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Stalking Jack The Ripper

Stalking Jack The RipperTitle: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #1
Genre: Historical Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416
Reason Read: Play Book Tag, Reading Challenge
Rating:

My Thoughts

I’ve been excited to read STALKING JACK THE RIPPER ever since I knew the book existed. I’ve been fascinated by the story of Jack the Ripper ever since I was a teenager. I watched a couple of TV miniseries fictionalizing his rampage of terror with my parents and I often wondered who the real Ripper was and why he did what he did.

I loved how Maniscalco wove the historical in with the fiction. I loved seeing the events of Jack’s murders through the eyes of Audrey Rose and the other characters around her. I loved reading about the science of the times. In Maniscalco’s author’s note, she said she tried to remain as true to the capabilities of the time as possible. I thought it was really interesting that even though most of society scorned the work of forensic scientists because they thought it ungodly and mad, scientists were able to do all they did without the advancements we have today.

I loved the cast of characters, including Jack. Even though I guessed who Jack was in the end, I was surprised how it all went down. It made for a fun, surprising ending that I really enjoyed. I also loved the little bit of banter between Audrey Rose and certain someone. I look forward to more of that in future books in the series.

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Dread Nation

Dread NationTitle: Dread Nation
Author: Justina Ireland
Series: Dread Nation #1
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror, Young Adult
Format: Kindle
Pages: 418
Reason Read: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

DREAD NATION is the first zombie novel I’ve ever read and I loved it. I loved how the “Shamblers” worked and how they changed the outcome of the Civil War and society in general. The Shamblers were so much fun to read about. I especially loved reading the fight scenes with all the different weaponry used against the dead.

I liked the time period and how Ireland used the setting to discuss the oppression of black people not only during Civil War era United States, but in general the most. Even though the themes are blunt, they’re not preachy. Ireland skillfully addresses issues of racism and inequality while delivering a complex, enthralling story. Reading this book was very eye-opening. I know I’ve lived a very sheltered and safe life (and I’m not talking about a life free of Shamblers). I felt like the story wonderfully illustrates the perseverance and strength black people have while enduring horrific abuse at the hands of those who see them as lesser.

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A River Enchanted

A River EnchantedTitle: A River Enchanted
Author: Rebecca Ross
Series: Elements of Cadence #1
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Spice: 1.5 / 5
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 480
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

Also in this series: A Fire Endless
My Thoughts

I absolutely adored everything about A RIVER ENCHANTED. As soon as I started to read the story of Cadence and its inhabitants, I was hooked. When I was reading, I didn’t want to put it down and I couldn’t stop thinking about it in between reads. I loved that the story was written from different POVs and that it wasn’t done chapter by chapter. The story was told from whoever’s POV told the story the best at that moment. I loved all the characters and especially the slow-burn romances. I wish there was more kissing, but I’m glad the story wasn’t sacrificed for the romance.

I adored the mythology. It was fascinating. The magical system with the spirits was fun to read about and experience. I also loved the Scottish / Gaelic feel and I think Ross could’ve pushed that aspect of the story a lot more.

Update: When I read this a second time so I could read A FIRE ENDLESS, I listened to the audiobook. The audiobook is definitely the way to read this series. I loved Ruth Urquhart’s narration. Her Scottish accent added so much to the story, so I changed my rating from 4.5 stars to 5 stars.