Month: May 2023

Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons: Deluxe Edition by Patrick Rothfuss, Jim Zub

Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons: Deluxe Edition by Patrick Rothfuss, Jim Zub

Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons is fun. I’m not a big fan of the Rick and Morty show, but even I found plenty to love in this graphic novel.

In this book, Rick, Morty, and their family explore different dimensions that represent various editions of the fantasy role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons. If you have some experience playing the game, you’ll find lots of inside jokes to enjoy.

I personally have minimal game play time with Dungeons and Dragons, but again, it was still fun.

My favorite story from this collection was the last in the book, which dealt with a character named Mr. Meeseeks. He’s from the Rick and Morty show so those who have seen the episodes with him can probably guess what happens.

It still made a great impression on me.

There’s some vulgarity and language in this book, which might make it appropriate for teens and up. That’s for you all to decide.

Thanks for reading!

Chaco Canyon by Chris Eboch

Chaco Canyon by Chris Eboch

Chaco Canyon is among the most important archaeological sites in North America. pg 7

This non-fiction book for middle graders, part of the “Digging Up the Past” series, gives information about Chaco Canyon, a site that still holds mysteries to be discovered.

It was home to many people but at some point, it’s not clear exactly when, the population wandered away, leaving ruins behind.

According to one descendant, “They didn’t abandon this place. It is still occupied. We can still pray to the spirits living in these places from as far away as our pueblo.” pg 84

The book gives information about the history of digs at the site, which were not conducted with the care and documentation that such things require today. I found that part of the book quite sad. Imagine all of the history that has been lost.

It touches on the challenges researchers face today in their efforts to study Chaco Canyon. These include damage from the weather, large numbers of visitors, and looters.

Recommended for children interested in non-fiction.

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones

“Death is not to be feared,” he said. “But nor can it be forsaken. One must be mindful.” pg 3, ebook

Ryn is a grave digger in a small village. The only trouble is the dead don’t always stay dead in her world.

Sometimes they wander out of the forest. When they reawaken, the dead are called “bone houses.”

Photo by F H on Pexels.com

The bone house did not speak. They never did. But still, Ryn felt obligated to say something. “Sorry about this,” said Ryn. And then she swung the axe at the dead woman’s knees. pg 14, ebook

In addition to her wandering dead problem, Ryn’s father went on a work outing and never returned. When a stranger comes to her village with a proposition to explore the lands around her home, Ryn decides to find him.

That is where the story really picks up.

Author Emily Lloyd-Jones explores Welsh myth and legend in this young adult fantasy. I enjoyed the story but the big twists were sign-posted so well that I guessed them before they occurred, something that I never manage to do.

This is probably because I’m not the intended audience for the story, but that’s fine. It is well-written other than that small quibble.

I liked the main character, Ryn, quite a lot. She’s strong, brave, and unafraid to venture into enchanted forests.

Reluctant readers might enjoy this book because the pace is quite fast. Recommended for readers who like young adult fantasy stories.