Tag Archives: 5-stars

Review: Maria Farrer – Broken Strings

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Broken Strings
Maria Farrer
Jess has a desire to play classical violin beyond everything else in her life. Focused on her goal, she is blind to other things that are happening around her until her bid for a scholarship fails. Drawn in by a grandmother she’s never met, she has another chance to make it with violin.
At times, I found this novel too painful to put down. It seemed like one thing after another turned out incorrectly. Jess just couldn’t help getting into trouble! It doesn’t help that her grandmother is very out of touch with children, and always has been.
I loved the way the characters were developed. Even the ‘servants’ had attitudes and opinions, even if the grandmother tried to suppress them. It’s hard to fit all of that into one novel, but Farrer manages it beautifully.
I didn’t really understand Jess’ reluctant teenager-ing. I mean, sure rebel, but you still play Classical violin! Who wouldn’t want an excuse to wear nice clothes? Sure, not dresses (I can understand that, I never loved them much until recently myself), but a lovely pair of dress slacks would have done the job.
I wasn’t satisfied with the way things ended up with Charlie. Sure, age gaps are a hard thing, but still! Jess never should have gotten involved with anyway, she is in such a mess herself, not to mention not having time for anything!
I had never heard of any of the musicians in the novel, so I’m still not sure if they are ‘real people’ or not. Probably not. But the music, oh, the music. Well worth listening to. I’d even go so far as to say listen to it while reading the novel! It’s nice when the author can add atmosphere in this way, just with a mention of music.
I received this novel from Scholastic in return for an honest review. Personally, I would have purchased this novel anyway if I had seen it. I look forward to seeing more from this author.

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Review: Juliet Marillier – The Caller

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The Caller
Juliet Marillier
Neryn still has another guardian to meet before she can undertake her task as a Caller. Little does she know that magic has been weakening under the Tyrant’s rule, and it may be more difficult than she imagines. When it comes to the final battle, will she be able to succeed against the other forces moving against her?
The Caller is everything I wanted from Marillier. Action packed, strong friendship ties, and a bit of drama that doesn’t allow you to hope that the main characters will turn out ok.
I liked that we heard more from Flint’s perspective in this novel. Something from the other rebels would have been good too (such as Tali), but this lack meant that you felt like you were truly in Neryn’s shoes.
Hint, don’t read the back of this novel’s cover, or any summaries online. I accidentally read one, and then spent the whole book wondering when the thing was going to happen. It didn’t, and I didn’t feel cheated, I just wished I could have appreciated the bits more.
The conclusion isn’t surprising. Or rather it is, but then you realise you should have guessed from all the pointers in the beginning. You feel satisfied, but not too satisfied. And there’s still some tension lurking right to the very end.
I’m sort of sad that I didn’t feel enough connection to any of the secondary characters to be sad when they died. There was one exception, but I can’t tell you about that, obviously.
I’d love to know what happens next. Who will be king? Who will be the regents?

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Review: Juliet Marillier – Raven Flight

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Raven Flight
Juliet Marillier
Having safely reached Shadowfell, now Neryn needs to master the elements of earth and water, each testing her in their own way. She must leave the safety and her tenuous forming friendships, and get on with Tali, a warrior set on hating her.
I’m not entirely sure why this novel is called Raven Flight. I would perhaps call it Crow Flight, but that name would be even better suited to the third novel if you were going for straight-forward names.
Ravenflight improves on the first novel, and in terms of magic and learning it proved to be the best of the three. I really enjoyed the practical elements of magic. The breathing, understanding water and its volatility, learning the rituals and offerings. Remember to be respectful of the elders and the native environs.
A lot of this novel is Neryn working out the ethics of using her skills. She doesn’t want to let anyone die, yet she knows that some must die in the process. It’s an interesting conundrum, something most people would not face. Trial and error seems the way to go.
Not much I can say about this novel really. Just as good as the first one, but still not as enthralling as some of Marillier’s other works.

The cover on this one matches the first, which naturally makes me happy. Thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy to review.

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Review: Juliet Marillier – Shadowfell

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Shadowfell
Juliet Marillier
Neryn has been fleeing Enforcers for most of her young life. After she is snapped up in a game of chance, she is given the opportunity to make her way to a safe place. Trusting no-one, she heads off on her own, but doesn’t know the way in the winter.
Neryn and Flint’s relationship is a tenuous one. Neryn doesn’t trust anyone, sensibly enough in her world. She tries to trust the un-canny folk, but in the beginning they aren’t that fond of her either.
This novel is mainly about the journey to Shadowfell (which often seems hopeless and too far away), and Neryn displaying the signs of the Caller before she can begin training. Although not particularly entrancing at the beginning, it did warm up.
This novel reminded me strongly of another set of books I enjoyed by Alison Croggon. The Books of Pellinor is also a journey and powers quartet.
In every novel of Marillier the background and landscape (as well as traditions), are strongly rooted in Celtic beginnings. If you’re fond of her other works, you’ll like this one too. If you (or your younger reader) aren’t ready for the Daughter of the Forest, this is a perfect starter into this world-type.
The magic system in this world is not particularly new. People are ‘canny’, and the fairy folk they see are ‘un-canny’. Although the tyrant king holds that these people are ‘smirtched’, and wants to kill them all off. I don’t quite understand this, as it was a prophesy that he would die at the hand of someone canny, yet he brings them closer to him if they suit his purposes. Then again, he is a tyrant.
I received this novel straight from Pan Macmillan for review. I would have bought it on my own however, as I love these sets of novels from this author.

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Review: Anna Frost – The Fox’s Mask (review and giveaway)

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The Fox’s Mask
Anna Frost
Akakiba is part of the Fox Clan of samurai. He can change into a fox – but he hasn’t told his apprentice yet. With dragons at stake and strange demon possessions going on, it’s important to be honest, and reduce the inevitable shocks. But Akakiba isn’t as contented with himself as he seems.
Nothing was dramatic with the love and affection through the novel. It was ok to love other people, and it was ok that foxes could change their gender. There wasn’t any huge fanfare about Akakiba and Yuki’s relationship, which appeared deeply, but confusingly, loving. I loved how being queer was treated normally – or so I thought. The novel highlighted an issue that’s rampant within the Queer community and is yet to receive widespread acceptance from the general public.
This is historical YA LGBT fiction, and I want to get my hands into more of it as soon as possible. In fact, the next time I have a book buying spree, I think I may need to purchase the second and third books in the trilogy. Or I might get lucky and the author will send me a review copy. Either way, I want them!
I had a couple of reservations at the beginning of the novel, as some of the text and dialogue didn’t sit right with me. I went into this novel dreading the end, because I didn’t know it was a trilogy and I couldn’t see how the action could possibly resolve. The action really was quite slow. There was quite a lot of traveling, which was fine with me, as I wanted to hear more about the countryside.
The thought of magic dying out was scary. It’s a new dread to have in a novel to me,  as most fantasy novels take magic for granted. More could have been done with it, but this novel was mainly about exposing Akakiba.
The Japanese words scattered throughout the text didn’t bother me, as I studied Japanese at school and remembered their meanings. They added a bit of interest to the text for the average reader I felt – more than just saying it’s set in Japan, the culture and language hold true as well.
I was requested by the author to read this novel, and participate in the tour. I haven’t toured a novel for a while, since my reading scedule doesn’t always allow me to finish novels in time. This one however was entracing enough that I devoured it in one gulp.
I’m lucky enough to have a giveaway associated with this novel (but don’t think that’s why I gave it a glowig review, I loved it!)

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Review: M Anjelais – Breaking Butterflies

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Breaking Butterflies
M Anjelais
Sphinx has looked up to Cadence all her life, even as he alternatively praised and condemned her. Unexpectedly, he is dying. How could something so beautiful die? How could it work out like that?
Although this novel was told from the perspective of Sphinx, it wasn’t really about her. It was only what she could say about Cadence and for Cadence. This raw talent, formed because he can’t feel anything.
The insight shown by Sphinx into the disturbing life lead by this family away from home is at times surprising. Her flashes of brilliance when she looks at the paintings in the end, nothing short of astounding. Also the thing about having an art Gallery use Cadence’s work – and how it can only occur after everything has happened.

The imagery, symbolism and continuity of the eggs that Sphinx feels seems to be something that the author has taped on, in order to read forwards and backwards in time, linking across the generations. For me though, all that was needed was the strength of feeling between the two teenagers. The emotion felt by Sphinx is almost palpable, as is Cadence’s hostility.

This book was painful and raw to read. It reminded me a little of Looking for JJ, in that the topic tacked wasn’t comfortable or typical for a teen read. It made me uncomfortable for the rest of the day while I tried to process what I felt. I empathised with Cadence even as I hated him – just as Sphinx does.
I wasn’t that convinced by Sphinx’s conversations with her parents. Why were they ok with this? How could they still see him as a threat? He’s weak, dying. Surely Sphinx should have been better organized.
I’d love to see a sequel. How will Sphinx grow up? What is her purpose? How will she move past this? What will happen to Leigh? Will she move back to the US to be with her best friend? Are all the plans spoiled?
Although you felt sure that things would turn out ok, or as ok as they could be with someone dying, there was an edge that the author captured. You know something terrible could happen, might happen, will happen, but you can’t look away. Instead you keep desperately reading, hoping that something might save the day.
The statistic that 1 in 25 people is a psychopath is a disturbing one. Hell, that means that out of the people I work with, I must be the psychopath! Isn’t it the saying that if you’re looking for the drunkest person at the party, it’s you?
I received a copy from Scholastic. Slowly, they and I seem to be finding novels that I really enjoy reading and reviewing. This one was right up my alley.

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Review: Cassandra Clare – City of Bones (Mortal Instruments)

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City of Bones (Mortal Instruments)
Cassandra Clare
Clary is normal, as far as she knows. She’s a typical 15 year old, albeit one who goes out to exciting bars like Pandemonium. Once there, she witnesses things that she had never seen before – and she can’t work out who are the bad guys, as her mother is taken away and her best friend is suddenly smitten with someone else.
I liked Clary. She was spunky, but still believable when she showed fear at other times. The typical teenage contrariness was there too, and she didn’t seem able to follow orders. Pretty hormonal and emotional at times too. Flawed, and so accessible. Not sure how young males are going to go with a novel like this one, but Clary’s good.
The ending was unbelievable. I couldn’t see it coming, even though I’m sure the hints were there. It’s weird about the attraction though. I hated how it left Jace exposed and uncomfortable though – I didn’t mind his sarcastic humour, and I hated to think how he had been treated.
This novel seems to set up that the Clave is a bad thing. Sure, it thinks it is promoting peace, but it seems like it’s doomed. They can’t even keep things safe, like the Mortal Cup! I guess, Hodge did make a mess of things, but at the same time…
When you’re reading, take nothing for granted. The people you think are enemies, the people you think are entirely trustworthy? They aren’t. People lie. The author has crafted something really masterful that reads well, and doesn’t allow the reader to get bored.
This seems to have become a cult novel. And possibly a film? Anyway, I didn’t have any preconceived notions going in to this anyway, never having read any reviews. I listened to this as an audio book, the only audio book I could find at the time. The reader was great, although sometimes I thought her male voices were a bit stupid. The breathy tones she used for Clary actually sat well with me. Sometimes Clary did seem a bit stupid.
Just as you think the novel must be ending (but you still have 6 CDs to listen to), another thing bounces out of the plot and demands to be read. I was lucky I had it in the car to read, or I never would have been able to put it down.

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Review: Karelia Stetz-Waters – Forgive me if I’ve told you this before

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Forgive me if I’ve told you this before
Karelia Stetz-Waters

Triinu attends a boring old highschool, with what you would consider typical bullies and mean principals. But it’s more than that – Triinu is gay, and in an exceedingly conservative town, that means that pretty much everyone can get away with targeting her.

The beginning of this novel filled me with a little apprehension. I didn’t love the opening paragraphs, and didn’t immediately connect with the protagonist. A few pages in though, and I was hooked, not wanting to step away from my desk. I loved that Triinu developed as a character, entirely intertwined through the novel. There were no moments of uncertainty, where I wondered how the text had gotten to this point. This is marketed as a coming-of-age story, and I have to say it is.

The painful self-discovery of Triinu might seem unrealistic to other people, who realised they were gay early. But Triinu doesn’t have that option – she hardly knows what being gay means! She needs to find who she is (which she does, in a round about fashion that I recognised), and then come to terms with it.

It was interesting that the colleges she applied for were out of state. I understood why, but at the same time, it’s the total opposite of what people in Australia do. The demographics of these are interesting – and the fear of rejection that Triinu feels is going to be familiar with other readers.

I am not familiar with Oregon, USA, where this is set. I know nothing of the culture, or its history. It doesn’t matter very much though, because the personal issues Triinu undergoes happen every day around the world. Additionally, the author has set her novel and also filled the reader in on the details they need to know of the (real) world.

I made a very rare exception to my print-novel only rule for reviewing, and I’m glad I did. This little beauty is well worth reading, and is humbling, believable and touching all at the same time. If my review doesn’t convince you to go read it, go read it anyway. It won’t be a waste of your time.

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goodreads_icon copyAmazon-Icon-e1335803835577-300x294 copybookdepository_icon copy5starReread Review Update 25-01-22: I reread this novel in pleasure. I now own a print version of it, and loved reading it. It felt almost like the first time again. I found myself wondering what Triinu was doing with her life now, that’s how real it felt to me.

Review: Rainbow Rowell – Eleanor & Park

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Eleanor & Park
Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park have a interesting start. He thinks she’s nuts, she doesn’t think anything at all. Both of them have issues, problems, that neither can talk about. Perhaps together they can make a difference in each other’s lives.

There’s never really an explanation for Eleanor’s clothing choices. Is it something she does to annoy her step-father? I could not believe Eleanor’s mother. Why on earth would she put up with a guy like that? Where was the income even coming from? I know that domestic violence is something that is tangible and real, but also that there are safe-guards put in place, and that help is available.

The sub-plots, and actual development of the other characters other than Eleanor and Park, were just as compelling as the others. It’s a coming of age story, but also a genuine love story. I recognise the heady honeymoon period of a new relationship, where neither partner can get enough of the other.This novel has breathtaking action that will leave you longing for more about the future. But the ending! Noooooo. I hated it. I wanted something more to come of it. Poor Park! At the same time I could exactly understand Eleanor’s point-of-view, and yet still hated it.

Other people have pulled holes in this novel because of the setting. I honestly don’t know enough about US history to know whether things are historically correct. Anyway, I don’t think I’d care. The characters are what make the book for me, not the setting.

I’ve read a series of amazing novels lately, but I think this one comes out on top. It’s got a lot of important issues, and characters that actually learn and grow. I want to get my hands on her other novels as soon as possible!

I bought this novel after having received Fangirl from a publisher. Well worth it, and would strongly recommend it to anyone interested in teen fiction.

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Review: Victoria Scott – Fire and Flood

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Fire and Flood
Victoria Scott
Tella is a Contender. Not that she knows what a Contender is or does. But she is one. She needs to find her Pandora, and go for the race as hard as she can, to save her sick brother. This may mean sacrifices, but at the same time she might gain something else.
There were some really mixed reviews on this novel on Goodreads. Some people compared it to The Hunger Games, and found it lacking, and others really liked. Me? I loved it. I thought it was better than The Hunger Games (my review here).
You know how in the waiting periods of The Hunger Games, there was just nothing going on? Here, there is something going on, and the back story being developed is huge. Sometimes I feel like other reviewers didn’t even get through the whole thing.
Tella is a character anyone can relate to. She doesn’t know what she’s doing, she doesn’t have any great skills, and the only thing she has that might tip the balance is her Pandora egg. Which hasn’t even hatched by the beginning of the first challenge. It’s great to see her character development as she gets more hardened, but also more questioning.
Tella, through her new friends, is able to get a grasp on the external factors. The contestants aren’t all in the dark. Another reason this hits with me, is that the whole situation is actually possible in our world. It’s an average town, with average people, and yet the outside world has other ideas.
I liked the fact that there could be more than one winner. I mean sure, people were dying, but it wasn’t quite so bad. At least they had opted in (with the ultimate price in store), and could opt out at practically any time (I think). Sacrifices needed to be made though.
The ending! Arg! I didn’t want to see the ending! I really really enjoyed reading it. So much so that I actually wrote to the author straight after reading it, and said thank you for producing such a fabulous book. I would recommend this novel over The Hunger Games personally.
I received this novel free as a review copy, but my opinions remain my own.

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