Children of Arcanum: Book One

By Atlas Creed

Like most novels with strong backgrounds, this was a bit slow to start. I assumed I'd fall for this female main character based on the prologue, but it was chapter 3 meeting Niko and his POV that really drew me in. Niko's chapters, I was instantly hooked. Ending his next chapter (5) with a surprise vehicle in the driveway drove me to keep reading (even though I guessed who it would be and was happily correct). For a while, I read for Niko. It wasn't until the two characters stories meet that I finally found a solid reason to care for Rebekah. Don't get me wrong, I cared, but I did not find her intriguing enough for a while.

If I could change one thing about this book, I'd have some Arcanum history earlier. Maybe add a POV chapter of Rylos (or something similar to "The Man" chapters) to give the reader some earlier insight. I knew this would be important once we see it in chapter 23, but I was overwhelmed and confused at how it played a part, getting so much background at once.

Cannot wait for the next installment. Glad there wasn't a huge cliffhanger since book 2 isn't out yet. 

The Cats of Caylor Academy

by Karen Bitzer

This is a cute idea and a good middle grade story. Jynx is the best character and deserves more book time, especially at the end. As a middle grade book, it needs work.

Overall storyline idea is cute and appropriate for middle grade. I think there were some gaps that needed filling and some extra details need to be removed, but it has a lot of potential. As an indie author book, I can see where some help and direction could have made this book amazing. Remember these young readers need short, sweet, and to the point details. Don't give irrelevant info. Give specific details on important facts (and clues in this case). Great read, I would have enjoyed it more with small changes to make all of the text more reader friendly and relevant.

Chapters are too long for this age group and should be broken down into smaller chunks to keep young readers attention. The first chapter was too much. Less detail about the bullies specific names and such because they only exist in first chapter. Don't confuse readers with extra characters.

Took me about half way through to really get into the story. Again, I expected short chapters to read a chapter here and there but instead was growing bored waiting for a chapter to end.

I wish the author played more into the Greek gods background. It clearly is based off the Greeks but it also seems like author tried to stay away from it. Embrace it. Dive into it!

I also wish the author played more into cat qualities. Like, if they're going to walk around like humans then it needs to be stated clearly in the book. The photos make it seem like they walk around upright, but descriptions of them using their hands confused me. Do you mean front paws? I wish there was more play into the cat persona's.

There were a few strange gaps, one really upset me. In chapter 6 Jynx gets pushed down the stairs, but when we see him again in chapter 7, it's as if nothing happened. Who pushed him? Why? A joke? An antagonist? No one will ever know 

Book 3 of Summer Series arriving soon!

Book 4 of Summer Series arriving soon!