26 December 2016
23 December 2016
Review 25. Say Her Name by James Dawson [Twelve Days of Reviews]
Author: James Dawson
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Published: June 5th 2014
Pages: 287 pages
"Roberta 'Bobbie' Rowe
is not the kind of person who believes in ghosts. A Halloween dare at
her ridiculously spooky boarding school is no big deal, especially when
her best friend Naya and cute local boy Caine agree to join in too. They
are ordered to summon the legendary ghost of 'Bloody Mary': say her
name five times in front of a candlelit mirror, and she shall appear...
But, surprise surprise, nothing happens. Or does it?
Next morning, Bobbie finds a message on her bathroom mirror... five days... but what does it mean? And who left it there? Things get increasingly weird and more terrifying for Bobbie and Naya, until it becomes all too clear that Bloody Mary was indeed called from the afterlife that night, and she is definitely not a friendly ghost. Bobbie, Naya and Caine are now in a race against time before their five days are up and Mary comes for them, as she has come for countless others before... A truly spine-chilling yet witty horror from shortlisted 'Queen of Teen' author James Dawson."
Next morning, Bobbie finds a message on her bathroom mirror... five days... but what does it mean? And who left it there? Things get increasingly weird and more terrifying for Bobbie and Naya, until it becomes all too clear that Bloody Mary was indeed called from the afterlife that night, and she is definitely not a friendly ghost. Bobbie, Naya and Caine are now in a race against time before their five days are up and Mary comes for them, as she has come for countless others before... A truly spine-chilling yet witty horror from shortlisted 'Queen of Teen' author James Dawson."
Dear James Dawson,
I love horror, but finding good horror stories is very difficult. Thank you for writing Say Her Name because it had everything a horror story needs to make the heart beat faster. If I already was terrified of Bloody Mary, I now do my best to avoid every mirror.
Writing: You know a horror story is well-written when you find yourself thinking you hear drip-drop coming from your own bathroom. Of course, you then realize you forgot to turn off the water because your cats like drinking from weird places. Nonetheless, the goosebumps were real and I wasn't very happy about leaving my bedroom to turn off the water.
“Bobbie wondered if that's how long you truly live for - until the last
person who remembers you, until the final bouquet on your grave.”
I think the writing was what I loved the most about this horror story. The words are so well-woven that they bring the fear to the surface -and also those emotions that make you want to crawl into your bed and hide under the blankets.
Characters: I can't say I loved the characters. Not only they just aren't that memorable but also I didn't connect with them (okay, maybe our fear connected us, but that's all). Besides there were just too many clichés in Pipper Hall -the mean girl(s), the I'm-too-plain-and-shy-to-be-noticed-by-a-boy main character, the pretty best friend that overshadows everyone with her looks...The characters were all clichés in my opinion.
Oh, and the relationship between Bobbie and Caine felt a bit forced -but maybe when you have a bloodthirsty ghost after your, your emotions are all over the place and it's easier to create a romantic bond. But not really something I'd like to experience (I mean, who would like to have Bloody Mary after them?). But if you can overcome all these clichés, as I did, you can enjoy this spooky story where you never know when Bloody Mary is going to show up and creep you out.
Oh, and the relationship between Bobbie and Caine felt a bit forced -but maybe when you have a bloodthirsty ghost after your, your emotions are all over the place and it's easier to create a romantic bond. But not really something I'd like to experience (I mean, who would like to have Bloody Mary after them?). But if you can overcome all these clichés, as I did, you can enjoy this spooky story where you never know when Bloody Mary is going to show up and creep you out.
Worldbuilding: As it's obvious, Say Her Name is based on the urban legend Bloody Mary. If you've never heard about this urban myth then you should watch season one of Supernatural (can't remember the episode's number), but there is a huge number of other sources you can find online. That said, I enjoyed how the author chose this urban legend and gave it a twist of his own. Mary was a Piper Hall student that suddenly vanishes and slowly her story is revealed. I really liked how alike and different Dawson's story was from the original.
If you love a good horror story, Say Her Name is a must.
If you love a good horror story, Say Her Name is a must.
22 December 2016
Review 24. Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo [Twelve Days of Reviews]
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Published: September 20th 2016
Pages: 546 pages
"When you can’t beat the odds, change the game.
Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world."
Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world."
Once again, dear Leigh Bardugo,
Thank you for creating such a beautifully-dark world. The Six of Crows duology will always be one of my favourite readings. All its twists and devious schemes and heartbreaking moments will stick with me forever. Ps. Can I've a Kaz Brekker under my Christmas tree? 😋
Plot: The story starts right off where Six of Crows ended. Kaz and his crew are trying to find a way of getting Inej back from Jan Van Eck's claws without having to give him the secret of jurda parem, a dangerous drug that enhances Grishas´powers. And, of course, they are also trying to receive the reward they were promised for breaking in -and out- the Ice Court, a heist told impossible. And, because nothing comes easy to these outcasts, there is a price on their heads and everyone -every nation- is after them. As in the first book, the development of the plot is intricate and the story is full of twists and action-packed. There isn't a slow moment and there are so many twists that make your jaw drop -or bring tears to your eyes (how could you, Bardugo? How could you?!).
Writing: If you read my Shadow and Bone review, you know I think Leigh Bardugo's writing has evolved since her debut novel. And, Crooked Kingdom just proves that. The quality in the Six of Crows duology is higher than in the first book of the Grisha series; you almost can't believe they were both written by the same person. In Crooked Kingdom the writing is very fluid, there is attention to every little detail and the characters are very well-developed.
Following different POV's can always be complicated, but Bardugo does is so perfectly that there is no way you can mix up a character to another. Every character -Kaz, Inej, Nina, Matthias, Jesper and Wylan (yes, there were chapters in Wyllan's POV this time)- has their own and unique voice.
Characters: What more can I say about the characters that I hadn't said before? Kaz is still vicious and keeps plotting. His cunning mind never stops and he's always a step ahead everyone else. Inej is still the perfect Wraith. I still admire her strength and her faith. And, yes, I currently ship Kaz and Inej a lot more than I already did.
Nina, even though she is fighting the effects of taking jurda parem, is the same old same Grisha who loves chocolate cookies and Matthias. And, Matthias is still a soldier at heart, but because of Nina's love has started to understand that not everything is white and black. Jesper is still facing his gambling problems along with Kaz's (kind of ) indifference. But he has Wylan, who we finally get to know a little bit more. He's so much more than a merchling.
Worldbuilding: Leigh Bardugo knows how to craft a perfect world. I loved Ketterdam and it will be difficult to say goodbye to its streets full of secrets and dark corners. I guess all I can add is that the worldbuilding is perfectly-flawless.
There is only one word to describe the Six of Crows duology: a masterpiece!
Thank you for creating such a beautifully-dark world. The Six of Crows duology will always be one of my favourite readings. All its twists and devious schemes and heartbreaking moments will stick with me forever. Ps. Can I've a Kaz Brekker under my Christmas tree? 😋
Plot: The story starts right off where Six of Crows ended. Kaz and his crew are trying to find a way of getting Inej back from Jan Van Eck's claws without having to give him the secret of jurda parem, a dangerous drug that enhances Grishas´powers. And, of course, they are also trying to receive the reward they were promised for breaking in -and out- the Ice Court, a heist told impossible. And, because nothing comes easy to these outcasts, there is a price on their heads and everyone -every nation- is after them. As in the first book, the development of the plot is intricate and the story is full of twists and action-packed. There isn't a slow moment and there are so many twists that make your jaw drop -or bring tears to your eyes (how could you, Bardugo? How could you?!).
Writing: If you read my Shadow and Bone review, you know I think Leigh Bardugo's writing has evolved since her debut novel. And, Crooked Kingdom just proves that. The quality in the Six of Crows duology is higher than in the first book of the Grisha series; you almost can't believe they were both written by the same person. In Crooked Kingdom the writing is very fluid, there is attention to every little detail and the characters are very well-developed.
“Fear is a phoenix. You can watch it burn a thousand times and still it will return.”
Following different POV's can always be complicated, but Bardugo does is so perfectly that there is no way you can mix up a character to another. Every character -Kaz, Inej, Nina, Matthias, Jesper and Wylan (yes, there were chapters in Wyllan's POV this time)- has their own and unique voice.
Characters: What more can I say about the characters that I hadn't said before? Kaz is still vicious and keeps plotting. His cunning mind never stops and he's always a step ahead everyone else. Inej is still the perfect Wraith. I still admire her strength and her faith. And, yes, I currently ship Kaz and Inej a lot more than I already did.
“I would have come for you. And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you,
and no matter how broken we were, we'd fight our way out together-knives
drawn, pistols blazing. Because that's what we do. We never stop
fighting.”
Nina, even though she is fighting the effects of taking jurda parem, is the same old same Grisha who loves chocolate cookies and Matthias. And, Matthias is still a soldier at heart, but because of Nina's love has started to understand that not everything is white and black. Jesper is still facing his gambling problems along with Kaz's (kind of ) indifference. But he has Wylan, who we finally get to know a little bit more. He's so much more than a merchling.
Worldbuilding: Leigh Bardugo knows how to craft a perfect world. I loved Ketterdam and it will be difficult to say goodbye to its streets full of secrets and dark corners. I guess all I can add is that the worldbuilding is perfectly-flawless.
There is only one word to describe the Six of Crows duology: a masterpiece!
21 December 2016
Waiting on Wednesday. Dawn Study
"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week on WoW is Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder. I don't think I've to explain the reason why I'm impatiently waiting for this book. By now, I already explained in a thousand different ways how much I love Yelena and Valek and their adventures and the world of Ixia and Sitia. Seeing the series concluding will be very bittersweet, but I can always go back to this fantasy world. The book will be
released on January 31st 2017. Ps: *GIVEAWAY ALERT* I'm currently hosting a Twelve Days of Reviews. Clink in the link to participate.
"New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder brings her Poison Study series to its exhilarating conclusion.
Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond and a family that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia.
Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal.
With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything."
From Goodreads
17 December 2016
Review 23. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [Twelve Days of Reviews]
Author: F.Scott Fitzgerald
Publisher: Simon & Schuster - Scribner
Published: October 1th 2012 (first published in April 10th 1925)
Pages: 180 pages
"THE GREAT GATSBY,
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s third book, stands as the supreme achievement of
his career. This exemplary novel of the Jazz Age has been acclaimed by
generations of readers. The story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby
and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long
Island at a time when The New York Times noted “gin was the national
drink and sex the national obsession,” it is an exquisitely crafted tale
of America in the 1920s. The Great Gatsby is one of the great classics of twentieth-century literature.
"
Dear Fitzgerald,
When I first read your masterpiece, I hated it. I really hated it with all my heart! I did not appreciate it as I should have and I feel bad for it. The Great Gatsby is one of the most beautifully-woven novels I ever read -everything is crafted carefully in this book. I apologize to you, Fitzgerald, because now that I re-read your outstanding novel, I can see all its allure and enticement.
Writing: I'll probably sound very corny, but Fitzgerald writing is magical (I just had to read this novel a second time to realize it). Everything seems what it's and what it isn't. Do you understand? I mean, the green light is not just the green light. The eyes of T.J. Eckleburg are not just the eyes of a forgotten add. East Egg and West Egg are more than a geographical representation of where the characters live. Everything is crated to the detail (not a single thread is forgotten) and that is why the writing is so perfect.
Characters: What a bunch of mean characters... Daisy is not as innocent as she wants everyone to believe she is. Tom is racist and has no problems cheating on his wife. Jordan didn't achieve her victories fairly. And, Gatsby is not the person he wants everyone to believe he is. However, from this set of characters (not counting with Nick, of course), Gatsby
ends up being the most noble of them. Why? Everything he did was to achieve
his dream, being with Daisy. He had no malice in him, he simply wanted Daisy and the "love" they once share. Maybe he should have followed another path to find a way to be
with her. However, Daisy only had one care in the world and that was not to
love and be loved in return.
Nick, who is the narrator/observer of the story, is the only person who has nothing to hide. What you see is what you get. Nick went to West Egg looking for a new life; a life away from his family and away from the West (where, to him, nothing happened). Of course, Nick got a lot more than he bargained for, realizing that maybe his place was not in the middle of people so vicious and unscrupulous. By the end, he is the only one who learns something from the events in The Great Gatsby because he sees what's behind the masks everyone wears.
Worldbuilding: I don't think any other book depicts the Jazz Age as well as The Great Gatsby. There are the crazy late night parties; you can see how important it was to people to own a car; the flapper girls are represented... It shows the good and the bad of a new world that was built after the First World War. It's a world of lights and music and glamour - but also of lies. If you want to know the crazy twenties, this is the book for you.
Nick, who is the narrator/observer of the story, is the only person who has nothing to hide. What you see is what you get. Nick went to West Egg looking for a new life; a life away from his family and away from the West (where, to him, nothing happened). Of course, Nick got a lot more than he bargained for, realizing that maybe his place was not in the middle of people so vicious and unscrupulous. By the end, he is the only one who learns something from the events in The Great Gatsby because he sees what's behind the masks everyone wears.
Worldbuilding: I don't think any other book depicts the Jazz Age as well as The Great Gatsby. There are the crazy late night parties; you can see how important it was to people to own a car; the flapper girls are represented... It shows the good and the bad of a new world that was built after the First World War. It's a world of lights and music and glamour - but also of lies. If you want to know the crazy twenties, this is the book for you.
13 December 2016
TTT. 2017 Books I Can't Wait For
 |
| Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish |
This week on Top Ten Tuesday is top ten books you're looking forward to for the first half of 2017. Because I'm currently short on time and I've not yet created my book releases calender for 2017 (which means I don't know which books will be released on the first half of the year), I've decided that it's easier to show you the ten books I can't wait for to be released in 2017. Here are they:
Hunted, Meagan Spooner. I love retellings (as you all are tired to know by now), but Beauty and the Beast
retellings hold a special place in my heart. Because of such, I can't
wait to put my hands on this novel which has been written by the
co-writer of one of my favourite series, Starbound.
Always and Forever, Lara Jean, Jenny Han. I started reading contemporaries because of To All The Boys I've Loved Before. So, I couldn't be more excited when Always and Forever, Lara Jean was announced. However, I'm terrified of the future of Lara Jean and Peter (please, don't break them up, Jenny). Because, let's face it, high school relationships don't last forever and the tittle kinda suggests a break up... Am I the only one who fears this?
A Crown of Wishes, Roshani Chokshi. The Star-Touched Queen was one of a my favourite readings of this year. The world created by Roshani Chokshi was mythical and enchanting and I can't wait to reconnect with it. You can read the first chapter here.
Always and Forever, Lara Jean, Jenny Han. I started reading contemporaries because of To All The Boys I've Loved Before. So, I couldn't be more excited when Always and Forever, Lara Jean was announced. However, I'm terrified of the future of Lara Jean and Peter (please, don't break them up, Jenny). Because, let's face it, high school relationships don't last forever and the tittle kinda suggests a break up... Am I the only one who fears this?
A Crown of Wishes, Roshani Chokshi. The Star-Touched Queen was one of a my favourite readings of this year. The world created by Roshani Chokshi was mythical and enchanting and I can't wait to reconnect with it. You can read the first chapter here.
Empress of a Thousand Skies, Rhoda Belleza. The genre sci-fi/fantasy has been growing on me eand the Starbound trilogy just made me love the genre a lot more. So, when I read the summary of this one, I just added it right way to my wishlist. And, the cover is beautiful. *.*
Sillence Fallen, Patricia Briggs. I've not yet read Fire Touched, but it's Patricia Briggs. I'm going to love it (Patricia Briggs never disappoints) and I'll keep following the series.
Caraval, Stephanie Garber. Apart from the Hunted ARCs that have been sent to some bloggers, this is the other ARC that is making me jealous. Why can't I read it now too?! Games of love, heartbreak, and magic? I want to read it too!
Leigh Bardugo's new Duology. I don't know it the first book of this new duology will be released in 2017, but my fingers are crossed. I'll still have books from her to read, but I currently addicted to Leigh Bardugo and I need my fix. =P
The Wish Granter, C.J. Redwine. I read The Shadow Queen this summer and it was a nice Snow White retelling. C.J. Redwine created an alluring and harsh world and I must say that I can't wait to read this one that is inspired by Rumplestiltskin. It may not be a sequel, but is set in the same world.
Beast: A Tale of Love and Revenge, Lisa Jensen. This is another Beauty and the Beast retelling. Of course, it had to make my list. Now, can the cover be released?
Dawn Study, Maria V. Snyder. Last, but not least. Did you really think Dawn Study wouldn't make this list? I love Yelena and Valek and their adventures too much to forget about them. I need to know how everything ends - but does it really need to end?
Which books can't you wait for to be released in 2017?
Review 22. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo [Twelve Days of Reviews]
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Published: June 5th 2012
Pages: 358 pages
"Surrounded by enemies,
the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a
swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on
human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely
refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart."
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart."
Dear Leigh Bardugo,
I met you for the first time this year and you just became one of my favourite writers. I felt ashamed of not having read your beautiful stories before. After reading Six of Crows, I plunged into the Grisha world and I fell in love with it. Shadow and Bone is the beginning of Alina's adventures and can't wait to know how her story ends.
Writing: Maybe I shouldn't be comparing the writing style, but I can't avoid it. I read Six of Crows back in January (I know, I always do everything backwards) and I confess it took me sometime to go through the pages of Shadow and Bone because the writing was not as fluid as in Six of Crows. But it's a good thing, right? Because Leigh Bardugo's writing evolved a lot since her debut novel.
Characters: I may have had a love-hate relationship with Alina. Why? Sometimes she was strong and not afraid of speaking her mind, but sometimes she acted as a damsel in distress for no reason whatsoever (I understand she had jut learned she was Grisha, but she was a powerful Grisha that could kick ass without anyone's help). Sometimes Alina was able to see what was right in front of her, but then she doubted herself (and this is probably what annoyed me the most). But, at the end, Alina was relatable. Her little imperfections (such as, the dark circles under her eyes) and her search to find a where she belongs, made Alina a lot more real to me.
“I'm sorry it took me so long to see you, Alina. But I see you now.”
Now, about the love interests ([LOVE TRIANGLE ALERT] yes, sadly there is a love triangle, but by the ending of the story I felt the triangle came to a closure and maybe, just maybe, it will be over by the next novel). The Darkling, the most powerful Grisha, was very mysterious and it was never easy to understand what his intentions were. One moment he was viciously murdering someone, but then all of the sudden he was all soft words and kind smiles. Mal was Alina´s best friend. They met in the orphanage and then they joined the Second Army (allof this made their friendship a lot more credible). He was loyal and would do anything for her - but now that I think of it, the Darkling would also go through hell to protect Alina; but both of them had very different reasons to do so...
Worldbuilding: I loved the world created by Bardugo, but I must say I felt disappointed when I finished reading the final page. I wanted to know more about Ravka (Six of Crows mentions Ravka, but it's a lot more about Ketterdam and the Ice Court). Apart from the Little Palace and the Shadow Fold there wasn't much more worldbuiling. Hopefully, the following sequels will weave this a world to a little more detail because I felt there were so many possibilities and I got stuck between a court intrigues and a terrifying and full of secrets dark sea.
PS: The killing of the stag was very heartbreaking. I'd rather a thousand humans to die than the poor innocent stag. Can it now happen again, Leigh Bardugo?
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