I'm undecided on a rating here. I really enjoyed reading the book, yet had a number of problems. I need some time to mull over it to make a decision. I'm undecided on a rating here. I really enjoyed reading the book, yet had a number of problems. I need some time to mull over it to make a decision. Review to come!...more
Part of my love stems simply from the Persuasion retelling bit, but I also found the world created by Peterfreund to be fascinating and more detailed Part of my love stems simply from the Persuasion retelling bit, but I also found the world created by Peterfreund to be fascinating and more detailed than I expected....more
The Gathering Storm has been on my TBR list for too long. I've always been fascinated with Russian history and necromancers have fascinated me since IThe Gathering Storm has been on my TBR list for too long. I've always been fascinated with Russian history and necromancers have fascinated me since I read Garth Nix's Sabriel in elementary school, so when I originally heard of the book--back in 2011, mind you--I knew it was one I was going to have to read. Somehow it took me about two years to get to it. I'm so glad I finally picked it up. But, I'm a little confused when it comes to how I feel about the book after having finished it. There was a lot to love and I very much enjoyed reading it, don't get me wrong, but something is keeping me from saying that I just loved the book.
First and foremost, the setting. Like many, I'm fascinated by the Romanov dynasty and the mystery surrounding it, (Note: the tsar here is the next-to-last tsar of Russia--his heir will be the last. Also, don't read about George on Wikipedia! Don't!) so a book set during that time period dealing with the nobility was one I couldn't pass up. Not only was it immensely enjoyable to read about these people, but the world around them was perfectly constructed. It was easy to note that Robin Bridges did her research and it was so much fun to almost feel the cold of the Russian winter, taste the spiced teas, and dance in the glittering balls.
Katerina is also a highlight. She strikes a perfect balance between the girl she should be and the girl we want her to be. She knows her duty to her family and observes all of the nuances of her society. Yet she also dreams of being a doctor and fights tirelessly to save her family, even at the highest costs. She's intelligent, driven, compassionate, and brave. At times she's a little naive and not as smart as she should be, but that's okay; the girl's only sixteen going on seventeen.
I guess what's keeping me from waxing poetic about The Gathering Storm is that it felt like an effort to cram a few too many paranormal ideas into one book. With vampires. werewolves, fairies, necromancers, and sorcerers all vying for attention, it's not only hard to keep track of but a little unfocused.
Despite that, though, I'm so excited to see where this series heads in the next two books (which are both out, muahahahahaha)! With a setting anyone is bound to be captivated by, characters that are immediately winning, and a mystery- and romance-filled plot, what's not to like?
You can find this review and many more fun things on my blog: Paper Cuts....more
I had absolutely no doubt that I would love Dearly, Departed. I mean, have you read that synopsis??? It can be boiled down to: Victorian zombies in thI had absolutely no doubt that I would love Dearly, Departed. I mean, have you read that synopsis??? It can be boiled down to: Victorian zombies in the future. YES. That is a dream come true for me. And while I knew I loved the premise, I ended up loving the characters and the story even more.
Big highlight? The world-building! Within the first couple of chapters, there was a workingly basic explanation of what had happened to get the people in the situation they were in. As the book went on, we learned more and more to get a very full explanation. I could understand why things had happened how they happened, and loved the way the Victorian values and customs mixed with the more futuristic technology.
Our heroine, Nora Dearly, is great unto herself. She's very much a modern girl held back by the restrictive mores of a time past. She values her family and friends above all else, and is willing to do anything to help them, including risking her life. She's got a sensible head on her shoulders and is quite intelligent. At the same time, she's very much like a normal seventeen year old girl. She can be a little wimpy, especially at the beginning of the book, but she grows up quickly into a strong character.
And Bram!! While at first I couldn't stop thinking of vampires, since Bram Stoker wrote Dracula and all, I got used to the name, especially because it's short for Abraham. (Which is crazy cute.) Bram is utterly adorable. Sure he's dead and all, but he's got all of the values and thoughts he had when he was living, but more life experience and a sense of mortality behind them. The chapters from his point of view were always a highlight, because, with his experiences, he sees things in a different light than the other characters. The repercussions of not following an order from his domineering captain really aren't a big deal when lives can be saved, and he remembers these things, unafraid of his punishments.
While the romance was integral and beautiful and sweet, it was not the main focus of the book, nor did it take any unnatural turns. Yes, a living girl falling in love with a dead man is a little unnatural, but when you forget that part... Dearly, Departed would have still had a lot of plot and interesting goings on without the romance, though it was still my favorite part. Nora also didn't immediately have feelings for Bram. She had to overcome her natural distrust of him and understand that the zombies are just like humans in that each is different from the other, and that took time and patience. The real theme of the book was overcoming prejudices and seeing people for who they are, not their appearance or their state of decay, and I think Lia Habel put this across very well.
One problem, though it didn't really hinder my love of the book, just something I believe could be improved upon: the narration. It was split between five characters. Each character did have an individual and identifiable voice, but the story felt choppy due to the constant change. I understood by it was done; we needed to get what was going on in other places at the same time as the main action, but I feel like it could have been done differently. If we had had just Nora and Bram's narrations, it would have flowed better. Even cutting out the captain would have helped, since I didn't see any usefulness in his point of view.
Dearly, Departed was an almost perfect read for me. It was chock full of elements I love: zombies, steampunk, romance, smart heroines, sassy best friends, and betrayals. It broke my recent streak of not crying at books, and tore out my heartstrings with great ease.
Most fairy tale retellings that I've read have been just okay, though I still kind of love them. Cinder was in a different league 4.5 stars I think...
Most fairy tale retellings that I've read have been just okay, though I still kind of love them. Cinder was in a different league from those. I LOVED IT. I read most of it in one sitting, and about cried when I realized the last page was just that. A cyborg Cinderella is crazy original and the world Marissa Meyer set her story in was fascinating to read about and explore. I honestly don't know how I'm possibly going to wait till next year for Scarlet!
First order of business, the world. I found it rather confusing at first, but I got my bearings rather quickly. Rather than giving us a big history lesson in one big dump, we got little bits of information at a time, accumulating quickly into a fully realized picture of the world. We quickly learn that cyborgs are sub-human, treated as property and live at the whim of whomever owned them, unless they were able to earn the money to live on their own. Meyer's vision of the world in the future isn't so much a dystopian one. We can see how the world is in a state of disorder, and the government doesn't hide this from the citizens. They're faced with the threat of attack from the gifted Lunars, beings who used to be human that have lived on the moon so long they've mutated into something else, and an incurable disease they don't know the cause of. A rather bleak picture for our fairy tale, but it sets a fascinating picture and creates a whole new set of problems for our characters past, "Will she get the prince?" and therefore a much better story.
I loved loved loved Cinder. She's had a hard life, and really wants to complain about it, but she squares her shoulders and does what has to be done. She doesn't dream big at first, but as she learns just how valuable she is--despite being a second class citizen--she really comes into her own, fighting for what she wants most of all, rather than believing she can't enact change. I loved how human she was, even though she can't remember being treated as one, and how much love is in her silicone heart. She fights for the ones she loves, even if they can't or won't love her back, even if she knows there's nothing she can do, even if she knows the truth will make them hate her. I also loved Kai. He was adorable, loving, strong, sweet, compassionate, and basically everything good. I couldn't get over his devotion to doing what was right for his people, even if it meant unhappiness for him. SWOON.
Really the only reason I didn't give this a big, glowing five stars is that I figured out the big twist way too early. By one hundred pages in, I had almost every detail figured out. I don't know if we were supposed to do this or not, but I like to take more time to figure things out, and I like to not be so sure. I love to question my conclusions over and over again until the big reveal, but once I had the idea, things kept compounding to make me surer and surer. Seriously, this is not a big detail, but it slightly detracted from my enjoyment. I'm silly.
Cinder is a practically perfectly executed fairy tale retelling. It brings the details and basic plot of the classic story of Cinderella while adding in new, unexpected ideas and creating a fresh spin. We get the best of both the classic story and a modern novel.
Needless to say, Struck has a pretty unbelievably awesome premise. "Mia Price is a lightning addict." With the first sentence of the synopsis, I was sNeedless to say, Struck has a pretty unbelievably awesome premise. "Mia Price is a lightning addict." With the first sentence of the synopsis, I was salivating. Lightning has always fascinated me, though I know almost nothing about it. Addiction of any type is not explored very often in young adult novels, and I've never come close to seeing anyone write about lightning addiction. I knew instantly this would be a book I had to read, and the synopsis did not disappoint me. Struck is a fast-paced, addicting, and utterly realistic novel that will hook you from the beginning and not let you go even after you've read the last page.
Mia was immediately a stand-out narrator and protagonist for me. The girl knows how to stand up for herself, but she takes countless blows to help her family, and ultimately save them. She is being pulled in several different directions and is trying to make decisions that will do the most good, but not at the expense of her mother and brother's safety. Her loyalty and fierce love drew me to her and made me care about her.
Another aspect of the book that I felt was spot on was the depiction of a city post-natural-disaster. Throughout the novel, Los Angeles is a place like no other. Those who have never wanted are homeless and hungry. No one has enough food. No one has enough money or supplies. Sometimes the water works, sometimes it doesn't. Aid comes, but is often intercepted before it can reach it's destination and is taken by force. You can get what you want if you have enough cash. There is chaos where there used to be order, destruction and sadness in place of normal life.
The cults were just one more thing I enjoyed in Struck. They were presented in a way that showed neither one as the "right" one or the "wrong" one. We explore the pros and cons of both along with Mia, and can understand the decisions she makes. The message to think for oneself is clear here and I think Mia is a perfect example. I also thought the relationship between Mia and Jeremy was developed at a perfect pace and was treated with the caution it needed to be realistic and believable.
Struck is an outstanding debut and a fascinating read. The captivating premise makes for a wild ride. Sure, I could see the big twists coming a mile ahead, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless.
I've been electrified by Struck. It is an experience unlike anything I've read, and definitely one I'd risk again.
You can find this review and many more on my blog: Paper Cuts....more
When I read above "The Picture of Dorian Grey meets Pride & Prejudice, with a dash of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" I was sold on Darker Still. I love The PiWhen I read above "The Picture of Dorian Grey meets Pride & Prejudice, with a dash of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" I was sold on Darker Still. I love The Picture of Dorian Grey for its darkness and fascinating premise, and I just can't get enough Pride & Prejudice. Darker Still seemed like a book tailor-made for me. That being said, coming in with those kinds of expectations can ruin a book, but my expectations were met and thoroughly exceeded.
I knew going in that the story was told through Natalie's diary entries, and was excited because I can't remember reading an epistolary novel since I read a ton of the Dear America books in elementary school, which I always loved. Natalie is mute, so diary entries were the perfect way for the reader to get to know her. In diaries people freely express themselves, and given that she couldn't carry on conversations, Natalie could have seemed like a distant protagonist, but that was absolutely not the case with this method.
The romance between Natalie and Denbury was also a standout. There was definitely an element of love at first sight and very quick infatuation, but it seemed natural and unforced and comfortable. Plus their relationship was sweet and impassioned, but it also fit for the time period, which is important. I would also very willingly spend many hours alone in a picture with Lord Denbury without hesitation. :)
I also loved that while the romance was important, and so very sweet, it wasn't the central theme or struggle. In order for Natalie and Denbury to even have a future, they have to overcome his situation so that is the focus. The elements of magic fit in perfectly and are developed so they're easy to understand. But the most striking part is definitely the evil. Our bad is just downright BAD. He has no redeeming or sympathetic qualities. The method in which he does is evildoing is also just really bad. I have no reaction other than disgust.
Darker Still has elements of all of my favorite classics and modern novels, mashed with a wonderfully executed and adorably romantic story.
Check out more of my reviews (and other fun things!!!) on my blog: Paper Cuts
I have quite a few friends who have read this book before me, and all havCheck out more of my reviews (and other fun things!!!) on my blog: Paper Cuts
I have quite a few friends who have read this book before me, and all have raved about it. I admitted it looked intriguing, but couldn't understand how they could love it as much as they did. Only once I started it did I understand. The idea of necromancers has intrigued me since I read Garth Nix's Sabriel years ago, but I don't seem to come across a lot of books focusing on necromancy. I didn't realize that that bothered me until I read this book. Yes, it is an evil sounding thing, but so fascinating! I like that it is Ward's innate talent, yet not really. He has the propensity for it, but can't seem to really get it down. And when he seems to start to get it, he doubts himself and fails. I hope he realizes just what he can do in later books!
Ward and Celia's voices are interesting, and a good match. Ward is timid and intellectual while Celia is physical and dominating. Ward doubts himself and all that he does, never sure if it's what he should be doing. Celia jumps into situations head first and just goes. I love each character's growth as they spend more time with the other. Ward becomes more proactive and seeks to fix things he would've just let pass at the beginning and Celia begins to let people in, especially Ward, despite her best efforts. They rub off on one another and really become more complete with the other around. (Awwwwww!!!) Besides, they have super good chemistry that is just aching to explode!
My big complaint for this book was a lack of explanation of the setting. Some books work quite well with their information gradually being given to the reader, but this really didn't even happen. Ward names all of these places, countries I presume, that he's wanted in, but I don't know what kind of world this is supposed to be. There's no real history given, other than lots of mentions of "the Ancients", and no way to know topography, excluding some vague mention that it didn't snow often wherever they were.
The only other thing I didn't like in the book had to do with narration. While I loved the points of views of Ward and Celia, I didn't quite get the inclusion of narration from Karysa. This is because we get her point of view a total of two times. I felt like it might have been thrown in to explain something else that may have been cut out in editing. When I first read a bit from her point of view, I thought it was interesting to add the view of an antagonist to the story; it also fixed a lot of confusion I had, but I expected her to be followed more than two times. I just think to either leave it out or commit. And, actually, it wasn't the big deal I seem to be making it out to be. :) :) I'm simply nitpicking because there's not much at all to criticize with this book.
Ward Against Death has a great formula working for it. Interesting idea, steady plot, loveable protagonist, and good execution. It all leads to a very fun and memorable read!...more
So. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Yeah, I loved it. Sure, I had problems with it. Nonetheless, it is definitely a new favorite. First, look at that covSo. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Yeah, I loved it. Sure, I had problems with it. Nonetheless, it is definitely a new favorite. First, look at that cover!!! Oh my gahhh. It's so lovely, and once you've read the book, the idea of it just fits. Mara Dyer was nothing that I expected it to be, but so much more.
Michelle did an excellent job of portraying Mara's mental state. Many times I couldn't tell the difference between reality and Mara's delusions. And while I was confused much of the time, it wasn't a confusion that made the book in and of itself confusing. I knew what was going on, but I felt like I was living Mara's reality, which was awesome. And while nothing was really revealed, I was entertained for the whole book, and am quite ready for the second.
Mr. Noah Shaw needs his own paragraph. For a long time I couldn't figure out if I liked him or not, or if he was worthy of my diligence in deciding. But once we got to know him better, I decided positively on both counts. I found it a little cliche that he's "misunderstood", but he was convincing enough in that so I let him be misunderstood, and I understood Mara's obsession. By the end of the book I was quite endeared by him.(Though I didn't get him driving a Prius. Were I in his situation, I'd have something at least a little better. I don't like Priuses. [Is that the plural of Prius??])
My only real problem with the book lies with Mara, and only at times. I did feel like she ignored what was right in front of her face, just because of a boy. Sure, Noah was definitely someone you could ignore a lot for, but not when people are dying all around you. You'd think she would notice a trend there... I think the story needed more focus on what was going on, rather than Noah. Also, what was with her at the end? I mean, really?? Gahhhh.
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was a book I was dying to read, and my excitement was justified and paid back quite well. The book was filled with mystery, romance, uncertainty, crazy, and fear. It had me on my knees (figuratively) for the entirety of the book, and I can't wait for the next one to find out more about Mara and Noah!
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