Shon Review: The Babysitters Coven

The Babysitters Coven
Website | Instagram | Goodreads 
Publication Date: September 17th 2019
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 368
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Paranormal
Source: Own
Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Synopsis

Adventures in Babysitting meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this funny, action-packed novel about a coven of witchy babysitters who realize their calling to protect the innocent and save the world from an onslaught of evil.

Seventeen-year-old Esme Pearl has a babysitters club. She knows it's kinda lame, but what else is she supposed to do? Get a job? Gross. Besides, Esme likes babysitting, and she's good at it.

And lately Esme needs all the cash she can get, because it seems like destruction follows her wherever she goes. Let's just say she owes some people a new tree.

Enter Cassandra Heaven. She's Instagram-model hot, dresses like she found her clothes in a dumpster, and has a rebellious streak as gnarly as the cafeteria cooking. So why is Cassandra willing to do anything, even take on a potty-training two-year-old, to join Esme's babysitters club?

The answer lies in a mysterious note Cassandra's mother left her: "Find the babysitters. Love, Mom."

Turns out, Esme and Cassandra have more in common than they think, and they're about to discover what being a babysitter really means: a heroic lineage of superpowers, magic rituals, and saving the innocent from seriously terrifying evil. And all before the parents get home.

My Thoughts:

This was a very slow build up.  It took about 25% into the book for the story to begin.  I felt most of the back story could have been eliminated.

So about halfway into the book I had to stop and look at the reviews on Goodreads to see if I was the only one who was having problems with this book.  I was so happy to see that I was not alone.  

The author is not a bad writer, the story flow very well. It's to bad that the story is just so painful boring.  There where part of the story, where you felt the author building up to something then there was no payoff.

For example, let's take a look the 'villain' (for a lack of a better word), who shows up and drop this big bombshell and then literally vanish. I'm thinking to myself that the author is setting up the next book. Where are two protagonist will track him down in the next book. Spoiler warning! I was wrong.

I like how one the last pager said: THE BABYSITTERS ARE BACK FALL 2020. I'm like they might be back, but I will not.  I do not see myself continuing on in this series.

xoxo,
Shon

Series Review | The Rot & Ruin series by Jonathan Maberry

Have you heard of humane peaceful killing? What about respecting a life by making a kill that is noble so it will protect your heart and soul?

The Rot & Ruin series show a completely different take on zombies. The depth, the warmth, the humanizing of zoms, I've never read such a fresh perspective of seeing the zombies as loved ones instead of the living dead.  

The story is told through the eyes of a naïve sheltered teenage boy, born into a zombie infested world, and knows nothing of the world prior to First Night.

Benny, Nix, Chong, Morgie, Lilah, and Riot faces tough decisions during their growth and training. They quickly lose their innocence as their soul is chipped away little by little.

What a compelling journey. An epic story of growth, apprenticeship, human heart, and love. By far, my new favorite series of the year. If the world ever end up like the Rot & Ruin, I hope there will be people like these six who will defend it and breathe life to it. 

Warrior smart.

Monday Reviews: Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Highly anticipated January release from a popular YA fantasy author.
I have to say despite desperately wanting this book for its cover alone, the story is even better! It is unlike any plot I could ever imagine.
It is that good!

Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Published January 2nd 2018 by Little, Brown Books
Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Fairies, Romance, Paranormal, Young Adult
Page: 384 pages
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina



Synopsis

I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
 And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy the odds and work at being better than all the fey.

Review

To start off, I wasn't prepared for how quickly the story transitioned from childhood to young adult. All the events that played in Jude's young life unraveled beautifully.

Stolen out of the human world to be raised by a Fae general, Jude is forced to adapt and find her place in the Fae world. Humans are lowly mistreated creatures and Jude will never be one of them but she can always best them, be better than them.

One after another, Jude's dreams are crushed but she continues to hold her head high. Somehow she finds herself playing in a game of political war. From her daily battles with her school bullies to outwitting her foster father, Jude never has a moment of peace. She must prevail, she must outsmart all; she must grow up fast. 

Thoughts

The fae world is indeed a land of misleads and betrayals. Loved the masterful way of blossoming this story into a complicated world of intrigue and mistrusts; oh the scheming. The last page has me gasping for more. And I combed through Holly Black's pages searching for signs of the next book. Sigh, I need more... 

  

Monday Reviews: The Winter King by C.L. Wilson

The Winter King by C.L. Wilson
Published July 29th 2014 by Avon Genres: High Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Paranormal
Page: 595
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

After three long years of war, starkly handsome Wynter Atrialan will have his vengeance on Summerlea's king by taking one of the man's beautiful, beloved daughters, known as "Seasons" as his bride. But though peace is finally at hand, Wynter's battle with the Ice Heart, the dread power he embraced to avenge his brother's death, rages on.

Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, has spent her life exiled to the shadows of her father's palace. Reviled by her father, marriage to Wintercraig's icy king was supposed to be a terrible punishment, but instead offers Kham her first taste of freedom. But the power of the Ice Heart is growing, dangerous forces are gathering, and a devastating betrayal puts Khamsin and Wynter to the ultimate test.

Thoughts

Wow wow wow..this book is such a gem. I'm not sure what I was expecting when I picked it up. I was looking for an epic fantasy story with an epic romance. I wasn't prepared for how engrossing this little gem turned out to be.

Review

Neglected and unloved by her father, Khamsin grew up isolated and hidden from the world. Her father viewed her as an abomination. She is one of the most powerful Weathermage of her royal family line, the temperous Storm.

Fantastic world building. Contains elements of heroism and monstrous foes from frost giants to battling the Ice King. The action doesn't stop here. The girl then turns into the hero she grew up reading and fantasizing from her childhood.

This book completely took me by surprise. It was so enthralling and it exuded Tamora Pierce feel; whoa call me impressed.

Definite recommend.

Monday Reviews: Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen

Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen Published April 1st 2014 by Strange Chemistry
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Paranormal
Page: 469
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the mountain. When Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she realises that the trolls are relying on her to break the curse.
Cécile has only one thing on her mind: escape. But the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time…
But the more time she spends with the trolls, the more she understands their plight. There is a rebellion brewing. And she just might be the one the trolls were looking for...
But the more time she spends with the trolls, the more she understands their plight. There is a rebellion brewing. And she just might be the one the trolls were looking for...

Thoughts

This book came highly recommended by many YA book bloggers and I wasn't sure about a story on "trolls" and to my amazement, this is a delightfully fun read! There wasn't a scene when my heart didn't race in excitement.
 

What I Liked

What I enjoyed most from this book are the characters. They are relatable, warm, and well developed. They make you care about their problems and you ache to help them. My second favorite is the captivating story telling. The writing is action packed and full of drama and intrigue. The plans were well thought out and you just want to root for the prince; you want him to get the girl, see him defeat his father, wish for him to see his plans come to fruition.

What I Did Not Like

I cringed a little at the ending. It felt rushed and lacked creativity. If it could stretch a few more pages... if the plans for the second book is hinted a little more in the last few pages...

Overall

This book made me very happy. Truly elated. This is how a true fantasy should be. It is exciting. Refreshing. Full of possibilities. I'm looking forward to more works from Danielle L. Jensen. Astounding story writer!

Friday 56! August 4, 2017

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. Post it.

" The day's heat had left the black, shingled roof sticky and hot. But the night was a cool one-desert nights always were, the temperature dropping like a rock as soon as the sun set-and the breeze off the ocean ruffled Emma's damp hair."

From: Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2)

by Cassandra Clare

Happy Reading

Xo,

Wendy

Friday 56! July 20, 2017

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. Post it.

"With his finger he began to trace the words against her skin- it was something they had been doing there whole lives, ever since they realized they needed a way to silently communicate during boring study sessions or time with adults. A-R-E-Y-O-U-A-L-L-R-I-G-H-T?"

From: Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) 

by Cassandra Clare

Happy Reading

Xo,

Wendy

Friday 56! June 23, 2017

Happy Friday Everyone! I'm so happy it's the weekend, it means I get to read more! :) Hope you enjoy this Friday 56!

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. Post it.

"Monty had been tracing my grandmother's path for so long, he was Walking between worlds at random, searching for a hint of the frequency that meant she'd been there. He'd never found one."

From: Dissonance by Erica O'Rourke

Have a safe and fun weekend
Happy Reading

Xo,
Wendy

Monday Reviews: Our Dark Duet

Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity #2)
Written by Victoria Schwab
Published June 13th 2017 by Greenwillow Books
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
Page: 510
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina
 
Click here to see the review on
This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity #1)


Synopsis

There were two kinds of monsters, the kind that hunted the streets and the kind that lived in your head. She could fight the first, but the second was more dangerous. It was always, always, always a step ahead.


Review

I die.

The week leading up to the release I've seen twitter messages to VE congratulating and fangirling Our Dark Duet. Let me tell you, this is everything I heard it'd be and more. This is my absolute favorite series from Victoria Schwab. I cannot gush enough.

The story begins six months from the time Kate or August separates. Kate is now a kick ass monster hunter (like Buffy) and August rises to become a leader, taking over Leo's role as captain of FTF (like a war hero).

The story is action packed and chock full of emotions and heart. I just want to sob after the last page - all the trials that led up to that final moment, my heart broke. August, who has been struggling with his humanity, finds it in Kate and Kate was unyielding in her purpose and strength. I love both characters so much!

Friday 56! April 7, 2017

The Friday 56 is a weekly blog meme hosted by Freda’s Voice. 

1. Grab a book, any book.

2. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.

3. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it.

4. Post it.

" I don't think I realized how true that bullet was until I fired it at my mom. Saying it. I do feel relief. I'm not dying. I'm not dying."

Goodreads: Behold the Bones

Have a great weekend!

Xo,

Wendy

Tina's March Wrap Up

March Wrap Up

This March, I began a fresh series called the Novel of The Others by Anne Bishop. It's a supernatural story that consists of blood prophets, shapeshifters, wolves, vampires, and other wild animals.

Predators among predators. The Earth natives (terra indigene, the Others) were created and lived on Earth long before the humans (monkeys) were created and settled on the same planet. In order to live peacefully, the Earth natives stretched out on the entire planet, act as land owners, gave humans a small portion of land to dwell as renters. 

Now the humans rise to fight against these horrid beings, not remembering, that the creatures who are their neighbors, their land owners, are buffers against the most powerful creatures ever created, Namid's teeth and claws.

Before the political struggle between terra indigene and humans, there exist a small Courtyard in Lakeside, who opened some of its stores to the humans, in order to learn about them, and be a bridge between species. 



Review

Multi-species living together for the first time in a Courtyard, as friends, using their skills to benefit their community (pack). Never before have the Others seen a pack learning to work together and be in harmony. Other Courtyard packs co-exist with one another but do not trust one another. The Others watch this Courtyard succeed and use them as an example on working with each other and dealing with humans.

Meg falls into the Lakeside Courtyard, seeking protection, and immediately, the terra indigene knew she's not just a simple human. They discover a human species so unlike any they've known. It is Namid's most wondrous and terrible creation, cassandra sangue.

What a fantastic read. Anne Bishop knows how to create a multi-layer world and connect them all so intricately to one being that hold the species together, a childlike sweet innocent known as cassandra sangue, the blood prophet. The scenes are action packed and full of intensity. The story flows in a way that each book has a struggle but there is a bigger movement behind it all. 

I love her focus and dedication to making each of her characters fascinating and impressive. Her childlike main character is sweet and kind. Her villain is the most despicable character ever written. She cleverly brings out both the innocence and violence of world.

Friday 56! March 10, 2017

The Friday 56 is a weekly blog meme hosted by Freda’s Voice. 

1. Grab a book, any book.

2. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.

3. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it.

4. Post it.

"Do you know how much Gansey senior is worth? I wonder if he knows what his kid spends all his time on. Man sometimes these entitled little bastards make me want to slit my wrists."

From:The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvaterc

Have a great weekend :)

Xo

Wendy

Friday 56! February 23, 2017

The Friday 56 is a weekly blog meme hosted by Freda’s Voice. 

1. Grab a book, any book.

2. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.

3. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it.

4. Post it.

"the ninjas who had advanced from the tress stared at the floating sword, and Taro heard them murmuring, nervous. Then the sword fell to the ground and lay still. There was a commotion among the attacking ninjas. One of them pointed at the sword, and another shouted something. Taro thought he heard the word akuryou, "evil spirit."

From the book:

Blood Ninja by Nick Lake  

Have a great weekend :)

Xo

Wendy

Friday 56! February 17, 2017

The Friday 56 is a weekly blog meme hosted by Freda’s Voice. 

1. Grab a book, any book.

2. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.

3. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it.

4. Post it.

"Reluctantly, I take a step forward, back into the press box. I wish I had waited to take the pill. I have maybe ten minutes before I start feeling its effects and I don't want to be around Jonathan when that happens."Well?" I prompt him now. His gaze meets mine for a second before quickly sliding away again. "I know you do some work for Elton, but do you, like, really work for Elton?"

From the book:

Don't You Forget About Me by Kate Karyus Quinn 

Have a great weekend :)

Xo

Wendy

Friday 56! January 27, 2017

The Friday 56 is a weekly blog meme hosted by Freda’s Voice.


1] Grab a book, any book.
2] Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
3] Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it.
4] Post it.

"Where in the beginning their skin had been ugly shades of brown and pink splotched with swaths of purple where the blood had initially settled, now their bodies swelled and stretched. There was no give in the fishing line wrapped around their wrists and the skin split beneath it. A glistening liquid oozed out, smearing on the table and dripping into their tea."

From the book:

Slasher Girls & Monster Boys by April Genevieve Tucholke, Stefan Bachmann, Kendare Blake, Jay Kristoff, Jonathan Maberry, Carrie Ryan, Nova Ren Suma, Leigh Bardugo, A.G. Howard, Marie Lu, Danielle Paige, Megan Shepherd, McCormick Templeman, Cat Winters

& with that being said ...

Happy Friday!

Have a safe weekend!

Xo,

Wendy