Pauper Prince

The False Prince
By Jennifer A. Nielsen

Sage lives in an orphanage. He steals so he can eat. Around him, the kingdom begins moving toward war, though he doesn't know it yet. One day, a nobleman named Connor, takes him away from the orphanage along with three other boys. Connor's plan for them is as treasonous as it it is insane and Sage can't figure out if he's on board or not.

Now this was a fun find. I saw someone reading one of the sequels and I asked to see the book, as I turned to read the insert she grabbed it from me immediately and said, "No spoilers!". Thank goodness she saved me from that because I would have been spoiled for the fun turns this book takes.

In terms of the title, (and my own post title), I fully expected this to be a retelling of "The Prince and the Pauper". Delightfully surprised that it is not and is instead a fresh fantasy story.

Characterwise, I enjoyed each of the people we encounter. At first, I was thrown off by the very rare first person point of view. Normally fantasy is told in third. No matter, 30 pages in I was into the story. I liked Sage. He rebels just enough and we have his internal reasoning so it doesn't come from out of nowhere.

Worldwise, the kingdom is lacking. To be fair, it's a short book, meant for a younger audience, and they spend most of their time at Mr. Nobleman-Connor's digs. We aren't given much of the world. But it was enjoyable all the same.

I think I'd like to continue the series, slowly but surely, and see if the world expands.

4/5 STARS

Classroom: Yes, definitely. It would be a great read-aloud. Some violence, beating-interrogation.

Always Pretty Summer Read

The Summer I Turned Pretty
By Jenny Han

Belly (yes, that's her name) spends every summer with her family and her mom's friend's family at a beach house. Every summer has always been magical, this summer things unexpectedly change.

There's boys in this book! Even better, two brothers, so the reader gets to try and figure out who Belly will eventually fall for.

I devoured this apple-pie book in an evening. Picked it up and next thing I knew, two hours later, I felt all warm and cozy and immediately wanted to pick up book two.

Loveable characters; a wonderful summer world; a plot to keep you turning pages until the end. It's a great summer read. Belly is relateable and makes silly mistakes, but believeable mistakes, ones we can pardon her for. The boys, on the other hand, I am actually torn. They're framed on the surface as "good boy" vs "bad boy" but they aren't really. I think I enjoyed that part of it. I will always choose the "good boy".

They talk about beach reads. This is a perfect one. Enjoy!

3/5 STARS

TBR Takedown 2.0

Hi Book-Sniffers and Librocubicularists,

From July 24 - 31, TBR Takedown 2.0 is happening!  I'll be participating, of course. There are challenges!

Read ....
1. A first in a series.
2. A sequel
3. A book that's been on your bookshelf for more than a year.
4. Out of comfort zone.
5. A book from most recent bookhaul.

As usual, I over set my choices just in case my mood changes. One can never predict the reading mood.



1. Here, There Be Dragons (James A. Owen) will fulfill the first in a series challenge. Currently reading, so if I finish this I'll have to find another. It is not on my TBR.

2. It's Not Summer Without You (Jenny Han) will fulfill the sequel challenge. It is on my TBR.

3. The Archived (Victoria Schwab) will fulfill the book on my TBR for more than a year. It's carried over from last year's TBR. 

4. And Then There Were None (Agatha Christie) - a classic mystery - out of my comfort zone.

Burial Rites (Hannah Kent) - an historical mystery - out of my comfort zone. TBR, yes.

Epic: Legends of Fantasy (John Joseph Adams, editor) - short stories - out of my comfort zone. I've challenged myself to read three. 

5. Heir of Sea and Fire (Patricia K. McKillip) will fulfill the most recent haul challenge. 



This is more than enough to keep me. There are more library books on hold that might come in, and hey, maybe a book that's sitting on my shelf will call to me unexpectedly. I look forward to this unexpected reading journey.

Blue Mysteries

Bitterblue
By Kristin Cashore

A sequel to Graceling, a companion to Fire - though one could read this as a standalone - we follow Princess Bitterblue, now queen, as she struggles to bring order to her kingdom after her father's 35 year tyranny. For years she's been struggling, nothing seems to be changing, and what's worse is that mystery upon mystery begin piling up and confusing her decisions. 

There is something enchanting about the worlds that Cashore creates. I will never not read a book by her and enjoy it thoroughly. Books like these are the reason that I'm a reader. It took me to another world that I wanted to be in. I want to know the people. I want to visit the castle and the city and see the architecture that Cashore describes. I want to see the art that forms a huge part of the plotline.

It is a hefty book, at 563 pages, but I was engrossed the entire time. I do believe you could read this without having read the other two, though having read Graceling will help in the background of a few reappearing characters.

I really, really liked Bitterblue. I got over the weirdness of her name within the first few chapters. She behaved exactly like I would in her position, though, I do not envy her at all. Imagine having to put an entire kingdom back in order after the chaos of a king who not only brainwashed his entire kingdom, but cruelly kidnapped and tortured children, women, and animals. This king was not a nice guy, far from it. In fact, the things he does is sickening. Cashore tackles the darkest corners of humanity carefully.

Po is still one of my top fictional boyfriends. He's funny, loyal, dependable, perceptive, and very intelligent.

Now comes the difficult task when people ask, "Which one was your favourite?" Looking at other reviews, most say they liked this one least. I cannot say that I like it the least, for I was as engulfed in the world, invested in the plot and characters, and was extremely satisfied with the ending. No less than the other two. I loved how mystery upon mystery stacked up - that is the most distinct difference between this story and the other two.

So, instead, I will say that it did not disappoint. And, that I would recommend the entire series. For all young adult fantasy lovers, read read READ this series. It is a must.

5/5 STARS

Not the Planet, The Sea King

Of Neptune
By Anna Banks

Not going into a synopsis, I don't want to spoil anything from the first or second books.


Anna Banks has this INCREDIBLE ability to write addicting stories. They are woven complexly, come together satisfyingly, and just when you think there's a lag in action, get ready for some action.

Her characters are funny, sweet, frustrating at times, and all the while so charming that you really wished that an underwater kingdom full of Syrena (mermaids/men) really existed.


Of the three, my favourite is still book two, 'Of Triton'. Not knocking 'Of Neptune' though.

Too often in Young Adult trilogies, book one feels like an obvious set up, book two gets draggy because the author is saving the best stuff for the third book, and then the third book things come together after a meandering mess of reveals. Let me be clear: Anna Banks gives each book weight, worth, their own story arc, all the while balancing a full trilogy arc. She beautifully crafted this trilogy.

In regards to her choice in point-of-view style switching, I've thought about why she might do so. For Emma (our protagonist), we read in first person. In alternating chapters we get Galen (love interest - that's not a spoiler, come on), but instead of first person we are in third. After careful thought, I realized it never phased me when reading. Banks smoothly transitioned each change.

The other reason might be that sometimes with two first persons, if it's not completely clear the reader could begin reading the chapter as the other person. I have read a book, with two first person narrators, where I mixed up them up, frustratingly, every switch - both characters were too similar (that's a whole other issue). I commend Banks's choice to do this. It was easy to read, to understand, and to switch.

I did have a few issues with some things (trying to be vague) feeling a tiny cliche. Hence why I overall didn't like the third as much as the second. It is a VERY strong finish.

Overall, I recommend this trilogy over many others.

4.5/5 STAR-fish

Of Poseidon (I) - Review here
Of Triton (II) - Review here

Turbulant Vacation

172 Hours on the Moon
By Johan Harstad

A contest from NASA surprises the world: 3 lucky teenagers will accompany astronauts to the moon.
The Winners: Mia from Norway, in a punk band, wants to be musician-famous; Midori from Japan, wants to get away like her big sister and the moon is just the start; and Antoine from France, who wants to put the heartache of a breakup behind him.
Things go wrong.

 *shudders*

Finished this in a day for the Cramathon. I am pleased I chose to read this, it zipped by once their rocket left Earth. A little more than the first third of the book is setting up the actual 'going into space'. I might have wished to go sooner, but I get it: there's three main characters, scattered with a few more other points-of-view, to set up beforehand.

All chugs along as normal. All teenagers are unsatisfied with their current lives. Their chance to go to the moon is the perfect way to change that. While their characters are being set up, there are scenes with Heads of NASA and an old man who remembers more than he thinks. Under all of this, waves of tension crash and unnerving alarm bells ring.

Cleverly built, when things start to go wrong the reader is forced to experience these very odd, creepy scenes. Not ever are we really given a full explanation. AND THAT WORKS!

The last 40 pages or so, hold onto your chairs, there's going to be turbulence.

The ending scenes are incredibly vivid and I keep replaying them over and over in my head.

*shudders*

A cool use of the WOW! Signal.

Highly recommend.

4.5/5 STARS

Cramathon 2015 ~ Wrap Up

Hi Book-Sniffers and Librocubicularists,

What an awesome short-term read-a-thon. I was busier than planned, but I still fit in time for reading. Here are my results:

1. A children's book ~ Check!
2. A hardback ~ Check!
3. 2 books in 24-hours ~ Check!
4. A graphic novel ~ Check!
5. A book in verse ~ Nope
6. A novella ~ Nope
7. 5 books total ~ Nope

The Castle of Llyr
By Lloyd Alexander
Pages: 170
Challenge: 1, 2, 3

This is the third book in the Prydain Chronicles which I started last year by reading "The Black Cauldron" (second book of five total). Alexander has this old world, poetic style writing that's engaging and forces you to read slowly even though the action is fast paced. He wants you to drink in the descriptions. 

"For each of us comes a time when we must be more than what we are." ~ p. 4 (1999 Henry Holt and Co.)

"A warrior's life is one of hardship... and it takes a stout heart to follow it." ~ 94
(1999 Henry Holt and Co.)

4/5 STARS

172 Hours on the Moon
By Johan Harstad
Pages: 351
Challenge: 2, 3 

On a whim, I decided to start this over "Of Neptune". In the mood for some sci-fi. Gosh, this is creepy. You're reading along and it seems normal with an underlying unnerving sense you can't quite put your finger on until it slowly unravels. *shudders* I flew through this on Sunday.  Gripping.

Full review here. 

4/5 STARS


Fables, vol 7: Arabian Nights (and Days)
&
Y the Last Man, vol 8: Kimono Dragons
Challenge: 4

I read both of these Saturday night. Both series are engaging and these are great editions. Now to put the next volumes on hold. 

 

Of Neptune
By Anna Banks
Pages: 1-58 of 327

I began this one last night, however, only slightly got into it. This could've been my fifth book read, but as I said, busier than expected. Can't help life sometimes! I'm sure the review for this one will be coming very soon.

Cramathon 2015

Hi Book-Sniffers and Librocubicularists,

Cramathon is a reading weekend hosted by the lovely Whitney over at WhittyNovels. 

It runs from July 10-12, midnight start, midnight end. Over the weekend readers are challenged to read:

1. A children's book
2. A hardback
3. 2 books in 24-hours
4. A graphic novel
5. A book in verse
6. A novella
7. 5 books total

I've included a real picture (gasp) of the books in my line of sight for the weekend. Now, obviously, I will not read all of these. However, three are back ups juuuust in case. All book-sniffers must know to be prepared.

1. The Castle of Llyr (Lloyd Alexander) will fulfill the children's book challenge. It is on my TBR.

2. Of Neptune (Anna Banks) will fulfill a hardback challenge and thus completing the TBR trilogy.

4. Fables: Arabian Nights or Y the Last Man: Kimono Dragons will fulfill the graphic novel challenge.

I'm not personally planning on reading the book in verse or the novella.

Extra options: Bitterblue (Kristin Cashore) on my TBR, The False Prince (Jennifer A Nielsen) on my TBR, and Knight Errant (R. Garcia Y Robertson) on my TBR and currently reading.

Good luck to all those participating!!!

Lush Prince of Palmares Tres

The Summer Prince
By Alaya Dawn Johnston

Probably the best dystopian, future-society book you'll read in today's YA.

Set in a fictional city named Palmares Tres, Brazil, June wants to make art and be the best artist in the city. Political intrigue and high tech surround the world she lives in. Then she meets Enki, the charismatic and lush Summer King. He explodes with life itself and reinvigorates the city with raw passion. At the end of his short reign, he will die. Which makes their team up to make an artistic statement to the citizens all the more poignant.

While reading, listen to some Brazilian music to get you in the mood. Bossa Nova perhaps?

I finished this a few days ago. I needed time to gather my thoughts and steady my emotions. There is no doubt this will be on my Top 5 for 2015.

The thing I liked the most about the characterization was that you could never quite figure out the characters. They were so multi-dimensional. No one seemed cardboard. Not even Bebel (June's rival at school) who at first was cardboard became more complex as the story went on.

One downside, this world took a while to get into. Like any sci-fi or fantasy, there's always a hiccough stage where the author is trying to reveal slowly the completely new world and in a way that's not overwhelming. Once I got about 70ish pages in, the story began to flow.

I realized its wonder and devoured it slowly. Sipping each description, breathing it it.

June's relationship with the Summer King, Enki, is something more than romance. Romance seems like a juvenile word to describe what their connection is. In a sense, this book is full of romance, but it's not your typical heart-pounding, swooning kind.

LUSH. That's a good word to use to describe the story, characters, and world. It had me wanting to find out more. Johnson does this wonderful hinting at other places in the world, but never gives you enough to sink your teeth into. It's great! Some people might find this annoying - those people don't understand that sometimes the mystery is greater than being told outright. Unknown might seem like the author was lazy and didn't want to tell us more, but we have to be intelligent readers. We can't be handed things on a silver platter a la Divergent explain-ese. Trust your imagination.

I wept. No shame. The last 30 pages promptly took my heart out and put it back in. I couldn't breathe. For a story to do that is a great undertaking. It spoke to me on a human level. Isn't that what books are meant do. 

5 STARS

When you finish the book, listen to the song that Bebel sings at the end. It adds another dimension to the story. If you need some reference.Translated to English.

Classroom: Please note, sexuality is discussed in an open manner. Recommended for 16+.