Book Review: Boundary Crossed

Boundary Crossed by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Magic book 1

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this book as a free Kindle First book. This is the first book I have read from this author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The story and world in Melissa Olsen's Boundary Crossed were unique, and interesting, definitely a great initial novel in a series.
I loved the concept and back story of the main character, US Army Sergeant Allison “Lex” Luther, and was thrilled to read an Urban Fantasy with a 30 something, ex-military female lead character. For once while reading a paranormal book, I did not have to suspend belief as a strong female protagonist, who kicks some Vampire butts and is not wearing high heels. ( Well except in the one scene, but then that was completely appropriate, and dialogue ensued on it! )

The major issue I had with the book, was also the protagonists age, at times I had to read back to double check, yep shes 30 ... but the dialogue certainly made her seem much younger, reading more like a younger person in a YA novel.

Details:
Series: Boundary Magic
Published May 1st 2015 by 47North
Links:
Melissa F. Olson

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Book Review: The Golem and the Jinni

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
George Guidall (Narrator)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow .... I stayed up too late to finish this one...
Review to follow later after I have had time to process.







Awards:

•  Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Debut Author Best Fantasy (2013) 
• James Tiptree Jr. Award Honor List (2013) 
• Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novel (2013) 
• World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (2014) 
• Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature (2014) 
• Harold U. Ribalow Prize for Jewish fiction (2014) 
• VCU Cabell First Novel Award (2014) 
• The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey “One Book, One Community” (2015) 

Details:
Published April 23rd 2013 by Harper Audio

Links:
Helene Wecker
Episode 141 of Speculate!–Helene Wecker Novel Review (The Golem and the Jinni) by GREG
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Book Review: Fablehaven

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven Book 1 

 My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, is difficult to review, It really depends on the age and reading level. As a Middle Grade book, I would give it 2 stars. As a Transition or Early Chapter Book, or book to read to even younger children, I would give it 4 stars.

In an era of children's books like Harry Potter, Inkheart, and Steelheart to just name a few, Fablehaven does not quite hit that level of story or character development. The book is longer like a Middle Grade or Young Adult book, but the reading level and complexity falls short.

If I consider this as an early chapter book or Transition Book then Fablehaven rates much higher compared to many of the other books offered for this 6-9 age group. This would also be a great intro to fantasy series books, as a book that could be read to even younger children. At this transition book age level, or as a book to read to younger children I would give this book 4 stars.

Details:
Series: Fablehaven
Published July 1st 2006 by Shadow Mountain

Links:
Brandon Mull

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Book Review: People of the Wolf

People of the Wolf by W. Michael Gear

North America's Forgotten Past  Book 1

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Re-Reading books from a different time in my reading past, I loved these at the time, and they hold up as good escape books and good books for camping vacations, but not the same love I had as a teen.

The parts that I still like revolve around the great research and knowledge of anthropology and early peoples that the Gears bring to the books.

Details:
Series: North America's Forgotten Past

Published January 15th 1992 by Tor Books

Links:

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Book Review: William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope

William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher

William Shakespeare's Star Wars Book 4

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope, This book was fun, and funny, but it is also so much more than that. The idea is quirky, and what could have been just another Star Wars tie-in, is in actuality a masterful adaptation of the story and myth of Star Wars written in iambic pentameter verse.
Ian Doescher has captured both the feel and flow of Shakespearean verse, and the wonderful story and characters of Star Wars.

While reading William Shakespeare's Star Wars I had thoughts and feelings, that usually do not occur while reading a book. It is not a curl up and read book, I wanted to walk around and read it aloud. It is not an isolated read by yourself book, I wanted to get several copies of the book, to invite friends and family over for readings of the play ... and because the hardcover books are beautiful additions to my book-shelf.

This book is a great introduction to verse and iambic pentameter, for younger readers. What a great way to introduce the sound and flow of Shakespeare to those who are not quite ready or old enough to read the bards plays.

I highly recommend this book to any Star Wars fan, to anyone that is a fan of verse and prose, and for parents and educators looking for new ways to teach a love of words.

Details:
Published July 2nd 2013 by Quirk Books

Series: William Shakespeare's Star Wars
Links:
Ian Doescher

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The 8 Books Neil deGrasse Tyson Thinks Every Person Should Read | IFLScience

The 8 Books Neil deGrasse Tyson Thinks Every Person Should Read | IFLScience

First up is a list of eight books that Neil deGrasse Tyson thinks everyone should read and his reasons why.
The recommendations are from a 2011 Reddit Ask-Me-Anything.

The Bible": “To learn that it's easier to be told by others what to think and believe than it is to think for yourself."

"The System of the World" by Isaac Newton: “To learn that the universe is a knowable place.”

"On the Origins of Species" by Charles Darwin: “To learn of our kinship with all other life on Earth.”

"Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift: “To learn, among other satirical lessons, that most of the time humans are Yahoos.”

"The Age of Reason" by Thomas Paine: “To learn how the power of rational thought is the primary source of freedom in the world.”

"The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith: “To learn that capitalism is an economy of greed, a force of nature unto itself.”

"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu: “To learn that the act of killing fellow humans can be raised to an art.”

"The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli: “To learn that people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it"

Check out an assortment of books that other notable scientists recommend at IFL.