Still reeling in the aftermath of the revelation of Chase’s true identity, Calla is hurt and lonely and trying very, very hard to move on and forget aStill reeling in the aftermath of the revelation of Chase’s true identity, Calla is hurt and lonely and trying very, very hard to move on and forget all about him -- to just focus on her guardian training. Unfortunately, easier said than done. Especially when Vi & Ryn are pestering her for information about him. Especially when faeries start getting sick with a mysterious illness, and she suspects Chase’s involvement. Especially when she herself is framed for causing the illness and she suddenly finds herself with no one else to turn to.
While some series lose steam the longer they get, the Creepy Hollow series is one that gets progressively better and better with every book, effectively utilizing its previously established history and building in intensity. While it’s fast-paced and well-plotted with lots of action and set in a wonderfully conceptualized world, the real strength to these novels lies in its fantastic character and relationship development. Calla in particular is just very well done. While suffering a horrible childhood trauma at the hands of Zell, after seeing the kinds of things that would make one lose faith in humanity (or whatever the faerie equivalent of that idea would be), she is still an optimist and an idealist. And Calla flounders a bit as her optimism and idealism are seriously tested in this novel.
Chase is also extremely well-developed. He is a character I wasn’t sure I wanted to like, but darn it… I do. I can’t help it. While Calla is most definitely my favorite character in this second half of the series, I have to say that Chase’s journey is probably the most compelling. His history and backstory... well, let’s just say he presents a bit of a conundrum. He’s black and white, and all the shades of gray in between.
Speaking of which, I absolutely love the themes of redemption, atonement and morality that play out throughout this book.The continuing idea idea that the world is made up of all different shades of gray, and that while one must acknowledge existence of darkness in the world and in one’s self, a person must choose to either get mired down in those shadowy places or to choose the light -- the brighter colors of life. As Calla continues on with her guild training, she’s learning that things are rarely as straightforward, cut-and-dry as she once thought; that in reality it can be a bit more complicated than “good guys” and “bad guys.” By meeting Chase, by recognizing areas in which t he Guild fails or lacks, her worldview that’s been shaped by her idolization of the Guild as a moral center begins to crack and reshape. Just love these themes that Rachel is weaving through Calla’s story.
Overall, riveting, romantic and enchanting (with an ending that almost killed me), A Faerie’s Revenge is an excellent next installment to this fantastic series....more
Can I just say that I love that the Creepy Hollow series is not finished? It’s always bittersweet leaving a world behind when finishing a series, and Can I just say that I love that the Creepy Hollow series is not finished? It’s always bittersweet leaving a world behind when finishing a series, and I thought when reading The Faerie War (Creepy Hollow Book #3) that that was the last new adventure I’d have with Violet and Ryn in the world of Creepy Hollow. Thankfully, not so. Or not completely anyway. A Faerie’s Secret picks up almost a decade after the fall of Draven, but while Vi, Ryn and some other familiar faces make some cameos, this time the story is Calla’s (Ryn’s younger half sister).
Now seventeen, Calla Larkenwood desperately wants to train to become a faerie guardian just like her father was and her brother is. She wants to keep people safe from horrors like she once experienced at the hands of a cruel Unseelie prince. However, since the fall of Draven, the Guilds are now keeping track of faeries with Griffin abilities, and her parents are trying as hard as possible to keep Calla’s power a secret. Especially since she has trouble controlling it. Sending her to train at the Guild would be like sending her into the lion’s den. But when it becomes clear that someone dangerous might already know and be after Calla, her parents finally agree that the Guild might, ironically, be the safest place for her.
But then again, maybe not.
When a guardian trainee hazing goes south, Calla ends up in the middle of something sinister while accidentally exposing her secret to a faerie of somewhat ambiguous allegiances. So safety becomes somewhat of a moot point. Plus, guardian training, not super safe to begin with anyway.
Continuation? Standalone? So, at this point, you might be wondering, Dear Reader, if you need to have read the first three books in this series. First of all, massive side eye going on in your general direction accompanied by an “Um…. YES?!” But fangirl answer aside, still I would say yes. The impact of the story would be greatly lessened if you jumped in on Book #4. Plus, you would definitely benefit from a better, broader knowledge of the Creepy Hollow world and what these characters have already been through. For example, if you read the original trilogy, you’ll have already met Calla. Seven-year-old Calla does play an important role in that story, and her backstory definitely comes into play in this one. But that said, if for some reason, you’re staunchly opposed to reading the previous books, Rachel also does a good job of providing just enough information for the uninitiated reader to get by if they don’t wish to go back and read the first three. *more side eye*
Calla. I just love her. She’s been through so much suffering in her seventeen years, and yet she embraces the vibrancy of life; choosing the “bright colors” rather than dwelling on the dark ones. She’s passionate, full of conviction, selfless, brave, compassionate, but also tough, totally kickbutt, and tends to wear her heart on her sleeve… among other places. I adore her.
I also adore Chase. A handsome, mysterious tattoo artist from the Underground, Calla’s ability doesn’t affect him like it does other faeries. Which makes him dangerous to Calla. However, seeing as she’s gotten herself in a bit of a “situation” with the super unofficial and definitely illegal trainee initiation, she finds herself in need of his knowledge and help. He’s strangely honorable, but not entirely forthcoming. Friend or foe? Well, that remains to be seen…
Calla & Chase. Whatever this is, I love it.
Vi & Ryn. Yay. Just… yay. So good to see them again.
The world. Like I said previously, when I finished what I assumed to be the last book in the then-trilogy, I hated saying goodbye to the world of Creepy Hollow. Rachel has created this beautiful, enchanting place that blends the faerie world with very human concepts. A faerie world full of magic, mystery, and magical creatures, but with law enforcement agencies, bureaucracy, smartphone equivalents, and social media? It’s whimsical and charming, but also believably dark and dangerous when the plot swings that way. Which it does. Often. Creepy Hollow is a well-conceived and well-executed world, and I’m so glad I get to visit there a little longer.
The story. It’s captivating. It’s fast-paced. It’s…
Ok. I have to mention it. There’s one thing I love above all about A Faerie’s Secret, and I need to at least try to tell you about it, even if it’s in the vaguest of terms. I guess the only way I can describe it is that Rachel wove *insert “the coolest spoilery thing ever” here* into the story in such a organic, smart, stealthy way; a well-planned sneak attack. I had my suspicions about *insert “the coolest spoilery thing ever” here*. I was 86% sure I had this thing all figured out, but still Rachel kept me guessing. And when the “AHA!” moment finally came, what she did with *insert “the coolest spoilery thing ever” here* blew me away. I love when an author can turn the tables on me, which is something that doesn’t seem to happen too terribly often. So if you like clever stories that’ll leave you jaw-on-the-floor gaping (and if you like faeries, and magic, and romance, and danger, and kick-butt heroines… and who doesn’t?!), this book is a good pick for you.
Also worth mentioning, the dialogue and descriptions. I’m a big fan. And I love how certain things from the original trilogy come into play in this fourth book.
Overall. In short, A Faerie’s Secret is clever, exciting and engaging; a wonderful and welcome return to the world and characters for established fans of the series, and a great introduction to Creepy Hollow for those new to it. My favorite of the series thus far....more
*** This review is for the third book in a series. As such it will undoubtedly contain an element of spoilerishness, though I will try very hard to av*** This review is for the third book in a series. As such it will undoubtedly contain an element of spoilerishness, though I will try very hard to avoid it. ***
Following the grim events at the end of Ward Against Darkness, Ward Against Disaster picks up several days later with Ward, Celia and Nazarius hot on the trail of the angry, power-hungry vesperitti, an undead creature that feeds off of soul magic. Ward has unintentionally unleashed this creature into the world, and Ward (being Ward) is determined to right this mistake before any more people die. The vesperitti’s bloody trail brings them to the city of Dulthyne, a city with a past steeped in dark magic; a city whose mounting tensions and unrest make it the perfect breeding ground for a new evil. When Ward’s compulsion to help others lands the three of them in trouble, Ward & Celia must once again take on a whole new subterfuge as Nazarius’s Quayestri apprentices to escape Dulthyne’s dungeons. As is typical, complications abound as Ward and Celia are now tasked with finding the source of the city’s disturbances, defeating the vesperitti, maintaining their cover, avoiding their growing feelings for one another, all while Ward tries to stave off the mounting allure of blood magic.
Cover. I don’t normally mention covers, but since this is literally the VERY beginning of the book, I’ll start here. While I loved the slight campiness and gothic vibe of the original covers, I have to say I LOVE the series redesign. The colors, the fonts, the consistency — it all appears just a bit more put together. Fantastic job, Ms. Pelletier.
Ward. Though there are so many, many things that I love about this series, Ward definitely tops the list. His ongoing search for identity and self, his desire to do the right thing, his struggle to maintain his convictions in situations that make it increasingly hard to do so, his efforts to understand his magic (or lack thereof), the numerous emotional, spiritual and physical beatings he’s endured since meeting Celia — all of these things just make him very compelling, relatable, and empathetic. He’s just a good guy fighting to stay good in a world that would have him be otherwise. Card has done a fabulous job with Ward’s journey over the course of all three books, and particularly in Ward Against Disaster. Very well done.
Celia. Celia has also undergone a lot of introspective soul-searching since meeting Ward. Her journey has been interesting in that it’s almost the opposite of Ward’s. While Ward fights off the growing allure of darkness and corruption, Celia, the former assassin, has been influenced by Ward’s sense of morality, his willingness to do the right thing even when it costs. That doesn’t mean she’s totally reformed, not by a long shot. But she’s been given a second chance, however short it might be, and she’s becoming more self-aware, has grown something of a conscience, and has realized that maybe she wants different things out of this new, albeit undead, life. Her ongoing quest to find out exactly what Ward did to her when he brought her back is also interesting. And that’s all I’ll say about that.
Romance. Ms. Card, you are a master of the slow burn. Holy angst, Batman. The growing attraction and awareness between Ward and Celia as they try to deny/realize their feelings for each other is just so very, very frustratingly, agonizingly fantastic.
Nazarius. I haven’t quite decided what I think about Nazarius just yet, but I do find him to be a very intriguing character.
Story & World. This series just keeps getting more and more exciting, the stakes going ever higher. Ward Against Disaster rarely has a calm moment. From the first page, Ward, Celia & Co. pretty much move from one danger directly to another. Their situation growing ever more tenuous and dire as they seek to maintain subterfuges, as they withhold truths and keep secrets, as they are uncertain of their allies, as they experience failure, discouragement and self-doubt, and as evil encroaches ever nearer. Card expertly weaves and develops her story, connecting all of her new and ongoing points together, all the while maintaining the plot’s rapid pace. It’s compelling, it’s engaging, it’s good storytelling. And that ending… GAH! *clutches heart*
Card also expands this curious, fantastical world just a little more. Dulthyne, Brawenal, Brothers of Light, The Goddess, Quayestri, Necromancers, Innocroesti, Vesperitti, Dark and light magic, frequent references to histories and people and places — it all gives Ward & Celia’s world a depth and believability without ever being too expository. It’s a fascinating world that I’m dying to know more about. The only thing that would make it better would be a map. *hint hint*
Overall.Ward Against Disaster is a thrilling, heart-wrenching, horribly wonderful page-turner that’s left me ABSOLUTELY DESPERATE for book #4. ...more
It’s not everyday we feature a piece of classic literature on this blog, and I must admit, it’s a bit intimidating. I mean how do you review Jane-freaIt’s not everyday we feature a piece of classic literature on this blog, and I must admit, it’s a bit intimidating. I mean how do you review Jane-freakin’-Austen — literary goddess, the woman who practically birthed the modern romantic comedy, and who gifted the world with such paragons of male virtue as Mr. Darcy, Mr. Knightley and Captain Wentworth? I mean, seriously, how do you review that? How?
Well, always up for a challenge, I’m giving it a go. Growing up and into my adulthood, I’ve watched practically every Austen-based movie ever made… and several times. Sometimes lots of times. As in I’ve-lost-count-how-many-times-I’ve-seen-this-and-I-could-play-Lizzy-Bennet’s-part-in-my-sleep-with-one-hand-tied-behind-my-back-while-wearing-a-corset lots of times. But until this past try at reading Austen, I’d never actually finished a Jane Austen novel. “Self,” said I. “Your fear of reading Austen, and all classics for that matter, is ridiculous. Grow a pair, pick one, and just read it.”
So I did… do that… metaphorically.
It wasn’t too difficult to know which one I wanted to start with, as I’ve slowly been falling in love with Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot for so very long now. While I adore the drama and tension of Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion is a story I’ve had a growing admiration and love for over the years. It’s a quiet love story about mistakes and second chances, about pride and humility, about knowing yourself, trusting your own judgment and using discretion when taking the advice of others. It’s about strength of character and graciousness, devotion and faithfulness. It’s just… beautiful.
If I could choose but one thing that I loved most about Persuasion in my transition from screen to page, it’d be the more fully-realized character development. Not that Frederick and Anne weren’t who I thought they were, but as often happens, they were both just more than what the screenwriters and actors could convey in the films.
I love Anne. Something I never realized from the film versions of this novel was how much inner strength she possesses. It’s easy to see her as more of a wallflower or even a doormat in the movies, when in actuality I’d call her more charitable and resigned , which is not the same thing. While she longs for Wentworth, she accepts her choices and the consequences they brought about; that her chance with him is gone. That his heart is hardened against her forever, and she doesn’t blame him for it. While she may have once been overly influenced by her family and friends, she has since learned discretion and has developed a quiet sort of independence since refusing Captain Wentworth. Though not particularly outspoken or of an outgoing nature, Anne is a steadying force, a constant grounding presence to her friends and family, even when they don’t realize it. Her ability to be cool-headed, fair, pratical and gracious automatically draws those around her to her quiet gentleness. She’s a fantastic character, and more so than I had previously thought.
I also love Wentworth. He’s perhaps a bit more extroverted, more passionate, than I would’ve guessed from the films. I like how flawed Frederick is — he speaks without forethought or consideration and deals with his pain almost passive aggressively. Anne had dealt him a huge blow in refusing him and finding those wounds just as raw all these years later, he is at times most unfair and ungracious to Anne, even if she is the only one to recognize his little slights. And it can be rather painful to witness. But I liked that about him. He is but only human.
So you have these two people who’d been separated once upon a time by fortune, counsel, and choices, who’re suddenly thrown unexpectedly back together. Captain Wentworth is no longer a poor naval officer with an uncertain future and prospects whose marriage proposal Anne was persuaded to turn down. In the years since Anne’s refusal, he’s made his fortune in the navy, advanced and has found himself a rather wealthy individual… and has determined that it is now time to find himself a wife. (I love the rationale back in this time period.. find himself a wife, indeed. Like he could just pop into a few dinner parties and walk out with a life-long companion. Which in that time period was totally conceivable since marriage was more a business proposition for land, title, and financial security than for love or romance. But it’s just such a foreign way of looking at things to this 21st century American girl.)> Anyway, back on track… it’s now time for Frederick to acquire himself a wife, when he (by several well-timed twists of fate) is brought face to face with the woman he once loved so passionately. Both of them are caught off-guard – Anne initally reacts with silence and avoidance, while Wentworth, who seemingly has no interest in her, holds the undivided attention of every lady in their party (eligible or not), taking the chance to shoot small verbal barbs Anne’s way when opportunities present themselves. But as they’re forced to endure one another’s company for an excruciatingly long period of time, as they slowly become reacquainted with each other through different social circumstances and near tragedies… well, let’s just say it gets deliciously in-ter-esting. *steeples fingers Mr. Burns-style*
Anyway, enough babbling. Suffice it to say, I love it. I love the romance. I love the tongue-in-cheek humor. I love Jane’s subtle (and not so subtle) digs at society and Society. I love her observations of human nature. I love the overall themes of the piece. I love it all.
Overall. Jane is amazing. Seriously, why did I not read Persuasion sooner? Because in this case, the saying once again proves true: The book is definitely better.
P.S. – Next up? Northanger Abbey. I need to meet Henry Tilney for myself.
This is the third work I’ve read by Intisar Khanani, and the third time I’ve walked away from her stories monumentally impressed. Why? Oh, let me counThis is the third work I’ve read by Intisar Khanani, and the third time I’ve walked away from her stories monumentally impressed. Why? Oh, let me count the ways: her gorgeous writing style, her lovely attention to detail, her seemingly effortless character development, her incredibly satisfying relationship development, her complex world-building, her intuitive pacing, her beautifully evocative imagery. Uh, you know… just to name a few things. She’s a talented writer of fantasy and I must say, she’s officially taken a place among my favorites of the genre.
But enough fangirling. For now. I’m going to try and expound on a few of the items I mentioned above. Let’s start with characters…
Hitomi. In short, I love her. A girl orphaned. A girl hiding a dangerous gift. A rebel and a thief. At only fifteen, Hitomi, has already lived a lifetime of hardship and heartache. Losing both her parents a few years prior has left her to fend for herself on the streets of a foreign city. But she’s risen above. She’s a strong character, determined, brave, fierce, adaptable, adventurous, and pretty darn cool under pressure. She also refuses to give up, she’s a survivor with an admirable (i.e. dangerous) sense of honor and loyalty.
Hitomi’s also in hiding. The only daughter of two mages, she possesses a rare, untrained magical gift that those in governance consider to be unstable and dangerous. If her powers were discovered, the consequences would be… well, not good. And even so, Tomi joins in the resistance against the magical evil that’s threatening her newly adopted home of Karolene.
See? Dangero– I mean, admirable sense of honor and loyalty.
The Ghost. A leader of the resistance against Blackflame’s rise to power, the Ghost has known Hitomi for years and she has become one of his most trusted operatives. He too is very brave, honorable intelligent, resourceful. A brave leader who inspires loyalty, but he’s also a mystery, and I should like more opportunity to better gauge his character. {hint hint}
Mysterious Person That Shall Not Be Named. In Hitomi’s adventures we meet another person that plays a crucial role in the story, and I just find him absolutely fascinating. Possibly the most fascinating. Though he proves to be ally, friend, and perhaps something… well, I’m not sure what, but something more, he (like that questionable classification of relationship) was a bit of an enigma to me. And again left me with that same desire to have another chance to puzzle him out a little more. {hint hint hint}
{hint}
Ok. I’m do–{hint}! Ok. Really. I’m done now. Promise.
Characters… in general. The character development overall is very well done. Ever read a book where the author can accomplish more character building in a passage than some authors can achieve in an entire book? Like I said before, it just feels effortless. Not that I’m trying to diminish all the hard work Khanani’s put into her characters (because it’s evident that quite a lot of work went into this book), but to me, her characters just live on the page, like the characters just jumped straight from her brain to the keyboard, fully-formed and breathing.
World. So, I love this world. (What? Are you really surprised with the way I’ve been gushing?) As I understand it, though all three of Khanani’s works have had different protagonists in separate series, it is all set within the same world. Even without having read the previous two books, it’s a well-constructed world that feels vast in scope. Having read the other two books, it just makes me feel jump-up-and-down-happy-to-my-toes excited. Every books gives an even broader glimpse of the world – it’s wonderfully diverse, with different cultures, peoples, worldviews, customs and rules. As a whole it’s mysterious, magical, with quite a varied history, with great evils, looming threats, danger, but also marked by everyday acts of kindness, heroism, magic, and beauty. It’s a fairy tale world, but it’s also a world that is filled with a lot of realism and authenticity. It’s fantastic, and I cannot wait to see more.
Plot.Sunbolt was very much the journey of Tomi finding out who she is and just what she’s capable of. Her limits, physically and emotionally, are greatly tested throughout this book as the fast-paced plot throws her (and the reader) from one adventure into the next. This book, at 135+ pages, is technically a novella, but the amount of action in this book is tremendous. In fact, when I was done, I felt as though I had just completed a full-length novel; seriously, the amount of story that is crammed in this novella is amazing and impressive. What’s even more amazing is how naturally it flows, never feeling rushed, or hurried or underdeveloped. It’s just good, well-paced story-telling.
Overall. Intisar Khanani’s Sunbolt is magically delicious and has found a home on my “favorites” shelf....more
You know that feeling you get when you start a new book? That lovely, small (yet pervasive and ever-increasingFantasy, and magic, and romance, OH MY!
You know that feeling you get when you start a new book? That lovely, small (yet pervasive and ever-increasing) feeling upon reading just the first few pages that you’ve found a new favorite novel?
That.
That is how I felt upon beginning The Burning Sky. From the incredibly detailed, richly rendered, heavily storied world of elemental and subtle magic, to the complicated political games and intrigue, to the terrible burden of fulfilling a fated destiny, to the desperate attempts to hide Iolanthe from the ever-watchful eyes of Atlantis, to its dark fairytale-esque qualities, to the breathlessly paced plot, to the ever-mounting danger that surrounded Iolanthe and Titus constantly, to the tempestuous love/hate relationship between a world-weary, duty-bound (yet resolute) prince and the feisty, elemental mage who’s constantly setting him slightly off-balance, to Thomas’ beautifully lush writing style, to the historical setting (and resulting, completely fascinating, social microcosm) of Eton College — everything, everything, EVERYTHING, in and about this book enchanted me.
I love Iolanthe. I love her presence of mind, her vulnerability, her resolve, her cunning, her tenacity, her dreams, her spunk, her perseverance. I love Titus. His bravery, his underlying melancholy, his longing for impossible things, his loneliness; and conversely, his craftiness, his ruthlessness, and his cleverness. I love how their relationship with each other evolves over the course of the book. It’s just this fantastic, tumultuous dance of trust and mistrust, resentment and affection, attraction and duty, manipulation and authenticity. It’s one big, beautiful mess of conflicting emotions and purposes set against the backdrop of a shared, and probably doomed, destiny.
Overall, consider me well and fully head over heels for this book.
*** If you’re thinking about picking The Burning Sky up on audiobook, you totally should. Philip Battley narrates, and does an absolutely fantastic job....more
***This review is of the third book in a series and will contain spoilers for the previous two novels. Be ye warned.***
Picking up where Scarlet le***This review is of the third book in a series and will contain spoilers for the previous two novels. Be ye warned.***
Picking up where Scarlet left off, with Kai’s announcement of his engagement to Levana and the cessation of Lunar hostilities on Earth, we are formally introduced right off the bat to our newest heroine, Cress. Imprisoned for the last seven years by Sybil Mira in a satellite orbiting Earth, Cress, who is a programming prodigy, has been ordered to monitor, spy, protect, hack, re-program and hide whatever and whomever Queen Levana wishes. Unfortunately for Queen Levana, her prisoner has a conscience, a love for Earth, a desire to help Linh Cinder overthrow Levana, and the intelligence to do so behind the Queen’s back. So when the ragtag fugitive crew of the Rampion contact her for information they could use to stop Levana from being crowned Empress (and from marrying Kai. Bonus.), Cress is afforded not only the opportunity to fight back against Levana, but also the chance to escape her inescapable prison.
Cress. Cress is quite a different sort of heroine than the stubborn, snarky Cinder and the fiery, brave Scarlet. Growing up by largely by herself with little human interaction, Cress is naive, a bit (re: adorably) socially awkward, wears her heart (in flashing neon lights) on her sleeve, and is often awed by/disoriented by/unsure of new situations. But she’s also a strong heroine, just not in all the same ways Cinder and Scarlet are. Cress is highly intelligent, retains knowledge like a sponge and can turn any computer system into her own personal playground. She’s quietly determined, covertly defying Levana despite potential consequences. Because of this defiance, she’s constantly faced with situations in Cress that throw her frighteningly out of her element. However, she pushes herself onward because she must. She’s courageous, and I absolutely adore her. Her wide-eyed sweetness, honesty, and rampant imagination made her an incredibly endearing character, and the evolution of her character throughout the book is fantastic.
Thorne. The charismatic, handsome, dashing (and ever-opportunistic) Captain Carswell Thorne managed to steal the innocent Cress’s heart from over her netscreen. I mean, of course he did. If Han Solo, Malcolm Reynolds and John Crichton all had an extremely impossible (yet undeniably tall and good looking) love child together… he would be it. Stuck in a satellite, studying up on the Earth’s two most-wanted fugitives, Cress has developed a serious crush on the Thorne she’s pieced together from reports and records, and it was interesting to watch the real Thorne pitted against the idealistic perspective of himself that Cress has created in her mind. When push comes to shove, who will he prove himself to be?
If there was one thing I wish had been different about Scarlet, it was more character development for Thorne. I mean, he fit the role of “roguish anti-hero” extremely well in Scarlet, with his questionable loyalties and his hilarious one-liners, and he provided a great foil for Cinder’s character development in the second novel. However, I never felt I really got to see what he was made of in Scarlet… and I really, desperately wanted to know. If you, Dear Reader, had similar thoughts, rejoice! Your wish has been granted in Cress.
Cinder. The weight of two worlds quite literally resting (i.e. crushing down) on her 16-year-old cybernetic shoulders, Cinder knows what she needs to do (if not how to exactly achieve it), but conflicted about her role and uncertain of her capabilities. Her personal journey as a character continues to be wonderfully compelling as she continues to be tested, tried and stretched in a multitude of ways.
Kai. “Between a rock and a hard place” sums up Kai’s situation quite nicely, I believe. The newly-crowned emperor, and recently orphaned 18-year-old, has been faced with challenge after unimaginable challenge since inheriting his father’s throne… and he’s not nearly out of the woods yet.
Scarlet. Of all three girls, Scarlet gets the least amount of page time in Cress, but what she does get is critically important and extremely enlightening… and, that’s all I’ll say.
Wolf. Like Scarlet, Wolf is relegated to a slightly more secondary role in this book, but his ongoing battle between his humanity and his more, shall we say, primal instincts is still a very present theme.
Iko. Iko may just be one of my favorite characters. An android though she may be, Iko’s sentience has exceeded her programming. She’s evolved — able to rationalize, make her own decisions, have likes and dislikes, experience her own emotions. Some of her interactions with Cinder in this book made me laugh out loud, because though Cinder is human, Iko’s almost better at it. Iko’s exuberance for life and love is a catching thing, and makes her a character that is, in all the ways that count, easy to identify with.
Romance. Come one, come all, there is romance to be had! Since The Lunar Chronicles is an amalgam of different fairy tales, particularly the princess ones, it’s to be expected that romance will play a fairly big part in these books. However, what I love about Marissa’s stories that while the romance is an overarching factor, Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Co.’s stories are about so much more than that — civil rights, identity, self-acceptance, having the courage to stand up for what’s right even when it’s unbelievably hard, if ends justifying the means, humanity, tolerance, how to affect change, and growing up. It’s about adventure, and narrow escapes, and mortal peril. It’s about spaceships, cool gadgets, and robots, and cheering for the underdogs. And, yes, it’s also about a prince, a wolf, a scoundrel… and kissing. From the fragile, star-crossed romance of Cinder & Kai that barely had a chance to begin, to the fiery and intense chemistry of Scarlet & Wolf, Marissa now pits the charming and worldly Captain Thorne against the sweetness and naivete of Cress. This could’ve easily turned into a very cliched romantic archetype, the innocent and the bad boy. You know what I’m talking about. But I’ll hand it to Marissa, I really love what she did both individually and together with these two. It’s good. *slow claps*
Story. The plot of Cress can be summed up in one simple, central statement, “Stop Levana from becoming Empress.” Unfortunately, for Cinder, Scarlet, Cress and Co. (and fortunately for us readers, sadists that we are) the logistics of accomplishing that mission statement are a bit (i.e. A LOT) more… A.) Challenging. B.) Exciting. C.) Incredibly and insanely dangerous. D.) All of the above
I’ll give you a hint. It’s ‘D.’
Though it numbers a somewhat daunting 560 pages, Cress is an absolute page-turner, and I flew through it. As with Cinder and Scarlet, Marissa tells the story using multiple narrators, multiple perspectives — in Cress there’s six that I can name off the top of my head — which I’m typically not a fan of, but the change in narrators is clearly marked by chapter, and these characters are just so well developed with unique and distinctive voices. They are all characters I’ve become emotionally invested in. And these factors make all the difference.
Also, Meyer’s pacing is pretty darn near PERFECT. She’d suck me into one character’s story, only to leave to leave it for another when something — be it a conversation or someone’s life — was hanging in the balance, and then it’d be the same kind of thing with the next narrator. It’s an extremely vicious, horribly wonderful cycle. And it made it ridiculously impossible to find a good stopping point. “Oh, I just want to see what happens with So-and-So.” “But Whoosawhasit’s in trouble!” And “How in the name of the Millenium Falcon’s faulty hyperdrive are they going to get out of this one?!?!” I cannot tell you how many “Just one more chapter!” promises I made to myself while reading this book, and how many times I broke them.
I’m also greatly impressed with how many little details and plot points Marissa incorporates from all of the fairy tales into her story and how creatively they are included. The way she’s interwoven all of these stories together and the obvious amount of forethought that’s gone into The Lunar Chronicles that’s being revealed as the series goes on is just continually impressive.
Yes. I might be fangirling a little bit right now. Nevertheless, it’s still true!
Overall. Absolutely phenomenal. An already excellent series just got even better....more
This book! I have been waiting for this book for forever!!!!!!!!!! (← ridiculous amounts of exclamation points for necessary emphasis!)
Ok, well technThis book! I have been waiting for this book for forever!!!!!!!!!! (← ridiculous amounts of exclamation points for necessary emphasis!)
Ok, well technically not forever, because that would be a slight exaggeration and impossible, but since the moment I finished Ward Against Death two summers ago, I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book. Two years is an extremely long time to build up unrealistic expectations, to over-romanticize my love for the first book, for tastes to change and preferences to alter. So did it meet my expectations?
Yes, yes, and most certainly in so many ways. In fact, let’s just list them:
Romance. Ok. Can we just talk about Ward & Celia and the fact that they… don’t? Talk, I mean. After all they’ve been through, they’ve finally come to a place of mutual respect and tentative friendship. Their previous adventure together has instilled a sense of loyalty and trust, they value each others’ skills and advice. They’ve begun to understand each other better… and to feel something for each other that might transcend the boundaries of “just friends.” But in the first book, that “maybe more” part of their relationship is never really addressed.
And in this book it’s much the same deliciously frustrating slow-building romance. The pacing here is just very believable; avoidance of their feelings being very natural to both Ward & Celia, their fears and doubts very understandable. They’ve not known each other all that long, are still in the process of learning who the other is, coming to know their own feelings, coming to realize who they are, what they are, and what they stand for. Melanie does lot of fantastic character and relationship development in Ward Against Darkness and is laying some great, substantial romantic groundwork, but still…
*Smooshes Ward and Celia’s heads together*JUST KISS! Or talk first, then kiss!
Sorry. *ahem* Moving on.
Ward. In the two weeks, since Ward brought Celia back from the dead, his life, his character, and his perspective of reality have been strenuously questioned and tested. Ward, is more of a gentle soul, more apt to have his nose in a book than getting himself into trouble of the serious sort. Though sometimes in Ward’s case, those two things coincide. Though he’s had previous run-ins with the law before meeting Celia, his intentions were always good. He has a compassionate heart, a noble sense of honor, and a surprising amount of courage, confidence, and strength of character he doesn’t give himself enough credit for.
Speaking of things he doesn’t give himself enough credit for… Ward is the most recent generation of necromancer in the De’Ath’s long family tradition of powerful necromancers. Thought a bit odd and sadly under-talented by his family, Ward’s never thought much of his mediocre power. But after bringing Celia back to life with the Jam de’U and the battle with the Innecroestri Karysa, it’s apparent there’s a little more to his power than he originally thought. And Ward Against Darkness gives Ward the opportunity to discover just how deep his power runs.
In the first book, Ward is a bit of the endearing bumbling hero. In this book, there’s a bit of that, but he’s also proving to be very adaptable. He’s forced to think a little more like Celia. He’s presented with some situations that send him further into the morally gray; situations that test his mettle and show him just what he’s capable of; situations that are dark, difficult, and dangerous. It’s some really fantastic character building on Melanie’s part, because she made me mourn the “loss” of Ward’s innocence and naivete while also falling in love with the man that he’s becoming. Trial by fire. And I just hope that the fire doesn’t burn away something important, something essentially Ward. I fear that it may only get worse for Ward from here. *rubs hands together and laughs evilly.*
Celia. Celia’s journey as a character is just as compelling. When she was alive she was a ruthless killer, dangerous, terrifying and amoral – she wasn’t what you’d call a “nice person.” She used people to her own benefit, manipulated them, she was emotionally unattached, and driven to be the best. And she was. And then she was murdered. And then she met Ward. Being around Ward – seeing his gentleness, his sincerity, his decency – Celia’s begun to question the way she’s lived thus far, to question the way she looks at the world. She’s been given a second chance at life, and she’s not sure she wants to be the person she was before.
In addition to Celia’s soul searching, we are also given some insight into just what may have happened when Ward cast the Jam de’U bringing her back to life the second time. For all intents and purposes Celia seems alive, nothing about her suggests that she’s artificially alive. But since Ward isn’t sure quite what happened with his improvised spell, Celia’s fully aware that she’s living on borrowed time, and she’s wondering just what kind of creature he’s turned her into.
Story. And a large part of the story revolves around this – Celia’s state of being and the who, what and why of bringing a soul back from the dead, and all that entails. In Ward Against Darkness, a case of remarkably bad timing and mistaken identity lead Ward to play the part of apprentice-hopeful to a very dangerous Innecroestri (a necromancer that’s fallen to the darkity dark, dark side)… and this guy is nasty. Really nasty – cruel, and sadistic, and perverse. But under the Innecroestri’s roof, Ward learns more about his power, what he could be capable of and how much he’s willing to compromise. He glimpses firsthand the dark path necromancy could lead him down, while Celia learns more about what she is… or isn’t.
It’s a pretty dark book. The title is accurate. This adventure of Ward and Celia’s is definitely grittier and darker than the last, with lots of action, a megaton of tension, political intrigue, danger, close-calls, betrayals, with the promise of more darkness to come.
It’s interesting to note that in Ward Against Death, Ward was adrift in the unfamiliar waters of Celia’s underworld, at her mercy to navigate through it. In Ward Against Darkness, this is flipped a bit. Though Celia is incredibly skilled at stealth, murder, defense, theft, etc. — and those skills do come in handy — all her talents are nothing if she has to go up against an Innecroestri who can immobilize her with the flick of a finger. She’s on Ward’s turf, such as it is, and must rely on him – his ability at subterfuge, his unreliable magic, his sometimes-flagging confidence – to see them through this most recent danger. Celia does play an important and active role in the plot, it’s just she doesn’t possess magic and in this instance, magic kinda trumps all.
Melanie’s pacing is downright perfect and so action-packed. The story never lags or plateaus, the tension just keeps building and building, moving at breakneck speed right from beginning to end. I was completely captivated. And the story arcs she set up for the next book(s) are extremely well done. I cannot wait to see what happens next with all these different threads that’ve been left for the next book to pick up.
Overall. Dark and gripping with just the right amount of danger and romance, Ward Against Darkness ticked all my favorite boxes and left me in that wonderful state of being satisfyingly dissatisfied in which I’m now eagerly (i.e. – impatiently) awaiting Ward & Celia’s next adventure. May it be fraught with much peril and kissing....more
I would give this six stars if I could. That was flipping amazing.
Wow. Just wow.
UPDATE 10.29.2012... So Heather and I decided to do a video review ofI would give this six stars if I could. That was flipping amazing.
Wow. Just wow.
UPDATE 10.29.2012... So Heather and I decided to do a video review of this book together, so if you're interested in checking that out, our vlog post can be found here: http://refractedlightreviews.com/?p=1......more
Talk about heart-wrenching. These novellas tell the story of how Ardalan's assassin ended up imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier. They're fantastTalk about heart-wrenching. These novellas tell the story of how Ardalan's assassin ended up imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier. They're fantastic and provide a rich and, in my opinion, necessary back story for Celaena's character and her world.
Such a cool way to increase hype for a book's release, because at 300+ pages, all four of these novellas pretty much compromise one full length novel -- essentially a book before the book.
If you are planning to read Throne of Glass or have already read it, these novellas are a MUST read....more
*** If you’ve not read Cinder, this review will contain spoilers for CINDER. ***
Fairytales and sci-fi!
Who knew, right?!
Well, apparently Marissa *** If you’ve not read Cinder, this review will contain spoilers for CINDER. ***
Fairytales and sci-fi!
Who knew, right?!
Well, apparently Marissa Meyer did. There’s just something about her particular brand of digitized, mechanized, bio-engineered, space-faring fairytale that’s absolutely enthralling. Her heroines are strong, intelligent, scrappy, and resourceful individuals who are forced to fight for their happily-ever-afters. There are princes and “princes,” but their appearances in the story doesn’t magically solve the heroines’ struggles. Rather they tend to compound problems, and sometimes, they are the problem. Meyer’s antagonist, a combination of wicked witch and malevolent queen, is so deliciously evil and truly scary, backing our heroines into seemingly inescapable corners. And there’s just something so very clever in the way that all of Meyer’s heroines share the same ultimate nemesis… because she’s just that evil. The world is fascinating, familiar, yet undeniably different; with enough touches of the recognizable, but with twists and details, large and small, that remind the reader that this is different than the world we’re used to. And Meyer conveys these characters, backdrops, and situations through her beautifully evocative style that inspires a range of emotions from loss and despair, to anger and helplessness, to oh-so-warm and fuzzy, to “oh, it’s so totally on now, bad dudes!”
When a story has the ability to enchant so completely and when it is able to elicit such strong reactions, well ladies and gentlemen, that’s when you know you’ve found a good book.
Story. When we saw Cinder last, she was the most recent resident of New Beijing Prison, waiting to be handed over to the Lunar queen, Levana. However, thanks to several parting gifts from a questionably motivated compatriot, Cinder has been given the means to escape. And escape she does with the help of her ridiculously vain, and opportunistic fellow inmate, Capt. Carswell Thorne… who just so happens to be in possession of his very own spaceship. Sort of. With all of heaven and all of earth searching for her, Cinder must decide what to do with the knowledge she’s been given, her new-found abilities, the expectations inherent in her heritage, and decide just whom she can trust.
But this is not just Cinder’s story anymore, but also Scarlet’s. A farm girl from the south of France, Scarlet Benoit is desperate and angry after the Toulouse police department’s investigation has gone cold in the search to find her missing grandmother. The case is officially closed citing a voluntary disappearance. Convinced that her beloved grandmother has been kidnapped, a chance encounter with a mysterious street-fighter named Wolf makes her think that he may have a lead to follow. Unsure if she can trust him, but out of options, Scarlet leaves home behind to embark on a dangerous journey to rescue her grandma.
As with Cinder, Scarlet is also a story told via several narrators – the primary perspectives being Cinder, Scarlet & Kai’s – and once again Meyer uses this multi-POV very effectively, particularly in regards to pacing. Switching narrators from chapter to chapter, she typically ends each character’s segment with a hook or a mini-cliffhanger as she draws Cinder and Scarlet’s stories ever closer together, which left me in a constant state of “I must know what happens next!” and made the book a hard one to put down. “Just one more chapter, and then I’ll stop?” Seriously, don’t make promises you can’t keep. Meyer throws out her tantalizing plot lines, and I was a goner; reeled me right in. Hook, line and sinker.
And Meyer has upped the ante in this book. The uneasy truce between the Lunars and Earth is quickly crumbling, made even more tenuous by Cinder’s escape from prison. Levana is not to be denied anything, her motives becoming more transparent as her stranglehold on Earth grows ever tighter.
It’s beautifully written and the plot twists and creative nods to the Cinderella story and now Red Riding Hood’s tale are so artfully and smartly incorporated.
Characters.
Cinder. Cinder is fending off attacks from without and within in Scarlet. Not only is every law enforcement agency on earth looking for her, her face plastered on every news broadcast, but she’s also dealing with recent discoveries about herself — her heritage, family, abilities, what her obligations are, and what her next step should be. Though Cinder is one tough cookie, her gut reaction tends toward “flight” rather than “fight,” and she goes through some rather intense moments of self-discovery in Scarlet as she works through the realities of her life as it stands now.
Kai. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, newly crowned Emperor Kai is learning firsthand just what it means to rule. The situation of the Eastern Commonwealth is growing desperate as the Lunar threat becomes more real with each passing day, and he must weigh the good of the many against the good of the few.
Scarlet. Scarlet is a red-haired spitfire who wears her heart on her sleeve. Driven, passionate, more aggressive than Cinder, she tends to rush headlong into situations without considering all the consequences. She’s got a temper to match her hair color, but she’s also kind and compassionate. Not a halfway kind of girl, she feels very deeply; so whatever she’s feeling, it shows. Being thrown into the circumstances she’s thrown into, Scarlet’s stretched thin emotionally, and her responses to situations are very understandable, identifiable and make her a likable, empathetic character.
Wolf. With traits that lean uncomfortably close to the predator he’s named for, Wolf is somewhat of a compelling (and handsome) enigma to Scarlet. He’s incredibly secretive, but hesitantly willing to help, and he’s Scarlet’s only lead in locating her grandmother. But is he trustworthy?
Captain Carswell Thorne. Scarlet runs across Thorne when she miscalculates the route for her escape, and strikes up an uneasy agreement with her fellow inmate – she’ll help him escape the prison, and he’ll get her out of New Beijing. Carswell is vain, arrogant, a bit of a womanizer, a criminal and an opportunist; though he appears to be an “ok” guy, all things considered. In a book that’s a bit weighty emotionally, Thorne provides moments of much-needed levity. Although, I hope in the next book he’ll be a bit less comic relief and that Meyer will develop him more fully.
Iko. She’s back! I won’t say in what capacity, but it’s absolutely perfect.
Overall. An outstanding, captivating second act of The Lunar Chronicles , Scarlet is brilliant, sexy, romantic, action-packed, thrilling, and everything I could’ve hoped for in this sequel....more
Love it. Honestly, I kinda liked that as a series ending, but I'm not complaining that there's another book. More Ash is never a bad thing..:D <-- Me.
Love it. Honestly, I kinda liked that as a series ending, but I'm not complaining that there's another book. More Ash is never a bad thing... ;)...more
… I love this book. I know. Me? Love a faery book? I confess, it’s true.
Though The Iron Knight was meant to bring further closure to the stories of As… I love this book. I know. Me? Love a faery book? I confess, it’s true.
Though The Iron Knight was meant to bring further closure to the stories of Ash, Meghan and Puck and was definitely more close-ended than The Iron Daughter’s originally intended conclusion, I couldn’t help but feel almost more melancholy at the end of this one. Maybe that’s because of the way certain events that unfold in this story – the possible future that looms before them – or possibly it’s merely because Ash, Meghan’s and Puck’s adventures are more-or-less over and I’m mourning the fact that they will go on “living” without me.
Excessively maudlin ← Me.
So why did I love this book so much? Simply put, Ash. I love getting Ash’s fey perspective on his past, his relationships, his regrets, his fears, and his commitment to Meghan. He’s a rather introspective guy and The Iron Knight is extremely brutal for Ash as he comes to certain realizations about who he is, was and wants to become, as well as and the damaging consequences of actions long since past. This book doesn’t pull any punches emotionally. It was raw and at times ugly, but ultimately, it made the book all the more beautiful. I love the growth that occurs in Ash throughout the series and how his love for Meghan, and hers for him, alters him irrevocably.
Though the romance through the entire series has been of an epic scale – and I just love the love story to pieces – the relationship between Puck and Ash has been just as compelling to read about, and at times more so. I love these two boys, and I love that they chose to put up with each other, each the other’s arch-rival, for better or for worse, in order to pursue Ash’s quest. I love that Puck doesn’t give up on Ash, and that Ash deep down misses his best friend… making me sigh multiple times and hope beyond hope that these two stubborn faeries would just kiss and make up… or the manly, bromanctic equivalent of whatever that would be. The emotional rollercoaster these two went on made me alternately happy and tearful… and sometimes both at the same time.
Overall, a gorgeous, gorgeous bittersweet conclusion. Julie Kagawa, thank you. You broke my heart to pieces time and again, but always made sure to mend it after a fashion. You enchanted me with your tales of monsters, quests and many deeds of derring-do. You gave me new friends and beautifully re-imagined old ones. And above all, you achieved what I didn’t consider possible and made me fall hopelessly in love with Faery....more
*** If you have not read the first book, Shadow and Bone, this review will contain some spoilers.
[image] The Sun Summoner. Now on the run from The Dar*** If you have not read the first book, Shadow and Bone, this review will contain some spoilers.
[image] The Sun Summoner. Now on the run from The Darkling and his Grisha, Alina finds herself in a foreign land, growing physically weaker and more frustrated from being unable to use her power, lest she and Mal be detected. She feels useless and uncertain of the future, and deeply guilty for the part she played in the grisly incident on The Fold. Since being bound to Morozova’s Collar, something within Alina has shifted irrevocably, and she feels herself drawn toward a destiny that part of her wants nothing to do with, but that another, darker part of her craves.
Forced back to Ravka with Mal, Alina is compelled to right the wrong she was made to be a part of, to defeat the Darkling and destroy The Shadow Fold. To do this means accepting a position of leadership she’s uncomfortable with, and one that she’s acclimating to far too easily for her liking – a position that places her in danger and a position where she could either save Ravka or become it’s undoing. For though she tries her best to suppress it, there’s a growing part of her that’s drawn to power and darkness.
Alina has come a long way from the lonely girl she once was when she was a mediocre and unremarkable cartographer in the King’s Army. Gone is her naivete and her innocence. She’s seen darkness and what it’s capable of. She’s seen the destruction a lust for power can wreak. While I wouldn’t call her jaded, she’s been used and manipulated because of her powers, and as a result she’s not as trusting; she’s more wary, she’s more mature. She’s more capable, fiercer, and stronger. Alina is, however, still lonely – unable to trust or unable to burden those closest to her. Caught up in a web of political maneuverings, ambitions, lies and secrets, she’s learning to mask her fears and weaknesses, playing at diplomacy. Although, diplomacy only goes so far when restraining Alina’s sharp wit and firm opinions. Her common roots give her an interesting perspective on royal life and bureaucracy, and she often loses patience with the pretense and posturing. She’s tired of being viewed as a pawn, the political ace-up-someone’s-sleeve, and she’s ready to start making her own moves.
[image] The Tracker. Mal sacrificed a great deal to save the girl he loves, getting them away from Ravka where they hope to live in peace away from the Darkling. But fate has other plans, and it’s impossible to ignore that Alina is changing before his eyes, becoming less and less the girl he once knew. When they unexpectedly end up back on Ravkan soil, Alina’s direction and purpose seem undeniable, but Mal flounders and struggles to find his place within their new circumstances, leaving him to wonder if Alina’s been set on a course he cannot follow.
[image] The Darkling. The encounter between he and Alina in The Shadow Fold has irrevocably altered him as well. The Darkling’s power is growing as is his hunger for it, and for Alina. Like calls to like, as he’s so fond of reminding Alina, and he will stop at nothing to claim her, her power, and the Ravkan throne.
The Darkling is truly one of the most intriguing villains I’ve read in a long while. There is just something so… irresistible about him even though he’s just so mired in darkness, even though he’s done things that are horrible and unforgivable. I wouldn’t call him a sympathetic villain. “Multi-layered” would probably be a better description, and despite the things he’s done in Shadow and Bone and what occurs in Siege and Storm, a little part of me can’t help but hope that Baghra is right, and that he’s not yet “beyond redemption.”
[image] The Clever Fox. Always two steps ahead with a Plan B and a clever, perfectly-delivered one-liner that’s sure to catch his opponents off-guard, Sturmhond is, put simply: absolutely (frustratingly) delightful. A brigand, a privateer, Sturmhond commands a crew of mercenaries who terrorize True Sea. He’s incredibly complex, perpetually unruffled, perfectly evasive, endearingly infuriating, infinitely charming, chronically untrustworthy and completely incapable of answering a direct question. One can never be quite sure where one stands in his game, or what game he’s playing. However, one thing’s always certain, he is playing at something and he always has some angle. Sturmhond’s a compelling mix of sincerity, honor and compassion coupled with ambition, cunning and ruthlessness, and easily rivals the Darkling as my favorite character in this series.
World. Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. In this series, Bardugo has crafted a world that’s vivid, luscious and rich with depth, volume and weight. It’s all in her attention to detail, saturating the story with it; never forcing or overwhelming, but rather effortlessly weaving it in and throughout her story and around her characters. From a pungent, filthy whaling boat heaving across choppy waves to dusty scraps of civilization populated by the weary and worn citizens of Ravka, to the elaborate artistry and opulence of the Little Palace, to various customs, histories, stories, magic, and unique cultural details – it’s all worked together beautifully into the larger, cohesive tapestry of this spellbinding world.
Story. This is art. Truly. Lovely prose, perfect pacing, striking imagery, powerful and clever dialogue, gut-wrenching conflict – it’s everything I love about storytelling in one gorgeously (soon-to-be) dust-jacketed package. Every line, even the ones that took the story and characters in amazing, but difficult, directions is fantastic; every word artfully handpicked to create something amazing. Have you ever had that feeling when reading a book? That “This!” feeling when you know you’ve found a book you’ve fallen head over heels for? When “This!” is the only word that comes to mind to describe your feelings because your ability to form coherent sentences has been blown away along with your mind?
Well then, I simply say “This!”
Personally, I’m a firm believer in going into second books blind. I’ve found distancing myself from rumors and teaser chapters and blurbs make for a more enjoyable reading experience. I’d rather unravel where the story’s going as it unfolds in front of me, than know bits and pieces ahead of time that might morph into unfounded and unmet expectations. So, that said, I didn’t know much about the direction Siege and Storm was headed when I began the book, and I don’t want to take that thrill away from you by revealing too much of the story. So, I’ll just say… I love Siege and Storm more than Shadow and Bone. It’s a second book so you can expect much drama, much conflict, much political intrigue, and moments that will tear your heart to pieces. And in those moments where it feels like your heart is being ripped piece by tiny piece from your chest, be prepared to say, “Please sir, may I have another?” Because seriously, it’s just that good.
Overall. I must revert to my natural state of incoherent fangirl where I’m only capable of saying: “This!”...more
From the very first page of Seraphina, it’s evident that Rachel Hartman is a masterful storyteller. With narrative is that smart and as wickedly funnyFrom the very first page of Seraphina, it’s evident that Rachel Hartman is a masterful storyteller. With narrative is that smart and as wickedly funny as it is gorgeously poetic, world building that feels both intricate yet effortless, a well-rounded and diverse cast of characters who could leap off the page human and whole (or reptilian and whole), and a plot that never leaves you wanting, Hartman has woven a gorgeous fantasy of dragons, castles, handsome princes, and the girl who doesn’t quite belong.
The world held me completely captivated. Though the characters stay in a small localized area for most of the book, the world of Seraphina feels vast and limitless. What I love most about Hartman’s world building is that it’s woven throughout the story – the explanation of this world, its history, customs and technicalities feels organic and natural. Just by cleverly working in insignificant mentions of places, peoples and things outside the confines of Goredd, she is constantly expanding the borders of her world in my imagination. It’s not just the grand scope of the world however, it’s also in smaller details, such as the organized religion of Goredd, the tenuous relationship between humans and dragons and the intolerance and hatred that thrives despite the treaty. I love the strange saints-based religion that permeates the book. It’s infused into how every human views their world and how they interact with it. The dragons on the other hand are believed soulless and have no use for mankind’s silly saints. Logic, reason, knowledge, information, these are the things the dragons value most highly. And perhaps this is the root of both groups’ inability to truly coexist harmoniously – that, as a whole, their foundational worldview is so fundamentally different. Perhaps it also has something to do with the fact that dragons used to eat humans for a mid-afternoon snack before the treaty. In any case, tensions between the humans and the dragons are always a hairsbreadth away from escalating into a devastating conflict. And when the very human Prince Rufus is discovered murdered and headless just before the renewal of the peace treaty, dragons are the first to be suspected.
And into the midst of this civil unrest comes Seraphina Dombegh.
Seraphina is one of those characters that inspires instant affinity. Half-human, half-dragon, Seraphina is a girl who’s been forced to hide who and what she is in order to protect both her father and herself. She is the embodiment of something thought impossible, something feared, something humans would find an abomination, something detested by both her species – the merging of dragon and humankind. If caught, she would surely be put to death, and her father alongside. So to avoid discovery, her father encourages her to remain isolated from her peers and insists that Seraphina’s prodigious musical talents be hidden away from the world. Until finally, Seraphina grabs hold of her destiny and decides that merely existing is not the same thing as truly living her life. She auditions for the position of assistant to the court composer, Viridius, a job for which she is chosen. Suddenly, she’s performing, making friends, creating quite the reputation for herself as an incredibly gifted musician, and keeping her closely guarded secret is becoming even more difficult than ever before.
While the idea of Seraphina’s existence may be referenced in the butt of many a crude joke or nasty slur among pious, dragon-hating humans, she’s also the personification of the best qualities in both her peoples. Seraphina, for all her isolation, is a strong personality, authoritative, a leader, naturally curious, conscientious, discerning, quick-witted, a music prodigy with an eye for detail. When presented with a problem or obstacle, she’s very practical, analytical and strategic in the way she handles it. However, despite the calculating, disengaged side of her that comes from her dragon heritage and education, she doesn’t ignore the value of emotion. Instead, she embraces her emotionality. She’s passionate. She feels deeply, and her music moves the very souls of those who hear it. Having grown up under the tutelage of her dragon instructor Orma, she’s well equipped to understand the worlds of both humans and dragons. Add to this her dry sense of humor partnered with her ability to see the irony in that which is around her, and I developed a very strong connection to this girl caught between worlds.
Also caught between worlds in a sense, is captain of the Guard, grandson of the queen, and fiance to Princess Glisselda, Prince Lucian Kiggs. A bastard by birthright, but a royal one, he has fought to prove himself worthy and gain his esteemed position among the Guard. He’s a part of the royal world, but also not — existing on the periphery and oft reminded of his illegitimate roots. His uncle just having passed under suspicious circumstances, Kiggs undertakes the task of sussing out the truth about his beloved uncle’s death. He proves himself to be determined, dogged, cunning, a skilled investigator, honorable, resourceful, kind – a man of conviction who values truth and honesty. And yet, despite the inherent strength of this young man, he has moments of pure vulnerability that allows Phina — and the reader — glimpses into the very heart of him.
When it becomes clear to Kiggs that Seraphina could be a valuable resource to his investigation, they begin to work together to find the truth. But once they begin unraveling the threads that lead up to Prince Rufus’ death, they discover that perhaps the answers they seek may threaten everything they’ve fought to uphold. Tensions begin to rise as the time nears to renew the treaty between man and dragon, and it becomes increasingly hard for Phina to keep her true nature hidden from the shrewd prince she’s come to care for. She knows firsthand what kind of mark secrecy and deception leave on a relationship, but she fears the consequences of outing the truth, for both her heart and her life. What will she choose when it’s all on the line?
Well I’m certainly not going to tell you. You must read the book for yourself.
Overall, Rachel Hartman’s Seraphina is simply magnificent in every way....more
I had an epiphany a few weeks ago. And even though some of you may be taking a moment to groan into your hands, I’m going to share it with you… the LuI had an epiphany a few weeks ago. And even though some of you may be taking a moment to groan into your hands, I’m going to share it with you… the Lux series has become my all-time favorite.
I’m not exactly sure when it happened, as a certain universe full of Shadowhunters and Downworlders had previously occupied that top spot for years. But when I realized that I would giveaway my firstborn… camera (I have kids, and I’m sorry, but I rather like them just a smidge more than books… most of the time anyway ) to get my hands on a copy of Onyx or Opal over those other series’ upcoming advance releases, AND when I finally admitted to myself how many times I’d reread/skimmed Obsidian in the months since reading it for the first time, it was rather obvious to me that Katy & Daemon make my bookish world go ’round.
And why is this? I muse to myself.
Well, Self, it’s because I’ve never met two characters who have enthralled me more. It’s because of the laugh-out-loud funny dialogue. It’s because of Katy’s Krazy Obsession. It’s because of the tears I’ve cried and the moments when it feels like my heart’s being ripped out. It’s because of Daemon, with his fabulous one-liners and all of his glorious complexity. It’s because of Armentrout’s ability to balance the terror and tenuousness of the Luxens’ existence with reality of living despite it all. It’s because Katy refuses to back down, and because I see bits of myself in her. It’s because of the fantastic chemistry Armentrout effortlessly weaves between her two main characters. It’s because of the moments when I’m squealing with absolute girlish delight like the 13 yr. old boy-crazy teenager I still am at heart. It’s compilation of all these things and more.
Daemon. At the end of Obsidian, Daemon was issued a challenge by Katy – he can’t give her what she’s looking for, a love like her parents’. Never one to back down, Daemon is determined to prove Katy’s assessment of him — and them — wrong. In Obsidian, Armentrout gives the reader snap shots of who Daemon truly is in the few moments he drops his guard. In the multiple extra POV scenes that have been released in Obsidian’s wake, Daemon’s character has been revealed even more. And now, with a more complete picture of the complexity that is Daemon Black, comes Onyx. He’s more genuine, he’s nicer… he has moments of shocking sweetness that may leave one’s mouth agape. Oh don’t worry, our favorite “bad boy” hasn’t morphed into some kind of whipped, lovesick puppy. He’s still Daemon, still has that singular ability to get under Katy’s skin, still loves to fluster and unsettle her for kicks, but his teasing has lost that biting edge of cruelty that was sometimes so frustratingly prevalent in Obsidian. He surprised me in this book. And looking back, I’m not sure why, as the clues have always been there. Let’s just say that after Obsidian, I was more or less infatuated with Daemon. After Onyx, I fell completely in love with his character for his character.
Katy. Not to be outdone, Katy undergoes some hard-earned development in Onyx as well. The connection, her confused feelings regarding Daemon, the ever-looming threat of the DOD means Katy has a lot on her plate. As the story progresses, as Katy discovers more about the connection and senses the level of danger rising all about them, she’s forced to make some tough judgment calls to keep those she cares for safe. Some of these decisions have weighty consequences. Some are made against the advice of those she cares about. But always her intentions are good. Unfortunately, intention hardly ever dictates outcome. Because of this, Katy goes through the fire in Onyx, and Armentrout forges her character in wonderfully heartbreaking, fundamentally crucial ways.
Daemon & Katy. Convinced that Daemon’s increased attentiveness has everything to do with their freaky, new alien connection or the fact that he’s been challenged and only interested in the chase-and-conquer, Katy’s not willing to believe that Daemon is truly interested in anything real with her. But as their interactions begin changing to something more genuine, she’s forced to wonder if maybe he’s the real deal. There’s still an intense physical attraction between Katy & Daemon, but thing that makes this book so truly lovely is watching them connect on a deeper, emotional level. Let me assure you that as Daemon gives Katy a chance to know the guy beneath the hardened facade, that some of these unabashedly sweet moments are just as toe-curling and squeal-inducing as the infamous “Laptop Scene.” By the same token, the moments that aren’t so sweet are defining their connection to one another as well, and it’s these moments more than any other that prove the true mettle of their feelings for one another. It’s such a natural progression of their relationship. The dynamic is decidedly different, evolving and reflecting the more serious tone of the book.
Story. Speaking of that aforementioned seriousness, let’s talk about the story. While Obsidian had more of a simple plot and a larger focus on character development, Onyx balances both beautifully. With an increased, more vigilant DOD presence, weird side effects of the connection that Katy can’t control, a mysterious new boy who may know more than he’s saying, and a glimpse of someone long dead, things in this small West Virginia town are getting a lot more dangerous and the threat of discovery more real than ever before. Just as Armentrout masterfully weaves romantic tension, she is also expertly spinning her plot slowly throughout Onyx, creating an interconnected web of manipulation, disastrous consequences, impossible situations and hidden truths. Amping up the tension to wonderful heights, she creates circumstances I just couldn’t see a way out of and gives a much starker view of the reality of the Luxen’s DOD-controlled existence. It evokes wonderful emotional responses, it’s tight and well done, it’s just really good storytelling.
Overall, words cannot adequately describe how much I love this book, so I’ll just inadequately say that Onyx was everything I hoped it would be and infinitely more....more
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