big screen movie. 

This is only book 1.  I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!  If you want to get lost in a story, this is it. 

TWO STEPS FORWARD

I received a copy of TWO STEPS FORWARD by Suzanne Woods Fisher in exchange for an honest review from Revell Reads.  This is the third book in the Deacon Family saga.  I have read other books by this author and found them just as realistic and captivating.  Her characters are engaging.  They remind you of people you meet in the real world.  Her Amish experiences seem well researched and reflect on what I’ve learned about the culture from visiting Amish farms in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. 

This is a simple book in the fact that it is straightforward, but still very interesting.  The day to day lives suck you in.  There’s just enough drama to keep you reading, but never becomes heavy or overpowering.

If you’re looking for an entertaining Amish adventure, look no further!

THE END OF ALL HALLOWEENS

This is another fun book by Matthew S. Cox appropriate for younger audiences.  It has enough adventure to keep them interested, and enough character growth to entertain adults. 

This third installment is about Halloween.  It comes complete with lots of laughs and lots of cringes.  There’s edge of your seat excitement.   

I’ve recommended it to my teacher friends who instruct upper elementary and junior high.

ALIENS ATE MY HOMEWORK

This is a fun book, and the perfect escapism to read during a pandemic.  It’s a children’s book, and it amazes me how the author can switch so seamlessly between adult books and children’s books.  I didn’t read anything in here that wouldn’t be appropriate for a kid.

This is the second book in the series.  Its been a little while since I read book 1, but I was able to get right into the story and connect again with the characters. 

This is a great, quirky story about best friends and how good versus evil isn’t always what you think.  5 stars, and a high recommendation.

WORDS OF HOPE FOR WOMEN

I received a copy of WORDS OF HOPE FOR WOMEN by Carolyn Larsen from Revell in exchange for an honest review.  Its like a “words of wisdom” book, but the message is more hopeful.  I found it particularly useful during this pandemic when I’m stuck at home away from many people I love. Each passage seemed to be speaking directly to me.  I highly recommend it, especially during this time of lockdowns and quarantines.  There will be a passage that speaks to you too.  You might really need those words to help get you through.

Chapter 15 – Hope for Guidance – spoke the most to me.  I could connect to the descriptions.  Life is chaotic right now even if I’m living it from within my house.

I liked how small the devotional is.  It fits perfectly in my purse.