Author: woiak

Children of the Fox

Children of the Fox by Kevin Sands is the first book in his newest series – Thieves of Shadow. A group of young thieves is tasked with stealing a magical item from a very powerful weaver (mage). Many teams have tried; all have failed. Can these children pull of the impossible? And can they do it on such a tight deadline?

Having really enjoyed The Blackthorn Key Series by Kevin Sands, I was hoping to have the same experience with Children of the Fox. However, that was not the case. I can’t quite put my finger on why I didn’t like it. The story itself is well written, and if you are listening to the audio, the narrator is great. The story is interesting enough that I finished it, but not so interesting that I will finish the series. There was just something about it I didn’t like. Part of it was the lack of humor and camaraderie between the characters. The Blackthorn Key had both humor and a great friendship between the characters; Children of the Fox lacked that. Also, the story itself was kind of strange and didn’t draw me in. For starters, I couldn’t quite identify the setting of the story. It reminded me of a historical time-period interspersed with some science fiction (mention of airships) and very heavy on the fantasy/magical aspect. I was also thrown off by the role of their gods – Fox and Bear – in the story as well.

Anyway, this story wasn’t for me, but it is a well written story for those who are interested in trying it.    

Good Clean Murder: A Plain Jane Mystery

All Jane wants is to finish Bible school and become a missionary. To pay her way through school, she cleans houses. Unfortunately, while cleaning, she discovers the body of one of her clients. Jane does her best to juggle school, romance, and a murder investigation all while being faithful to her Christian beliefs.

Good Clean Murder by Traci Tyne Hilton is the first book in The Plain Jane Mysteries. Classified as a “Cozy Christian Collection,” this book is free of profanity and sex. Jane’s inner dialogue can be a bit preachy at times, but overall, the book is enjoyable. If you are tired of the sex and profanity found in many modern-day books (which is why I decided to read this) you will find this book a breath of fresh air.

Victim & Villain

Inclusive Leisure Services by John Dattilo stereotypes “people of privilege”, lumping those who meet their definition of “privileged” into one ignorant, insensitive, selfish group of people who seek to oppress and harm others because we are incapable of caring about anyone other than ourselves. People of privilege, according to this book, are “oblivious to life experiences and living conditions of other people” and “fail to recognize their shared humanity.” (Dattilo, 2017, p. 6)

This is counter-productive to the book’s goal of fostering a sense of inclusion and does not take into account that those of us who are “privileged” and “advantaged” use our privilege and advantages to help others whether financially or through community advocacy and volunteer efforts. Just because someone is privileged does not mean they are “interested in continuing [the] existing [oppressive] systems.” (Dattilo, 2017, p. 8)

When “privilege” has such a negative connotation, to apply this definition to broad categories of individuals simply because they are white, wealthy, or otherwise “privileged” is not only offensive, but counter-productive to fostering inclusion. Negative over-generalizations about any population only furthers the divide between people, fostering a “them” vs. “us”; “privileged” vs “oppressed”; “advantaged” vs “disadvantaged”; “victim” vs “villain” mentality. How can we hope to foster inclusion when we are repeatedly being categorized as operating on opposing sides?

The Talon Saga

To take her rightful place in the powerful Talon organization, hatchling Ember Hill must prove she can hide her dragon nature and blend in with humans. Her delight at the prospect of a summer of human teen experiences is short-lived, however, once she discovers that she must also train for her destined career in Talon. But a chance meeting with a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught.

– Excerpt from Amazon description (https://www.amazon.com/The-Talon-Saga/dp/B074C8YNK1)

Talon is the first book in The Talon Saga by Julie Kagawa. While I devoured the first book, aspects of it reminded me of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight. There are two male characters who are in love/infatuated with Ember Hill (the main character). She, of course, has feelings for both of them, and these feelings complicate their already difficult life. Romance aside, I really did enjoy the first book and couldn’t wait to see what happened. I eagerly borrowed the second book, Rogue, from the library.

The second book, however, has not impressed me. While I really want to know what happens with the story, there is too much repetition in the second book. The internal dialogue between characters is the same in almost every chapter, and the conversation between the characters is essentially the same, just different circumstances surrounding the characters.

During their internal dialogue, the characters frequently reference the same events and thoughts they had during the first book. I did not mind in the first couple chapters because I think too many authors forget to provide context for people who perhaps haven’t read the first book or for fans who had to wait a year for the book’s release. However, aside from a brief reference for context, the information does not need to be frequently repeated. The same can be said for the romantic internal dialogue. Yes, the characters are struggling to understand their feelings for each other, but they apparently obsess over it every chapter or two.

The conversations between the main characters are repetitive as well. It usually consists of the two guys – Garret and Riley – expressing dislike for each other or Ember and Riley arguing about Ember’s reckless ideas. I admit, I’m on Riley’s side. I started getting frustrated with Ember because of her recklessness. While her character makes decisions based on her emotions, it still seems like she could use a bit more reason and common sense knowing the dangerous circumstances they are encountering.

In terms of Ms. Kagawa’s writing style, she is a good writer. The book is easy to read and draws you in. For those who loved Twilight, I definitely recommend this series. But if you are like me and get board when romance starts to take up a huge chunk of the character’s time, The Talon Saga won’t interest you.

Sensitive reader alert: There are a few instances of the F word (and some other profanity). So between that, the intense romantic infatuation, teen drinking, and an attempted sexual assault, I wouldn’t recommend the book to anyone 14 and younger.