The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura; translated by Yuka Maeno

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

“The shop was tucked away in a place beyond anyone’s understanding.”

This is the first line of The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop where under certain very specific conditions, a reader can find the bookshop and perhaps find closure or a new understanding on the past. The shop is a strange mixture of book and coffee shop, managed by a young woman wearing a burgundy pinafore and white blouse and her long-haired calico cat. The cat will select a book from the many in stock, and the young woman will start to read aloud from the book.

If someone else is reading the same passage from the book at the same time, and if that person is reading on a sunny day when cherry blossoms are in bloom, then just maybe the person will also find the bookshop.

As with many of the currently popular Japanese books, this one is a series of stories, linked by a person’s experience in the bookstore.  Each person is seeking something, but if you asked, they wouldn’t know exactly what they wanted; and yet, by the time they leave the bookstore, they feel more whole as if something missing has been restored.

There are four stories in this one.  In the first, a young woman named Mio is tasked with clearing out her deceased mother’s apartment. The two had not had a close relationship for many years; Mio remembers her mother as cold and strict, and always giving Mio chores to do in addition to her schoolwork.  As if coping with her mother’s death isn’t enough, Mio has also been accused of plagiarism in her manga books.

In the second tale, an elderly man dreams of his youth, when he was a train engineer. In his waking hours, he’s living in a retirement home with people he doesn’t know and staffed with impertinent young people who don’t show respect.  He does know that there’s something he needs to remember. . . but what?

Two sisters are at odds in the third story.  One is off to university to study medicine while her sister has no such ambitions.  The girls were once very close—they are twins—but now there seems to be a chasm between them. Kaho wants to make one last effort to try to understand her sister before they live apart for the first time in their lives.

Finally, a young woman is deeply worried about her father.  Since her mother’s disappearance some years before, her author father hasn’t been able to write.  It breaks her heart to see him struggle so.  And then the young woman picks up a book and begins to read. . . .

This is a wonderful book that really hits all the emotional high notes.  Each of the stories begins with the reading of a real book and there is some discussion of the plot. While two of the books were famous Japanese titles, the other two are Western classics:  The Little Prince by Saint Exupery and Peter Pan and Wendy by Barrie. You don’t have to have read any of them as the shopkeeper will discuss as much of the plot and themes as the reader needs to know. I love that shopkeeper explains that what the people are experiencing is a miracle: she says it’s like winning the lottery without buying a ticket.

The book was translated by Yuka Maeno, and it’s a very smooth translation. The translator is Japanese herself so that she understands the culture and idioms but because she lives in Ireland she can better explain the customs in a way that Westerners can understand.  Some translators try to hard to explain and the result is a clunky translation.

This book is really a love letter to books, reading, and authors which may be why I enjoyed it much.  I would certainly read another if the author decides to grace us with more stories of the Sakura book shop.

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

Winter in Montreal can be very cold and snowy indeed, and Agnes Aubert is desperate to find a new place for her cat shelter.  The old shelter sustained a great deal of damage when some out-of-control magicians (are there any other kind?) staged a duel in the streets.  It’s said that one of them might even have been the Witch King himself, the notorious Havelock Renard, already wanted for nearly causing the end of the world a few years back.

It really doesn’t matter who was involved. The results speak for themselves.  The cat shelter had already been struggling; people tend to see cats as vermin, not pets, and while her sister helps as she can, Agnes has to carry most of the load.  Agnes is also still grieving for her late husband, Robin, who helped found the shelter. Now they’re almost out of money and have to find a place to stay before winter sets in in earnest.

But Agnes is on a mission to find them all a safe place to stay. She finally finds someon who is willing to rent a space to her at a surprisingly—perhaps suspiciously-- reasonable rate. It isn’t long before Agnes begins to wonder if illegal magic is going on, but as long as she can care for the cats and help them be adopted into loving homes she will turn a blind eye.

Which Agnes is able to do until the shop comes under attack from a witch who believes Havelock Renard himself is on the premises. That’s bad enough but what’s worse is that she may be right.

Despite the admonition not to judge a book by its cover, I totally chose this book because of the delightful artwork that adorns the front. I was not disappointed.  It accurately portrays the feel of the book, the 1920s time period, and the charming contents.  Agnes is a no-nonsense, highly organized woman whose courage and determination have seen her through many trials.  Her sister Elise is much more glib and silver-tongued, but intent on seeing Agnes safe and settled.  Havelock is abrupt and darkly handsome, or Agnes thinks he would be if he weren’t such a scoundrel.

He is also allergic to cats.

I thoroughly enjoyed the vividly realized setting of the book.  I could almost smell the baked goods from the oven, feel the cold wind and snow down my neck, and enjoy the sights in the shops along the street. 

Then there were the cats: the haughty and sometimes malicious Your Majesty, a regal long-haired tuxedo who only tolerates Agnes; the somewhat addlepated Banshee who silently yowls; and dear old Thoreau, an elderly cat who endeared himself to Agnes and to me.

This is a light but fun tale of magic mixed with adventure, danger, spells, and most of all, felines. Please forgive me but I have to say it:  this book was like catnip to me.

Jane on Her Own: A Catwings Tale by Ursula K. Le Guin, illustrations by S.D. Schindler

 

Reviewed by Kristin 

Book Bingo can make all of us here at the library read outside of our usual fare. I have a square for “…with an animal on the cover” and I was charmed by the juvenile fiction book featuring Jane, a flying cat. 

Jane lives on Overhill Farm with her siblings, all of whom have wings. Big sister Thelma doesn’t know why they have wings. Their mother didn’t have wings, but she still lives back in the city. One day, Jane flies up, up, up, and goes out on her own for some adventures. 

This small chapter book has delightful illustrations. Jane is solid black with yellow eyes, and of course, wings. After a brief brush with fame (and captivity) Jane’s “Homing Instinct” takes her back to reunite with family. 

Of course, there is a happy ending. If there wasn’t, it would have scared this cat lover off before the end of the book. 

Catwings Tales include: 

   Catwings (1988) 

   Catwings Return (1989) 

   Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings (1994) 

   Jane On Her Own (1992) 

   Tales of the Catwings (1996) 

   More Tales of the Catwings (2000) 

   Cat Dreams (2009) 

The Stars Look Like Home by TJ Klune

Kristin was able to read an advance copy of an upcoming TJ Klune book.  Here is her sneak peek review:

Release date January 12, 2027

Reviewed by Kristin

He opened his eyes at two weeks old and his first thoughts were “I…I…am? I…am. I am! I am! I am!” First he was “the boy”. That’s what his mother called him, after all. Weeks later, he decided that his name should be Wolf. Mother said that dogs used to be wolves.  Or maybe Wolf Star. Or maybe even Wolf Immortal Star. Because his mother said he was a star, and stars are forever. Maybe Forever Wolf…

Forever Wolf finally found his humans, and they called him Burke.

Burke is an energetic puppy, a bit mouthy (he has so much to say, and it’s not his fault that the humans can’t understand his language), and absolutely ecstatic about the world around him. Going to a new home is a little scary, but Burke falls in love with his humans almost immediately. Challenges, change, heartbreak, and new loves ensue, as Burke finds the perfect family for him.

TJ Klune is a magical kind of storyteller who can weave a heartrending tale from any point of view, and in this case he has taken the perspective of a dog. In this fantasy world, we get the inside view of a newborn pup who takes a circuitous route to find his perfect place in the world.

I am always amazed at how I am so invested in Klune’s characters. The House in the Cerulean Sea and Somewhere Beyond the Sea are a couple of my favorite books of all time. Under the Whispering Door absolutely made me sob. We Burned So Bright was a road trip across the country in search of what two parents had lost. I could go on…but I will just say that Klune has really found his voice and I will always be looking for more of his writing.

Klune makes a promise at the very beginning to quell the fears of animal lovers everywhere. He says: “The dog does not die in this. Within these pages, he is forever.”

Cinder House by Freya Marske

Reviewed by Jeanne

Ella is quite the homebody—literally.  Murdered at sixteen, she is tethered to her house while her stepmother Patrice and her two unpleasant daughters still order Ella around.  Ella longs to escape, to experience life beyond the house but leaving the house seems to be impossible.  She contents herself with writing letters, hoping to find someone who knows enough about ghosts to help. Then she discovers a way to leave, but only for a short distance and only until midnight.  Even so, the chance to see people (even if they can’t see her, and even if it’s unpleasant when they walk through her) is intoxicating.  She loves attending the markets, the ballet, and the theatre. She even meets someone who can see and talk with her, even if it’s someone Ella is sure she can’t trust.

Then word comes that the King and Queen are holding a ball and inviting all the eligible women of the kingdom. Prince Jule will be there to dance and to choose a bride. Ella’s stepmother and her daughters are excited and planning elaborate dresses to wear.

And Ella decides she is going to the ball—no matter the price.

Yet another take on the Cinderella story was not going to be at the top of my reading list until I found out that she was a ghost.  The possibilities were intriguing and I’m happy to say that this novella went beyond my expectations.  It’s atmospheric, dark, a bit dangerous, and yet very satisfying.  I really admired the way the author kept so many of the features of the original while definitely making the story her own.

A memorable tale, well told.

A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death by Maxie Dara

 

Reviewed by Kristin

Nora Bird has always been cautious in life. She and her twin brother Charlie lost their parents in an accident when they were six. Nora knows exactly how dangerous life is, and she is well prepared for almost any emergency that might come up. Choking? Nora knows the Heimlich maneuver. Fire? Nora has several routes out of the building. Poison? Nora probably knows all the antidotes you might possibly need.

Charlie, on the other hand, is a little more laid back. He’s more likely to accept rides from suspicious looking strangers and take in stray animals, no matter whether rabies or bird flu is in the offing.

Nora is such an expert on death that she was a natural fit for a career at S.C.Y.T.H.E., Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences. She’s an administrative assistant, but she sees every file that goes out to the various agents tasked with escorting newly departed souls to the afterlife. One morning, she sees that Charles Ezra Bird is due to be collected at 11:15 a.m. after a car accident.

Charles Ezra Bird. Charlie.

Nora grabs the file and runs.

Once she has convinced Charlie of the extreme urgency of her mission, Nora leads them off to try to escape death. But, wait! After 11:15 a.m. passes uneventfully and Nora takes a second to breathe, the cause of death in Charlie’s file changes: Choking. (Charlie, put down those Doritos!)

With visions of black clad S.C.Y.T.H.E. agents chasing after them, Nora does her absolute best to protect her brother. They travel to a remote location where they find more than they expected. And yes, the cause of death keeps changing, as Charlie and Nora have more close calls than one might expect on their twenty-sixth birthday.

This was a delightful mystery that kept me guessing to the very end. Plus, there is a foul mouthed parrot named Jessica to add even more comic relief. This is the second in the series, following A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer, but each book has a different S.C.Y.T.H.E. employee as the protagonist, so they can definitely be read as stand-alones. I look forward to the next book due out in November 2026, A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Living Twice.

A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

Kathy Valance’s father told her she had the Sadim touch.  That’s Midas spelled backwards.  He meant that everything she touched went bad and some days Kathy believes he might be right. She had thought things were looking up.  She’d finally found a job she loved and one she was good at—or had been good at until tonight.  As an employee for Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences (S.C.Y.T.H.E.), her job is to collect souls of the newly deceased and send them on their way before they turn into ghosts.  The problem is that while she has a body lying on a kitchen floor, the essence of that body is nowhere to be found. 

This is a problem. A big problem.

When she finally tracks him down in a meadow, she finds an angry teenager named Connor who refuses to leave.  He also insists he was murdered.

Murder victims are not Kathy’s department.  She’s Natural Causes.  And if she can’t get Connor to move on, she’ll lose her job, the one thing she feels good about in her life. So she has to find out if Connor was murdered and by who, and she has to do it before he turns into a ghost and is stuck here permanently.

Oh, and Kathy was in the process of divorcing Simon, the husband she really loved because she can’t talk about her job AND because she’s afraid of losing him. As the comedian says, “It makes sense if you don’t think about it.”

She’s also pregnant by Simon.  Her life can’t possibly get more messed up.

Oh, yes it can.

I found this to be one funny and delightful romp.  It as if Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan took a job as a soul collector.  Kathy’s observations are a delight—a teen’s wispy mustache is “the male equivalent of a training bra”—and I loved all the characters I was supposed to love.  Kathy is a funny, compassionate, and open-hearted.  Simon is no GQ model but he adores Kathy and is willing to do anything for her.  Kathy’s friend Jo is funny, sarcastic, and resourceful.  And Connor—Connor is a surly teen, angry at being dead, but underneath it all he’s a sweet kid and a literal lost soul.

There is a second book coming out in a few months, and I’ll be looking forward to it.

Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil by Oliver Darkshire

Reviewed by Jeanne

Henric Nagg lives on a cursed farm with his wife in a marriage of mutual disrespect and heavy-duty annoyance.  It’s really not as if anyone around has much better luck, living as they do near a goblin valley with its yearly goblin infestation.  Fortunately they have a wizard named Badgemagus who keeps the goblins in their place (more or less) and can occasionally be called upon to perform some wizardly service—or not.  He does brew potions that require some interesting ingredients, which is what brought Mr. Nagg to Badgemagus’ hovel with a collection of mandrake leaves. 

But Badgemagus isn’t at home. Since Mr. Nagg doesn’t want to face the derision of Mrs. Nagg should he return home empty handed, he decides to take one of the wizard’s books. This decision is not well received as Mrs. Nagg is of the opinion that to steal from a wizard is just asking to be turned into a weevil. 

It seems that, as per usual, Mrs. Nagg is going to have to clean up Mr. Nagg’s mess and return the book to Badgemagus. Perhaps if she pleads and apologizes and reminds the wizard of Mr. Nagg’s many shortcomings, they will not be turned into weevils. . . but first she may take just the tiniest peek inside the book.  And maybe, just maybe try a little spell. . . .

This is a witty, madcap adventure with dark undertones.  There are some laugh out loud lines as well as parts that are more than a bit creepy.  Darkshire creates a whole cast of over the top characters, including an entrepreneur with blonde hair and spiked heels who is intent on building a goblin fruit empire.  There’s a talking donkey, a one-eyed creature who is sort of like a cat and who offers unsolicited advice, and most of all, there’s a pot of basil.

This isn’t exactly  straight-forward fantasy, and I wouldn’t use the word cozy in connection with it at all.  There are some fascinating twists and turns in store for readers and an ending I mostly enjoyed for reasons I can’t divulge without spoilers.  It’s no surprise to learn that my favorite character was the cat-like grimalkin.

There are footnotes and excerpts from the book of magic to add entertainment.  Fantasy readers may be reminded of Terry Pratchett in some ways—the footnotes and the witty comments for example—while others may think more of Douglas Adams.

If you are in the mood for a clever, moody read, this just might fill the bill. 

 

Romantasy Crochet Club: 20 Epic Projects for your Reading Journeys by Amanda Sennett

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

Yep, it’s another book about a craft I don’t do, but what can I say?  I was drawn in by the gorgeous cover (trust me, the above image does NOT do it justice) and charming images.  While I haven’t yet dipped into “Romantasy,” I have read my share of fantasy books, so I was immediately intrigued.  The cover has two elf-like characters, which are of course adorable, but when I started looking at the book I was more taken with some of the other projects, just because they were a bit more unusual.

The book is divided up into four sections:

For the Passionate Reader (book-related projects like bookmarks or tablet covers)

Personal Arsenal (objects, such as a skull)

Wear the Fantasy (masks and such)

Fantastical Creatures and Amazing Animals (pretty much what it says)

The designs are really clever! Each pattern also as a difficulty rating, which I would find helpful if I ever took up crochet, as well as a finished size, recommended weight yarn, and the size of crochet hook.

I especially liked the creativity of items like the “poisoned apple,” the potion bottles (green poison flask and a heart-shaped love potion bottle), and the skull.  Who knew a skull could look so cute?  The mushrooms are also quite darling.  Another personal favorite is the “Dark Siren,” aka a mermaid who is (okay, I’ll say it) enchanting.  I also love the Wise Raven figure and the lacy looking mask looked both comfortable and fetching. Of course, there are a lot of other items, including a dragon, a chalice, and even a sword but these are the ones that particularly caught my fancy.

If fantasy is your thing and you are crafty (or have a crafty friend!), you may want to take a look at Romantasy Crochet Club.

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

Tao is a travelling fortune teller, but will only tell “small fortunes,”minor things that do make a difference but aren’t life-changing--usually. Not only do major predictions take a lot out of her, but they also draw unwanted attention.  Tao needs to keep a low profile, and that’s already difficult since she is a Shinn woman in Esthera. Then a small prediction has greater consequences than she expects, and she ends up with not one but two travelling companions:  a mercenary and thief (possibly reformed), who are not going to give up until her prediction comes true. . . if it does.

This was my choice for the “debut novel” for Book Bingo, though it could have gone for “judging a book by its cover” for that enticing drawing of a woman with a cat sitting on the steps of a brightly colored wagon under the stars. The cover is an accurate one, because this is a charming tale indeed.  I liked all the characters.  Tao is a brave and determined young woman who is trying to make her way in the world but is forced to keep a low profile or risk being commandeered into the Guild. Mash, the soldier is seeking his young daughter who was lost, probably kidnapped by raiders while his companion Silt is just along for the ride.  And possibly to lift a few valuables.  Reforming is a process, not something one can do cold turkey. They are soon joined by Leah, the baker’s apprentice, whose baked goods taste marginally better than they look.

While I can’t say that this book broke new ground, it is a fun and cozy fantasy full of adventure, characters we enjoy rooting for, a dash of romance, and family.  Tao has more than a few secrets of her own, and there’s a whole backstory to gradually unravel.  Leong has some points to make and she does so elegantly and without fanfare. There’s humor and heart in this book, and I’d be ready to join in on another adventure should one be in the offing.  

And yes, there is really a cat with a role to play!

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue by Kate Pearsall

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

Growing up in Caball Hollow, West Virginia, Rowan James is used to being shunned. She comes from a long line of James women, all of whom have supernatural gifts of some sort.  Rowan’s gift is that she knows when someone is lying. She can smell the lies, whether a small white lie or a falsehood so dark that it reeks of rot and sulfur.  It’s hard to always know that people around you are lying, and it’s made Rowan grow up to be angry and suspicious. Her temper flares once too often, so her grandmother insists that she needs to go work at the forest fire tower to learn some patience.

It isn’t long before Rowan finds herself involved in more than one mystery.  A young man is found unconscious in the woods, with no clue as to his identity or what he was doing there.  A paranormal group is also hanging around, looking for evidence of the Moth-Winged Man. Not only does Rowan feel there’s something off about the group, but other things are happening around her: non-native creatures like magpies are appearing even as other things go missing—both physical items like necklaces but also people’ memories. Then there are the ginseng poachers, seeking to steal a fortune in the valuable roots from protected land.

Enter Hadrian Fitch, who had worked as a handyman for Rowan’s family before leaving without even a goodbye.  Rowan had a fraught relationship with Hadrian because of her gift: she knew he was lying, but not about what.  Now a battered Hadrian has come to Rowan for help.  She can’t trust him, but he may hold the key to solving the other mysteries—and saving her family.

I loved the first book in the series, Bittersweet in the Hollow, which featured Linden James, the sister who can taste the emotions of those around her.  That book introduced readers to the James family as well as some of the area legends—including that of the Moth-Winged Man. I was definitely intrigued and was anxiously awaiting the second book.

I will admit that Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue seemed to get off to a bit of slow start, but it soon picked up steam; and once Rowan reunited with her family the story flowed better for me. While the plot in the book is self-contained, I would strongly recommend that readers start with the first book to understand some of the characters and relationships.  Pearsall does an excellent job of blending myth, magic, and folklore into a realistic Appalachian setting, and the James women are all interesting characters. While the books focus on the sisters, all of whom are young adults, I’m equally intrigued with their mother and grandmother. I also like the way Pearsall writes, which is descriptive and emotional in a good way.

I’m looking forward to future books.  While nothing has been announced as yet—and I do check fantasticfiction.com on a regular basis—fans suspect that the next book will feature either Juniper or Sorrel.  I will just be happy to be back in the company of this fascinating family. (Note:  while some classify this as a YA book, my feeling is that a good book is a good book, no matter the age of the intended audience.)

When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi

 

Reviewed by Kristin

If we could package John Scalzi’s sense of humor, I think we might solve all world problems.

In this case, the world does have a big problem. Or the moon has a big problem, which is causing humans a big problem. The moon is suddenly larger and brighter in the sky than it should be. Moon rocks in museums and labs all over the world have changed consistency, and the scientists will only say that they appear to be made of some kind of biological matter. Pretty soon someone takes a sniff, then a taste, and finds that the moon is made of . . . cheese.

The decades since someone landed on the moon have been frustrating, and astronauts have been preparing a trip back to the lunar surface. But if it’s cheese, is it safe? Is it gooey or stringy or shredded or grated?

This tale takes us through exactly one lunar cycle, told through many characters’ points of view. Scientists, kids, billionaires, college students, and politicians all have their opinions and intentions when it comes to finding out exactly what has happened to the moon. From hijacking a rocket to literally howling curses at the moon, this wild romp kept me turning pages long after I should have been asleep.

I guess Scalzi’s books are little packages of his humor, and I know that I can always count on them to make me smile. Scalzi writes space epochs, private investigators, pop culture satires, scathing political commentaries, and so much more. Plus, he loves cats. That is all I really need to know.

Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

Lizzy Grimm is struggling to keep her late father’s antique shop, Grimm Curiosities, open which is proving somewhat difficult in 1850s York, England. Not only are women shopkeepers a rarity, but Lizzy’s mother has been struck with a strange affliction that leaves her unable to speak and limits other responses. This means Lizzy is a young woman alone, unchaperoned. Any whiff of scandal could close the shop for good, leaving both Lizzy and her mother without home or resources.

Then two very different gentlemen take an interest in the shop. The first is Mr. Carlisle, who actually wants to speak with Lizzy’s mother. It turns out that Mr. Carlisle’s beloved sister has been struck with a similar affliction after the death of their mother.  Intrigued, Lizzy dares to hope they may join forces to see if there is some cure, even if Mr. Carlisle’s social standing is a bit of a barrier.  After all, shop girls who consort with the sons of barons will be the subject of gossip at the very least.

The second caller is one Mr. Stokes, who shows up eager to buy books in an old series about the supernatural. While willing to pay handsomely for any volumes, there’s something about him that makes Lizzy uneasy—and unwilling to admit that she has the whole set.  She sells him the one volume he found on the shelf, trying to buy time to decide about the others: it was a set that was precious to her father and even though she needs the money, she is loath to sell.

It soon becomes apparent that there is indeed something otherworldly about, but can Lizzy follow the clues and solve the puzzle? And does she dare trust either of these men to help her?

This is a delightful tale filled with period details and garnished with some folklore and supernatural elements.  At its heart it’s a romance, but with enough other elements to satisfy non-romance readers.  I certainly enjoyed it.  I felt the ending was a bit rushed after the rather leisurely start, but it certainly had its surprising moments.  I wished for a bit more folklore as well, but the strong sense of time and place did help.  I will be looking for other books by this author.

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar

 

Reviewed by Kristin

The Hawthorn family live in the town of Thistleford on the edge of a mystical land called Faerie. For many generations, the Hawthorns have planted, tended, and harvested the willows. Sisters Esther and Ysabel are following in the family tradition of tending the willow trees along the River Liss, singing to them as a way of honoring their magical power.

When a neighbor attempts to coerce Esther into marriage in order to consolidate their lands, she resists, partly due to her distaste for him, but partly due to the fact that she is already in love with someone from Faerie. However, her refusal has dire consequences.

Amal El-Mohtar makes every word count in this short novella. The woodcut style black and white illustrations wind their way through the pages and complement the writing perfectly. While under 100 pages (plus a sneak peek at one of her upcoming short stories), I found this a relaxing and enjoyable reading experience.

I first heard of Amal El-Mohtar as the co-author of This Is How You Lose the Time War along with Max Gladstone. This beautifully written book is a tale of adversarial time agents plotting their moves for centuries, and eventually falling in love. The writing was stunning with alternating chapters by each of the authors. The River Has Roots is El-Mohtar’s first solo novel, although she has published a story collection entitled The Honey Month (now on my list to attain) and has another upcoming collection.

The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

 

Wenna left home nearly a decade ago, running away from her family’s legacy and the stifling home life ruled over by her father.  Now her youngest sister Nora has written to her, asking her to come back to the family home in West Virginia because her father is dying.  Wenna is needed for the rites which will ensure that the family and the compact will continue.

For generations, so they’ve been told, the Haddesley family has tended the bog and in return, the bog has nourished them and provided the eldest son with a wife after the patriarch dies.  There are rituals to be performed as part of the Haddesleys’ side of the bargain before the wife arrives.

But no wife comes.  The five siblings—Charlie, the eldest son and reluctant heir; Eda the eldest daughter who sees herself as the guardian of the family and its heritage ; Wenna, the middle child who once found the courage to leave; Nora, the youngest daughter who collects injured creatures and cares for them; and Percy, the youngest child who would like to be the heir— are suddenly in uncharted waters, unsure what to do. How do you fix a compact forged thousands of years ago?

Told in alternating chapters from each of the siblings’ points of view, The Bog Wife is a sort of Appalachian gothic, set in a crumbling house where time has stood still.  There’s a sense of claustrophobia, scented with decay; the hand me down clothes, decades out of fashion, old copies of the National Enquirer with lurid stories of celebrities and garish photos showing a life that might as well be taking place on another planet, the odd cans of soup and gathered food that form their meals, and above all, the family secrets.

I picked this up because the reviews all alluded to the Appalachian setting and to the folkloric elements.  I was also in the mood for an atmospheric book, and this one certainly delivered. This is one of those books that raises as many questions as it answers, but that’s part of the enjoyment for me, coming up with my own answers—or not.  The characters are all sympathetic in their own ways; I liked them all and so wanted happy endings for all of them—or at least what I would consider happy.  I’m not sure the Haddesleys would agree with my versions.  There are so many layers in this book.  I found myself re-reading sections, trying to suss out some of the meanings.

This may not be a book for everyone, but if gothic family sagas with supernatural touches and folkloric are a genre you enjoy, then give The Bog Wife a try. Better yet, find a friend to read it at the same time.  You’ll have a lot to talk about.

Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker

Reviewed by Jeanne

Mara is an aimless twenty-something whose extended family tries to seem supportive but she knows she’s a disappointment. Her cousin Jeremy is the opposite, having had a successful modeling career even before graduation and now is the host of a popular series that combines home renovation with ghost-hunting. When Jeremy offers her an entry level position, Mara first turns it down but then becomes so desperate it begins to sound like a way to escape at least.

As one of the lowest people in the production, Mara finds herself working the night shift and learning about the finer points of providing the needed spooky events.  She operates the fog machines, makes creepy noises, and does whatever the production needs to unnerve the new homeowners.  It’s still a crappy job, but she’s starting to enjoy at least some of it until a new co-worker seems poised to outdo her on the job.

I picked up this short novel because I was in the mood for something with atmosphere and I thought fake haunted houses might be just the ticket. It was a bit disconcerting to pick up a second book in a row with an unemployed and unmotivated twentyish woman, but Mara did become intrigued with her new job and seemed on her way to, as we used to say, “finding herself.”  It was also interesting to see a sort of "behind the scenes" on how some of these reality shows work, how the production crews plan and shape a narrative.  The plot was somewhat low-key but I did enjoy it and am still thinking about the ending. I’m hesitant to say more, as it is a short book and I really don’t want to give anything away.

If you’re in the mood for something just a bit off beat, this may be a book for you.

The Dispatcher: Murder by Other Means by John Scalzi

Reviewed by Jeanne

Somewhere in the not too distant future, death becomes a bit less certain.  For whatever reason, people who are murdered may not die, but reappear in another place, sans clothing but unharmed.  This has given rise to a new job:  dispatcher.  These are trained and licensed professionals who work with the police and hospitals to officially “murder” people on the brink of death in hopes of having them reappear in better condition. It’s not infallible: 999 times out of 1000, the person returns, but that one time the victim will remain dead.

It’s not a profession for the faint of heart.

Tony Valdez is a dispatcher but he’s currently unemployed and struggling, so when a job comes up that isn’t exactly legal he is inclined to bend the rules just a little to pay the rent.  Shortly thereafter, Tony is present when a robbery goes wrong and soon it seems that someone is trying to set him up for something.  He’s going to have to find out who and why before someone else dies—and dies for good.

John Scalzi writes intriguing speculative fiction with a sense of humor and off-beat situations that still manage to be serious.  This novella is the second in the series, and although I hadn’t read the first book, I still had no problem keeping up.  I like that his main characters are usually decent people who follow a moral code and try to do the right thing no matter the circumstances.  His books are very creative as well as entertaining, and he plays off other genres, such as hard-boiled detective for this one, or fandoms, such as Star Trek for Redshirts. One of his more recent books, Starter Villain, gives me a sort of James Bond feel except that maybe sometimes the villains can be—well, maybe not exactly the good guys, but the not-so-bad guys.

Though short, I thoroughly enjoyed this entry in the series and recommend Scalzi to folks who think they don’t like fantasy or science fiction.

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

Reviewed by Jeanne

Rintaro Natsuki is a shy, introverted high school student who lives with his grandfather. Now, however, his grandfather has died, leaving Rintaro his shop, Natsuki Books. As Rintaro notes, it isn’t much of an inheritance: the shop doesn’t make much money.  It seems the only thing to do is to sell the shop and move in with his aunt.

Rintaro’s plans are sidetracked by the appearance of a talking cat.  More specifically, an orange cat who says his name is Tiger the Tabby and who also informs Rintaro that he needs the boy to rescue books.  This all seems too odd for Rintaro—or “Mr. Proprietor” as the cat insists on calling him, as if he is going to take over the bookshop. He asks the cat if he can refuse to help and the cat says that he can, but the cat will be bitterly disappointed.

So Rintaro agrees to follow the cat. Rintaro embarks on a series of quests that will help define what it really means to love books and to be a reader.  He encounters a series of folk who claim to love books and present arguments for what they do, and it’s up to Rintaro to see if there is a flaw in their logic.

This may not sound very exciting but as a reader, I loved it.  It made me stop and think about why I read and how I read.  The arguments all sound quite good—for example, one man wants to encourage people to read classic literature so he is trying to make books more accessible and easier to read.  Sounds good, right?  What’s wrong with that?  It’s up to Rintaro to see if there’s a problem.

Rintaro is a sweet protagonist, if a bit defeatist at the start.  He doesn’t really feel connected to anyone but his grandfather.  In finding who he is as a reader, he’ll also find that he has people he cares about and who care about him. I found the book to be inventive and playful, with well-described fantasy scenes and a sense of playfulness along with the serious topics under discussion.

Of course, I loved all the literature references, most of which were to Western books like The Three Musketeers and Chronicles of Narnia.  I found the book to be most inspiring; sometimes I do get in a reading rut and this was the perfect tonic. Now I really want to pick up one of those classics I’ve put off reading and give it my full attention. Mansfield Park, you may be next!

Note:  I recommend reading the translator’s message at the end of the book before reading the book.  I found it most helpful.  For example, Rintaro is described several times as a hikikomori, a term I didn’t know. Translator Louise Heal Kawai explains that it is a Japanese term that means people who “have consciously decided to shut themselves away from society” and who rarely go out.  She goes on to say the term appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 2010 so she thought it was in wide enough usage in English that it didn’t need translation.  Gee, I must have missed that update!  Still, I was able to gather some of the meaning.  I mention it here because I think it would have helped as I read if I had known more about the term.  You’re welcome. 

Actually, I found all of the translator’s notes very interesting. I felt it explained the sometimes stilted feel to some of the other translated books I’ve read.  

Cat Pictures, Please: And Other Stories by Naomi Kritzer

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

With a title like that, how could I pass this book up?  Although I was not familiar with multi-award winning author Kritzer’s work, it didn’t take more than a story or two to convince me that all those Hugo, Locus, and Nebula nominations and awards were well deserved. While the trappings may vary—an alternate world where dragons live with Native Americans in the Old West or a town in Nazi Germany or a witch’s hut in a wood—the stories have realistic characters facing realistic problems. There’s also a gentle sweetness, even if the stories don’t end as I might have liked.

The title story, Cat Pictures, Please, is about a sentient AI who, well, likes to look at cat pictures.  But while looking at the pictures, it becomes interested in the lives of the people who post them and believes that it can help the people with their problems.  The trouble is that some people will just NOT take a hint. They’d rather moan about their current job that look at all the helpful job postings that are appearing in their online feed or the offers of free resume help.  It’s most frustrating.  This is a delightful tale that really carries the ring of truth.

The Wall is another intriguing story about a college student faced with an alleged time traveller who is trying to talk her into an impromptu trip to Germany for some reason.  The woman seems to know a lot about her, but is this some sort of scam?

What Happened at Blessing Creek is one of the grittiest stories, in which a group of pioneers are looking for a place to settle on Osage lands.  One of the group is a young girl who has some psychic powers and who is faced with a difficult choice, one which will have devastating consequences. 

The Good Son is the story of an Irish fae who is attracted to a mortal woman and who follows her to her home in Minnesota.  He soon finds out that the mortal world can be more complicated than he anticipated—especially in matters of the heart.

There are seventeen stories in all, and there’s not a clunker in the bunch.  This collection is highly recommended.  And don't let the cover put you off--this book is more about humans than technology.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

 

Reviewed by Kristin

In a near future London, a young woman accepts a civil service job without having a complete picture of what that job will entail. She soon learns she is to be a caretaker to someone from two centuries ago, as the ministry has recently worked out how to bring people centuries forward into the current day. The ministry is cautious, and only takes individuals who were about to die anyway. Wars, plagues, and civil unrests, those are all great times to pluck out someone whose disappearance shouldn’t make a ripple in the fabric of time.

The unnamed young woman narrates the story, only identified as a “bridge” working with one of the historical individuals—Commander Graham Gore of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated Arctic expedition. The five individuals brought forward in time are known as “expats” and sometimes referred to by the year from which they were extracted.

Expat Graham came from 1847, and understandably has a very difficult time accepting some of the changes happening in the world. 9 million people living in London? Indoor plumbing? Women’s bare calves? The enfranchisement of the working class? Spotify? Unthinkable!

The other expats are a woman from 1665 (Plague of London), a lieutenant from 1645 (Battle of Naseby), an army captain from 1916 (Battle of the Somme), and a woman from 1793 (Parisian Reign of Terror). As might be imagined, these characters are highly entertaining as they get to know each other and the vagaries of the modern world.  The ministry is keeping an eye on them, but letting them live in the real world, not just keeping them locked up in a hospital ward.

But, can the ministry be trusted?

Alternately funny, tender, and just slightly spicy, this genre defying debut novel from Kaliane Bradley is a delight.