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Book Review: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

Jul 20 |10:43

I am a huge Juliet Marillier fan, so when I saw she was releasing another young adult fantasy book/series (Shadowfell) I knew I had to read it ASAP.

Shadowfell wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, and it certainly did not disappoint.

Book Review: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

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Title & Author: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy – Epic Fantasy

Release Date: September 11, 2012

Series: 1st in a planned trilogy

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

How I Got the Book: ARC via NetGalley

Description:

“Its name is spoken only in whispers, if the people of Alban dare to speak it at all: Shadowfell. The training ground for rebels seeking to free their land from the grip of the tyrannical king is so shrouded in mystery that most believe it to be a myth.

But for Neryn, Shadowfell’s existence is her only hope. She is penniless, orphaned, and utterly alone – and concealing a treacherous magical power that will warrant her immediate enslavement should it be revealed. She finds hope of allies in the Good Folk, fey beings whom she must pretend she cannot see and who taunt her with chatter of prophecies and tests, and in a striking, mysterious stranger, who saves her from certain death but whose motives remain unclear. She knows she should not trust anyone with her plans, but something within her longs to confide in him.

Will Neryn be forced to make the dangerous journey alone? She must reach Shadowfell, not only to avenge her family and salvage her own life, but to rescue Alban itself.”

Not Your Typical YA Fantasy

Shadowfell is one of those rare novels that is categorized as young adult but that doesn’t necessarily read as “teen only.” I think it’s because Marillier’s heroines always have a sense of maturity and wise-beyond-their-years-ness about them.

Take Shadowfell’s heroine, Neryn – she’s essentially her father’s keeper, as he’s grown more irresponsible and unwieldy since her mother and brother died. He’s a gambler and even though Neryn tries to stop him, he continually throws away their money in games of chance.

The first scene of the novel involves just that taking place: Neryn’s father has lost most of their money gambling and decides to up the stakes by offering Neryn as a prize. At that point in the book, my mind was reeling, knowing the probably fate that would befall the main character.

When her father does eventually lose, Neryn must leave with Flint – a mystery man who’s name seems to fit his personality perfectly. Although she is wary of this dark stranger, Neryn slowly (very, very slowly) trusts Flint, despite his own dark secrets.

Marillier Does it Again

From my description above, you could very well think the following: This book probably involves insta-love and/or is all about romance. If you did think those things, you’re wrong. (I mean that in the best way ).

Marillier always seems to make her books more about growth and independence more than about romance and falling in love. Don’t get me wrong, there is some serious romance in Shadowfell, but the story focuses on Neryn learning about her arcane powers and leading her people in a fight against the tyrannical rule of the kingdom.

Also, let me just say, the romance in this book is slow and steady. Like, it almost has a glacial pace – BUT, I loved it. It was a nice change.

OVERALL:

I loved Shadowfell. Although it takes a slower pace at times – especially as Neryn roams around the forests of Alban endlessly – it’s worth the investment of time. For a great epic fantasy and the start of a new triology complete with the Good Folk and budding romance, pick up Shadowfell.

Book Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Feb 8 |08:00

I’m a little late in the game, but Delirium is pretty awesome!!

Book Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

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Title & Author: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Genre: YA – Fantasy/Science Fiction

Release Date: August 2, 2011

Series: 1st in a planned series

Publisher: HarperCollins

How I Got the Book: Bought

Description:

“Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love — the deliria — blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.”

I’m in Deliria with You

Having the benefit of reading Delirium after the massive hype died down, I got the chance to read this story without that influence hanging over my shoulder. So reading it with fresh eyes, I found that I really enjoyed Delirium.

It didn’t invoke the crazed fangirl in me (like SOME books, cough cough Divergent), but Delirium took an interesting look at a society that views love as a disease.

That aspect of the novel really threw me at first. I mean, who would ever really want to remove the capability to love others because they thought it was unhealthy and the root of all evil?! But, as I kept reading, I understood more and more that making people stop loving was a surface issue and the real problems ran much deeper than that. I really liked that about Delirium – it teases with you with an idea then panned out and shows you the huge scope of what’s really going on.

Character Relationships: Lena and Alex. Alex and Lena. Being completely honest, I didn’t get them at first. Lena is brainwashed to believe and trust that love is dangerous, and Alex is this rebel who she meets at a party. She’s intrigued by him, and I understand the attraction, but I don’t see it on his side.

Why does he like her? I never really got a sense of why he’s attracted to Lena. This could definitely just be me, though. Maybe it’s because the story is told from only Lena’s perspective and she probably doesn’t understand why Alex loves her either.

More, Please!!

The world that Oliver builds in Delirium is one I want to read more about, like the town Lena lives in, her sister and the Wild. I need to find out more because it’s killing me. Also, you know, a certain CLIFFHANGER ending might also be contributing to my reading panic.

One other note: the friendship between Lena and hanna was so beautiful (and caught me more off guard then Alex/Lena). I loved their very realistic relationship, and I hope we see more from Hana in Pandemonium (out February 28!).

OVERALL:

Delirium is an interesting story with well-developed characters and a killer cliffhanger. I definitely want to read more from Oliver, and I’m anxiously waiting for Pandemonium to answer some serious questions. Although this book didn’t excite me like some of my other favorite dystopians, Delirium is a strong read with a solid foundation.

Book Review: Halflings by Heather Burch

Jan 30 |08:59

Halflings is another “angel” book out right now. I didn’t understand at first why so many readers were ambivalent about this very specific type of YA/Fantasy, but I think I finally comprehend their concerns a little bit better now…

Book Review: Halflings by Heather Burch

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Title & Author: Halflings by Heather Burch

Genre: YA – Fantasy (Angels)

Release Date: February 1, 2012

Series: 1st in plannes series (Halflings #1)

Publisher: Zondervan Publishing

How I Got the Book: ARC via NetGalley

Description:

“After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world..”

Halflings at Half-Potential

There wasn’t anything inherently bad about Halflings – in fact there were a handful of things I really liked about this angel-filled book. But the main problem with this novel was its missed potential.

With a slew of angel books out on the market (Unearthly, Hush, Hush, Fallen, A Beautiful Dark, etc.), Halflings needed to define itself apart from the pack. Granted, I don’t have a ton of angel-type books to compare it too, but knowing about the “hooks” for all of the novels can tell you a lot by itself.

Halfling’s premise: Nikki is the hot human that Mace, Raven and Vine have been assigned to protect. Born as a result of fallen angels mating with humans, the boys are Halflings – neither fully human nor fully angel. They have no rights to enter heaven, but hope to redeem themselves by protecting Earth’s inhabitants.

While I liked the whole, halfsie angel/human spin, the execution was just OK. As you might have guessed from learning in the book description that Nikki has TWO love interests, there is instalove out the ying yang. But, for once, I didn’t waffle about who’s side to be on. IT WAS OBVIOUS, and I honestly think the other guy is thrown in just to “keep things interesting.”

Inconsistencies

Halflings references and sites the actual Bible several times throughout the book. Faith, praying and choosing between what’s right and what’s easy are prevalent themes in the novel. The problem is that the very existence of the Halflings didn’t sit well with me because it seemed to contradict what the whole Bible is about.

Now, I know religion is a dicey topic for some people, so please understand that what I’m about to talk about is the basis for the storyline in Halflings. Using a highly recognizable and dominant faith in a book and twisting it a bit was a risk that Burch took, and I wonder if it was the right one.

At one point in the book, Mace says that “even humans have a covenant with God,” (i.e. Jesus and the promise of the cross) yet Halflings were doomed to serve humans and to try to make up for the sins of their fathers AND not even be guaranteed heaven in the end.

The problem with this is: Why would the God they serve in the book forgive humans of their wrongs YET not forgive his wrongs that the Halflings’ fathers committed (not even their sins)? It just doesn’t work for me. Other readers may not have a problem with this fallacy, but as someone who has a very strong faith, it irritated me to no end.

OVERALL:

For me, Halflings wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t bad either. While I wanted to enjoy the book’s unique take on angels, I couldn’t get past the confusing love triangle, the instalove and the doctrinal inconsistencies in the novel. I would still recommend that readers try Halflings, as some of the issues I had with it may not bother most people in general.

What angel book like Halflings have you loved OR hated??

Best Books of 2011 – Final List

Dec 30 |08:00

Now that there are only 2 days left in 2011, I think it’s time I updated my Best Books of 2011 list. There were so many fantastic books published this year – especially by debut authors.

Best Books of 2011 – Final List

Most Ridiculous Love Triangle

Firelight & Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Even though I’ve complained about the instalove and rampant hormonal overloads in this series, I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. The ETERNAL battle between Cassian and Will sucked me in and kept me reading (which distracted me from rolling my eyes time to time).

Best Overall Fantasy

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Fantasy Book The Girl of Fire and Thorns

The Girl of Fire and Thorns pulled an “ugly cry” out of me and still had me feeling triumphant at the end. That is masterful skill that only the best fantasy book can provide.

Most Gripping/Suspenseful

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer michelle hodkin best books of 2011

I loved, loved LOVED this book. I was equal parts confused, riveted and suspicious. I also had nightmares, but it was a side effect I’m willing to endure.

Best Use of Language (as a Literary Tool)

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me was so different than any of the other books I read this year. It used a bunch ~~of this~~ and had a stream of consciousness feel that added to the dynamic and character of the book. Well played, Mafi, well played.

Best Historical Fiction

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber (review to come)

darker still leanna renee hieber best books of 2011

Darker Still is set in New York City during the 1800s – it’s romantic and dreamy and full of charm. Plus, the period dresses sound divine.

Best New Series

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Maria V. Snyder has written 3 amazing series so far, and the Healer series is her newest. I’m completely fascinated with the world, healing abilities and characters. Here’s to more of her books coming out in 2012!

To see my complete Best Books of 2011 list, click HERE.What were your choices for the Best Books of 2011?

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Nov 26 |08:00

Like the title implies, Shatter Me packs a punch.

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

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Title & Author: Shatter Me

Genre: YA- Fantasy (Dystopian)

Release Date: November 15, 2011

Series: 1st in a planned series

Publisher: Harper Collins

How I Got the Book: Bought

Description:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

I liked loved adored Shatter Me

Before I jump into all the reasons why I really enjoyed Shatter Me, I’ll give you one warning first. This book has a very unique writing style that I’ve never experienced before.

Especially in the first few crucial chapters of the book, the writing is very disjointed in a sort of free flowing style. Mafi uses a generous number of crossed out words to illustrate Juliette’s real feelings vs. what she actually verbalizes. There’s a lot of confusion and chaos happening around Juliette, and it’s reflected in the text of the book.

That being said, don’t let the stream-of-consciousness prose through you off- Shatter Me is worth reading. I found Juliette to be incredibly endearing and likable even though she basically hasn’t had any normal childhood or adolescent experiences.

There’s some fabulous romance, too. Although Shatter Me had a touch of instalove, it wasn’t in big doses. Because Juliette is slightly unbalanced and feels adrift from society, she’s super cautious and wary. Not knowing who to trust, she keeps her barriers up, which leaves readers with delicious tension to lapp up.

X-Men Straight Up with a Twist

As many reviewers have already noted, Shatter Me reminded me of X-Men- mainly because Juliette’s touch is fatal (like Rogue from the classic comic). Although similarities between this book and X-Men are definitely there, Shatter Me has plenty of differences and twists to readers forget about Wolverine, Dr. Xavier and the rest by the end of the book.

One difference is that the book’s setting is dystopian America where those with special abilities are feared but also sought after. Plus, Juliette doesn’t even know the full extent of her powers, why she has them or if anyone else out there has powers like hers.

Shatter Me left me with a load of questions, yet still had a satisfying ending that didn’t leave me hanging face first over a cliff (gah, I hate that!)

OVERALL:

This book was awesomely-strange and weirdly-beautiful. Mafi did a great job of giving just enough information while introducing a whole new batch of mysteries. I connected with the characters and appreciated the endearing sense of humor and companionship infused throughout the novel. Shatter me is a keeper for sure!

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Book Review: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier