Stolen Lives (Jade de Jong #2) by Jassy Mackenzie

Summary:

When wealthy Pamela Jordaan hires PI Jade de Jong as a bodyguard after her husband Terrance disappears, Jade thinks keeping an eye on this anxious wife will be an easy way to earn some cash. But when a determined shooter nearly kills them both and Jade finds Terrance horrifically tortured and barely alive, she realizes that she has been drawn into a wicked game.

At the same time, her relationship with police superintendent David Patel is on the rocks, and things only get more complicated when his son is kidnapped and his wife is blackmailed. It soon becomes clear that the kidnapping and the attempted killings of Pamela and her husband are tied to a human trafficking ring that stretches from Johannesburg to London.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 314 pages (Hardcover)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Available Formats: Print/E-book/Audio

Publication Date: April 19th 2011 by Soho Crime (first published 2010

 

Not to knock American, and British mystery and crime writers but it is so nice and refreshing to read a mystery novel set somewhere other than the UK, Ireland or the U.S. As good as those mysteries are the settings seem to get over used and so when I came across and read this series last year I was ecstatic. I love novels set in Africa, especially South Africa so finding a mystery set in Johannesburg was a real treat for me.

 

In her second adventure, Jade deals with a broken heart, and more death than she'd probably like along with certain dark secrets she's been keeping as to why she left South Africa 10 years ago. What I love about Jassy Mackenzie's writing is that it can be dark, with light hearted moments but she makes her stories and characters realistic. She confronts the dark side of what people will do for love and money and plain old revenge in a great way.

 

As I said Jade's investigations take place in South Africa and the fact that the author was born and raised there gives the book an authentic feeling. For me it makes me really immerse myself in the story because I know that the author is using what she knows to create the setting and describe the people. I loved the mystery of this one because there was a lot more going on in this volume than the first (which I did love) but now that she's established Jade as a character I felt like the focus was more on the investigation than her.

 

Between Pamela Jordaan's missing husband, daughter and a human trafficking ring and running from bullets Jade certainly has her hands full but she's tough as nails and I really like seeing how she solves crime. Jade isn't afraid to use the criminal element to help solve a case especially when there are young women involved and I love how ballsy she is. She's able to channel her fear and use it to push forward regardless of the personal danger to herself.

 

Full of adventure, thrills and murder and an ending that surprised me with how the whole story came together I've got to say that this was a great second book in this series that shows an author who isn't afraid to tackle hard issues, talk about her country in sometimes less than flattering ways and was able to keep the momentum going. I loved Stolen Lives and can't wait to read the next one in the series to see what dark alley's Jassy Mackenzie will take Jade down.

 

I'd recommend Stolen Lives to mystery fans who want a thrill and a mystery that will have them guessing and not wanting to put the book down until their done. While this is the second book in the series and I suggest reading the first book before this, I suppose you could read it without having read the first as long as you don't mind a few holes in the characters back stories from the first book. It offers a unique setting and one that brings to life it's setting exceptionally well.

Loved It!
★★★★★

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The Keepers: Archer (The Keepers #1) by Rae Rivers

 

Summary:

 

‘Don’t ever look for me again, Archer.’
His mouth curled into a smile. ‘Game on.’

Central Park. Sienna Beckham is out jogging in the autumn sun, feeling almost ordinary. Trouble is, she'll never be. She's on the run from her life as a powerful witch and the three Keepers blood-bound to protect her.

Evil is hot on Sienna's tail and Archer Bennett is searching for her, desperate to find her before they do. As one of her Keepers, he will fight to his death to defend her.

Sienna must return and defend her hometown, Rapid Falls – but she has to face the past and master her powers. And as forbidden feelings blossom between Sienna and Archer, will their love survive the ultimate war?

The Keepers: three strong and handsome warrior brothers, born to protect.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 288 pages (Kindle)

Source: NetGalley Arc

Available Formats: E-book

Publication Date: June 20th 2013 by HarperImpulse

 

Back in the latter bit of 2013 I had the pleasure to read both The Keepers: Sienna and The Keepers: Archer. The first one was a Kindle freebie and the second, The Keepers: Archer was curtesy of Rae Rivers passing along my request to her publisher which got me approved for the ARC.

 

I was so impressed with the first novella in the series that when I got to Archer's book I was so excited to see where things were going to go since the first book was a prequel novella I had a lot of unanswered questions about Sienna, Archer the rest of the Bennetts and their enemies.

 

Right from the get go the story caught me. While some books can seem too busy if there's a lot of action, River's was able to utilize all the action in the book to give context to the emotions of the various characters and let me tell you this right now, there was a lot of emotion.

I liked that Sienna struggled with her powers and her love for Archer and I think that the fact that while the book is centered around Sienna I thought we got to know her cohorts (keepers) quite well in the first (full length) book in the series though I do have many questions left unanswered that I hope to have resolved in the next book. Aside from Archer and Sienna, I liked Archer's brothers Declan and Ethan a lot. I thought they added much to the story and I liked how they weren't afraid to speak their minds. I'd actually say that the whole cast of characters are extremely head strong and I loved it.

Overall, I'd say this was a spectacular first book in a series and I'm so very glad that I had the opportunity to read and review it. The writing was amazing and I loved how the author handled and wrote the different characters so well as well as the plot twists. The only complaint I have was that a couple parts in the book were a little rushed (for me) and I wish the book was maybe 15 pages longer. Other than that it was wonderful and I cannot wait to read book two.

I would recommend this to all fans of anything with witches, romance and lots of action!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

 

Loved It!
★★★★★

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The Keepers: Sienna (The Keepers 0.5) by Rae Rivers

Summary:

 

Sienna Beckham is a powerful witch, and along with her four fiercely protective Keepers, it is her destiny to maintain the balance of nature in this world.

Tonight, it's the town carnival and everyone will be there: Sienna's family; her friends; her protectors. Archer.

Laughter and flirtation await.

But in a few hours, Sienna's life will have changed forever and her powers stretched to their very limits.

For something is lurking in the forest…

Murder. Sorcery. Revenge.

And no one saw it coming.

Find out how it all began…

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 75 pages (E-book)

Source: Kindle Freebie

Available Formats: E-book

Publication Date: September 26th 2013 by HarperImpulse

 

A couple of weeks ago I participated in the cover reveal for Sienna, and when I saw that it was a Kindle freebie I knew I had to get it since I've had it on my to-read list since June. I was a little nervous like I always am when it comes to reading a novella but I got lucky and picked another winner folks.

 

Sienna was a quick, action packed adrenaline ride full of murder, deception with a hint of romance. Usually novellas are very one dimensional for me but this one wasn't at all. I thought Sienna was a great prequel because it felt twice as long as it actually was which isn't an easy thing to do but Rae Rivers pulled it off with roaring success.

 

Since this was a prequel, I was really glad that I had read it before I started Archer, since I've read the summary for Archer, I already had many questions that I would have had resolved when I read this. Since I don't read a lot of books that have witches anymore because a bunch of years ago there was a bit of an influx of books like those on the market so when I read this one I thought it was so refreshing.
 

The characters were really well developed for such a short read and I genuinely developed an affection for Sienna and Archer. I didn't learn a ton of information about them in this book but what I did learn I really liked. Both of them love each other but they have that whole forbidden love thing to deal with as having to deal with the fact that both of them are extremely strong willed which I liked seeing because I was a little worried that Sienna might be a pushover but she totally wasn't.

The plot was set out really well and I think for a prequel this served it's purpose in the best way, it not only provides answers to those who read the first book Archer before Sienna was released it also served as a starting point for new readers really well and definetly left me wanting to read Archer's story.

Overall, I loved Sienna by Rae Rivers. I think that the author is a fresh and exciting voice in the genre and I'm exceptionally pleased with the fact that there are so many more South African writers that are now reaching a wider, global audience.

I would recommend Sienna to those looking for a quick paranormal read with lots of action, a strong plot and interesting characters. This is the perfect afternoon read and I can see this being something people would enjoy in between longer novels.

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge

2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge

2013 Why Buy The Cow? Reading Challenge

Loved it!
★★★★★

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Random Violence (Jade de Jong #1) by Jassy Mackenzie

 

Summary:

 

In Johannesburg prosperous whites live in gated communities; when they exit their cars to open the gates, car-jackings are common. But seldom is the victim killed, much less shot twice, like Annette Botha. Piet Botha, the husband of the wealthy woman, is the primary suspect in his wife's murder.

P.I. Jade de Jong fled South Africa ten years ago after her father was killed. Now back in town, she offers to help her father's former assistant, Superintendent David Patel, with his investigation of this case. Under apartheid, Patel, of Indian descent, could
never have attained his present position. But he is feeling pressure from his "old line" boss with respect to this investigation and fears lingering prejudice is at work.

As Jade probes into this and other recent car-jacking cases, a pattern begins to emerge, a pattern that goes back to her father's murder and that involves a vast and intricate series of crimes for profit.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 336 pages (Hardcover)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Available Formats: Print/E-book

Publication Date: April 1st 2010 by Soho Crime

 

About a year ago I stumbled across the Jade de Jong series but it took me until a couple weeks ago to finally get around to reading the first novel in the series a try. I'm always on the look out for great South African authors and I have to say Jassy Mackenzie is a new favourite of mine.

 

Random Violence was a fast past intricate novel with a wonderful female sleuth as the lead character. Jade de Jong returns to her homeland of South Africa after 10 years away working all over the globe. Upon her return she's met with all the changes that have happened in her country including in the lives of the one person she cares about the most.

 

I loved the mystery behind the slue of murders that seem to be occurring as well as the relationship between Jade and David who was once her father's right hand man and her best friend. I really enjoyed seeing the ups and downs as they got used to be around one another again after such a long time apart as well as seeing how much respect they had for one another. I have to say that Jade and David are probably two of my favourite crime solving partners after reading Random Violence. Both are intelligent, witty and savvy and they both have different skills plus the chemistry between them is great.

 

I thought that the fact that the author also took the time to touch briefly on the political background of the country post-apartheid with the referral of David's "old line" boss. I think that it was an important touch especially for the readers who aren't really versed in the history of the country and it plays a rather large part in the novel because of the actions and histories of individual characters mostly those of the bad guys.

 

I was very surprised at how enjoyable Random Violence was as strange as it might sound it was a fun read because Jassy Mackenzie kept me on my toes. There were far more plot twists that I had expected and many of them didn't even become obvious until the the end when everything came together and I was left with my jaw on the floor in shock.

 

Overall, I thought the writing was fantastic. The author used a perfect balance of drama, action, intrigue, deception and plot twists to create a wonderfully well written who dun it novel. In a genre that is still very much male dominated Jassy Mackenzie makes sure that her unique voice is heard and for me her gift in the genre was very well received by me. Everything fit together so well and the way she wove the story in such subtle ways sometimes was amazing and I can't wait to read the second book in the series. As first novels go Jassy Mackenzie's Random Violence is a hit and has earned a place on my favourite's shelf.

 

I would highly recommend Random Violence to everyone who enjoys a mystery set in a foreign country. I think the fact that it is written by a South African writer and takes place in South Africa is a unique offering in the mystery genre and the story is one that you can get wrapped up in and is a great way to expose yourself to a new writer and a new series in a place you may never have had a book take place in before.

 

Loved It!
★★★★★

 

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When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen

Summary:

After seventeen-year-old Felicita’s dearest friend, Ilven, kills herself to escape an arranged marriage, Felicita chooses freedom over privilege. She fakes her own death and leaves her sheltered life as one of Pelimburg’s magical elite behind. Living in the slums, scrubbing dishes for a living, she falls for charismatic Dash while also becoming fascinated with vampire Jannik. Then something shocking washes up on the beach: Ilven's death has called out of the sea a dangerous, wild magic. Felicita must decide whether her loyalties lie with the family she abandoned . . . or with those who would twist this dark power to destroy Pelimburg's caste system, and the whole city along with it. 

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 296 pages (Hardcover)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Publication Date: February 28th 2012 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)         

This was the other book that I read during my Goodreads group's read-a-thon and it was by far my favourite read during it! I was incredibly drawn to the book for the cover, it's a little creepy but it's really awesome too, and it's one that I would love to have as a poster.

The story itself was extremely well written. I don't generally read fantasy novels that aren't set on regular old planet earth but this is one that was more out there in terms of the whole world building thing. Yes it takes place on earth but it's a fantastical Earth.

I really enjoyed the way that the author laid the whole story out. The novel had bits of mystery, suspense and fantasy (paranormal) all rolled up into one superbly written novel. Since the book is still relatively new I'm going to try and refrain from posting any spoilers so I will just be reviewing the book as a whole, rather than ripping it a part in order to review it.

I think that Cat Hellisen is a great new emerging talent in the writing world and she's South African (I'm half South African) and we share the same birthday (May 31st) though we're 13 years apart. I personally think that there are so many South African writers that deserve recognition but because they aren't from the U.S. they often don't get the widespread audience that they should but I'm happy to see that this book was picked up by a major publishing company because it is absolutely worth the read.

Felicita was a great female character who while she was scared, she found an inner strength in the face of the adversity she had to endure. I like how she evolved from a stuck up elitist teenager to one that is more humble even though she had to face the world alone for the most part. Several times during the book I felt sorry for her given the certain circumstances occurring at the time and place in the book.

I think the thing that I liked most about Felicta's story was that her story was very much a coming of age story where a girl makes drastic changes by abandoning her previous life, going through the regular teenage things such as love, and betrayal as well as some few not so regular teenage things as well.

This book was a fantastic fantasy read with a great female character who while she had moments where I wanted to shake her and say "NO DON'T DO THAT" I really liked her and the saddest part for me in finishing the book was that it's a stand alone as far as I know, which sucks since the way Cat finished the book left it open ended for a sequel (If you are Cat Hellisen and you're reading this PLEASE bring Felicita back).  As I said before, the author has an incredible gift for writing and I hope that she continues writing because she may just have a life long fan over here and even though I already read the book I'm going to be buying myself a copy of it just so I can re-read it. It was that damn good.

I would have no problem recommending this book to anyone, but I think that if you really like YA Fantasy novels that this one should be put on your TBR lists. The story is great, the plot is intriguing and the characters are interesting. I for one am but this on my top 100 favourite books list and it's one of my favourites this year.

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A Must Read!

 

Tales of an African Vet by Roy Aronson

Summary:

The heart-wrenching and adventure-filled stories of a South African wild animal vet and his colleagues.

When do you watch a wild animal suffer and let nature take its course, and when do you intervene? In his more than twenty-five years as an African vet, Dr. Roy Aronson has seen and done some remarkable things. He has tracked lions and cheetahs, anesthetized rhinoceroses and king cobras, collared rogue elephants, performed eye surgery on a lion out in the bush, been attacked by a puff adder, come face to face with an angry hybrid wolf, and nearly lost a foot to a crocodile. Dr. Aronson has also worked with some of Africa’s most dedicated conservationists and wildlife veterinarians. He has witnessed their passion and bravery and been with them when hard decisions had to be made.

Tales of an African Vet brings together Dr. Aronson’s adventures in a rare behind-the-scenes look at those who treat wild animals in their natural habitat. For those drawn to outdoor adventure stories, African wildlife, or the veterinarian’s trade, it is a riveting book replete with rich insights into both the animal and human cultures of Africa.

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 227 pages
Source: Toronto Public Library
Publication Date: March 11th 2008

The time was October 19th 2010.
The place was World's Biggest Bookstore in downtown Toronto.

Mr. Turning The Pages had just taken me out to a nice romantic dinner and we were walking down the aisles (of the bookstore) and I saw a book on display that I knew I had to read but unfortunately I had already surpassed my book buying budget for the month and I sadly had to leave the book sitting there. Lonely and calling me back, begging to be taken home with me but it was not to be.

However, the title of this book never left my mind and a few weeks ago I was finally able to put it on hold from the Toronto Public Library. As you already know if it has anything to do with animals or Africa it's pretty much a guarentee that I may want to read it but if it has both than I am most definately going to give it a try.

I was so excited to read it, that I finished it the next day! Roy Aronson wrote the book with passion. You can tell right off the bat that he loves animals and hates to see them suffer. He writes with conviction about the plight certain species are facing like the rhinos who are being poached all for their horns. It's evident that he also harbours a deep respect for all creatures from hamsters, to cobras, to wolf hybrids and seals.

I loved the stories he shared within his book, he certainly has lived an exciting life and he is lucky to have been able to experience the wonders that he has and to have met so many interesting people that like him are involved with animals and their healthcare.

His accounts will strike a cord in you and make you want to head to your nearest zoo, aquarium, lake, ocean or forest just to see the natural world as it is. It will also make you think that things do indeed have to change if we are to ensure the survival of all the creatures great and small. I loved this book!  Roy Aronson wrote his book in an easily accessible way so that the young and the old can enjoy what is between it's covers and I can't wait to get my hands on his other book that he has written.

I would recommend this to anyone who has a soft spot for animals. This is also a great read for fans of James Herriot's books on being a yorkshire vet. It will make you really want to thank your vet when you see them, their jobs are hard and often dirty but they do reap the rewards when their animal patients get better but they are also human too and they hate losing a beloved patient to illness or natural causes. It's a must read in my opinion!

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Diary of a Part-Time Ghost by Vered Ehsani

 

Summary:

In the first book of the ‘Ghost & Shadows’ series, fifteen-year old Ash wants nothing more than to be a normal kid and avoid trouble. And then his birthday gift transforms him into a ghost and zaps him back in time to the beginning of the American Revolution. If he thought that was bad, it’s about to get a whole lot worse. Armed only with an ancient history book and the quirky advice of an annoying mentor, Ash must rescue his ancestor from one danger after another, including an implacable enemy who controls the very shadows. What starts out as a brief experiment in time travel rapidly changes into a race for his very survival, and Ash is running out of time. Despite his efforts to stay out of trouble, Ash finds plenty of it as he must decide what his role will be in the shifting balance of forces. As he moves through one shadow- plagued adventure after another, Ash gradually discovers that true power lives in the most unexpected place: himself. Humorous and action-packed, Diary of a Part-Time Ghost will hold readers in its grip from the first sentence to the last.
Summary taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 248 pages
Source: Review copy from the author
Publication Date: March 2nd 2011

A few months ago I was approached by the author Vered Ehsani on goodreads.com to review her book Diary of a Part-Time Ghost, and because I was had so many books on the go it wasn't until a week ago that I was finally able to read it.

I found the character Ash to be snarky and funny at the same time which I really liked. I also really liked BiBi, who is Ash's great aunt (if I remember correctly). I thought she was cute. Her advice to Ash throughout the book reminded me a lot of Yoda because she wanted Ash to figure things out for himself when it came to the Book of History.

As for the story, I thought it was neat. I always love time travel fiction be it juvenile, YA or adult and I haven't read any in a while so that gave this book a huge plus from me. I liked how the plot wasn't laid out in the way I thought it would have been. The whole time I read it I was left guessing as to what would be coming next. The fact that Ash was a part-time ghost added a unique aspect to the story especially when he travels back in time to meet a relative of his from 1773 and is able to become solid (there's no other word I can think of right now to describe it). The whole deal with Kali (you'll meet him when you read the book) left me puzzled and confused, but I'm guessing all will become clear in the next book.

All in all I really enjoyed this book by Vered Ehsani and I hope she releases the second book soon! I would recommend this to any YA/Juvenile fiction lovers. It's a light and easy read that will surprise you with all of its twists and turns. For a first time author I'd definetly say that Vered Ehsani is on her way to success and I hope when she does release her next book she'll drop me a line and let me review it for her as well.

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*I would like to thank the author, Vered Ehsani for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for my free and honest review.

★ ★ ★ ★

It Rains in February: A Wife's Memoir of Love and Loss by Leila Summers

Summary:

On the 24th of February 2007 my husband, Stuart, drowned himself at sea, leaving me widowed with two young daughters aged six and four. I knew it wasn't an accident, even though the medics and police never suspected suicide. Stuart had been talking about ending his life for a year. His most recent suicide attempt had been only three weeks earlier. Afterwards, he explained that day as the most peaceful day of his life. Sitting next to the dam, he smoked his last cigarette. He drank a hundred sleeping pills and did a final check to make sure everything would look like an accident. The last thing he remembered was swimming out into the crystal clear water. He said that he was no longer scared of dying, that there was nothing scary about it. Living was the scary thing.

It Rains In February: A Wife's Memoir of Love and Loss is the true story of a husband's depression and obsession, not only with another woman, but also with ending his life. In this honest and heartfelt narrative, Leila Summers weaves a compelling tale of the year that led up to Stuart's suicide and the grief, profound loss and self discovery that followed. Although each suicide is unique, this book gives the reader an insider's view from one perspective by way letters and e-mail messages.

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 232 pages

Source: Review copy supplied by author

Publication Date: October 24th 2011

A couple months ago I was approached by the author Robyn who goes by the nom de plume Leila Summers. Usually I don't read books like this but after I read the summary I was convinced that I would  have to read it.

A few days ago I finally got around to read it and I'm glad I did. Ever since finishing it though I've been struggling with how I should review it. I mean this isn't a work of fiction...it's some one's life I'm reading about. In fact I don't even think I can properly put into words how I felt about this memoir but I'll give it the old college try.

This book was an emotional read for me. Robyn really took me into her world with her words. I loved the way in which she wrote her memoir. For me it was as if I was reading a love letter to her husband, it was deeply personal and very intimate. Several times while reading it I had to stop because I had a sense that I was invading her privacy while there were other times when I had to put the book down because Stuart was making me so angry.

The book is about Robyn's husband Stuart's last 2 years of life, the disintegration of a marriage and a family...and ultimately Stuart's suicide. I really admire Robyn and the rest of the people that stood by Stuart like his sister Ruth. Despite his continued deterioration and that which they themselves endured they still loved him, and unlike many people they didn't turn their backs on him when he fell to pieces.

Even though I read the book I cannot comprehend how much strength it took Robin to keep loving the man that was so willing to walk away from their marriage on the hopes that the woman he had been having an emotional affair with for 2 years before marriage broke up would leave her family. The memoir was raw with emotion and was written beautifully.

Robyn truly inspires me. She held her head high for her daughters and dealt with blow after blow delt by Stuart. Yes she had a difficult time of it, and yes she would get angry at her children because she was so stressed out but that is perfectly understandable given the situation all can be forgiven.

To say I enjoyed this book would be wrong. How could I enjoy a book like this? Yet, that doesn't mean that I didn't love it. This book is a shining example of how a woman had to come to terms with her family falling apart because of her husband's love for another. It took me on a journey that showed that while Robin sometimes wavered, the strength and love she had for her husband stayed throughout the book. She did all she could to save his life, but unfortunately...it was not meant to be. I found myself to be incredibly moved by Robyn's writing and I do hope that she realizes that she has a gift, one that I hope she continues to use because I would love to read more from her.

This book is highly recommended to everyone. It will make your heart hurt...and it will make you feel compassion something that I find is often lacking in the world today. It will take you on a journey of love, forgiveness, and acceptance.

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*I would like to thank the author, Robyn "Leila Summers" for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for my free and honest review.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Part of the Pride: My Life Among the Big Cats of Africa by Kevin Richardson with Tony Park

Summary:

About a year ago, film started to circulate on YouTube® of a remarkable man named Kevin Richardson, an animal custodian in a South African animal park. The film showed Richardson in his day-to-day work, looking some of the world's most dangerous animals directly in the eye, crouching down at their level, playing with them and, sometimes, even kissing them on the nose--all without ever being attacked or injured. The films’ popularity skyrocketed and Richardson became an international sensation. In “Part of the Pride”, Kevin Richardson tells the story of his life and work, how he grew from a young boy who cared for so many animals that he was called “The Bird Man of Orange Grove” to an adolescent who ran wild and, finally, to a man who is able to cross the divide between humans and predators. As a self-taught animal behaviorist, Richardson has broken every safety rule known to humans when working with these wild animals. Flouting common misconceptions that breaking an animal’s spirit with sticks and chains is the best way to subdue them, he uses love, understanding and trust to develop personal bonds with them. His unique method of getting to know their individual personalities, what makes each of them angry, happy, upset, or irritated—just like a mother understands a child—has caused them to accept him like one of their own into their fold. Like anyone else who truly loves animals, Richardson allows their own stories to share center stage as he tells readers about Napoleon and Tau, the two male lions he calls his “brothers”; the amazing Meg, a lioness Richardson taught to swim; the fierce Tsavo who savagely attacked him; and the heartbreaking little hyena called Homer who didn’t live to see his first birthday. Richardson also chronicles his work on the forthcoming feature film “The White Lion” and has a lot to say about the state of lion farming and hunting in South Africa today. In “Part of the Pride”, Richardson, with novelist Tony Park, delves into the mind of the big cats and their world to show readers a different way of understanding the dangerous big cats of Africa.

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 256 pages

Source: Toronto Public Library

Publication Date: September 1st 2009

In this book I headed off to my favourite country South Africa for my Around the World in 52 Books Challenge and what an adventure it was! Lions, hyenas and jaguars oh my!

A few years ago I watched a short documentary called Dangerous Companions about Kevin Richardson and his friends (lions, hyenas, giraffes etc.) I like many other people was amazed by the connection he had with them and every time I see a lion special on I think of him. So it was much to my surprise that while looking for another book in the library database that I found that he had a book! Of course I had to put it on hold immediately and within 2 days I finished it.

I love the way that the book was written. It wasn't written in away that was too "uppity". It was written in a very casual manner and I really think that worked to the books advantage because lets be honest we want to read about this man and his bond with the animals he undoubtedly loves a great deal.

I enjoyed learning about his early life which he says was far from perfect and freely admits that he was a troublemaker in his youth. Which to me made it even more appealing because who wants to read about someones perfect life? Not me. I think that the reason he's so good with animals is because he feels more of a connection to them than the people in his life. I understand that bond but on a smaller scale...with my house cats, rodents, birds and our dog. I know it's not incredible but trust is trust.

I loved reading about his animals, and learning their stories, learning their little quirks, and seeing just how unique each of them is. But what I loved most was learning how he had to work for them to accept him. Many people think that he has a special gift but I believe that maybe he knows how to read these beautiful and powerful animals better than the rest of us because he pays a little more attention to the rest of us. I mean there is something about him that allows him to be "part of the pride" or else the lionesses would not let him near their newborn cubs, allow him to sleep with them play with them. These animals are beautiful souls with feelings and this book proves that they are capable of having a remarkable bond with this man built on mutual trust and respect.

His stories are incredible and breath taking when you think about the animals that he's talking about. Now I won't spoil any of the book for you by talking about the different animals, I think it would be much better if you read it yourselves.

I highly recommend any and all animal lovers to read this book it's amazing and inspiring!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★