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Magnus Chase: Ship of the Dead is the final book in the series that blends Norse mythology with the modern world. Rick Riordan writes in his typical humourous fashion and makes learning fun (even if it’s not always entirely accurate.) As this is the third and final book in the series, there isn’t too much to say that wouldn’t spoil the first two books if you have not read them so I would recommend doing so before reading this review. You can also read my review of the first book as it is spoiler-free.

Our heroes continue their journey to postpone Ragnarok and defeat Loki. Magnus is joined by Samirah the Valkyrie, Hearthstone the Elf, Blitzen the Dwarf and his fellow Einherjar Alex, Mallory, TJ and Halfborn. They must battle giants, outwit guardians, and save the world from utter destruction. Just your average Tuesday.

I really enjoyed how diversity was represented in this series as we have main characters with different sexualities or orientations, religions, ethnicities, and disabilities. Since I am not most of the ones that were represented in the book, I can't speak to how accurate the portrayal was but I am glad that they were included. As a casual reader, the representation felt informative and not condescending or demeaning.

Rick continues his world building by sending our heroes off on adventures in the nine realms while simultaneously teaching us a bit about Norse mythology. His books are a very approachable way to tackle the topic and perhaps foster a sense of curiosity that will lead readers to want to discover more. There isn't much else to say without spoilers, so I would recommend this series to middle grade, young adult or teen readers who enjoy fantasy. It is a fun, easy read that I hope you won't regret picking up.
  
This Adventure Ends
This Adventure Ends
Emma Mills | 2016 | Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This Adventure Ends started off by speaking to my little sarcastic, witty heart and introducing us to a funny, female character. It’s crazy, but yes girls can be funny. The humorous person in your novel does not have to be a guy. It is your classic high school story where a new girl moves to town and makes friends – but of course, the friends all have drama and secrets.
Sloane is also a singer and loves to read, so basically, this is starting to sound like my life. I joke, sort of, but she is a relatively normal, relatable high school girl. It really made me miss taking voice lessons even though they’re not expressly featured in the book. A lot of the events are more just telling the reader that it happened, than showing them what happened.
I’m sure most readers can relate to this line in the book:
“He looks at me for a moment and then says, ‘Maybe I’ll just watch the movie.’
‘Those are fighting words,’ I say.”
It just speaks to how relatable the author makes the book, from fanfics and fandom to high school sports and friends. This book gives you feels and might even cause a tear of joy. All of the effort that Sloane goes through, the love that Vera and Gabe have for their mother, just comes together in one poignant moment and it’s beautiful.
The friendships are authentic, from their ups and downs to the simple fun they have together. The characters are likable and relatable – and although there’s some typical, adorable teen romantic cuteness, it fits in the story and I approve.
Recommended to teen/young adult readers who enjoy cheery contemporary novels about family, friendship and high school.
  
Treasure, Darkly
Treasure, Darkly
Jordan Elizabeth Mierek | 2019 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Jordan Elizabeth tackles steampunk fiction in her new young adult series Treasure Chronicles. In the first book of the series, Treasure, Darkly we are introduced to seventeen-year-old Clark Treasure who pinches a bottle of what he assumes is absinthe from a captain's pocket. After drinking it, however, Clark discovers he has ingested a liquid that gives him the power to awaken the dead. Wanted by the army to be experimented on, Clark goes into hiding and searches for the man he believes to be his father - one of the wealthiest men in the world, Garth Treasure.

On the Treasure ranch, Clark receives a warm welcome from his supposed father and step-mother, however, his half-brothers are not so keen on his arrival. His half-sister Amethyst, on the other hand, is an entirely different battle. Romance blossoms between the two siblings, which Clark has to fight... or perhaps there is a chance he is not really her brother?

Being on a Wanted list and coping with an illicit relationship is only part of Clark's troubles. The liquid he stole also allows him to see the dead and some of them have unfinished business, with which only Clark can help them. Full of adventure, danger, love and science fiction, Treasure, Darkly is a story packed with twists and turns. The characters evoke emotion in readers, causing us to either love or hate them but, ultimately, wish for Clark's success and safety.

Treasure Chronicles promises to be an exciting, engaging series for those who love fantasy, science fiction, romance and historical stories. With never a dull moment, Clark Treasure's plight will attract new and old readers of Jordan Elizabeth.
  
Night of Mysterious Blessings
Night of Mysterious Blessings
Sally Metzger | 2021 | Children
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Do you have a child or children who are struggling to sleep or relax? Well, maybe “Night of Mysterious Blessings” by Sally Metzger can help calm down through stressful thoughts or worries.

This book brings a bit of God into the story. Though through a twist, many children learn that helps them sleep at night. This mysterious man they all call sandman. This book is relaxing and calm for adults as well as children. I do enjoy that.

This book is about a little boy and his dog. Will the little boy fall asleep, or will he toss and turn all night? Will the mysterious man be able to help him? The pictures are well-designed; I have enjoyed looking at them. They do tell the story. My body was relaxing while reading this book. It seemed to destress me, and the pictures helped as well.

This book may be a good idea for parents to pick up for themselves and their children. Children can learn about a mysterious man called the sandman and about God.

The mysterious man came to help the little boy. He looks like someone that we enjoy in the winter and around the Christmas holiday. I am curious to know if the look is intended that way but for me. He looks all joyous and happy and relaxed. However, he is supposed to be a sandman.

This book is a good bedtime story for children. Parents can read it to them, or young readers that are early readers can read this or learn to read from this book. Maybe your child or children can see what comes from the morning light after a restful night. You could learn about worrying and stressing less from this lovely story. I would like to know if there will be more books or a series.
  
LuLu’s Cafe
LuLu’s Cafe
T.I. Lowe | 2019
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contemporary Romance
When a damaged young woman is given a chance to reclaim her life in a small South Carolina town, she must reckon with the dark secrets she left behind in order to accept the love she deserves. On the run from a violent past, Leah Allen arrived in tiny Rivertown, South Carolina, battered and broken, but ready to reinvent herself. By a stroke of fate, Leah is drawn to the Southern hospitality of a small café, looking for a warm meal but finding so much more. Lulu, the owner, offers her a job, a place to stay and a new lease on life. Through Lulu’s tenacious warmth and generosity, Leah quickly finds herself embraced by the quaint community as she tries to put herself back together. Given she’s accustomed to cruelty, the kindness is overwhelming. Soon Leah meets Crowley Mason, the most eligible bachelor in town. A lawyer and friend of Lulu’s, Crowley is wary of Leah’s sudden, mysterious arrival. Despite his reserve, something sparks between them that can’t be denied. But after all she’s been through, can Leah allow herself to truly love and be loved, especially when her first urge is to run? Exploring the resiliency of both the heart and the spirit, Lulu’s Café gorgeously illustrates how old scars can finally heal no matter how deep they seem.



My Thoughts: This is such an enjoyable read; it was hard to put this novel down; the author's writing draws the reader into the story and jkeeps the readers attention. This is a book about overcoming abuse, finding love, kindness, and healing. It's about people learning patience with those who are broken and giving people second chances. Leah is a broken abused woman who finds solace and healing in a small southern town. She slowly learns that she can trust those who have shown her nothing but kindness and love. The readers will love Lulu, a woman who is grounded in Christ's love who pours kindness and love on those around her. She always seems to have the right answer and always has a cheerful attitude.


This is a book that although it deals with the topic of abuse, it is full of humor, romance, and love. The readers will fall in love with this small southern town and its townspeople. A wonderful story of a woman who finally finds the meaning of true love.