The Book of Pearl by Timothée de Fombelle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Without checking out the synopsis, the title and cover of this book piqued my interest. I was really drawn into the story once I've started reading it; from beginning till the end, I highly anticipated the succeeding scenarios in the book.

The narrative of The Book of Pearl is a mix of fantasy and historical fiction that will get the attention of young adults and even much older readers. Even though the start of the story is a little bit confusing, I was able to comprehend what was happening as I continued to read through the succeeding chapters. I was engrossed in the story that is why I was able to finish it within almost 6 hours of reading.

This book of Timothee de Fombelle was first published in French in 2014. Thanks to the translators that it was finally translated into English, so that more readers could be able to read the wonderful story of Joseph “Ilian” Pearl and his adventures from the Kingdoms into our world.

The Summer of New Beginnings by Bette Lee Crosby

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Summer of New Beginnings is a marvelous women's contemporary fiction. It tells the story of the Briggs family, notably of Meghan, and how they try to deal with several problems after her father died. One of the reasons why I've requested for a reading copy of this novel is because of the dog, "Sox" , in the story. Although the dog was not immensely mentioned because the story centers on Meghan, dog lovers such as I will be deeply moved by how huge the part of our furry friends plays on helping us through our ordeals.

If you are looking for a light read and a little motivational story, try to check out this astounding novel of Bette Lee Crosby. It is also a great summer-read or even a weekend-read that will also make you reflect on whether you're still living in the past and needs to move on.

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing, outstanding, excellent, remarkable and highly recommended. Those are just some of the things I could say about this debut novel of Gina Holmes. When I bought this, I wasn't expecting that I will not stop turning the pages once I start reading it. I stayed up till 3 in the morning just to be able to finish this novel because I was really curious and excited about what will happen next.

This is the very first novel of Gina Holmes that I've read and I'm looking forward to reading her other books such as Dry as Rain and Wings of Glass.

Or Best Offer: A Short Story by Beck Medina

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've read this in just one sitting. It's a light read and I enjoyed reading it. I'm just a little unsatisfied with the ending because I think the author could have extended it. But overall, I will recommend this to anyone.

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was on my TBR for a long time and I was always finding a way to squeeze it to my list of the books I'm currently reading. Recently, I found enough time to read this novel and it didn't disappoint me. It exceeds my expectation because the character and story build up was to look forward to.

What I like about this novel is that it makes us believe that destiny could bring two individuals together because of an unlikely circumstance or in their case, a greedy human. Their dilemma made them choose the best desirable option though it would make them separate from each other. Yet still there is indeed a happy ending after all because of what happened to them in the end.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Big Little Lies is astoundingly a marvelous novel that everyone, in particular women, should read because of how excellently it was written by Lianne Moriarty. I’ve read a lot of good review about this book, thus I immediately add it in my to-be-read list on 2015. However, I wasn’t able to read it right away; I’m also planning on watching the TV series adaptation of this novel after I’m done, hence I took the opportunity to read it recently because I have more spare time.

The setting in Australia, the characters, and the storyline were all carefully contemplated and nicely narrated. The story will make us compare our lives and ponder about others’ true lives in our surrounding to the characters in this book. We usually want to show only the good or the better façade; that we are contented and have a wonderful family. However, there’s a saying that, “Nothing’s perfect.”

No matter how good one can hide his or her problems; people will never believe that you are living in an ideal life that everyone dreams of. Celeste’s family is what the other mothers in the Pirriwee Public School consider as the epitome of the perfect life, which isn’t exactly what it appears to be. On the other hand, Jane’s is the exact opposite because people thought that her son, Ziggy, is a bully or a problem-child. Jane also suffers from eating disorder because she has a severe distress about her body weight, thus it is unmistakable that her severe thinness is apparent.

As for Madeline, her life story represents mothers’ dilemma with their growing child and on how they try all their best to keep up with their lives. Celeste’s tale of abusive husband is another wake up call to every woman that it’s not right that any men would just lay their hand on us, especially physical abuse, just because we did something that did not pleased them.

This book reminds me of an incident I witnessed when I was still in college. While I was walking on my way to school, I saw a couple of college student who were talking in the sidewalk. The guy was obviously angry and shouting while the girl was trying to explained to him. What shocked me was when I saw that he slapped this girl; it happened on a busy street and I’m not sure if aside from me, if there was anybody noticed that incident. I was stunned on what I’ve seen, but I just continued my walk to school. I didn’t bother to stop and meddle. Perhaps I was afraid that I might get hurt in the situation if I interfered, or maybe I just simply don’t want to be nosy on other people’s lives.

How I and the other people reacted that time just shows that there are still a lot of people that turn blind and deaf on cases of abuse. But as I got older, wiser and braver, I could say that if that I could come across the same unpleasant incident, I will be confident to speak up and stop that guy right away.

Sometimes, we should be more fearless in our actions and beliefs because it will be for the betterment, if not of our own life, of the lives of others. Just like what happened to the characters of Madeline, Celeste, Jane, as well as Bonnie and Renata, being brave and acting for what we think is right leads to the freedom of the two of them from the abuse. I don’t support what Bonnie did, but I condemn Perry and all the things he has done. In my opinion, Bonnie’s reaction was her only way to save Celeste that time, and what happened to Perry his unintentional.

May this book serve as a reminder that we, women, deserve a happy life; may it not be perfect, but it is much better than living in a make-believe.

Honey Moon Scary Little Christmas by Sofi Benitez

Honey Moon Scary Little Christmas by Sofi Benitez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The latest book in the Honey Moon Series is about how Honey Moon wants to celebrate normal Christmas in their town of Sleep Hollow, a place where it is Halloween all year round even on Christmas. Honey Moon's school is planning to have a Nativity re-enactment on Christmas Eve, but Mayor Kligore had put up a Haunted Holiday Festival where Halloween theme Christmas is to be celebrated. Because of this, the school play is on verge of cancellation and Honey Moon wants to prevent it from happening.

Honey Moon's mother told her that there was a time on their town, before it was converted to its current setting by the Mayor, the church town had the tradition to rung its 12 golden bells on Christmas eve. This gave Honey Moon an idea to make their Christmas normal in Sleepy Hollow. Along the way, Honey Moon and her friends discovered a lot while they were digging evidences and trying to persuade the reverend to bring back the ringing of the church bells.

The Enchanted World Of Honey Moon A Scary Little Christmas is a short yet meaningful story that will teach and reminds everyone that Christmas is on the hearts of those who believe in it; not on the tangible things that we can see and touch.

Thanks to Rabbit Publishers and Netgalley for the reading copy provided.

Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy: Disco Fever

AUTHOR: Doug Savage
PUBLISHER: Andrews McMeel Publishing
PUBLICATION DATE: October 24, 2017
PAGES: 144
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy face a familiar foe, a terrifying new enemy, and the frightening possibility that lasers can’t solve everything in their biggest and most dangerous adventure yet.
An accident (involving a pine cone, a fish, and a truck delivering disco supplies) triggers a series of events that leads to the ultimate confrontation between Laser Moose and his nemesis Cyborgupine. And it’s a fight that Laser Moose can’t win with lasers. Especially when faced with a malevolent new enemy: a cute little chickadee.

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MY RATING: The story of Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy: Disco Fever is one epic and unadulterated entertainment that both young and adult readers will love! I just realized that this is the second volume already after I've checked the details about this graphic novel. In spite of that, this issue is a stand-alone because even though I'm not familiar with the characters and setting, I was still able to follow the story of how Laser Moose tries to protect the forest and its inhabitants. I'll try to read the first installment of Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy story because I think I need more stories of these comic duo. Yes, I'm now a fan and I'm excited to read more of the adventures of these two in the upcoming issues.

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James Bond: Black Box

AUTHOR: Benjamin Percy
ILLUSTRATOR: Rapha Lobosco
PUBLISHER: Dynamite Comics
PUBLICATION DATE: October 11, 2017
PAGES: 160
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
In the snowbound French Alps, James Bond finds himself in the crosshairs of an assassin who targets other assassins. This is the first puzzle piece in a larger adrenaline-fueled mystery that will send Bond across the globe to infiltrate the underworld, risk everything in high-stakes casino gambling, evade deadly pursuers, and root out a digital breach threatening global security.
Dynamite proudly presents James Bond: Black Box, collecting the thrilling six-issue James Bond miniseries by writer Benjamin Percy (DC’s Rebirth: Green Arrow and Teen Titans) and artist Rapha Lobosco.

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MY RATING: This is my first time to read a graphic novel of the very famous character James Bond. I'm familiar with the James Bond movies and though I'm not a fan of the aforementioned movie franchise, I still had a great time watching them. On the contrary, I consider James Bond: Black Box a little bland especially with the conversations between the characters. I don't have any problems with the illustrations as I find them marvelously drawn. In general, the only disappointment for me is the scripts, which the writer could have written effectively if he only put himself on James Bond's perspective.

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The Scarecrow Princess

AUTHOR: Federico Rossi Edrig
PUBLISHER: Lion Forge
PUBLICATION DATE: October 24, 2017
PAGES: 160
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Morrigan Moore has always been moody, but her new home is the worst. Her novelist mother has dragged her to the countryside, drawn by the lost myth of the King of Crows, a dark figure of theft and deceit, and the Scarecrow Prince, the only one who can stand against him. When Morrigan finds herself swept up in the legend, she'll have no choice but to take on the Scarecrow Prince's mantel, and to stand and fight. For her town, her family, and her own future. This lushly drawn graphic novel will pull you into its sinister secrets and not let go till the final page. For fans of Coraline and Over the Garden Wall.

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MY RATING: After reading this graphic novel, I was thinking on what does the author, Federico Rossi Edrig, wants to convey or what lesson does he wants to impart to the readers. I was contemplating what message does he really wants to tell us because there's no precise one. I have several guess such as maybe not to give our trust especially to those who we're not quite familiar with, because they might just use this to their own advantage. I even thought that perhaps not being judgmental, be content with what you have, and being open-minded could be the message this book wants to pass to us. There's no definite moral lesson that will leave its mark to the readers; so it's just up to our own interpretation on what it could be. Moreover, there are some scenes that are not appropriate for middle grades and below, especially the part where Morrigan was having self-stimulating sexual gratification, and where she and the King of the Crows were both nude near the end of the story. On the other hand, the illustrations, may not that marvelous, are still satisfying to look into. Some parts are quite dragging, however the revelation in the climax part made up for that.

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Streak of Chalk

AUTHOR: Miguelanxo Prado
ILLUSTRATOR: Gabriel Guzman, Java Tartaglia
PUBLISHER: NBM Graphics
PUBLICATION DATE: October 1, 2017 (first published January 1st 1994)
PAGES: 106
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

n the occasion of NBM’s 40th anniversary, a classic is brought back in print! A small streak of an island in the Atlantic. On no map. In heavy summer heat. One general store with a woman and her taciturn boy. A lighthouse with no light. Memories and messages graffitied on the pier wall. A chance encounter with a beautiful elusive woman. A Murder. Or was it? Nothing seems completely real. Only the graffitied memories are constant. A mysterious multifaceted novel steeped in magical realism that can be read a number of ways, Streak of Chalk is one of Spain’s best comics authors’ magnum opus, and one of the greatest, most pioneering graphic novels NBM ever published.

 

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MY RATING:The Streak of Chalk is considered as Miguelanxo Prado's magnum opus. It was first published on 1994 and was already translated to different languages, such as German, Dutch, Croatian, Serbian, Portuguese, Valencian, Catalan and English. Moreover, it also won the Best Foreign Comic on 1994 at Angoulême International Comics Festival; Best Work by Saló del Còmic of Barcelona on 1994; Prize of Honor at Amadora Festival on 1994; Best Book of the Year at Hyères Festival on 1993; and nominations at Eisner Award for Best Painter, and Harvey Award for Best Foreign Comics.



What drawn me into this award winning graphic novel is the stunning illustrations and the intriguing story of that mysterious island somewhere in the Atlantic. The picturesque sketches of Miguelanxo Prado, for this graphic novel, were very impressive; and I reckon that these might not be computer-generated or were edited by using a computer graphic software. As this was published on 1994, the used of software to alter images or illustrations were still not prevalent then, so I believe that these are unadulterated work of art of Prado.



I really admired the illustrations that's why I took a lot of time to checked each comic panel as I was reading the dialogues. The story is quite engrossing and the finale gave me chills. Those who love graphic novels and those who are into mystery novels/stories would enjoy this magnificent piece of fiction by Miguelanxo Prado.
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Echoes

AUTHOR: Mike Richardson
ILLUSTRATOR: Gabriel Guzman, Java Tartaglia
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Books
PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2016
PAGES: 104
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

To prevent a murder, would we become a murderer? Troubled charter pilot Fred Martin is caught in a bizarre and violent storm and loses control of his aircraft. Martin later awakens unharmed only to discover that he is thirty years in the past with the impossible opportunity to right the terrible wrong that ruined his future.
Written by Mike Richardson, creator of The Mask and TimeCop, and illustrated by Gabriel Guzman (Star Wars, Lady Death), Echoes is fantasy drama on a human scale, a provocative journey into how the past is always present."

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MY RATING:I had read a similar plot of the story in this graphic novel before. In spite of that, I found myself entertain reading this because of the artwork and of the dialogues. I'll recommend this to those who enjoys reading comic or graphic novels, and to those who like a light-read but still has a good plot.



Thank you to Dark Horse Books for a reading copy of this graphic novel.

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Flowers For Algernon

AUTHOR: Joseph Wurtenbaugh
PUBLISHER: Mariner Books
PUBLICATION DATE: May 1, 2005 (first published 1966)
PAGES: 311
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
The story of a mentally disabled man whose experimental quest for intelligence mirrors that of Algernon, an extraordinary lab mouse. In diary entries, Charlie tells how a brain operation increases his IQ and changes his life. As the experimental procedure takes effect, Charlie's intelligence expands until it surpasses that of the doctors who engineered his metamorphosis. The experiment seems to be a scientific breakthrough of paramount importance--until Algernon begins his sudden, unexpected deterioration. Will the same happen to Charlie?

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MY RATING: Flowers For Algernon is undeniably one of the saddest or heart-wrenching novel I've read so far. There are numerous times that some parts of this book that made me teary eyed, especially on how Charlie was maltreated by his own mother and younger sister, and by his colleagues in the bakery. This novel was first published on the late 50's, thus the people narrated during that time treated people with down syndrome differently. I cannot say that those who had this genetic disorder nowadays no longer experienced discrimination or maltreatment, but perhaps people are more considerate and open-minded now because of the massive information that we can access regarding this. If you're not into reading sad novels, then you should skip this one. However, don't fail to read this if you can handle distressing stories such as this.

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Traitor's Hope by Virginia McClain

AUTHOR: Virginia McClain
SERIES: Chronicles of Gensokai
PUBLISHER: Artemis Dingo Productions
PUBLICATION DATE: October 14, 2017
PAGES: N/A
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Traitors lurk around every bend. Mishi’s mind is betraying her, and she fears her kisō and katana will betray her next. Taka’s heart abandons her for a person she cannot possibly trust. Now that the two friends are obliged to help re-establish peace in the land of Gensokai, the only question is where the next betrayal will come from and if Mishi and Taka will have the strength to survive it.

 

 

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MY RATING: I was not aware that the Traitor's Hope is the sequel to the Chronicles of Gensokai series. But despite that this is second installment already and that I still haven't read the first book in the series, Blade's Edge, I was able to still follow what the story is all about. After the battle in Roju City, Mishi felt that she's broken because of what happened, but she still wants to seek out new female kisoshi, or an elite warrior. During the battle, Mishi would have died if Taka, a healer, wasn't able to save her. Mishi used so much of her kiso (fire) power during the battle that results to her fear that she might harm others because thought that she can't control it. However, Tsuku-san and Yanagi-Sensei told her that she must her kiso daily because it will help her channel it and will make it grow. Mishi was tasked by the New Council to fight once more, but she tried to decline because she thought she can no longer do it. Nevertheless, she still accepted the offer and together with the natural tracker Mitsu, they were assigned by Tsuku-san to track the group(s) of sanzoku or the mountain bandits. The former enemy Kusuko, a hishi or an assassin, became an ally during the battle of Roju. Yet, Mishi was still cautious of this former ex-foe because Kusuko killed Sachi, which can be read in Blade's Edge. But Kusuko was able to prove that she's no longer an enemy when she was able to protect Taka from her own father, Mamushi-san. Traitor's Hope is quite a long novel and I'm not familiar with the Japanese words/terms, but the author included a glossary of terms in the beginning of the book for easy access. The storyline is unique and those who are fascinated with the East Asia or Japanese culture, as well as fantasy fiction novels, this book by Virginia McClain will certainly enthralled them.

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A Prophet Without Honor: A Novel of Alternative History

AUTHOR: Joseph Wurtenbaugh
PUBLISHER: N/A
PUBLICATION DATE: October 10, 2017
PAGES: 604
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
‘A Prophet Without Honor’ is that rare novel that provides a rich, entertaining and fully immersive reading experience, along with a resonant, thought-provoking subtext. Written in epistolary style and populated with interesting, fully-realized characters, the multi-general narrative is a seamless blend of authentic fact and sound speculation. The plot focuses on the one great, unrealized opportunity of the Twentieth Century.
In the first months of 1936, Adolf Hitler risked everything by ordering his untrained military to reoccupy the Rhineland. It was a bluff. The Germans would have been forced to retreat if the French or British had offered the slightest opposition. But the bluff succeeded. History changed decisively. Hitler quieted the opposition at home, and marched the world relentlessly on, to the edge of destruction and beyond.
The story examines that lost chance in detail. The result is a compelling story full of intrigue, danger, romance, and action, culminating in the reckoning that Hitler might have faced, had events taken a different course. It is a celebration of ordinary integrity and the enduring power of simple good will - even in times when honesty is the most dangerous virtue of all and the effects of good will seem lost in obscurity.

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MY RATING: The story of A Prophet Without Honor by Jospeh Wurtenbaugh almost fooled me that the Haydenreich family and their story is real. There are a lot of long correspondences between the family of Haydenreich to other people, and there were several letters of Dwight Eisenhower also especially to Karl's widow; thus, I nearly believe their existence. The first part of the book is one of the best portion of this book and also my favorite because the exchange of letters between Karl's father, Heinrich, and of her Jewish stepmom, Rosamunde, is immensely romantic. Aside from that, the life of Karl Haydenreich growing up, and the story of how his German grandfather and a fanatic of Hitler had almost corrupt his young mind, should not be missed . I had read several memoirs of the Holocaust survivors in the past; and this historical fiction from the account of German who's a Jewish sympathizer, is a fresh take because it shows a different perspective during the Nazi Germany. If you are just like me who love historical fiction, notably the WWII, I highly recommend this novel of Wurtenbaugh because I'm certain that you will have a pleasant time reading this.

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Tale of a Boon's Wife by Fartumo Kusow

AUTHOR: Fartumo Kusow
PUBLISHER: Second Story Press
PUBLICATION DATE: October 10, 2017
PAGES: 376
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

A young Somali woman defies convention and clan to marry the man she loves, but must face the consequences.

Despite her family’s threat to disown her, Idil, a young Somali woman, rejects her high Bliss status to marry Sidow, a poor Boon man. Her decision transforms her life, forcing her to face harsh and sometimes even deadly consequences for her defiance of a strict tribal hierarchy. Set in the fifteen-year period before Somalia’s 1991 Civil War, Idil’s journey is almost too hard to bear at times. Her determination to follow her heart and to pursue love over family and convention is a story that has been told across time and across cultures.

 

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MY RATING: Tale of a Boon's Wife is unquestionably one of the best novel I've read this year. This book narrates the hardships of a young Somali girl Idil, from a Bliss tribe, who fallen in love with a Sidow, a Boon guy. The Boon tribe was a lower class tribe in Somalia because they were once slaves to the upper class tribes, such as the Bliss. Due to the difference to the social class, apart from Idil's younger brother Emil, other members of her family strongly opposed her relationship to SIdow. They had no choice but to elope because her parents were planning to marry her to Jamac. From there on, several suffering were experienced by the couple: from drought, civil war, poverty, and death. Women's hardships were clearly described in this novel; the quote in this book, "A man's dirt is his woman's wash, always," is the appropriate representation how women were viewed since then. Until now, some women still experiences this kind of treatment from their husband or partner, especially those who are older. Moreover, being a second class citizen/person of women in a Muslim country were also addressed in this remarkable novel. I love how Idil showed courage particularly in the latter part of the book; I was extremely happy while reading the ending because Idil and her family will finally have a better life away from her father; her older brother Omar and her second wife Rhoda; and from her pursuer Jamac.

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The Mask That Sang by Susan Currie

AUTHOR: Susan Currie
PUBLISHER: Second Story Press
PUBLICATION DATE: September 6, 2016
PAGES: 112
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Cass and her mom have always stood on their own against the world. Then Cass learns she had a grandmother, one who was never part of her life, one who has just died and left her and her mother the first house they could call their own. But with it comes more questions than answers: Why is her Mom so determined not to live there? Why was this relative kept so secret? And what is the unusual mask, forgotten in a drawer, trying to tell her? Strange dreams, strange voices, and strange incidents all lead Cass closer to solving the mystery and making connections she never dreamed she had.

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MY RATING: The Mask That Sang is a completely engrossing novel which addresses not only about bullying that happens in schools, but it also narrates that it exist even in a more larger extent, e.g. in indigenous people. Oppression to the native tribes in America, how the suffering these people have to endure through the hands of their tormentors, and how they were able to healed after was discussed on this book. The author, Susan Currie, used the Iroquois healing mask as origin of her novel and from that, the fictional story of Cass, her mom and her grandmother's story was born. The sounds and dreams that Cass experienced once she possessed the false mask were quite intriguing; and it will make readers to look forward to reading on what could they mean. Apparently, Currie made an excellent job writing this, as this book won the Second Story Press Aboriginal Writing Contest. I commend the author for coming up with this novel that must be promoted to schools and educators, as this book gives a brief look about the aboriginals; their culture and their history.

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Stella Maris by Marita A. Hansen

AUTHOR: Marita A. Hansen
SERIES: The Legendary Rosaries
PUBLISHER: Brave New Words
PUBLICATION DATE: September 9, 2017
PAGES: 438
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
At her first Confirmation lesson, Catherine Lovich is given a beautiful rosary known as the Stella Maris. Unaware of the danger attached to it, she accepts the gift, soon discovering that each bead on the rosary holds a unique power, powers that only Merges can use. Descended from angels and demons, Merges have the innate ability to manipulate the elements as well as bring the past to the present through dreams.

After meeting Christopher Laboure on her first day back at Agnaru High, Catherine learns that the arrogant but heavenly-looking boy is a Merge—like herself. But unlike Catherine, Christopher is a Seraph, a Merge who controls the fire beads.

When a heated kiss goes wrong, Christopher finds out that Catherine is wearing the Stella Maris—the water rosary his grandfather wants to destroy.

Along with its owner.

STELLA MARIS will transport you into a realm where nothing is what it seems and everything holds hidden danger.

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MY RATING: Stella Maris has a solid foundation as a novel because the plot is quite intriguing and Hansen made the story very appealing; especially to those who are fond of paranormal topics, e.g. seraphs and fallen angels. I love the story, it's just that the pacing is slow and I can't believe that there will be a succeeding book after this.  Stella Maris has a solid foundation as a novel because the plot is quite intriguing and Hansen made the story very appealing; especially to those who are fond of paranormal topics, e.g. seraphs and fallen angels. I love the story, it's just that the pacing is slow and I can't believe that there will be a succeeding book after this. I was anticipating the battle between Catherine and Christopher's father, which was put near the end and I'm a little dismay because it was not what I've expected it to be. I envisioned some action-pack duel among them but it was like a petty fight when I've read it. One major complaint I have about this young adult fantasy novel of Marita A. Hansen is that it's quite long! I reckon I skipped almost 30% of the book because some parts are not really that important and could be remove without making any drastic effect to the novel. Lastly, I believe that the author could have squeeze the whole story of Catherine and Christopher in one single novel. There's no need for second installment if Hansen would have omit trivial and dragging parts in this book, especially the numerous necking scenes of the two protagonist.

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Morning Sun by Jeremy Flagg

AUTHOR: Jeremy Flagg
SERIES: Children of Nostradamus
PUBLISHER: Brave New Words
PUBLICATION DATE: May 1, 2017
PAGES: 270
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Before their paths crossed…
Before a fragile thread connected their futures...
Before they found themselves humanity's last hope...

The Nighthawks stood alone.

Armed with visions from the future, Eleanor P. Valentine is about to change the fate of eleven would-be heroes in a last ditch effort to save mankind.

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MY RATING: Morning Sun, the first novel in the Children of Nostradamus series, is quite unexpected to be this astonishing. It is a prelude to the series which narrates the stories of each mentalists or the so-called children of Nostradamus, and it also compiles all the individual letters of the psychic Eleanor to them. Some of these extraordinary people possessed different kind of special abilities, just like the power to become invisible or super strength, which the government tries to suppressed. Because of this, they have to hide their identity or they will be subject to the government's experimentation. If you enjoy reading suspense and action-pack scenarios as much as I do, then this book is for you to devour. This introduction of these children of Nostradamus was incredibly written and you'll certainly want to read the succeeding book, Nighthawks, after you're done reading this.

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