Category: Fiction Page 28 of 317

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 42: Meaningful by R. T. Slaywood: Lesson One

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 42: Meaningful

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #42
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: December 22, 2023

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars). And then he gets into a supernatural fight and survives…just.

Or maybe not. But he gets better. And then his new…friends? Acquaintances? People who keep popping up in his life?…start explaining exactly what’s going on to him.

What’s Meaningful About?

I said nothing happened in the last episode, but man…it was action-packed compared to this one. They drive, they talk, they have some lousy fast food, then drive and talk some more.

But that’s okay. Because what they talk about is important: Alan gives Bonaduke a quick version of his origin story, starts to explain Omnicrat and their activities, and what he, Om, and Zero are trying to do. Better yet, he gives Bonaduke a better understanding of how magic interacts with the world and people.

So, what did I think about Meaningful?

This is the talkiest that Slaywood’s been yet–hardly any narrative, either. (or so close it doesn’t matter). It’s a lot to take in, really–not too much, but a lot–and it’s going to be one of those episodes you bookmark so you can come back and reference it later when you see some of this in action.

There’s part of me that wants to compare some of what we saw in earlier episodes to what we’re told here, too–just to see how the “in action” compares to the “theory.” But I think I’ll hold off on that for now, to see how things play out a little (and frankly, Vella isn’t easy to flip back and forth through quickly and I’m not in the mood to put up with that), I’ll just assume that Slaywood is being internally consistent (and if not, I really don’t care–the path he’s on is good enough that I’m fine with him diverging a bit from earlier stuff)

This is really good to see, I’m glad we’re starting to get some of the world explained to us. Things are starting to gel.


4 Stars

Blood Betrayal by Ausma Zehanat Khan: A Pair of Potential Hate Crimes are Almost Too Much for the Communities and the Investigators

Blood BetrayalBlood Betrayal

by Ausma Zehanat Khan

DETAILS:
Series: Blackwater Falls, #2
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: November 07, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Length: 293 pg.
Read Date: December 8-12, 2023
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What’s Blood Betrayal About?

On one night, there were two police shootings in the Denver area. One is the shooting of a possible innocent bystander/possible fleeing suspect in a drug raid. The other is the shooting of a vandal by an officer who (claims? he) mistook a can of spray paint for a gun.

Both of the officers were white, and the men who died were young minorities. Both cases will call for the Community Response team to investigate, neither case will be easy for them (and not just because their limited resources will be stretched by simultaneous investigations of a charged nature).

So let’s deal with these in the order we learn about them…

Case 1

Harry Cooper isn’t a fantastic cop—nor is he a bad one. He’s a solid, middle-of-the-road officer, and has been one for years—and now is near retirement. He’s never used his weapon before, but while pursuing some vandals on foot, he fires a warning shot in the air. Then he’s sure he sees a weapon in the hand of the vandal facing him. So he shoots to kill.

It seems like a tragic mistake, but as he’s part of Sheriff Grant’s force, Lt. Seif seizes the opportunity to do a thorough investigation—to ensure that’s all it was, and to maybe get more intel to help his case against Grant.

A number of things start to not add up—mostly around the “vandal.” He’s not one. He’s an art student who isn’t even from Blackwater Falls. He’s taking part in a legitimate street art contest, for one, not someone tagging random private property. Secondly, Seif thinks the physical evidence may point to something bigger. But he’s just not sure what. He wants Inaya Rahman to lead the charge on this.

Case 2

But Inaya has other concerns. She left Chicago after being assaulted by a number of fellow officers, we learned last time. So when one of those officers shows up on her family’s doorstep, she’s disturbed (to understate it). John Broda has come to her for help—his son is a patrol officer in Denver assigned to help a drug raid on a marijuana dispensary that was known to sell harder drugs, too. In the midst of it, a potential suspect was shot. Officer Kelly Broday was arrested for murder, without saying he shot Mateo Ruiz, he is saying he’s responsible for his death.

John Broda wants her to investigate and clear Kell, and in return, John will give Inaya the evidence he needs to close her last case from her days in Chicago.

She starts to look into things in exchange for the evidence, but she’s soon convinced that Kell was set up—possibly by a gang within the Denver Police. But she can’t figure out if someone wanted Ruiz dead (or why), or if it all has to do with the officer. Or is it both?

Meanwhile, the communities both young men belonged to start to organize and protest—particularly the Hispanic neighborhood Ruiz was from—and the Police Department isn’t responding calmly. Time is of the essence for this investigation.

Everything Else

Which is just a pithy way of saying “Everyone’s Personal Lives and the FBI’s Investigation into the Blackwater Falls Sheriff.” We learn more about every member of the Community Response team (and the civil rights attorney they ally with), and whatever arcs we saw or got hints of in the first book progress nicely (well, at least for the reader—I’m making no promises about how the characters feel).

Those aren’t the important parts of these books, but the more we get invested in these characters, the more compelling we’re going to find how the cases impact them and their lives. As a plus, they’re all really interesting characters so the arcs make for good reading.

As far as the FBI Investigation goes? Well…it’s still a thing. I’m not sure how much more I can say.

So, what did I think about Blood Betrayal?

It’d be easy to write this series off as some sort of “woke” thing where a racially diverse group of police investigators find hate crimes everywhere. Especially when white cops kill black and Latino men. That would be a grave error, however. Khan writes complex stories that cannot be reduced to a simple, one-line explanation, never mind a label or two.

In Blackwater Falls we got one murder that led to the uncovering of a web of more crime and corruption. Here we have two murders that end up being about so much more—both cases are about as complex as the one from Blackwater Falls, but the way that Khan weaves the two stories together (if only because the investigators are the same) makes this an even more complex novel. We get two great crime stories for the price of one. Yes, I think one of the cases was easier for the reader to figure out—possibly too easy. But the way that the clues, motives, and solution were revealed more than made up for that. And the other case? You’re never going to guess the solution until Khan shows it all.

But better than that is the way Khan shows (again) how crimes like this can impact entire communities, and the tensions that result and build up (possibly spill over) between those communities and the police rings so true that you could believe it happening today.

But Khan’s not just good at the big, social commentary—the impact that these killings have on the families is obviously bigger than anyone wants to imagine. And, as she did in the previous novel, Khan shows the grief, confusion, anger, and the other emotions that strike a family at this time with sensitivity and keen observation. Over the last few years, I’ve started noticing this part of a police procedural, and I really appreciate it when the author does it well. Khan’s one of the best around in this aspect.

Throw in some strong writing and great characters to all this? You’ve got yourself a winner. One of the best sequels that I read this year. You’d be doing yourself a favor if you grabbed the two books in this series up and doing so soon.


4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire: One of McGuire’s Best (no matter what series). A Magical Novella

Is it cheating to call a Fantasy Novella “Magical”? Isn’t that part of the definition?


Mislaid in Parts Half-KnownMislaid in Parts Half-Known

by Seanan McGuire

DETAILS:
Series: Wayward Children, #9
Publisher: Tordotcom
Publication Date: January 9, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 160 pg.
Read Date: December 13-14, 2023 
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

Continuity Counts

By and large, the Wayward Children books can be read in any order—sure, things will mean more if you read them in order of publication (so far, anyway). It’s easier that way to catch allusions, understand the depth of relationships, come close to tracking what Sumi is talking about, etc. But you can get away with skipping around.

But you really need to read this one after Lost in the Moment and Found. It’s the closest thing to a direct sequel that we’ve had in this series. It’s also kind of a follow-up to Where the Drowned Girls Go (and, as always, touches on several others).

This is largely Part II of Antsy’s story—the story is shared by a group of the students (my favorites in the series) on one of those quests they’re not supposed to undertake—and whoops, I’ve started writing the next section.

What’s Mislaid in Parts Half-Known About?

Antsy is having a hard time adjusting to life at Eleanor West’s School for Wayward Children, almost as much trouble as she’d be having adjusting to anywhere else on Earth. Part of that comes from not being as honest about her circumstances as she could’ve been—understandably so, I think—which just made everything worse.

Still, there are signs that things may get better, helped a little by Antsy being able to find anything for people. Then Seraphina (who can get anyone—with one or two exceptions—to do what she wants) decides to use her abilities on Antsy to get her to find her Door.

Ansty, Sumi, and some others (I’m not going to name them to keep your interest piqued) manage to slip away using Antsy’s ability to find things and her knowledge of how Doors work, eventually getting back to the Shop Where the Lost Things Go. Which wasn’t exactly where Antsy wanted to be—and she learns that things there hadn’t gone as expected when she left and a whole new quest develops.

Not About Jim Morrison’s Band

When I wrote about Lost in the Moment and Found earlier this year, I said:

This entry would be a worthwhile read for fans if only for this one thing—we learn more about the Doors and how they work. I’m not going to go into it, obviously, nor am I going to promise that every question you had about the Doors will be answered—actually you’ll likely end up with new questions, but they’ll be informed questions.

That’s true here, too. In fact, we learn so much about them that I almost don’t want to learn anything more about Doors for another 8+ books so they don’t get too demystified. McGuire being McGuire, I know that if she reveals a whole lot more in the next book, I’ll end up repeating everything I said prior to this sentence—and I’ll be happy and equipped with more questions.

Regardless—what we do learn here is fantastic. It both makes utter sense—in the way that maybe we all should’ve guessed it already (maybe some did)—in terms of storytelling, worldbuilding, and more. I wonder what (some of) the students understanding this is going to do to things going forward. If anything.

Future Continuity

Speaking of things going forward, something major is on the way for Eleanor West. It’s been hinted at before, but so many things in this book point to it happening soon (but in Wayward Children-time, it could take 3-4 novellas for us to get to “soon”). I’m eager to see it, as much as I’m dreading what it might mean.

One Quick Character Note

Every protagonist of these novellas—and a significant chunk of the supporting characters—has been wonderful. With the exception of Seraphina and her crew*, I like all the students we’ve met at the School and want to know more about them all.

* I’m waiting for McGuire to decide it’s time to humanize them so we readers will root for even them, and we’ll feel bad for not doing so earlier.

But…from the moment we met her, Sumi’s been a favorite of mine. I should probably use the definite article there, actually. So I’m not unbiased when I say that in Mislaid in Parts Half-Known she is glorious, but she really is. She’s funny, she’s loopy, she’s brave, and she’s wise. Hard as that last one might be to believe. She’s also rather clever and displays that at the end.

The main parts of the story belong to Antsy and a couple of other characters—but Sumi stole every scene she was in and I really just want a few in a row featuring her.

So, what did I think about Mislaid in Parts Half-Known?

This is not my favorite Wayward Children book, but it’s close. There aren’t one or two big emotional moments like there typically are in these (at least not that hit me…your results may vary). But there were a handful of small emotional moments that worked so well—in terms of what happened to someone, how it impacted the other characters, and the way that McGuire wrote them—that I don’t care. It might even be better this way.

The worlds we saw were wonderful—really, you could set an entire fantasy trilogy in them without reference to any other. The world hinted at on the cover, for example, could easily sustain a 1,500-page trilogy full of whimsy and danger.

There’s probably more humor and smile-inducing moments here than several of these books combined sport. Which was a nice bit of fresh air (in a series that really doesn’t need it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not welcome).

Naturally, there are characters we’re not likely to see again due to the nature of these books, and I’m going to miss them. Although the endings they got were well deserved and well executed.

I almost always walk away from a Wayward Children book feeling satisfied and a little in awe of McGuire—I think that feeling is larger this time just because of the number of emotional and story notes she managed to hit, the storylines she was able to incorporate and resolve, the ones she just moved forward, and…everything else in 160 pages. It shouldn’t be possible. This book (like most in the series) is bigger on the inside.

A few paragraphs back, I said that this wasn’t my favorite in the series—but at the moment, I’m having trouble understanding why (but I’m going to trust my earlier impulse). But it is so, so, so good. I’m having trouble coming up with adequate adjectives at this point.

Go get this in January. Order it now (and/or request it from your library). If you haven’t read these books yet, go. At a bare minimum, get the first, Every Heart a Doorway, and then Lost in the Moment and Found, so you can be ready for this one when it’s released. You can catch up on the others later.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Tor Publishing Group via NetGalley—thanks to both for this opportunity. The opinions are all mine.

4 1/2 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 41: Garden Conversation by R. T. Slaywood: Did We Just Get Some Answers?!?

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 41: Garden Conversation

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #41
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: December 15, 2023

I felt one step closer to knowing what was going on, however I was a long way off from having enough information to decide if I wanted to throw in my hat with these guys.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid. The woman (Zero) wakes up and shows some abilities of her on as she helps them escape from her captors who’ve tracked her down. One thing leads to another—Zero and Bonaduke’s magics don’t mix well (at least until they understand what each other can do?), and they end up in a video-game race against the squatters in a tricked-out version of Eric (the clerk’s) car. Note, I said video-game race, not a video-game-style race. They’re actually in one. When dumped back into reality, he’s surrounded by bruised and broken bodies (of people and cars). And then he gets into a supernatural fight and survives…just.

Or maybe not. But he gets better.

What’s Garden Conversation About?

Um. On the one hand, not much happens. But it’s the way that not much happens that’s the interesting bit. Alan and Om deal with the lock that Bonaduke had flexed his magic on in the last episode. The results are better read than explained.

Then the injured Bonaduke and his two associates climb the apartment building’s stairs to the roof where they encounter, once again, something better read than explained.

Like I said, not much happens.

So, what did I think about Garden Conversation?

That opening quotation speaks for me–both in context and at the end of the episode. Still, we get so much information here about magic and how it works in general (and some more details about Bonaduke in particular), that I am comforted and pleased. I need someone to reciprocate Bonaduke’s opening up and a good follow-up to what Om told us still–but we’re so close to being given enough to grasp the magic system.

We also learn a lot more about the various players.

Sure, I could belly-ache (again)* about how it took 41 episodes to get this. But why? We got it. The explanations we had to assume were forthcoming have started to arrive. Also, the plot inches along a bit–and we get one of the best visuals in the series so far (followed shortly by one of the most disturbing).

* Same goes for the grammar and spelling.

Great closing. Possibly Slaywood’s best yet.


4 Stars

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman: The Joy Love Brings, and the Price We Pay

I know I’ve been disorganized this year, but how did it take me so long to finish this? (I did start it the day after I closed it). Oh well, here it is anyway.


The Last Devil to DieThe Last Devil to Die

by Richard Osman

DETAILS:
Series: The Thursday Murder Club, #4
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Publication Date: September 19, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Length: 422 pg.
Read Date: September 28-29, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

… it might be nice for the Thursday Murder Club to have a new project that moved at a gentler pace than usual. Something a bit less murdery would be quite a novelty.

What’s The Last Devil to Die About?

What a nice thought—and for a minute, it looked possible.* But no reader expected it to continue, and it doesn’t. In fact, the murder strikes pretty close to home—a character the reader had met recently, but who had strong ties to Stephen and Elizabeth. Which, of course, is how the Thursday Murder Club gets involved. Since the reader does know him, though, we’re invested from the get-go.

* And I’d absolutely read that.

The Club encounters art forgery, a different group of drug smugglers, and some people who make others they’ve faced down seem downright cuddly. (not all of them, obviously, these retirees have faced off with some scary people) The path they have to follow to find the killer—and the object their friend died over—is probably the twistiest they’ve gone down yet.

Yes, there is the “less murdery” case as well—a fellow resident of Coopers Chase is getting fleeced by an online romantic interest, but he can’t see it. So the Club takes it upon themselves to expose the fraud to protect him before he’s totally broke (and maybe get a little of the money back).

Loss, Grief, and Death

Life continues, whatever you do. It’s a bulldozer like that.

This series has always featured death—not just murder. Given the age and health of the protagonists—and the community they live in—it’s a constant presence. But not just death, going on, grieving, learning to cope with the absence of a loved one—and maybe not learning.

We’ve watched Joyce, for example, grieving for her husband from Day 1. Everyone since that time has lost people that were important to them, talked about losing others, and so on. It’s one of the dominant themes of this series.

In The Last Devil to Die, dominant seems to be an understatement. Osman doesn’t let you get away from it—not in a mawkish, maudlin, or over-the-top manner. It’s just there, it’s what the characters are facing and dealing with in a variety of ways (even some of the bad guys!). It doesn’t leave you (too?) despondent, however. There’s hope, there’s life, there’s a tomorrow for the living. It is a bulldozer.

I’ve always been impressed with the way that Osman treats these subjects, he’s at his best in this installment.

So, all in all, I ’ve had a lovely Boxing Day, and am going to fall asleep in front of a Judi Dench film. All that’s missing is Gerry working his way through a tin of Quality Street and leaving the wrappers in the tin. Irritating at the time, but I’d give everything I own to have him back. Gerry liked the Strawberry Delights and Orange Crémes, and I liked the Toffee Pennies, and if you want to know the recipe for a happy marriage it is that.

So, what did I think about The Last Devil to Die?

That’s the thing about Coopers Chase. You’d imagine it was quiet and sedate, like a village pond on a summer’s day. But in truth it never stops moving, it’s always in motion. And that motion Is aging, and death, and love, and grief, and final snatched moments and opportunities grasped. The urgency of old age. There’s nothing that makes you feel more alive than the certainty of death.

This summer, when I did the Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tag, I said that while no book had made me cry this year, I figured something would by the end of the year. I didn’t think it would be a cozy mystery that did it. Almost twice.

But I was laughing—or at least chuckling—within a couple of pages both times. And it didn’t feel like emotional whiplash or like he was undercutting the seriousness of what elicited the tears or almost tears. Osman was just honestly portraying these characters in all their aspects which brings laughter and tears.

I’ve talked a lot about this book’s “downer” parts. Let me assure you that the comedy is great—watching Ron try to understand his son making Cameos, for example. Other things with Ron, too, actually. I’m having trouble coming up with examples—well, Joyce is a reliable source of humor, obviously. Everyone is, as you know if you’ve read one of these books (and if you haven’t, but are reading this post…there’s your homework, go pick up the first one and thank me later). I’m having trouble coming up with other specific examples that I can use in this post, sadly. But they’re there, I assure you.

As always, the characters are Osman’s strong suit. Our regulars are in fine form, as are the some returning characters (including some I was pleasantly surprised to see), and the new characters are great additions to the cast (however temporary some of them might be). They all practically jump off the page fully formed and it’s hard to ask for more.

The online fraud story goes pretty much like you expect it to—this isn’t a Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge kind of thing. But it was very satisfying. The murder mystery, which is theoretically why people pick this book up, on the other hand…I have mixed feelings about it. But I can’t explain that reaction. Osman knows how to construct a mystery, the red herrings are perfect, the suspects are wonderfully designed, and the reveals and wrap-up were done almost perfectly. I can’t think of a single problem with it. But the entire time I was reading it, something just didn’t click.

I want to stress that this is my only issue with the book—sadly, it’s the A story. Maybe it’s the fact that it didn’t feel like it always. Maybe it’s because everything else in the novel was so good and so emotionally strong, that the mystery couldn’t compete. Maybe the book was just too crowded with storylines and this one didn’t have as much time to develop as it needed? It’s also (very likely) just me. I also thought it was pretty easy to guess the killer’s identity—but the motive and the reveal were so well done that I didn’t care. Also, the herrings were red enough that I doubted my guess more than once.

That ineffable quibble aside, this is the best book in the series thus far. I couldn’t put it down—from the “are you kidding me?” beginning through the emotional body-blows over the course of the book, up to the strong conclusion, and all points in between, Osman kept me guessing, kept me invested, and kept me wondering how he could be so good at this.

I don’t need to tell fans to get this (they’ve probably all read it by now), but I can encourage new readers to catch up.


5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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The MOST Powerful Christmas by JCM Berne: The Best “Superhero Christmas Story Written by a Jew about Hindus Saving the Holiday” You’ll Read All Year

The MOST Powerful ChristmasThe MOST Powerful Christmas

by JCM Berne

DETAILS:
Series: Hybrid Helix
Publication Date: The Gnost House
Publication Date: December 10, 2023
Format: eBook
Length: 58 pgs.
Read Date: December 9, 2023

“Can I buy you a drink?”

Rohan hung his head and weighed his options. I could give the predictable, yet overly pedantic response, and say, ‘I don’t know, can you?’ But I think I’ve beaten that joke to death. Then brought it back to life and killed it again.

I could also just refuse, but I don’t want to be rude. Do I?

Or I could let this guy buy me a drink and get pulled into some incredibly sad story of tragedy or revenge or something else where only my help can restore justice or protect his species or save his planet and then I wind up losing another eye fighting someone else’s fight.

Hold on, was this guy talking to me in English?

What’s The MOST Powerful Christmas About?

It’s not often that a Christmas story starts with an opening line like that. Particularly not one starring Santa Claus himself. But isn’t it about time that more do?

Santa has been sent to Rohan for some advice. He’s disillusioned with the whole Christmas thing–or at least his role in it. He’s tired of the creed, the commercialization, the spoiled kids getting more spoiled and the poor kids getting very little, if anything. He’s tried drinking, and other non-St. Nick-like activities to help his spirits, but it’s just no use. He even found a Gideon Bible in a hotel room, and that just made it all worse (but provides a good line about Nakatomi Tower).

Rohan realizes that Christmas is in trouble–and hero that he is, comes up with a way to save the day, help out millions of children, and even bring back a twinkle to Santa’s eye and some merriness to his dimples. IF the two of them–and some friends–can pull it off.

The Chimney Explanation (et cetera)

One thing I really appreciate about most modern takes on Santa is the explanations for how he can gain entrance to a home (particularly those with small and/or non-existent Chimneys) and make it to every home in one night. Well, I appreciate the good ones–I get judgemental about others.

I particularly enjoyed the way Berne’s Santa gives Rohan and the rest a peak behind the curtain and spells out his magic. There’s enough logic and science-y gobbledygook mixed in to make it work. It’s playful and yet consistent with the world of Hybrid Helix.

So, what did I think about The MOST Powerful Christmas?

Kris smiled. “You like to make jokes.”

“It’s my one character flaw. Also excessive humility. And counting.”

I’m not saying that JCM Berne is up there with Irving Berlin or Johnny Marks (yet, anyway), but he does fit right in with the number of Jewish writers do a great job of capturing the essence of Christmas.

Ultimately, this is like one of those sit-com Christmas specials where Santa is brought before Judge Harold T. Stone, gets held over for psychiatric care, and strange things start to happen. Or when Tim Taylor and his family hear footsteps on the roof and some bells jingling.* It’s a cute time of holiday cheer and reflection on what the civic holiday means (and how it does/doesn’t match the lifestyle urged by its namesake). Apparently, it is canonical, so completists will want to get their hands on it–I am curious to see how/if anything that happens here shows up in future novel.

* I don’t know if either of those actually happened, but you catch my drift.

Along with the holiday cheer, you get some of that patented snappy-Berne dialogue, which is fun to read no matter the topic, a bit of Rohan in action, and North Pole-inspired ingenuity that’s as good as anything that Sarah Smith/Barry Cook or Clay Kaytis ever produced (Berne’s Santa is worthy of both of them, too). I think I would’ve preferred a little more superhero action “on screen,” but I think it fits better for it to happen off the page to keep the focus on the holiday-antics (also, it would’ve made this a novella rather than a short story).

It’s fun, it’s quick, it’s free…and this time of year, we can all use a little of all three.


3.5 Stars

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The Irresponsible Reader’s Guide to Picture Books That Aren’t Necessarily for Kids—2023 Edition

I have to follow up yesterday’s post with this one. Not every picture book is written for kids, some are for all-ages, some are for an older audience. Playing with the format in this way really draws me in. You should check these out.

I meant to buy/read a couple of things this year that would fit here, but I haven’t for whatever reason (mostly buying books for the other list, I guess). So this is really just a slightly edited version of last year’s.


Goodnight BrewGoodnight Brew

by Ann E. Briated, Allie Ogg (Illustrator)

It’s a simple idea–parody Goodnight Moon, replacing the items in the child’s bedroom with the things found in a brewery. Throw in a little educational bit in the end, and you’ve got yourself a fun read for adults.

P Is for PterodactylP Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever

by Raj Haldar, Chris Carpenter, Maria Beddia (Illustrator)

This is funny stuff, good artwork, and correct–but not actually helpful–information. “S is for Seas” and “H is for Heir” for sure–but try using those for spelling something.
My full post about the book.

A Die Hard ChristmasA Die Hard Christmas: The Illustrated Holiday Classic

by Doogie Horner, JJ Harrison (Illustrator)

The premise: Take Die Hard one of the greatest action films ever made, one of the greatest Christmas movies ever made, and an all-around pop culture touchstone, then turn it into a (NOT for kids) rhyming picture book. A great holiday tradition.
My full post about the book.

Go the F*** to SleepGo the F*** to Sleep

by Adam Mansbach, Ricardo Cortés (Illustrator)

There’s not a parent alive that can’t relate to the frustration of the parent in this book. This goes firmly in the “it’s funny because it’s true” arena. The art looks more like something drawn for adult audiences (but not too much) than the rest of this list, which leans toward the kind of thing you’d find in a kid’s book.

The ABCs of MetallicaThe ABCs of Metallica

by Metallica, Howie Abrams, Michael Kaves (Illustrator)

This one might be good for kids, but I don’t know how much they’d appreciate it. It will appeal to Metallica fans who can be lighthearted about their fandom. Some nice info, cute rhymes, and fun ways to come up with something for every letter. The illustrations are great and (like the text) are kid-friendly and adult-friendly, too.
My full post about the book.

Mommy Has A TattooMommy Has A Tattoo

by Phil Padwe

This is actually aimed at a young audience, and probably should’ve gone on that list. But my wife bought this a few years ago, and I typically think of it with the rest of the books on this list. The child at the center of the book is freaked out by seeing (a nice looking) tattoo sleeve on a man in the neighborhood, his mom assures him that tattoos are okay and nothing to be afraid of–utlimately showing him her own ink. It’s a cute book.

The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Thing Beneath The Bed The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Thing Beneath The Bed

by Patrick Rothfuss, Nate Taylor (Illustrator)

Rothfuss calls this “a dark twist on the classic children’s picture-book. I think of it as Calvin and Hobbes meets Coraline, with some Edward Gorey mixed in.” I love the twist here. The art’s cute–deceptively so–and the story is great. I’d gladly read a handful of these.

The Irresponsible Reader’s Guide to Picture Books—2023 Edition

This is a much longer list this year, than it was last. Obviously, the Grandpappy’s Corner books have helped with that. I’d like to thank Witty & Sarcastic Bookclub for posting their 2023 Picture Book List last week reminding me that I meant to get his up. I’m pretty sure I’d have forgotten it otherwise.

Here are my favorites in the Picture Book realm from the past ten years so.


Snobbity SnowmanSnobbity Snowman

by Maria Bardyukova, Quiet Riley, Jr.

Fun art work. Some fantastic use of language (especially when read aloud). A nice little story with a good moral. Ticks off every box.

My full post about the book.

Baby Dragon's Big SneezeBaby Dragon’s Big Sneeze

by Sheryl Bass, Remesh Ram (Illustrator)

A cute dragon, solid rhymes, and a sweet story.

My full post about the book.

Baby Dragon Finds His FamilyBaby Dragon Finds His Family

by Sheryl Bass, Remesh Ram (Illustrator)

A cute-looking sequel to the above.

I haven’t read this yet, but I will soon.

BeardedBearded

by Jeremy Billups

I love the artwork, these characters became favorites at first sight.

My full post about the book.

Bearded TooBearded Too

by Jeremy Billups

See what I said above.

My full post about the book.

Sea This and Sea ThatSea This and Sea That

by Jeremy Billups

The art clearly shares DNA with his other work, but it couldn’t be more different. Good jokes. A visual feast.

My full post about the book.

FarmhouseFarmhouse

Sophie Blackall

It’s a pretty–I cannot stress that word enough–look at one house over the course of time. Wonderful art, a nice story.

My full post about the book.

How Big Is Zagnodd?How Big Is Zagnodd?

by Sandra Boynton

A look at various sizes of aliens…silly fun for young and young-at-heart.

My full post about the book.

Saint Patrick the ForgiverSaint Patrick the Forgiver

by Ned Bustard

A great way to give an age-appropriate lesson in forgiveness while telling the story of one of the heroes of the faith.

My full post about the book.

Saint Valentine the KindheartedSaint Valentine the Kindhearted

by Ned Bustard

A number of lessons about love and service are given while telling the story of one of the heroes of the faith.

My full post about the book.

Mike Nero and the Superhero SchoolMike Nero and the Superhero School

by Natasha Carlow, Kyle Stephen (Illustrator)

A little heavy on the moral, but it’s one to get heavy with.

My full post about the book.

Little Aiden - A Feelings Book for ToddlersLittle Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

A handy and helpful book to tell toddlers that it’s okay to having and feeling emotions.

My full post about the book.

Little Aiden - A Love Book for ToddlersLittle Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

A warm and sweet look at the ways and times in which a parent can feel affection for their child.

My full post about the book.

The Day That A Ran AwayThe Day That A Ran Away

by B.C.R. Fegan, Lenny Wen (Illustrator)

Fegan and Wen are a dynamic duo—I’d read (and re-read) their books for fun.

My full post about the book.

Don't Ever Look Behind Door 32Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32

by B.C.R. Fegan, Lenny Wen (Illustrator)

See above.

My full post about the book.

Henry and the Hidden TreasureHenry and the Hidden Treasure

by B.C.R. Fegan, Lenny Wen (Illustrator)

See above.

My full post about the book.

The World's Greatest MousetrapThe World’s Greatest Mousetrap

by B.C.R. Fegan, Fanny Liem (Illustrator)

A Rube Goldberg mousetrap. A frustrated would-be reader. A cute mouse. A great combo.

My full post about the book.

Kitties Are Not Good To EatKitties Are Not Good To Eat

by Cassandra Gelvin

Cute cat photos and handy advice.

My full post about the book.

Noodle and the No Bones DayNoodle and the No Bones Day

by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator)

The origin story of the late, great Noodle.

My full post about the book.

Noodle Conquers Comfy MountainNoodle Conquers Comfy Mountain

by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator)

Further adventures with Noodle.

My full post about the book.

This Book Will Get You to Sleep!This Book Will Get You to Sleep!

by Jory John, Olivier Tallec (Illustrator)

A loud, energetic, giggle-inducing book that will defintely not live up to its title.

My full post about the book.

1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad's Farm1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm

by Valerie Johnson, Cee Biscoe (Illustrator)

Okay story, cute pics, great fodder for discussion.

My full post about the book.

Geeky Baby's Guide to ColorsGeeky Baby’s Guide to Colors

by Ruenna Jones, Josh Lewis (Narrator)

A good intro to colors and some of the images that any geeky baby needs.

My full post about the book.

Secrets of the WildSecrets of the Wild

by Olivia Kent, Srimalie Bassani (Illustrator)

The Secret Lives of Wild Animals—the parties, the jobs, games, antics, and more that they get up to when humans aren’t around to interfere.

My full post about the book.

God, Right Here: Meeting God in the Changing SeasonsGod, Right Here: Meeting God in the Changing Seasons

by Kara Lawler, Jennie Poh (Illustrator)

A pleasant look how God’s nature (flora, fauna, weather) reveals His work and care through a year’s worth of seasons.

My full post about the book.

The Day My Fart Followed Me To HockeyThe Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey

by Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson, Danko Herrera (Illustrator)

Stupid, childish humor—perfect for the audience (and close enough for those older types who read it). Adorable art. Charming book.

My full post about the book.

Noam’s MonstersNoam’s Monsters

by Shai Levinger, Kaustuv Brahmachari (Illustrator), Ephrat Abisror (Translator)

A great way to talk about anxieties and fears with your little ones.

My full post about the book.

A Tale of Wonderful WhiffsA Tale of Wonderful Whiffs

by Sophie Loosveldt, Isabella Croker (Illustrator)

A nice premise, some distinctive art, and a cute pug.

My full post about the book.

God Never ChangesGod Never Changes

by Carine MacKenzie, Derek Matthews (Illustrator)

A quick, age-appropriate look at the Immutability of God for the board-book crowd.

My full post about the book.

The Legend of the Christmas WitchThe Legend of the Christmas Witch

by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator)

An alternate take on Santa’s origin—and his twin sister.

My full post about the book.

The Return of the Christmas WitchThe Return of the Christmas Witch

by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator)

A sequel where Santa’s sister has to step up and use her magic to help rescue Christmas from a mega-corp.

My full post about the book.

Bear with BearBear with Bear

by Hagit R. Oron, Galia Armeland (Illustrator)

A great e-book (I don’t know how/if the hyperlinked material would translate into hard copy). There’s a good twist to this story that makes it especially appealing.

My full post about the book.

Bravo and ElphieBravo and Elphie

by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)

The collaborations between Hagit and Or Oron about cute, little Elphie and her friends and family are as charming as you want.

My full post about the book.

Elphie and Dad go on an Epic AdventureElphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure

by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)

See above.

My full post about the book.

Elphie Goes Trick or TreatingElphie Goes Trick or Treating

by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)

See above.

My full post about the book.

How Did the Hippopotamus Get There?How Did the Hippopotamus Get There?

by Sohrab Rezvan, Kyana Mitchell (Illustrator)

A silly book about a new pet hippo finding a bunch of places to hide and play in his new home.

My full post about the book.

The Adventure Begins! (Dungeons & Dragons)The Adventure Begins! (Dungeons & Dragons)

by Dennis R. Shealy, Nate Lovett (Illustrator)

The pilot episode of the old Dungeons & Dragons in Little Golden Book form.

My full post about the book.

The Wonky DonkeyThe Wonky Donkey

by Craig Smith, Katz Cowley (Illustrations)

A zany rhyme about one goofy looking–maybe even wonky–donkey.

My full post about the book.

Every Dreaming CreatureEvery Dreaming Creature

by Brendan Wenzel

A gorgeous book following one child’s dreams as they are one animal and then another.

My full post about the book.

Leo & The Lightning DragonsLeo & The Lightning Dragons

by Gill White, Gilli B (Illustrator)

The rhymes are cute, the story is very positive, great illustrations, and the imagery of the Lightning Dragon fighting inside Leo is a great way to get the idea of epilepsy across to a picture book reader.

My full post about the book.

Sophie and the Heidelberg CatSophie and the Heidelberg Cat

by Andrew Wilson, Helena Perez Garcia (Illustrator)

A little girl gets a reminder that the gospel isn’t about working for God’s acceptance, but in belonging to God. One of my favorite reads (written for any age group) of 2023.

My full post about the book.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Clytemnestra’s Bind by Susan C Wilson

I’m very pleased today to welcome The Write Reads Blog Tour for Susan C Wilson’s Clytemnestra’s Bind, the first of her The House of Atreus trilogy! The Tour starts today–go check out https://twitter.com/WriteReadsTours from now until the 22nd to see a what those who’ve read it have had to say. But in the meantime, let me tell you about the book.

Clytemnestra's Bind Tour Banner

Book Details:

Title: Clytemnestra’s Bind
Series: Susan C Wilson
Genre: Historical Fiction/Greek Mythology
Publisher: Neem Tree Press
Format: Hardcover/Paperback/Ebook
Length: 300 pages
Publication Date: June 15, 2023
Clytemnestra's Bind Cover

About the Book:

Queen Clytemnestra’s world shatters when Agamemnon, a rival to the throne of Mycenae, storms her palace, destroys her family and claims not only the throne but Clytemnestra herself.

Tormented by her loss, she vows to do all she can to protect the children born from her unhappy marriage to Agamemnon. But when her husband casts his ruthless gaze towards the wealthy citadel of Troy, his ambitions threaten, once more, to destroy the family Clytemnestra loves.

From one of Greek mythology’s most reviled characters—a woman who challenged the absolute power of men—comes this fiery tale of power, family rivalry and a mother’s burning love.

Book Links:

Amazon UK ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads

About the Author:

Susan C WilsonSusan C Wilson is a working-class Scottish writer. Her lifelong passion for ancient Greece was ignited as a child by stumbling across stories of gods and heroes in the dictionary. She loves to explore what makes us human: the eternal motivations, desires and instincts that cross time and place.

She has a degree in journalism from Napier University and, in preparation for writing her novels, gained a diploma in classical studies from the Open University. Clytemnestra’s Bind, her debut novel, was long-listed for the Mslexia Novel Competition 2019. It is the first in The House of Atreus trilogy and will be published by Neem Tree Press in June 2023.

Author Links:

Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram


My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

Opening Lines: The Last Dance by Mark Billingham

We all know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover (yet, publishing companies spend big bucks on cover design/art and we all do judge them that way). But, the opening sentence(s)/paragraph(s) are fair game. So, when I stumble on a good opening (or remember one and pull it off the shelves), I like to throw it up here. This one characterizes so much of this book–good, solid detective/procedural kind of writing, served up with a perfectly off-kilter line that doesn’t belong there, but improves the whole thing so much that it actually has to be there.

from The Last Dance by Mark Billingham:

The coloured lights from more than a million lamps seem to dance above the town’s main street and their reflections shimmer on the surface of the black sea just beyond. On the street itself, a thousand neon signs dazzle and buzz and the slow-moving traffic has become a pulsating necklace of red and white beads. To the casual observer, gazing down from the top of the Tower perhaps, or from a penthouse apartment in one of the expensive blocks that have sprung up in recent years, this might be Las Vegas.

If that casual observer really squinted.

And had never been to Las Vegas.

Opening Lines Logo

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