Review: The Rose Throne by Mette Ivie Harrison

The Rose Throne by Mette Ivie Harrison

Age Range: 12 and up

Series: The Rose Throne #1

Genre: Fantasy

Hardcover: 400 pages

Publisher: Egmont USA (May 14, 2013)

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (thank you!)

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

 About the Book:

Richly-imagined fantasy romance from the author of Princess and the Hound, a tale of two princesses--one with magic, one with none--who dare seek love in a world where real choice can never be theirs. For fans of Megan Whalen Turner, Catherine Fisher, and Cassandra Clare. 

Ailsbet loves nothing more than music; tall and red-haired, she's impatient with the artifice and ceremony of her father's court. Marissa adores the world of her island home and feels she has much to offer when she finally inherits the throne from her wise, good-tempered father. The trouble is that neither princess has the power--or the magic--to rule alone, and if the kingdoms can be united, which princess will end up ruling the joint land? For both, the only goal would seem to be a strategic marriage to a man who can bring his own brand of power to the throne. But will either girl be able to marry for love? And can either of these two princesses, rivals though they have never met, afford to let the other live?

About the Author:

My name is pronounced "Metty" like my mother's "Betty." It is Danish, and we were all named after ancestors. I guess by the time they got to number nine (out of eleven), it was getting tricky. So I got the funny Danish name no one knew how to prounounce. In Denmark, it should be "meta" like "metaphysical." It's from the Greek for "pearl." And no, it's not short for anything. Not even Mediterannean.

My first book, THE MONSTER IN ME was accepted for publication in 1999 and was published in 2002. My second book, MIRA, MIRROR was published in 2004. The latest book, THE PRINCESS AND THE HOUND , was published in 2007. A sequel, THE PRINCESS AND THE BEAR, came out in April of 2009.

I now live in Utah with my husband and 5 children, ages 5 to 14. I write during nap time, or at 4 in the morning, or while the broccoli for dinner is burning. Whenever I get a chance. I love to write the kind of books that I love to read. And I love to discover what is going to happen next, just like a reader would. I also do some racing in triathlon.

Website

My Thoughts:

This is such an interesting book. There are many characters that hold a lot of sway in how the story turns out. It is a well developed fantasy with feminist undertones. It surprised me that I didn't get irritated by this. But the author weaves it into the story in such a way that it doesn't feel preachy or awkward. In fact, many of those aspects make the book more interesting and give the characters life.

The characters are diverse in their personalities, desires, and abilities. There are many different levels of danger, ambition, and motivation for each of them.  Generally, they are likable, with the exception of the ones you are supposed to dislike. While Ailsbet's self-pity party does get annoying, she grows into herself and learns to control her own destiny as much as she can.

The ending hints that this will become a series, and I can't wait to see where the story goes after this.

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: Wish, by Michael Tolkien

Wish, by Michael Tolkien
Farmers in their alpine valley are haunted by Fængler, a cunning old enchanter, who ruins their lives by using an ancient wishing chain of powerful stones to spoil crops and steal children, cows and goats.

Young Berwald and his sister Clara set out, without their parents knowing, to climb into the next valley, seize the chain, free their neighbourhood of fear, and wish for whatever they want. But they soon learn that the wild world beyond their home is full of strange forces – some good, some dark and twisted – and almost every wish they make adds new complications and disagreements.

Who can rescue them from this fearful and dangerous adventure? Before Adam, their angry and worried father, can reach them, he must learn to follow seemingly useless leads, and to listen carefully to the tale that lies behind the villain’s bitterness.

A timeless fantasy tale given new life and enchantment in this vivid retelling in verse.

Age Level: 9 and up
Hardcover: 124 pages
Publisher: Thames River Press (March 1, 2013)

My Thoughts:
Wish is similar in many ways to Michael Tolkien's other book, Rainbow.  The children can speak to flowers, birds, and insects through a language they forget as they grow up.  It is also similar to Tolkien's grandfather's series, The Lord of the Rings in a few ways.  The children embark on a journey to recover a magical piece of jewelry (in this case, a necklace) that will give the owner power and wealth.  This necklace was discovered at the bottom of a pond by Faengler, a miserable, ugly old man.  It reminds me of Gollum and the Ring.

In spite of these similarities, Wish is a unique fairy tale of the heart. Through the children's journey, we learn that only true kindness and selfless desires will bring about the defeat of their enemy.  Their father eventually comes after them and learns this lesson quickly.  He must relearn the language of the forest and follow the guidance given to him by seemingly less than reliable sources.

Since I read both Rainbow and Wish, I can't help but compare the two a little bit.  They are both retellings of Florence Bone's old stories and both written in narrative verse, but I must admit that I enjoyed Wish a bit more.  There is more adventure and action, and Tolkien's writing shines through.  While Rainbow seemed to be directed at an older audience, I think Wish appeals to a broader audience.

About the Author:
Born in Birmingham in 1943, Michael Tolkien grew up in South Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire. He studied classics and English at St Andrews and Oxford. He has lived in Rutland since 1968 and was a secondary school teacher until early retirement in 1994. Since 1998 his verse has been published in two booklets and five full collections, most recently in 2012. His work has been widely and favourably reviewed. Two of his major themes are deceptive appearances and the conflict of active and contemplative approaches to life. This is also apparent in his recent narrative verse adaptations of Florence Bone’s now largely forgotten fantasy fiction for children.

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Book Blast and Giveaway: Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Starflower


When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps the lovely Lady Gleamdren, Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.


But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

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Excerpt

The Kiss by the River:

The girl did not stir when Eanrin lifted her into his arms; her sleep was profound indeed. Her head lolled over his arm, and he was obliged to part her thick hair to uncover her face. It was an uncommonly beautiful face for a mortal.

However, this girl’s beauty was different from any he had ever before seen. For one thing, her skin was rich dark brown, and her hair glossy black. For another, she was imperfect. Her teeth, visible between gently parted lips, were a little crooked. Mud stained her skin, making it darker still, and her brow, even in sleep, was puckered with anxiety or fear. Her dreams must be wicked indeed.

Eanrin grimaced at the sight and almost put her down again. After all, a princess with dreams like those probably had a tale of woe to match. She would certainly wake with expectations of a handsome hero to aid her. As far as Eanrin was concerned, a dash of heroism was one thing, but commitment to a cause? Never. Rushing off to the rescue of Lady Gleamdren was different, for he had determined that she must be his wife and the sole inspiration to his life’s work. Besides, he loved her.

This creature meant nothing to him.

But blood oozed from the abrasions on her wrists. And her body, mortal and vulnerable, lay in his arms. Eanrin rolled his eyes heavenward as though to seek some holy aid. Then he braced himself and wiped the mud off her lips with the edge of his cloak. She frowned in her sleep and stirred, but did not wake.

“Nothing for it,” he muttered.
Closing his eyes and trying not to smell her any more than he must, he leaned in and kissed her . . .

Author Anne Elisabeth Stengl



Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one long-suffering dog. When she's not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and studies piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of HEARTLESS, VEILED ROSE, MOONBLOOD, and STARFLOWER, with DRAGONWITCH due to release in 2013. HEARTLESS and VEILED ROSE have each been honored with a Christy Award.

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BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.




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Book Review: Rainbow, by Michael Tolkien

Rainbow, by Michael Tolkien
Grace is fascinated by the natural world. To increase this precious sense of wonder she is chosen by Nature's spirit guides and guardians to travel on a funny sometimes fearful journey' with an amethyst stone as her guide and promise of help along the way. Creatures she expects to assist her are too self-important. Her allies are small, often overlooked plants, flowers and insects. Her main goal seems to be discovering what lies in and beyond the rainbow, but her adventures bring her only slowly nearer to its mysterious garden, bridge and palace. Everything appears to be a long way round. She decides to assist a lost, bitter boy - Downcast Don - to rediscover 'wonder' by obtaining for him a specially made silver spade. This takes her through strange and fearful forests, down a well to find an underground forge, and into an overwhelming encounter with an ancient giantess in a bleak desert. Her chief guide, Heartsease, assures her that it's all part of a search for rainbow wisdom, to recognize the importance of all things and people and to accept 'not knowing'. She can then ascend the 'Shining Stairway' to a stranger country beyond.

Up here Grace is nearer the rainbow but time and distance play tricks and she is in danger of being sidetracked. A knight, Sir Cloudy, a kind dreamer who lives in a time warp, invites her to his 'Castle in the Air'. Just short of the rainbow garden she is deceived by a Menace and his monstrous Mother, and only just escapes their clutches. The promised places are beautiful and intriguing but she must learn about what lies under the surface. The palace that crowns the bow bridge is where the guides and guardians weave their many-coloured tapestries that reveal perspectives and choices about the future. When Grace descends the vanishing rainbow steps she meets characters who have made her journey so instructive, and once back in the everyday world she is still herself but somehow more so because she can see and understand more acutely.

Hardcover: 182 pages
Publisher: Thames River Press (March 1, 2013)

My Review:
In a market overrun with fast-paced page turners full of action and heart-stopping romance, Michael Tolkien weaves a blissful escape from the norm.  Rainbow is the story of Grace, a young girl that embarks on a journey of wonder.  Her travels fill her with knowledge and prove just how beautiful her heart truly is.  She can never leave a downcast soul without doing something to help.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I picked it up.  I was surprised and pleased to see that it is written in narrative verse.  It was so different from everything else out there.  While Tolkien followed the popular movement of rewriting an old fairy tale, he did not choose a Grimm tale, but a lesser known story from Florence Bone.

There was no question as to Tolkien's writing ability.  The story was beautifully wrapped up in delicious descriptions and polished off with a splash of adventure.  Grace did not encounter much by way of suspense or danger, but her journey was one of learning.  It was a nice change of pace.  While it is considered a children's book, I honestly felt like it was aimed more at an older audience.  It might be too slow and meandering to hold a young child's interest for long.

If you are looking for another Percy Jackson, Twilight, or Harry Potter, you aren't going to find that here.  This is a thoughtful journey that is full of whimsy and magic.  It's not for everyone, but I definitely enjoyed it.

The Illustrations: I can't decide what to think about the artwork.  While it went well with the throw-back style of writing, I couldn't help but think that it was old fashioned.   I am not the biggest fan of most computer generated illustrations, but I did feel like this artwork could have been more current.

Amazon | Goodreads 

About the Author:
Born in Birmingham in 1943, Michael Tolkien grew up in South Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire. He studied classics and English at St Andrews and Oxford. He has lived in Rutland since 1968 and was a secondary school teacher until early retirement in 1994. Since 1998 his verse has been published in two booklets and five full collections, most recently in 2012. His work has been widely and favourably reviewed. Two of his major themes are deceptive appearances and the conflict of active and contemplative approaches to life. This is also apparent in his recent narrative verse adaptations of Florence Bone’s now largely forgotten fantasy fiction for children.


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Promo Blitz: The Silver Sphere, by Michael Dadich

YA Fantasy

Date
Published:11/19/12

Evolved Publishing presents a wild journey to a sister planet of Earth, in "The Silver Sphere" by Michael Dadich. [YA Fantasy/Sci- Fi] Shelby Pardow never imagined she could kill someone. All she wants to do is hide from her troubled father... when she is teleported to awaiting soldiers on the planet Azimuth. Here she is not a child, but Kin to one of the six Aulic Assembly members whom Malefic Cacoethes has drugged and imprisoned. He seeks to become dictator of this world (and then Earth by proxy). His father, Biskara, is an evil celestial entity, tracked by the Assembly with an armillary device, The Silver Sphere. With the Assembly now deposed, Biskara directs Malefic and the Nightlanders to their strategic targets. Unless.... Can Shelby find the other Kin, and develop courage and combat skills? Can the Kin reassemble in time to release or replace the Assembly, overthrowing Malefic and restraining Biskara?

Links to Buy

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I’ve been writing since first setting pencil to steno pad at age 8. A year later, I began developing the world of my current series-in-progress, and even created its title, The Silver Sphere. Now, with the support of years of experience, those early maps and back stories have progressed into what I hope is a fresh and entertaining take on the classic young adult fantasy adventure.

Despite my frequent escapes into parallel worlds, I
root myself firmly in my very real family and community. When not pacing the yard maniacally after every few pages of writing, I spend as much time as possible hanging out with my studly 9-year-old son, and my inspirational wife Jenna. I also coach several local youth sports teams in Beverly Hills, and alternate between yelling at my two crazy Corgis and hiking with my trained German Shepherd.

For more, join me in my favorite fantasy worlds, from Lord of the Rings to the creations of C.S. Lewis, Anne McCaffrey and Terry Brooks. Even more importantly, stop by and say hello on my Facebook page at AuthorMichaelDadich, tweet me at @MichaelDadich, and stalk my website at http://www.thesilversphere.org.

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Review: Hush Hush, by Becca Fitzpatrick

From Goodreads:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. At least, not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and probing eyes, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora’s not sure who to trust—she can’t decide whether she should fall into Patch’s arms or run and hide from him. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth more unsettling than any feeling Patch evokes. For Nora stands amid an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen—and choosing the wrong side will cost her life.

***

You never know if you are going to love or hate any book that you pick up.  This was a little of both for me. 

What I loved:

I loved the writing.  It was clear, concise, and interesting.  The story moved along at a good pace and I didn't meet with any slow parts that I had to struggle through. 

I loved the hallucinations/mind manipulating that happened to the protagonist, Nora.  That was something that I hadn't encountered in a book before, and it really added an edge to the mystery. 

I loved Nora's lack of coordination.  I liked how she was a little bit of a nerd, and a little self conscious.  She was scatterbrained enough to make her enjoyable. 

I absolutely loved the cover.  The black and white is beautiful and gives it a surreal feeling.  

What I didn't love:

I didn't love the love story.  That was the main point of the book, so it was unfortunate that I didn't connect with it.  Maybe I have read too many YA novels lately, but the whole premise for the romance seemed cliche and overdone.  It was a typical girl meets a dangerous and mysterious boy that she knows is wrong for her.  He scares her, and yet she just can't seem to stay away from him.  She eventually finds out that he is immortal, possesses superhuman powers, and wanted to kill her until he fell desperately in love with her. 

I didn't love Patch, the fallen angel boyfriend.  He was rude, evasive, and arrogant.  Nora was a little clueless.  She thought Patch was stalking her, and worried about her safety when she was with him, and yet she was obsessed with him.

And I didn't love all the talk of sex.  There was SO much of it.  There were a lot of innuendos spread throughout the book.   At one point, the two of them even check in to a motel together when the electricity goes down.  I am more a fan of squeaky clean romance.

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (October 13, 2009)
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Review: Entwined, by Heather Dixon

From Goodreads:
Azalea and her younger sisters dance in the mysterious silver forest every night, escaping from the sadness of the palace and their father’s grief. What they don’t understand—although as time passes they begin to get an inkling of the danger they are in—is that the mysterious and dashing Keeper is tightening his snare with deadly purpose. Luckily, Azalea is brave and steadfast. Luckily, a handsome young army captain also has his eye on Azalea. . . . Lush, romantic, and compelling, this debut novel by Heather Dixon will thrill fans of Shannon Hale, Robin McKinley, and Edith Pattou.

***

Entwined is absolutely breathtaking - beautifully written and deliciously told, it has everything a good story should.  Romance, dancing, magic, a brave heroine, and a devilish villain.  Dixon wove an intricate fairytale of mystery and intrigue coupled with sisterly camaraderie and ancient secrets.

I was hooked on the very first page and quickly drawn into the story.  Azalea is the oldest daughter of her father, the King.  As such, whomever she marries will become the next King.  It made for an interesting twist to the love story.

After her mother passes away, the palace is draped in mourning.  Confined to the indoors and black clothing, Azalea and her eleven sisters seek refuge in dancing late at night in a magic pavilion beneath their bedroom.  The only catch is Keeper, the dashing gentleman that grants their access to the pavilion each night. 

Keeper was a fantastic villain.  He was handsome, mysterious, and completely terrifying.  He was so utterly creepy.  It doesn't take long for his charm facade to fall away and for his true horrific nature to appear.  But by the time it does, Azalea and her sisters are already entangled in his web.

There were underlying currents to the story that I enjoyed.  Throughout the book, Azalea and her sisters feel that their father, the King, is distant and cold.  In turn, they distance themselves from him.  As the plot progresses, the girls learn to forgive their father for his shortcomings and to love him openly.  The King also learns how to handle his grief and repair the damage that was done after the Queen died. 

A word about the love story:  I was absolutely in love with Azalea's heartthrob from his first appearance.   I hate reading books where the girl is desperate and always falls for the guy that is the meanest to her.  I was extremely pleased in the man that Dixon created for Azalea.  He was perfect for the story, and perfect for the princess.

This book was original, beautiful, and funny.  It was a fantastic escape from reality into a beautiful world of dancing princesses, handsome gentlemen, and a magic palace.  

Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books; Reprint edition (March 27, 2012)
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Review: Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

From Goodreads:
For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

***

If there is a contender for #1 on my favorite series list, this would be it.  Brandon Mull wove an intricate and intoxicating thrill ride that I just couldn't pull myself away from.  His imaginative writing kept me coming back time and again for more adventure.

Mull employed the classic quest  story plot for his books and used that concept repeatedly throughout the series.  It worked very well with his elaborate story.

Seth and Kendra start out as very normal siblings: bickering, pestering, and shooting off sarcastic remarks.  In the first book, I found Seth to be very typical of your average pre-teen boy.  He was annoying and careless.  He thought only of himself and what could bring the most amusement.  Kendra was nauseatingly well-behaved and followed rules to the letter.  They could not have been more opposite.  As the series progresses, so do the siblings.  They mature and grow into their personalities, each one developing their strengths and learning from their mistakes.  Seth learns how to use his bravery to his advantage, and Kendra learns to step out of her comfort zone and take a few risks.

As a mother of girls, I am always looking for books with strong female characters that my kids would enjoy.  Kendra is a wonderful example of such a girl.  I absolutely loved her.  I loved Seth as well, but since I only have daughters, I was mostly focused on Kendra.

One of the things that makes a good series in my mind is when each book builds off the previous ones.  The story continued through each book seamlessly.

If Harry Potter were to meet his match, Fablehaven is the series to do it.

Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Paperback: 2512 pages
Publisher: Aladdin (October 4, 2011)
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Review: Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

From Goodreads:
When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years for Saren's refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment.
As food runs low and the days go from broiling hot to freezing cold, it is all Dashti can do to keep them fed and comfortable. But the arrival outside the tower of Saren's two suitors--one welcome, and the other decidedly less so--brings both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows.
With Shannon Hale's lyrical language, this forgotten but classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is reimagined and reset on the central Asian steppes; it is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise.

***

I am a sucker for a good story and beautiful writing.  Shannon Hale provides both in this retelling of a Brothers Grimm Fairytale.  Her language is poetic and musical.  This was a book that I wanted to slowly digest, word by word and relish the taste of each one.  

The characters developed beautifully over the course of the story.  Both Dashti and her mistress, Saren, grow and change over the course of their companionship.  I loved Dashti dearly, and cheered for her constantly.  There was more romance than I had expected in this story, but I was glad of it.  I was also glad that the story wasn't only about romance.  I love books with a story to tell, and this one filled just about everything on my "must have" checklist.  

I borrowed it from the library when I read it, but I just purchased the Kindle Edition.  It's only $0.99 right now, so if you've ever been curious about Shannon Hale or this story in particular, it is the perfect time to try it out.  

Happy reading!

Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens; First Edition edition (September 18, 2007)
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Review: Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices) by Cassandra Clare

From Goodreads:
In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

***

If it is possible to love the second book in a series even more than the first, then I have found it.  This was a story full of black magic, demons, and romance.  What's not to love?

In this book we are taken deeper into the mystery of the Magister and find out more information about him.  We also discover more about Will and his history.  Jem is more developed as a character but his past still remains vague.  We do get to see a little more of Magnus Bane, a character I absolutely adore. 

The encounters with automatons were not as frequent as in Clockwork Angel, so I rarely had problems sleeping.  The romance was so thick and beautifully written.  Maybe I am a glutton for disappointment, but whenever I read a book with a love triangle, I am always rooting for the wrong guy.  (I was Team Jacob, in case you are wondering.) The action scenes were fantastic and not so frequent that I got tired of them.  There was a nice pace throughout the story that kept things moving without it getting boring or going too fast.

I don't know if I will be able to wait for another year before the final book comes out!


Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 528 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Book
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Review: Witch and Wizard by James Patterson

From Goodreads:

The world is changing: the government has seized control of every aspect of society, and now, kids are disappearing. For 15-year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit, life turns upside down when they are torn from their parents one night and slammed into a secret prison for no reason they can comprehend. The New Order, as it is known, is clearly trying to suppress Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Being a Normal Teenager. But while trapped in this totalitarian nightmare, Wisty and Whit discover they have incredible powers they'd never dreamed of. Can this newly minted witch and wizard master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents--and maybe the world?

***

I wanted to like this book, and to tell the truth, I almost did.  I read the sequel, "The Gift", and I attempted to read the one after that, "The Fire".  This book graces a list on Goodreads called "Books You Hate but Read Anyway."  That pretty much sums this series up for me.  By the time I got to the third book, I was just disappointed that I had sat on the library waiting list for 4 months.  It was really not worth the wait.  

The first book was okay.  The story was just getting started and so it was mildly entertaining and interesting.  I quickly got tired of the predictable action scenes where Whit and Wisty get caught in the cross-hairs of The One and manage to narrowly escape.  The main characters, bother and sister wizard and witch, don't seem to have much of an agenda.  They just run around as catastrophic things happen, all the while shouting sarcastic remarks at everyone.  


Teenagers have been given a stereotype of being edgy, cranky, and sarcastic.  This series took that stereotype to the extreme.  While most teenagers do harbor these characteristics, they tend to surface on occasion, not every minute of every day.  I got very tired of the continuously poor attempt of an author trying to connect with a much younger audience.

But by all means, if you have nothing else to do with your time, give this series a try.  You might love it.

On a side note, I absolutely love the covers for the entire series.  They make the books look much better than they are.

Reading Level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
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Review: Prince Charming Must Die!, by Isabella Fontaine and Ken Brosky

From the Authors:

On the eve of her 18^th birthday, high school junior Alice Goodenough feels on top of the world. Classes are almost finished. She’s about to start her summer job at the local library, where she’ll be surrounded by all of her favorite books. And she has a wonderful boyfriend.

Then the rabbit shows up. The giant talking rabbit. He has a message:

200 years ago, the Brothers Grimm unleashed their stories upon the world.

Literally.

With the help of a magic pen and paper, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm brought all of their characters to life. The world was a more magical place … for a time. Slowly, the Grimms’ characters began to change for the worse. They became Corrupted. Evil. They didn’t belong in our world, but it was too late for the Brothers Grimm to destroy them.

Only a hero could save the day. Every generation for the past 200 years, a hero has been chosen to fight the Corrupted and rid the world of the Grimms’ fairy tales. To her horror, Alice has been chosen as the next hero. As her 18^th birthday nears, she begins to realize life is never going back to normal. School will never be the same.

As for her boyfriend, Edward … well, he just might be hiding a terrible secret.

***

I was pleasantly surprised by this book.  Judging by the title, I was expecting something a little corny, a little funny, and a little entertaining.  I was more than a little entertained, and the story was much more adventurous and action packed than I had anticipated.  It wasn't a very long book, but from what I understand, another installment will be coming out in a couple of months.  I will definitely be reading it.  

I had only one complaint with the book (other than a few minor typos) and it had to do with the age of the heroine, Alice.  She seemed a little old to be in the 11th grade.  There were also a few inconsistencies  surrounding her.   Sometimes she was dealing with very grown up issues, and other times she was playing tag.  Tag?  And I don't think I've heard a teen use the phrase "we necked" in...well...ever.  

Other than my issue with the age inconsistencies, I really enjoyed this read and I can't wait for the next installment.  Alice is a character that I would love to learn more about and see how she develops over the course of this series.  I would love to find out how and why she was chosen to be the hero of her generation.  I am also interested to see if her newest friend will prove loyal to her, or possibly be her downfall.  

Title: Prince Charming Must Die!

Authors: Isabella Fontaine, Ken Brosky

Publisher: Brew City Press

Release Date: April 25, 2012

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Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter (Goddess Test #2)

RELEASED TODAY!!


From Goodreads:

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it. 

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future. Henry's first wife, Persephone.

***

If you've read my review of the Goddess Test, you'll know that I adored that book. The second book in a series is always hard because it has such huge shoes to fill. The Goddess Interrupted was a fantastic sequel! The beginning felt a little uncomfortable because it was like, here is a character that we know and love, but we haven't heard from her in six months (in the book timeline). All of a sudden, we're back in Eden, about to see Henry, etc. I'm glad we jumped right into the action, but it almost made me feel like I was missing something.*


Kate was still a worthy heroine, though, true to her character, I found her over-analyzing things. A lot. There were a few times in the book I was disappointed with her because I thought she was giving up, but it turned out to be just what the story (and Henry) needed.


There were other times when I just wanted to put my arm around Kate because I felt so bad for her. Persephone? Really?! 


Henry is such a complex character. I loved it. He's not perfect, not even close. I loved that about him. Of course, there were times I wanted to shake him by the throat, but I ended up forgiving him.


The plot felt a little rushed at times, and the resolution came faster than I expected. It sort of felt like an intro to the last book, rather than a second installment.


The ending was a huge cliffhanger! I read the last page and thought, "Oh no, that can NOT be the end!" But sadly, it was.

And seriously, we won't even mention how much I adore these book covers. I know that shouldn't be a contributing factor, but let's face it. It is. 


All in all, I gladly give this book five stars. I wait with much anticipation and bated breath for the third and final book.

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin Teen; Original edition (March 27, 2012)
• Source: The Publisher (via NetGalley)
• Amazon
• Goodreads

 *There are two novellas, soon to be published, that will fill in the blanks between books. Or so I hear. The Goddess Hunt (#1.5) and The Goddess Legacy (#2.5). Pin It

Review: The Golden Acorn, by Catherine Cooper

From Goodreads:
Jack Brenin's life changes the moment he finds a golden acorn lying on the grass. He gets caught up in an extraordinary magical adventure and enters a world he only believed existed in legend. He's sure he's been mistaken for someone else. He's neither brave nor strong so how could he be "The One" an ancient prophecy speaks about? He's no idea why he's expected to help, unsure if he wants to, or even if he can.

***

Even though this book has had very mixed reviews, I really enjoyed it.  I grew to love all the characters, especially Camelin.  It was a little straight forward sometimes and a little slow in parts, but all in all, I did like it.  

 For the intended audience, it is a fun and age appropriate adventure.  It was clean, with no cursing or innuendos.  It is a nice length too.  Not too short, but definitely not too long.  I would definitely recommend this book to any parent or child looking for an clean story full of whimsical adventure.  Right now it is only available in the Kindle edition (which is free), but you can sign up to be notified when the paperback version comes out.


On a side note, I absolutely love the cover!


Reading Level: 10 and up
Hardcover: 376 pages
Publisher: Infinite Ideas (Academic) (August 20, 2010)
Amazon
Goodreads

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Review: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente

From Goodreads:

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

***

This book was an acquired taste for me.  When I started reading, I found it very hard to pay attention to.  The story was interesting enough, and the writing was beautiful, but it was wordy and difficult to push through.  I almost gave up on it a few chapters in, thinking that it wasn't moving quick enough for me, but the more I read, the more I grew to love it.  By the end of the book, I was wishing there was an entire series for me to read.  I absolutely fell in love with Valente's way of writing.  I devoured every description and savored every word up until the very last page.  September is a magnificent heroine who shows bravery and wit throughout the story.  I grew to love her and admire her (even if she is only 12 years old). 

The book is very clean.  There are several instances of action and peril, but nothing the intended audience can't handle.


Reading Level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (May 10, 2011)
Amazon
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Book Review: The Dig (Zoe and Zeus Trilogy #1) by Audrey Hart

Zoe’s life is not exactly normal. Her parents died when she was young, leaving her in the care of her archeologist aunt and uncle. She’s accompanied them on digs for years, but this time feels…different.

When Zoe accidentally gets trapped in an ancient Greek temple, she finds that myth and reality are more closely intertwined than she thought. Now she must face a pack of teenaged Greek gods who seem bent on sending her to the underworld…or at least back where she came from.

Except for Zeus, the handsome boy who risks it all to be with her. What is she willing to risk in return?

**

I read this book in a flurry, finishing in less than two days. The author described her novel as an Indiana Jones-style adventure, but I would say Zoe is more like a female Percy Jackson. She’s witty and entertaining, smart and sarcastic. She’s strong willed and shows and aptitude for thinking on her feet and taking care of herself. While Zoe doesn’t look for anyone to rescue her, she often finds herself in situations where she needs help but won’t ask for it. Good thing someone is usually there to save her.

Zeus is a heart-throb hero who has no lack in chivalry or honor. I like that in a character. He isn’t perfect, even losing his temper once or twice, but that’s what makes him believable.

While I overall really enjoyed this book, there were a few things that were confusing for me. Zoe claims to be out of the loop on teenage pop-culture, but I had a hard time believing that. She frequently used popular songs or TV shows as references. I was also a little confused by the description of the temple door. It gave me a good mental picture of what the door was supposed to look like, but it took me a long time to realize it was actually a portal and not really a giant _____. (I won’t spoil the surprise.)

I felt like the Greek mythology in this book was a little loose, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you have a hard time with authors taking a few liberties in fairytale and mythology retellings, this may bother you. As for me, I enjoyed it. It was a fun, clever and creative twist on the stories we all think we know.

This was a fun and fresh romance that had me turning the pages as fast as possible. I look forward to the next installment of Zoe and Zeus. Write on, Audrey. Write on.

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Publisher: Backlit Fiction; 1 edition (November 7, 2011)
• Reading Level: Young Adult
• Source: Author for Review
• Amazon
• Goodreads

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Review: Vanish by Sophie Jordan

From Goodreads: To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

**

While I merely enjoyed the first Firelight novel, I loved the second! I felt like the first one was mainly love story, and secondly plot. With Vanish, I felt like we got to finally look deeper within Jace. We get to know Cassian, and maybe fall in love with him a little bit. And things between Tamra and Jace finally feel like a twin-sisterhood should.

Jace does talk a lot about her feelings for Will and the conflict between her and Cassian. I think it gives her good depth. I was proud of her for getting her head together and putting something besides romance first.

There was some pretty intense action, and I was hurrying to find out what was going to happen.

So often the first book in a series is the hook, the second is just ok, and then the third is awesome. I did not feel that way with Vanish. I felt like Firelight was ok, but just enough to get me to want to keep reading. Vanish was really amazing. I liked it more than the first. 

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 6, 2011)
• Source: Publisher via Netgalley
• Amazon
• Goodreads

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