Magic and Monsters in Upstate NY
936133
Andrew Blankenship is an eccentric recovering alcoholic living near Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. He also happens to be a wizard (although he prefers magus) who specializes in communicating with the dead through film, and who also tends to attract weird s***.

This is a hard book to review without giving away too much, but its definitely worth reading. The story is very meandering and stream-of-consciousness at first, and it takes a while before the actual plot becomes clear. Although some of the crude language used by the characters may be off-putting at first, theres a lot of intriguing things to keep you reading. Andrews titular house is loaded with old books and copious boobytraps, and it soon becomes clear that hes hiding from someone or something.

The story is full of great ideas and neat uses for magic, many of which tie into the main story. The mix of magic and technology is really neat, including a demonic entity able to invade message boards, Andrews video necromancy, and the ability to cast spells through the internet. There are some fun, legitimately creepy scenes too. Stick past the first part for a really cool read.
1376733
Young Courtney Crumrin is new to the town of Hillsborough, forced to move into her Great Uncle Aloysius' monstrosity of a house by her parents who "ran out of credit cards" and wanted to live the easy life for a while. At school, Courtney, dubbed "Q-Tip," realizes that she doesn't fit in with the rich kids and is lucky enough to make one friend in the form of much-picked-on, Axel. At night, Courtney hears things moving around the house, and when she goes to investigate her great uncle tells her not to worry. Things just don't seem to be getting better as the bullying continues and her parents are in total denial of her claims and insist that she gets along with the local kids. It is only after Axel gets eaten by something in the woods and Courtney stumbles upon a book, The Bestiary of Night Things Great and Small, in her great uncle's library, that Courtney decides to take her future in this town into her own hands. With the books in her great uncle's library as her guides, she captures the goblin from the woods and sets out to turn the town upside-down... but be careful what you wish for, for magic has a price.

This graphic novel by Ted Naifeh combines the story of a misfit girl and a slew of dark and fantastical characters. The artwork draws the reader in as you cheer for Courtney and wonder what will happen to her next. Courtney is a character that must solve her own problems and often manages to do so in creative ways. The story keeps you guessing about what sorts of characters will show up next and what sort of magical things she will find in her great uncle's house and surrounding woods. This was a pretty quick read, only 144 pages, and is suitable for ages 10+.

a tweenzreadz & teenzreadz review
4314448
I really enjoyed this book.  I also liked the fact that it was set in upstate NY which is where I am from.  I could really visualize the setting.  This is a failry quick read and hard to put down.
406105
If you enjoy fantasy, magic and a punch of creepiness you will love this one. I really enjoyed it and especially loved the photos!
354031
Monsters are living among usalthough these particular monsters prefer to remain in the shadows.  After being hunted for centuries, the monsters of the Monstofelldosis Anonymous (MFD) support group meet several times a week to discuss any current problems or issues, chief among them being the best way to remain hidden and conceal their monster tendencies among the population of New York City.

Unfortunately, someone has managed to figure out who they are, and that someone is now hunting down the monsters of their little group one by one, killing them in the same way they were finished off in the book or movie that made them famousInvisible Man Ellis hunted down by an angry mob, and Bob the Blob found locked in his freezer.  Now, if they wish to remain among the "living", the remaining monstersNatalie, "daughter" of Frankenstein, Alec the Wolf Man, Kai the Mummy, Drake the Vampire, and Linda the Swamp Thingmust discover who's behind these crazy murders before they become the next victim.

This was a funny and engaging read, fairly quick at just over 200 pages.  Unlike most of the fantasy books I read, the monsters in this book keep their identities secret from the general population out of fear of persecution; monsters are not very well received in their society.  The characters were all likeable for the most part and the story was fast-paced and entertaining.  I look forward to reading the sequel, <i>The Monsters in Your Neighborhood</i>, next.
229983
Set in the aptly named fictional town of Dark Hills, Pennsylvania, this novel revolves around the coming home of Joe Saunders, whose nephew Caleb has been attacked by a monster of some sort.  The plot involves some violence and gore, as well as a murderous secret kept by the chief of police, Maggie Gill (Joe's former paramour) and her family.

The secret affects the lives of many townsfolk, including Stevie Bauer, a paranoid schizophrenic who may be connected to the disappearances and deaths occurring; Josiah Walker, an older man who cares for Stevie and whose faith Joe admires; and Joe himself, who wonders if the monster is animal or human.

This book is a page-turner and fans of suspense (I love the Preston/Child novels myself) will enjoy it.
1018699
Four she o ft stories of good witches and the men they fall in love with. Four countries s ins with special talents. An amazing fantasy town filled with magic. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
1978274
This follow-up to THE ZIG ZAG GIRL provides another opportunity for Elly Griffiths to allow us to spend time with her Magic Men.  It's about time that actual magicians --- and not those residing at Hogswarts --- are given the opportunity to fight both evil and crime and the Magic Men series is a real winner.  In this outing, they face off against a killer who enjoys setting up his victims in bizarre fairy tale tableaus that will give you chills!
259058
Deadly Debut;  A Mystery Anthology from the New York/Tri State Sisters In Crime @2014
Murder and mayhem in NYC can sometimes be quite entertaining. When the Tri State Sisters in Crime get involved you are in for an interesting tour of the city.
Seven author members from the group showcase a short story based in or around NYC.  The authenticity these storytellers bring to each tale makes you feel at home in the big city.
Our NYC tour starts off in a brownstone, actually in the closet of a brownstone with Death Will Clean Your Closet by Elizabeth Zelvin.
When a dead body turns up in Bruce's closet then disappears was it all a dream? Zelvin takes a look at NYC neighbor relationships in a city of strangers.
Kids will be kids so a little lie is no big deal, right? The Lie by Anita Page, explores how far the truth can be stretched before it snaps back on you.
Lina Zeldivich shows us some smooth dance moves in Murder In The Aladdins Cave. A little thing like murder can't stop the show.
Family Matters by Peggy Ehrhart will make you want to reexamine your family tree. Keep it all in the family.
None of the Above by Deirdre Verne puts theft to the test. Verne schools us in the value of a good education.
Triss Stein shows us how hard it can be for a NYC cop to follow in a NYPD father's footsteps in NYPD Daughter. Ellie takes a big step in the right direction when she tries to help a store owner facing extortion.
What do baseball, New York and Edgar Allen Poe have in common? In 1961 a young girl's love turns to Roger Maris and Poe's Tales from the library. No bully is going to stand in her way to enjoying them in the Strike Zone by Terrie Farley Moran.
One more spin around Central Park, Cabbie! I'm not ready for the ride to end!
144815
Ritual Magic
By Eileen Wilks

Rue and Lily are set to be married in weeks when Lily's mother loses her memory. This is only the beginning of the challenges that Rue and Lily must face in book 10 of the World of the Lupi series. I do recommend that you read the first books before attempting this one. There are pieces you wouldn't understand unless you read the beginning books. All your favorite characters return in this book...Sam the dragon, Cullen, Benedict, Drummond, even Friar is back.

Eileen Wilks creates a world that is dangerous and exciting. The paranormal elements are vivid and engaging, with characters that you wish were real. Magic has a place in this new world and is accepted.

I really enjoyed the idea of spirit in this book. It's more than magic. As well, I liked the tie-in to Celtic history with the magical knife. There are twists and turns you won't see coming and will have you wondering what will happen next.

If you enjoy a wild paranormal romp through an exciting and magical world, Ritual Magic is for you. In fact, all of Eileen's books are perfect reads for paranormal or urban fantasy fans.
1340290
Just started and it has lots of great stuff for a dm who wants a little break. Still need a monster manual but has lots of new creatures and weapons in the back. Can't wait to dive in more.
641825
It's difficult to find engaging reading material for preteens and early teens. But first-time author Anderson Atas has zeroed in on that age zone and scored big time with his first book The Lost Spells. The story takes place in present day Tucson, where magic is rediscovered by 12-year-old Karl, whose family is displaced from their San Francisco existence with all the modern conveniences. The family finds themselves living in an old abandoned ranch house that sits along a canyon in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains.

Not only does the house lack modern day amenities like television and Internet access, it's haunted. In his explorations Karl discovers bewitched animals, a ghost that's anything but friendly, a fire-breathing dragon, multiplying attacking bats, a book of powerful magic spells, and gold, all with the assistance of his friend Mary, once a human girl until an old blind witch named Vira cast an evil spell that sentenced her to a spider's life for eternity. Creepy? Well not so much.

The underlying lessons in the book include learning to live creatively with fewer conveniences and the art of selflessness--not bad lessons for that young person to capture.

It's all in great fun, and the book is smattered with bonus material in the margins that include word definitions, added commentary, facts, and story expansion. The 4-chapter long climax had me at the edge of my seat trying to keep track.

Atas has done a brilliant job of capturing the essence of tying trickery and suspense to real-life experiences. [...]
795173
MAGIC BITES is the first book in the Kate Daniels series, an urban fantasy series set in Atlanta, Georgia. But its not the Atlanta we know, of course  its an Atlanta transformed by magic. In Kates world, magic and technology go in and out, like waves. When magics up, the monsters come out to play. When techs up, cars and phones work.

While MAGIC BITES doesnt have a lot of worldbuilding as to how magic waves took over the city, the book does an excellent job of showing how Atlanta is now. I feel like the author really differentiated between magic and tech, and considered the little things that really make a reader feel like they're in the main characters world. Such as cars needing magic-infused water to work when the magics up.

I liked Kate a lot. Her mouths great at writing checks it cant always cash, but she doesnt let that stop her from jumping into a fight anyway. MAGIC BITES follows Kate as she tries to find out who killed her guardian. While trying to solve his murder, she also has to try and keep a war from breaking out between the People (vampires) and the Pack (were-creatures). I won't spoil things, but I also liked that the author didn't go with a traditional supernatural baddie, instead using Slavic influences.

I think MAGIC BITES is a great kick off to the series. Im super curious to learn more about magic-stricken Atlanta, Kates past, and see more of the Pack.
2320087
Excellent addition to the series. If you're interested in a modern day setting with wizards, magic, and monsters, I strongly suggest that you pick up book #1, Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1). You will quickly end up back to this book, and the characters will be very well developed.
3748494
A fun read. It is fast paced and filled with very interesting and entertaining stories. After I read this I will definitely pick up her book on Monsters in America.
3365760
Dave Shampine has a great talent for making the past come alive.  This book is a compilation of interesting stories of the people and places of Northern NY told in a lively, engaging style. Highly recommended!
2332595
I have trouble with fantasy so not the best judge of this book. It's done well, easy to read, much more important to people in or from New York city.