Five Little Ducklings Go To School by Carol Roth, Sean Julian

Five little ducklings are taking their first big adventure by going to school for the first time. Most of them are very excited but one little duckling is not quite sure about leaving mama duck and going to school.
I read this myself and found it adorable, and then read it to my now 6-year-old son who is now in Grade 1 but starting a new school. He loved the vibrant pictures, the way it was written, and most importantly the story itself. I think he could relate to it as he is ok leaving me but was not sure about starting a new school.
I really think this is a wonderful book for parents to read to/with their children as they start going to school whether it is elementary school or preschool. The story is very uplifting and positive.
Highly recommended.
My only regret is that I had been trying to read the book through Netgalley and for some reason the format was incorrect so I had to wait until I could find a copy to read. I am so glad that I did find it as it is a book that every parent should read to their child.

Five out of Five Stars

The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti

Hawthorn Creely has never fit in or that is the way that she feels. When Lizzie Lovett disappears while camping with her boyfriend, Hawthorn jumps at the opportunity to solve the mystery. From bizarre theories to taking over Lizzie's job and becoming involved with Lizzie's grieving boyfriend, Hawthorn is forced to face life and her own place in it.
Honestly, this was a very hard book for me to read. There was nothing wrong with the book but Chelsea Sedoti is so very good at describing those awkward and lonely teenage years. She did such a good job that I could relate to Hawthorn on so many levels and wished I could go into the book to let her know that she was ok and everything would be ok. This is a beautifully written coming of age story and it is one that I will be recommending and talking about for some time to come.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.

Five out of Five Stars

Ghoul by Marc Alexander

An archaeologist is about to make the find of a century similar to that of Howard Carter and Tutankhamen in the fictional middle eastern country of Abu Sabbah but little does the team know that they are also releasing a horror that has been imprisoned for centuries. 
While I did enjoy the book, I felt like parts were a bit disjointed and needed a little more cohesion. There was so much character set up of a variety of people and I felt like there should have been some more connection between them for the climax of the book. I wanted to know more about some characters and have them a bit more involved in the ending but felt like something was left out. 
Other than that, I really did enjoy the novel and found it to be a light and fun read (best read at night of course).
I received a copy of this book from the publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.

Three out of Five Stars

Hard Rivers: The Untold Saga of La Salle: Expedition II by Craig P. Howard

I have always been fascinated by the early history of North America with the first encounters with the Native People, Voyageurs, explorers, and early settlers especially the amazing European men who explored an unknown and dangerous land so I jumped at the chance to read about a reenactment of one of our early explorers, La Salle.
Led by the passion and determination of the main organizer, Reid, a hardy group of 16 teenage boys and 7 adults underwent rigorous training and preparation to make a modern day trek of the route that La Salle did in 1681-1682.
I found the story of the research, training, and preparation a bit tedious at times but I think it was fully necessary to have it in the book to ensure that readers comprehend just how much time and effort went into preparing for the journey. I found the story of the journey itself to be not only mesmerizing but also tense and nerve-wracking to the point where I could not put the book down.
These amazing people faced such incredible feats and extreme danger at times. I was especially touched by how the author showed (with help from most of the participants) how it changed them and affected the rest of their lives after they completed their quest. This is a story that deserves to be told and retold. I am amazed at the courage and determination that these men had. I really wish there was a way to make a movie or mini-series about this feat as I don't think too many people remember and they do deserve to be remembered as well as the history of our early explorers.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers for free in exchange for an honest review. If you love history and adventure I would highly recommend this book.

Five out of Five Stars

Bats by William W. Johnstone

I have always loved horror novels especially well-written ones concerning unexpected animal attacks.
A seemingly new species of vampire bat that thrives on human flesh and blood suddenly appears in the Southern US and it is up to a eclectic group of people to stop them before they stop humanity forever. 
This was a fun and light read that I made sure to read at night. The characters are well fleshed out and if you can suspend logic a bit and just enjoy a horror story you will definitely enjoy this one.
I will definitely be looking to read more by this author who seems to have written in a few different genres.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.

Four out of Five Stars

Legends of Perilisc by Jesse Teller

This is a set of short stories set in the world of Perilisc. At first, I found it difficult to follow as I had no idea about this fantasy world (I have never read any of this author's work before) but once I got used to it, I really enjoyed the style of writing and the complex legends and stories that abound in this book. I am very interested in actually reading more of Jesse Teller's books based on the writing itself.

Three out of Five Stars

They Rise by Hunter Shea

Hunter Shea is fast becoming one of my favorite horror authors. He knows how to write a compelling and engrossing horror novel. 
Brad Whitley is a marine biologist who is an expert on chimaera fish otherwise known as "ghost fish".
Through global warming that is also affecting the ocean, Brad is confronted with an ancient and enormous version of these fish. It will take everything he knows, and with help from his ex-wife and the US Navy to stop these monsters from destroying everything in their path.
"They Rise" reminds me a little bit of "Jaws" but only in the sense of an immense eating machine that is a threat to everyone who dares to leave dry land. The action is quick to start but Shea manages to set up a bit of character development that only adds to the depth of the book. This is the second book I have read by Hunter Shea and I absolutely devoured this book.

Four out of Five Stars