So, I come home the other day and have a random box. Not that I would ever turn down a free book (as the full Kindle, full Nook, AND pile of books by my bed) but being a good fangirl of Neil Gaiman, I have read this book already. It’s obvious I got this as promotional material for the upcoming American Gods TV show.
I am contemplating a book vs movie set of posts for this since I have already read the book and the show is forthcoming. Of course, every one will be doing that but, I think it would be fun!
Because, I am obviously lacking things to read…
Personally, I am SUPER psyched for this show. I am wondering how gory or violent or sexual it will be (check out my post on that for further thoughts) since it was awesome to watch Stardust and Coraline with my kid. But if it is, I have no problem watching it alone. It appears pretty epic so I say bring it on!
Meg, an asexual otter, is having strange visions of another life. As these visions become more vivid, she grapples with her feelings about her friend, Athos; who has obvious interest in her.
This is a YA, fantasy, furry novel and while it is so important to have all types of sexuality represented for young adults, I had SO much trouble getting into this book. When it gets to the point – meaning the meaning behind Meg’s visions – it is interesting. Otherwise, it’s a slow journey through scenes I skimmed just so I could get to the point. I wanted to like this, I really did and it is very likely this book missed its mark because I am NOT the target audience but I didn’t enjoy this book. I give it a 3 out of 5 for being competent and representing a sorely ignored demographic.
Mirrorvale has long stood in a precarious ‘truce’ with the surrounding kingdoms; held together with the fear of the changers. Now not only overload but a mother, Ayla Nightshade attempts to broker a formal peace treaty with an ambassador from the neighboring kingdom of Sol Kardis. After one day of hard negotiations, the ambassador is found dead. Suspected of murder, the race in on to prove Ayla’s innocence and prevent all out war.
Across the the three books (this is the third Darkhaven novel) the writing quality, world building, and character depth has been consistently entertaining and well executed. The build up is slow to a rip-roaring climax; leaving plenty of time to be intrigued and entertained. The characters are especially interesting in this outing, with even the side characters having story arcs ramping up several times to push them to the limit and end up with some great development. It can seem a little trivial in the grander scheme of things but it was good to get to know them.
I do hesitate to give away too much and end up spoiling some pretty major plot points. Suffice it to say I am loving this series and hope to see more. 4.7 out of 5.
Having read and reviewed the firsttwo in this series, I am super excited for the next installment! 😀 Here’s the summary from the author:
“Ayla Nightshade prepares to meet with the Kardise ambassador to sign a treaty between Mirrorvale and Sol Kardis. However, negotiations are halted as the ambassador is discovered dead in his chambers, poisoned by the same bottle of taransey he and Ayla had shared the night before.
Ayla has been framed for murder and the peace between two kingdoms is at stake. Tomas Caraway and his Helmsmen must rush to prove her innocence before war destroys all they have fought for.
Along the way they discover the plans for a Parovian airship, the Windsinger, which reveal a chamber designed for a special cargo: a living one.
Together Ayla and Tomas set out to uncover their real enemies – a search that will lead them closer to home than they ever anticipated.”
I am starting this book today and with the power of friendship I hope to have a review up for you guys before then! 😀
When I was poking around and saw this book was written by co-creator of the animated shows Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, I clicked it immediately, not even realizing it was a YA book meant for kids 8-12 years old. But much like those shows, this book can absolutely be enjoyed by adults.
They story centers around Giacomo, a young orphan who lives in a world where artists have entities much like familiars called a Genius which can not only inspire them but turn their art into magic. A tyrant named Nerezza has hunted down all the artists she could find and appointed herself Supreme Creator. After an accident, Giacomo finds himself with his own Genius and is discovered by other children who have been hiding from Nerezza’s threat. They embark on a journey to find these artifacts called The Creators Tools what may help them overthrow Nerezza and bring art back to the ruined nation.
I love how there are sketches in the book and the way they are included, it’s implied Giacomo is the one drawing them. It added extra charm to an already fascinating story. It’s also worth noting that even though this story is labeled YA, it doesn’t shy away from some pretty dark stuff. There’s a real sense of danger and urgency to the mission and you do wonder if all the characters will make it or even succeed at all. But towards the end after the big twist, it got into some predictable plot points but hey, I’m a voracious consumer of fiction so it’s not a major drawback to the story overall. I’m just much more likely to catch tropes, however, I can see it surprising a kid who’s reading this.
You can absolutely feel the creative energy and love from the Avatar series in this book. The concept of art manifesting as physical magic is compelling, the adventure is tense and action-packed, and the characters are unique and fun. I am super curious to find out what happens next in what could very well be a rollercoaster of a series. 4.5 out of 5.
*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+
With her kingdom, Bara, captured by the Destrye, Oria gambles on a marriage with the conquering leader; Lonen. Since Bara is ruled by magic, the highly powerful and sensitive Oria takes a huge risk in marrying Lonen since he cannot use magic and Bara has never had a non-magic using ruler. The main reason for this gamble is Oria’s cruel and despotic brother, Yar; who may likely begin another war despite the peace her kingdom has just attained.
Having not read the first part, there is enough here to make you understand there was a brutal war and that our main pair would like to spare their respective kingdoms any further bloodshed. Oria and Lonen are well developed enough and the writing is competent enough for you to get emotionally invested enough to want them to succeed. But the book does spend a great deal of time meandering around Lonen and Oria’s obvious attraction to one another and their hope to overcome Oria’s inability to even touch Lonen without her magic causing her pain. The pacing lost it’s sense of urgency when the book spends so much time on the romance. The love story didn’t distract from the major fantasy elements but once Yar came back into the picture, I felt the characters should have spent less time making gooily eyes and more time getting ready.
Don’t get me wrong; Lonen and Oria have good chemistry and the overall story kept me interested enough to not only finish it but to want to know what happens in the next installment. If you like fantasy in your romance, this isn’t a bad offering despite being pretty short and ending on a cliffhanger. 3.7 out of 5.
