Book Blog Tour: The Violet Fox by Clare C. Marshall Review & Giveaway

Hi! Thanks for stopping by The Violet Fox Book Blog Tour!

This is my first book blog tour, and I'm very excited! It was so much fun, and I loved talking with Marshall and reading The Violet Fox! Today's stop will have a book review and a chance to win The Violet Fox and other goodies in a giveaway.

Title: The Violet Fox 
Author: Clare C. Marshall
Published: October 13, 2012
Publisher: Faery Ink Press
Series: The Violet Fox #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 288 pages
Source: Author (for book blog tour)
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Smashwords

Synopsis
There are two kinds of people in the land of Marlenia. The Marlenians, who live on the surface, and the Freetors, who are forced to live underground. The war between them ended two hundred years ago, but the Freetors still fight for the right to live under the sun. Fifteen-year-old Kiera Driscoll embodies the Freetors’ hopes as the Violet Fox. In a violet cape and mask, she sneaks around Marlenia City stealing food and freeing her people from slavery.

Then the Elders task her with a secret mission: retrieve a stolen tome that contains the secrets of Freetor magic, something the Marlenians both fear and covet. Kiera must disguise herself as a noblewoman and infiltrate the Marlenian castle before the Freetor-hating Advisor finds out her real identity, before her brother is imprisoned because of the secrets he hides, and before she falls any more in love with the prince she’s supposed to hate.

More is happening in the castle than she realizes, and Kiera is faced with a difficult choice. Will she be loyal to her people and their fight for freedom, or will she be loyal to her heart? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

The Violet Fox was a delightful read. When I first read the premise, I knew this was my type of read. It has action, adventure, romance, and a strong heroine. Kiera is far from a weakling. She takes many risks, stealing as the Violet Fox, so that her people won't starve. Times are rough in the Undercity where the Freetors live. Food is scarce, and Fighters have to go on missions to the surface to steal food. The little food they steal is then rationed. If a Freetor is caught above, they are enslaved, left in the dungeon to rot, or killed in a public execution. Despite all of these dangers, Kiera continues to put her life on the line out of her concern for others. She may be reckless at times, but you have to admire her bravery and toughness. I certainly did. She seemed so much older than her fifteen years. 

The Violet Fox does a great job of exploring the deep-seated animosity that exists between two different peoples. The Marlenians hate the Freetors because they refuse to hand over their magical secrets, and the Freetors hate the Marlenians because the Marlenians have exiled their people underground. Time and time again, we have seen prejudice rear its ugly head, and The Violet Fox is a perfect example of a centuries long feud. I felt the hatred between the Freetors and Marlenians was clearly shown, and it was often disturbing in its extent. 

There was not a slow part in this book, as I was entertained by the subterfuge and political intrigue. I loved the description of the ladies at court, and it was amusing to have all their faults clearly displayed. I also appreciated the vivid detailing of the castle's interior, including its tapestries showing battle scenes from history. I would like to learn even more about the human god and their religion because I found it fascinating.

While I thought the romance that developed between Prince Keegan and Kiera was touching and adorable, it progressed faster than expected. When the book began, Kiera felt nothing but hatred for the prince. Yet her feelings for Keegan appear quite suddenly. There were a few holes in the plot or at least a couple of things that bugged me, but not overmuch. I wish that all of the Freetors had learned magic, instead of just the Elders and the Elder apprentices in training. I was hoping that since magic was the main reason behind the Marlenians and Freetors being enemies, that there would be more magic throughout the book. But magic doesn't really happen until the end. It was hard for me to think of the Freetors as a threat, when only select individuals know how to use magic. Though, yes, they do steal from the Marlenians and hurt the economy. In all honesty, the Freetors' lack of defenses made me wonder why they hadn't been crushed before. But there are reasons given.

I am not a fan of main characters speaking in a dialect. Even though Kiera was in disguise, I hated having to read what she said in a Northern accent. It was very distracting. 

Overall though, this book was a fast, wonderful read. I'm happy I had the chance to read it, and look forward to the sequel, especially after a couple of twists at the end.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

About The Author
Clare Marshall grew up in rural Nova Scotia with very little television and dial up internet, and yet, she turned out okay. She has a combined honours degree in journalism and psychology from the University of King’s College, and is a graduate from Humber College’s Creative Book Publishing Program. She founded Woulds & Shoulds Editing and Design in 2010 for self-published authors and businesses looking for quality editing and design services. She enjoys publishing books through her publishing imprint, Faery Ink Press, and released her first novella, Within, in 2011. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing the fiddle and making silly noises at cats.
Find Marshall on:
Faery Ink Press | Goodreads | Twitter

Marshall is hosting a book giveaway! For your chance to win a copy of The Violet Fox, fill out the Rafflecopter below!

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