Twisted Dreams

Title: Twisted Dreams

Series: None

Year: 2017

Author: Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Summary: “I, Calandra, of the Wingans, do bestow upon you, the Princess of Hanover, a gift. You have been given long life. I cannot interfere with that, but when you are sixteen years of age, you will prick your finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into an everlasting sleep.” She stepped closer so that she could be heard only by Liesel and her parents. “Then you will at last see the truth. Be wary. Be wise. Your fate rests upon yourself.”

On her sixteenth birthday, Princess Liesel Rosanna falls victim to a sleeping curse—but wakens in another world, a prisoner of war. As the bait in a trap for her fiancé, the crown prince of Hanover, Liesel longs to escape back to the fairy tale world. The world where she is only wanting a true love’s kiss to set everything to rights.

As situations quickly grow dire, Liesel must choose which story to live, which life is real. The fate of her country rests on her decision.

Review: If you're wanting a quick Sleeping Beauty fix, this story does the job. Liesel is our fairytale heroine who's fated to prick her finger on a spindle, and Will is her loving prince who's going to try to rescue her. Throw in a fairygodmother Wingan and a mischievous younger brother, and you've got an adventure quite unlike any before.

The story flip-flops between two worlds: the real world set in a technological galaxy (not so far, far away) and a dream world that's positively medieval. Political tensions are high in the galaxy as two rival kingdoms both have hostages to try to get them the upper hand in their ongoing war. Liesel is held in enemy hands, and though her true love Wilhelm is determined to rescue her, his father isn't ready to release his hostage: the rival king.

I think the author did a great job with balancing the Sleeping Beauty elements in this tale. Although the summary indicates that true love's kiss is a big deal, it's really not a big deal in the book. I counted two forehead kisses that didn't seem to be at all like the epic-awakening kiss of the fairytale. But I'm not complaining. I'm not a huge fan of mushy harboring on kissing, so that's two thumbs up in my book. The summary also hints at Liesel's big decision to chose which world to live in, and she really didn't have a choice. Once she realized that she was in the dream world, she was eager to get out. Just wish the summary hadn't been as misleading.

But I really liked the mix of space/galatic elements. I love seeing fairytales redone in new settings, and the whole galaxy feel is pretty cool. My biggest complaint with this book was the length of it. Because it was (I believe) originally written for the Rooglewood contest with its severe word limit, there wasn't much room to worldbuild and that's what I wanted. The author has set up an intricate world of different races, planets, talents, etc. and I would have loved to see that all on a larger scale. The rival kingdoms are two different races, and then we've got the race of Wingans who have powers, like the ability to manipulate electricity and sound waves. I mean, how cool is that?

A longer book would have allowed more time for some character development. Once I hit the end of the book, I was kinda sad I hadn't bonded more with these characters. Most of them were kinda two-dimensional. Matthew, in particular, I thought had great potential, but his character didn't seem to go anywhere.

Advisory: Some action and fighting scenes. Guns and swords are involved, but nothing graphic. And just a pinch of romance (since it is Sleeping Beauty, duh), but well-balanced for the book.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Thief of Corinth

Title: Thief of Corinth

Series: None

Year: 2018

Author: Tessa Afshar

Summary: First-century Corinth is a city teeming with commerce and charm. It’s also filled with danger and corruption—the perfect setting for Ariadne’s greatest adventure.

After years spent living with her mother and oppressive grandfather in Athens, Ariadne runs away to her father’s home in Corinth, only to discover the perilous secret that destroyed his marriage: though a Greek of high birth, Galenos is the infamous thief who has been robbing the city’s corrupt of their ill-gotten gains.

Desperate to keep him safe, Ariadne risks her good name, her freedom, and the love of the man she adores to become her father’s apprentice. As her unusual athletic ability leads her into dangerous exploits, Ariadne discovers that she secretly revels in playing with fire. But when the wrong person discovers their secret, Ariadne and her father find their future—and very lives—hanging in the balance.

When they befriend a Jewish rabbi named Paul, they realize that his radical message challenges everything they’ve fought to build, yet offers something neither dared hope for.

Review: You've got the rooftop adventure of the Prince of Persia, the cunning and generosity of Robin Hood, the exciting sport of Ben-Hur, and the elegance of Austen all wrapped up into one. This book actually surprised me; I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. When I initially read the summary, it pulled at me, but once I began reading -- well, halfway through, I really couldn't put it down.

Ariadne is a Corinthian at heart, but she's stuck in Athens with her harsh, unloving mother and grandfather. Her best friends are her two brothers, one by blood, and the other taken in from the streets as an infant the same night she was born. After her mother and grandfather insist on betrothing her to a pretty awful guy, she decides it's time to leave. So, she escapes back to Corinth with her adopted brother to return to their beloved father.

But not all is well at their father's home. After Ariadne discovers him sneaking in and out at night, he confesses the truth: he is the thief of Corinth. Although he wants to leave the thieving nights behind him, it may be a exciting life that Ariadne just can't say no to. Besides, when everything's on the tip of ruin, another run as a thief might be the only way to save her family.

This book was very well paced; it moves very quickly. And the author did a great job at weaving multiple subplots together. I loved seeing the interaction with Ariadne and her family. I'm really a big fan of stories with lots of sibling emphasis, and this one delivered all that I wanted. In addition, no minor character is added just because; each one has a purpose, which is fantastic.

I was a little disappointed in the ending, I will admit. It did boil down to a very nice conclusion, but I didn't care for the way that Ariadne had to steal again in order to put things right and help people. Yes, she has the talents, and it made a great climax, but morally, it didn't seem to sit well with the spiritual tone of the book. For me, you can't do wrong in order to do right. Stealing is stealing, no matter how you cut it.

Additionally, I think some of the historical and biblical aspects could have been done better. I talked about this book with a college history graduate, and he said that some of the elements included would probably never have happened. One, Ariadne's parents are divorced by the mother's request, and it would have been highly unlikely that the marriage would have been dissolved for a woman -- no matter what the reasons were. Also, Ariadne's race; even though Sparta was big on training the women with the men, women competing in events was next to nil. The adopted son, as well, was something big that the Corinthian world upheld, but a son normally would be adopted if the father had no healthy, beloved male heir (which in this book he did). Once adopted, the son wouldn't leave his father, not even to accompany his sister to a new home. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but some of these elements seemed a little stretched for the purpose of the book.

I won't get on a soapbox about the spiritual elements. This was the one part of the book that I was the most skeptical about, as biblical fiction normally hasn't left a good taste in my mouth. It's hard to get it right, I know. The overall message was good, and it didn't feel like the author was shoving it down your throat, but I was honestly disappointed in Paul's portrayal. After reading his epistles for so many years, he seemed more a contemporary, peace-loving, shallow type of guy. However, I did like how the author tied in the historical account of the Unknown God.

Advisory: A little bit of romance and a kiss, but not overdone. There are a few scenes in which Ariadne describes the scant dress of women, as well as some flirtatious/sensual type scenes. For example, a girl dances in front of a crowd of men, looking for their attention.

And just a bit of blood to be aware of. Another character has a severely broken leg. Some talk of domestic abuse and other minor injuries.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

Dancing and Doughnuts (Once Upon a Western)

Title: Dancing and Doughnuts

Series: Once Upon a Western (Book #2)

Year: 2018

Author: Rachel Kovaciny

Summary: Twelve Dancing Princesses… reimagined.

Fifty dollars just for asking a few questions? Jedediah Jones figures it must be his lucky day. What dancing and doughnuts have to do with anything, he neither knows nor cares. He’s only interested in earning that money so he can finally eat something other than the apples he's been living off for days. Once his stomach and his pockets are filled again, he plans to move on.

But answering the advertisement plunges him into a forest of painted trees, twelve pretty sisters, trouble, and more trouble. And, yes, doughnuts.

So many doughnuts. 

Can Jedediah Jones solve the mystery and earn that fifty dollars when the whole town has failed? Or will the twelve sisters lose their family's business no matter what he does?

Main Characters:
~ Jedediah Jones
~ Alice 
~ Cooper
~ Clara

Review: Have you ever wanted that basically perfect fairytale retelling that just crackled with originality and spunk? Well, this is it. This book absolutely blew me away. I loved it sooooo much. 

Jedediah Jones is new in town -- and he intends to make it a quick stay. He's running from awful memories of the Civil War, and he doesn't want to stay in one spot long enough to allow the memories to catch up. The problem is, he's short of money so he needs to pick up an odd job or two to keep his pockets full until the next town. 

And what an odd job he finds. A family of twelve girls offering a $50 reward to anyone who can solve the mystery of the spiked apple cider. A mystery that's threatening to close down the family dance hall and doughnut business. 

Rachel doesn't give you anytime to get bored in this book. It's fast-paced and intriguing. I read the whole thing in one sitting. I will admit I figured out the spiking culprit pretty early on, but I was completely hooked on trying to figure out how my conclusion would play out. The book began with a very strong flavor of the original twelve dancing princesses tale. Now, in my experience, when a retelling begins that way, the elements of the original tale kinda fade away and get lost in the author trying to be original, but Rachel kept the fairytale vibe strong until the end.

And all the two thumbs up for including the original fairy tale elements. I was wondering how Rachel was going to get the silver and gold forest in here -- but she did and amazed me at doing so in the process. There's lots of dancing, some worn out shoes (even though Jones's love interest has the impeccable and lovable tendency to go barefoot), a proper mystery, an inquisitive ex-soldier, and plenty of fun. I loved getting a glimpse at more than one sister; twelve dancing princesses retellings tend to only focus on the eldest sister, but with this one we got a close-up of at least three. I'd love to see some spin-offs on some of the other girls' adventures. 

My biggest problem with this book was the amount of food discussed. Particularly the homemade doughnuts. I was so hungry when I finished, and there were no doughnuts at hand to snack on. Very disappointing. 

It's not every day you get an epic fairytale retelling like this, and if you're any kind of fairytale retelling enthusiast (or a fan of a fun, western read), this book HAS to be on your list PRONTO. You will not regret it. I want to read everything this author has written. 

Advisory: Really nothing. This is probably one of the cleanest reads I've had ever. A few characters suggest that the spiked cider may present problems with the girls being "improper" but that's all that's ever mentioned. And obviously, some consumption of and discussion of alcohol, but I would have no worries handing this book to my nine-year-old sister. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

The Orphan's Wish (Hagenheim)

Title: The Orphan's Wish

Series: Hagenheim (#8)

Year: 2018

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Summary: From the streets to an orphanage in a faraway kingdom, Aladdin has grown up alone. Until he meets Kirstyn. With a father who is the duke of Hagenheim and a mother who is the patroness of the orphanage where Aladdin lives, Kirstyn is a member of the most powerful family in the land . . . and way out of his league. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite companion for taking walks in the forest, and their childhood friendship grows along with them.

Through his scrappy skills, intelligence, and hard work, Aladdin earns a position serving in the duke’s house. But he knows it isn’t enough to grant him his one desire: Kirstyn’s hand in marriage. If he hopes to change his station in life and feel worthy of marrying Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim to seek his fortune.

But once Aladdin leaves, no one is around to protect Kirstyn, and the greedy men desperate to take advantage of her father’s wealth take notice. Now, more than Aladdin’s background stands in the way of the future he’s worked so hard to obtain. His only hope is to rescue Kirstyn and somehow manage to win her hand as well.

Main Characters:
~ Kirstyn
~ Aladdin

Review: I got really excited when I saw that Melanie Dickerson was planning an Aladdin retelling. Fairytale retellings by themselves are just peachy keen, but there aren't many Aladdin ones that I've found out there. I love finding a less-popular fairytale being retold. 

Ala ad'din is a small boy living in the streets of the Holy Land. As an orphan, he doesn't have a lot of options for survival and is forced to steal under the hand of a harsh master. A chance encounter with a kindly priest gives him the freedom he craves, but even in his new life at Hagenheim he fears how people will react to his thieving past. 

Now called Aladdin (since the people in Hagenheim can't seem to pronounce Ala ad'din properly), he becomes the favorite friend of Kirstyn, the duke's daughter. A childhood friendship blossoms into a romance that neither are quite aware of, and Aladdin decides to leave Hagenheim to make his fortune. 

And then Kirstyn gets kidnapped and goes missing for months, and Aladdin's world is turned upside-down. 

Honestly, other than the name Aladdin, I didn't catch many Aladdin fairytale references in this book. Other than the obvious other nod to the Disney film by naming a little street boy Abu. It was a little disappointing. The story seemed more like a retelling of the Biblical account of Joseph; Aladdin is hired to take care of a merchant's business and does so well that he's considered a sort of King Midas (i.e. everything he touches turns to gold). And the man Aladdin works for isn't the evil sorcerer from the fairy tale; there are no lamps involved. In the beginning of the novel, Aladdin made a big deal about his thieving background -- keeping it secret from everybody in Hagenheim -- yet as the novel progressed I thought everybody forgot about it. His childhood thefts really didn't have any part to play in the plot. Unless there's something obvious I'm missing, calling this an Aladdin retelling is kinda stretching it. 

But if you're just looking for an adventure in the Dickerson style that you've come to love, this book tastes just the same as all of her other Hagenheim novels. 

Advisory: Some violence. One character is kidnapped; another is suggested to have been molested. 

Romance, typical in the style of Dickerson. Although I was happy to note that the love interests didn't focus on kissing until the last couple chapters -- after they finally realized they were in love with each other. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

Intangible (Piercing the Veil)

Title: Intangible

Series: Piercing the Veil (#1)

Year: 2013

Author: C.A. Gray

Summary: An ancient evil returns. A prophecy foretells of a champion.

Peter Stewart grew up on a unique version of the Arthurian legends taught him by his father, a harebrained quantum physicist who asserts that anything is possible. But Peter disbelieves anything which cannot be scientifically explained, despite a nagging sense that there is more to the world than meets the eye.

Lily Portman is an orphan with a secret: she can see creatures that are invisible to everyone else. These creatures control every human being she has ever met to varying degrees... until she meets Peter and his father.

When a mysterious stranger stages an accident which nearly costs Peter and Lily their lives, suddenly Lily learns that she is not crazy after all, and Peter discovers the truth of his father's stories... including the existence of Arthur's ancient nemesis, one who calls himself the Shadow Lord, and a prophecy with implications so profound that it will alter not only the course of their lives, but potentially the fate of the world.

Main Characters:
~ Peter Stewart
~ Lily Portman
~ Cole
~ Brock
~ Kane

Review: Peter knows he's not a normal kid -- but he's not a bad kid; he's just constantly getting into trouble at school because his science experiments jeopardize the safety of the people around him. Sometimes being curious and too smart with science and physics and all that can be a little dangerous. 

But that's all before he meets Lily -- an orphan who claims she can see specters around other people, specters that act like an invisible councilor for each individual, specters that all seem to have nasty intentions. What's more is... Peter doesn't have a specter. 

And then after Peter's best friend, Cole, and Cole's older brother, Brock (who also happens to be Peter's worst enemy at school) join them, Peter buckles up for a ride unlike any he's taken before. A ride that's literally life or death. In the middle of a would-be-fatal car accident, Peter is somehow able to step out of the real world and see a rainbow of options of scenes that could happen. There is only one option in which everyone in the car makes it out alive. So, he chooses that one... and everyone survives. The only trouble is... he doesn't know how he did it, why it happened, and why there's suddenly an army of specters (or penumbra, as they're actually called) coming at him to kill him. 

Overall, I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn't know when I first picked it up that it was going to have a lot of Arthurian legend mixed in. I really liked how the author twisted physics with the legends -- the whole feel was a really, super cool idea! Anyone that tries to prove Arthur existed with all the elements of the legends intact gets an A+ in my book! 

However, I did think the whole plot of this novel could have been better executed. Once Peter and his friends get to the hidden city of Carlion, there's a ton of information that gets dumped on top of them. I struggled to keep myself on top of all that information as well as wading through to get to where the action picked up again. In addition, much of the important information gearing up towards the big finish gets told twice. One set of characters had a conversation about this important thing (no spoilers, sorry), and then ten pages later, another set of characters is having the same exact conversation about the same exact important thing. I think a lot of this novel could have been edited out with a simple "he filled them in" or "she recounted the story." Also -- even though I didn't mind seeing this story unfold from the viewpoints of several different people, the POV would switch mid-paragraph multiple times so I was unsure who's head I was in. Just a little confusing, and something I think could have been edited over better. I do believe this novel is this author's first, and I'd be interested in reading some of her later work to see how her writing has progressed. 

The science aspects went over my head a little bit, but I'm blaming that completely on me not being a science geek. I appreciate good science, even if I don't understand it. For science lovers out there who like a good mix of fantasy in with your physic passion, this is your story. 

Advisory: Some language to be aware of. Fantasy violence and action. 

This may be a small thing, but I was rather disappointed with how some of the kids interacted with their parents. True, you have a huge, unbelievable world to reckon with (as well as some harsh parental/authorial figures), but the kids acted disrespectfully to the adults at times, outright disobeyed, and even went so far as to justify lying. 

Lastly to discuss -- magic. With the Arthurian legend, there are elements in this story that are "magical." Apparently, each person has an innate ability to control a certain element, though oftentimes he/she never discovers what that is within a lifetime. The elements can be controlled through the Ancient Tongue, a forgotten language that encompasses the true names of things, not merely what the object represents but the actual essence of the object. Peter and his friends have to learn to speak in the Ancient Language (even though half the time people are just teaching them to memorize phrases, and they have absolutely no idea what they're saying), and everybody is able to control certain elements. For example, one character can create photons, one is a space specialist, one is a water specialist, etc. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

*Please note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

The Great Hunt (The Wheel of Time)

Title: The Great Hunt 

Series: The Wheel of Time (Book #2)

Year: 1991

Author: Robert Jordan

Summary: The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow. For centuries, gleemen have told of The Great Hunt of the Horn. Now the Horn itself is found: the Horn of Valere long thought only legend, the Horn which will raise the dead heroes of the ages.

And it is stolen.

Main Characters:
~ Rand al'Thor
~ Perrin Aybara
~ Mat Cauthon 
~ Egwene al'Vere
~ Nynaeve al'Meara
~ Padan Fain
~ Lord Ingtar
~ Hurin
~ Loial
~ Moiraine
~ Verin

Review: This book picks up right where book one ended. Jordan doesn't leave much time between his books in this series! 

Rand wants to be away from Aes Sedai influence, but having his friends still in Fal Dara with him make him prolong leaving. When the Amyrlin Seat herself shows up with a small army of Aes Sedai and Warders in tow, his escape is too late. Padan Fain is locked securely in the dungeons, going mad to Rand's way of thinking, but Egwene still believes that he might be brought back to good. 

Then everything happens overnight, and Rand, Mat, and Perrin find themselves in Lord Ingtar's regiment, heading south to reobtain the stolen Horn of Valere. Thus the book is aptly titled, The Great Hunt. And Egwene and Nynaeve are headed to the White Tower to begin their training as Aes Sedai. 

While the first book of this series set up a good cast of main characters and took us on an epic run and chase (just like a classic beginning to a good fantasy), this book expanded the world threefold. We're introduced to a cast of new characters with new ambitions. In a way, it felt like a Dickens novel set in a Tolkien world -- strange creatures and fantasy battles and epic characters set in a complicated plot with multiple subplots. The chapters skip back and forth between multiple characters, and then somehow all wind up together in the end with a neat bow. 

I really don't have much to complain about for this book. Once The Eye of the World stole your interest and set your imagination up for this series, The Great Hunt is a fantastic continuation of the story. There's everything you loved in the first book -- and more. The pace is faster, and the plot isn't a constant run-and-hide adventure. I think I liked this book better than the first one, and -- of course -- I'm eager to keeping reading the series to find out what happens. 

Advisory: Fantasy violence and scary creatures. Expect battles, blood, and lots of action. 

Magic. The further I get into these novels, the more I'm understanding how magic/power works. I'm planning to review more of the books in this series, so I plan to say a little bit more about the magic aspect as I learn more about it. I explained a little bit in my review of The Eye of the World, but I realize that was just kinda scratching the surface. 

Also, a few characters "curse," using words like "bloody" and "flaming."

Some female characters are described as wearing transparent clothing and others as not wearing anything. It is in a quick, matter-of-fact kind of tone, and nothing is explicitly described. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard)

Title: The Sword of Summer

Series: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Year: 2015

Author: Rick Riordan

Summary: Magnus Chase has seen his share of trouble. Ever since that terrible night two years ago when his mother told him to run, he has lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, staying one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, Magnus learns that someone else is trying to track him down—his uncle Randolph, a man his mother had always warned him about. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. Randolph starts rambling about Norse history and Magnus's birthright: a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

The more Randolph talks, the more puzzle pieces fall into place. Stories about the gods of Asgard, wolves, and Doomsday bubble up from Magnus's memory. But he doesn't have time to consider it all before a fire giant attacks the city, forcing him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents. . . .

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die.

Main Characters:
~ Magnus Chase
~ Samirah al-Abbas
~ Blitzen
~ Hearthstone

Review: I was pretty excited to start this series, given my growing interest in Norse mythology. I can't say that I'm an expert in that area -- other than what I've learned through watching Marvel's Thor films -- but I'd like to do more study in that area. Greek mythology I got a mouthful of during one of my courses at college, but sadly, they didn't offer anything in the way of Norse. 

Magnus Chase is a sarcastic, homeless teen living in the streets of Boston. If his last name isn't any hint, he's Annabeth Chase's cousin (cameo to the Percy Jackson series), but Magnus thinks that he's the odd one in the family. After his uncle Randolph finds him, he discovers he's the son of the Norse god, Frey -- the god of summer, really. And suddenly, he's thrown into a life and death experience involving a thousand-year-old weapon, his birthright -- a talking sword that he calls Jack. 

And when I say death experience -- I literally mean death. Spoiler (kinda), but Magnus starts the book off by dying. And he tells you so right from the first page. To me it felt a little like Tangled: "This is the story of how I died." Magnus dies and then ends up in Valhalla. It's there that he learns that Ragnarok (the end of the world, basically) is coming and that everyone wants to try to use him to speed it up or delay it. 

Accompanying him on his adventures are three unlikely heroes -- a daughter of Loki, recently banned from the Valkyries; a dwarf with a superb fashion sense and an unfortunate sun condition; and an elf who speaks through ASL and isn't the least bit like Legolas. 

This book was a pretty fun adventure. We've got new perils, new gods, and new friends. But honestly, it didn't feel unique. I read a few other reviews of this book before writing mine and I have to agree with them -- I had a hard time pulling my mental image of Percy Jackson apart from Magnus. They're both so similar that (as the book's written in first person POV) I kept thinking I was following Percy. They're both sarcastic, Magnus only has a little bit more of an adult sarcasm and humor about him. Honestly, the whole book felt like a Norse knock-off. Instead of the Lightning Bolt, we've got the Sword of Summer that everybody wants to get their hands on. I mean, I enjoyed the Norse angle, but it didn't wow me like The Lightning Thief wowed me. 

I did like how Magnus wasn't the son of one of the top Norse gods. Percy's dad was Poseidon, making him pretty important, but Magnus wasn't the son of the ever-popular Thor or Loki. He isn't even the son of the god of war or smarts or anything like that. No. His dad's the god of summer, sunshine, fertility, peace, wealth, and rain. Not exactly the recipe you'd think would bake a hero. 

Advisory: The entire book has more of an adult feel to it. Magnus isn't the innocent demigod Percy was, so there is some more adult-type of humor and comments in this book. Also, some language. I was disappointed to see that. 

Lots of fantasy-type action and fighting and blood. One of Valhalla's daily routines is for all the inhabitants to participate in a all-out battle. And it's perfectly fine to impale your hallmate with a spear or chop his head off. And if that's considered normal, you can imagine what the rest of the book is gonna be like. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars