Two Book Tuesday

It's been rather a long while since my last Two Book Tuesday post.  A fact, for which, I am sorry, but I let both work and school distract me from this blog and am now working to remedy that failure.  While I haven't been posting, I have continued reading and rediscovering the joy of having a book in my hands, turning the pages and wanting to make notes about each new story.  So, let's get this post started!

I am currently reading The Sky Below by Stacy D'Erasmo, an interesting piece of literature that follows the life of one Gabriel Collins, who writes obituaries for a "ratty paper in lower Manhattan."  Honestly, I can't stand Gabriel.  He is exactly as the author has written him, a drug-dealing thief who manipulates those around him for his own gain.  However, his life story is a pretty compelling one and, as much as I dislike Gabriel, I can't stop reading.

 

As for my second book in this post: Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee is a story I have wanted to read since I came across a review for it in a professional library journal and decided to purchase it for my library's collection.  It is a super terrific sounding tale of a girl who is trying to find her way in a world full of superpowers, heroes, and villains.  Along the way, she gets the chance to be closer to her crush, Abby, takes a job interning for a supervillain to spite her superhero parents, and discover that maybe she has more power than she originally thought. 

Seriously, I can NOT wait to start reading this book!  It was ridiculously cool to meet the author at the 2017 Romantic Times Book Convention in Atlanta this year and to have her sign my book.  I can admit to feeling a little awestruck to meet C.B. Lee, she is super sweet and was giving away the best buttons at her signing table!

Review of Unicorn Tracks

I really enjoyed this book.  It seamlessly combines elements of our world with the fantastical to create a place full of excitement and wonder.

Both of the main characters are interesting and well rounded. I found myself rooting for Mnemba from the first and was desperate to learn more about her life before becoming a guide for her cousin's business.  Kara took a little longer to warm up to, but I enjoyed how independent and curious she was... even with the mermaids, lol.

Unicorn Tracks doesn't shy away from the topic of rape or the aftermath of it.  While Mnemba's attacker was punished for his crimes against her, she still ended up leaving her home because of the judgement and expectations of those who would claim he was a good man and this was a one-time incident.  It was an especially heartwarming moment when her father said that he would kill Mnemba's attacker if ever he were set free.

Her relationship with Kara was slow going, as they figured out how to work past the trauma of the past, but it was all the sweeter when they were finally able to connect.  At the end of the story, Mnemba isn't "over" what happened to her, but she is able to keep moving forward with the support of her lover, friends, and family.  <3

I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventure, or alternate histories.  It's a quick read, but a darned good one!