Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Series: The Grisha Trilogy #1
Publisher: Henry Hold and Co.
Publishing Date: June 5th, 2012
Pages: 368

Summary: 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.

Rating: 3.5 stars

So, this started out really well. Really, I liked it... until I didn't.

Shadow and Bone is about Ravka, a country at war. There's a mysterious "fold" that threatens to engulf everyone in endless darkness, magical powers, soldiers, kings, intrigues and a heroine in the middle of it all who's supposed to save the world.

I think the fantasy aspect was well done, if not particularly original. The Grisha is one of the King's armies, composed of people with magical ability. You have people who can throw fire, people who can manipulate water, some can reshape glass and so on. I found the Shadow Fold passages to be very confusing, though, but maybe that's just me. It wasn't described properly and I couldn't visualize what Alina was talking about so I'm still confused as to how the whole thing works.

Alina is a strong narrator who, despite her short comings, doesn't spend her time drowning in a pit of despair and self-deprecation, and I found that refreshing. She's likable, and her voice is honest and touching and makes you feel her loneliness, her homesickness and her yearning to belong.

I also found Mal to be a remarkably realistic protagonist. None of the usual embellished, love-sick puppy with a side of whiny. He's a boy. He doesn't talk about his feelings or how (this isn't really a spoiler, but just in case you don't want to know anything about potential love interests, it's tagged as such)

he'd be desperately lost in a moonless night of dismay without Alina. Their relationship would have been believable if not for the weird Darkling thing. It just came out of nowhere and didn't make much sense. Even Alina didn't seem to understand it. I guess it could always be some kind of spell the Darkling put on her to make her more pliant, but this isn't said anywhere in the book and I find it confusing that she could just jump from one guy to the other in a matter of days without any explanation.

All in all, this was a nice read, and the whole make-over/new home/new powers aspect was pretty fun, if a bit cliché (especially Alina's relationships with other Grisha females. They were either shallow or evil. Come on now). But to me, the main issue was... Depth, I guess? As I've said, it's nice and fun, but doesn't really make you think, make you ache, it lacks a more sophisticated quality you can find in Melina Marchetta's Finnikin of the Rock or Laini Taylor's Lips Touch. After a while I started waiting for this little something extra, that little je ne sais quoi that turns an average fantasy book into a good one. But it never came.

Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Series: Goddess Test #1

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

Publishing date: April 19th, 2011

Pages: 304

Buy it: Amazon

Summary: It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

Rating: 3 stars

This is more a 2.5 stars, but I'm rounding up, for once. I don't really know why. My brain works in strange, strange ways.

Here are the annotations I made while reading The Goddess Test. I realized after viewing all of them that they may just tell you as much as my review would, with the bonus of being funnier (I think). Plus I'm lazy. So. Here we go.

- Narrator is not a pushover at school. I was scared she'd have the Bella Swan syndrome (I let everyone say whatever they want to me without reacting because I'm nice.) I have to say it made me like Kate a lot more.

- Seems like Kate is willing to put her life on the line for Henry quite fast. Why is she so willing? Makes no sense. She barely knows him.

- Little too much foreshadowing. She notices everybody's expressions a bit too easily (surely I'm not the only one who can't read perfect strangers' faces like a book, right?) and there are just way too many somethings flickering in everyone's eyes.

- Henry's nod is archaic? ... ????

- Very interesting concept of what happens after death. I loved it. I've never seen that interpretation before, kudos to Miss Carter.

- She keeps referring to sex as "that". Are we in third grade?

- Why is she so harsh on Ava? Stop judging your friends. Seriously. She goes from being this awesome friend (a little too awesome too fast, but Carter gives an explanation about that, so I'm okay with it) to this judging bitchy person because suddenly she's worried about how Henry will see her. Great role model, Kate.

- Her expectations with Henry are quite low. Condemned to always have second role, and she knows it and she's mostly fine with it, why? Idk. I think that's just me, though.

- She's humanized the Greek gods way too much. "I refused to believe he was capable of murder"... Really? Since when do gods care if they kill humans?

- The puppy is CUTE. Omg. So CUTE <3 <3 <3

- Henry is a jerk because he's scared. Eye roll. I've not seen this in a million YA novels before.

- Love this quote:

"Maybe you'll win when hell freezes over."
He raises an eyebrow. "That could easily be arranged."

- WTF JSLDKJLDKJQDS QJD HAPPENED WITH HER MOTHER? WHAT? WHAT? (I can't say more because I don't want to spoil, but... Jesus. Mffh.)

(spoilers. Highlight to see)

- WTF LDJQSLKJSQLSDJQKSDJ HAPPENED WITH THE FINAL TEST? SHE STILL FAILED. I DON'T CARE THAT SHE PASSED HUMILITY AFTERWARD. SHE. STILL FAILED. ONE. TEST. (lol Zeus condemning someone for lusting. Bahahahahahahahaha.) 

- Why does Kate's mother look down on her own daughter like that? She's Persephone's mother too. I know she's not supposed to forgive her child's actions just because she's her mother, but I'm not getting a lot of love vibes from her towards poor Persephone (who broke Henry's heart so I don't ~like her, but still. Girl was kidnapped). It bothered me.

- She forgives everyone way too easily. They all jerked her around for I don't know how many months, her MOTHER has lied to her her entire life, pretending to have cancer (for god's sake) and she's like "mmmkay. I'm mad but oh wait no it's okay. Yaaaaay I'm a goddess." They had to do it, okay, I get that. But does she have to stop being mad at them after 3.2 seconds?

(end spoilers)

- The gods' names. Seriously. Walter? I mean, she explains, I get it. But after Kate finds out who they really are, why does she not call them by their Greek name? I don't like this "what we represent in mytholody" concept.

As you can see... I like talking to myself. Aerm. Anyway.

To those annotations, I will add that while The Goddess Test has its flaws (as... Err, shouted above), it was an enjoyable read. I don't regret reading the book, and I'll certainly pick up the sequel. Carter's prose is nothing to be ashamed of. It's not out of this world good, but she knows how to tell a story and it flows easily enough. She still has to make progress, but it's her debut novel, so I'm waiting to see if she gets better. I feel like a lot of things could have been done better, less clumsily, like the humanization of the gods (I have nothing against it, but to me it was way too much), or Kate's characterization. I like Kate just fine, but I didn't "click" with her, you know? Despite all that, I'd recommend this novel if you want a light, easy read and like Greek mythology without being a die-hard fan.

Also, I really want a puppy.

Review: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Series: Bumped #1

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publishing date: April 26th, 2011

Pages: 336

Buy it: Amazon

Summary: When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society.
Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.
Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.
When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

Rating: 3.5 stars

I felt a lot of conflicting emotions while reading this book. It's well-written, the plot is original and the universe is well set (which is very important, in dystopia) but I didn't love it. It's impossible not to like it because of the subject matter and the way the author deals with it, but quite frankly... This book lost a star because of Harmony. Why Harmony? More on that later.

The story's told from both Melody and Harmony's point of view. I'm usually not a fan of POV switching in first-person narration, but this worked out pretty well. I really liked being in Melody's head. She felt very real in her questioning of her society, which is a feat because it's usually always too slow-paced (see: Matched). She was very well-written and I could sympathize with her and her need to please her parents, even if I didn't agree with her. Plus, she was funny and sarcastic. I just love her. Now Harmony, on the other hand... She annoyed me. A lot. To be fair, I think this has a lot to do with my personal taste rather than the way the character was written, but she was just too naive for me and I have no patience with naive characters. I couldn't relate to her at all, and at times she felt really selfish when I know her intentions were good. I'm kind of indecisive about her.

I've found the plot to be realistic and intriguing. McCafferty sets her universe really well, and even invents specific slang that Melody uses rather frequently. The vocabulary is easy enough to understand but I had issues with fully grasping the concept of what the "MiNet" was. Thankfully, this doesn't hinder your comprehension of the plot as a whole and even gives a refreshing aspect to the reality you're presented with. I was very, very relieved to see that the author didn't shy away from dealing with the issues resulting from the (rather bold) story line she chose, because it could have been a disaster. I really appreciated the fact that she talked about sexual relationships in a very upfront, healthy manner, and as something that has consequences but doesn't have to be "wrong" (as so many YA novels do nowadays).

I can't reveal much about the pairings without spoiling, but the person Harmony was paired with was surprisingly adequate and I just love Melody's love interest. Love, love, love him. HERE is an example of a healthy love interest who doesn't try to control, influence or jerk around the heroin. They had amazing chemistry and I very much enjoyed reading about them.

I would, despite my annoyance for Harmony, strongly recommend this book to everyone. It leaves a very strong impression, perhaps reinforced by the disturbing feeling that maybe, in a hundred years... It could be the actual reality.

Review: Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott

Series: Stand-alone

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publishing date: June 1st, 2008

Pages: 320

Buy it: Amazon

Summary: My name is Danielle. I'm eighteen. I've been stealing things for as long as I can remember.

Dani has been trained as a thief by the best there is—her mother. They never stay in one place long enough for Dani to have real connections, real friends—a real life.

But in the town of Heaven, everything changes. Suddenly, Dani must question where her loyalties lie: with the life she's always known—or the one she's always wanted.

Rating: 3 stars

This started out really well. So well, actually, that I found myself highlighting passages every 2 pages. I loved Scott's prose, the chemistry between the characters, and more than anything, I loved the character development. Dani's slow coming of age from a tentative teenager, overwrought with guilt and self-esteem issues to a strong woman who takes her destiny into her own hands was beautiful to watch. Now, when I say self-esteem issues, I don't mean the annoying whining you sometimes see in YA novels. Dani was written beautifully, with subtelty and care, giving us the impression that this girl could actually exist.. I fould myself heart-broken or overjoyed right along with her. This is the kind of character I'd love to have a chat with.

The banter between Dani and Greg was perfect. Perfect. There's a line involving fungus that I won't spoil, but dear god, I actually laughed out loud. And that never happens.

Dani's mom (I don't think we ever get her real name) is also a very interesting character. It would have been so easy for Scott to demonize her and make her the villain in the story. And she is, in a way, but the author also empathizes her role as a a mother, ex-wife and most importantly, as a person. I found myself hating her and feeling sorry for her at the same time. Plus, she's hilarious.

   Anyway, it pissed her off because she says, "I thought he was stupider than that, baby. And so now I have to be extra careful with him. It's annoying."

See what I mean?

So, why only 3 stars? Because about half-way through, the books lost some of its charm for me. The plot finally started moving and things got more serious, and the book's atmosphere changed drastically. It was still well-written, but I enjoyed it less. I think that's more my personal taste, though. Scott's prose was gorgeous through and through, and I'll definitely keep an eye out for her future books.

I'll leave you with this quote:

   I haven't been careful enough because I stand in the shower and cry for what I've never had and never will. A real home. Things I can truly call my own and keep forever. Friends. I am in the place where you cry and mean it. 
   It sucks.

Review: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Series: Wicked Lovely #5

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publishing date: Feb, 22 2011

Pages: 336

Buy it: Amazon

Summary:  The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey. Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.
Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.

Rating: 3 stars

WARNING: This review will give away some elements of the first four books of the series.

I expected a lot from this book. First, a well-written and realistic battle against Banananach, a final and clear answer for the love-triangle-but-not-really between Ash, Seth and Keenan, a miracle with Irial and the unveiling of the whole mystery with Seth's nature.

Overall, I was not disappointed. This novel is exactly what it should be: fast-paced with action and revelations, but also tinged with sorrow (there are few deaths), reminiscent of the melancholy you're feeling yourself when reading the final book of an amazing series. The plot was well-developed (as always), Marr's writing is still as entrancing as in Wicked Lovely and I liked that the book focused and all the characters equally for once.

However, it was far from perfect. I liked the plot, I still love the characters (I finally genuinely like Keenan), but some things just didn't ring true. Especially the whole plot revolving around Seth, Irial and Niall.

I also hated the fact that we still didn't get to know Donia. I wanted to like her. And I know I could have. But how can I empathize with her when we barely see her after book 1? Throughout the 4 books, she seemed unemotional and cold to me. I know the Winter Queen is supposed to be calm and collected, and it's not really what bothered me. It's more the way Marr wrote the character. She tells us what Donia's feeling instead of writing it and making us feel sympathetic. Sigh.

I can't really talk about the parings in the book without spoiling anyone, but let's just say I was rooting for a certain couple and even though it didn't quite turn out how I would have liked, Marr worked her voodoo magic once again and somehow I still enjoyed the result (I realised after typing this that this could actually apply to 2 couples in DM).

I still have one question, though: what of the deal Keenan made with a certain fey at the beginning of the book? We never did get to see the consequences of that. I guess we'll never know.