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Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Sanderson Satisfies With Rollicking *Secret* Pirate Adventure
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
If you know anything about my taste in books, you know how unusual it is for me to read anything even close to high fantasy. (To be honest, I'm not sure I even understand what that term means!) Even though I'm really not into the genre, I have enjoyed my dips into Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere series (empire? realm? universe?). The original Mistborn novels were my first foray into the author's sphere and Tress of the Emerald Sea is my latest. I enjoyed the former, but I adored the latter. Let's just say that while fantasy still isn't my jam, if it's written by Sanderson, I've learned to at least give it a chance.
Not gonna lie, I'm not quite sure how Tress of the Emerald Sea fits into the Cosmere series (Goodreads says it's installment #28 and #1 of the Secret Projects). I just know that it works fine as a standalone. It isn't necessary to read the previous books to get what's going on in this one, although I think I read somewhere that there are some characters in this book that have appeared in other Cosmere novels.
Our titular heroine is a young woman who lives on a barren island called the Rock. Her life is a simple, but not unhappy one. She spends her days washing windows at the duke's mansion, hanging out with her best friend Charlie (who's maybe more than just a pal, despite their very different social stations), and collecting cups sailors bring from faraway lands. As much as she might dream of something more, she doesn't really expect her routine life to change in any way. Until it does. When Charlie is sent away from their island, a devastated Tress risks everything to follow him. Stowing away on a ship, she soon finds herself on a vessel with a bloodthirsty captain at its helm. To avoid walking the plank, she needs to prove her worth. Luckily for her, the most dangerous job on the boat—a Sprouter—has just become available thanks to the untimely death of the sucker who previously held the position. With little other choice, she does the best she can to perform her duties well enough to keep her head above water. Although she has managed to escape certain death at the hands of the cruel captain—at least for now— there are plenty of other ways for her to meet her maker on the open spore sea. With danger without and just as much (if not more) within, she must navigate her way through her very precarious situation in order to find and rescue Charlie. In the meantime, there's a deadly date with an evil Sorceress to look forward to...
As you would expect from a magical pirate adventure, Tress of the Emerald Sea is a rollicking tale full of excitement, suspense, humor, and even a little heartbreak. It's 365 pages long, but I never got bored with it. In fact, I was sad to learn that it's not the first in a series of related books featuring these characters that I've come to love (the "secret projects" books do not contain related stories, apparently). I would absolutely read more novels featuring Tress and her friends.
Gah! I'm failing to describe exactly how enchanting and entrancing this delightful YA novel is. All I can say is: believe the hype and read it already. It's a wonderful read, very deserving of all the attention it's getting.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, scenes of peril, and mild innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Tress of the Emerald Sea with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, August 31, 2020
Despite Vivid Backdrop, Magical YA Debut Turns Into a Long Slog to a Disappointing Finale
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Abandoned as a baby in the deep forest that surrounds it, the only home Kallia has ever known is the isolated Hellfire House. Under the tutelage of a master magician and now his son, she has become a powerful show magician, the masked star of the House's nightly show. Despite the celebrity that comes from providing jaw-dropping performances for awestruck audiences, Kallia longs for more. She dreams of breaking free of her gilded cage, traveling beyond the impenetrable woods that keep her trapped, and harnessing all of the magic she feels burning through her veins. Jack, the master of the House, refuses to even entertain the idea of Kallia leaving. But, when she learns of a magic competition in the mysterious ice-laden city of Glorian, she ignores his warnings and flees in the night.
Female show magicians are looked down upon, but Kallia soon becomes a crowd favorite. Although the other contestants and most of the judges are clearly rooting against her, Daron Demarco can't look away from the competition's stunning star. He's in town for his own secret reasons and can't afford to be distracted. Nevertheless, he can't stand idly by while Kallia—obviously the most talented magician in the contest—is shunned. As the competition heats up, though, magicians start disappearing, Glorian's only exit mysteriously vanishes, and Kallia is acting strangely. Is she systematically eliminating her competitors? Or is someone cheating in order to cripple her chances of winning? It's up to Demarco to figure out what is going on before the competition becomes not just dangerous, but also deadly ...
It's tough to ignore a book billed as Phantom of the Opera meets Moulin Rouge and Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles is certainly earning a lot of attention. The YA debut deserves it for its vivid imagery, which does give the story a sumptuous "glamdark" backdrop. Beyond that, though, there's nothing super original about the novel, the first in a planned duology. Kallia's world is a confusing one that doesn't get much clearer as the story moves along. Our heroine is a kick-butt MC, whose confidence and determination make her admirable, even while her vanity and coldness diminish her likability. Her comrades, including Demarco, aren't fleshed-out well enough to make them stand out. Even the colorful members of the Conquering Circus, by far the most interesting characters in the novel, don't get enough page time to show off their uniqueness. Likewise, Glorian—whose mysterious secrets were the only thing that really kept me reading this book—is relegated to a side act while the lukewarm romance between Kallia and Demarco steals the spotlight. Added to these irritants is the fact that Where Dreams Descends drags on for 464 pages, a good 200 of which could have been cut. Although there is a fair amount of action in the novel, there was no point at which I couldn't have put it down for good. I stuck with it, though, expecting a dazzling finale that would provide enough answers to bring a satisfactory end to the story's first volume while leaving me eager to read the second. Didn't happen. The cliffhanger ending just felt disappointing, trailing more questions than answers in its wake. After wading through 464 pages, it didn't feel like much of a reward. Needless to say, I won't be bothering with the sequel. I just don't care that much. Despite its intriguing premise, in the end Where Dreams Descend felt like a long, dissatisfying slog for me. Bummer. I really wanted to like it more.
(Readalikes: I rarely read YA fantasy, so nothing's coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and mild sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Where Dreams Descend from the generous folks at St. Martin's Press and Wednesday Books. Thank you!
Monday, August 12, 2019
Fun, Fantastical Adventure an Engaging Story Even Reluctant Readers Will Enjoy
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Everyone in the village knows the thick forest that looms at the edge of town is full of deep, dark magic. Tales abound of strange creatures lurking in its depths, just waiting to ensnare too-curious children with their monstrous claws. The most cynical may think the stories are only that, but even the strangest of cautionary yarns are often based in truth ...
What the townspeople don't realize is that the Wild Wood is losing its magic. Almost thirteen years ago, a goblin named Kull was tasked with performing an ancient ritual that would restore the balance between the magical and non-magical worlds. He botched the simple task of switching a rare and powerful goblin changeling with a human baby; the changeling so perfectly mimicked his human counterpart that no one has ever been able to tell the difference between the boys. Whispered rumors have always hinted that one of the twins is not exactly like the other, but in a town that delights in superstitious stories and paranoid rants, what's one more?
When Cole and Tinn Burton receive a puzzling message from Kull begging for their help and beckoning them into the woods, the boys can't resist the promise of adventure. Unaware that a dark presence is luring them deeper and deeper into danger, the twins revel in meeting colorful forest folk and enjoying the most diverting of quests. As their journey brings them ever closer to trouble unlike any they've ever known, the boys must work together, harnessing all their courage, to save not just a magical forest but also themselves and everyone they love.
Changeling, the first book in a new fantasy series by William Ritter, offers kids a fun read that's exciting but not too scary. It features a pair of delightful heroes, as well as a supporting cast of intriguing story "people" to keep the tale interesting. Through it all, the book teaches important lessons about loyalty, love, and belonging. Even reluctant readers should dig this engaging, enjoyable adventure.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scary scenes/scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Changeling from the generous folks at Algonquin in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Madcap Middle Grade Adventure a Fun, Zany Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
As the ruler of the Kingdom of Camellia, the 22-year-old emperor has been so spoiled that he's become an insufferable egomaniac. Watching from the Great Beyond, his meddling ancestors decide it's high time their ungrateful descendant learns a lesson in humility. Using their otherworldly powers, they plop him in the countryside alone except for an 8-foot tall ostrich.
While attempting to make his way back to Lotus City, the helpless emperor crosses paths with Begonia, a young dairymaid in search of her lost cow. She's accompanied by Key, a romantic lad who's seeking his fortune away from the overcrowded home in which he feels invisible. When two of their party make an unlikely love connection, all of them are sent on a wild, madcap adventure that will have them crisscrossing the kingdom, chasing twitterpated animals, encountering strange folk, and rescuing a forlorn emperor who cares only about himself. Along the way, they will all learn some valuable lessons about friendship, family, and working together to save the day (also, an ostrich).
Because of stunning novels like All the Truth That's In Me and The Passion of Dolssa, I've become a big fan of Julie Berry. She's a talented writer who's not afraid to take risks. I love that about her, even if her newest—The Emperor's Ostrich—is a risk that didn't work all that well for me. Although I enjoyed it overall, the story did seem overly long and it got confusing in places. Despite a few dull spots, though, it's a fun, zany adventure that will appeal to kids who like fairy tales (which I never was, which probably explains why I didn't like this one as much as Berry's others). With a strong female lead who's brave and independent but also a team player, the tale offers a refreshing spin on a conventional genre that should delight girls who prefer to rescue themselves rather than wait around for Prince Charming to do it for them. Even though The Emperor's Ostrich is not my favorite Berry novel, I still think it's worth the read for fairy-tale lovers who like quirky adventure stories infused with magic and mayhem.
(Readalikes: This tale is supposed to be Berry's nod to Lloyd Alexander, an author whom I've never read. Presumably, it's similar to his novels?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Emperor's Ostrich from the generous folks at Macmillan. Thank you!
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Moon An "EnMagickal" Middle Grade Adventure
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Dark and gloomy, the Protectorate is a village beset by fear—fear of the Elders, who rule the town; fear of the wicked witch, who watches from the forest; and fear of bearing children, one of whom must be sacrificed every year in order to protect the village. Not everyone supports the annual tradition of leaving a newborn in the woods for the witch, but no one has the courage to speak out against the practice. It's simply what has to be done.
Xan, a witch who is not wicked in the least, does her best to ferry the Protectorate's unwanted children to better homes in happier locales. One night, however, she accidentally "enmagicks" a baby girl, infusing her with a strong dose of moonlight. The safest solution to the problem is for Xan to raise young Luna herself, which she does with the help of a swamp monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon.
Everything is well and good until Luna's magic grows too strong to control, Xan's body starts to fail her, and a determined farmer plunges into the woods, determined to kill the witch. What ensues is a tense, exciting quest for truth, right, and justice.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is a magical fantasy that is both lovely and uplifting. The prose is lyrical, poetic. A layered tale, it instructs on many levels, teaching lessons about thinking for one's self, finding courage to do what is right, the importance of truth, and the endurance of love. I'm sure a digger could find much in the way of symbolism and allegory in this story; me, I just enjoyed it for its surface sweetness. If you love fantasy stories with a timeless feel, you'll definitely want to let The Girl Who Drank the Moon "enmagick" you.
(Readalikes: I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
It's A Book! It's A Film! It's Fantastic All Around!
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
I think most readers would agree that:
(1) It's better to read the book before seeing a movie based on said book.
(2) With a few exceptions, the book is always better than its movie.
Am I right? Thought so.
Well, I adhere to Rule #1 the vast majority of the time since I prefer to "see" a book in my head before I view it on the Big Screen. Hollywood and I rarely see eye-to-eye, so this technique has served me well. I break this habit only on very rare occasions. A movie date with my California sister and our daughters over Thanksgiving weekend seemed like a legit reason, so I went to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them before reading the original screenplay by J.K. Rowling. The shock! The horror! Actually, since the film follows the published screenplay exactly, it wasn't that big of a deal. And you know what? I loved the movie. Loved it.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them features Newt Scamander, a British magizoologist, who arrives in New York City in 1926 to perform a special mission. Obsessed with magical creatures, Newt carries a number of them in his suitcase. When Jacob Kowalski, a Muggle baker, accidentally opens the case, he sets the animals free. As Newt's precious creatures escape and wreak havoc on the city, he tries to convince the Magical Congress of the United States (MACUSA) that he can take care of the problem without any harm to either the creatures or American Muggles.
MACUSA is already struggling to manage magical-Muggle relations. It doesn't help that a dark force is causing trouble in the city. MACUSA assumes it's the work of one of Newt's creatures; Newt refuses to believe it. He thinks it's something much stronger, much more dangerous. With the help of Tina Goldstein, a disgraced Auror; her sister Queenie, a skilled Legilimens; and Kowalski, Newt must find the culprit in order to pacify MACUSA and save New York City. The job is a much more dangerous one than anyone could possibly have imagined ...
When I heard about J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter screenplays, I wasn't sure what to think. All Potterheads long for more from the HP universe, but I've been hoping for novels. It's only in this format that the real color, charm, and depth of Rowling's world-building can truly come alive, right? Right. Sort of. The Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay definitely lacks the fullness that would no doubt be found in a novel version. With short stage directions instead of meaty description, it's difficult to really visualize the setting, characters, and creatures that appear in the story (at least I assume this is true since I actually saw the film before reading the screenplay). What this format does offer is a reading experience that is fast, exciting, and unique. Readers— especially young, reluctant ones—who want to delve into the Harry Potter books but shy away from the weighty tomes might find this format more to their liking. It also helps that they can enjoy this story without having read any of the Harry Potter books. Personally, although I enjoyed reading Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, I would have preferred it in novel form. Still, this is a fun, magical tale that translates perfectly to the Big Screen. I loved both the written screenplay and the film version.
(Readalikes: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; Quidditch Through the Ages; and The Tales of Beedle the Bard)
Grade:
If this were a movie (and it is!), it would be rated:
for brief, mild language, violence, and scary images
(Note: The actual movie is rated PG-13)
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
*Movie image from www.fandango.com
Monday, January 30, 2017
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets a Wonderful, Worthy Follow-Up
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
After a momentous year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter can't wait to return. His summer break has seemed endless—not only are the Dursleys as horrible as always, but also Harry's forbidden from using magic, and he hasn't received even one letter from Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, or anyone else. Have his new friends forgotten about him already? Things become even more ominous when a strange elf named Dobby appears in Harry's room warning him that if he returns to school, terrible things will happen.
Irritated but undeterred, Harry returns to Hogwarts—to his studies, to his friends, to his home. Despite a few new faces in the crowd (including a self-absorbed new teacher and a budding reporter who won't leave Harry alone), it's business as usual at the magical school. Well, as usual as it gets at Hogwarts! The real trouble starts with whispers about a mysterious Chamber of Secrets and what's being kept inside it. When several students end up petrified (frozen like statues), fear sweeps through the school. Who is attacking the kids? Some suspect Hagrid, who hides secrets about his own school days. Harry refuses to believe his friend is capable of such a thing. It's as ludicrous as the rumor that Harry himself is responsible. Desperate to clear his name, Harry and his friends will have to find the culprit themselves.
Although the first Harry Potter novel will always be my favorite, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is just as exciting. It introduces interesting new characters like loyal Dobby; self-absorbed Gilderoy Lockhart; and Fawkes, a remarkable phoenix; as well as a new Hogwarts mystery for Harry to solve. Filled with all the magic of the series debut, it's a worthy follow-up that is fun, engrossing, and wholly enjoyable. I loved the novel when I read it the first time and I adored it the second time around. Revisiting Hogwarts is like going home—always a pleasurable experience!
Since I shared my favorite quotes from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, I'll leave you with some goodies from The Chamber of Secrets:
"'Because that's what Hermione does," said Ron. 'When in doubt, go to the library.'" (p. 255)
"'You will also find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.'" -- Albus Dumbledore, to Harry Potter (p. 264)
"'It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.'" -- Albus Dumbledore, to Harry Potter (p. 333)
(Readalikes: Other books in the HP series, including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; Quidditch Through the Ages; Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; and The Tales of Beedle the Bard)
Grade:
If this were a movie (and it is!), it would be rated:
for scary images and violence
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when it first came out in the U.S. in 1999.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
And My Harry Potter Love Continues Unabashed ...
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Let it be known: I have been a Potterhead since Day One. When Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling was published in the U.S. in 1998, I was a young mother who read voraciously. Back in the day, however, adults rarely ventured into the children's section of the library and never the YA area (if, indeed, there was one at all). It wasn't a thing yet, so I felt a little silly reading a kid's book, let alone adoring it as I did. My unabashed Harry Potter love continued unabated as the series went on and the rest of the world caught on to what I already knew. Now, everyone's an HP fan. I don't blame them a bit. I loved the books as I read them and I love them still today. My daughter claims to have read each of the installments in the series eight times; I've read each once and that was when they originally came out. Clearly, a re-read of the whole series has been in order for a long, long time!
Naturally, I started at the beginning with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I'm not going to give you a plot summary as you all know what the book's about. Suffice it to say that this is a magical, transporting read that is just tons of fun. It's got action, adventure, suspense, mystery—all the good stuff! The characters are lovable (most of them, anyway), intriguing, and unique; the supporting cast is as delightful as the main one (maybe even more so). There are many, many reasons Harry Potter has be-spelled so many. If you haven't read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at least once, you're missing out.
I'm going to leave off with some of my favorite quotes from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Enjoy!
"I hope you're pleased with yourselves. We could have all been killed—or worse, expelled." -- Hermione Granger, to Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, p. 162
"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that." -- Albus Dumbledore, p. 214
"Oh, honestly, don't you two read?" -- Hermione Granger, to Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, p. 219
"... to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. It is in your very skin." -- Albus Dumbledore, p. 299
"There are all kinds of courage ... It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but just as much to stand up to your friends." -- Albus Dumbledore, p. 306
(Readalikes: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; Quiddith Through the Ages; and The Tales of Beedle the Bard—all by J.K. Rowling)
Grade:
If this were a movie (and it is!), it would be rated:
for mild language, violence, and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone back in 1998 when it first came out!
Friday, March 18, 2016
Magical Middle Grade Adventure Story Engaging, Engrossing
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
In a land now torn apart by war, the mountain stronghold of Ortana remains neutral. The home of the archivists—educated men and women who devote their lives to studying and preserving the strange, otherworldly objects that fall through the sky during meteor storms—it's meant to be a place of learning, a place of peace. The leaders of Ortana are sheltering refugees, but they refuse to choose sides in the fight between other nations. At least that's what they tell the citizens. As it turns out, Ortana may not be as uninvolved as it would like to appear ...
Lina Winterbock, a junior apprentice studying to be an archivist, has never really fit in in Ortana. Her insatiable curiosity has led to enough mishaps to make her peers, teachers, and guardian wary of her presence. Still, she has the heart of an archivist—nothing makes her happier than crawling through Ortana's dusty tunnels on exploratory trips into the unknown corners of her world. Unbeknownst to anyone else, she's discovered an incredible artifact of her own, an airship so magnificent it must be kept hidden from the other archivists. She can't risk someone stealing her amazing find.
With her mind only on her her airship, Lina doesn't recognize another of Ortana's mysteries until she literally runs into it. Or him, rather. She knows Frederick isn't just another refugee, but who is he? As Lina comes to trust the mysterious boy, she enlists his help with the half-buried airship. Little does she know, he has his own reasons for wanting to dig out the relic. Neither realizes what the airship really is, nor what it will mean for their friendship, their future, and tide of the Iron War that is tearing their beloved Solace apart.
The Secrets of Solace by Jaleigh Johnson is a magical novel (not that archivists believe in magic, mind you) set in the same world as the author's last book, The Mark of the Dragonfly. It doesn't appear to be a sequel exactly; if it is, it stands alone well. At any rate, the story is a gripping, imaginative one, full of mystery, adventure, and plenty of danger. Sympathetic characters, plus a well-paced plot, not to mention solid, vivid prose combine to make this an enjoyable read. It kept me engrossed and eager to learn more about the world of Solace. Kids who dig magical adventures should find lots to love in Johnson's engaging series.
(Readalikes: Although I haven't read it yet, The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson is actually the first book in the Solace series. The book also reminded me a little of Sky Raiders by Brandon Mull.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of The Secrets of Solace from the generous folks at Random House Children's Books. Thank you!
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Mull's Newest Series Off to an Exciting, Imaginative Start
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
As a sixth grader, Cole Randolph knows he's too old for dressing up and trick-or-treating. But checking out a creepy haunted house created by a special effects guy with Hollywood experience? He's all in. Especially when Jenna Hunt agrees to tag along with him and his best friend, Dalton. Even if the spook house is totally lame, it will be worth it to hang out with the prettiest girl in school.
What Cole is expecting to be a mildly exciting Halloween night soon turns into the greatest, most terrifying adventure of his life. Alien slave traders lurk in the recesses of the house's basement, kidnapping kids and forcing them through a sinister-looking manhole. Although Cole manages to elude capture, Jenna and Dalton do not. Cole knows he has to go after his friends. He may, in fact, be their only hope.
Through the manhole, Cole discovers a strange, mysterious land called the Outskirts. It's a weird, in-between place full of odd, impossible things. In this hostile place, it's only a matter of time before Cole is caught. Sold away to a band of sky raiders, Cole is separated from the other kidnapped children. While he performs his dangerous new duties as a scout for the aerial pirates, who pillage floating castles for anything worth salvaging, Cole searches for a way to escape. The death toll among scouts being extremely high, he knows he doesn't have much time to rescue himself and his friends. But how will he get to them? And how will they all get back to their own world? Is it even possible? Or will they be forever trapped, forever slaves, forever imprisoned in a place which no one else knows exists?
When it comes to creating exciting, imaginative middle grade fiction, Brandon Mull knows what he's doing. Sky Raiders, the first book in his Five Kingdoms series, is an excellent case in point. The book starts with a bang and sprints onward from there. With death-defying challenges around every corner (cloud?), its hero is constantly put to the test. Surviving them requires courage, cunning, and lots of quick maneuvering. Cole's exploits make for just the kind of page-turning action/adventure middle graders crave. The fact that they take place in a unique and vivid setting make them all the more compelling. Young (and not so young) readers who dare to follow Cole down the manhole will be swept away by the epic and fantastical adventure that awaits them in the Outskirts. I certainly was.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and intense scenes/scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Sky Raiders from the generous folks at Simon & Schuster. Thank you!
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Black Returns to Faerie Tale Roots with The Darkest Part of the Forest
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Fairfold may look like an ordinary town, but it has something other villages don't—the Folk. Here, faeries and other fantastical creatures co-exist with humans, sometimes peacefully, other times not. Locals know to be wary of the Folk, whose "generosity ... was as great as their cruelty" (19). Tourists, however, can't stay away from the living, breathing fairy tale that is Fairfold. No amount of warning can convince them to stay away or to, at least, watch their backs. For, as everyone in town knows, the Folk can be tricksy. Very, very tricksy. After all, "that was why Fairfold was special, because it was so close to magic. Dangerous magic, yes, but magic all the same" (19).
Hazel Evans and her older brother, Ben, are especially enamored with the mysterious boy in the woods. For as long as anyone can remember, he's slept inside a glass coffin in the woods. With horns on his head and sharp, pointy ears, the boy is mesmerizing in his otherworldly beauty. For years, Hazel and Ben have visited him, made up stories about his origin, and pretended to be knights, protecting him with their valor and might. Now 16, Hazel's ready to put aside the silly, childish playacting. The boy in the woods will likely sleep on for centuries.
Except he doesn't. He awakens, unleashing an ancient evil on unsuspecting Fairfold. Drawn into the dangerous conflict between the Alderking's son and the monster who hunts him, Hazel must finally become the knight she's been pretending to be for years. But, can she understand the clues she's being given? Can she, a mere human, stop a murderous, bloodthirsty beast? And how does she know she can trust the horned boy, never mind that she's been in love with him since she was a child? As Hazel puzzles out the mystery playing out in her town, she must be as brave and daring as any knight—for her life and those of everyone she loves hang in the balance.
Well-known for penning dark, fantastical tales, Holly Black returns to her faerie roots with her newest YA novel, The Darkest Part of the Forest. The novel is not a Sleeping Beauty retelling, not really, it's more of a twisted fairy tale. By flipping gender roles around, Black keeps the story fresh. With intriguing characters, an exciting plot, and moody, atmospheric prose, she makes it memorable. I loved some aspects of this original novel, others not so much. Overall, though, The Darkest Part of the Forest is both compelling and enjoyable. Creepy, but what else would you expect from the likes of Holly Black?
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language (a few F-bombs, plus milder invectives), violence/gore, sexual innuendo, and depictions of underage drinking/illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Darkest Part of the Forest from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, March 05, 2015
Third Giver Book Full of Important Messages
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Messenger by Lois Lowry, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from The Giver and Gathering Blue. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Village used to be a peaceful place, a place that welcomed outcasts into its fold. No more. A strange wind is blowing through the once utopian town, bringing with it the stink of greed, envy, and suspicion. When the decision is made to close Village to outsiders, Matty panics. If no one is allowed in, the blind, old Seer will never get to visit with the beloved daughter with whom he's only recently been reunited. Matty cannot allow the kind old man to have is heart broken again. He must traverse the deadly Forest to bring Kira home to her father—before it's too late.
As if to prove just how different things have become, Forest has grown hostile even to Matty, who's always been able to move through it safely. Without that special ability, he may not be able to make it through to Kira. He cares too much for the Seer not to at least try. Armed only with a peculiar gift that he's only beginning to understand, Matty must make a perilous journey in order to help his friend, and his community, heal. Will he reach Kira in time? Will he even make it out of Forest alive?
Readers who felt frustrated with the open endings of the first two books in Lois Lowry's unsettling dystopian series will be happy to know that Messenger, the third volume, connects at least a few dots. We finally learn what happened to Jonas and Gabe, as well as Seer and other characters from the previous books. Really, though, this is Matty's story. Brave and loyal, he's an easy hero for which to root. Allegorical in nature (as are all of The Giver books), Messenger is a cautionary tale about what happens to people (and communities) when the evils of the world are allowed overcome their better natures. As always, I can't help but find Biblical parallels in Lowry's stories—Matty could be seen as Adam leaving the Garden of Eden or even a type of Christ. The best part about this series is probably the fact that Lowry leaves it all open to the reader's interpretation. Regardless of which lessons you find for yourself in Messenger, it's a compelling read. If you loved The Giver, you definitely don't want to miss it.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), intense situations, and mild sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Messenger from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Giver Companion Novel As Powerful, Thought-Provoking As Its Predecessor
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
With the club foot she's had since birth, Kira should have been kicked out of her community long ago. If it hadn't been for the protection of her mother—a skilled weaver, highly valued in the village—she would have been sent to the Field of Leaving, where the dead and useless are buried. When her mother dies, Kira fears the worst. To her great shock, not only is she spared death, but she's given a home inside the luxurious Council Edifice. Because of her magical talent with a needle, Kira's been given a special job. An important job. One that she must perform to perfection, no matter how much it drains her.
At first, Kira's honored by the appointment. But, the more time she spends in the Edifice and the better she gets to know the other "gifted" people in residence there, the more uneasy she becomes. With the Council controlling these unique talents for their own purposes, Kira and her comrades are little more than slaves trapped in gilded cages. This fate is better than death, surely, but what will become of them when they've outlived their usefulness? As Kira tries to make sense of her new place in her old world, she makes many incredible discoveries—revelations that will, ultimately, make her question where she really belongs.
Considering The Giver's ambiguous ending, it's natural to assume that Gathering Blue continues Jonas' story. Not so. Although it's set in the same general world Lois Lowry introduces in The Giver, Gathering Blue is a completely different story with a whole new set of characters (although the people from both books do intersect in Messenger and Son). It is similar to its predecessor, however, in tone, theme, and the deceptively simple nature of its presentation. The novel's bleak landscape provides the perfect background for a tale that's both imaginative and colorful. Harsh but hopeful, Gathering Blue is a must-read for anyone who loved The Giver.
(Readalikes: The Giver; Messenger; and Son; by Lois Lowry)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Gathering Blue from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, September 04, 2014
Tyger Tyger Pretty Generic Generic
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Teagan Wylltson lives an ordinary life. She's just a 16-year-old girl from Chicago who spends her days studying, hanging out with her BFF and working with primates at the Lincoln Park Zoo. She's no one special. And she's certainly not crazy. Except that she's been seeing things. Strange things. Things that cannot possibly be real.
When gorgeous Finn McCumhail shows up out of nowhere raving about goblins, Teagan knows he's telling the truth. There's no other way to explain what she's been seeing. But, if Finn's stories about the ancient creatures from Irish folklore are real, that means Teagan and her family are in grave danger. Finn claims they were born to fight all goblin-kind, but just the sight of the horrible monsters makes Teagan want to run away screaming. Can Finn teach her how to resist their strange magic? Can Teagan trust the beautiful boy who is, after all, a stranger? What will happen to those she loves if she puts her faith in the wrong person? What evil will she bring down on them all if she chooses the wrong side in the goblin wars? With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Teagan must decide where her loyalties lie.
Because I've read so many YA urban fantasies like this one, I put off reading Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton. And really, the only reason I finally picked it up (so to speak) is that it caught my attention when I was browsing through books on my phone's Kindle app looking for something to keep me awake during a snooze-worthy Diamondbacks baseball game. Tyger Tyger did the trick. At least for the duration of the game. The story drew me in enough that I kept reading, but in the end, I found the novel disappointing. Why? Generic plot, annoying insta-love, abrupt transitions between scenes, underdeveloped characters, and just general over-writing. To me, the novel felt over-long and underwhelming. I finished it, but I didn't care enough about the characters to bother picking up the sequel.
(Readalikes: Reminded me of The Iron King by Julie Kagawa)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs) and violence/gore
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Tyger Tyger from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Friday, June 20, 2014
LOST-Ish YA Adventure Novel Enjoyable-Ish
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
The last thing 17-year-old Charley Crowder remembers doing is standing in the Target parking lot in Roswell, Georgia, clutching a bag full of clothes she needed to return. Which makes no sense at all. How did she go from doing the most ordinary task in the world to waking up naked in a bed of rocks on a deserted island? It's not an ordinary island either—some kind of weird juju swirls in its tropical air. But what does it mean? How did she get to this mysterious place? Why is she all alone? And how does she return to her life in Georgia?
Just when Charley's convinced she's going to die alone on the island, she meets Thad Blake, a 17-year-old snowboarder from Whistler, Canada. The leader of a small, ragtag band of teenage refugees, Thad welcomes her into their village and tries to explain the rules of the strange world they call NIL. No one understands all the ins and outs of the place, but there is one indisputable point: each of the island's residents has exactly 365 days to escape the island or else they die. Thad's time is running out, a fact that distresses Charley the more she gets to know—and love—him. If they're going to have any kind of future together, they both need to get back to the real world. The key to freedom is figuring out how NIL works. Charley's got some new theories, but can she figure out NIL's mysteries before it's too late? Or will she lose the man of her dreams just when she's finally found him?
I love the whole LOST meets The Maze Runner premise behind Lynne Matson's debut novel, NIL. It promises mystery, adventure, romance, suspense—all the ingredients for a perfect YA thriller. The real question is, does it deliver on its promise? Not exactly. The story does offer plenty of mystery and high-stakes adventure, but it's also plagued with insta-love, underdeveloped characters and plot holes. Not to mention a cheap, anticlimactic ending. I'm not saying the book's not entertaining—it is—I was just hoping for more complexity, more mystery, and better development of both the setting and the characters. In the end, NIL disappointed me a little. Maybe my expectations were too high, but hey, I get excited when I see a premise with such great potential. And it makes me sad when a book doesn't quite reach it. I'd still recommend NIL if you enjoy a quick, entertaining adventure/survival story, just don't expect too much from it.
(Readalikes: reminded me a little of The Maze Runner by James Dashner)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence/gore, mild sexual innuendo/content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of NIL from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
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