I thought about Princess of the Midnight Ball when I wasn’t reading it and even dreamed about it once while taking a nap. The fact that the story crossed over into my daily life means the author was successful in getting her characters into my head. This re-telling of the twelve dancing princesses is a quick and enjoyable read.
The writing felt effortless and flowed nicely. I soon forgot all about the author behind the scenes and immersed myself in Roses’ story.
The tale evolved so naturally, and with such creativity that I can hardly believe it was a fairy re-telling.
Jessica Day George handled the many sisters very well, giving most of them unique personalities and letting others fade into the background appropriately.
I loved Gaven, a humble, wool-knitting, gardener who had the courage to face powerful magic for his princess.
The use of German names added a sense of place.
The ending was lovely-all the ends were tied into a neat bow and it left me satisfied and happy. The side plot of Lily and Heinrich added a sweet dimension that made the ending that much more enjoyable.
What I was unsure of:
Many times the power of names was spoken of in the book. When it came down to it, I was disappointed with how the characters used the power that a name can have to deal with the evil in the book. I had been waiting for a powerful symbol of truth and ended up being a bit disappointed.
The verdict:
Princess of the Midnight Ball is a lovely read for anyone who enjoys a cleverly re-told fairytale. A “curl up with a good book” kind of read.
What a wild ride this series is. To be honest, I am actually relieved to be done with it. Now don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the ride. But the emotional rollercoaster was so swift and stomach-dropping that I am happy to be on solid ground again.
There were so many surprises and twists that I couldn't put the book down. Katniss is so unpredictable that I never know what is going to happen.
Collins is a master at painting the silence behind the words. When she describes what Katniss is experiencing, I feel like my heart is going to explode. It is even more poetic than poetry. Here is an example from page 349:
"Dead, but not allowed to die. Alive, but as good as dead. So alone that anyone, anything no matter how loathsome would be welcome. But when I finally have a visitor, it's sweet. Morphling. Coursing through my veins, easing the pain, lightening my body so that is rises back toward the air and rest again on the foam."
The author knows when to show and when to tell. She leaves out or summarizes the unnecessary and I am relieved to read only what is important to Katniss.
Katniss is given freedom by the author to do and say what she wants to. This makes for an interesting and impulsive story.
The ending was hard for me to swallow at first. But the more I think about it, the more fitting it becomes. Collins wove the ending so tightly, that up until the last page I didn't know how things would turn out. Yet, when I think back to the last few chapters, I can see the obvious winding down.
I was so very happy to see Katniss through to the end, if only to give her character some peace. She went through so much irony and unfair agony that I was comforted to see her settled.
The themes of war & peace, and the cycle of human society are classic. Collins drives them home with Katniss, a character so poignant and heartrending who isnpires us to make a difference in our own circle of influence.
What I was unsure of:
The violence and death. I know they are a part of war and defending oneself. But with Katniss, there seemed to be a disconnect from humanity along the way. The casualties who got in her way were bothersome to me, not to mention the innocent sufferers of the war, the children .
I think Katniss could have survived without either Gale or Peeta. I know that some would argue that she is the ultimate strong female character, but I think a woman can be strong and still want to have a husband and a home.
The Verdict:
Mockingjay is a satisfying conclusion to an emotional and gripping trilogy that will steal the hearts of both teens and adults.
It’s been awhile since I have read any of Rachel Ann Nunes’ (pronounced noon-esh) books, and I have to say that I liked this one quite a bit. For me it was a quick read because I was so interested that I wanted to see what would happen. That I wanted to keep reading is a good thing. And the cover is beautiful.
What I liked:
Because the character is over thirty years old, this story bridges the gap for those of us who love to read YA paranormals, but sometimes tire of all the teen drama that goes along with them. This story is told through the eyes of Autumn Rain (cool name huh?), a single adult who has an established career and is still looking for love.
The idea of imprints-the ability to glean impressions and memories from objects is gripping, and plausible. I sometimes feel emotion when holding relics of my own, don’t you? So this ability of imprinting is quite believable for me. It opens up hundreds of story possibilities for the author and I am anxious to see what Autumn does next.
I like her friend, Jake. He’s unique (owns an herb shop, and has dreadlocks), and as a reader I want to scream out to Autumn that he loves her, can’t she see it? Also, the other romantic interests, Detective Shannon, and Ethan were interesting in their own rights and I liked them both. The banter and tension between Autumn and Detective Shannon were fun.
Autumn’s twin Tawnia brought a softness and hominess that provided a great contrast. I am fascinated by her ability to draw what is happening to those she loves.
The premise of a commune where people can live together and share each other’s burdens was fascinating. I wanted to see what the commune was truly about underneath the fascade they wore to lure others to them. The time that Autumn spent there was interesting and kept me reading.
Often suspense novels that involve disappearances can be gory or violent and the Nunes toned both of those down, much to my relief. The action and the ideas were every bit as suspenseful, and I don’t have to harbor icky scenes in my imagination.
What I would have changed:
The final scene between Autumn and Jake did not live up to my expectations. I say that tongue-in-cheek because I know that love scenes rarely do. We wait for them for the entire novel, and when it happens, we feel a sense of let down. And I realize, too, that the author may be setting the stage for future books if this is going to be a series. Still, I would have liked the scene to be longer, and with more emotion.
Though I appreciated the fact that Autumn was strict about her diet, preferring to eat things in their organic and natural state, I started getting a bit annoyed hearing about it. It was interesting at first, and it played a role later in the book, but for me it was overkill.
The verdict:
Imprints is a fast-paced and interesting suspense novel for adults that has a YA paranormal feel to it. Rachel, we want to read more about Autumn Rain!
*note: When I wrote this review I was not aware that this is the second book in a series, following "Eyes of a Strange". Kuddos to Rachel Ann Nunes for writing such a great book that it stands on its own!
Food to eat while reading: Yin-Yang Almond Cookies (come back tomorrow for the Tasty Tuesday recipe).
“Our mother somehow knew that there was no escaping fate, no matter how chaotic and random it sometimes seems.” (p. 251)
Legends mix with reality in this dark, Edwardian tale of two sisters whose fates are intertwined. Lia understands that she can choose for herself the path she wants to take, while her twin sister Alice is determined to follow what fate has demanded of her.
Lia and Alice are like yin-yang, flip sides of a coin, black and white, north and south; while they cannot bear to live with each other, they cannot exist without the other. In the heart of this book lies the question, “Can balance come about in the face of chaos?”.
A reader will naturally look forward to seeing how Ms. Zink answers this question of balance amid the many other deliciously asked questions that string the reader along like a trail of bread crumbs. The sprinkling of bits and pieces of a puzzle are expertly crafted in a way that is enticing, and not frustrating to wonder about.
The gothic setting is intriguing and sets a lovely, mysterious background for the otherworldly tale. I was surprised at how easily I slid into the time period, relating to the sisters who lived hundreds of years before my own time.
Both Alice and Lia are intensely complex. Alice’s character especially fascinated me. At any moment she is aware of her love for family and her sister, yet the next she shows her cruelty. The tiny hairs on the back of my neck were raised when Lia caught Alice torturing the family cat.
Sonia and Luisa act as complementary companions to Lia, moving the story forward with momentum.
As the first book in a series, I found that the story arch and plotting were well done. Each high and low, each climactic scene and cathartic release were crafted with a precision that pulled emotion from each scene.
What I would have changed:
The story is written is first person, present tense and I had a hard time focusing on the story as a result. The uncommon tense distracted me a bit and I had to go back and read sections of the book again because of it. I do have to say that I got used to the tense after a bit.
Lia’s boyfriend James held no fascination for me. I simply placed a stiff Edwardian blank face in his place and his character did nothing to change my impressions of him. I felt no love for James, and as a result, I couldn’t believe that Lia loved him either.
The balance between the paranormal and the normal in her life felt lopsided towards the fantastic and I wondered if she had any sort of life before the opening of the book. I would like to have seen more scenes between her and James and also her past with her parents.
The verdict:
Prophecy of the Sisters is a fast-paced ride through mythology and spirit realms that will leave you chomping for the sequel. Prophecy of the Sisters #2: Guardian of the Gate comes out August 1, 2010.
Food to eat while reading: Bittersweet Blueberry-Lime Tiramisu (come back tomorrow for the Tasty Tuesday recipe).
“We are not permitted to linger, even with what is most intimate.” –Ranier Maria Rilke
The second book in the paranormal series(after Shiver), Linger continues the bittersweet, emotional story of Grace and Sam. “This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one” ( Linger, prologue).
Once again, Stiefvater (pronounced “steve-otter”) carves intensely real fantasy characters into sharp relief against a backdrop of teen issues that any reader can relate to. Each person in the novel is unique, from the brooding, musically talented Sam, to the edgy, and mouthy Isabel. Introduced as a new character to the story is Cole, a famous teen singer who wants nothing more than to escape the life he’s ruined for himself.
The sexual tension between the characters is palpable and, in some cases, unexpected.
I love the emotions that are evoked throughout the book. There’s nothing I love more than forbidden love and there’s plenty of that going on.
Stiefvater writes with a certain poetic cadence; not only the prose is poetic, but the story circles around on itself in a way that is satisfying.
The plot weaves and twists in and out so that you will wonder what is going to happen next.
My favorite scene in the book is between Isabel and Sam near the end. No spoilers here. I will just say that I totally agree with Isabel’s assessment of Sam’s lack of action. Go Isabel!
The point of view is taken almost equally by the four lead characters, Grace, Sam, Isabel and Cole. Though you might at first think the POV shifts would be distracting, I think you will find that the technique offers a unique perspective into the emotion worlds of each character.
What I would have changed:
The romance in this second book was much edgier than in Shiver. I have a hard time with the fact that Grace and Sam were sleeping together, and in her parent’s home under their noses. Yes, this is a personal bias, but I think YA authors have a fine line to walk when they deal with issues of sex, drugs and parental involvement. Not all YA books are about happy joy-joy subjects, but IMHO, they should set a good example for teens that are looking for role models. Grace has little respect for parental and societal rules and that is a bit of a problem for me.
I continued to dislike Grace’s parents. They don’t feel developed as characters and perhaps that is because when I see them through her eyes, we get the sense that she doesn’t see them as real people in her life. My dislike of the parent’s is not a flaw in the book so much as it evokes anger at their neglect. I won’t even go into it with Sam’s parents…
The verdict:
Once again, the Wolves of Mercy Falls series delivers a heart-wrenching journey that is both delicious and bittersweet.
Because I read the two Zan-Gah books (Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure, and Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country) back to back, I am going to review them together as companion books. I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting to be that interested in a novel that is set in prehistoric times and intended for a MG or YA boy audience. I am pleased to say that I enjoyed the novels. A tale of survival and self-discovery, the books reminded me of one of my own childhood favorites, Island of the Blue Dolphins.
The books are set in a prehistoric desert and Shickman describes the barren beauty so aptly that I could see in my mind the unusual rock structures jutting against the sunset, and taste the walnut-sized berries that grew along the river. With each new setting I eagerly anticipated the author’s portrayal. Here is an excerpt, taken from the book, describing the inner cave where men in the village were not allowed:
“Rocky substance hung in folds like the living flesh of great fungi, or seemed to spout into geysers. The hardened stone tumbled and flowed as if it once had been soft and spongy stuff bubbling from the ground. Then the color of these cursive forms changed abruptly from yellow to red, as if flowing with blood, and soon changed back again when the three went on” (Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure, pp 110, 111).
Zan-Gah and his twin brother Dael are vividly crafted characters who are both attracted and repelled from each other like magnets. Each one does battle with the forces in his own life, Zan with the physical world, and Dael with the inner demon. Not only are the two main characters real and believable, but each supporting character enters the book with a convincing past and reason to be there. Even the smallest characters, such as Hurnoa of the wasp people, are colorful and real.
The books introduce themes of courage, endurance and healing without preaching. These morals are ones that every mother wants to instill in her son, and they are introduced to the reader naturally through adventure and discovery.
Dael is so unpredictable that I found myself waiting to see what he would do next. The adventures of the boys were realistic and enjoyable-the scenes flowed naturally.
What I would have changed:
Both books felt rushed at the end. The catharsis felt a bit like a check-off list and distanced me from the characters. I struggled with the ending of the second book; in my mind, the resolutions didn’t satisfy the conflicts. After re-reading the last 20 pages, I decided that the conflicts are, in fact, resolved in ways I hadn’t expected.
The verdict:
Zan-Gah is a refreshing adventure of self-preservation and discovery. Especially suited for middle-grade boys, the series will be enjoyed by all people for generations to come.
I gave this book 3/5 stars.
Purchase: Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure
Genre: prehistoric, MG,
Publisher: July 15th 2007 by Earthshaker Books, September 26th 2009 by Earthshaker Books
Where I got the books: Earthshaker Books Publishing
*I received only the review copies of these books as compensation for my review
This novella is a companion book to Eclipse by the same author. Even though I knew ahead of time that this book is told from a blood-thirsty vampire’s point of view, I couldn’t stay away from it. As a gift, Stephenie has posted the story as an ebook for a limited time(see below for more info).
As always, Stephenie has given birth to a cast of characters who are real. The vampires jump off the page and into my mind, tempting me away from the mounds of laundry looming in my mud room.
Bree’s past is intriguing, and because I already know her fate from the beginning, I am anxious to know what is going on in her head. Her perspective on the vampires, and the Cullen clan in particular sheds light on Victoria’s side of the story.
Diego is likeable and it made me happy that Bree had a friend.
Fred is a fantastic character: mysterious, intelligent, silent and deceptively good-looking. Toward the end of the book there is a hint that we might see him again in the Cullen’s future and I very much hope so.
I enjoyed the action and suspense-filled ride that propelled me through this short, chapter-less book. Just about every scene transported me to a different setting; from an underground cavern to the top of a tree.
Bree’s story is one of regrets and what might have been. We all look back with longing to the events in our lives that we would change if we could. As Bree mounts each step toward her inevitable destruction, I cringe when each possibility for escape passes her by. If only… I think to myself, wondering what crossroads in my own life could be different.
What I would have changed:
Because this story is told through the eyes of a thirsting newborn vampire, the violence and gore is more copious than in Stephenie’s other Twilight books. Or perhaps there’s the same amount of violence, just condensed into a smaller story. What I love most about the Twilight series is the author’s ability to make us feel emotion, and though she succeeded in showing us Bree’s emotions, I prefer to experience the angst and romance, rather than the thirst and bloodshed.
This book felt like a character exercise that ran away. In fact, Stephenie admits that Bree’s story came from her side notes. I am fine if she wants to develop some of the side stories that go along with the Twilight universe, but I can’t say that I enjoyed the story as much. For one thing, I already knew Bree’s fate before I started reading, and for another, the novella was too short for me to get really attached to Bree.
The verdict:
Fans of Twilight will scour this mini-novel for clues into the vampire world.
The magic of music and celtic faerie lore drew me into the book. I loved the faerie creatures and how seamlessly the author wove them into the story. Small novelties in the book were delightful, such as the clovers which kept showing up. I can just imagine the carpet of clovers covering the lawn.
The balance between suspense and answering the important questions was handled with finesse. Just when I was excited to learn something that I had been wondering about, a new question would surface and push the story forward.
I liked Luke and James. I am intrigued about the role James will play in the next book, Ballad.
Deirdre’s dadis an interesting character to me, a bit picked on, but sympathetic to his daughter’s needs. I would like to have seen more interaction between father and daughter.
What I would have changed:
I have to say that I wasn’t drawn in by the first chapter. There were so many references to Deirdre wanting to throw-up, that by the time she finally made it to the bathroom, it was a huge relief. The characters felt flat in the beginning, but I am glad that I kept reading.
The ending was abrupt and left too many loose ends-even for the first book in a series. I wanted a bit of closure with Deirdre’s aunt, and some catharsis with both James and Luke.
Readers should be aware that there is some strong language in the book, including the f-bomb. The harsh language grated on me and threw me out of the story.
I am conflicted as to what I am supposed to think of Luke. He is fiercely loyal to Dierdre, and yet has some terrific shadows tainting his past. The ending makes me wonder as to his real motives for sticking by Dierdre. I’m looking forward to exploring his conflicted character in the next book in the series.
The verdict:
An story of emotion, music and self-discovery played out on a backdrop of Irish mythology and romance.
I gave this book 3/5 stars.
Purchase: Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception
Genre: fantasy, YA , paranormal romance
Publisher: October 1st 2008 by Flux Paperback, 326 pages
Where I got the book: Amazon Kindle app for the iPad
Instantly drawn by the title of the book and the cover art, I snatched this book up at the LDSStorymakers Conference in April. The Dark Divine: doesn’t it just sound intriguing? I don’t know of anything better than clasping a deliciously anticipated book in my hands—except when that book lives up to the praise and hype that precedes it. The Dark Divine is one of those scrumptiously readable books.
Despain weaves a story of forgiveness and redemption using fantasy as a metaphor. The themes hit close to home without being “preachy” at all. I love the way the author chose to convey her messages in a way that is entertaining and still effective; the book will carry important truths to young adults who might not otherwise be willing to read about them in a formal way.
Despain’s characters are tangible and relatable. Grace has a quiet confidence and, well, grace about her. Her relationships with her brother, Jude, and Daniel, the love who has re-entered her life, are realistic and tug at my heart strings. I fell in love with Daniel on the first page; he is so mysterious, a bit dangerous and obviously smitten with Grace.
The plotline is smooth and reads almost like a mystery. By the time you finish the book, you will look back and see how quiet events were significant to the character’s development and the story.
Grace commits to a love that is powerful by the end of the book. The Dark Divine reads beautifully and contains great truth, but Grace’s sacrifice pushes the book to a new level, where you will dig deep inside and ask if that selflessness resides in your own heart.
What I would have changed:
Without spoiling the book for those who haven’t read it, let me say that Daniel’s motivation to seek Grace out is more than just his attraction to her. That detail makes me doubt how pure Daniel’s motives are for trying to gain Grace’s love.
In between the time when Grace finds that she loves Daniel, and the climactic scenes at the end of the book, there was too little happy time for the couple. I wanted to experience more of their love for each other. Granted, I understand that because of Daniel’s inner demon he has difficulty getting too close to Grace, but a bit more courtship would have been enjoyable.
So, I am curious: for those of you who have read the book, do you agree with the changes I wish for in this book? Did you enjoy it as much as I did?
The verdict:
The Dark Divine teaches truths of redemption and forgiveness in a fast-paced, satisfying romance that will leave teens wanting more.
The Thorn, by author Daron D. Fraley, explores the possibility of life on other planets who share a Creator and Redeemer with Earth. To quote Daron, “What if people living on another planet, one of God's other creations, are waiting for Christ to come visit them?” This premise is a fresh idea in the world of fiction. Because I love fantasy, I have been interested to see how Daron would connect the two worlds--the similarities and differences that would be inherent in each.
You can read a synopsis of The Thorn on Goodreads.
What I liked:
Parents need not fret about letting their teens read this book. The language, romance and content in The Thorn is G-rated.
Setting-Daron’s descriptions of the cities and countryside were pleasant. The cities and other places the characters visited felt real and believable.
What I would change:
Characters- While I definitely appreciate a sensitive male protagonist, the male characters in The Thorn came across as emotionally unstable, sometimes weeping to each other. The women in the story felt selfish and spoiled, though I do not think that was the intent of the author. I am a fan of strong female characters and I found the women in The Thorn to be very flimsy, letting their circumstances control them, instead of acting for themselves. The romances in the story were emotionless and flat. I felt no “angst” for the characters and could have done without this part of the book (and I love a clean romance). Although this may be nitpicking, I found the character’s names confusing (for example: Daniel, Rachel, Benjamin, Mannasseh). Because the names are scriptural, their use on the planet of Gan connects them too closely, for my tastes, to earthly names.
POV-The point of view character changes gave me whiplash. There were a few times that I didn’t even remember who the view point character was and had to go back and search to figure it out. Because of the frequent change in POV and the randomness of the switching, I found it hard to connect with any of the characters, let alone feel empathy or jeopardy for them.
Plot-The plot was predictable and unsurprising. The climactic scenes in The Thorn were disappointing and sometimes felt rushed. Much of the story was hard for me to swallow. I found it hard to believe that after one ruler was killed, thousands of people who had been taught to despise each other became instant friends. The “happily ever after” theme took credibility away from the story, for me.
Pacing-Many times I was dismayed to read a “travel log” of irrelevant details that slowed the pacing of the story without providing character development or plot acceleration. I found myself skimming over large sections of text in an attempt to move on to the action.
Fantasy-Because I am a fantasy fan, I love to read books that introduce clever ideas or places. The Thorn was set on another planet and I was disappointed that Gan was so similar to Earth. The few differences that distinguished Gan from Earth were creative enough(ie the moons and suns and the glow stones), but as a reader, the fantastic elements were not intelligently considered. There were no attempts to show how a planet might be affected by the orbit of multiple orbs, or explanation as to how the glow stones worked. Having said that, I realize that the level of fantasy is a personal preference-I know of several people who loved the fact that the worlds were so similar.
The verdict:
I gave this book 1/5 stars. The idea of the story intrigued me, but the plot and writing of the story did not live up to my expectations. Even though this book was not for me, notice that I did give it a star. I realize that even though it did not hit the mark for me, there are those for whom this book will resonate.
Please go to Daron Fraley’s blog to read other reviews of this book.
When I close a book, I can tell if it delivered or not by the level of satisfaction I feel as a reader. Let’s just say that a contented sigh escaped my lips this morning as I shut Aprilynne Pikes’ new book Spells. I attended a conference last weekend where Aprilynne presented (great advice and content, read about it here) and counted myself lucky to pick up a copy of Spells before it comes out next Tuesday.
I love paranormal fiction and Spells is my kind of book. Wings, the first in the series was entertaining and creative. I fell in love with the characters and the story. I only had two problems with Wings: one, I just couldn’t bring myself to love Tamani, the fae love interest; and two, there just wasn’t enough of Laurel’s fantastic world to satisfy me. I am happy to say that Aprilynne delivered both in the sequel Spells.
In Spells, we are immersed in Tamani and his world right away. I loved getting to know his family and background. The love triangle between Laurel, David (her human love), and Tamani(her fae love) suddenly took on the angsty yearning that I love in a romance. Who should Laurel chose? Should she stay with David in the human world and follow what she wants out of life? Or should she go with Tamani to Avalon and fulfill her destiny as a faerie? What a delicious choice.
I absolutely loved going with Laurel to Avalon as she learns about the faerie world and starts her training. This section does get a bit Harry Potterish, but it did not bother me a bit. The descriptions are breathtaking and Avalon soars instantly to my top literary places I would love to visit. Laurel’s training in plants and their uses, the faerie societal customs and the creative ways they live quenched the thirst I had for Laurel’s new world. I loved how she can use her skills to enhance food. Just wait until you hear the “real” story behind Shakespeare.
In Wings, Laurel’s parents seemed to be written in as an afterthought, uncaring and irresponsible. Spells slowly draws her parents into the story, giving Laurel a safety net to fall back on. The sense of family and loyalty adds a needed dimension to the already solid story.
Can I just say that I love the cover and the symbolism that speaks to me after reading the book?
What I would change:
Because I have a terrible memory, and I read Wings a few months ago, I had a hard time remembering the story and getting into Laurel’s world again. Although I was not totally lost(and other people will probably remember), it would have been helpful to have more early reminders of what had happened in Wings.
Although I enjoyed Laurel’s time training in Avalon, the pacing slowed way down for me. Though it was not a huge problem, others who have a hard time staying with a book might not persevere through the slower part. I do have to say that the time with Tamani and Avalon was necessary for me to build that reader relationship with him as a love interest. So I am probably just nitpicking.
I had a hard time with the further explanation of the sexual vs. reproduction practices of the faerie. Without spoiling anything for readers, I’ll just say that I think the explanation promotes promiscuity. I realize that in setting up the faerie world that way, the author is ratcheting up the yearning a bit. But the fact that Tamani and Laurel don’t react to the practices--positively or negatively--leaves impressionable readers open to loose morals. Hopefully this issue will be resolved in Enchantments, the third book in the series.
The verdict:
Spells is a must read for young adults, especially those who love romance with fantasy tossed in. The second book in this series is satisfying and will make you clamor for more.
“Are you going to Scarborough Fair…” The folk song popularized by Simon and Garfunkel is the catalyst for Nancy Werlin’s Impossible. This contemporary young adult novel caught my eye when I read that it was based on an English myth. Werlin’s careful treatment of such sensitive subjects as date rape, teen pregnancy and mental illness are expertly interwoven with the timeless theme of love conquers all.
The author found the premise of her story when she researched the folk song and found that it was based on an English myth which told of a woman who does battle with an elvin knight. The story really took off for Nancy when she realized that she could create a heart-throbbing hero who could still be a “good guy”.
What I Liked:
I just love the fact that this book is crafted around a song that I grew up singing, and not only that, it’s a romance for young adults, and it’s a fantasy. What a delicious combination!
Nancy introduces some weighty teen issues in the novel. I am impressed with the sensitive manner in which the author addresses the character’s conflicts.
With all of the bad-boy heroes we see in young adult fiction, I am so happy to fall in love with a good-boy that teens can actually use as a basis for finding their own real-life love. Zach is the boy from next door whom Lucy has known since childhood. He loves her fiercely and fights for her with a loyalty worthy of any girl’s adoration.
One of the themes centers on the idea that love is powerful. In the book love actually is a power, one that can overcome manipulative magic. How true it is that, even in real life, love is a power worth fighting for.
I love Lucy's foster parents and the loyalty and togetherness they, along with Zach, have as a mis-matched jumbled up family.
What I would have changed:
Even though the book is intended for teens ages 12 and older, the content is more appropriate for older teens. I would recommend reading and discussing this book with your teen.
I am thin-skinned when it comes to such issues as rape and sexuality in the books that I read. Because of this, I will often put a book down in the middle and leave it. I mention this only because I want others who read the book to know of the sensitive issues that are involved. I will say that the author dealt with the issues tastefully and I never felt the need to quit reading the book.
Because I love fantasy, I wanted to see more of the fantastic. At times the book felt like two separate stories, the elvin knight vs. the maiden and the contemporary Lucy. At the end of the book Lucy wonders what else might be out there and where magic might be found. I felt that this was an easy way for the author to skirt around an explanation of the mythical world of the elvin knight.
A few things were unbelievable for me. I couldn’t believe that Lucy recovered from an early incident as quickly and completely as she did, and I didn’t buy the fact that her family accepted so readily that she was under a curse.
I wish Lucy would have focused more on her love for Zach as the book progressed. I just wasn’t convinced that he was her “true love”. Her love for him should have become so fierce that the climax should have torn me to pieces.
I gave this book 4/5 stars.
Find out more at Nancy's website http://www.nancywerlin.com/impossible.htm
“What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?
Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.”
Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver is different from any book you’ve read. Instead of watching a character change over time, you experience the change that Sam undergoes as she is allowed to live the same day again, seven times.
What I loved:
You may be tempted to think that this book is too much like the movie “Groundhog Day.” Don’t let the repetitive nature of the book turn you away. I never once got tired of re-living Sam’s day in the book.
Don’t you love the cover? The youthfulness of the model pictured and the gravity in her eyes drew me to the book, I had to read it.
Before I Fall is Lauren Oliver’s debut book. Her authentic teen voice is realistic; you can picture the teenagers and it’s hard to believe that her characters are fictional.
The premise of being allowed a re-do holds great appeal. I think we all love the idea of being able to go back and re-live a day in our lives, may it be a perfectly happy day to enjoy again, or a day of regret that could be redeemed.
The complexity of this story blows me away. In interviews, the author said that she used an extensive timeline to keep track of the story. She earned my trust in the first do over. Even events that had seemed insignificant in the first day were addressed in each chance that Sam got to change the outcome of her day.
The analogy that a migrating group of butterflies can cause a rainstorm in Brazil captures the theme of connectivity. Even the smallest action you take can cause an unforeseen reaction. Oliver pointedly shows that we are all connected and that we can’t always control whether the results of our actions are positive or negative. Lauren Oliver commented on the connective theme in an interview: “People are connected; lives are intertwined, whether you know it or not, and the deeper your recognition of your connection to other people, the more meaningful and happy your life will be. So that is the message I would hope teens (and anyone who reads the book) would be able to carry with them.”
Redemption is another theme that Oliver successfully addressed in the novel. She explores the question, is it possible to redeem yourself from the regretful things you do, be they intentional or not? What happens when you make a change for the better?
I loved the loyalty that Sam had to her friends, especially to Lindsay.
Quotes from the book that touched me:
“I hate both of my parents right now…for letting the thread between us stretch so far and so thin that the moment it was severed for good they didn’t even feel it.”
“You keep drawing a line farther and farther away, crossing it every time. That’s how people end up stepping off the edge of the earth. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to bust out of orbit, to spin out to a place where no one can touch you.”
What I would have changed:
It took me awhile to keep the characters straight, especially in the first chapter. I had to keep flipping back to see who was who. I can understand why Oliver had to introduce all of the characters so quickly, given the nature of the story, but it was a distraction for me.
I had a hard time relating to Sam for most of the book, probably because my high school experience was so different than what she went through.
I know from reading interviews from Lauren Oliver that she hates it when people comment on the amount of drinking and sex in the book. But I have to say that there was too much drinking and promiscuity for my taste. Some will think of me as prudish for saying so, but I think that writers of YA have a responsibility to promote positive behavior. Before you judge me as being too judgmental, hear me out. I can understand and appreciate it when authors represent true to life situations, and I know that there are teen issues that can be successfully dealt with in book format. But showing irresponsible behavior with no negative consequences can give impressionable teens the wrong idea. It does not bother me that the girls in this book were drinking and promiscuous. What does bother me is that the book gave the impression that this was the way that a popular person acts and gave no repercussions. Though Sam changed drastically from the person she was at the beginning of the book, I was left believing that her views on drinking and immorality were not among the changes that her experience had wrought in her.
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal.
Publisher: March 2nd 2010 by HarperCollins, Hardcover, 470 pages
Where I got the book: Amazon
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater is a delicious read, the perfect blend of fantasy and realism. The prose ebbs and flows with the emotions of the characters until it reads like carefully crafted poetry.
Maggie not only expresses herself well through the written words, but she is a musician and an artist as well. Check out the book trailer she composed and created here.
Grace spends her winters watching her backyard for the yellow-eyed wolf who rescued her from his pack when she was a child. The connection is mutual; the wolf keeps watch over her from the edge of the forest. Grace feels a strange longing to be with the wolves.
When a tragic accident occurs and a boy from Grace’s high school is killed by wolves, the town erupts in anger and threatens the pack. Grace rescues Sam and she senses a connection that is more than the similarity of his wolf-like yellow eyes. Could this boy be her beloved wolf?
Sam has little time left to spend with Grace. Winter is creeping closer and with the cold he could lose his humanity, and Grace, forever.
Suspense is high as Grace and Sam battle issues of neglect and betrayal as they race to find a cure that will keep them together. Questions loom in the background of the story. Why did Grace escape transformation when she was bitten, as a child? What will happen to Sam’s wolf family if he leaves? How can they deal with the disregard and abandon from their parents? And the largest question of them all: will they be able to find a way to stay together?
What I loved:
I have to say that I was taken in by the striking cover. The chilling winter milieu and cutting emotions of the story are reflected in the stark cutouts on the cover. Even the print inside the book is a frosty grey.
Shiver is the perfect contemporary fantasy. The relatability of the characters brings the fantasy into our lives and leaves us asking if the story really happened. I love that the story is told from both Grace and Sam’s point of view. The dual view gives us a full view of what is as stake and allows us to feel the depth of the characters.
Sam is a quiet book-lover, heart-breakingly vulnerable and courageous. Grace is intelligent and willing to take action. The two make a compelling and believable couple, one that I can’t wait to read more about. It is easy to fall in love with Sam and get caught up in their longing for each other.
I love that I don’t think of the creatures as werewolves, but simply as wolves. That sets this book apart from the flood of vampire and werewolf novels on the market.
The brother/sister relationship between Isabel and Jack added depth and clarity to the theme of betrayal in the novel. I was surprised by the developments that happened between the siblings and Grace & Sam.
What I would have changed:
It was hard for me to relate to Grace at first. I did not understand why she would obsess over a wolf in her backyard. Her parents were neglectful and distant, so I suppose that she found comfort in the wolf, but it took me awhile to warm up to Grace.
I would have enjoyed spending more time with the build-up of Grace and Sam’s relationship. It seemed to me that we only got to catch a glimpse of the bond they share before they were torn by external forces.
I give Shiver a five star rating because it has just the right amount of romance, woven in with truths that left me thinking about the book long after I read the last page.
Shiver is followed by Linger, book number two in the “Wolves of Mercy Falls” series and will be released on July 20, 2010. The last book in the trilogy, titled Forever, is slated for release in July 2011.
Wings by Aprilynne Pike is not your standard fairy tale. This YA fantasy is a twist on the traditional views of fairy folk.
I was attracted to this book because it's in the same genre and category that I like to write in.
The book started right into Laurel's life and we encounter David (love interest #1) on the second page. From there we travel with Laurel through the life-changing discoveries that about herself and her family.
The author has an easy reading style and I found myself wanting to pick the book up and read whenever I got a chance.
I have to say that Tamani (love interest #2) held very little appeal to me. I just couldn't get over the whole leprechan image that he conjured up in my mind. Because of that, the love triangle held little angst for me.
Being a big fan of Celtic mythology, I was intrigued with Laurel's background and the history of her people. The treatment of the mythology in this book didn't feel authentic. The use of King Arthur and the City of Avalon, were a bit corny for my tastes. I am expecting book 2 to explain more of her heritage.
Overall, I gave the book four stars. The premise was original, the characters felt alive and I did think about the book while I went about my day.
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult.
Publisher: May 1st 2009 by HarperTeen, Hardcover, 294 pages, ISBN 0061668036
Where I got the book: Library (I'm going to get my own copy, though)
Food to eat while reading: Winging it Divinity
