FDL Reads: Reviews - Fondulac District Library

FDL Reads: His Majesty’s Dragon

His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Fantasy, Alternate History

Suggested Age: Pre-teens, Teens, Adults

What is this Book About? It is the time of the Napoleonic Wars and William Laurence is a British naval captain whose crew wins a sea battle against a French frigate carrying precious cargo; a dragon’s egg. It’s soon discovered that the egg will hatch before they make it back to port. Dragons must be bonded with a human aviator, a life-long partnership. When the dragon unexpectedly chooses Captain Laurence to be his aviator partner, his promising naval career must end and his new journey in the Aerial Corps begins. Laurence and the dragon, dubbed Temeraire, set off to the training grounds. They cause a bit of a stir because they are both unconventional additions to the Corp, Laurence being a naval officer and Temeraire being a rare Asian breed of dragon. Betrayal and an unexpected invasion attempt by Napoleon’s forces draw Laurence and Temeraire into service sooner than expected. Will the aviators and dragons of the Aerial Corp be able to save Britain?

My Review: Fighting Napoleon with dragons! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one and was pleasantly surprised. It was a relatively quick listen (since I am a dedicated audiobook reader) and it seems perfect for pre-teens or anyone who would enjoy a 19th century how-to-train-your-dragon-type story. It does take itself seriously, so no juvenile joking around. This book was light on blood, guts, and romance; some of each, but it’s pretty mild. As a first venture into alternative history, I liked it. I will definitely recommend it to my pre-teen son.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Clever, Prim, Quaint

Give it a Try if You Like: Eragon, Dragon Rider, How to Train Your Dragon

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-09-04T12:51:10-05:00September 4th, 2019|

FDL Reads: Dune

Dune by Frank Herbert

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

Genre: Science Fiction

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is this Book About? In the distant future the universe revolves around one precious resource, the Spice Melange. Dune is an epic novel. Written in 1965, Dune is set against the backdrop of a feudal system of great houses that vie for control of the planet Arrakis, the only source of the Spice. Paul Atreides is the heir to one of these houses. His father, Duke Leto Atreides, has been given control over Arrakis and Dune opens with the Atreides family assuming leadership of the planet. In this time of transition, the family faces betrayal and opposition from their arch enemy, House Harkonnen, while Paul starts to realize his role in the grand scheme of the universe.

My Review: I read Dune for the first time in eighth grade and this was my third re-read as an adult while gearing up for the new film adaptation coming out next year. Dune has done for science fiction what Lord of the Rings did for the fantasy genre. Few authors have achieved the level of world-building that Herbert presents in terms of this novel’s political intrigue, ecology, religion, and culture. There are many aspects of this world that I find intriguing. I particularly enjoy the Bene Gesserit, an all-female sect focused on controlling the mind, body, and future of humanity. The Fremen, the desert dwellers who have adapted to their harsh environment, are also fascinating. Herbert does focus more on the big picture, so those who enjoy extensive character development might be disappointed. This novel was revolutionary for its time, and many modern sci-fi/fantasy novels as well as films owe much to Frank Herbert.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Epic, Thought-provoking, Complicated

Give it a Try if You Like: Issac Asimov’s Foundation Series, George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series, Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-08-30T14:56:39-05:00August 30th, 2019|

FDL Reads: Where the Crawdads Sing

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Reviewed by: Beth Weimer, Communications Specialist

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Suggested Age: Teen, Adult

What is this Book About?: Abandoned by her family and shunned by her community, Kya, the Marsh Girl must learn to survive on her own in the coastal wetlands of North Carolina in the 1950s. Kya’s world is one of full of wild creatures, natural beauty, and deep isolation. As she explores the wondrous and cruel dichotomies of nature, she must also learn to navigate relationships with people and the love and misery those connections can bring. As an adult, her connection to a murder in the swamp divides the town and threatens to destroy the quiet life she’s so carefully constructed.

My Review: “I wasn’t aware that words could hold so much. I didn’t know a sentence could be so full.” I usually don’t go for buzz books, but this one came to me strongly recommended by my mother and actually lives up to all the hype. I don’t know that a swamp – or a life of isolation – has ever sounded more beautiful. Anyone who’s ever sat alone with nature or who’s ever ached to belong will connect with Kya and the creatures and humans that fill her life. Admittedly there are some gaps in the plot I wish Owens had filled in, but the striking imagery and rhythm of her writing were absorbing enough to just enjoy the flow of the narrative. More than merely a mystery or romance, Owens wraps story of survival in layers of Southern culture, naturalist observations, and themes of prejudice, familial violence, and resilience that are engrossing to unpack. As this was Owens’ first novel, I imagine her next will be even better.

Three Words That Describe This Book: lush, haunting, (full of) yearning

Give This a Try if You Like… The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, Everything that Rises Must Converge by Flannery O’Conner, The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-08-27T10:44:45-05:00August 23rd, 2019|

FDL Reads: Goblins in the Castle

Goblins in the Castle by Bruce Coville

Reviewed by: Sarah Baker, Circulation Assistant

Genre: Fantasy

Suggested Age: Children (8-12)

What is this Book About?: William is eleven and has never left his home, Toad-in-a-Cage Castle. He’s explored most of it, but one night he finds a new passage and meets Igor. Igor is guarding something secret, something he can’t tell William about. There’s also the matter of the North Tower. It’s locked and shrouded in mist, and William is forbidden from asking about it. But one Halloween night, voices call to him from beyond that door. William gives in and opens it, unleashing something – goblins! They’re free and running amok and are full of hatred for humanity for locking them away. They’ve kidnapped Igor and now it’s up to William to set things right and save his friend!

My Review: I use habitica to challenge myself and to keep on top of my own life. One of the challenges I had this month was the KidLit reading challenge – read a favorite book from childhood. And this was definitely one of my top five favorites. I was so happy to see it held up over time, and that even though I remembered the story, it was never boring or dull. Even the illustrations were exactly as I remembered. There’s no deep world building here – you jump in with both feet and go where the path takes you. But there are lessons about friendship, following and breaking rules, and learning that trust takes time to rebuild.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Fun, Imaginative, Heart-warming

Give this a try if you like…The Hobbit; Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher; Kiki’s Delivery Service

Rating: (out of 5) 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-08-21T15:51:30-05:00August 21st, 2019|

FDL Reads: The Young Elites

The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Reviewed by: Alexandra Schenk, Student Intern

Genre: Fantasy, Dystopia

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is this Book About: Adelina Amouteru survived the blood fever, the deadly illness raged through Kenettra a decade ago and killed half of the population. The few people who got infected but survived where left with strange marks. Adelin’s hair and lashes turned silver and she lost her left eye. Her father wants to get rid of his abnormal “malfetto” daughter and plans to sell her into marriage. Adelina notices his plans and flees from her home. Her escape plan doesn’t work out and she learns the hard way that the blood fever left her with more than just visible marks. Adelina possesses a power which gains her the attention of the Young Elites. That group, consisting of outcasts, has one big goal: They want to depose the king of Kenettra, and they want Adelina to take part in that plan.

My Review: When I started reading The Young Elites I expected nothing but a shallow romance taking place in a renaissance-style fantasy world. But the book managed to surprise me. At first I had sympathy for Adelina, I even pitied her. But as the book went on she started to become darker and more mature and the poor abused girl showed that she is a though fighter. Adelina is indeed a heroin with a very dark side, but this was another thing I liked about her character, she isn’t gleeful, happy or perfect but she is real! And I like my book characters like my people, they have to have rough edges. Romance starts to arise during the book, but even the romance is far from perfect and Adelina stays an independent character all the time. But she is not the only brilliant character in that book, the villain Teren is also a very complex character and brilliantly written. All in all, a good book with well written characters and definitely something adults can enjoy as well as teens.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Fantasy, dark, serious

Give this a try if you like… anti-heroes, very light romance, complex characters

Rating (Out of 5): 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-08-17T13:01:40-05:00August 17th, 2019|

FDL Reads: Sleepless Volumes 1&2

Sleepless (Volume 1 & 2) by Sarah Vaughn (Author), Leila del Duca (Artist), Alissa Sallah (Colorist), Deron Bennett (Letterer)

Reviewed By: Katie Smith, Reference Specialist

Genre: Fantasy

Suggested Age: Teen and Adult

What is this Book About? As the illegitimate daughter and only living child of the king of Harbeny, Lady “Poppy” Pyppenia is surprised (and relieved) when the throne instead passes to her uncle Surno. After Surno’s coronation, she hopes to return to her countryside estate and live a peaceful life – but an assassination attempt on Poppy’s life changes everything. Forced to remain in Harbeny by her uncle’s command, she must join forces with her loyal knight, Cyrenic (an elite member of the Sleepless Order, a prestigious and magically gifted group of knights who vow to never sleep) to uncover who is behind these assassination plots. Tension grows as they navigate the dangers of life at court in addition to their growing feelings for one another.

My Review: I was immediately drawn to this book by its cover. The art style they used works so well for a medieval fantasy setting, plus it is visually stunning – colors are bold and the splashes of pattern are woven throughout the illustrations. Each panel is drawn with immense attention to detail, and what really seals the deal is that the plot and characters are so captivating! Poppy is considered a princess in her homeland, but as the illegitimate daughter of the King here in the land of Harbeny, so she’s caught between being too noble to freely mingle with the commoners and being not royal enough to do as she would wish in the court. She’s also the bridge between the leaders of two magical nations – Harbeny, which is associated with time and dreams, and her mother’s homeland of Mribesh is connected to fortune-telling and stargazing. I enjoyed delving into the political and social expectations that influenced Poppy, in addition to learning all about Cyrenic and his magical oath. Verdict: This is a great graphic novel duology (everything is packed into just two volumes) – so if you’re looking for a medieval fantasy that’s a fast and interesting read, check Sleepless out!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Opulent, Conspiracy, Suspense

Give this a try if you like… Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson, or The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold.

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it at the library!

This title is also available on hoopla digital with your Fondulac District Library card.

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-08-15T15:05:38-05:00August 15th, 2019|

FDL Reads: The Moment of Lift

The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates

Reviewed by: Becky Houghton, Reference Assistant

Genre: Nonfiction – Feminism, Memoir

Suggested Age: Adult

What is this Book About?: Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has written an inspirational book about the global issues that keep women worldwide from reaching their potential in their various societies around the world. These issues include maternal and child health, family planning, education, inequality, child marriage, gender bias and more. Gates has done considerable research and traveled extensively to see these issues play out in the societies in Africa, India, and other countries. Gates relates the stories told to her by women worldwide whose living conditions are keeping them, their families and their society from reaching even a minimal level of success. The subtitle of the book says it all—How Empowering Women Changes the World!

My Review: This book is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about improving conditions for women and societies worldwide. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has funded projects with measurable success in Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, Niger, Kenya and throughout India. You might think that financial plenty would make Melinda Gates aloof and privileged, but that is not at all the tone of this book. Gates tells us just enough about her own circumstances, struggles, and issues to level the playing field. She made me forget her social position as Bill Gates’ wife and only hear her voice. Melinda is apparently a great listener and she relates what she has been told around the world in a sincere and compassionate manner. The stories that she shares are eye-opening, empathetic, and heart-wrenching. I loved reading this book, but it has also made me want to do more to help those both in the United States and abroad who are oppressed by living conditions, lack of education, and social norms that hold them back. A resource guide of organization that readers can support is included in the back of the book. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is donating the profits from this book to further their philanthropic work.Read if you have a compassionate heart.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Powerful, Inspiring, Heart-wrenching.

Give this a try if you like… Becoming by Michella Obama and Educated by Tara Westover

Rating (out of 5): 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-08-14T14:03:04-05:00August 14th, 2019|

FDL Reads: The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Reviewed By: Jacob Roberts, Adult Services Reference Assistant

Genre: Fiction

Suggested Age: Adult

What is this Book About?: Enzo is a philosophical dog that is driven by his innate belief that he will one day be reincarnated as a human-being. With this in mind, he attempts to live up to the example his master, Denny has placed before him, only to discover that not all humans are like Denny. Through many racing metaphors and increasingly deep family ties, Enzo soon realizes to be human is much more complicated than he could have ever imagined.

My Review: Garth Stein takes a risk in The Art of Racing in the Rain, when he decides to place the reader in the mind of man’s best friend. This perspective may come off a bit unusual at first; however, it is soon evident that in order to accurately and justly comment on the human nature around us, the perspective must come from an outside source. With Enzo’s perspective, all of the flaws and novelties of the human nature become overwhelming obvious, naïve, terrifying, and even admirable. The gift of Enzo’s perspective to the reader is that Enzo is so much more than a dog—he is the central moral code of the story. Enzo brings hope when things seem hopeless, he brings admiration where we see flaws, and he brings love when so many have forgotten what it felt like when it all began. Stein crafts an excellent plot that takes the reader on an emotional ride of joy, tears, laughter, and renewed hope in this now major motion picture, The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Three Words That Describe This Book: fast, warm-hearted, cold-hearted

Give this a try if you like… Boomer’s Bucket List by Sue Pethick, A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron or The Good Pilot Peter Woodhouse by Alexander McCall Smith

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-08-09T14:26:47-05:00August 9th, 2019|

FDL Reads: Kingdom of Copper

The Kingdom of Copper By: S. A. Chakraborty

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Fantasy

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is the book about? This is the second book in a planned trilogy that follows Nahri (a djinn healer), Ali (a djinn prince), and Dara (an ancient djinn warrior) as they struggle to find lives of meaning and import in the djinn world. Nahri has been married to the heir to the throne of Daevabad, Muntadhir, for five years. Her abilities with the Nahid healing magic have grown and she is looking for ways to improve the lives the second class, part-human citizens of the city. Ali has been living in exile far from Daevabad during that same time. His unexplained luck at being able to ferret out new sources of water has benefited the parched rural area he has been calling home, but he has been plagued by assassination attempts that have left him wary and guarded. Meanwhile, Dara has been coming to terms with his upgraded magical abilities while training new fighters to join him in the service of the power-hungry Nahid who was revealed at the end of book one, The City of Brass. Can these three find meaning in their new roles or will the king, Ghassan, cause enough torment and anguish that they decide to act? Is their cause just? How far are they willing to go?

My Review: I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of this book. There were new characters and revealed secrets, but not too many unexpected surprises or plot twists, except maybe at the very end. I was struck by the recurrent theme of female empowerment. Whether you are rooting for someone specifically or not, the female characters really do seem to guide the course of the story, more so in this book than the first. While I found this noteworthy, I think it made for some decisions by characters that were a little less believable, but I just chalked it up to a complex fantastical society and a relatively new author. As I made my way through the book, I was trying to figure out the significance of “copper” in the title. The author seemed to use copper to represent danger, which was definitely an overriding theme in this book. Overall, I thought it was good and am anticipating the finale being published next year.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Schemes, Power plays, Revelations

Give This a Try if You Like…The City of Brass, The Golem and the Jinni, Aladdin

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-07-31T14:52:32-05:00July 31st, 2019|

FDL Reads: The Bride Test

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

Genre: Romance

Suggested Age: Adults

What is this Book About?: Esme Tran lives in Vietnam, supporting her mother and little girl by cleaning hotel bathrooms. A chance encounter with an American gives her an opportunity to move to the U.S. to marry a man she has never met. But, there is a bit of a twist. Esme’s potential husband, Khai, doesn’t know that his mother is arranging a marriage for him. Nor does he want to marry. Khai has autism and relationships are very hard for him. When Esme and Khai have to live together for a trial period, it seems like a train wreck ready to happen.

My Review: I read Helen Hoang’s debut novel, The Kiss Quotient, last year and loved it. As soon as I found out she was writing a companion novel this year, I quickly added The Bride Test to my Goodreads TBR list. One does not have to read the first novel to understand this one since the main characters are different. There is some fan service, though, as the star couple from The Kiss Quotient do show up briefly. Esme and Khai are very likable and the reader is rooting for their relationship to work out. It’s definitely more than just a steamy romance. Esme is a strong woman who takes a huge risk to help her family and Khai is a complex character who is quirky, neurotic, and lovable.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Cute, Funny, Romantic

Give this a try if you like…The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, Meet Cute by Helena Hunting, Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

Rating (out of 5): 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-07-29T10:43:33-05:00July 26th, 2019|