Now in My Bookbag: The Lie Tree, by Frances Hardinge

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What a phenomenal work! Books this exceptional are far too rare. Author Frances Hardinge has a special gift for prose.

Setting descriptions breathe life into Vane Island, from Faith’s first assessment of her new home, until the story’s last syllables are written. The characters are splendid in their complexity. This book is well thought out,  and so well written.

Hardinge outlines the mindset of the scientific naturalist, as well as the thinking of those more devoutly religious. The elegance of this story however, is its success in coloring all of the grey areas between the two. The Lie Tree is suspense and mystery, sins and absolution, self-righteousness and self-recremination.

This book is a fantastic find, one which I hope to share with as many discerning readers as possible. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Reading Up a Storm, by Eva Gates

I was given an advance copy of this book by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Expected release date: April 5th, 2016

I really enjoyed this book. It is the third book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery Series. It is a lighthearted murder mystery that is a cross between Nancy Drew, and Murder She Wrote. I like the characters, the setting, and the idea that a library could exist within a venerable old lighthouse. I truly love Charles, the cat, who seems to be imbued with knowledge and powers beyond the scope of a normal cat. I applaud author Eva Gates for supporting the concept of a public library system, and for her emphasis on engaging younger generations in the love of reading. Despite a couple of holes in the logic process of the story, I find the book charming. 4 stars

What I Am Reading

Through Netgalley, I have the wonderful opportunity to read and review books that I may not have ordinarily noticed. I previously read, and reviewed, two books I found at Netgalley: Ties That Bind, & The Golden Anklet.

I am currently reading a novel titled Viral Justice (Biological Response Team), by Julie Rowe. I should be finished later tonight and will have my review done tomorrow.

Here is the jacket blurb about Viral Justice:

As a general’s daughter, Alicia Stone has fought twice as hard for everything she’s earned in the military. A Special Forces consultant with black belts in three martial arts, she’s as strong as her surname implies. No one dares call her Alicia—no one but Colonel Robert Maxmillian, head of the Biological Response Team.

With Alicia at his side, Max must lead the team into northern Iraq to investigate a virus—or is it a weapon—killing the area’s population. Charged with guarding his body, she can’t help wanting his hands on her body. Max would be the perfect fling. But he demands more.

The heat builds between them, but danger quickly follows. As the two get closer to the source of the virus, they’ll have to risk their future to outsmart a scientist with nothing to lose.