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  Book Review:   “The prow of our longship broke the waves, the salt spray stinging my eyes. My legs bent, and my feet shifting naturally at the rise and fall of the sea. Always, it was the same, when the unfurling sail caught the wind and the ship surged forward. Like when you put heels to horse and she runs. The same. My spirits rising.” So begins “The Swan’s Road”, first in the four part “Atheling Chronicles” by local author Garth Pettersen; a rollicking robust medieval adventure complete with romance, political intrigue, camaraderie, violence, and honor. This is Pettersen’s first novel and what a gem it is. I found it an invigorating and satisfying read, similar in feel to “The Three Musketeers”. The tale follows the perilous journey of Prince Harald of Engla-long and Scandinavia to Rome where he and his father King Cnute seek the assistance of the King Conrad against the scheming Duke of Normandy, Robert the Devil who plans to usurp Cnute’s kingdom and end his li...

 Book Review: What can I say about Laline Paull's novel, "The Bees" ? Amazing, immersive, unexpected, unique. I was totally blown away by this book, and that doesn't happen very often. The story follows the life of honey bee Flora 717, born into the lowest cast of the hive. Despite her humble beginnings, it quickly becomes apparent that she is no ordinary, run of the mill sanitation worker. Taking audacious risks and following forbidden dreams, Flora 717 finds a way to hold out unexpected hope for her colony imperiled by social upheaval and political intrigue. Nearly all of the characters in this story are anthropomorphic insects which might make you think it is a children's book similar to "The Rats of NIMH"  or The Cricket in Times Square". Think again! Paull has written with an adult audience in mind (many YA readers will enjoy it as well). Lovely yet disturbing, sensual, violent and primal, and highly nuanced, this book is not a kiddie read by a...