Trapped Dragons Are Dangerous Creatures

Hidden
By Sophie Jordan

The third and final installment in the Firelight trilogy.
Firelight (I) - Review here.
Vanish (II) - Review here.

Possible spoilers. A brief review shall ensue.

What a wonderful series to stumble across. I first encountered book one on a random shelf excursion at the library. Thought, "Hey, terrible cover, but worth a shot. Dragons are always awesome!" What a journey. Perfect summer books. They'd be great to marathon.

By no means are these literature-shaping stories. They are fun, light-hearted distractions. In this last one, especially, you can tell that the author writes romance. The descriptions are hot and sexy. Perfect for a teenage romance.

The typical love triangle has a slightly different angle and none-the-less frustrating.

Likeable characters, a head-strong and conflicted female protagonist, and just enough tension between everyone to push the plot forward. 

In this final book, everything that can go wrong goes wrong. I applaud Jordan for taking me on twists and turns and NEVER stopping the action. It was constant. One thing would finish, another would pop up. An excellent conclusion to a fun series.

4/5 STARS

Cloak of Darkness

Serefina and the Black Cloak
By Robert Beatty

Serefina, a young girl, lives in the basement of the Biltmore Estate. Her father, the electrician, hides her. She scurries about and views the occupants above in secret, until one day she sees a man in a black cloak swallow up a young girl. More children disappear and Serefina takes it upon herself to protect the Estate.

A middle-grade book, I was surprised at how quickly the story became scary. The description of the man in the black cloak is terrifying. This is a perfect tale for someone wanting a scary, ghost-like story.

The Biltmore Estate is a real place (you can look it up), and Beatty did a fantastic job creating atmosphere surrounding this magnificent piece of history. Atmosphere is mostly why the story is engrossing.

Serefina is an unusual girl. She's got odd quirks and seems a little off. There were a few internal dialogues with herself that seemed lengthy and took forever to get to the point. Because of this, I cannot give the story a full rating. The internal 'figuring out of things' felt forced.

The villain is malicious and dark, and the conclusion to the novel will have your heart pounding.

For a Gothic, somewhat historical tale of a girl who wants to belong, I'd recommend this.

4/5 STARS

Finding the Obvious

Witch Finder
By Ruth Warburton 

Late 19th century London, in the poor East End, Luke Lexton has been able to identify witches ever since his parents were brutally murdered when he was little. After being initiated into a secret society of witch-finders, he is tasked with choosing the name of the witch he is to kill. He chooses Rosa Greenwood, a young woman of the upper class.


Not gonna lie. This was mostly a cover purchase. You can't quite tell from this picture, but the woman on the cover is a much more golden colour. Perfectly striking against the sky blue.

Pleasant surprise. Yes. Totally engrossing, somewhat predictable, and yet, ultimately satisfying.

Luke struggles (as expected) with killing a young woman. Not only that, she's kind and lovely. No wonder he's torn. Also, no big surprise, he totally likes her. Typical, yes.

Rosa is a more complex character. You'd think her to be boring - there are glimmers of a girl with her own agenda. She's unfortunately trapped by society, having to marry for money so her family won't fall into misfortune. Her mother thinks only of money, her brother is terrible, spoiled and useless, and abuses Rosa. The man he decides to marry Rosa to is his best friend - equally cruel and terrible. Though, not useless. Actually intelligent.

Don't skip out on this because of the obvious romance. There's underpinning commentary on social constructs in this time period. We find that even if you have money, life can be a cage. There's a FANTASTIC chunk of the book that explores a match factory and working conditions of the time. Horrible. Fascinating.

I was utterly engrossed in this tale. The ending was laughable and cheezy. At the end of my edition, there was a preview to the next book. I felt that made a much stronger ending than the one that was written.

Will I go on? Sure. Why not.

4/5 STARS

Iron, Steam, and Monsters

The Iron Thorn
By Caitlin Kittredge

In an alternate history, where the cities are driven by Engines and the streets are protected by Proctors, there is a girl named Aoife (Ee-fay). Her mother is mad - the crazy kind - and her brother became mad on his 16th birthday. Aoife is days away from her 16th birthday and she fears this same madness will consume her. The Proctors hunt down mad people and throw them into mad houses.

Aoife wants to escape. She can escape from the city but can she escape from genetics?


Let me preface my review with this: I was so very unattached to all characters, uninterested in the story, and it pained me to finish this whole book. If my review is skewed, this is why. The story might be wonderful and I was not in the mood.

Mainly I found myself uninterested because the book felt like it still needed some serious cutting. It was 492 pages. For what really happened, that is too many. There were scenes that were superflous and much of the nattering inside Aoife's head was unneeded.

The world is cool. It's steampunk basically. Aether glows in lights much like electricity, but blue. An Engine located underneath the city constantly churns and keeps the Aether going. Typical steampunk things make appearances: goggles, dirigibles, machines with gears and cogs.

The best part of the world was not the steampunk aspect, but the insertion of Lovecraftian monsters. The monsters are THE best part of the book. There's creepy undead things, skittering humanoid creatures that lurk in the night, and faeries (were they faeries?) so dark you shiver at night thinking about the descriptions Kittredge gave.

Aoife (apart from having a ridiculously difficult name to pronounce) is a believable character. She studied engineering and machinery - yay intelligence - and, for the most part, she barrels through events without needing much of anyone's help. She is anything but helpless. Instead she needs her friends for moral support. I liked this apsect of her character. Not dependant on the boys around her.

Yes, there's boys. Of course. It's young adult. First, there's Conrad her mad brother who's disappearance takes her away from the city in the first place. Then there's Cal, her best friend. He's an incredible annoying character, with a chip off his shoulder, and he's there for her through thick and thin. And finally, Dean. With a name like that, you're sure shootin' he's the romantic interest. Oh, he's a rebel, a dark mystery about him, and he's totally into Aoife.

The story. At the core, it's a great story. A great set up for a trilogy I will not read. There was too much side stuff. Cut about 150 or 200 pages from this book and you've got a story that's action-packed and moves at a clip. Looking at the second and third book, looks like the publishers, or the author, realized  that the story needed to be more compact - the last book being 304 pages.


This book was NOT for me. Every time I sat down to read it, my mind wandered elsewhere. I found myself skimming half the time. After all that skimming, I lost nothing. I still took in the details of the world and the twists and turns of the characters' journey.

Venture into this dark, steampunk world and try not to have nightmares about the monsters. I know I am happy to have left it, never to return.


2/5 STARS

Gah, that cover is gross.

Filed Memories

The Archived
By Victoria Schwab

Mackenzie is a Keeper of the dead. When people die, their memories become Histories and are filed away in a library between worlds. Sometimes, the memories wake and it's Mackenzie's job to return them to rest in the library. When she moves to a new place, her family reeling from her little brother's sudden death, and the converted hotel in which they live in is full of mysteries and waking Histories.

A richly imaginative world. The concept is unique and every time there's an answer, five more questions pop up. Memorable characters and a deep world I'd love to visit.

Mackenzie seems super human - if this could be her only flaw. She is dealing with issue after issue and I wonder how she didn't break down a cry. I don't think she slept much. This girl is go go go and business like. I liked that about her.

Her family dynamics are lovely. The main character switches between present and memories from the past of her Da, her grandfather, who trained her to be a Keeper. For the first part of the book, I could not make the distinction between her Da (grandfather) and Dad (father) - quite a bit of confusion between those two.

Her fellow team mate Keeper, Wesley, is equally likeable if not more so. I liked their ambiguous chemistry. Business like, but possible hinted at romance. Not sure if this was a romance or a great friendship. Either way, the chemistry between these two is tentative and delightful.

The unravelling of the world was done in a delicate manner. The reader is confused for the first few pages, then slowly Schwab begins to explain the mechanics. This is one that takes a bit to get into, but once you do, be prepared to fly away to another dimension.

Would I want to visit the Library? Yes. But I would refuse to see any filed relatives. See people I don't know, for sure. And, hello, I'd love to meet Roland (who Schwab says is based on David Tennant's Doctor). Uh, yes please.

Overall, really cool. Really REALLY cool. Recommend for those wanting a sorta creepy, dimension expanding, library kinda story.

4/5 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

Waves Crashing, Mermaids Swimming

Of Triton
By Anna Banks

Back in the mermaid world for book 2! I enjoyed this book last summer ( Of Poseidon), so I decided to kick off this summer with the sequel. It is a trilogy. And after reading this one, I will most definitely finish off the series this summer.

Emma's mom has kidnapped her and they're on the run from the mermaid royals. The book starts with a pretty awesome chase scene. Then it gets complex.

I was reading this in bed and at about 11pm I thought, "One more chapter and then lights off." Next thing I know it's after midnight and I've finished the darn thing. Little did I know that the chapter I was to read kicked the story into full gear. IT WAS GRIPPING!

Same hilarious characters, great story weaving and mythology building - ultimately a great summer read. Fast paced and never dull. Recommended if you read 'Of Poseidon' first. 

I liked this one more than the first.

5/5 STARS

Where'd the Dragons Go?

Vanish
By Sophie Jordan

The second book in the Firelight series. It's impossible to write a review completely void of spoilers. So if you haven't read the first book, please read my review for Firelight and read the book.

Taking off from that cruel cliff hanger, we return to the dragon pride. Jacinda wanted to return, but now that she's back it all seems strange. She's been through things that others cannot understand. The town makes her family, except for her newly-special sister, the pariahs.

Even worse, the two 'princes' of the town have their eye on Jacinda and her sister, Tamra. It becomes apparent that they're meerly competing with each other to win the others choice ove the other. Young male dragons *ugh*.

Of those two dragons, Cassian, the Alpha-Leader's son and original guy that Jacinda was supposed to be bonded to, is the most interesting. He's in a bad spot. He truly cares for Jacinda. The unrequited lover. The reader sympathizes with him. That's the best part of this book. Sympathizing with these incredibly difficult situations that everyone is in.

I could've had more Tamra. She's off for most of the series, separated (intentionally) fom Jacinda and their mother.

Things get worse and worse, and when you think they can't get worse... they do. I kept checking the pages left, thinking the book would have to wrap up fairly quickly and then... of course... a cliff hanger! This one is a little less cruel than the first book's, however, I STILL WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!!!!

Same fun storyline, action came at the right moment, and enough frustration to keep me reading. This book is FUN. It's like candy. Incredibly addicting.

But of course, there's a third book. This is a trilogy. *facepalm* I'll probably finish it next year.

4/5 STARS

In Your Dreams

Dream a Little Dream
By Kerstin Gier

Liv Silver moves around a lot. The latest place her mom has settled in is London. Because of this, her dreams have become weird. One night she dreams she's in a graveyard with four boys. Next day at school, those very same boys are there. Something is not right in the dreamworld.

This was on my to-read-list but not for this year. However, it came in the library and I had to take it out. I loved Kerstin Gier's Ruby Red Trilogy. It was fun and hilarious.

Can I say I liked this one better? The writing improved and the humour of the main character, Liv, had me giggling out loud. Gier has this magical ability to make funny heroines and really intriguing worlds. Long since I've been a fan of Alice in Wonderland, I've been fascinated by dreams and the riddles of our psychology that they play.

There could've been confusion when writing characters wandering around in each other's dreams, however, it is written with such ease that the transitions are non-confusing and delightful. The inserts of the high-school "Tittle Tattle" blog add a little extra, but might be superfluous. I do like the idea of including a different media into a novel.

Maaaaaybe a little bit of insta love. But I didn't care. Remember what it was like in high school? To have one crush one week and then next week another. Hormone's are wreaking havoc on the teenage system and they cannot fathom why they feel so attracted to someone immediately. At least, that's what I tell myself when I come across these "insta-love" type novels. Our main character was so head-strong that I don't believe her to be completely ruled by her heart over her head, or by her raging hormones.

Fun! Stupidly fun and a perfect summer read. Yet again, Kerstin Gier creates loveable characters and hilarious dialogue. Highly recommend for a quick, fun read.

4/5 STARS

Between the Spaces

Afterworlds
By Scott Westerfeld

Darcy Patel participated in a month long novel-writing challenge (not NaNoWriMo *wink*) and mailed in her manuscript. The Publisher sends her a contract and suddenly she's off to New York to begin a bright shiny life as a writer. We read her novel in alternating chapters as she polishes and gleans ideas from her peer writers.


Coolest idea for a book. It pulls back the curtain on the methods behind writing and how life experiences can effect the writing process. I love the tidbits of writing advice.

The voice of Darcy is believeable. She is confident and insecure at the same time. There were a few eyebrow-raising unrealistic parts, however, for the most part I was able to remind myself that it's fiction and Westerfeld was having fun.

Her novel: After an attack at the airport, Lizzie can now pass in the space between worlds. The Afterworld. There she meets Yamaraj, a sort of god of the underworld... but not quite. Now able to go between worlds, she begins a quest of revenge and soon realizes the consequences.

But of course there's love in this YA novel. Not the kind you're expecting though and it is utterly refreshing. In both stories!

I enjoyed both stories, neither being in my regular comfort zone genre. And, I didn't mind jumping back and forth.

The best part about the book was being aware that Darcy was the strings behind Lizzie. Darcy would say "I need to put that somewhere in my book" and then a few chapters later in Lizzies story there it would appear.  It brought us out of the Lizzie story, but further into Darcy's.

One downside: what genre is this?!??! One story is paranormal, the other is contemporary. Love the idea of bending the genre, two-in-one.

Overall, recommended to writers certainly. It's fun. And yes, a little long, but what do you expect when an average book is three-hundred and this is really two books in one.

4/5 STARS

The cover: The abstract tear with the ink makes more sense as you read the book. Something that doesn't come across in digital form is the pearl finish of the book. It shimmers. And the purple is a deeper indigo than your eyes can comprehend. Very striking.

Words Fly on Wings of Magic

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
By Leslye Walton

Ava Lavender was born extraordinary. Born with a pair of wings, no one knows why. We read the history of her family, 3 generations of foolish love and magical realism, to tell her poetic story.

About a week ago, I finished this book in three days. It kept me up at night until my eyes were drooping, unable to read any futher. I'm still thinking about it. No words that I can put down will capture what it made me feel. It is an esquisite debut novel.

It starts with the introduction to Ava, then abruptly jumps back in time to her great grandmother and grandmother's time. I thought I'd be bored with this sudden change, however, I quickly fell in love with the style of writing and peaceful kindness in the story telling. The story flows smoothly and gently. It allows you to contemplate and absorb the characters and their journeys.

Each character is unique and completely, even with slight magical elements, human. No one is without their flaws and no one is without their perfections. Leslye Walton captures humanity at its worst, at its most tragic, its most sorrowful, and its most beautiful.

It is haunting and it made me weep with relief and melancholy. And yet, it is uplifting.

Truly, this book is made of magic.

5/5 STARS

Bone Shaking Witches

Revenge of the Witch (The Last Apprentice)

By Joseph Delaney

Old Gregory has been a spook for years, ridding the county villages of evil. He needs an apprentice, he's already had twenty-nine. Thomas Ward will be his next apprentice, the seventh son of the seventh son. This is the first in a long series (13 books, plus additional short stories and novellas).

Honestly, I half expected this book to unimpress me. Boy was I wrong. Gripping action, creepy lore, and wonderful, yet mysterious characters. Sold.

Thomas Ward is an enjoyable character. He is terrified when he needs to be and resourceful. His actions are completely believable. The girl with pointy shoes, Alice, is an enigma. I expect her to come back, no doubt. And Spook, Old Gregory, the master knows more than he is telling. He is the right amount of mysterious.

Let's talk about the creep factor. Wow. This book has some serious elements of horror. I had to remind myself I was reading a middle grade book because the way Delaney wrote the Mother Malkin scenes and the last apprentice's appearance (no spoilers) had me biting my fingernails. I was on the edge of my seat. Surely, I would have nightmares.

Hands down, this is a great book. I might even continue with the series... if the length didn't daunt me.

4/5 STARS

Fire Breather

Firelight

By Sophie Jordan

Jacinda is a born draki – a human that can shapeshift into a dragon. Being a fire breather, a rare anomaly in her pride, she is special and the leaders want to keep her close. She will not be made captive. When her rebelliousness nearly costs her pride, her mother decides to pack up and leave with Jacinda and her twin, Tamra. Unfortunately, they pick the town where a group of dragon hunters live. Even worse, their star hunters are in Jacinda's grade. Especially, Will ... the cute one.

Again with the mythological romance, this book was enjoyable to the last page. A page turner and a dragon book at that! I'm reading the second book, hands down. 

Jacinda, our protagonist, is selfish, does what she wants, when she wants. Unless it comes to her family. She struggles with hiding her true identity and with moving to a new town where her sister seems to be making all the friends. She is lonely and wants to go back. Sometimes characters like this can get annoying, I never once found her annoying. I loved the struggle. It felt believable.

Tamra, her twin sister, does not have shapeshifting ability. Immediately this gives us conflict between the two. I love it! Their mother is struggling to give them a better life. The reader felt for her. And the twins didn't always understand the sacrifices she was making.

For a fast, light read. By no means is this a masterful novel, but it does make reading fun. Yes please! Book two here I come. Wait, there's another after that. Ok!

4/5 STARS

Classroom: Again, not for classroom use. Dragon suggested reading for the teen.

Swim Little Fishes, Swim

Of Poseidon

By Anna Banks

Galen has been sent by the Kingdom of the Syrena to seek out the girl who speaks to fish, Emma. For Emma, her literal run in with Galen leaves her rattled. A regular day at the beach quickly turns out to be the event that brings these two together.

Gosh, this was a happy, feel-good book. So enjoyable that I read it in one day. Could not put it down. The characters are likeable and realistic, with pet peeves and irritations of their own. I thoroughly enjoyed the take on the mermaid mythology.

If you're looking for a light, fast read of a romancey-mythological story, then pick this. The main character, Emma, is not passive. She reacts like anyone would in her situation. This is why I will continue with this series. Yes, a series. There are two more: “Of Triton” and “Of Neptune”.

Fun!!

4/5 STARS

Classroom: Suggested for summer reading or any student interested in mermaids. Not for classroom use.

Pos-i-tute-ly Divine

The Diviners

By Libba Bray

1920's – There's a murderer on the loose in New York City, the curator of an occult museum is assisting in solving the case and his spirited young woman with a psychic ability has just been sent to live with him. Together, they work to track the killer. Part mystery, part ghost story this book will send you back in time to the carefree parties of the roaring twenties.

Fantastic. I was enraptured from the get-go with the setting and the plot. The main character, Evie, is grating, self-absorbed, and vivacious. She walks in a room and demands attention. Most of all, she loves telling stories. One can never tell if she's speaking the truth or forming a fantastical version of the truth. I disliked her to start and as she grew, I began to love her.

It's been a while since I've taken on a ghost story. As a child, I loved them. My love is rekindled. I'll have to find more like this novel because I loved it. Naughty John is one of the most unnerving, bone-chilling, skin-crawling villains to read. He is terrifying.

The plot moves and each character is unique and mysterious. You're left wanting more after every chapter. Of course, you have to work for the solutions to the mysteries because this book is a beast. Just under 600 pages, this is a book you'll want to invest time into. You'll love it. It's the cat's meow.

4.5/5 STARS

Classroom: Far too much of a tome to bring in, however, if you have students interested in the 1920's or possible ghost mysteries, suggest this one.

Angels Aplenty

Angelfall

By Susan Ee

Angels. Those damn angels.

Penryn lives with her mentally unstable mother and physically disabled little sisiter, just trying to survive. The world was attacked by Angels and any semblances of man's civilization is crumbling. Why they attacked, no one knows for sure. Day to day living is rough, but Penryn is a survivor. 

She's keeping her family together, until she meets Raffe. Attacked by fellow angels, he falls from the sky in front of her. When the attacking angels see her try to help him they fly off with her beloved, defenceless sister. In order to get her sister back, she must ally with the angel, Raffe, for only he knows where her sister's being taken.

Action packed. The lulls are few and far between. From page one, things are happening and they just keep coming. Supernatural beings are overdone for me and rarely do I find myself wanting to read stories about them. Well, here. This one. Pick this one.

Penryn is strong, sarcastic, loyal, and takes charge. She never feels sorry for herself, she keeps on trucking. A disaster happens, she thinks, “Ok, what do I need to do now”. Her mother is incredibly scary. You can never tell when she's acting rationally or not. And the beautiful, glorious, angel Raffe is an enigma. He lets nothing show and it frustrates Penryn, as it does the reader.

Susan Ee's writing is beautiful and detailed. You never misunderstand what she's describing. It's clear and concise, a mix of poetic descriptions and driving dialogue.

I will definitely pick up the sequel, and the next, and the next. (5 total projected in this series)

5/5 STARS

Classroom: Nah. Keep this one for a weekend to read on your own.

Brrrr, It's Chilly In This Town

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

By Holly Black

Tana lives in an alternate reality where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave. After a regular high school party goes horribly wrong, Tana is set on a journey to one of these Coldtowns with a vampire, an almost vampire, and two wannabe vampires.

I never read vampire books. I read this one as it was marketed as one of the better vampire stories for Young Adult. It was really good. I enjoyed the interpretation of vampirism and the effects it might have if it spread like a pandemic disease.

Tana gets herself out of trouble. She never relies on anyone else. And even when she does, she goes ahead and does it for herself anyway. It is both her flaw and virtue. I certainly enjoyed her interactions with all the characters introduced. I wished there were more scenes with her, Jameson, and Valentina.

This book had a very slow start. It does begin in the aftermath of action, but the time it took Tana to get to the Coldtown dragged on for 130 pages. I wonder what would happen if the reader started at Chapter 15. Would much be lost?

My favourite part is all the parts with Lucien. Deliciously cruel.

Nice touch or superfluous detail?:

Each chapter begins with a quote about death. Did those quotes have to do with the chapter at all? Nope. Just cool tidbits that added nothing to the story... except maybe to show humans' fascination with death has always been around.

Start at Chapter 15 and you'll be set!

3/5 STARS

Classroom: Not recommended.

An Angel and a Demon Fell in Love: War Happened

Days of Blood and Starlight

By Laini Taylor

Genre: Fantasy

Book two and the chimera and angels are at war. This is a spoiler-free blog, so I will give no major story reveals.

The first of the series, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, sets up a world rich with culture and history. This second of the to-be-trilogy hits the ground running. Laini Taylor weaves much more complexity into this novel, world, characters, and plot.

She masterfully writes the many sides of war, so you can view reasoning or frivolity behind each decision. We see the innocent pulled into cruelties of revenge, we see those that blindly follow commands of their masters, and we see those that would challenge or second guess everything.

Karou returns to us, as a willow branch bent to the point of breaking. Her arc is slow to start as she is not quite who we, the reader, want her to be. Then again, isn't that realistic? No one is strong all the time. We all have our moments of doubt and complete resignation.

While I was not as captivated during the first half, I hit a point midway through where I could not stop reading. I can only hope this trilogy satisfies.

4/5 STARS

Classroom: No. I can't believe this is categorized as Young Adult. 15+ to fully grasp some of the complex issues explored.

Fresh Fairy Tale

Keturah & Lord Death

By Martine Leavitt

Genre: Fantasy

A story of life and love, death and triumph. A fairy tale in an ordinary world with an extraordinary character at the heart of it.

Keturah is young and beautiful. When she ventures off into the forest, chasing the Lord's prized white Hart, she encounters Death. This is not the first time she has met him. He has been intrigued by her and he has followed her her whole life. However, this time he refuses to let her go. She uses quick thinking to tell him a tale, for she is a gifted story-teller, and refuses to tell him the ending unless he gives her one more day.

A lovely piece of writing, I read slowly, enjoying every sip. Fairy tales are back in fashion and many authors rewrite and rehash the old ones – Grimm Brothers and Anderson. Leavitt, instead, creates her own (with a nod to Scheherazade).

Not sure if you can see the cover clearly with the image I've attached, but I didn't notice this on my own copy until halfway though the book. There's the figure of Keturah in the red dress, but then opposite, on the left side, is a dark, shadowy figure of Death in a riding cloak and hat.

4 STARS

Classroom: From experience, most boys would not enjoy this book. Independent reading for 12+.