Review: The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

The Field Guide

Author: Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi

Publication Date: May 2st, 2003

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure/Middle-Grade/YA

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Synopsis:

When the three Grace children -- Mallory, Jared, and Simon -- and their mom move into Aunt Lucinda's old house, readers know there's magic afoot. The kids uncover a nest of assembled junk, and on a visit to the secret library via the dumbwaiter, Jared finds a note describing "my secret to all mankind." After a few mysterious pranks that get blamed on Jared, the boy finally digs up the real prize: Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You. Fortunately enough, the kids meet one of the critters listed in the guide -- a brownie named Thimbletack -- who makes it all "real" and helps provide the book's suspenseful conclusion: "'Throw the book away, toss it in a fire. If you do not heed, you will draw their ire.'"

My Thoughts: There isn't a whole lot to say about a short novella after a big summary like that. And try not to  judge me for reading a middle grade book =P. I like reading everything, books are books and I love them all :).

So the story is about three siblings. Twins named Jared & Simon and their older sister Mallory. Their parents had a recent divorce and the kids and their mom take refuge in their crazy old Aunt's house. Said Aunt is now living in an insane asylum for talking about little people that took care of her. Very quickly after moving in, the kids discover that maybe their Aunt wasn't so crazy. They keep hearing scurrying in the walls, and inside they find what looks like a little nest. Complete with big decorations and pictures. This discovery eventually leads to a the discovery of a secret room full of fantastical wonders. Mainly a book that describes mass amounts of fairy like beings and more.

This is a pretty fun little read. I found it entertaining, and the characters are fun. You actually get to learn a lot about them even in such a short time. There's always lots  happening, they pack lots of suspense and adventure in a little story :). I look forward to reading more in the series! I think these would be great books to share with my kids when they get old enough to read them. I've actually been reading these out loud to them a little bit. There is lots of really great illustrations throughout the book as well, so it kept their attention well.

Review: Mystic Wolves #1.1 & 1.2 by Belinda Boring

Without Mercy
(Mystic Wolves #1.1)

Author: Belinda Boring

Publication Date: July 7th, 2011

Publisher: Moonstruck Media

Genre: Paranormal

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Synopsis:

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator? When Darcy's outing takes a turn for the worst and tests her to the point of breaking, she struggles to maintain her humanity. Where loyalty and pack mean everything, she surrenders to the inevitable and only an act of complete trust can touch her. When all is said and done, with memories flooding her mind, Darcy holds tightly to the only thing that makes sense - it was all a dream. Or was it?

Cherished
(Mystic Wolves #1.2)

Author: Belinda Boring

Publication Date: August 26th, 2011

Publisher: Moonstruck Media

Genre: Paranormal

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Synopsis:

Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is cherished? For a moment, Darcy almost convinced herself the last twelve hours didn't happen. As image after image hits her, the sinking realization of all she's lost overwhelms her and all she can think of is to run. Run far away where her shame can't find her, and most of all, where she'll never have to see the look of blame in Mason's eyes. Feeling like a complete failure, she scrambles to make plans. But the voice of her mate-to-be penetrates her frantic thoughts, asking for the chance to show her just how much she is loved. It hurts Mason deeply to hear Darcy's thoughts, knowing the events of the previous night have completely rattled her. Grieving over the death of his beloved sister Jasmine, Mason knows he has to act fast. Darcy is all he's ever wanted and the idea of life without her is unacceptable. Armed with his unswerving love and wolfish charm, he sets out to remind Darcy just how valuable she is and why there is no one else for him but her.

My Thoughts: I stumbled across these novellas last night and decided to give them a read to take a break from Ulysses. Wow! I started reading and it was so hard to put them down! Without Mercy isn't very long, but in that short amount of time you are hooked! You jump right into the action, and it never slows down. Belinda Boring brings so much into these short stories, and leaves you waiting for more. There is one more Mystic Wolves novella out right now called Blood Oath, which I will also review once I've read it. A fourth story is to be released in January. I hope we see a lot more from  Belinda in the future, she is an amazing writer and I think we can expect more great stories from her. 

If you are looking  for a nice short story to relax a bit, maybe just for a change of pace from all of the long novels out there, and if you love a good werewolf story, definitely give these novellas a try!