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!

Book Review: The Dire King by William Ritter

Title: The Dire King Series: Jackaby #4 Written by: 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.

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

I can't believe this series is over! I am such a huge fan of this series. It's the perfect blend of humor, adventure, mystery, and magic. I was over the moon when I was sent a copy for review from the publisher. And it did not disappoint, it was a good ending to this amazing series.

I have always loved this series for the way it is able to balance the historical fiction elements with the supernatural fantasy elements. And this book continued to do that really well. I typically like my historical fantasy to not go to hard with the fantasy elements. I like it to be grounded in reality and the actual history. But Jackaby manages to perfectly walk that like while have a totally massive fantasy world. But it think it is able to do that so well because the fantasy elements are rooted in mythology and fairy tales. It gives it this great classic charm that blends so well with the historical New England setting. I really love the setting in this series and brings able to explore it a little more in this book was definitely one of the highlights for me.

My favorite thing about this series is probably the characters. In the course of four books I have become so attached to these characters, from the narrator to the smallest secondary character. They are all so fun, interesting, and compelling. Because this was the last book in the series many of the secondary characters from the previous books were able to come back in a big way to help the fight. I loved being able to see folks like Hatun, Hammett, Mona O'Connor, Hank Hudson, and the Fair Folk from the Anwynn. There were some great callbacks and conclusions to stories from the previous books.

Of course the main characters are the most interesting. I really love Abigail. I love her easy-going attitude, quick thinking intellect, and thirst for adventure. She's a great protagonist and narrator. And she really had some fantastic growth in this book. I loved seeing her in action. Then of course there is Jackaby. I have become accustomed to but no less entertained by that trademark Jackaby wit. I'm not usually a fan of Sherlock Holmes type characters but Jackaby I love. And love him I did in this book. He also had some great development and was incredibly heroic in the best possible way. Speaking of heroic, Charlie Cane. Oh Charlie, I am such a fan of his too. By my favorite character has always been Jenny. She's the perfect foil for Jackaby and the perfect compliment for Abigail. I love seeing her kick butt and go toe to toe with everyone from Jackaby to an antagonist. But all these characters are just incredibly likeable. You can't but connect with them and their struggle.

And struggle they did. This is a book with a plot where nothing goes right. The stakes her are incredibly high and I was on edge from the very first page until the very last page. It's the kind of end of the world narrative that always pulls me in and keeps me reading. There was all kinds of action scenes too, which kept me engaged throughout the entire book. I will say though that I think that the excessive amount of action sacrificed some of the mystery of the book. I have always loved this series for its solvable mysteries with big twists that you can figure out along with the characters. And that was not the case with this book. There were surprises and twists but they didn't strike the same cords as some of the more action-packed scenes. And I do still feel like there are some unresolved questions. I would have liked more of a balance there.

But what the book did balance well is the funny moments with the emotional moments. This is a series that has always been funny and irreverent. It doesn't take it self too seriously and I love that about it. Even when it's making a point about human nature, acceptance, and prejudice, it does it in a way that doesn't seem preachy because it does it with humor and poise. But it also has plenty of emotion behind it all. This is the last book in the series so there were plenty of emotional moments. The entire last 40 pages of the book had me a sobbing mess of emotions and when it was all over I was completely wrecked. I just wasn't ready to say goodbye. And based on that ending, I am hoping we don't have to because I am desperately in need of more.

On the whole, The Dire King was a great series ender for a series that I am completely in love with. It has a fantastic setting full of history and magic, characters who are likable and complex, a plot full of action and adventure, and the perfect balance of humor and emotion.

I give The Dire King by William Ritter 9.5 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy. If you like this series at all, you need to finish it. It's not wholy satisfying but it is still a great ending. I absolutely loved it. And if you have not read this series, you need to. I recommend it to everyone.

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

P.S. Totally come back on Thursday when I have a super exciting post for the blog tour of The Dire King. Trust me. If you enjoy Jackaby, the book and the character, you are going to want to come back.

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!

ARC Review: Ghostly Echoes by William Ritter

**** This is the third book in a series. If you have not read Jackaby and Beastly Bones, read them before you read this. Check out my reviews to encourage you because they are fantastic books. ****

Title: Ghostly Echoes Series: Jackaby #3 Written by: William Ritter Published: August 30, 2016 by Algonquin Young Readers (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

*** I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher at BEA and also on Edelweiss. This fact has not changed my opinion. ***

Genius! This book is genius. This series is genius! I am consistently impressed by how entertaining and amazing this series is. This book has been on my most anticipated books of the year list because I love this series so much and Ghostly Echoes was just one more example of why.

For one thing this is a series that perfectly blends humor, mystery, fantasy, and action. It has it all. I'm not kidding, there are so many different elements to these books that you wouldn't expect it all would work together so well but it does. William Ritter is able to effortlessly craft a story that combines all your favorite things into something different and amazing. Every book has me entertained from beginning to end as I'm attempting to figure it all out and then I am constantly surprised by it.

Part of that is because it is so well-plotted. This is the perfect example of what I love in a mystery. It's solvable but it's not predictable. And just like that little aside where Jackaby explains that mysteries are not always easy to figure out, this one is complex. There is a lot going on here but it all comes together so well into a conclusion that has you both surprised and not-surprised. There are great clues along the way and when it is all revealed you are completely enthralled. Everything really comes together in the end. I honestly wasn't sure that it all would because there are so many different elements working simultaneously but like I said before, it's all handled so well and is so entertaining.

But this is also an incredibly action-packed story. I seriously could not stop reading this book. I've been trying to tell myself I wasn't in a reading slump but I was just reading so slowly but if I was this book cured it. I was so hooked that I just breezed through it. That may have been because there are tons of amazing moments of action and adventure that had me on the edge of my seat and worried about how it would all end. Speaking of the end, it really built to a thrilling climax and it did it slowly. I kept thinking there couldn't possibly be more coming and then there was. And when the book was done I was left needing the next installment because it still isn't over. But the great part is that it left me wanting more without leaving me with a cliffhanger. It resolved the individual plot of this book while leaving the big questions unresolved. That's something this series has always done really well and I appreciate that.

I also really love the world of this series. There has always been a lot of great supernatural and mythological elements to this series but here there were even more. This was very much a "big picture" kind of novel where elements from the previous books came together to explain the larger context and world of the story. It also really developed the big bad who still hasn't been revealed and I dying to find out who and/or what they are. I can't wait to learn more in the next book. But it was fantastic to see Jackaby and the gang go toe to toe with such a sinister antagonist and some really insidious magical creatures.

But I think my favorite thing about this book is the characters. This is one of those series that is full of complex and quirky characters that I have come to love in three books. They feel so familiar and at the same time, like the plot of this book, surprise me in the most entertaining way. Many of them had some great development in this book and showed a different side of themselves.. Jackaby, usually so snarky and deadpan showed his softer side, and Jenny, usually so exasperated with the shenanigans got involved with the plot in a big way. But this is Jenny's book after all so it was great learning more about her and seeing her in action. In general, the characterizations here are just so fantastic and it is a consistently fantastic thing about this series..

Every year, a Jackaby book makes it on my list of the best of the year and Ghostly Echoes will I'm sure make it this year. It's a genius and entertaining read with a great mystery, thrilling plot, fascinating world, and complex characters. I absolutely loved it.

I give Ghostly Echoes by William Ritter 10 out of 10 stars.

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy. If you are a fan of this series you will not be disappointed by this next installment. It's amazing! And if you have not read this series, get on that! It's absolutely a new favorite and a brilliant YA historical fantasy series.

Have you read Ghostly Echoes? What did you think? 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!