U is for Undertaking

I’m doing folklore and book review posts to reach and please a larger audience. Previous years have shown select interest in both and to minimise blogging throughout the year, I’m focusing my efforts on April.

Focusing on an A to Z of my TBR (to be read) list, each letter will have books starting with that letter on my list, a book I’ve read and reviewed (with the review!) and one of my books matching the letter with a link about more info about the book.

I chose the books this year quite randomly from my Goodreads Want to Read page. Some are quite creatively added to letters.

If you’d rather check out my folklore post for today, go here.

You can read reviews for from previous years for this letter here, here and here, and my year-end reviews here, here, here, here and, most recently, here and here.

My TBR

About the Book I’ve Read

Reading as many books from various genres and series as possible is quite an undertaking. I’m sharing the various books from series that I’ve just started, last books I’ve just read in a series, and a couple of others.

About the Book

Return to Skunk Corners (The Ninja Librarian #2) by Rebecca M Douglass

Things have been changing in Skunk Corners, and Big Al isn’t sure she likes it. Unless it means a hot bath. Twenty-one new stories bring you closer than ever to Skunk Corners with its humor, love of books, and Ninja wisdom (sometimes accompanied by a kick where it will do the most good). This second book in the Ninja Librarian series shows the continuing struggles as the town becomes a community and as Al finds new ways to accept responsibilities she never thought she wanted.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

It’s soothing to read. There’s something about Skunk Corners, even amid a disaster, that calms and centres a soul.

“And without coffee, who could work? Now we had a real crisis.” I second that!

A couple of great adventures with a bit of a Wild West feel and a good dose of logic and feminism.

About the Book

The Problem With Peggy (The Ninja Librarian #3) by Rebecca M Douglass

The Ninja Librarian’s back in town, school’s out, and all’s right with the world…or is it? Big Al may be looking forward to spending her time swimming in the creek and wandering the hills, but Peggy’s looking forward to a life of drudgery. If Al can’t find a way to sway her pa, the brightest kid in Skunk Corners is going to take drastic action.

With a mystery from the past haunting one of the houses and creating the biggest threat yet to the town, Big Al’s going to be kept busy this summer, and not just with practicing her moves for the Ninja Librarian.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

A delightful read about frontier life with women learning about math and science while cooking and sewing – and bad guys wanting to steal land and gold.

Another great story about Al and the Ninja Librarian.

About the Book

Pesky Potions (Witches of Gales Haven #5) by Lucia Ashta

Just when Marla Gawama thinks she might be getting the hang of her detective doo-ties, the universe has to go and prove her wrong.

The town of Gales Haven is highly eccentric—part of its charm—so Marla is no stranger to quirks.

But when the townsfolk start acting odder than usual, Marla realizes something is up. The friendly gigolo Danny isn’t the only one to make shmexy rounds to entertain the locals. And even the talking mouse who terrorizes the kitchen of Gawama Mama House is proving to be a horn-dog.

Since she’s stuck with the role of town detective, it’s up to her to figure out what the hell is going on and to return Haveners to their usual level of strangeness—not too much, just right. Though a town full of leg-humping witches and wizards is pretty funny…

Every good Gawama knows: “If you can’t fight the crazy, love the crazy.” And Marla is a Gawama witch through and through.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

An LOL adventure where quite a few inhabitants of Gales Haven have been slipped a mickey with the result of them lusting after Marla. As these bespelled males – and one female porcupine – converge on the Mama Gawama house, Marla has to figure out what’s going on, and fast, as her group of admirers grow.

More of the town is revealed, the relationships with her relatives grow, the relationship with Quad deepens, and Marla even becomes BFFs with Mindy in truth.

I liked the reveal of who’s behind the love potion and the why of it. I thought it was someone else with nefarious purposes, but this was so much better.

A fun read with crazy characters and great worldbuilding.

About the Book

Mischievous Manor (Witches of Gales Haven #6) by Lucia Ashta

Marla survived another mad caper, one she solved by the skin of her teeth. Her ankle might never be the same after all that creature humping, and there are some Haveners she’ll never be able to look at the same, but at least no one’s in love with her who doesn’t want to be. She only has the one boyfriend now, and Quade Contonn is more than enough wizard for her. In fact, he’s the perfect fit. After decades apart, reuniting with her first love couldn’t be going better. At this point, you’d think she’d have earned herself a little vacay from all of Gales Haven’s kooky problems. But nope. Not a chance. The ancestral Gawama home is being rowdier than usual, clamoring for Marla’s attention at every turn. When the bewitched house unleashes a whole host of problems, and very vocal ones at that, Marla knows she’s in for a heaping, screeching serving of trouble. She’s never in the mood for detecting, but this time? Marla also has her own personal … complication to deal with, and this one’s here to stay. Who said your forties are too late to start over? Hopefully no one, because for Marla, starting over is the only way to go.

* Mischievous Manor is a humorous Paranormal Women’s Fiction fantasy. If you love snarky stories with women so empowered they’re a force to be reckoned with, then you’ll love the Witches of Gales Haven series.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

I liked that the book was all about Gawama Mama and it tied up all the loose threads from the book and series. The glitter bombs were hilarious.

Marla and Quade get their happily ever after, more magical parts of Gales Haven is shown, and the teleporting toddler was scary-funny (poor Darla!).

A fun adventure and fitting end to the series.

About the Book

Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart

Relatable, heartbreaking, and real, this is a story of resilience–the perfect novel for readers of powerful contemporary fiction like Girl in Pieces and Every Last Word.

Before, I was a million things. Now I’m only one. The Burned Girl.

Ava Lee has lost everything there is to lose: Her parents. Her best friend. Her home. Even her face. She doesn’t need a mirror to know what she looks like–she can see her reflection in the eyes of everyone around her.

A year after the fire that destroyed her world, her aunt and uncle have decided she should go back to high school. Be “normal” again. Whatever that is. Ava knows better. There is no normal for someone like her. And forget making friends–no one wants to be seen with the Burned Girl, now or ever.

But when Ava meets a fellow survivor named Piper, she begins to feel like maybe she doesn’t have to face the nightmare alone. Sarcastic and blunt, Piper isn’t afraid to push Ava out of her comfort zone. Piper introduces Ava to Asad, a boy who loves theater just as much as she does, and slowly, Ava tries to create a life again. Yet Piper is fighting her own battle, and soon Ava must decide if she’s going to fade back into her scars . . . or let the people by her side help her fly.

“A heartfelt and unflinching look at the reality of being a burn survivor and at the scars we all carry. This book is for everyone, burned or not, who has ever searched for a light in the darkness.” –Stephanie Nielson, New York Times bestselling author of Heaven Is Here and a burn survivor

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

Ava believes herself a monster because of all the scars and skin grafts after the house fire that burned 60% of her body. It’s a year later and though she goes to see the doctor, sees her aunt and uncle (who she now lives with) without trying to hide, she hasn’t returned to real life as a teenager. Her doctor insists. So she agrees to a two-week trial period of a new high school – and going back to group therapy.

It’s a sweet and lump-in-your-throat story of making friends (a girl who survived burns in a car accident and a boy who loves Broadway as much as she does) who see her and not just her scars. There’s the usual high school drama, not just because Ava joins the drama club, and the ups and downs that brings. But there’s also the growth Ava experiences as a person. She works through her grief to a point where she can live, thrive, again.

The tattoo parlour scene was my favourite. Great song and musical references throughout.

Well-written and, though Ava hates this word, inspirational.

Trigger warning: attempted suicide, survivor’s guilt, lots of bullying.

About the Book

Mister Magic by Kiersten White

Who is Mister Magic? Former child stars reunite to uncover the tragedy that ended their show—and discover the secret of its enigmatic host—in this dark supernatural thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hide.

Thirty years after a tragic accident shut down production of the classic children’s program Mister Magic, the five surviving cast members have done their best to move on. But just as generations of cultishly devoted fans still cling to the lessons they learned from the show, the cast, known as the Circle of Friends, have spent their lives searching for the happiness they felt while they were on it. The friendship. The feeling of belonging. And the protection of Mister Magic.

But with no surviving video of the show, no evidence of who directed or produced it, and no records of who—or what—the beloved host actually was, memories are all the former Circle of Friends has.

Then a twist of fate brings the cast mates back together at the remote desert filming compound that feels like it’s been waiting for them all this time. Even though they haven’t seen each other for years, they understand one another better than anyone has since.

After all, they’re the only ones who hold the secret of that circle, the mystery of the magic man in his infinitely black cape, and, maybe, the answers to what really happened on that deadly last day. But as the Circle of Friends reclaim parts of their past, they begin to wonder: Are they here by choice, or have they been lured into a trap?

Because magic never forgets the taste of your friendship. . . .

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

A cult. A minor deity. A pocket universe. A reality TV show from an unspecified production company on an unspecified channel and mostly just remembered as a kid’s show. And the child stars who remember their time on set much differently thirty years later – including Val who doesn’t remember at all.

Themes of a restrictive, heteronormative, patriarchal (probably misogynistic) society bleeds through the pages as well as the pain not loving someone for who they are and telling them that they are enough, fills the story to the brim.

Val always thought she couldn’t remember anything before the ranch she lived her life on because she did something horrible; that she was bad. She also believed that they (she and her father) were on the run because she did something bad. And he let her believe it. Then, after thirty years of living on the ranch, her father dies and people from her past (she can’t remember) shows up, inviting her to the reunion of the show on a podcast. And telling her that her mother was alive – something else her father had withheld from her.

Filled with grief and shame (she still believed she’d done something horrible she couldn’t remember) she sets off with these strangers she instinctually trusts to find out about her past.

And a whole creepy past is revealed as her memories return in flashes.

Scary and deliciously dark, the truth of the TV show and its world is unfurled. Loads of social commentary – especially on sexism, homophobia, racism, and religious trauma.

Though there’s a lot of telling (would have liked to see her actually work with the horse Stormy she seems to fear), it sort of works with the blocks she has in her mind about her entire life. And the fact that these thirty-somethings act like teenagers while drunk is another reminder of how much being on the show had damaged them. I enjoyed this odd thriller.

Trigger warnings: cult, misogyny, child abuse, blasphemy, swearing, religious trauma.

About the Book

Magical Midlife Flowers (Leveling Up #7.5) by KF Breene

Previously part of the Magical Midlife Kickstarter.

This is a bonus story that plays into elements in Magical Midlife Battle. It should be read after Magical Midlife Alliance.
It isn’t necessary to the overall series ARC, but rather a fun little aside into the lives of the Ivy House Crew.

Edgar does not cheat in flower shows. He might use a magically enhanced serum, but anyone could do that. It’s not his fault the other competitors don’t know magic exists!

But when the Ivy House crew goes to the pre-show to support him, it becomes clear that someone should’ve been watching Edgar much more carefully. What he’s done is way worse than overgrown flora.

While Jessie is dealing with that, she gets a shock as she discovers photos of her ex with his girlfriend…turned fiancée. And while the flood of emotions can be ignored, the desire to show off Austin on social media is not.

After putting Mr. Tom in charge of the flower fiasco, she decides to take Austin on his perfect date. Her goal: to have one thing go right in her life. Just one thing!

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

Edgar and his display for the flower show cracked me up.

Jessie’s ex is a piece of work – I hope he gets reduced to public tears when her mate and crew get all up in his business.

Austin is such a great bookboyfriend…

A fun read with loads of LOL moments and a bit of bloodshed.

About the Book

Magical Midlife Battle (Leveling Up #8) by KF Breene

The eighth book in the Wall Street Journal Bestselling series.

It has all come down to this.

The battle to save Kingsley’s pack, and Austin’s place of birth, is upon them. They have their team, they have their supplies, and they have a very nerve-wracking secret weapon that Edgar devised.

They aren’t even close to ready.

If they lose this battle, every shifter in the world will be in jeopardy. But to fight means danger they might not all walk away from.

If only the battle was their sole worry.

Austin has come home for the first time in fifteen years. He left the pack in tatters and a great many people haven’t forgotten, his family included. He must finally face his past.

Get ready for a thrilling and emotionally charged next installment in the Leveling Up saga.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

Austin, Jessie and everyone from their town ready to fight to protect others, go to Kingsley’s territory to protect Austin’s brother and his pack from a huge mage attack.

As they prepare for the coming battle, the brothers reconcile, Edgar and his attack flowers endear themselves to the town, Jessie is challenged by female shifters who don’t accept her claim on Austin, Tristan and Nessa grow closer, and even Brochan flexes his muscles.

So many LOL moments with Niamh and the rest of the Ivy House crew.

The battle is intense and so much more intricate than Sebastian had anticipated. The sacrifice of one had tears spring to my eyes and not go away long after I’ve finished the book.

Can’t wait for the next one.

Trigger warnings: crude language, death, blood, torture

About the Book

Magical Midlife Awakening (Leveling Up #9) by KF Breene

With Kingsley safe and Momar subdued for the moment, it’s time for healing. Jessie and the gang take a much needed break.

Or, at least, the gang does.

The holidays are upon them and the ex has invited Jessie to meet his new fiancée. It’s off to L.A. where Jessie will face her past and the wounds she didn’t realize still lingered.

Niamh, too, meets a blast from her past. This one, though, is ten times more dangerous. Re-connecting is a risk not even Tristan is sure they should take.

All the while, Nessa and Sebastian are not far away, ready to unleash a surprise the crew could never expect.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

Jessie confronts her past (her ex, his friends and family, her past self) and becomes stronger for it. Her ex was gaslighting her so much I wanted to punch him… Ivy House, which became more vocal in this book, wanted to lock him in a closet and set it on fire.

Niamh got involved in the more dangerous circles of magic, looking for allies that had Brochan and Aurora leave the bar in fear. Tristan and Nessa’s relationship grew, despite the distance between them. And even Edgar got to be extra creepy for the sake of being weird (to scare mages).

The story is good and directly affects Jessie’s growth. But the many loose strings (Tristan, Niamh, Sebastian) makes me wonder what’s in store for the Ivy House Crew in the next book. (There will be a next book, right?)

Trigger warnings: emotional abuse, gaslighting, unchecked sexual predator

About the Book

The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska

The Wicked Deep meets House of Salt and Sorrows in this new standalone YA fantasy set in a snow-cloaked kingdom where witches are burned, and two enchantresses secretly compete for the heart of a prince, only to discover that they might be falling for each other.

It’s Karnawał season in the snow-cloaked Kingdom of Lechija, and from now until midnight when the church bells ring an end to Devil’s Tuesday time will be marked with wintry balls and glittery disguises, cavalcades of nightly torch-lit “kuligi” sleigh-parties.

Unbeknownst to the oblivious merrymakers, two monsters join the fun, descending upon the royal city of Warszów in the guise of two innocent girls. Newfound friends and polar opposites, Zosia and Marynka seem destined to have a friendship that’s stronger even than magic. But that’s put to the test when they realize they both have their sights set on Lechija’s pure-hearted prince. A pure heart contains immeasurable power and Marynka plans to bring the prince’s back to her grandmother in order to prove herself. While Zosia is determined to take his heart and its power for her own.

When neither will sacrifice their ambitions for the other, the festivities spiral into a wild contest with both girls vying to keep the hapless prince out of the other’s wicked grasp. But this isn’t some remote forest village, where a hint of stray magic might go unnoticed, Warszów is the icy capital of a kingdom that enjoys watching monsters burn, and if Zosia and Marynka’s innocent disguises continue to slip, their escalating rivalry might cost them not just the love they might have for each other, but both their lives.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

Review to follow.

My Book

Over the Hills and Far Away (Irascible Immortals #7)

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