The Alienist by Caleb Carr

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Title: The Alienist

Author: Caleb Carr
Series: Dr. Laszlo Kreizler (Book #1)

Genre: Thriller / Mystery / Historical Fiction

Length: 599 pages

Published: 1994

Publisher: Bantam Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) The year is 1896, the place, New York City. On a cold March night New York Times reporter John Schuyler Moore is summoned to the East River by his friend and former Harvard classmate Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist, or "alienist." On the unfinished Williamsburg Bridge, they view the horribly mutilated body of an adolescent boy, a prostitute from one of Manhattan's infamous brothels.

The newly appointed police commissioner, Theodore Roosevelt, in a highly unorthodox move, enlists the two men in the murder investigation, counting on the reserved Kreizler's intellect and Moore's knowledge of New York's vast criminal underworld. They are joined by Sara Howard, a brave and determined woman who works as a secretary in the police department. Laboring in secret (for alienists, and the emerging discipline of psychology, are viewed by the public with skepticism at best), the unlikely team embarks on what is a revolutionary effort in criminology-- amassing a psychological profile of the man they're looking for based on the details of his crimes. Their dangerous quest takes them into the tortured past and twisted mind of a murderer who has killed before--and will kill again before the hunt is over.

Fast-paced and gripping, infused with a historian's exactitude, The Alienist conjures up the Gilded Age and its untarnished underside: verminous tenements and opulent mansions, corrupt cops and flamboyant gangsters, shining opera houses and seamy gin mills. Here is a New York during an age when questioning society's belief that all killers are born, not made, could have unexpected and mortal consequences.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

So the plot was excellent. I enjoyed the search for the killer, the use of "new" technology to examine the bodies and the crime scenes, and the use of what we now would call profiling. There were some great little subplots by including political intrigue, sinister crime bosses, and even romance. 

My main issue with the book was that it was slow to develop the story. Things didn't really pick up for awhile and it was hard to get into the book. There were a lot of philosophical type debates that went on and sometimes those would make my eyes glaze over, so I'd find myself having to put the book away for a day or so. Otherwise this was a pretty good read.

You can purchase The Alienist through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Alienist? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire by James Lowder

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Title: Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire 

Author: James Lowder

Genre: Non Fiction Essays

Length: 220 pages

Published: 2012

Publisher: BenBella Books, Inc.

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Go beyond the Wall and across the narrow sea with this collection about George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, from A Game of Thrones to A Dance with Dragons.

The epic game of thrones chronicled in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series has captured the imaginations of millions of readers. In Beyond the Wall, bestselling authors and acclaimed critics offer up thought-provoking essays and compelling insights:

Daniel Abraham reveals the unique challenges of adapting the original books into graphic novels. Westeros.org founders Linda Antonsson and Elio M. García, Jr., explore the series’ complex heroes and villains, and their roots in the Romantic movement. Wild Cards contributor Caroline Spector delves into the books’ controversial depictions of power and gender.

Plus much more, from military science fiction writer Myke Cole on the way Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder shapes many of the leading characters to author and television writer Ned Vizzini on the biases against genre fiction that color critical reactions to the series.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

Most of these essays were pretty interesting. They explore the world of Westeros through varying topics: feminism, PTSD, redemption, and psychology, among many others. There were a few that I found boring which led me to lower my rating for this book. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the essays that really delved into the world and characters of Westeros. Definitely a must-read for fans of the series. 

You can purchase Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

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Title: The Angel's Game

Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Series: The Cemetery of Forgotten Books (Book #2)

Genre: Historical Fiction

Length: 531 pages

Published: 2009 (originally in 2008)

Publisher: Penguin Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) In an abandoned mansion at the heart of Barcelona, a young man, David Martin, makes his living by writing sensationalist novels under a pseudonym. The survivor of a troubled childhood, he has taken refuge in the world of books and spends his nights spinning baroque tales about the city's underworld. But perhaps his dark imaginings are not as strange as they seem, for in a locked room deep within the house lie photographs and letters hinting at the mysterious death of the previous owner. Like a slow poison, the history of the place seeps into his bones as he struggles with an impossible love. Close to despair, David receives a letter from a reclusive French editor, Andreas Corelli, who makes him the offer of a lifetime. He is to write a book unlike anything that has ever existed--a book with the power to change hearts and minds. In return, he will receive a fortune, and perhaps more. But as David begins the work, he realizes that there is a connection between his haunting book and the shadows that surround his home. 

Once again, Zafon takes us into a dark, gothic universe first seen in the "Shadow of the Wind" and creates a breathtaking adventure of intrigue, romance, and tragedy. Through a dizzingly constructed labyrinth of secrets, the magic of books, passion, and friendship blend into a masterful story.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

This mainly gets a four because of how slow the book seemed to go. It took forever to get to the point of finally figuring out the mystery. Otherwise I fully enjoyed the story. It is worth the read if you have time to make it through some of the slower, boring parts. Probably the most frustrating part of it to me was that David finds the hole in the wall in the back room early on but doesn't bother to try to open it until near the very end - just has a bad feeling and tells Isabella to stay out of there. There's a surprisingly high death toll in this book, and even in the end the reader is left to wonder whether or not David is mad.

You can purchase The Angel's Game through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Angel's Game? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

z2134 by Sean Platt & David W. Wright

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Title: z2134

Author: Sean Platt & David W. Wright

Genre: Horror

Length: 296 pages

Published: 2012

Publisher: 47North

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) It is the year 2134 in a dystopian America, following a series of zombie plagues which infected and decimated much of the world’s population starting 100 years ago.

Those left, formed six walled Cities throughout the continent, all under the rule of a totalitarian government which enforces strict control over its populace.

• You must obey your government.
• You must be a good citizen.
• You must be a productive citizen.
• You must not break the law

Or The City Watch will find you and arrest you.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

This is what Amazon calls a Kindle Serial. Every week, a new episode is released and updates your copy on your kindle. I bought this well after the serial was finished. (In fact the two sequels are already out and finished.)

The Goodreads description calls this The Hunger Games meets 1984 meets The Walking Dead. And I have to agree. The Darwin Games are this world's version of the Hunger Games. The Darwin Games are mostly criminals but some people do volunteer to go. The world itself is very much like Orwell's 1984 - the City rules everything, regulating things such as pastimes, how many children you can have, and what your job will be. And of course, there are zombies. But the zombies are all outside the Wall in the Barrens. 

The zombie nerd in me recognized that the TV announcer's name was Kirkman - the name of the man who created The Walking Dead. And the Darwin Games (as well as the action within them) seem to mimic a lot of the action in The Hunger Games. This was a pretty great way to pay homage to some really great stories. 

The main reason this gets four stars instead of five is that the story could have been a bit more polished. In some aspects it seemed to close to the stories that it's paying homage to, and in others it just seems that everything is too convenient. 

It ends with Jonah Lovecraft making a shocking discovery. I'm definitely ready to read the next installment, z2135.

You can purchase z2134 through Amazon in Kindle format. 

Have you read z2134? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Scarlet by Stephen R. Lawhead

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Title: Scarlet

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
Series: The King Raven Trilogy Book #2

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 443 pages

Published: 2007

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) After losing everything he owns, forester Will Scarlet embarks on a search for none other than King Raven, whose exploits have already become legendary. After fulfilling his quest--and proving himself a skilled and loyal companion--Will joins the heroic archer and his men.

Now, however, Will is in prison for a crime he did not commit. His sentence is death by hanging--unless he delivers King Raven and his band of cohorts.

That, of course, he will never do.

Wales is slowly falling under the control of the invading Normans, and King William the Red has given his ruthless barons control of the land. In desperation, the people turn to King Raven and his men for justice and survival in the face of the ever-growing onslaught.

From deep in the forest they form a daring plan for deliverance, knowing that failure means death for them all.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

This was a great continuation of the trilogy. The main reason I had to give this four stars instead of five is that I found the beginning half of the book rather confusing as it jumped from Will's first person point of view as he related the story of his capture to the point of view of someone else. It was hard to judge if the chapters not in Will's point of view were happening while Will was relating his story or if they were happening simultaneously. It became much clearer later on in the book that everything was happening at the same time as events in Will's story. 

All in all it was an excellent book, and I'm anxious to get on with the final book in the trilogy, Tuck.

You can purchase Scarlet through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Scarlet? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Tales by H.P. Lovecraft

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Title: The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Tales

Author: H.P. Lovecraft

Genre: Horror, Short Stories

Length: 420 pages

Published: 1999

Publisher: Penguin Classics

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) An unparalleled selection of fiction from H. P. Lovecraft, master of the American horror tale.

Long after his death, H. P. Lovecraft continues to enthrall readers with his gripping tales of madness and cosmic terror, and his effect on modern horror fiction continues to be felt--Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Clive Barker have acknowledged his influence. His unique contribution to American literature was a melding of Poe's traditional supernaturalism with the emerging genre of science fiction. Originally appearing in pulp magazines like Weird Tales in the 1920s and 1930s, Lovecraft's work is now being regarded as the most important supernatural fiction of the twentieth century.

Lovecraft's biographer and preeminent interpreter, S. T. Joshi, has prepared this volume of eighteen stories--from the early classics like "The Outsider" and "Rats in the Wall" to his mature masterworks, "The Call of Cthulhu" and "The Shadow over Innsmouth." The first paperback to include the definitive corrected texts, The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories reveals the development of Lovecraft's mesmerizing narrative style, and establishes him as a canonical--and visionary--American writer.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

Most of the stories in this collection can also be found in The Best of H.P. Lovecraft: Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre, so I was able to get through this one very quickly by just reading the new-to-me stories. These stories, once again, left chills down my spine. If you're a fan of Lovecraft or horror and you haven't read this collection or the stories contained therein, please do so. You won't be disappointed.

You can purchase The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Tales through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Tales? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

At the Mountains of Madness and Other Tales of Terror by H.P. Lovecraft

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Title: At the Mountains of Madness and Other Tales of Terror

Author: H.P. Lovecraft

Genre: Horror, Short Stories

Length: 196 pages

Published: 1991

Publisher: Del Rey

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) A complete short novel, AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS is a tale of terror unilke any other. The Barren, windswept interior of the Antarctic plateau was lifeless--or so the expedition from Miskatonic University thought. Then they found the strange fossils of unheard-of creatures...and the carved stones tens of millions of years old...and, finally, the mind-blasting terror of the City of the Old Ones. Three additional strange tales, written as only H.P. Lovecraft can write, are also included in this macabre collection of the strange and the weird. 

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5.

This collection holds only four stories, one of which (The Dreams in the Witch-House) can also be found in The Best of H.P. Lovecraft: Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre. My favorite story out of this collection was probably a tie between The Shunned House and The Statement of Randolph Carter. Both were equally horrifying, and the final one literally sent chills down my spine. 

The title story in the collection, At the Mountains of Madness, was good, but it was very long-winded which led me to skim some of the more boring parts. Otherwise, all in all, this is a good collection to read. Just don't read it right before bed. 

You can purchase At the Mountains of Madness and Other Tales of Terror through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read At the Mountains of Madness and Other Tales of Terror? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Best of H.P. Lovecraft: Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre by H.P. Lovecraft

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Title: The Best of H.P. Lovecraft: Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre

Author: H.P. Lovecraft 

Genre: Horror, Short Stories

Length: 406 pages

Published: 2002

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) This is the collection that true fans of horror fiction have been waiting for: sixteen of H.P. Lovecraft's most horrifying visions, including Lovecraft's masterpiece, THE SHADOW OUT OF TIME--the shocking revelation of the mysterious forces that hold all mankind in their fearsome grip.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

This was a spine-tingling, nightmare inducing collection of short stories. The reason I give this four stars instead of five is that the stories were a little long-winded in some aspects and I could only read a story or two at a time. They were all intense, except for the last story or two in which I found my attention waning a bit. Possibly because I was trying to finish the book quickly. Definitely a must read for fans of the horror genre. Lovecraft is truly a master.

You can purchase The Best of H.P. Lovecraft: Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Best of H.P. Lovecraft: Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton

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Title: The Distant Hours

Author: Kate Morton

Genre: Historical Fiction

Length: 562 pages

Published: 2010

Publisher: Atria

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) A long lost letter arrives in the post and Edie Burchill finds herself on a journey to Milderhurst Castle, a great but moldering old house, where the Blythe spinsters live and where her mother was billeted 50 years before as a 13 year old child during WWII. The elder Blythe sisters are twins and have spent most of their lives looking after the third and youngest sister, Juniper, who hasn’t been the same since her fiance jilted her in 1941. 

Inside the decaying castle, Edie begins to unravel her mother’s past. But there are other secrets hidden in the stones of Milderhurst, and Edie is about to learn more than she expected. The truth of what happened in ‘the distant hours’ of the past has been waiting a long time for someone to find it. 

Morton once again enthralls readers with an atmospheric story featuring unforgettable characters beset by love and circumstance and haunted by memory, that reminds us of the rich power of storytelling.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

This was rather slow going for me. I was fascinated by the story from the beginning, so I believe the slowness was more because I have been distracted with other things and just was momentarily not interested in reading. Once I got over halfway through, I was unable to put it down. 

The story is separated into five parts, each part revealing the cast of the characters, their voices, and another piece of the puzzle. Each part includes what is happening in the present (1992) and what is happening in the past, in 1941 and even earlier than that, as well. While the main character, Edie, is left to come up with her own theory of events, the author gives the reader the chance in Part Five to learn what truly happened on that fateful October night in 1941. Edie's suppositions are not completely wrong, but you'll just have to read for yourself to find out the truth. 

You can purchase The Distant Hours through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Distant Hours? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

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Title: Les Misérables

Author: Victor Hugo

Genre: Classic Literature

Length: 959 pages

Published: Original: 1862; Version I read: 2010

Publisher: Public Domain Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Introducing one of the most famous characters in literature, Jean Valjean - the noble peasant imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread - Les Misérables (1862) ranks among the greatest novels of all time. In it Victor Hugo takes readers deep into the Parisian underworld, immerses them in a battle between good and evil, and carries them onto the barricades during the uprising of 1832 with a breathtaking realism that is unsurpassed in modern prose. 

Within his dramatic story are themes that capture the intellect and the emotions: crime and punishment, the relentless persecution of Valjean by Inspector Javert, the desperation of the prostitute Fantine, the amorality of the rogue Thénardier and the universal desire to escape the prisons of our own minds. Les Misérables gave Victor Hugo a canvas upon which he portrayed his criticism of the French political and judicial systems, but the portrait which resulted is larger than life, epic in scope - an extravagant spectacle that dazzles the senses even as it touches the heart.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

My favorite character in this 900+ page epic was Javert. He was definitely the most fascinating character and he underwent a huge change by the end of the book. Jean ValJean also underwent a huge change in his character throughout the book. He comes in close second to Javert as my favorite. 

The overall story was great. What starts as a simple tale about an old bishop turns into an epic tale of love, crime, punishment, forgiveness, and hatred - all during the French Revolution. I fully admit I skimmed some parts of this book because I couldn't handle some of the long-winded prose which I felt took away from the core story - but I see now why it was included. There's a lot of good history added to the story in those parts I skimmed, I just wasn't interested in it. 

You can purchase Les Misérables through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Les Misérables? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Blasphemy by Douglas Preston

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Title: Blasphemy

Author: Douglas Preston
Series: Wyman Ford (Book #2)

Genre: Mystery

Length: 416

Published: 2007

Publisher: Forge Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) The world's biggest supercollider, locked in an Arizona mountain, was built to reveal the secrets of the very moment of creation: the Big Bang itself. 

The Torus is the most expensive machine ever created by humankind, run by the world’s most powerful supercomputer. It is the brainchild of Nobel Laureate William North Hazelius. Will the Torus divulge the mysteries of the creation of the universe? Or will it, as some predict, suck the earth into a mini black hole? Or is the Torus a Satanic attempt, as a powerful televangelist decries, to challenge God Almighty on the very throne of Heaven?

Twelve scientists under the leadership of Hazelius are sent to the remote mountain to turn it on, and what they discover must be hidden from the world at all costs. Wyman Ford, ex-monk and CIA operative, is tapped to wrest their secret, a secret that will either destroy the world…or save it.

The countdown begins…

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

Like most of Douglas Preston's books (that I've read), the action doesn't really happen until the final chapters. The beginning three-quarters of the book is build up to the final showdown. The story itself is not bad, and Preston does a good job of explaining some of the more difficult scientific terms that are used. Fans of Tyrannosaur Canyon will be glad to see Wyman Ford back in action.

You can purchase Blasphemy through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Blasphemy? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Artful by Peter David

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Title: Artful

Author: Peter David

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 288 pages

Published: July 1st, 2014

Publisher: 47North

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Oliver Twist is one of the most well-known stories ever told, about a young orphan who has to survive the mean streets of London before ultimately being rescued by a kindly benefactor.

But it is his friend, the Artful Dodger, who has the far more intriguing tale, filled with more adventure and excitement than anything boring Oliver could possibly get up to. Throw in some vampires and a plot to overthrow the British monarchy, and what you have is the thrilling account that Charles Dickens was too scared to share with the world.

From the brilliant mind of novelist and comic book veteran Peter David, Artful is the dark, funny, and action-packed story of one of the most fascinating characters in literary history. 

With vampires.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

Let me preface this by stating that I have never read Oliver Twist, so I know little of the original story. I saw this book on the Kindle First page, and the premise intrigued me. The author gives a brief rundown of the events of Oliver Twist, allowing those that have not read it to understand some of the characters that are introduced - most especially the Artful Dodger, our title character. 

Even though I enjoyed Artful immensely, I am only giving it four stars, as I had a hard time getting into the book. I think it was mostly my lack of knowledge of Oliver Twist that made it hard to really get past the first few chapters. I was having a hard time keeping straight the events and getting used to the author's writing style for this book. Once the action truly started, I enjoyed it much more. 

I loved how the author brought in Abraham Van Helsing, the vampyre hunter who hunted Dracula, and showed him as a youth and gave some history on how he became to be a vampyre hunter. This was an excellent story, and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Oliver Twist, or vampyres. 

You can purchase Artful through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. Artful will be released on July 1st, 2014.

Have you read Artful? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Writers of the Future Volume 30 by Miscellaneous Authors

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Title: Writers of the Future Volume 30

Author: Miscellaneous

Genre: Science Fiction, Short Stories

Length: 400 pages

Published: 2014

Publisher: Galaxy Press

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Embark on Voyages of Imagination and Wonder. Discover the new visionaries of imagination. Experience the thrills, laughs, heartbreak and tears that can all be found in this fabulous new anthology. We’ve scoured the globe to find the most powerful new writers, and then paired them with the most gifted new illustrators to bring you L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume XXX.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

This was a great collection of short stories by several promising writers. I enjoyed all of the stories, though a few of them were a little tougher for me to get into at first. Each story took me into another world with new rules and new characters to fall in love with. 

I love the fact that they include some short stories from established authors, as well as the winners of the contest. The artwork that goes along with each story is excellent and fits in very well with the story the picture is attached to. Definitely a must read for any lovers of the science fiction and fantasy genres.

You can purchase Writers of the Future Volume 30 through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Writers of the Future Volume 30? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

America's Hidden History by Kenneth C. Davis

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Title: America's Hidden History: Untold Tales of the First Pilgrims, Fighting Women, and Forgotten Founders Who Shaped a Nation

Author: Kenneth C. Davis

Genre: Non-Fiction, History

Length: 292 pages

Published: 2008

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Kenneth C. Davis, author of the phenomenal New York Times bestsellerDon't Know Much About History, presents a collection of extraordinary stories, each detailing an overlooked episode that shaped the nation's destiny and character. Davis's dramatic narratives set the record straight, busting myths and bringing to light little-known but fascinating facts from a time when the nation's fate hung in the balance.

Spanning a period from the Spanish arrival in America to George Washington's inauguration in 1789, America's Hidden History details these episodes, among others: The story of the first real Pilgrims in America, who were wine-making French Huguenots, not dour English Separatists The coming-of-age story of Queen Isabella, who suggested that Columbus pack the moving mess hall of pigs that may have spread disease to many Native Americans The long, bloody relationship between the Pilgrims and Indians that runs counter to the idyllic scene of the Thanksgiving feast The little-known story of George Washington as a headstrong young soldier who committed a war crime, signed a confession, and started a war!

Full of color, intrigue, and human interest, America's Hidden History is an iconoclastic look at America's past, connecting some of the dots between history and today's headlines, proving why Davis is truly America's Teacher.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

All in all this book was pretty good. It was easy to read (which some history books are not), and I feel like I learned more about George Washington and other prominent figures in our nation's history than I ever learned in school. 

Some parts were a little boring and tough to get through, which is why I had to rate this at four stars instead of five. For the most part, however, it had some really great information. Definitely worth the read for the history buff out there. 

You can purchase America's Hidden History: Untold Tales of the First Pilgrims, Fighting Women, and Forgotten Founders Who Shaped a Nation through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read America's Hidden History: Untold Tales of the First Pilgrims, Fighting Women, and Forgotten Founders Who Shaped a Nation? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Deadlocked 6 A.R. Wise

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Title: Deadlocked 6

Author: A.R. Wise
Series: Deadlocked (Book #6; Series #2)

Genre: Horror

Length: 238 pages

Published: 2012

Publisher: A.R. Wise

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) The High Rollers are falling apart. Billy is leading them into war against the wishes of Laura, who is intent on living in peace. Unbeknownst to them, one among them holds the cure that could save all mankind, and there are two powerful enemies that want it. Everything has been leading up to this, and the members of this fragile family are going to have to go through hell if they're going to survive.

No one is safe as the end draws near.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5.

So this one is only get four stars from me. Mostly it's because it took awhile to really get into the book. There was action, intrigue, character development galore...but I think I was just thrown off by the addition of several characters and totally new information that was given to us. Otherwise it was an exciting book. It ended with a bang, and I am naturally excited to read part 7. 

You can purchase Deadlocked 6 through Amazon in Kindle format. 

Have you read Deadlocked 6? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Deadlocked 3 by A.R. Wise

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Title: Deadlocked 3

Author: A.R. Wise
Series: Deadlocked (Book #3; Series #1)

Genre: Horror

Length: 138 pages

Published: 2012

Publisher: A.R. Wise

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) The Deadlocked series continues as Billy heads into the city in search of his mother. During his quest, he will meet a strident military figure that will alter his journey and two brothers that will become his closest allies. However, his trip will endanger the family he has only just met, and he might not be able to save them.

Billy's journey into the city will reveal many of the secrets of this penultimate novella. No characters are safe from the terror that has engulfed the city, and as the motives of those in charge begin to be revealed, the fate of all mankind will be in question.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5.

I'm giving this one less stars than the first two in the series, only because I felt that it wasn't as thrilling as the first two. Don't get me wrong, it was still excellently written. It just lacked the gut-wrenching horror that we saw through Laura's eyes and the way David was slow to understand what was happening and how he survived, just barely, to try to save his family.  

You can purchase Deadlocked 3 through Amazon in Kindle format. 

Have you read Deadlocked 3? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

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Title: The Swiss Family Robinson

Author: Johann David Wyss

Genre: Classic Literature

Length: 336 pages

Published: 1812 (original) 1999 (version I read)

Publisher: Yearling

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) “For many days we had been tempest-tossed…the raging storm increased in fury until on the seventh day all hope was lost.” 

From these dire opening lines, a timeless story of adventure begins. One family will emerge alive from this terrible storm: the Robinsons—a Swiss pastor, his wife, and four sons, plus two dogs and a shipload of livestock. Inspired by Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, this heartwarming tale portrays a family’s struggle to create a new life on a strange and fantastic tropical island. There each boy must learn to utilize his own unique nature as their adventures lead to difficult challenges and amazing discoveries, including a puzzling message tied to an albatross’s leg. But it is in the ingenuity and authenticity of the family itself, and the natural wonders of this exotic land that have made The Swiss Family Robinson, first published at the beginning of the nineteenth century, one of the most enduring and imitated stories of shipwreck and survival.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

Similar to Robinson Crusoe, this nineteenth century novel tells the story of a family who is shipwrecked and their adventures. Now I'll be upfront and state that I HATE Robinson Crusoe, so I am really glad to report that while this book does have a few boring parts (which is why this is getting only four stars), it's nowhere near the level of Robinson Crusoe. 

The Robinson family has a huge amount of luck, as they are not only intelligent and hardy, but they are also able to procure most of the stuff aboard the ship, which is conveniently lodged on some rocks. Danger hits them throughout, but they are able to make a home for themselves. Ten years pass and they find another shipwreck survivor on a neighboring island. Eventually they are found by an actual ship and they are faced with a decision of returning back to Europe or staying on their private island alone. I definitely recommend picking this up and taking some time to read and enjoy it. 

You can purchase The Swiss Family Robinson through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Swiss Family Robinson? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.