Latest Review: The Book of Atrix Wolfe

Booklist Summary:
Driven by a formless fury when the prince of Kardeth refuses to halt his invasion of the kingdom of Pelucir, the great mage Atrix Wolfe creates a fearful hunter, "a warrior with no allegiance but to death." But the ensuing massacre of both armies and the king of Pelucir appalls the mage, and he flees to the mountains to live in wolf form among wolves until, 20 years later, the queen of the Woods demands that he seek out her daughter, who disappeared at the time of the great bloodbath. The ensuing story involves aspiring mage Talis Pelucir, son of the slain king, and Saro, a young, mute scullery maid in the castle of Pelucir whose background is unknown. Steeped in medieval legends of the wild huntsman, living trees, and shape changers, McKillip's tale is decidedly atmospheric, complex, compelling, and filled with rich imagery.

My Thoughts:
This is the first book I've read from the much-lauded Patricia A. McKillip and I really enjoyed this YA Fantasy tale!  The author's writing is very lyrical yet she still manages to be concise and convey a complex story within a slim novel.

I loved the magic and dark sorcery that permeates the book.  Throughout reading this novel you are biting your nails - wondering how the story will end and the characters restored after one awful instance of dark magic.

Fans of Robin McKinley will likely love The Book of Atrix Wolfe (and I'm guessing other McKillip books too).  This novel has mystery, magic, romance, sympathetic villains, unlikely heroes, and fantastic settings - who can resist?  Highly recommended to fantasy fans!

4/5 stars

Review: A Girl Worth Ten Coppers

Goodreads Summary:
Seer, healer, goddess, slave–she is all these things and more.

Yim is a young woman suddenly cast into slavery, a gifted seer with a shocking secret–and a great destiny. Honus is a Sarf, a warrior dedicated to the service of the compassionate goddess Karm. A Sarf’s sole purpose is to serve a holy person called a Bearer. But Honus’ s Bearer has been killed by the minions of an evil god known only as the Devourer. Masterless and needing someone to bear his pack, Honus purchases Yim for the price of ten coppers–and their fates are forever entwined.

My thoughts:
Um, so lemme tell you guys something...I have seriously been spoiled by some awesome fantasy reading lately (Rothfuss, Carey, Nemisin, etc).  Thus, my fantasy expectations can be a bit high.  That being said, this was a really delightful start to a fantasy trilogy - helloo adventure, romance, and more! 

I enjoyed Yim's strength of character and that she was still able to harbor plenty of doubt without being annoying (I loathe it when characters doubt themselves at EVERY single point throughout a book).  I also really enjoyed the creepy, despondent setting of this world.  It was very vividly drawn which made the presence of evil felt through every point in the story. 

I originally happened upon this book from a recommendation from the lovely blog The Allure of Books - fantasy fans, you should definitely keep this blog on your radar!  Was this one of my top fave of all time fantasy books...well, no.  Buuut, was it a solid fantasy entry?  Absolutely.  In fact, I was inspired to go get the sequel from the library right away!

Bottom line:  If you're looking for a quick, fun, fantasy read - A Woman Worth Ten Coppers is just the ticket!

3.5/5 Stars

Latest Review: Shadow of Night

Goodreads Summary:
Deborah Harkness exploded onto the literary scene with her debut novel, A Discovery of Witches, Book One of the magical All Souls Trilogy and an international publishing phenomenon. The novel introduced Diana Bishop, Oxford scholar and reluctant witch, and the handsome geneticist and vampire Matthew Clairmont; together they found themselves at the center of a supernatural battle over an enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782.

Now, picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night plunges Diana and Matthew into Elizabethan London, a world of spies, subterfuge, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the mysterious School of Night that includes Christopher Marlowe and Walter Raleigh. Here, Diana must locate a witch to tutor her in magic, Matthew is forced to confront a past he thought he had put to rest, and the mystery of Ashmole 782 deepens.

Deborah Harkness has crafted a gripping journey through a world of alchemy, time travel, and magical discoveries, delivering one of the most hotly anticipated novels of the season.
 

My thoughts:
This series has a really wide appeal but for those who are unused to reading fantasy, be aware that this is similar to epic fantasy novels in both length (it's a doorstopper) and in complexity of plot.  Yet, as she has proven before, Harkness goes well above and beyond traditional paranormal fantasy fare.  The historical elements were fascinating.  The past was richly described and obviously well-researched.  The book largely took place in the past but occasionally flipped back to the present to keep the reader abreast of new developments while Diana and Matthew are gone.

Shadow of Night was difficult to get into at first with a confusingly large amount of characters being introduced (including Matthew's "School of Night" friends) but the action really ramped up by about 15% into the book (I had an eGalley so I have to go by percentages).  Soon, I could not put it down - which poses a problem when a book is as lengthy as this one!

There were quite a few relationship hurdles that needed overcome between Matthew and Diana.  While this was fine at first, after awhile it began to grate on me a bit.  Luckily, I think the author was getting these issues all out of the way so that the last novel is all action.  Harkness will not disappoint fans of the first book A Discovery of Witches and despite having my critical "third eye" open, I did not find much fault with Shadow of Night.

Overall: I enjoyed the first book in the series a bit more (but that's not unusual for me) yet this is a solid second entry into the All Souls trilogy and I can't wait for the final installment! 

4/5 stars

*Disclosure: received galley via publisher

Latest Review: Ill Wind

Goodreads Summary:
Joanne Baldwin is a Weather Warden. Usually, all it takes is a wave of her hand to tame the most violent weather. But now, she's trying to outrun another kind of storm: accusations of corruption and murder. So, she's resorting to the very human tactic of running for her life...

Her only hope is Lewis, the most powerful warden known. Unfortunately, he's stolen not one but three bottles of Djinn-making him the most wanted man on earth. Still, she's racing hard to find him-before the bad weather closes in fast.

My thoughts:
I thought Ill Wind was a really absorbing page-turner.  I've never read a weather-related fantasy novel nor a book with genies (the "Djinn") before so the subject matter was quite fresh.  Yet, I wasn't very emotionally invested in the characters and some of the relationships in the book progressed too quickly for me.  In the end, it wasn't the best book I've read in recent memory but it was a fun novel (perfect for a fantasy beach read).  I've also heard that as the series progresses more depth is added to the characters.  So, I think I'll have Rachel Caine's Weather Warden series in the back of my mind for books to read by the pool this summer.  Recommended to urban fantasy fans!

3.5/5 stars

Other Reviews:
Curiosity Killed the Bookworm

Latest Review: Kushiel's Dart

GOODREADS SUMMARY:
The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good...and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.

Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission...and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.

Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phèdre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair...and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.

Set in a world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess, this is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Not since Dune has there been an epic on the scale of Kushiel's Dart-a massive tale about the violent death of an old age, and the birth of a new.

MY THOUGHTS:  
So, this is one of the best epic fantasy novels I've read in awhile.  I put it up there almost with Patrick Rothfuss status - so you know that I really liked this book!

What I didn't like:

• It was sooo long!  I'm normally okay with this, but there are so many names to keep track of and so much action that takes place...I almost feel as if I read three books within the space of one.  Then, to top it all off, the ending makes it obvious that there is more story to tell.  I knew this beforehand, but after going through so much with Phedre I just felt too exhausted to embark on the next novel!

What I looooved (which is pretty much everything else):

• The world-building....wow.  Seriously you guys, the world building is absolutely top-notch in Kushiel's Dart!  I was completely immersed in this strange Europe-like polytheistic world with its various dens of iniquity.  
• Also, the characters were just so fully-fleshed and amazing!  I loved Phedre, Hyacinthe, Delaunay, Alcuin, Joscelin (he's my fave), and pretty much every single character she produced - they were all so real.
• Armchair reading (fantasy-style)!  You travel to so many lands, meet so many different people/entities, and witness such daring feats...that before you know it, you've chewed off all of your fingernails!
• Lastly, it was such an emotional roller-coaster - you never stop being interested.  It is such a multifaceted story: friendships, families, romance, betrayal, survival, and above all - hope!

What might bother others but didn't bother me:

• Um, the world in which Phedre exists is one where there is a very casual attitude towards sex and Phedre herself is a courtesan with special tastes.  The god Kushiel (her patron god) is the god of pain...so, uh, to sum it up she's into S&M.  For some folks this is an automatic turn-off, but hear me out!  While the book does let you know about episodes of er, pain and pleasure...it doesn't go into detail.  There are no explicit sex scenes - just a slight description of events without going into too much detail.  I thought it was tastefully done, considering the taboo subject matter.

So, there ya go folks!  I really really recommend this to fantasy fans and to those who love strong female protagonists.

4.5/5 stars

Other reviews:
The Introverted Reader 

Latest Review: The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

Goodreads Summary:
Yeine Darr is an outcast from the barbarian north. But when her mother dies under mysterious circumstances, she is summoned to the majestic city of Sky. There, to her shock, Yeine is named an heiress to the king. But the throne of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms is not easily won, and Yeine is thrust into a vicious power struggle with cousins she never knew she had. As she fights for her life, she draws ever closer to the secrets of her mother's death and her family's bloody history.
With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Yeine will learn how perilous it can be when love and hate - and gods and mortals - are bound inseparably together.

My thoughts:
This is not your average epic fantasy novel!  Political intrigue mixed with deities and humans - sign me up!  I've read some reviews where people have disliked the whole Gods/mortals aspect of the novel...I guess if that's the case then don't read this book.  I'm not sure what these individuals were expecting, but the entire storyline is about the Enefedah (Gods) and mortals.  Otherwise, I've seen nothing but well-deserved praise for this series!

I found The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms a bit difficult to get into at first.  I'm not sure if this was just my own reading frame of mind or if the first-person narration threw me off a bit.  Either way, the reader is floundering around along with Yeine in the beginning of the book.  While there is much foreshadowing, I was a bit lost (like Yeine) until I got further into the novel.  Once I got to the meat of the story I was hooked!  I definitely did some late-night reading with this chunkster. 

I really loved Yeine as a main character.  She was very easy to relate to and (thankfully!) was not a whiner - despite having some very tough circumstances thrust upon her.  I thought all of the characters were extremely well-drawn and my two favorites had to be T'vril (Yeine's only human friend in Sky) and Sieh (the child-like Enefedah).  I love that most of the characters in this book are neither entirely good nor bad (with the exception of the horrible Scimina).

Bottom line: I highly recommend to fantasy readers looking for something a bit different and to open-minded readers intrigued by a Gods/mortals storyline!

4/5 stars

This fulfills my Fantasy entry for the Eclectic Reader 2012 Challenge as well as my Mount TBR Challenge!

Super-Shorty Reviews

My reviewing these days has just gone by the wayside...if I don't review a book immediately after I've read it then my motivation slowly wanes.  To remedy this slightly, I'll quickly shoot off some super-short reviews :)

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Goodreads Summary:
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

My thoughts:

• I liked it even better than Perkins' Anna and the French Kiss!
• If you haven't read Anna and the French Kiss (and are planning to) you may want to read it first as this book has spoilery characters from Anna in it.
• Adorable.  I loved both main characters in this book and their endearing quirks.
• If you like John Green, you'll probably like Stephanie Perkins.
• Read this if you're in the mood for a great contemporary YA romance :)
• 4/5 stars

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal (sequel coming soon!)

Goodreads Summary:
Shades of Milk and Honey is exactly what we could expect from Jane Austen if she had been a fantasy writer: Pride and Prejudice meets Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. It is an intimate portrait of a woman, Jane, and her quest for love in a world where the manipulation of glamour is considered an essential skill for a lady of quality.

Jane and her sister Melody vie for the attentions of eligible men, and while Jane's skill with glamour is remarkable, it is her sister who is fair of face. When Jane realizes that one of Melody's suitors is set on taking advantage of her sister for the sake of her dowry, she pushes her skills to the limit of what her body can withstand in order to set things right--and, in the process, accidentally wanders into a love story of her own.

My thoughts:

• If you're like me and love a) Jane Austen and b) fantasy - you will be smitten with this book!
• I adored Jane and liked the fact that she was admirable for her mind and skill rather than her looks.
• It was a fantastic and quick read with a lovely ending.  It's perfect as a stand-alone novel, but to my delight there is a sequel called Glamour in Glass coming out in April!
• 4/5 stars

Phew!  There we go, sorry for the abbreviated nature of these reviews but at least now I'm a bit caught up.  Coming soon - reviews of Dash & Lily's Book of Secrets and The Stupidest Angel.

Latest Review: The Traitor's Daughter

Goodreads Summary:
Here’s the beginning of a lush, epic, wholly original new trilogy that shines with magic, mystery, and captivating drama.
On the Veiled Isles, ominous signs are apparent to those with the talent to read them. The polarity of magic is wavering at its source, heralding a vast upheaval poised to alter the very balance of nature. Blissfully unaware of the cataclysmic events to come, Jianna Belandor, the beautiful, privileged daughter of a powerful Faerlonnish overlord, has only one concern: the journey to meet her prospective husband.  But revolution is stirring as her own conquered people rise up against their oppressors, and Jianna is kidnapped and held captive at a rebel stronghold, insurance against what are perceived as her father’s crimes. 


The resistance movement opens Jianna’s eyes―and her heart. Despite her belief in her father’s innocence, she is fascinated by the bold and charming nomadic physician and rebel sympathizer, Falaste Rione—who offers Jianna her only sanctuary in a cold and calculating web of intrigue. As plague and chaos grip the land, Jianna is pushed to the limits of her courage and resourcefulness, while virulent enemies discover that alliance is their only hope to save the human race.

My thoughts:
I reeeeally liked this book and thought it set up a fantastic foundation for a series.  I'm so excited to see what befalls Jianna and Rione (perhaps a romance?) and how they will escape the wrath they likely incurred from various parties.  Also, how will all of the arcanists from the Six Houses possibly come together to combat the reversal of The Source?

This book alternated between three different storylines and while all were important to the tale, I was most riveted by Jianna's story.  My only qualm is that I was left sputtering "don't end yet!"  Despite this, I definitely recommend this book to fantasy lovers looking for something a bit different!

4/5 stars.

Latest Review: The Poison Throne

Goodreads Summary:
This is this year's most exciting crossover title. A Friend. A Father. A Kingdom. Which one would you sacrifice? This compelling trilogy of court intrigue, adventure and romance is a winning combination of imagination, powerful storytelling and magnificent characters. Fifteen-year-old Wynter Moorehawke returns home after a five-year sojourn in the bleak Northlands. All has changed in her absence. Wynter is forced to make a terrible choice: stay and bow to the King's will, or abandon her ailing father and join her friend Razi and the mysterious Christopher Garron in their efforts to restore the fragile kingdom to its former stability. But this changed kingdom is a dangerous place, where all resistance is brutally suppressed and the trio constantly risk assassination, torture or imprisonment. Atmospheric and intriguing, it evokes an enchanting and convincing other world - love, treachery, jealousy, tenderness, war, wisdom and court life are all vividly depicted. Set in a fantastical medieval Europe, "The Poison Throne" is a gothic tale of intrigue, adventure and romance which draws the reader in from the very first sentence and doesn't loosen its grip until the last.

My thoughts:
When I first started this book, I wasn't sure about it...the reader is thrust right into this fantasy world with little explanation.  It felt a bit strange to me to have no introductory world-building to make me more comfortable in this reading space.  However, as the story progresses your immersion begins to feel more complete and before you know it, you are completely engrossed!

Loooove Wynter!  Yay for another non-whiny strong female protagonist!  Razi and Christopher are wonderful characters as well and I anxiously flipped pages to see how these friends fare.  In fact, as soon as I finished the book, I immediately went to the library and picked up the sequel The Crowded Shadows.

If you are a fantasy-lover, enjoy strong characters and like tales of intrigue you'll love this book!  Highly recommended.

4/5 stars

Latest Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns

Goodreads Summary: 
Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness. 

Elisa is the chosen one. 

But she is also the younger of two princesses. The one who has never done anything remarkable, and can’t see how she ever will. 

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs her to be the chosen one, not a failure of a princess. 

And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies, seething with dark magic, are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior, and he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.
Most of the chosen do.

My thoughts:
I loved Elisa!  She was so easy to relate to and not at all unreasonably whiny (like many female protagonists seem to be).  Maybe one of the reasons that's true is she's not a skinny pretty girl who somehow has confidence issues but she's spoiled and fat (and knows it).  This is the first time I've ever read a fantasy adventure book with a plump heroine - how refreshing! 

All of the secondary characters are also well-drawn.  The desert scenery was vividly depicted and was as integral to the story as its characters.  There is much love and loss in this book and the pages fly by with the action-packed plot.

It is interesting to note how the author deals with skin-deep beauty.  While it's not overt, pay attention to how those that flaunt their attractiveness fare compared to those who are scarred or hide their beauty.  I can't say more without possibly being spoilery so I'll leave it at that!

If you like fantasy books, adventure stories, and/or a bit of mysticism than you will thoroughly enjoy this book!  Highly recommended.

4/5 stars

Friday Finds: Kushiel's Dart & The Dashwood Sisters Tell All

Friday Finds is hosted by Should Be Reading and allows readers to showcase books they have discovered over the past week.  This week I found a fantasy book and a beach read.

First up, I heard great things about Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey from the wonderful blogger Introverted Reader

Goodreads Summary:
The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good....and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission....and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.

Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phèdre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair....and beyond.

Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear. Set in a world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess, this is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Not since Dune has there been an epic on the scale of Kushiel's Dart, a massive tale about the violent death of an old age, and the birth of a new.

Also, I discovered a great beach read thanks to Top Ten Tuesday (sorry, I can't remember which blog posted this book). The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Patillo - a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility!

Goodreads Summary:
Ellen and Mimi Dodge have never been close, but their mother's dying wish sends them on a walking tour of Hampshire, England, that follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen. Their mother also left them something else: a diary that belonged to Jane's sister Cassandra. These pages shed light on the secrets that nearly tore the Austen sisters apart and inspired one of the greatest love stories of all time. They also bring Jane to life in a way that no one has ever seen before: through the eyes of her sister. As the Dodge sisters embark on their walking tour, they too are drawn together in ways they never expected. They also discover that Cassandra's diary holds secrets, and someone doesn't want Ellen and Mimi to discover the truth. As they stumble on their way toward love, the women learn how Jane and Cassandra Austen inspired the original Marianne and Elinor Dashwood and come to realize that despite their very different personalities, they are a vital part of each other's happy endings.

I've never read an Austen retelling...any other recommendations?

Waiting on Wednesday: Leviathan Wakes

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that showcases upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I love reading from a variety of genres so I thought I'd spice it up with a SF/Fantasy pick this week.  When I heard that George R.R. Martin called it a "kick-ass space opera" I was sold!  Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey is the newest addition to my TBR list although, luckily, I will only have to wait until mid-June to get my hands on it!

Goodreads Summary:
Welcome to the future. Humanity has colonized the solar system – Mars, the Moon, the Asteroid Belt and beyond – but the stars are still out of our reach.

Jim Holden is XO of an ice miner making runs from the rings of Saturn to the mining stations of the Belt. When he and his crew stumble upon a derelict ship, The Scopuli, they find themselves in possession of a secret they never wanted. A secret that someone is willing to kill for – and kill on a scale unfathomable to Jim and his crew. War is brewing in the system unless he can find out who left the ship and why.

Detective Miller is looking for a girl. One girl in a system of billions, but her parents have money and money talks. When the trail leads him to The Scopuli and rebel sympathizer, Holden, he realizes that this girl may be the key to everything.

Holden and Miller must thread the needle between the Earth government, the Outer Planet revolutionaries, and secretive corporations – and the odds are against them. But out in the Belt, the rules are different, and one small ship can change the fate of the universe.

Wow!  Sounds epic, no?

Friday Finds: Warm Bodies & The Strange Affair of Spring-Heeled Jack

Friday Finds is hosted by Should Be Reading and allows readers to showcase books they have discovered over the past week.  This week, both of my finds are fantasy novels:


Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Amazon Synopsis:
R is a young man with an existential crisis--he is a zombie. He shuffles through an America destroyed by war, social collapse, and the mindless hunger of his undead comrades, but he craves something more than blood and brains. He can speak just a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams.

After experiencing a teenage boy's memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim's human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His decision to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world.

Scary, funny, and surprisingly poignant, Warm Bodies is about being alive, being dead, and the blurry line in between. 


The Strange Affair of Spring-Heeled Jack by Mark Hodder

Goodreads Summary:
It is 1861, and Albertian Britain is in the grip of conflicting forces. Engineers transform the landscape with bigger, faster, noisier and dirtier technological wonders; Eugenicists develop specialist animals to provide unpaid labour; Libertines oppose restrictive and unjust laws and flood the country with propaganda demanding a society based on beauty and creativity; while The Rakes push the boundaries of human behaviour to the limits with magic, sexuality, drugs and anarchy. Returning from his failed expedition to find the source of the Nile, explorer, linguist, scholar and swordsman Sir Richard Francis Burton finds himself sucked into the perilous depths of this moral and ethical vacuum when the Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston, employs him as "King's Spy."

His first mission: to investigate the sexual assaults committed by a weird apparition known as Spring Heeled Jack; to find out why chimney sweeps are being kidnapped by half-man, half-dog creatures; and to discover the whereabouts of his badly injured former friend, John Hanning Speke. Accompanied by the diminutive and pain-loving poet, Algernon Swinburne, Burton's investigations lead him back to one of the defining events of the age: the brutal assassination of Queen Victoria in 1840; and the terrifying possibility that the world he inhabits shouldn't exist at all.

-Also, this year's winner of the Philip K. Dick award

Latest Read: Enclave

Apparently I have a thing for dystopian sagas this year...The Hunger Games series, The Chaos Walking trilogy and now The Razorland series.

I recently finished the first in this wonderful new YA series by Ann Aguirre.  I really enjoyed this novel (one of my favs of the year) and am looking forward to seeing what befalls the characters in the next installment of the trilogy.

I really don't like the publisher summary as it's a bit too spoilery...so I'm going to try and give you a vaguer one (hint, if you get the book, don't read the back cover...it basically gives away the main plot points).  So, here goes:

In this gritty post-apocalyptic zombie story the reader follows Deuce (our awesome teenage heroine that kicks-butt) through her naming ceremony in which she officially becomes a "huntress."  She and her partner (an outcast boy named Fade) must do their duty to hunt for food and kill the "freaks" that come near their underground enclave.  Soon, Deuce's world is turned upside down and she must fight for her life in ways she never imagined.

There, I hope that gives you enough of a taste to whet your appetite.  I love the character of Deuce.  She's a strong female role model but she's also made more realistic through her faults and her naivete.  I wholeheartedly recommend this book.  Enclave encompasses an imaginative world with lots of action, adventure and romance - go get a copy!

**Update: the publisher has changed the summary to be less revealing...so just watch out for other online reviews as many use the older version (including GoodReads)

4/5 stars.

Latest Read: Kat, Incorrigible

Kat, Incorrigible is a seriously fun read!  I was searching around for a book that I could recommend to my little sister and came across this delightful YA novel. 

Publisher Summary:
In this prim and proper world, twelve-year-old Katherine Ann Stephenson is at a loss: Her sisters, Elissa and Angeline, have recently entered Society and now gossip incessantly in whispers; her foolish brother, Charles,has gambled the family deep into debt; and Stepmama wants nothing to do with them at all.  What can Kat do but take matters into her own hands?

Luckily Kat has inherited her mothers talents and has the courage to use them - if she can only learn how.  But with her sister Elissa's intended fiance, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat's magical potential; her sister Angeline creating romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, even Kat's reckless heroism will be tested to the utmost.  Will her powers be enough to win her sisters their true loves? 

Since I share my name with the young title character I had to see what this book is all about!  Take romantic endeavors gone awry (a la Jane Austen) mixed with a spirited young protagonist (like Pippi Longstocking or Anne Shirley), sprinkled with a little magic and you have a good sense of this charming read.  Kat is such a spunky and endearing character...watching someone constantly get in trouble has never been so fun!  I also loved her sister Angeline as she's equally as feisty.  Compulsively readable, I flew through this book in one sitting.  My only complaint is that the book ended far too soon!  Go out and read this book ASAP, you won't regret it!

4.5/5 stars.

Latest Read: Deerskin

I cannot rave enough about the wonderful author Robin McKinley!  Her fairy tales always feature very strong female protagonists, well-drawn characters and imaginative stories.  For fairy tale-lovers of all ages I wholeheartedly recommend The Hero and the Crown (about the fiery-haired dragon-slayer Aerin) and The Blue Sword (about a woman named Harry who found her purpose as a warrior against evil) - they were some of my most favorite books growing up!

Now, as for Deerskin, it is most definitely an adult novel as it deals with a very disturbing subject.  This book is loosely based on the little-known Charles Perrault fairy tale called "Donkeyskin."

From the publisher:
As Princess Lissar reaches womanhood, it is clear to all the kingdom that in her breathtaking beauty she is the mirror image of her mother, the queen. But this seeming blessing forces her to flee for safety from her father's lust and madness. With her loyal dog Ash at her side, Lissar will unlock a door to a world of magic, where she will find the key to her survival-and an adventure beyond her wildest dreams...

 
There was some serious Oedipal shiz going on in this book...whoa!  A story that includes rape and incest is...uh, difficult reading to say the least.  However, the latter two-thirds of the novel focused on transformation, hope, love and a bit of magic.  In a way, this book is an ode to the power of a relationship between a woman and her dog...how they give each other strength to persevere (awww).

While I did like the story, I enjoyed my childhood favorites much more than Deerskin.  It's not actually due to the disturbing nature of the story (which I thought might be the case) but more due to Lissar's interludes in the cabin which dragged a bit for me.  Also, it was pretty obvious where - or should I say, to whom - Lissar's journey would take her (although there were plenty of surprises along the way).  Yet overall, I thought this was a good book.  One of my favorite things about this novel is that the characters seem less idealized and more realistic.  While romanticized characters can make for a more entertaining read, realistic characters (especially placed in a fairy tale) make for a far more interesting one!

3.5/5 stars.

Latest Read: The Wise Man's Fear

I finally finished the chunkster The Wise Man's Fear and discovered that I could actually fall more in love with this story than I already had with the first novel.

It's amazing how much Rothfuss' books completely transport you into the world he's created.  These novels truly hold a little universe within their pages.  I sighed heavily when I saw that only 100 pages remained to be read...I didn't want my time with these characters and this world to end.

One of the aspects I love most about Rothfuss' books (and seems more pronounced in The Wise Man's Fear) is the stories-within-a-story.  There is much more tale-telling in the second book of The Kingkiller Chronicle and all of the stories were just delightful (my favorite is the one about the boy with the gold screw in his bellybutton).  I also loved that you got to explore more of the realm in Kvothe's world.  Rothfuss takes his hero to exciting and sometimes surprising new places and the reader finally gets to discover some more of the dramatic events behind the legendary tales of Kvothe.

This book also made me feel even sorrier for the elder Kvothe who seems to have lost his way.  I wonder how the last installment of this series can possibly explain all that must have transpired to lead him to become the innkeeper called Kote.  How does Bast come into Kvothe's life?  The shadow of war and unexplained evil looms over the story...what's going to happen??  So many questions to answer in the last book...I can't wait to read it!

Despite having technically already written the full Kingkiller Chronicle, I have a feeling it may take several years (as it did between The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear) for this last book to be released.  Although patience is one of the virtues I lack, I will gladly wait any number of years to see how Rothfuss will end Kvothe's story.  I can't recommend these books enough.  Seriously, go out and read them now!

5/5 stars

Holy First Edition!!!

Holy crap!  I was catching up on all of my favorite blogs and read an entry that piqued my curiosity.  As evidenced by previous posts, I'm a huge fan of Patrick Rothfuss and subsequently subscribe to his blog.  His latest entry was answering the question "how do I know if I have a first edition?"  After reading his answer, I was delighted ecstatic in my discovery that I actually have a first edition of his latest novel The Wise Man's Fear!!

 
Yesssss!  I can't wait to read this book...but due to its heft (993 pages) I'm afraid to start it because I know I will put the rest of my life on hold until it's finished.  I also decided to buy Rothfuss' not-for-children illustrated book The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Thing Beneath the Bed because apparently I'm mildly obsessed with the man's writing.  I will be posting my review of the latter book soonly (erm, probably tomorrow).

Latest Read: A Discovery of Witches

I loved this book!  Such a fun read and so addictive you won't be able to put it down!

As always, my summary will be short for fear of giving too much plot away.  The book is about a witch named Dr. Diana Bishop, a vampire named Matthew Clairmont and a magical text.  Despite Dr. Bishop's attempts at avoiding magic at all costs, an enchanted manuscript comes into her possession attracting the attention of Mr. Clairmont as well as a host of other supernatural beings.  It is soon discovered that Diana is the only one who can unlock the secrets held within the valuable text.

Great, crisp writing...transports you easily into the world Harkness has created.  The historical and oenophile aspects are enlightening and adeptly showcase the author's extensive knowledge of wine and history (she is a history professor and writes a well-received wine blog).

I love the main characters as well as the supporting cast of witches, daemons and vampires.  Despite being about 600 pages I flew through this book...such a fun read!  There are elements that are somewhat Twighlight-esque - i.e. forbidden love, vampires and other supernatural creatures; yet, the comparison stops there.  The author has a distinct and intelligent voice and it is nice to finally see a non-YA book cover the paranormal (I'm sure there's more out there...this is just the first in my reading experience).

I recommend this to readers who gravitate towards paranormal/fantasy fiction and to those who enjoy books with a historical element.  This novel is the first in a series and I can't wait to find out what lies ahead for Diana and Matthew!

5/5 stars.

Latest Read - Dragonfly in Amber...Tackling Gabaldon Part II

I have to say that I liked Outlander much better than Dragonfly in Amber.  That being said, there were some good aspects to the book.  Namely, the historical bits of the novel.  It was scandalizing to read about the debauchery of the French court (I mean, women with see-through tops and nipple rings...whoa)!  Also, it was fun to read the characterizations of historical figures such as "Bonnie Prince Charlie" and the "beloved" King Louis XV.  However, in my opinion, the bad aspects of the novel outweigh the good. 

To come right out with it, the book was wayyy to long (this from a person who loves big, chunky books).  I don't mind length as long as it is necessary, and in the case of Dragonfly in Amber it definitely was not.  My hardcover copy from the library was a whopping 743 pages...at least 200-300 of which was crap.  There's nothing I hate more than having my time wasted by an excessively and unnecessarily long book!  The story was compelling, but you had to wade through so much indulgent description and plot tangents that it was hard to stay interested.  Another issue I had with the novel is that some of the plot elements were becoming redundant, tired and a bit ridiculous...whaddya know, sex scenes, rape scenes, and the evil tortuous man comes after the good guys again, and again and AGAIN.  Lastly, I had to read garbage like this: [after some Scottish men were making deceptive plans]

"'I always thought there was some reason why 'Scot' rhymed with 'plot,'' I remarked"

Seriously, SERIOUSLY??  I about had a conniption after reading this ridiculous line.

Okay, phew!  Finished with my rant...overall, it was an okay book.  I did like it, I just wanted the book to be better.  It definitely convinced me that I will not be continuing with the series (despite the fact that my interest is peaked about a few loose ends).  I just can't handle wading through another mediocre tome simply to satisfy my curiosity.  I went looking around on the interwebs to see other reviews of this series or these books specifically.  It seems that for the most part, people love it or they are completely turned off by the sex and violence.   I did find one review that said if you like the first 2 novels...maybe you'll want to read the third...but after that it's utter crap.

I have to say I'm quite disappointed by these books.  It seems that so many people love them and the "genre" of historical fiction/romance/fantasy is utterly fascinating...so, I had high hopes.  Oh well,  I'm going to try a few other series (as I adore them...no need to think about what to read next)!  First is George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series beginning with A Game of Thrones and then I'm going to try out Jean M. Auel's Earth Children series starting with The Clan of the Cave Bear.

3/5 stars.