A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1)




Most people only know one London; but what if there were several? Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel Londons. There’s Grey London, dirty and crowded and without magic, home to the mad king George III. There’s Red London, where life and magic are revered. Then, White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. But once upon a time, there was Black London...

My Review:

Delicious. Even though not all the ideas in this book are original, the world-building, characters and magical system make up for anything we might have seen or heard before. Victoria (V.E.) Schwab's almost lyrical writing style is very pleasant and the pages seem to turn themselves in this must-read book!

The use of blood-magic, alternate Londons, and the creation of doors to reach these alternate worlds might remind us of plenty of other books, but the author puts her own twist on this, making for a very pleasant and thrilling read.

The characters are believable and well thought out and the two main characters (Kell and Lila) seem to have a chemistry that I hope will continue in future books.
The world building is spot on and the descriptions the author uses to describe the various Londons, placed me right in the action and I was able to 'feel' as if I was there.

White London and the Danes were definitely my favorite and I wish we could have spent a little more time there and found out a little bit more about this monarchal duo. I also wish I'd been given more info on the Holland's character, and of Vitari. I'm hoping that my questions regarding Vitari and Holland will be answered in the subsequent books.

All in all, a very entertaining and lovely dark read. The author succeeded on placing an original spin on ideas that have already happened before in other books. The dark and gritty feel of this story is certain to please readers across a wide range of genres. I look forward to reading the second book in this trilogy, 'A Gathering of Shadows', very soon. Happy Reading!

Iron Fist: The Fury of Iron Fist

Iron Fist Epic Collection: The Fury of Iron Fist








A Himalayan expedition to find the mystical city of K'un-Lun left nine-year-old Daniel Rand's parents dead, but he found the path to the K'un-Lun and there spent a decade training under its immortal inhabitants. He became an unmatched master of martial arts and spiritual control; armed with the shattering power of the iron fist, Daniel left immortality behind to set out into the Western world and avenge his parents' deaths. Packed with wall-to-wall kung fu action, Iron Fist runs a gauntlet through the Kara-Kai death cult, ninja adversaries, and mystic dimensions. COLLECTING: Vol. 1; Marvel Premiere (1972) 15-25, Iron Fist (1975) 1-15, Marvel Team-Up (1972) 63-64

My Review:

He channels his Chi, sends it down his arm, where his fist begins to glow, and then to smolder... to finally become like unto a thing of iron!!!

The awesome origin story of Iron Fist aka Danny Rand! This great volume collects the origin of Danny Rand along with his quest for vengeance for the death of his parents at the hands of a ruthless corporate powerhouse.
This volume collects issues from 1974-1977, a time when things were both simpler and much crazier in comics. The artwork is typical of the time and Byrne is able to shine with his penciling in a way that will leave the reader very happy. Storyline is good and interesting, even if the language of the 70s does irritate somewhat (albeit in a smirk-inducing way).
This origin story is quite different from the Netflix series currently on TV. It works for the comic, while the story on Netflix works for the show. If you've watched the show and think you know Danny Rand... think again! Pick this comic up and see what he's really made of.
Filled with lots of villains and surprise appearances by the X-Men, Wolverine and Spider-Man, this volume is not to be missed. Even Sabretooth had his first appearance in Iron Fist #14!
For lovers of 60s and 70s comics, kung-fu style action and comics from an era which was much simpler, I definitely recommend you pick this book up!
Happy Reading!

Inspector Hobbes and the Bones (Unhuman #4) by Wilkie Martin

Inspector Hobbes and the Bones (Unhuman #4)



There’s going to be trouble. Andy Caplet’s wife goes away, someone is out to get him, and he loses nearly everything in a storm. Amazing both himself and his unhuman friend Inspector Hobbes, he heroically rescues flood victims and uncovers something shocking.
Is Andy being set up for blackmail by the apparently charming young woman who attempts to seduce him, or is something even more sinister afoot? Hobbes certainly believes so, and he’s getting worried.

This is the fourth in Wilkie Martin’s unhuman series of cosy comedy crime fantasies.

My Review:

Wilkie Martin's fourth installment of the Inspector Hobbes series (cosy comedy crime fantasies), titled 'Inspector Hobbes and the Bones', was definitely the quirkiest book I've read in 2017!

I haven't read the previous three books yet, as I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Normally, I don't enter a series in mid-swing, but with this one I simply didn't have much choice. Despite myself being thrown in the cold water, the author did a good job of including details from past books (without giving away too much either), and I never felt like I was missing out on too much. If anything, I've been left with a desire to find out more about the origins of the characters and to find out about past cases which were mentioned in this book.

The characters are well thought out and charming. Inspector Hobbes is definitely a smooth operator and loves 'bending' the rules in order to get his man. I felt bad for poor Andy, as he certainly had the universe working against him at every turn in this book. 'The old gal' (Inspector Hobbes' cook), was also a hilarious character but also kind of scary at times. Again, it makes me want to read the previous books to find out more about these characters.

The plot was twisty and filled with lots of hilarious encounters. Again, poor Andy!
I didn't have the feeling that too much had been given away, nor did I see the ending coming before it was there.

I really believe, that readers interested in crime, supernatural elements, the undead, and easy going quirky books will absolutely love this one!! Despite joining the series on book four, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The book definitely works as a stand-alone as well. Since reading this book, I've purchased the first book in the Unhuman series, 'Inspector Hobbes and the Blood'. I look forward to starting the series at book one, and will certainly leave a review on Goodreads and my blog.

Happy Reading!!! 







 

Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions

 

On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary first revealed herself to a trio of shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She would appear to them five more times over the course of the year until the great miracle of the sun on October 13, 1917. She brought a message of love and peace that was heard around the world—a sorely-needed antidote to the ravages of World War I. To mark the 100th anniversary of the apparitions, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle provides a one-stop guide to the tradition, history and spirituality of Our Lady of Fatima, including the testimonies of those who have made the pilgrimage and prayers for those who share this devotion.

In Our Lady of Fatima, award-winning author, journalist, pilgrimage host and host of EWTN’s Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms and Catholic Mom's Café Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle offers a mini-Fatima retreat—an “armchair pilgrimage,” if you will. This collection of prayers, testimonies and reflections will bring to life the events of Fatima and help you find ways to apply Mary’s Fatima message to the nitty-gritty details of your daily life.

Each chapter begins with a quote by or about the Blessed Mother before delving into a key aspect of the story of Mary’s appearances to nine-year-old Lúcia Santos and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto. A prayer, a simple reflection and a doable call to action transform this book from a simple historical retelling into a practical devotional.
The Blessed Mother’s Fatima message is needed now more than ever. The uncertainty of global events can seep into our daily worries, creating fear and anxiety that’s difficult to overcome. Our Lady of Fatima is a welcome remedy for that worry. In it, you’ll find a chance to grow in faith and holiness, as well as a needed dose of inspiration, hope and peace in following its advice and suggestions, and in praying the prayers.

 My Review:

Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle has written a beautiful and deeply devotional book in 'Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers and Devotions'. A must read book, especially in 2017 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the start of the apparitions in Fatima, Portugal.

The author tells the story of Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in parts which are very easy to read and each part includes prayers and devotions that help the reader grow spiritually and to internalize the messages of Our Lady of Fatima.

Of particular interest are the included quotes and writings from church leaders such as St. Pope John Paul II and of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. It helps the reader to further see the importance of these events that occurred one hundred years ago, on a larger scale, particularly how the messages and petitions of Our Lady of Fatima affect numerous nations.

A significant part of the book is also about Mother Theresa, and her efforts to have a Miraculous Medal present in the Kremlin at the time of the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart. Of further interest, are the devotions that Our Lady calls all people to, such as the 'Five First Saturdays' devotion. A devotion that has been largely placed aside and forgotten, as many people simply concentrate on the prophesies of Fatima.

This book is a gem that will help anyone to live out the messages of the Blessed Mother of Fatima. It is a book very much directed at a Catholic audience already familiar with either the Catholic Church or some of its doctrines. It is also a very prayerful and devotional book that helps the reader integrate the extremely important messages of Our Lady of Fatima into their daily lives.
I recommend this book for readers who are curious about the apparitions of Fatima, and I extremely recommend this book for those who already know about Fatima. This book will help the reader deepen their faith and help them to integrate their efforts and actions with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.