Blue Shift is Jane O’Reilly’s first foray into (romantic) science fiction and I’m sure it won’t be her last, even after this trilogy is completed. A sBlue Shift is Jane O’Reilly’s first foray into (romantic) science fiction and I’m sure it won’t be her last, even after this trilogy is completed. A seasoned author, even if it is in new adult romance, generally knows her stuff, and O’Reilly did an excellent job applying her knowledge and experience to a whole new genre. While Blue Shift has its weaknesses, it’s perfect for those of us who like their sci-fi on the lighter side and their romance on the hotter side. Jane O’Reilly delivers both with ease.
Jinnifer Blue is an outcast wherever she chooses to go. As the daughter of one of the most powerful ministers, she is hardly your average freighter pilot. And yet, her body modifications and life choices make her very different from those residing beneath the Dome, those that usually surround her powerful mother. Given the choice, Jinn wouldn’t want to be around Minister Blue anyway. In fact, she used the first opportunity and went trough several painful procedures just to run away from her.
Blue Shift is delivered through multiple perspectives, and while I sometimes wished for a better emotional connection with Jinn, I must admit that the story was weaved seamlessly. I’m not one for switching between POV characters, but here it worked pretty well. It was important for us to see the political machinations of Jinn’s mother, as well as understand Dax’s motivations.
The book is heavy on the romance, which isn’t odd considering O’Reilly’s background. I’m primarily a romance reader myself, so it wouldn’t work for me otherwise, and I was overall satisfied with the progression of the relationship. There was, I felt, more than enough chemistry between Jinn and Dax for the relationship to be believable. I found myself deeply invested in their feelings for each other from the start.
Blue Shift ends with a vicious cliffhanger that made me wish I’d waited a while to read it, but all things considered, it’s well worth nail biting and anxiousness I must endure until the next one comes out. Regardless of the flaws, I find myself deeply invested in this story. Read it if you liked Grimspace by Ann Aguirre or Behind the Throne by K.B. Wagers....more
There is simply nothing better than a new JD Robb book, not for me, at least. The 45th installment of her bestselling In Death series is just as good,There is simply nothing better than a new JD Robb book, not for me, at least. The 45th installment of her bestselling In Death series is just as good, if not better, than the first book. This series never falls in quality, never strays and never disappoints. Nora Roberts as JD Robb can apparently do no wrong.
Secrets in Death struck me as a more quiet, intimate book than most of its predecessors. While the crime is gruesome, the victim herself is a villain of sorts so it’s hard to feel sorry that she’s dead. That situation allows the reader to focus entirely on the mystery and feel Eve’s eternal drive to uncover the truth and stand for the dead, whether they deserve it or not. We are all the same in death, and no one believes in that simple truth more than Lieutenant Eve Dallas.
This book, unlike the previous ones, doesn’t delve much into Eve’s traumatic past, which is a relief. Even the nightmares are mostly kept at bay. Some things concerning Roarke that have been brewing for a while are finally resolved in a very easy, just and satisfying manner. When I said this book was more intimate, I meant that Nora allowed her characters to spend some time on the mundane, to learn additional details about each other and discuss simple matters like cooking and apple pie. It felt warm and necessary, a contrast to and a rest from the atrocities they face daily.
Secondary characters were a bit less present this time around, but I didn’t mind a bit. The world around Eve and Roarke is well established, their well-chosen family a surety. We see glimpses of the new Eve, the woman who knows that people around her will put her first and that they are there to stay. It’s easy to see how she’s grown to trust people, and the special connection she has with Dr. Mira and her husband.
Secrets in Death might not be my favorite In Death book, but it’s honestly hard to tell them apart at this point. Going back to these characters feels like coming home after a long absence every time, and I think that the strange mix of comfort and excitement is one of my very favorite feelings in the world.
Take your favorite cop show (Lethal Weapon is a personal favorite), place it in a filthy city with a distinct medieval feel, add dwarves, e
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Take your favorite cop show (Lethal Weapon is a personal favorite), place it in a filthy city with a distinct medieval feel, add dwarves, elves and other assorted creatures and you’ll get a pretty clear idea of what to expect from Fifth Ward: First Watch. Everyone has their weak spot, and buddy cop movies are mine, which means I was endlessly entertained by this book.
Rem is a newcomer to Yenara City, unemployed and just a bit lost. He is more than willing to work, but there’s no work to be found and his low supply of coins is rapidly disappearing. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances (involving a smart girl and no small amount of pride) Rem ends up working as a watchwarden, a member of law enforcement in the city. His partner is Torval, an enigmatic and temperamental dwarf, who is four feet tall and just as wide, with a volatile temper and a deep hatred for the orcs. The two are an oddly mismatched pair – Rem, educated, polite and completely inexperienced, and Torval, explosive, often rude and very street-smart.
Rem is hilarious and just a tiny bit pathetic as he stumbles through his first assignments as watchman. He is prone to blushing, the type of person who relies on his manners first and his fists second, but Yenara City has little patience for well-mannered northerners. Before he can be chewed up and spit out by the city’s merciless streets, he needs to learn from his partner, and maybe meet him half-way.
The two start working on a missing persons case and they slowly find their rhythm. What started out as an unlikely partnership quickly turns into an odd but promising dynamic. Lucas’ detailed worldbuilding only adds to the charm, and the colorful inhabitants keep us entertained. The book suffers just a bit from the burden of being the first in the series, establishing a detailed setting and sufficient character development to carry multiple novels, but all in all, they are just minor problems that can be considered an investment into the future of the series.
Dale Lucas took the usual buddy cop trope and built upon it, and he created a whole new playground for fantasy fans. Yenara City is my kind of literary place with its filthy streets, rivers of ale and fights breaking out left and right. With the second book, Friendly Fire, right around the corner, now is the perfect time to delve into this world.
A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher for review purposes. No considerations, monetary or otherwise, have influenced the opinions expressed in this review. ...more
Beyond Magenta is the very first non-fiction book reviewed here in the five years of The Nocturnal Library’s existence, and I couldn’t have picked a bBeyond Magenta is the very first non-fiction book reviewed here in the five years of The Nocturnal Library’s existence, and I couldn’t have picked a better one for the honor. It consists of six stories about six transgender, genderqueer or gender nonconforming teens, accompanied by gorgeous, honest photographs and several comments by the author. The stories are told in first person by the teens themselves, interspersed here and there by the author’s brief comments and observations.
The first thing that will strike any reader is a complete absence of idealization. The teens are portrayed as they are, nothing is hidden, nothing embellished. They are people with convictions, fears, and sometimes inappropriate reactions, with lives a lot more challenging than those of cisgendered people. Kuklin did her very best to cover as much of the spectrum as she possibly could by including six very different shades of the gender spectrum. The kids categorize themselves, if they want to be categorized at all, and they tell their stories with such painful honesty and openness.
Beyond Magenta is essentially a book “about sex and alienation, two universal themes that have interacted in life, literature and art since for ever.” (Kuklin 2016: 164) As the author herself explains, initially she meant to write about teens whose true gender isn’t what they were born with, i.e. girls who are really boys, and boys who are really girls. As her research progressed, however, she discovered so many different possibilities and made certain to represent them fairly.
Some of these stories are light, as some of the teens live in encouraging, empowering environments. Others face more challenges, internal and external both. Each of the stories ends on a hopeful note, though, making sure that we have something to hold on to, even as we contemplate realities and challenges so very different from ours.
I can only imagine what this book will mean to other transgender and genderqueer teens all around the world. Sometimes it’s enough to know that you’re not alone, that other people feel exactly like you. Beyond Magenta is a Stonewall honor book, a powerful and revelatory account of lives within the transgender community. In light of recent political events, such works of hope and encouragement might be essential to surviving whatever is coming and making it to the other side more tolerant and kind than we ever were.
For someone who doesn’t enjoy retellings at all, it’s odd that I keep finding Shakespeare-inspired books that thrill me and make me rethink my positioFor someone who doesn’t enjoy retellings at all, it’s odd that I keep finding Shakespeare-inspired books that thrill me and make me rethink my position. After Cat Winters’ The Steep and Thorny Way, As I Descended shows us that classics are classics for a reason and that things like ambition and jealousy are inherently human, and therefore always interesting and relevant.
Like Macbeth, As I Descended is divided into five acts, each inspired by its counterpart. Bloody knives and burning candles are taken directly from the original, but Talley took enough artistic liberties to make the story entirely her own. Ghosts and boarding schools always went well together and Talley used the connection better than most. Relying on an old Mexican legend about La Llorona, she created a heavy, ghost-filled, terrifying atmosphere.
Maria and Lily are a power couple at their boarding school, even though they are closeted. To be fair, though, their popularity falls entirely on Maria, who is second best at everything in their school. As a disabled girl, Lily was barely noticed before she got together with Maria and even now she’s only visible in Maria’s reflected glow. But Maria being second best isn’t enough for the girls. If they are to end up at the same university, Maria needs to win a prestigious scholarship, and for that they have to get rid of Delilah – unfair, sluttish, drug-using queen of Acheron Academy. Unwittingly, even stupidly, the girls team up with Acheron’s resident ghosts and are led on a downward spiral that can only end in tragedy.
As I Descended is practically bursting with diversity on all sides. If you’re looking for a book with LGBT themes, sobering thoughts on living with disabilities, and even a Latina heroine well-versed in Hispanic legends and culture (even though she often tries to hide it), As I Descended is the perfect book for you. Most importantly, all of it was blended so naturally, and in a book that isn’t primarily about diversity at all.
Unfortunately, Talley falls a bit short in characterization. She put a lot of effort into creating the right atmosphere, but the girls never quite become fully fleshed-out. Instead they remain just tools controlled by evil ghosts, without proper emotional depth or believable motivations. It’s difficult to care for props, and as much as I was entertained and frightened by their story, I was entirely indifferent to their fate.
Overall, As I Descended is a successful retelling of one of my favorite tragedies, and one of those ghost stories that hit just the right note at precisely the right time. What it lacks in characterization, it makes up for in many other ways.
From the critically acclaimed author of The Fifth Season comes a follow up novel that will thrill every old fan and attract many new ones into this faFrom the critically acclaimed author of The Fifth Season comes a follow up novel that will thrill every old fan and attract many new ones into this fabulous world of seismic catastrophes and magic. N.K. Jemisin put her considerable experience to good use and created a sequel worthy of all the awards that now shine on the cover of its predecessor. The Obelisk Gate is a symphony, a literary achievement that will endure the test of time.
This second book brings with it a slight shift in genre, taking us from straight up fantasy to a blend between fantasy, dystopia and post-apocalyptic science fiction with paranormal elements. Jemisin blends all this variety perfectly, with a very clear idea where she wants to take it. The world expands even more, the many sides of the conflict are more visible, but there are still mysteries to unravel and many more surprises ahead.
The narrative voice itself finally reveals itself towards the end of the book, and it brings with it astonishment and plenty of speculation. In fact, everything Jemisin does has hidden meanings and many possible consequences and each new revelation brings forth the fact that no one is safe and not many will be spared.
New characters are introduced, but the old ones shine. There are such complex relationships and emotions, sometimes very difficult to process or even understand. Essun’s fight for her daughter, the one she didn’t quite know how to love; Nassun’s rebellion against a mother she sees as cold and even cruel; Alabaster’s fight against nature itself, Jija’s waffling between affection and deep hatred towards his only daughter; the stone eaters’ motivations; and, above all, Shaffa’s repentance and change. It’s all such a complicated tangle of deeply flawed people and imperfect motivations that we mostly struggle to understand where any of them coming from.
Essun and Alabaster are without a doubt the highest point of this book, the odd dynamic between them warming our hearts even when they show each other nothing but cruelty. The reluctant family they’ve built, now down to just the two of them, was more important than Essun ever wanted to admit. There is such unfathomable pain between them, but there is still love that sparks, true friendship that endures despite the odds.
Overall, even with two more books to go, The Broken Earth series can already be considered the very best of its kind, a celebration of the art of literature with superb characterization, almost unparalleled diversity and a story that will continue keep us all on the edge of our seats.
As a Hugo award winner and Nebula award nominee, among many other awards and accolades, The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin leaves very little doubt abouAs a Hugo award winner and Nebula award nominee, among many other awards and accolades, The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin leaves very little doubt about its own quality. But even without the official recognition, The Fifth Season enchants easily, making it clear from the prologue that Jemisin’s writing is something extraordinary. This novel shines in its every aspect and shows precisely what a fantasy novel should be. It carries in itself everything from shiny worldbuilding to superb characterization and cleverly inserted traces of metanarration and metafictionality.
The Fifth Season flows easily, but not without effort on our part. It demands a bit of investment, a more careful consideration, but it isn’t intimidating or inaccessible. Jemisin’s writing is a symphony of words, a work of art in and of itself. She cleverly leads us through the story, often addressing us directly, and allows us to see what she wants us to see and realize only that she wants us to realize at any particular moment. At times the writing is so good that it temporarily draws our attention away from the storyline, leaving us breathless in anticipation of Jemisin’s next artful turn of phrase.
We begin with three very different women, of different ages and different social status. Their situations are vastly different but they all have one thing in common – they are orogenes, able to control various forms of energy and cause seismic events. Orogenes aren’t celebrated in their society, they provoke fear and disgust and they have two options upon discovery – they can be killed by their communities or they can go to the city and essentially become slaves.
Jemisin weaves this story like an intricate piece of filigree work, cleverly introducing new information and shocking discoveries at precisely the right time. There is an Appendix, glossary included, at the end of the book that is most useful since the author doesn’t spend much time explaining herself or her world. She sacrifices everything, even (or especially) the comfort of her readers for the good of the narrative, and the end result is nothing short of glorious.
The Fifth Season is a beautifully constructed, masterfully executed work of fiction that everyone needs to read. It may require some investment from its readers, but the rewards are more than enough.
A Shadow Bright and Burning, Jessica Cluess’ debut novel, lures us in with a gorgeous cover, but easily keeps our attention with stupendous worldbuildA Shadow Bright and Burning, Jessica Cluess’ debut novel, lures us in with a gorgeous cover, but easily keeps our attention with stupendous worldbuilding and an abundance of witty charm. A trip to Victorian London, enriched by sorcery, ancient monsters and a grumpy hobgoblin, is precisely what I would recommend to all lovers of historical fantasy.
A Shadow starts quite explosively, and the pacing rarely allows us any reprieve. Our Henrietta is in constant danger, always afraid of being discovered and executed. As the only woman among the sorcerers she faces many challenges and constantly fights prejudice. She is attacked not only for her unusual abilities, but for the simple fact of being a woman in an exclusively men’s world.
For her worldbuilding, Cluess drew inspiration from many sides, but managed to assemble something fairly unique and captivating. Her world is truly the lifeblood of this story, outshining everything else, including the characters. Added to that, her ability to write witty, often laugh-out-loud funny dialogues makes it all run smoothly, and provides endless entertainment for us.
The romantic subplot drags the story down a bit, and I suspect this would have been a much better work without it. Henrietta has two romantic interests, her childhood best friend, unsuitable in every way, and a charming young sorcerer who takes few things seriously. Neither of them seems like a good choice for Nettie, and although our hearts want to root for Rook, her childhood friend, there is simply no chemistry between them. I have a feeling things may take an unwanted direction in the future, and I sincerely hope Cluess will realize that her story works better without the melodrama.
A Shadow is clearly the first in a series, but it ends with a hopeful note, allowing us to wait for the next book calmly, but eagerly. Romance aside, this is a wonderful and imaginative story with plenty to offer to younger and older readers alike.
I’ve loved (loved!) John Corey Whaley ever since he published his first novel, Where Things Come Back, before all the awards and accolades that are noI’ve loved (loved!) John Corey Whaley ever since he published his first novel, Where Things Come Back, before all the awards and accolades that are now attached to his name. As a National Book Award finalist, winner of William C. Morris award for his debut and Michael L. Printz gold medalist for his sophomore novel, Whaley needs no more official confirmations of quality for his work. It’s becoming quite clear that he is extraordinary.
Highly Illogical Behavior seems lighter than Whaley’s previous work. It’s very approachable and easy to read. The lightness, however, is merely superficial. This is a novel that can be discovered one layer at a time. It’s a deceptively simple story that’s actually quite complex underneath, making us feel as though it could read it over and over and discover something new each time.
Solomon Reed is agoraphobic. He doesn’t leave the house and doesn’t really communicate with people outside his family. He realizes he’s a burden to his parents, but he simply can’t face the world outside. His house is safe, and the safe environment keeps his panic attacks at a minimum. When Lisa shows up with her understanding and friendliness (and her hidden motives), Solomon is terrified, but ready to let her in. As difficult as it is to allow Lisa into his life, Clark challenges him in whole new ways, making him see that the world can be even more dangerous than he thought, but that it also has so much to offer.
Whaley does a fabulous job in bringing us close to our three characters. Although their story is told from just two perspectives, the three of them are equally important. Paradoxically, the one who is being fixed isn’t the one who needs fixing the most. For all his troubles and phobias, Solomon has a loving family, a stable home and a very firm sense of self. Perhaps Lisa is the one who needs interventions even though she is initially the only one who seems to have it all together. Despite her ambition (or perhaps because of it), she is in many ways far less steady than she appears to be.
This author excels at gentleness and subtleties – there is no need for big sentences, dramatic solutions or grand gestures. He understands that life is in the small things and that there are no definitive solutions. There can be hints of hope, possibilities and changes in circumstances, but life offers no easy fixes for any of us.
This is a quiet, gorgeous little book that seems simple at first, but leaves you deep in thought and profoundly happy to have read it. This young author has already achieved so much, and we still have so much to look forward to. ...more
Apprentice in Death, the 43rd installment in Nora Roberts’ wildly successful In Death series, won’t leave a single fan disappointed. By now, we’ve leaApprentice in Death, the 43rd installment in Nora Roberts’ wildly successful In Death series, won’t leave a single fan disappointed. By now, we’ve learned to expect only the best from this series and only the best is precisely what we always get. When a series has been successful for over 20 years, every new installment is pretty much a safe bet.
In Apprentice in Death, Eve hunts a LDSK (long-distance serial killer) – a laser sniper killing from a distance. The victims seem like random choices, but Eve senses a deeper motive in the killings. She quickly familiarizes herself with weapons and tactics while also assessing the targets and doing what she does best – entering the minds of killers. Eve has an uncanny ability to connect with killers, and she uses it rather well. Every now and then, Robb allows just a touch of paranormal into the series and it’s becoming quite obvious that there’s something supernatural to Eve’s talents. She sees murders unfold with little evidence and she can put herself completely in any killer’s place and fully understand their thoughts, emotions and motivations.
While the killings aren’t as bloody and messy as they sometimes can be, the killer is one of the worst in the series, difficult to accept and process. Their identity isn’t difficult for Eve to discover, but catching them with minimal loss of life is a whole different matter. Once again Eve has to be smarter, faster and more intuitive to outwit and capture a danger to her beloved city.
The frenzied hunt leaves little room for personal things, not only between Eve and Roarke, but also between Eve and her friends. I missed seeing her interact a bit more with people like Mr. Mira, Mavis or Leonardo, but Robb gave us just enough with Bella’s birthday celebration to keep us satisfied.
Each new release by J.D. Robb is considered a holiday in my house, and probably thousands of other homes around the world. Today is that day, my friends. Join the horde, grab a copy and enjoy.
4.5 stars The Witness is perhaps Nora Roberts’ best and most successful romantic suspense novel, which is saying something considering the dozens we ha4.5 stars The Witness is perhaps Nora Roberts’ best and most successful romantic suspense novel, which is saying something considering the dozens we have to choose from. It’s a long novel, as her romances usually are, but every word is thought-through and every sentence exactly in its place. Nora has a steady, experienced hand fully capable of leading us through decades of backstories and keeping us fully engaged the whole time.
This story starts with an overprotected teen during her first and only rebellion. Elizabeth has one of the highest IQs ever recorded and her neurosurgeon mother has been shaping her since she was born. She was never allowed to chose her own interests, clothes or even food. So when she rebels, she does so with teen hormones and unparalleled intelligence. Needless to say, the results are disastrous.
Elizabeth takes us through her most traumatic experience, the witness protection that follows and the hard truths of life. We meet her again years later and see her transformed into a competent, paranoid and solitary woman. As Abigail Lowery, she trusts no one but her dog and her social skills are virtually non-existent. When police chief Brooks Gleason shows up, Abigail’s response is to arm herself with guns and knowledge and turn him away as quickly as he can. But Brooks is easygoing and incredibly stubborn, determined to learn the paranoid lady’s secrets.
Abigail/Elizabeth is by far the most intriguing of Nora’s characters (not counting Eve Dallas and Roarke, of course). Her intelligence is reflected both in the things she does and how she interacts with others. She says the strangest things, which is sometimes annoying and sometimes endearing, but the humor that can be found in her awkwardness and all the dialogues is undoubtedly this book’s strongest point.
This is a book I could reread once a month and never get tired of it. Nora Roberts’ unparalleled storytelling and unforgettable characters would make an addict out of any reader, which is precisely what she’s been doing for over 35 years. For those of you who are new to her writing, The Witness might just be the best place to start. Be warned, however, that Nora’s fans are for life. ...more
3.5 stars Like so many other horror fans, I grew up reading Lovecraft’s tales, especially The Call of Cthulhu. First published in a pulp magazine in 193.5 stars Like so many other horror fans, I grew up reading Lovecraft’s tales, especially The Call of Cthulhu. First published in a pulp magazine in 1926, the story signified a new direction in horror fiction that later developed into a whole new subgenre, nowadays known as Lovecraftian horror. It is the type of horror that completely disregards the value of ordinary human life and paints humans as insignificant and small compared to the extraordinary and unfathomable universe.
Red Right Hand is a textbook example of Lovecraftian horror, albeit with just enough idiosyncrasies to make it stand apart. While it could easily be mistaken for YA, it isn’t marketed as such and I’d be very hesitant to recommend it to younger teens. Levi Black is well versed in the mysteries of Lovecraft and he follows the rules of the genre to the letter. His prose is unapologetically gory and merciless to both the reader and the main character.
Black doesn’t put much stock into characterization, which is to be expected considering his inspirations. Charlie herself isn’t important, she is a pawn from the start, and that applies even more to her friend and love interest Daniel. Their motivation, if they even have it, is secondary, if not tertiary. The whole point of this school of thought is that they don’t control their own destinies. That’s not to say that Charlie is a cardboard cutout. We get enough of her to empathize with her predicament, but she just isn’t the true protagonist of this story. A past sexual assault is heavily implied, if not explicitly stated, and it is used as a reason for her distrustful and solitary way of life.
Stylistically, Black’s prose is rather impressive. Lovecraft’s influence is evident in every small description, but the author’s talent itself is also quite obvious. His wordy descriptions of creatures, blood and gore are sickening, and his similes and metaphors unusual and evocative. The descriptions tend to be verbose and designed specifically for their shock value. If you have a problem with blood and slime, this might not be the best choice for you.
Overall, Red Right Hand is a wonderfully bizarre tale about an anti-heroine, a diabolical god and the lesser of many evils. It ends with a cliffhanger of sorts, or rather an open ending, which means that a sequel should be forthcoming. Then again, the lack of conclusive answers is in the very nature of Lovecraftian prose, so perhaps this is all we’re going to get. Either way, it’s a book worth reading.
4.5 stars Behind the Throne, K. B. Wagers’ sci-fi debut, fell into my hands after much praise from some of my most trusted peers. To describe my experi4.5 stars Behind the Throne, K. B. Wagers’ sci-fi debut, fell into my hands after much praise from some of my most trusted peers. To describe my experience with it as love at first chapter would not be an exaggeration at all. Discovering books like it and pushing them at unsuspecting readers is why I took up blogging in the first place. It gives me great pleasure to share my delight over this title with all of you.
Behind the Throne starts with a bang and continues in an unrelenting pace. It is set in a distant future, on one of many human colonies in space. The Indranan Empire relies somewhat on our reality, namely Indian culture and beliefs, but it’s really present only in traces that allow us to connect more easily. Although it neatly falls into the science fiction category, the first Indranan War book reads a lot like fantasy, which is to be expected considering the atmosphere and the political intrigue.
I’ve seen Behind the Throne compared to books like Queen of the Tearling, but the comparisons are vastly unfair. Although I enjoyed the first Tearling book, Behind the Throne is a much better work in every aspect, starting with the quality of writing and ending with the protagonist. Hailimi is a heroine like no other – tough, ruthless and sharp-witted. As the runaway daughter of the Indranan Empress, she wants nothing to do with the throne, but when the responsibility falls on her, she accepts it and does a fantastic job of it. She can be soft, kind, and even insecure, but she rises to every challenge and constantly displays an air of not-so-quiet confidence. It’s rare to find a protagonist like her, unapologetic and confident in every situation.
Hailimi isn’t a heroine that prevaricates or dawdles in any given situation. She chooses her course swiftly and decidedly and she follows through until the end. She accepts and even follows advice of her trusted guards, but in the end, she is aware of her own worth and confident in her abilities. These days it’s tough to find a heroine like her, someone who doesn’t doubt herself on every step of the way. I could see myself following someone like her blindly and even dying to protect her, for the good of the Empire.
Wagers does an equally excellent job with her side characters. A lot of love and effort was put into Emmory, the leader of Hail’s guard. His partner was equally well crafted and the two together provided much needed physical and emotional support for our heroine. There are several others that stood out, the most complex being the empress-mother herself.
Hailimi falls into the snake pit that is her mother’s court as the only remaining hope for the empire. She wants nothing to do with it, but she suddenly has to play if she is to save her family’s legacy. There are so many obstacles ahead of her and very few people she can trust. The plots to undermine her are complex and very well done, with enemies coming from all sides and friends ready to betray when least expected. While the book is strongest in characterization, plotting doesn’t fall behind, and all of it is laced with a wicked sense of humor that makes even the biggest tragedies bearable.
Behind the Throne needs little help for me since its success is practically guaranteed. Word of mouth is still the best way to sell a book, and this one will make a fan of anyone who touches it. Trust me when I tell you it will make a fan out of you, too.
Almost three years have passed since the release of Revelations, the previous book in J. A. Souders’ Elysium chronicles trilogy, but loyal fans haven’Almost three years have passed since the release of Revelations, the previous book in J. A. Souders’ Elysium chronicles trilogy, but loyal fans haven’t forgotten Evie, Gavin or Asher. Renegade gave us a chance to explore a gorgeous underwater view with a very dark side, and Revelations really developed our three main characters and set them on a dangerous path.
In Rebellion, Evie, Gavin and Asher are back in Elysium, fighting Mother with the help of Father and his Underground. Mother is fighting back with all her considerable strength and she always seems to be one step ahead. It’s difficult to fight someone who is endlessly cruel. Whatever Evie does, Mother rewards with a public execution of someone the Underground cares for.
Evie’s still missing some of her memories, but her will to live and fight is back in full force. She struggles a bit in this book, mostly with being a symbol for the Underground, but she accepts her role and always does the best she can. She isn’t one to shy away from responsibility, and all her decisions in Rebellion are truly admirable.
After a rough patch in Revelations, the romance shines again. Gavin and Evie spend some of the time apart, as each of them has a different role to play, but when they’re together, the connection between them is palpable. What seemed like the beginning of a love triangle before isn’t one, and Asher plays an important, but non-romantic role.
The biggest problem remains Mother herself. She lacks nuance, any sort of characterization besides ‘evil sociopath’. This was my main struggle in the previous books, and it remained an issue till the end. As readers, we can’t really fear someone who is predictable, and Mother’s one track mind made it easy to guess what she would do next.
The ending of this book, of this trilogy in fact, is Souders’ attempt to do something completely different, original and thought-provoking. I believe it was supposed to be a mind-bending finale that would leave us all reeling and thinking about it for days afterward. Unfortunately, the effect was quite opposite. With three books of build-up towards a logical ending, changing the game at the last second infuriated me. I was left confused, disappointed and unsure whether the journey was worth it.
Furthermore, Tahereh Mafi’s first (and hopefully not last) foray into middle grade fiction is a colorful exploration of what it means to be different Furthermore, Tahereh Mafi’s first (and hopefully not last) foray into middle grade fiction is a colorful exploration of what it means to be different in a society with set rules and expectations. In a style reminiscent of beloved childhood classics, Mafi weaves a tale of a girl’s quest for her father and for self-discovery.
Alice Alexis Queensmeadow was born with no pigment whatsoever: her skin is white, her hair is white, and only her eyes have the faintest trace of color. Alice would be a bit strange just about anywhere, but in Ferenwood, a land built on color, she is considered ugly and dim. With a mother that hardly cares and two younger siblings, Alice depends on her father for love and comfort. When her father disappears for almost three years, Alice is crushed and ready to do anything to bring him home, even follow a lying boy into the unknown. With her nemesis Oliver as her guide, Alice embarks on a journey that will cost her a great deal (even a few limbs) and hopefully lead her to her father.
Furthermore is a rich world filled with things beyond your wildest imagination. Mafi allowed herself to dream and play, bringing to life things like paper foxes and emergency rulers. If you can imagine the most colorful world with no limits, you’re getting close to Furthermore. We as readers quickly become desperate to explore every corner, every nook and cranny of this magical place.
Mafi’s writing is completely liberated and whimsical, freed from confines and expectations. She is a writing chameleon with a fantastic ability to adapt her writing style to her themes and narrative voices. Furthermore is told by a third person omniscient narrator who often addresses us directly, which also serves to remind us of timeless children’s classics.
I suspect that some adults might have trouble with Tahereh’s style, as was the case with her YA trilogy, but I myself was always a fan of her writing and I’m still very much in awe of her skill. I read parts of Furthermore aloud to my 9-year-old and she laughed and wondered at its beauty.
With Furthermore, each new page is a wonderful adventure and they all combine into a reading experience you won’t soon forget. As much as I’d like to read a new young adult book from Tahereh, I hope she won’t stop writing middle grade.
The thrilling, long-awaited sequel to An Ember in the Ashes is finally in our greedy little hands and it’s even better than we dared to hope. BeautifuThe thrilling, long-awaited sequel to An Ember in the Ashes is finally in our greedy little hands and it’s even better than we dared to hope. Beautifully written, emotionally exhausting, filled with pain and far too much heartbreak, A Torch Against the Night once again shows that Saba Tahir deserves all the praise she’s been getting for the past year or so. It is a bloody, painful and surprising work, a true challenge for readers and fans, but one that is worth every tear and all the hurt it causes.
The story is equally divided between Laia, Elias and Helene, but Helene easily steals the spotlight. Her character has become essential to this story and her insight invaluable to this bloody plot Sabaa Tahir weaves. With Laia and Elias on the run, Helene is our eyes and ears in the Empire. She is the one who shows us bloodbaths and genocide, the one who makes so many questionable choices along the way. But even when her actions are deplorable, we never forget that she’s a prisoner of her oaths and circumstances, a powerful captive, but a captive nonetheless. The Empire’s war against the Scholars has progressed to actual genocide under the Commander’s heartless rule and Helene, as Blood Shrike, is caught right in the middle of it.
The journey is no easier for Elias and Laia. We’ve come to expect hopeless situations in Tahir’s prose, but she pushes even that to extremes. Their quest to save Laia’s brother seems impossible and the losses they suffer along the way almost too difficult to bear. A Torch leaves no time to breathe, no time to heal between one heart-wrenching blow and the next.
Even with the somewhat slower beginning, which admittedly doesn’t last long, the quality of Tahir’s writing carries us right through it. The sheer elegance of her prose is unparalleled, the careful consideration put into every single word, every sentence heavy with strong emotions. A Torch is calmer, quieter, more subdued compared to the epic battles and intrigue that came before, but it’s also emotionally more taxing and infinitely more distressing. If you thought the Empire couldn’t be any crueler, wait until you see it under the new Emperor’s rule.
Readers who were unhappy about the romantic aspect of this story, the Gordian knot of emotions between Laia, Keenan, Elias and Helene, will be happy to know that it all gets more or less resolved by the end of this book. The love triangle is a bit more prominent, but for reasons other than torturing the readers. Tahir often takes us where we don’t want to go, where we haven’t even dreamed of going, but she does so because it serves her story, not because she enjoys torturing us. Or maybe it’s a bit of both…
Two more books were recently announced to thousands of delighted (and terrified) fans. Tahir has already taught us to fear her and what she might do. I doubt it will get any easier – or more enchanting – from here on out, and I honestly can’t wait to find out. It’s difficult to fully explain the emotional impact of this book without revealing spoilers, which is why I invite all of you to private fangirling sessions the second you read this.
Often the most difficult books to review are those we love the most. How many superlatives can I possibly write before you grow bored and run off to r Often the most difficult books to review are those we love the most. How many superlatives can I possibly write before you grow bored and run off to read something else? It’s been a while since this reader felt the need to gush unashamedly, but today seems to be the day for it. Sabaa Tahir’s mesmerizing debut left me drowning in my own tears, wondering what on earth took me so long to read it.
An Ember in the Ashes takes place in a dystopian world enriched with elements of Arabian mythology. The quality of Tahir’s worldbuilding is superb and she draws every detail with unparalleled clarity and precision. She doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of oppression. Under the Empire, Laia’s country is shattered by tyranny and killing, the Scholars’ spirits suffocated under the Martials’ unforgiving treatment. There isn’t a single ray of light for these enslaved, brutally tortured people, and even the Resistance often sounds like a distant fairy tale.
Laia is neither the bravest of heroines, nor is she the most competent, but there is something in her relentless efforts to save her brother that draws us immediately to her. Even when she runs and cowers, you understand that she has a backbone of steel just waiting to be discovered. She isn’t a fighter and she can’t be described as reckless, but she is persistent and she is a survivor.
Despite being an elite soldier in the Martial army, Elias is even easier to like. There is an innate goodness that shines in his every thought and action, an attitude that sets him miles apart from those around him. With the Masks in Elias’s school, Tahir shows us the full extent of the Empire’s cruelty. Their treatment of their own children is often even worse than their treatment of slaves.
The story is made even stronger by the variety of relationships portrayed. Some of them are strong enough to be their own plotlines, and even those that get no page time, like Laia’s relationship with her brother, are explored in great depth and detail. In order to understand any of them, you need to see the whole picture, understand their personalities and backgrounds and really consider how this bond came to be. The most interesting, perhaps, was Elias’s relationship with his best friend, Helene. As the only girl in their school, Helene is tougher, braver and stronger than most boys, but still an outcast. Elias himself is an outcast due to his parentage, and the relationship that develops between them in their 15 years of training and mental conditioning is one of the most in depth explorations I’ve ever read.
The plot is a twisty, tangled thing that nevertheless gives the impression of being perfectly planned and executed. Every small detail is in its place, every little thing sharpened to perfection. Credit needs to be given to Tahir for such careful consideration. An Ember in the Ashes is a labor of love, and it shows.
With the second book right around the corner, it seems to be the perfect time to pick this up if you haven’t already. This wonderful book is the best YA debut of 2015 and one of the best I myself have ever stumbled upon.
Bite, K. S. Merbeth’s entertaining debut, shines like the bright star it is as we follow a ragtag group of misfits with no sense of self-preservation Bite, K. S. Merbeth’s entertaining debut, shines like the bright star it is as we follow a ragtag group of misfits with no sense of self-preservation and an unholy love of violence. Fans of post-apocalyptic movies like Mad Max will find plenty to love in this bloody debut. If you are bothered by severed body parts, you should perhaps skip this one, but if you are one of those readers who like to see their characters swimming in blood, this is an excellent choice for you.
16-year-old Kid accepts a ride from a strange-looking pair, knowing full well that she might not make it to the other side alive. The two are obviously up to something, but Kid doesn’t really care that much. She wants to be with someone for a change instead of wandering the wasteland alone. Wolfe and Dolly are soon joined by the rest of their people and Kid somehow ends up on the run with them. The fact that they are sharks (killers and cannibals) doesn’t matter much to our Kid. When they start saving her life and she starts saving theirs, she realizes she’s finally found a place to fully belong.
“I’m not really the thinking sort of person,” I say. “Usually I kind of dive headfirst into things and hope it works out for the best. It, uh, doesn’t seem to be going so well right now.”
Bite is a bloody odyssey that follows the adventures of a cannibalistic crew in a world that’s long been dead. If you think you could never sympathize with killers and cannibals, think again. Merbeth makes them practically irresistible in no time at all, making us root for them as they jump from one crazy, impossible plan to the next. None of the characters in Kid’s gang – Wolf, Dolly, Pretty Boy, Tank or Kid herself – have any sort of history that can be shared, but Merbeth still does an excellent job with their characterization. The point is to have five people with no pasts and no names and give them enough personality to be impressive. The strength lies in their relationships (none of them romantic) and their odd sense of loyalty in a world that doesn’t tolerate kindness or kinship. They may be a group of psychos who loot and kill whenever they get a chance, but they are still human, with real feelings and friendships.
The nuclear wasteland provides a fabulous backdrop for this bloody, insane story. Wolf and his people make ludicrous plans with almost no chance of success, they set their eyes on a target (usually guns or food) and go off half-cocked and they still come out on top. Wolf himself is selfish, suicidal and often cruel, and he loves his grenades, but his occasional moments of chivalry and his odd sense of loyalty override his messed up personality.
This story is not for the squeamish or the faint-hearted, but if you enjoy stories with plenty of dark humor, unforgettable characters and a whole lot of blood and gore, this is an excellent choice for you. It’s certainly the most fun I’ve had in ages.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
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