|
|
 Rebecca Berlin has grown up listening to her grandmother, Gemma, tell her the story of Briar Rose, better known as Sleeping Beauty. When Gemma falls ill and dies, her last request to Rebecca is to find the truth in the story, and Rebecca sets out to discover the story of her grandmother’s past. She discovers a link to the Holocaust and a moving story of a true sleeping beauty.
Ever since I discovered Robin McKinley, I’ve been in love with the fairy tale feel her books have, and when I found this YA novel, I thought it was a great place to branch out. This book is just stunning. It’s short, but packs so much in that it’s almost unbelievable. Through the medium of the fairy tale, told through the novel, Rebecca makes these shocking, moving discoveries about the Holocaust that blew me away. She has very few clues about her grandmother’s past, but as she pieces the story together she realizes that she must go to Poland; she has only fragments of the true thread of the story. And it’s in Poland that the story really comes together. I don’t want to give it away, so I can’t say much more than that about it.
In truth, since the book is so short, the characters aren’t fleshed out very well and the plot has some convenient elements to it, like people that just turn up because they have all the missing pieces, but all of that really doesn’t matter. As a reader, you’re far too caught up in the tale Yolen is weaving to care very much about Rebecca and her sisters. What this book does is apply a fairy tale to one of the most horrible events in recent human history, making a connection that brings home the tragedy of it all. The book left me feeling sad, but somehow hopeful that we can avoid this in the future. Briar Rose is a tragically beautiful book that educates as it tugs on your heartstrings.
Wonderful book. I doubt I’ve even come close to conveying why everyone should read it, but they should.
Buy Briar Rose on Amazon.
 When he receives a package with no return address, Clay is at first excited, and pops in the first of a set of 7 tapes. Then he hears Hannah Baker’s voice, which he’d never thought to hear again because she killed herself two weeks ago. Each side of each tape is one reason why she killed herself; each side of each tape tells one person what action of theirs, no matter how small, pushed her on her way towards inevitable death. Clay cared deeply for Hannah and is horrified to realize that he is a reason why. For the space of one night, he loses himself in these tapes, unveiling the story of what pushes an innocent girl over the edge, breaking both his and my heart over again.
This book was almost painful to read at times but I found it to be extremely powerful. High school wasn’t as long ago as I would like and it’s so easy to remember how little words make a huge difference. I’m sure we all felt friendless a time or two, regardless of the reality of our situations, and it’s so easy to feel sorry for a girl who truly has no friends, whose reputation was destroyed on the basis of nothing, and who has been let down every step of the way. Parents, friends, and teachers left her with nowhere to go and to her mind, there is only one solution to end the hurt. Little actions, seemingly harmless, lead to big consequences, and Hannah’s story is heartbreaking, especially given how a smile or word could have made a huge difference in her life.
The dual narrative structure was a great way to put this book together. Hannah’s words and Clay’s thoughts intertwine and we can easily see how her misconceptions weren’t corrected because of Clay’s and her classmates’ fear. We can see firsthand both how Hannah felt about events and how those events shaped people’s perceptions of her the wrong way. Gossip is very harmful and through Clay’s thoughts we can see how that gossip destroyed Hannah’s chances at happiness.
I think this is a very important book to read. Not only is it moving, powerful, and beautifully written, but it conveys an extremely important message that may help save the life of a living person in need.
Buy Thirteen Reasons Why on Amazon.
 Catherine Howard’s powerful family has contrived to put her in the constant gaze of King Henry VIII, relying on her beauty and youth to advance their own positions. When Henry proposes, their goal is accomplished, but what of Catherine? As queen, she is thrown into a complicated political world, well out of her depth, with a husband she hardly knows and a secret love for a man she can now never have. On top of this, many figures from her dissolute youth begin taking advantage of her new position, starting Catherine’s slow spiral down into fear and uncertainty.
This YA novel is gripping. I knew Catherine’s inexorable end, but I found her very easy to care for. I think that while Libby tries to make her sound mature and composed, as if Catherine believed that of herself, there is still a very young girl under there. Catherine is haunted by her inability to get pregnant, by people from her scandalous past, and by the memory of her cousin Anne Boleyn, just like her only on a grander scale. She never really seems to know Henry and even though she tries, genuinely fails at being a comfort to him. It’s clear she knows little of what is required of her as a wife and she is constantly hounded and ruled by her Howard relatives, all of whom distance themselves from her when the facade they created collapses. Catherine does very little as queen but get herself into trouble as a consequence. The impending doom rears its head with her affair as Catherine indulges her youthful love by telling herself that she needs a baby. She seems to know that this is treason, but like any teenager, cannot quite comprehend the magnitude of her crime until it is brought home to her violently.
I also particularly enjoyed the depiction of the Tudor court. As a girl, Catherine herself is very enamored of it and we see the splendors through her eyes. Pageants, dances, costumes, and dresses are all very exciting for her. It provides a wonderful sense of atmosphere and I felt as though I could see the dancing and the costumes.
This is a compelling work of historical fiction on Henry’s fifth queen. It is marketed to a YA audience but is easily enjoyed by adults as well. I recommend it, especially if you are interested in the Tudor period.
Buy The King’s Rose on Amazon.
You can see the fateful letter from Catherine Howard to Thomas Culpepper here. I was excited to be able to read it having had quite a bit of training in doing just that. For those who find these 16th century characters a jumble, you can find her signature, “Katheryn”, on the right side of the page an inch or so up.
 *spoilers for the previous two books!*
Skandian raiders have captured Will and Evanlyn. After nearly dying on board ship, they arrive safely, but as slaves with little choice in their own destiny. Will is determined to escape, but neither of them have any idea how to get home or how to enact this plan. In the meantime, Halt concocts a scheme to free himself from the king’s service to find and rescue Will, but in doing so is expelled from the Rangers and joined only by Horace, an apprentice knight who is determined to do all he can to save his friend.
This book introduces a lot of new challenges to our favorite group of heroes. Will’s viewpoint is absent for a while and I was surprised by how much I missed his voice. I also really preferred Will and Evanlyn’s half to Horace and Halt’s. I felt that I knew the outcome of the second one, but the first one was much more variable and worrying. I mean, I don’t think Will can die given that there are many more books out and the series is called “Ranger’s Apprentice” but that doesn’t make anyone else safe. I found that by the end, I really just wanted Halt and Horace to find Will and Evanlyn. The cliffhanger made me very nervous and I have book 4 on hold from the library. I hope it comes in for me soon!
I’ll still be recommending this series. I think Flanagan’s writing voice is getting stronger and the characters are definitely getting deeper and more interesting. Again, this series is almost enough to make me wish I was still a young adult because I know I would have loved it even more back then. And back then I wouldn’t have noticed how much Flanagan seems to be ripping off medieval Europe. Not that I mind, but it is very, very common in fantasy and I like original world-building.
Buy The Icebound Land on Amazon.
 This book is the sequel to Princess Nevermore. If you have not read that book and are interested in avoiding spoilers for it, please skip this summary!
Even though Quinn has returned to Mandria, Cam finds himself frustrated and unhappy. Quinn is destined to marry another and he’s forced to watch her choose. Worse, one day a little boy turns up, claiming to be Melikar’s new apprentice. Much to Cam’s shock, Melikar accepts the boy and informs Cam that the time has come to seek his past. Cam must go out into the world, his own trip through the wishing pool, in order to discover his past so that he can embrace his future.
Okay. I just loved Princess Nevermore when I was a young adult. It was my favorite book. I even tried to read it out loud to my mother while she was cooking, just so I could share it with someone else. So, understandably, I was both thrilled and anxious when I discovered this book’s existence a few months ago and opened it with trepidition when it arrived as a birthday gift. Finally, I would know what happened to Cam and Quinn, and this time from Cam’s perspective; he was so interesting in the first book but never really had a chance to shine since Quinn spends most of her time outside Mandria.
Anyway, I’m very happy to say that I loved it. Regan has lost no sense of her world and I adored exploring more of it and even paying a visit back to outer Earth with Cam. I know I’d have felt even more pleased with it if I was still the right age for it. These books are like a cross between a fairy tale and a fantasy novel. They have a fairy tale feel to them, that feeling of destiny and whimsy that permeates modern fairy tales, as well as stereotypical fantasy elements and some things that Regan herself has made up, like the Marnies and their food-growing system. The world is enchanting. The characters are even more enchanting, if that’s possible. It’s easy to fall in love with them and stay in love throughout the series. When Cam and Basil were in a particularly dicey situation that may have ended one of Cam’s sincerest hopes, I was actually very worried about them and almost couldn’t bear to find out what happened. On top of this, the book ended in exactly the way I have wanted it to since I was a small girl. It made me very happy.
Honestly, this is a wonderful sequel in every way. Apparently the author has expanded Princess Nevermore as well, but I haven’t purchased that yet. To be honest I didn’t even need to reread it to remember what happened, since I read it so many times as a child. I’ll be happy to reread both of these together in the future, and I highly recommend them for young adults everywhere, as well as those of us who may be grown but still can find the child in our hearts.
Buy Cam’s Quest: The Continuing Story of Princess Nevermore and the Wizard’s Apprentice on Amazon.
 Having decided that his fate lies with the Rangers, Will is sent on a simple mission with an older Ranger and his friend, the apprentice soldier Horace. They are tasked with delivering a message to another nation, only to discover that there isn’t anyone there but bandits and a young girl claiming to be the servant of the king’s daughter, but that there is a very suspicious plan afoot. Will and his friends are the only ones who can set these problems to rights.
I really liked getting to know these characters better in the second volume of the series. I raced through this one just like the first, and the ending has a nice little cliffhanger to keep the reader going. This one stays full of adventure and excitement as Will is getting on his own two feet and working out what’s required of him. I also loved the new addition to the series. As others have mentioned, the prose is still on a young adult level, but as that’s what I’m reading, I’m okay with that too. In all, a terrific YA fantasy series so far, I hope it stays to this calibre as it goes on!
Buy The Burning Bridge on Amazon.
 When the day comes for masters to choose apprentices, Will is nervous. He wants to go to Battle School and become a warrior like he believes his father was, but he is small and comparatively weak, unlike his friend Horace who is an immediate choice for a future as a knight. Instead, he is chosen by Ranger Halt. Will doesn’t know what to expect from his new future as Ranger’s apprentice, but he quickly realizes that it isn’t as easy as he thought.
I have heard a lot about the Ranger’s Apprentice series, so I was excited when I found a box set of the first three. Seemed like an ideal time to jump in, and I didn’t doubt that I’d like it since so many others had. Of course, I loved it, and quickly grew to care for Will and Halt and Horace in the space of one short book. It certainly reads like a YA book with certain lessons that can be gleaned, but is enchanting enough for adults too, as it’s good solid fantasy. The world is interesting and I want to learn more about it, the characters are endearing, the action and plot are great, and the writing is the perfect tone and level for this type of young adult book. I can’t wait for number two!
Buy The Ruins of Gorlan on Amazon.
 And so the time has come for me to discuss Twilight. I’m posting this during the Sunday Salon because I want to hear what others think. I’ve read about this book everywhere, but I’d like one spot for you to give me your opinion. So please, do so here, or link me to your review so I can get a more complete view of the range of opinions. If not, well, I want to rant a little bit too.
Allow me to skip plot summary here, I’m sure we’ve all heard it before: Bella moves to rainy Forks, Bella meets perfect vampire boy Edward, love ensues. Allow me also to state that I fully, reluctantly intended to love this book. I like romance, I like fantasy type settings in general, I was a silly teenager that fell in love with every boy who ever smiled at me, and I really was in the mood for young adult books at the time.
So the surprise was that I didn’t love Twilight. I liked it. It did bring back those silly teenage years that I normally try to shove away into the corner of my brain marked “recycle bin”. Like I said, I was boy-crazy in the worst way. I think I missed something essential, here, because even that bit of me still ecstatic over cute boys did not like Edward Cullen. I don’t understand why every girl who has read this adores him – even intelligent, grown women that should probably know better. He is a stalker. He watches Bella while she sleeps! He always shows up when she’s in trouble and he gets her in danger. He doesn’t want her hanging around with the friends she made before him. He drives too fast even when it makes Bella nervous. He reacts violently when they kiss and makes her feel like she’s crazy. At first, he is utterly cruel to her. Okay, he is attractive and sparkly, but I do not see the meant-to-be going on in this book. I don’t see why he’s perfect except when Stephenie Meyer explicitly says that he is perfect. Maybe it’s because I never liked the dangerous guys, but I don’t get it even when I channel teenage Meghan.
I did find the book to be a fairly entertaining story, but I guess having one of the two central characters fall flat damaged it for me. I also didn’t particularly like the writing and hope it gets better as I go on in the series. Every detail of Bella’s life is delineated, like what she eats for breakfast and when she throws on some clothes. I don’t like the prose, either. I’m not a perfect writer, but I can’t stand seeing ellipses and dashes used incorrectly in professionally published work. I do it myself here but whenever I am writing for a professional audience I take all that out and correct it when I read other people’s writing.
Before you ask, yes, I got the next two. Like I said, I was convinced I’d like this even if I didn’t want to. Now I’m going to read them eventually and maybe I’ll understand why people love it by the end. I’ve got Breaking Dawn on my hold list at the library. I’m not shelling out money for that one, unless I find it for $1 like I did with the others.
Lastly, I want to stick out my opinion on comparisons of this to Harry Potter. Simply put, they have nothing in common except popularity and age group. I think of Harry Potter as more of a fantastical, wholesome kids’ series that promotes good stuff like family love, sacrifice, and loyalty. J.K. Rowling is perhaps not the best writer, but she is a terrific storyteller, and I love the HP books. When you get relationships, they are the awkward ones when you don’t know how kisses go but you think they might be nice, and for the most part they are built on solid foundations of friendship. This one? Well, Bella ditches and disobeys her father pretty quickly, she ignores her mother’s emails if she doesn’t feel like answering them, and she is happy to ignore all of the friends who welcomed her in favor of the creepy vampire family. Her relationship with Edward is similarly creepy and I think borderline abusive. I know that if I had a kid, I’d be thrilled that she/he read Harry Potter and would be happy to discuss it, but we’d have to have a long talk about Twilight because I think there are some issues there.
Do you love Twilight? Want to set me in my place about how wrong I am? Please, do so! If you’ve heard it all before, please feel free to ignore this post and read some of my other posts.
 It’s a struggle to summarize this book because there are so many plot threads running through it. Dustfinger is still dead and Farid is determined to revive him, even if it requires working with the oily Orpheus. Mo becomes more and more like the Bluejay and not like the bookbinder he originally was. Resa becomes increasingly intent on returning to the real world. Elinor begins to hate her life among her books when she could be living in one. And Meggie? She’s still in love with Farid and mainly, very confused.
Like I said, there are almost too many plot threads running through this. It had been a while since the first two for me so it took me a good few pages to recall what was actually going on, let alone figure out who everyone was again. After that, the book dragged. I dreaded Elinor’s chapters in particular. The woman sat around complaining for a few pages each time until she finally got placed into the story, at which point she nearly vanished in the barrage of other characters. What was the point there? Meanwhile, Meggie, the supposed main character of this entire series, is relegated to the sidelines where her main focus is weeping about her father and worrying about who she actually loves. I read one professional review that said that while Cornelia Funke is actually a great storyteller, the books have lost their original focus. I agree with that.
That said, this book is still a great story once you get halfway into it, and it wraps up in a very satisfying way. I enjoyed the ending very much and I didn’t regret reading it or anything like that. I just didn’t quite get what I bargained for, and I can see the merit in wishing the story had ended with Inkheart. I think, however, that the series is still worth reading. It just has a few slow spots in the middle and I’m not sure it will keep a child’s interest. It did keep mine, though.
Buy Inkdeath on Amazon.
 Aaron Summers is only a teenager but he knows that acting is his calling; he’s already been in several films and sealed his status as pre-teen poster boy. His latest film is his biggest yet and features a couple of kids completely new to the acting business. Everything starts off well, after he persuades his parents to let him take the part, until a few suspicious accidents lead the teen cast, growing closer every day, to realize that someone is sabotaging their movie. The adults don’t believe them, so it’s up to Aaron and his costars to work out exactly what’s going on and more importantly, why.
As I mentioned, this is YA fiction and is a change of pace for me, but a change of pace that I liked. This is by far the best self-published book that I’ve read all year. In fact, it hardly reads like one at all and I had to check several times that it was actually self-published because I found it hard to believe. The storyline is engaging, the dialogue is realistic, and the characters are endearing, which is more than I can say for quite a few other books I’ve read this year. What more can I ask for? I would definitely have loved this as a kid and I’d recommend it as a potential gift for any kids in your life that are interested in the movies. It combines mystery, love, stardom, and suspense in a very entertaining package and deals with a few challenging teenage issues in a competent way. I’m looking forward to the sequel. It’s corny, but Ms. White definitely has some “natural talent” of her own.
Check out the author’s webpage for links to purchase and more information.
|
|
Recent Comments