Here at Chapter Break, we don’t always write a full review of every book we read. Well, now we decided to do these monthly wrap-up posts with roundups of our reviews this month and mini-reviews to fill in the gaps. Enjoy!
Mini Book Reviews
The Sasquatch Escape: My son’s school read this as a school-wide book with activities. I enjoyed reading it with him and having him read it to me as well as going over the discussion questions. It was a cute book introducing some quirky characters and setting up for some fun future stories with these imaginary world creatures.
A WITCH’S GUIDE TO FAKE DATING A DEMON: This was a fun listen, more of a cozy urban fantasy story. Very formulaic, but still enjoyable. I liked the characters and what made them unique. It had a Gilmore Girls feel to me which helped in the enjoyment. The audiobook was very well done, with great accents and a good voice to listen to. Quite graphic with the romance scenes so definitely an earbuds listen.
A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN: I always enjoy a historical heroine who says screw you to the patriarchy and society rules. And Charlotte Holmes does an excellent job at that! There were a lot of characters and I lost the plot a bit in the middle. (Driving and mysteries don’t mix.) But overall a solid 4 for this book. I like the twists on classic Holmes tropes, from Mrs. Watson to Moriarty to Mycroft making an appearance at the end. I enjoyed the nods to British society. Subtle romance, which was fine by me. Charlotte is the star here. Reading’s narration was also spot on. No trouble distinguishing the myriad of characters.
THE SEA WOLVES: Have I read any other books in the Isaac Bell series? No. Did that stop me from starting with #13? Also no. This novel continues the original series started by Clive Cussler. This time with author Jack Du Brul at the helm. I’ve enjoyed Du Brul’s other novels (the Phillp Mercer series along with other Cussler collaborations) and I thought I’d give this one a chance. Continues with Cussler’s knack at writing action scenes along with Du Brul’s attention to details. Bell is a detective in the early 20th century. It was fun to read about the craft of being a detective during the time of Model T’s and wire cables to the office instead of cell phones and the internet. And Bell has some very historically infamous friends and colleagues, including Franklin Roosevelt. The novel’s bad guy is a real piece of work. One Bell has run into previously. As well, the bad guy’s demise at the end is VERY original! I also appreciated this turn at the reason behind the sinking of the Lusitania. Overall a good action \ adventure. I had no difficulties picking up the series at #13 instead of #1.
A WITCH’S GUIDE TO FAKE DATING A DEMON: Fine but unremarkable. Outside A LOT of very descriptive sex, I doubt I’ll remember this once I’ve moved on to the next book. It’s not the book; it’s me and my meh feelings towards urban fantasy. Every time I read another book with witches and\demons, I get been there, done that vibes. I did appreciate how Mariel’s character evolved, with her finding her confidence, partially thanks to Ozroth. I did not enjoy how Mariel’s family and friends treated her. Or the insta-love between Mariel and Ozroth. Narration and writing are fine; but, not my cup of tea.
DATING-ISH: Interesting debate on the importance of AI companions vs real-life, in person, friends and relationships. If any of the books in this series could use the man’s POV, I’d say it was this one. I didn’t really warm up to Matt in HAPPILY EVER NINJA and I didn’t get much more of a sense of his character in this book til the big confession of feels at the end. Overall, I’d call this one ok and more of a stepping stone type book to get through the series. Bonus crossover character with Abram from the LAWS OF PHYSICS: MOTION series. I knew Abram was related to someone in the KNITTING series, but couldn’t remember who. Turns out, it’s Marie.
Books we reviewed this month:
- [10 Feb] The Purple Haze by Andrew Einspruch ★★★½
- [28 Feb] Craving Beauty (Wylder Tales) by Jennifer Silverwood, Qamber Designs ★★★★
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