Review - A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard

by Susan Dennard
publisher: HarperTeen
date of publication: July 23, 2013
format: ebook
pages: 406
source: library
series: Something Strange and Deadly #2
buy it: A Darkness Strange and Lovely

From Goodreads:

Following an all-out battle with the walking Dead, the Spirit Hunters have fled Philadelphia, leaving Eleanor alone to cope with the devastating aftermath. But there’s more trouble ahead—the evil necromancer Marcus has returned, and his diabolical advances have Eleanor escaping to Paris to seek the help of Joseph, Jie, and the infuriatingly handsome Daniel once again. When she arrives, however, she finds a whole new darkness lurking in this City of Light. As harrowing events unfold, Eleanor is forced to make a deadly decision that will mean life or death for everyone.

Oh, man.  That was my initial reaction upon finishing A Darkness Strange and Lovely.  I really didn't see this book coming.  After Something Strange and Deadly, I expected more of the same plucky Eleanor, only with missing things she would have to learn to do without.  While that was partly true, what I found was a new, dark side to Eleanor that made her a frustrating yet even more interesting character.

Eleanor was so infuriating throughout A Darkness Strange and Lovely, but you know what?  It worked.  Characters don't always have to be on their best behavior and Eleanor is proof of that.  She finds herself in a very dark situation with few options and she takes the path that, while difficult and against what she originally determined against, seems the best option in order to save her life.  What ensues is a harrowing ordeal with magical addiction that leaves her making decisions with a much less sound judgment than before.  It all made her a much more dynamic character with so many facets.  I still got mad at her but it was truly an interesting reading experience.

Paris always makes for such an amazing setting in books.  There is so much character in the ways the city can be depicted that it always seems to come alive in a way.  Eleanor's time in Paris is nothing short of intriguing.  The mysteries at play are eerie and menacing in such away that an element of horror is brought into the story.  There were some truly horrific moments throughout that made my hair stand on end.  It was tense.  It was alarming.  It was thrilling.  I couldn't get enough of it and wound up finishing the book when I had only planned on reading a few chapters.

A Darkness Strange and Lovely turned out to be an impressive story that has left me so excited for book 3 in the series.  You had best believe I will be reading it soon.  With an ever-changing main character, terrifying moments, and a lot of mystery, A Darkness Strange and Lovely brings a lot to the table.  If you enjoy flawed characters, check this out.  That coupled with the darkness at hand make this such an engaging, exciting read.  If you enjoyed Something Strange and Deadly, you'll should give A Darkness Strange and Lovely a chance.  It really kicks things into second gear and takes on an entirely new level of amazing.

Review: The Diviners

by Libba Bray
publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
date of publication: September 18, 2012
format: hardcover
pages: 592
source: from the publisher for review

From Goodreads:

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."

When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

Upon first glance, you might think that The Diviners is a daunting book to read due to the sheer size of it.  I can happily say, however, that it truly is not that daunting.  It may be thicker than your typical YA novel, but it makes up for it in several ways.  I hope to share those ways with you today so that, just maybe, you will decide to give this book a try.

The Diviners is a great mixture of humor and horror and is made up of several wonderful characters.  There is a nice balance of vibrant, buoyant characters such as Evie, as well as more reserved, level-headed characters such as Evie's uncle Will and her best gal pal, Mabel.  By placing such an array of characters in a truly fascinating setting (New York City in the Roaring Twenties), Bray has laid the foundation for a remarkable series.

The thing that I enjoyed most about The Diviners was the sheer horror and eeriness that serves as an undercurrent to the entire story.  With a villain such as Naughty John, who wouldn't be creeped out.  It isn't often that you come across a villain so thoroughly frightening as Naughty John.  When those villains come with their own creepy song, you know you are in for some scares.

"Naughty John, Naughty John, does his work with his apron on. Cuts your throat and takes your bones, sells 'em off for a coupla stones."

-excerpt from The Diviners by Libba Bray

With the exception of some slow-moving chapters and a romance that seemingly popped up out of nowhere, The Diviners proved to be an excellent read well worth the time it took to finish.  With its references to flapper fashions, gritty locations, and truly awesome characters, I can posi-tute-ly recommend this one to you all.  Whether you enjoy historical fiction or not, I have the feeling you will enjoy this one thanks to its paranormal and horror elements.

Buy The Diviners at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

Obligatory legal statement: This book was provided to me free of charge by the publisher. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.  

Review - The Dark Unwinding

by Sharon Cameron
publisher: Scholastic
date of publication: September 1, 2012
format: hardcover
pages: 318
source: from the publisher for review

From Goodreads:

A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

Sometimes, one finds oneself in a state of stasis when it comes to hobbies and interests.  When it comes to reading, very few of the books you pick up will capture your interest enough to perk up your curiosity and imagination.  I have been in such a state lately and have definitely needed some truly engaging and wonderful books to pick me up.  One of those books is the mysterious and dream-like The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron.  Upon meeting Katharine and learning of her purpose, I was intrigued and just had to know what would happen next.  A book that picks you up out of reading doldrums is a book that must be absorbed and appreciated.

Katharine Tulman is a prime example of the ways in which first looks can be deceiving.  At first, she gives the air of being a no-nonsense young girl born into privileged society.  However, you find out very quickly that though she is born of high society, she is a lonely, misused young woman who desperately wishes to carve a place in the world for herself.  It is her time spent at Stranwyne Keep and her actions there that fully sheds the light on who Katherine Tulman really is.  Her relationship with Tully, her eccentric, sweet, erratic, and genius uncle, is a lovely thing to see bloom.  Her contentions with Tully's assistant, Lane, add a different spark to the mix, which adds another layer to the story.  All in all, the character development in The Dark Unwinding is superb.  They take on a life of their own within the pages of Ms. Cameron's work.

The settings for The Dark Unwinding hold both steampunk and Gothic elements that give the story a wonderfully eerie feeling, all the while catching you up in the spirit of innovation.  Stranwyne Keep is the perfect backdrop for Katharine's examination of the working of her own mind, while Tully's workshop is a whimsical world where anything is possible.  As a reader, I wanted to take a stroll about the grounds of Stranwyne Keep and examine the amazing clockwork creations of Mr. Tully.  As a novice writer, I hope that I can inject that much life into my settings someday.  It was all very wonderfully enthralling.

I am very grateful to have had the chance to read The Dark Unwinding, for it came at a time that I was in need of a beautifully wrought book that I could escape into.  You can, indeed, escape into The Dark Unwinding, where you will wander alongside Katharine and experience the mystery and foreboding she experiences, as well as the discoveries and joys she finds.  If you love historical fiction with fantastic settings and well-developed characters, The Dark Unwinding should definitely be on the top of your list.

Buy The Dark Unwinding at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

Obligatory legal statement: This book was provided to me free of charge by the publisher. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review. 

Review - Something Strange and Deadly

by Susan Dennard
publisher: HarperTeen
date of publication: July 24, 2012
format: ARC
pages: 400
source: from the publisher for review
rating: 4.5 out of 5

From Goodreads:

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

I'm starting to become quite fond of zombie-centered story lines set in the Victorian era.  When Something Strange and Deadly arrived, I was more than excited to dive right in.  I was ready for zombies, parasols, and bizarre machines.  Something Strange and Deadly has all of those (and more) in spades!  The horror, mystery, and romance were very well contrived and made for a fairly smooth read.  It definitely stood out during a week of marathon reading.

Eleanor puts up with a lot as the only child living at home.  Left to deal with her frivolous mother whilst her older brother studies abroad, Eleanor deals with a lot of frustration.  To add insult to injury, her brother goes missing during a time when zombie hordes run rampant through Philadelphia.  What's a girl to do?  Eleanor takes action.  She sets out to find answers as to her brother's whereabouts and well-being with a sisterly devotion that is admirable.  Sometimes, however, it seemed as though she was too complacent where Clarence, the young man her mother wanted her to marry, was concerned.  There were several points during which, though I felt sorry for him, I really wanted Eleanor to tell him to stuff it!  Maybe that's just me, though, since I'm not a fan of wishy-washiness, which Clarence seemed to be guilty of.  Daniel was much more appealing, even with his gruff manner.  He never underestimated Eleanor once he got to know her, which is just great.

The settings were so much fun to read about.  From Eleanor's house to Centennial Exposition, there's so much literary landscape to enjoy.  With an abundance of scenarios such as seances and zombie battles, there's a lot of intrigue and action, as well.  The cemetery gates proved to be the most foreboding site in the book.  You can really feel the tension and spookiness thanks to Susan Dennard's vivid descriptions.  All in all, I simply adored this particular aspect of the book.

Something Strange and Deadly is an imaginative take on a zombie infestation (dare I say a zombie apocalypse?).  With a plot that grips you and an ending that will leave you in shock, there is so much to enjoy in this book.  It wasn't anywhere near what I was expecting as I read it, which, in my book, is beyond awesome.  If you enjoy zombie stories and Victorian fashion, as well as a steampunk flair, you should definitely check out Something Strange and Deadly.  With pointers such as "Go for the knees," how could you miss?

Buy Something Strange and Deadly at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound  /  B&N  /  The Book Depository

Obligatory legal statement: This review copy was provided to me free of charge by the publisher. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review. 

Review - Ruby Red

by Kerstin Gier
publisher: Henry Holt BFYR
date of publication: May 10, 2011
format: hardcover
pages: 324
source: own
rating: 5 out of 5

From Goodreads:

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

I'll preface this by saying that my good friend Amy has earned the right to say, "I told you so!"  She told me how enjoyable this book is and, as always, she's right!  From the very first chapter to the very last page, there is so much to discover.  Time travel, plots, danger, humor, and clothes.  Oh, the clothes.  If you are at all interested in different points in English history, you should definitely check it out. 

Gwyneth turned out to be such a fun character.  She has gone through life in the shadows of her golden child cousin, Charlotte, yet she takes it all with good grace.  When she discovers that she is, in fact, the inheritor of the time travel gene, her world is pretty much rocked.  You have to hand it to her, she made quite the entrance on her second trip!  Though she is unprepared for her new role, Gwyneth, though unhappy, knows she will have to take charge.  She's not perfect, but her imperfections help to make her the great character she is.

I thought I would be spending the book just waiting for the time travel scenes.  That was definitely not the case.  Gwyneth's home time period has its very own charms that makes it just as engaging as the time periods she travels to.  After all, funny classmates and a friendly ghost don't exactly make for a boring reading experience!  Each setting is well thought out and vividly described.  It wasn't much of a stretch at all to picture Gwyneth's surroundings.  The writing in Ruby Red is smooth and well-wrought, as well.  It was so easy to become immersed in this fantastic story.

The only thing about Ruby Red that I'm sorry about is that I didn't read it sooner.  I practically tore through this book and couldn't believe it when I came to the last page.  It's all I can do to wait to read Sapphire Blue.  This series has the promise of a great story and fun reading.  Ruby Red is definitely piquing my interest in time travel novels.  I'm definitely a fan after having read this book.  I think many of you, dear readers, will enjoy it, too.

Review - Venom

by Fiona Paul
publisher: Philomel
date of publication: October 30, 2012
format: ARC
pages: 432
source: Around the World ARC Tours

From Goodreads:

Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.

When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.

Venom is one of those books that captures your attention immediately and compels you to check out its description. It's rare for me to read pure historical fiction without any supernatural elements these days, but Venom brought me back to a well-loved genre that hasn't received enough of my attention recently. As I delved into the book, the pages seemed to fly by. To call Venom captivating would be a gross understatement. There is so much to discover between its covers and I enjoyed every minute.

Cassandra was a vastly appealing character for many reasons. At first, she is a naïve, sheltered girl with very little experience with the less opulent side of Venice. However, as she gets to know the flirtatious and mysterious Falco, she begins to see her sheltered life as a cage that she longs to escape. Her loyalty to her late friend and her dedication to seeding justice make her a fiery character that I very much enjoyed getting to know. Falco, too, is a great character that I enjoyed immensely. His mischievous nature makes him just a fun character to read, all around.

Venom is best described by one word: lush. Everything from the background to the writing is surprisingly sensuous. I was pleasantly surprised to see Venice portrayed so well through the overall writing. The descriptions are so well rendered as to make you sink right in until you feel as though you are floating along the canals, yourself. The pace takes a few chapters to build, but it is more than worth the wait. Once the background was established and the plot was underway, I was thrilled enough to forget all about the slow start. That's the sure sign that the author has done something right.

As a lusciously detailed mystery and thriller, Venom has earned every bit of anticipation it has drawn. Fiona Paul has written a beautiful yet dangerous tale of murder, secrets, and darkness. Filled to the brim with chilling moments, Venom is a book that makes for a great read, especially on a stormy evening, as I found out. If you enjoy a good historical romance with a mystery involved, then Venom is the book for you. Prepare yourself for a thrilling, vivid reading experience.

Preorder Venom at the Following Locations:

Amazon /  IndieBound  /  B&N /  The Book Depository

Obligatory legal statement: This ARC was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Around the World ARC Tours. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.

Call of the Sea Blog Tour Part 1 - Review

by Rebecca Hart
publisher: Inkspell Publishing
date of publication: June 21, 2012
format: ARC
pages: 278
source: from the publicist for review

From Goodreads:

Elysandra Winters has always yearned for a life of adventure on the rolling seas and is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill her dream. When her Privateer father continually refuses to allow his only daughter to sail, Ellie defies him, disguises herself as a boy, and goes in search of a captain who will give her a chance to prove her worth.

Thanks to the cursed selkie blood coursing through his veins, Daniel O'Rourke needs the sea to survive. After giving up on his humanity and spending three years in seal form, he decides to give his human side another chance. Daniel goes in search of a job and a sense of normalcy, earning himself a position aboard Captain Winter’s ship, The Siren's Call. However, his new captain’s first assignment has nothing at all to do with sailing, and everything to do with his headstrong young daughter.

Years later, when the leader of a band of bloodthirsty pirates murders Captain Winters, Daniel and Elysandra’s lives come crashing back together with the force of a hurricane. Both experts in deception, they must find a way to trust each other if they are to have any hope of hunting down the captain’s killer.

The seas often hold more than meets the eye.  Elysandra Winters is about to learn this first-hand thanks to Daniel, a young man with a surprising secret: he's a selkie, and he has just signed on to work for Elysandra's father, Captain Winters.  As the two come into and out of each other's lives thanks to Elysandra's determination to go out to sea, the foundation is laid for a surprising future.  When Ellie disguises herself as a boy and takes on a job as a cabin boy for a rival captain, it is up to Captain Winters and Daniel to find her.  However, tragedy strikes, leaving Ellie and Daniel to come to an accord... one that Captain Winters may have wanted all along.  In this romance set on the high seas, fantasy becomes reality in many ways as love takes sail and the mysteries of the sea wash up on the tide.  Get ready, for you'll never look at the ocean the same way again.

Elysandra is a character with one driving force that influences everything.  Her need to live a life of freedom on the sea is her biggest motivator and, as such, pushes her toward both some beneficial events and huge mistakes.  She is a stubborn girl with a fiery temper who won't back down no matter what.  Her indomitable spirit makes her an interesting character to follow, even in her most frustrating moments.  Daniel, on the other hand, complements her very well.  While he possesses a temper of his own, he also has a knack for being levelheaded that is a great boon to Elysandra when she is at her most temperamental.  These characters just played off of each other very well and made for an engaging dialog that kept the story moving along at a great clip.

The premise for Call of the Sea is very appealing in both its setting and plot.  The descriptions of the surroundings and the workings of the ships were so vivid and easily pictured and the storyline was engaging.  However, I did find that the timing was a bit rushed at times, especially at the beginning of the book as the years of Elysandra's childhood fly by rapidly, and nearing the end of the story when the big conflict takes place and then is over in what seems like the blink of an eye.  While it is great that the story isn't overly bogged down by unneeded details, a slower pacing and more set-up for major events would have gone a long way toward making the story feel less like I skimmed over integral parts.  

It is always wonderful to come across a story of romance with such a novel perspective as Call of the Sea.  Having only ever read two books that feature selkies, it's very refreshing to have had the chance to read a new offering.  Call of the Sea is a fun, romantic, whimsical novel that made for a very enjoyable experience.  Though it has been a long time since I read a romance novel, I'm glad to have read this one, as I found its premise to be very appealing.  If you're interested in fantasy with nice helpings of romance and hints of mythology and folklore, Call of the Sea could be the book for you.  It makes for a great summertime read thanks to its imaginative storyline and nautical adventures. 

Buy Call of the Sea at the Following Locations:

Amazon / B&N / Inkspell

Obligatory legal statement: This advance review copy was provided to me free of charge by the publisher.  No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.

Review - The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

by Kady Cross
publisher: Harlequin Teen
date of publication: May 22, 2012
format: digital review copy
pages: 416
source: Netgalley
read it in: 1 day

From Goodreads:

In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous.

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens.

Finley, Griffin, and crew return in the second book of The Steampunk Chronicles, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar.  At the end of The Girl in the Steel Corset, things looked dire for Griffin's friend, the American cowboy Jasper Renn.  Now, it is up to the team to travel to New York to save him.  As a new enemy is introduced and a new plot unfolds, the faith of everyone from Finley to Griffin to Jasper will be tested.  In this riveting thrill ride, a new city will be traversed, new friends will be made, new enemies will come forth, and love will be tested once and for all.

Finley just keeps getting better and better with every story that I read about her.  Now that her two halves have merged, she is a much more complicated girl, which makes her an even more intriguing character.  As she grapples with who it is she really is, the full extent of her personality is revealed through the things she discovers about herself and the questions she now has about her nature.  Griffin, on the other hand, is beginning to have his confidence challenged, which makes him another interesting character to follow due to the ways in which he handles things.  As if that's not enough, we get to learn more about the charming Jasper Renn as he deals with his own dangers and adventures.  His story was a very welcome addition to this installment in the series, one which I enjoyed very much.  I could go on for lines and lines about all of the characters scattered throughout The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, but suffice it to say that I was thrilled with every bit of the character development within its pages.

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar is possessed of great pacing and a wonderful storyline that I couldn't get enough of.  As I became immersed further and further into the story, I was provided with just enough of a mystery to keep me guessing, but not so many clues that the story got bogged down with excessive details.  The setting made for a great adventure, especially Finley's forays into the Victorian gang territory known as Five Points.  The descriptions of Five Points and all people, places, and gadgets are rich and fully fleshed out, which was also one of the story's key attributes.  When it comes down to it, there isn't a single thing that I disliked about this book.

If this series gets any better, I'm going to feel compelled to pinch myself.  The Girl in the Clockwork Collar has everything I love in a book: strong characters, interesting settings, and an action-packed plot that keeps me reading long after I should be asleep.  If you haven't read The Girl in the Steel Corset yet, trust me when I say you should read it immediately, then pick up The Girl in the Clockwork Collar.  This series is nothing short of phenomenal and I, personally, can't say enough good things about it.  I will be waiting anxiously for the next book.

Buy The Girl in the Clockwork Collar at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

Obligatory legal statement: This digital review copy was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Netgalley. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.

Review - Grave Mercy

by Robin LaFevers
publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
date of publication: April 3, 2012
format: ARC
pages: 509
source: from the publisher for review
Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

From Goodreads:

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

What I Thought

Anticipation for this novel has been high ever since I first read the plot description.  I was intrigued by the concept of a seventeen-year-old assassin trained in the deadly arts by a convent.  As if that wasn't enough, the fact that it takes place at the high court of medieval Brittany and is based upon the events surrounding the real-life Anne of Brittany boosted this novel near the top of my must-read list.  Now that I have had the chance to read it, I can gladly say that Grave Mercy lived up to every one of my expectations... and more!

Ismae is, perhaps, one of the strongest female main characters I have had the pleasure of reading in quite some time.  She is born during a time when women are basically sold at a young age in marriage and have little to no choice in what becomes of them.  That she goes from being a victim to being a formidable young woman who can more than take care of herself is a marvel of character development.  Her experiences do leave their mark upon her, however, which makes her all the more complex and easily related to.  Her male counterpart, Duval, is one of my favorite male characters that I have encountered in a while, as well.  While he does hold concerns about Ismae's welfare, he isn't over-the-top with it.  I really liked that Ms. LaFevers made him into a remarkably open-minded young man in a world where so few men would take a woman's theories and strengths seriously.  It was very refreshing and, I must say, the hints of romance were all the more compelling for it! 

The world of this assassin is one filled with both danger and beauty and I simply could not get enough of it.  Having recently learned of my own familial ties to both this time period and era, I quickly found myself drawn into this rich, intricately woven world of politics, intrigue, and betrayal.  The storyline is wonderfully complex and, though I thought I had figured a few things out, the plot twists were nothing short of brilliant and ensured that there was much to take me by surprise.  The overall package reminded me of some of my all-time favorite historical novels and left me feeling similarly excited upon finishing the last page.  This book fully engaged my mind and left me wishing to learn even more about the time and people that inspired it.  This is the mark of a great novel.

The only complaint I have about Grave Mercy is that I have to wait an entire year to read the next book.  It was one of those books that I felt sad upon finishing simply because it was over.  I'm beyond thrilled that there will be 2 more books, however, and can't wait to see what else the world of His Fair Assassin has in store.  If you're a history buff that enjoys a little fantasy in their novels, then you absolutely have to read Grave Mercy.  Even if you're not so interested in history, I still highly recommend this book.  It has made it into my top 5 for the year so far and I can not wait to have a finished copy on my shelves, just so I can read it all over again.

 
Obligatory legal statement: This ARC was provided to me free of charge by the publisher. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.

Review - The Academie

by Susanne Dunlap
publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
date of publication: February 28, 2012
format: eGalley
pages: 368
source: Netgalley
Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

From Goodreads:

Eliza Monroe-daughter of the future president of the United States-is devastated when her mother decides to send her to boarding school outside of Paris. But the young American teen is quickly reconciled to the idea when-ooh, la-la!-she discovers who her fellow pupils will be: Hortense de Beauharnais, daughter of Josephine Bonaparte; and Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of the famous French general. It doesn't take long for Eliza to figure out that the two French girls are mortal enemies—and that she's about to get caught in the middle of their schemes.

Loosely drawn from history, Eliza Monroe's imagined coming of age provides a scintillating glimpse into the lives, loves, and hopes of three young women during one of the most volatile periods in French history.

What I Thought

Having long been fascinated by Paris as a literary setting, I pounced upon the chance to read The Académie, as I enjoy both the particular point in history during which the story takes place and the little intrigues likely to take place in such a novel.  This novel held many high points, as well as low points that made it fall a little short of expectations.  However, as I will explain, it made for an interesting read that was able to fully arrest my attention in the end.

The Académie is told from the perspective of 3 girls, though perhaps not the 3 girls you might think.  We are initially introduced to Eliza, a snobby, naive girl who is placed in the boarding school in which both the stepdaughter and younger sister of Napoleon Bonaparte attend.  Initially, I found Eliza to be purely obnoxious.  Her attitude toward many things were grating and she wasn't very likeable, at first.  However, as she began to go through certain changes, she became much more enjoyable.  I must say, however, that there was a downside to this, as well.  It almost felt as though there was a fourth character thanks to the dramatic shift in attitude, which did throw me for a bit of a loop.  The second narrator, Hortense, quickly became my favorite of the 3 narrators, as she had a certain level of sweetness, yet was not perfect.  She became the most believable character of the 3 and, as such, was much more engaging.  The third narrator, an actress by the name of Madeleine with an unexpected tie to Hortense, was also somewhat inconsistent, though it works very well thanks to her background and situation in life.  Overall, the 3 narrators provided a varied, yet somewhat halting story full of intrigue and much misfortune.

The pacing that took place throughout The Académie was somewhat difficult to keep up with.  At first, there is a certain amount of boredom involved with Eliza's initial narration.  The scene is not set very well and the descriptions of daily life just wasn't very compelling.  However, the story did pick up and become very engaging, though there was a certain amount of choppiness.  If I had to pick one word to describe the pacing, that word would be "turbulent."  It was definitely very jarring and I found myself hard-pressed to keep my attention from wandering, at times.  The jewel in this story is the setting.  The attention to detail paid by Ms. Dunlap as to the girls' surroundings was very well done and made imagining everything very easy to accomplish.

While The Académie may not have been my favorite historical YA novel ever, it was still a fun read that combined an appropriated account of post-revolutionary France and teenage whimsy.  If you go into the book prepared for a semi-fictional account of the lives of Eliza, Hortense, and Caroline and with the understanding that the pacing may require particular attention at times, you will likely find it to be enjoyable.  Fans of historically-based fiction may enjoy this book.  Due to the uneven nature of the book's construction, I rate The Académie at 3 hoots.

    
 Obligatory legal statement: This eGalley was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Netgalley. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.

Review - Allegiance

by Cayla Kluver
publisher: Harlequin Teen
date of publication: February 28, 2012
format: eGalley
pages: 490
source: Netgalley
Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

From Goodreads:

Only I saw Narian for who he truly was: a young man with courage and an independent mind, and made to pay for what was outside his control. He couldn't help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep-blue eyes pierced me and held me captive.

An eighteen-year-old queen in love with the enemy as their countries pass the point of no return...

Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn't truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica-until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge.

Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn...

What I Thought

When sitting down to read Allegiance, I did so with the knowledge of how wonderful the previous book, Legacy, had been.  Little did I know, I was in for a treat.  Not only is Allegiance a likewise wonderful book, I am happy to say that it is even better!  Cayla Kluver's historically-inspired fantasy world was about to push the bounds of everything I thought I knew of the atmosphere in which this series takes place.  This novel, detailing the conflict of duty vs. love and good vs. evil, provides a smooth plot progression that makes it so very easy to sink into the story, thus allowing hours to pass by before coming up for air.  This well-written, descriptive novel is everything a fan of fantasy fiction could want.

Alera, Steldor, Narian, and Hytanica all come into their own within the pages of Allegiance.  Alera begins to leave behind childhood and develops an inner strength that will get her through many struggles and allow her to become a ruler that even the patriarchal, misogynistic society of Hytanica will respect; Steldor, the reprehensible, egotistical young man whom Alera now finds herself shackled to by the bonds of duty reveals some surprising character traits; and Narian finds himself trying to balance allegiance by way of love and allegiance by way of coercion.  These characters, as well as others scattered throughout the story, have developed so much past what they were in Legacy.  Each has newly found strengths and weaknesses that make them such well-rounded characters.  I couldn't help but question with whom my sympathies lay the most.  I was absolutely blown away by the time the last chapter was complete that I immediately wanted the next book to read.  It was just that phenomenal.

If you, yourself, enjoyed Legacy, don't hesitate.  You will want to read Allegiance as soon as possible.  If you haven't yet begun to read this series, I must urge you to do so.  Cayla Kluver's books will not leave you wanting.  With its smooth plot progression and propensity for detail, Allegiance will leave you stunned and craving more.  Fans of both historical fiction and fantasy can find enjoyment in this series due to its historically-inspired world-building and the presence of a mysterious Cokyrian magic.  I can not wait to house this entire series on my shelves.

Obligatory legal statement: This eGalley was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Netgalley. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.     

Review - Scarlet

by A.C. Gaughen
publisher: Walker BFYR
date of publication: February 14, 2012
format: eGalley
pages: 306
source: Netgalley
Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

From Goodreads:

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

What I Thought

Robin Hood is such an iconic figure in the annals of legend that one often feels that the well has run dry with regard to new variations of the story.  When I first read the description for Scarlet, however, I was intrigued.  With a very Orlando-like twist, A.C. Gaughen has presented a fresh, evocative look at the Robin Hood legend within the pages of her debut novel.  Presented in such a way that fits very well with the element of danger and mystery inherent in the Robin Hood tales, Scarlet is an enchanting take on a beloved legend that will leave readers ready for more.

Every single aspect of Scarlet has so much to offer.  From well-rounded, complex characters to a breath-taking yet dangerous setting, A.C. Gaughen has provided a well-written and captivating novel that reaches beyond the usual confines of this well-known legend and takes it to an entirely new level.  Readers will find characteristics such as secret identities, morally bankrupt villains, the strength of everyday people, and the repercussions of the treatment of women within the pages of Scarlet.  All of these and more are laid out in such a concise, beautifully written manner that you will not want to put the book down for very long.  Scarlet will steal your heart (she is a master thief, after all) and draw on your admiration once you learn of all she has gone through.  She truly steals the show in this book and is an integral part of its pull.  

All in all, this book is simply wonderful and I found myself hoping beyond hope that it will be the beginning of a series.  I didn't want the story to end and can enthusiastically say that I would definitely welcome such a series to my shelves.  As such, I can not wait to buy a finished copy, as I am sure that I will want to read this book again and again.  If you enjoy retellings and books inspired by myths and legends, Scarlet is the book for you.  You won't want to miss out on such a fantastic debut.   

Obligatory legal statement: This eGalley was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Netgalley. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.