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Book Review- All The Wild Children by Josh Stallings
All The Wild Children: A noir memoir by Josh Stallings
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve been putting off writing a review of this book, because I just don’t think any collection of words that I can come up with will do it justice. It’s good, so very good that I’d like to take it home with me at closing time.
It may be a memoir, but All the Wild Children reads more like a cross-genre novel (hints of literary, suspense, coming of age, etc.) Like Stallings’ other books, the writing in this book is gut-punch powerful. The bit about the boys being home alone when (can’t say…spoiler!) gave me rolling waves of goose-bumps that lasted damn near five minutes.
Despite having a sh*tty lot-of-it as a child, Stallings isn’t blaming anyone, so much as just telling it like it was. And brilliantly, I might add. I don’t even know if that makes sense, but hopefully once you read this memoir you’ll understand.
One thing I loved is the way Stallings spins a phrase. There were several examples in this book, but the one I loved the most is the one that went something like “This will read better then it lived.” Hell, I probably butchered that one too.
So I’m yelling at you now– go read All The Wild Children. Then check out the novels by Stallings. Your gray matter will thank you.
Related articles
- Quickie Book Review – Out There Bad by Josh Stallings (quirkygurl.com)
Quickie Book Review – Out There Bad by Josh Stallings
Out There Bad by Josh Stallings
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read the first novel by Stallings (Beautiful, Naked & Dead) and loved that one, so I don’t know why I was surprised to find myself deeply engrossed in Out There Bad as well. Maybe it’s because I never love books in a series equally– they’re a bit like children in their own unique way with good points and mediocre points.
But Stallings hit another grand-slam with this one. I finished it well over a week ago and bits of it still haunt me, and my heart breaks all over again for Moses and everything that haunts him so. I don’t know how Stallings does it; he turns readers inside-out, flips them around and drops us on our tails with a thud. And we beg like children, “Do it again!”
Damn fine writing.
Fast, gritty and real is this novel. Don’t dawdle. Read it.
Out There Bad is just bad, man.
Cover Reveal – The Taste of Lavender by Emma Shane
Happy Friday! I just wanted to hop on here and show everyone the new cover for Emma’s soon-to-be released novella, The Taste of Lavender. The blurb is still a work in progress, for now you only get this ethereal image.
So, what do you think?
Quickie Book Review – Give Me by L.K. Rigel
Give Me: A Tale of Wyrd and Fae by L.K. Rigel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have so many good things to say about this book. First, it’s a very well written novel and the intricate weaving of a couple of timelines was done very well. The characters, while not always likeable, rang true and clear. The setting and descriptions made it easy to transport myself to this strange land as I read along.
The author’s take on the Wyrding and spells was a breath of fresh air, as was her take on fairies. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes their fantasy/ paranormal to have a creative flair.
Quickie Book Review – Hell Kat by Vivi Anna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fabulous post-apocalyptic novel with fairly unique paranormal tidbits, a smidgen of fantasy, and a heaping-helping of steamy goodness.
Book Review – Life is But A Dream: On the Lake by Cheryl Shireman
Life is But a Dream: On the Lake by Cheryl Shireman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s not everyday that a book can be depressing one minute and funny the next. Or suspenseful. Or both. But this novel manages to run the gamut of human emotions, much like real life.
I found the writing to be exquisite and insightful. Most of the character’s were fully fleshed-out and just quirky enough to feel real and not contrived.
I’m still thinking about this book a few days later, so that has to tell you something about it’s ability to invade your neural pathways and hang around for a while!
Read it. Seriously.
Book Review – Wool by Hugh Howey
Wool by Hugh Howey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Now I see what all the fuss is about! Not only is the writing smooth-as-butter flawless, but the premise of Wool is just flipping genius. I totally didn’t see the ending, or the final ending, coming and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
My only complaint is that I wanted more after that last page. Good thing I know there are more Wool books to be devoured!
(Don’t let the simple cover dissuade you– there is a brilliant gem hiding under that plain gray cloth!)
Book Review – Death’s Hand by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Like my review for other books in this series, I loved the non-stop, pulse-pounding action in this book. The characters are flawed (human, working on their own issues and emotions)and compelling, the author’s knowledge of weaponry and fight scenarios is A+ and I can’t get enough of these books!
Book Review – Thoroughly Modern Monsters by Jennifer Rainey
Thoroughly Modern Monsters by Jennifer Rainey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If these stories contained in this collection are any indication of the freaking genius lurking in Rainey’s mind, I foresee many fantastic books to come in the future. I loved the author’s creativity and spunk, which shines through each story in the collection despite their length (which is hard to do, mind you.)
Book Review – Spell Checked by C. G. Powell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was clearly a sleeper– I picked it up on a whim, half expecting to feel “meh” about it after I read it. Boy, was I wrong.
I loved the star-cross lover angle, the historical details, the way the whole motley lot of them congregated in one place to teach the magic to one so untrained. And the genetics/ science aspect was an interesting detail for the author to add as well.
When done, I felt sad that it was over, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Fans of H.P. Mallory’s Jolie Wilkins series should really like this series as well!
Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
Have I said before how much I love this time of year?
Mmmm. Fall. Halloween. English Toffee lattes and Sweet potato pies.
And of course, for all the wonderful chances to get FREE books and swag through the seasonal Blog hops! I’m participating in one such Halloween hop that has soooo many participating Authors and sites that my head is spinning and I’m giddy with the excitement of it all.
In case you don’t understand how a “hop” works, just click the banner above and find yourself with gads of other sites to “hop” on over to. Each site is giving something away, whether free books or cool swag, so definitely check out the other sites and see what you can win!
Now, for my Giveaway:
I’m offering up a paperback copy of Kill Me for your reading pleasure, an ebook copy of Kill Me, and a cool little mini-poster that features the Kill Me cover art (autographed too!)
Book Review – Sin and Sacrifice by Danielle Bourdon
Sin and Sacrifice by Danielle Bourdon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved just about everything about Sin and Sacrifice. The premise was something I’d never seen before, the characters diverse and interesting, and the pacing was spot on. The writing was tight and often vivid and concise.
I felt the surprise, betrayals, anguish and fear just like things were happening to me. I was soooo sucked into this book. And the guys… yum 
Well worth the time to read and I’ll bet most people go on to reading the rest of the series after putting this one down!
Book Review- Death of a Supermodel by Christine DeMaio-Rice
Death of a Supermodel by Christine DeMaio-Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read and loved the first book in this series, so I jumped on Book Two as soon as I realized it was out. Once again, the author did not dissappoint. Some of the cast from the first book are back and better (or worse) than ever, plus we’ve got several new odd balls too. Throw in a few shady characters, some nefarious motives and its a party you don’t want to miss!
DeMaio-Rice had me guessing as to whodunit until the end (and it was refreshing that Laura, the main character seemed just as unsure at times too.) Death of a Supermodel was every bit as witty, tight and expertly written as the first book, and I can’t wait to see where Laura ends up in the next one!
