Rurouni Kenshin volume 15

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 15 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin and Kaoru on it looking very cool. It is the fifteenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first fourteen in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- At the madman Shishio Makoto's headquarters, the long-delayed duel between Kenshin and Shinomori Aoshi concludes, while at Aoi-Ya, those left behind wage their own, desperate battle against Shishio's Juppongatana or "Ten Swords." The strength of one swordsman in particular seems monstrous, and defeat imminent...that is, until Kenshin's former Hiten Mitsurugi master, Hiko Seijûrô, takes the field. Will the respect of one warrior for another succeed where all else has failed? Elsewhere, Kenshin and Sôjirô cross swords at last. Although well-matched, Kenshin's victory is by no means certain...

Review- This volume is a group of three battles. Kaoru and company at the Aoi-Ya, Hiko Seijûrô and a giant, Kenshin and Sôjirô at the end. Kaoru does a wonderful job of keeping the others focused on what is going and not worrying about what could be. Yahiko makes Kaoru proud and Hiko saves not only the Aoi-Ya but the giant who faced him. The volume ends with Kenshin facing Sôjirô, who is a creepy kid. Shishio trained him and he has no emotions, no desires, and no way to stop. Kenshin, of course, at the beginning of the fight is not fast enough and that is where the volume ends. But Sôjirô did not get a killing hit when Sôjirô thought he had landed a killing blow. More action scenes, more drama, and more over-the-topness ahead!

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

Frozen

Today's post is on Frozen by Melisaa De La Cruz and Michael Johnson. It is the first in their Heart of Dread series. It is 325 pages long and is published by G. P. Putnam's Sons. The cover is blue with a girl's face rising from water. The intended reader is someone who likes young adult, dystopian, and unexpected magic. There is mild language, no sex, and violence in this book. The story is told from the third person close of the two main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.
At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.
But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

Review- This book is a very interesting mix of science fiction and fantasy. Having read the Kate Daniels series I can draw some comparisons. I did like the Fae angle for the fantasy side and the science fiction stuff that humans are dealing with. But at times I was bored with it. I think that the mystery of what is going on in this world a little too long. Some of the bad guys and scenes with them could have not been there and I think I would have liked the book better. The last fight was important and  I liked it but other than that one I think that the characters dealing with the end of the old world and all the threats that people like Nat have is more than enough. But I did like all the characters and I found them be interesting and engaging. And I am curious about they are going to save the world.

I give this book a Three out of Five. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.

Saving Alex: When I Was Fifteen I Told My Mormon Parents I Was Gay, and That's When My Nightmare Began

Today's nonfiction post is on Saving Alex: When I Was Fifteen I Told My Mormon Parents I Was Gay, and That's When My Nightmare Began by Alex Cooper with Joanna Brooks. It is 245 pages long and it published by HarperOne. The cover has a picture of Alex on it with the title above her. The intended reader is someone who is interested in real life horror stories and LBGT+ issues. There is foul language, sex, and voilence in this book. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- When Alex Cooper was fifteen years old, life was pretty ordinary in her sleepy suburban town and nice Mormon family. At church and at home, Alex was taught that God had a plan for everyone. But something was gnawing at her that made her feel different. These feelings exploded when she met Yvette, a girl who made Alex feel alive in a new way, and with whom Alex would quickly fall in love.
Alex knew she was holding a secret that could shatter her family, her church community, and her life. Yet when this secret couldn’t be hidden any longer, she told her parents that she was gay, and the nightmare began. She was driven from her home in Southern California to Utah, where, against her will, her parents handed her over to fellow Mormons who promised to save Alex from her homosexuality.
For eight harrowing months, Alex was held captive in an unlicensed “residential treatment program” modeled on the many “therapeutic” boot camps scattered across Utah. Alex was physically and verbally abused, and many days she was forced to stand facing a wall wearing a heavy backpack full of rocks. Her captors used faith to punish and terrorize her. With the help of a dedicated legal team in Salt Lake City, Alex eventually escaped and made legal history in Utah by winning the right to live under the law’s protection as an openly gay teenager.
Alex is not alone; the headlines continue to splash stories about gay conversion therapy and rehabilitation centers that promise to “save” teenagers from their sexuality. Saving Alex is a courageous memoir that tells Alex’s story in the hopes that it will bring awareness and justice to this important issue. A bold, inspiring story of one girl’s fight for freedom, acceptance, and truth.

Review- This is a real life horror story that is still happening today. Alex was sent to the home of two people who like to abuse children and do so with the smile of their community. Her parents did not know what the Siale's were really doing but they also did not listen to her when she told them. They allowed their fear of Alex going to Hell to let them put her in Hell. To this day they do not believe her. Alex was saved because she found help and did not let the Siale's make her afraid of everyone and everything. She continued to reach out and try to save herself. I believe that she is now trying to save others. It was hard to read this book at times but I believe that Alex deserves to be heard.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.

Rurouni Kenshin volume 14

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 14 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin and villains on it looking very cool. It is the fourteenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first thirteen in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- As the Juppongatana or "Ten Swords" move to attack those at Aoi-Ya (Kaoru, Yahiko, Misao, and the rest of the Kyoto-based spy clan), Kenshin--accompanied by Sanosuke and Saitô--squares off against one of his most powerful opponents yet: Shinomori Aoshi, former Okashira or "head" of the Oniwabanshû. Bound by promises to both return Misao's "Aoshi-sama" to her safely, and to face Shinomori himself in a climactic, decisive battle, the time is now to learn once and for all who has the will to live, who has the will to die...and who has the will to fight.

Review- We begin with finishing Sano and Anji's fight. Sano makes him remember why he was kind in the first place. Anji warns them about what is to come and the heroes move forward. This volume has Saitô's first fight in it and it is the best in the volume. I like Saitô's fights because they are short. He just gets right to the point and does not hold back. Saitô does his thing and undermines his opponent by seeing through him. Then Saitô kills the guy by cutting him half. Saitô is not one for mercy, unlike Kenshin. Most of the volume is Kenshin's fight with Aoshi. They talk and fight and Aoshi comes back to himself at the end. The next volume will pick up with them. At the Aoi-Ya things are going to get rough but other than that nothing much happens there. This volume is really just one short fight some the beginnings of some long ones. No character development, no new plots twists, just over-the-top action but I still had a good time with it.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

Nimona

Today's post is on Nimona by Noelle Steveson. It is 256 pages long and is published by HarperTeen. The cover has the three main characters on it. The intended reader is young adult but adults who like comics will like this comic too. There is some mild foul language, no sex, and violence in this comic. The story is told from the third person god perspective with the epilogue told from Ballister's perspective. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism!
Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.
But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.

Review- A cute story about friendship and being different. Nimona believes that she is a villain for story reasons so she seeks out the biggest named villain in the world Sir Ballister Blackheart to become his sidekick. Sir Ballister has been painted as a villain by the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics for reasons that he does not know but his once best friend Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin is now his sworn nemeses. Lots of character development so it is a little light on plot but the characters more than make up for that. There are questions about what is real villainy and how do you know what real heroes are and all that good stuff. I really had a good time with this comic and I look forward to what Stevenson writes next.

I give this book a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library. 

The Last Goodnight: A World War II Story of Espionage, Adventure, and Betrayal

Today's post is on The Last Goodnight: A World War II Story of Espionage, Adventure, and Betrayal by Howard Blum. It is 544 pages long and is published by HarperCollins. The cover is like a folder with a picture of Betty, the spy, and marked secret in red at the top. The intended reader is someone who likes WW2 stories, spies, and well researched information. There is foul language, sex, and violence in this book. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- The New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Dark Invasion, channels Erik Larson and Ben Macintyre in this riveting biography of Betty Pack, the dazzling American debutante who became an Allied spy during WWII and was hailed by OSS chief General “Wild Bill" Donovan as “the greatest unsung heroine of the war.”
Betty Pack was charming, beautiful, and intelligent—and she knew it. As an agent for Britain’s MI-6 and then America’s OSS during World War II, these qualities proved crucial to her success. This is the remarkable story of this “Mata Hari from Minnesota” (Time) and the passions that ruled her tempestuous life—a life filled with dangerous liaisons and death-defying missions vital to the Allied victory.
For decades, much of Betty’s career working for MI-6 and the OSS remained classified. Through access to recently unclassified files, Howard Blum discovers the truth about the attractive blond, codenamed “Cynthia,” who seduced diplomats and military attachés across the globe in exchange for ciphers and secrets; cracked embassy safes to steal codes; and obtained the Polish notebooks that proved key to Alan Turing’s success with Operation Ultra.
Beneath Betty’s cool, professional determination, Blum reveals a troubled woman conflicted by the very traits that made her successful: her lack of deep emotional connections and her readiness to risk everything. The Last Goodnight is a mesmerizing, provocative, and moving portrait of an exceptional heroine whose undaunted courage helped to save the world.

Review- An interesting look about a woman who helped win the second world war. The book covers all aspects of Betty's life from childhood to her death of cancer. The story is broken up as it is being told to Harford Hyde. He was looking for a way to make some money and Betty wanted to understand herself and her life. They met briefly during the war and just never forgot about each other. Together they lay out Betty's life before, during, and after her spy work in WW2. Betty was charming, beautiful, and totally committed to the cause of saving lives and ending the war. But she was also cold, cunning, and did not care about anything else but her cause. She lived for it and it alone. All the lover she took in life were nothing to her cause and drive. At the end of her life, she wanted to understand herself and I think that we get to understand her too.

I give this books a Four out of Five stars. I was given this book by HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.

Rurouni Kenshin volume 13

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 13 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin on it looking very cool. It is the thirtenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twelve in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- The Great Kyoto Fire behind them (and casualties relatively slight), Kenshin and the others consider their next move. The Oniwabanshu may indeed be allies this time ("Now there's a weird twist," as Sano says), but their leader, Shinomori Aoshi, is not. Is Kenshin truly, as it is claimed, the only one who can bring peace to the former Okashira or "head" of the Kyoto-based spy group...? Elsewhere, madman Shishio Makoto has made his own plans for Kenshin and the others, plans involving a "man-to-man," death match-style battle to the finish…

Review- So the first big fight of the Kyoto Arc has begun and Sano is the first one up. He must fight with the monk that trained using the same technique.  But of course they must go over their reasons for fighting for or against in this battle. With Kenshin and others in the background we get to see what Sano can do with his new fist. Shishio is having some trouble with his second in command, who wants to make sure that Shishio wins at any cost. But Shishio wants to face Kenshin in one-on-one combat. But the second does get what he wanted in the end and trouble is headed back to Kaoru and the others at the inn. More fights, more drama, and more action ahead!

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior

Today's post is on The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior by Megan Frampton. It is the first in her Dukes Behaving Badly series. It is 375 pages long and is published by Avon. The cover has the half-naked Duke looking at our heroine. The intended reader is someone who likes historical romances, light humor, and slightly ridiculous plots. There is some mild language, sex, and no violence in this book. The story is told from the third person close of the two main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- All of London knows the Duke of Rutherford has position and wealth. They also whisper that he’s dissolute, devilish, and determinedly unwed. So why, everyone is asking, has he hired a governess?
When Miss Lily Russell crosses the threshold of the Duke of Rutherford’s stylish townhouse, she knows she has come face to face with sensual danger. For this is no doting papa. Rather, his behavior is scandalous, and his reputation rightly earned. And his pursuit of her is nearly irresistible—but resist she must for the sake of her pupil.
As for the duke himself, it was bad enough when his unknown child landed on his doorstep. Now Lily, with her unassuming beauty, has aroused his most wicked fantasies—and, shockingly, his desire to change his wanton ways. He’s determined to become worthy of her, and so he asks for her help in correcting his behavior.
But Lily has a secret, one that, if it becomes known, could change everything . . .

Review- I really wanted to like this book but it is just not hit with me. There was nothing wrong with the book. The characters were likable enough, the dialog was funny, but the plot was just okay to me. The beginnings of each chapter had a snippet from The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior and at time it was funny. I liked when Marcus would just cross something out and write in his own thoughts. I did like all the consent in this book. Marcus pushed Lily to say if she wanted him and their interactions or not. She had to think about it, not just respond. So I did not feel that he was taking advantage of her. But for everything else, it was just okay for me.

I give this book a Three out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.

Rurouni Kenshin volume 12

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 12 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin and company on it looking cool. It is the twelfth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first eleven in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- As Kenshin continues his re-education at the hand of his master in Hiten Mitsurugi, Hiko Seijûrô, he looks back also to the first, early years of that training...including the moment in his life in which he changed his name to "Kenshin." Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Juppongatana , or "Ten Swords," arrive in Kyoto, while the first phase of Shishio Makoto's plan for Japan finally gets underway. While Misao and the Oniwabanshu plan how best to pool their resources to stop Shishio from setting Kyoto ablaze, Kenshin, Sano, and Saitô--now reunited--must consider their own next course of action.

Review-  This volume finishing dealing with Hiko Seijûrô and Kenshin finishes his training. Shishio makes his first move to try and burn Kyoko and bomb Tokyo. But because of Misao and her spies that fails. Because Kenshin can think like Shishio, Tokyo is safe. No sign of Aoshi anywhere but everyone else is present for the drama. The fighting in this volume is mostly between Kenshin and his master as they finish. We get to see some of Kenshin's childhood. How him and Hiko Seijûrô met and why Hiko Seijûrô choose to take Kenshin as his apprentice. But there will be more Drama Ahead!

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

A Criminal Magic

 

Today's post is on A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly. It is 422 pages long and is published by Saga Books. The cover is black with lightening going in a cocktail glass. This is a stand alone novel. The intended reader is older young adult and adults, someone who likes unusual settings, and good plots. There is some mild language, implied sex, and violence in this book. The story is told from third person close of the two main characters Joan and Alex. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- Magic is powerful, dangerous and addictive - and after passage of the 18th Amendment, it is finally illegal.
It's 1926 in Washington, DC, and while Anti-Sorcery activists have achieved the Prohibition of sorcery, the city's magic underworld is booming. Sorcerers cast illusions to aid mobsters' crime sprees. Smugglers funnel magic contraband in from overseas. Gangs have established secret performance venues where patrons can lose themselves in magic, and take a mind-bending, intoxicating elixir known as the sorcerer's shine.
Joan Kendrick, a young sorcerer from Norfolk County, Virginia accepts an offer to work for DC's most notorious crime syndicate, the Shaw Gang, when her family's home is repossessed. Alex Danfrey, a first-year Federal Prohibition Unit trainee with a complicated past and talents of his own, becomes tapped to go undercover and infiltrate the Shaws.
Through different paths, Joan and Alex tread deep into the violent, dangerous world of criminal magic - and when their paths cross at the Shaws' performance venue, despite their orders, and despite themselves, Joan and Alex become enchanted with one another. But when gang alliances begin to shift, the two sorcerers are forced to question their ultimate allegiances and motivations. And soon, Joan and Alex find themselves pitted against each other in a treacherous, heady game of cat-and-mouse.
A CRIMINAL MAGIC casts a spell of magic, high stakes and intrigue against the backdrop of a very different Roaring Twenties.

Review- A fantastic story about roaring twenties with incredible magic. The magic and the sorcerers are just so much fun in this book. On one hand this is a very dark story about drugs and the mob and cops coming to get people but on the other it is a wonderful story about two characters trying to survive this dark world. Both characters want to fix the past but they cannot so they are floating in the present, unsure of where they are going or why they are still going on. Joan says she has to protect her sister and cousin but over the course of the story she has to deal with feeling her lack of place in this world. Alex wants make his mother proud but he is in over his head. They both want more than just what they have. It is very tragic but I really enjoyed this book.

I give this book a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.

Rurouni Kenshin volume 11

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 11 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin on it looking cool. It is the eleventh volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first ten in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- With Misao's help, Kaoru finally manages to locate Kenshin in Kyoto--at the home of Hiko Seijûrô, his master in the school of Hiten Mitsurugi. Having convinced his master to resume (complete) his training, Kenshin assumes the role of pupil once more, while elsewhere in Kyoto, other forces come together. There is the arrival of Shinomori Aoshi, soon approached by the men of Shishio Makoto to join their cause; there is the arrival also of Saitô Hajime, who comes to free Sano from jail and also to join him in questioning "Ten Swords" member Chô. The truth of Shishio's plan for Japan is beginning to be unveiled…

Review- The main fight in this volume is between Aoshi and Okina.  Aoshi has lost his mind in the quest for revenge against Kenshin. Misao gets to see how bad Aoshi is and she decides that she is going to lead the Oniwabanshu now. It is hers by blood-right but that freaks everyone out. Kenshin does have an interesting battle with Chô. Chô loves swords and loves to kill people with them. Kenshin feels that he must stop Chô before he starts killing people just because. The sword they end up fighting over is a reverse blade just like the one that was broken. It ends with more villains being introduced and are impressively crazy. More Drama and over-the-top fighting ahead!

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I bought this manga with my own money and I get nothing for my review.