Fantasy | Read. Breathe. Relax. | Best young adult books and best fantasy books review blog

Book Review: The Pirate’s Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

May 13 |12:02

Sadly, The Pirate’s Wish reminded me a lot of The Elite. Not content-wise of course, but it fell into some of the same faults. Sophomore slump is in full swing.

Book Review: The Pirate’s Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Goodreads | Amazon | Cassandra Rose Clarke Website

Title & Author: The Pirate’s Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Genre: YA – Fantasy, Pirates, Magic

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Series: The Assassin’s Curse #2

Publisher: Strange Chemistry

How I Got the Book: ARC via Netgalley

Description:

“After setting out to break the curse that binds them together, the pirate Ananna and the assassin Naji find themselves stranded on an enchanted island in the north with nothing but a sword, their wits, and the secret to breaking the curse: complete three impossible tasks. With the help of their friend Marjani and a rather unusual ally, Ananna and Naji make their way south again, seeking what seems to be beyond their reach.

Unfortunately, Naji has enemies from the shadowy world known as the Mists, and Ananna must still face the repercussions of going up against the Pirate Confederation. Together, Naji and Ananna must break the curse, escape their enemies — and come to terms with their growing romantic attraction.”

Second Helpings Not As Good

My philosophy has always been that pirates are the trump card of any book. Inconsistent plot? Messy romance? Add a pirate and PRESTO, it’s magic. So, in The Pirate’s Wish where there are pirates AND sailing AND magic, it’s a no brainer right?

Wrong. Although I really enjoyed The Assassin’s Curse, I called it then – Ananna is kind of annoying. Well, ok, not so much annoying as super feisty and stubborn and difficult.

The problem is she is sort of in love with Naji and somehow hopes he’ll return her feelings even though she bites, kicks and verbally eviscerates him at ever turn. Yeah, good luck with that girly.

The novelty and fun of the first book was lost a bit in this second take on Naji’s curse and the journey he and Ananna take to unbind him (as she is stuck with him till he can figure it out). Although, there is a manticore (featured on the cover), who is pretty cool and down to eat some male humans.

I wished there had been some alternating POV action. There was something sort of flat about only seeing Ananna’s perspective on their journey – especially because I felt like I needed a break from her nagging and pessimistic attitude.

Kisses and Starstones and Violence, Oh My!

I believe this is the last book in The Assassin’s Curse series (but there is another set of books due to come out in the same world). To be honest, my second side of beef with The Pirate’s Wish is due to the ending of the book.

I know I go on about wanting realistic endings and not some accident/good luck that wraps things together so perfectly with a little bow. But, sometimes you get what you wish for and you realize you don’t want it anymore. I’m big enough to say that I wish this book had a more saccarine-sweet ending that was ribboned with bows to an inch of its life.

Agh, I hate complaining. Some things I did like about the book:

Cool new beasts – the manticore, among others
Cool new landscapes – boat life and new isle
Romantic tension in random moments

The main problem I think I had was that I just didn’t want to read the book. It was interested at times and I felt invested because I had read the previous book, but overall I just didn’t feel how things wrapped up and the characters’ actions and personalities.

OVERALL:

If you’ve read The Assassin’s Curse, I think finishing off this series still has value. It’s only a two-novel series, so you don’t have much to lose. Sadly, The Pirate’s Wish didn’t fulfill the promise of its predecessor, and I was left a little wanting.

Book Review: City of A Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster

Feb 22 |09:13

Although I’m dying quietly because City of a Thousand Dolls is seemingly a standalone novel (what?! no!), I’m seriously am happy. Cuz this book was AWESOME! It’s what fantasy is all about.

Book Review: City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster

Goodreads | Amazon | Author Website

Title & Author: City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster

Genre: YA – Fantasy

Release Date: February 5, 2013

Series: Standalone

Publisher: HarperTeen

How I Got the Book: Bought

Description:

“An exotic treat set in an entirely original, fantastical world brimming with deadly mystery, forbidden romance, and heart-stopping adventure.

Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.

Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life.”

A Winning Setting & History

The City of a Thousand Dolls had one of the most interesting backgrounds I’ve read in awhile: because of the empire’s two-child law (parents can only have two children max), girls were being abandoned and left to die because of the male inheritance rule (typical).

To prevent senseless deaths, the City of a Thousand Dolls was created. Girls given up by their families could go here and learn valuable skills, which they would then use to marry well.

Girls can be placed into different houses like (Music, Beauty, Combat, etc) to train and acquire stills likely to attract a husband.

The author and/or publisher created this handy little diagram too:

city of a thousand dolls miriam forster map

Then there’s Nisha. She doesn’t seem to fit into any house, although she trains at several, and she serves as the eyes and ears of the Matron, who runs the City of a Thousand Dolls.

Even though the book doesn’t explicitly say it, you get the vibe of an Eastern culture from the book. The customs, names of people and names of objects pointed toward that and reminded me a bit of Prophecy.

Good to Great

What I think pushed this book from good to great were all of the moving parts of the story. Some books take such straightforward approach, which can definitely work well, but I enjoyed the multi-layered, everything-coming-at-you-at-once feel of City of a Thousand Dolls.

It reminds me of how my brain works. (You should be scared).

While Nisha is trying to figure out why several girls have died within the city’s walls, she’s trying to figure out her feelings for a boy who is of higher standing than her, avoid a girl who blames Nisha for her misfortunes AND keep her cat friends who she can speak to with her mind company.

Yeah, not TOO much going on.

Lately, I’ve been drawn to books where the main character feels like an outsider. Nisha has that in spades, and I found her story really interesting and exciting and fresh.

The ending didn’t kill at first (meaning not everything seemed exactly resolved). Then I realized there weren’t any sequels to help fill in the gaps. Please prove me wrong, if you know otherwise! GAH.

OVERALL:

I sincerely hope you love debut novel as much as I did. City of a Thousand Dolls took a fresh perspective on YA fantasy and enticed me with it’s compelling setting and multi-layered story.

Fantasy Book Review: Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

Dec 28 |16:01

I’ve followed Juliet Marillier’s work since I was in high school, so when I found out about Flame of Sevenwaters, I was beyond excited. …Until I found it was the last Sevenwaters book.

Fortunately, Marillier knows how to craft a story, and it was a happy and bittersweet ending.

Book Review: Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

Goodreads | Amazon | Author Website

flame of sevenwaters juliet marillier best books of 2012

Title & Author: Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

Genre: YA – Fantasy, Epic

Release Date: November 6, 2011

Series: #6 in Sevenwaters series

Publisher: Roc

How I Got the Book: Bought

Description:

“Maeve, daughter of Lord Sean of Sevenwaters, was badly burned as a child and carries the legacy of that fire in her crippled hands. After ten years she’s returning home as a courageous, forthright woman with a special gift for taming difficult animals. But while her body’s scars have healed, her spirit remains fragile, as she fears the shadows of her past.

Sevenwaters is in turmoil. The fey prince Mac Dara has become desperate to see his only son, who is married to Maeve’s sister, return to the Otherworld. To force Lord Sean’s hand, Mac Dara has caused a party of innocent travelers on the Sevenwaters border to vanish.

When Maeve finds one of the missing travelers murdered in the woods, she and her brother Finbar embark on a journey that may bring about the end of Mac Dara’s reign — or lead to a hideous death. But if she is successful, Maeve may open a door to a future she has not dared to believe possible…”

Best Traditional Fantasy

Flame of Sevenwaters was amazing. Not only because it was the epic conclusion to the amazing Sevenwaters fantasy series, but because it has serious heart. Marillier puts her characters through heck, so it’s amazing to see them flourish nonetheless.

A few elements stay true in every Marillier book I’ve read to date. They are: stories told from strong heroine perspectives and expect the unexpected. Just like the ancient druids and gifted seers in her books, Marillier is a masterful storyteller. I often marvel at how deftly she weaves in the characters and their struggles together in a seamless way.

In Flame of Sevenwaters, Maeve returns to Sevenwaters where 10 years earlier she was burned and disfigured. She was sent away to her Aunt Liadan and Uncle Bran’s holdings to heal and recover. Although Maeve thinks she’s ready to face her demons, she cannot imagine what’s in store for her at her ancestral home.

Meave is an unlikely heroine – the burn scars on her hands have made them immobile and she must have her faithful maid at her side constantly. Despite her physical limitations, Maeve harbors no pity for herself and has fortified her mind against all who would tear her down.

Like many of my favorite fantasy and YA characters, Maeve’s fierce spirit and strong, stubborn drive her to uphold the morals and values she treasures.

Mixed in with Maeve’s story is the continuing tell of Ciarin, the son of the evil sorceress from Daughter of the Forest. Agh the heartbreak and sacrifice! Typical Marillier.

End of Series Slump

The only complaint I have with Flame of Sevenwaters is simply that it’s over. What am I going to read now?! Ok, I’ll be fine, and there are no shortage of books to read, but I’m sad. :/

This series is a treasure, and I look forward to re-reading it often.

OVERALL:

Without a doubt, this final book of Sevenwaters (plus all of the other books) is a must-read. Lovers of classic fantasy and YA alike can find something to love in Flame of Sevenwaters.

Book Review: Steel’s Edge by Ilona Andrews

Dec 21 |09:11

Steel’s Edge offered something different to The Edge series. After the last Ilona Andrews book I read, I wasn’t so sure about continuing. But now…we’ll see.

Book Review: Steel’s Edge by Ilona Andrews

GoodReads | Amazon | Author Website

Title & Author: Steel’s Edge by Ilona Andrews

Genre: YA – Paranormal, Fantasy

Release Date: November 27, 2012

Series: #4 in The Edge series

Publisher: ACE

How I Got the Book: Bought

Description:

“The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is a fairy tale—and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…

Charlotte de Ney is as noble as they come, a blueblood straight out of the Weird. But even though she possesses rare magical healing abilities, her life has brought her nothing but pain. After her marriage crumbles, she flees to the Edge to build a new home for herself. Until Richard Mar is brought to her for treatment, and Charlotte’s life is turned upside down once again.

Richard is a swordsman without peer, future head of his large and rambunctious Edger clan—and he’s on a clandestine quest to wipe out slavers trafficking humans in the Weird. So when his presence leads his very dangerous enemies to Charlotte, she vows to help Richard destroy them. The slavers’ operation, however, goes deeper than Richard knows, and even working together, Charlotte and Richard may not survive…”

Still Been There, Still Done That

I’ve read all the books in the edge series (including a book the pre-dates the blog).

They all follow a very similar pattern: kick-ass lead heroine is in trouble and needs help. She’s strong, though, and it takes a lot for her to get/receive help. She meets a hot man who is capable and strong but not exactly on the up-and-up. They fight their building attraction for awhile – amidst doing battle with whatever forces are against them – and eventually give in and live happily ever after.

This is a formula Ilona Andrews has stuck with in Steel’s Edge as well. I’m not fighting the pattern, which obviously transcends just Andrews’ books. But, it is tough when the whole series is a set of characters who have connections with each other and who each have their own story…but really their stories are so similar.

For me, it makes the books predictable and ho-hum. I did like Steel’s Edge, however, even though I predicted the end with freakish accuracy.

Entertaining & Romantic

Steel’s Edge had the most intrigue and intricate plot of all The Edge books. I enjoyed that part of the book immensely. There are secret meetings and identity switches and all manner of stealth activities.

Even though I just griped about the romances always ending the same way…there is a comfort there. Andrews knows how to write a romance! They are always intense and funny and swoon-worthy.

OVERALL:

If you are ok with a series that tends to hit the same note every time, then you are good to go with The Edge series. Although you won’t be dazzled by new storylines, the books offer a great change-up from the typical YA read. Steel’s Edge is a solid paranormal romance and has a lot of elements fans enjoy.

Book Review: Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Nov 5 |09:10

Crewel was exactly like it sounds – harsh and gritty and yet ultimately fascinating. I thought the world-building was interesting, and now as usual, I’m dying for more.

Book Review: Crewel by Gennifer Albin

GoodReads | Amazon | Author Website

Title & Author: Crewel (Crewel World) by Gennifer Albin

Genre: YA – Fantasy

Release Date: October 16, 2012

Series: #1 in the Crewel World series

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

How I Got the Book: ARC via Publisher

Description:

“Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.”

It’s a Crewel, Crewel World

The world of Crewel totally got me. It had a Mad Men vibe, with 20s womanhood back in play. Women can either be teachers or secretaries in the land of Arras, unless of course you have the talents and skills to be a Spinster.

This is where the book initially lost me. I thought “Spinster” was a negative term (IRL it is), so I was confused at first what being a Spinster was a good thing in the book. It’s just the name of the elite group of young girls who can manipulate and maintain Arras.

Spinsters have the special skills necessary to keep everyone happy – meaning that they can influence crops, the weather and the very citizens they’re working to protect.

Adelice (love that name!) has the skills…but her whole life her parents have trained her to fail the Spinster test. There are so many things they haven’t told her about her own abilities, but she trusts them implicitly.

When she accidentally passes the test (which means failure to her), Adelice is shipped off to Spinster HQ and her life and future are at the mercy of the Guild – the men who control the future of Arras.

Adelice’s story is dark. From the moment she joins the other Spinsters who passed the test, she’s at odds with powerful people. It’s mainly because she can’t keep her mouth shut and gets herself into endless trouble.

I both enjoyed that part of her personality and was annoyed by it. It makes her stand out against the docile, obedient girls – Adelice has real fire to her.

Save the Drama for Your Mama

Crewel was one of the most interesting worlds I’ve read about in a long time. Although I can’t share as much as I’d like (to avoid spoilers), I thought Albin gave herself tons of room to play with Arras and to change things up on readers in a good way.

A small annoyance for me was the love triangle. It was too much. I can’t stress enough how much goes on in this book – there’s political maneuverings, cruel punishments and lots of thinking fast and on your feet.

There really wasn’t room for MORE drama. And that’s coming from someone who loves all the Real Housewives shows.

OVERALL:

Crewel is complex and interesting. It kept me guessing – especially about Arras and its citizens. The world-building was unique and fun, and despite a pesky love triangle, I was really impressed with Crewel and Albin.

Posts Tagged ‘fantasy’

Book Review: The Pirate’s Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke