Dangerous

Dangerous was a random pick on my Nook. I have mixed feelings about the story, I did not overly love it but I was unable to stop reading.

Ria loves being a fire magic user and it is her first year at a prestigious magic school. Everything is going perfect for Ria including her super hot boyfriend who happens to be a water magic user until suddenly Ria starts losing control of herself as the first symptoms of magic disease start to appear in her life.

The love circle part is bugging me a lot. Ria is playing two boys and I do not like that at all. Her emotions change way too quickly for my taste and it seems a bit unbelievable at times. Other then that part I did enjoy the story and  I am curious to know more. I will get the second book eventually.

Echoes of Communism

Echos of Communism was a blind impulse buy, I saw the sticker that declared it was by a local author. I knew little of what the story was about when I started it but I was quickly hooked.

Ileana Johnson Paugh talks of her life growing up in Romania under socialism as she dreams of coming to the US and being free. The story is true and tells the truth about the failing attempts at socialism. I actually felt like Ileana was sitting in my living room talking to me for most of the book. The story read smoothly and was interesting. At times parts were repeated a bit too often for my liking but I do understand that Ileana was trying to make a point. Throughout the story Ileana is brutally honest and points out similarities she sees between the US and communism. In several ways the story was eye opening and other ways it just reaffirmed things I already believe. 

If you struggled to read about politics or the brutal truth of what is happening in the world Echoes of Communism most likely will upset you. If you are curious about how people living with socialism survive and some of the key signs of it Echos of Communism would be an interesting read.  

An Uexpected Wish

An Unexpected Wish was a free book for Barnes and Noble readouts. The cover was so cute I had to give it a try. Plus I love a good period romance.

Anne felt like a typical character, the oldest she was left to take care of her two younger sisters when her brother threw them out. Putting her hopes on her beautiful younger sister Anne works at setting up a match that will get them out of the poor house. In order to escape the stress of her life she walks the Fairy Steps and finally makes a local superstition come true, reaching the top without touching the sides. Unable to resist Anne makes a wish for a handsome and rich husband for herself. Feeling silly she starts to fall apart when the men in the town begin to court her unexpectedly.

I would have liked to see a bit more humor, moments felt repeated and overused at times. It was a cute idea just a bit too much filler in it for my taste personally. It did not hold my attention enough that I will pursue the stories about the younger sister's finding love. The intimate scenes were too much for my at times as well.

Harry Houdini Mysteries: The Dime Museum Murders

Harry Houdini Mysteries: The Dime Museum Murders was an impulse buy from the local bookstore that closed down.

The story is told completely from the point of view of Harry's brother Dash. Since no one is really aware of being an escape artist Harry works at a dime theater and is not the most popular act. Frustrated by his lack of success Harry is thrilled when the police summon him to help explain a locked room murder. Mistakenly confused as to thinking the police want help in solving the crime Harry eagerly rushes to scene only to learn he is wanted because his name sounds similar to a toy makers. Undeterred Harry decides to solve the mystery himself and unmake the murder.

Even though Dash was telling Harry's story Dash was my favorite character. He comes off as the more practical brother and his character was interesting. Having worked hard all his life to better himself Dash is extremely appreciative of his circumstances in life. All in all I enjoyed the story and I am grateful I bought the whole series on a whim.