Tag Archives: fantasy
Maybe A Fox
Maybe A Fox
Children's
Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing
March 8, 2016
Hardcover
272
Worlds collide in a spectacular way when Newbery and National Book Award finalist Kathi Appelt and Pulitzer Prize nominee and #1 New York Times bestseller Alison McGhee team up to create a fantastical, heartbreaking, and gorgeous tale about two sisters, a fox cub, and what happens when one of the sisters disappears forever.
Sylvie and Jules, Jules and Sylvie. Better than just sisters, better than best friends, they’d be identical twins if only they’d been born in the same year. And if only Sylvie wasn’t such a fast—faster than fast—runner. But Sylvie is too fast, and when she runs to the river they’re not supposed to go anywhere near to throw a wish rock just before the school bus comes on a snowy morning, she runs so fast that no one sees what happens…and no one ever sees her again. Jules is devastated, but she refuses to believe what all the others believe, that—like their mother—her sister is gone forever.
At the very same time, in the shadow world, a shadow fox is born—half of the spirit world, half of the animal world. She too is fast—faster than fast—and she senses danger. She’s too young to know exactly what she senses, but she knows something is very wrong. And when Jules believes one last wish rock for Sylvie needs to be thrown into the river, the human and shadow worlds collide.
Writing in alternate voices—one Jules’s, the other the fox’s—Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee tell the searingly beautiful tale of one small family’s moment of heartbreak, a moment that unfolds into one that is epic, mythic, shimmering, and most of all, hopeful.
Review:
“Maybe A Fox” is an absolutely beautiful book that I have no doubt will be in the running, and will most likely win, many prestigious awards. It’s one of the rare children’s books that present the issues they live with in a frank manner, thereby avoiding the patronizing attitude with which children’s literature so often suffers.
Somehow, there is whimsy and hope mixed in amongst the realities of war and death. The resilience of family is a central theme, along with the promise of hope in even the darkest situations. Everyone needs to read “Maybe A Fox.” It’s the type of story that will stay with children, as well as adults, throughout their lifetimes.
I’m not crying. You’re crying.
This book is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Death
The Devil’s Engine: Hellraisers
The Devil's Engine, Book 1
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
December 1, 2015
Hardcover
352
When a sixteen-year-old troublemaker named Marlow Green is trapped in a surreal firefight against nightmarish creatures in the middle of his New York City neighborhood, he unwittingly finds himself amid a squad of secret soldiers dedicated to battling the legions of the devil himself. Powering this army of young misfits is an ancient machine from the darkest parts of history. Known as the devil's engine, it can make any wish come true-as long as you are willing to put your life on the line. Promised powers beyond belief, and facing monstrous apparitions straight out of the netherworld, Marlow must decide if he's going to submit to a demonic deal with the infernal machine that will enable him to join the crusade-if it doesn't kill him first.
From the author of the Escape from Furnace series, here is the opening salvo in an explosive new horror trilogy about an ordinary American kid caught up in an invisible war against the very worst enemy imaginable.
Review:
I really wanted to like “The Devil’s Engine: Hellraisers”. The plot summary sounded promising. It also sounded very unique. Unfortunately, the promise of a good book fell flat.
That isn’t to say that parts of the book were not enjoyable. The first quarter or so was non-stop action. I wanted to know more about the characters. Of course, this created an even worse disappointment when the rest of the book moved at a snail’s pace. Seriously, it could have been trimmed seventy-five pages and nobody would have missed them.
There was a mystery as to what was driving the entire plot, and had the book dropped more clues it would have left me dying to keep turning the pages. As it was, by the time I got near the end I didn’t care what was going on and as far as I was concerned almost all of the characters could be eaten by demons. I wouldn’t have cared. I wouldn’t have even sent virtual flowers to their funeral.
“The Devil’s Engine: Hellraisers” may be a good choice for those who don’t mind an original plot that drags out. It wasn’t for me, though. The audience is definitely more mature young adults, so please be careful if you are choosing a book for a gift.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Underage Drinking, Violence, Gore, Terrifying Imagery
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls
Miss Mabel's School for Girls
The Network, Book 1
Antebellum Publishing
March 17, 2014
Paperback
314
Never underestimate the power of a determined witch.
Letum Wood is a forest of fog and deadfall, home to the quietly famous Miss Mabel’s School for Girls, a place where young witches learn the art of magic.
Sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: Miss Mabel.
Bianca finds herself faced with dark magic she didn’t expect, with lessons more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Will Bianca have the courage to save herself from the curse, or will Miss Mabel’s sinister plan be too powerful?
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls is the first novel in The Network Series, an exciting new fantasy collection. A gripping tale about the struggle to survive, it will take you to a new place and time, one you’ll never want to leave.
Review:
“Miss Mabel’s School for Girls” is one of those books that makes me wish for a half-star rating system. It is better than a three, but not good enough for a four, and it is frustrating not to be able to show that properly. At any rate, it is definitely a good book, but not a great one.
I really love the world of witchcraft called The Network that the author built. It’s filled with everything a good fantasy or fairy-tale should have: mystery, wonder, good, and evil. How things came to be the way they are is explained thoroughly and naturally, with the history of The Network and all other details being revealed as part of the plot, as opposed to being all dropped on the reader at once.
Bianca is a wonderful and strong female protagonist, and aside from her beloved Papa, there are no males involved in her life. In other words: if you’re looking for a romance, go elsewhere. This one is about girl-power, and it lives up to the potential to stand on that without a love interest. Very well done!
My problem with the book, and the reason that it is not four stars, is that it dragged quite a bit. The plot was slowed down by some unnecessary wandering and really yanked me out of what was an otherwise good story. With some more editing, it really could be great. It seems like a minor complaint compared to all of the wonderful qualities, but it really was that much of a block to the enjoyment of it all.
Overall, if you like magical worlds and witches, please give “Miss Mabel’s School for Girls” a read. Aside from violence, there is nothing to be of concern to parents of younger middle-aged readers. If they can handle Harry Potter, they can handle this. I do plan on reading the next in the hopes of a more consistent plot pace.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Mild Language, Violence
The Witch Hunter
Juvenile Fiction
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
2015-06-02
368
The magic and suspense of Graceling meet the political intrigue and unrest of Game of Thrones in this riveting fantasy debut. Your greatest enemy isn't what you fight, but what you fear. Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the stake. Salvation comes from a man she thought was her enemy. Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful and dangerous wizard in the kingdom, offers her a deal: he will save her from execution if she can break the deadly curse that's been laid upon him. But Nicholas and his followers know nothing of Elizabeth's witch hunting past--if they find out, the stake will be the least of her worries. And as she's thrust into the magical world of witches, ghosts, pirates, and one all-too-handsome healer, Elizabeth is forced to redefine her ideas of right and wrong, of friends and enemies, and of love and hate. Virginia Boecker weaves a riveting tale of magic, betrayal, and sacrifice in this unforgettable fantasy debut.
Review:
I became so absorbed in “The Witch Hunter” that my cat began taking it as a sign that I was going to forget to feed or pet him and began knocking books off of shelves every time I picked up my iPad to read it. It’s an excellent start to a new young adult fantasy series, and I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next.
I loved the mix of fantasy and history, and the world-building is fantastic. In fact, it reminded me of my favorite roleplaying video game ever, “Darklands.” Granted, if you are a young whippersnapper unfamiliar with games using DOS, you’ve probably never heard of it, but trust me when I say it is an excellent game and any book that is reminiscent of it is a winner. Superstitions, alchemy, spells, witches, wizards, strange creatures, ghosts, corrupt government, and plagues abound. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
The characters are multi-faceted, with flaws that will drive you crazy one minute and endearing traits that have you loving them the next. Elizabeth had me screaming in frustration and wanting to strangle her, but I understand the reasons why she acted the way she did. The author does a wonderful job of revealing personalities at a pace that fits the story. The plot also includes a mystery which gives you plenty of hints to solve it, so the resolution does not come out of nowhere, but is vague enough to leave you guessing until the end. I love it when I’m stumped but can look back and see the clues were there all along.
I recommend “The Witch Hunter” to anyone ages 13 and up who enjoy fantasy novels with a historical twist. It’s gruesome at points, with references to sex and rape, but the latter two things are not graphic. In fact, parents who read it with their younger children may find it a good starting point for a discussion on what constitutes consent. The only thing that made me give four stars instead of five is that a few tropes that are employed a little too often were used, but that in no way ruins what is an otherwise excellent book. Highly recommended.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Mild Language, Sexual Content, Violence, Some Gore, Rape References
The Wicked Will Rise
The Wicked Will Rise
Dorothy Must Die, Book 2
HarperCollins
May 31, 2015
Hardcover
304
In this sequel to the New York Times bestselling Dorothy Must Die, who is good—and who is actually Wicked?
My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
After a tornado swept through my trailer park, I ended up in Oz.
But it wasn't like the Oz I knew from books and movies. Dorothy had returned, but she was now a ruthless dictator. Glinda could no longer be called the Good Witch. And the Wicked Witches who were left? They'd joined forces as the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, and they wanted to recruit me.
My mission?
Kill Dorothy.
Except my job as assassin didn't work out as planned. Dorothy is still alive. The Order has vanished. And the home I couldn't wait to leave behind might be in danger.
Somehow, across a twisted and divided land, I have to find the Order, protect the true ruler of Oz, take Dorothy and her henchmen down—and try to figure out what I'm really doing here.
Review:
I don’t even know where to begin with “The Wicked Will Rise”, but to give you fair warning, this review will include a lot of gushing.
Picking up immediately where “Dorothy Must Die” left off, “The Wicked Will Rise” begins with action and only allows you to catch your breath a couple of times in the entire book. Building on the Oz created by Frank L. Baum, Danielle Paige writes with an obvious love for the source material that shows through in everything addressed in both books of the series. It manages to be both totally different and familiar at once. It’s almost as though she has summoned some old magic in the process.
There are some new characters appearing in Oz in “The Wicked Will Rise”, along with the return of Amy Gumm. She’s as tough and hilarious as in the first, and the new ones can be described as wonderful in all ways. They’re true to the world of fairy tales and could easily become confused with the characters from the original Oz books.
I recommend it to everyone who loves Oz and it old enough to handle some scary things, which if we’re being honest, is exactly what real fairy tales contained in the first place. It’s a lot of fun, a quick read, and will leave you wanting the next one immediately. No sophomore slump for Danielle Paige in “The Wicked Will Rise”!
Content Warning:
Language, Mild Sexual Content, Violence, Animal Death
Denton Little’s Death Date
Denton Little's Deathdate
Knopf Books for Young Readers
April 14, 2015
Hardcover
352
Denton Little’s Deathdate takes place in a world exactly like our own except that everyone knows the day on which they will die. For Denton, that’s in just two days—the day of his senior prom.
Despite his early deathdate, Denton has always wanted to live a normal life, but his final days are filled with dramatic firsts. First hangover. First sex. First love triangle—as the first sex seems to have happened not with his adoring girlfriend, but with his best friend’s hostile sister. (Though he’s not totally sure—see, first hangover.) His anxiety builds when he discovers a strange purple rash making its way up his body. Is this what will kill him? And then a strange man shows up at his funeral, claiming to have known Denton’s long-deceased mother, and warning him to beware of suspicious government characters. . . . Suddenly Denton’s life is filled with mysterious questions and precious little time to find the answers.
Debut author Lance Rubin takes us on a fast, furious, and outrageously funny ride through the last hours of a teenager’s life as he searches for love, meaning, answers, and (just maybe) a way to live on.
Review:
Seeing as I just finished reading “Denton Little’s Deathdate”, I can only hope that I stop laughing long enough to write a coherent review.
The plot is one of the most unusual I have read in a young adult novel, especially one meant to be funny while dealing with a guaranteed date of death. It throws in a lot of curveballs as well, and it keeps you on your toes. There isn’t really an easy way to describe it, or fit it into one genre, and it’s very possible that it managed to create its own category.
All of the characters are well-developed and act realistically. Well, as realistically as the circumstances allow. Denton is especially endearing, and the dialogue had me sounding like I was recording a sitcom laugh track. I’m pretty sure even the dogs think I’ve lost what little was left of my mind.
I highly recommend it for around eight grade and up, but only if you’ve willing to risk spontaneous urinary incontinence.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Excessive Hilarity, Language, Sexual Situations, Violence
Seeker
Seeker, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
2015
448
Taking her Oath after a lifetime of training to be a Seeker who protects the weak and wronged in a near-future world, Quin is shattered to discover that her family and the boy she loves are not the people she thought they were. Simultaneous eBook.
Review:
It’s difficult to categorize “Seeker” because it spans across a wide range of genres. There are elements of fantasy, science fiction, dystopian, steampunk, and romance all rolled into a unique and compelling read.
The world building is amazing from the start, setting up what a reader needs to know while also leaving a lot of questions to be answered at later times. The plot flows at a consistent pace without lagging. As with the world itself, the backstory is revealed at a slow pace, leaving readers with only the answers they need and the desire to find out more.
The narrative is split between four characters in the rather rare third person limited point-of-view. It works very well in this situation, and none of the transitions between characters are jarring. All of them are brought to life in the reader’s mind, full of flaws and individual complexities. Also, for those who like finding a ship, you will probably find one before chapter 3.
I can’t wait for the second in the series and highly recommend “Seeker” for those who enjoy any of the genres listed above. Due to subject matter, I think it is most suited for those in the eighth grade and up.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Brief Sexual Situations, Violence, Drug and Alcohol Use
Inked
Juvenile Fiction
Bloomsbury Publishing USA
2015-01-20
250
Sometimes your only chance to survive, and what you most fear... is to be INKED. Tattoos once were an act of rebellion. Now they decide your destiny the moment the magical Ink settles under your skin. And in a world where Ink controls your fate, Caenum can't escape soon enough. He is ready to run from his family, and his best friend Dreya, and the home he has known, just to have a chance at a choice. But when he upsets the very Scribe scheduled to give him his Ink on his eighteenth birthday, he unwittingly sets in motion a series of events that sends the corrupt, magic-fearing government, The Citadel, after him and those he loves. Now Caenum, Dreya, and their reluctant companion Kenzi must find their way to the Sanctuary, a secret town where those with the gift of magic are safe. Along the way, they learn the truth behind Ink, its dark origins, and why they are the only ones who can stop the Citadel. Eric Smith takes you on a fast-paced fantasy adventure, perfect for anyone who has dreamed of being different...only to discover that destiny is more than skin deep. Advance Praise "INKED is an action-packed read with a hero I could root for, magic I wanted to have, and a vivid fantasy world to back it all up. Smith's prose had me turning pages way past my bedtime." - Susan Dennard, author of Something Strange & Deadly "A fast-paced page-turner from Eric Smith filled with magic, mystery and mayhem." - Kristi Helvig, Author of Burn Out "With a lively cast of characters and a captivating idea, INKED draws its readers into a world where magic lives on every page." Kat Zhang, author of The Hybrid Chronicles series
Review:
Judging from the summary and the cover, I had really high hopes for the tale of magical tattoos and the main character, Caenum. Unfortunately, “Inked” is a prime example of not being able to judge a book by its cover.
The story started in a promising way, introducing the familiar themes of becoming an adult and being afraid of what the world may hold for you. The descriptions of how the magic tattoos looked and moved were intriguing and very well-done. The world building, while not the best I have read, was sufficient to give the reader a decent idea of what Caenum is encountering.
The beginning of the plot resembles a fairy tale, but by the halfway mark it begins to go off of the rails. The plot tries to fit too much in, and given the short length of the book, it detracts from the simple, linear plot that would have been much more readable and enjoyable. By the end, you have more questions than answers, and there are characters who never became fleshed out enough to make the story reach a satisfactory conclusion. In fact, it seems as though it is meant to be a series, yet ends as though the story has reached its conclusion.
The reason I have given “Inked” three stars, as opposed to two, is that in spite of all of its problems I believe it will hold the attention of children in the age range of 10-12. It’s relatively clean and does, at least, hold a quick pace. Unless you fall in that age group, I do not recommend this book.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Mild Language, Violence
Stone Faced Angel
Stone Faced Angel
The Stone Angels Saga, Book 1
February 1, 2015
275
There are some things I know for sure:
I died . . . A long time ago
Even in death I was always aware of him.
Love has a way of making even angels choose to leave their heaven above.
Review:
If I could give half stars, “Stone Faced Angel” would get 3 1/2.
The story of an angel coming to earth looking for love is definitely an intriguing plot, and it did deliver in moments. As is too often not the case, there was an actual love interest that is a good example of what to look for in a partner as opposed to being obnoxious and overbearing. The love story moved too quickly in my opinion, but it was not unrealistic enough to distract from the romance.
The main problem with the book is the pacing. The beginning seemed to be from an entirely different novel, then it sped up, then slowed down again. I would have preferred it to be more consistent, settling into a happy medium. At times things became a little too unrealistic, but overall it was a sweet story.
I would recommend “Stone Faced Angel” to those who are fans of “Fallen Angel” type stories and those who enjoy fantasies between this world and the next.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations
Golden Son
Red Rising, Book 2
Fiction
Del Rey
2015-01-06
464
With shades of The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Game of Thrones, debut author Pierce Brown’s genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation. Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom. As a Red, Darrow grew up working the mines deep beneath the surface of Mars, enduring backbreaking labor while dreaming of the better future he was building for his descendants. But the Society he faithfully served was built on lies. Darrow’s kind have been betrayed and denied by their elitist masters, the Golds—and their only path to liberation is revolution. And so Darrow sacrifices himself in the name of the greater good for which Eo, his true love and inspiration, laid down her own life. He becomes a Gold, infiltrating their privileged realm so that he can destroy it from within. A lamb among wolves in a cruel world, Darrow finds friendship, respect, and even love—but also the wrath of powerful rivals. To wage and win the war that will change humankind’s destiny, Darrow must confront the treachery arrayed against him, overcome his all-too-human desire for retribution—and strive not for violent revolt but a hopeful rebirth. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and deceit, Darrow must choose to follow Eo’s principles of love and justice to free his people. He must live for more. Advance praise for Golden Son “Pierce Brown is a prodigy. As great as the first book of the Red Rising Trilogy is, Golden Son is even better. A wild ride full of suspense, intrigue, and serious ass-kicking bravado, it’s expertly written and emotionally engaging, with top-notch universe-building that begs for further exploration. I want more!”—Christopher Golden, New York Times bestselling author of Snowblind “The stakes are even higher than they were in Red Rising, and the twists and turns of the story are every bit as exciting. The jaw-dropper of an ending will leave readers hungry for the conclusion to Brown’s wholly original, completely thrilling saga.”—Booklist (starred review) “Dramatic . . . the rare middle book that loses almost no momentum as it sets up the final installment.”—Publishers Weekly “Darrow is an assertive hero. . . . Comparisons to The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones series are inevitable, for this tale has elements of both.”—Kirkus Reviews Praise for Pierce Brown’s Red Rising “[A] spectacular adventure . . . one heart-pounding ride . . . Pierce Brown’s dizzyingly good debut novel evokes The Hunger Games, Lord of the Flies, and Ender’s Game. . . . [Red Rising] has everything it needs to become meteoric.”—Entertainment Weekly “[A] top-notch debut novel . . . Red Rising ascends above a crowded dystopian field.”—USA Today “Compulsively readable and exceedingly entertaining . . . [a] must for both fans of classic sci-fi and fervent followers of new school dystopian epics.”—Examiner.com “A story of vengeance, warfare and the quest for power . . . reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones.”—Kirkus Reviews “Fast-paced, gripping, well-written—the sort of book you cannot put down.”—Terry Brooks From the Hardcover edition.
Review:
The first thought I had when I finished reading “Golden Son” is that there is no way I can wait an entire year to find out what happens next. My second thought was a mass of self-pity that I have no choice but to wait. Finally, my third thought was that it was an amazing follow-up to “Red Rising” and was actually even better than the first in the series.
Pierce Brown has built an amazing world and mythology for the Red Rising series. Everything is fully fleshed out and even when not explicitly written, you can tell he has a backstory in mind for all of the races. It’s a pleasure whenever you find out more, and at no point does it contradict anything that was previously written.
One of my favorite aspects of the characters in “Golden Son” is that none of them are perfect. Darrow, the protagonist, is extremely flawed. No character is good or bad, even those who are the clear villains of the story. All of the characters from “Red Rising” experienced a great deal of growth in “Golden Son”, with many not taking a route you would expect. There were some particularly bold moves by the author when it comes to Eo, but I will leave those for the reader to discover on their own.
At no point does the plot lag, and that is saying quite a bit for a novel the length of “Golden Son”. It is filled with war, adventure, gore, fantasy, science-fiction, romance, and anything else you can fit into a book. If you are a fan of “Red Rising”, make sure you clear a couple of days on your calendar, because you will not want to put this one down. If you have never read the first in the series, I highly encourage you to do so and to be certain you have “Golden Son” ready to begin as soon as you finish the last page of “Red Rising”.
In short, I highly recommend “Golden Son”, but do need to caution that it is not for the squeamish. It is also not a young adult novel, though I saw “Red Rising” categorized in many places as such, so that is something for parents of middle readers to keep in mind.
5 stars all the way.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
I generally only do these for young adult books. However, this book is extremely violent and gory, and it does have just about every adult theme imaginable. You have been warned.
Follow my book reviews and ramblings:
