Oddly Normal Vol. 1 by Otis Frampton

Oddly Normal Vol. 1 by Otis Frampton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Meet Oddly Normal, a ten-year-old girl with pointed ears and green hair -- a half-witch who will be the first to tell you that having a mother from a magical land called Fignation and a father from Earth doesn't make it easy to make friends at school! On her tenth birthday, she blows out her cake's candles and makes a disastrous wish. Now, Oddly must travel to Fignation to uncover the mystery of her parents' disappearance. Join Oddly as she navigates a strange new school, monstrous bullies, and Evil itself on an unforgettable fantasy adventure through the vibrant world of Fignation in ODDLY NORMAL.
Collects ODDLY NORMAL #1-5

My Review:

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this story. An odd girl not fitting in in the normal world, who accidentally changes everything and ends up being a normal girl in an odd world who doesn't necessarily fit in. It is a great premise for a story, even if it has been done before. Oddly, the main character, ends up in a land that is based roughly on someone/anyone's figment of imagination. This world is beautiful illustrated and elaborately built upon.



This volume is a little more than an introduction, and definitely left me wanting more. In a land based on imagination, the possibilities of world-building and story-telling are limitless. Well done Otis Frampton, looking forward to more!

Read from March 24 to 25, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Sequential Art/Graphic Novels, Childrens/Middle Grade, Sequential Art/Comics, Childrens
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Queen of Babble in the Big City (Queen of Babble, #2) by Meg Cabot

Queen of Babble in the Big City by Meg Cabot

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Lizzie Nichols is back, pounding the New York City pavement and looking for a job, a place to live, and her proper place in the universe (not necessarily in that order).

When "Summer Fling" Luke uses the L word (Living Together), Lizzie is only too happy to give up her plan of being postgrad roomies with best friend, Shari, in a one-room walk-up in exchange for cohabitation with the love of her life in his mother's Fifth Avenue pied-à-terre, complete with doorman and resident Renoir.

But Lizzie's not as lucky in her employment search. As Shari finds the perfect job, Lizzie struggles through one humiliating interview after another, being judged overqualified for the jobs in her chosen field—vintage-gown rehab—and underqualified for everything else. It's Shari's boyfriend Chaz to the rescue when he recommends Lizzie for a receptionist's position at his father's posh law firm. The nonpaying gig at a local wedding-gown shop Lizzie manages to land all on her own.

But Lizzie's notoriously big mouth begins to get her into trouble at work and at home almost at once—first at the law firm, where she becomes too chummy with Jill Higgins, a New York society bride with a troublesome future mother-in-law, and then back on Fifth Avenue, when she makes the mistake of bringing up the M word (Marriage) with commitment-shy Luke.

Soon Lizzie finds herself jobless as well as homeless all over again. Can Lizzie save herself—and the hapless Jill—and find career security (not to mention a mutually satisfying committed relationship) at last?

My Review:

Are you kidding me? That's how it's going to end!



Ok, so I liked this story, although it took me forever to read (no fault to Meg Cabot's writing/story). I was so happy that finally on page 296 what I was hoping and praying for finally happens. Only to have it potentially ripped away on page 307. Holy cliff-hanger Batman!

I'd recommend this book if you read Queen of Babble and enjoyed it. Otherwise I don't think you'd get the same feel for the characters.

Favorite Quote:

“If you really love someone, even if you can't see where you'll be or what you'll be doing twenty years from now, you'd still want that person to be there.”

Read from January 16 to February 19, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Women's Fiction/Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Adult, Contemporary
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent, #1) by Barry Lyga

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?

Jasper "Jazz" Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say.

But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could—from the criminal's point of view.

And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod.

In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret—could he be more like his father than anyone knows?

My Review:

For the most part, I enjoyed this story. Being that my education is in Criminology & Psychology, all my senses were tickled. I felt like Barry Lyga did a great job keeping the mystery aspect continuous, and despite my many guesses throughout, I never seemed to guess correctly. I feel this makes a mystery great instead of just standard. I was also thoroughly intrigued with Jasper's internal battle, and I really liked that he was able to chose his own path. He could have chosen the easy way and used his father as an excuse, but he didn't.

Jasper was a decent character. He did get a little obsessive and stubborn sometimes, which was frustrating as a reader because it was a complete turn off. Jasper's girlfriend was a shadow character. I don't think she had any depth worth considering, and despite finishing this book moments ago, I cannot recall her name. Jasper's grandma was just downright scary and sad at the same time. Now Howie, I loved Howie. He had personality and was the perfect partner to Jasper. Great friendship pairing.

This is a first in the series, and although good, I doubt I'll move forward unless something or someone else compels me.

I'd recommend this book if you are interested in mystery/thriller, if you have a curiosity about what may or may not cause a mastermind criminal to tick, or if you just want something quick paced but not sappy and boring. This recommendation is based off this story as "stand alone". I cannot speak for the series as a whole.

Favorite Quotes:

“You won't even know you've crossed the line until it's way back in your rearview mirror.”

“What if a puppet could cut its own strings, and in that act of defiance and strength of will become truly alive? Become is own puppetmaster?”

“We humans have the capacity to wreak horrors on each other. But we also have the capacity to survive those horrors.”

Read from November 05 to 10, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Mystery, Horror, Thriller, Contemporary
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Zero Day by David Baldacci

Zero Day by David Baldacci

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

From David Baldacci--the modern master of the thriller and #1 worldwide bestselling novelist-comes a new hero: a lone Army Special Agent taking on the toughest crimes facing the nation.

And Zero Day is where it all begins....

John Puller is a combat veteran and the best military investigator in the U.S. Army's Criminal Investigation Division. His father was an Army fighting legend, and his brother is serving a life sentence for treason in a federal military prison. Puller has an indomitable spirit and an unstoppable drive to find the truth.

Now, Puller is called out on a case in a remote, rural area in West Virginia coal country far from any military outpost. Someone has stumbled onto a brutal crime scene, a family slaughtered. The local homicide detective, a headstrong woman with personal demons of her own, joins forces with Puller in the investigation. As Puller digs through deception after deception, he realizes that absolutely nothing he's seen in this small town, and no one in it, are what they seem. Facing a potential conspiracy that reaches far beyond the hills of West Virginia, he is one man on the hunt for justice against an overwhelming force.

David Baldacci is one of the world's favorite storytellers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 110 million copies in print. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at www.DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at www.WishYouWellFoundation.org, and to look into its program to spread books across America at www.FeedingBodyandMind.com.

My Review:

Finally, my review. 

I read this book for my A-Z Challenge in 2014.  I was having trouble finding a decent read that started with Z, and one of my goodreads friends recommended this, thanks AndyS.

This was a good read, and great mystery/thriller.  I couldn't figure out the culprit until the book revealed it, which makes for a great time.  I was held in suspense, and was on the edge of my seat a lot of the time. 

I really liked John Puller, although I was hoping for a little more long term interaction from supporting characters.  He is good at his job, and cares about the job at hand.  He was strong, methodical, and smart.  So much so, he doesn't really have a personal life or a lot of people for support.  His older brother is behind bars and his father is losing his mind.  He only has a cat that he sees when he is not on assignment. 

I also really liked Samantha Cole.  She was one tough cookie, who was good at her job (as good as the head of local law enforcement in a small town could be).  She learned a lot from Puller and I felt the spark between them.  They had great chemistry which helped carry the story along. 

As for the myriad of other characters in this story, I'm not sure I really cared for any one else.  That is to say that they were inconsequential, as they all played their role in the story quite well. 

I'd definitely recommend this story for anyone needing to read a book starting with Z ;) as it should appeal to a most spectrum of readers.  I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a thriller/mystery/drama that is damn good too!

Read from December 10 to 28, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Mystery/Crime
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

"What a wonderful writer—smart, wise, funny.” —Anne Lamott

Pirriwee Public’s annual school Trivia Night has ended in a shocking riot. One parent is dead. The school principal is horrified. As police investigate what appears to have been a tragic accident, signs begin to indicate that this devastating death might have been cold-blooded murder.

In this thought-provoking novel, number-one New York Times–bestselling author Liane Moriarty deftly explores the reality of parenting and playground politics, ex-husbands and ex-wives, and fractured families. And in her pitch-perfect way, she shows us the truth about what really goes on behind closed suburban doors.

My Review:

At first I struggled with the accent of the reader as I listened to this as an audiobook. However, once I figured it out, and it was rather quickly, I loved this story. I loved the main female characters, each for their own reason. I also really enjoyed Ed. He was my favorite male lead. I enjoyed the fact that although you knew there was a murder and a murderer throughout the book, you really didn't know who it would be until it happened (almost at the end of the book). I had a hunch that Perry was the father of the illegitimate son, and I was right. However, I could not for the life of me guess who was going to die and at who's hands. Good Job Liane Moriarty!

I would recommend this if you are interested in a mystery filled with lots of storyline and lots of guessing, or if you are interested in parent politics. This story only made me want to avoid having children that much more!

Favorite Quotes:

“They say it's good to let your grudges go, but I don't know, I'm quite fond of my grudge. I tend it like a little pet.”

“It had never crossed her mind that sending your child to school would be like going back to school yourself.”

“If parents had children who were good sleepers, they assumed this was due to their good parenting, not good luck.”

“Bonnie must give him organic blow jobs.”

“Reading a novel was like returning to a once-beloved holiday destination.”

Read from October 22 to November 12, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Fiction, Mystery, Women's Fiction/Chick Lit, Contemporary, Adult
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Crashed (Junior Bender, #1) by Timothy Hallinan

Crashed (Junior Bender #1) by Timothy Hallinan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

INTRODUCING JUNIOR BENDER, THE FAVORITE BURGLAR-TURNED-PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR OF HOLLYWOOD CROOKS

Junior Bender is a Los Angeles burglar with a magic touch. Since he first started breaking into houses when he was fourteen years old, he’s never once been caught. But now, after twenty-two years of an exemplary career, Junior has been blackmailed by Trey Annunziato, one of the most powerful crime bosses in LA, into acting as a private investigator on the set of Trey’s porn movie venture, which someone keeps sabotaging. The star Trey has lined up to do all that’s unwholesome on camera is Thistle Downing, America’s beloved child star, who now lives alone in a drug-induced stupor, destitute and uninsurable. Her starring role will be the scandalous fall-from-grace gossip of rubber-neckers across the country. No wonder Trey needs help keeping the production on track.

Junior knows what that he should do—get Thistle out and find her help—but doing the right thing will land him on the wrong side of LA’s scariest mob boss. With the help of his precocious twelve-year-old daughter, Rina, and his criminal sidekick, Louie the Lost (an ex-getaway driver), Junior has to figure out a miracle solution.

My Review:

Bender, a professional "crook". A well (self) educated "crook". A "crook" with a heart, and a good head on his shoulders.

I liked Bender immediately. He was funny, quick on his feet, thought outside the box, and I could tell immediately that he loved his daughter and the idea of a functional and happy family. Turns out he went to college, but learned more by reading a book. I won't explain it further, you'll have to read to understand, which I recommend for that aspect alone. I would love to give this self-education theory a try, if I had the time to analyze the way he does.

This book has adventure, tugs on the heart strings, makes you think, and keeps you entertained. There are ups and downs, sometimes you can't quite figure out who the bad guy is, it's great.

Despite enjoying the story so much, and reading it continually, it seemed like it took me forever to get through it. I don't think the book is excessively long, nor do I think it was too slow to lose my attention. I honestly can't say why is seemed to take so long. It's one of those times when you look at the clock after what seems like hours since you last did, and it has only moved a few minutes. So, don't let that be a deterrent, read this book!

Favorite Quote:

“She gave me the slow nod women use to indicate that they understand our pain, they admire the courage with which we handle it, and they're absolutely certain that it's all our fault.”

Read from January 06 to 13, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery/Crime, Thriller, Thriller/Mystery Thriller
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Ocean At The End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

The Ocean At The End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sussex, England. A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. Although the house he lived in is long gone, he is drawn to the farm at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock, and her mother and grandmother. He hasn't thought of Lettie in decades, and yet as he sits by the pond (a pond that she'd claimed was an ocean) behind the ramshackle old farmhouse, the unremembered past comes flooding back. And it is a past too strange, too frightening, too dangerous to have happened to anyone, let alone a small boy.

Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. Like a fuse on a firework, his death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie—magical, comforting, wise beyond her years—promised to protect him, no matter what.

A groundbreaking work from a master, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is told with a rare understanding of all that makes us human, and shows the power of stories to reveal and shelter us from the darkness inside and out. It is a stirring, terrifying, and elegiac fable as delicate as a butterfly's wing and as menacing as a knife in the dark

My Review:

This story was not what I expected. However, it was a good book. I was frustrated at the end of the story because I felt I had failed to grasp the main characters name, but now I realize it was never mentioned. That was an interesting tactic. Even without a name, I liked him.

As far as supporting characters go, I really liked the Hempstock ladies. I was indifferent to the parents at first, but grew to distrust the father. I never once liked the sister or "Ursula Monkton". I also had a soft spot for the kitten/cat named Ocean.

This story was filled with memories forgotten, mystical planes, deceit, and friendship. I'd recommend this book if interested in a story about growing up, learning some things the hard way, and something supernatural(ish).

Favorite Quotes:

“I lived in books more than I lived anywhere else.”

“I went away in my head, into a book. That was where I went whenever real life was too hard or too inflexible.”

“Growing up, I took so many cues from books. They taught me most of what I knew about what people did, about how to behave. They were my teachers and my advisers.”

“Monsters come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are things people are scared of. Some of them are things that look like things people used to be scared of a long time ago. Sometimes monsters are things people should be scared of, but they aren't.”

“Nobody looks like what they really are on the inside. You don’t. I don’t. People are much more complicated than that. It’s true of everybody.”

“You don't pass or fail at being a person, dear.”

“Words save our lives, sometimes.”

Read from January 05 to 15, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Adult, Fiction, Magical Realism, Adult Fiction
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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V for Vendetta by Steve Moore

V for Vendetta by Steve Moore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Imagine a Britain stripped of democracy, a world of the not-too-distant future, in which freedom was not lost but surrendered willingly to a totalitarian regime that rose to power by exploiting the people's worst fears and most damning weaknesses.

This is the setting for the parable of Evey, a young woman saved from death by a masked man calling himself V. Beguiling and dangerous, V ignites the fuse of revolution when he urges his fellow citizens to shed the blanket of tyranny and oppression they have permitted themselves to be cloaked in. While those in power take steps to neutralize the threat, police pursue the mystery of V, unaware of the terrible truth that awaits them. But it is Evey who, with V as her enigmatic guide, sets out on the painful path of deception and self-discovery, deconstruction and re-creation, vindication and vengeance.

My Review:

I liked this story for its complex yet simple storyline. Their were no love triangles, or sexual angst, but there was corruption and dishonesty. Interesting.

I really liked V and was curious as to who he was throughout. Good job with that. However, they never really reveal him and leave him a mystery. Not such a good job (ok, it does add to the storyline, I'm just pouting). At first I couldn't decide if I liked Evie, she seemed so insignificant, but she grew on me. I'm pretty sure I'd have acted the same way she had in the first half of the book, but am not sure I'd be as strong as she was in the end. I knew Finch and Dominic were going to become those characters who in the end will still be teetering on the line of wrong and right (mainly, because the line itself has become so blurred).

This seemed like a quick read, and seems somewhat plausible. I'd recommend this book if you want a doomsday scenario, a tragedy with a hint of something better in the end.

Favorite Quotes:

“His hope was to remind the world that fairness, justice, and freedom are more than words—they are perspectives”

Read from October 21 to 27, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Fiction, Science Fiction/Dystopia, Science Fiction, Movie Tie In/Movies, Thriller
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Henchmen's Book Club by Danny King

The Henchmen's Book Club by Danny King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Mark Jones is a henchman for hire. He guards bunkers, patrols perimeters and stands around in a boiler suit waiting to get knocked out by Ninjas. This is his job.

He’s worked for some of the most notorious super villains the world has ever known – Doctor Thalassocrat, Victor Soliman, Polonius Crump; Mark was with each of them when they met their makers at the hands of British Secret Service super-spy, Jack Tempest and lived to tell the tale – if not pay the bills.

Still for every hour under gunfire there are weeks if not months of sitting around on monorails so Jones starts a book club with his fellow henchmen to help pass the time.

It was only meant to be a bit of fun.

It was never meant to save the world.

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It brought an element of toughness and softness at the same time, in a way that worked.



I enjoyed the adventure, near deaths escapes (no matter how improbable), the cliches' (Tempest is James Bond-esque and Rip Dunbar is Steven Seagal-ish), the blurred lines of good and evil, and the fact that Mark Jones is portrayed as a tough guy but not a dumb guy, and he isn't made out to have the readers fall in love with him (especially his looks).



I just had fun reading this book, and would recommend it to anyone wanting something a little different. Granted there are some grammatical errors throughout the book, but it was free, who am I to complain if I can still understand what is being said.

As of January 2015, I am increasing my rating to 5 stars as I cannot quit thinking how awesome and original this book was.

P.S. There was a Doctor Who reference in the first chapter, of course I was going to love this book!

Read from June 09 to 19, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Fiction, Humor, Thriller, Mystery/Crime, Action
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl’s body isn’t just unknown, it’s anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

My Review:



Ok, so I LOVED this book!

"Oh crap, did I just say “love”? Yes, yes, I did."
Miller, Leah Rae (2013-05-07). The Summer I Became a Nerd (Kindle Locations 3729-3730). Entangled Publishing. Kindle Edition.

It was definitely what I expected and more. There was a happy ending, the part where everything almost went to "warm cat crap" wasn't so horrifying that it'd be unbelievable if things worked out, and I really enjoyed every single nerd moment.

Admittedly, I'm a late bloomer to the whole geeking out world, which I'm saddened about. However, I never hid my true self in high school for popularity, I did my own thing. I just wasn't introduced to all this awesomeness till later, and I can thank Pinterest for that. So, with that being said, I could really relate to more than I thought.

This story flowed well, I enjoyed all the characters, even Eric after he admitted he wanted things to end too. Ok, I'm lying, I didn't really care for Rayann. I hoping for more from Leah Rae Miller.

Favorite Quotes:

“Be true to yourself and others will be true to you, too.”

“I'm a geeky badass, and I'm loving it.”

“What if the girls on the squad realize I swoon over Peter Parker or that I secretly wish our uniforms included a cape”

“Oh, yeah, looks like things have been super easy for you this far. Look, high school is hell for most people. It’s one of the many facts of life. But I had friends. I was happy with who I was, and I’m happy with who I am now.”

Read in June, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Women's Fiction/Chick Lit, Realistic Fiction
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Hinges: Book 1 Clockwork City by Meredith McClaren

Hinges: Book 1 Clockwork City by Meredith McClaren

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

HINGES is a fantasy webcomic, turned graphic novel, about a doll named Orio and her troubling companion Bauble. New to the city of Cobble, Orio must depend on help where ever she can find it, but her assigned familiar Bauble has other interests. And as the two explore the walls of their city, they find that they are not the only new arrivals. In a place that runs like clockwork, it only takes a little disruption to upend a city.

My Review:

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the artwork, it was simple with a limited color pallet, but I think that is the artistic appeal. The characters were beautifully drawn and I enjoyed their facial expressions. As for the story, it was interesting enough, however, I feel it is more of an introduction. I was left wanting to know what happened next, and depending on the next in the series, my rating could go up. I was hoping for a little more information on the situation and the setting, but I think Meredith McClaren is attempting to slowly pull in the reader.

Orio and Bauble, the two main characters, are interesting. Orio is quiet, and seems somewhat shy, but that may be because she has found herself in an unfamiliar situation and is just observing for now. Although quiet, she has proven she will take on the unimaginable to protect Bauble, who is a mischievous friend/pet/companion (I haven't quite figured out that situation yet). He has already caused Orio a lot of trouble, but they seem drawn to each other and I'm interested to see how their relationship grows.



I'd like to read/see the next volume before recommending this to just anyone, however, if someone requests something in this style, I would not hesitate. Looking forward to seeing more from Meredith McClaren, good job so far!

Read from March 24 to 25, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Sequential Art/Graphic Novels, Sequential Art/Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction/Steampunk, Young Adult
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews