Review: The Final Empire

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm so happy I finally read this. It's been on my list for years but I hadn't gotten around to it. And the audio version was fantastic.

Vin is my kind of reluctant hero. Flawed, she (mostly) does the right thing, even when she doesn't want to. I really enjoyed her progression throughout the story. Great character arc. And Kelsier. Oh, Kelsier. So many things I want to say, but I won't for fear of spoiling the story for someone. Let's leave it at I love you and your crazy band of misfits.

This is a book that needs to be experienced, so I will not say much more. If you enjoy epic fantasy, magic, political intrigue, and people fighting to make a better world, you should start this series. 4.5 stars. Maybe 5 if I'm rounding up. Just read it.

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Review: The Red Trailer Mystery

The Red Trailer Mystery by Julie Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Since book 1 ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, we roll right into book 2. How annoyed were you all in 1977 when book 2 wasn't published yet? Julie Campbell, well played. Thousands of middle schoolers were anxiously awaiting the adventures of Trixie, Honey, and Jim.

As we return to the implausible life of Trixie Belden, her parents let her take off on a quest to track down the missing Jim Frayne. Now hey, this 13-year-old isn't alone. No, Honey's wonderful governess, Miss Trask, offers to drive the RV around upstate New York to search the boys' camps where they think Jim might be applying for work. Back in the days of no cell phones, no internet, and most modern conveniences, I'm going to go with ok, fine. So off they go and step right into a stolen trailer ring, a mysterious family, and yes, camps. Oh, and horses. Always horses, which is why I loved these books so very much growing up.

Pluses: Jimmy the Crow, the farm couple, and Miss Trask.
Minuses: Honey's decision about her dog, no Reagan, and the ridiculous state trooper. Julie Campbell, have you ever met a cop in your life?

But I still dearly love these books, so 3 stars.

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Review: The Secret of the Mansion

The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Golly, but I loved these books growing up. I wanted to be Trixie. I mean, what's not to love? She has a great family, a great farm, and a great best friend with HORSES. What else could you want out of life?

In the first book, we are introduced to spunky Trixie Belden. She meets her new neighbor, Honey, and they are quickly thick as thieves. Honey is a poor little rich girl who just wants a normal life. Trixie basically wants friends and horses, like most 13 year old girls. Sleepovers and horseback rides abound, and then they stumble onto a mystery (gasp!) with a lonely orphaned boy (double gasp!) and a hidden inheritance (triple gasp!). The book is dated, but I just love these books so I am overlooking all of the flaws I find and reverting to my 10 year old self. This one ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, so be prepared to immediately start book #2. You sucked me in again, Julie Campbell, you crafty minx.

Fun start to the series, and 3 solid stars for the nostalgia.

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Review: Academ's Fury

Academ's Fury by Jim Butcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

More journeys in Alera. I just love this series! I read it once a year, and I find new details to delight me every time. Such a fantastic world.

Set two years after the first book, we join Tavi at the Academy. A threat is coming to Alera, and all of our favorites work to save the Realm from the four corners of the land. Yes, you get lots of Bernard and Amara goodness. Yes, Isana is still the same strong, reticent woman. Yes, Tavi continues to grow up. There's political intrigue around every corner. Trust no one. Except Doroga. Always trust Doroga. Another great installment in the series with good character growth all-around.

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