Killer Species #2: Feeding Frenzy

Killer Species #2: Feeding Frenzy by Michael P. Spradlin
(AKA "That Moray-Cuda Book")
Release Date: Oct. 29, 2013

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This review describes an uncorrected proof. The published version may be different, but maybe not different enough for my brother.

My brother read this book. Read these comments and share in his misery.

Once upon a time, there was a film company called AIP. When they made a movie, they started by picking a title that would get the kids excited. Next, the developed a flashy poster to sell tickets. Last, they came up with an actual movie to match the title and the cover-art that had already been chosen. This book was probably made the same way.


This feels like an artificial project for the purpose of taking money from anyone who's a sucker for a cool cover/title combo. The plot concerns a mad scientist who decides to restore ecological balance by unleashing custom-made genetic horrors. He is stopped by a group of meddling kids and their positive but oddly incompetent adult chaperones. It's like Scooby Doo, but they don't have a dog. Oh, wait, they do...

I think it's targeted at children who are just old enough to not demand pictures in their books. If I had read this book as a thirteen year old, I would have felt patronized. The book doesn't give the reader credit for any intelligence at all. The characterization and plot are strictly by-the-numbers. There wasn't much that was technically unsound, but it was very bland. The only bit of complexity that I can give it credit for is that while the book is mostly about mankind wrecking the planet, characters who go over to eco-terrorism look like jerks. At least they're introducing some political subtlety there.

Even though this is a tiny book, much of it is actually padding. The page count gets filled out by unnecessary recaps of the first book, "bonus" chapters of the next book, and artist's renderings of the Moray-Cuda.

This book is a placeholder. They needed a book with an evil fish on the cover. A certain number of kids will get conned into buying it based on appearance. Next month, they'll probably shovel on a different terrible book with an evil creature on the cover, and a new generation of wide-eyed youth will get bamboozled by a cynical publishing industry.

I would recommend this book for eco-fanatics who care more for brainwashing their children than quality reading. Really, though, I wouldn't suggest it to anyone.

Maybe you just don't care if it's cheesy. You can go get a copy at The Blue Manatee or your nearest independent bookseller.

Dog Songs by Mary Oliver
Release Date: October 8, 2013

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This review describes an uncorrected proof. The published version may be different.

My student, Cam, read this book. Here's what he thought: 

Dog songs is a poem book about dogs. Dog songs was an amazing book. I read it because I love dogs and because I’ve never read a dog poem book. I recommend this book to anybody who loves dogs and likes poems. This is the first book I’ve ever read by Mary Oliver. In my opinion, I’d give this book a rating of 9. I really liked this book and I might read more books by Mary Oliver.

To see my review of this book, check out the first review in the history of this blog!

The Jupiter Pirates by Jason Fry

The Jupiter Pirates by Jason Fry
Release Date: December 23

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This review describes an uncorrected proof. The published version may be different.

Kylee detected clichés in this book. Read her comments and cringe:

Have you ever read a book about ships and aliens in space? Do you want to read another? The first 10-20 you have read before have been pretty okay, so this one should be just as good right? If you have been thinking yes to these questions, then forget this review and go get the book. You will love this “wholly original saga” about this “Galaxy on the brink of war” and this “one unforgettable family caught in the middle of it.”

First, I would like to point out I didn’t finish it. I got to page 31 and was just done with it. Is Harper-Collins the one lacking creativity, or is that you, Mr. Fry? Really, you think that we need ANOTHER humans, aliens, spaceship, Star wars, Independents day, one boy that can save them all book?

I do like the way you have the mom think they are more civilized and law abiding and then the dad knows they are bloody pirates and scoundrels. But the way you put it in there it just makes it contradicts itself. You don’t tell us a lot about what’s happening or who the main character is. I know sometimes it’s better to just put a character in a problem and see how they deal with it so the reader can learn about them. But after it was done, I didn’t really know anything more about the characters than when I started.

I don’t recommend this book to any one.

-Kylee

Goodbye Rebel Blue by Shelley Coriell

Goodbye Rebel Blue by Shelley Coriell
Release Date: October 1

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This review describes an uncorrected proof. The published version may be different.

My wife read this book. Here's what she said:

It's not every day that you hear about a teenager dying, and another girl choosing to complete her bucket list. Some teenagers just don't fit in with everyone else. This book is written for the ones who don't even want to fit in.

Shelley Coriell protrays the inner thoughts of the main character realistically. The main character begins her journey with as a selfish, self-centered teenager. She was really just mean and sarcastic, and it made me want to stop reading. Then, about 1/3 of the way through, I realized that Coriell set it up on purpose so that Rebel could redefine herself and learn more about herself as she fulfilled her classmate's bucket list.


I was especially put off that Rebel doesn't stop and think about death at the beginning of the book. She doesn't stop thinking about herself, even when she goes to the other girl's funeral. Most books have a flawed character with a few traits that are likeable, but in this book, there was nothing enjoyable about her until 1/3 of the way through the book. It felt like parts of the book dragged while I was waiting for Rebel to grow up.

I recommend this book to teenagers who want to see a character's inner thoughts and the changes they go through. There's also a heavy dose of romance that keeps the book interesting. Enjoy!

Get your copy from The Blue Manatee or your nearest independent bookseller!

"The President Has Been Shot!": The Assassination of John F. Kennedy by James L. Swanson

"The President Has Been Shot!": The Assassination of John F. Kennedy by James L. Swanson
Release Date: September 24, 2013

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This review describes an uncorrected proof. The published version may be different.

My dad read this book. Observe his judgment:

I was in high school during the assassination. My family were not Kennedy fans, so I didn't feel as bad as some people did, but everyone felt bad.

When I picked up this book, I was concerned that it would only be written for Kennedy fans who still dream about the "lost Camelot" of the era. On the contrary, Swanson wrote this book in a fair, objective way. He explained why a lot of people liked JFK without going overboard. I would have liked some comments on the 1960 voter fraud in Chicago, but I can't disagree with anything that Swanson included.

This book is fascinating. It walks you step-by-step through the assassination. There are lots of things you think you know, but you've never understood until Swanson explains them. The pacing is expertly done; it keeps moving crisply through all the key events of the shooting, but dives into details when something interesting is happening. Swanson chooses only the most interesting side stories about LBJ, Jackie Kennedy, the Secret Service, etc. The details were explained clearly and compellingly. For example the explanation of why Oswald shot from behind instead of from in front is meticulous and convincing.

This book doesn't waste any time on conspiracy theories. Oswald did it. He acted alone. I'm glad to see that Swanson goes after truth instead of hyping up stupid theories, but I wish he'd spent more time shooting down some of the bigger theories. I wish he'd torn apart that idiotic movie, for example. That would have been fun to read.

I recommend this book to people who like knowing how things happen. It's got politics, murder, and history wrapped together. I enjoyed it, and I learned a few new things from it.

Go find your copy at The Blue Manatee or your nearest independent bookseller! 

Rock & Hard Place by Angie Stanton

Rock and a Hard Place by Angie Stanton
Release Date: September 24, 2013

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 This review describes an uncorrected proof. The published version may differ.

My mom read this book! Check out her reaction:

Good vs. evil, cruel fate, a tragic accident, and a life out of control. It's Ivanhoe all over again!

This book is about a girl who is dating a pop singer against the background of her tragic personal life and his difficulty with navigating the path of success. It's not bad!

The theme of the book is making choices that will get you a positive outcome. The characters have a genuine feel, and they make you care about the theme.

The shortcoming of the book is a lack of realism. For example, the father character just kind of disappears. Where did he go? I think teenagers can handle something a little more grounded that this. On the other hand, it's refreshing to read a positive, upbeat romance novel that doesn't make you feel gross afterwards.

Young teens and people who enjoy realistic characters in an upbeat romance would appreciate this book.

Looking for a beach read in September? Go find your copy at The Blue Manatee or your nearest independent bookseller!

Chupacabra by Roland Smith

Chupacabra by Roland Smith
Release Date: September 24

Amazon Page
Goodreads

This review describes an uncorrected proof. The published version may be different.

Review by Casey:

Tonight is different, 'cause the Chupacabra is out for blood!

I thought that the author did really well with the story as well as a perfect idea to go along.

I wanted to know how Noah Blackwood found a way to create the Chupacabra.

I would recommend this book to people who like Action, Fantasy and people who believe in the paranormal.

-Casey