REVIEW: SHIP OF MAGIC (LIVESHIP TRADERS #1) BY ROBIN HOBB

Published by Del Rey, 2014. Mass Market Paperback, 809 pages

     I've been a bit silent on the book reviewing front. Sorry about that! I went through an unusual reading slump after dragging myself through a few books, and took a small break. I wanted to return to a sure thing....and Hobb has proven her excellence time and again. She is truly a master and I can't sing her praises highly enough. If you ever try Fantasy, I recommend her novels as a jumping off point.
      I have written reviews for the Farseer Trilogy in Hobb's expansive Realm of the Elderlings series, and have been told by countless people on Booktube that this is some of her best work yet (thank the Good Lord she's sactively writing!!!). I just started the second book and will marathon these similarly to how I read the first set.
       We follow characters in Bingtown and Jamailla, where Old Trader families are experiencing hard times due to slave labor and wars in the North. The ruling leader-Satrap- has allowed the areas to fall into neglect because of his inattention and addiction, which has also made him susceptible to bribes from New Traders hoping to takeover the Old Trader holdings. 
       The Liveships are the center of this tale. They are ships made from magical Wizardwood, which is only available in the Rain Wild Forests. Once a member from three generations of family have lived and died aboard the ship, it is "quickened" and becomes alive- a thriving vessel that brings prosperity and easier sailing for it's family. This valuable resource must be handled appropriately.
       I have so many things to say that I could ramble for paragraphs on end, and that would be a tedious experience indeed. Here's just a few of my my favorite things in this book.

CHARACTERS- Good grief, the development of her characters continues to astonish me. The Vestrit Trader family is nuanced and goes through extreme emotional turmoil as their livelihood is threatened. Each person responds differently to the family threat, and acts according to their life experience. I found I kept making parallels between characters in the Farseer books to these (Burrich to Brashen, Wintrow to Fitz (although Althea could be likened to Fitz as well due to the outcast angle). While this comparison could be problematic with a less-skilled author, the story still felt wholly new and original.
    
Also, there is an appropriate level of death. People aren't killed off willy-nilly. There is time for connections to develop, and when one does happen, it seems imminent and/or realistic for the situation.

PERSONIFICATION: The idea of reading about a ship weeping doesn't sound that entertaining. It sounds weird, not beautiful or interesting. Well, Robin Hobb can make it feel like your family member is crying. The beauty of the Liveship Vivacia when talking to Wintrow about family ties is one such surprising passage: "Who are you, I wonder, you creatures of flesh and blood and bone, born in your own bodies and doomed to perish when that flesh fails?....Yet when one of you is near, I feel you are woven of the same strand as I, that we are but extensions of a segmented life, and that together we complete one another. I feel a joy in your presence, because I feel my own life wax greater when we are close to one another." (pg 163)
Another quote when Vivacia is feeling anxious: "It was a terrible division, to feel such need for someone, and yet to feel angry that the need existed." (pg 704).

Okay, I guess it's still weird that a ship is that complex. But Hobb can pull it off, somehow.

WRITING: Stellar, magnificent, awesome, EVERYTHING. I might have said this before (I've certainly heard others mention it), but if you enjoy literary fiction and are curious about Fantasy, she's your girl.

PLOT: Even if you don't care about strong writing and simply want good action, she provides. If you like sea adventures (that even feature serpents!), pirates, romance, complex family dynamics, with the backdrop of an expansive world, here ya go.

PACING: Even though this story is told in a linear fashion without time jumps, having this many characters is a challenge. Somehow, I always felt like people received their fair time. I wasn't wishing I was back with other characters, everyone got an appropriate page count. I wasn't left with that all-too-familiar readerly feeling of wishing someone had more time in the book because I felt cheated. When I started to feel curious about how the Vestrits were getting on, almost instantaneously (okay, a few pages later) I was back with them. I think you've found your perfect author when that happens...it's like they sense your needs.
My least favorite parts were the shortest, such as the sections with the serpent tangle. I knew they were important, but I didn't want to hear from them in full-length chapter detail. Hobb knew. Their interludes were just a couple pages sprinkled throughout the chapters. I'm sure they'll play a larger part in the next two books, but for now have the perfect amount of attention. Readers, the story flows without a hitch.

WORLD BUILDING: I love a book with good maps! This series has one of the most extensive worlds I've ever experienced. It's not necessary to read the Farseer books before this, but there are cool passing references that are alluded to in this book. It's fun to to know the Rain Wild people have their own Chronicles in the next trilogy. There are tons of nooks and crannies to get lost in. It's hard for me to pick a favorite location. Every time I decide, I'm reminded of other areas I love.

CONS: There weren't any for me. As in most fantasy worlds, it's involved. It will take 50-75 pages to get your bearings with the people and setting. The connections take some mental energy, so if you're wanting a quick, non-taxing read, hold off on this until you can fully appreciate the content. However, it's not needlessly complex and convoluted the way many are. Everything has a point and a payoff. 

     I really hope you'll pick up Robin Hobb at some point in your reading life. I'd love to chat with you if you do! She's firmly on my "Authors to Meet" bucket list. I'm sure I'll simply utter an awkward "Thank You!!!", but feel that's sufficient for meeting someone I hold in such high esteem. This is storytelling at it's finest.

REVIEW: UPROOTED BY NAOMI NOVIK

Published by Macmillan (UK), 2015. Hardcover, 438 pgs

       This was utterly delightful! Every ten years, the Dragon picks a village girl to come live with him in exchange for the village's protection against the dangerous Wood. The feared, respected Dragon has mastered the use of certain magics and lives mostly as a powerful, aloof wizard in his tower. When Agnieszka is surprisingly chosen as his companion over her friend (and assumed choice) Kasia, she embarks on many unexpected adventures in (and out) of his household.
      I absolutely adore the heroine, Agnieszka. She is plagued by self-doubt, holds occasional pity-parties for herself, is average in appearance, and grows realistically as a character. The most impressive part of her story is the fantastic way that she resourcefully figures out how to solve a problem by doing her best. Sounds simple, but so many books take illogical jumps from a character having basic skill to mastery of the skill in the course of a minute. Agnieszka uses the knowledge she has from reading and understanding the basic nature of a simple substance to do the best in whatever situation she lands in. Sometimes it simply slows down a problem until a more permanent situation can be found. This is often how REAL life is, even though there is also magic in the story.
       The magic is completely enchanting. There's a beauty to the fluidity of the spells that make it a joy to read even as terrible things are happening. The juxtaposition of gruesome in the Wood and the evocative, often merry-sounding spells was captivating. 
       It's also hard to find good gal friendships in stories these days. Particularly without jealousy, heaps of resentment over appearances, or fighting over a man/multiple men. Agnieszka and Kasia remain devoted to each throughout the story, no matter if they're experiencing highs or lows.  
       I greatly respected Novik's approach to the story, and the blend of elements she used to make a truly entertaining read. It is apparent that she was raised on Polish fairy tales, and has indeed "pillaged degrees in English literature....from various ivory towers" (from author blurb on the back flap of my edition). Definitely interested in reading her backlist, particularly the Temeraire Series.

REVIEW: ASSASSIN'S QUEST (BOOK 3 IN THE FARSEER TRILOGY) BY ROBIN HOBB

Published by Bantam, 1997. Mass Market Paperback, 757 pgs   

      An epic ending to a fantastic trilogy. I did feel there were a couple pacing problems, particularly on a long journey near the end. I shouldn't have been surprised at some of the extreme magical elements, but there were a couple parts I wish had a more grounded explanation. I realize this is ridiculous since there are obvious hints of a grand revelation in the magic system setup, but it was quite fantastical and threw me off for whatever reason. However, I adored the magic of the Skill and the Wit-bond to animals. As someone who spends her days with four dogs, Hobb's loyal, loving depiction was accurate and appreciated.

     This book opens once again on a damaged Fitz who is trying to achieve normalcy and eventually go on a vengeful mission. Of all the novels, this is the most introspective and magic heavy. We also get additional Six Duchies history and lore. The reader has been on a long journey detailing the Kingdom's battle against The Red Ship raiders. The story is concluded in this final installment.

    The relationships wrapped up in both perfect and imperfect ways. There was a mix of happy and sad, with many realistic outcomes. It's so hard to stay out of spoiler territory, but my favorite resolutions dealt with Nighteyes and Molly. I appreciated that certain characters were given their due in sometimes unexpected ways, while others were elevated. This is intentionally vague, but those who have read the series will probably know which characters I'm referencing. If you'd like to discuss this series, please get in touch with me here or on YouTube. This is my new favorite series of all time. I haven't marathoned books all together in ages, and will deeply miss these characters. I'm thrilled that I have more Robin Hobb to discover. I urge you to try her books if you have any interest in Fantasy. Utterly brilliant.

REVIEW: ROYAL ASSASSIN (BOOK 2 IN THE FARSEER TRILOGY) BY ROBIN HOBB

Published by Bantam Books, 1996. Mass Market Paperback, 675 pgs

     While book one focused on Fitz's coming of age in Buckkeep, this delves further into the lore/use of magics, disillusionment with King Shrewd, and that pesky rascal Regal. The Red Ship Raiders are still threatening the Six Duchies, and that is the main external conflict. We get a bit more from the awesome ladies in this one, with many of these characters quickly becoming my favorite of all time.
      I'm continuing to adore the way this series is unfolding. It doesn't feel cumbersome, the facts are presented in a well-paced way, and there is a great mix of good and bad characters. The Fantasy tropes of using insanely long names and lots of info dumps are not part of this trilogy, which is oh-so refreshing. We learn more about the Six Duchies and why there are resentments between the inland vs coastal duchies, and how these relationships affect fighting a mutual enemy.
     Hobb is a master with her storytelling. I love the moral lessons and word play that the reader experiences with a character such as the Fool. Bits and bobs pertaining to loyalty are always highlighted with characters like Chade, Burrich, and Fitz. The developing friendship between Patience and Kettricken is something I'd been rooting for since the beginning. Verity is admirable and Chade makes me sad, anxious, and appreciative that there are people in this world willing to do their work quietly for the benefit of all.
       The story progresses to a very dark place near the end, which is expected so the final book will have situations to resolve. The suspense I felt on the last page was appropriate. Even though it's evident the story is incomplete, it wasn't an unsatisfying, burning cliffhanger as Hobb could have made it. I appreciated that, especially with the strong feelings she evokes for these characters in her writing. Needless to say, (but obviously, still saying it!) I have the highest hopes for the last installment in this trilogy. Robin Hobb is brilliant.

 

REVIEW: ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE (BOOK 1 IN THE FARSEER TRILOGY) BY ROBIN HOBB

Published by Del Rey Mass Market, 2014. Mass Market Paperback, 435 pages.
   
    Robin Hobb has been all the rage this year among my friends on YouTube. I now completely understand the hullabaloo! I'm going to keep this review fairly short, since so many things have already been said about this novel. It is a phenomenal Fantasy story with a rich world that sets up nicely for a long story arc. We follow Fitz, bastard son to Prince Chivalry, who is unceremoniously dumped at the castle by his maternal Grandfather and mom one day when he is six. He is taken under the wing of the Stablemaster Burrich, and thus builds a life at Buckkeep. This installment is his coming of age.
      Not only is the writing great, the characters are fantastically developed and evoke empathy or hatred. I really like George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series, but most of those characters are unequivocally bad. It's also hard to form attachments when you think a character is going to die any second anyway. I loved the magic present, from the Skill to Fitz's use of the Wit, evoked when bonds are formed with animals. I liked the Mountain people presented later in the story...particularly the novel concept that royalty pitches in and performs the same duties as servants, because everyone works together in a true attitude of service for their community.
      Fitz's observation skills, particularly when he apprentices under Chade, are fun and unique. For whatever reason, it reminded me of mom and I eavesdropping on people in the grocery checkout lines. Nice to hear a male doing that in a novel for a change! There is political intrigue galore, all of it well-paced. This is one of my favorite books of the year. I journaled the maps, characters, and main plot points while reading- because I know I will be reading all books by this author. If you know my commitment issues with series (as in stopping after the first or second book) this is high praise indeed. I find this a great intro into Fantasy, especially for those who love literary fiction and are interested in exploring another genre. I've heard this series pales in comparison to the next trilogy, The Liveship Traders, which must be really fantastic. I can't wait to keep reading!

REVIEW: THE LIBRARY AT MOUNT CHAR BY SCOTT HAWKINS

Published by Crown, 2015. Hardcover, 388 pgs

Hmm...how to review. This is a rare novel where I could detail half of the book's information and it wouldn't seem spoilery, making little sense on the surface. I'm still not quite sure I understood everything. This is classified as Fantasy, and also contains Horror/Mystery/Comedy elements. We follow an odd cast of characters assembled by "Father" to study different courses in a supernatural-type library. Each Librarian has a strict regimen of study in their own catalogue, and must not deviate from their specialty or face pretty severe punishments. When "Father" goes missing, the Librarians band together to search for him and find out why certain occurrences are happening. Beyond this, we have parallel universes, resurrections, lots of bloodshed, a pile of dark comedy, strange outfits, and a perfectly bizarre story. Trigger warning for anyone who has a hard time with blood and gory descriptions. There is also some animal death...boo (but mostly in a feral sense).

In spite of these weird aspects (or maybe because of), it kind of worked for me. The writing was quite good even though the plot and scenarios were all over the place. It was fast-paced and that was nice since I desperately wanted to know what the heck was going on. Keith Donohue (author of The Stolen Child) has a blurb on the back cover which captures the essence of this Fantasy novel quite succinctly "This book is batshit crazy." True. Very true. I noticed a couple similarities to this story and Lexicon by Max Berry. This was mostly due to the linguistic element of Carolyn's studies and how that gave her power in certain situations, like the powerful language utilized in the academy in Lexicon. I preferred this story.

While I wasn't blown away enough to consider for a reread, it was a unique experience. Go in expecting to be confused and scratching your head continuously. Hawkins has a neat style that pulls you through the book, if you don't mind feeling a little grossed out occasionally. Points for originality, and making me feel like I was in a fever dream. I recommend for anyone looking for a spooky read that is unusual indeed.

REVIEW: THE RAVEN BOYS BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER

Published by Scholastic, 2012. Hardcover, 408 pgs

      Blue Sargent's family is full of seers and fortune tellers. While she doesn't share these abilities, she amplifies energy and enhances her relative's psychic powers. Every year on St. Mark's Eve (April 24), she and her mom (in one case her aunt) travel to the church graveyard and wait for the parade of near dead souls- those who will die in the coming year. This year Blue actually sees someone in the graveyard for the first time. This boy, Gansey, is from the prep school Aglionby. The school mascot is the Raven. Through a series of events, Blue becomes involved with these Raven Boys to satisfy some of her curiosities, and becomes their friend. I can't take credit for this since I saw it on an Amazon review, but it's accurate: "This book is like if Edgar Allan Poe taught the boys from The Dead Poets Society." 

       I love books featuring fortune telling. It can be a tricky writing subject, because if not told in a certain way, it can sound campy and completely absurd. I listened to Jodi Piccoult's Leaving Time on audio and loved the story of a young girl trying to find her missing mom through a fortune teller. Stiefvater also delivered in writing a quirky, heartfelt family who just happened to have these psychic abilities. I loved all her crazy aunts and cousins at 300 Fox Way. Also, here's a random lovely quote: "She recognized the strange happiness that was sometimes so big it felt like sadness. It was the way she felt when she looked at the stars."

      I'm from Virginia, and always appreciate reading about this location and the beautiful surrounding mountains. Since privileged characters can leave the reader feeling cold, I think it's important for the author to make them distinguishable in some way to make us care. In this case, Stiefvater creates Gansey, a boy bent on finding ley lines- invisible energy lines that connect spiritual places. An eclectic interest indeed! "From his father, Gansey had gotten a head for logic, an affection for research, and a trust fund the size of most state lotteries." I liked Gansey and his friend Adam immediately, but also disliked the Lynch brothers (Declan and Ronan) from the start. Big props to Stiefvater for addressing the issue of money and the class system in a heartfelt way through Adam. Money can create an unintentional divide among friends, and whether wealthy or poor, everyone has their own awful crap to deal with. 

    Blue's relationship with Maura (her mom) was of particular interest to me. Blue says when she is expected to do something it is never demanded, but the question is "phrased more as an imperative." Another scene in the kitchen where her mother is quiet "in that heavy way that was louder than talking"could describe a lot of tense teenage girl/mother mornings and interactions.

     I highly recommend this book. I found it unique, and I cared about all the characters so much that I would have been really sad if they died. This might seem a callous barometer, but some characters being killed off doesn't bother me in any way (besides kids and animals of course!). I do have one complaint. I must say I wasn't crazy about the supernatural story line. I found it a bit odd that people would go to such lengths for the reasons given. I felt it was silly and too contrived- but I liked the characters so much I forgave it, even though it probably dropped the star rating from a 5 to a 4. Looking forward to book 2- Dream Thieves!

REVIEW: THE ALLOY OF LAW BY BRANDON SANDERSON

Published by Gollancz (UK edition), 2011. 332 pgs

I was excited to return to the Sanderson world of the Mistborn trilogy- set 300 years in the future from the final events in Hero of Ages. Our main character Waxillium Ladrian is a rare Twinborn, which means he has Allomantic and Feruchemical powers. The former allows for metal manipulation, while the latter allows him to become lighter and heavier at will. He was originally from Elendel, House of Ladrian, but left the city to be a lawman in Weathering (the Roughs). His trusty deputy is Wayne, who has special magical powers of his own. Years later he returns home to run Ladrian mansion and assume city duties in the wake of his Uncle's death. At the heart, there is a mystery that arises dealing with phantom railcars and kidnapping of women and other resources.

I did enjoy the dynamic between Wax and his friend Wayne, even if some of the humor between the two fell flat. The problem with this book for me was one of the female leads, Marasi. She felt contrived and convenient for the circumstances. While she was able to shoot a gun, she was still depicted as weak for most of the narrative. Therefore, she didn't feel empowered to me. She was a law student, so some of that was useful in presenting urban planning and the psychology of crime facts to the story. The most irritating element was the frequency with which she is described as "blushing", or even "blushing furiously". It must have been over 30 times, I lost count. Sanderson even addresses this in her internal monologue- with some comment about how she realizes she needs to stop doing it. Unfortunately, it didn't take away from the nuisance of the constant references. 

If you haven't read the Mistborn trilogy, this book would still be feasible with the attached glossary for magical terms. However, you would miss a lot of passing references to the Lord Mistborn, the Survivor and his religion, Terris traditions, and groups of people (such as the Koloss and Ironeyes). Basically, I wouldn't recommend. While I liked being back in this world briefly, I felt a bit letdown. However, if you are looking for a fast-paced action/adventure and don't mind characters that are a touch underdeveloped and have some stereotypical behavior, this book would be a fun, quick adventure.

REVIEW: GRACELING BY KRISTIN CASHORE

Published by Harcourt, 2008. Hardcover, 471 pgs

      In this first installment of a Young Adult Fantasy trilogy, our main character Katsa has an extreme talent for killing. In this culture, anyone with an inherent gift and eyes of two different colors possesses a "Grace" and is known as a Graceling. Katsa despises that she is under the employ of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns. Her assigned tasks include punishing those who have bothered the king in any way, whether that be removing fingers or being an executioner. Wishing to use her gift for combat in an honorable way as well, she embarks on covert side jobs to protect and free oppressed peoples in other kingdoms. Upon meeting Prince Po, a young man also Graced with fighting skills, her life changes in unexpected ways as she discovers more about her abilities.
     I really enjoyed this. It's been on my TBR for awhile, and I was happy when it was chosen for me to read by my BookBuddyAThon partner, Felica. This fulfilled one of five challenges in a readathon I participated in on YouTube, particularly reading a book your friend gave five stars. I really liked the world building and the characteristics of the seven kingdoms, as well as the strong female lead. She reminded me a lot of Lia from Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson, in that she rebelled against the life set out for her.
       I preferred Po a bit more than Katsa. Along with her gifts, her level of angst and bad temperament could be grating (even though this was resolved by the middle to end of the book). While the Graceling talents could feel convenient for the situations sometimes, I liked the progression of the story-and it was incredibly well-paced! Po is so well-drawn because Cashore makes him seem genuinely humbled that Katsa's talents are often superior, and he's refreshing because he doesn't feel threatened. Other authors attempt this, but often I think it feels forced.
       This was a great story, quite jealous at the selection of wonderful YA options available for teens today. I've always been a voracious reader, but would have been more so at a younger age with this kind of diverse content. Two thumbs up!

REVIEW: A PLACE WITHOUT SHADOWS (BOOK 2 OF THE DEADLOCK TRILOGY) BY P.T. HYLTON

Published by Six String Books, 2015. Paperback, 313 pgs
Book 1 Review- Regulation 19

First off, I give props to any author who provides a recap of the previous book in a series as a preface to the upcoming book. Hylton does this through a section titled "What We Know". Rook Mountain, Tennessee is adjusting to some tough changes. While a single day hasn't passed in other parts of the country, the residents in this town have experienced eight harrowing years. PT Hylton did not disappoint with book two!

I was excited for fresh material as the mission to eradicate the enemy continues. We are introduced to a new setting called The Sanctuary in this installment, as well as some creepy new creatures to join the eery ranks of the Unfeathered. The title meaning was revealed in the second half and alluded to the ominous forest setting. We are also reunited with some old favorite characters from book one. I particularly appreciated that Hylton continued to draw strong female characters, with Sophie taking a strong position similar to Christine in the previous novel.

I like how Hylton plays with the changing laws in this society. In this case, we have the former Regulated days, and now the Unregulated system. It illustrates how tenuous judicial systems can be, and how a slight imbalance can tip a society into general chaos and lawlessness. The resulting uncertainty and unease made for a suspenseful second book. Going hand in hand with the legal system is the question of morality. The younger generation only knows the rough, unfair system that was in place with Zed, and wants to uphold the prior laws at any cost...unaware of how life was before. Many older folks realize the destructive nature and are warring against the "Zed Heads". This is fun for the reader as we get to see a complex power struggle.

Also, about time travel....this novel has highlighted that it can be tricky and troubling- don't think I would care to engage in it. Writers must have an interesting time outlining these types of stories, I'd love to see all the charts and notes. This was another fast-paced, action filled ending with crazy twists and turns. Looking forward to The Broken Clock, but will be sad when the trilogy ends.

REVIEW: REGULATION 19 (BOOK 1 IN THE DEADLOCK TRILOGY) BY P.T. HYLTON

 Published by Six-String Books, 2015. Paperback, 312 pgs.
 PT Hylton's Booktube Channel
His Website
      We open on a prison. Prisons absolutely terrify me. One of my worst fears is being set up for a crime and ending up in jail a la Orange is the New Black style. It wouldn't stop there. I'd end up getting an infraction of some sort and be put in solitary. Before this thought process is allowed to go further, let's discuss this novel. Frank Hinkle has been in prison for nine years. One day, he is unexpectedly given a reprieve from his sentence on the condition that he perform a certain task. In agreement, he is released to a vastly different Rook Mountain, Tennessee to the one he left. His friends and family are unrecognizable in their behaviors and lifestyle, his brother has disappeared, regulations are in place to keep the citizens of the town from leaving, and mysterious objects are found that end up being of paramount importance. Other than the basics, the less you know the better. 

       This book is a nice blend of elements. We have a Dystopian Tennessee setting nine years in the future, as well as flashback sections to the time before "Unregulated". We also have mystery/thriller/fantasy components with time travel thrown in for good measure. Regulation 19 is distinct and doesn't fit into any one specific genre. Due to the gritty style and excellent writing on a mystery in a small town, I'd liken Hylton's style to Stephen King if I had to think of the closest author comparison.  My favorite settings are rustic so this added to my overall enjoyment. Woods, cabins, and mountains simultaneously give the story a comforting feel, but a sinister one as well due to isolation and the event that keeps it walled off from the rest of the world. The juxtaposition makes for an intriguing story.

     I enjoy creepy small town stories, and this one delivered. I felt for all the characters and was interested in their relationships with each other. There are lots of twists and turns in this book, and, as some fellow reviewers have said (and I wholeheartedly agree) I never knew where the story was going and enjoyed the continuous surprises. There are a couple devices near the end that helped provide explanation and set the reader up for the second installment in the trilogy. This could easily have felt contrived, but it was done seamlessly and that impressed me even more. 

      I would also like to promote P.T. Hylton as a fellow Booktuber and a very nice, articulate person. Thrilled to say that I can wholeheartedly recommend his book as well. I was lucky to receive a signed copy with annotations throughout highlighting PT's thoughts/feelings on the scene or experience while writing. If you go here, you can get signed copies and also buy all three books in the trilogy for $32.95 (includes shipping-US only.) All three can be shipped to the UK for $59.95. I recommend buying directly from him for the great personalization! I'm very excited to see how A Place Without Shadows deals with the changes presented in book one. Highly recommend!   

REVIEW: CHILD OF THE PROPHECY BY JULIET MARILLIER

Published by Tor, 2002. Paperback, 555 pgs.

As the third book in a trilogy, this will be an abbreviated review to prevent any spoilers. Here are my first two Goodreads reviews (pre-blog days) of the first and second book in Sevenwaters Trilogy.
Daughter of the Forest (Sevenwaters #1)
Son of the Shadows (Sevenwaters #2)

After some quick Wikipedia-ing to refresh the ol' mind on characters and important relationships, I dived into Child of the Prophecy. We open on Fianne, who is learning the art of glamour and disguise from her Father, the druid Ciaran. They live in the seaside town of Kerry in the "Honeycombs". Each book has dealt with different generations of the same family, and a progressive loss of magic within the realm. Prophecies must be fulfilled to prevent the old way of life from slipping away and ensure the future of Sevenwaters. Classic good versus evil stuff.

I really loved how Marillier re-introduced a few important characters from the previous books. I especially appreciated that Janis the cook spans the entire trilogy. While not a main character, she hears and sees everything and provides guidance behind the scenes. Like your trusty hairdresser or bank teller, other common professions that deal with hearing people's confessions.

This book dealt with the Druid lifestyle...which is something I wouldn't be completely adverse to. The appreciation for seclusion, forests, an introspective nature, along with the ability to possess a bit of magical ability, wouldn't be too shabby. However, I would miss having some modern amenities such as a Keurig and computer.

The major drawback to this book was the heavy-handed sense of duty stuff. While Fainne must make a difficult choice, the back and forth between whether she will use her abilities for good or evil was exhausting. She is certainly under extreme stress through the incessant blackmail of her Grandmother, but at some point a choice must be made. Fainne possesses the "wisdom of the druid, the craft of the sorcerer, and the blood of four races." So she's pretty important. Another beautiful line from the author: "Raised in discipline, in the endurance of hardship and the knowledge of the lore. Raised in love of solitude and trained in the craft of magic." 

Contrary to my Goodreads rating of the first book as five stars and the second as four stars, I would have to re-evaluate here and say that after completing the books I preferred the second, Son of the Shadows, overall. Liadan was the most decisive and strongest female character (in my humble opinion of course!). She still had flaws and hardships, but I found more empathy with her story because she took more action and didn't stew on one decision. Also, the pacing was better and the plot more intricate . I love the Irish setting and history of Sevenwaters, so I would still highly recommend this series.

 

REVIEW: THE VORRH BY B. CATLING

Published by Vintage, 2015. Paperback, 500 pgs.

"It was the mother of forests; ancient beyond language, older than every known species, and, some said, propagator of them all, locked in its own system of evolution and climate." (pg. 34)

I also love this quote on crying: "A liquid without name, it being made of so many emotions and conflicts, each cancelling the other out until only salt and gravity filled the moment and moved down through his expression." (pg 15).

This book was gripping (albeit a bit confusing) from page one. The language is evocative and the location draws you in. A fantasy novel set near the end of the 19th and early 20th century- the action focuses on the African town of Essenwald and the Vorrh, a vast, seemingly endless forest 200 miles to the Southeast. There are all manor of creatures residing here, many not quite human. It is rumored that the Garden of Eden still exists in the depths.

The very nature of the tangled, ethereal forest isolated from the rest of its environs reminded me (for various reasons) of The Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff Vandemeer (who blurbs The Vorrh), the TV series Lost, and State of Wonder by Ann Patchett- amped up 100 times in weirdness.

The story follows an eclectic cast of characters...townspeople, the natives (True People), anthropomorphgi, robots, cyclops, priests, healers, spirits called the Erstwhile, Orm, Kin, workers of the Vorrh (Limbioa), and explorers who enter the Vorrh for various reasons. The main narrative is driven by the timid, fearful relationship between the town and the forest that can maim or kill if precautions aren't followed exactly. We also have foreigners trying to exploit the people and resources for their own agenda, and trying to destroy the native's way of life and God's in the meantime. The economy of Essenwald is also highly dependent on the timber produced from the Vorrh to thrive. The writing takes some getting used to, but Catling succeeded in making the mysterious forest sound hypnotic.

While I appreciated the originality and cryptic disturbing imagery- "Coldness plucked at her optic nerves with a bony nail." (pg 137), this story was a little out there for my readerly tastes. You can tell that Catling has an artistic background as a poet, painter, sculptor, and installation artist. I think this novel will appeal to anyone who loves to be unnerved and wants an original take on a "haunted" forest story. It is also slated to be a trilogy so there will be more if this strikes your fancy.

Final Rating: 3.5 Stars 

REVIEW: LEGACY OF KINGS BY ELEANOR HERMAN

**I received this e-ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review- all thoughts and opinions are my own**
Published by Harlequin Teen, expected Aug 25, 2015. Hardcover, 384 pgs. 

SUMMARY:
When I went to Book Expo America this year, I encountered a woman near the restrooms decked out in full Queen regalia. Intrigued, I later realized said lady was Eleanor Herman, signing Advanced Review Copies of Legacy of Kings in the Harlequin teen booth. Unfortunately, I was scheduled to be in lines on both days she was doing signings, so was pleased as punch to receive a Net Galley approval for this title.

Also, I just read a book called The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton and it was fabulous, so reading two Eleanor's in a row seemed auspicious.

First in a new series called Blood of Gods and Royals, this Historical Fiction/Fantasy Young Adult novel is a retelling of Alexander the Great. Herman focuses on several sets of characters in different Kingdoms to highlight how Alexander first showed signs of greatness in battle, how his relationships affected his leadership and perceptions, and his coming of age to be one of the most spectacular Conqueror's and Tacticians the world has ever seen.
Goodreads Description

CHARACTERS: The first scene worried me- Kat and Jacob, friends since birth in the small village of Erissa, get gushy immediately. There were "shivers" and "body tingles" in the first few pages. There also seemed to be a good deal of Gale and Katniss throwback from The Hunger Games. Most obviously in Kat's name, the mimicking of "he's not just my dorky childhood friend anymore" sentiments, and finally that both duos are heading to bloody tournaments! Luckily Kat and Jacob get separated for most of the story, so this annoyance went away quickly (but could possibly resume later).

Also, there is a Tyrrhian dwarf named Timaeus. This could have been a strange coincidence, but Game of Thrones is so popular for Tyrion Lannister (also a dwarf!) that I was surprised the author went with this name choice. Call me nitpicky, but similar character traits, as well as extremely similar name association from very current popular shows and books, seems to detract in my humble opinion. Perhaps she was paying homage, or maybe it was unintentional? Not sure.

I liked the strong female characters in Alexander's sister Cynane, Kat with her animal magic, the Persian Zofia, and even the evil but fascinating Olympias. Herman was wonderful in her portrayal of women in this time....the majority having no value besides being sexual playthings or child-bearers for the kingdom. As stated in one section, they often "Lead lives of frustration, boredom, and resentment."

Herman is ambitious with her characters, and this will be conducive to fleshing out the series in the future.

WRITING: The writing is not highly literary, but it suits the story and is incredibly atmospheric- which is a huge requirement for this type of book. My favorite expositions were on the elements of magic and the battle between Gods and Monsters. I was happy she gave reasons and explanations for the magic. When this element is left intentionally vague in other books, like a "you're supposed to reach your own conclusion" situation, it mostly feels (fairly or unfairly) like the author had trouble articulating the magic in the first place. Kudos Herman!!

WORLD BUILDING: I was totally engrossed in this Empire. The historical tidbits felt real, especially the smell of incense in the markets, the descriptions of places in the palace like the Royal Laundry, and the evocative rituals and ancient magics. Very hypnotic!

PACING: The book excels in pacing, particularly the battle scenes. The action moves along appropriately and doesn't feel rushed or overly lengthy. I always felt like I knew who was fighting who, the location and progress of battle, and who was winning. I appreciated the ease of reading these sections. There was good handling of what can often be tedious, violent scenes. War is by nature violent (I know reader, I'm laying down shocking, brand new info here!) but Herman managed well and didn't linger excessively on gruesome details.

PLOT: Political intrigue and battles are not new topics, but my forays into this category are usually the World War II time period variety, so I quite enjoyed my jaunt to 340 B.C. Herman is a Historian and this is evident in the mixture of real facts with the sprinkling of fiction. There was lots of information she had to sift through and I thought it was a job well done in picking and choosing what was relevant to her narrative.

FINAL RATING: 4 STARS. These days I seem to go into Young Adult with trepidation. I'm happy to say I was pleasantly surprised with this story, especially the strength of the last half in setting up for future books. Herman paced her story better than a lot of my recent fantasy reads, the characters were well-crafted, and I liked the period detail and magic.

In Herman's acknowledgements, she makes mention of  how "The most cunningly crafted novels are an easy read, which can lead to the mistaken belief that very little skill is required." While this might seem a touch self-indulgent, I found this to be utterly true in her work. The book felt easy and pleasurable to read, but not because of being simple or watered down- just a capable author handling an epic story. Keep a lookout for this one, I predict it will be popular in the fall. The second installment is already slated for September 2016. I look forward to seeing the buzz and reviews, and will likely continue the series.

REVIEW: THE BURIED PYRAMID BY JANE LINDSKOLD

 Published by Tor, 2004. Hardcover, 399 pgs.

SUMMARY: Neville Hawthorne is a fine British gentleman who has been thwarted from his archeological ambition of discovering the tomb of Neferankhotep, part of the legendary Buried Pyramid. Aided by a travel journal, and a group which includes a linguist, Sergeant/native guide, and his orphaned niece, Hawthorne is determined to finish a journey that started years before- to satisfy his curiosity and achieve a historical personal goal: "for some evidence that all the great grand things we've been told happened in the past can't be reduced to fossils and mental aberration". 

However, this adventure story is fraught with peril as warnings from a mysterious "Sphinx" and a rival group appear to threaten their findings, and of course, their lives.

WRITING: Reviewing aside, the tiny font made me feel my age as it tested my bad eyesight. I loved the language and snark that Lindskold brought to these stuffy Victorian characters. She also had great storytelling ability in her historical accounts of pharaohs and the ways in which retribution is enacted concerning tomb-raiders.

The dialogue is well written: An example of this is a scene when Jenny, Eddie, and Stephen are camping and have a debate on religion and the important tenets of each. It somehow manages to be informative, funny, and at the same time inoffensive- a difficult balance to strike considering the subject matter.

CHARACTERS: I found this is where the story excelled. I saw negative reviews on Goodreads which stated the characters seemed flat and contrived. I concede the point a little...I think Lindskold provides enough personality and backstory for each without delving too much into past histories and emotions. The main storyline wouldn't support a deep character analysis, as the goal of the book is to take the reader on an Egyptian, Indiana Jones-type magical adventure story.

However, the characters were so grandiose, quirky, and affable that I fell in love with them all the same. I loved the lesser-used physical descriptions of facial hair to lend the characters personality...Lindskold describes mustaches as having "customary exuberance" and "theatrical flourishes". Stephen Holmboe, the linguist, has such an outdated fashion style and bushy side-whiskers and mustache that he resembles "an enormous ambulatory dandelion". Captain Brentworth is given a short description (bottom of pg. 41) that nails his appearance and mannerisms in just a few sentences.

The author also cares about her reader. When Neville exasperates with his "weaker-sex" opinions on females, in waltzes his niece Jenny or Lady Cheshire with a scathing remark to take him down a peg or two. He eventually realizes that all women aren't consumed with the latest fashions or finding a husband, and also won't die from strenuous activity or spicy foods that "could possibly upset one without a strong constitution." It's a long path of redemption for this guy, but he does make strides.

Also, there is a character named Chad Spice. What a fantastic name! Brock from the YouTube channel Let's Read posted a comment to the Goodreads #buriedreadalong group that he immediately envisioned the man from the Old Spice TV commercials.

PACING: My opinion might be colored from my last novel, which was almost 800 pages and quite slow in places. I found this story moved appropriately along with trip preparations and the journey, with most of the action taking place in the last one hundred pages of the story.

PLOT: The basic idea of a quest to find treasure is not a new one, but Lindskold masterfully blends exotic elements and unusual characters to make this a fun adventure. Also, there is some attraction and flirtation, but the story doesn't suffer from unnecessary romances to bog down the narrative.

WORLD BUILDING: The book is so incredibly atmospheric. From the details of camel rides, pyramids, the sweltering desert heat/grittiness of sand, and the colorful bazaars, you are blasted right into the rich locales.

FINAL RATING: 4 STARS
For whatever reason, I enjoyed the first half of the book a bit more than the last half. Even though you don't have to know Egyptian history or mythology, I think that would have been a bonus. The book also switches more toward magical realism near the end, which isn't a surprise since the book is leading you in this direction all along. There is commentary on religious belief, judgement, and the afterlife- "There are many types of kindness, and many types of law, but in the end truth and justice are the bed rock upon which good lives are built." Being a decent person is a great prevailing theme!

I really like Jane Lindskold's writing, and once again Tor Fantasy books have not let me down. This is a great book for those who love history, puzzles, adventure, and sharp writing. Thumbs up from this gal!

REVIEW: THE FOX (INDA #2) BY SHERWOOD SMITH

 Published by Daw, 2008, mass market paperback, 772 pgs.

Goodreads Review of Inda (Inda #1)

SUMMARY: It feels good to be doing written reviews after a couple weeks hiatus for the amazing BookExpoAmerica experience! I won't write an in-depth summary of The Fox here since it's a sequel and I don't want to spoil readers for book one. Suffice it to say that Inda is still on the high seas and fighting pirates. Crew changes, battles, and political intrigue still run rampant throughout the various parts of the kingdom as the Venn continue to threaten the waters.

 WRITING: If each book weren't so long, I would definitely have marathoned the series. This is no fault of the writer, rather my lack of time the past couple of months to devote to a large page count series. Smith puts great detail and thought into her work. You can tell that these characters have lived inside her head for quite some time due to the detail provided in their personalities and family connections. At times this seemed a hindrance- as the reader got their bearings on the place and characters in question, more were added and muddled the mix a bit. However, her writing is rich and detailed, if cumbersome at times. She also provides good dialogue on character motivations and what shapes personalities (page 88).

CHARACTERS:  I love the ladies in this series. They are really coming into their own from the shadows. Hadand, Joret, Tdor, and Queen Wisthia are smart and cunning, and Smith delighted this reader with further exploration of their inner turmoil and plans. This novel satisfies certain "comeuppances" that have been brewing for royal characters (male and female) for some time. Since the story is told from an omniscient narrator, we get the perspective of those in power...which is not always an enviable position. I hope I'm being sufficiently cryptic so that you'll pick the book up!

PLOT:  The plot thickens...hahaha. Seriously though. Ramis the Knife, the magic of Norsunder, and the and illusive Sea Dags and Mages add to mysteriousness of the story and battles. A large betrayal by a supposed ally drives the story forward by solidifying a questionable relationship, and creating another course of direction for Inda and his friends.

WORLD-BUILDING: As I mentioned in the writing portion, Smith obviously loves this world due to her painstaking attention to detail and connections throughout the kingdoms of people. Physical descriptions of a region's citizens, occupations, smells of the region, and types of food preferred are normally mentioned for each major area.

PACING: I still had the same trouble with book two as the first one. The slew of names, situations, and house histories often bogged down the action. However, I felt so accomplished when I made the proper connections and finished the story.

FINAL RATING:  4 STARS

Here's the biggest takeaway for me and advice for potential reader's of this series: Don't drive yourself crazy with the details. If you try to memorize everything you will drive yourself bonkers. Think big picture stuff unless you have a freakishly good memory (which sadly, I'm not blessed with). Know 1) who's fighting who, 2) the general location said fighting is occurring, and 3)outcome and implications. I felt more emotionally invested with these characters and the series with the completion of this book...partly because of the massive number of pages I've read, but mostly because I simply enjoy the story more after learning the proper way to read it. If you're looking for a world to get completely immersed in and don't mind a more challenging read, this series will suit the bill nicely.

REVIEW: The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

Published by Tor, 2013. Hardback, 370 pages

SUMMARY: Joel has always dreamed of being a Rithmatist. Rithmatists have the power to bring two-dimensional drawings to life, defending people against merciless chalklings (who are unleashed by an unknown source). Chalklings are evil creations whose intent is to kill. Joel befriends a young girl Melody, and together they end up helping Professor Fitch with the scandalous and mysterious disappearances of students. This is all you should know, as it is more enjoyable going into the book blind.

WRITING: Brandon Sanderson is one of my new favorite authors. I appreciate his magic systems, world building, and all-over creative talent. I loved just about all facets of the story. The only teeny thing that bugged me were the names of the United Isles (the fantasy world's version of the United States). Georgiabama and Cincinnatus are prime examples. Some of the states we know in the US stayed the same, like Texas and Tennessee. I realize this was intended for geographic familiarity, but I would have preferred wholly original names.

CHARACTERS: The characters perfectly fit with the story. In the beginning a bully tells Joel (the main character) "You have to admit, everyone treats you pretty well here. You've got a good life. Nobody picks on you." Gee, how sweet. You're an outcast, but at least you aren't tortured. The elite high school pecking order is an annoying reality in this novel. Sanderson cleverly shows how this behavior can make the bullied party prone to treating others poorly as well- partially as a way to compensate, and also passing on the learned behavior. Joel does this to Melody, is quickly shamed, and never makes the mistake again.

I ended up liking Joel and his earnest passion for Rithmatics, Melody for her sweet, eccentric charm, Professor Fitch for his quiet dignity and intelligence, and Principal York for having great morals and always doing what was in the students' best interest.

PLOT: The story is very well-developed and fits in that rare category of being not just suitable, but enjoyable for all ages. It would appeal to any kid who likes math, enjoys a good puzzle or mystery, and/or is artistic in any way. Geometry was one of my worst subjects in school and I was still utterly sucked in by the chalkling theory, history, and illustrations.

Example of awesome sketches:

PACING: I would recommend this to any reader, particularly those who tried Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy and found the pace quite slow. It has the same great sense of imagination, but is much faster paced. As in Mistborn, I'm not entirely sure I 100% understand the magic, but no matter because it was SO MUCH FUN and is slated to be a series.

WORLD BUILDING: I enjoyed the steam punk aspects- horses replaced with springwork beasts (fully functional with gears that click and twist), the innovative transportation method of traveling through springrail, and the lanterns. Armedius Academy was fully imagined, and I felt like I had a keen sense of the world with the added illustrations.

FINAL RATING: 5 STARS
I'm glad Sanderson initially wrote this book as a creative diversion from his current project. Once he finished Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, he revisited and revised this story. It was his first foray into the Young Adult genre, and coupled with the spectacular illustrations by Ben McSweeney (my favorite were the fighting unicorns!), I think he knocked it out of the park. This book is especially distinctive in that I could read it in any mood and find the story enjoyable. It could be classified as a "lighter read", but still had depth and attention to detail that is often reserved for more "literary novels". I'm reviewing this two days after finishing, and am still realizing brilliant things the novel accomplished- in addition to being such a fun experience. For example, the attached reading and activity guide would be a great resource for schools. It is perfect for sparking ideas through artistic projects. I can't wait for my girls to read it in a few years. Luckily, Sanderson is prolific and the abruptness of the ending lends itself to a series continuation.

Review: Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R.L Lafevers

Published by Houghton Mifflin, 2007. Hardcover, 344 pages


SUMMARY:
It is London, 1906, when Theodosia Throckmorton roams the halls of The Museum of Legends and Antiquities. Her father is the head curator, and she is busy banishing ancient Egyptian curses from artifacts with her beloved cat, Isis. Her archnemesis, Clive Fagenbush, "smells of boiled cabbage and pickled onions", and often sneaks around thwarting her plans with his spying. In this first installment, the Heart of Egypt goes missing and Theo uses her skills in Egyptology (aided by her parents inattention) to investigate before the world is doomed!

WRITING:
R.L Lafevers did a good job describing things from an eleven year old girl's perspective. Her annoyances, interests, and observations were appropriate for the time period and her uncommon living situation. I don't know of another kid who sleeps in a sarcophagus regularly. I loved her trusty feline companion and their deep bond. Also, we don't use the word "muttonhead" enough in our culture. I also want to perform the exorcism cleverly outlined on page 78 for my own evil orange tabby, Cat Deeley.

PLOT:
The plot is quite fantastical as Theo is left to her own devices and gets in life and death situations, travels great distances, and is allowed to do things that children just wouldn't be able to do unnoticed today. However, this is before helicopter parenting and the rise of Child Protective Services. Plus, this is a fun adventure for children and requires suspension of belief.

PACING: Everything moved well towards the conclusion. I loved hearing about the staff at the museum and also the secret society members. It was fun to hear about Egyptian Gods and rituals, and I'm glad Lafevers took the time to include them and create the necessary spooky atmosphere for the story.

CHARACTERS:  Theodosia, her grandmother, Henry, and Will were the most developed. I also liked Wigmere and hope he will continue to feature in the series. While her parents rushed in and out of the story, the father was still interesting in his nutty-professor aloofness.

FINAL RATING: 4 STARS
This book is eerily reminiscent of another one of my favorite children's/Young Adult series...Alan Bradley's Flavia De Luce character from The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (book one). The similarities are startlling: both are young girls in England in the 1900's (Flavia is later in the 1950's), have mothers who have been away on expeditions, and are often left alone to explore and learn about their environment. The Fathers love them as best they can, and often underestimate them since they are children. Theo's dad states "a mere child wouldn't understand" and other condescending remarks quite often throughout the story. Theo also references how her parents "get annoyed when she's underfoot".

This was a library copy but I will be buying the entire series for future reading to my children. I highly recommend this as an imaginative, delightful, and engrossing read!