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Showing posts with label Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Show all posts
Friday, October 06, 2017
The Knowing a Surprising, Smashing Sequel
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: Although this review will not contain spoilers for The Knowing, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, The Forgetting. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
As one of the Knowing—evolutionary wonders who possess perfect memories—Samara Archiva enjoys a privileged life underground. Safe from the dangers of Outside, she's cloistered with others like her. Focused on preserving and strengthening their special community, the Knowing learn to cache their memories, mastering the constant onslaught of emotions that comes with such a "gift" as theirs. Cold, logical decisions rule underground. Anyone who can't—or won't—comply leaves. One way or another.
Sam has never been able to cache as well as the others. Tortured by her memories, the 18-year-old wants only one thing—to Forget. Barring that, she longs to be useful, to use what she Knows to Do something valuable. As a physician-in-training, she has skills that can help the vulnerable people Outside. Doing so, however, is strictly forbidden. If the Council catches her sneaking off on her mercy missions—just one of her rebellions—Sam is as good as dead. When she realizes exactly how much danger she's in, she knows she must flee, must find the Cursed City of Canaan and Forget everything. It's the only way to save herself and those she loves.
On a long-term anthropological mission to find the lost civilization of Canaan, Beckett Rodriguez gets a whole lot more than he bargains for when he comes upon Samara Archiva in a dark cavern. The 18-year-old Texan wants to help the desperate woman, but he has his own orders to obey. Does Beck dare to risk both his life and mission to save a strange, intriguing girl he's just met? Especially when his own worldview is being shattered with every second he spends in Sam's company? With enemies on every side, the two must unite to piece together the truths of their very different worlds ...
For me, 2017 started off on a lovely reading high thanks to a gem of a book called The Forgetting. The first in a YA trilogy by Sharon Cameron, it's a beautiful, compelling novel about the power of memory. Its follow-up, The Knowing, takes the story in an unexpected direction, expanding the world Cameron introduced in The Forgetting. With fresh characters, a unique setting, and a different (but complementary) plot, it rises above any second-book syndrome, taking the series in a compelling new direction. Packed with action, it provides an exciting, engrossing reading experience. Lest you think it's all adrenaline all the time, The Knowing also offers some fascinating explorations of pain, emotion, memory, all part of what makes us human. In short, it's a great, clean read that will appeal to a variety of readers. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
(Readalikes: The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Knowing from the generous folks at Scholastic via those at Edelweiss. Thank you!
Thursday, June 08, 2017
When Graphic Novels Just Aren't Your Jam ...
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Oona Lee, the clumsiest Sun Dancer on the planet, learns that the Five Worlds are in danger of extinction, she vows to save them. Her sister—last year's Chosen One—will know what to do. All Oona has to do is find her runaway offspring. Surely Jessa, a talented Sand Dancer, will be able to light all five beacons and save the worlds.
Then, war breaks out. Oona's journey is thwarted by the surprise attack. Helped by two unlikely allies, she gets back on course. Finding Jessa isn't easy; it may even be impossible. If Oona fails in that task, it just might be up to her and her new friends—a penniless street rat and a famous starball player—to play hero. Oona has never been able to control her sand—how can she possibly use it to save anyone? As the trio continue on their wild, dangerous adventure, they will all discover the hidden powers inside themselves. And maybe, just maybe, it will be enough to save the worlds they love.
Full disclosure: I've read exactly one graphic novel besides 5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior, so I'm hardly an expert on the genre. As expected, the story (written by brothers Mark and Alexis Siegel and illustrated by Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun) is fast-paced and full of action. The pictures are colorful, eye-catching, and dreamlike. A lot is going on, both in text and artwork, some of which I followed easily, some of which I didn't. I'm still a little confused, truth be told. Still, The Sand Warrior made for a quick, exciting read that should appeal to kids who enjoy comic books. That kind of thing is not really for me, though, so I don't plan on picking up the next installment of 5 Worlds. I wouldn't hesitate, however, to hand The Sand Warrior to a reluctant reader who's yearning for a quick, empowering read with plenty of action and adventure to keep his eyes and imagination busy.
(Readalikes: Um, no clue. Comics/graphic novels really aren't my jam. Suggestions?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of 5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior from the generous folks at Random House Children's Books. Thank you!
Thursday, February 02, 2017
Hopeful, Exciting The Forgetting a Perfect Read for the New Year
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
The walled city of Canaan provides a safe, protected atmosphere for its small population. Citizens go to school, work their jobs, care for their families, and—most important of all—write daily entries in the books they keep on their person at all times. They're instructed to pen only the truth. Fanciful scribblings will not help them when the Forgetting comes. Only honesty will let them remember who they are when the veil of forgetfulness drops over Canaan and everyone's memories are wiped clean. Without a book, a person has no identity, no family, no position in the community. They are Lost, a fate almost worse than death.
Nadia, the dyer's daughter, is unlike anyone else in her isolated village. Every 12 years, every person in Canaan loses their memories completely. Not the quiet teenager. She never forgets. Nadia is the only one who knows that some people use the Forgetting to purposely erase their identities or to commit unsavory acts, the consequences of which they will never have to face. Even the perpetrator won't remember what he/she has done. With the time of Forgetting fast approaching, Nadia is wary. What will happen on this night of danger and chaos? Nadia's hateful older sister has a sinister plan—surely she's not the only one.
When Gray—the handsome glassblower's son—catches Nadia slipping over the wall into the forbidden beyond, he gives her even more reason to worry. Not only are the pair growing closer, but they're discovering some shocking secrets about Canaan. With the Forgetting only days away, Nadia is desperate not to lose Gray. She needs him—not just to confront the Council with what they know, but also to fill the emptiness in her aching heart. How can Nadia make him remember? Can she survive if everything Gray knows about their duty, their friendship, and their love just ... disappears? If a person doesn't live in another's memory, do they even exist at all?
The Forgetting, a new YA novel by Sharon Cameron, explores some fascinating issues about memory, truth, and identity. While the story's set-up is a little confusing at first, the rules of Canaan society soon become evident, allowing the novel's tense, exciting plot to take center stage. The characters are complex, engaging, and empathetic. Nadia and Gray make an appealing couple whose love grows naturally. Their romance offers an engaging subplot, but one that never upstages the real story. All of these elements come together to create a taut, fast-paced tale with surprising twists and turns. It's the unsettling philosophical questions it asks, however, that make The Forgetting so compelling. Who are we now—and who will we become—if we have no memories of who we've been? Without our memories, is life even worth living? And, the most disquieting question of all: What would you do on the night of Forgetting if you knew no one—not even yourself—would remember it come morning? Despite the chilling implications proposed by these questions, The Forgetting is, at its heart, a hopeful tale. A perfect read to start off the new year, I loved this book and recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who enjoys an engrossing yarn that truly has it all.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence, blood/gore, and mild sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Forgetting from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Fairest Asks, "How Did an Evil Queen Get So ... Evil?"
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Fairest, it may inadvertently ruin plot surprises from previous Lunar Chronicles novels. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Long before Levana became the most powerful queen in history, she was just another princess ...
Bullied and disfigured by her hateful older sister, 15-year-old Levana hides behind the most alluring glamours she can imagine. She's hoping to attract the gaze of Evret Hayle, a kind captain in the queen's army with whom she is madly in love. So what if he's married? Sol is a lowly dressmaker of little consequence—surely, Levana would make a better match for handsome Evret. Even if she's awkward, shy, and ugly.
As Evret refuses her advances and her flippant, disinterested older sister assumes the throne, Levana feels increasingly hopeless. She knows she'd be a better queen than flighty Channery and a better wife than Sol. If only she could get what she really wants, Levana would have her happily ever after. The question is, to what lengths will she have to go to take what's "rightly" hers? Fueled by jealousy and frustration, Levana is prepared to do just about anything ...
You all know I'm a big fan of Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series. I love it for so many reasons. Fairest, a short novel that fits between Cress and Winter, is my least favorite installment, yes, but it still has all the excitement and intrigue of its companion books. It stars a vulnerable Levana, a young woman who yearns for happiness, even if she's looking for it in all the wrong places. This makes her empathetic, although it's difficult to fully root for her knowing what kind of monster she becomes. Reading her backstory did make me feel a little bit of compassion for the evil Levana, though. It also gives insight into the cold, calculating behavior that defines her character in the rest of the series. So, while I didn't enjoy Fairest as much as the other books in the series, I still found it to be a quick, compelling read that helps flesh out the Lunar world into an even more intriguing place. Lunartics will not want to miss it!
(Readalikes: Other books in the series, including Cinder; Scarlet; Cress; Winter; and Stars Above)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I purchased a copy of Fairest from Changing Hands Bookstore with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, March 07, 2015
UnSouled: It's Not My Favorite of the Bunch, But Still ...
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for UnSouled by Neal Shusterman, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessors, UnWind and UnWholly. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Now that The Graveyard—the unwinds' sanctuary—has been destroyed, Connor Lassiter and Lev Calder are on the run. Trying to keep a low profile, they head toward Ohio, where they hope to finally get some answers about Proactive Citizenry. Their quest does not go smoothly, of course. There's a kidnapping, a couple of car wrecks, an ostrich, and a band of Native Americans with their own agenda. While all of these things distract them from their ultimate goal, neither Connor nor Lev will quit until they can stop unwinding forever.
Meanwhile, Camus Comprix, the world's first composite human being, is taxed with convincing the higher-ups that he's a worthy investment. Risa's betrayal has made him suspect. He wants to hate her for that, but he can't. She's all he thinks about, whether he likes it or not.
Between Connor's adventures, Cam's exploits, and the increasing number of clapper attacks happening all over the country, the journey to stop unwinding is going to be one heck of a wild ride.
Although UnSouled, the third installment in Neal Shusterman's popular UnWind series, juggles so many different stories that it's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins, it's an exciting read, if an unfocused one. Lev's back story gets filled in and we get to catch up on the doings of other familiar characters. UnSouled is more humdrum than the first two books, but Shusterman's characters are compelling all on their own. This isn't my favorite novel of the bunch, I admit, and yet, I still enjoyed it. As a whole, I love this clever, thought-provoking series. If you're not reading it, you should be.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, and mild sexual innuendo/content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of UnSouled with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
Second Madman's Daughter Novel Brings New Twist to the Series
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Her Dark Curiosity, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, The Madman's Daughter. As always, I recommend reading series in order.)
Months after escaping the island of horrors created by her father, the infamous Dr. Moreau, Juliet is back in London. The 17-year-old has been taken in by an old family friend, giving her the stability to remake her life. As much as she longs to forget her dark legacy altogether, Juliet finds that at least some of its pieces have followed her back to England. Edward Prince, now known as Dr. Jakyll, makes a disturbing appearance, as does his alter ego, a vengeful beast. It can't be coincidence that Juliet's acquaintances are falling victim to a murderer who appears to claw them to death. As if this weren't enough to deal with, Juliet's barely managing to keep her own inner beast under control. Her father's corrective serum is becoming less effective every day. If she can't recreate it for herself, her own animal instinct will surely take over.
As Juliet's world devolves into chaos and violence, she must figure out how to save not just herself, but also all the people she loves most.
Just like The Madman's Daughter spun a classic horror novel (The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells) in a new direction, so does Her Dark Curiosity, the second installment in Megan Shepherd's popular Gothic trilogy. Weaving elements of Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde into the narrative gives the story another layer of intrigue. Atmospheric and eerie, the tale is both chilling and exciting. Juliet continues to annoy with her fickleness, especially when it comes to romance. Love triangles are almost always irritating—this one is no exception. All in all, though, I enjoyed Her Dark Curiosity. The twist at the end pushes the series in a new direction, which convinced me to give the final book a chance even though I haven't been as impressed with the first two as I'd hoped to be.
(Readalikes: The Madman's Daughter and A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence/gore, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Forget Stepping Through a Wardrobe, How About Stepping Into A Famous Painting?
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
People have been fascinated by the work of Fausto Corvo, a 16th Century painter, for hundreds of years. Sunni Forrest is just one of his legions of fans. She admires the artist so much that she's chosen him to be the focus of her school art project. It just figures that Blaise Doran, her way-too-good-looking American classmate, chose Corvo as well. His project will, no doubt, outshine hers by a mile.
While Sunni and Blaise are at Blackhope Tower comparing notes on one of Corvo's most famous paintings, The Mariner's Return to Arcadia, 1582, the strangest thing happens—Sunni's annoying stepbrother disappears. Not that that's something to complain about. It's just the manner in which it took place. Sunni can't quite believe it, but she's pretty sure Dean vanished into the painting. Impossible. The weirdest thing is, Sunni can see him on the ancient canvas. Determined to find out what in the world is happening, Sunni and Blaise walk the same mysterious labyrinth that Dean did. To their astonishment, they find themselves in the same predicament as the younger boy.
As the kids move through the painting, discovering layers upon layers of worlds, they meet intriguing people, dazzling creatures, and dangers beyond their worst imaginings. Getting sucked into the Blackhope enigma may mean leaving their own world behind. Forever.
In her debut novel, The Blackhope Enigma, Teresa Flavin introduces an intriguing premise that opens up all kinds of fascinating possibilities. It's an exciting story full of adventure, mystery, and suspense. Although Sunni and Blaise are teens, the book has more of a middle grade feel to it. As in many MGs, the main characters don't develop much throughout the story. Overall, though, The Blackhope Enigma is a fun, fast-paced read that should appeal to anyone who digs a fantastical adventure/mystery tale.
(Readalikes: Sequels The Crimson Shard and The Shadow Lantern by Teresa Flavin)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for intense situations/scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Blackhope Enigma from the generous folks at Candlewick Press. Thank you!
Wednesday, January 07, 2015
Shivery Dr. Moreau Retelling As Creepy As the Original (Probably)
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Ever since the gruesome nature of her father's work was brought to light six years ago, Juliet Moreau has been careful to keep her head down. The 16-year-old spends her hours working as a maid at a research hospital in London, going to church every week, and trying to forget she ever knew a man named Henri Moreau. He's dead. He, as well as the terrible research he purportedly engaged in, is better left forgotten.
Juliet has (almost) succeeded in putting her father out of her mind when she discovers that the rumors of his demise have been exaggerated. According to Montgomery James, an old friend of Juliet's who is now her father's assistant, Henri is very much alive. Refusing to be abandoned by her father once again, Juliet insists on accompanying Montgomery to the remote island where he lives and works. What she finds there is a horror show of walking, talking experiments. Repulsed and fascinated in equal measure, Juliet knows she has to leave the awful place before she becomes her father's willing accomplice. But escaping the monsters on the island isn't so easy, especially when the most terrifying one of all might just be your own flesh and blood.
I've never read H.G. Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau, but I know enough of the story to be creeped out by it. Not that that stopped me from picking up The Madman's Daughter, a spin-off of the sci fi classic. On the contrary—it made me even more eager to give the debut novel by Megan Shepherd a go. Shepherd's version is a shivery Gothic tale full of mystery, suspense and, of course, scary monsters. As Juliet discovers the truth behind her father's experiments, the reader can't help asking moral questions that are just as relevant today as they were in 1896, when Wells published The Island of Dr. Moreau. All these things made the story appealing to me. Not so palatable was the annoying love triangle between Juliet, Montgomery and a stowaway named Edward Prince. Our heroine's irritating fickleness drove me mad, making her a less likable character, even though it's probably the only time she acts like a typical 16-year-old girl. All in all, then, I found The Madman's Daughter engrossing and enjoyable. Not my absolute favorite, but not bad either.
(Readalikes: The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells; also, The Madman's Daughter's sequels, Her Dark Curiosity and A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd)
Grade:
Juliet has (almost) succeeded in putting her father out of her mind when she discovers that the rumors of his demise have been exaggerated. According to Montgomery James, an old friend of Juliet's who is now her father's assistant, Henri is very much alive. Refusing to be abandoned by her father once again, Juliet insists on accompanying Montgomery to the remote island where he lives and works. What she finds there is a horror show of walking, talking experiments. Repulsed and fascinated in equal measure, Juliet knows she has to leave the awful place before she becomes her father's willing accomplice. But escaping the monsters on the island isn't so easy, especially when the most terrifying one of all might just be your own flesh and blood.
I've never read H.G. Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau, but I know enough of the story to be creeped out by it. Not that that stopped me from picking up The Madman's Daughter, a spin-off of the sci fi classic. On the contrary—it made me even more eager to give the debut novel by Megan Shepherd a go. Shepherd's version is a shivery Gothic tale full of mystery, suspense and, of course, scary monsters. As Juliet discovers the truth behind her father's experiments, the reader can't help asking moral questions that are just as relevant today as they were in 1896, when Wells published The Island of Dr. Moreau. All these things made the story appealing to me. Not so palatable was the annoying love triangle between Juliet, Montgomery and a stowaway named Edward Prince. Our heroine's irritating fickleness drove me mad, making her a less likable character, even though it's probably the only time she acts like a typical 16-year-old girl. All in all, then, I found The Madman's Daughter engrossing and enjoyable. Not my absolute favorite, but not bad either.
(Readalikes: The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells; also, The Madman's Daughter's sequels, Her Dark Curiosity and A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence/gore, nudity, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Madman's Daughter with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Tuesday, January 06, 2015
Unique Hawaiian Setting Makes YA Dystopian Stand Out From the Crowd
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
It's been three years since Leilani moved to the Big Island with her family and Hawaii still doesn't feel like home. Being hapa (half-Hawaiian, half-white) has a lot to do with it. As does her epilepsy, a condition that marks her as even more different than her peers. It's only while she's surfing the wild blue waves that 16-year-old Lei feels completely at peace with herself and her surroundings.
Then, the unthinkable happens. While Lei and her dad are in Oahu for an experimental epilepsy treatment, electronics fail. Amid the confusion, they learn the world's being pummeled by tsunamis and other "natural" disasters. Driven by panic and fear, people all over Honolulu are scrambling to get off the island, or at least stockpile as much food and water as they can. Riots, looting and gang warfare takes over the streets. Above it all, a strange new starscape fills the sky with an ominous warning—things have changed. Drastically.
All Lei and her dad want is to get home. With all the chaos, it's likely Lei's mother, grandfather and younger sister are already dead. Still, they have to know. Thus begins a hellish journey from Oahu to the Big Island. Fraught with danger at every turn, it's a nightmare trip that may ultimately end in disappointment. Or worse. As Lei fights her way across the islands, she finally begins to understand her unique connection to her mother's native land—and the part she may play in saving it.
Loaded with Hawaiian culture and folklore, The Islands at the End of the World by Austin Aslan offers a fresh take on a common theme. Although the tale as a whole isn't all that new and different, the atmospheric setting definitely makes this one stand out. Add in sympathetic characters with a compelling story goal, an action-packed plot, an exciting sci fi twist, and you've got yourself an entertaining YA thriller. The Islands at the End of the World will appeal to anyone who loves disaster/dystopian novels, but craves something a little bit different.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other YA disaster/dystopian novels, although no specific titles are coming to mind.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, scary images, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, January 05, 2015
Novel's Heart and Humor An Uncommon Surprise
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
The pure blue light emanating from Bruno Nazaire's hand ensures that he will always lead a life of privilege and prosperity. Once he passes his high school exams, the 16-year-old will be well on his way to becoming a prestigious fire surgeon like his father. With good looks, fierce rugby skills, and loads of natural charm, Bruno has it made. Until a young boy tricks him into giving it all away. As Bruno's blue life force fades into a more common color, he finds himself on the outside of the world he's always known. Almost overnight, his fate has changed completely. No longer welcome in the elite part of the city, he stumbles through the grittier sections of Télesphore looking for the child who stole his future. Bent on revenge, Bruno's not prepared for the truth behind the kid's actions or the reality of the lives he—and others whose palms glow with lesser colors—live. As much as Bruno longs to return to his charmed life, he's beginning to question the fairness of his society's strict caste system. Especially when he falls for a beautiful girl whose color is so inferior to his that it's dangerous for them to be seen in each other's company, let alone imagine a future together.
With the king's soldiers hot on his trail, Bruno must decide who he really is and what he really wants. For the first time in his life, his fate lies in his own hands. Will he choose to return to the glory he once knew or risk everything to help the very people he's always thought were beneath his notice? Fence-sitting is not an option. Either choice may lead to his death. How far will Bruno go to save himself and the people he loves?
I agreed to read An Uncommon Blue, a debut novel by R.C. Hancock, because the premise sounded intriguing. I kept reading it because the story grabbed my attention and refused to let go. While the fast-paced, action-packed plot will pull in even reluctant readers, it's the humor and heart of the novel that really captured me. Although I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the book's writing, I do have to admit to finding Hancock's world-building a bit shoddy. The rules of his magical land often seemed contradictory and confusing. Interesting, yes, just not always logical. I enjoyed the intensity of An Uncommon Blue, but I think a little bit slower start would have gone a long way toward creating a more convincing setting as well as stronger, more impacting relationships between the characters. All in all, though, I quite enjoyed this one. The twist at the end didn't surprise me too much, but I'm still anxious to see where it will lead. An Uncommon Blue is the first installment in a planned series—I, for one, am looking forward to Book Two.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and mild sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of An Uncommon Blue from R.C. Hancock via the generous folks at Cedar Fort. Thank you!
Monday, May 05, 2014
A Forbidden Library Where Books "Leak" Into the Real World? Yes, Please!
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Alice Creighton's father drowns in a mysterious shipwreck, the 12-year-old finds herself adrift. She can't stay in her big, old house alone—even if she could find a way to save it from being sold at auction. The only solution is to do what she's told and go to Pittsburgh, where she'll stay with an uncle she's never met. It's all very straight-forward. The always practical Alice can think of no better alternative to her problem.
Maybe the change of scenery will help relieve her extreme sadness, an overwhelming grief that is causing her to see things. Like fairies. Even in Pennsylvania, Alice can't shake the strange visions—surely talking cats aren't real, even in a place like Uncle Geryon's creepy castle. And then there's his library—a forbidden library—which Alice knows is full of even greater wonders. Either she's insane or the strange creatures are real, people really can jump into books and there's a whole lot more than meets the eye to everyone and everything around her—including Alice herself.
As Alice begins to untangle the vast mysteries contained in the library, she wonders how she's going to solve the most compelling one of all: What happened to her father? Is he really dead? Or is he, like her, simply trapped in a vast, impossible world of magic? Can she find him if she just knows where to look?
The Forbidden Library, the first book in a new fantasy series by Django Wexler, introduces readers to a complex world where Readers can step inside stories, but have to fight their way out. It's a wild treasure hunt that hops between reality and fantasy, making fairy tales come alive in the most frightening ways. As Alice learns the rules through trial and error, the reader journeys with her, always wondering if this adventure will be her last. Although the story gets confusing at times, The Forbidden Library is a fun, Inkheart-ish read that will appeal to book lovers of all ages.
(Readalikes: The Inkheart trilogy [Inkheart; Inkspell; Inkdeath] by Cornelia Funke and The Book of Story Beginnings by Kristin Kladstrup)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), scary scenes, and violence
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of The Forbidden Library from the generous folks at Penguin. Thank you!
Friday, March 28, 2014
Steelheart: It's Thrilling, Just Not Uniquely So
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Dave Charleston has only one goal: kill the man who murdered his father. Easier said than done, especially since the killer isn't a man at all. Not anymore. Steelheart is an Epic, an ordinary human turned super being. With the power to control the elements, he is merciless and unstoppable. Other Epics live in Newcago, preying on its human population in their own uniquely sadistic ways, but none dare to challenge Steelheart for rule of the city. Thus, the super monster enjoys supreme reign, meaning he does anything he wants to anyone he chooses at anytime he wants. Invincibility has its perks.
Only 18-year-old Dave knows the truth. Only he has seen Steelheart bleed. Only he knows that the metallic man can be wounded, even killed. Exactly how this is done Dave isn't sure—he just knows it's possible. Convincing others of this fact, however, is a whole 'nother ballgame. If only Dave can make the Reckoners—a small, but effective group of human resistance workers—believe him, then maybe he'll stand a chance against the mighty Steelheart. Maybe not, but he has to try. He craves revenge, justice and freedom from the cruel tyranny of the power-hungry Epics. Will he get it? Or will he die trying?
Steelheart, the first book in a new YA series by veteran sci fi/fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson, offers an action-packed story set in a harsh dystopic Chicago. It's a tale stuffed to bursting with danger, death and dazzling super beings. An intense page-turner that never really stops to take a breath. It's not the kind of thing I usually read, but hey, it's Sanderson, so I gave it a shot. Given how much the author's Mistborn series enthralled me, maybe I was expecting too much from Steelheart because, although this novel thrills, it does so in kind of a generic way. I'm sure I'm going to be in the minority on this, but I found Steelheart a little disappointing. The characters didn't pop for me, the prose seemed kind of stale and the world-building (which I've come to think of as Sanderson's very own super power) just wasn't up to par. For me, the whole story lacked the originality I've come to expect from this author. So, yeah. I know lots of readers adored this book—unfortunately, I'm really not one of them. Not that I detest the book or anything, I just found it frustratingly average. Ah, well.
(Readalikes: This isn't my usual genre, so I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence/gore; brief, mild language (no F-bombs); and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Steelheart from the generous folks at Random House via those at Edelweiss. Thank you!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Nightingale: It Gets Great Reviews—Just Not From Me
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
After being bounced from foster family to foster family for sixteen years, Bron Jones barely knows the meaning of the word home. Until he gets to St. George, Utah, where he meets Mike and Olivia Hernandez, his new foster parents. The couple, who own a cattle ranch that seems to be as down-to-earth as they are, wants to adopt Bron. He only sees one problem with the arrangement: Olivia. Bron's mom-to-be is certifiable. There's no other way to explain her panic upon being approached by some random guys in Best Buy. And then there's the car chase, the weird weapons Olivia has hidden in her glove compartment, and the woman's absolute refusal to consult the police. Olivia's insane, that's the only conclusion that makes sense.
When Olivia finally tells Bron the truth, he's convinced—she needs to be locked in a padded cell. Except that her words make a weird kind of sense. Olivia explains that she and Bron are different than other people. In fact, they're not people at all. They're Aels, supernatural creatures with special abilities. Bron's powers are especially rare, so rare that the Aels' ancient enemies will stop at nothing to control them (hence the confrontation at Best Buy). While the Draghouls hunt for him, Bron has to do his best to stay under the radar—not an easy task when you're a guitar prodigy attending an elite performing arts academy.
Trying to understand who—and what—he is is only part of the conflicts Bron faces in his new home. He's got several girls falling all over him, an angry classmate who's eager to put him in his place, and a mysterious past that holds important clues to his present situation. Survival will require everything Bron's got—and more.
Since I had a monster cold while reading Nightingale, a new YA novel by adult sci fi/fantasy author David Farland, I lugged the book with me to the doctor's office when I went to beg for death antibiotics. Because she somehow missed the fact that my throat hurt every time I opened my mouth to breathe, let alone talk, the doctor asked me what the book was about. When I told her it concerned a teenager who discovers he's a paranormal creature of some kind, the doctor rolled her eyes and said, "Ugh, another one of those?" I laughed (even though it hurt) because that pretty much summed up my thoughts on Nightingale. Not only is the story unoriginal, but it's also plotless, melodramatic and just not very well-written or edited. It zigzagged all over the place, making the whole thing feel unfocused. Then, there's Bron. Our hero is sympathetic to a point, but his macho attitude and constant lusting after anything female (including his foster mother—eeeewww!) make him difficult to like. Bottom line on this one? If I hadn't agreed to review this book for a virtual tour (with a company I'd already bailed on once), I wouldn't have read past the first chapter.
Now, this may be another case of me just plain getting it wrong because Nightingale has actually won a number of awards (whether this is for the print version or the enhanced e-version I'm not sure). It also gets great reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Goodreads. Just not from me. Oh well.
(Readalikes: Reminded me of Twilight and every other teenager-finds-out-he/she-is-a-werewolf/pixie/angel/mermaid/paranormal creature of choice type book)
Grade: D
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language (no F-bombs), violence and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, wit:h love: I received a finished hardcover copy of Nightingale from East India Press via Rachelle Christensen's blog tour company. Thank you!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
It's the Mistborn World, Just Funnier, Sexier And, If Possible, Even Cooler
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
I went all fan girl about Brandon Sanderson the last time I reviewed a book by him (here), so I'm not going to do that this time. Much. Yeah, never mind. I'm totally going to gush this time, too. Because, really, as much as I loved the first books in Sanderson's Mistborn
trilogy, in some ways, I liked The Alloy of Law even better. It's got everything I admired about the earlier novels, just with a more lighthearted tone, an intriguing mystery, even a little steampunk goodness. It's the Mistborn world made funnier, sexier and, if possible, even cooler. I know, right? Pure awesomeness.
The story takes place 300 years after Vin and Elend make their last stand against Ruin in The Hero of Ages. In the ensuing years, Scadrial has transformed into a progressive, modern land. Electric lights keep the city streets and the homes of the wealthy aglow, while railroads take transportation to a whole new level. Skyscrape
rs reach for the skies, their jaw-dropping height inspiring hope, awe and the promise of more advances to come. Magic may seem out of place in this new world, but Allomancy is still very much alive in Scadrial. Powers are not necessarily flaunted by their owners, especially those living within the city of Elendel, and yet they are used for various and sundry purposes.
Lord Waxillium "Wax" Ladrian, a rare Twinborn (meaning he wields both Allomantic and Feruchemical powers) prefers to use his skills in a less subtle way. The 42-year-old has spent the last 20 years out in the Roughs, wielding his special talents against all manner of ruffians. Maybe order can never be brought to the wilds, but he can at least make sure justice is served as often as possible. Keeping such uncouth company has made Wax unfit for the society life he left behind in the city, but when a family tragedy strikes, he finds himself reentering the glamorous world of the wealthy. He's not too thrilled about his new responsibilities—including the pressure to find a wife—but Wax is resigned. He's head of Ladrian House now and must act accordingly.
But, when a string of train robberies becomes increasingly dangerous, Wax knows someone has to intervene. It shouldn't be him, of course, but he might just go crazy if it isn't. With the help of a dashing old friend and an alluring new one, Wax sets out to solve the mystery. In doing so, he must evaluate the mistakes of his past, the purpose of his present and the goals of his future. There's not a lot of time for musing, though, not with a dastardly villain plotting his demise. It's a time for action, a time for Wax to decide who he is, what he wants and how to save his friends from peril. If he can't figure out the truth in time to stop what's happening, the entire land could be in grave danger.
I can't do justice to the book's plot, so you're just going to have to trust me when I say The Alloy of Law is worth the read. Even if you're not into sci fi/fantasy-ish novels, you're going to dig this one. It is sci fi, but it's also got a lot of crossover appeal since it has a Victorian feel, dystopian elements, a steampunk vibe and just, I don't know, lots of crazy-good stuff. Sanderson knows how to tell a balanced story, creating appealing characters, fascinating worlds and scenes that combine action with mystery with humor with romance with ... everything. Bottom line: Love Sanderson, love this book. Raving fan girl out.
(Readalikes: The Mistborn trilogy [The Final Empire; The Well of Ascension; The Hero of Ages] by Brandon Sanderson)
Grade: A
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language (no F-bombs), violence/gore and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought The Alloy of Law from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Feed Offers Not-Very-Subtle Wake-Up Call For Our Plugged-In World
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
I'm not sure why I thought Feed, a 2002 National Book Award finalist by M.T. Anderson, had to do with zombies. Maybe because of the title? Or maybe because the closer we creep to 2012, the more nervous I get about an undead apocalypse? Anyway, whatever the reason, I was totally wrong. No zombies shuffle their way through this book. Except, sort of, in a way, they do. Only they're not the slobbering, walking dead variety. Not exactly.
In this futuristic YA novel, almost anything has become possible. Spring Breakers can party on the moon. Jet-setting off to Mars is completely doable. And no one has to go offline. Ever. Feeds are transplanted straight into people's brains, allowing them to not just stand, but live their entire lives, at the very center of the information superhighway. A constant stream of content pours into their heads, meaning they never have to sound ignorant, never have to wonder about anything, never need to bother with learning or thinking at all. Ads flash through their minds continually, keeping them up-to-date on the latest fashion trends, celebrity breakups and cool, new gadgets. With a functioning feed, they can fit in anywhere, with anyone.
But what happens when a feed malfunctions? Titus is about to find out.
When the teenager and his friends go looking for a little lunar fun, they discover something: the Moon kinda sucks. In no time, their little excursion has gotten totally null. They're bored out of their feed-blasted minds. Then, Titus meets Violet Durn. Not only is Violet stunningly beautiful, but she's different. Like, somehow she seems more real than anyone else Titus has ever known. She's a little out of the loop, sure, but she's unique, something exciting to brighten his dull vacation. Titus convinces a reluctant Violet to come party with him and his friends at a night club his feed assures him is hot. He's having a good time (even if she's not) when the unthinkable happens - a raging doomsayer hacks into both their feeds, spamming them with angry extremist mumbo jumbo. In order to get their systems back online, both their feeds will have to be shut down. Immediately.
Without the noise in his head, Titus experiences an unsettling quiet, a kind of clarity he's never known before. Between the weird emptiness in his brain and Violet's odd observations about life (""Everything we've grown up with - the stories on the feed, the games, all of that - it's streaming our personalities so we're easier to sell to ...'" [97]), Titus literally does not know what to think. Even when the feed doctors reboot him and everything's back to normal, he's out of sorts, a feeling which only increases when Violet gives him some very disturbing news. Suddenly, Titus is asking questions he's never even considered before: What, in his life, is real? Who is he - his own person or some kind of product manufactured by the wily feed gods? If he didn't have his feed to stuff him full of info, would he be worth anything at all?
The allegorical Feed offers a chilling commentary on our Internet/Facebook/Twitter-obsessed times. In alternately frenetic (when he is on feed) and calmer (when he's off) chapters, Titus explores concerns that plague all of us with our increasingly virtual lives - realitiy vs. the online world; genuine human conversation vs. instant messaging, Facebook status updating, and Tweeting; true scholarship vs. copycat research; and developing authentic personality vs. allowing marketers to tell us who to be. The book's lesson isn't very subtle, but the plot's entertaining and Anderson's point comes across in a way that's both vivid and affecting. I can't say I loved Feed; I can say I appreciated it. And I haven't stopped thinking about it. Must be the zombie thing ...
(Readalikes: Reminded me a little of Girl Parts by John M. Cusick and, oddly, of the movie Wall-E)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Feed from the generous folks at Candlewick Press. Thank you!
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