Review: RIVER WOMAN, RIVER DEMON by Jennifer Givhan

 

River Woman, River Demon by Jennifer Givhan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Eva's husband is arrested for the murder of a friend, she must confront her murky past and embrace her magick to find out what really happened that night on the river.

Eva Santos Moon is a burgeoning Chicana artist who practices the ancient, spiritual ways of brujería and curanderisma, but she's at one of her lowest points--suffering from disorienting blackouts, creative stagnation, and a feeling of disconnect from her magickal roots. When her husband, a beloved university professor and the glue that holds their family together, is taken into custody for the shocking murder of their friend, Eva doesn't know whom to trust--least of all, herself. She soon falls under suspicion as a potential suspect, and her past rises to the surface, dredging up the truth about an eerily similar death from her childhood.

Struggling with fragmented memories and self-doubt, an increasingly terrified Eva fears that she might have been involved in both murders. But why doesn't she remember? Only the dead women know for sure, and they're coming for her with a haunting vengeance. As she fights to keep her family out of danger, Eva realizes she must use her magick as a bruja to protect herself and her loved ones, while confronting her own dark history.

A psychological thriller that weaves together the threads of folk magick with personal and cultural empowerment, River Woman, River Demon is a mysterious incantation of reckoning with the past and claiming one's unique power and voice.

--

This is a stunning book. Highly lyrical language, beautiful imagery, believable and authentic characters, and a murder mystery that had me guessing right to the very end.

I loved the genre-blend of crime/detective story with Chicana brujería and curanderismo practices--Jennifer Givhan really pulled this off and I can't wait to read more of her work. There's a lot of very important discourse in this book about race and brutality, and I really admire the way that Givhan tackled these points. Eva is also one of the best characters I've ever read. She's flawed--deeply flawed--and there were so many times where I was begging her not to do something because I could see it was a mistake--but we get to see her learn from her mistakes, and that's what I really appreciated. Eva also stays true to her core values, and I really liked that.

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Review: Maggie Sparks and the Monster Baby by Steve Smallman

 

Maggie Sparks and the Monster Baby by Steve Smallman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a fun read. I’d say it’s for children around 5-8 years old. It features a mixed-race family of witches, and we see what happens when Maggie is jealous of her new baby brother and decides to cast a spell on herself to make her cuter too. The spell backfires in both a hilarious and poignant way, but we see how much the parents still love Maggie.
It’s a short read, and the illustrations are great.I particularly liked Bat the Chameleon, Maggie’s pet.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.

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Review: SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo

 

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

--

So I watched this book after I'd seen the Netflix series, and I have to confess, I think I preferred the Netflix series! I feel bad saying that, and I think the important thing to realise here is the story and characters are quite different in the book.

Let's start with Mal--he's a totally different character in the book, and I went into this, thinking he'd be like in the TV series where he was one of my favourite characters. But he's unlikeable in the book, and immediately this gave me this sense of disconnection, as it just wasn't meeting the expectations I had formed.

While most of the plot follows the Netflix series (albeit the ending is much bigger and greater in the TV series), I often found myself getting a little bored. The pacing was a bit off at times, particularly in the first half, and I found myself skim-reading at times.

But the worldbuilding is what redeems this story, making it a 3.5 stars. Because this universe just feels so real, so fleshed out, even though it's one of the most fantastical worlds I've ever read.

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Review: THE VANISHING DEEP by Astrid Scholte

The Vanishing Deep by Astrid Scholte
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seventeen-year-old Tempe was born into a world of water. When the Great Waves destroyed her planet, its people had to learn to survive living on the water, but the ruins of the cities below still called. Tempe dives daily, scavenging the ruins of a bygone era, searching for anything of value to trade for Notes. It isn't food or clothing that she wants to buy, but her dead sister's life. For a price, the research facility on the island of Palindromena will revive the dearly departed for twenty-four hours before returning them to death. It isn't a heartfelt reunion that Tempe is after; she wants answers. Elysea died keeping a terrible secret, one that has ignited an unquenchable fury in Tempe: Her beloved sister was responsible for the death of their parents. Tempe wants to know why.

But once revived, Elysea has other plans. She doesn't want to spend her last day in a cold room accounting for a crime she insists she didn't commit. Elysea wants her freedom and one final glimpse at the life that was stolen from her. She persuades Tempe to break her out of the facility, and they embark on a dangerous journey to discover the truth about their parents' death and mend their broken bond. But they're pursued every step of the way by two Palindromena employees desperate to find them before Elysea's time is up--and before the secret behind the revival process and the true cost of restored life is revealed. 

--

The Vanishing Deep has to have some of the most impressive worldbuilding I've ever come across. And I LOVED this world--set in the future where 99% of the world is water, and the ocean itself becomes this dangerous, menacing character.

Tempest has been alone for the last two years, since her sister drowned. Three years before that, her parents both died too. But Tempest can get one of them back--Palendromena offers a revival programme, and Tempest's been diving for relics of the old world that she can sell to fund the revival of her sister. She knows that Elysea died with a huge secret relating to their parents' demise, and this is Tempest's goal in reviving her sister rather than sisterly love.

Well, at least, it is at first.

But Scholte throws us twist after twist, (and this review's going to contain spoilers), and soon Tempest realises that she should've revived Elysea for love to start with, not through anger, as she realises just how much she misses her sister--and how wrong about her sister she was.

And Elysea tells Tempest that their parents are still alive. I did NOT see that twist coming and I just couldn't read fast enough. This is where the action really starts going, when the two girls escape the revival centre and go on a crazy journey to find their family.

And of course they're being chased--it's a thrill-ride. Lor and Raylan are the chasers, and Lor is also the other narrator for this book (the first being Tempest). Lor is such a complex character. Right from the start, I knew he was guarding a big secret and could tell he was defensive--but when we learn the truth near the end, I was speechless. Lor is dead.

And I don't know how I didn't see that coming, because this book is all about life and death, about revival and resurrection. It's about loss and love,too. And the only negative I had about this book was how quickly Lor appears to fall for Tempest. He acts like he's almost instantly in love with her--right after she kidnaps him too. I just didn't really buy it.

But I loved the story. I loved the book. And I loved Tempest--she's cold and she's angry and she gets annoyed. She felt realistic. And this book's ending has some pretty profound things to say about life.

It's also a very feminist story. I actually did an analysis of this book just now for part of my MA degree work: It is very much the female characters who are in control of the narrative--while it's dual POV narration between Tempest (a seventeen-year-old female) and Lor, all of Lor's actions can be seen as reactions until the very end. He constantly reacts to the actions of Tempest, and so it is Tempest who is very much in control of the plot and the actions of other characters. And, at the end, when Lor does instigate his own actions (causing Tempest to be reactionary rather than active) his goal is to save the life of another character who is also female--and is the sister of Tempest, so Tempest, as the main character, is directly benefitting from the one time Lor exerts his own agency.

When you look at which characters are dead by the end of the novel, it's only some of the male characters too. Even the female characters who die during the plot are brought back to life at the end, because of the sacrifice of a male character.

When looking at it like this, it becomes clear that this is a very feminist novel (all the female characters also end up in high positions of power, if they didn't already start it), yet it wasn't until doing this analysis that I realised quite how feminist it is. Until then I'd just been enjoying it more as an entertaining YA novel!

In terms of post-colonialism, there is also a lot of discourse in this book on issues of power and economics in relation to culture. We've got different societies and cultures coming together and we see the clashes as well as the struggle the characters have as they try to decide whether to include the relics from all the cultures in their museums of the 'old world', or whether some should automatically take priority. In the end, it's decided that all cultures will be preserved in the museum, but special focus will be put on that of the previously colonised. The book ends with the colonised taking control once more, and being respected by the others.

There is also quite a bit of rhetoric on historical issues and social discourse between colonisers and the colonised--which directly linked to real-life cases, but had been subverted so it also applied to the fantasy world.

I also noticed a fair bit of characters who were 'othered' due to their appearances and origins; Tempest and Elysea were described as 'water witches' quite a bit, and interestingly, this term was only in relation to the female characters. (And, by the end, the main female characters of the book has claimed the name 'water witch' as a good thing, relating to female empowerment too).

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Review: A SONG BELOW WATER by Bethany C. Morrow

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This has to be one of the best YA fantasy/magical realism books I've read in a long time. I've actually been in a reading slump recently for fantasy--it's actually become rare (unfortunately) that I finish a fantasy, as I'm mainly into thrillers now. But this wasn't the case with A SONG BELOW WATER. This is a refreshing and authentic story.

This book is about two sisters, Effie and Tavia. It's about Black Girl Magic, Sirens, Oppression, and Racism. And it's about secrets and identity, and not knowing quite how you fit in--I especially loved Effie's story as she discovers what she is. Her sister's a siren, and there's this whole mystery over what she is. And the reveal at the end--it was perfect. (Oh and the sisters are more like 'soul sister's--they're not related by blood, and I loved what this book says about family.)

The worldbuilding is so rich and beautifully layered. Again, I find magical realism kind of hard to get to grips with, but the moment I started reading this, I was drawn in. It felt like I was really stepping into this world, and all the mythical creatures that walk this alternate Portland just seemed like they fitted in there. It was seamless.

A SONG BELOW WATER is such a relevant book for these times as it explores how Black women are treated and it's about its young Black characters finding their voices in society. There were a lot of scenes in this book that I found chilling--particularly how sirens (all of whom are Black in the book) are often given collars that silence their voices. This book really makes us think.

I actually came across A SONG BELOW WATER following the recent #BlackLivesMatter movement where the publishing industry encouraged everyone to read books by Black authors. This is one of them that I discovered, and I am so glad I did--and I'll definitely be interested in anything more that Bethany C. Morrow writes.

Review: MASK OF SHADOWS by Linsey Miller

Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As soon as I started this book, I knew I was going to love it. Well, I mean, before I started it I was sure I’d love it too—an epic story of assassins, set in a fantasy world, and with a Gender-fluid main character? What’s not to love?! And this book really delivered.

From the first page, I love Sal. They’re confident and independent, and their goal was so, so clear. Their motivations for their actions felt so, so real. And the best thing? This isn’t a story *about* being gender-fluid. It’s an epic fantasy story of revenge where the main character is gender-fluid. But it’s not their only defining character trait. And their gender-fluidity is accepted in this fantasy world and not made a huge thing of.

The book follows Sal as they compete with other auditioners to become Opal, one of the queen’s assassins. I love assassin stories. And I loved this one. There are definite Hunger Game vibes as all the auditioners are set tests and are allowed to kill each other at times. I love stories with tests like these. This is one hell of a job interview, and Sal’s building romance with Elise is so believable and well done. I also love how it was just part of the story, and not a main focus. The plot stays centred on Sal’s determination to be the last auditioner and become Opal, their desire for revenge on the Erlend lords who destroyed Nacea (where Sal comes from), and their determination to stay alive.

The worldbuilding for this fantasy kingdom is also great. It’s believable and there’s a lot of politics wrapped up in it and that just seems so realistic. While we get a sense of the politics as the auditions are taking place, it’s only once the audition has finished that we understand just how politic this book is in its exploration of these fantasy kingdoms.

Halfway through reading this I learned it was book 1 of a duology and I immediately went and bought the second book so I’d have it ready upon finishing. (Plus I bought Linsey Miller’s other book as well, which I’ve heard has an ace MC, making me very happy!)

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Review: TRIAL OF THORNS by Stacey Trombley

Trial of Thorns by Stacey Trombley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


In a ruthless competition of blood and magic, attraction to the enemy may be the biggest weakness of all.

I am Caelynn of the Shadow Court, banished to the human realm for killing a fae prince in my youth. But when I learn my homeland is in peril, I strike a bargain.

The Trial of Thorns will decide a champion to save the realm from a terrible plague, and secure the winner fame and fortune. I could care less about the money or notoriety--I'm playing for freedom. If I win, I will earn a full pardon. And I intend to win.

But I don’t account for Reveln being one of my opponents. We've got...history. And ten years later, he's even hotter than I remember. Oh, right, he also hates me.

Only one of us can win, and Rev will do everything in his power to make sure I don’t make it out of the trials alive.

Because ten years ago, I killed his brother.

And Reveln never forgets.


TRIAL OF THORNS is the first book in the WICKED FAE series, featuring kick-ass women, fated mates, and a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance. Readers of Holly Black's Cruel Prince, Sarah J Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses and Audrey Grey's Evermore Academy will love this book!
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of TRIAL OF THORNS by Stacey Trombley, and I really couldn’t read it quickly enough.

This is a smart and sexy Hunger Games, told in dual POV by the heroine and hero. Caelynn and Rev are both excellent narrators. I always worry when I hear a book is duel POV in case the narrative voices sound the same, but Trombley doesn’t have this problem. Even without the chapter headings indicating who the narrator is, it was clear simply by the writing style itself.

The worldbuilding is amazing. I just love this world--and the backstory is woven into the narrative and plot so seamlessly. There's no heavy info dump.

There's also a great female friendship/romantic relationship in this story too, so points for LGBT+ rep here.

Overall, this is a great story. Super fun and engaging, and I love Caelynn's dark past.

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Review: BOOK OF FIRE by Michelle Kenney

My rating: 5 stars

About Book Of Fire: 


Life outside the domes is not possible. At least that’s what Insiders are told.
Twins Eli and Talia shouldn’t exist. They’re Outsiders.

Their home is a secret. Their lives are a secret. Arafel is a secret.

An unexpected forest raid forces Talia into a desperate mission to rescue her family while protecting the sacred Book of Arafel from those who would use it as a weapon. As Talia and her life long friend Max enter the dome, she makes some unexpected discoveries, and allies, in the form of rugged Insider August, that will change the course of her life forever.

She’ll stop at nothing to save her family but will she sacrifice her heart in the process?

The Fire Sermon meets Gladiator in this brilliant YA debut.

--

Firstly, huge thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley, for providing me with a review copy of this book. 

So, I went into this book not really knowing what to expect, and the first thing that struck me was the language. It's so lyrical and beautiful, and there's something almost haunting about the imagery and tone. The language itself reminded me a lot of the style employed in both The Clan of the Cave Bear and The Walls Around Us. They both have the immersive, lyrical quality that Book of Fire has. Yet Michelle Kenney's novel also has the high stakes of The Hunger Games (I'm always doubtful when I see that one used as a comp title due to how huge it is, but here it really works). 

I'll confess, it did take me a little while to get used to this writing style that is lyrical and beauitful but that covers a lot of action. It felt a little slower at first than other YA novels I'm used to, but once I was used to Michelle Kenney's voice, I could not read fast enough. I just had to know what happens. 

Both Eli and Talia are fully fleshed characters and very well written. I must admit, I love stories with twins--that was one of the reasons I requested a review copy of this book in particular--and the bond these two share is really well written. I also really liked that Eli is Deaf, and yet he's still treated as a valuable member of society for his way with animal and wild creatures. So often, disabled characters are often treated as a burden in fiction, but I really appreciated this representation. 

The other characters are well-written too, and I especially loved the grandfather. Each character has strengths and flaws. 

I really liked the worldbuilding. It's refreshing and new, and gives a lovely twist on your standard fantasy and sci-fi stories. There's also a touch of dystopian in there too, which I adored. The world itself is hugely imaginative and everything is layered nicely, and I loved how we're given the history of this world too, yet there's not really any sections that are heavy in backstory. Instead, everything is woven in pretty seamlessly. And normally, when I've read Dome stories, the MC has been one who lives on the inside--Talia lives on the outside, and it's the insiders who are the threat, and that just felt so new.  A couple of times, I'd forgotten what the 'terminology' in this book referred to, but this wasn't a problem, as Kenney defly weaves clues in to remind you who's who--it was mainly the Sweepers who I kept getting confused about. 

(Also, Exeter is mentioned, and as a local, I loved that!)

I really liked the contrast of the insiders and the outsiders. It was well-thought out and incredibly well executed, the old 'natural' ways vs technology. 

Overall, Book Of Fire is a tightly plotted fantasy story of deception vs truth, and loyalty vs betrayal, with incredibly well written characters and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Review: WE ARE BLOOD AND THUNDER by Kesia Lupo

We Are Blood And Thunder by Kesia Lupo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a sealed-off city, a young woman, Lena, is running for her life. She has been sentenced to death and her only way to survive is to trust those she has been brought up to fear - those with magic.

On the other side of the locked gates is a masked lady, Constance, determined to find a way back in. Years ago she escaped before her own powers were discovered. But now she won't hide who she is any longer.

A powerful and terrifying storm cloud engulfs the city. But this is more than a thunderstorm. This is a spell, and the truth behind why it has been cast is more sinister than anyone can imagine ... But what neither Lena and Constance realise is that the stormcloud binds them - without it, without each other, neither can get what they desire.

--

Firstly, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of We Are Blood and Thunder, a thrilling fantasy novel by Kesia Lupo. I went into this book with high expectations and the story surpassed them.

We Are Blood and Thunder tells the story of two young women, Lena and Constance. Lena is a cryptling, a mage, and very much a likeable underdog who, as the novel progresses, embraces her power. Constance is older, the daughter of the duke of Duke’s Forest, powerful, confident, and a mage-in-hiding with a big secret. The narrative alternates between them, and together, the two work to control the storm cloud spell that’s been haunting Duke’s Forest for years.

The worldbuilding in this book is incredible. I loved it SO much. I’ve studied ritual and religion in Prehistory, and one of the notable things about that is the importance of ancestors in many prehistoric religions. Because of my love of prehistoric societies, I’m always so excited when I see ideology regarding ancestors incorporated into worldbuilding, and honestly, reading this book was a delight. Lena’s occupation as a mortician was really interesting, and seeing how she worshipped the ancestors was great.

I love stories about magic, and the magic system in this book is well thought out and, without giving away spoilers, I loved the idea of Chaos and the inclusion of the gods.

The imagery is beautiful. So evocative and visual and there’s something compelling about the way Kesia Lupo writes. I just had to keep reading. Although it took me over a month to read this (not a reflection on the story—rather I prefer to read fantasy novels over a few weeks to really savour them) I never felt lost when returning to the world after a few days. Instead, the book felt like it was welcoming me with a warm embrace.

Lupo’s characterisation is great. When books are told in third person, I am often wary. I don’t know why but I find it easier to relate to protagonists if they’re written in first person. But I felt like I knew both Constance and Lena and even though it’s third person, the narrative style was sufficiently different so I didn’t get it mixed up as to whom I was reading.

Emris, the love interest for Lena, and a man who we know once was something special to Constance, is often the uniting “factor” between the two narratives (just as the butterfly is), indeed bringing the two women together at the end. The chemistry that he has with both Constance and Lena is well-written and believable, and his romance with Lena is gradual, natural, and slow-burning.

Oh, the villains! Where to start? Lupo is amazing at writing those characters that we just want to hate. But we’re given full backstories for them and understand their motivations for their behaviour, so they don’t feel like token evil characters at all.

And the twist at the end? That had me utterly speechless. I had not seen that coming!

One of the things I really love is to understand where the title of a book comes from, and I found myself both grinning manically and nodding somewhat wisely when I realised the significance of “We Are Blood and Thunder.” It felt very authentic and well-done.

This is a great fantasy story and I highly recommend it.

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Review: BRAVE THUMBELINA by An Leysen

Brave Thumbelina by An Leysen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ever since I was little, I have loved reading fairy tales. The story of Thumbelina holds a special place in my heart as this was one of my favourites as a child. Thus, when I got the opportunity to read an early copy of An Leysen’s BRAVE THUMBELINA, I couldn’t say no, even though children’s books aren’t the usual books I review.

Firstly I want to start by saying that the illustrations in this book are gorgeous. I received an e-copy of this book and after opening it on my kindle, I switched to my kindle app so I could view the illustrations in colour. These drawings really add a special magic to the story.

This book is aimed at readers aged 5 and older, and the language and writing style certainly seemed appropriate for that readership. The story itself is well-written, though the plot doesn’t differ much from the traditional story of Thumbelina, so it didn’t seem as much of a “retelling” as it could have been. It essentially was the Thumbelina story that most people know.

Nonetheless, I really enjoyed it and it felt magical reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance copy.

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Review: ETERNAL SEAS by Lexi Rees

Eternal Seas by Lexi Rees
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a small parcel shouldn't cause experienced smugglers much trouble, but this parcel is far from normal.

Lost and scared after a violent storm, Finn and his sister, Aria, take shelter on a remote island. They discover the parcel contains a relic belonging to a long forgotten people. Locked inside are powers which will change their lives, and the world, forever.

As Finn realises his connection to the relic, a vision strikes him - but what does it mean? Who should they trust? And if they decide to follow their hearts rather than their orders, will they manage to deliver the relic in one piece?

Chased across the seas as they try to solve the mysteries within the parcel, the fate of this ancient people depends on them. Finn and Aria must choose between what is right and what is easy - and time is running out ...

I was delighted to get the opportunity to read an early copy of this book--huge thanks to the author and publisher.

This is the first MG novel I've read in over a year (as I usually read and review YA and adult), but as soon as I'd read the first couple of pages, I knew I was going to love it. This is such an action-packed fantasy tale, perfect for fans of Harry Potter who are looking for a magical, nautical adventure.

What really struck me about the prose was the sea imagery. It really is beautiful, and the language is evocative and rhythmic--but it's not overdone or overwhelming in any way, and it's at a suitable level for its intended readership. (I really appreciated how Lexi Rees doesn't write 'down' to her readers or over-simplify things, just because they're children, as I've noted this can be a problem with many MG and children's books.)

The characterisation is strong, and there's a very good dynamic between protagonist and antagonist (and this is definitely a villain who readers will love to hate). I particularly liked how charged Finn and Aria's names are--not to give too many spoilers here, but once you've read it, it becomes obvious why they have these names and I thought that was a lovely touch.

A big theme of ETERNAL SEAS is loyalty, and I loved how the author integrated such a powerful message as she tests her main character's loyalty as secrets are revealed. But it's done in such a way that it's not preachy at all, and it is an entertaining read--for both adults and children. The pages simply brim with energy, and this is an atmospheric read that just grabs you.

In short, ETERNAL SEAS is a must-read for young fantasy fans.

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Review: HEAD CASE by Niki Cluff

Head Case by Niki Cluff
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I was given an e-ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

So, for me, Head Case is a hard book to rate. I’m going for a 3.5 because while there were many things I liked about it, there were a few things that just seemed off, and a couple of things that just didn’t suit me as a reader.

The plot of this book is, based on my personal reading experience, original (though I haven’t read many other books of a comparable genre), and I found it refreshing. The opening chapter immediately had me hooked, and I was eagerly reading. The writing is, on the whole, well-written, and characterisation is good.

The imagery is also really great. I particularly loved the image of the old woman waiting in the corner of the hospital room, and how Ally reacted to her. That really infused personality and atmosphere into the scene.

Unfortunately, I had quite a few of issues with the pacing—particularly when Ally reaches the new game world, the pacing seemed slow and the writing got a little heavy with description and threw me off a bit. All the tension that the author had built up started to disappear at that point, and I was a little saddened as up until then I’d felt really invested. It made it a little harder to get back into the story, but I ploughed on. And I’m aware this could be my personal preference as I do prefer fast-paced books.

The other big thing that I didn’t like was how easy it was for Ally to get her parents to believe her when she astral projects to them (particularly the first time) and tells them what the doctors are really doing. It just seemed a bit too easy and I didn’t really believe it. And similarly, there was the same thing with Harrison’s parents too. I would’ve liked a bit more of an obstacle there, some sort of added layer of conflict, rather than keeping the conflict sources as the doctors and Ash.

Ally herself was a great character and really well developed. She felt real, and I liked finding out about her hobbies and interests—especially as they are so different to mine. I went into this book thinking it would be more dystopian sci-fi than it is, and I think that it was these expectations that meant I couldn’t quite get into the book as much as I wanted to as it’s centred around these hobbies—computer coding (which I don’t know much about) and gaming (and I’m not a gamer)—and it assumed some prior knowledge, especially for terminology linked to the coding. I haven’t read other LitRPG novels so this book felt a little “unknown” to me and I personally found it harder to understand the worldbuilding (despite being an avid sci-fi fan) but it was interesting.

Head Case also has an Alice In Wonderland vibe with many of the characters relating in some way to Lewis Carroll’s. This is something that I wasn’t really expecting and I found I really liked it, especially with how the author has put a slant on it. It also helped greatly with the characterisation of the other characters, and made them easier to remember and distinguish once I realised it, as up until then I’d been getting a couple of them mixed up.

Overall, this is a book I think fantasy gamers will enjoy greatly.

Review: CELESTIAL by S.E. Anderson

Celestial by S.E. Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ever since I read S.E. Anderson's debut, STARSTRUCK, I've been hooked on her books. These are fun sci-fi adventures like no others I've read, and I was lucky enough to get an advance reader copy of the fourth in the series, CELESTIAL.

And let me tell you this: With phenomenal character development, huge plot twists, and worldbuilding that gives us something new in the Starstruck world, CELESTIAL is an entertaining adventure and an emotional story that really makes you think about what's right and wrong.

The main thing about this book is it's so different to the others. We see a whole new side to Sally as her mental health is explored further, and as she jumps into the role of Goddess for a group of people she's only just meant. She becomes almost harder-faced and harsher, and some of her decisions surprised me, but I really liked how we saw her confidence grow. She felt like she'd grown into her role within the space-traveling-trio and she owned it--she's far from a tag-along now. She spoke her own mind, and although at times I didn't agree with her or her actions, I appreciated that she felt strong.

The other thing that's really different is the worldbuiling. There's less science-fiction in this book compared to the others in the series, and it's more fantasy-based, more spiritual. I really liked that and the new setting allowed us to see new sides to all the characters (not just Sally). I especially liked how we see much more of Blayde and understand her more.

The plot itself reminded me a lot of The Road to El Dorado, but it had a serious tone underlying it too.
The tension's high in this book, and there are many twists. Sort of a spoiler: there was also one death that made me cry.

And the ending...! Wow. I did not see that coming and evoked some VERY strong emotions. I can't wait for book five now.

Review: Storm Born by Richelle Mead

Storm Born by Richelle Mead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants...

Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy—one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.

Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...

I loved loved LOVED this book! After reading Mead's Vampire Academy series and Bloodlines books, I wanted to get straight into one of her adult series. And Storm Born (Dark Swan #1) did not disappoint me in anyway.

What made me choose this book over her succubus series was the blurb; it's compelling and it grabbed me straight away.

The characters were brilliant. They all had flaws which made them seem so realistic--something which is hugely important!

I must admit that the Fairy King was one of my favourite characters, even though, initially, I didn't want to like him. Guess I just couldn't help it...

The first page had me hooked. Seriously, read it! That is one hilarious opening, very unusual and it basically made me think: 'Woah. I've GOT to read this.'

And this book had plenty of subtle humour in it too. The writing dropped with personality, and with it being written from Eugenie's perspective, by the end, I just felt like I knew this character SO well.

For me, Richelle Mead proved herself to be brilliant at characterisation with her YA novels, and it appears that's she is just as good with characterisation in adult novels too. I can't stress this enough: her characterisation skills are just amazing.

One thing I will just say (having just mentioned her YA books) is that this novel is aimed at adults. There's adult content in here. And lots of it. But, although it revealed stuff and moved the plot on, the story doesn't really revolve around sex.

Well, actually, it does, seeing as how nearly every male character wants to sleep with the main character and father her first child, due to the prophecy... I suppose, what I mean is is that sex in this novel is only used where it's necessary, and this novel doesn't only revolve around sex. It's still an action-packed fantasy novel, just with sex in it too. I suppose, in relation to the action, there aren't really that many sexually-explicit scenes, but sex is still a big part of this novel, so not for younger readers.

The plot was well thought-out, with sub plots and twists cleverly woven in, just as with all of the Richelle Mead novels that I've read.

This was one of those books that I just HAD to finish. I literally could not put it down, and I NEED to get the next book!

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Review: Soundless by Richelle Mead

Soundless by Richelle Mead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a village without sound…

For as long as Fei can remember, no one in her village has been able to hear. Rocky terrain and frequent avalanches make it impossible to leave the village, so Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom. 

When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink. Many go hungry. Fei and all the people she loves are plunged into crisis, with nothing to look forward to but darkness and starvation.

One girl hears a call to action…

Until one night, Fei is awoken by a searing noise. Sound becomes her weapon.

She sets out to uncover what’s happened to her and to fight the dangers threatening her village. A handsome miner with a revolutionary spirit accompanies Fei on her quest, bringing with him new risks and the possibility of romance. They embark on a majestic journey from the peak of their jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiguo, where a startling truth will change their lives forever…

And unlocks a power that will save her people.

REVIEW:

I was so excited when I heard that Richelle Mead had a new book coming out, and as soon as I could, I hopped down to my local bookshop (which, admittedly, isn't that local because I live in the middle of nowhere), and got myself a copy.

Now, as I'm nearing the end of my penultimate semester for the final year of my degree, I'd planned to save SOUNDLESS for the Christmas holidays. But then I made the mistake of opening this book on a Tuesday evening... and accidentally finished SOUNDLESS the following day.

This book was fantastic.

It's different to Mead's other novels--but there was something about it that reminded me of her Dark Swan novels. I'm not entirely sure what, it just had the same feel. Yet, it is SO different. This book felt 'gentler' in its exposition of its themes, but held a really magic quality.

I loved it.

Fei is a great main character. She's relatable--perhaps one of Mead's most relatable protagonists. I felt like I could identify more with her than, say, Rose Hathaway or Georgina Kincaid. I guess Fei's personality is pretty close to mine. And I loved loved loved discovering her.

One thing that I really loved about this book, was how at the start several problems are introduced (lack of food, the restrictive culture, Fei's desire to draw what she wants, etc), and how all of these things that need fixing are all tied up and resolved in the final pages of the book. Here, the closing image really is the reverse of the opening image, and I think that's what makes this novel so successful; I really felt like I'd been on the journey with Fei and Li Wei, and I could see the difference they'd made. (Yes, this book is structured beautifully!)

And the romance: it's gentle, it's sweet, it's believable.

The worldbuilding in SOUNDLESS is amazing. Mead doesn't give us everything upfront, but the details are woven into the plot right from the start. I loved how the fantasy angle gradually skipped its way into the book, and became dominant in the plot's solution.

I also loved the introduction of Chinese folklore and mythology. Compared to other mythology-based fantasies I've read, this was a breath of fresh air.

In many ways, this book felt like a fairytale. It's just so warm, and 'glowing', yet at the heart of the plot, it covered some pretty serious issues.

If you're looking for a new YA read and you want a strong but relatable protagonist, I highly recommend Richelle Mead's SOUNDLESS.

Review: People of the Wolf by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear

People of the Wolf by W. Michael Gear (review from 2014)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the dawn of history, a valiant people forged a pathway from an old world into a new one. Led by a dreamer who followed the spirit of the wolf, a handful of courageous men and women dared to cross the frozen wastes to find an untouched, unspoiled continent. Set in what is now Alaska, this is the magnificent saga of the vision-filled man who led his people to an awesome destiny, and the courageous woman whose love and bravery drove them on in pursuit of that dream.

A sweeping epic of prehistory, People of the Wolf is another compelling novel in the majestic North America's Forgotten Past series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear

So, I've been reading this book for a while now, and I finished it a few days ago. It took me about 6 weeks to read (reading a chapter or two each night), because it is just so long.

I loved the premise of this one--well, I love any fantasy novels set in prehistoric times--but I have mixed feelings on this book.

The descriptions and imagery were great. No problem there. Each scene felt real and authentic. The writers--a husband and wife team--are archaeologists and you can tell from reading that they definitely know their stuff.

But the actual writing itself--in terms of *writing*. It wasn't that great. It was engaging, sure. But there were some pacing issues. And at times it just got too bogged down by all the description--actions scenes didn't read quite as 'action-y' as they should've done.

And let's talk about the fantasy world part. So, one of the main characters is a Dreamer. It's pretty obvious that the Gears have created a really complex world, but it was just too complex and not explained enough. Only about 60% of the time, was I able to follow what was actually happening during these scenes. And the final climax--well, it just got confusing. And, although I know the right people won, I wasn't sure how they won.

Also: timing. As I was reading, I never really had a proper sense of how much time was passing. I thought it was only a few weeks--but then suddenly we were told a year had passed. And this particularly happened at the end. One moment, we're told that the Dreamer can see a woman has conceived, then a few pages later the baby's born.

I think the ending felt really rushed, particularly because of these timing issues. I mean, we've had about 400 pages of details and the events leading up to it. And then it was just suddenly over, but the last pages covered at least ten months with no apparent warning--or maybe I missed it.

But the main characters themselves were very real and believable. Each of the main characters stood out and was instantly recognisable, just from the way they talked/acted/behaved. And I think that's what saved the book for me, and made me sure to finish it. Dancing Fox was my favourite character, shortly followed by Runs In Light/Wolf Dreamer and Heron. I also quite liked Ice Fire, though I wasn't immediately clear that he was one of the 'Others'.

There are A LOT of characters in this book, and some of them have very similar names, so I had to concentrate as I read to make sure I didn't misread a name. Some of the background characters especially blurred into one another. But it had a strong community feel, which I loved.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and am pleased I read it. If I see the sequel in a shop, I'll probably buy it--but for me it's not one of those books that I finish and then just have to look up book two and buy it now.

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