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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 – Witchy Business by Eve Paludan
Witchy Business by Eve Paludan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A quick paranormal read… great characters, interesting setting and details. I was a little irritated by the way the main character Elle, went along with being man-handled by her so called friend… It felt a little too out of character and flimsy. But overall, I was ecstatic to see one of the main tenants of paranormal mythology so morphed into something quite new and original.
Nice way to spend a relaxing spring day outside reading!
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.
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 – 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!
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 – Broken Shell Island by Dalya Moon
Broken Shell Island by Dalya Moon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First off, I really need to point out that this book was totally clean. As in, G-rated-not-so-much-as-an-innuendo clean. Those of you that know my work might have been confused, so I felt like I needed to clarify that from the get-go.
Now, to the meat of things. Broken Shell Island was one heck of a ride. It’s been a while since I’ve read something targeted to the often-more imaginative younger generation and reading this book reminded me of the magic of innocence and how inventive and creative writers can be when they shrug off the status-quo of adulthood.
Moon writes with crisp clarity, even when the story calls for suspended disbelief. After reading this book, I’m almost convinced that there really is a Broken Shell Island out there, and this novel was just a clever book-inside-a-book-inside-a-book plot!
While the writing style pulled it all together, the perfected details made this story. The Goats! I loved those little guys. And the tiny, bubbling bit of magic that saved the day– just goes to show that no matter how inconsequential a talent, it could very well come in handy in the right moment.
I’ll certainly read more books by Dalya Moon, even though my tastes usually run more adult.
Book Review – The Sin Collector by Jessica Fortunato
The Sin Collector by Jessica Fortunato
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The title caught my eye, the blurb pulled me in, and the book itself did not disappoint. Overall The Sin Collector is a well paced, inventive paranormal-type novel. I found the premise especially unique and worthy of mention.
(Disclaimer – I’m horrible with names, so Main Char. is what you’ll usually get out of me for review purposes
Only a minor nit-pick… for some one who’s been around the block for a while, I found the main character to be slightly naive when it suited the plot and the rest of the time she was spot-on. Perhaps in the next book the character will be more uniform in her behavior, but it’s wasn’t that big of a deal. Certainly not enough to detract from the rest of the story.
I was very surprised by the ending… certainly didn’t see that one coming! Not sure how I feel about part of the plot resolution, so I’m anxious to read the next book to see where the author is taking it!
Book Review- H2O by Austin Boyd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sometimes I find myself reading a book that, despite having a subject matter or theme that I usually go out of my way to avoid, I can’t stop myself from devouring in one sitting. The novel ‘H2O’ was one such read.
The writing was very evocative, which took the unusual premise to a whole new level. So much so that at times I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading. The writing was fluid (sorry, couldn’t help the pun!) and the plot inventive and one of the most unique ones I’ve read in a long time.
The only drawback for me (and apparently not a big enough one to detract from the rating for me) was the religious undertones that crept into the book about halfway through. I wasn’t expecting that and felt a little like the blurb should have mentioned that fact that the novel could be considered Inspirational. The subtext was of a spiritual nature, but obviously Christian based in a passive way. Again, it gave me pause but otherwise I still think this was a fresh, original book.
Book review – The Guardian of Bastet by Jacqueline M. Battisti
The Guardian of Bastet by Jacqueline M. Battisti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so much fun to read. I’m a paranormal fan, and I’ll admit that sometimes books tend to run together in my mind. But I don’t have to worry about that with this new series.
The main character Trinity is a below average shape-shifter. Her dad morphs into big cat, while she spends her monthly transformation chasing mice along side her house cat. Her aloof and somewhat cold mother comes from a long line of powerful witches, yet Trinity can cast a decent spell to save her life. All that changes when a demon starts killing off other supernatural beings in her community and Trinity is called to action.
I loved every bit of this novel. From the quirky, fallible characters to the “oops” date Trinity has with a strange man, it’s one compelling read. The Guardian of Bastet is chock-full of mythology, a decent dose of mystery and suspense and sets up future books very nicely. I keep thinking about this book, so I mean it when I say that I really hope the next one comes sooner rather than later!
Kill Me (Paranormal / Urban Fantasy) link for iBooks
So I finally figured out how to link to Kill Me on iBooks, thanks to a wonderful reader. So here it is! Go wild
Kill Me (A Blood Chord Novel) – Alex Owens
Beauty’s Punishment by A.N Roquelaure (Anne Rice) – Book Review
Beauty’s Punishment by A.N. Roquelaure
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s probably best to start of the review of this, the second book in the Sleeping Beauty Trilogy, with a section from my review of the first book:
“In order to read the Sleeping Beauty series, you mush set aside ALL of your preconceived notions about sex, sexuality, consensual sex– all if it should have no bearing on this story. This is not “your” story, it is the fictitious account of Sleeping Beauty and the Prince who awakened her (at least in the beginning, after which it becomes a story of multiple “slaves” and their many different views on BDSM.)
That above point is the key to not only reading the first book to completion, but the whole series, so I’ll say it again: SET ASIDE ALL OF YOUR PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS REGARDING SEX.”
While I enjoyed the first book, things really got interesting once I acclimated to the unique sexuality views prevalent in the series and the plot hooked into me with deeper purchase. At the end of book one, I immediately started reading this book, despite the fact that it was well past my bed time. For most of the first book, Beauty is safely (or not, depending on your point of view) ensconced in the Royal Palace where the BDSM themes have a royal bent. Until, that is, Beauty does something so inexplicable (and on purpose) to relegate herself to the nearby royal village to continue her servitude.
Thus starts this book, with Beauty cast into the wilds of the village, not knowing if the punishments that follow will be something that she can tolerate at all. More character viewpoints are introduced, and some of the originals (like the Prince) are never heard from again. I found the new players in the game enhanced the book and rounded out the full slave experience, and on the whole I think I liked this book the best out of all three.
I do feel that I should mention that underneath all the sexual sadism, like the layers of an onion, are the internal struggles among the cast, and their deep longing to understand and fully realize their true selves without the confines of societal norms and expectations. In that sense, these books are wholly literary, even if it’s hidden between the supple folds of what some may find to be perversion.
Quickie Book Review – Bound by Kira Saito
Bound by Kira Saito
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting YA, well written, though the maturity level of a few characters bugged me at times. Admittedly, it could be their ages compared to mine, and not really based on the characters themselves.
I’m slightly perturbed at the ending. I mean, there are cliffhangers, and then there are Cliff-Hangers.
The ghosts/ voodoo concepts, and lore were intriguing and I’m hoping the next book in the series delves into that further.
3.5 stars
