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Book Review: Defy by Sara B. Larson

Nov 28 |21:39

Sara B. Larson’s new series, Defy, has been compared to another classic YA fantasy book, and it only hurt the story instead of helped it.

Book Review: Defy by Sara B. Larson

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Title & Author: Defy by Sara B. Larson

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy – High Fantasy

Release Date: January 7, 2014

Series: Defy #1

Publisher: Scholastic Press

How I Got the Book: ARC via NetGalley

Description:

“A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and a thrilling love triangle.

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king’s army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince’s guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can’t prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she’s sworn to protect?”

The Comparison Game

I really think publishers should stop marketing books as “just like THIS REALLY POPULAR BOOK” because more often than not, it’s not an accurate comparison. And, fans just end up feeling misled and frustrated.

Such was the case with Defy. I wasn’t so much frustrated as feeling sad that I was ever told it was like Graceling.

In a broad sense, Defy is similar to Graceling. They both feature strong heroines who have more male-dominated abilities (i.e., fighting and defending). But, that’s kind of where the comparisons end.

Graceling offers a very well-built world. The detail around how “graces” work interested me right away and the political system is complex but easy to understand.

In Defy, I didn’t think the same was true. The world is definitely described well and has potential, but it absolutely takes second fiddle to the love triangle between Alex (secretly Alexa), Prince Damien and Rylan.

In fact, a lot of things take second place to this relationship. Cuz, things get KIND OF EXTREME at some points. Like, crazy tension and close quarters and super high emotions all over the place.

Plus, if you’ve read Throne of Glass, the roles everyone has are very similar.

Still A Good Read

Even though I feel like I just complained about Defy, I still enjoyed it overall. The story of a girl beating the odds and being a undercover dude among other dudes is still a great concept and executed well.

There’s that underlying drama of “omg, they have to find out eventually…right?!” plus the forbidden romance between Alexa and…anyone else.

Plus, even though the magic and world-building took a back seat to the romance, it was still interesting enough to keep me wanting to know more. What secrets is Prince Damien still keeping from Alexa? What was the odd phrase her dad told her in another language long ago??

Many questions are left unanswered…

OVERALL:

I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it in a base sort of way – seeking the conclusion to the drama that unfolded. Defy suffered from an INSANE love triangle that both excited and annoyed but still pulled out a good overall message and story. Defy was another good but not great situation.

Book Review: Belladonna by Fiona Paul

Sep 4 |11:36

Fiona Paul’s Belladonna brings to life the rich culture and intrigue of Italy.

Book Review: Belladonna by Fiona Paul

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Title & Author: Belladonna (Secrets of the Eternal Rose) by Fiona Paul

Genre: YA Fantasy – Historical

Release Date: July 16, 2013

Series: Secrets of the Eternal Rose #2

Publisher: Philomil

How I Got the Book: Via Publisher

Description:

“In Renaissance Italy, love, lust, intrigue and secret societies converge to stunning results!

In the second in the stunning Secrets of the Eternal Rose series, Cassandra Caravello is trying to forget Falco, the wild artist who ran off with her heart, as she grows closer to her strong, steady fiancé, Luca. But Luca seems to have his own secrets. When he’s arrested by soldiers in the middle of the night, Cass’s life is once again thrown into chaos. She must save Luca, and that means finding the Book of the Eternal Rose—the only evidence that will prove he’s innocent.

So begins her journey to Florence, a city haunted by whispers of vampirism, secret soirees and clandestine meetings of the Order of the Eternal Rose. And home to Falco, who is working for the Order’s eerily stunning leader, the Belladonna herself.

Can Cass trust her heart to lead her to the truth this time?
Nothing is as it seems in this seductive thriller, where the truth may be the deadliest poison of all.”

Art, Culture & Darkness

As they say, secrets don’t make friends. In Belladonna, that’s the biggest understatement ever because secrets make enemies and violence. In this sequel to Venom, Cass’ life is in shambles. Falco has left Venice to make a name for himself and Luca’s also in trouble. Geez this girl can pick em’, right?

As usual though, it’s up to Cass to pick up the pieces and make things right. To do so, she must travel to Florence and face off with the elusive Belladonna.

What’s interesting about this book is the change of scenery and the revelation of secrets. The story opened like a night-blooming flower, slow and delicate. At times, I felt things were dragging a bit, but the overall plot and sequence of events were definitely interesting.

Plus, Florence is gorgeous, and I loved all the descriptions and drama that unfolds there.

I also loved that more information is given about the Order of the Eternal Rose. Some super juicy details are uncovered, which gave me just a taste of what may come about in the final book. The gentle teasing is genius because I’m so hooked it’s ridiculous.

The only thing that wasn’t my favorite about the story was the romance. I think it was well done overall – not too pendulum-like (swinging wildly from one boy to another), but I still get the sense that not everything is resolved. While I understand the drama this creates, it’s a tad exhausting as the reader. I get attached to people!! And sometimes the more secrets that are revealed, the more you sway in who you are pulling for.

Also, I won’t reveal any spoilers, but a big thing happens at the end of the book that left me feeling frustrated. It seems unfair in the extreme, and if you want to chat with me about it after finishing Belladonna please message me. UGH!!!

One of the elements that most intrigues me about this book is the dynamic between the Church and the rebels. That’s where Belladonna really shines – it the juxtaposition of believing what you’re told by an supposedly infallible source and questioning what’s true and what’s a lie for yourself. Cass starts down this journey, and I’m very invested in her discoveries.

OVERALL:

Sequels are dangerous ground. They can be slow, overworked and boring. I was so thankful Belladonna avoided all of those pitfalls. It was exciting and full of surprises. I struggled a bit in the beginning but the pace picked up quickly. Belladonna is a strong follow up to Venom, and I CANNOT wait for the final book, Starling (out in March 2014!!).

Book Review: Deception by C.J. Redwine

Aug 8 |14:58

Although Deception by C.J. Redwine was one of my hotly anticipated YA sequels of 2013, it just didn’t live up to my expectations. Sadly disappointed.

Book Review: Deception by C.J. Redwine

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Title & Author: Deception by C.J. Redwine

Genre: YA Fantasy – Dragons

Release Date: August 27, 2013

Series: Defiance #2

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

How I Got the Book: ARC via Publisher

Description:

“Baalboden has been ravaged. The brutal Commander’s whereabouts are unknown. And Rachel, grief stricken over her father’s death, needs Logan more than ever. With their ragged group of survivors struggling to forge a future, it’s up to Logan to become the leader they need—with Rachel by his side. Under constant threat from rival Carrington’s army, who is after the device that controls the Cursed One, the group decides to abandon the ruins of their home and take their chances in the Wasteland.  

But soon their problems intensify tenfold: someone—possibly inside their ranks—is sabotaging the survivors, picking them off one by one. The chaos and uncertainty of each day puts unbearable strain on Rachel and Logan, and it isn’t long before they feel their love splintering. Even worse, as it becomes clear that the Commander will stop at nothing to destroy them, the band of survivors begins to question whether the price of freedom may be too great—and whether, hunted by their enemies and the murderous traitor in their midst, they can make it out of the Wasteland alive.

In this daring sequel to Defiance, with the world they once loved forever destroyed, Rachel and Logan must decide between a life on the run and standing their ground to fight.”

Deception Deceived Me

Full disclosure: I read about a third of Deception then skimmed the rest.

I remember really enjoying Defiance so much! Rachel was so spunky and tough and Logan so protective and nerdy. So what happened?!

For me, there was nothing in particular in the book to pull me forward. Logan is the makeshift leader of their citystate and is coping with the responsibility of keeping his community safe. Plus, Rachel is in such a dark place after very rough events from the previous book. I think knowing Deception was going to be darker did nothing to help my initial mood going into the story.

In that sense, I think about 50 percent of my feeling about the book is my own fault. I wasn’t in the mood to read it but because I didn’t want to wait too long before it is officially published, I read it anyway. I wasn’t in the right mindset for a darker book with traveling (<--- it always seems to slow things down).

However, the other 50 percent was totally Deception. Despite foreboding battles and new mysteries, I just wasn’t hooked. When I picked up the book to read it, it was because I consciously thought, “I need to finish this book.” and not, “YES! I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

Like I said, I eventually gave up and skimmed the book for major plot points. It definitely seemed like things picked up a bit after Logan formulates a plan for the city, but I just couldn’t muster the energy at that point.

Relationship is Defined….Now What?

Aside from the slower movement of Deception, there was also another problem many sequels face. It’s the dreaded “The will-they, won’t-they couple finally gets together, so now what” situation. Defiance had a ton of sizzle because of the tension between Rachel and Logan.

In Deception, it’s still there but kind of sadder. There is so much going on, the reader can’t even enjoy Rachel and Logan’s relationship because so many things are trying to pull them apart. The reason for that is, the relationship was defined at the end of the first book. So as a ploy to keep readers guessing, couples often have problems of all kinds in the second book.

This normally works on me, and I’m intrigued all over again but it wasn’t so here. I think Deception suffered from a lack of humor and lightness. When things get dark in most books, there’s some comedic relief to give the reader a break. I just felt weighed down by the story.

I will say – Logan has got to be one of the most adorable characters ever. He’s smart and cute and makes being a total nerd really cool. He also thinks in Best Case Scenario, Worst Case Scenario situations, which made me love him all the more.

Second opinions:

“If you’ve ever read a book that you loved so much that it made you incapable of paying attention to another book for a long time afterward, you’ll know what I mean when I say that Deception gave me a serious book hangover.” – From Reading Lark.

“And from there on, the story grabbed me and didn’t let go! The pacing was fast and action-packed, with danger at every turn.” – From Auntie Spinelli Reads.

OVERALL:

I just wasn’t feeling it. The story was too dark, and I felt like I had nothing to hold on to. I chalk up my experience to 50 percent of a mood read and 50 percent sophomore slump. Deception and the remainder of the series just aren’t for me.

Book Review: Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Mar 25 |07:55

Let the Sky Fall is another debut YA series coming atcha! Although it had it’s ups and downs (<-- air elemental joke), I thought it was a good read overall.

Book Review: Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

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Title & Author: Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Genre: YA – Fantasy, Romance

Release Date: March 5, 2013

Series:

Publisher: SimonPulse

How I Got the Book: Bought

Description:

“Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them.”

Sylphs and Secret

Vane and Audra could not be opposite of each other. Vane’s lived a sheltered life on Earth, occasionally facing odd occurrences when he’s on dates. Audra is an air elemental, or sylph, who’s been sworn to protect him. Vane doesn’t know he’s being protected or that there are things about him he doesn’t even understand yet.

When Audra is forced to reveal herself to Vane, she struggles to not slap him every hour, and he in turn wrestles with his new reality where he’s not human and the fate of his kind rests on his shoulders. NBD, right?

What I really enjoyed about Let the Sky Fall was the love/hate relationship between Audra and Vane. I think a lot of really great romances (book ones, at least) start out with this push and pull dynamic. Vane and Audra need each other, yet would rather do without. Although, Vane is very, very attracted to Audra, so you always get a sense that he could get over his annoyances with her a bit easier than she could with him.

Also, sylphs are new to me in YA fiction. Sylphs are creatures born of air, and can communicate with the wind. There are Northerly, Easterly, Southerly and Westerly winds, and each sylph, depending on their origin, has a special affinity with one type of wind.

The mythology and story of the sylphs was really interesting, and I’m excited to see how that evolves more in future books.

The only thing that kept me from really loving this book was the cheesy dialogue. It wasn’t always cheesy, but Let the Sky Fall definitely had it’s moments. It mainly originated from Vane, so maybe it was a teenage boy thing?

He just seemed to speak fluently in cliches and always seemed to be thinking about girls and…yeah, I was right. It’s because he’s a teenage boy. I think authors can definitely avoid becoming too obvious with this, but I can understand the “realism” created here.

OVERALL:
If you like cool fantasy creatures, love/hate relationships and your average beat-the-bad-guy storyline, then this is your kind of book. Let the Sky Fall was a good YA read overall, but I wasn’t in love with everything in the novel, including some cliched writing.

Book Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Mar 8 |08:30

Siege and Storm, one of my most anticipated sequels of 2013, definitely made my top books of the year list. It’s a rough ride for sure, but it’s definitely worth it.

Young Adult Book Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

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Title & Author: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Genre: YA – High Fantasy

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Series: The Grisha Trilogy #2

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.

How I Got the Book: ARC via Publisher

Description:

“Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.”

Things are Changing

The scariest and best part of Siege and Storm is the fact that Mal and Alina are changing. Alina hungers for more power but is trying to hold on her her humanity – she wants to help Ravka and undo the damage she inadvertently did by expanding the Fold at the end of book one (cuz the Darkling made her). And she’s desperately hanging on to the relationship she and Mal have, even though they both want and need different things than they used to.

Seriously you guys, Siege and Storm is KILLER. SO AMAZING! You’ll want to laugh, cry and beat someone up all at the same time.

A very interesting addition to the story is Sturmhond. Alina finds herself as a prisoner on his ship and knows there’s something off about him. He’s a privateer (aka pirate) who would sell anyone out for a bit of gold. He’s colorful and offbeat and his humor is priceless.

His presence throughout the book offers a lot of turmoil and intrigue, and although I waver on how much I actually like him, he definitely adds a kick to the story.

Bardugo does a fantastic job of keeping things moving – so many elements are all being juggled but with great skill. Alina and Mal journey a new quest, they disagree and fight and they face so many new emotional, physical and mental challenges.

The One Amplifier to Rule Them

Siege and Storm reminds me a bit of The Lord of the Rings. Not for any obvious reasons, but mainly because the main characters (Alina and Frodo) are struggling with power. They don’t want it, yet it calls to them and they crave it.

In the final Grisha Trilogy novel, I’m not sure what will happen. Either Alina will succumb to the pull of unlimited power or she may end up dying. I’m really not sure how Bardugo will save her, but that’s definitely part of the mastery of Siege and Storm.

As a reader, I am honestly fearful for Alina. I think it’s genius to put that type of fear into your readers because then you can do almost anything and surprise or shock them.

The absolute best thing I ADORE about the Grisha Trilogy books is Alina’s grouchy personality. It’s very unique to have a potentially unlikable character. Mal was supposed to be the charming one, according to Alina.

She’s abrasive and snarky and quick to reply wittily. Part of me wants to be her friend and the other part knows I couldn’t handle her. Haha!

OVERALL:

This book is stunning. You’ll be stunned by the writing, the new characters and the struggle to accept that relationships and people change. Siege and Storm is a top pick for best book of 2013 so far.

Posts Tagged ‘romance’

Book Review: Defy by Sara B. Larson