The Lost Book of the Grail by Charlie Lovett

Lovett has the wonderful ability to write stories about characters who have an affinity for books and the stories they tell outside of their pages. Reading one of his novels is what it must be like to walk the Chartres Cathedral Maze; a journey into inner reflection on life and it's personal meaning, told to you by characters that are flawed and yet worthy of the reader's affection because of it. If you have ever been enthralled by tales of King Arthur and his Knights, the legend of the Holy Grail, or just sat enraptured by the history that can be found around you, you're going to enjoy this novel. Like in The Bookman's Tale, Lovett's previous novel, there runs the glittering thread of obsession in these pages, tying together a historical mystery that unfolds before your eyes with as much grace as adventure.

This is a story of a little boy who sees a tragedy unfold unaware of its importance. In time another little boy will come along who promises to keep a secret, the magnitude of which has filtered down the distant past to him from many others who guarded it. As he grows into a man dedicated to solving the mystery handed to him by his grandfather, he becomes entrapped by this all consuming search. Unknowingly withdrawn from others he is caught unprepared when a young woman barges into his most cherished sanctum to complete a project that could destroy every thing he's worked so hard for and challenges him to realize that sometimes choices made can be as restrictive as they are freeing.

Based in the city of Barchester, England which was originally invented by Anthony Trollope, Lovett introduces us to the amalgamated history of the creation of its most important heritage, Barchester Cathedral and its amazing library of ancient manuscripts. The Cathedral's history will take us on a hunt for one of the most important religious discoveries of all time. As you turn the pages you will reveal the various threads of obsession and love that Lovett spins into a tale of learning to love and let go. History and fiction meet to create a story that I'm sure Trollope himself would have approved of. Recommend for anyone interested in English historical fiction, religious stories, or just a good read. Add it to your TBR pile and save some time to wallow in the glory of ancient Barchester with Lovett and Trollope.

Library Is A Dirty Word

As a bookseller I am sometimes in the unfortunate position of telling someone that the book they are interested in is not available. Whenever that happens, I always make sure they understand that it may be available on the internet or at their local library for free. Most people will hear free and rush home others will hear library and that's where the fun really starts.

Growing up, my local library was only a couple of blocks away. Having to walk there and back was a ritual I gladly endured as it equated in my mind to being able to return with as many books as I could hold and once I started bringing my " library bag ", that was a lot of books. When I later moved to a new neighborhood, I was disappointed to find that the local library was quite a hike away but my mother assured me that though the distance was greater we could still walk there and back within a few hours. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make. The next time we moved, it was only reachable by several buses or an occasional car trip. This was not a problem however as I determined to endear myself to the librarian who eventually broke the limit on the number of books I could read as I could never deem it possible to only borrow 20 at a time as I never knew when the next chance would be. This was silly of course as the books would need to be returned by a certain date but I was terrified I'd read through the pile way before then. So as I grew up books were always available to me. When eventually as a teenager I discovered bookstores the world virtually bloomed with reading possibilities but I always kept the library as my first resource.

So nowadays when I tell people to check their local library the various reactions I get puzzle me as they can vary from wonder to outright hostility. I have dealt with customers who never even thought to check out their local libraries and have no understanding of how to interact with them. There are others who have looked confused and asked what made us different from a library; I have gently reminded them that the word store is included in our name. People have gasped and stared at me as though I was the great Sphinx come to life with the answer to an age old riddle. And I have had people who have, with great dignity let me know that they DO NOT go to the public library! But the ones I can understand best are the ones that simply inform me they've tried but the book was also unavailable there. In each instance they have unwittingly given me information about their reading styles. As an avid reader knows, you will do whatever you can to get your hands on a coveted title. So, in each case, each one of these customers has given me a glimpse into their inner thoughts and sometimes I wish they hadn't.

Dealing with this as a bookseller is frustrating because the reason I became a bookseller was to share my love of books and reading. Being able to tell someone who is unaware that books are available from many different vendors, libraries, garage sales, and publishers is always a kick as the light of excitement sparks in their eyes. Introducing children who have not had a library card introduced to them as part of their elementary school adventures  is one of the best feelings I get to have over and over, and although I cherish those moments they also make me sad to realize that somewhere along the line, the idea of the library has somewhat fallen between the cracks and in such the love of reading has been malnourished for many and their ability to learn and grow stunted. So, though the word library may garnish me moments of frustration, sadness, or quiet pleasure, I continue to use this seven letter word with impunity. I think the book gods will forgive me in the end. As I remind the children at the end of my story times, the reason that books are so important is that the human soul needs these stories to grow and bring us together. They let us see the world in ways we never could have imagined. They let us dream of endless possibilities and new horizons. They tie us to the stories told on the caves of our ancestors, the fire side stories told by memory of great deeds and ancient heroes. They are the connection to our past and future and they are housed in great temples called Libraries just waiting for the siren call to seduce you into picking them up. So teach yourself and your children to say the word with the reverence and joy it deserves. Visit your local libraries and see them for the treasure troves they are. Bookstores and libraries will never stop being important unless we let it happen. I for one refuse to stop a life long love affair with either.

Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge by Paul Krueger

Chicago is a hell of a town, the Sears Tower, bartenders that make killer drinks, and I do mean KILLER drinks. You see Chicago boasts a rare breed of bartender, mixologists who create drinks that help them fight off more than a patron's blues, they literally help keep the demons at bay. In this Chicago any place you find yourself five sheets to the wind you'll find yourself being trailed by tremens who would like nothing else but a drink themselves; your animus steeped in the drink of your choice. After all, even demons need to let loose.

In this unique novel you'll meet Bailey who is just out of college and ready to become the successful business woman who lunches, has pedicures, and runs the world, all at the same time. She's back home and ready to launch her career but in the meantime she needs to make money by being a bar back at her best friend's family bar while she plans her ascent. What she doesn't know is that she is about to become part of the main resistance to an influx of tremens that is building up to inflict itself on unsuspecting Chicago just in time for Halloween. Bailey's life is about to take a swing for a much different path than she thought and along the way she will meet mixologists who call themselves the Alechemists who are trying to attain the ultimate cocktail, a Long Island Iced Tea. This is not your parent's drink but one that will give the one who drinks it ultimate power and could be the only thing to save Chicago.

This book is a fun read, perfect for those just out of school, ready or not to face their futures. The uncertainties, the pressure, and the bumps in the road are all here waiting for you to commiserate over and if you feel like you might need a drink to help you along, let The Devil's Water Dictionary, which the author graciously includes, show the exact recipes the mixologists use to mix up some of the strongest cocktails around. Full of humor this is a great read for anyone. Would fit nicely onto the bookshelf by your Harry Dresden books.

The Forbidden Wish (The Forbidden Wish, #1) by Jessica Khoury

This is a retelling of the classic Aladdin tale that really lived up to the challenge. Khoury's tale brings Aladdin and his Genie into a whole new level of story telling. In this version Aladdin is not just a cheeky street rat but a young man who's failure to be the follow up to his father the people want him to be drives him into reckless thievery. Zahra, the geni is not just waiting patiently in the lamp for her next master but has been cast into the lamp as punishment for an act of betrayal that set off historical ramifications across her world. Her story starts even before when a decision made was shown to be a foolish choice within itself. When Aladdin frees her, her only thought is how to manipulate him to gain her freedom. Anything else is out of the question. And Princess Caspida is so much more than just the daughter to an ailing king. She is the last line of defense between her people and the cruel intents of her Uncle Sulifer and his son Darian. She is the personification of her people's last embers of hope.

This is a truly classic tale of love, desire, greed, and forgiveness. Well worth reading and adding to your shelf. Khoury has used her love of stories and understanding of people's relationships to bring you a tale of folklore to treasure.

The Black Witch (The Black Witch Chronicles #1) by Laurie Forest

Elloren is grand daughter of one of the most powerful Gardnerian mages to ever live and by all rights she should become the new Black Witch, powerful and capable of becoming the champion of her people. But little do others realize that Elloren may look exactly like her grand mother but she is nothing like her at all. Elloren is incapable of magic in a society that deems it a disgrace to be so. As she is sent to follow her dream of becoming an apothecary at Verpax University where all manner of people are allowed, Elloren comes to realize that her legacy will cast judgement upon her not only by her fellow Gardnerians but also by those who the Black Witch cast down. As she struggles to establish herself without the power of magic she must try to come to grips with the treachery surrounding her and find out for herself who she truly is and who her real friends and who her true enemies are. The world is about to change again and Elloren could be the pivotal point on which it rotates.

This book reflects many real world issues such as racism, addiction, anti feminists views, the struggles of being oneself in a society that judges upon shallow values. It is also an interesting universe with Verpax University at the top of my to visit list after Hogwarts. The main characters are also well crafted. My overall comment is that this story is worth following but I have to admit to having some issues with the pace of the book which lends it to being 601 pages. There were several points in the book where I couldn't stop myself from wishing it had been pruned more, tightened up a bit. However, still worth the read guys, and yes, there will be a second book to look forward too. Elloren is setting up to be a character that could really rock our reading worlds so here's hoping.

Ninth City Burning by J. Patrick Black

What will the future bring? For the denizens of Earth and cities like Ninth it brings a constant threat of alien invasion. War with the Valentines, so called because that was the day they originally attacked Earth is an ongoing effort, held in realms that are spread out beyond Earth itself. Each city is responsible to help hold off incursions with massive guns but it is the people in this new found resistance that are important. There are those who are able to use thelemity, a universal magic, to provide the final protection for those who have no such abilities and they are the ones the aliens need to destroy in order to take over the world.

As we follow Black's story we are introduced to several young people who are engaged in this fight to the death, not all capable of thelemity themselves but bringing forth the fight straight to Valentine as they face the ultimate battle with an enemy who has suddenly changed tactics which will reveal that this war is coming to an ultimate conclusion. The Valentines are tired of war and have amassed for complete decimation of Earth. Mankind's last stand will be seen through the eyes of these few who will determine if we triumph against massive odds.

At first I found this a little grueling to get through but I have to say that by the end of the book you're really invested in these characters who much like you are struggling to live in a hostile world that they care for. Lives are lost and honor bestowed as each of them realizes that to evacuate Earth is not a choice if it means not everyone gets out alive. They will fight for those who cannot or die knowing they tried. Valiant and courageous, they help to overlook any small flaw that trips you up. And did I mention there's semi sentient suits of magical armor? Knights of the future still make great story telling too. Looking forward to the continuation.

House of Shadows by Nicola Cornick

This was provided as an ARC by Graydon House and set to be released on October 17 of this year.

With one phone call in the middle of the night Holly Ansell's life changes forever. Her brother has vanished from his country home without a trace, as though he simply stepped outside for a breathe of air. With her own personal life in shambles, Holly moves into his house to find out what she can to find him. However as she begins to unfold his last moments, Holly begins to realize that the man she thinks her brother was was only a mirage. He had started the search for an ancient jewel tied to the Winter Queen herself and in doing so created repercussions that are still rippling out even as Holly fights to find the answers she needs. When Holly begins to realize there is more happening than she can explain she begins to doubt her own sanity as time and place begin to collude to expose a story centuries in the making of a great evil power, of a last chance at love, and of a quest finally nearing completion. Will the answers Holly uncovers help her to find forgiveness and healing or will the ancient power the jewel claims bring another black end to those involved.

Written by Cornick, who is a guide at Ashdown House, the story is based on the idea that William, First Earl of Craven had the house built for Elizabeth Stuart, The Winter Queen as a token of his love. Cornick has done a remarkable job of joining historical fact with possibility in this story and it was a pleasure to read. A recommend for anyone interested in English monarchy or historical fiction. Could be the next pick for a reading group as there is plenty of non fiction to follow up on in this story as well.