Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch's Updates en-US Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:27:14 -0700 60 Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch's Updates 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Comment290068415 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:27:14 -0700 <![CDATA[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch commented on Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch's review of How to Survive a Bear Attack: A Memoir]]> /review/show/7521164443 Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch's review of How to Survive a Bear Attack: A Memoir
by Claire Cameron

Kaceey wrote: "Fantastic review Brenda!"

Thank you, Kaceey!! ]]>
Review7521164443 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:20:04 -0700 <![CDATA[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch added 'How to Survive a Bear Attack: A Memoir']]> /review/show/7521164443 How to Survive a Bear Attack by Claire  Cameron Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch gave 4 stars to How to Survive a Bear Attack: A Memoir (Kindle Edition) by Claire Cameron
bookshelves: canadian, ng-25
Would I Survive a Bear Attack?

Claire Cameron’s How to Survive a Bear Attack had me asking that exact question: Would I survive? Honestly, it’s something I probably should ask myself every time I wander into the woods around my property without bear spray.

Bear sightings aren’t rare in my neck of the woods. They like to roam around our land. One time, while I was down by the river, I looked up at the ridge and there it was—a black bear. I’m not sure if it saw us, but it just went about its business and wandered away. No big drama. But sometimes, it's not that simple.

Three years ago, a member of our community was killed by a bear on the trails just outside my property. It was rare. It was shocking. And it still lingers in the back of my mind.

Why Do Bears Attack?
That question drives Cameron’s memoir. Obsessed with a real-life attack in Ontario’s Algonquin Park—where two campers were killed—she retraces the steps of both the victims and the bear, piecing together what led to the tragedy. She brings in experts, looks at other attacks, and gives us a deep dive into bear behavior.

But this isn’t just a book about wildlife—it’s also about survival of a different kind. While researching the attack, Cameron was battling a rare genetic cancer. She draws a powerful parallel between the predator in the woods and the one in her own body. Her illness becomes her personal bear—unpredictable, untamed, and terrifying in its own way.

The Bear and the Path to the Answers

I struggled a bit with the pacing. Cameron’s forensic deep dive into the bear attack is fascinating, but she jumps around while retracing those steps and the back-and-forth felt uneven and she repeats things when she returns to those steps.

The bear facts are fascinating and Cameron makes a compelling case for what may have happened in Algonquin. As for the bear attack near my place? That mystery remains unsolved. But this book definitely made me think more deeply about bears predatory behaviour and not to underestimate them.

Audiobook Verse Ebook
I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher and paired it with the ebook. I liked both formats. Cameron narrates the audiobook herself in a steady, factual tone. It works for the investigative angle, but it didn’t always carry the emotional weight I craved. I found myself more connected to the story when I was reading—it hit harder that way.

Canadian Author: Another knockout from the land of bears, books, and brilliance

Will I still continue to leave the cottage without bear spray after reading this? Well.... ]]>
Comment290068003 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:15:01 -0700 <![CDATA[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch commented on Norma ~ The Sisters's review of A Fate Inked in Blood]]> /review/show/7458536610 Norma ~ The Sisters's review of A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated, #1)
by Danielle L. Jensen

Super review, Norma! Oh I see you did your stats. Are you going to keep doing them? ]]>
Rating852680994 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:14:05 -0700 <![CDATA[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch liked a review]]> /
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
"Fierce, exhilarating and addictive!

DANIELLE L. JENSEN immediately pulled me into the thrilling world of A FATE INKED IN BLOOD, a Norse-inspired fantasy full of magic, mythology, and danger. The world-building is rich and immersive, bringing to life a brutal, raw Viking setting that perfectly complements the story’s gods, prophecies, and forbidden desires. Even when some of the mythology went over my head, it only sparked my curiosity and deepened my appreciation for the world Jensen created.

This was my first experience with a Norse mythology-based story, and I found it completely captivating. Despite having less time to read due to family visiting, I was always eager to pick up the book and never once lost interest—saying a lot about the book’s grip on me.

Freya and Bjorn are unforgettable characters. Their fearless, unapologetic approach to life gave the story an authentic depth, making their struggles against gods and fate feel personal and intense. The slow-burn tension between them was one of the highlights, with their chemistry crackling in every interaction.

The magic system, while complex, was well explained and intricately woven into the characters� journeys. It didn’t feel like an extra or gimmicky element, but a vital part of the story that added layers to the already rich narrative.

Jensen’s writing style is superb—easy to sink into, detailed without being overwhelming, and paced perfectly. The tension, both romantic and plot-driven, was expertly handled, making each chapter more compelling than the last. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

A FATE INKED IN BLOOD is an exhilarating, emotional, and immersive read, and I can’t wait to continue Freya and Bjorn’s journey!

Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Bold, fierce, and absolutely eye-catching. It captures the story’s strength and the subtle danger at its core.
Title: Meaningful and daring, perfectly fitting the fate-driven themes that run throughout the novel.
Writing/Prose: 🇨🇦 Canadian Author
Engaging, descriptive, and immersive, with pacing that never falters. Jensen’s writing style invites you in and keeps you hooked, even when the mythology demands extra focus.
Plot: Fast-paced, action-packed, and full of tension. The balance between world-building, romance, and action was spot on.
Ending: Satisfying, gripping, and leaves you desperate for more.
Overall: A thrilling, vivid fantasy romance that captivated my heart and imagination. Highly recommend!"
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Rating852680650 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:12:52 -0700 <![CDATA[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch liked a review]]> /
The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North
"4.5-4.75 stars

Thank you Celadon books for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

What a dark and demented, multilayered story of revenge. With twists on twists, multiple POVs and timelines, this book had me on the edge of my seat. Fast paced, diabolical, engaging, and entertaining. This was explosive- WOW

I read it during a day I was vlogging so here the link: "
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Comment290065198 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:47:56 -0700 <![CDATA[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch commented on Norma ~ The Sisters's review of Out of Air]]> /review/show/7295223141 Norma ~ The Sisters's review of Out of Air
by Rachel Reiss

Super review, Norma!! ]]>
Rating852658030 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:47:30 -0700 <![CDATA[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch liked a review]]> /
Out of Air by Rachel Reiss
"Out of Air by Rachel Reiss
Expected Publication: May 13, 2025
Genre: YA Horror / Supernatural Thriller
Format: Digital ARC

Haunting, immersive and transformative! The deeper they dove, the darker things became.

I think the cover for Out of Air is absolutely stunning—so attractive and striking—and I love how it reflects the story so perfectly. It is eerie and bold, just like what lies beneath the surface of this book.

I am always drawn to underwater stories, especially when they drift into darker, stranger territory and this one grabbed me from the start. Phoebe, or “Phibs,� is at home in the sea, but when she and her friends discover a mysterious underwater cave off a remote Australian island, things take a chilling turn. There is this steady, creeping dread that builds so beautifully as she and her friend Gabe start changing in terrifying ways and I was completely hooked.

The transformation aspect was done so well, both physically and emotionally, and I loved how it tangled with the theme of identity and power. There is treasure and danger and tension, but also a strong, heartfelt look at friendship and what we are willing to become to protect the ones we love.

And the setting? Utterly vivid. I could picture the reef, the cave, the rising panic when things began to unravel. It felt like the ocean itself was a character and not always a kind one.

Out of Air is sharp, strange and unforgettable.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This one is perfect for readers who love their YA horror soaked in saltwater and secrets."
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Comment290065135 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:45:47 -0700 <![CDATA[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch commented on Kaceey's review of What the Wife Knew]]> /review/show/6901620809 Kaceey's review of What the Wife Knew
by Darby Kane

Super review, Kaceey!! ]]>
Review7521164443 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:18:42 -0700 <![CDATA[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch added 'How to Survive a Bear Attack: A Memoir']]> /review/show/7521164443 How to Survive a Bear Attack by Claire  Cameron Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch gave 4 stars to How to Survive a Bear Attack: A Memoir (Kindle Edition) by Claire Cameron
bookshelves: canadian, ng-25
Would I Survive a Bear Attack?

Claire Cameron’s How to Survive a Bear Attack had me asking that exact question: Would I survive? Honestly, it’s something I probably should ask myself every time I wander into the woods around my property without bear spray.

Bear sightings aren’t rare in my neck of the woods. They like to roam around our land. One time, while I was down by the river, I looked up at the ridge and there it was—a black bear. I’m not sure if it saw us, but it just went about its business and wandered away. No big drama. But sometimes, it's not that simple.

Three years ago, a member of our community was killed by a bear on the trails just outside my property. It was rare. It was shocking. And it still lingers in the back of my mind.

Why Do Bears Attack?
That question drives Cameron’s memoir. Obsessed with a real-life attack in Ontario’s Algonquin Park—where two campers were killed—she retraces the steps of both the victims and the bear, piecing together what led to the tragedy. She brings in experts, looks at other attacks, and gives us a deep dive into bear behavior.

But this isn’t just a book about wildlife—it’s also about survival of a different kind. While researching the attack, Cameron was battling a rare genetic cancer. She draws a powerful parallel between the predator in the woods and the one in her own body. Her illness becomes her personal bear—unpredictable, untamed, and terrifying in its own way.

The Bear and the Path to the Answers

I struggled a bit with the pacing. Cameron’s forensic deep dive into the bear attack is fascinating, but she jumps around while retracing those steps and the back-and-forth felt uneven and she repeats things when she returns to those steps.

The bear facts are fascinating and Cameron makes a compelling case for what may have happened in Algonquin. As for the bear attack near my place? That mystery remains unsolved. But this book definitely made me think more deeply about bears predatory behaviour and not to underestimate them.

Audiobook Verse Ebook
I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher and paired it with the ebook. I liked both formats. Cameron narrates the audiobook herself in a steady, factual tone. It works for the investigative angle, but it didn’t always carry the emotional weight I craved. I found myself more connected to the story when I was reading—it hit harder that way.

Canadian Author: Another knockout from the land of bears, books, and brilliance

Will I still continue to leave the cottage without bear spray after reading this? Well.... ]]>
Comment290006931 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:48:01 -0700 <![CDATA[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch commented on Lindsay L's review of Michael Without Apology]]> /review/show/7413394228 Lindsay L's review of Michael Without Apology
by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Super review, Lindsay!! ]]>