GRIMM The Icy Touch by John Shirley

"I found my Christmas present!" I happily announced when I arrived home from a grocery shopping trip in late November/early December. "At Martin's?" my husband asked part sarcastic, part mildly surprised. "Yes, in the paperback book section," I replied. "They have a Grimm novel!" I was so excited when I saw the images of Nick and Hank (actually the actors who play them) on the cover of a book! As you all know from previous posts, there are two seasons at our house. The short-lived season that begins when we finally get to purchase the previously aired series of NBC's Grimm on Blu-ray. It ends a very short time later when we finish watching it all. The other season is the rest of the year when we experience "Grimm withdrawal" in which we typically find other forms of entertainment, including reading books inspired by Brothers' Grimm tales. I couldn't believe there was actually a novel with an original story based on the Grimm television series - something to get us through the "withdrawal season". I did receive the gift and finished reading it today. Here's my review: So, this wasn't the first Grimm inspired novel and I'm glad it won't be the last. Not because this one was fabulous . . . it was okay, but because the next one will be written by a different author. Ouch-was that a bit cruel? I don't necessarily mean to say that John Shirley is a terrible author, I just don't think he was the right person to pen an original story based on the Grimm T.V. series. As a huge fan of the show, I felt Shirley was not able to capture the characters the way I (or other fans) know them. I mean the story itself was okay, the plot was fine, the fighting was very Grimm-like, but the dialogue was mostly just forced and weird (i.e. jokes they wouldn't make, goofy comments that wouldn't happen in the show, etc.). I didn't think the way Nick, Hank or Monroe spoke was very true to the characters we've come to know and love on the show. Rosalee and Juliette were hardly in it and nothing like their normal "strong women" selves. They were only in the book briefly for the purpose of adoring their men. My other issue was that there were a couple of instances in the story that didn't jive with the show - am I the only one who thinks Nick is supposed to be an actual descendent of the Brothers' Grimm and that they, too, were Wesen fighters? This novel flatly refutes that. And does anyone really believe that Nick's mom would ever do anything as stupid as keeping the coins in a safe deposit box/letting them be stolen?! That's so ridiculous. Again, the writing isn't complete trash, it just isn't that of someone who is a Grimm fan or even a regular viewer. It's written by someone who is an okay writer, but doesn't really know the show or the characters at all. Like I said, I'm expectantly waiting for the next book to see if that author, John Passarella, will do more justice to the show, the characters, and the fans by writing a better book.

Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo (Book #1) by Obert Skye

Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo by Obert Skye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was a little unsure of this one at first. Sometimes books with character names that are just too awkward put me off, but in this case the rest of the story allows me to overlook some of the character name choices. Yes, it's another middle-school fantasy series, but this is really fun and has some surprises. Leven has had a terrible life, but he finds out he's actually necessary for saving the our world (reality) and the alternate world that allows humans to dream and have hopes and dreams (Foo). With an unlikely cast of Foo natives to help him along the way, Leven experiences awesome adventures and has his first tastes of friendship and family. A very fun reading ride! I'm excited to continue reading this series!

Recommended!

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"Who Could That Be At This Hour?" (All the Wrong Questions #1) by Lemony Snicket

Who Could That Be At This Hour? by Lemony Snicket
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lemony Snicket is a strange character. . .and now he really IS a character in this new series. Mystery and questions fill this first installment in the All the Wrong Questions series. I love the humour and quirkiness! Great book!

Highly recommended!

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"When Did You See Her Last?" (All the Wrong Questions #2) by Lemony Snicket

When Did You See Her Last? by Lemony Snicket
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just finished the second installment in the All the Wrong Questions series by Lemony Snicket. I absolutely enjoyed it! Snicket has a way of weaving words into a weird and twisted, yet colorful and wonderful way. I can't help but enjoy reading his work and there are mountains of great quotes in this book, "When Did You See Her Last?". One of my favorites is "a library tends to look like the problem you're using it to solve . . .[Here] the books and shelves seemed to be in the middle of an argument nobody was winning."
This time, Snicket (the character) is trying to solve another mystery without the help of his chaperone or the police - they're all busy with other things. He reunites for some of his associates from the first book to solve the case of a missing chemist. Moxie, Pip and Squeak, and even Ellington Feint show up to assist Lemony with the task. He also creates some new associates including Jake Hix, a short order cook who has some kind of connection with the missing chemist. Will Lemony ask the right questions to figure out the connection? Will he ask the right questions to find the missing chemist? What IS going on with Lemony Snicker's sister? Does he get the message, find the formula, or figure out what's for breakfast? Well, if you've read the first book you know he has a problem. It's asking all the wrong questions.

Highly recommended, but read the series in order.

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How to Save Your Tail *If You are a Rat Nabbed by Cats . . . by Mary Hanson

How to Save Your Tail*: by Mary Hanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Looking for a fun quick read? Well, here you go!
How to Save Your Tail is a cute collection of quirky retellings of classic fairy tales. All the stories are told from the view point of a rat named Bob. Bob is not your typical rat as he loves reading and baking. When he is caught by two hungry cats, he must use his baking ability and the stories from members of his family tree to try and save his tail.
Interestingly, the tales from his family are all strangely similar to fairy tales with which you're very familiar! This book is loads of fun for all of us fairy tale fiends. :)

Highly recommended!

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A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Crazy and weird, but it was the homage to the original Grimm tales that it claims to be...gore and freakish sense of humour is in tune with those original bizarre tales!
Very fun for fans of all things Grimm and for most boys, I'd imagine. There's now a second book. From what I've heard it's along the same lines, so I'll have to read that as well.

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Beyonders - Chasing the Prophecy (Book 3) by Brandon Mull

Chasing the Prophecy by Brandon Mull
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull and was skeptical about how I would feel when I began the Beyonders series. I have completely enjoyed it and can't currently nail down which series I like better.
Chasing the Prophecy is the final installment in the Beyonders trilogy. When follow the fates of Jason, Rachel, Galloran, and the many friends/enemies they encounter along the way. Lyrian is at a critical point in its history. The battle that will occur will completely change Lyrian as we have learned to know it. The question is will our heroes be able to hear a prophecy that will have a positive outcome for their side? And will they be able to attain that possible future among many others? This is a must read, however, one needs to read the complete trilogy in order to fully appreciate and follow the characters/story.

Highly recommended - this series is a must read!

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