Until You're Mine, by Samantha Hayes

In this psychological thriller, someone is killing pregnant women, cutting the fetuses out of them and leaving them to bleed to death. The reader hears from three point-of-views. Claudia Morgan-Brown is the step-mother of two twin boys, soon-to-be mother of a baby girl, and working as a social-worker until the last possible moment. Her husband, James, is in the military and is about to be deployed. To help her with caring for the children and the house, the two have hired a nanny, Zoe. However, something about Zoe seems off to Claudia and, given that Claudia's husband's away and she has no adult but Zoe in the house, Claudia is beginning to worry about whether or not the new nanny can be trusted.. The more we hear from Zoe, the more it seems that Claudia might be right to worry. It becomes clear to the reader that her name is not Zoe and that her purposes for taking the job as a nanny are neither monetary or altruistic. The third point-of-view is that of the police officer in charge of the case, Lorraine. Her husband and her are going through a rough patch (brought on by his infidelity) and trying to hide it from their daughters. On top of that, she needs to hunt down the person who is slaughtering  pregnant women before that person kills again.
<P>The book is well-written. The author and editor have good spelling and grammar skills and there aren't any sentences that are phrased awkwardly. The book is suspenseful and it would take a genius to guess how things turn out. Although there are subtle clues to the killer's identity and why certain characters do what they do, they are very subtle and the reader is genuinely surprised by the way things unfold. The only thing I'd say could be improved is the connections between the different characters. It seems as if every single main character is connected in some way. While, for a story to work, there needs to be some connections, I feel that there are some ones that are needless in the case of this book. For instance, Lorraine's husband's one-night stand just happens to be with one of the view-point characters, whose sister just happens to have had an affair with the father of one of the murdered pregnant woman's child. I can see including maybe one of these connections, but both seem a bit extreme. Although both do contribute to why certain things unfold the way they do, there could have been alternative explanations that didn't involve as many coincidences. Other than that, though, it was a great book and I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

<P>: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review.

The Room, by Jonas Karlsson

In this (kind of bizarre) novel, the main character, Bjorn, moves to a new company. It immediately becomes clear that there is something odd about this man. He looks down on his coworkers and presumes to give them orders. He even thinks about ordering his boss around and these thoughts seem to come naturally to him. Bjorn doesn't seem to think that there's anything odd about this. After all, to his mind, he's far superior to everyone else in terms of talent and creativity and it's so obvious that even they must see it. Soon, Bjorn comes upon a room at the Authority (his company). It seems like a typical room in an office. Except it contains a mirror. While in the room, Bjorn begins to feel even more confident of himself and seems to work even better. However, it soon becomes apparent that the room only exists inside Bjorn's mind and that, when he thinks he's inside, he's really standing still and staring at the wall. This disturbs his coworkers to the point where they begin to demand he's fired. Bjorn believes that they are all lying and trying to drive him insane. He plans to get revenge by conducting such exquisite work that the head of the company has no choice but to cater to Bjorn's demands (which are to fire all those who have offended Bjorn).

<P>This book is quite thought provoking. While I suppose one has to entertain the thought that Bjorn might be correct and everyone else is lying about the room, given his personality, thought pattern, and the fact that, even according to Bjorn's own calculations, there is no space for the room to exist, the reader is certainly more inclined to take the view that Bjorn is mentally ill. He comes across as a cross between Dwight and Creed (for Office fans).  However, even after the reader reaches this conclusion, the book still makes one ponder about the definition of existence, mental illness, and society's treatment of the mentally ill. After all, Bjorn firmly believes in the room's existence and nothing seems able of piercing this delusion. Clearly it exists for him. Furthermore, even though he's most likely hallucinating and delusional, Bjorn seems able to go through his day to day life and his hallucination seems to even aid him in his work. However, his coworkers seem unable to accept him because of his mental illness. To be fair, I'd probably be creeped out by someone staring at a wall for long periods of time. At some points he even takes people into the room, which to them just involves them staring at the wall together. That would be unnerving for most people. Furthermore, his perception of his own superiority makes it difficult to like him. However, Bjorn doesn't hurt anyone, keeps to himself, and completes all his work (and sometimes other people's work). One has to wonder, given these circumstances, shouldn't his eccentricities be ignored? After all, he's fulfilling his contract and the side-effect of his mental illness doesn't seem to get in the way of anyone's well-being. In fact, the room seems to allow him to excel at work, benefiting the Authority. Why is it so hard to just ignore his mental illness? This book forces one to ponder these questions and offers no definitive answer. However, the lack of answers isn't as unsatisfying as one might imagine. In fact, I think the book wouldn't be as interesting if there was an ending that was wrapped up in a bow.

<P>Overall, I'd give this book a 5 out of 5.

<P>Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review.

The Land that Time Forgot, by Edgar Rice Burroughs

An old 'classic', this tale of a lost world has often been forgotten by contemporary readers in favor of more prominent books such as, Jurassic Park, the Lost World (both Crichton's and Doyle's), and, Journey to the Center of the Earth. While those books are certainly worthy of the attention, I have to say that Burroughs' take on a hidden world is just as entertaining. The book begins during WWI with a man finding a message in a bottle washed up on a beach. The message tells the story of Bowen J. Tyler, an American passenger on a boat. The boat is attacked by a German U-boat, but Tyler, his dog, Nob, and a female passenger, Lys La Rue, manage to escape in a lifeboat. They are picked up by a tugboat, which is also sunk by the U-boat but, with the help of the tugboat's crew, they manage to capture the U-boat. Unable to convince any allied nation that they are not German, they wander through the sea and, at last, set upon a strange island. This island, Corona (aka Caspka), is inhabited by creatures thought to be extinct. In addition, there are multiple tribes of cavemen (literally. They live in caves), each at a different stage of civilization. The group discovers oil on the island and things look like they're going to be alright, when the Germans take off without the other passengers and the allies are left alone on this dangerous island.

This book is delightful and filled with adventures. It's well-written, the characters are believable, and each event leaves the reader wanting more. It leaves off on a cliff-hanger which, seeing as there're two sequels, is always good. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.

There are, however, some instances of racism. It's not done to the point where it's occurring every few pages, but it's still noticeable. For instance, at one point, the narrator states of himself, "I could have gone on my knees to her and begged her forgivness- or at least I could have, had I not been Anglo-Saxon". Another time he says of the German captain "He, being a Prussian and a gentleman, couldn't stoop to such menial labor in the presence of his men". Now, it's difficult to know how to take these instances. On one hand, the book was written in 1918, when racism still ran rampant in the United States of America. It would be odd to not find some hint of racism in it. To some degree, one might be tempted to excuse the racism by saying that the narrator would have been a product of his time and upbringing. However, everyone's a product of one's time and upbringing. No one is raised in a perfect world where their role models are completely righteous and one never has to struggle with moral quandaries. Despite this, people do have the ability to look at the world around them, talk to different people, see how different beliefs measure up to realities and, in the end, judge for themselves what's right and wrong. Racism in a particular time period may be common but, in every society, there have been people who have worked to overcome it in themselves and others. Because of this, even if it's understandable for a person to be racist, I can't in good faith say it's ever right and, as a result, this characteristic of the narrator detracted from the book. Overall rating, 4 out of 5.

To You, Love God, by Will Bowen

This book is exactly what it sounds like. It's a collection of letters that are written from the point of view of God, to you. Of course they are actually written by a man. Will Bowen, a minister and evangelist, to be specific. However, he states how, ministering to his congregation has led him to believe that what many people need to get through the week is a "spiritual infusion" and that he found writing these to his congregation in the form of letters to people from God, gave many people just this.
This book contains many beautiful letters. While I knew that God didn't write these with His own hand, I could imagine Him saying them. It offers some very simple truths, such as how much God loves us and how love can solve most of the worlds problems (if only enough people did love others). How we need to go through life with our eyes open, paying attention to our lives and those of others. How, sometimes, we need to let go of things of the past to move forward. While reading the Bible is great, sometimes the message gets lost in archaic wording or style of writing. When this happens, it can be frustrating and one often finds it difficult to know what God is trying to tell one. This book puts some of God's most important messages into words and a form that is easy for people of the modern world to understand.
However, there are also many things that I disagree with and that clearly go against what the Bible teaches. One letter says that we are perfect. Some others give the impression that any road we go down is just and that God will answer our prayers for whatever we want to do with our lives. However, the Bible demonstrates time and again that humans are not perfect and that, sometimes, our desires are not what God has planned for us. God won't answer prayers that aren't according to His will. Another letter claims that it is impossible for us to do what we know is wrong. While it is true that sometimes it is hard to determine right from wrong and sometimes we believe one thing is right when it is actually wrong, there are people who know right from wrong and constantly do wrong anyway. Sometimes people just do this once in a while. However, it is very possible and the idea that it is impossible is nowhere in the Bible. At one point, the book says that there we know that there is no such thing as right or wrong and that there are only different ways of looking at things. I can understand how some things might not be wrong depending on cultural beliefs or situations. However, I do believe that some things, such as murder, rape, child abuse, etc., are always wrong. Furthermore, the Bible clearly states that wrong does exist.
Given that this book is written from God's point of view, I think that there should have been more cross-checking with God's word. After all, if this book were really inspired by God, it wouldn't contradict God's other book. I feel like most of the letters were written in a way that would not hurt anyone's feelings and would make everyone feel good about themselves. There's nothing wrong with a boost in self-esteem, as long as it's warranted. The idea that we are perfect, divine, and all-powerful frequently comes up. Well, no one is perfect. We all have things we can work on. No human being is divine and humans have their limits. That's not to say we should feel horrible and powerless, but neither should we pretend we are the above things. The Bible clearly states that we can do great things with God's help, that God loves us despite our faults, and that everyone can improve and have different gifts. A simple message of, "If you messed up, try again. Eventually, you will succeed." or, "If you've done wrong, apologize and strive to do better. It's not the end of the world." would be more realistic and Biblically correct, while still encouraging people. I feel this book was written with good intentions and that those intentions shine through in the letters mentioned earlier, but it has a lot of faults. Overall rating, 2.5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review.

Mary Poppins, By P.L. Travers

Those familiar with only the movie will be surprised at some things they find in the book, Mary Poppins. The Banks Family of 17 Cherry Tree Lane are in a bit of bind. Their nanny, Katie Nanna, has quit without warning, leaving the four (not two) Banks children, Jane, Michael, John, and Barbara, without a...well, nanny! However, an east wind is blowing and, before Mrs. Banks can even put out an advertisement, it brings a new nanny. Mary Poppins is like no one the Banks family has ever met before. She seems to be able to do anything she wants, no matter what. Magic seems to follow wherever she goes and, despite her stern demeanor, the children find that they can not imagine life without their new nanny. The elder two children, Jane and Michael, have quite a few adventures. She takes them to see her Uncle Albert, who floats whenever he's cheery and his birthday falls on a Friday. Mary Poppins uses a magic compass to take the children around the world to meet different animals. The children meet Mrs. Corry and her two daughters, Fannie and Annie. The old woman is old enough to remember William the Conqueror, has edible fingers, and hangs gingerbread stars in the sky. Jane and Michael go to a birthday party at the zoo, where animals can talk and humans are locked in cages for the night. The two babies, John and Barbara, are often just brought along for the ride, and don't have too many adventures themselves. However, one must not imagine their lives are boring. Being babies, they speak the language of birds, which, among humans, only babies and Mary Poppins can understand. Eventually, though, the wind changes, and Mary Poppins leaves the Banks household. However, she does so with a promise to return.
This book is...different. There isn't exactly a plot to the book. Rather, it's a series of adventures that Mary Poppins and the children have. It can be a bit disconcerting but, after a bit, one gets used to it and I rather like it.
Mary Poppins is a fascinating character. She seems to know people (and creatures) from all eras and all worlds. She seems immortal and, yet, there is reference to her birth. The reader never quite finds out who (or what) Mary Poppins is. In addition, there is something a bit sinister about her. There seems to be no limit to her powers and one can imagine that she could seriously hurt someone, if she wanted to. Animals and humans alike seem to honor and be awed by her. Mary Poppins intimidates people and is extremely vain. She's very strict and, while one might suppose she has a softer side, she very seldom shows it. However, I don't see why the children like her. I can understand that they like the fun she brings, but they seem genuinely fond of her and there aren't many instances where she shows her fondness of them. Children tend not to love people who never or almost never show them love, so I don't feel it's plausible for the children to be so completely devoted to Mary Poppins. Perhaps if there had been one or two instances where Mary Poppins had hugged them, told them she cared for them, etc., that aspect would have been more believable. Overall, I'd have to give the book a four out of five.

Young Hercules: The Ares Alliance, by Keith R.A. DeCandido

This book is a good read for any fan of the tv series, Hercules the Legendary Journeys, and/or, Young Hercules. The book takes place during, Young Hercules, and features many of fans' favorite characters. The warriors of Cheiron's Academy are on spring break and Hercules, Iolaus, and Lilith decide to visit Cyane and her tribe (sadly, Jason has important royal duties to attend to). However, upon reaching the Amazon camp, the trio finds that all but one of Amazons have gone missing.
Meanwhile, Ares has already noticed the Amazon's disappearance and pinpointed the cause to the interference of the Yoruban god of war, Ogun, who has taken the Amazons to provoke the Yoruban people into starting a war. However, Zeus has forbidden any Greek god from interfering with foreign gods. Finding a loophole, Ares sends Hercules and his friends overseas to rescue the Amazons.
The book is good. The book has no spelling or grammar mistakes and the characters are in-character. There are some anachronisms that will back one cringe, but those are typical of the tv series. The plot is believable and unfolds like an episode of, Young Hercules, would. It also includes aspects of Greek/Roman mythology that aren't delved into that much in the tv series (such as the Amazons being Ares' responsibility) I would give this book a five out of five.
I do feel bound to add that, while I was lucky and found this book for $1.99, most copies I saw were being sold for anywhere from $25-$130 dollars. I believe it's out-of-print because, while there are new books being sold, they're from third-party sellers (on the sites I go on (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Abe Books, ebay, etc.) However, I do not feel that it is worth this much money. No offense to Mr. DeCandido. I have nothing against his writing or the book itself. However, it is only 128 pages and the price on the back of the book is $3.99, meaning one would be paying a little over six times the amount it was while in-print. If you want to read this, I recommend finding it in a library, keeping an eye on used book stores, or just keeping an eye on online sellers until one lowers the price.

Magnetic:Becoming the Girl He Wants, by Lynn Cowell

In this book, Lynn Cowell tells women how they can become the type of person that attracts friends and boyfriends by living the way that God wants them to live. According to, Magnetic, one can do so by loving others the way that God loves us, unconditionally. Instead of concentrating on material goods and men, one should first concentrate on getting to know Jesus. In one's dealings with others, one should give up hating, envying, and being rude to others. One should not be selfish, should not keep score of past wrongs, and not take joy in the sorrow of others. One should be joyful, choosing to focus on the good in one's life, instead of focusing on one's sorrows. One should practice patience and not seek out conflicts. One should not worry or manipulate things (rather they should trust God). One should be gentle and kind. By obeying God's will, one will become a "magnetic" girl, who attracts those who are also dedicated to God.
Overall, the book is good. It's well written and easy to understand. The advice is rational and the book gives good advice on how to live a life that pleases God and shows others that one cares for God. There are quizzes and a group study guide that accompany the book, as well as spaces to record notes. My only complaint is that not all of the things are always up to one. For instance, one can choose to try to look on the bright side, but that doesn't always work. Sometimes, one is beset by so many troubles that, despite one's best efforts, one simply cannot feel joy. However, Cowell does admit that doing these things takes diligence and is not always easy. All in all, I'd give this book a 4.5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review.