Review: Peaches and Scream

Peaches and Scream by Susan Furlong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great example of what a cozy mystery should be. I really enjoyed reading it and looking forward to the next book in the series. Which I will hopefully have my hands on soon!

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Review of Ever the Hunter by Erin Summeril

Review of Ever the Hunter by Erin Summerill

What the book is about (from goodreads.com) - Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force


I really wanted to like this book. REALLY. But I just couldn't do it. The writing is good, the narration was good (I got it on Audio, so technically I listened instead of read.), and the story had great potential. I just didn't like the main character. She was naive, didn't realize things that should have been obvious and her motivations seemed weak to me. I wanted her to be a strong female heroine and instead she felt like she was floundering (just seems like the right word, lets go with it) around all the time. The other thing that bugged was that everyone just believed whatever she said, and trusted her without any real evidence that they should so. I didn't really like the "love interest" either. He was so bland.

All that being said, the book had some intriguing ideas and I think that I may give the sequel a chance. Maybe the character will grow in that book and I'll like her a bit more. Then again maybe she won't and I'll only make it halfway through. However, if you think the idea sounds interesting give it a read. It was awful, just not my cup of tea.

Overall - 2.5/5 Stars

Recommend to - Younger girls who like magic and fairy tales

Review of 'Emerald City' by Alicia K. Leppert

I must warn you that I am a bit of a skeptical reader. For me the story must feel natural and things can't happen to easily or seem too coincidental or my interest will wane and disbelief will take over. Now, on to the book review. I picked up this book because it's cover was intriguing and it was set in Seattle (which as I'm sure you can tell from this blogs title, its pretty close to the area I call home.)

The story is essentially about a girl, Olivia, dealing with depression following a series of horrible events and a boy, Jude, trying to help her and also deal with who he really is. I felt frustrated for most of the story. I wanted to shake Olivia and tell her to get help, and once she actually went to get help, to really use it. I was disappointed when it took a boy to really change her life. I don't know about other readers but I prefer a strong heroine who pulls herself up and finds a partner. The story drags a bit in the beginning and once it really gets interesting everything felt to easy to me. People generally don't believe things without a little proof. At least in my experience.

Final Verdict - 2.5/5 Stars

The author writes well and explains emotions in such a way to make the reader feel them. The story plot and pacing could use some work.