Look Up

Secrets of the Moon: Myth and Mysticism, History and Science by Andrew Oslow

Secrets of the Moon explores the moon from all angles.  From the myths and legends, to the moon landing, to the belief that it caused lunacy and everything in-between.  

Secrets of the Moon is a good overview of all things moon.  It starts off a little dry and I was worried it was going to be boring, but it quickly picked up and became a very readable account.  You learn a lot, and it is very approachable.  You don't have to do any research to understand the science here.  (Although, I have to admit, when it started talking about DNA it lost me a little.)  It talks about all the beliefs, myths, legends and stories told about the moon as well.  So, you get to hear why life on Earth would not exist without the moon and also why the moon became connected to werewolves and lunacy.  If you are doing research this is not the book for you.  But if you are interested in understanding all the ways the moon has influenced the daily lives of people since there were humans to look up at it, read this book.

I got a free copy of this book from Librarything.com, Early Reviewers.

I Curse You

 Garden of the Cursed by Katy Rose Pool

A year ago Marlow's mother disappeared, forcing Marlow to give up everything she knew and start a new life as a curse breaker.  But no matter how many cases she can solve for other people she is unable to solve the one of her mother's disappearance.  When a man from her former life comes to her for help she does all she can to break his curse.  And along the way she just might find answers for herself as well.

Now, when I started this book I didn't know there was going to be a sequel.  So, when it ended in the middle of the story I was a little frustrated.  That might have affected my rating a bit.  But if you go in knowing there is a sequel you will not suffer the same fate.  And until the abrupt ending I was enjoying the story.  I like fantasy and magic and this book has lots.  I think Marlow, the main character, is well done.  She is bitter, but not so bitter that you can't like her, she can take care of herself but has some cool friends to help her out, she is confident enough in herself to be different, but is not obnoxious.  The story is full of intrigue, and secrets and magic and lies.  There is romance too.  Which usually I can do without.  But here it fits into the story without taking it over.  As I read, the story picked up speed and I did get wound up in it.  I enjoyed watching all the threads start to come together.  I wanted to get back to it to see how Marlow would work it all out.  It is a fun, rather quick read.  I will probably read the second one because I am involved with the characters now.  And I might seek out more by Katy Rose Pool in the future.

I got a free copy of this book from Bookish First.