A Reckless Magick - Book Review

A Reckless Magick

Stephanie Burgis

Middle Grade Historical Fantasy

(Book #3 in the Kat Series)

Synopsis:

With just days to go before her sister Angeline’s long-delayed wedding to Frederick Carlyle, the impetuous Kat Stephenson has resigned herself to good behaviour. But Kat’s initiation into the magical Order of the Guardians is fast approaching, and trouble seems to follow her everywhere.

First, Kat must contend with the wretched Mrs. Carlyle’s attempts to humiliate her sister; the arrival of the mysterious Marquise de Valmont, who bears suspicious resemblance to Kat’s late mother; and Frederick’s bewitching cousin Jane, who has Charles Stephenson tripping over his feet. But when a menacing boy with powerful magic starts hunting Kat, a dastardly villain tries to kill Angeline, and the Guardians face a magical robbery that could spell the end of their Order, propriety becomes the least of Kat’s concerns.

Can Kat save her sister’s life, the Order of the Guardians, and England itself before it’s too late?

Review:

This series has been a total blast! Each book has been brilliant and this final volume was no exception. Although I’m secretly hoping that the story may one day continue – for now though I can honestly say that I have loved every minute of Kat’s journey. Truly a pleasure to read.

This story picks up a few weeks after the last book. Newly returned from their holiday in Bath, the Stephenson family are only days away from Angeline’s marriage to Frederick Carlyle. But while everyone else is running around making final wedding preparations, Kat herself is preparing for her greatest test of all – her initiation into the order of the Guardians.

However as usual, nothing ever runs smoothly when Kat is involved. She soon finds herself plagued with mysterious accidents, and ghosted where ever she goes by a strange boy who she is sure, is linked to the disappearance of the Guardians magical portals. Yet when he starts targeting her family, Kat realises she may just be in over her head and time is running out. Can she save her family, secure the future of England and see her sister happily married before it’s too late? Well, you will have to read it yourself and find out…

I’ll say it again. I loved this series. From the very first book I was hooked and Stephanie Burgis has done a marvellous job in creating an original and spunky heroine who girls of all ages will love.

Kat is a young woman of fierce loyalty and has a deep sense of justice. She is smart and headstrong and one of the most marvellous characters that I have ever read. Yet in this final book, we also see Kat begin to mature. She is less brash, biting her tongue to control her temper; she takes responsibility for her actions and begins to make plans before barging into things. It was both enjoyable but bittersweet to see her develop from a young girl into a teenager, but seeing her make this transition really helped to conclude this final book for me.

Yet Kat is not the only character who changes. In this book we see more and more of her family and we get to know each and every one of them very well. We find out about their pasts, their presents, as well as hints of their futures. And for the first time, we get a deeper knowledge of Kats mother – as well as Kats feelings towards her.

The plot is also rich with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Dangers and intrigues, romance, treason and of course, plenty of humour are all thrown in too. This book has it all, and each of these elements come together and make this into a real page turner that I found impossible to put down.

So overall – simply amazing! This is a book I can wholeheartedly recommend to girls of all ages, particularly those who are tomboys, hooligans and general trouble makers! This is a book for you! If you haven’t already, this is a series that you definitely need to check out. 5 stars!





My China Adventure - 3 Months In!

(Chinese New year... Sponsored by Pepsi...?)

 



My China Adventure – 3 Months in!

Ok, so as many of you already know, on the 11^th of January this year, I made a rather huge decision. I packed up my bags, got on a plane and moved to China. It is without doubt the best (and scariest) thing I’ve ever done!

So my adventures so far… Well in-between teaching English in my little, off-the-map town, I have managed to pack in some major travelling. I’ve been to Shanghai, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Xian and various other places that I can neither spell nor pronounce. Here are the highlights!

Small Town China

Everyday life here is never dull. There’s always something new and interesting to see, and just when you think you’re getting use to it all, something comes along and takes you by surprise.

For example my first day here, I was woken up at 7am by what I thought was a marching band passing under my hotel window. Turns out it was actually a funeral possession. The fireworks and trumpets are apparently there to scare off the evil spirits that may try to take the dead persons soul. Really though the noise would have kept any sane person away, let alone spirits.

Another shock – people walk around outside in their PJs. I can’t describe to you how strange it getting onto a bus full of people who are wearing nightclothes. It’s like a very strange dream, especially as they all stared at me as if I was weird one (I’m one of only 3 foreigners in my town – which basically makes me a celebrity). There was this one woman in particular who wouldn’t look away from me and all I could think was – “of the two us, you’re the one standing on a bus in padded duck print pyjamas, in your wellies and picking your nose! Look away lady!” (yes, picking their nose then playing with what comes out of it seems to be another terrible Chinese habit – although that’s mostly kids and the over 60s.)

I asked my  colleague if she had padded pjs too and she said she did, but only women and older men could really wear them outside. If a younger man tried he would be laughed at, but only if he wore the pj bottoms as well as the top. If he wore just the top over jeans, that would be considered fine – go figure? And sure enough, two stops later, a guy my age got on the bus in jeans and a padded pj top with Spiderman on it. All I could think was ‘Oh, he must be a real heartbreaker!’

Then there are the supermarkets. There you can buy chicken feet, snakes hang in lines above the butchers shop along with dogs tongues, animal brains, intestines, lungs (lots of lungs) and other various body parts. It looks like something from a horror film… or maybe a witch’s cottage. There are also live fish of every kind. Sadly I didn’t have any pictures but I think your safe using your imagination on this one. I would like to say they also stock normal stuff too but nothing in this supermarket looks normal. The bacon is black, Ham comes in sausage shaped format and there are various fruits and vegetables that I have never seen or heard. Its also impossible to buy Cheese, for that I have to travel 1hour to the nearest city!

Oh and another random fact. All the ashtrays here have coffee inside them - its meant to help soak up the smell of smoke. Strange huh?



(This is where I live)

(on my way to work...)



 

(not far from my flat...)

 

 Shanghai!

Now Shanghai was truly amazing! It just so happened that my trip there coincided with Chinese New Year – It was phenomenal! We spent the entire day in the old part of the city and it was such a great atmosphere. For this, I think I can let the pictures do the talking!

(Its the year of the snake... oh yeah!)

(I love this photo - I think it sums up the atmosphere so well)

 

(Night view from atop the bottle opener)

(The famous bund walkway - hell of a view!)

Hong Kong

This is a very beautiful city and one that truly comes alive at night. These are pictures are from Victoria Peak at sunset, and the light show from across the bay & on the star ferry. There is also my journey on the night bus – think a coach but no seats and instead there rows of tiny bunk-beds. Interesting and cheap, but certainly not the most comfortable way to travel lol.

 (The night bus...)

 (Victoria Peak...)

 (Meat Markets)

 (Light Show...)

 (Sun set at the Peak)

(Everything I brought in Hong Kong - essentials for surving in a small town in China lol)

 

Hangzhou

Without doubt one of the most beautiful places in China. Hiring Bikes, me and my fellow teaches made our way around West Lake and it was gorgeous. Lots of Temples and Pagodas and what’s probably the most stunning scenery you could ever imagine. The city also offers some pretty amazing Muslim restaurants and is a great place to buy souvenirs.

(me, my bike... and my friend Zak) 

 (Tell me this isn't the most beautiful place you've ever seen?)

 (This was pretty to...)

 (Ancient Pagoda, modern day escalator...? crazy!)

(Ancient wood carvings)

Xian

A city full of history. I loved how all the buildings here were mixes of Chinese architecture, ranging from very modern to more traditional styles. Here I saw the Terracotta warriors, Climbed the famous Hua Shan mountain (Ok, I took the sky lift up but hey – there was a lot of climbing to do once you got there!) and witnessed a very spectacular fountain light show. Check it out:

 (Mountain entrance)

 (Leave a lock and a red ribbon on the mountain and your wishes will come true...)

 

So to conclude…

I’m having a blast! Another 9 months to go and I can’t wait to see where this adventure will take me next. I’ve tried to keep this post short – so far my diary of everything is over 20,000 words! However if anyone is interested in my adventures, let me know in the comments and I’ll start making regular (and most likely overly detailed) updates on what I’m doing, where I’ve been and just the general craziness that is life in China. J

Speak to you all soon

Sarah

XxX

P.S

As this is a book blog, you are probably wondering how China has affected my reading. Honestly… I have only six actual books with me! It’s so sad! Thankfully my Kindle has been my life saver, along with my mum, who is kindly posting out my “I need them now!” books.

Howl's Moving Castle - Book Review

Howls Moving Castle – Book Review

Diana Wynn Jones

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

In which a witch bewitched the hatter's daughter--and then some…

Sophie lived in the town of Market Chipping, which was in Ingary, a land in which anything could happen, and often did--especially when the Witch of the Waste got her dander up. Which was often.As her younger sisters set out to seek their fortunes Sophie stayed in her father's hat shop. Which proved most unadventurous, until the Witch of the Waste came in to buy a bonnet, but was not pleased. Which is why she turned Sophie into an old lady. Which was spiteful witchery. Now Sophie must seek her own fortune. Which means striking a bargain with the lecherous Wizard Howl. Which means entering his ever-moving castle, taming a blue fire-demon, and meeting the Witch of the Waste head-on. Which was more than Sophie bargained for...

Review:
Howls Moving Castle has always been, and I imagine always will be, one of my favourite childhood books. Written by the late Dianna Wynn Jones who, sadly, passed away a few years ago, it is a magical tale of friendship, sorcery and mayhem.

The story follows the life of Sophie Hatter, a plain, non-descript girl who is content to live her life according to the plans of her mother. But then, after a run in with a witch she is put under a powerful spell that changes her into old women. Afraid of what people will think and uncertain of what the future will old for her, Sophie sets off to the wastes to find Howl, a legendary wizard who is notorious for eating the hearts of beautiful girls.

Yet finding Howl, Sophie is surprised to find that he’s nothing like the heart-eating monster she expected. Vain as a peacock, this strange Wizard from the land of Wales spends more time dying his hair and removing wrinkles then doing magick. Yet living with Howl is far from dull. Along with his apprentice, Michael, and the fire demon, Calcifer, Sophie finds her life now full of catastrophes, changing doors and magically induced chaos. Yet before she can be rid of her own spell, Sophie must first find a way to help Howl break his…

I truly love this book. Set in a far off, magical world where there are seven league boots, love potions and moving castles, this book is bursting with fairytales and fantasy. With beautiful descriptions and captivating prose, it will hold you spell bound for hours.

The plot is exciting and its conclusion interesting. Full of twist and turns, I liked watching how the character’s developed, and enjoyed reading the strange and unique ways each of their problems were solved.

Not only is each character distinctive, but I loved how well Sophie fitted into her role as an old women. I also liked how with the loss of her youth she loses her inhibitions and as the story goes on, voices what she really thinks rather than saying what others want to hear.

Howl is also hilarious and you can’t help but like him. Watching the relationship between him and Sophie develop is so entertaining and as couples go they fit each other so well. Calcifer however, probably remains my ultimate favourite of the cast. He’s witty and interesting and the plot around him is full of knots and tangles that are fun to unravel.

Ultimately this is an amazing work of children’s fiction that will challenge your imagination and leave you awestruck. Although Diana Wynn Jones may be gone, I like to think that she still lives on through her books which continue to inspire and captivate children throughout the world. Fantastical, inspiring and beautifully written, ‘Howls Moving Castle’ is a must read. 5 stars!



The Daughter of Smoke and Bone - Book Review

Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Book Review

Laini Taylor

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Review:

Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a brilliant read and one I would recommend to all! The writing is beautiful, the story is captivating and its characters are vibrant and all too lifelike. This is truly a book that will stay with you for many years to come. Taking the reader on a fantastical journey through a realm torn by war, yet filled with magic, it is a captivating read full of treachery and forbidden love.

Within its pages, this book manages to weave together elements and beings from all walks of life. With characters of fallen angels, chimera and a lone wish monger who exchanges wishes for teeth, The Daughter of Smoke and Bone has no shortage of mysteries and intrigues. With the story set against the backdrop of Prague, the mix of fantasy and reality soon draw the reader into a world of art, friendship and long forgotten myths. I found it almost impossible to put this book down.

The story begins with Karou, a feisty, blue haired, teenage art student who is much more than she appears. Never knowing her parents, she was raised behind closed doors by creatures known as Chimera. A mix of beast and human, they are seen as monsters from every eye but hers, yet they are the kindest beings she knows. However when Brimstone, her foster father/employer, sets her on another mission to collect him teeth with which to make wishes, things suddenly turn horribly and irreversibly wrong.

When the doors to her odd, but much loved ‘family’ of chimera are destroyed, leaving Karou stranded, she finds herself drawn into an age long war between the Chimera and the Angels. Beautiful and formidable, they are everything the Chimera aren’t and Karou instantly despises them. Setting out on a journey, she plans to rescue her ‘family’ before they can be destroyed but first, Karou must learn about her own part in this war. Both the one she must play in the future… and most importantly, the part she played in the past…

It’s been a while since I read a book so gripping, but this one had me enthralled till the very end. Not only is the story unique, but each character broadens the books dimension and Laini Taylor has a great eye for detail. Her descriptions are vivid and colourful and her imagination is beyond scope. For example, there are many brilliant words in this book, but my favourite verse is without doubt this one:

‘I don’t know many rules to live by,’ he’d said. ‘But here’s one. It’s simple. Don’t put anything unnecessary into yourself. No poisons or chemicals, no fumes or smoke or alcohol, no sharp objects, no inessential needles – drug or tattoo – and… no inessential penises either.’

I have recommended my friends read this book just for those few lines alone! And you have to admit – it really is fabulous advice! My only criticism is that it was a cliff hanger ending which I always hate, although the book certainly left me thirsting for more. So overall a brilliant read with a great storyline, amazing characters and the most vibrantly written prose I’ve ever seen. 4 ½ stars!



Goddess of the Rose - Book Review

Goddess of the Rose – Book Review

P.C Cast

Romantic Fantasy

16+ readers

Synopsis:

It's not green fingers that have kept the Empousai family's roses blooming for centuries - it's the drops of blood that their women secretly sacrifice for their gardens. But Mikki would rather forget this family quirk and lead a normal life. Until the day she unwittingly performs a ritual and ends up in the strangely familiar Realm of the Rose. As its goddess, Hecate, reveals to her, Mikki has the blood of a high priestess running through her veins. And the realm has been waiting for her ...In a long ago flash of temper, Hecate cursed her Guardian beast with a slumber that only her priestess can undo - and Hecate is counting on Mikki to set things right. At first the beast terrifies Mikki - but soon he intrigues her more than any man ever has. But the only way he and the realm can be saved is for Mikki to sacrifice her life-giving blood - and herself ...

Review:

“This book is for everyone who fell in love with the Beast, and then was truly disappointed when he turned into a handsome prince.”

This is the dedication P.C Cast wrote at the beginning of this book and as soon as I read those words, I knew this would be a story I would love. While I haven’t read all the books in the Goddess Summoning series – I have read most, and without doubt Goddess of the Rose has definitely been my favourite so far!

When modern day women Mikado (Mikki) finds herself transported to the ancient realm of the Rose, she at once steps into her destined role as Hecate’s high priestess. But as she learns how to carry out her scared duties, Mikado cannot stop her ever increasing desire for the realms guardian beast. Imbued with the soul of man, he appears half animal/half God and under his ever watchful eyes, Mikado starts to discover more and more about the man that lies hidden within the beast. But the Guardian guards a deadly secret.

Even as his lonely heart yearns for someone to love him, he knows he must resist Mikado’s feminine charms at all costs, as the day is fast approaching when Mikado must truly fulfil her purpose as high priestess. Yet clueless as to what fate has in store for her, Mikado is relentless… and the beast finds himself tamed. But are they willing to pay the price their love will cost them…?

I must admit that while I really enjoyed this book, it did take me a couple of chapters to get into. But trust me when I say it is worth persevering. Not only does P.C Cast once again create a world that sparks the imagination, but her characters are rich with personality and full of life-like emotions.

Mikado is feisty and sarcastic, yet caring and unknowingly selfless. Her attraction to the guardian may begin on a purely primal level, but I like how she never once considers him as ‘just’ a beast.

As for the Guardian… he is simply heartbreaking. His desire to be accepted, to have someone just speak to him with neither fear or disgust is heart-wrenching. Cursed for his father’s crimes, the Guardian is certain that he is destined to spend eternity alone, never to know love or friendship – only duty. And I truly love how Mikado’s entrance to the realm of the rose truly shakes up his beliefs and – for lack of a better phrase – literally rocks his world! ;)

However while I found the pacing of the plot to be rather slow, it does give plenty of time for romance between Mikado and the Guardian to grow, moving from a slow simmer to a full on scorching burn.

Magical and full of fairytale goodness, Goddess of the Rose is a fantastic read and one I would recommend to anyone to anyone who loves happy-ever-after endings, Beauty and the Beast retellings, or just gushingly romantic stories. 4 stars!



Touch Of Power - Book Review

Touch Of Power – Book Review

Maria. V. Snyder

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince and leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Review:

Ever since I read and fell in love with her Poison Study series, Maria V Snyder has remained a favourite author of mine. Just like the rest of her books, A touch of power was a brilliant, intriguing and intensely magical read that is the start of what promises to be yet another fantastical series.

The story follows Avry, a twenty year old girl who has spent the last three years living life on the run. Ever since the great plague spread through the land, those blessed with the gift of healing have been blamed and persecuted for the unstoppable disease. Now as the world’s last healer, Avry’s only goal is survival.

But when she is rescued from the guillotine by a band of rouges, she trades one death sentence for another when she is tasked with curing a Prince from the last ravages of the plague – A feat Avry knows that even with her magical powers, she will not survive. However with the nobility fighting for power, the fate of the fifteen realms remains uncertain and Avry must make a choice. Travel to the other side of the world, to save the man who brought about the demise of her people? Or live the rest of her life hunted for what she is? But with war looming, Avry must quickly learn just who, and what is worth dying for…

This book really is fantastic. A high fantasy novel, it blends together elements of drama, intrigue, magic and self-sacrifice. With vivid descriptions and unique characters, A touch of Power takes the reader on an epic adventure making it a truly riveting read that had me transfixed up until they very end.  

Avry is a great protagonist. Brave and kind hearted, she is also smart with a sharp and sarcastic wit. I loved the way she baits and undermines Kerrick. With his depth and dark edge, he hides been a cold mask of uncaring but I really enjoyed watching their feelings for each other develop. For me Maria V Snyder remains the queen of slow-burn romances and watching her characters fall reluctantly in love was simply delicious.

However the other characters were also unique individuals – each one bringing a new element or twist to the story. Flea and Belen were particular favourites of mine and I loved the close-family feeling the group formed on their journey.

The plot is gripping and holds some intriguing concepts and ideas such as the death and peace lilies, and I’m also curious as to the source of the Plague. I really can’t wait for the next book! What with the adventure of this story fully concluded, it left just enough questions unanswered and hinted at plenty of drama to come to keep me wanting more.

Never once did this book drag for me and I happily devoured it all in one night. Utterly fantastical, A Touch of Power is easily a 5 star read!