Tantalizing Trailers: Touch of Power by Maria V Snyder

Title: Touch of Power

Series: Avry of Kazan

Author: Maria V Snyder

Publisher: Harlequin UK

Publication Date: 20 Dec 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Not so much a book trailer but an animated cover. Thanks to Viv from Serendipity Reviews for sharing this with me. Isn't it gorgeous.

Review: Wickedness by Deborah White

Title: Wickedness
Series: Wickedness
Author: Deborah White
Publisher: Templar
Publication Date: 1 Sep 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

A thrilling adventure that combines history fantasy and romance. Refreshingly original, from an exciting new voice in teenage fiction. This is a stunning debut in a brilliant new series for teenage girls from new Templar author Deborah White. A powerful and charismatic man; an Egyptian mummy and twenty spells written in hieroglyphics on parchment. An emerald casket, a French ropewalker and two red-haired girls, fourteen years old and living in London, but four hundred years apart - are all united by blood and by a devastating prophecy.

REVIEW

I will be completely honest with you and tell you I had issues with this book. I know that some of the incidents portrayed were acceptable for the era in which the book is set but I still found aspects disturbing, this is partly due to the fact that I am a complete wuss and partly because I have three girls and am over-protective of them.

The story is told in alternating narrative spanning centuries. Claire and Margaret are connected via the ring that Claire finds in her Grandmothers belongings following her death. The use of different fonts for each narrative voice help to differentiate the characters visually. The portrayal of grief at the beginning was quite poignant  Overlapping elements between Claire and Margaret added depth to the story. Repetition of certain phrases re-enforces the storyline. The use of both third and first person narration aided the differentiation of narrator but I did feel it was a little disconcerting at times.
The writing was beautifully descriptive and I really liked the additional facts interwoven into the narrative adding to the realism of the story. I did find the plot built slowly and would be very interested to know how many books there are going to be in the series. The ending left an opening for further development.

Interesting details regarding the lifestyle at certain periods throughout history woven together with alchemy and romance provided an intriguing plot. I would point out that I really did not think this book was suitable for Middle Grade Level - due to some of the incidents (brain washed, drugged, controlled physically and mentally) I really think it is more suitable for an older audience.Further to this point is the issue of how young the girls were when undertaking a physical relationship resulting in pregnancy. Yes I do know that it was a 'different' time and it was probably the 'norm' but I did not like it. In fact I think it is this that has swayed my overall opinion of the book. I felt that it could have been handled differently. 
There is a very, very clever plot twist at he end of the story and as I said earlier there is development for further books.

MG Monday: Review: A Tangle of Magicks by Stephanie Burgis

Title: A Tangle of Magicks

Series: The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson

Author: Stephanie Burgis

Publisher: Templar
Publication Date: 1 Aug 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

After her antics in A Most Improper Magick, Kat Stephenson is back to cause more chaos! Stepmama drags the family to Bath to find Kat's sister a new suitor. But, unknown to most of its gossipy visitors, Bath is full of wild magic. When Kat uncovers a plot to harness this magic in the Roman Baths, she finds her brother Charles is unwittingly involved. Kat must risk her newfound magical powers as she defies the Order of the Guardians to foil the plot and clear her brother's name.

Review:

If A Most Improper Magick (review here) made me want to say things like 'spiffing' and 'jolly good show' let me tell you A Tangle of Magicks made Regency England come alive. I think because I have been to Bath it was so easy to picture the world Stephanie Burgis wove within my imagination. I could clearly picture the Pump Room as it would have been in that time. If you would like to check Stephanie's guest post (here) you will be able to see some photos of the areas mentioned in this book.

I have to be truthful and say that I actually enjoyed this second book more than the first. Whereas the first book laid out some of the history and character interactions interspersed with the magic and action, this second book really allowed the characterisations to shine through. I particularly liked how Kat is starting to see that there are consequences to her actions, even if she is learning it the hard way.

Having been to Bath the imagery really brought the places to life for me. It was wonderful to imagine what the Roman Baths would have been like to Society in Regency England. How the ladies gather to gossip in the mornings, the scandal of the shared Kings Bath and the frolics of college boys in the evening all had me gigling away to myself. The incorporation of mythology into the storyline gave the magic added depth.

I still can't help but compare Kat and her family to the characters in Jane Austen's novels this may just be due to the period setting but as I said the character development in this book was amazing. I did guess the 'bad guy' in the plot but the reasons for the action and manipualtion really did make my jaw drop a wonderful incorporation of history into the narrative, it took me by surprise.

I am really looking forward to seeing what happens to Kat next.

MG Monday: Review: A Most Improper Magick by Stephanie Burgis

Series: The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson

Author: Stephanie Burgis

Publisher: Templar

Publication Date: 1 Aug 2010

Synopsis: From Goodreads

Katherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she's inherited her mother's magical talents, and despite Stepmama's stern objections, she's determined to learn how to use them. But with her eldest sister Elissa's intended fiancé, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat's magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, even Kat's reckless heroism will be tested to the upmost. If she can learn to control her new powers, will Kat be able to rescue her family and win her sisters their true love?

Review: 

I will start by saying that this book makes me want to say things like ' spiffing' and 'jolly good show old chap' but hey that's just me [ : D ]

Set in Regency England and to give Stephanie Burgis credit she really does bring it to life with her vivid descriptive writing style.

Written in first person narrative from Kat's perspective. Kat, Katherine Stephenson, at 12, is the youngest member of her family; consisting of 2 older sisters, an older brother, the requisite 'wicked' stepmother and her downtrodden clergy father. I did have trouble reconciling Kat's age with the image I had of her in my head, in some ways she appears older yet some of her actions show how young she really is. She is feisty, impetuous and doesn't consider how her actions will affect others until it is too late. So roughly your typical tween then. Yet the underlying thing about Kat all the way through the book is how much she loves her family, above all else. There is absolutely nothing she wouldn't do for them for them even if her actions sometimes contradict this statement.

For me there was definitely an element of Pride and Prejudice to the story. Also if you have seen the movie Becoming Jane then you can possibly understand why I keep picturing Kat as a young Jane Austen with magical abilities. Whereas the rest of the family certainly bring to mind the myriad of characters depicted withing Austen's novels, therefore what I am trying to say is that Stephanie Burgis has captured and portrayed the era perfectly.

The social and economical status and the emphasis that society places on such things is delivered eloquently within the narrative. The constraints placed upon women in particular and the need to marry well in order to secure a brighter future for all members of the family must have been a real burden for any young woman to bear especially the oldest daughter. Stephanie Burgis does a marvellous job of bringing the sensibilities of Regency England to technicolour life.

The family history and their skeletons in the cupboard, if you will, are skillfully crafted into the story. There are peaks and troughs of action interspersed with world and character building, making for a steady pace throughout the book. there are even some real laugh out loud moments that I would not have expected.


For me, I cannot categorize this book at all, it just doesn't fit neatly into a box. I will have to try the speed dating technique in the library to find my target readership:

A vivid historical novel bringing Regency England to glorious life within the imagination. A feisty, impetuous yet loyal and loving heroine. Throw in the type of magic you dream of being able to do and you have a book that defies categorization.

How is that for a summary.

Review: Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

Title: Blood Magic
Series: Blood Journals
Author: Tessa Gratton
Publisher: Doubleday Children's
Publication Date: 7 July 2011






Synopsis: From Amazon
The murder of her parents has left Silla damaged and lost, and Silla's insistence that her father is not to blame only alienates her further from her friends and family. When a mysterious spell book arrives, Silla hopes it will lead to some answers about her parents' killer. In her first attempt at magic, in an old graveyard near her home, Nick, the new boy in town spies on her; he recognizes the magic that Silla is performing as the same magic his mother performed with him, before she went mad.

Before long, Silla and Nick connect, though Nick is unwilling to share his history with blood magic with Silla. When Silla's friends start showing signs of possession, Silla, Nick and Silla's brother, Reese, must contend with a deadly, immortal woman who will stop at nothing to take the book of spells from them.

Review:
I was a little apprehensive about this book - why you ask - because I am so squeamish and hate the sight of blood. Remember I have a technicolour imagination so gory stuff really does come alive for me. I was assured by the lovely ladies at Random House that I would be fine.

The beginning is very bold and dramatic with incredible use of white space. Sucking you into the story. Written in first person narrative with alternating perspectives of Silla and Nicholas. There is a multi-layered plot with the two of them at the centre, everything else revolves around them. Although I have to mention that using the word blood and Silla's full name (Drusilla) immediately had me thinking of Buffy. The way in which events paralleled between Nicholas and Silla added to their relationship as well as developing the plot.

Be warned there are shocking revelations, double the mysteries and a multi-layered plot. It takes some serious writing skill to pull this story off, Tessa Gratton accomplishes this with ease.

All of the characters are interesting in their own right, with complex personalities, shaped by events to a degree. The portrayal of the archetypal wicked stepmother, even down to the biblical nickname that Nicholas gave her, added an air of humour to the prose, lightening the mood in places and providing an alternative villain to keep you guessing.  Red herrings and misdirection abound, I found myself constantly double guessing myself and covering all the bases lol. The tiny illustrations on the pages take on a whole new meaning as the story unfolds.

The introduction of diary extracts and later letters containing details of the past and circumstances that have culminated in the present situation. Differentiated by italic and font, not only do they draw the eye but they really add depth and understanding to the plot.

The writing style is opulently descriptive encompassing all the senses (not good for me when there is blood involved *faints*). I especially liked the description/analogue of emotions being like masks defined by their colour, shape and decoration. Something we can all probably relate to - wearing a mask to cover our emotions - at some time or another.

I found myself sniggering at the use of NARKOTIKA as the name of a band featured in the story. How totally brilliant is that. Alongside the literary/theatre references the round out the plot beautifully.

As the story progressed I found myself wondering at the amount of power that can be tapped into, would it corrupt them. You have to have a certain amount of inner strength to resist the temptation of eternal life. Silla and Nicholas support each other, the chemistry between almost set the book on fire [ : D ] yet you have the feeling that the connection goes beyond that. I have to admit that as I was reading Einstein's theory of relativity kept crossing my mind - for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction - for life there has to be death.

Although I did enjoy the book, there was a large amount of descriptions about blood *shudders* and I have to say I did not like one really significant part of the book, it made me too sad even though the portrayal and reasoning was impeccable. This book really is something different; I recommend you read it for yourself and not be a pansy about blood like me [ : D ]

Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy
Series: Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
Publication Date: 6 Jan 2011

Source: Borrowed from my lovely friend Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell And Purgatory 



Synopsis: From Amazon
When your world is paranormal, be glad that you’re human…
Sixteen-year-old Evie has always taken comfort in the fact that she is normal, even though her best friend is a mermaid and her ex-boyfriend is a lunatic – and a faery.
In a world where paranormals are monitored and controlled, Evie works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency because of her unique ability to see through glamours. But someone – or something – starts killing vampires, werewolves and other paranormals, and Evie must figure out what’s happening before they all disappear.
Then a shapeshifter named Lend breaks into the agency, and Evie is irresistibly drawn to him, even though he makes her aware that the IPCA is not as noble as she once thought. With everything Evie believes suddenly called into question, the IPCA is attacked and she must choose who she can really trust.
And when Evie discovers she’s part of a faerie prophecy of death and destruction… so much for normal.

Review:
Written in first person narrative from Evie's perspective. At 16, Evie has spent most of her life living in the International Paranormal Containment Agency due to her special ability to see through supernatural 'glamours', her childhood is a mystery. Where did she come from and how does she have this special ability? This mystery is entwined seamlessly with the action.

Evie had a wonderfully sarcastic voice and snarky attitude that I adored and could relate to. Sarcasm is my thing remember [ ; ) ] The way in which she stamped her personality on everything gave her such a solid presence within the imagination. I particularly liked that she had a pink taser embellished with diamante that she even named 'tasey'. This femininity was well balanced with her ability to kick some serious paranormal butt.

The contrast with Evie's 'normal' teenage activities like watching TV dramas about high school and colourful fashion sense made me realise just how young and isolated she really was. Her enthusiasm for lockers made me giggle. The introduction of Lend enhanced Evie's personality perfectly (or as I like to call him Water Boy and I would like one please). The characterisations and imagery were spectacular, each character had such an individual voice that is truly unique and refreshing. The references to The Little Mermaid had me snickering to myself.

What really stood out for me in the narrative was how image and action can create a false impression. It was difficult to tell who was good and who was bad, or if there were truly two separate factions. Not everything is black and white only varying shades of grey. Got you thinking now haven't I [ : D ] The depiction of faeries in particular provided a fresh appreciation into the wonderful world of the Fae.

I still can't believe this was a debut novel. I can sum it up in one word and this time I will refrain from using awesome - STUNNING. Please let me have the sequel *begs, grovels, bribes*

Review: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Title: Eyes Like Stars
Series: Theatre Illuminata
Authour: Lisa Manrchev
Publisher: Square Fish (Macmillan)
Publication Date: 13 April 2010

Source: Library



Synopsis: From GoodReads
All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She is not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but has no lines of her own.
Until now.
Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the characters of every place ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.

Review:
Wow did I completely adore this book. I felt as if I was bathing in a fountain of literary knowledge aiding my quest for education via osmosis.

The 3rd person narrative provides a means of tying all of the characters together and keeping the thread of the plot under tight control. The literary characters are further developed outside of their respective stories, giving them a wonderful roundness while creating a 'modern' persona. Applying both prose and play format added depth to the plot especially with the use of stage directions within the narrative. This blending of different styles of writing also proved to be visually dynamic on the page.

The imagery was so detailed it burst to vivid life within my imagination. I especially liked the 'thinking caps' and could really do with one myself [ : D]

Mainly focalized from Bertie's point of view. She is very creative, the mystery surrounding her appearance at the Theatre is a hinging point of the plot. Via the narrative you have the feeling of wanting to protect her. It must be my mothering instinct kicking in.

The magic of the Theatre is revealed slowly along with Bertie's part in it, beautifully intertwined with mystery. As you may already know I really want to dye my hair purple well after reading this I want it even more [ ; ) ]

This book has it all a fantastic love triangle (give me the bad boy - I was completely drawn to Ariel for me he was the Shakespearean equivalent to Damon in The Vampire Diaries), magic, mystery and romance blended seamlessly to create a wonderful piece of escapism. For me this equals win plus win.

I am desperate to read the sequel Perchance to Dream but the library is having a problem obtaining it *sniff, sniff*

Review: Stork by Wendy Delsol

Title: Stork
Author: Wendy Delsol
Series: Stork Trilogy
Publisher: Candlewick
Publication Date: 12th October 2010

Thanks to International Book Tours for letting me read this book



Synopsis: From Goodreads
Sixteen-year-old Katla has just moved from Los Angeles to the sticks of Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, she learns to her horror that she’s a member of an ancient order of women who decide to whom certain babies will be born. Add to that Wade, the arrogant football star whom Katla regrettably fooled around with, and Jack, a gorgeous farm boy who initially seems to hate her. Soon Katla is having freaky dreams about a crying infant and learns that, as children, she and Jack shared a near-fatal, possibly mystical experience. Can Katla survive this major life makeover and find a dress for the homecoming dance? Drawing from Norse mythology and inspired by The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, debut author Wendy Delsol conceives an irreverent, highly entertaining novel about embracing change and the (baby) bumps along the way.

Review:
Lovely fresh idea interwoven with stunning Nors mythology. Although the outline to the mythological stories are given, it does help to have a basic knowledge of these stories to add depth to the plot.

Told in first person narrative from Katla perspective. I thought she started off being a bit of a 'brat' but as the story unfolds we gain perspective as to why she is behaving in such a manner. Her characters really does develop right through the plot, gaining self knowledge and respect for the past while taking things in her stride. Portrayed as visually dramatic with her almost white blond hair, she is striking within the imagination.

Richly descriptive right from the very beginning; if a book can make you literally scratch your head within the first pages, you start to wonder where it is going to take you from there.

I adored the writing style, it is exactly the sort of thing that goes on in my head, especially the wonderful use of metaphors. Random plot threads are placed throughout, to be picked out and added together. Family and friendship dynamics from the past intertwined with those of the present added another layer to the plot. I found that as I was thinking a question regarding the plot, it would not be much further into the narrative that I found the answer, terrific for impatient, questioning minds like mine.

All the characters were well-rounded, separate individual personalities that complement each other beautifully. Balancing the plot and adding depth/dimension.

A terrific modern fairytale. I am so glad it is a trilogy.

Review: The Demon's Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan

Synopsis: From Amazon
Mae Crawford always thought she was in control. Now she's learned that her little brother Jamie is a magician and Nick, the boy she'd set her heart on, has an even darker secret. Mae's whole world has spun out of control, and it's only going to get worse. When she realises that Jamie has been meeting secretly with the new leader of the Obsidian Circle and that Gerald wants him to join the magicians, she's not sure how to stop Jamie doing just that. Calling in Nick and Alan as reinforcements only leads to a more desperate conflict because Gerald has a plan to bring Nick down - by using Alan to spring a deadly trap. With those around her torn between divided loyalties and Mae herself torn between her feelings for two very different boys, she sees a chance to save them all - but it means approaching the mysterious and dangerous Goblin Market alone...

Review:
Wow, I have to say although I enjoyed The Demons Lexicon (click link for review) the sequel takes it one step further and really, really ups the game.

Whereas The Demons Lexicon developed the action, set the stage for the plot with some terrific twist and turns. The Demons Covenant concentrates on developing the characters while continuing the action. Focalised this time from Mae's point of view we pick up the story a few weeks after the surprise ending of The Demons Lexicon.

Mae tries to resume a 'normal' life after witnessing the existence of magic, demons and a whole other subculture existing at the fringes of everyday life. Mae soon realises that she cannot forget what she has learned of the magical world, nor does she want to. Irresistibly draw to the Goblin Market and the life of a dancer. That I feel is her magic, the way in which she dances. Following the pursuit of her brother, Jamie, by the Obsidian Circle, Nick and Alan are reintroduced to the story. However, things are not as we left them between the brothers.

The introduction of Daniel Ryves diary with its first person narrative added depth and substance to the back story along with the insight into the bond shared by Alan and Nick. Allowing a deeper understanding of both their characters and interactions. As with The Demons Lexicon appearances can be deceptive, who is the real monster someone who intentionally deceives people or someone who is true to his friends and never lies. I have to say I like literary bad boys, Nick's demonic charm has won me over.

I adored how both Mae and Jamie seemed to gain a inner strength from their trials and tribulations. A personal epiphany of sorts. I had never really considered Jamie's sexuality previously it was just a part of his personality. His campness is a shield he uses to protect himself from attack for his homosexuality, yet he is completely comfortable with who he is, good to the core you could say and this endears people to him. His polar opposite, Seb, denies who he is, bullying Jamie as a release for his own frustration as he battles with his own sexuality. The use of relationships and how they can be manipulated gave a greater perception into the interactions of all the characters, giving the plot multi-layers. 

There were some really surprising twists and turns within the plot that had me whisking through the pages on a quest for fulfillment. I was not disappointed.

In conclusion, this sequel is AWESOME, taking the story to another level. Adding to it, making better, the characters more rounded and easy to relate to; a realistic and an action packed paging turning plot. In other words Sarah Rees Brennan you have gained another fangirl : D

Review: The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

Synopsis:
Nick and his brother Alan are on the run with their mother, who was once the lover of a powerful magician. When she left him, she stole an important charm - and he will stop at nothing to reclaim it. Now Alan has been marked with the sign of death by the magician's demon, and only Nick can save him. But to do so he must face those he has fled from all his life - the magicians - and kill them. So the hunted becomes the hunter...but in saving his brother, Nick discovers something that will unravel his whole past...





Review:
OK so I thought after reading about Guardian Angels I would go to the opposite end of the spectrum and read about demons...lol.

Written in 3rd person narrative but has the feeling of a first person narrative as it is mainly focalized from Nick's point of view.

Really interesting and well developed plot. Clever plot teasers are placed throughout the story, although there is a major plot twist it does not come as a complete shock, all the indicators are there for you to pick up on.

Fabulous Gothic imagery entwined with modern appliances/architecture. Very easy to have the movie version playing in your imagination while you read this. The snake imagery at the beginning made me cringe (how I hate snakes!). The description of the shadows brought to mind those in Fallen.

I found it rather a strange coincidence that this book as well as Heavenly both state the evils of alcohol and how due to the lowering of inhibitions it is easier for evil to take hold and consume. The idea of being branded for demon possession is truly frightening, I did find it hard to believe that anyone would be stupid enough to let a demon into their bedroom in the middle of the night. The saying 'nothing is what it seems' kept running through my mind.

The theme of nature versus nurture throughout the plot is similar to that running through Beastly but this takes it to a whole new dimension. The ending was surprisingly touching and tender.
An action packed debut novel for urban fantasy fans. I think Sarah Rees Brennan is one to look out for in the future ;)