Book Review: The Name of the Star

The Name of the Star (Shades of London #1)

by Maureen Johnson.

The Name of the Star I’ve followed this author, Maureen Johnson, on Twitter for quite awhile (she actually is one of my favorite Twitter personalities), so I thought it was high time I actually checked out her writing. I started with this series, a YA paranormal mystery because hey – YA and paranormal and mystery are all things I really like. And it did not disappoint. The Name of the Star starts out with Louisiana high schooler Rory settling in to life at a boarding school in modern-day London for the year her parents are working in England. She’s making friends, falling in love with London’s old charm, and inadvertently getting entangled with a murder investigation. A series of murders mimicking the famous Jack the Ripper style have police baffled, with no leads – until Rory comes forward about the man she saw when out late at night. A man no one else could see, and who apparently is now targeting her.

So begins a suspenseful race to solve the mystery, complete with secret police, danger, ghosts, and even a wee bit of romance. Rory as a narrator is delightful – I didn’t get a Louisiana vibe, really, but her teenage snark and unique voice are spot on. The mystery plot was that nice balance between just-surprising-enough and not-too-out-there. And the end was satisfying on many levels, while still leaving it open to the next book (which is also good, by the by – I’m now awaiting book 3). I didn’t care too much for the romance plot line (I found the guy in question a bit annoying) but it was a minor point in the book. And I loved how strongly the London accent came through in certain characters. Overall, a great introduction to this author’s work, and I’ll be checking out her other books.

I give it 4/5 stars.

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The Name of the Star

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Color Theory: Red

Red Color Wheel Tier: Primary Tonal Value: Warm Complementary Color: Green Red is the color on the visible spectrum most easily seen and the color that most attracts attention (which is why it’s so popular in advertising). It is also one of the most versatile colors, with lots of different connotations depending on where and how it’s used. Meanings / Associations Positive Love / Romance Lust / Passion / Sexuality Stength Courage Exciting / Energizing Rubies / Luxury Ripe fruit In China: happiness, prosperity Many parts of Asia: traditional color for wedding dresses Neutral Dynamic / Activity Spicy Dramatic Fire […]

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Tuesday Treasure Trove

Tuesday Treasure Trove: this week's round-up of read-worthy links.

Photo series of the week: Photographer Reveals the Lonely Side of Superheroes. Video of the week: How Frozen Should Have Ended. YES. Atheists have higher IQs. “Researchers found that those with high IQs had greater self-control and were able to do more for themselves – so did not need the benefits that religion provides.” Two great posts on the #YesAllWomen phenomenon: #YesAllWomen and Not All Men, But Still Too Many Men. Compliments That Aren’t About Physical Appearance. N.K. Jemisin’s Guest of Honor Speech at WisCon, all about race and gender issues in the SFF community and the world at large. […]

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Send Me Your Photos

Send me your photos.

I’m finally doing something I probably should have done as soon as I opened up my shop and had my first sale: a customer photo gallery. Because I love to see how my creations live out in the world! So now, if you send in a high-quality photo of yourself wearing the shirt you ordered, or your wall sporting the art print, I’ll add it to the customer gallery on Facebook & possibly feature it here on my blog. You’ll also be entered into a quaterly drawing for a free art print! Just email it to with the subject […]

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Book Review: The Winter King

The Winter King

The Winter King by C.L. Wilson. When the rep from Harper Collins/Avon contacted me to see if I’d be interested in reviewing an advance copy of a high/epic fantasy romance, I didn’t have to think twice. Magic and princes and sexy times? Yes, please. And The Winter King delivered. Two opposing kingdoms where the royal lines inherit their own specialized kind of magic. A war ended by a marriage between the two. A prince of winter and a princess of summer both with feisty temperaments, powerful magic and (of course) an undeniable attraction to each other. And just to spice […]

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Right Now

Right Now

Right now, I am… finishing up my cappuccino before hopping in the shower. looking forward to lunch with a friend at a new-to-me restaurant. gearing up to spray paint a bunch of terracotta pots this afternoon. trying to plan out which succulents/cacti to get for said pots. really happy with the 85 degrees and sunny streak we’ve had in weather recently. My favorite. getting a big work project ready to go to the printer by Friday. waiting on some packages in the mail. still not a fan of the new Etsy shop layout they rolled out. UGH. So not good. […]

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Tuesday Treasure Trove

Tuesday Treasure Trove: this week's round-up of read-worthy links.

Cartoon of the week: What it’s like to own a Tesla Model S. Actually kind of want one now… (ha! price tag. Ha ha ha). Photo series of the week: The Topography of Tears. Different kinds of tears look different under a microscope – crazy! Very interesting read: What Most Freaks Out Scholars Who Study The Future Of Humanity? Hell Yes! Swearing Is Good For You, Study Says. I f*&king knew it. 8 Ways to Improve Your Web Presence. #4 guys. And #6! The Rise of the ‘Homepreneur’ – I’m one! Why do creative people sometimes hate creating? Yup, yup, […]

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