Just be Cool, Jenna Sakai

About the Book:

Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by [Debbi Michiko Florence]

Title: Keep it Together, Keiko Carter
Author: Debbi Michiko Florence
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: August 3rd, 2020
Genre: Middle Grade Novel

“Heartbreak is for suckers.” — Jenna Sakai

When Jenna gets dumped over winter break, it confirms what she learned from her parents’ messy divorce: Relationships are risky and only lead to disappointment. So even though she still has to see her ex-boyfriend Elliott at newspaper club, Jenna is going to be totally heartless this semester — no boys, just books.

But keeping her cool isn’t always easy. Jenna’s chief competition for a big journalism scholarship is none other than Elliott. Her best friend Keiko always seems busy with her own boyfriend. And cute-but-incredibly-annoying Rin Watanabe keeps stealing her booth at the diner she’s been hiding at every day after school. Rin is every bit as stubborn and detached as Jenna. And the more Jenna gets to know him, the more intriguing a mystery he seems. Soon Jenna is starting to realize that being a loner is kind of, well, lonely. And letting people in might just be a risk worth taking.

Book Review:

This was an adorable coming of age, romance story! I’m a huge fan of this genre, and while I do think middle school is a little too young to be thinking of romance, I still enjoyed this book. And I loved how it wasn’t just about romance. Jenna had to learn some important life lessons too and reconnect with her family.

Jenna Sakai is over love. After a fresh breakup with her boyfriend, all she wants to do is win her newspaper competition and forget about ever opening her heart again. But when everything with her family, friends, and even a cute new boy starts falling apart will she be able to keep her heart closed off?

The first thing that drew me to these books were the Asian main characters. This is a companion novel to Keep it Together Keiko Carter. I loved that book! And I loved how it wasn’t about her being Asian. I think we need more books about Asians getting to do everyday, normal things because it shows that they can be the main characters. Jenna, Rin, and Keiko are all Asian-Americans with completely different personalities and I loved them all!

Honestly, while I understood Jenna, I had a hard time connecting with her. I loved her drive and passion, and I think so many girls will relate to her. But I was able to empathize and understand Keiko more. However, I still adored her as a main character. I loved her growth and how she apologized and admitted her faults. I think that showed real maturity and also teaches young girls that being a strong woman means having the strength to apologize.

Rin was so sweet! He fit Jenna in a lot of ways, and they were able to push each other without being too similar. They were similar enough that they understood the other person, but they also listened to one another. And I loved how Leigh gently pushed them together. Leigh and her diner were a fantastic addition to the story!

The family drama felt very real, and I’m sure a lot of kids will be able to relate. I’m glad the parents were given a redemption arc, and the author emphasized the importance of talking about your feelings. This was a sweet, cute story that gently teaches middle schoolers about the significance of not closing yourself off to other people and how to maintain relationships. I loved it! Definitely would recommend it to any middle schoolers or even older kids 🙂 It’s a clean read without any unnecessary mature topics added in.

In the Shadow of a Queen

About the Book:

In the Shadow of a Queen by [Heather B. Moore]

Title: In the Shadow of a Queen
Author: Heather B Moore
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: October 4th, 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction

Based on the true story of the free-spirited daughter of Queen Victoria.

As a young woman, Princess Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She is also strong-willed and resists following the queen’s rigid rules and strict protocols for a princess.

After her father’s untimely death, Louise’s life is upended by the inconsolable grief of her mother and the rippling effect that rocks the British Empire. Captive to the queen’s overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother’s tight circle of control, attend balls, or have any kind of relationship outside the royal family. She is relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother—the same position each of her sisters held until they were married.

Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen’s wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day’s political matters without Queen Victoria’s approval, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy and resources to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter.

In the Shadow of a Queen is the story of an epic battle of wills between two women: a daughter determined to forge her own life beyond the shadow of her mother, and a queen resolved to keep the Crown’s reputation unsullied no matter the cost.

Book Review:

I have been trying to read more historical fiction and broaden my horizons, so I was excited to try out this book. In the Shadow of a Queen was a fascinating book about Princess Lousie, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s daughter, by Heather B Moore.

This book was really interesting to read and learn more about Princess Lousie. I had actually never read or seen anything about her so it was really cool to read. Princess Louise was trying to balance being herself and being a princess. This book takes us through many movements in Princess Lousie’s life, the death of her father, her sister’s marriages, starting school, and even getting married herself are some of the things that this book takes us through.

I really enjoyed the way this book was written, it was easy to read and understand. It did drag a bit more for me but that could be because I am just slowly getting into historical fiction. However I feel as if I learned a lot about Princess Louise, her family, and the time that she lived in. The Princess was truly amazing to read about, she stood firm in her ideas and beliefs and did many great things.

In the Shadow of a Queen was a good book. I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction or those who are interested in learning more about Princess Louise. It displays a world that seems so far away and different and yet it shows how these people were just human too.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Becoming

About the Book:

Title: Becoming
Author: Michelle Obama
Publisher: Crown
Release Date: November 13, 2018
Genre: Memoir

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.

Book Review:

I’ve recently been trying to balance my book intake. I mainly read fiction, so I’ ve been trying to read more nonfiction. I’ve never really been super interested in this genre, but I realized that there are some amazing nonfiction books like Becoming! I don’t agree with all of Michelle Obama’s views, but I do admire her hard work and dedication. To be the first black First Lady is not a small achievement, and she showed the hard work she and her husband put in to be the first POC President and First Lady.

I think Michelle Obama is super cool, and this book just made her even cooler! She overcame so many obstacles in her life, and it was inspiring because she had to work hard for every opportunity. And I thought it was hilarious that she did not even like politicians, so she didn’t really want her husband in politics. However, she believed he could make a difference, and the sacrifices she made for him were inspiring.

Also, I really liked the fact that she told her whole life story, not just her experience as the First Lady. It was nice to see her whole story. The information was interesting, I enjoyed the writing as well, and I would totally recommend this book! I don’t agree with all her views, but I think it’s definitely an interesting read about this fascinating woman.

The Heart of a Cowboy

About the Book:

The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys Book #2) by [Jody Hedlund]

Title: The Heart of a Cowboy
Series: Colorado Cowboys #2
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House Fiction
Release Date: October 5, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction

When he agreed to guard her, he never bargained on having to guard his heart.

Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory.
She longs to be valued for her contributions and not seen as a helpless liability. But at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn’t need more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly
hires Flynn–unbeknownst to Linnea–to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As
Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest
danger of all–falling for a woman he’s determined not to love.

Book Review:

Wow! This book was even better than the first book! I am always amazed by all of the books that Jody Hedlund has written because they all manage to be so good! The Heart of a Cowboy is the second book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. I was excited to read this story because I wanted to learn more about Wyatt’s family and finally get to see Flynn. The Heart of a Cowboy was such a sweet and heartwarming book.

Flynn wanted to prove that he was better than his older brother, Wyatt. He was determined to deliver cattle to his brother, and no matter the cost, he would keep the cattle alive. Linnea Newberry is loving traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Howell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She wants to prove to her grandfather and the others on the team that she is trustworthy and just as capable as the men. What Linnea and Flynn never expected was to grow a bond as they traveled together.

Flynn was an awesome hero. He wanted to protect his family and do his best to bring his brother’s cattle to him. I loved his relationship with his siblings and how he tried to be the best big brother he could. He was strong, but he had to learn to trust that he could not save everyone or stop bad things from happening. He was grappling with how to care for his family and let them grow. It was sweet to read about him falling for Linnea. She was fearless and helped him see the good in life again.

Linnea was really cool. She was a botanist in a time where women could not do much. I adored her, and I loved how much she loved God’s creation. It was also fun to read about her interaction with Ivy, Flynn’s younger sister. However, Linnea had to learn to trust God’s plan and stop trying to force her way of things. It was so cool to see Linnea grow in her faith. She was a lovely character!

Linnea and Flynn were cute together. They balanced each other. They were able to actually talk to each other, which I always love. Bantering is one of my favorite things that can be written into books, and I really enjoyed Linnea and Flynn’s bantering. I liked the progress of their romance, and also, the balance with the rest of the story. I was really interested to read about them transporting cattle and to read about Linnea’s rescue. There was so much going on, and I kept on wanting to read more.

Some of my favorite things about Hedlund’s books are the great quotes. Here are two of my favorites: “If we tuck tail and run everytime we’re scared, we’ll end up running in circles, never getting anywhere.” This quote reminded me that sometimes we have to push through the hard things and just try our best. The second quote was “Was it finally time to stop trying so hard in her own strength and to let God carry her where He would, working things out in His way?” I loved this quote because it reminded me that I need to trust in God’s plan and not my own.

The Heart of a Cowboy was a great book! There were some twists and turns and I ended up staying up late reading. I am excited to read Dylan’s book. I know it is going to be good! I would totally recommend The Heart of a Cowboy! It is a clean Christian romance but it is a little heavier on the romance so I would probably recommend it to at least 13 and up.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

A Change in Tune

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Change in Tune by Ashley Rescot, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Change in Tune

Series: The Strings of Sisterhood #1

Author: Ashley Rescot

Publisher: Rescot Creative

Release Date: September 15, 2021

Genre: Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance, Young Adult, Music Fiction

Violinist Victoria Pearson dreams of attending Johann Conservatory of Music in New York City for graduate school. As the oldest of five sisters, she hopes to escape her Midwestern college town and hectic family situation to fulfill her passion in life—music. But when she decides to participate in Belton University’s Concerto competition to bolster her chances of acceptance, Victoria finds herself competing against her sister Adrienne and lifelong cellist friend Jerry Chang. This sets in motion a rivalry that questions the roles of sisterhood, friendship, and maybe love.

Victoria wants to maintain the rigors required of a professional classical musician without losing her family and friends, not to mention her sanity, in the process. The demands of her large family might hinder her ability to achieve her dreams. What sacrifices will she make to reach her goals, and are they worth the cost?

A new, twenty-first-century generation of little women takes the stage in A Change in Tune.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Book Review:

This was a fun book, and it painted a beautiful portrait of music, romance, and sisterhood. This drew on books like Pride and Prejudice, with the Bennet sisters, and Little Women, with the March sisters. I have sisters of my own, so I love to read books about them. While these sisters had more challenges in their relationship, I did enjoy watching them interact.

Violinist Victoria Pearson’s dream is to be admitted into the Johann Conservatory of Music in New York City for graduate school. She can’t wait to be away from her hectic family of five girls and finally fulfill her passion in her life, music. But as problems with family, friends, and her music arise, she’ll have to ask herself what sacrifices will she make for music and is it worth it?

Victoria was an interesting character. While there were times that I didn’t really like her, I did understand her. Her passion for music was super admirable, and reading about music from her perspective was beautiful! I could feel the music impacting her. I was a little bit disappointed in her relationship with Adrienne, her sister, though. There were times when they were so unkind to each other that it just made me sad. However, I understood the need for it in the storyline, and I know that some sisters have that kind of tumultuous relationship.

Jerry was a total sweetheart! I loved how kind and caring he was. His parents wanted him to pursue medical school instead of being a musician. He was trying so hard to obey his parents, but he had to learn how to stand up for himself. I loved how complex his mother’s character was as she strived to protect her son. She didn’t want him to have the mental and financial problems that come from being a musician.

I don’t know a lot about the life of a musician, so it was interesting to learn about some of the mental health issues they face. It was definitely heartbreaking to read about it, and there are mentions of sucide, racism, and drugs. It was all brief though, and the author always pointed out that this type of behavior is not healthy. So this book is probably for teenagers and up.

There were some slow parts, but I enjoyed reading about the struggles and joys of being a musician. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves music!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Rescot is a professional violinist, educator, writer, and Fulbright Scholar. An aficionado of music, pedagogy, family, faith, and language, she writes about her life as a musician. With degrees in both music and literature, she hopes her stories will inspire the next generation of musicians, encourage music professionals, and educate others about the exciting world of music.

CONNECT WITH ASHLEY: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(4) winners will receive a print copy of A Change in Tune plus ONE of the following stories featuring a violin: The Main Dish by Victoria Kimble, A Note Yet Unsung by Tamara Alexander, A Song Unheard by Roseanna White, or Night Song by Tricia Goyer.

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 21, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 28, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

To Marry an Earl

About the Book:

Title: To Marry an Earl
Author: Karen Thornell
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: September 1, 2021
Genre: Historical Romance

Katherine Cartwright knows through bitter experience that true love is fiction and trust should not be bestowed easily. Now, after two unsuccessful London Seasons, her atrocious father has decided to marry her off to the highest bidder to pay for his gambling debts, ridding himself of the daughter he never wanted. A profitable deal is struck, and Kate is packed off to the home of her betrothed, an earl she has never met. Or so she believes.

When James Fenwick, the new Earl of Bowcott, learns that the girl he’s loved since childhood is being sold off like chattel, he’s determined to step in and save her. He makes an offer her father cannot refuse and insists on a proper engagement. But when Kate meets James again, her old friend cannot bring himself to admit it is him whom she is to marry. Soon, an intricate charade and a past that cannot be escaped jeopardize James’s chance at rekindling their friendship, to say nothing of winning Kate’s heart. Can love truly conquer all, or was this a match doomed from the start?

You can read the first chapter here:

Book Review:

I have been eagerly waiting to read Karen Thornell’s newest book! I found her through the bookstagram community and I was so excited to read To Marry an Earl! It took me a little while to get into the book, but once I started truly reading I was hooked. The storyline was really engaging and the characters were lovely.

I felt bad for Kate, Katherine Cartwright, her father seemed like an impossible man who made life horrible for her. She was desperate to find a life that she could call her own, however her plans were once again disregarded when her father married her off to the highest bidder, an earl. Things start to look up when she is reunited with her old friend James Fenwick. But as she spends time with him, she finds herself falling for this man. However when the truth around her engagement comes to light will their relationship last? Will Kate be able to trust James after all he had put her through?

Kate was an interesting character, she was trying to protect herself from more hurt. However, she also found herself falling for James and that made her conflicted because she wasn’t sure how she felt about him. He had hurt her before, so she was wary. I liked reading about her growth as she learned to trust herself and gain confidence. I learned to like her more and more as I read more about her. I also liked how she was a strong character, as she learned to overcome the obstacles that were thrown into her life.

I liked James from the beginning but I also wanted to bash him over the head. He made so many silly mistakes with Kate, but he was trying his best. I liked how James tried his best to care for Kate and put her first. He truly did love her in his own way, but he was struggling to figure out how to show her because of how tentative she was. He was trying to learn how to love Kate and figure out what it meant to be an earl. He was kind and willing to help those around him.

The side characters were also fun, I really liked James’s friends Lucas and Henry. I hope that they get their own books! Julia was also sweet. These characters really helped make the book. I loved reading about their interactions. The servants were sweet, especially James’ cook. James and Kate had to learn how to make a relationship work with each other. They also had to learn to work through the truth.

To Marry an Earl was a lovely book! I would definitely recommend it, especially to those who like regency romances! I can’t wait to see what else Thornell writes. To Marry an Earl is a clean Regency romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

About the Author:

www.karenthornell.com

Karen Thornell grew up reading when she should have been sleeping, but it wasn’t until 2019 that she started writing. Tired of ending books and saying ‘goodbye’ to beloved characters, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters that lived in her head always. It was probably a mark of sleep deprivation that she wanted people living in her head, but the idea was planted regardless.

Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a281/

The Nature of a Lady

About the Book:

The Nature of a Lady (The Secrets of the Isles Book #1) by [Roseanna M. White]

Title: The Nature of a Lady
Series: The Secrets of the Isles Book #1
Author: Roseanna M White
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: May 4, 2021
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

1906
Lady Elizabeth “Libby” Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn’t favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage’s former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne–gentleman and clergyman–is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he’s happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth’s summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it’s the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can’t quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Roseanna’s Shop

Book Review:

Happy sigh, this was such a good book! I have been loving Roseanna M White’s books, and this book was no different. The Nature of a Lady is the first book in Roseanna M White’s new series The Secrets of the Isles. This was such a cute book with lovable characters. I loved the story line, and I couldn’t put it down.

Lady Elizabeth Sincalir, Libby, didn’t fit in with society or those around her. She loved microscopes and science, and she greatly disliked going out into society. She flees to the Isles of Scilly and finds a dangerous mystery left behind by a girl named Elizabeth who mysteriously vanished. Oliver Tremayne, gentleman and clergyman, is determined to find his sister. He’s happy to accept the help of the girl who is now living in the cottage that Beth his sister lived in. As he spends time with Libby, he remembers when he first met her two years ago, a girl who loved botany and science as much as he did. But the hunt for his sister is more daunting than he could have imagined.

I loved Libby, she was a lovely person and yet she was also on the edge of society. I think one of the reasons I liked Libby was because she was so relatable. She didn’t quite fit in and that made it hard for her. However, going to the Isles, it was like she found herself. It was super sweet to read about Libby finding her wings. She learned to find her place in life and accept herself. But she also had to learn what it meant to have a Creator who didn’t make mistakes. A Creator that loved her for who she was.

Oliver was such a good guy, you couldn’t help but like him. He greatly cared for those around him and he felt the responsibility of leading his family well. Sigh, I just really liked him and I wanted him to be happy. It was super cute to read about him with Libby, I feel like he fell for her from the beginning. However, Oliver was also struggling with finding his place. He was looking for the person who completed him. He was weary, and Libby completed him

Wow, the story line was amazing! I didn’t know what was going to happen or what was going on. I ended up staying up late to finish it, it was that good! Oliver and Libby were surrounded by the mystery of where Beth went and the secrets she was chasing. As they spent time together, they started to fall for each other. But will the secret’s Beth is hiding keep them apart? And will their love survive their different stations?

I loved the characters and the hints of other books! I am eagerly waiting for the next books. I need to know what happens next. But don’t worry this does have HEA. I have to say that this was another winner, I am excited to see what comes next in this series! The Nature of a Lady was a wonderful book and I would totally recommend it! The Nature of a Lady is a clean, historical romance with hints of a mystery.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

About the Author

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

The Book of Lost Tales

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Book of Lost Tales, Part One (History of Middle-Earth 1) by [J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien]

Title: The Book of Lost Tales
Series: History of Middle-Earth
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Release Date: February 15, 2012
Genre: Epic Fantasy

The Book of Lost Tales was the first major work of imagination by J.R.R. Tolkien, begun in 1916-17 when he was twenty-five years old and left incomplete several years later. It stands at the beginning of the entire conception of Middle-earth and Valinor, for these tales were the first form of the myths and legends that came to be called The Silmarillion. Embedded in English legend, they are set in the narrative frame of a great westward voyage over the Ocean by a mariner named Eriol (or AElfwine) to Tol Eressea, the Lonely Isle, where elves dwelt; from him they learned their true history, the Lost Tales of Elfinesse. In these Tales are found the earliest accounts and original ideas of Gods and Elves, Dwarves, Balrogs, and Orcs; of the Silmarils and the Two Trees of Valinor; of Nargothrond and Gondolin; of the geography and cosmology of Middle-earth. Volume One contains the tales of The Music of the Ainur, The Building of valinor, The Chaining of Melko, The coming of the Elves and The Flight of the Noldoli, among others. Each tale is followed by a short essay by Christopher Tolkien, the author’s son and literary executor.

Book Review:

A collection of stories set in the world of Middle-Earth, The Book of Lost Tales contains stories from the history of the land and its people. They are beautiful tales, with a mix of mythology and magic. It was never finished by Tolkein, but was compiled and reorganized by his son. The stories are connected by its introductions, the story of a man hearing these tales from a nearly forgotten place.

It was really cool to delve into some of the stories and mythos of Middle-Earth. I read The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings series, but never considered myself much of a fan. Those were the only books I read, though I also enjoyed the movies. Before this book, that was the extent of my LotR investment. I had not looked into the history or backstory, but this was so fun! Though there were some parts that felt a bit wordy, overall it was very interesting. I have always enjoyed mythology and folklore, and I used to check out books on them from the library. It was interesting to see a fantasy version of it. It is not for the light reader, with the multitude of characters whose names sound awfully similar and the notes referencing other events and characters. It is always cool to see the themes that nearly always appear in the mythology of every culture through a new story.

There are 10 tales, each full of magic and beauty. They span a long period of time with the characters of gods, elves, dwarves, gnomes all appearing. I would definitely recommend this for any LotR fan or those who like high fantasy. Be ready to be flipping back and forth from the story and the annotations for clarity. It is deep mythology with beautiful imagery. There is some mention of war and death, however overall it is pretty clean.