Silk & Serif

Received via NetGalley and Ten Speed Press in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Crap Taxidermy makes the promise of an entertaining and comedic read concerning distasteful and terribly positioned taxidermist “art”. The author starts off by explaining that taxidermy can come in two speeds: well done, and crap – you can guess which the book focuses on. Regardless of the author’s note that the book does not mean to be disrespectful, but rather shine a humorous light on the strange and unique works. The author includes quite a few photos: all of which are high-definition and full color.

Although I may have giggled a few times, the book overall only ensured my dislike of taxidermy practices. The author includes a segment at the very end to aid the reader in developing their own taxidermist skills. I wish I hadn’t read that segment, or really picked up this book. I’ve always thought that becoming worm food is the worst thing that could happen to my body after I die – but I’ve discovered that if I were to fall into a taxidermist’s hands the fate would be much worse.

I’ll admit that this subject is not meant for the faint of heart, and my own sense of humour is rather far from the base that the author is developing on. If you have a morbid sense of humour, or are not a “bleeding heart”, this will probably fascinate you as a quick read. It’s also highly educational on what taxidermy is, what skills are required for the profession and a crude description of “home taxidermy” with general household tools. If you have the stomach, it’s worth the read: but if you’ve got issues with death and corpse mutilation this may not be for you.

Received from Goodreads' Giveaway program and Sourcebooks Casablanca publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Maddie is an interior designer with a problem: her ex-boss is a pervert and she is now unemployed. Its during this overwhelming day that could not get any worse that she meets Flynn to whom she is immediately attracted. Over the course of months Flynn and Maddie decide to become friends with benefits, that morphs into something more. Can they overcome their own issues to find one another?

I wanted to like this book, I wanted to slip into it and float away from reality. I did. Unfortunately, The Troublemaker Next Door was just not for me. The storyline is predictible, and there isnt much thoughtprovoking going on. The main characters are pretty much what you'd expect from a story that isnt complicated - they're cardboard. This isnt to say that this was a bad story, or that the predictability was an negative aspect, it really depends on the reader's mood.

I hated how Flynn treated Maddie. She was never respected, and he treated her like a hooker (not that she really deserved much better with her actions), and Maddie stormed around throwing tempertantrums whenever she didn't get her way. In short, the characters carried fatal flaws like any person, but the kind that just didnt sit well with me. I found it impossible to respect the characters, ergo I didnt give a damn what happened to them.

To top off this rather bleak review: I dont find plumbers sexy. I know that probably sounds arrogant and stuck up..but i think plumber Im picturing the man under the sink who has more hair than a dog brush and a cleft peeking out from the seat of his pants. No, this isnt my idea of sex appeal. I was hoping that Miss Harte would rectify this for me, but she just didnt. Im sorry, but I kept picturing a portly man with low riding pants.

I also have to warn the reader that anal becomes a part of the story. This just gave me a no feeling..no. Not my thing.

In all this is a worth while read if you want something fun, light hearted and predictable. Its one of those books you read on the beach (or in the privacy of a closet if you're one of those. If you want something like Jane Austen or Elizabeth Gaskell, Id suggest going elsewhere..otherwise if you want something quick and cute have at it. I just found too many elements that jarred with my personal morals, beliefs and comfort zones - otherwise I may have slightly, maybe enjoyed this foray into the land of contemporary romance from the safety of my closet.

ARC copy received from Edelweiss and University Press of New England for an completely unbiased review.

Todd McGrain develops an interesting book that goes along with his website (http://www.toddmcgrain.com) and his national tour concerning his work attempting to immortalize the extinct birds of the United States. Todd uses his ability to craft life-like figures and eye for dramatic locations to place his monuments to help spread awareness of extinction by humans and the need to save dwindling species.

Each section of the book includes a specific species that has been long extinct due to human encroachment through physical means or environmental. He uses his art to remind us of what is lost and educate the public on our affects on beautiful wildlife.

The beginning of the book drags on, and much of the information contained relates to the author's childhood development towards artistic expression and sympathy for extinct species. It then explains how McGrain researched how this art could be used to immortalize species so that our children's children would remember those species that are no longer with us.

McGrain develops an interesting book partially about conservation efforts, educational efforts and artistic brilliance that captures the imagination. The development of these monuments and the publication for these art pieces brings to the forefront the extermination of many animal species. An fantastic program that has an amazing message.

Suggested read if you are interested in art, animal conservation and learning about efforts from the common man to educate us on ecological issues.


Review to be posted on Amazon.ca Sept 24

Received via NetGalley and AD Starrling for an completely unbiased review

Note: this book can be read as part of the series, or completely stand alone.

Conrad Green lives in the Amazon. He lives a simple life, filled with simple pleasures and the love of a dog. It has been decades since he had any long term connection to the world, and he plans to keep it this way. He has lost everything that once meant anything to him, and now is content to wait out his immortality alone. When a plane crashes into his Amazonian home Conrad finds details surrounding an assassination attempt against the President of the United States. Conrad rushes to Washington to reveal the plot, and becomes the head of the search for the elusive worldwide network plotting to take down all of the world's superpower nations. Time is running out, can Conrad save the world and get the girl that got away centuries ago?

If you're a big fan of over the top military adventures and paranormal fiction, you might just enjoy Greene's Calling. Melding together high octane action, and a group of Immortals who have special powers Starrling creates what can only be described as Clive Cussler's paranormal cousin.

Greene's character is interesting in that he is one of the members of the Immortal race who has inherited strange healing powers from his lineage. He is no stranger to violence and the life style of a warrior. The long-time obsession with Laura seemed a bit far fetched. A few hundred years and he hasn't found another woman to love? Not only this, but Laura hasn't found another lover either? Im not a believer in long term fidelity after a relationship breaks down. Although, I'm not an Immortal either.

Starrling uses well researched real world data to create a world much like our own, and delves into the question of what would happen if a terrorist organization were to attack all major heads of state. How would tense relationships between countries sustain? How would the security details react?

I did not read the previous two Seventeen series installations, but may read the fourth based on a heavy cliff hanger ending that can only promise more fun and over the top experiences. My only recommendation is to throw realistic expectations out the window and try not to take the book too seriously. This is certainly a fluffy, fun read for when you're on the beach!

Received from NetGalley and Kensington Books - Zebra in return for an unbiased review.

Shiarra Waynest wakes to a horrible nightmare, shes been taken captive by her nemesis Max, and he has a few surprises to keep her acquiescence. Shia has to figure out who to trust, how to escape and how to save Max's captives. To make matters worse Shia is running on an undisclosed timeline because Max plans on taking over enough territories to become an even more formidable foe, and has quite decided if once Shia is no longer useful he will keep her alive..

If you aren't familiar with the rest of Haines' other books in this series you will have a bit of a learning curve before the story really begins to make sense. The entire book hinges on emotional connections readers have developed earlier on in the series for characters, and puts forth very little effort developing further emotional investment in older characters. Alec is just a voice on the phone, Max a cookie-cutter bad guy, and the smaller details are left out of the mix. So, if you haven't read the other books in the series I strongly suggest you start at book one - otherwise all the time Shia spends under ground becomes boring narrative, and her escape just a means to an end for the real story to begin.

Regardless of my lack of history with this series its interesting to see a heroine who isn't bulletproof, and who also isn't weak. She fears her Otherness while being strong enough to know her enslavement is wrong. Shia is a tough chick, who isn't perfect, but she fights for whats right. Her character is likeable, and her friends are believable. The details in the story aren't overtly inconceivable and the world itself is creative. The story doesn't progress with obscenely implausible or improbable outcomes, and Shia's decisions are realistic from someone with her background.

Enslaved By Others delivers a story that's interesting, believable and action packed. People who enjoy paranormal romances will jive with this series, but I suggest starting from the beginning rather than jumping right into the centre as I did. This world is rich and has a broad history that would enrich the readability of this installment much more than trying to catch up during this segment.

Received from NetGalley and Missy Marciassa in exchange for an unbiased review.

Elle is a newly minted field agent, who just got dumped and cant tell anyone what she really does all those late nights at the Library of Congress? In the midst of the breakup Elle decides to take hold of her new identity as a super CIA agent and start her own op: a meaningless fling. Reese is everything Elle wants in a fling - attractive, smart, skilled and doesn't care where Elle is outside of bed. Until Reese starts wanting more.

Elle dodges Reese's questions while her professional life begins to heat up. Someone out there is using worms to hack into the major intelligence-gathering agencies, and there's a mole in the CIA and NSA. Elle and Preston need to find and eliminate the threat ASAP, or their careers might be over before Elle's even begins.

Covert Cover Cracked is a independently published book that reads like a book you'd find in any major publishing company. The romance is laced with suspense, but doesn't overwhelm one another. Elle is a character who at times can whine too much about her situation, but also seems to be intelligent enough to stick to her guns in terms of decisions. The CIA angle is clandestine enough to be believable, with a mission that seems legitimate.

I haven't read any of Missy's other books, and can say that I could follow the story line without previous knowledge of the series. Covert Cover Cracked would work as a stand alone read, or as part of a series. The author effectively weaves character history, relationships and past drama into the current world without a hitch.I cannot wait for the next installment of this series, and will definitely be reading it!

Recommended for: Suspense lovers, light romance without too much heaviness, ass kicking heroines and people who enjoy a New Adult romance without all the paranormal fixings.

Thank you to Random House Canada and Goodreads for the chance to read this book for an honest review.
The think tank Samara brings us a thorough look at the current political climate on Capital Hill using the exit interviews of MPs from varying points in time. The authors go even further than regurgitating information and write their own opinions on the dissociation of MPs during their interviews, and calling for change in Canadian Parliament.

The book can be a bit difficult to get through, its a dry piece and unless the reader has an interest in politics, it probably seems completely unimpressive. Loat and MacMillan use the exit interviews to describe a political world that average citizens already understand: the system is broken, there is more political agendas in prominence than the needs of the constituents. The difference between this book and others than tell a story of a Parliament that has fallen away from its initial goals (to care for its people) is the use of identifiable proof. The Members of Parliament themselves speak of a broken system that is more concerned about another election, and individuals wanting plum seats on the Cabinet.

Although this book is not covering new ideas, it is refreshing to see the exit interviews of people who are well established in the political realm - as well as seeing these interviews from the point of view of those who study them. This research shows that a majority of the issues in Canadian government are fear of party leaders, reprimands for not following party demands and no training for new inductees. The lack of effort that MPs put towards fixing these problems is highlighted in their exit interviews as something done to them, or something that they had no control over.

Received via NetGalley and Columbia University Press for an completely unbiased review.

Jeffrey Bennett is no Brian Greene, but then again his own method of explaining basic physic principals seems to weave its way into its own set of followers. What is Relativity? Special Relativity? Why is it important for scientists that Einstein created Relativity, and what can it be used for? These are a few of the questions that Mr Bennett covers in his brief book of a mere 192 pages.

This concise book includes some images of fundamental principles (how the universe is shaped, or how we perceive the universe), and has limited explanations of each diagram. It would be fantastic if Bennett extrapolated in common terms on certain ideas (the creation of binary stars, for instance) because unless the reader has read a few other physics books, or taken classes in physics, they would probably have found it confusing. The discussion of specific measurements surrounding the gravity and pressure specific types of stars can maintain before falling in on themselves seemed a bit more complicated than necessary, if at all necessary.

I would have liked to see more emphasis on why black holes were so very important to the Relativity discussion. Although Bennett does prove his thesis that Relativity is indeed important to every day life, and the exploration/understanding of outer space, he fails to truly integrate his black hole discussions into the broader picture. If any future edits of this book are done, it would be beneficial to more clearly connect black holes to the thesis before continuing on with the structures and natures of the universe.

I would suggest this book to any physics or space junkie who doesn't want to wade through Einstein's own books, and wants a concise and direct introduction of all things Relative.

Received from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Loveswept division) for a completely unbiased review.
Sophia St. James has overcome the demon Dante and has discovered her true calling, a Spirit Walker. Sophia must deal with her Awakening during a time when old foes rise up from Hell to kill her. Meanwhile lesser demons are waiting for Sophia to fully come into her own so they can attempt to bring her over to the dark side (literally). What else could go wrong? Dante is back, and he still wants Sophia to remember their previous life together and will stop at nothing to halt her Awakening.

Sophia under goes major changes as a character: she becomes more capable physically, and gets in touch with her metaphysical abilities to lead lost souls over to the other side. She loses her first soul thanks to Dante, and even ventures into demonic places where she sees how the other half of the immortals live.

Michael becomes a bit strange, and the situation quickly devolves into Twilight country. He becomes obsessive, controlling and even forces an life threatening kiss on Sophia. The cold, cruel side of Michael appears and I cant help but lose a little respect for his character. What could be causing him to be this way?

If readers were hoping for answers from the first book, they best be ready for none. There is some quick foreshadowing concerning the double heart beats shared between Sophia and Michael, along with some Dante memories that appear, but there isn't any major plot developments in either of these situations. The triangle unfortunately continues, and the mysteries stay firmly in the dark. This isn't to say this is a complete waste of a read..

We get closer to the point where Sophia is ready to learn her true heritage (my assumptions, not fact), and the mysteries surrounding her suitors. We dabble in the darker side of the Soulkeepers' world, and discover new entities that can cast spells and see the future. Next up? Vampires and werewolves? God, I hope it doesn't get that cliche.

Received as a First Read via GoodReads giveaways and St. Martin's Press for an unbiased review.

Ezarti's hypothesis on aging demographics and the place of the world's super powers in the modern global power struggle is just that, a series of interesting considerations, but rife with what can only be upper class ignorance to realities of the working populations and its poor.

To be fair, the ideas are based on proven theories, and there are various examples of Ezrati's beliefs. What does Ezrati believe? That in the future our aging demographics will put extreme strain on the economic welfare of today's super powers which will cause over working of the younger generation and that the super powers will need to make major changes in production, economic behaviours and political agendas.

If the reader is looking for a extremely middle or upper class hypothesis, this book is most definitely for them. The author notes that changing from farm work to office work is a huge leap in skills, but would be possible. Ezrati fails to consider that many of these people do not have the skills or proclivity to change their way of life, and stating that the workforce will be "reabsorbed" in the new job market is extremely narrow minded. Ezrati notes that retail and mall are taking in these displaced citizens, playing on this fact as if it were a positive change for the hard working exurbanite population. The author fails to consider that retail jobs are much lower wages, lower standard of living and require a completely different set of skills. Where Ezrati sees a harmless change in venues, I see an increase in human suffering, lifestyle changes and morale slumping. Not everyone wants to work minimum wage, indoors, long hours and no sense of progress in their lives. Ezrati has obviously never taken a walk on the lower end of the career spectrum.

If we ignore the obvious privileged background of the author, the book works on sound bases )historical references, basic economic theories and terms). And the concern that the aging demographics will not be replaced by a younger workforce, in turn developing an employment vacuum and pushing retirement years into our golden years. This book raises legitimate concerns and adeptly explains the repercussions of an aging population, its just unfortunately written in a way that I fear is not looking at the situation objectively outside current social class assumptions.

This book does what it set out to do, kudos! I just wish it was more sensitive to the plight of those who arent as well established or economically comfortable prior to the initial changes.

Received from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Loveswept div) for a completely unbiased review.
Sophia is your average high school student, her dad's a pastor, and a few years ago she lost her mother. She has had her brush with an abusive boyfriend, and is hoping that moving to Haven Hurst will help her put it behind her. Haven Hurst is a town that Sophia learns to appreciate, and falls in quickly with the town's inhabitants. Her skills as a photographer are utilized by her new school and the town newspaper, she makes plenty of new friends and even reveals the existence of real-heavenly-Angels.

Mrs Adams develops a unique story about demons, Angels and the unearthly battle for human souls. I felt that she masterfully created a world where Angels and demons roam together on Earth, but are subject to some very strict hierarchies (like real life corporations, including the sympathy lacking demon side of the coin!). The story is unique in character development and the love story isn't a complete yawn fest. Star-crossed lovers. Mystery. Wonky town council members who enjoy a little hex time.

The relationship between Sophia and Dante has its rather unsettling moments, as does her romance with Michael, and unfortunately Mrs Adams dabbles a bit with a love triangle, some Twilight-esque moments in the school where the Angels blow off school and no one cares, and things happen that only Sophie see (sound like Bella, anyone?).
clearhex time.
Although I got the uncomfortable feelings of Twilight dazes, and the eye-rollingly-annoying use of young adult names/phrases (hey! im old, i can roll my eyes!), this book was a great way to turn my brain off after a long day at work. The content isn't too serious, Angels saving lives aside, and the cliffhanger ending will not disappoint!

Fresh ideas, quick read, sexy hero. Ill be coming back for more, and suggest anyone interested in YA Paranormal romance with Angelic spice should check this new title out!

Not up to Armentrout's usual Lux standards. Ill read book two obviously, but ill buy the Ebook - not the paperback. Sorry, but this just didn't strike my "I want to have a physical copy on my book shelf" cord..and that's okay, because other people loved it. I do very much appreciate yet another very unique world! Jennifer, you always come up with some of the most interesting world building.

Thank you to Net Galley and Open Road Media for an ARC for an unbiased review!

Earthquake Storms is a brief look at the history of the San Andres fault in California. The book includes brief biographical details about major researchers, history of the faults oldest earthquakes, future earthquakes and the scientific tools used in the measurements of the daily life of the San Andres.

If you’re looking for a whistle blowing publication, you should look elsewhere. Dvorak develops facts based on scientific research and gives the reader a brief introduction into the academic world of earth sciences. The book only briefly touches upon future predictions, and even then, does not overestimate the magnitude or damage caused by the next big movement San Andres event.

It was refreshing to learn about the history of California’s interest in earth sciences: from the gold rush, to the modern day desire for earthquake warning systems. The book briefly explains Grover Gilbert, Harry Fielding Reid and the origin of the term “Richter Scale”. In the more fascinating portion of the book we learn about the breaking up of Pangaea, the development of today’s island rings, and the role of plate tectonics on the development of mountains, the sea bed floor and the coast lines. Everything an average reader would want to learn about our planet.

My only concern is the last chapter or two were very technical. I understood about 20% of Dvorak’s explanations and descriptions of the mineral deposits, rock formations and landscape. I have never been to California, much of the descriptions were confusing and not as useful to my understanding as a Californian native.
I would highly suggest this book to a person who has very little understanding of plate tectonics, and the history of earthquake research. The book covers all the basics in easy to understand lingo, and down to earth descriptions (no pun intended).

Thank you to Net Galley and Hyperion for an Pre-Approved ARC for an unbiased review!

Dr. Cyrus Mills is a pathologist, working with the dead and proving the reasons for their demise. He enjoys his job, and enjoys the time it lets him look into bizarre and rare pathogens. Unfortunately, his life changes drastically when his estranged father passes away and leaves Cyrus with his Veterinarian practice, The Bedside Manor. Quickly Cyrus is caught up in small town drama, a rival practice in the county next door who wants to do away with Bedside Manor, and meets Mrs. Right who is harbouring a secret.
Cyrus must overcome the obstacles that are a panther named Henry with a nose lesion, Gilligan the insane border collie with seizures, and Ermintrude the cow with a serious debilitating disease that she seems to be passing on to her human caregiver. Cyrus has different difficulties assessing each patient and discovering the proper diagnosis. On top of all this, Healthy Paws is trying to shut down Bedside Manor and steal their patients. Can Cyrus prove that he can diagnose his patients without the unnecessary procedures that Healthy Paws uses to line their pockets? Can good old fashioned veterinarian practice overcome the monster modern veterinarian practice with all its technological toys?
Nick Trout develops a decent story about one man’s experience moving from a quiet introvert whose patients never talked back, to a man who takes charge of situations and maneuvers through social situations on a daily basis. The author also ties in the age old question of: are mom and pop veterinarian practices doomed? Can they compete with the modern practices with fancy machinery and business minded purpose?

Where will you be when the world ends?

David Blake's world ends on a average day while sitting in the back room of his bookshop. The life he has built with his fiance Rachel and stepson Eric becomes nothing more than memories in a few hours. It through this tragedy he becomes acquainted with the US Army, and signs on to fight the newest threat to humanity: zombies. Blake is thrust into the world of tactics and weapons, finding that perhaps on the front lines is just where he belongs, not in a small town selling literature.


Kristopher created an interesting universe with his first novel The Dying of the Light: End. Zombies are a real threat, the governments are working together to save man kind using elite fighting platoons and prions (you know, those proteins that are responsible for mad cow disease) are the cause for zombies. Essentially, Kristopher gives zombie literature a new way to categorize zombies: something in the realm of virology, which I can definitely get on board with. The author also includes links to prion research, and various zombie literature for the curious reader (suggested reading!).

Although I was fascinated with the biological basis of zombie-infection, I found that the fresh point of view that Kristopher uses is also very relevant to the rebooting of zombie literature foundations. Blake is a man who is part of a ubber secret group of men and women who covertly attempt to stem off infection. Who are the people who are willing to risk their lives without anyone knowing? How do those on the front lines of the epidemic feel, react and manage such a monumental task? Instead of focusing on the Average Joe, Kristopher blazes ahead where most zombie fiction only treads lightly. Fantastic!


This being said, why not a full 5 stars? Kristopher holds out the proverbial carrot for far too long. The introduction of the villain, the villain's plans and the catalyst to tie Blake to him all revealed far to too late into the story. The emergence of the villain alone took far too long to capture interest. I honestly felt the book started far too slow, and the ending took far too long. This being said, this also contributed to the world building which was important for the story to continue.


The twist also happened fairly late, being almost tacked on mid-climax and was mentioned again only briefly in the end. It would have been a great idea to weave this revelation into the story post climax to keep the reader enticed by what the second book has to offer. Obviously, these are mistakes that Kristopher made while writing his first book, and cannot be reflected in his later work.

Side note: this book can get cheesy. "Damn you. Damn you straight hell" and "We will not go quietly into the night" do appear and it certainly took away from the believability of the story. Of course, I just hate cheesy lines like that in non-satirical literature!

In the end, if you're into the zombie literature craze, or like a good military-apocalyptic novel, you should check out this book - it takes a new spin and focuses on the lesser known elements in apocalyptic literature and zombie catastrophes.


Ill definitely be reading book two, and cannot stress enough how fantastic it would be if Kristopher wrote a book concerning the rapid fall of civilization once the existence of zombies were made public.

Received as a auto-approval from Random House Children's Publishing via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

The students of 10B are about to get a run of the mill flu shot. Just a normal day in a teenager's life full of drama, education and internal struggles. Each student is part of tapestry of personal experiences which coalesce into the hive mind of we that developed from a group of 22 students who contracted telepathy.

So then, what did I personally think? This book is alright, and definitely worth reading for teens if they enjoy paranormal with a touch of reality. The book never sways from the lives of the teens, and never develops a larger than life experience with chase scenes from the FBI, or betrayal from a member of the group. The cut and dry story of at least five of the twenty two kids with telepathy follows the normal lives of their family, and their attempts to accept their new powers.

I doubt this novel will enter into the adult, or older YA market with much gusto, but will be enjoyable for the younger teen audiences. The story is entertaining, the messages concerning personal lessons concerning family issues is positive, and the acceptance of oneself, even if different, is fantastic. The lessons aren't overtly pushed on the reader, but more a soft touch to invoke thought.

If you're looking for action this probably isn't where you should look, but if you enjoy social dramas with feel good endings check it out!