I used all of my credits and took advantage of some sales to acquire the October Daye series and have been loving my time spent with this changeling. Late Eclipses is the fourth audiobook, and it was intense from the very first chapter as Toby finds herself accused of murder. 

Late Eclipses
by Seanan McGuire
Series: October Daye #4
Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal
Length: 11 hours and 51 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Two years ago, October Toby Daye believed she could leave the world of Faerie behind. She was wrong. Now she finds herself in the service of Duke Sylvester Torquill, sharing an apartment with her Fetch, and maintaining an odd truce with Tybalt, the local King of Cats. It’s a delicate balance ? one that’s shattered when she learns that an old friend is in dire trouble. Lily, Lady of the Tea Gardens, has been struck down by a mysterious, seemingly impossible illness, leaving her fiefdom undefended.

Struggling to find a way to save Lily and her subjects, Toby must confront her own past as an enemy she thought was gone forever raises her head once more: Oleander de Merelands, one of the two people responsible for her fourteen-year exile. But if Oleander’s back, what’s her game? Where is she hiding? And what part does Toby’s mother, Amandine, have to play?

Time is growing short and the stakes are getting higher. For the Queen of the Mists has her own agenda, and there are more players in this game than Toby can guess. With everything on the line, she will have to take the ultimate risk to save herself and the people she loves most – because if she can’t find the missing pieces of the puzzle in time, Toby will be forced to make the one choice she never thought she’d have to face again…

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I first discovered this author as Mira Grant and consumed all her writing. Now I am finally delving into her Seanan McGuire books and it’s heavenly and hope to explore more of her middle grade books as A. Deborah Baker.

Narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal, I quickly slipped into the story. Toby is a knight for Duke Sylvester Torquill in fairy, but she lives in San Francisco. She shares her home with her animals and her Fetch. When two of Toby’s high ranking fae friends fall ill with a mysterious illness, fingers are pointed at Toby.

Toby suspects an old nemesis, Oleander de Merelands, but can she prove it before the Queen of the Mists orders her death? Ah, this was suspenseful and Toby was fearless. I loved seeing her friends and allies rally around her.

We gain a deeper understanding of Toby, her mother, and mortality. I experienced a plethora of emotions, ranging from mirth to sorrow, as I immersed myself in the narrative of the creatures and the intrigues of the court.

We see tremendous growth and transformation in Toby as Late Eclipses tests her. We also see some relationship development and surprising twists regards her Fetch.

I highly recommend listening to the series in the order of its release. Relationships, consequences and overall series arc will be spoiled if you simply dive in.

Mary Robinette Kowal truly brings these characters to life with her narration and elevates this already brilliant tale with her voices, tone and pacing.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge
• COYER 2023 Upside Down
• COYER Upside Down Chapter 1: It's a Cold Summer

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/04/late-eclipses-by-seanan-mcguire.html

Entirely by Talya Blaine is the third book in the Transformation series, which follows Quinn, and her relationship with Jonathan, as she must face difficult choices and life-changing events. This book focuses on each character’s development and how they impact Quinn’s relationship and future. Quinn’s life shifts unexpectedly as she begins to question what lies ahead and, most importantly, her relationship with Jonathan. She quickly learns how one decision, fulfilling a simple request, can change everything.

Blaine highlights the electrifying but complex connection between the two main characters and how they must navigate unpredictable situations. While Quinn’s commitment to Jonathan seems impenetrable, she must agree to do a favor for Octavia without question, which sends her life into a spiral of trouble. While there is a cautiously optimistic tone throughout the book, Quinn’s world has a fragile nature that feels like it could shatter as things develop.

The main reason I’m drawn to this book and series is because of how well the story develops within and outside of Quinn and Jonathan’s relationship. An element of suspense and tension builds, giving the storyline a gripping, intense atmosphere. The intimate scenes added more depth and daring boldness to the story. There’s enough to take the reader to the edge but pull them back in with more unexpected twists.

Blaine focuses on the ripple effects of betrayal on an emotional and personal level, which is easy to identify with, as the characters are well-developed and realistic. Entirely by Talya Blaine is a fantastic story, and I recommend reading the entire series as it unfolds into a fun but exciting romance with many surprises and exquisite intimacy. It’s an excellent read for romance fans and anyone new to the genre. I also look forward to reading more work from the author.

Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0BWGF28BH

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/28/entirely/

UFO Catcher Ken Presents: There is no Shrimp…and Other Lies My Mother Told Me by Kenny Loui is an enthralling manga that showcases the comedic journey of a Ph.D. student, Kenny Loui. His mission is to liberate plush animals from arcade games, but things take a drastic turn when he lands in jail after getting into a fight with a cheating opponent. While serving his sentence, Kenny converses with Irene, a cute plushie that materializes out of thin air, about his childhood in San Francisco. Kenny’s childhood is a kaleidoscope of misadventures and misunderstandings, with his mother’s “creative spin” on the truth adding to the chaos. The book takes you on a lighthearted and humorous trip down memory lane, filled with amusing anecdotes and culinary deceptions that will leave you chuckling.

The book is a continuation of Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher Season One and picks up right where it left off. The Stargate reference on the copyright page sets the tone for the exciting and engaging story that follows. The endearing memories of Loui’s mother’s explanations will resonate with readers, as most of us had someone in our lives who spun creative truths. The illustrations by Yamawe are stunning, with each panel bursting with personality, adding a unique touch to the narrative. The story culminates in Other Lies My Mother Told is a perfect conclusion that leaves the reader eagerly anticipating Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher Part Two. Kenny’s lighthearted adventures are infectious and will leave you grinning from ear to ear even after you’ve finished the book.

This highly entertaining manga is a captivating story and has marvelous art. Fans of slice-of-life manga cannot afford to miss There is No Shrimp…and Other Lies My Mother Told Me. It’s a delightful tale of hilarity and hijinks that will brighten your day.

Pages: 102 | ASIN : B0BW2MGW69

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/28/there-is-no-shrimp-and-other-lies-my-mother-told-me/

Doris Pariso’s new thriller novel, Run! Katie! is a gripping paranormal mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Peter is a psychic who is discovering he has some new abilities, the ability to hear voices from the dead. When he starts hearing voices and messages from a woman named Sharon, he realizes he needs to find her family and save a young woman in apparent danger.

Katie has been having nightmares and feeling like something is after her. Then, an unexpected guest arrives at her birthday luncheon with family, shocking them all. Peter brings a message from her mother, who disappeared without a trace twelve years earlier. The message brings the family closure, but Peter continues to receive messages from Sharon. She is trying to warn her daughter that she is in danger of facing the same fate she did. With Peter’s help, Katie and her family must piece together the clues to find out who, what, when, and where the danger is coming from.

Pariso’s skillful storytelling creates an air of mystery and suspense from the beginning of this captivating book. The plot is complex, and the author does a great job of keeping the reader engaged and guessing what the danger is until the reveal. Pariso provides readers with a series of unexpected events and plot twists that will immerse them in the characters’ lives and the story until they reach the last page.

What truly stands out in Run! Katie! is the depth of a mother’s love. Sharon’s love for her daughter transcends time and space as she communicates with Peter from beyond the grave to keep Katie safe. It is a testament to the lengths a mother will go to protect her child and adds a heart-wrenching element to the story.

Run! Katie! is a phenomenal psychic mystery novel that will appeal to readers who love paranormal suspense and thrillers. It is a fascinating read that will leave readers wanting more and waiting to see what Doris Pariso writes next.

Pages: 172 | ISBN : 1646639979

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/28/run-katie/

Immersed in the embrace of familial warmth and love, Worldmaker Yanara is suddenly confronted with the harsh reality of life when a mysterious woman named Silvia arrives. Covered in bruises and cuts that make her look as if she has survived a war, Silvia shares DNA with Yanara and possesses greater power than any mage Yanara has ever encountered. What is Silvia’s connection to Yanara, and what is her story? Andri E. Elia’s Eltanin: Worldmaker of Yand Series is a captivating and action-packed narrative that recounts a battle for peace across time, incorporating extraordinary and mind-bending supernatural elements.

Andri Elia’s writing is a testament to her ability to challenge the reader’s assumptions about aging and relationships, making it an excellent choice for a progressive and open-minded audience. Yanara’s unique circumstance of having both a wife and a husband is just one example. Moreover, age appears to be flexible and irrelevant, as Silvia’s age is revealed at one point to be “six, sixteen, or six thousand. The book is impactful in how it challenges our views on aging and relationships, among other innovative and thought-provoking themes that will stay with us for years to come. 

Eltanin is a labyrinth of enigmas and questions that implore the reader to delve deeper into its intricately crafted world and use their analytical abilities to solve its puzzles. As a fan of time travel, I was moved by the book’s poignant questions about dying in the future and whether it could be reversed. The plot moves swiftly, adding richness and complexity to the story. The diverse and captivating cast of characters that the reader meets throughout the book gives us a better understanding of the story’s intricate web of relationships and conflicts. The intricacy of the story is an ideal challenge for our minds, and our imaginations will be entirely engrossed.

Eltanin: Worldmaker of Yand by Andri E. Elia is an outstanding piece of literature that boasts exceptional storytelling, awe-inspiring supernatural elements, and thought-provoking themes. Fans of the genre will find it to be a must-read.

Pages: 419 | ASIN: B0BKTR6DSJ

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/28/eltanin-worldmaker-of-yand-series/

Ready… Set… Frog! follows a helpful young frog who wants to train for the big obstacle course race but keeps getting sidetracked helping his friends. What was the inspiration for your story?

In addition to my role at Set Sail Press, I also run my family’s small woodworking business, CycleFrog Products, which specializes in creating accessories for Peloton bikes. While brainstorming new products to add to our collection, we considered rebranding the business name. Ready Set Frog was one of the ideas that emerged, and it sparked my imagination. I immediately thought of a story about a young frog who faces constant interruptions while trying to accomplish something.

From that initial idea, the book Ready… Set… Frog! took shape. I dove into writing and crafting the story, enlisting the editing expertise of Brooke Vitale. And now, here we are! I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share this story with children and families everywhere.

The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Laura Watson?

Collaborating with Laura Watson was a true highlight of bringing Ready… Set… Frog! to life. After completing the manuscript, I brought my art notes to Laura, and we worked closely together to develop character concepts, color palettes, and scene layouts. We were able to bounce ideas off one another, and through our collaboration, we created a book that we’re both incredibly proud of. The positive reception from readers has been especially rewarding, and we’re both grateful for the opportunity to work together on this project.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Ready… Set… Frog! is a story with three core themes: flexibility, service, and gratitude.

Flexibility — Frog is repeatedly interrupted when he’s trying to practice. He learns how to be patient and adapt to a changing situation rather than getting stuck in frustration.

Service — Frog needs to choose between helping his friends and completing his own tasks. Frog learns that he feels good inside when he lends a hand to someone in need—and that sometimes things work out on their own.

Gratitude — When it’s time for Frog’s big race, he tries his best and earns second place. Instead of feeling disappointed, Frog is proud of himself and excited to try again next year.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I’m currently in the early stages of drafting ideas for my next picture book about Frog and his friends. I’m excited to share more details with you in the coming months, so stay tuned! Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement!

Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/28/flexibility-service-and-gratitude/