Crossing Over: Historical Fantasies Full of Humor and Adventure

Hey all. It's been awhile since my last Crossing Over post. If you're not familiar with Crossing Over it's a feature that stemmed from my desire to recommend an adult book with crossover appeal based on a YA or sometimes Middle Grade book that are similar. I hate that we pigeonhole books into a specific age range and so I try to combat that. Plus it's basically an if you liked, then try but for crossover books. It runs once a month (usually) here and I pick the books based on the theme of what I'm reading. So this month my theme is historical mystery and honestly that was a pretty hard one for me. I feel like I don't read a ton of adult historical fiction and the ones that I do are very different from the YA I read. So I had to repeat a book. But it's been almost a year since I used it and the comparison is just so perfect I had to.

Jackaby by William Ritter
Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

This book is set during the mid-19th Century and is about a women who gets a job working for a paranormal detective. It does a great job combining all those elements together to make something you would not think would work but totally does. There's a great setting full of historical vibes, supernatural creatures, and a great mystery. The series definitely gets better and more complex as it goes on which makes it even more enjoyable.

But I think my favorite part of this book may have been the characters. This is a book that is full of fantastic and complex characters. Seriously, most of the characters in this book were incredibly fun and super likable. I instantly fell in love with Jackaby with his wit and Abigail for her sarcasm and pluck. Plus the secondary characters are all so delightful. And the romances. I'm not one for shipping but I ship these ships for sure.

Plus this is a book that is so much fun. It's full of action and adventure but it is also full of humor. I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book and it is the perfect palatte cleanser because it is just so fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously but if you're a historical fantasy, how can you.

In general, it's a good read and an interesting mystery. It's a done of fun and one of my all-time favorite series. If I have not done my job and convinced you to read it yet then you haven't been paying enough attention over the years.

Soulless by Gail Carriger
Read My Review / Add to Goodreads

This book is set during the mid-19th Century and is about a women who gets a job working as what is essentially a paranormal detective. It does a great job combining all those elements together to make something you would not think would work but totally does. There's a great setting full of historical vibes, supernatural creatures, and a great mystery. The series definitely gets better and more complex as it goes on which makes it even more enjoyable.

But I think my favorite part of this book may have been the characters. This is a book that is full of fantastic and complex characters. Seriously, most of the characters in this book were incredibly fun and super likable. I instantly fell in love with Alexia Tarabotti with his sass and Conall Maccon who is gruff and so kind. Plus the secondary characters are all so delightful. And the romances. I'm not one for shipping but I ship these ships for sure.

Plus this is a book that is so much fun. It's full of action and adventure but it is also full of humor. I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book and it is the perfect palatte cleanser because it is just so fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously but if you're a historical fantasy, how can you.

In general, it's a good read and an interesting mystery. It's a done of fun and one of my all-time favorite series. If I have not done my job and convinced you to read it yet then you need to read any of my Gail Carriger reviews because I've loved all of them

Besides the fact that both of these are historical  mysteries that involve paranormal elements, I would say that the main similarities are that they are light-hearted and fun. I really love books that don't take everything to seriously and can make me both laugh and be on the edge of my seat and these totally do that. Plus they combine so many things that shouldn't work and totally do. I love both series and totally recommend them.

Have you read Jackaby and/or Soulless? What did you think? What historical fantasies with crossover appeal do you like? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

The Dire King Blog Tour: Interview with R.F. Jackaby and Giveaway

Hi Everyone! I have a very exciting post for you today as part of the blog tour for The Dire King. Many of you may know that I am a huge fan of the Jackaby series. That's why I jumped at the chance to help the ladies at the Fantastic Flying Book Club plan this tour for the final book in the series. If you missed the review I posted on Monday, check that out here.

And so as part of the blog tour I have a super exciting post to share. I was able to secure a very rare interview with the titular character of the series, one Mr. R.F. Jackaby. If you are not aware, Mr. Jackaby is not only the titular character for the series but also a paranormal investigator. I was able to ask him a few questions about himself, his colleagues, and his work. Scroll down for all that. But first, some info about The Dire King. 

The Dire King (Jackaby #4)

by William Ritter
Release Date: August 22nd 2017

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Synopsis: The thrilling conclusion to the New York Times best-selling series the Chicago Tribune called “Sherlock Holmes crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer” sends the eccentric detective and his indispensible assistant into the heart of a war between magical worlds. 

 The fate of the world is in the hands of detective of the supernatural R. F. Jackaby and his intrepid assistant, Abigail Rook. An evil king is turning ancient tensions into modern strife, using a blend of magic and technology to push Earth and the Otherworld into a mortal competition. Jackaby and Abigail are caught in the middle as they continue to solve the daily mysteries of New Fiddleham, New England — like who’s created the rend between the worlds, how to close it, and why zombies are appearing around. At the same time, the romance between Abigail and the shape-shifting police detective Charlie Cane deepens, and Jackaby’s resistance to his feelings for 926 Augur Lane’s ghostly lady, Jenny, begins to give way. Before the four can think about their own futures, they will have to defeat an evil that wants to destroy the future altogether.

The epic conclusion to the New York Times best-selling Jackaby series features sly humor and a quirky cast of unforgettable characters as they face off against their most dangerous, bone-chilling foe ever.

About the Jackaby series

"A little Dr. Who, a little Harry Potter, and a lot of Sherlock, New York Times bestselling author Will Ritter’s Jackaby series has thrilled YA readers with magic, mystery and adventure since the first book introduced us to a supernatural sleuth and his trusty assistant. In The Dire King: A Jackaby Novel (on sale August 22), Ritter sends the series out with a bang, with even more mystery, romance, and the most epic battle yet. We hope you’ll strongly consider prominent coverage for The Dire King--and all the Jackaby books—as we say goodbye to our crime-solving friends in New Fiddleham.

“A humorous, energetic, action-packed, and magical conclusion.”
 —Kirkus Reviews, starred review Ritter’s debut novel

Jackaby (a New York Times bestseller and 2015 Pacific Northwest Book Award winner) introduced readers to R.F. Jackaby, a quirky detective with a knack for the supernatural; Abigail Rook, his skeptical and observant assistant; Jenny Cavanaugh, the ghostly landlady of 926 Augur Lane; and Charlie Cane, a shape-shifting police officer. Beastly Bones and Ghostly Echoes followed the crime-solving team from their home in New Fiddleham to the depths of the underworld as they uncovered more clues about the evil forces behind Jenny’s murder.

Hello Mr. Jackaby, Thank you so much for agreeing to answer a few of my questions. I am a big fan of your recent exploits and cases in New Fiddleham and Gads Valley. I know the book related to your big case with The Dire King is coming up so I thought this was as good a time as any to get to know you a little better.

1.) For those readers who might not be familiar, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

Yes, of course I can. What a silly inquiry.

2.) You live in New Fiddleham, how would you describe the city to those who might want to come visit? 

Hm. Yes, how to put it simply? New Fiddleham’s aura is a maladroit shade of heliotrope with undertones of bright anticipation and rhythmic distress. It smells like hope and boiled potatoes and also over-seasoned frustration. Except on Tuesdays. On Tuesdays it smell like cabbage. Miss Rook informs me that the roadways feel like they were designed by chimpanzees throwing handfuls of wet linguini at a blank bit of parchment and tracing the noodles, but I find her theory improbable. Where would the chimpanzees have boiled the water? Anyway, the roads and I have gotten along just fine since we’ve gotten to know each other.

3.) 926 Augur Lane is a very unusual place. What unique features did it have when you moved in and what did you add? 

The building was like any other, I suppose—three stories plus a decent attic space, a trim little garden, a spectral undead remnant of the previous owner, and a well-maintained kitchen. I made minor modifications only. These included demolishing the kitchen to create a functional modern laboratory, rebricking the facade with custom apotropaic masonry, making room in the master bedroom for a humble observatory, and transforming the spacious third floor sitting room and adjacent chambers into a selfsustained ecosystem with a prominent duck pond. I did keep the original drapes.

4.) Speaking of 926 Augur Lane, it's owner and proprietor Jenny Cavanaugh is currently a ghost. Can you tell us about your first meeting Jenny? 

I was enlisted to perform her exorcism, actually—but I found the spirited specter perfectly well-mannered and frankly far more grounded than most corporeal humans I have met. I made tea. She seemed to find me amusing, not that I recall saying anything funny. As the conversation wore on, I found myself quite enamored with Miss Cavanaugh’s sharp wit and her forthright good humor. In the end, I informed my client that the ghost would be staying precisely where she was for the foreseeable future, and that should he make any further efforts to expel her from her family’s estate, I would personally attend to the lady’s defense. My client decided to be done with it and bequeathed the property to me.

5.) You recently began working with a new assistant named Abigail Rook. How would you describe Abigail to our readers? 

Abigail is hopeless. She has very little sense of self-preservation, no rational fear in the face of absolute peril, and a burning curiosity that could kill a hundred cats. She reminds me a little of myself when I was her age. I’m quite proud of her progress. Although, in spite of the very clear instructions in my advert, she did look right at the frog. Right at it.

6.) Describe your relationship with the New Fiddleham police department. Would you say it's a good working relationship? 

I think the New Fiddleham Police are beginning to come around to me. I have even been given special access to certain areas within the precinct. Well, access to the inside of the holding cells, mostly. Also they allow me to keep some of my things in their evidence lockers. It’s a special sort of relationship.

7.) You are a many of science and logic. What, in your opinion, is the most important skill for a detective to have? 

Extrasensory perception is a real time-saver, obviously. Except in especially tricky cases, like when the perpetrator turns out to be just something woefully ordinary, like a human being. I almost always miss those ones.

8.) Which mythical creature would you not want to meet in a dark alley? Which one would you love to meet instead? 

I would dislike encountering one of the hecatoncheires in a dark alley, if only because conversation is always so uncomfortable—I am never sure which head to took at. Also, they are tatanic giants, so there would not be much alley left after they had stuffed themselves into one. I would much prefer something small, like a sprite or pixie.

9.) If someone suspects they may have an unusual or perhaps mythical occurrence on their hands, what should they do? 

That depends entirely upon the occurrence. If one finds oneself speaking to a large, golden fish, for example, I would advise one to word their wishes carefully. If one finds that furniture is frequently rearranged in the morning, I might suggest giving the new arrangement a try for a day or two. Some poltergeists have a real eye for interior design if given the chance. If one finds oneself facing a large, black hound with three monstrous heads, I am told he is partial to cake. Consider bringing cake with you at all times. Just in case.

10.) You have quite an unusual security guard at 926 Augur Lane. Can you tell us a little bit more about Ogden? How did he come into your life? 

Ogden is a robust specimen of the genus Occulus Flatulanum, although Hank Hudson, the fellow who procured him for me, prefers the vernacular ‘eye fart frog.’ Ogden is actually quite an affable and agreeable amphibian, so long as one avoids touching him, moving his terrarium, standing too near, standing too far away, breathing too heavily in his direction, or looking at him. It is only when provoked that he emits a noxious gas from his eyes, which can quickly fill a room. It is an odor that hangs about like an unwelcome relative.

11.) You have a library at 926 Augur Lane. What's your favorite book? 

I get the most practical use out of my rare edition of the Apotropaicon, although Mendel’s Magical Menagerie remains dear to my heart as a childhood favorite.

12.) What has been your most memorable case to date? Why was it so memorable? 

My most memorable case would have to be my first. Something very bad came for somebody I cared for, and it fell to me to save her. I didn’t.

13.) By request of my interviewee, the thirteenth question has been redacted. 

Your understanding and cooperation on this issue is greatly appreciated.

14.) What is next for you? What can we expect from you on The Dire King? 

Not enough, I’m afraid. Things have gotten a bit out of control, even for me. Miss Rook had a nice little word for it—what was it… cataclysmic. Yes. Things are just a little cataclysmic right now, but I intend to give it my best shot.

15.) And finally, a kind of silly question I ask everyone I interview. If you were trapped on a desserted island, what dessert would your island be made out of? 

A perfectly reasonable query. Saltwater taffy is the obvious choice in an oceanic environment.

Thank you for your interest in my work. Should you find yourself in the area of New Fiddleham, particular if you find yourself there in or around 1892, be sure to stop in

Thank you so much for being here Mr. Jackaby. It was my pleasure sharing some of your wit and knowledge with my readers.

If you have not read the Jackaby series I highly recommend it. It's one of my all-time favorite series because it perfectly combines history, mystery, and fantasy. You can enter a giveaway for the first book down below. If you need more encouragement, my review of the first book in the series, Jackaby, can be found HERE. And if you are up to date, you can find my review of The Dire King HERE.

WILLIAM RITTER is an Oregon educator and author of the New York Times bestselling Jackaby series. He is the proud father of the two bravest boys in the Wild Wood, and husband to the indomitable Queen of the Deep Dark.

FOLLOW THE TOUR

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Thanks everyone for stopping by. Definitely check out some of the rest of the tour. There are some really cool and exciting posts coming up. And again, read the Jackaby series. If I can make one thing clear it's that this series is amazing. Read it and thank me later. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Dire King by William Ritter

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: The Dire King Series: Jackaby #4 Author: William Ritter Published: August 22, 2017 by Algonquin Young Readers  (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: The thrilling conclusion to the New York Times best-selling series the Chicago Tribune called “Sherlock Holmes crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer” sends the eccentric detective and his indispensible assistant into the heart of a war between magical worlds.  The fate of the world is in the hands of detective of the supernatural R. F. Jackaby and his intrepid assistant, Abigail Rook. An evil king is turning ancient tensions into modern strife, using a blend of magic and technology to push Earth and the Otherworld into a mortal competition. Jackaby and Abigail are caught in the middle as they continue to solve the daily mysteries of New Fiddleham, New England — like who’s created the rend between the worlds, how to close it, and why zombies are appearing around. At the same time, the romance between Abigail and the shape-shifting police detective Charlie Cane deepens, and Jackaby’s resistance to his feelings for 926 Augur Lane’s ghostly lady, Jenny, begins to give way. Before the four can think about their own futures, they will have to defeat an evil that wants to destroy the future altogether. The epic conclusion to the New York Times best-selling Jackaby series features sly humor and a quirky cast of unforgettable characters as they face off against their most dangerous, bone-chilling foe ever.

Why I'm Waiting:

They recently released the cover and synopsis for this book and I am so DESPERATELY in need of it. I mean, let's just take a second to look at that cover. Not only is it freaking gorgeous and fits in so well with the other covers because of the silhouette, but it's red. RED. LIKE BLOOD! Oh man, I need this book. But also, who is that the silhouette of? It can't be Jackaby, that's him on the inside with Abigail. Is it Charlie? The Dire King? WHO IS THE DIRE KING?

Okay, well now I want to talk about that synopsis, oh man I am excited and terrified about what comes next. I mean I am all for the supernatural mysteries. Zombies, yes please. More magical creatures, other craziness, CAN'T WAIT! I mean I have so many questions and theories about these things. Like will Douglas stop being a duck? And WHO IS THE DIRE KING? Is it someone we have already met? I NEED THIS BOOK!

But seriously, Jackaby books are some of my all-time favorites. Every year a book in this makes its way on my favorite books of the year. They're such amazing mysteries and are just really fun stories at the same time. I'm expecting this book to be no different. I'm guessing there will be plenty of laughs, tears, and surprises. It's going to wreck me but I will still love every minute of it.

I recently emailed the publisher to ask about review copies and they informed me that this book will not have an ARCs, which kind of makes sense. It's the last book in the series, but I still really wish I could read an advance copy. I guess I'll just have to wait until I can get myself a copy. *preorders*

What about you? What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Are you waiting on The Dire King along with me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

On Rereads: Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine and Jackaby series by WIlliam Ritter

On Rereads is a monthly feature on My Thoughts Lit where I talk about the books I reread during the month. It's an opportunity to share some new thoughts on a book I read before and usually to prepare for a new release. For the foreseeable future I plan to do one reread a month so I want to share my thoughts on these books the second time around. This a little bit late for July but I've been super slow on my rereads lately (and well reading on the whole but shhh!!!)

All the amazing books are coming out in the next couple months, amiright? In particular, there are some great sequels and series enders coming out in February, many of which are on my most anticipated books of the year. So to prepare I am reareading the books in their series. As usually these are my audiobooks for the month. But here is my thoughts on these rereads....

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
(Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)

I love this series so much, you guys! It constantly surprises me but how complex and engaging it is. I had an ARC of the second book in the series, Paper and Fire, which I read over the 4th of July weekend so in preperation I of course had to read the first book in the series to refresh my memory. And as usually with my rereads, I listened to the audiobook.

Usually with rereads I am excited to read them because I forget little details about the book and I need a refresher but that was not the case with this book. I remembered so much about this book. I mean, I may have remembered too much. There were moments where I wanted them to just go right to the exciting and action-packed parts at the end of the book. It also made the book a little less mysterious. But that doesn't mean the book was ruined. Honestly, I liked it just as much as I did the first time around. It's such an atmospheric and complex book with so many different elements that I did pick up a few things that I may have missed the first time around.

But I think that maybe that was because I loved the audiobook. I was so excited to listen to it because the world is so atmospheric and that usually translates really well to the audio format for me. And it was absolutely the case here. The book had a really great immersive quality with the audio format. Not to mention that this is a book with a diverse cast of characters and the narrator did a good job establishing them. Some of the accents weren't perfect but he did a good job with the characterizations, especially with Jess.

On the whole, this was a great reread. I'm so glad I took the time to listen to the audiobook and refresh my memory before I read Paper and Fire. Mostly, I'm just glad for the time to get back into this world and experience it again.

The Jackaby Series by William Ritter

Jackaby -  (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)
Beastly Bones -  (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)

I mean you all probably know that I am super obsessed with this series if you have been around awhile. Both Jackaby and Beastly Bones were on my favorites of the year lists last year and the year before. I expect no different for Ghostly Echoes which I am about to start tonight.

So naturally I needed to have what is becoming my annual reread of Jackaby. And while I did still really love it, I laughed and was thoroughly entertained, I'm not sure three years in a row is the best thing to do when it comes to a mystery. Some of the suspense was lost as I remembered so much of the book that I wasn't as impressed with the plot development. It wasn't just me seeing the foreshadowing and clues anymore, it was me just going through the motions. But none of the charm was lost. So much of this series is about the humor and fun which was not lost in my reread.

In contrast, with Beastly Bones I remembered very little of the book. There is just something about second books that I just forget all about them. I of course remembered the big stuff but not the little details so it was a really nice refresher before Ghostly Echoes. I also think on that note, that much of the storyline from Ghostly Echoes was introduced in the beginning of Beastly Bones so it will have a good flow within the series for me.

Plus I do really like the audio for this series. I think Nicola Barber does a fantastic job with the series. She totally gets the tone and humor of the series. From the absurdity that is Jackaby, to the effervescence and inquisitiveness that is Abigail, to the sarcasm and exasperation of Jenny. She even does a great job with Charlie and Hank Hudson. I'm a big fan of her as an audiobook narrator and this series on the whole.

Have you read Ink and Bone or The Jackaby series? Did you reread in preparation for their sequels? Have you done any rereads lately? What books? Do you like doing rereads or not? Tell me why. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Waiting on Wednesday: Ghostly Echoes by William Ritter

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: Ghostly Echoes Series:  Jackaby #3 Author: William Ritter Published: August 28, 2016 by Algonquin Young Reader's Group (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Jenny Cavanaugh, the ghostly lady of 926 Augur Lane, has enlisted the investigative services of her fellow residents to solve a decade-old murder—her own. Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer, Detective R. F. Jackaby, dive into the cold case, starting with a search for Jenny’s fiancé, who went missing the night she died. But when a new, gruesome murder closely mirrors the events of ten years prior, Abigail and Jackaby realize that Jenny’s case isn’t so cold after all, and her killer may be far more dangerous than they suspected. Fantasy and folklore mix with mad science as Abigail’s race to unravel the mystery leads her across the cold cobblestones of nineteenth-century New England, down to the mythical underworld, and deep into her colleagues’ grim histories to battle the most deadly foe she has ever faced.

Why I'm Waiting 

I have been obsessed with these books from the very beginning. I read an ARC of Jackaby which I got at BEA the first year I went and I fell in love with it. The combination of history, mystery, and fantasy in a book that is lighthearted and complex is something I will never not love. And by this point I am even more invested in this series. A series that I thought wasn't going to exist. I thought Jackaby was a standalone. So obviously subsequent books will be on my list of must read.

But I am also really excited about this book because it is about Jenny. Jenny Cavanaugh, the mysterious ghost who previously owned the house where Jackaby's office is. Jenny who is so sweet and charming then will suddenly snap and go all angry on you. She's been such a mystery in this series and I can't wait to find out exactly what happened to her.

I picked up a copy of this book at BEA this year and it was technically the first one that I read. I started it while I waited at the airport. And while I only got through about 30 pages before stopping to focus on other review books I almost immediately fell back in love with it. These characters, this world, the humor. I cannot wait to read this one!

What about you? What are you waiting for this Wednesday? Are you waiting on Ghostly Echoes along with me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

On Reads: Fantasy First Books with Fall Sequels

It's already October? When did that happen? I had a great month reading in September though. I read some really great books. If you didn't see my recap yesterday  check it out here. In August I unveiled a new monthly feature where I talk about a few of the books that I got to reread. With so many series enders and series continuations happening this fall and winter I decided I needed some refreshers before I done back into the series. For the foreseeable future I will be doing one reread a week so I thought I would do a new feature I'm calling On Rereads. They will be mini reviews where I talk about the books I reread and any different impressions I may have had after reading them a second time. This month I read three first books in a series in preparation for their sequels.

Jackaby by William Ritter -  (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)

I absolutely loved this book when I read it last year. I thought it was incredibly fun with an engaging plot full of mystery, a atmospheric world full of fantasy, and likable characters full of humor. It still does. The second time around I was not at all disappointed by this book. It was just as fantastic and enjoyable.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the audio on this one. Nicola Barber does this boook justice which was a big concern of mine. But she captured Abigail's enthusiasm, Jackaby's snark, and Charlie's mystery. She also captured the supernatural world and I felt like I could perfectly visualize New Shoreham and all the characters. My only criticism is that because I knew how it was going to end it didn't have as much mystery and usually I'm okay with that but this time I didn't really pick up some extra plot points that I missed the first time around. But on the whole it was a fantastic read.

I was so glad I read this before Beastly Bones. It reminded me how much I liked the characters and how fun this series is. I picked up a few references from the book that I may not have noticed if I had not reread Jackaby.

The Young Elites by Marie Lu- (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)

This was another favorite book of 2014 and another really anticipated sequel. I cannot wait for my copy of The Rose Society to get here. I need more Adelina and her descent into madness. I seriously love how dark this book is and it was just as dark the second time. I didn't forget how ruthless these characters are and it didn't affect me any less. Neither did that climax. I didn't sob as much but the anticipation killed me. But that being said the dramatic irony sort of made it so that I didn't like the characters as much. I held a few of them at arms length knowing what they would do so that was a change I didn't like the characters as much.

But I did really like the audio in this case. I knew that the world is influenced a lot by Italian/Renaissance history and that was so much more obvious with the audiobook. The narration was fantastic and the way they pronounced the names and certain words really helped to immerse me in the world. And I really love this world and magical system so that was great.

I wish I had waited a little bit before I read this though. I now need The Rose Society so badly and I still have to wait two weeks. Three from when I finished my reread. I need book two like... yesterday.

The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson - (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible / My Review)

It should come as no surprise to you that I love the Mistborn series if you have been here for awhile. Mostly I am obsessed with this world. The Alloy of Law is not my favorite in the series but it's a fantastic series that's more like a police procedural. I had completely forgotten so many elements of the mystery so it was great to reread and refresh on that note. One thing I didn't forget about is the characters. How much do I love Wayne? SO MUCH! And Ranette. And Marassi. And Wax. Ah, they are all so fantastic.

I didn't listen to all the audiobooks for the first three Mistborn novels but I did listen to a bit of them and the narrator is fantastic. They use the same one for this one which is nice. He gets the world so well and I can immerse myself in it along with his voice.

But now I am so ready for Shadows of Self. It comes out next week and I am starting the preview from Netgalley today. I cannot wait for more crazy hijinx, more mystery-solving, and more allomancy and feruchemy. But mostly more Sanderson because obviously!

Have you done any rereads lately? What books? Do you like doing rereads or not? Tell me why. I hope you like this new feature. I'm hoping to do it once a month or when I finish a reread of a series. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

ARC Review: Beastly Bones by William Ritter

Title: Beastly Bones Series: Jackaby #2 Author: William Ritter Published: September 22, 2015 by Algonquin Young Readers (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: The highly anticipated follow-up to the “rich world” of the “lighthearted and assured debut,” featuring an “irresistible character” whose first thrilling and original adventure “demands sequels.”  “I’ve found very little about private detective R. F. Jackaby to be standard in the time I’ve known him. Working as his assistant tends to call for a somewhat flexible relationship with reality.”  In 1892, New Fiddleham, New England, things are never quite what they seem, especially when Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer R. F. Jackaby are called upon to investigate the supernatural.  First, a vicious species of shape-shifters disguise themselves as a litter of kittens, and a day later, their owner is found murdered with a single mysterious puncture wound. Then in nearby Gad’s Valley, now home to the exiled New Fiddleham police detective Charlie Cane, dinosaur bones from a recent dig mysteriously go missing, and an unidentifiable beast starts attacking animals and people, leaving their mangled bodies behind. Charlie calls on Abigail for help, and soon Abigail and Jackaby are on the hunt for a thief, a monster, and a murderer

**** I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This fact has not changed my opinion. ****

I absolutely loved Jackaby, it was one of my favorite books of 2014 after all, and for that reason I was a little nervous and a lot excited to read it's unexpected sequel Beastly Bones. But those fears were quickly put to rest with another quirky and action-packed mystery.

One of the things I love so much about this series is the characters who perfectly capture the humor and quirky nature of this book. We of course have Jackaby, who is without a doubt the quirkiest character in this book and that is kind of hard to do. He is too smart for his own good, but that makes him a brilliant supernatural detective. One of the things that makes him so fun and interesting is his approach to these supernatural elements. It's perfectly natural and scientific to him and he oftem has very deadpan explanations of it all. It makes him quite socially awkward and very fun. But the book is told from the perspective of Abigail Rook, his assistant. Abigail could not be more opposite and so she keeps Jackaby grounded. She's the audience stand-in here and she has the same skeptical and excitable attitude that I have to it all. I loved Abigail's development in this one and how take charge and resourceful she is. She even breaks a few gender norms, which I loved.

But Jackaby and Abigail aren't the only characters that are back. We get to see Jenny again who had some interesting moments, Douglas the duck, and even Marlowe makes a brief appearance. But the character I'm most excited to see again is Charlie Cane. I'm so glad he's back in Abigail's life and on the case with Jackaby. He just has such a great dynamic with them both. And then of course there are the new characters like Hank Hudson, an old friend of Jackaby's a trapper and hunter with a particular interest in the odd and unusual, two bickering paleontologists who add even more comic relief and conflict at the same time, and a very energetic reporter who is never too far from trouble. These characters, along with our main characters, are what makes the book so engaging and fun.

The humor of the characters is off-set by a world where anything is possible and supernatural and mythological creatures walk among us committing crimes. This series is the perfect example of Historical Fantasy to me. It takes a historical location and adds supernatural creatures. No one element overwhelms the other. The setting of New Fiddleham is just as interesting as the fact that there is a ghost and shape-shifting cats. Speaking of those cats, or should I say chameleomorphs. So fun and interesting, and really represents what I mean about the historical combination. There were some truly brilliant supernatural elements in this book both big and small. And Jackaby's no-nonsense scientific approach to it all makes them even more engaging and fun. It's the perfect blend of fantasy, mystery, and history that is so entertaining.

And all of this worked together to develop and intricate and thrilling plot that had me on the edge of my seat. Jackaby is a short and quick read but it's also the kind of book where you don't want to put it down. It's extremely well-paced and plotted even better. Everything really built to quite the high-stakes climax. Along the way it even contained a few surprises and big reveals that caught me off guard. What this series does so well is the red herring. You're over here paying attention to one thing and something else is the real focus. I loved in the first book how the mystery was solvable and here while the clues were all there for me I didn't quite figure it out which is kind of nice. I also loved the fact that small things from the beginning of the book came back into play in a big way for the conclusion. It was all so well plotted. It had me fiendishly turning pages needing to find out what happened next while loving it so much I didn't want it to end at the same time.

Fans of the first book will love this second take with Jackaby and the way Beastly Bones set things up for more in the series. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us and I'm so glad we get more. This book was brilliant, fun, and exceptionally well-written.

I give Beastly Bones by William Ritter 10 out of 10

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy. I seriously love this series so much. It's fun and creative. It's a quick and engaging read and so charming just like the characters, and with the supernatural world and plot full of mystery and surprises it really has something for everyone. I would particularly recommend it to people who are fans of supernatural mysteries, magical realism, or anyone looking for something a little different.

Have you read Jackaby? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

ARC Review: Jackaby by William Ritter

Title: Jackaby Author: William Ritter Published: September 16, 2014 by Algonquin Amazon Goodreads Synopsis: “Miss Rook, I am not an occultist,” Jackaby said. “I have a gift that allows me to see truth where others see the illusion--and there are many illusions. All the world’s a stage, as they say, and I seem to have the only seat in the house with a view behind the curtain.”  Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job,Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary--including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain it’s a nonhuman creature, whose existence the police--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--deny. Doctor Who meets Sherlock in a debut novel, the first in a series, brimming with cheeky humor and a dose of the macabre.

This book is Historical Fantasy about a supernatural detective and has been pitched as Sherlock meets Doctor Who. Naturally, I'm interested. I was hooked on Jackaby from the very start. But before the review, first I have a confession. I have only seen a few episodes of either show this book is compared to (runs and hides from the rioters). Are they gone? Good. Let me explain myself. Doctor Who freaks me out a little bit, I have this irrational fear of aliens. I tried, twice, to get into it but I just can't. Sherlock definitely interests me more, I mean Benedict Cumberbatch, but I just haven't had the time or energy to marathon it all, but I will. That being said, I can't say with any certainty how similar the book is to either of these things and for me I think that was a good thing, because for me it was unlike any book I have read. Jackaby is was quirky, engaging, full of fantastic characters and a thrilling plot.

 Perhaps my favorite thing about this book was the world. What William Ritter did so well is combine elements of Fantasy and mythology with elements of hard-boiled crime novels. It was like all that Scooby Doo I watched as a child. Meddling kids searching for clues to track down a ghost/supernatural being who is wreaking havoc. But unlike Scooby Doo it wasn't just some disgruntled old man behind the mask. There were so many classic elements to the supernatural in the world of New Shoreham that made things both lighthearted and complex. Whether it was a man who would rather be a duck, a ghost for a roommate, or a banshee things were not at all what they seemed. Every time we met or learned more about a certain supernatural being it was like diving into Harry Potter's Care of Magical Creatures textbook. But nothing felt outrageous and out of place, it served to make things mysterious and unique.

It wasn't just the world that made things lighthearted and unique. The characters too were a perfect blend of quirky and likable. The titular character, R.F. Jackaby was like so many detectives that came before him. He is clearly a little too smart for his own good, resourceful, and able to see what others cannot making him perfect for solving these crimes. But he is also haughty, wry and says exactly what he thinks. Abigail, our narrator, is his perfect foil. While also being smart and saying exactly what she thinks, Abigail is the realist and even pessimist in the partnership. She's prickly and untrusting and keeps Jackaby grounded. They had a fantastic dynamic and I loved the banter between them. The book was also full of interesting and complex secondary characters that rounded out the cast of characters making the book so engaging and unique.

All of this combined with a tongue and cheek writing style and a thrilling plot made the book a quick and fun read. After a few books that took me far longer than I expected to read I just devoured Jackaby. I read a lot of mysteries, a lot of books where I can solve the twist pretty early on. Jackaby was no exception. However it didn't prevent me from enjoying the book at all. The mystery was solvable and had me invested in reading it to the conclusion. For a debut the book was expertly paced and plotted and really built to that thrilling conclusion and even threw some surprising at me along the way. Not to mention that the book was full of action and adventure that kept me turning the pages and waiting to see what would happen next.

And I really hope that there will be a next! I can't accurately express how much I adored this book. It was the perfect book to read after a bunch of slow and sad books. I fell for Jackaby in this book and I'm really hoping that there will be more books to fall even further in love.

I give Jackaby by WIlliam Ritter  10 out 10 stars

It was a thrilling and creative book with a tongue and cheek writing style, fun and quirky characters, and an exciting plot with a solvable mystery. I loved it from beginning to end and it is one of my favorite books of the year so far. All of the stars to Jackaby!

If you are a fan of mysteries or SciFi/Fantasy novels with quirky characters and thrilling plots then check this book out. If you are looking for something lighthearted and unique then check this book out. If you are a fan of Doctor Who and/or Sherlock then check this book out (and tell me if I should watch them because I loved this book).