Riders - Book Review

Riders - Book Review

Veronica Rossi

YA Paranormal

Book #1 in Riders

UK Publisher: Tor Teen

Synopsis:

Nothing but death can keep eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake form achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.

While recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can’t remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horseman of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen—Conquest, Famine, and Death—are brought  together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.

They fail.

Now—Bound, bloodied and drugged—Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in the battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he’s fallen for—not to mention al of humankind—he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

But will anyone believe him?

Review:

Having really enjoyed Veronica Rossi’s “Through the Ever Night” trilogy, I was really excited to pick up RIDERS—and it didn't disappoint.  Action packed with an  intriguing storyline, this book was a really great read.

After surviving a death-defying accident, eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake awakes in hospital to find his wounds miraculously healed, his temper high, and a strange cuff attached to his wrist. And now, he has a strange but pretty girl telling him he is War, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. 

Soon joined by his three other brethren, Famine, Conquest and Death, the four of the them now have the heavenly task of protecting a sacred key from demons. But when the horsemen fail and are taken captive by the government, everything now rests on Gideon being smart enough to convince his captors that the world is in great danger—and that he, and the rest of the apocalyptic horsemen—are actually the good guys. But will they believe him in time..?

It’s been ages since I read a book with a male protagonist— and I thought Veronica Rossi pulled it off very well. Combined with military, magical, and pure boyish elements, I thought RIDERS was a quite a refreshing read. 

Gideon was a really likeable hero, very macho and real in his reactions to the fantastical. I liked the simple direction his thoughts went in, and since the story is all from his view point, the military style run-downs describing people and scenery were direct and to the point. It also made following the action scenes very easy. 

In terms of the other characters, I’m really hoping to see more character building in the next book. I felt that we didn't get to know most of the other characters properly, especially Death and Conquest, both of whom didn't come into the story until nearly midway. I’m also hoping book two will have some much needed, bro-bonding time. 

But the horses… I loved the horses! Actually the whole package of manifesting weapons, armour and shadowy/dusty/fiery/star-blinding mares and stallions was spectacularly done. Also I was moved by the fact that it was Riot, Gideon’s horse, who really broke through Gideon’s shell of grief and anger. 

In terms of plot the story felt very mission like. The characters always had an objective, were always on the run from bad guys, and everything was very much go, go, go. However I think having the story from Gideon’s perspective really helped slow the action down, giving it a perfect pacing as he sort to rationalise and justify everything before taking action. 

My only criticism is that I never felt the URGENCY that was clearly fuelling the characters along. While I really enjoyed the story,  I didn't feel the characters really cared about protecting the key from the bad guys —partly because everyone seemed to withhold important information. Rather, all the action seemed to be based around the four of them staying alive. The all important key more or less took a back seat until the end of the story.

I think that’s why it took me so long to read this book—I found it easy to put down—however it was also a nice book to come back to. But it took me nearly 3 months to read this story since I would only read a couple of chapters here and there, usually in-between reading other things. It wasn't until the last third of the book that my attention was truly hooked and I managed to finish it.

But I most definitely will be reading the second book, and despite taking a while to finish, I did enjoy this story. It was something a little new and different. All in all, 3.5 stars!

Queen of Tomorrow - Book Review

Queen of Tomorrow - Book Review

Sherry D. Ficklin

YA Historical

Book #2 in the Stolen Empire Trilogy

Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing

Synopsis:

Sophie - now Catherine, Grand Duchess of Russia - had a tough first year at the Imperial Court. Married at sixteen to Grand Duke Peter, heir to the throne, and settled in their own palace, things are finally looking up. As a new day dawns, she thinks only of securing her future, and the future of their country, during one of the greatest political upheavals of her time. Fighting desperately against forces trying to depose the Empress Elizabeth and put the young Prince Ivan on her throne, Sophie soon finds herself in the middle of a war brewing between her beloved Prussia, and her new empire. But even as she navigates the fragile political landscape, she quickly realises that she has only begun to discover the tangled web of deceit and infidelity woven over the lavish court Oranienbaum Palace.

When a strange and delicate alliance forms between the young couple, she glimpses a future of happiness, only to see it lost in a moment at the hands of those who still seek to end her life - and prevent her reign. Out of favour with the Empress and running out of options, Sophie will have to sacrifice her own innocence on the altar of Russia if she is to save the nation and herself. To survive, she will have to do the unthinkable, betray those closest to her and become something greater and more dangerous that she ever imagine she could be … a queen.

Review:

I really enjoyed this book. The second in Sherry. D. Ficklin’s Stolen Empire Series, I found this story to be just as delicious as the first. 

Now married to Peter, heir to the Russian throne, Sophie must discard her childish dreams and step up into her role as Catherine, Grand Duchess of Russia. But her husband, Peter, is a monster, and when their enemies destroy the hard-won peace gained between the couple, Catherine must fight to keep herself from spiralling into the darkness.

As Peter makes plans to set Catherine aside, Catherine begins to make alliances of her own. Hatching a treasonous plan that will ensure her own future, as well as the continued prosperity of her new nation, Catherine prepares to commit the most dangerous of all sins. If she survives, she will emerge a queen. If she fails, she will lose her life.

This was a short but delicious read. In it we see how the months of married life and ruling have changed Sophie. No longer meek and innocent, she has grown into a true court lady and discovered the art of intrigue and subtly. However she no longer knows who to trust and with plots and deceptions lurking around every corner, we get to see her sharp mind in action as she struggles to remain several steps ahead of her enemies.

However entangled in a forbidden romance with the Empresses ex-lover, Sergei, we also see that at the core, Sophie is still just a young girl with a yearning to be loved. She never asked for this courtly life, and it was heart wrenching to see how so many people sort to manipulate her for their own ends.

Having said that, all the secondary characters are brilliant, each in their own cruel, vindictive way. They are the kind of characters you hate, but love for how they keep the reader on their toes.

Everyone from Sophie’s husband, Peter, to the Empress, Peter’s lover Elizavetta… even Sophie’s own mother works against her. You really can’t ask for better drama.

Yet while there are many things going on with the plot, the pacing itself isn't fast, however it dances along at a steady beat. The reader also has plenty of time to take in the scenery, absorbing the beautiful descriptions that really set the scene of this glittering court.

Also with its cliff hanger of an ending, I can’t wait to begin book three, Queen of Always. I’m desperate to see how Sherry. D. Fickling will conclude this story. A truly epic read, I give Queen of Tomorrow 4 stars!

The Dreamsnatcher - Book Review

The Dreamsnatcher - Book Review

Abi Elphinstone

MG Fantasy

(Dreamsnatcher book #1)

UK Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s UK

Synopsis:

Twelve-year-old Molly Pecksniff wakes one night in the middle of the forest, lured there by a recurring nightmare - the one with the drums and the rattles and the masks. The Dreamsnatcher is waiting. He has already taken her dreams and now he wants her life.

Because Moll os more important than she knows… The Oracle Bones foretold that she and Gryff, a wildcat that has always been by her side, are the only ones who can fight back against the Dreamsnatcher’s dark magic. Suddenly everything is at stake, and Moll is drawn into a world full of secrets, magic and adventure.

Review:

I really enjoyed this book. A fantastical middle-grade read, The Dreamsnatcher takes the reader deep into an enchanted world. With magic, riddles and a family of quirky gypsies, it was impossible to put this book down. A truly fantastic debut by the amazing Abi Elphinstone!

The story follows twelve-year-old Moll Pecksniff and her wildcat, Gryff, as they try stop an evil witch doctor from stealing the old magic of the forest. But as more and more witch doctors appear, the dark forces grow stronger… and thanks to an ancient prophecy that states Moll and Gryff are the only ones capable of stopping this evil, they are now the witch doctors main targets… 

I was really drawn in by the world building of this book. The atmosphere of the gypsy camp, the creepiness of the witch doctors lair, both really captured my imagination. It was virtually impossible to put this book down. Each chapter was short, action packed and full of intrigue and mayhem. A truly delicious read. 

Moll is a spunky, tough talking heroine. She hides her doubts behind a witty facade and I couldn't help but like her immediately. In this story we see her bravery, loyalty and determination to protect all that she loves. I can’t wait to meet her again in the second book.

The other characters are all a motley, mismatched cast of strange and interesting people. Earthworm tamers, fortune tellers, joint-dislocating men… lets just say Moll’s gyspy family certainly won’t bore you. I also like how you see just enough of each character to develop compassion for them which made the show-down at the end all the more dramatic.

But the Evil Doers… wow. Skull made a truly fantastic villain. His description, his personality and the dismal eeriness of his lair, everything was written so well. The creatures he created, the whole idea of the dreamsnatch (manipulating people as they sleep), not to mention  the cryptic riddles and prophecies surrounding him… Skull not only kept Moll on her toes, but he kept the plot moving forward too. He and the other witch doctors really added spice to the story.

All in all this is a gripping, fast paced read that would be loved by anyone in search of a good adventure, with a bit of fantasy and magic thrown in. 5 stars!

Paper Hearts - Book Review

Paper Hearts Volume 1: Some Writing Advice

Beth Revis

Synopsis:

Your enemy is the blank page. When it comes to writing, there’s no wrong way to get words on paper. But it’s not always easy to make the ink flow. 

Paper Hearts: Some Writing Advice won’t make writing any simpler, but it may help spark your imagination and get your hands back on the keyboard.

Practical advice meets real experience.

With information that takes you from common mistakes in grammar to detailed charts on story structure, Paper Hearts describes:

• How to develop character, plot and world.
• What common advice you should ignore.
• What advice actually helps.
• How to develop a novel.
• The basics of Grammar, Style and Tone.
• Four practical methods of charting story structure.
• How to get critiques and revise your novel.
• How to deal with failure.
• And much much more!

Review:

As an aspiring writer, I found this book incredibly helpful in every way. It boosted my morale, gave some insightful advice and offered a level of comfort that I have yet to find in other “how to write” books.

Rather than just jumping straight in with Do’s and Don’ts, the first thing Beth Revis shares is her own road to publication. She explains how it was her DREAM to be traditionally published, and no matter how bleak the future sometimes seemed, she stuck to her goal. It took her ten years, ten manuscripts, lots of money in classes and critiques, not to mention bucket loads of time and dedication—but she made this dream happen. If that’s not inspiration for you, I don't know what is.

However what I really liked about this book is how Beth Revis repeatedly emphasises that there is no right or wrong way to write. Paper Hearts just shares the methods of writing that worked for her—and she stresses that every writer must find their own path/style. Also she admits that not every book she writes is the same, and often her own styles and methods change, so it’s important to experiment.

Also while this book does cover grammar, characterisation, and has picture charts that can help with developing plot, everything is written in a very friendly way. Never once did I feel like I was being told what to do, but rather everything was put forward in a suggestive, “you should give this a try” kind of way.

In terms of content, I thought the advice itself was pretty invaluable. If I had this book when I first started writing I know it would have made my life a whole lot easier. Even now, it reassured me that I am doing many things right, although it also made me see there is still much of my writing that can be improved upon. 

What also grabbed was the the depth the book went into. Ways in which you can find critiques partners, how to give and receive feedback, as well as many frequently asked questions in regards to ideas, pacing, resources…. this book really did have it all. 

The only thing that may be an issue for some writers, is that Beth Revis writes YA and often the examples she uses are geared for those audiences. However I really think this book would be useful regardless of what genre or age band your writing for. This is definitely a book all aspiring writers need on their shelves!

Chosen - Book Review

Chosen - Book Review

Lucy Coats

YA Historical Fantasy

(Cleo book #2)

UK Publisher: Orchard Books

Synopsis:

Two warring deities, one Pharaoh’s throne… and the beginning of the world’s greatest love story.

Tryphena is dead, evil Berenice and her dark demon God hold the Pharaoh’s throne - so Cleo must flee the city of her birth and seek out her patron goddesses before it’s too late to save Egypt. Not only must she make her way across the desert to restore Isis’s power, but her goddess also commands her to raise two armies before taking a ship across the Great Green Sea to find her exiled father in Rome. The weight of royalty is increasingly heavy on Cleo’s shoulders - and impossible, scary decisions lie ahead…

Review:

Now in possession of the sacred map, Cleo flees into the desert to free her Goddesses and restore their power. Only then can peace reign once more throughout Egypt. But with her evil sister, Tryphena dead, and Benenice and her demon-possessed husband in control of the double-throne, bringing back peace and prosperity to the land will not be as easy as Cleo thinks.

Now charged with raising an army, and tasked with returning her father to Egypt so that she may take up her place as his queen and rightful co-ruler, Cleo must now declare war on sister. But first she must travel across the seas to Rome, where both her heart, and her destiny await…

I really enjoyed this book! The second and final part of a duo, the story depicts the fictional life of a young Cleopatra, and through Cleo’s eyes, Lucy Coats really brought the ancient world to life. With prayers, customs and a few facts spread throughout the text, it was an educational as well as page turning read. 

Cleo has changed a lot since we first met her. After finding her courage and surviving trials brought about by both man and Gods, she has developed confidence and a regal air, giving her a commanding presence. Although beneath her tough exterior, she is still the uncertain, humorous, dancing girl we first came to love. Yet watching her make this transition from timid mouse to leader of a rebel army, it was glorious. 

Her romantic relationship with Khai also added charm to the story, especially with the arrival of Mark Antony, Cleo’s destined mate. However I liked that this story was still fundamentally about Cleo and Khai, and the sad acknowledgement that while Khai will always be by Cleo’s side, her fate is too great for him. Yet he will always be her first love.

Cleo’s best friend Charm was also there as a sound voice of reason, and with the arrival of new characters—she also found a love interest of her own in Iras. A quirky, warrior woman with a sharp wit and quick tongue. Not only did the romance between the two feel natural, but it was a relationship I wholly supported, even though it came as a surprise to both the reader… and Cleo herself :)

Otherwise the plot moved at a good pace with plenty of action and intrigue. Also with much of the story taking place in a war zone, it was inevitable that some characters would die, however it certainly ups the tension when you don’t know who will and will not make it.

However I still think that it is the younger end of the YA market who will enjoy this book the most. As I said in my review of the first book, CLEO, the language used by the characters is very modern and is easy to relate to. Lucy Coats also dips into the shady topics of periods, ancient toilet systems and the sheer awkwardness of being a girl, that I’m sure many non-male readers would appreciate.

All in all - a great historical read that girls of all ages would enjoy.  4 stars! I can’t wait to see what Lucy Coats will throw at us next :)

Travelish Tales... Vigil in Vietnam

Travelish Tales...

As many of you know I like to travel, and since moving to China back in 2013 I've managed to see many places in and around Asia. However wherever I go, I always keep a written journal and I've decided its long past time I shared some of these stories with you all.

So in no particular order, every month I will pick a random country and share with you one the strange days I had exploring it. 

This month I chose Vietnam, for no other reason that this was where I was this time last year. Isn't that crazy?

Sunday, 5th April 2015 - Vigil in Vietnam

Dressed in heels and a skirt too short to be considered proper, I was horrified to discover that my boyfriends suggestion of a “romantic midnight walk” was actually an evil ploy to get me to a graveyard. But Hang Duong Graveyard in Vietnam is not your typical haunt for ghosts and ghouls. 

Mollified by the females pilgrims in their shorter skirts and even higher heels, I reluctantly joined in the masses that flooded in from all across Vietnam to make this midnight vigil. Paying homage to Vo Thi Sau—a nineteen year old girl who became a martyr after her execution during the Vietnamese war—I joined the line to go pray before her shrine.

Fires burned to either side of her grave and people lined up with offerings of all shapes and sizes. Everything from flowers, fruits, chickens and chocolate cakes, to what looked like a three-piece-suit, were all laid atop Vo Thi Sau’s place of rest. These offerings were later taken one by one to the fire where they were burnt. I was particularly saddened to see the chocolate cakes go up in flames. However I had no time to mourn there loss, for suddenly I was before the shrine. 

Handed a huge pile of incense, I obediently lit the bundle and immediately lost about half the incense trying to wave out flames. Unsure what to do next, I quietly asked a teen girl beside me what I was supposed to pray for.

“Anything,” she said, “Although most pray to see Vo Thi Sau’s spirit, or to have her visit your dreams in the night. To have her appear will bring you good fortune.”

Ever the tactful one, I replied, “You want me to pray for a dead girl to visit me in the night?” Thankfully she didn't seem to understand my sarcasm and only nodded her enthusiasm. 

Closing my eyes, I prayed instead for Vo Thi Sau to find peace and happiness in the afterlife. Feeling foolish, I also added that if she did feel the need for living company, to check out six senses spa resort, who’s guests I’m sure would be happy to see her. I didn't mention I would be sleeping on the other side of island. 

Heading home, my boyfriend and I meandered through the many graves, each honoured with a single candle and sticks of smouldering incense that lit the night like fire flies. Awed by the eery beauty of it, I grudgingly admitted to my boyfriend that the grave site was indeed a place worth seeing.

That was the moment I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning, my eyes were forced closed against the sudden gust of wind, and when I could see again, a chocolate cake wrapper lay at my feet. My boyfriend and I laughed, but I walked a little faster and made my boyfriend drive our motorbike the scenic route home, just in case Vo Thi Sau was following. 

March in Review

(I didn't take any photos this month - so here is one my mum sent me of our dog, Bracken - isn't she cute?)

March in Review

Hey people, how is 2016 treating you all so far? Are your shelves filled with good books? Your days full of sunshine? Is your tummy bursting with chocolate eggs?  I sincerely hope so!

As for me, I sort of achieved these things. I recently treated myself to a book buying extravaganza on my kindle. The sun is slowly burning away the smog, and the mini-egg survival parcel my mum sent out last week has been fully demolished. Life. Is. Good :)

So today I thought I would share with you some life-updates. Mostly a few personal achievements and a couple of crazy happenings. Otherwise, it’s been just another not-so-normal month in China. 

Achievements this March:

*I can now bench-press 22kg! Ok, so I can can only do 5 reps, but I’m pretty sure I’m the strongest woman in my gym :)

*A whole afternoon was spent mastering the art of baking lemon-drizzle cake. After all, I  have to do something to balance out all my gym time.

*Also I finally found the courage to send out some queries on my manuscript. Never have I agonised so much over an email, and I sent out 5! 

I then spent the last few days constantly refreshing my inbox before I finally remembered… It’s easter weekend in England. Everyone is on holiday. Duh! 

Reading:

I’m actually between a few books right now (yes, I’m one of those strange people who have about five books on the go at once) but I managed to finish two.

*Sphinx Queen by Esther Frisker - A fictional take on the younger years of the famous Egyptian Queen Nefeteri. This was the second and final book featuring Nefeteri’s adventures, and while I ultimately enjoyed it, sadly I really didn't like the ending.

*The Dreamsnatcher by Abi Elphinstone - Loved this book! A review will soon be following—and this one also counts toward my British Book Challenge :) 

On the blog, and potential future posts:

Thanks to a failing VPN connection it was hard to post things this month. However at the beginning of March I was lucky enough to be part of Maria. V. Snyders Blog Tour. She answered many of my questions regarding the inspirations behind her writing—if you haven't already you can check out that post HERE.

There are also two book reviews. Demon Road by Derek Landy & Knights of the Borrowed Dark by Dave Rudden. If you are interested you can click on the links to see my thoughts.

Otherwise I came to the conclusion I don't really post enough on this blog. At least not in a very social way… and I have to wonder when I became so anti-social. With that in mind, I’m planning some new posts to share with you my travels, my writing frustrations & motivations, and probably my thought on various topics. Hope you don’t mind!

Chinese Randomness:

So as some of you may have seen on twitter, I had shrimp cross my path. Yep, that’s right, a shrimp.

I was walking home from work, just another normal evening, when the sight of this small creature stopped me dead. It walked across the alley in front of me and my boyfriend, taking its time, doing it’s shrimpy-little-thing, as if it was perfectly for normal for it to be wandering the streets of China. 

I can only guess it escaped from one of the many seafood restaurants dotted about my neighbourhood. I hope it found a happy end…

Otherwise, teaching English is always fun. The kids expressive themselves the best way they can and its often very entertaining. One thing that made me smile this month was one little boy asking me about my grandfather. After I explained my grandfather had died many years ago the little boy patted my hand and said, “Your grandpa is game over? My fish is game over too.” My heart melted. 

And that just about raps up my month. So how is life treating the rest of you?