Review: The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges

Title: The Gathering Storm

Series: The Katerina Trilogy

Author: Robin Bridges

Publisher: Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers USA

Publication Date: 10 Jan 2012
Source: Netgalley

Challenge: DAB

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?

REVIEW

I am not going to profess to be a expert in Eastern European History because I am not. In fact, I probably haven't got a clue so I am the wrong person to comment on the historical accuracy of this novel. I will say I was intrigued by the premise of combining a historical fiction with a paranormal. For me it worked beautifully.

The descriptions were deliciously vivid and sensuous. All aspects were covered and woven into the narrative drawing me into the world of Russia 1888 and Katerina's life. From the clothes, the weather and the buildings each was described in delectable detail without over-powering the actual plot but enhancing and progressing the imagery beautifully.

The initial scene in the book focuses on a seance setting the atmosphere of tension and drama from the outset. The contrast between superstition, spiritualism and the introduction of modern medical practices was poignantly portrayed and still relevant today in some respects.

Katerina's frustration at not being allowed an education at a medical institute was understandable. Old ideals being threatened by modern times and archaic men in power holding tightly to the past rather than embracing a better future.There were a few medical references that I did wonder if they would have been widely known at that time but again I didn't read this book for its historical/medical accuracy.

The weaving of Russian history and its affiliation with the occult was really interesting adding depth to the plot. The use of classical music references, alongside the theater/ballet productions aided the overall immersion into the time period portrayed. The contrast of the opulence of the rich contrasted starkly with the abject poverty on the streets.

About half way into the book I found myself wondering if the story was trying to be too many things, shortly after that point something just clicked together making it all work. I feel as if this book has set the groundwork on which the rest of the trilogy can be based.

Katerina's inner battle to accept who she really is, in all respects and to embrace her destiny in a time when women were only seen as enhancements of their husbands power was powerfully demonstrated. I did find Katerina slightly frustrating with her relationships. The chemistry between Katerina and George ignited from the start, however, Katerina completely mis-interperates his behavior leading to certain situations that could have been easily  avoided.  The saying that together they are stronger is most definitely applicable to Katerina and George.

A really intriguing start to a trilogy with a truly individual story-line. I hope this one gets picked up in the UK so I can read the rest of the trilogy. If you are looking for something completely different then this is the book for you.

Tantalising Trailers: Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk by Curtis Jobling

Title: Shadow of the Hawk

Series: Wereworld

Author: Curtis Jobling

Publisher: Puffin

Publication Date: 5 Jan 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

DREW FERRAN, THE RIGHTFUL KING OF WESTLAND, IS TRAPPED. 

Enslaved by the Goatlord Kesslar, young werewolf Drew finds himself on the volcanic isle of Scoria, forced to fight in the arena for the Lizardlords. With the help of an unlikely ally, he must find a way to break free - but who has ever managed to escape?

Meanwhile, Hector the Wereboar flees the forces of the Catlords. Now on board the pirate ship Maelstrom, the enemy's net is closing in. Haunted by the spirits of the dead, Hector is soon left wondering who the true enemy is . . .

I loved the first book in the series (review HERE)   

Book Break-Ups: Unleashed by Nancy Holder

Title: Unleashed
Series: Wolf Spring Chronicles
Author: Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
Publisher: Doubleday Children's
Publication Date: 8 Dec 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

Katelyn McBride’s life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It’s a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.

Broken families, ageless grudges, forced alliances, and love that blooms in the darkest night—welcome to Wolf Springs.

REVIEW

I am having such a hard time writing this review because I really had issues with it. The premise sounded brilliant but for me it didn't translate within the narrative.

Although I felt sympathy for the main character, Katelyn, for the loss of her mother I felt that there was more of a background story surrounding her death than was stated but this was never developed. Katelyn morphs into Kat when she moves in with her Grandfather, trying to build a new life to accompany the new town. I found her emotions/reactions and character in general to be inconsistent. Thinking about it now it was the inconsistencies with the characters that frustrated me the most about this book not only with Kat but with ALL the characters. I found myself wondering about their change in actions/attitude as it didn't seem to fit in with how they were portrayed earlier within the story.

There are a number of plot threads hinted at within the narrative, only one was really pursued while the others were like constant static noise in the background. It made me feel as if there was no true direction and that the plot had been left wide open to go off at any angle it chooses to in the future. I am all for plot twists but did feel that this story needed less possibilities or more answers.

On a positive note the writing is beautifully descriptive, the tension and atmosphere are well portrayed. However, it do not think it will be enough for me to continue with this particular series.

Thanks to Carla of The Crooked Shelf for the use of Book Break-Ups

MG Monday: Review: Monster High by Lisi Harrison

Title: Monster High

Series: Monster High

Author: Lisi Harrison

Publisher: Atom

Publication Date: 2 Sep 2010

Synopsis: From Amazon

The monster community has kept a low profile at the local high school, but when two new girls enroll, the town will never be the same. Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and prom.

But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters stalking the halls, Frankie learns that high school can be rough for a chic freak like her. She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver-but can a "normie" be trusted with her big secret?

REVIEW:

Can I just start by saying this is such a fun take on the teen struggle for acceptance versus individuality. Written in third person narrative, as there are a lot of threads to keep under control and it makes it easier to differentiate the different personalities, but focalized from two different characters perspectives.

On one hand you have Frankie - a totally different take on the Frankenstein myth. Created out of love instead of in a quest for power. Frankie is a wonderful character to imagine. Thanks to her parents programming she is confident and always looks for the best in everything/everyone. Her crazy fashion sense and 'girly' ways make her so likable. Although she does have one heck of a stubborn streak, very head strong.

Melody - on the other hand - is the opposite to Frankie in that she doesn't feel as if she its in anywhere, especially her own family. Constantly over-shadowed by her attention obsessed sister, I really felt for Melody. Although I do wonder if the family really are 'normies', the classification given to humans by the 'other' species or RADS.

Images of an exclusive and wealthy community were re-enforced with the designer references. Again adding to the idea that there is more to Melody's family than meets the eye, or they wouldn't be allowed into this community/school.

'RAD's' is an interesting concept, the characters have all the normal teen issues with the knowledge that they are different yet still have to fit in, make friends, etc an unusual way of showing that people not just teens have to conform. Anything slightly different is not tolerates or accepted. Something that makes me very sad and a struggle that most teens endure on a daily basis.

A really amusing take on the 'classic' monster mythology. Clues to the 'monsters' true identities are sprinkled into the narrative to keep you guessing.

As I stated at the beginning this really is a fun read but I do feel it had an important message woven into the storyline - the real 'monsters' in today's society are intolerance and prejudice against anything that doesn't conform. I am looking forward to reading the next book especially to see if my suspicions about Melody's family are confirmed.

Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Synopsis:
Grace is fascinated by the wolves in the woods behind her house; one yellow-eyed wolf in particular. Every winter, she watches him but every summer, he disappears. Sam leads two lives. In winter, he stays in the frozen woods, with the protection of the pack. In summer, he has a few precious months to be human ...until the cold makes him shift back again. When Grace and Sam finally meet, they realize they can't bear to be apart. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human - or risk losing himself, and Grace, for ever.





Review:
Oh My Gosh, I am afraid I am going to gush again. This book was just so AWESOME. I have read a few books since finishing this one and I can still remember it and how it made me feel. AWESOME!
OK, now to try to explain succinctly why I loved this book so much.

Firstly it is written in first person narrative with alternating perspectives of the male and female protagonists. Allowing the reader  to see both viewpoints working together seamlessly. The characters draw you in from the very first page. The only person I really did not like was Olivia and even that was resolved at the end of the book.

The writing is both touching and humorous. My heart ached for Sam, I just wanted to keep him warm. As his character develops you really get a sense of how he became the person he is. Dealing with a myriad of awful events from a really young age, and over analyzing his every move. Just thinking about the story still sets my heart aching.

The descriptions of the seasons was beautiful and the way in which people look can be compared to seasons was ingenious. I think I would be an autumn as I have red hair (although it is not my natural colour) but with greeny/blue eyes.

What season would you be and why?


All  the characters are well developed, lots of background information is given throughout the story so you are not left pondering the intricacies of the plot. You can just lose yourself completely in the imagery and details.

I hope I have made a clear point as to why I love this book and am keeping it on my bookshelf. A most highly recommended paranormal romance. I can't wait for the sequel Linger.
Just to give you added excitement it is going to be made into a movie.