When I won an ARC of this book late last year, I didn't know what kind of beautiful tale it had in store for me. Rich with the feeling of folklore, A When I won an ARC of this book late last year, I didn't know what kind of beautiful tale it had in store for me. Rich with the feeling of folklore, A RIVER ENCHANTED follows Jack, a harpist, as he's summoned from his university studies to his home on the magical island of Cadence. Once there, he must work with Adaira, his childhood rival and the heiress of his clan, to commune with the isle's spirits through music and find out who's kidnapping girls from their clan. But with every song Jack performs for the spirits, the more complicated the predicament—and his relationship with Adaira—becomes. ...more
Some fantasy stories are meant to be escapism. Others are meant to reflect our reality in thought-provoking ways. Bethany C. Morrow's A SONG BELOW WATSome fantasy stories are meant to be escapism. Others are meant to reflect our reality in thought-provoking ways. Bethany C. Morrow's A SONG BELOW WATER is a great example of the latter. Set in Portland, Oregon, this YA contemporary fantasy tells the story of two Black teen girls who are living as sisters. Tavia, a siren, must keep her identity under wraps, knowing what the police would do to silence her calls. Effie, on the other hand, is still figuring out who she is mythologically speaking while missing her biological mother and reliving the trauma of what happened to four of her friends several years ago. When a siren murder trial becomes a national sensation, the news rocks the girls' hometown - and Tavia accidentally lets out her voice at the worst possible moment. How can Effie and Tavia protect each other as Tavia's secret and the ghosts of Effie's past threaten to rip their world apart?
Rich with voice and full of heart, A SONG BELOW WATER is a raw, fierce tale of friendship, family, and the power that lies in embracing who we are. And with the stronger-than-ever calls for Black Lives Matter, this book is especially timely. ...more
In Victorian-era England, two up-and-coming stage illusionists become rivals obsessed with knowing the other's secrets. For the rest of their careers,In Victorian-era England, two up-and-coming stage illusionists become rivals obsessed with knowing the other's secrets. For the rest of their careers, each does whatever he can to outsmart the other through increasingly clever (and risky) shows and exposing the other performer's tricks - and with grave consequences.
Does this story sound familiar? It may if you've watched the movie THE PRESTIGE, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, and Michael Caine. This award-winning novel by Christopher Priest is the story on which the film is based - and loosely, I should add. While the movie focuses on the feud between stage magicians Rupert Angier and Alfred Borden, the epistolary-style novel expands on their story to include the impact their quarrel had on their great-grandchildren, Kate and Andrew, who do their best to untangle the webs of deceit through their ancestors' diaries. The ending swerves in a horror-ish direction and feels implausible (which may explain why Kate and Andrew's storyline was omitted from the movie). But up to that point, the novel is exactly what I hoped it would be: a dark and devilishly executed puzzle that intrigues, entertains, misdirects, and sends shivers up your spine....more
A complex, mysterious, and hypnotic ode to stories and the worlds readers long to inhabit. The ending left me scratching my head (I'm scratching it stA complex, mysterious, and hypnotic ode to stories and the worlds readers long to inhabit. The ending left me scratching my head (I'm scratching it still), but up until that point I loved it for many of the same reasons why I loved THE NIGHT CIRCUS: Erin Morgenstern's exquisite prose, the imaginative worldbuilding, and the spellbinding (and mind-bending) way the many pieces come together to maximize the story's impact on the reader. This book requires patience and a willingness on the reader's part to immerse themselves in the realm of the Starless Sea (figuratively and literally) and ponder the meanings of the stories within its main story and of its many symbols....more
This was one of my favorite reads of 2019 as well as my new favorite book by Ruta Sepetys. THE FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE slowly unfolds its story of an AmeThis was one of my favorite reads of 2019 as well as my new favorite book by Ruta Sepetys. THE FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE slowly unfolds its story of an American teen named Daniel who visits a Franco-ruled Spain with his family in 1957. As he captures what he sees through his photography, he discovers the painful secrets that many of its residents, including children his own age, must be forced to hide. This is a heart-wrenching, meticulously researched, and hauntingly timely story, especially with its themes of suppressing the truth and the liberation one finds when they finally tell it. ...more
Now THIS is how you end a fantasy series. (I swear I said the same thing about Brandon Sanderson's THE HERO OF AGES... But it applies here as well. *lNow THIS is how you end a fantasy series. (I swear I said the same thing about Brandon Sanderson's THE HERO OF AGES... But it applies here as well. *lol*)
I do have some nitpicks about this book. But nitpicks aside, everything I loved about THE PROVIDENCE OF FIRE is back in THE LAST MORTAL BOND. Adare's and Gwenna's POVs were my favorites once again, mainly for the growth that both women experience as characters during the story. Valyn's evolution into a (literally) tortured anti-hero is also fascinating. This is the most violent installment of the story, but also the most exciting one, especially with its satisfying though shocking ending. The pacing is also consistent; every scene, including the slower ones, has a feeling of purpose.
I could keep going and going, so to keep this short: The Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne is now one of my favorite fantasy series ever - and you bet I'm going to keep reading Brian Staveley's work after this. Especially since the next series might focus on the Kettral. YAY. :D...more
I can think of very few second books in a series that a) I enjoyed more than the first book and b) actually improve on the first book's weak points. TI can think of very few second books in a series that a) I enjoyed more than the first book and b) actually improve on the first book's weak points. THE PROVIDENCE OF FIRE is one such book. Not only does Adare have as much page-time and as many POV chapters as her brothers Valyn and Kaden, but she also has more agency than in THE EMPEROR'S BLADES and has a much more interesting and turbulent storyline this time. Plus, Gwenna (the demolitions expert in Valyn's wing) makes a hugely entertaining POV character with her angry, "colorful" language and hard edges that mask her vulnerability. And while women have their time to shine in this book, the true highlight for me is how the three siblings - Adare, Kaden, and Valyn - are slowly growing more mistrustful of each other. This series is becoming more politically and psychologically complex as it goes on, and I LOVE IT. :D...more
This is NOT your ordinary literary spin on the legend of Robin Hood. And I mean that in a good way. ;) NOTTINGHAM deconstructs the tale and explores tThis is NOT your ordinary literary spin on the legend of Robin Hood. And I mean that in a good way. ;) NOTTINGHAM deconstructs the tale and explores the lives and choices of characters on all sides of the law, some of whom you'll recognize from their names alone (Robin, Marion, Guy of Gisbourne, John Little, Will Scarlet). Nathan Makaryk excels at expressing each character's unique voice, illustrating the power struggles inside Nottingham Castle and within the band of "Merry Men," and ensuring the motives of each character are clear. That last bit was what I enjoyed most about NOTTINGHAM. No one is portrayed as an outright hero or villain. Instead, characters fully believe they're in the right, alliances are tenuous, and readers have a chance to sympathize with everyone. (Well, maybe not everyone...)
Oh, and THAT ENDING. :O I didn't see it coming, and maybe you won't, either....more
In the summer of 1518, a Romani girl named Lavinia and her family are blamed for the strange dancing plague that has overrun Strasbourg, France. Lala In the summer of 1518, a Romani girl named Lavinia and her family are blamed for the strange dancing plague that has overrun Strasbourg, France. Lala is determined to put an end to the plague and save her loved ones - no matter the cost to her.
Five hundred years later, a pair of red shoes seal themselves to the feet of Rosella Oliva, forcing her to dance all night long. Her predicament draws her closer (literally and romantically) to Emil, a Romani boy she's been friends with for years. A boy whose ancestors were blamed for the Strasbourg dancing plague - and who may be her only hope for surviving the red shoes.
Lushly written and expertly structured, Anna-Marie McLemore's fifth novel, DARK AND DEEPEST RED, explores the eerie connections between the past and the present, the ways in which fear breeds misunderstanding, and the love that spellbinds two people regardless of gender identity. I'm sure I've said before that McLemore's stories are YA magical realism at its finest. But this one, with its historical angle and fiercely beating heart at its center, truly is. <3...more
Brilliant. Devastating, but brilliant. Especially in how it reveals how the most important aspects of the worldbuilding and magic system are connectedBrilliant. Devastating, but brilliant. Especially in how it reveals how the most important aspects of the worldbuilding and magic system are connected, dating all the way back to the first book. Brandon Sanderson planned it all out masterfully. And oh my goodness, I love so many of the characters. <3
I think the Mistborn Trilogy is up there with N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth as one of my all-time favorite fantasy series. ...more
I don't remember the last time I read a 700+ page second book of a series and enjoyed it almost as much as the first book. Especially when the first bI don't remember the last time I read a 700+ page second book of a series and enjoyed it almost as much as the first book. Especially when the first book is the likes of MISTBORN. How can you top that??
Anyway. THE WELL OF ASCENSION is exciting from start to finish, with great character development (Elend growing into the leader he's meant to be, Vin learning to be less prejudiced and more compassionate toward OreSeur / TenSoon and the kandra), revelations galore, and not an ounce of filler. Every scene and bit of information has purpose - and when you're dealing with a book of this length, that's crucial for convincing the reader to stay with you. Plus, so much happens! The threat of invasion from three armies, the struggle for power inside Luthadel, the search for a kandra imposter / spy, the mystery of the Well of Ascension's existence - and it all leads up to a heart-stopping ending that you'd only see coming if you were paying attention to the breadcrumb clues along the way.
Gosh, I can't wait to start the final book in this series, THE HERO OF AGES. Though if it's anything like MISTBORN or THE WELL OF ASCENSION, it's going to be one heck of a ride. In fact, maybe I'm not ready to read the end yet......more
Thoughtful, atmospheric, and grim, THE GIRL THE SEA GAVE BACK embraces the more mystical side of Adrienne Young's Viking-inspired setting and shows itThoughtful, atmospheric, and grim, THE GIRL THE SEA GAVE BACK embraces the more mystical side of Adrienne Young's Viking-inspired setting and shows its two teenage protagonists - Tova, a rune-reading seer, and Halvard, a chieftain-in-training - taking their destinies into their hands. It lacks the spark that made its predecessor SKY IN THE DEEP such a compelling story, but it's enjoyable nonetheless. Characters from SKY also return in this book, but they play minor roles this time. So you can easily read THE GIRL THE SEA GAVE BACK before reading SKY IN THE DEEP without missing much....more
Gorgeously rendered, engaging from start to finish, and brutally emotional at the right times. THE WINTER OF THE WITCH further expands on its worldbuiGorgeously rendered, engaging from start to finish, and brutally emotional at the right times. THE WINTER OF THE WITCH further expands on its worldbuilding, introducing new chyerti, the realm of Midnight, and one of the most well-known figures of Russian folklore (Baba Yaga) to answer questions and give Vasya the right allies and tools for saving both her people and the spirits she's connected with from the darkest sides of each race. The timeline gets a little confusing, with its back-and-forth between winter and warmer seasons. But I really couldn't have asked for a more satisfying ending to the Winternight Trilogy than this. :)...more
Now THIS is a sequel worthy of its predecessor. MUAHAHAHAHA.
Without giving much of VICIOUS away (in case you haven't read it yet - and if you haven't,Now THIS is a sequel worthy of its predecessor. MUAHAHAHAHA.
Without giving much of VICIOUS away (in case you haven't read it yet - and if you haven't, what on Earth are you waiting for??), VENGEFUL takes place about 5 years later, brings back many familiar faces, and introduces new characters. New ExtraOrdinaries are "born." Older ones discover limitations, problems (especially in Victor's case), or newfound strength in their powers. Humans create an organization for the purpose of containing (and, in some cases, neutralizing) EOs. A doctor experiments on EOs for, as he claims, the sake of science. And threading them all together are two women - one ambitious and vindictive, the other discreet and deceptive - who together could bring the city of Merit to its knees.
VENGEFUL is thrilling and empowering, especially for female readers. The short-chapter, nonlinear structure that worked so well with VICIOUS thrives here as well, keeping the story tightly paced and edge-of-your-seat suspenseful. Victor and Sydney are still my favorite characters in the series, but Marcella (who's not at all likable, but believable and consistent in her motivations) and June (a fantastic living symbol of deception thanks to her EO abilities) are fascinating new additions to the fold. I'd love to say more... but I'm afraid I'll spoil things for anyone who hasn't read either book yet. ;) My only critique is that one subplot in Eli's story appears to be abandoned halfway through the book, then reappears again during the last 50 or so pages. So I forgot about it until that point - and once I realized how important that subplot actually was, I wondered why it hadn't been highlighted more in its own chapters.
On a side note, I'm glad I read VENGEFUL this week, given what's going on in the U.S. politically right now. Yes, it offered the right amount of escapism, but its feminist slant and the overall theme of power validated my own anger, disgust, and itching desire for change in the real world. Was it a coincidence that VENGEFUL was published during this time? I think not......more
Gritty, witty, and entertaining, but trying at times. This fantasy heist story reminds me of Robin Hood and His Merry Men, but with a “con artist” spiGritty, witty, and entertaining, but trying at times. This fantasy heist story reminds me of Robin Hood and His Merry Men, but with a “con artist” spin. (They steal from the rich and keep it to themselves.) The hilarious banter made me laugh out loud; and the worldbuilding, which is influenced by Renaissance-era Italy and has hints of the supernatural, creates a tough, swashbuckling setting that plays up the made the economic disparities between the nobility and the poor. But the amount of exposition and info-dumping drags down the story and slows its pace. And for all of his successful scheming and deceiving, Locke is shockingly easy to dupe. Maybe he still has a lot to learn about how to be a master thief and manipulator…?...more
What does a soon-to-be high school senior do when her best friend attends an elite boarding school for the summer and other peers are busy touring colWhat does a soon-to-be high school senior do when her best friend attends an elite boarding school for the summer and other peers are busy touring colleges and preparing their applications? She starts training in live-performance escape acts, of course. ;)
Quirky and nuanced, Erin Callahan's debut novel THE ART OF ESCAPING is a refreshing tale about unexpected friendship, the risks of leading a double life, and embracing your authentic self. It’s also one of the few YA contemporaries I’ve read that sidesteps romance. Instead, it focuses on the deepening trust between Mattie, a budding escapologist trying to hide her dangerous hobby from her family, and her classmate Will, who’s struggling with his own secret. It took me a little while to get used to Mattie’s and Will’s unique “voices” (Mattie can be pretty sarcastic and toughminded at times). But once I did, and once the laughs kept coming (OMG this book is HILARIOUS in spots!), I really enjoyed it....more
I think I had a much different idea of what THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE would be about. Somehow I was under the impression that the time traveler (Henry)I think I had a much different idea of what THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE would be about. Somehow I was under the impression that the time traveler (Henry) would visit different points in history, and either his wife (Clare) would go with him or be forced to stay behind and wait. So color me surprised when I realized that (view spoiler)[Henry could only travel between the time of his birth and about forty years after his death - and that many of the novel's explored Henry’s visits with young Clare (she meets him when she’s 6 and he’s 36) through her teenage years (hide spoiler)]. And to be honest, those scenes were a little... weird for me. Maybe it's because (view spoiler)[Henry develops an affection / attraction for the girl who eventually becomes his wife (as an adult, of course) (hide spoiler)], and while I'm sure that Audrey Niffenegger had good intention in mind with those scenes, it... just... I don't know. It was unsettling, but I can't yet put my finger on why.
That being said, other aspects of THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE are brilliant. The nonlinear structure, Henry's ability to involuntarily slip back and forth through time, the consequences of that ability that impact Henry and his loved ones, a cast of flawed and multi-dimensional characters, the questions that Niffenegger raises about love, fate versus choice, and time’s impact on relationships... It's an intricate, thought-provoking, and expertly crafted story with a premise that's more haunting that it seems. Originally I was going to give this 3 or 3.5 stars, but the last 50 pages of the book convinced me to tick it up to 4. I didn't realize how much I cared about the characters until the end, which left me more breathless and awe-struck than I expected it to....more
New York City is alive - and its avatars must now save it.
In this electrifying urban fantasy by N.K. Jemisin, five people from NYC's boroughs - ManhaNew York City is alive - and its avatars must now save it.
In this electrifying urban fantasy by N.K. Jemisin, five people from NYC's boroughs - Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Staten Island - unexpectedly become the living embodiments of where they live. Now they must find one another quickly and band together so they can stop an ancient force that has "destroyed" the avatars of other cities before. And in NYC, this also means keeping its vibrant, multicultural spirit intact.
With fierce, realistic characters that reflect the city's diverse population, lively dialogue, and cinematic magic/action sequences, Jemisin brings her critically acclaimed blend of intricate, mythical worldbuilding and social justice rallying cries back to Earth (so to speak) to tell a story set in her own backyard. Some readers may be comfortable with the dearth of sympathetic white characters or the bold exploration of themes such as race, power, and identity. But maybe that's the point of THE CITY WE BECAME: to accept how racism, gentrification, and related problems affect people of color, then take responsibility for one's ignorance and help out rather than contribute to the problem further....more
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