Book Review | ACE, MARVEL, SPY by Jenni L. Walsh

ACE, MARVEL, SPY
BY JENNI L. WALSH | PUBLICATION: JANUARY 14, 2025
HARPER MUSE | GENRE: HISTORICAL FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

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Based on the life of a very real, very incredible American icon.
Alice Marble strives to have it all.

Alice tirelessly works her way up to be a #1 tennis champion, all while maintaining a growing career trajectory editing the Wonder Women comic. She enjoys her hard-earned success with her loving husband, her steadfast coach, and her dear friends—many of whom are famous and well-connected.

But then her world falls apart.

Alice's life begins to unravel when she receives a telegram informing her that her husband has been killed in action in the war in Germany. Heartbroken, she feels like she can only watch as the war wreaks havoc in every area of her life.

Until an unexpected invitation arrives.

Alice is prompted to action when the US Army sends her a request: Under the guise of playing in tennis exhibition games in Switzerland, she would be a spy for them. And Alice aches for nothing more than to avenge her husband's death. What awaits her might be her greatest challenge yet.

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ACE, MARVEL, SPY is a fascinating biofic novel that brings to life the story of tennis star Alice Marble and her coach, Teach Tennant. Author Jenni L. Walsh skillfully combines Alice's memoir with her own imaginative storytelling to fill in the gaps, creating a compelling narrative.

Whenever opportunity presents itself, I love watching tennis matches. It's not just about the players' skill, mastery of the game, or their courage. It's also about the civility exercised by everyone involved, including the rebels. And we've seen many rebels, indeed.

The novel provides a detailed account of Alice's rise to tennis stardom, highlighting her achievements and the challenges she faced. However, it also delves into a critical period in her life when she is forced to stop playing competitively due to the onset of World War II. This blend of tennis and WWII historical fiction is both engaging and enlightening.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its accurate portrayal of tennis. Despite the abundance of tennis-related content, Walsh manages to present it in a way that is accessible to the average reader. The spy element of the story is particularly thrilling and adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Walsh's use of different storytelling techniques, such as telegrams and news stories, adds depth and variety to the narrative. These elements help to break up the text and keep the reader engaged.

Alice's courage is further highlighted by the personal loss she endures when her husband is killed during WWII, which ultimately leads her to agree to spy for US intelligence. This courage likely stemmed from her being an undisputed tennis player, accustomed to facing and overcoming challenges.

While the book does an excellent job of speaking tennis accurately, I would have liked to see a bit more focus on the espionage aspect. Nonetheless, ACE, MARVEL, SPY remains a well-rounded and enjoyable read. In fact, I'd love to see this story in a movie or a short series. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction and have an interest in tennis.

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About the Author:

Jenni L. Walsh worked for a decade enticing readers as an award-winning advertising copywriter before becoming an author. Her passion lies in transporting readers to another world, be it in historical or contemporary settings. She is a proud graduate of Villanova University, and lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband, daughter, son, and various pets.

Jenni is the USA Today bestselling author of historical novels Becoming Bonnie, Side by Side, A Betting Woman, The Call of the Wrens, and Unsinkable. She also writes books for children, including the nonfiction She Dared series and historical novels Hettie and the London Blitz, I Am Defiance, By the Light of Fireflies, Over and Out, and Operation: Happy. To learn more about Jenni and her books, please visit jennilwalsh.com or @jennilwalsh on social media.
Photo from author's website. No infringement intended

*Thanks to Harper Muse and Wunderkind PR for the ebook access
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE ANCIENTS by John Larison

THE ANCIENTS
BY JOHN LARISON | PUBLICATION: OCTOBER 15, 2024
PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE | GENRE: SCIENCE FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

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A young boy and his older sisters find themselves suddenly and utterly alone, orphaned in an abandoned fishing village. Their food supplies dwindling, they set out across a breathtaking yet treacherous wilderness in search of the last of their people.

Down the coast, raiders deliver the children's mother, along with the rest of their human cargo, to the last port city of a waning empire. Determined to reunite with her family, she plots her escape—while her fellow captives plan open revolt.

At the center of power in this crumbling city, a young scholar inherits his father's business and position of privilege, along with the burden of his debts. As the empire's elite prepare to flee to new utopia across the sea, he must decide where his allegiance lies.

With a rapidly changing climate shifting the sands beneath their feet, these three paths converge in a struggle for the future of humanity—who will inherit what remains and who gets to tell its story. At once a sweeping survival story; an epic of the distance future; and a post-apocalyptic vision of hope and optimism, THE ANCIENTS weaves a multilayered narrative about human resilience, hope, and stewardship of our world for future generations.

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John Larison's THE ANCIENTS is a masterful blend of dystopian fiction and post-apocalyptic survival. Set in a time where climate change has drastically altered the world, the novel weaves together the stories of three sets of characters, each struggling to survive and find their place in a rapidly changing environment.

Larison's novel is a survival story. A meditation on human resilience, hope, and the stewardship of our world for future generations. The pacing of the novel is deliberate, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the richly detailed world Larison has created. The narrative is both poetic and gripping, with each character's journey adding depth to the overarching themes of the novel.

The book serves as a stark reminder of our current environmental crisis. Larison's depiction of a world ravaged by climate change mirrors the exploitation of our planet and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. The novel highlights how those in power often take advantage of the most affected by climate change, drawing a poignant parallel to our present-day struggles. Interweaving fables throughout the story was really clever, becoming something of a warning, accenting lessons from the past and deciding on a better future.

Larison's ability to create a believable and immersive world, combined with his exploration of complex themes, makes this a standout read. Whether you're drawn to the survival aspects or the deeper philosophical questions, THE ANCIENTS offers a compelling and rewarding experience.

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About the Author:

John Larison spent much of his childhood in remote regions of Australia, the Caribbean, Canada, the South Pacific, Alaska, and the American West. While learning to write, he worked as a fly-fishing and whitewater guide in the Pacific Northwest. His acclaimed, bestselling novel Whiskey When We’re Dry was an Indie Next pick and was named a best book by O, The Oprah Magazine; Goodreads; Entertainment Weekly; Outside; Southern Living; Parade; The Times; and others. He teaches classical mythology and creative writing at Oregon State University.
Photo from Penguin Random House.

*Thanks to Penguin Random House for the eARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE LAST DRAGON OF THE EAST by Katrina Kwan

THE LAST DRAGON OF THE EAST
BY KATRINA KWAN | PUBLICATION: OCTOBER 8, 2024
SAGA PRESS | GENRE: ROMANTASY
RATING: ★★★★✬

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At the spry young age of twenty-five, Sai has led a quiet life, keeping the family teahouse up and running—even if that means ignoring the past-due notices—and taking care of his ailing mother. But he has a not-so-secret gift that he’s parlayed into a side career: he was born with the ability see the red threads of fate between soulmates, which lends itself nicely to matchmaking. Sai has thus far been content not to follow his own thread, the only one he’s ever seen that’s gray and fraying.

But Sai’s ordinary existence is about to be turned upside-down by a pair of shining dragon scales. When his mother’s doctor sells them to him, claiming them as a miracle cure, Sai is pretty sure he’s being scammed. When the medicine actually works—and the terrifying, ruthless emperor catches wind—Sai is thrust into the search for a dragon long thought extinct that will lead him into the throes of a brewing war and deep into foreign lands, facing down challenges both magical and mortal on an unexpected adventure. And for the very first time, as his own thread of fate begins to move, he may be able to solve the mystery of his Fated One on the other end of the line.

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Katrina Kwan's debut novel, THE LAST DRAGON OF THE EAST is a mesmerizing blend of Chinese mythology and fantasy. The story follows Sai, a young man with the unique ability to see the red threads of fate that connect soulmates. His quiet life takes a dramatic turn when he acquires a pair of dragon scales, leading him on an adventure filled with magic, danger, and the search for his Fated One.

As someone with Asian heritage, the themes of fated soulmates and reincarnation deeply resonated with me. These cultural beliefs add a rich layer to the narrative, making the story feel both personal and universal.

Kwan's narration is nothing short of beautiful and lyrical. Despite its poetic quality, the story maintains a brisk pace, never sacrificing detail or depth. This balance keeps readers engaged from start to finish, making it a truly immersive experience.

The novel is vast in scope yet inclusive, weaving together diverse characters and perspectives. It explores themes of destiny, love, and the eternal search for one's soulmate, all set against the backdrop of a richly imagined world inspired by Chinese mythology.

One of the standout elements of Kwan's novel is her depiction of dragons. In Western mythology, dragons are often seen as destructive creatures that devour everything in their path. However, in Asian mythology, dragons are revered as protectors and symbols of power, strength, and prosperity. Kwan captures this beautifully, portraying dragons as noble and benevolent beings, which adds a unique cultural dimension to the story.

THE LAST DRAGON OF THE EAST is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mythology. Its unique blend of lyrical narration and fast-paced storytelling makes it a standout debut. Whether you're drawn to the cultural elements or the thrilling adventure, this book has something for everyone.

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About the Author:

Katrina Kwan is a Vancouver-based author and actress. After graduating from Acadia University in 2017 with a BA in political science with honors, Kwan spent the next six years honing her creative skills as a freelance ghostwriter. With several ghostwritten romance novels under her belt, she’s ecstatic to finally be writing books under her own name. She is also the author of the contemporary romcom Knives, Seasoning, & a Dash of Love. She lives in Vancouver with her husband and two cats, and when she isn’t writing, she is desperately trying to keep her collection of houseplants alive. Photograph by Katrina Kwan.

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for the eARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | GENTLEST OF WILD THINGS by Sarah Underwood

GENTLEST OF WILD THINGS
BY SARAH UNDERWOOD | PUBLICATION: OCTOBER 1, 2024
HARPERCOLLINS | GENRE: YA FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

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Desire binds them. Hunger compels them. Love will set them free. . . .

On the island of Zakynthos, nothing is more powerful than Desire—love itself, bottled and sold to the highest bidder by Leandros, a power-hungry descendant of the god Eros.

Eirene and her beloved twin sister, Phoebe, have always managed to escape Desire’s thrall—until Leandros’s wife dies mysteriously and he sets his sights on Phoebe. Determined to keep her sister safe, Eirene strikes a bargain with Leandros: If she can complete the four elaborate tasks he sets her, he will find another bride. But it soon becomes clear that the tasks are part of something bigger; something related to Desire and Lamia, the strange, neglected daughter Leandros keeps locked away.

Lamia knows her father hides her for her own protection, though as she and Eirene grow closer, she finds herself longing for the outside world. But the price of freedom is high, and with something deadly—something hungry—stalking the night, that price must be paid in blood. . . .

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Sarah Underwood's novel, GENTLEST OF WILD THINGS, harnessed the power of mythological storytelling reimagined for a contemporary audience. The book delves into the ancient Greek myth of Eros and Psyche, but with a twist that infuses the narrative with a modern sensibility about love, desire, and the human condition.

Set against the backdrop of Zakynthos, a place where the concept of Desire is commodified, the story unfolds with Eirene and Phoebe, twin sisters whose bond is tested by the machinations of Leandros, a descendant of Eros. The novel explores the complexities of love—not as an abstract concept but as a tangible, powerful force that drives the characters to extremes.

Underwood's prose is a blend of lyrical beauty and dark intrigue, capturing the essence of a world where love can be both a blessing and a curse. The character of Lamia, Leandros' daughter, is particularly compelling, embodying the conflict between the longing for freedom and the dangers it entails.

While the pacing may occasionally slow, the overall narrative is a mesmerizing experience, GENTLEST OF WILD THINGS is a captivating novel that challenges the reader to consider the price of love, and the sacrifices made in its name. It's a journey through a landscape where myth meets reality, and where the stakes are life itself. Critics have praised the novel for its exploration of themes such as feminism, disability, and abuse, all woven into a rich tapestry of mythological retelling. For those who appreciate tales with profound emotional stakes and powerful female characters, Sarah Underwood's novel is a captivating read that lingers long after the last page is turned.

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About the Author:

Sarah Underwood grew up by the sea in Devon. A data scientist by training, she is a graduate of Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge and is now studying for her PhD at the University of Oxford. Sarah has been writing as long as she can remember and has always been drawn to stories of myth and magic. Her debut novel, Lies We Sing to the Sea, was an instant New York Times, indie, and international bestseller.

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for the printed ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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BBNYA Spotlight | MURDER IN VELVET by Sarah Wynne

About the Book:

MURDER IN VELVET
BY SARAH WYNNE | SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
GENRE: MIDDLE GRADE

13-year-old Grace loves her new charity shop coat. In fact, it’s perfect. Except for one tiny thing. When she wears it, she sees visions of the previous owner’s life ... and their murder! Grace and her best friend, Suzy, decide to investigate but digging up the past reveals secrets some people want to keep hidden. Can Grace stay one step ahead and solve a fifty-year-old murder or will she become the killer’s next victim? A gripping story of secrets and murder for fans of fast-paced middle grade thrillers.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the books that made it to the semi-finals with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title.

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 16 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

About the Author:

Sarah Wynne is from Chester in the northwest of England and lives with her husband, son and their little white ball of chaos, Daisy the dog. She spent over 10 years working as a primary teaching assistant but now writes full-time and provides editorial services to writers of children’s fiction. When she’s not writing she’ll usually be found with her nose in a middle grade book (or researching which book to read next or talking about books!).

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BBNYA Spotlight | MASQUERADE FALL by Estella G. Fogg

About the Book:

MASQUERADE FALL
BY ESTELLA G. FOGG | JANUARY 3, 2023
GENRE: HISTORICAL FANTASY

Recently orphaned Elodie Di Silva is about to make her debut into Society, sponsored by her mother's friend's family. Quietly grieving, she allows Lady Beaumont and friends to guide her. But with the arrival of Lady Beaumont's enigmatic son, Lord Lucan Beaumont, who sends chills down Elodie's spine, she senses her debut is about to be derailed.

Stalked by day, and haunted by night by glimpses of a dark-haired man, who is somehow both stranger and familiar to her, Elodie vows to discover his secrets, and why she is so drawn to him.

But things are not what they seem.

Elodie's history with Raphael Blackmore, Duke of Mistbourne, is more complicated than she could ever have imagined.

Thrust into the bright lights of the Ton, Elodie navigates masquerade balls, picnics and house parties - where revelations will present one final fateful choice. She must decide whether to spread her wings and embrace the truth of her past... or allow the gilded cage of lies to close around her, locking her in an unwanted future.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the books that made it to the semi-finals with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title.

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 16 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

About the Author:

When not searching the backs of wardrobes for Narnia, the bottom of the garden for fairies, or exploring yet another Castle, E.G. can be found with her nose in a book or a pen in her hand.

Having previously worked at Cardiff Castle, she now writes full time while looking after her four children.

She lives on the beautiful South Wales coast with her husband, children and crazy dog.

Her debut book 'Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key' won a bronze award in the wishing shelf book awards and placed in the top ten of the Book Bloggers' Bovel of the Year awards 2021. Her first book for older readers 'Where Fate Whispers' has been nominated in the Write Blend book awards, and also the Indie Ink awards.

E.G. Tudor also writes under the names 'Estelle Grace Tudor' & The Pseudonym 'Estella. G. Fogg'.

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*Content sent by the BBNYA for this blog's publication.
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Book Review | DEVIL IS FINE by John Vercher

DEVIL IS FINE
BY JOHN VERCHER | PUBLICATION: JUNE 18, 2024
CELADON BOOKS | GENRE: LITERARY FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

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Still reeling from a sudden tragedy, our biracial narrator receives a letter from an attorney: he has just inherited a plot of land from his estranged white grandfather. He travels to a beach town several hours south of his home with the intention of selling the land immediately and moving on. But upon inspection, what lies beneath the dirt is far more complicated than he ever imagined. In a shocking irony, he is now the Black owner of a former plantation passed down by the men on his white mother’s side of the family.

Vercher deftly blurs the lines between real and imagined, past and present, tragedy and humor, and fathers and sons in this story of discovering and reclaiming a painful past. With the wit and rawness of Paul Beatty’s The Sellout, Devil Is Fine is a gripping, surreal, and brilliantly crafted dissection of the legacies we leave behind and those we inherit.

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Identity and Legacy

John Vercher's DEVIL IS FINE is a novel that delves deep into the heart of personal identity, legacy, and the intricate relationship between a father and son. The book opens with a scene that is as unforgettable as it is poignant, setting the tone for a narrative that is both intimate and expansive.

The unnamed narrator, grappling with the sudden loss of his teenage son Mal, finds himself on a journey not just of grief, but of self-discovery. The inheritance of a plantation from his estranged grandfather leads him to uncover layers of his own identity as a biracial Black man, as well as the heavy weight of a legacy left by the white side of his family.

Vercher's writing style is noted for its lyrical quality, which serves to draw readers into the narrator's world, feeling each wave of emotion as he navigates the complexities of his past and present. It is all-consuming. The novel is a masterful blend of reality and imagination, humor and tragedy, and the bonds that tie fathers to their sons.

DEVIL IS FINE challenges readers to consider the legacies we inherit and those we leave behind. It's a story that is as much about the personal inner struggles of its protagonist as it is about the broader societal issues of race and heritage. With a narrative that is both darkly humorous and deeply moving, Vercher has crafted a novel that resonates with the complexities of being human, the pain of loss, and the hope of reconciliation.

A power of storytelling in exploring the depths of human emotion and the ties that bind us across generations. DEVIL IS FINE is a compelling read for anyone interested in the nuanced exploration of identity, the enduring impact of family history, and the redemptive power of facing one's past. It stands as a poignant reminder of the stories we carry within us and the importance of confronting them with courage and honesty.

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About the Author:

John Vercher lives in the Philadelphia region with his wife and two sons. He has a Bachelor’s in English from the University of Pittsburgh and an MFA in Creative Writing from the Mountainview Master of Fine Arts program. John serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of English & Philosophy at Drexel University and was the inaugural Wilma Dykeman writer-in-residence at the University of North Carolina, Asheville. His debut novel, Three-Fifths, was named one of the best books of the year by the Chicago Tribune and Booklist. It was nominated for the Edgar and Strand Magazine Critics’ Awards for Best First Novel. His second novel, After the Lights Go Out, called “shrewd and explosive” by The New York Times, was named a Best Book of Summer 2022 by BookRiot and Publishers Weekly, and named a Booklist Editor’s Choice Best Book of 2022.
Photo from Celadon.com, No infringement intended.

*Thanks to Celadon Books for the printed ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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