Day 8 – 30 Day Book Challenge

Oct8

Just because a book is a bestseller doesn’t mean that it’s good. Although I have met El James, had her sign my copy that was given to me from a friend, there is nothing about these books that thrill me. I’m extra biased because I’m originally from Seattle and it’s obvious that her research was done online. She did finally make the trek out to Seattle last month, and for that I’m proud of her for doing so.

Poor writing and the constant repetition of words and phrases along with incorrect facts told me this book isn’t as great as everyone says it is. And yet, that’s part of its reputation now. People want to still read the books to know how dirty and horrible they are. Seriously folks, it’s not truly worth your reading time.

Broken by A.E. Rought

Oct4

Simply stunning cover, gorgeous!

What would one give to have the love of their life returned to them? In West Michigan Emma Gentry pines for her boyfriend Daniel who died over the summer from a tragic accident. Once inseparable there’s nothing that can fill Emma’s hollow heart. She hides in his sweatshirt wandering the cemetery after school, wishing for a place to mourn. With her best friend Bree standing by her side Emma tries to adjust. Then the mysterious Alex Franks appears and finally Emma sees through her heartbroken haze.

However, Alex’s dad isn’t favourable about the match and the harder he restricts him from seeing Emma, the more the two are drawn to each other. Guilty over cheating on Daniel’s memory, Emma can’t resist the power Alex has over her. He’s strong like Daniel, opens her locker just like Daniel, and he even winks just like Daniel. The similarities turn eerie as Alex’s father pulls him out of school-leaving Emma no choice but to visit his house, only to discover the truth of what really happened to Daniel…

I adored Broken by A.E. Rought. The language was beautifully spooky for it’s setting making it a perfect autumn read. Throw in a paranormal retelling of one of my favourite classics and it was difficult to put down, this is YA romance at it’s best. Life is hard in high school and it’s unthinkable how one could go on after the death of a boyfriend. Emma is easy to relate too even through her grief and she stands as a good example of trying to move on from tragedy.

The beginning moves smoothly to a fantastic and exciting finish. I’ve always loved Halloween and I wish the book was being released in October instead of January. I’d recommend this book for the real YA audience as well as for adults. It’s a YA crossover of 50 Shades of Grey level (for the heat only!), but cleverly written and wonderfully executed. Read for the romance, stay for the passion and enjoy the gothic language as it transports you to a time when all that mattered in life is love.

Broken will be released on January 8th, 2013. Pre-order your copy from Barnes & Noble in the US or directly from the publisher in the UK.

This book was provided as an ARC from Angry Robot from their imprint Strange Chemistry for an honest review. I’m thrilled to receive the galley because I thought Angry Robot is one of the coolest names for a publisher. Many thanks Angry Robot and Strange Chemistry!

Velvet by Mary Hooper

Sep20

Homeless and starving, Velvet was fortunate to find a job at Ruffold’s Steam Laundry and a tiny room to call her own. In 1900 Victorian England, she fights for survival every day against the heat and backbreaking labour. When an opportunity arises for a higher position, Velvet works her fingers to the bone to keep her role as a personal laundress for the wealthy spiritual medium Madame Sayoya.

However, mistakes do happen and Velvet gets fired. By a stroke of luck she is welcomed into the home of her best client. Now a part of the spiritual community, Velvet follows the rules to a T to ensure every séance of Madame’s goes without issue. She falls in love with Madame’s handsome assistant George and plans her future of finery. As time passes, cracks form in her wonderful world and Velvet must face her past and confront dangerous secrets.

Velvet takes an age-old story of a struggling girl in London during a period when fortune-tellers, mediums and paying for spiritual consultants were a fashionable hobby. Mary Hooper takes it a step further by weaving other historical aspects that are less flattering about this time period. It’s an easy and engrossing read that will keep you turning pages to learn more about how mediums tricked innocent patrons and if Velvet can survive being stuck in a web of lies.

I’ve always had a fondness for historical fiction. Perhaps it began with C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia books. I was always fascinated by historical England just as much as what occurred in Narnia. I absolutely fell in love with the imagery and storytelling of Victorian England. It’s extra enjoyable when part of the setting is around the corner from where one presently lives. Hooper does her research and she does it well. The tone, the language and the events of story are engaging without being dry. The only criticism I have about the book is how weak at times Velvet appears, and although I understand it’s a period equation, that’s how women behaved back then. I can’t help but wish there was a bit more spunk to her character. If this title is on your to-read list, get it read! It’s a great YA book that’s got some romance but has more depth by placing survival as the main focus.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Sep13

So many covers! Top left – USA/UK/Sweden, Top right – Italy/Czech Republic, Bottom left – Spain, Bottom right – Spain (they’re in different languages)

Linh Cinder (surnames are said first) lives in New Beijing, is a sixteen-years-old mechanic and also happens to be a cyborg. The ward of her stepmother that focuses only on her natural daughters Peony and Pearl, Cinder is forced to work to support the family. Her trade is so well known that even Prince Kai seeks her out for a royal android repair. The world is under attack by a mysterious plague that spreads in an unknown way and kills on a strict timeframe. There is no cure and cyborgs are used for test research.

Cinder’s stepmother Andri can’t resist sending her away to the royal palace as a test subject when her youngest stepsister falls ill with the plague. Devastated over losing and possibly infecting Peony, Cinder complies, desperate to do anything to save her life. Yet as the tests commence secrets and revelations come to light. Cinder’s crush on Kai seems light-years away as her past is uncovered and she fights for her right to exist in an anti-cyborg world.

I must give a shout out to Marissa Meyer who is from Tacoma, Washington State, my mom’s hometown. I was delighted after I finished the book to discover a Washington State writer wrote it. I think Meyer did a wonderful job at tackling the huge task of retelling the Cinderella fairytale. The basic story is still there which does make it a bit predictable but with a dystopian setting it’s a fun and refreshing read. As history repeats itself with this deathly plague, Meyer uses creative settings and impressive steam punk imagery to recast a modern Cinderella.

I loved the book; it had me on the edge of seat. Even when I knew a mile away certain things were going to happen, I think Meyer strategically worked the fairytale to her advantage. I’d be upset if she didn’t stick with the core story and she mixed other fairytale elements that succeed in a post apocalyptic world. I’d recommend Cinder in a heartbeat to anyone that wants a different, stronger Cinderella but isn’t ready to leave the dystopian genre.

There’s been a rumour going around that the second book, Scarlet isn’t going to be published. I’m happy to report that Amazon is already selling it in advance. Here’s the cover.

You can enter to win a signed advanced copy HERE: The contest ends September 30^th.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Aug9

Victoria Jones grew up in the foster care system. On her eighteen birthday she’s finally free and is set up in a halfway home. Ignoring her social worker she runs away from the safe house, and creates a garden for which she hides in the local park. Flowers have always been her safe haven as the Victorians used flowers to communicate secret messages. They also don’t talk back or tell her how she should be living her life.

When Victoria impresses a florist with her natural talent of flowers, she finds herself living an almost normal life. Yet with positive step, the past creeps up as horrible secrets threaten her sanity. Unable to trust the world she throws herself into the flowers looking for answers. When someone bursts back into her life, Victoria must come face to face with her regrets to find her future.

The Language of Flowers is simply stunning. The chapters alternate between the past and the present, creating an itch that can only be soothed by turning the page. Victoria’s voice is loud and clear no matter what age she’s being written about. The deepest fears a foster child feels is astoundingly expressed through the novel with simplistic realism that makes the book hard to put down. Diffenbaugh has down her research and it clearly shows, bringing a dead language new life giving this tale a sweet sadness.

Although perhaps not practical, the story is so engrossing it can’t be helped but enjoyed and relished. The drama of Victoria’s life is a different sort to relate to, with her issues being deeply rooted. The story is told beautifully as a young girl grows from a troubled teen to a strong sunflower. You don’t have to know anything about the Victorian period to appreciate the charm and care that this book provides, and it might even make you look at flowers just a bit differently.

Fateful by Claudia Gray

Aug4

Tess Davies has served the wealthy Lisle family for most of her life. Forced to live in squander whilst working to the bone, her only hope is to start over in America after accompanying the family abroad. But an encounter with a handsome stranger the night before the voyage temporarily puts her plan out of focus. He’s hot, he’s manly, and he’s just saved Tess’s life and then instantly disappears. She puts the event out of her mind as she focuses on her duty to the Lisle’s as they board for their coming journey. Yet there’s more to this handsome stranger than Tess realises and it’s honestly the least of her worries as she and the Lisle’s settle in on the RMS “Titanic”.

I really wanted to like this book. Entranced by the cover (how could one not?) and intrigued by the blurb I was hungry for a disaster story. Adoring the history around the Titanic it was wonderful to be transported to a different point of view (a servant girl’s) rather than just how the wealthy enjoyed the voyage. Regardless, I couldn’t like the book. I praise Gray for giving herself a challenge. Writing about the Titanic and weaving an evil supernatural society into the logistics isn’t an easy task. Regardless, I felt that Tess has too many loopholes. I didn’t buy the love story either, and that is what ruined the book for me. I wanted to believe in Tess and Alec, but it was just so easy. ‘I see him! I love him!’ Doesn’t cut it. And he’s a werewolf, big surprise!

What kept me reading, and on the edge of my seat was when the Titanic hits the iceberg. We all know it’s going to happen, and what occurs after, but how does Tess cope? Will she make it? What about the family she serves? Do the readers want them to survive? Reading through the tragedy creates such a level of suspense that before you know it; the end of the book arrives.

I think Fateful is an ideal book for YA readers, especially on the younger side of the spectrum. It’s got passionate love up to first base, a heroine that young girls will want to succeed and protagonists to root against. Blending history with fantasy is a difficult task, and even through the holes, Gray is able to create truly romantic supernatural tale.