Monster High by Lisi Harrison

Title: Monster High (Monster High Series book 1)
Author: Lisi Harrison
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Teen Urban Fantasy
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "Frankie Stein was created in a laboratory, and when she enters Mount Hood High School camouflaged as a "normie," all she wants is to fit in, but it takes the help of another new student who believes that everyone should be treated equally before Frankie even has a chance" (King County Library System).
Opinions: I know there is a whole world of toys, clothing lines, etc. revolving around Monster High, but this world is brand new to me. . .and I am fascinated by it. Lisi Harrison does a brilliant job of mixing teen fads and fabs with emotional drama.  She does a brilliant job of showing difficulties and drama that a teenager my experience, but in a new light with a monster twist and a lot of fun. I LOVE Frankie and Melody and seeing the different struggles each one experiences as they are introduced into a new world and new high school.  I loved seeing their growth and strength and riding along with them as they learn what is truly important.  I was intrigued by Lisi Harrison's use of movie monsters in a fun and humorous way to portray the difficulties of fitting in and being accepted by society. I recommend this as an easy, enjoyable read for teen girls.

Garment of Shadows by Laurie R. King

I apologize for the slow pace at which I'm posting this last little while. I have been working on writing a new novel for NaNoWriMo and am Beta reading several new books for up-coming authors (You will see posts for their books soon. . . and I can't wait for you to read these books. I feel spoiled for getting sneak peaks).  In the meantime, thank you for your patience.

Here is a list of the other titles in this series.  The ones with the hyperlinks are the ones I have reviewed so far on this site. Hopefully, soon, I will be able to re-read the entire series and provide you with reviews for the ones I haven't written yet.

- The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Book #1)
- A Monstrous Regement of Women (Book #2)
- A Letter of Mary (Book #3)
- The Moor (Book #4)
- O Jerusalem (Book #5)
- Justice Hall (Book #6)
- The Game (Book #7)
- Locked Rooms (Book #8)
- The Language of Bees (Book #9)
- God of the Hive (Book #10 )
- The Pirate King (Book # 11)

Title: Garment of Shadows (Mary Russell Series #12)
Author: Laurie R. King
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Adult Mystery/Suspense
Rating: Like
Alerts/Warnings: Mild violence associated with espionage
Premise: "The shadows of war are drawing over the ancient city of Fez, and Holmes badly wants the wisdom and courage of his wife, whom he's learned, to his horror, has gone missing. As Holmes searches for her, and Russell, suffering a temporary memory loss, searches for her"self," each tries to crack deadly parallel puzzles before it's too late for them, for Africa, and for the peace of Europe" (King County Library Sytem).
Opinions: I quite enjoyed the premise of this book in the Mary Russell series. It was intriguing to see how Mary reacts as an amnesiac--what instincts she still goes on and yet seeing the world from new eyes. I am still fascinated by her relationship with Holmes and how well they work together, even when one or the other is not at their top game, to uncover the truth behind political espionage. It was enjoyable to be reintroduced to great characters from earlier books in the series and to see them in a new country.  Overall, though, my favorite character is this mute boy named Idir.  He is fasincating, spunky, and intriguing. I loved getting to know him. 

At times I did feel a bit overwhelmed by the backstory of the political unrest in the area the story takes place. However, they are fascinating details and pertinent to the plot.  What really strikes me is the author's ability to interweave details so intricate that the reader often does not realize that an entirely different story is being told then the one you think is being told (if that made any sense).

I continue to enjoy the entire Mary Russell series by Laurie R. King and highly recommend it to those who are fans of Sherlock Holmes or enjoy a good mystery.