Review: The October Faction, Volume 1 by Steve Niles and Damien Worm

Title: The October Faction, Volume 1

Author: Steve Niles

Illustrator: Damien Worm

Published by: IDW Publishing

Released: July 2015

Source: Library -- HOOPLA

Goodreads

Synopsis: The October Faction details the adventures of retired monster-hunter Frederick Allan and his family... which include a thrill-killer, a witch, and a warlock. Because sometimes crazy is the glue that binds a family together. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed the vibe of this comic. I love a spooky family, mysteries, and some macabre fun. This had some flavors of The Addams Family and The Munsters. My favorite part was probably the art style. It's very dark and murky, but nicely detailed. It was fun to read, and not exactly what I was expecting.

I watched the Netflix adaptation before reading the source material, and I don't really know what the show was doing. I do not understand why big changes happen when things get adapted, or why the change the whole flavor from the source material. There are similarities between the comic and the show, but there's a whole lot of differences. One of the big changes seems to be the overall set up. Our kids in the comic already know about the spooky stuff going on around them, while the kids in the show are oblivious to it all. I know I've only read the first Volume, but I think the comic wins over the show. I'm not terribly surprised the show didn't survive and go on.

I'm definitely interested in reading more of this. I really like the art style and I want to see what happens next.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.7/5

Spooky spooky.

Reading Right Now! (266)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...
I'm actually trying to take part in the NEWTs Magical Readathon created by BookRoast. This is the first time I've tried to complete the OWLs/NEWTs, and it will also be the last time, because this is the last year of this readathon. BookRoast is still going to have a readathon, but she's going to make something all new for next year. I know it will be awesome because she is super talented.

-- Daughter of the Siren Queen (#2) by Tricia Levenseller -- I'm pretty sure this covers my A in Care of Magical Creatures, which is to read a book with fire in the title or on the cover. I love pirate books. I love the Golden Age of Piracy in general. I read the first in this duology maybe a couple of years ago, and while I didn't love it love it, I enjoyed it. So far, I'm really enjoying this sequel too. One thing I will say is that Alosa is not a female Jack Sparrow. I've seen blurbs that make that claim. Jack Sparrow is more zany, selfish, and unexpected then Alosa is. Alosa cares a lot about her crew and she just doesn't have that wackiness that makes Jack Sparrow so fun.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading? Anything readathons that you're taking part in? I'd like to maybe do ArcAugust too, but I don't have much faith in myself for actually making progress with that.

BLOG TOUR: Lobizona (Wolves of No World #1) by Romina Garber

I am beyond excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Lobizona by Romina Garber!! As soon as I set eyes on this cover, I knew I had to read it. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Wednesday Books and Romina Garber for letting me be a part of this magical tour.

Title: Lobizona (Wolves of No World #1)

Author: Romina Garber

Published by: Wednesday Books

Released: August 4, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Some people ARE illegal.

Lobizonas do NOT exist.
Both of these statements are false.
Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her. As an undocumented immigrant who's on the run from her father's Argentine crime-family, Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida.
Until Manu's protective bubble is shattered.
Her surrogate grandmother is attacked, lifelong lies are exposed, and her mother is arrested by ICE. Without a home, without answers, and finally without shackles, Manu investigates the only clue she has about her past--a mysterious "Z" emblem—which leads her to a secret world buried within our own. A world connected to her dead father and his criminal past. A world straight out of Argentine folklore, where the seventh consecutive daughter is born a bruja and the seventh consecutive son is a lobizón, a werewolf. A world where her unusual eyes allow her to belong.
As Manu uncovers her own story and traces her real heritage all the way back to a cursed city in Argentina, she learns it's not just her U.S. residency that's illegal. . . .it's her entire existence. (Synopsis from Goodreads )

My Thoughts: This is a book that mixes magic with real world issues. It's very powerful. It illustrates the fear of being an illegal immigrant, looking over your shoulder every day thinking today could be the day they take you away. It was very hard reading this story, but also very important.

This is a book that takes its time to show you the way. Some could complain that it's a bit slow, but I enjoyed every moment. It's a slow burn of a story. I was always invested, waiting to see what twist, turn, or revelation would be offered to me next.

Lobizona is a beautiful story. I really enjoyed the way it was written. I also really enjoyed discovering the magic and the secrets of Manuela. I just really enjoyed reading her journey.

This beautiful book contains a great story inside its pages. I'd definitely recommend getting your hands on a copy. I'm very excited to see where the series goes next.

ROMINA GARBER (pen name Romina Russell) is a New York Times and international bestselling author. Originally from Argentina, she landed her first writing gig as a teen―a weekly column for the Miami Herald that was later nationally syndicated―and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Her books include Lobizona and the Zodiac quartet. When she’s not working on a novel, Romina can be found producing movie trailers, taking photographs, or daydreaming about buying a new drum set. She is a graduate of Harvard College and a Virgo to the core.

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Lobizona by Romina Garber. Thanks so much to Wednesday Books (who are one of my favorite publishing imprints, and I'm not just saying that because they were nice to me and let me read this one. They always come out with books that I can't wait to read.) and Romina Garber for letting me be a part of this tour. I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. That cover will look beautiful on your shelves.

BLOG TOUR: The Hero of Hope Springs (Gold Valley #10) by Maisey Yates

I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Hero Of Hope Springs by Maisey Yates. This is the 10th book in the Gold Valley Novels. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to HQN Books and Maisey Yates for letting me be a part of this tour.

Title: The Hero of Hope Springs (Gold Valley #10)

Author: Maisey Yates

Published by: HQN Books

Released: July 28, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Will Gold Valley’s most honorable cowboy finally claim the woman he’s always wanted?

For as long as brooding cowboy Ryder Daniels has known Sammy Marshall, she has been his sunshine. Her free spirit and bright smile saved him after the devastating loss of his parents and gave him the strength to care for his orphaned family. Only Ryder knows how vulnerable Sammy is, so he’s kept his attraction for his best friend under wraps for years. But what Sammy’s asking for now might be a step too far…

Something has been missing from Sammy’s life, and she thinks she knows what it is. Deciding she wants a baby is easy; realizing she wants her best friend to be the father is…complicated. Especially when a new heat between them sparks to life! When Sammy discovers she’s pregnant, Ryder makes it clear he wants it all. But having suffered the fallout of her parents’ disastrous relationship, Sammy is wary of letting Ryder too close. This cowboy will have to prove he’s proposing out of more than just honor… (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: An awkward proposal turns into something more, that is some of what you get with The Hero of Hope Springs. This was a lot of fun to read. It was very cute, sexy, and a little zany with this plan that Sammy came up with.

I'll just say, I love a brooding cowboy. Ryder Daniels is a winner. Sammy is more of a free spirit. They fit very well together and compliment each other.

I couldn't believe Sammy's plan when she announced it. I mean, that is one way to get a baby. Ryder has been attracted to her for years and sees this as his way of finally getting the girl, although it takes him more convincing then he first thought.

This was very sweet to read. I definitely enjoyed my time reading this book. I have not read all the books in the series, but this has made me want to. If Cowboy Romances are your thing, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.

New York Times Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. 

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for The Hero of Hope Springs (Gold Valley #10) by Maisey Yates. Thanks so much to HQN Books and Maisey Yates for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

BLOG TOUR: Lies, Lies, Lies by Adele Parks

I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Lies, Lies, Lies by Adele Parks. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Adele Parks for letting me read this twisty book!

Title: Lies, Lies, Lies

Author: Adele Parks

Published by: MIRA

Released: August 4, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Daisy and Simon’s marriage isn’t what it seems…

After years together, the arrival of longed-for daughter Millie sealed everything in place. They’re a happy little family of three.
So what if Simon drinks a bit too much sometimes—Daisy’s used to it. She knows he’s just letting off steam. Until one night at a party things spiral horribly out of control. And their happy little family of three will never be the same again.
In Lies, Lies, Lies, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Adele Parks explores the darkest corners of a relationship in free fall in a mesmerizing tale of marriage and secrets. (Synopsis from Goodreads

My Thoughts: This book is one that lures you into a fall sense of complacency. Everything seems normal. Everything seems good. Sure this family isn't perfect, alcoholism is rearing its ugly head. Then it goes into the second act, and everything you thought you knew gets turned on its head.

This book is filled with lies. We find out that many of our characters are liars. We can't trust anything they say and everything we thought before is now suspect. This was very intense, thrilling, and dark at times.

I enjoyed this. It was a good thriller. I'm excited to read more from Adele Parks and I'm happy I got to read this one. If thrillers are your thing, I'd definitely recommend giving it a read.

Adele Parks was born in Teesside, North East England. Her first novel, Playing Away, was published in 2000, and since then she's had seventeen international bestsellers, translated into twenty-six languages. She's been an ambassador for The Reading Agency and a judge for the Costa Book Awards, and is a keen supporter of The National Literary Trust. She's lived in Italy, Botswana and London and is now settled in Guildford, Surrey, with her husband, son and cat.

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Lies, Lies, Lies by Adele Parks. Thanks so much to MIRA and Adele Parks for having me on this blog tour. There's nothing better then reading a good book.

BLOG TOUR: Someone's Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass

I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Someone's Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass. I received an advanced copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Graydon House and Seraphina Nova Glass for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Someone's Listening

Author: Seraphina Nova Glass

Published by: Graydon House

Released: July 28, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: She wrote the book on escaping a predator… Now one is coming for her.

Faith Finley has it all: she’s a talented psychologist with a flourishing career, a bestselling author and the host of a popular local radio program, Someone’s Listening, with Dr. Faith Finley. She’s married to the perfect man, Liam Finley, a respected food critic.
Until the night everything goes horribly wrong, and Faith’s life is shattered forever.
Liam is missing—gone without a trace—and the police are suspicious of everything Faith says. They either think she has something to hide, or that she’s lost her mind.
And then the notes begin to arrive. Notes that are ripped from Faith’s own book, the one that helps victims leave their abusers. Notes like “Lock your windows. Consider investing in a steel door.”

As the threats escalate, the mystery behind Liam’s disappearance intensifies. And Faith’s very life will depend on finding answers. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Oooph, this book took me for a ride. The synopsis gives you a glimpse of what Someone's Listening is about, but it doesn't give you the full thing. I had a lot of fun reading this. It had an unreliable narrator, and it was interesting following her story. I didn't know what to believe half of the time.

There is some danger in this, where our main character is getting threatening letters that are pages ripped out of her own book. After being at the top with her career booming, Faith is experiencing a fall from grace. She's having to defend her reputation, and then her husband goes missing. She obviously becomes a suspect. There's a lot going on.

There were tons of twists and turns in this. I was always left on the edge of my seat and surprised. This was a fun, domestic thriller. If that's the kind of book you enjoy, I'd definitely recommend giving this a read. Seraphina Nova Glass crafts a very entertaining thriller.

Seraphina Nova Glass is a professor and playwright-in-residence at the University of Texas, Arlington, where she teaches film studies and playwriting. She holds an MFA in playwriting from Smith College, and she's also a screenwriter and award-winning playwright. Seraphina has traveled the world using theater and film as a teaching tool, living in South Africa, Guam, and Kenya as a volunteer teacher, AIDS relief worker, and documentary filmmaker.

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Someone's Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass. Thanks so much to Graydon House and Seraphina Nova Glass for letting me be a part of the tour. It was the perfect escape reading.

BLOG TOUR: With Or Without You by Caroline Leavitt

I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for With Or Without You by Caroline Leavitt. I was sent a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Caroline Leavitt for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: With Or Without You

Author: Caroline Leavitt

Published by: Algonquin Books

Released: August 4, 2020

Source: Review Copy from the Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: “With or Without You is a moving novel about twists of fate, the shifting terrain of love, and coming into your own. With tenderness and incisive insight, Leavitt spotlights a woman's unexpected journey towards her art.” —Madeline Miller, author of Circe

 After almost twenty years together, Stella and Simon are starting to run into problems. An up-and-coming rock musician when they first met, Simon has been clinging to dreams of fame even as the possibility of it has grown dimmer, and now that his band might finally be on the brink again, he wants to go on the road, leaving Stella behind. But when she falls into a coma on the eve of his departure, he has to make a choice between stardom and his wife—and when she wakes a different person, with an incredible artistic talent of her own, the two of them must examine what it is that they really want.
 Unapologetically honest and intimately written, With or Without You is a contemporary story of what happens to relationships as the people in them change, whether slowly or in one cataclysmic swoop.  (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This was a novel full of curveballs. This is the story of a relationship and how time molds and shapes it. This is about two people that love each other, but make choices that can put that relationship into jeopardy. It was a very beautifully written book detailing a relationship with ups and downs.

Stella and Simon were very interesting characters to follow. Simon is still clinging to this dream of rockstar superstardom. It passed him by the first time, but he's been holding out hope for 20 years. Now, there's a chance that people will be chanting his name in the stage stadium again. Simon needed to grow up, in my opinion. 20 years is a long time to hold onto a dream that might never happen. Stella has been with Simon all this time and it sometimes feels like he doesn't respect her the way that he should. Stella would like to get married and start a family, which Simon doesn't seem to want at the moment. I think 20 years is too long to wait for a guy that doesn't want to commit all the way. I would have left a long time ago, but Stella loves him.

Then Stella falls in a coma and wakes up with a talent of her own. It's definitely a surprise for Simon.

I thought this was a very interesting story. It was well written. It has such a unique atmosphere. I really liked this.

Caroline Leavitt is the award-winning author of twelve novels, including the New York Times bestsellers Pictures of You and Is This Tomorrow. Her essays and stories have been included in New York magazine, Psychology Today, More, Parenting, Redbook, and Salon. She’s a book critic for People, the Boston Globe, and the San Francisco Chronicle, and she teaches writing online at Stanford and UCLA.

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for With Or Without You Caroline Leavitt. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Caroline Leavitt for letting me be a part of the tour! It's a good book.