29 May, 2010

A Flash of Fiction: Day Three (MAY)

Book: THE IRON KING
Author: JULIE KAGAWA
Genre: YA FANTASY



I purchased this book (ebook format)
Picture courtesy of Good Reads



Overview
As a child, Meghan Chase witnesses the disappearance of her father. He's there one day...and then gone the next. As traumatizing as that could be for a kid, she never imagines that it might happen again. But, a decade later it does. This time, it is her little brother who is the victim. Only this time, her eyes have been opened to another world.

Meghan now has to travel to the world of the Fae to take back her brother. While she is there, the danger isn't just from creatures that want blood and flesh more than anything on earth. There are also people who have human faces, but no humanity. And, Meghan discovers that she is one of them. Her father is the Summer Court king.

She'll have to journey through the courts of Faery to find where her brother has been hidden. Along the way, she'll be accompanied and protected by a Faery prince; Ash, the son of the Winter Court Queen, a woman who wants Meghan dead.

I Liked -- Plot: Meghan's travels take her through all of the courts of Faery, before she can land in the Iron Court, but my favorite part of the plot was that first part of the visit. In THE IRON KING, when her eyes are first opened to all of the creatures and beings in Faery, and when she realizes that her best friend belongs in this world, Julie Kagawa does such a good job at sharing Meghan's confusion and disbelief at what she sees. Then, also her growing horror at the world around her.

I Liked -- Character: I think that Ash was my favorite character, and not just because he was the bad boy, and the possible love interest for Meghan. I liked him because he was written as the best and worst of the Faery world. Kagawa doesn't write him as a person without pity. But, he is a product of his environment, and I think that Ash showed the dual face of all of the Fey characters. They are practical and sly, and beyond some of the human emotions that Meghan expects them to possess.

My Rating: 13/15 Highly Recommend


28 May, 2010

A Flash of Fiction: Day Two (MAY)

Book: THE CLEARING
Author: HEATHER DAVIS
Genre: YA

I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley (ebook format)
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Overview
Amy knows that she has to get away from her abusive boyfriend, so she decides to move from her home in Seattle. She ends up in a tiny, isolated town with her Aunt Mae. Here, she hopes to find peace, and maybe even happiness. Autumn has begun, and Amy is looking for a new beginning, too.

In the mist, behind her aunt's trailer, she discovers something unexpected. A farm, where the sun is always shining, and the plants and tree are in full bloom. There is a boy there; he seems to be about her age, but acts much more old-fashioned.

Though her wariness of the male species is almost palpable, Amy and Henry form a bond. The two meet in secret, and it seems that both want more from their friendship. But, then Amy learns the reasons behind the perpetual summer that Henry lives, and why he can never leave the farm. A choice will have to be made, in order for either of them to move forward.


I Liked -- Plot: THE CLEARING involves both Amy's and Henry's point of view. I liked how there was a switch between the two. It happened just enough to give me a good sense of both characters' inner feelings, while not becoming confusing. Amy's abuse is touched on throughout the novel, but not really explored very deeply. However, I thought that Henry's life (and how he came to live the same summer indefinitely) was very interesting. I wanted to linger, and visit his world, in much the same way that Amy did.

I Liked -- Character: I really enjoyed Henry, as a character. On the surface his life was simple, and uncomplicated. But, there was always something else hidden under the depths. He seemed to shoulder the need to keep his mother happy, from both a sense of need and duty, as well as love. I also liked how Heather Davis wrote his chivalry and courtliness toward Amy. It was both a relic of his time, as well as a part of his own personality.


My Rating: 10.5/15 Recommend


26 May, 2010

A Flash Of Fiction: Day One (MAY)

Book: MISTWOOD
Author: LEAH CYPESS
Genre: YA FANTASY



I borrowed this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Overview:
The Shifter is an immortal being that resides in the Mistwood. Bound by a spell that compels her to protect the king that sits on the throne and rules Samorna, the Shifter has untold powers, and follows no mortal laws.

When Prince Rokan first comes for Isabel, she has no memory of her past. She is supposed to be a mighty being, but she doesn't know what powers she possesses, or how she must protect him. And something in her doubts his claim to the throne.

An assassination attempt shatters the unease in the castle, and exposes Rokan's enemies. The Shifter must protect the true King. The truth of who this is, will divide Isabel's loyalities. Ultimately, she will have to face her own past, then decide where the Shifter really belongs.


I Liked -- Plot: There were plenty of twists in MISTWOOD, but I liked how each one happened logically. The story was well-written. The court intrigue was really the best part for me. The alignment of 'sides' and allies played out well as the support to the assassination attempts that Isabel has to stop. There were times when I wasn't sure why a particular person turned betrayer, but I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen. And the final betrayal was spectacular.

I Liked -- Character: I think the best character was that of Rokan's sister, Clarisse. There is a large portion of the book devoted to the relationship between the Shifter and Rokan, as well as the Shifter and her own struggle with loyalty. But, Clarisse is a character that makes herself be important. Though she can wear the face of coquette, I felt that Leah Cypess wrote her as the most cunning and intelligent character.


My Rating: 12/15 Highly Recommend


25 May, 2010

Another New Feature: A Flash of Fiction

Summer is (almost) officially here. Vacation, sun (though, I prefer the temp to stay below 75) and fun! This also means that my desire to be outside will rise exponentially. In anticipation of less time being spent typing up reviews, I decided to introduce my new feature, A Flash of Fiction.

The reviews that I will post under A Flash of Fiction will be fairly spoiler-free, and much shorter than the ones that I post regularly. They will almost be the opposite of my other feature, EXAMINED. EXAMINED takes an in-depth look at a particular book that I might not have considered reading otherwise.

A Flash of Fiction will focus on one particular part of the plot, and one particular character that I liked. All of the novels that I feature in A Flash of Fiction will be rated Recommended or higher. (See my rating system here.)

I am going to kick off A Flash of Fiction this week, while I am out of town. This is the line-up:
Day One (May 26): Mistwood by Leah Cypess
Day Two (May 28): The Clearing by Heather Davis
Day Three (May 29): The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

23 May, 2010

Book Review: White Cat by Holly Black

Book: WHITE CAT
Author: HOLLY BLACK
Genre: YA URBAN FANTASY

I bought this book
Picture Courtesy of Good Reads


Review
Cassel Sharpe is in trouble. He wakes up one day to find himself on the roof of his school... with no memory of how he got there. He remembers seeing a white cat, right before he regained consciousness. But, that is just the beginning of the mystery that is Cassel's life. And incidentally, that is the beginning of WHITE CAT, by Holly Black.

In his world, magic is illegal, and as such, has become the domain of crime families. Those that can do magic are called curse workers. They are feared by the public, and Cassel is the only non-worker among a family of workers. His grandfather is a notorious death worker, his mother is in jail for her curse work, and his brothers are involved in one of the most powerful crime families in the state of New Jersey.

The leader of this crime family happens to be the father of his best friend and first love, Lila. A girl that Cassel killed. He has little memory of this killing and only his brothers know of his crime. The tidy little world that he has created through lies, and half-truths is about to come crashing down, and there is nothing he can do to stop it. The white cat that he sees could be the answer to all of his memory problems, but the truth will alter Cassel's world forever.

This book was very widely anticipated, from bestselling author, Holly Black. I was pleased to read another book from a male character's point of view, and not disappointed by the skill with which Holly Black wields a pen. Cassel is a well-thought out character. The kind of bad guy that is hard not to sympathize with, all the while knowing that he has committed one of the most reprehensible crimes- murder.

Black takes on the fantasy/ urban fantasy genre with a very cool, new twist. Her use of magic, isn't so far removed from the illegal drug trade, or black market weapons exchange in contemporary society.

I can imagine being a part of Cassel's world, because it is not unlike the one that we currently live in. WHITE CAT definitely lived up to its hype. More than that, it showcases the considerable talent of Black as an author and storyteller.

I've posted an explanation and deeper look at the book, on my Good Reads site, but it does contain spoilers.

My Rating: 13.5/15 Must Read
Bonus Cover Points: 4/5

20 May, 2010

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Book: BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
Author(s): KAMI GARCIA AND MARGARET STOHL
Genre: YA FANTASY/SUSPENSE



I borrowed this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Review
Ethan Wate lives in a small town, where the faces stay the same, and nothing of consequence ever seems to happen. Until, Lena Duchannes shows up on a stormy night. She shatters Ethan's world, and changes his outlook on everything.

In BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, Lena is a mysterious girl, who quickly becomes the school outcast. Ethan knows that he will suffer the same fate, if he continues his association with the compelling teen. But, he doesn't care. Somehow, he knows that they belong together.

Lena has secrets, though. Very dangerous secrets. A destructive power is rising in Gaitlin, South Carolina; Lena and Ethan find themselves smack in the middle of a centuries old curse. Ultimately, Ethan and Lena will have to defend their family, their world, and their love.

I really liked reading BEAUTIFUL CREATURES.  It was one of the few books where I had prior knowledge of the authors experience writing the novel. This insight helped in my total immersion in the world of Gatlin, South Carolina. The novel is a good example of a gothic read. I liked how little by little, Lena's past and her progeny was revealed.

The book was a hefty 563 pages, so it was important that I want to keep reading, and not get lost along the way. I think that this was accomplished remarkably well, without having pages and pages of info dump, or background that might have been necessary for the authors, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, but not as important for the readers.

One of the other features of the book that I enjoyed, was the fact that the novel was told from the point of view of the male character, Ethan Wate. In the past, I have read many YA fantasy, urban fantasy, suspense, and paranormal romance. Most of these books are from the point of view of the female main character. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES offered a fresh voice, without making the male either too macho, or too emo.

I put off reading this book, because it was the read for my online book club (Night Owl Society). The down side to this approach was, I kept asking myself why I waited so long to read it. But, the upside is, now I don't have to wait so long for the next book, BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS! 

Also, take a look at my Good Reads review of this book, for more insight. (There will be spoilers!)

 My Rating: 12.5/15 Highly Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 4.5/5

18 May, 2010

EXAMINED: Soulless by Gail Carriger

Book: SOULLESS
Author: GAIL CARRIGER
Genre: STEAMPUNK/PARANORMAL ROMANCE/HISTORICAL ROMANCE


This book is from my local library
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


EXAMINATION
Gail Carriger has reimagined the Victorian era to include vampires, werewolves, and the soulless. Her female main character, Miss Alexia Tarabotti, belongs in this third category. She is otherwise known as the preternatural; vampires and werewolves being supernatural.

Miss Tarabotti suffers some of the worst difficulties that may plague a woman in her time. Namely, being a spinster, Italian and soulless. So, of course, she is quite surprised and put out when a ravenous vampire attempts to attack her, whilst she has tea. One of the very few that can ward off the supernatural by returning them to their human state with skin contact, it seems quite a mystery why she would be the chosen victim of a vampire.

This mystery kicks off the story in SOULLESS. Miss Tarabotti is joined by Lord Maccon of the BUR (Bureau of Unnatural Registry), who also happens to be the local werewolf Alpha. Together they will have to navigate the best of London's society to find out why werewolves and vampires are going missing. Aided by Lord Maccon's Beta and the vampire Lord Akeldama, Alexia sets off to prove that she is not involved in the recent disappearances.

I had seen this book in the bookstore many times before I even picked it up. Then, I read the back cover several times. Each time, I passed on the novel, for one superficial reason or another. Finally, I decided that I was going to read it. (Mostly, because I had a craving for something steampunk, but I wanted something a little lighter than the usual steampunk fare.)

The first sentence, though rather simple, really drew me in. I couldn't stop reading. I couldn't stop laughing. But most of all, I couldn't stop rooting for the heroine, Miss Alexia Tarabotti. She does an admirable job of warding off the undesirables with her parasol. That includes the wax-faced man who seems intent on her death, and her odious mother, a great parody of the 'proper' Victorian woman.

Her relationship with Lord Maccon has a decidedly scandalous nature to it, for the Victorian time. Carriger has written these scenes very well. After all, Miss Tarabotti is well past the age of expecting marraige; therefore, she has more freedom than the average woman. And she doesn't expect to trap Lord Maccon. Also, considering that werewolves, vampires and dirigibles are a part of everyday life, one can forgive the sexual encounters of the two, which (mostly) happen in private. 

Because I tend to read fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, I am used to reading about vampires and werewolves. But, SOULLESS had a new take on the phenomenon. She manages to seamlessly incorporate the supernatural into known historical events (such as the rise of the British Empire) and create a reasonable explanation for their existence.

What I really liked about Carriger's novel was all of the different strings that she brought together to tell the story. There is the historical aspect to the novel. There is steampunk. There is paranormal romance. And somehow, they coexist with humor for a really absorbing read.

My Examination Results:
3/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
3.5/5 for language


10.5/15 Recommend


17 May, 2010

MINI CONTEST

At her signing in West Chester, PA, Melissa Marr had swag to give away to the people who showed up. She was so generous, though, that when I mentioned this blog, I was able to snag an extra collection of court bracelets (they're rubberized, and sized for most wrists) from the Wicked Lovely books to give away.

MINI CONTEST
1.) You must be a blog follower
2.) Leave a comment with your favorite Wicked Lovely character (from any of the books in the series).

Each comment will be assigned a number, and I will use random.org to choose a number from the comments that are left.

And for a little competition, your comment can count for more than one entry if you:
1.) Have someone else follow my blog
2.) Utilize alliteration. Something as simple as: Bananach is my favorite because she is barely sane. (Ha!)
3.) In your comment, let me know if you do any of the extra entry requirements.

Finally, anyone who participates in this mini-contest will be eligible for my other Marr related mini-contest, which I will be holding in June.

This contest runs from May 17th - June 3rd, 9pm EDT.

Until Next Read,
AliseOnLife

News

News Item #1
I've decided to amp up my blog a little with a new feature that I am calling, EXAMINED. Basically this feature will be once or twice a month. It will examine a book or two that I might have put off reading, thought that I wouldn't like, or was recommended with no prior knowledge of the novel. I am going to start off the feature with SOULLESS by Gail Carriger, on Tuesday.

The feature won't be that different from my regular reviews. In fact, it will pretty much combine the style that I use on my blog, with that of my Good Reads site. It will be a little closer to a discussion or essay piece, than a straight-up review, though the rating system will still be in play. I hope that all of my readers like this new feature. As always, I do welcome comments.


News Item #2
The notoriously bad luck that I seem to possess has taken a holiday. I was chosen as one of the random book bloggers to receive a scholarship to the Blogger Con in NYC on May 28th. As I understand it, that includes a pass to the exhibition floor of BEA on May 26th & 27th!

So excited about this, because I will actually be able to take advantage of the opportunity. The scholarship doesn't include transportation or lodging, but since I am in Philly, I should be able to manage that on my own.


News Item #3
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to go to a book signing with Melissa Marr. The tour is to celebrate her newest release: RADIANT SHADOWS. I have read the book already, and it is a truly fantastic read. If you have read any of her previous books, you will know that Marr is an exceptional storyteller. Meeting her in person was great. She basically let us ask her questions about ANYTHING.

Some things that I learned about Marr:

-She doesn't write her books beginning, middle, end. She explained that the linear style doesn't work for her

-By the end of Wicked Lovely, Marr knew that she would be writing more books in the series, and had even started on the other novels.

-At any point in time, Marr might have 4-5 projects in play (which is amazing, considering the quality of her work.)

-Though the Wicked Lovely series is ending next year, she has already completed an adult mystery, with folklore elements, which is in primary revisions.

-Marr's illustrator for the Wicked Lovely graphic novels is from Spain, and speaks almost no English (Marr meanwhile, speaks almost no Spanish), but they manage to collaborate to produce the manga.


Also, want to find out where a certain character has gone? (For those who have read Radiant Shadows: The catalyst for the events happening in faery, with Sorcha) Read the manga.

Until Next Read,
AliseOnLife

15 May, 2010

Book Review: Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

Book: RADIANT SHADOWS
Author: MELISSA MARR
Genre: YA FANTASY

I purchased this book
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Review
MELISSA MARR first created her world of the faeries in the novel WICKED LOVELY. RADIANT SHADOWS is the fourth book in the series and focuses on the High Queen's assassin, Devlin and the half-human daughter of the Hounds, Ani.

Ani is one of a kind. She's the daughter of the Hunt (her father Gabriel is the leader of the Hounds). She's half-human, half-faery. She can feed off of emotions and touch. No other faery is known to do this. And Ani should not be alive.

Devlin, the High Queen's Bloody Hands was meant to kill her in her youth. But, he didn't. Instead, he kept the secret of her existence from both of his sisters. Order and Chaos. Reason and War. The two that keep the balance of the faery world.

Ani and Devlin must race against time to protect Ani's human family, save the faery world, and restore the balance, even while Devlin fears that he might have to destroy Ani to keep his sisters happy.

I was truly spellbound by this book. It wasn't just that I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next in Ani and Devlin's relationship (I did). It wasn't just that I was intrigued by the appearance of Rae, and how she would affect the faery world (I was). It wasn't even that I loved the way Ani came into her own as a Hound (I so want a Barracuda Steed!).

All of these elements came together to make a truly good read. But, MELISSA MARR has done more then just write a good book. She has created a world that I want to return to again and again. RADIANT SHADOWS is a hypnotic book; one that has left me hungry for more.

See my review on Good Reads that delves deeper. Note: This review has spoilers.



My Rating: 14/15 Must Read
Bonus Cover Points: 4/5

06 May, 2010

Aaaand Even More Winners!

Winners Announced: Part Two

The winner of Fragile Eternity is...


Sherrie!: @SherriePetersen



Radiant Shadows goes to...



Nikki!: @spunkiireader



The Two (2) City of Bones winners are:



Jessica!: @pagespagespages 
Sherry!: @ssalach21



And finally, the City of Ashes winner is:





Jo-Lynn!: @lovelyfire322



Congrats to all of the winners! They have all been notified and claimed their books. Please come back to my blog, if you are one of my new followers. I will be mostly posting reviews of new books. I've also started planning my next giveaway (maybe mid-summer), which will coincide with a themed week on my blog, so stay tuned!

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

04 May, 2010

First Winners in Book Giveaway

Winners Announced!

And the lucky person that will receive Club Dead is...

Ooh, it's an international winner...



Cherry from the UK!: @cherrymischivus



White Cat goes to...



Courtney!: @courtneyyrae




 And the winner of Tithe is...




Sarah!: @sarahnfisk


I've already notified the winners by email and Twitter.

I am working on Melissa Marr right now. I will notify the two winners later today, and *hopefully* will finish the Cassandra Clare entries. I saved her for last because she had the most entries. But, I promise to have all of the winners by tomorrow at 6pm.

Thanks again for participating. I will definitely be doing more giveaways in the future!

Until next read, 
AliseOnLife

03 May, 2010

Book Giveaway Now Closed to Entries

I want to thank everyone who entered my book giveaway. Also, I appreciate all of you who have decided to follow my blog and me on Twitter. I will try to have interesting things to say. And barring interesting, at least you will have a daily update on my caffeine addiction!

I am going to calculate the entries for Charlaine Harris this evening, and use random.org to choose the winning number. I am doing hers separately because the signing is Wednesday, and I want to give the winner time to notify me. By noon tomorrow (Tuesday), I'll have sent the winner an email.

Thanks again, and good luck to all of the entrants!

Until next read,
AliseOnLife






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