Tuesday, August 31, 2021

High Summer Readathon 2021 Wrap Up Post

 

Yes, yes, and yes, to participating in the High Summer Readathon 2021 during the month of August!! 

I don't really need the motivation or inspiration to read books as I do love reading very much as it is. But it is fun, nevertheless, to join in on a few readathons here and there and feel like one is taking part within the reading community... Especially with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the raging spikes in delta variant cases this summer.

During the month of August 2021, I read (or listened to) to a total of 8 books as follows:

1. Of Neptune (The Syrena Legacy #3) by Anna Banks




Be sure and click on the above links to read my reviews of each book.

Rabid and Pandora's Lab were my two favorite reads during the month of August 2021. 

Who Is Elmyr?: Histories of an Art Forger by Max Horberry

 

This past weekend, I listened to Who Is Elmyr?: Histories of an Art Forger by Max Horberry and narrated by the author. 

Listening time for Who Is Elmyr?: Histories of an Art Forger by Max Horberry is 2 hours, 57 minutes.

Who Is Elmyr?: Histories of an Art Forger by Max Horberry is a short, interesting nonfiction listen. Who Is Elmyr?: Histories of an Art Forger by Max Horberry is part biography and part art history of an art forger named, Elmyr de Hory.

Frankly, I'd never heard of Elmyr de Hory before, but found this gripping listen difficult to put down. There were so many twists and turns to Elmyr de Hory's life that it leaves your head spinning in a good way.

Overall I found Who Is Elmyr?: Histories of an Art Forger by Max Horberry to be a good listen and also enjoyed the narration of it.

Below is a summary for Who Is Elmyr?: Histories of an Art Forger by Max Horberry from Audible:

Who is Elmyr?

Simply put, Elmyr de Hory is known by many as the most notorious art forger of all time. He believed that if a forgery hangs in a museum for long enough - as he claimed many of his works did - it eventually becomes real. Yet, as with many fraudsters, much of the myth is exaggeration or invention. Elmyr de Hory claimed he sold hundreds of his forgeries in the 1950s and '60s. It’s possible that many still hang in America’s museums today. With the help of his immense talent, he became known as the greatest art forger of the century, and four decades after his death, his old friend Mark Forgy has become the caretaker of his legacy. Forgy has dedicated himself to celebrating de Hory’s talent and fending off imposters on the internet. But in the process, he learned the hard truth: The story you get is not always the story you want. If a fake painting hangs in a museum for long enough, does it one day become real? If someone you loved was not who you thought they were, is it better not to know?

We tell stories about ourselves, about others, about art. Elmyr de Hory’s story is also the story of the art dealers who spent their careers chasing him, the millionaire who discovered his collection was not what it seemed, the biographer who helped in de Hory’s myth-making only to become a victim of his own fictions. And it is about the young American who would dedicate himself to his friend only to find strange new narratives disrupting the story. If a lie is told enough times, does it one day become real?

And so, who is Elmyr de Hory? He became internationally infamous as the world's greatest art forger, but the stories that lie beneath are more bizarre and surprising. When we examine what we value and why we value them, we might find that a fiction told enough times eventually becomes truth.
I am giving Who Is Elmyr?: Histories of an Art Forger by Max Horberry a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Monday, August 30, 2021

Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong by Paul A. Offit, M.D.


 I received a finished hardback copy of Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong by Paul A. Offit, M.D. for FREE through the Goodreads Giveaways program. 

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong by Paul A. Offit, M.D.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong by Paul A. Offit, M.D. If you like reading about science and also the topic of medicine, then this is the nonfiction book to read. Paul A. Offit, M.D. discusses seven stories about science going wrong from opioids, margarine, lobotomies, DDT, eugenics, and so much more!

I thought Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong by Paul A. Offit, M.D. was nicely organized, well written, and filled with plenty of material and background information for readers to gain significant insight into why certain scientific findings that initially seemed like sound science went awry and weren't that great after all.

Chapter 8 titled, 'Learning From The Past', was one of my favorite chapters in Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong by Paul A. Offit, M.D. as it discusses seven areas to focus on in order to avoid science disasters in the future. Chapter 8 even sites more cases/examples of science gone wrong with hot topics like e-cigarettes, BPAs, GMOs, and Autism.

The following is a summary for Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong by Paul A. Offit, M.D. from Amazon:
What happens when ideas presented as science lead us in the wrong direction?

History is filled with brilliant ideas that gave rise to disaster, and this book explores the most fascinating—and significant—missteps: from opium's heyday as the pain reliever of choice to recognition of opioids as a major cause of death in the U.S.; from the rise of trans fats as the golden ingredient for tastier, cheaper food to the heart disease epidemic that followed; and from the cries to ban DDT for the sake of the environment to an epidemic-level rise in world malaria.

These are today's sins of science—as deplorable as mistaken past ideas about advocating racial purity or using lobotomies as a cure for mental illness. These unwitting errors add up to seven lessons both cautionary and profound, narrated by renowned author and speaker Paul A. Offit. Offit uses these lessons to investigate how we can separate good science from bad, using some of today's most controversial creations—e-cigarettes, GMOs, drug treatments for ADHD—as case studies. For every "Aha!" moment that should have been an "Oh no," this book is an engrossing account of how science has been misused disastrously—and how we can learn to use its power for good.
I am giving Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong by Paul A. Offit, M.D. a rating of 5 stars put of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!!

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

 

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith has been on my reading wishlist for quite a while now. I'm very pleased that I finally listened to the unabridged audio version of Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith and narrated by Bahni Turpin as it is a really good read!

As many of you may already know, I love reading historical fiction and the writing is wonderful for Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith. I enjoyed the characters very much for Flygirl, especially the main character of Ida Mae Jones as she is smart and driven.

The storyline for Flygirl is well done too. I enjoyed that this novel is set in the 1940s in the USA during World War II. The focus is on Ida Mae's dream of becoming a licensed pilot during a time when both women and blacks were discriminated in the field of flying.

So how does a young, black woman become a pilot? Ida Mae learns from her younger brother about the newly created
 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program created by the US Army and she decides to apply... But Ida Mae fears the WASP won't accept her into the WASP program because she's a black woman. As a very light skinned black woman, Ida Mae is easily able to hide the fact that she is a young, black woman. But Ida Mae is always fearful that she'll be discovered as a black woman and kicked out of the WASP program. The burden of disguising one's heritage weighs heavily on Ida Mae throughout Flygirl and we read how this burden plays out throughout the novel.

Additionally, Ida Mae excels as a pilot and rises to the challenge. She forages strong bonds with a few of her other WASP classmates and eventually makes it through the WASP program despite the odds of making it through such a rigorous program. 

All in all, Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith is a great read.

Listening time for Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith is 8 hours, 36 minutes.

Below is a summary for Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith from the author's website:

Ida Mae Jones dreams of flight. Her daddy was a pilot and being black didn’t stop him from fulfilling his dreams. But her daddy’s gone now, and being a woman, and being black, are two strikes against her. When America enters the war with Germany and Japan, the Army creates the WASP, the Women Airforce Service Pilots—and Ida suddenly sees a way to fly as well as do something significant to help her brother stationed in the Pacific. But even the WASP won’t accept her as a black woman, forcing Ida Mae to make a difficult choice of “passing,” of pretending to be white to be accepted into the program. Hiding one’s racial heritage, denying one’s family, denying one’s self is a heavy burden. And while Ida Mae chases her dream, she must also decide who it is she really wants to be.

I am giving Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith a solid 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy

 

Who would think reading about the cultural history of rabies would be so FASCINATING? Not me, that's for sure!! But I must saying that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the unabridged audio version of Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy and narrated by Johnny Heller.

Listening time for Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy is 8 hours, 8 minutes.

I enjoy reading well written nonfiction books. Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy fits the bill almost perfectly in this regard. I love how this book is organized into well thought out chapters. Rabid is well written and very thorough in it's detail about rabies and the cultural history surrounding rabies. Let me say I'll never look at rabies the same way again. 

The only slight negative for me with regards to Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy is that there are a few areas that were a tad dry... Or I was overwhelmed with the amount of information to mentally digest during certain passages. Otherwise a great read! 

I especially enjoyed learning more about Louis Pasteur's role in creating the rabies vaccine. Additionally, I also enjoyed the cultural history surrounding werewolves, vampires, and rabies.

Below is the publisher's summary for Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy from Audible:

A maddened creature, frothing at the mouth, lunges at an innocent victim—and with a bite, transforms its prey into another raving monster. It’s a scenario that underlies our darkest tales of supernatural horror, but its power derives from a very real virus, a deadly scourge known to mankind from our earliest days. In this fascinating exploration, journalist Bill Wasik and veterinarian Monica Murphy chart four thousand years in the history, science, and cultural mythology of rabies.

The most fatal virus known to science, rabies kills nearly 100 percent of its victims once the infection takes root in the brain. A disease that spreads avidly from animals to humans, rabies has served as a symbol of savage madness and inhuman possession throughout history. Today, its history can help shed light on the wave of emerging diseases—from AIDS to SARS to avian flu—with origins in animal populations.

From Greek myths to zombie flicks, from the laboratory heroics of Louis Pasteur to the contemporary search for a lifesaving treatment, Rabid is a fresh, fascinating, and often wildly entertaining look at one of mankind’s oldest and most fearsome foes.

I am giving Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

My Latest Bookcase Acquisition

 

Like many avid readers and book lovers, I have one massive book problem that's probably fairly common. It simply boils down to the fact that I own more books than I have shelf space to hold my entire book collection. As I already stated, I'm sure this must be a common problem for many avid readers and book lovers.

I live in a decent sized condominium with my hubby, but I have accumulated a lot of books over the years. I already have two bookcases filled to the gills with books. Plus, a few coffee table books on the bottom shelf of our coffee table. Yet, I still have books spilling over into other areas of our home; mainly in our bedroom. One day my ultimate dream is to have a floor to ceiling built in bookcase in our living room, but until then I'm grateful with what I have.

So, I recently decided to purchase a corner bookcase for the master bedroom, which is the only bookcase that would fit in this space with all of our other bedroom furniture. And ta dah, I have filled the new bookcase up completely... See above picture. I'm still tweaking the order of the books. But overall I'm happy with the result!

But honestly, I have a confession to make. I still have copious amounts of books EVERYWHERE in our master bedroom. I will be reorganizing my other bookshelves and at some point to make a bit more room for a few extra books and also moving other books (like ARCs/uncorrected proofs) along to Little Free Libraries, etc. once I've read these types of physical books... But still, I'm left wondering, how/where do other readers/book lovers store their physical books? 

I'm a bit hesitant to purchase any additional bookcases for two main reasons: 1) I'm not sure how many books I will actually be moving along in the future and 2) because we don't have that much space for more bookcases.

Share with me your best tips and strategies for storing your excess books in the comment section below!

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

The Corpse in the Cabana (Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries #1) by Shéa MacLeod

 
As I have earnestly, confessed in several previous blog posts, I enjoy reading a well written cozy mystery novel... And, I'm always on the look out for new to me cozy mystery authors and cozy mystery series to read. With this in mind, I decided to read The Corpse in the Cabana (Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries #1) by Shéa MacLeod.

I was able to download the ebook edition of The Corpse in the Cabana (Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries #1) by Shéa MacLeod from Amazon to my iPad for FREE. Below is my honest, unbiased review of this cozy mystery novel.

I thought The Corpse in the Cabana (Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries #1) by Shéa MacLeod was a decent read. I liked the storyline and characters for this cozy novel. The main character, Viola Roberts, is a feisty, funny, middle-aged, historical romance novelist attending a writers conference in Florida with her best friend and fellow writer, Cheryl. 

Near the start of The Corpse in the Cabana (Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries #1) by Shéa MacLeod, Viola discovers the murdered body of fellow writer, Natasha Winters, in a cabana. Natasha Winters is hugely successful as a writer, but is not beloved by other writers due to her personality. 

Both Viola and Cheryl become prime suspects along with a few other suspects. However, Viola decides to take matters into her own hands to solve this murder. She wants to clear herself and Cheryl from being falsely accused by the authorities for a murder neither of them committed. Viola is thorough in sussing out the murderer and she also seems to be a bit of a control freak/busybody, in my opinion. A lot of twists and turns occur in this novel as well as a second murder.

Overall, The Corpse in the Cabana (Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries #1) by Shéa MacLeod was a good read. Not perfect by any means, but good enough to pass the time. The biggest disappointment was the ending... The murder suspect and the reasoning for the murders wasn't that complicated. So, I found it difficult to believe the police detective in charge of this case would be so inept that he couldn't solve the case on his own. Additionally, the reason for the first murder was a weak one. I'll pass on reading other novels in the 'Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries' series in the future.

Below is the summary for The Corpse in the Cabana (Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries #1) by Shéa MacLeod from Goodreads:
Sassy, snarky Viola Roberts quit her boring accountant job to pursue her dream of writing novels, even if it meant eating ramen noodles every day. Now that her career has taken off, she’s headed to a writers’ conference at an exotic Florida resort complete with white sand beaches and swaying palm trees where she plans to lounge in the shade drinking frosty beverages with little umbrellas. And, of course, no sojourn to tropical climes would be complete without her boozy, wise-cracking best friend, Cheryl. When Viola discovers the diva of the author world dead (as a doornail) of unnatural causes, the police immediately consider Viola their prime suspect. But when the head detective turns a gimlet eye on Viola’s best friend, the author has had enough! Along with help from hunky fellow writer, Lucas Salvatore, Viola is determined to ascertain who killed the corpse in the cabana before she, or Cheryl, wind up in jail. Or worse.
I am giving The Corpse in the Cabana (Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries #1) by Shéa MacLeod a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Monday, August 16, 2021

Night of the Ghoul (Urban Ghoul #1) by Graeme Ing

 

Earlier this month, I read the ebook edition of Night of the Ghoul (Urban Ghoul #1) by Graeme Ing. Graeme Ing is a new to me author and I enjoy discovering new to me authors and/or genres that look promising to me.

I was able to download Night of the Ghoul (Urban Ghoul #1) by Graeme Ing for FREE to my iPad from Amazon. 

Below is my honest, unbiased review for Night of the Ghoul (Urban Ghoul #1) by Graeme Ing.

Night of the Ghoul (Urban Ghoul #1) by Graeme Ing is fast paced and action packed from start to finish!! This novella (124 pages) has an interesting storyline filled with plot twists that keeps readers interested throughout. I also loved that there wasn't a cliffhanger ending to this novella.

I think the writing overall was decent for Night of the Ghoul. I wish that more of the backstory pertaining to the characters and the world in which they live in had been flushed out in a bit more detail than they were.

Rachel, the main character, is definitely not a shrinking violet. She is not someone to mess with in the slightest... I guess she may be best described as 'a badass'.

Plenty of blood and gore within the pages of Night of the Ghoul (Urban Ghoul #1) by Graeme Ing. Also, quite a few sex scenes too if you're into that sort of thing.

I'm glad I explored a new to me author. But in all honesty, I doubt I'll continue reading the 'Urban Ghoul' series. It wasn't my cup of tea.

Below is a summary for Night of the Ghoul (Urban Ghoul #1) by Graeme Ing from the author's website:
Killing is easy; relationships not so much

Welcome to 2050. I’m Rachel, and there’s a monster inside me that makes me a perfect assassin. Like everyone else, I’m indentured to a Family. I do their dirty work.

Someone’s pet geneticist toyed with my sister, and now she’s not human either. When I find them, they’re going to make her right, and then I’m going to tear them apart. Tania’s the only real family I have. Killing whoever gets in my way is the easy part; enlisting my ex-lover’s help — not so much. I don’t have time to dredge up those old emotions.

Night of the Ghoul is the first in a series of four and a mashup of Urban Fantasy, Dystopian, and Cyberpunk.

Warning: This book contains adult language, explicit sexual content, and some depictive scenes of intense blood and gore.

I am giving Night of the Ghoul (Urban Ghoul #1) by Graeme Ing a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Sunday, August 15, 2021

San Ramon Library To Celebrate Free Comic Book Day


I came across a local news article a few days ago titled, San Ramon Library To Celebrate Free Comic Book Day. In the article it states the following:
It is the 20th anniversary of the first Free Comic Book Day, an annual promotional effort to attract new readers to comic books. Usually held on the first Saturday in May, the series of events were postponed until August due to COVID-19, library officials said.

People can visit any library branch in the county between Monday and Aug. 21 to receive a free comic book "swag bag" and can also attend a series of events, including an introduction to Charles M. Schulz and his famous comic "Peanuts," a cosplay panel discussion, and an online superhero storytime program.

Sounds like fun times! Is anyone else participating in Free Comic Book Day?

Saturday, August 14, 2021

The Fifth Annual San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books 2021

 


is happening a week from today on Saturday, August 21, 2021 
from 10am to 5pm.

This all day virtual book festival event sounds like a blast!
Check out the following YouTube video to learn more.



So make next Saturday a book festival kind of day!

Friday, August 13, 2021

Hearts in Darkness (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 1) by Laura Kaye


Hearts in Darkness (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 1) by Laura Kaye has been on my reading wishlist for quite a while now. I've heard wonderful things about this novella and its follow up book. So, earlier this month when I found myself in the mood for a short, fun contemporary romance read, Hearts In Darkness fit the bill.

I enjoyed reading the ebook edition of Hearts in Darkness (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 1) by Laura Kaye very much. In the story for Hearts In Darkness, we find the two main characters, Makenna and Caden, coming into contact with each other for the very first time as Makenna enters an elevator. Before they each have the chance to get a closer look at one another, Makenna and Caden find themselves trapped inside a dark elevator for several hours... Hence, the start of a romantic relationship that most likely would have never happened otherwise!

During the several hours Makenna & Caden are trapped inside the pitch black elevator, we learn more about them through the conversations they have to pass the time waiting to be rescued. What else are two strangers going to do with their time stuck together? We learn a lot about them, including the usual things like each other's name, what they do for a living, etc. But something about being trapped in the dark, inside an enclosed space with a total stranger, breaks down major barriers between Makenna and Caden. They let their guard down and start sharing more and more personal details about themselves that they otherwise probably wouldn't be doing with someone they just met... Mostly likely, they wouldn't have given each other the time of day if they had seen each other before the elevator went pitch black and moved about their daily lives instead.

Long story, Makenna and Caden fall for each other romantically during their time tapped in the elevator. But what will happen when the lights come back on? Will they still feel that same attraction for each other? The answer is yes! But honestly, I liked the interaction between them best during their time spent in the elevator verses their time spent together afterward.

Overall, I liked the plot, characters, and story for Hearts in Darkness (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 1) by Laura Kaye. Some of the dialogue and plot details didn't ring true, but these factors were only a minor detractor for me.

Below is a summary for Hearts in Darkness (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 1) by Laura Kaye from Amazon:
Two strangers...

When accountant Makenna James finds herself stranded in a pitch-black elevator, she can’t help but wonder about the stranger stuck with her. All she noticed about him before the lights went out was a dragon tattoo; all she knows now is his sexy, gruff voice in the darkness.

Four hours...

Caden Grayson is inked, pierced, scarred on the inside and out—and terrified of the dark for reasons he’d rather not remember. Trapped in his worst nightmare, only the sweet voice of the red-headed beauty distracts him from his fear. And, oh, man, as the hours pass and the darkness heats up, that’s nothing compared to her touch.

One pitch-black elevator...

He’s all rough edges and she’s pin-striped skirts, but in the darkness they open up and reach out without any preconceptions to hold them back. But as attractions grows and sparks fly, will they feel the same when the lights come back on?

The Hearts in Darkness Duet Continues with LOVE IN THE LIGHT!
I am giving Hearts in Darkness (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 1) by Laura Kaye a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Of Neptune (The Syrena Legacy #3) by Anna Banks

 

I have finished the 'The Syrena Legacy' trilogy by Anna Banks!! This marks the fourth trilogy I have started and finished in 2021. Now I simply need to finish reading one more trilogy to meet my reading goal of five trilogies for 2021!!

Last month, I listened to the first novel in the 'The Syrena Legacy' trilogy. After finishing Of Poseidon by Anna Banks, I wasn't sure I wanted to continue listening to the two remaining novels in this trilogy as I wasn't particularly impressed with the first novel in 'The Syrena Legacy' trilogy. However, I am currently very happy that I decided to finish this trilogy after all, as it ended up being very good.

I think what I enjoyed most about 'The Syrena Legacy' trilogy was how it evolved over time with each novel sharing a new facet of the storyline with readers to keep them engaged. The first novel in 'The Syrena Legacy', Of Poseidon, introduced readers to Emma and Galen, the back story for each of them, and the story of their romance. Book two, Of Triton, focuses more on Emma's relationship with her mom and more about the Syrena people, plus lots of adventure thrown in... And, of course, more about Emma and Galen's budding romance.

Then, I listened to the unabridged audio version of Of Neptune (The Syrena Legacy #3) by Anna Banks and narrated by Rebecca Gibel earlier this month.

Of Neptune (The Syrena Legacy #3) by Anna Banks takes us in a new and interesting direction. Both Emma and Galen set off on a much needed vacation alone together. Emma's grandpa suggests that she and Galen visit the small town of Neptune. But Emma's grandpa is really vague on his reasons why he is pointing her and Galen there for exploration. 

We soon learn that the town of Neptune is home to both full blooded Syrena (like Galen) and half human/half Syrena beings (like Emma), which is a surprise revelation to both Emma and Galen. Emma is excited about finding a town filled with half breeds like herself as Emma has been made to feel like an outcast by most of the full blooded Syrena whom aren't keen on half breeds. Galen isn't excited at all about discovering a large number of half breeds... And the fact that one of them named, Reed, is flirting full force with his girlfriend.

Twists and turns abound throughout Of Neptune (The Syrena Legacy #3) by Anna Banks that keep the reader engaged. All in all, I really enjoyed reading Of Neptune.

Listening time for Of Neptune (The Syrena Legacy #3) by Anna Banks is 9 hours, 36 minutes.

Below is the summary for Of Neptune (The Syrena Legacy #3) by Anna Banks from Audible:

Emma and Galen's kingdom - and their love - is threatened by long-lost Syrena in the brilliant conclusion to Anna Banks' best-selling trilogy.

Emma, half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together - alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma's grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.

Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn't sign up to be peacemakers between the ocean and the land-dwelling, freshwater Syrena. They didn't bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn't expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love but their ocean kingdoms.

In this stunning conclusion to her best-selling Syrena Legacy, Anna Banks thrills fans with more action and romance than ever.
I am giving Of Neptune (The Syrena Legacy #3) by Anna Banks a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Monday, August 2, 2021

Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy #2) by Anna Banks

 

Right after I finished listening to Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna Banks, I began listening to Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy #2) by Anna Banks and narrated by Rebecca Gibel.

Listening time for Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy #2) by Anna Banks is 7 hours, 52 minutes.

I enjoyed Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy #2) by Anna Banks so much more than I did the first novel in the 'The Syrena Legacy' trilogy. I'm glad that I didn't stop after the first novel as Of Triton was so much more captivating. The storyline for Of Triton explored more of the relationship between Emma and her mom, Nalia, and also contained more about the history/world of the Syrena (mermaids) than was discussed in the first novel, Of Poseidon

Additionally, Of Triton, focused more on other plot details other than teenage drama/angst like the first novel did, which was a HUGE relief.

I've begun listening to the third and final installment of the 'The Syrena Legacy' trilogy, Of Neptune, today. I look forward to finishing it and reviewing it here on my blog soon.

Below is a summary for Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy #2) by Anna Banks from Audible:

Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess and now struggles with an identity crisis. As a half-breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm. Syrena law states that all half-breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance in the Syrena world turns the two kingdoms - Poseidon and Triton - against one another. That leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself - and her gift - to save a people she’s never known?

I am giving Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy #2) by Anna Banks a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Sunday, August 1, 2021

Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna Banks

 

One of my reading goals for 2021 is to read five different trilogies. So with that in mind, I listened to the unabridged audio version of Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna Banks and narrated by Rebecca Gibel.

Listening time for Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna Banks is 9 hours, 32 minutes.

 Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna Banks falls into the fantasy/paranormal romance genre for young adults. I was initially attracted to this trilogy due to mermaids and the paranormal romance aspect of it... And of course, the plot sounded interesting too.

I felt like Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna Banks could have been so much better overall. The narration by Rebecca Gibel was excellent for this novel. But there seemed to be too much teenage angst/drama going on for me between the teenage characters for my liking. Plus, Galen's sister, Rayna, was so annoying as a character... I intensely disliked Rayna as a character. I also disliked Emma's mom, Nalia, as she was annoying personality wise as well. Also, Nalia hid things from her daughter, Emma, that I thought was important for Emma to know.

For much of Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna Banks, I thought I was going to rate it 2 out of 5 stars and I was also seriously questioning whether I wanted to continue with the rest of the trilogy. However, the last 5 or so chapters did pick up and made for more interesting reading. So, I was able to give Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna Banks a better rating in the end. Additionally, I did decide to continue with the trilogy and will be reviewing the second novel in the 'Syrena Legacy' trilogy soon.

Below is the summary for Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna Banks from Audible:

Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he's a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange - is it attraction? - and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he's heard of - a human who can communicate with fish. What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma's gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she's the key to saving his kingdom.

Soon, Emma can't deny her feelings for him, but can't explain them, either - and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings. Told from both Emma and Galen's points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.

I am giving Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy #1) by Anna Banks a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!