Welcome to my tour stop for Uncovering Cobbogoth by Hannah L. Clark!
(Cobbogoth #1)
by Hannah L. Clark
by Hannah L. Clark
Summary
Norah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city of Cobbogoth. After her archaeologist uncle’s murder, Norah is asked to translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder was a cover-up for something far more sinister.
When she turns to neighbor and only friend James Riley for help, she realizes that not only is their bitter-sweet past haunting her every step, but James is keeping dangerous secrets. Can Norah discover what they are before its too late to share her own.
When she turns to neighbor and only friend James Riley for help, she realizes that not only is their bitter-sweet past haunting her every step, but James is keeping dangerous secrets. Can Norah discover what they are before its too late to share her own.
Book Trailer
My Review
I jumped right into Uncovering Cobbogoth! It was interesting and I liked the characters. The writing was also smooth and the plot was well paced. Overall this was an enjoyable fantastical story.
The whole idea of an ancient and powerful society once living on earth and then going through a portal to another realm was really interesting. I liked how it was presented in the beginning of the story. I also liked the suspense from Norah trying to figure out what her uncle was trying to tell her and who his murderers were. I figured out quite a few things early on, but it was still an enjoyable plot.
I did wish there wasn't quite so much information dumping. I wanted to find out about Cobbogoth more as Norah discovers it than having her given a little history lesson. The sharing of memories with James also didn't quite work for me. It didn't feel realistic when it wasn't all from James perspective and that he could somehow see himself in his own memory, especially when Norah hadn't been there in the flashback. I also didn't know why Norah left at a certain point without letting anyone know. It slagged just a little for me in the middle and towards the end of the story because of these things.
Norah and James were definitely my favorite characters. Norah is troubled and has some panic attack issues, but she pushes through regardless. I liked how loyal and intelligent she was. James was the charming boy next door. He was protective and sweet and ready to do anything for Norah. They had lots of history behind them, so no insta-love here, and made a great pair.
The ending was fairly intense. I wasn't sure how all of it would work out and who would be left at the end. I pretty much couldn't put the book down until I found out.
I would recommend Uncovering Cobbogoth to middle grade and young adult readers who enjoy romantic suspense and adventure.
Content: Clean (There is some violence, but nothing too descriptive.)
Source: From the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
The whole idea of an ancient and powerful society once living on earth and then going through a portal to another realm was really interesting. I liked how it was presented in the beginning of the story. I also liked the suspense from Norah trying to figure out what her uncle was trying to tell her and who his murderers were. I figured out quite a few things early on, but it was still an enjoyable plot.
I did wish there wasn't quite so much information dumping. I wanted to find out about Cobbogoth more as Norah discovers it than having her given a little history lesson. The sharing of memories with James also didn't quite work for me. It didn't feel realistic when it wasn't all from James perspective and that he could somehow see himself in his own memory, especially when Norah hadn't been there in the flashback. I also didn't know why Norah left at a certain point without letting anyone know. It slagged just a little for me in the middle and towards the end of the story because of these things.
Norah and James were definitely my favorite characters. Norah is troubled and has some panic attack issues, but she pushes through regardless. I liked how loyal and intelligent she was. James was the charming boy next door. He was protective and sweet and ready to do anything for Norah. They had lots of history behind them, so no insta-love here, and made a great pair.
The ending was fairly intense. I wasn't sure how all of it would work out and who would be left at the end. I pretty much couldn't put the book down until I found out.
I would recommend Uncovering Cobbogoth to middle grade and young adult readers who enjoy romantic suspense and adventure.
Content: Clean (There is some violence, but nothing too descriptive.)
Source: From the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
Excerpt
Nor? ” James rubbed the
sleep from his eyes
with the heel of his hand. One look at me, however, and he was wide
awake. “What is it? Is it Gram?”
“No. No, not that,” I croaked, guilt rushing through me
for causing him more worry.
The panic left his eyes, and he squinted at
me.
I shuffled self-consciously. I knew I looked terrible.
I’d been up crying half the night after my argument with Uncle Jack about James
breaking my heart. Finally, I snuck out my window, climbed down my cherry tree,
and headed to the fire station to see James.
“Hey, Riley! Cut the lights, man!”
James glanced back into the dark, communal bedroom where
the rest of the night shift firefighters slept.
“Come here.” He took my hand, closed the bedroom door
and, in stockinged feet, led me down the hall. A moment later, we were sitting
side by side on the stairs. James still held my hand, and I hoped he’d never let
go. I watched as he reached into his shirt pocket, fishing around until he found
a piece of peppermint gum.
He offered me half. I shook my head, so he stuffed the
whole thing in his mouth. Then he turned those kind, piercing eyes on
me.
Growing warm under his gaze, I cleared my throat. “I-I’m
so sorry to wake you up,” I started. “I hoped you’d still be awake. It’s just .
. .”
James mindlessly ran his thumb in circles over my
knuckles. I lost my train of thought. Blinking, I took a deep breath and plunged
on. “My uncle . . . he wants me to stop spending time with you. I mean, I can
still help with Gram and everything, he just doesn’t want us hanging out any
other time.” I sucked in another unsteady breath. “But I—I can’t let that
happen, James. You’re my only friend.”
James was quiet for what seemed like forever. I prayed he
wouldn’t just shrug his broad shoulders and shuffle back to
bed.
To my relief, he reached up, rumpling his chocolate curls
with his free hand. “Did he give you a reason why?” he asked, avoiding my eyes.
I shook my head. “I think he’s afraid you’ll end up hurting me—that you’ll break
my heart. You know how protective he is.”
He was silent again, this time
longer.
Stupid, Norah! Why had I come here? Why did I think
James would even care about this—that it would upset him at
all?
Finally, James let out his breath. And the next moment,
he was pressing the back of my hand to his lips.
I swallowed my shock. I’d never imagined that his lips
could be so warm and soft. The contact sent a shock straight to my
heart.
“What do you think?” James mumbled a moment later, still
contemplating my hand. “Do you think I could hurt you?”
I wanted to burst into tears all over again. “I don’t
think, James, I know. But it would be worth it.”
James chuckled this time, resting his forehead against my
temple. “Now that’s a compliment.”
I smiled. Having him so close—smelling the fresh
peppermint on his breath—was a fierce mixture of agony and ecstasy. They were
feelings I’d never imagined I could feel.
“I’d
never hurt you, Nor,” James whispered at last, and his breath tickled my neck.
“Not really.” You can read additional excerpts here and here.
Hannah loves running, mythology, laughing, soulful bluegrass music, and growing things. Like her heroine, Norah, she is slightly inclined to believe that trees have souls.
To learn more about Hannah and the Cobbogoth series, visit www.cobbogoth.com.
About the Illustrator
Rebekah G. Shakespear lives with her husband and two sons in Texas. She received a double degree in Graphic-Web and Print Design from Henry Ford Community College in Michigan.
Bekah loves being a mom, photography, illustrating, refinishing furniture, organizing and being related to the author, for whom she has held a long abiding love and admiration for since before Hannah was even born.
Haven't read these books but they sound cute. I'll have to look into them. :)
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to add this to my collection because I am absolutely in love with the cover of this book. Plus I think it will be a fun one to read. Great review, as always Tressa :)
ReplyDeleteI love the cover, and I haven't read Just Ella yet, but I cannot wait to read these!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! The author is planning on writing 7 books for this series so maybe that's why there seemed to be an information dump (which I personally enjoyed). There's apparently a lot to cover in this world! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI'm on the tour for this one and looking forward to reading my review copy.
ReplyDeleteThey are super cute and fairy-tale-ish. The type of books I like. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing what happens next, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot to cover. I didn't know about the 7 books. I did see you really loved this one and I'm planning on following the series. Thanks for sharing, Melanie!
ReplyDelete