Half Wild - Book Review

Half Wild - Book Review

Sally Green

YA Paranormal

Book #2 in the Half Bad Trilogy

UK Publisher: Penguin UK

Synopsis:

After finally meeting his elusive father, Marcus, and receiving the three gifts that confirm him as a full adult witch, Nathan is still on the run. He needs to find his friend Gabriel and rescue Annalise, now a prisoner of the powerful Black witch Mercury. Most of all he needs to learn to control his gift — a strange, wild new power that threatens to overwhelm him.

Meanwhile, Soul O’Brien has seized control of the Council of White Witches and is expanding his war against the Black witches into Europe. In response, an unprecedented alliance has formed between Black and White witches determined to resist him. Drawn into the rebellion by the enigmatic Black witch Van Dal, Nathan finds himself fighting alongside both old friends and old enemies. But can all the rebels be trusted, or is Nathan walking into a trap?

Review:

This is the second book in Sally Green’s Half Bad Trilogy and much like the first book, it took me several chapters to get into. However once I fell back into the rhythm of Nathan’s unique voice, I quickly found myself swept up in the story and enjoyed each and every page of it.

Nathan now has his magical gift, but before he can use it, he must learn to control it. Yet with the White witches now organising, and targeting all who stand in the way of their new “Kill all Black Witches” regime, Nathan does not have the luxury of time. Joining the alliance of rebels - a group of White witches, Black witches and half codes - whose objection is to bring down the Council of White Witches, Nathan finds himself fighting alongside new friends and to his surprise — old enemies. But as more witches flee to the rebel cause, the chance of betrayal rises, and Nathan has more than his own life at stake…

Sally Green has a fresh writing style that, while I don't think everyone will enjoy, I myself really like. Because despite the story being about witches, she paints a very realistic, very plausible world where secret wars could really be happening, and the battle between good and evil is not at all black and white. 

The story is told form Nathan’s POV and I love his simple way of viewing things. While his thoughts can sometime be a little disjointed, they are realistic for someone who has suffered through many years of both physical and mental abuse. However in this book, Nathan is a stronger and more confident character. Not only is he beginning to trust more and expand his circle of friends, but for the first time he has faith in his own abilities and is making the transition from boy to man. 

However what I love most about his character is his blatant refusal to be moulded into something he isn’t. For years, only a few people have insisted he is a good person, while many others say his blood makes him evil. Yet Nathan follows his own path and has started to realise that people have the ability to be both good and bad, and that in reality, everyone is just a shade of grey. Himself included.

Yet all the characters in this book are pretty special. There is not a single dull character among them and they all bring something extra to the story. I especially liked how characters from the previous book who we labeled as evil, were now fighting alongside Nathan, even though many of their beliefs and personalities conflicted, showing that opposing sides can indeed work together.

The romance was all a big thing in this book. Nathan I think is beginning to come to terms with his sexuality, and realise that maybe he isn't just straight, but potentially bi-sexual instead. Since I’m actually hoping he will end up with Gabriel, I think this is awesome - however for readers who are uncomfortable with gay romances - this book may not be your thing. However the romance only plays a small part of a much bigger story, so it would be a shame to not read this book for that reason alone as Half Wild has so much to offer.

In terms of plot, this book was much more action based than the last one. I admit the beginning was quite slow going, but that was mostly Nathan trying to understand his gift and I myself found that really interesting. However the plot really picks up about halfway through and you will find yourself flying through the pages.

Overall, Half Wild is an original and darkly intriguing read. However it is one of those special sort of books that you either love it or you hate it. Personally, I cannot get enough and am looking forward to the final instalment of the trilogy, Half Lost, which will release in March 2016. 

I give Half Wild 4 stars!

Wendy Darling: Stars - Book Review

Wendy Darling: Stars - Book Review

Colleen Oakes

YA Fantasy

Publisher: SparkPress

Synopsis:

Wendy Darling has a perfectly agreeable life with her parents and brothers in wealthy London, as well as a budding romance with Booth, the neighbourhood bookseller’s son. But while her parents are at a ball, the charmingly beautiful Peter Pan comes to the Darling  children’s nursery and—dazzled by this flying boy with God-like powers—they follow him out the window and straight on to morning, to Neverland, an intoxicating Island of feral freedom.

As time passes in Neverland, Wendy realises that this Lost Boy’s paradise of turquoise seas, mermaids and pirates, holds terrible secrets rooted in blood and greed. As Peter’s grasp on her heart tightens, she struggles to remember where she came from—and begins to suspect that this land of dreams, and the boy who desires her—have the potential to transform into an everlasting nightmare.

Review:

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. As a child I loved Peter Pan, and I was concerned this darker retelling would not appeal to me, but I really liked it. It is a story that begins very innocently, with the more shadowy elements not coming into play until nearer the end of the book. This made for a nice twist and created an intriguing storyline that ensured I will most definitely be reading the sequel.

When Wendy’s parents discover her affections for the booksellers son, Booth, they declare that Wendy may never see him again. That night, while her parents are at a party, a strange boy flies through the nursery window, and offers to take Wendy and her brothers away from their boring, London lives of rules and propriety. And so the Darling children arrive in Neverland, a place where there are no rules, no bedtimes, no parents, and no one to stop them doing what they want, except Peter.

But beneath Peter’s cheery exterior, lies a power hungry greed. He has plans to kill the Pirates, take over Neverland, and name Wendy his queen. But Wendy has already pledged her love to Booth, and even with her fading memories and Peter’s cajoling charm, she can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. But Peter has never had a mother to teach him patience, and when Wendy continues to refuse him, she learns that Peter would rather break his toys, then see them taken from him…

The characters in this book were amazingly well written. Told from the view point of sixteen-year-old Wendy Darling, this story paints Peter as a fun, charming, yet unhinged teen who has gone too long without rules or proper company. It read very realistically, and I loved how the hints at Peter’s darker nature were revealed slowly as the the book progressed.

However keeping true to the original story, Wendy remained a good girl with her innocence and naivety. Yet she also found her courage and I loved the fierce protection she has toward her brothers, even when they don't always get along. I especially enjoyed the conflict between her and John, which showed the resentment and jealousy that can boil between siblings if left unchecked, especially when they are forced into such gender-specific roles. 

In terms of descriptions, this book created some amazing imagery and visuals, the tree house, the mermaids, and the island itself were all really well done. I was disappointed we didn't get to meet captain hook, but the details about his ship and the underground cavern were fabulous. But Tink, I thought the fairy was written in such a new and amazing way, a truly complicated character and one I hope will feature more in the next book.

Plot wise, the story was a little slow to start and it wasn't until well after the halfway mark, when the book started taking a darker turn that I thought things really got interesting. However the world building and set up for the story was intriguing enough that I wasn't bored, although it may put some readers off.

All in all though this book was really enjoyable and one fans of Peter Pan retellings should definitely pick up. I promise the cliff hanger of an ending will leave you thirsting for more. 4 stars!

Night Study - Book Review

Night Study - Book Review

Maria. V. Snyder

YA Fantasy

Soul Finders Book #2

UK Publisher: MIRA INK

Synopsis:

Ever Since being kidnapped from the Illinois Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana’s life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her soul finding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore…

Review:

I totally adored this book! Although I think being a big fan of Maria V. Snyder’s original Ixia series makes me a little biased. Especially as returning to the same world, with the same amazing characters felt just like catching up with old friends … albeit the kind who live rather thrilling/dangerous lives. And since the first Soul Finder book left us with such a cliffhanger, is it any wonder I was thirsting for more? And I am happy to report, this second book did not in anyway disappoint. 

Night Study picks straight up from where Shadow Study left off. As always, Yelena and Valek are in danger, but now, Yelena suspects she is pregnant. But with the commander acting strange in the North, and magicians mysteriously disappearing in the South, neither Ixia or Sitia are safe. Especially as the two countries prepare for war with each other. 

Also with Yelena’s powers gone, taking with it her ability to detect lies, she must learn once again to trust in herself to make the right choices. But with her loyalties between the two nations divided, and with the life of her and Valek’s unborn child at stake, this time, she cannot afford to make the wrong choice…

Words can’t do justice to how much I loved this book. Much like the first book of this new trilogy, Night Study follows the same pattern and reveals a more in-depth look at Valeks past. Only now, the past is catching up with his present - and it’s amazing! To be honest, I can’t say if some of the plot lines regarding Valek were predictable, because it might have just been my wishful thinking, but either way, they all led in the direction I wanted to see Valek go, so no complaints from me. It’s wonderful how much his character has developed and now he’s facing new challenges, and I can’t wait to see how much more he can grow.

Yelena is still the bad-ass heroine she’s always been. Although without her magic, she is closer to the girl she was in poison study, as in she is feeling her way and learning how to rely on just her normal five senses again. However despite being ‘ordinary’ again she is still the quick-thinking, resourceful character we know and love. 

Most of the original characters are also in the book too in some capacity or another - but what is nice about them all is that they are older, wiser and stronger for their experiences - yet at the core, they are still themselves. With this soul finder series set five years after the Ixia series finished, I truly think the author Maria. V Snyder has done a fantastic job of ageing her characters while keeping true to their personalities.

In terms of storytelling, the book is told from three POVs. Yelena, Valek and Leif’s, yet Yelena still holds the starring role. The plot itself moves at a fast pace, with serval storylines in play at all times,  and always plenty of action. It was a hard book to put down and the final instalment of this trilogy cannot come soon enough.

However as with the last book, I think if you haven't read the spin off glass series, featuring Opal’s story, there are a few references to the past that you might not get, and perhaps you might not make immediate connections to the bad guys and their agenda. However these instances are few and far between and ultimately would not spoil the story.

All in all, A truly delicious, soul searing read that fans of the series will devour whole. 4 stars!

The Girl at Midnight - Book Review

The Girl at Midnight - Book Review

(The Girl at Midnight #1)

Melissa Grey

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives be selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she’s every known.

Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she’s fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the boarders of her home, she decides it’s time to act.

Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, though if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it’s how to hunt down what she wants … and how to take it.

But some jobs aren't as straight forward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire.

Review:

I really enjoyed this book. The world building was creatively done with many fantastical elements, with each character unique and colourful - I especially loved one of the secondary characters, Jasper, and laughed so hard when I discovered him to be every inch a peacock!

However this story follows the life of Echo, a sixteen-year-old runaway thief who loves words and shiny things. When she was young, Echo befriended a magical race of beings known as the Avicen. With feathers for hair, and magick that can transport them to any doorway in the world, they live generally peaceful lives, hidden away from humans.

But the Avicen have a deadly enemy, the Drakharin - the people descended from dragons. And when war erupts once more between the two races, Echo will do anything to see her Avicen friends safe, even hunt down the legendary firebird - the one being with the power to bring about a lasting peace. 

But when Echo’s best friend is kidnapped, and she herself thrown into a Drakharin prison, she knows her chances are bleak. Yet when two rouge Drakharin offer to help, Echo attempts to set her prejudices aside. But the two Drakharin have their own agendas, and Echo must learn to tell the difference between friend and foe before it’s too late….

What really caught me about this book was how beautifully it was written. The writing is eloquent and the author’s love of words really shone through the prose. I can understand how this book has been compared to others such as The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (another favourite of mine) as I think both authors have a talent for weaving words to create vivid and magical imagery.

However The Girl at Midnight is very much its own story. The main plot is fast paced and filled with action, while several subplots offer intrigue and backstory that compliment the main plot nicely. And yes, while there are some cliches, they didn't bother me at all and I thought as whole the story flowed nicely.

I also adored the characters. Echo is witty, bull-headed and brave. I loved her sense of humour, and liked how her sarcasm took away the sting of some of the less-original scenes. Cauis, the Drakharin Prince, was a little broody for my taste but I thought he and Echo developed a most interesting relationship that didn't evolve into your typical kind of romance. 

Yet for me, it was the secondary characters who really made this story shine. While Echo and Casis were always in the spotlight, Jasper, Ivy and Dorian had their own dramas and word-play going on in the background. This helped make the story more three-dimensional  and gave it a depth that I enjoyed. Because of them I really felt immersed in this fantasy world Melissa Grey has created. 

Overall, a really great book that fans of fantasy would enjoy. I give The Girl at Midnight 4 stars! :) 

Poppy - Book Review

Poppy - Book Review

Mary Hooper

YA Historical

Poppy Book #1

UK Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Synopsis:

England, 1914, Poppy is fifteen, beautiful and clever, but society has already carved out her destiny. There’s no question of her attending grammar school - it’s too expensive and unsuitable for a girl. Instead, Poppy will become a servant at the big house. And she’ll keep out of trouble.

But Poppy’s life is about to be thrown dramatically off course. The first reason is love - with someone forbidden, who could never, ever marry a girl like her. The second reason is war. Nothing could have prepared her for that. As she experiences what people are capable of - the best of humanity and the very worst - Poppy will find an unexpected freedom and discover how to be truly her own person.

Review:

I always enjoy Mary Hooper’s books. They are generally short, read-in-a-day sort of stories that have strong, independent heroines and lots of historical facts concealed within their pages. Poppy was no exception and yet another really enjoyable read.

Set during the first world war, the story is told from the view point of fifteen-year-old Poppy Pearson. A simple parlour maid, her life is changed forever when the rich family she works for have their house requisitioned for use as a hospital. Deciding to seek her future elsewhere, Poppy, with the support of an old teacher, joins the up to the VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) and soon finds herself nursing wounded men at one of the biggest medical facilities in England.

Here she learns to deal with and care for the many thousands of men wounded in action. Lost limbs, broken faces and most of all, crushed spirits, one by one, Poppy learns to assist them all. But fear continues to dwell in her heart for her brother, fighting on the frontline. For as if facing bullets and bombs was not enough, she know’s he is a coward at heart and may do something stupid if it would get him out of the war… 

But Poppy is also distracted by the charming Officer DeVere. After a couple of romantic meetings, Poppy knows she is in love, but the gentry are still off limits to girls like her, but with social barriers crumbling left right and centre, she can only hope DeVere will choose to defy his family's wishes and pick her. But Devere has secrets of his own, and with the war raging no one knows who will live and who will die…

One thing I always love with Mary Hooper’s novels is how much I learn, and this book was bursting with historical detail. Things from the giving of white feathers to cowardly men who avoided fighting for their country, to the tin-nose shops where plastic surgery began, taking form in the shapes of new faces for wounded soldiers. 

The characters are also well written. Friendships develop throughout the book and I was amused when - since all the VADs are referred to by last name - Poppy failed to remember the first name of girl with whom she considered herself a close friend and confidant. 

Also the descriptions in this book really immerses you into a World War setting. Through Poppy’s eyes the readers sees everything, from the unity of the people to support the soldiers, the tears shed by those who mourn, the morbid details of the newspapers… the joint effort to keep smiling in a hopeless situation. However the descriptions are tastefully done and perfect to engage the imagination of younger YA readers without giving them nightmares. Instead, this book will offer them a heart-moving insight into life during the war.

I only have two smalls criticisms of this story. The first being that I kept holding my breath, waiting for something irreversibly bad to happen - although I was very much relieved when it didn’t. However I felt Poppy was lucky that most of the bad events happened to people she only knew vaguely. While this was good for Poppy, I didn't come to love her in quite the same way as some of Mary Hooper’s other heroines who suffered more heartache. 

Also I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, however I didn't realise there was a second book, Poppy in the Field. I now plan to get my hands on that as soon as possible to continue the story and find out what is next in store for Poppy. 

All in all, a very nice story. 3.5 stars!

The Bitter Kingdom - Book Review

The Bitter Kingdom - Book Review

Rae Carson

YA Fantasy

Book #3 of the Girl of Fire and Thorns Trilogy

UK Publisher: Gollanzc

Synopsis:

Elisa is a fugitive.

Her enemies have stolen the man she loves, and they await her at the gate of darkness. Her country is on the brink of civil war, with her own soldiers ordered to kill her on sight.

Her Royal Majesty, Queen Lucero-Elisa ne Riqueza de Vega, bearer of the Godstone, will lead her three loyal companions deep into the enemy’s kingdom, a land of ice and snow and brutal  magic, to rescue Hector and win back her throne. Her power grows with every step, and the shocking secrets she will uncover on this, her final journey, could change the course of history.

But that is not all. She has a larger destiny. She must become the champion the world has been waiting for. 

Even of those who hate her most.

Review:

From beginning to end, this series has been amazing and I’ve loved every page of Elisa’s journey. The Bitter Kingdom brought about a spectacular conclusion to the trilogy and I can’t wait to see what else Rae Carson will throw at us with her next book. She is definitely an author to watch out for.

With her country on the brink of civil war, and her councillors conspiring against, Elisa is forced to flee her own city and head into the realms of the enemy. For they have stolen the man she loves, and Elisa will sacrifice everything she is to get her beloved Hector back, for only with him at her side can she have any hope of saving both her country and her crown. 

But Elisa is more than she seems, she is Gods chosen champion. Blessed with a Godstone imbedded in her navel, she is tasked to carry out a sacred duty that comes before all else, she only hopes that by ending the war, her task will be complete. But God, it seems, has other plans…

I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a trilogy quite so much. Elisa’s journey has been truly enrapturing. Through the series we have seen her evolve from an uncertain bride to a rebellious Queen. Facing the hardships of war, death and destruction, she has conquered her fears and at last emerged triumphant. A truly remarkable heroine.

However all of the characters are unique and contribute to the story in some big way. Hector, Storm, Mara, they all deserve an honourable mention. These characters made me laugh, made my heart ache and now the book is finished, I almost feel like I’ve said goodbye to very dear friends.  The characters played a huge huge part in making this book awesome for me and I’m glad most of them got happy endings.

In regards to the romance, I thought the scenes between Hector and Elisa were very well done. Throughout the three books their relationship bloomed slowly, based on a foundation of trust, loyalty and the kind of connection that can only be formed from the trials and suffering these two faced together. They make an excellent pair and after everything they’ve been through, I feel like they truly deserve each other.

In terms of plot, this story never has a dull moment. Moving from one catastrophe to the next, the characters are thrown into deadly situations which not everyone emerges from. A lot of the story is told while the characters are travelling, and the sense of underlying urgency in the beginning kept me turning pages long after I should have been asleep. A really gripping read.

So overall, I give this book - and the trilogy as a whole, 5 stars! This is definitely a series that will forever have a place on my bookshelves. A brilliant piece of YA fantasy. In you haven't already, I wholly recommend you pick up the first book, A Girl of Fire and Thorns.

As White As Snow - Book Review

As White as Snow - Book Review

Salla Simukka

YA Mystery

(Lumikki Andersson Book #2)

UK Publisher: Hot Key Books

Synopsis:

Lumikki Andersson may be innocent, but she’s no Snow White…

Three and a half months have passed since Lumikki Andersson was left for dead in a snowdrift - a bullet wound in her thigh and frostbite creeping into her skin. But the scorchingly hot streets of Prague in summer provide a welcome contrast to that terrifying time, and now Lumikki just wants to move on - forget the events of the past year, forget about the Polar Bear’s crime ring - and escape her parents oppressive concern… she’s alone again, which is just how she likes it.

But Lumikki’s peaceful solitude is about to be shattered. She is approached on the street by a nervous young woman, who, unbelievably, thinks she might be Lumikki’s long lost sister. Lumikki is unconvinced - although Lenka’s story seems to ring horrifyingly true - but there is something weird about her. Something jumpy and suspicious. 

Turns out Lumikki is right to be wary, as Lenka is part of a dangerous religious cult who believe they are the descendants of christ - and that Lumikki is one of them, and must be martyred alongside them. On the run for her life again, Lumikki must once more draw all of her powers of resolve and strength if she is to survive…

Review:

Despite being quite short for a YA novel, I really enjoyed this story. The plot was intriguing  and the main character, Lummiki, once again managed to capture me with her bad-ass toughness and logical view of the world. However , compared to the first book in the series, As Red As Blood, I did feel there was less action in this story, with some parts of the plot not as fleshed out as they could have been. However,  it was still a nice book to while away a long train ride.

While the first book began in the cold of winter, this second book starts in the oppressive heat of summer. Venturing to Prague for a holiday, Lumikki wants a few weeks to herself, away from her concerned  parents and the new found fame that arose after she helped uncover a local crime-circle.

But mystery seems to follow Lumikki wherever she goes, and no sooner does she arrive in Prague when she is approached by a young woman claiming to be her half-sister. And as much as Lumikki wants to deny the claim, she suddenly finds herself plagued with nightmares that just maybe, are long suppressed memories from her childhood. 

But Lenka is no ordinary girl, and suddenly Lumikki finds herself forced to flee for her life when she inadvertently uncovers a cult of religious fanatics… fanatics who wish to go out with a bang! And they plan on taking Lumikki and her new half-sister with them…

What originally captured me with these books was Lumikki’s character. After being extensively bullied as a child, she has grown up tough and independent, yet so emotionally scarred that she detests physical contact with strangers and is quite the loner. However she is still compassionate enough to help people in trouble, and so openminded that she often sees things that others would pass over.

While parts of her past are still only hinted at, this book saw quite a few things revealed through a series of flashbacks. There is no romance in this story, yet we finally discover more about the person who broke Lumikki’s heart last summer, and I’m really hoping they will make an appearance in the next book. Also Lumikki’s childhood remains a mystery - and although we have been give more parts to that puzzle - the picture is still not clear enough to see. A great way to assure that I will be reading the next book!

I also really enjoy Salla Simukka’s writing. Its vivid, while also being direct and to the point. The description is great and the suspense is usually high. Mainly told in Lumikki’s POV, a couple of scenes are written from the POV of mystery people and that certainly keeps the reader intrigued and guessing. However I did feel like the book finished a bit suddenly, and as I said before, parts of the plot could have been expanded on and given us a bit more meat to chew on, so to speak.

Ultimately though I enjoyed this story - probably more than I did the first which is unusual for me. However I now know more about Lumikki, and because I read this book more for the main character than anything else, that’s probably why As White As Snow appealed to me more. 

Overall, the series has really captured my attention. 3.5 Stars!