Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Electrical Menagerie (The Celestial Isles #1) by Mollie E. Reeder

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm sharing The Electrical Menagerie (The Celestial Isles #1) by Mollie E. Reeder. It's so good! One of the best books I've read, for sure.

About the Book

The Electrical Menagerie, one-of-a-kind robotic roadshow, is bankrupt.

Sylvester Carthage, illusionist and engineer, has the eccentric imagination the Menagerie needs to succeed creatively -- but none of the people skills. Fast-talking Arbrook Huxley, meanwhile, has all the savvy the Menagerie needs to succeed commercially -- but none of the scruples.

To save their show, Carthage & Huxley risk everything in a royal talent competition, vying for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform for the Future Celestial Queen. In this stardust-and-spark-powered empire of floating islands and flying trains, The Electrical Menagerie's bid at fame and fortune means weathering the glamorous and cutthroat world of critics, high society, and rival magicians -- but with real conspiracy lurking beneath tabloid controversy, there's more at stake in this contest than the prize.

Behind the glittery haze of flash paper and mirrors, every competitor has something to hide... and it's the lies Carthage & Huxley tell each other that may cost them everything.

Book Beginning

Sylvester had a book about birds, and the book said that the bones of birds were hollow.

Watching starlings from the window, he considered the diagrams and envied the concept. Birds went freely, in their lightness somehow stronger than any forces that wanted to pull them down. Tethered - flightless - he remained trapped behind the high and imposing arched window of his second-story bedroom.

Friday 56

Huxley sat in a chair in the dining car and didn't move for at least half an hour. Dominic came in, trundling about like he always did, as if nothing was wrong. Took out a silver dustpan and a small broom. Swept up the pieces of the broken teacup, and then began to dust the furniture.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Boundary Broken (Boundary Magic #4) by Melissa F. Olson

About the Book

Years ago, boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther made a promise to an alpha werewolf. Now, just when the supernatural community in Colorado is enjoying a period of hard-won peace, the alpha turns up at Lex’s door to call in his marker. Two of his pack members have disappeared in the Colorado sand dunes, and he needs safe passage to hunt for them.

With her friend Simon Pellar along for backup, Lex ventures into the dunes to search for the missing couple…but what they find is only the opening move in an ambitious assault against those who hold power in the Colorado Old World. An old enemy has returned to tear their peace apart, and Lex is soon embroiled in politics she doesn’t understand, from a time before she had magic.

To save her friends and her way of life, Lex will have to cross every line she’s drawn since learning what she is—and it may still be too late.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this fourth installment of the Boundary Magic series, but not quite as much as the previous ones. It moved at a fast pace, held my attention, and set things up nicely for the next book.

It was great being back in Boulder, CO with Lex and the gang, but I had a major issue with something that happened. I'm not going to say what it was because it'd be a major spoiler. But, yeah, I had to take off a star for that. If this had been my first time reading a book in this series, I probably wouldn't have finished it. Four books in and I'm invested in these characters and want to know how things turn out for them. But it bothered me so much. I'm conflicted.

NOTE: This book contains strong language.

Three Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Heart of the Curiosity by H.L. Burke

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Heart of the Curiosity by H.L. Burke releasing June 27.

About the Book

The secret lies with the Heart.

Born with a magical knack for manipulating emotions, Leodora’s only dream is to ensure her talented little sister dances on the biggest, brightest stage in the Republic: The Curiosity, a grand old theater of tradition and innovation. After escaping a cruel carnival, Leo secures her sister a place in the Curiosity’s chorus line, and herself a job as a professional audience member, swaying the crowd’s mood with her magic. The girls have a home for the first time in their lives.

Then a tragic accident darkens the theater. A greedy businessman begins blackmailing Leo, and financial woes threaten to close the show forever. The Curiosity’s sole hope lies in a mythical power source hidden beneath the maze-like passages and trapdoors of the theater—the Heart. And Leo’s only friend Paxton, nephew of the theater’s stagemistress, is the key to finding it.

While Leo and Paxton hunt for the Heart, the blackmailer’s threats loom larger. Mysterious figures, cryptic clues, and deadly traps hinder the search at every turn. If the friends cannot recover the Heart in time, Leo and her sister will be cast out of the only home they’ve ever known, and the final curtain will fall on The Curiosity.

Enter a world reminiscent of The Greatest Showman, with a puzzle worthy of Sherlock Holmes and National Treasure, in this new Steampunk Fantasy from H. L. Burke.

Why I Need It

First of all, how gorgeous is that cover? I could just keep staring at it! So pretty! I'm a big fan of steampunk, so I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting books in that genre. This one sounds so good! And with a synopsis that concludes by saying, "a puzzle worthy of Sherlock Holmes and National Treasure", how can I resist?

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: Wander Canyon Courtship (Matrimony Valley) by Allie Pleiter

About the Book

They can’t let this wedding happen
But Matrimony Valley has only happy endings

Baker Yvonne Niles has nothing in common with cowboy Chaz Walker—except the upcoming marriage of her aunt to his stepdad. Convinced the two aren’t right for each other, Chaz and Yvonne are determined to halt the wedding. But between the cake and family drama, they’re discovering an undeniable attraction. Can an unlikely match ever become a recipe for happiness?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I always look forward to a new Allie Pleiter book with great anticipation. I zoom through the pages becoming completely absorbed in the story and leave with a feeling of profound happiness when I reach the conclusion. Wander Canyon Courtship is no different.

We're back in the wedding-themed small town of Matrimony Valley in this third installment of the series. No worries though if you haven't read the previous two books. This stands alone perfectly fine.

I didn't know what to think of Chaz, at first. He came across a bit gruff, a curmudgeon, you might say. But once I got to know him, once I saw the multiple layers he was hiding, I could understand where he was coming from and why he acted the way he did. And I ended up firmly on his side.

Yvonne is kinda his opposite in demeanor, but, really, they're perfect for each other. While they get off on the wrong foot to begin with, and definitely have their ups and downs, they do share something big in common; their belief that his stepdad and her aunt shouldn't be getting married so quickly. What follows is a sweet and romantic story full of hurts and triumphs. A story that any fan of contemporary romance is sure to love.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Between Frames (The City Between #4) by W.R. Gingell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm sharing Between Frames (The City Between #4) by W.R. Gingell.

About the Book

Two fae is company, but a company of fae is trouble.

Which is exactly what we’ve got. Trouble, I mean. Well, and fae. Lots of fae.

Something or someone is stalking and killing high-level fae around Hobart—tearing out hearts and leaving a trail of bloody bodies behind. Fae don’t like it when they’re the ones getting killed, so of course they came to hire my owners.

Owners, you ask?

Hi. I’m Pet. No, that’s not my name. I am a pet.

My owners? They’re fae. Well, two fae and one stroppy vampire.

Welcome to the world Between.

Book Beginning

It's always during dinner that stuff happens. More specifically, it's always the dinners that JinYeong picks.

Friday 56

"Don't irritate Athelas," Zero said.

"I'm not irritating him, I'm hugging him," I protested, but I let him go.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Plan of Action (Lantern Beach P.D. #5) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

The thrilling conclusion to the Lantern Beach PD series is finally here!

A missing Navy SEAL. Danger at the boiling point. The ultimate showdown.

When Police Chief Cassidy Chambers’ husband, Ty, disappears, her world is turned upside down. His truck is discovered with blood inside, crashed in a ditch on Lantern Beach, but he’s nowhere to be found. As they launch a manhunt to find him, Cassidy discovers that someone on the island has a deadly obsession with Ty.

Meanwhile, Gilead’s Cove seems to be imploding. As danger heightens, federal law enforcement officials are called in. The cult’s growing threat could lead to the pinnacle standoff of good versus evil. A clear plan of action is needed or the results will be devastating.

Will Cassidy find Ty in time, or will she face a gut-wrenching loss? Will Anthony Gilead finally be unmasked for who he really is and be brought to justice? Hundreds of innocent lives are at stake . . . and not everyone will come out alive.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Wow! What an intense, heart-pounding conclusion to the Lantern Beach P.D. series. I was completely riveted from beginning to end and had an incredibly difficult time pulling myself away to tend to “real life” matters.

The stakes have never been higher when Police Chief Cassidy Chambers' husband Ty goes missing. I've gotta say, this book seriously stressed me out! My anxiety was off the charts and my heart was racing. I haven't been this stressed out while reading a book in a long time.

All in all, this series was so great! I loved it and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys great, suspenseful mysteries. I can't wait to see what Christy Barritt comes out with next!

4.5 Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Murky Waters: A Mermaid Cozy Mystery by Diane Vallere

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Murky Waters: A Mermaid Cozy Mystery by Diane Vallere releasing June 23.

About the Book

Bad boys can catch you, hook, line, and sinker . . .

Kyra had always been the baby. Third mermaid daughter of three, she had been overprotected since birth. More interested in boys and makeup than adventures like sister Zoe or inheriting command of Sirenia like Ava, she studies underwater dance at the academy and spends her spare time flirting with mermen. But when she catches a member of Poseidon’s security team dismantling the safe that protects the mermaid treasures, she fears the worst. The problem? Thanks to her practiced naiveite, nobody takes her warning seriously.

What happens when a sweet mermaid suspects corruption in the ranks?

If you’re that mermaid, you might have to grow up fast.

Kyra embarks on a double life: Lolita by day, Mata Hari by night. Navigating cloudy waters tainted by the ink of squid intended to hide the merman’s trail, she leaves the safety of Sirenia and follows his path . . . until that path leads to his dead body. With an unknown killer inside Sirenia, Kyra knows no one is safe. Lacking the drive and bravery of her two older sisters, she uses her purity to discover the truth, but what happens when her childlike charm hooks a dangerous killer? Hidden reserves of courage could save her life . . . or leave her dangling on the line.

Why I Need It

I recently finished the first book in this series and LOVED it! It was so fun, quirky, and unique. It was fascinating learning about the underwater community of mermaids and I'm so excited I don't have long to wait for this sequel!

What upcoming release are you excited about?