On New Year’s Eve, the British arm of Extinction Rebellion posted a statement to its website: “WE QUIT.” The headline was a provocation more than a promise, but it did herald a change in emphasis from the tactics that made the movement for direct climate action famous. “This year,” the statement read, “we prioritise attendance […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/27/extinction-coalition/
For the past eight months I’ve been compulsively following what feels like a reality TV show in which every few weeks someone is forced off the set. It’s not a show, though, and the drama has remained mostly hidden from sight, taking place across several oceans. On September 4, 2022, sixteen solo sailors left France […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/27/golden-globe-race-swimming-away-from-the-boat/
The InCryptid series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. As soon as Backpacking Through Bedlam by Seanan McGuire dropped into my Audible App, I began listening. Giant bugs, danger and mice await you in this addictive installment.
Backpacking Through Bedlam
by Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #12
Narrator: Emily Bauer
Length: 12 hours and 54 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
Seanan McGuire’s New York Times-bestselling and Hugo Award-nominated urban fantasy InCryptid series continues with the twelfth book following the Price family, cryptozoologists who study and protect the creatures living in secret all around us.
Reunion, noun:
1. The state of being united again.Reconciliation, noun:
1. An act of reconciling, as when former enemies agree to an amiable truce.
2. The process of making consistent or compatible.
3. See also “impossible.”Alice Price-Healy gave up her life for fifty years to focus completely on the search for her missing husband. The danger of focus like that is that it leaves little room for thinking about what happens after…and now that she’s finally managed to find Thomas, she has no idea what she’s supposed to do next. The fact that he comes with a surrogate daughter who may or may not have some connection to Alice’s recently adopted grandson is just icing on the complicated cake.
So the three of them are heading for the most complicated place in the universe: they’re going home.
But things on Earth have changed while Alice, Thomas, and Sally have been away. The Covenant of St. George, antagonized by Verity’s declaration of war and Sarah’s temporary relocation of an entire college campus, is trying to retake North America from the cryptids and cryptozoologists who’ve been keeping the peace for the past hundred years. And they’re starting in New York.
Alice and company have barely been back for an hour before the Ocean Lady and the Queen of the Routewitches are sending them to New York to help, and they find themselves embroiled in the politics of dragons, kidnappings, and of course, the most dangerous people of all: family.
Getting “back to normal” may be the hardest task Alice has undertaken yet.
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First, I highly recommend that listeners start from the beginning of this series and listen to them in the order of their release. I also recommend listening to the Ghost Roads series before beginning Backpacking Through Bedlam. There are characters in those books that appear here, plus they are epic.
Alice, Thomas, and Sally are moving between worlds, finding a safe place for the refugees with them before heading home. But there is no rest for the weary because the Covenant of St. George has declared war.
The story has two parts. The travel home after the crossroads was destroyed and returning home to discover things have changed and that the Covenant is an issue that must be finally be dealt with. We see character growth, reunions and overall series arc development.
I love the idea that InCryptid live among us. Of course, when a group of humans discovered this; they made it their mission to destroy them and the Covenant was born. Now the Price family disagreed and became cryptozoologists. They study and protect these creatures, all while humans walk around oblivious to the fact that the butcher is a Hydra. Stories in our own history of dragons and giant bugs make it seem surreal.
The world-building was well done and carefully planned as McGuire took different storylines and threads to weave together Backpacking Through Bedlam. Despite feeling like two stories, I enjoyed the ride and cannot wait to see what happens next. I was excited to learn the next book is in edits.
I love the Price family and the entourage of characters they’ve claimed as family, not to mention the Aeslin Mice who record their history. I am happy Alice has found Thomas. Was it Kairos luck or one woman’s sheer grit and determination? I’ll let you decide.
Emily Bauer narrates and has become a favorite for me. From the voices she gives each character to her squeaky Aeslin Mice, she makes listening a pleasure. If you haven’t begun this series, I highly recommend going for the audiobooks.
Perfect for fans of urban fantasy, danger and adventure.
Amazon | Audible
Seanan McGuire is a native Californian, which has resulted in her being exceedingly laid-back about venomous wildlife, and terrified of weather. When not writing urban fantasy (as herself) and science fiction thrillers (as Mira Grant), she likes to watch way too many horror movies, wander around in swamps, record albums of original music, and harass her cats. Seanan is the author of the October Daye, InCryptid, and Indexing series of urban fantasies; the Newsflesh trilogy; the Parasitology duology; and the “Velveteen vs.” superhero shorts. Her cats, Lilly, Alice, and Thomas, are plotting world domination even as we speak, but are easily distracted by feathers on sticks, so mankind is probably safe. For now.
Lauded as a prolific narrator by the Audiobook Publishers Association, Emily Bauer has a passion for truthful, honest storytelling and creating memorable characters across all genres. Emily graduated from New York University majoring in Theatre and Business. The recipient of multiple “Golden Earphones” , “Listen-Up Awards”, and Publishers Weekly starred reviews, she is well-known for her animation work on shows such as “Pokemon”, “Clifford”, and “Wallykazam”, as well as many of Miyazaki’s animated masterpieces, to name just a few. Among her over 300 audiobooks, recent favorites include the iconic ‘“Baby-Sitters Club” series as Mary Anne Spier, the beautifully tragic Beth in “Little Women”, The Incryptid Series by Seanan McGuire, and the Razorland Series by Ann Aguirre. Non-fiction work includes “Constitutional Grounds for Presidential Impeachment” and Lauren Mcgoodwin’s bestseller, “Power Moves”.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/04/backpacking-through-bedlam-by-seanan-mcguire.html
Steven Piskula’s The First Harm is a gripping, action-packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tanna’s discovery of a cadaver in the lab sets off a chain of events that leads her down a dangerous path. When her roommate, Krystal, dies in what appears to be a murder disguised as an accident, Tanna begins to suspect that something sinister is afoot. Her investigation soon uncovers a shady body parts trading scheme between the university and a mortuary and the nefarious activities of Modern Genetics, a research laboratory creating deadly viruses.
Tanna becomes a target of the malevolent plotters, and with nowhere else to turn, she teams up with Jason, a former drug addict, to hunt down the bad guys. Despite being outmatched and outgunned, their unwavering commitment to justice and the safety of others is truly admirable. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including Solomon, who stands up for the truth at a significant personal cost.
The First Harm boasts a well-crafted plot filled with unending twists and turns, and the characterization is top-notch. The chemistry between Tanna and Jason is palpable, and their courage in the face of danger is inspiring. Piskula’s writing style keeps the story moving rapidly, sprinkling in just the right amount of humor and romance to make it a delightful read. The plot moves quickly, but that is because the scenes are intense and violent.
The First Harm is a well-written and engrossing medical thriller that will satisfy fans of mystery mixed with science fiction and conspiracy. The storyline is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the suspense is mind-blowing. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read that will keep them on the edge of their seat.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0BCXCF88X
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/27/the-first-harm/
In J. Ivanel Johnson’s Just a Stale Mate, a tragic death from a railway trestle sets the stage for a captivating and intricate investigation. While initially reported as a fall, the incident quickly evolves into a complex murder mystery that entangles a cast of characters in southwestern Ontario. Enter P.J. Whistler, a sprightly and witty elderly woman who arrives in town for a casual visit with her godson and his family. Yet, fate has other plans for her, and she soon finds herself embroiled in a series of murders.
As the plot thickens, P.J. teams up with Inspector Phillip Steele and his mother to unravel the mystery. Johnson masterfully weaves together clues, red herrings, and puzzles that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The inclusion of references to Charles Dickens and anagrams adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. One of the most fascinating characters in the book is P.J. herself. Her adventurous spirit, love for travel, and great sense of humor make her relatable and enjoyable to follow. Despite a large cast of characters, the author keeps the mystery alive by leaving readers guessing who the culprit might be. Johnson’s attention to detail is evident throughout the book, from the locations to the characters’ mannerisms, creating an authentic sense of realism that immerses the reader in the story. The vivid details make readers feel like they are a detective and everyone is a suspect.
Overall, Just a Stale Mate is a polished and sharply written novel that showcases Johnson’s skill in crafting a compelling murder mystery. This book is highly recommended for those searching for an immersive mystery mixed with action and a sprinkle of romance. Readers will be drawn into the story and find themselves fully engaged until the last page.
Pages: 303 | ASIN : B0BZ575QGT
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/27/just-a-stale-mate/
Lazy, the Prince of All Sloths, is the main character of The Sloth Who Didn’t Want to Be King, a charming and whimsical adventure by Guy Finkelstein. This delightful story takes us on a journey of self-discovery with Prince Lazy, who is not so lazy after all. In a kingdom where a relaxed pace and minimal effort are encouraged, Prince Lazy finds himself a royal misfit, an overachiever in a land where apathy reigns supreme. However, when he befriends Digdigdig, an adorable hedgehog, he decides to explore the world and discovers that true friendship may be the key to finding what truly matters.
As a reader, I appreciated the reversal of the traditional hero’s journey in this book, where the protagonist must overcome their inner slothfulness to save the day. In contrast, Prince Lazy’s desire to work and create new things is the main challenge in a realm where apathy is everything. This is a refreshing and unique take on the genre, which I found captivating.
The characters in this book are endearing, and I particularly enjoyed the charming and lovable Digdigdig, who adds a charismatic touch to the story. Prince Lazy and Digdigdig’s adventures are nothing short of enchanting. They traverse many lands, each as unique and exciting as the last. The world-building in this book is top-notch, and I found myself transported to the magical lands along with the protagonists.
What makes this book truly special is Finkelstein’s storytelling. She has masterfully woven the story, creating a heartwarming and inspirational tale that is both magical and captivating. The book’s penultimate chapter is especially poignant, bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion. I was left with a sense of wonder and fulfillment upon finishing the book. The book is a testament to Finkelstein’s ability to pack so much adventure and excitement into mere hundred-or-so pages. The story will surely capture the hearts of readers who enjoy exploring far-off magical worlds and experiencing fantastic adventures.
Overall, The Sloth Who Didn’t Want to Be King is a beautiful and engaging read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves magical fairy-tale settings and classical storytelling at its finest.
Pages: 90 | ISBN : 1602804923
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/27/the-sloth-who-didnt-want-to-be-king/
Children are naturally curious, as evidenced by the “why” phase most toddler and preschool-age children go through. While this can be a challenging time, it is also a critical time to foster that curiosity and help children shape it into a lifelong pursuit of learning. Veronika Darwell’s picture book, When You Are Curious, teaches children how their ever-growing curiosity can be put to good use.
This engaging picture book will instantly draw in young readers with the bright and colorful images by Johnny Plasil. The rhyming prose stirs the imagination in readers and gets them thinking of all the different things they can be curious about. Anything is possible with a curious mind, from music to travel to inventing and space exploration. No question or task is too small or too large to want to explore more of.
Teachers will love this children’s book for the simple language allowing it to be accessible to even the preschool level, but still a valuable message for kindergarten and early elementary students. Even as an adult, this fantastic picture book had me thinking about different things I was curious about as a child and am still curious about now as an adult. It is never too late to learn something new, and you are never too young to explore the world around you.
When You Are Curious is a well-written picture book that will inspire young and old readers to open their minds and explore their world. This would make an excellent addition to a home or classroom library and one that will be sure to encourage children to broaden their interests and explore the world they live in with enthusiasm.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0B3KND81B
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/27/when-you-are-curious/
Steeber’s latest book, But Do You Love Me With Locura?, is a powerful and moving tale that immerses the reader in the vibrant culture of 1960s Mexico and California. The book’s introduction is a window into the early childhood of the two main characters and provides a glimpse of central Mexico’s essence. These brief sections offer insight into the determined children’s souls during that era.
The story follows Rosie Logan, who flew to Mexico in 1985 with the aspiration of improving her Spanish to advance her stagnant journalistic career and escape a stifling environment that reminded her of a failed four-year relationship. Steeber masterfully unravels the protagonist’s character, dreams, and fears as she becomes increasingly aware of Mexican culture’s significant differences and poverty. Rosie ponders how she can contribute to her work while highlighting Mexico’s issues. She eventually seeks assistance from Doctor Juan Ramón Villaseñor, whom she met by chance at a small, impoverished clinic in Ixmilco during a Spanish class trip. Rosie’s quest for career advancement and Juan Ramón’s days filled with anger, sadness, and apathy are examples of how cultural and familial circumstances can affect daily life.
As the plot progresses, the reader is drawn into the sights, sounds, and smells of Mexico alongside Rosie. However, the book also confronts the reader, much like the main character, with the poverty prevalent on Mexican streets and in families. As Rosie and Juan Ramón’s lives become more intertwined, they are forced to confront their traditional beliefs and step outside their comfort zones, which were influenced by their families and the vastly different cultures in which they grew up. Steeber’s gift of language allows readers to walk beside Rosie, sometimes offering a comforting hand when needed. The reader becomes convinced that the mix of cultures and differences between the characters will ultimately bring them together.
But Do You Love Me With Locura? is an engaging and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of culture, family, and relationships.
Pages: 358 | ASIN : B0C37QBNTR
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/27/but-do-you-love-me-with-locura/