Maame by Jessica George

My Rating:  3.4

It’s fair to say that Maddie’s life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still somehow manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced stage Parkinson’s. At work, her boss is a nightmare and Maddie is tired of always being the only Black person in every meeting. So when her mum returns from her latest trip, Maddie seizes the chance to move out of the family home and finally start living. A self-acknowledged late bloomer, she’s ready to experience some important “firsts”: She finds a flat share, says yes to after-work drinks, pushes for more recognition in her career, and throws herself into the bewildering world of internet dating. But when tragedy strikes, Maddie is forced to face the true nature of her unconventional family, and the perils—and rewards—of putting her heart on the line.

This is a classic coming of age story with a bit of a unique style. I didn't enjoy the excess of sex or the depression. I did enjoy the Ghana influence and her family. The author has definite promise.

Fools Errand: The Tawny Man Trilogy Book 1

 My Rating: 4.7

Fifteen years have passed since the end of the Red Ship War with the terrifying Outislanders. Since then, Fitz has wandered the world accompanied only by his wolf and Wit-partner, Nighteyes, finally settling in a tiny cottage as remote from Buckkeep and the Farseers as possible.

But lately the world has come crashing in again. The Witted are being persecuted because of their magical bonds with animals; and young Prince Dutiful has gone missing just before his crucial diplomatic wedding to an Outislander princess. Fitz’s assignment to fetch Dutiful back in time for the ceremony seems very much like a fool’s errand, but the dangers ahead could signal the end of the Farseer reign.

Oh, I loved having Fitz and the Fool back! Even though time has passed, it felt like no time had passed since we were last with them. It was like reuniting with old friends. They were so good as they went back and forth in their roles, between Fitz and the Fool and Tom and Lord Golden, and had me chuckling many times. I enjoyed their hunting for Prince Dutiful and the Piebalds / Old Bloods and all the political intricacies of the palace. I can't wait for the next book in this series. LOVE! 

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak

My Rating: 3.0

A wildly inventive spin on the supernatural thriller, about a woman working as a nanny for a young boy with strange and disturbing secrets.

Mallory Quinn is fresh out of rehab when she takes a job as a babysitter for Ted and Caroline Maxwell. She is to look after their five-year-old son, Teddy.

Mallory immediately loves it. She has her own living space, goes out for nightly runs, and has the stability she craves. And she sincerely bonds with Teddy, a sweet, shy boy who is never without his sketchbook and pencil. His drawings are the usual fare: trees, rabbits, balloons. But one day, he draws something different: a man in a forest, dragging a woman’s lifeless body.

Then, Teddy’s artwork becomes increasingly sinister, and his stick figures quickly evolve into lifelike sketches well beyond the ability of any five-year-old. Mallory begins to wonder if these are glimpses of a long-unsolved murder, perhaps relayed by a supernatural force.

Knowing just how crazy it all sounds, Mallory nevertheless sets out to decipher the images and save Teddy before it’s too late.

I enjoyed this light mystery/thriller book until about one hour was left in the book. As with all of these types of books, it required the reader to suspend reality and just go with it. I did until the last hour when it did a serious left turn that was a bait and switch and left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I put it on double speed to finish it but was glad when it was over.

Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb (Book #6 in the Series)

 My Rating: 4.9

As Bingtown slides toward disaster, clan matriarch Ronica Vestrit, branded a traitor, searches for a way to bring the city’s inhabitants together against a momentous threat. Meanwhile, Althea Vestrit, unaware of what has befallen Bingtown and her family, continues her perilous quest to track down and recover her liveship, the Vivacia, from the ruthless pirate Kennit. Bold though it is, Althea’s scheme may be in vain. For her beloved Vivacia will face the most terrible confrontation of all as the secret of the liveships is revealed. It is a truth so shattering, it may destroy the Vivacia and all who love her, including Althea’s nephew, whose life already hangs in the balance.

Well, I thought I loved the Fitz series and nothing else could top it.....not so! This Mad Ship series had me completely engrossed. I have no idea how Hobb's can write so deceptively simply, reel you in and yet the writing is beautiful and more complex than it feels. From the very beginning, I cared what happened not only to Althea, Wintrow and Brashen, but also the liveship Paragon and Vivacia. How an author can bring a ship to life where you truly care about what happens to it is, well, magic. I do admit to hating and skimming the chapters with the serpents talking - ugh! Every time that a storyline switched, I was completely immersed back in the setting and characters. I can't wait to see what is next!