The Mapmakers (Cordelia Hatmaker #2) by Tamzin Merchant

The Mapmakers by Tamzin Merchant

My Rating: ★★★★

When Cordelia Hatmaker helped stop Lord Whitloof from causing a war, she thought things would be a breeze. Instead, she’s left with the mystery of the hidden map she’s recently discovered in her father’s telescope. Then she finds herself the newest addition to the Mapmakers, a discovery she’s forced to keep secret, leaving her with yet another mystery on her hands. Just when things are at its hardest, it’s up to Cordelia to get the Maker families to work together or face letting Lord Whitloof destroy magic.

I absolutely loved the first book, so I was very excited when I got to start the second installment. Like before, we follow Cordelia on her adventures in friendship, family, and magic as the youngest Hatmaker. Now she has her new sister, Sam, at her back along with her best friend. I love that the Hatmaker family accepted Sam as one of their own and took her under their wings. As new sisters, the pair discover that magic is all around them and inside everyone, including Sam herself.

When Lord Whitloof escapes and tries to destroy magic all around, it’s up to Cordelia, Sam, Goose, and the rest of the youngest members of Makers to put their heads together and defeat him. The adventures that Cordelia and company go on is so much fun to follow and demonstrates that everyone is strong and that there’s strength in numbers. I also love that we got to learn more about other Makers along with how deep magic really runs through the world. It was really exciting when Cordelia came across the Mapmakers, which led me to wonder how many Makers are members of more than one Maker family or group.

I love that this series is all about family, friends, and working together. While it is a fantasy series with real magic alive and well in the world it’s set in, it teaches readers that magic is everywhere. In fact, a little bit of magic can be found in each reader, which is a great message for the target audience. I also love that it shows that family isn’t always blood, and that family bonds can be just as strong even if you aren’t blood related to each other. All in all, I loved the book and I am looking forward to seeing what else the author publishes in the future.

An Unfortunate Christmas Murder (Dinner Lady Detectives #2) by Hannah Hendy

An Unfortunate Christmas Murder by Hannah Hendy

My Rating: ★★

I received a copy from Canelo through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As Margery is prepping for her first holiday season as the school’s newest kitchen manager, she quickly finds that things are getting out of hand. Fast. Between being forced into the Christmas concert, Mrs. Large’s mysterious death at the hand of fallen stage lights, and someone sabotaging her kitchen’s baked goods, Margery doesn’t know what to do. Is there really a murder mystery on her hands, and is it connected to her kitchen woes? The more Margery investigates, the more questions she has on her hands.

I picked up this book expecting a holiday cozy mystery, and that’s exactly what I got. We follow Margery as she spends her first year as kitchen manager. Luckily for her, she works with her wife, so she always knows she has at least one person she can trust. While the book is cute and funny at first, the cute wears off fairly quickly and the funny quickly falls on Rose to keep up.

We have a large cast of characters, and I do like some of them, but I found that the majority of the characters are one dimensional. I also found that Margery and her wife, Clementine, didn’t seem like a married couple. In fact, they didn’t seem like a couple at all. They read as sisters who occasionally bicker rather than a couple that occasionally bickers. I don’t know if they read as a couple in the first book, which I have not read, but I can confirm that it’d be more believable if they were sisters. Personally, my favorite character is Rose, and she’s one of the few characters that really stuck out.

The main mystery seemed like it could’ve been a wild and off the wall one, but it fell flat and didn’t make a lot of sense. Without giving spoilers, every time I think about the who and the way, all I can think about is that the motives make absolutely no sense. Maybe one or the other, but both? That’s just confusing. There’s also another small mystery about Ben, the new cook who can’t cook a thing, and I’m left wondering what the point of that was. It was very small and didn’t add anything to the story, especially since he wasn’t a red herring to the investigation. I’m baffled by that part of the story and I think it would've worked if he was either a major suspect or otherwise very important to the main plot.

While the story does have its problems, I do think that there is a lot of potential for the series. Margery and Clementine’s relationship needs to be developed so that they’re believable as a married couple. The core cast of characters are very likable, so I’d love to see them have some good character development, or at least some depth added. The main mystery fell flat, so I think it really just needed some tweaking so it would be better developed along with better motives for the characters, and that’s something that will likely get better as the series continues. All in all, this didn’t work out to be a great read for me, but I do see the potential and look forward to seeing how the series develops. I think there’s a good possibility that this is just a shaky start to a great series.

How to Draw Adorable: Joyful Lessons for Making Cute Art by Carlianne Tipsey

 
How to Draw Adorable: Joyful Lessons for Making Cute Art by Carlianne Tipsey
My Rating: ★★★★★

I received a copy from Girl Friday Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you’re looking for some drawing tips, especially on drawing cute things, then this is the book for you! Inside, there’s a whole bunch of tips from drawing facial expressions to changing the shapes. There’s even tips on how to make your drawings look younger or older all based on where you draw the face. The opening of the book talks about what it is to draw cute, which is really a matter of perspective. I love that it encourages readers to find their own version of cute because it’s different for everyone. Do you think it’s cute? Then it’s cute!

There’s so many great drawing tips that I think this is a great book for most people, including those new to drawing. Not only is it a great guide, but also a wonderful workbook whether or not you’re new to drawing. There’s all kinds of info ranging from face shapes to the nice and large range of facial expressions one can draw. I think this will make a great gift to any growing artist because it’s also very encouraging to those using the workbook. We’re our own worst critic, and this workbook is very sweet and encouraging from beginning to end. No one has room to beat themselves up here!

Sue & Tai-chan, Vol. 2 by Kanata Konami

 
Sue & Tai-chan, Vol. 2 by Kanata Konami
My Rating: ★★★★★

Now that Sue is finally getting used to Tai-chan, it’s time to teach him how to be a cat. Tai-chan takes a crash course and learns about cat territory, manners, and how you should respond to humans. He’s all about following Sue around, especially when it’s time to play and eat. As Sue teaches this new cat all about cat life, she discovers that she’s now bonding with this adorable new kitten!

Like the first volume, this is such a cute and heartwarming story that’s simple enough for kids while telling a story that’s great for family reading. This time around, we follow Sue and Tai-chan around as Sue teaches her new kitten friend how to be a cat. Tai-chan takes these lessons very seriously and is ready to be a cool senior cat just like Sue. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Tai-chan figures out how to get on the kitchen counter while ignoring Sue’s warnings that they aren’t allowed up there. In true cat form, Tai-chan ignores the warnings and finds himself in a bit of a pickle when Natsuki comes home. I was cracking up over Tai-chan’s chosen hiding place. It was so cute and silly. What a little poof ball!

We also get to meet some of the neighborhood cats as Tai-chan learns about cat territory. All is okay if the cats announce that they’re coming through, but he misses the point and announces he’s coming through all around the house. It’s so cute to see the two of them bond, much to Sue’s surprise. All that wild kitten energy gets to her and poops her straight out.

This series is so cute and takes me back to how much fun all the crazy kitten energy was when my cats were still kittens. I also love that there was a contest held for the book and the winning cats were featured in their own chapter! It was even more exciting to see pictures of the winning cats along with notable mentions at the end of the book. I wouldn’t be surprised if there will be more real cats making it into the book after this.

Monsters You Should Know by Emma SanCartier

 
Monsters You Should Know by Emma SanCartier
My Rating: ★★★★★

In this beautifully illustrated book, readers can find the name and locations of unusual monsters from all over the world. A small amount of information is given about each monster while the artwork tells the rest of the story. It’s perfect for young readers because it’s not scary and brings some humor to the table. This is exactly the kind of book my mom would’ve bought for me as a kid because it’s cute, fun, and introduces a variety of cryptids and other monsters from around the world.

While the target audience are kids, this is perfect for adults as well. Even for me, there were monsters I’ve never heard of that I now plan on reading about all thanks to this book. Plus, the artwork is absolutely stunning. It’s the kind of artwork that makes one want to buy them as prints or posters. I am looking forward to checking out other books from this author because I really like their style.

Sue & Tai-chan, Vol. 1 by Kanata Konami

Sue & Tai-chan, Vol. 1 by Kanata Konami
My Rating: ★★★★★

I received a copy from Kodansha Comics through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sue is just an older cat living her best life with her best bud, her human, Natsuki. Things take a turn when he brings in a kitten named Tai-chan, who is active and extremely curious. What is Sue to do when she just wants to peacefully lounge when Tai-chan keeps bugging her to play?

I was sad when Chi’s Sweet Home finally came to an end. Then I learned that there were going to be some spin-offs and got excited. Like Chi’s Sweet Home, Sue & Tai-chan is a cute, sweet, and all around wholesome story that’s perfect for all ages. It’s the type of feel good story that everyone needs in their life while being the perfect story for kids. If this was around when I was a kid, it would’ve been something my mom and I would’ve read together, so I can see it being a family read for anyone with younger kids.

We follow Sue, who is an older house cat that’s slowed down and likes to lounge more than she plays. She spends her day relaxing and living her best life with Natsuki when he has the nerve to bring in a new cat, Tai-chan! We also follow Tai-chan, who is extremely curious and just loves to play and explore. Poor Sue just wants to sleep and relax, but Tai-chan wants to become friends, play, and become involved in everything she and Natsuki are up to. It’s such a cute and fun story that it’s something that could be read again and again whenever one needs a pick-me-up.

The artwork is absolutely adorable and colorful. The style really brings the story to life. I’ve always loved seeing all the expressions on the different cats and people that appear in Kanata Konami’s stories. The panels are always simple but colorful, making it easy for small readers to  follow along without getting lost. I’m excited to start this new series and can’t wait to read the second volume.

To Sir Phillip, With Love (Bridgertons #5) by Julia Quinn

 

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

My Rating: ★★★

When Eloise Bridgerton’s distant cousin passed away, she never knew that sending her condolences would lead to an unlikely friendship with the widower. She was even more surprised when Sir Philip inquired about meeting face-to-face while throwing the possibility of marriage on the table if they got along well. Next thing Eloise knew, she was sneaking off to meet him without an escort or even announcing that she was on her way. Much to Sir Philip’s surprise, Eloise is not the desperate spinster he was hoping she would be, so his rude personality may dash his plans of finding a step-mom for his children…

I had heard Eloise got the short end of the stick, so it was a surprise that I liked this book much more than I had initially expected to. This time around, we follow Eloise and Sir Philip as they meet, butt heads, and eventually fall in love. It was great to finally follow Eloise, as she had previously been my favorite character until the fourth book in the series. Now, she and Hyacinth are battling for the favorite spot. I was pretty surprised to discover how much Eloise secretly hoped to marry, which is what spurred her ill-planned adventure to meet Sir Philip. I think it does make sense, especially since being dubbed a spinster didn’t exactly help her case in finding her equal in potential partners.

Eloise was amazing, hilarious, and absolutely stubborn all book long. I loved it! Sir Philip, however, was something else entirely. I did ultimately like him, but he’s definitely not the person I would’ve picked for Eloise if it was up to me. He’s ill-tempered, views women as another species that are hard to understand, ignores his kids, and is purposely obtuse in conversations and arguments. While it does ultimately work out for them both, and he does turn out to be a very caring and passionate person, it still bugs me how much he just purposely avoids even when it’s plainly explained to him.

I did enjoy seeing Eloise build a friendship with her two step-children. However, I do find it odd that she moved straight into being their new mom rather than their step-mother. It happened rather fast too. It just rubbed me the wrong way that her late cousin just suddenly flew out the picture in the face of her being their new mom. It’s not exactly something I’d picture her realistically sliding into as well, especially when the twins remember their mother.

All in all, I did enjoy reading the book and I think that there is a lot of chemistry between Eloise and Sir Philip. I find it believable that they’re so hot for each other when it comes down to it, regardless of what the other parts of their relationship look like. Sadly, I was disappointed by the second epilogue, which I don’t think was necessary at all. I was also disappointed that we didn’t see Penelope at the wedding, especially when we already knew that she was there thanks to the second epilogue in the previous book. I did enjoy the book, but found that it was lacking in some areas.

Leech by Hiron Ennes

Leech by Hiron Ennes
My Rating: ★★★★

I received a copy from Tordotcom through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Way out in an extremely isolated chateau, the replacement for a deceased doctor of a baron has arrived and is fascinated with the mysterious death of their predecessor. The baron is not concerned, but the new doctor is, and they fear there’s a strange new parasite lurking in the corners of the castle. Unfortunately for them, their fears are confirmed as the parasite spreads its way across the castle, causing its inhabitants to become just as dangerous as the parasite out of fear.

I have to say that this book is an interesting one, but it is confusing at times. Early on, I almost thought the doctor we were following was actually the parasite threatening the entire community. Though, we are indeed following someone affected by a parasite, it’s just a different one altogether. Regardless, the concept alone made this a really interesting read because we’re watching the internal struggles of someone who was basically body snatched by a parasite long before the start of the book. This new deadly parasite just fascinates the protagonist whose true name isn’t revealed until much later.

Honestly, I think this is one of the most interesting books I’ve read this year. It’s a gothic science fiction that has us following an unreliable narrator. They are unreliable because they have basically been body snatched by a parasite for some time at the start of the novel, so they have many voices in their head on top of having their body controlled at times. On top of everything, they’re also losing time, so there’s big gaps in their memory and they are fully aware of it.

There’s a cast of violent to just odd characters. I liked two characters, but it wasn’t enough for me to say either were favorites. It’s just that the two of them were likable and I liked every time they showed up in the story. If you’re looking for a book that will give you characters you’re rooting for all along, this isn’t the book for you, but it does have a cast of odd to downright crazy characters to follow.

All in all, this is a gothic sci-fi horror at the core. There’s some steampunk elements to it that make it interesting, but not enough to call it a steampunk novel. There’s also a lot of blood and gore, which can get pretty gross at times, so it’s not for the squeamish. The opening is a bit of a confusing slow burn, but once it picks up, it makes sense most of the time and takes readers for a wild ride. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a gothic sci-fi horror and like unreliable narrators.

Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons #4) by Julia Quinn

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
My Rating: ★★★

Penelope Featherington remembers the exact moment she fell in love with Colin Bridgerton. It wasn’t exactly romantic, but it was hilarious, and she had been madly in love with him every day going forward. Unfortunately for her, Colin did not feel the same way. She was merely his sister’s best friend, a wallflower dressed badly by her mother, and eventually just a spinster. Everything changes when Penelope finds herself in the room with Colin’s travel journal, a fateful moment that reveals there’s a lot more than meets the eye for both Penelope and Colin.

Told in the usual rotating perspectives, we follow Penelope and Colin as they get to know each other on a deeper level. The pair find themselves slowly entering a whirlwind romance that surprises everyone, but not as much as it surprises the two involved. It was fun seeing all the secrets Penelope and Colin have been carrying around slowly get revealed. I was extremely excited to see Penelope finally get to live out her own dreams, especially when she falls deeper in love with Colin as he finds himself falling in love with her.

While I’ve been enjoying the series, I am surprised to say that this is my least favorite so far. Penelope spends a lot of time lamenting about not knowing things about Colin like she hadn’t been in love with only the side he presents to the public all along. I laughed every time she was shocked to learn that he has secrets and a temper. For someone as smart as she is, it just made me crack up that she was so surprised when it was impossible for her to know anything that knowing someone through polite society interactions wouldn’t allow. Plus, the romantic chemistry between Penelope and Colin was just not there for me. Nothing was sizzling between them, which is a shame because they really do make a cute couple.

However, I did enjoy following Penelope and wished the big Whistledown reveal wasn’t so lackluster. It felt like it was something that happened organically and then little hints got sprinkled in during the editing process. I find it hard to believe that Penelope would think of Whistledown as an entirely separate person even in her own thoughts until later. I just wish it was handled better. It also would’ve been fun to see her in action during her chapters before the big reveal, so it really was a wasted opportunity.

All in all, I did enjoy the book and loved seeing all my favorite characters come to life again. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, especially after reading the second epilogue.

An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3) by Julia Quinn

An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
My Rating: ★★★★

Born the illegitimate daughter of an Earl, the cards were always stacked against Sophie Beckett. It gets even worse when her father dies, leaving her to the unchecked whims of her angry step-mother. Sophie’s living the life of Cinderella, only instead of a fairy godmother, the fellow servants of the household make her into the mysterious lady in silver for the Bridgerton’s masquerade. Sneaking out and living a life of mystery and wonder is amazing until she falls in love with Benedict Bridgerton, leaving a single glove behind when the clock strikes midnight.

It turns out I was only lying to myself when I said I was going to hold off on reading this until the third season of the show dropped because here I am, all ready to get started on the fourth book. We follow Sophie and Benedict in the usual rotating perspectives that we’ve all come to expect when reading this series. One of the things that I liked about this installment, in particular, is that it’s the Bridgertons edition of Cinderella. I absolutely love Cinderella, so I was all in from the start.

Sophie is such a likable character that it’s hard not to love following her chapters right away. Orphaned and forced to work as an unpaid servant to her step-mother and step-sisters, Sophie has very low expectations for her life. Love? Marriage? Ha! Everything changes when she becomes the lady in silver, giving her a taste of the life she might’ve had if she wasn’t the illegitimate and unclaimed daughter of a dead Earl. If nothing else, Sophie has her wits about her, which is something that can’t be said for everyone…

So far, I’ve liked Benedict much better in the books than in the show, but I will say this book made me look at him differently. While he is seemingly very noble and very much in love with someone he only knew for mere hours once upon a time, the guy does not listen. The amount of times he tries to coerce Sophie into becoming his mistress is rather horrifying. Saying no should’ve been enough, but she also states why she will never be anyone’s mistress, which he blatantly ignores and continues to pester her about it. Granted, they obviously have a fairytale ending just as Cinderella and her prince did, it doesn’t mean I don’t view him a bit differently after this. Noble my foot!

As always, I enjoyed seeing the rest of the Bridgerton family and absolutely love that we got to see more of Eloise. The more I read these books, the more I love Violet and wish there was a prequel following her and her own romance back in the day. I also loved Posy, one of Sophie’s step-sisters, and relished the downfall of Sophie’s step-mother. While I wish it was more than it was, I am happy with how things turned out.

Like the previous two novels, there is a second epilogue included. However, unlike the previous second epilogues, I absolutely loved this one. It almost felt like I was reading the start of another novel rather than having an update of sorts that felt super out of place. I hope that this is a trend that continues with the other second epilogues!