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Graphic Novel Review: Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgwick, art by Thomas Taylor

Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgwick, art by Thomas Taylor

First Second, 2018

ISBN-13: 9781626720268

Available: Hardcover, paperback, Kindle edition

 

Scarlett Hart is the orphaned daughter of two legendary monster hunters, and is determined to carry on in her family business. However, two obstacles consistently get in her way. The Royal Academy for the Pursuit and Eradication of Zoological Eccentricities (T.R.A.P.E.Z.E. ) insists Scarlett is far too young to fight the creatures their organization faces. Then, she struggles with her parents’ archrival, Count Stankovic, who turns her over to T.R.A.P.E.Z.E. and takes her rewards for himself. In addition to these problems, more monsters are appearing and no one knows the cause. The only person brave enough to handle the problem is Scarlett: the adults in her midst just don’t know it yet. With her loyal butler, Napoleon, and her monster-hunting gadgets at her side, she’s ready to face anything.

It’s rare that I read middle-grade books, but after reading the description and knowing that it was a strong female lead, I knew I had to pick it up. I love this story. Scarlett doesn’t give up, no matter the circumstances. She’s also ready with pithy insults, which is fantastic.  Thomas Taylor illustrates this tale of the monster-smashing Scarlett. His name will be recognizable to Harry Potter fans, since he did the illustrations for the original edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. One common complaint I saw in other reviews was that it was too fast-paced, and I must respectfully disagree. We need to remember that her parents were considered legendary in the monster-hunting community. She has a reputation to grow into, and she’s clearly adept at carrying on the family name. Recommended,

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

Posted on May 2, 2018 by , Reply

Book Review: Skyjack by K.J. Howe

Skyjack by K.J. Howe
Quercus Books, 2017
ISBN-13: 978-1681443010
Available: Hardcover, paperback, Kindle edition, audiobook

K.J. Howe’s The Freedom Broker was last year’s surprise thriller hit,  the first in a series featuring Thea Paris, a character tough enough to stand toe to toe with Lee Child’s Jack Reacher and F. Paul Wilson’s Repairman Jack. With Skyjack, Howe reaches deep into the realms of darkness and emotion that drive suspense and horror, engulfing a story with characters who challenge the limits of genre.

Thea Paris is flying two brothers to a new home after saving them from Boko Haram, where they were forced to serve as child soldiers when the plane is hijacked by the pilot, who has been compromised by the leader of the Sicilian Mafia. A World War II era threat that can end a massive section of mankind rears up, controlled by a secret, generations-old group that mirrors terror groups in the world today. A teen torn by family ties has to fight the darkest parts of humanity.  Paris’ kidnap and rescue team delves into dark territories that combine the thriller aspects with character development rarely found in the genre. How these individuals intertwine, and work both with and against each other, drives this thriller, surpassing the adrenaline rush of the first book.

Highly recommended for fans of good storytelling, especially with high stakes plots and characters who face the abyss throughout, fighting to either hang on or dive within.

Reviewed by Dave Simms

Posted on May 1, 2018 by , Reply

Book Review: The Rogue Mountains by Joshua Tarquinio

The Rogue Mountains by Joshua Tarquinio

Joshua Tarquinio, 2017

ISBN-13: 978-0999240212

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition, audiobook

 

Brothers, Pennsylvania is a small town nestled in the shadow of three tree covered peaks known as The Rogue Mountains.  The main industries are farming and hunting.  Brothers is considered to be the edge of the East, at least since the Events of Pittsburgh, 23 years ago, when the monsters moved in.  Hideous creatures dedicated to tearing humans limb from limb, these beasts live for eating, sleeping and making little monsters.  They have taken over The Rogue Mountains and infested them.

Mt. Fayette is home to The Witch: no one has seen her for years, and no one wants to.  Mt. Liston is where the Cave Worm lives: nobody that wants to stay sane or alive goes there.  Ever.  Devil’s Mountain is where the hunters go to work. They come into town for a week or two to get their thrills and trophies. When they visit, the monster population is pruned back, and the town gets to survive a little longer.  Times are changing though–  humans are not the only hunters these days.

The Rogue Mountains was a pretty good read.  I expected lots of monsters, guns, and general mayhem, and it delivered.  The plot was consistent and the pace flowed along with the action well.  I did think that it was a little long and drawn out. It could have used a little less romantic sub-plot and more action.  The descriptions were well done, and kept me tuned into the environment.  There were a lot of characters, but the author did a good job of making most of them distinctive, with different personalities and goals.  There were occasional typos, but not enough to break the flow of the story.  I really liked the unique situation that was set up at the start, and the author did a good job delivering on the promise.  I have not read any of this author’s work previously. Recommended for adult readers.

Contains: Adult Language, Swearing, Adult Situations, Sex, Suicide.

 

Reviewed by Aaron Fletcher

Posted on April 27, 2018 by , Reply
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