REVIEW: "Exquisite Corpse" by Pénélope Bagieu

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-galley of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Release Date: May 5, 2015 (originally released in French, April 2010)

Type: First Second Books, Graphic Novel, Contemporary, Stand Alone, Comic Book, Re-release (sorta), France, Sordid Lives (of Writers), Age 22 is Not What You Expected

About the Book: Zoe isn't exactly the intellectual type, which is why she doesn't recognize world-famous author Thomas Rocher when she stumbles into his apartment...and into his life. It's also why she doesn't know that Rocher is supposed to be dead. Turns out, Rocher faked his death years ago to escape his critics, and has been making a killing releasing his new work as "lost manuscripts," in cahoots with his editor/ex-wife Agathe. Neither of them would have invited a crass party girl like Zoe into their literary conspiracy of two, but now that she's there anyway. . . . Zoe doesn't know Balzac from Batman, but she's going to have to wise up fast... because she's sitting on the literary scandal of the century! [Synopsis provided by First Second Books on Netgalley.com]

My Review: I can say for sure that I never expected this ending. And I think that was probably my favorite part about the book. I didn't necessarily like Zoe, though I could relate to her in some respects - no one ever plans to be working a dead-end job, but it happens. So you just deal with it while you can and keep looking to the future. The thing is, Zoe wasn't really looking to change all the things she hated about her life. She just wanted to complain. Complaining is great, but it's not going to get stuff done. Even in the end, I'd say she took the easy way out, and didn't really accomplish anything for herself.

I liked this about as much as I would expect to - the synopsis is pretty accurate, so you have a good idea what is going on when you start. The publisher, First Second Books, is one I know puts out some quality work, so I knew I would enjoy reading it. And I did, I just didn't love it. There were parts I liked (the surprise ending was my favorite, as I said), and there were parts I didn't (Zoe, mostly). But ultimately, this book is a read it and move on, never looking back - kind of book. At least for me.

Cover Lovin': This cover is simple, and doesn't really give readers an idea of the plot - but the blue, white, and red contrasts would capture a browser's attention.

Recommendation: Not for your run of the mill graphic novel fan. I can see this book going over better with women in their 20s. This comic book is not suitable for younger readers. There are some sexy times in the book, so please be away of the reader's maturity level before giving this as a gift.

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5). Not bad by any means, but it's not something that will really stick with me for years.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "The Job" by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-galley of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Type: Series, Mystery, Contemporary, Fiction, FBI, Con man, Thief, Book Three, Funny with a chance of Romance?

About the Book: Charming con man Nicolas Fox and dedicated FBI agent Kate O'Hare secretly take down world’s most-wanted and untouchable felons, next job Violante, the brutal leader of a global drug-smuggling empire. The FBI doesn’t know what he looks like, where he is, or how to find him, but Nick knows his tastes in gourmet chocolate. 

From Nashville to Lisbon back alleys, from Istanbul rooftops to Thames, they chase clues to lookalike thefts. Pitted against a psychopathic bodyguard Reyna holding Kate hostage and a Portuguese enforcer getting advice from an ancestor's pickled head, they again call driver Willie for ship, actor Boyd for one-eyed Captain Bridger, special effects carpenter Tom, her father Jake - retired Special Forces, and his talent - machete-wielding Somali pirate Billy Dee. This could be their biggest job - if they survive. [Synopsis from Goodreads.com]

My Review: I gave up on Janet Evanovich's popular Stephanie Plum series because of how same old same old it got. I was hesitant to pick up this new series, worried it would be Plum all over again - but I was pleasantly surprised. I can see Lee Goldberg's hand in each book, and he knows what he's doing. And I love that the focus is on the story, not the love story (which is amusing, but not all partners simply must get together).


Kate is one of my biggest problems with the series. She can be incredibly annoying. And I'm sorry, but you can't eat as horribly as she does and retain her supposed perfect figure. I'm not saying the rest of the characters don't have their flaws.. but Kate is my least favorite by far. But over all, I really enjoy this series. It's fun, the con job is clever, and I'm a sucker for a charming thief.

Cover Lovin': This cover fits in perfectly with the rest of the series. And it's hard to see in a picture - but the cover is a puzzle (you can just barely see the outlines of the puzzle pieces) - which works great with the whole con job theme.

Recommendation: For fans of Janet Evanovich, of course. Or fans of con jobs and thieves (of which I am).

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (3.5/5). Very fun, but definitely had some formulaic moments.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Krampus!" by Brian Jones, Dean Kotz

Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Books, Holiday, humor, Friendly Neighborhood Krampus!

About the Book: Meet the Krampus, yuletide terror and punisher of wicked children. Long imprisoned for his outdated methods, the holiday horror suddenly finds himself freed and tasked with a mission: recover the stolen power of the Secret Society of Santa Clauses! With his flying wolf Stutgaard, the Krampus crosses the globe, encountering various figures of winter lore and uncovering a sinister scheme to topple the Santas and change Christmas as we know it forever! Collects Krampus! #1-5 and extras, including all-new material. [Summary provided by Goodreads.com]

My Review: I saw this on Netgalley and couldn't pass up the chance to read it. I was looking for something to get me in the Christmas spirit - and what better than Krampus! For those unfamiliar with the story of Krampus, check out the Wikipedia page, it's worth a read. I'm not sure how close this version of Krampus is to the original, but I can say it was a fun, holiday-themed read!

I chuckled quite a few times while reading this graphic novel, and I couldn't wait to see what Winter or Christmas themed object or character they would throw in next. If you're looking for something wow worthy, this will probably let you down (hence why it isn't a full five star rating), but if you want a fun read while curled up under the blankets with a mug of hot cocoa? This is the perfect book for you.

Cover Lovin': How could you turn down a cover like that? Definitely eye-catching. Totally gets you in the holiday spirit!

Recommendation: For fans of humorous graphic novels. Or maybe for people that just love reading anything Christmas-y around the holiday.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Hilarious! Great fun. Definitely worth a read.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Luminae" by Bengal

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this graphic novel in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Book, Series, Book One, Magic, Demons, Dragons, Light vs. Dark, Fantasy, Thong Armor is Totally Impractical

About the Book: Six young warriors are tasked with protecting the mysterious Luminae, a holy creature of Light in exile from those forces of Darkness that would decimate humanity. When one of the warriors disappears, the others know it is the sign of a superior evil soon to arrive. A stylish dark fantasy by the celebrated artist of Naja and Meka. [Summary from Goodreads.com]

My Review: Nope. Just nope. I wish I could saw I enjoyed this, because it sounded really cool. But readers are thrown right into the middle of a story, with no explanation as to what is going on or why some of these people are important. While the several small story-lines are clearly all part of some over arching dangerous plot, there is no transition from one story-line to the next. So you go from girls searching for their sister to a king talking to his adviser, then suddenly to a kid in a village, with no apparent rhyme or reason.

This had a lot of potential, really. I think the story itself could have used more editing, especially when it came to transitions. Also, I was not a fan of the art. I liked the colors, though several of the characters ended up looking very similar due to their coloring. But what really made me roll my eyes, groan, and grumble were the outfits. Seriously? Why would this warrior girls be wearing thongs and a shirt? Not logical, in the slightest. And even when one character activated her special power, which created some seriously awesome looking armor - her thong was still clearly visible, which means her hips and thighs were very vulnerable. To the writer and artist - trust me, you can make women look sexy in armor without skimpy underwear.

Cover Lovin': This is a very eye catching cover. The art and color lines were what originally attracted me to this graphic novel.

Recommendation: For readers of graphic novels, and people who enjoy weird things with little explanation? In general: Not really recommended.

Final Rating: TWO out of FIVE stars. I saw some potential there, but this fell so flat. You can't have a huge fantasy world like this and then give it so little description, build up, or.. I don't know, explanation. 

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

Check out author Pepper O'Neal at Black Opal Books!

Author Pepper O'Neal (previously featured at Novel Addiction!) had a book released earlier this year, and I think it deserves a little more promotion.

Blurb for "Dead Men Don't" by Pepper O'Neal

A strange man has come to save her...but is he friend or foe?

       Anderson Merritt’s been kidnapped, but when a stranger comes to rescue her, she isn’t sure he 

is who he says he is. He claims to work her father’s boss. But someone close to Andi set her up, 

and now she doesn’t know who to trust. Every man she’s ever known has seen her only as a tool 

to get to her father or his money, so why should this one be any different? As the sparks between 

them ignite, and the danger escalates, Andi has to choose—go off on her own, or trust that some 

men really are what they seem.

He doesn’t want to hurt her...but he may have to if she doesn’t come willingly.

      Ex-CIA black ops specialist Levi Komakov doesn’t believe in hurting women, but when the 

place is set to blow and Andi won’t cooperate, he has no choice to but toss her over his shoulder 

and carry her out of danger, determined to keep her safe in spite of herself. But the beautiful 

little spitfire doesn’t make it easy for him. With her abductors seemingly always one step ahead 

of him, Levi suspects there’s a rat in the woodpile, but who? Could it be someone close to 

Andi’s father, someone in the FBI, or someone in the family Levi works for? When a new threat 

appears, and even the CIA can’t help him keep Andi safe, Levi puts everything on the line—but 

will it be enough?

A bit about Pepper O'Neal:

Award-winning author, Pepper O’Neal is a researcher, a writer, and an adrenalin junkie.

She has a doctorate in education and spent several years in Mexico and the Caribbean

working as researcher for an educational resource firm based out of Mexico City. During

that time, she met and befriended many adventurers like herself, including former CIA

officers and members of organized crime. Her fiction is heavily influenced by the stories

they shared with her, as well her own experiences abroad.


O’Neal attributes both her love of adventure and her compulsion to write fiction to her

Irish and Cherokee ancestors. When she’s not at her computer, O’Neal spends her time

taking long walks in the forests near her home or playing with her three cats. And of


course, planning the next adventure.

BUY LINKS:
Check out Pepper O'Neal's books on Black Opal Books!
Find Pepper O'Neal on Amazon!
Find Pepper's books on Barnes and Noble!
And finally, make sure to check out Pepper on Goodreads for even more book information!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: Frankenstein: Dover Graphic Novel Classics by Mary Shelley

Disclaimer: I received a free, e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Book, Classics, Dover Graphic Novel Classics, Teen, Young Adult, Who is really the monster here?

About the Book: Generations of readers have thrilled to the story of a young doctor who dared to play God and the horrible consequences of his experiment. This graphic novel offers an easy-to-read version of Mary Shelley's classic of Gothic horror. Original illustrations, accompanied by condensed narrative and dialogue, bring new life to an enduring tale. This Dover Graphic Novel Classic offers readers ages 8 and up an exciting introduction to a time-honored tale. Expertly abridged and packed with dramatic illustrations, this version offers a streamlined narrative that retains all of the storytelling essentials. [Synopsis from the publisher.]

My Review: This graphic novel version of Mary Shelley's classic novel "Frankenstein" is on par with the rest of the series. These short, easy to read graphic novels are a great way to revisit classic literature without taking up a huge chunk of your day. But the key word is short. At just under 40 pages, this is not enough to give you the full gist of the novel.

Like the other Dover Graphic Novel Classics reviewed on Novel Addiction (See Dracula and Sherlock Holmes), these would be best used as a read-along, or a revisit of an old favorite. For example, I would eagerly hand this out to a student struggling with the imagery and language of Frankenstein.

But what this graphic novel does well is convey the story and emotion of the original novel. Of all the Dover Graphic Novel Classics I have read thus far, this one would probably be the worst. Still a solid three stars, but it needed to be longer.

Cover Lovin': This fits in perfectly with the rest of the Dover Graphic Novel Classics line. Black and white with just an eye-catching splash of red.

Recommendation: For readers that want a quick refresh of the original novel. Not recommended as a solo read - it doesn't even come close to capturing the whole novel.

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5).

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

CORA CARMACK'S "INSPIRE" releases TODAY!!

***SPECIAL NOTE!***

 From now until December 20th, INSPIRE will be just $2.99!!

 

We are so incredibly excited to be able to bring you the Release Day Launch for Cora Carmack's INSPIRE! INSPIRE is a New Adult Paranormal Romance novel and the first book in her new Muse Series!! Holy canoli, y'all. Go out and get this today!

 Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes |

Kobo About INSPIRE: Kalliope lives with one purpose. To inspire. As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real. Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal. Her presence may inspire genius. But it breeds madness, too.

  Excerpt: I can feel Wilder’s breath against my lips. More than that, I can see it. The sun has set and the temperature has dropped, and air fogs between us. There’s something about actually seeing it, like our lips are touching, we are touching, despite the distance between. And as we sway from side to side, my heart gradually begins to pick up speed. The strains of guitar music flowing out from the restaurant are nearly indecipherable over the heavy heartbeat in my ears. But Wilder must hear it. His hands are strong on my body, guiding my movements, and I’m practically clay in his palms. We dance, eyes on eyes, lips nearly on lips, and there is lightning beneath my skin each time his body brushes against mine in a new way. His touch is firm, but gentle, never pushing or pressuring, though I can tell from the dark look in his eyes that he’s just as affected as I am. The music shifts, building to a crescendo, and he spins us. My chest pushes tight against his, and I bite back a gasp. I don’t know if it’s the cold or him or some combination of both, but the tips of my breasts are painfully tight. Just the pressure of my bra is enough to rub them raw. I remember the night at his apartment, the way he’d taken his time learning my body. I think of the heat of his mouth on my skin, and the memory alone is enough to make me shiver and clench. He’s back to being business, grown-up Wilder tonight in his button down and glasses. Only now that I know him, it doesn’t seem like such a stark difference. He is neither the straight-laced man nor the tattooed bad boy. Or perhaps he’s both. Regardless of what he’s wearing, Wilder is caring and loyal and strong and so sexy that I’m having trouble remembering why I shouldn’t push him into the backseat of his SUV and crawl on top of him.

About Cora Carmack: Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.        
 

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Author Goodreads ** INSPIRE Goodreads

 

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