Review: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Ruin and Rising
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Published: June 17, 2014
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Series: The Grisha #3
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 417
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
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*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm*

“I wanted to believe anything so that I wouldn’t have to face the future alone. The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak.”
― Leigh Bardugo, Ruin and Rising

Synopsis
The capital has fallen.

The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
First off, let me apologize because this is a really long review, and probably longer than any of my others. But I had so many feelings and emotions that I needed to express, and they all just poured out when I started writing this review. So here we go...

Review: The Glass Casket by McCormick Templeman

Title: The Glass Casket
Author: McCormick Templeman
Published: February 11, 2014
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Retelling
Pages: 352
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
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"It was a coffin. A glass coffin, intricately carved, and set out in the yard for all to see. Inside it was the girl, her black hair splayed out around her, her lips like rotting cherries set against a newly ashen complexion."
― McCormick Templeman, The Glass Casket

Synopsis
Death hasn't visited Rowan Rose since it took her mother when Rowan was only a little girl. But that changes one bleak morning, when five horses and their riders thunder into her village and through the forest, disappearing into the hills. Days later, the riders' bodies are found, and though no one can say for certain what happened in their final hours, their remains prove that whatever it was must have been brutal.

Rowan's village was once a tranquil place, but now things have changed. Something has followed the path those riders made and has come down from the hills, through the forest, and into the village. Beast or man, it has brought death to Rowan's door once again.

Only this time, its appetite is insatiable. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
The Glass Casket is a chilling, atmospheric tale that sent shivers down my spine and had me imagining all sorts of horrors when I heard the creak of a floorboard or the thump of a cat’s feet hitting the floor. I could not help but admire the beautiful writing, and I fell headfirst into this suspenseful story, flying through the pages in my excitement to find out what would happen next.  It borrows many elements from the classic fairy tales, resembling the darker tales you may have read from the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson. Far from the modern fairy tale retellings where happily ever after is a given, The Glass Casket unravels a much more sinister, gruesome story that I rather enjoyed. Yet while I loved the first 95% of the book, I have to say I was disappointed with its conclusion, and I closed the book feeling let down in some way.

Review: Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick

Title: Midwinterblood
Author: Marcus Sedgwick
Published: February 5, 2013
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Pages: 272
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
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“If a life can be ruined in a single moment, a moment of betrayal, or violence, or ill luck, then why can a life not also be saved, be worth living, be made, by just a few pure moments of perfection?"
― Marcus Sedgwick, Midwinterblood

Synopsis
Seven stories of passion and love separated by centuries but mysteriously intertwined—this is a tale of horror and beauty, tenderness and sacrifice.

An archaeologist who unearths a mysterious artifact, an airman who finds himself far from home, a painter, a ghost, a vampire, and a Viking: the seven stories in this compelling novel all take place on the remote Scandinavian island of Blessed where a curiously powerful plant that resembles a dragon grows. What binds these stories together? What secrets lurk beneath the surface of this idyllic countryside? And what might be powerful enough to break the cycle of midwinterblood? From award-winning author Marcus Sedgwick comes a book about passion and preservation and ultimately an exploration of the bounds of love. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick is unlike anything I've read before. This book takes you on a long but rewarding journey of despair and heartache, love lost and found again. Of course, other books have chronicled a series of lives where reincarnated lovers meet again and again, but these types of books usually move forward in years and not in reverse. Midwinterblood is the exception to the rule, as it spirals backwards in time, and we find ourselves at the end of the story in the beginning and vice versa. My mind was left reeling as the story jumped wildly from one time period to the next, always going backwards in time, but I also appreciated this unique twist on what could have been an overused storyline.

Review: Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen

Title: Stolen Songbird 
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Published: March 30, 2014
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Series: The Malediction Trilogy #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 480
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
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“Dying was an easy thing to accomplish, effortless in its agony. It was living that was hard, requiring endless toil and labor, and for all one's efforts, it could be stolen in an instant.”
―Danielle L. Jensen, Stolen Songbird

Synopsis
For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the ruins of Forsaken Mountain. Time enough for their dark and nefarious magic to fade from human memory and into myth. But a prophesy has been spoken of a union with the power to set the trolls free, and when Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she learns there is far more to the myth of the trolls than she could have imagined.

Cécile has only one thing on her mind after she is brought to Trollus: escape. Only the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time, wait for the perfect opportunity.

But something unexpected happens while she’s waiting – she begins to fall for the enigmatic troll prince to whom she has been bonded and married. She begins to make friends. And she begins to see that she may be the only hope for the half-bloods – part troll, part human creatures who are slaves to the full-blooded trolls. There is a rebellion brewing. And her prince, Tristan, the future king, is its secret leader.

As Cécile becomes involved in the intricate political games of Trollus, she becomes more than a farmer’s daughter. She becomes a princess, the hope of a people, and a witch with magic powerful enough to change Trollus forever. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Having just finished Stolen Songbird not even 10 minutes ago, I am left reeling from the ending and I just had to pour out my thoughts immediately. Stolen Songbird has all the makings of a wonderful fantasy, with an underground kingdom cursed to remain hidden away, a strong but slowly maturing protagonist discovering her secret abilities, and a romance that will linger in your mind long after you've finished the last page. Yes, I'll admit that Stolen Songbird had its faults, but this did not lessen my appreciation of Jensen's enchanting debut.

Review: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Title: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer
Author: Lish McBride
Published: October 12, 2010
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Series: Necromancer #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Pages: 343
Source: Library
Rating: 3.5 stars
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“Next time a talking head ended up in my easy chair, I would have all sorts of points of reference, but at that moment, I was completely at sea.”
―Lish McBride, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

Synopsis
Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else.

With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I was looking forward to reading Hold Me Closer, Necromancer because of its dark humor and its male POV, a rarity in YA. I just couldn't ignore a tale that makes light of raising the dead, and I'm happy to say that Hold Me Closer, Necromancer was, for the most part, a delightful read filled with laughs despite its disturbing subject matter.

Review: Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

Title: Sweetly
Author: Jackson Pearce
Published: August 23, 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Fairytale Retellings #2
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Retelling
Pages: 310
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
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“I should be mad. I should hate her. I should judge her. But there is some madness in love.”
― Jackson Pearce, Sweetly

Synopsis
As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.

Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.

Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past -- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone -- it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls every year after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.

Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
It is official. I am a klutz. This week was all sorts of weird. Not only was I recovering from a nasty sinus infection, but, on top of that, I sprained my ankle because I am one of the clumsiest individuals ever, and I am apparently incapable of walking. I will not divulge the details of how I sprained my ankle because it's embarrassing and pathetic, but suffice it to say that it was painful. Fortunately, the discomfort of walking/hobbling around has minimized to an annoying throb so I am almost back to tip top shape. Yay! So onto book reviewing from the comfort of my couch...

Sweetly is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. As I'm sure you all know, Hansel and Gretel is the tale of two siblings that find themselves lost in the woods and threatened by a cannibalistic witch that lives in a house made of sweets. It's a horrific tale that was recorded by the Brothers Grimm and published in 1812. German folk tales seem to largely deal with the macabre and are most likely traumatizing to small children. But I will probably read The Grimm Fairytales to my children. Does that make me messed up in the head? Most definitely. But anywho, as with Sisters Red, Sweetly is a dark, gruesome tale that was inspired by Hansel and Gretel, but greatly deviates from the original tale's storyline.

The Swan Kingdom by Zoë Marriott Book Review

Title: The Swan Kingdom
Author: Zoë Marriott
Published: March 5, 2007
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Retelling
Pages: 272
Source: Gift
Rating: 3.5 stars
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“To ugly ducklings everywhere,
Don't worry about those fluffy yellow morons:
They'll never get to be swans”
― Zoë Marriott, The Swan Kingdom

Synopsis
When Alexandra’s mother is slain by an unnatural beast, shadows fall on the once-lush kingdom. Too soon the widowed king is entranced by a cunning stranger — and in one chilling moment Alexandra’s beloved brothers disappear, and she is banished to a barren land. Rich in visual detail, sparked by a formidable evil, and sweetened with familial and romantic love, here is the tale of a girl who discovers powerful healing gifts — and the courage to use them to save her ailing kingdom. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I love fairytale retellings because it gives you a chance to revisit an old, familiar tale that has been passed down from generation to generation. But at the same time, each retelling brings something new to the table as the author claims each version as their own.  The Swan Kingdom is a retelling of Han Anderson's classic fairytale The Wild Swans which is very similar to the Grimm fairytale The Six Swans. Daughter of The Forest by Juliet Marillier is a popular retelling of The Six Swans story, and a book I enjoyed immensely, so I was already familiar with the storyline. In The Wild Swans, one girl must endure great suffering and pain in order to break the spell cast upon her brothers by their wicked stepmother. The Swan Kingdom followed this plot to a certain point and then veered off on its own path. This book was beautifully written and had an imaginative twist, but it fell short of my high expectations.

Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Raven Boys 
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Published: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Series: The Raven Cycle #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Pages: 408
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
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“She recognized the strange happiness that came from loving something without knowing why you did, that strange happiness that was sometimes so big that it felt like sadness.”
―Maggie Stiefvater, The Raven Boys

Synopsis
“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
As with every other Maggie Stiefvater book, The Raven Boys starts off slow. Stiefvater loves to ease into the story, allowing the characters and the setting to settle before the plot advances considerably. Despite the slow beginning, I really enjoyed the first half of the book. The characters were richly developed, as Stiefvater detailed all of their quirks and oddities. While I found some of the names a little over the top and somewhat distracting, (Blue? seriously? my fish is named Blue) the premise and magical elements were insanely wild. The characters kept me guessing and I found them endlessly entertaining, especially the raven boys.

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout Book Review

Title: Cursed
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Pages: 304
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
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“For a brief second, I entertained the idea of ripping off my gloves, rushing down the hall, and jumping on Dustin’s back like a psychotic monkey.” 
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, Cursed

Synopsis
Dying sucks-- and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. 

However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not have been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I could be having a bad day, and JLR just makes it all go away with her wonderful books. First, I fell in love with the Lux series, and now I have thoroughly enjoyed Cursed. It was such an addictive read, and once again, I could not put down an Armentrout book. Her books are like crack. No lie. Cursed was a little darker than Obsidian or Onyx. Less witty banter and more death. Though it's a given that death is going to be a main focus of this book when the main character can kill with a touch. 

I found I was really invested in the characters, especially Ember, Hayden, and even Ember's little sister Olivia (an occasional brat but so cute). I felt for Ember. She goes through so much. She can't touch anyone with her bare skin. So no hugs, kisses, cuddling. She treats her Jeep like her own little baby because she can actually touch it without hurting it. Despite everything she struggles with, she still takes care of her little sister, making sure she doesn't end up in foster care. She becomes the responsible one in the family with her father dead and her mother not all there in the head. I grew to respect Ember's devotion to her little sister and her fighting spirit. For someone who is surrounded by death, she is so alive. Even when she wants to curl up in a corner and cry, she defends herself and always thinks about her sister's welfare. She may be damaged goods, but she is able to come such a long way with her gift and her self-esteem. 

As for Hayden, I didn't always like him, but I did love him. He wasn't Mr. Perfect, but he believed in Ember when others didn't. Not to mention, his infatuation with her was adorable while it was also slightly creepy. I love how the one guy with the gift for absorbing Ember's power ends up being drop dead gorgeous. Very convenient. Though they do have to work towards controlling their gifts. I felt their relationship was developed so well. They ran into a few issues, but they were able to slowly build the foundations of their relationship, developing trust in each other and revealing their dark pasts in confidence. 

While there was not one dull moment in Cursed, I found the plot followed a predictable route. I guessed the villain less than halfway through, but, then again, I'm always trying to anticipate the ending. I'll be the one watching movies, saying it's that guy or they're all alien clones. This is why my favorite board game is Clue. It didn't decrease my enjoyment of the book, but it wasn't a surprise. And the plot as a whole wasn't anything amazing or mind-blowing. It was similar to Shatter Me or Rogue from X-Men. Basically, these kids were a bunch of X-Men hanging out in a big house, headed by one man who seemed to collect gifted individuals. Ring a bell? Though Jonathan Cromwell is not anything like Professor X. And in the book, the characters actually acknowledge that they're not anything like X-Men. They say they're not superheros but just gifted. 

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves the Lux series or any action-packed, romance filled books. I loved it. The ending gave me closure, but there were a couple of questions left unanswered so maybe a sequel? But if it was a standalone and the questions remained unanswered, it would not haunt me for the rest of my life. I just can't wait for Opal in December! I also need to read the Covenant series! 

The Scourge by A.G. Henley Book Review

Title: The Scourge
Author: A.G. Henley
Published: January 31, 2012
Publisher: A.G. Henley
Series: Brillant Darkness #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal, Dystopian
Pages: 320
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
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Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Groundling, Fennel, is Sightless. She's never been able to see her lush forest home, but she knows its secrets. She knows how the shadows shift when she passes under a canopy of trees. She knows how to hide in the cool, damp caves when the Scourge comes. She knows how devious and arrogant the Groundlings' tree-dwelling neighbors, the Lofties, can be.

And she's always known this day would come—the day she faces the Scourge alone.

The Sightless, like Fenn, are mysteriously protected from the Scourge, the gruesome creatures roaming the forests, reeking of festering flesh and consuming anything—and anyone—living. A Sightless Groundling must brave the Scourge and bring fresh water to the people of the forest. Today, that task becomes Fenn's.

Fenn will have a Lofty Keeper, Peree, as her companion. Everyone knows the Lofties wouldn’t hesitate to shoot an arrow through the back of an unsuspecting Groundling like Fenn, but Peree seems different. A boy with warm, rough hands who smells like summer, he is surprisingly kind and thoughtful. Although Fenn knows his people are treacherous, she finds herself wanting to trust him.

As their forest community teeters on the brink of war, Fenn and Peree must learn to work together to survive the Scourge and ensure their people’s survival. But when Fenn uncovers a secret that shatters her truths, she’s forced to decide who and what to protect—her people, her growing love for Peree, or the elusive dream of lasting peace in the forest. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
There's some books that I'm indecisive about in regards to rating. The Scourge was one of them. I mean, the book was a great read. Very enjoyable. It had so many unique elements. The civilization of Fennel's world lives a simpler life after sickness and war. There is something amazing about a whole world that lives as if in the past. The Groundlings and Lofties rely on primitive skills and handmade weapons to hunt. They dance with their intended and offer bonding bracelets instead of expensive diamond rings. Their ancestors lived in an advanced time, I'm assuming those ancestors are us, but The Scourge shows how all of these advancements and accomplishments have been reversed. While there is suffering and hardship, the simplicity is almost comforting and beautiful. It's not a fast-paced read full of action, but it is written beautifully. My favorite part about The Scourge was the storytelling. It was beautiful and creative. All of the animal fables really brought something to the story, and they were so wonderfully imaginative.

There are many deep messages that run throughout The Scourge. It's less about the Scourge themselves and more about the people. How they struggle with mistrust. How prejudice divides them when they need each other most. How blind hatred can be. The plot really speaks to any struggle between races or any war that has ever occurred. But despite all this animosity, we have our star-crossed lovers. The romance is phenomenal. I love the trust that develops between Peree and Fenn. They also banter with each other, which is amusing and sweet. I adore Peree. I was a little frustrated with Fenn and how she pushed away Peree occasionally, but I can understand her fear in giving so much of herself to one person.

I did not like the love triangle. Or should I say awkward triangle. I hate when one guy is so besotted with the protagonist, but he's clueless that she prefers the other guy. I think Fenn led Bear on a little as well, and her indecision hurt both men. I was never into the whole two guys fighting over one girl, and the girl having trouble deciding, and I'd much rather focus on other plot developments. I'd rather not have teams forming over which guy the main character should choose in a book. Despite Fenn's indecision, I did love her bravery, especially since she's Sightless. Her Sightlessness made her a stronger individual, and I loved how her other senses had strengthened in result.

While I enjoyed most of The Scourge, I found the explanation behind the creatures, and how they came to be, unsatisfactory. It didn't appeal to me. It worked, but I just felt some other explanation would have been better. And some of the plot developments just ended up confusing me, instead of offering a clear backstory. The ending was a little abrupt, but I was happy with its closure until I realized a sequel is planned. I was really hoping to escape another series, but I will most likely read the sequel.

I would recommend The Scourge to anyone who wants an original zombie read, some wonderful storytelling, and a touching romance. If you can overlook a weak explanation and commit to the whole series, I'm sure it will be an enjoyable read.

Happy reading,

Courtney

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard Book Review

Title: Something Strange and Deadly 
Author: Susan Dennard
Published: July 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Something Strange and Deadly #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal, Historical Fiction
Pages: 388
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
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“I'd heard of corpses awakening - hungry and dangerous though still quite dead.” 
― Susan Dennard, Something Strange and Deadly

Synopsis

It's 1876 and something strange and deadly is in Philadelphia. 

Eleanor Fitt has a lot going on. Her brother Elijah is missing, her mother is pressuring her to marry quickly, and her family is suffering from lack of funds. She reads in the news that thousands of the dead are rising by the power of an unknown necromancer. Then, she receives a letter from her brother - delivered from a zombie! She fears that the Dead army has taken her brother. And it doesn't help that she keeps encountering a dark spirit they rose during a seance. She turns to the Spirit Hunters, a three man team who are the only ones standing between the city and an attack from the Dead. But her association with the Spirit Hunters risks her reputation and her life. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Something Strange and Deadly jumped right into the action from the beginning, and the book was fast paced and entertaining. Dennard offered a different spin on zombies.She twisted the usual apocalyptic, infectious zombie storyline and had a necromancer pulling the strings. I think the zombies provided an exciting contrast to the lace parasols and the need to fit into high society. Having Eleanor playing croquet one moment and battling zombies with a parasol the next was a wild idea, and I loved it. The mystery unfolded wonderfully and I found my eyes riveted to the pages as Eleanor and the Spirit Hunters had to research and uncover new secrets. The steampunk elements were a exciting addition to this historical fiction! The machinery and the Centennial Exhibition, with its numerous displays, gave a magical feel to the story. 

Something Strange and Deadly had a light touch of romance that I hope will continue in the rest of the series. While the romance wasn't a substantial part, it slowly developed and was convincing. The Spirit Hunters were also wonderfully developed. I loved each one of them, especially Daniel. His quick temper and cussing amused me. But he could also be compassionate and dedicated to his inventions. Eleanor was a strong heroine for the most part, and I loved the scenes where she beat up zombies. She was very outspoken, and I grew to respect and admire her. Her mother was abrasive and meddling. She had few redeeming qualities, and I didn't blame Eleanor for wanting to escape her mother's scrutiny. The maid Mary was also annoying with her nosy ways and need for bribery in order to keep a secret. But I felt each character offered something to the story, even if they were despicable. I even came to pity Clarence. But only a little. 

I do have some small complaints about Something Strange and Deadly. Maybe they're just my pet peeves. First off, I have never heard of people galloping. Technically, it could mean run fast, like a horse. But I just imagined Eleanor and Daniel running on all fours, neighing. And they galloped a lot. Secondly, as an English major, I cannot stand the word "ain't," and Daniel was saying "ain't" every other word. It ain't working for me. When the characters said "what in the dickens" or "humbug" or "shut pan," I had to resist rolling my eyes. I know it's a different time period, but I couldn't imagine these characters saying this. It didn't feel natural to me. Then, the book title was worked in a couple of times. And I wanted Daniel to stop addressing Eleanor as "Empress." I also found Jei's constant "yeah" at the end of a question to be obnoxious. 

Besides these issues, also found the protagonist of Something Strange and Deadly a tadbit melodramatic. Eleanor had her strong moments, and there were times when she was a formidable opponet. She fought zombies and risked her life several times trying to help. That is when she wasn't fainting or clinging to a man's arm. There were several times when Eleanor latched onto Daniel's arm, near to hysterics because of a revelation, and Daniel had to pry her fingers off of his arm. She seemed a little clingy and desperate for attention, as she grabbed anybody who was near. She could barely stand by herself. Once again, different time period, but I found her dramatics exhausting. Also, while the beginning started off at a fast pace and lured the reader in, I felt there was a lot that needed to be explained. Mainly, why are zombies so commonplace? Why are seances held regularly in drawing rooms without question? I needed more of a historical background, and I can only hope I'll have all these questions answered in the next book. And while I enjoyed the plot, I found it to be somewhat predictable. At least, I guessed most of the plot less than halfway through.

Maybe I was the only one bothered by the above concerns. I can be picky at times. But I would still recommend Something Strange and Deadly to any young adult paranormal or historical fiction fans. It was a refreshing read and very entertaining. 

Happy reading,

Courtney

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher Book Review

Title: Incarceron
Author: Catherine Fisher
Published: May 3, 2007
Publisher: Dial
Series: Incarceron #1
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction, Dystopian
Pages: 442
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
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“Only the man who has known freedom can define his prison.” 
― Catherine Fisher, Incarceron

Synopsis

Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons. 

A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. 

But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born...(Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Incarceron has received mixed reviews. From what I can tell, people either hate it or love it. In the beginning, I was unsure as well. While the premise was astounding in its originality, there was just so much to take in, so many things I was confused about. The plot was very complex and I felt like it was messing with my mind. The pace was also slow at first, and I found it difficult to keep interest. 

But I am happy I kept reading because Incarceron had some wonderful, unpredictable twists, and the storyline really came together for me. The story was like nothing I had ever read before. It was refreshing to read something that didn't remind me of any other book. To think of a prison that is a whole world and alive. The limits of this prison seem to be never ending, and it is filled with all sorts of wonders like metal forests and towers in the sky. 

And the idea that the Outside completely froze itself in time appealed to me. While half the population was stuck in Incarceron as an experiment, trying to create a Paradise for the demented, the criminal, and those who were considered useless, the rest of society had to follow Protocol and stay in Era. They were no longer allowed to invent or create. They had to live in a Victorian era in order to stop the movement of time and hopefully eliminate war and deadly progress. I loved the beauty of the landscape and how Fisher described each scene vividly, focusing on the flowers and the scenery. 

The characters in Incarceron were also intriguing. While I may not love every character, I wasn't supposed to. They were compelling and I wanted to hear more about their stories and histories. I found their unexpected loyalty and strength appealing, and I loved how the Outside and the Inside both had such deadly stakes when it came to forming relationships and maintaining connections. Even though Claudia was spoiled and haughty, I admired her greatly. And Finn had his weaknesses, but he had a kind heart and a need to move forward. 

The storyline is a little complex, and I'm still not entirely sure who the Sapienti are. I hope I get a clearer idea in the next book, Sapphique. And there are still a lot of unanswered questions I have. But overall, give Incarceron a chance and keep reading even if you get frustrated. It's like nothing you read before, and it has a remarkable story. 

Happy reading,

Courtney 

Review: Matched by Allie Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Allie Condie
Published: November 1, 2010
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Series: Matched #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 369
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Every minute you spend with someone gives them a part of your life and takes part of theirs.”
― Ally Condie, Matched

Synopsis
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
It seems dystopia novels are very popular right now. While Matched didn't quite reach Hunger Games standards, I was pleasantly surprised by this first book of the trilogy. Matched was a blend of The Giver, The Hunger Games, and many other beloved books. While it wasn't necessarily unique, it was an entertaining story.