Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress by Arwat Chadda

Nov20

Arwat Chadda’s not a stranger to young adult fiction and Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress is an exciting second novel. It’s got action, ancient Indian history and a fight of good versus evil between the great god Rama and Ravanna. For someone who isn’t well versed in the Indian myths and legends, it’s an excellent introduction to the fascinating culture that has shaped India.

Set in Varanasi, India thirteen-year-old Ash and his ten-year-old sister Lucky are spending the summer holiday with relatives. Initially thrilled at the idea of occupying the months surrounded by the treasures of the holy city, Ash struggles to adjust to the differences of London. After two weeks of reality he’s desperate to return home.

Dragged to an elaborate party thrown by wealthy English Aristocrat Lord Savage, Ash discovers there’s more to this millionaire’s love of historical artefacts. Surrounded by demon henchmen Ash overhears Lord Savage’s plan to find the Iron Gates. A long forgotten buried prison holding the reincarnated evil god Ravanna for over four millennia.

When trouble strikes it’s up to Ash to protect Lucky and do whatever it takes to return to England. Even if it means trusting strangers and coming to terms that demons in are in fact real. Unable to ignore his higher purpose, Ash discovers strength buried deep inside and the truth as to who he is really is. With a guide and help from the goddess Kali Ash must do whatever it takes to help the world prevail and defeat the army of demons of the Savage Fortress.

Fast paced and cleverly blended Chadda creates an exciting tale of a boy fighting for the survival of not only his sister as well as himself but also the fate of the world. Although over 300 pages the pace of the novel is perfect for eight to twelve year olds. With spirited characters and situations that the readers can relate to, the novel relays the importance of believing in oneself.

Arwat Chadda’s Ash Ministry: and the Savage Fortress is sure to strike interest for any young reader and keep them engaged until the very end. Arwat Chadda’s not a stranger to young adult fiction and Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress is an exciting second novel. It’s got action, ancient Indian history and a fight of good versus evil between the great god Rama and Ravanna. For someone who isn’t well versed in the Indian myths and legends, it’s an excellent introduction to the fascinating culture that has shaped India.

This book was supplied by The South Asian Literature Festival for an honest review, many thanks!

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Nov17

Saba lives with her twin brother Lugh, little sister Emmie and her Pa. They live a quiet life with only one neighbour across the vast but dried up Silverlake. That is, until the men came and took Lugh away, killing Pa in the process.

Saba will never stop looking for Lugh. Leaving Silverlake she travels across the death trap Sandsea hoping to find the men that have taken him. But trouble is at every turn when one-steps away from their safe haven. The rest of the world is a scary place and Saba will have to decide who to trust and where to go, because time is running out for Lugh.

Please note that one of the genres I have added, I have created myself. I’m finding that a lot of the YA I’m reading are starting to fall into the same genres. I chose ‘Endless’ because what Young has mastered is a world in a post-apocalyptic environment that hasn’t been done before: Endless areas of sand and danger at every turn. It’s our Earth after we have destroyed it. It’s written in a phonetic type style, but as our heroine Saba has never been educated to our standards, she makes up words for things that haven’t been assigned a name in her lifetime.

If you’re able to get over the writing style (it’s slightly difficult to push through but the more you read the easier it gets), you are going to be blown away like I was. Finally, Saba, a take-charge girl who will do WHATEVER it takes to get her family back together! She’s strong, resourceful and flawed at the same time. I couldn’t guess what was going to happen next but trusted Young to keep me reading. Blood Red Road really is a fantastic read (hello – there’s a girls only Amazon type power group – seriously cool). There is some romance, which brings it back to typical YA. I don’t know how the second book is going to go. There is so much in this debut novel. For an escape of the daily commute or for an engaging Sunday morning, pick this up and you’ll have difficulty putting it down.

(Just read it now and tell me what you think in the comments)

Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel

Nov15

Nora Dearly is currently trying to adjust to her once empty home becoming overrun with the undead. But in the nice cohabiting way, not running and screaming kind. With the Siege over and a vaccine found it seems there is finally hope for the living to move and rebuild alongside the dead. During a public execution however, a zombie becomes out of control and bites others. Some who have had the vaccine, but now are infected…

This is new strain of the Laz could ruin everything Nora’s father has worked for. It’s only the start as masked vigilantes start parading around town kidnapping zombies that never return. To continue a peaceful world Nora’s father is going to have to discover the root of this new infection and take down the zombie-harming group. As is those were the only problems. A gathering group of zombies called the ‘Changed’ continue to increase and they want the dangerous zombie that is somehow the beginning of answers to this undead puzzle.

My first reaction: Too long, just way too long for my taste. Perhaps it’s because I’m not huge fan of Steampunk, but I like my YA’s way under 500 pages. For those that do love zombies, romance and everything that is Steampunk, you’ll not be disappointed by Habel’s amazing continuation of her Gone With the Respiration series. What I did enjoy was the chance to see the world through previous antagonists’ Michael Allister and Vespertine Mink’s eyes. New character Laura is also gives a fresh perspective outside of the Z Corp world from the debut book and I praise Habel in her voicing talent.

Whereas the first book is about discovering and mystery, this second continuation focuses on politics. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but that’s not to say others won’t fall in love with the story further. Characters grow and relationships deepen. The cruelty of living and breathing humanity against those that are different is frighteningly current. Although set in the future, this is a modern piece of work underneath the fictional pretence. I did feel that this book left me wanting something different, but that’s me and others looking to venture back to New Victoria you will be welcomed back with open (and sometimes undead) arms.

Buy it now! (US only)

Many thanks to publisher Random House Publishing Group and author Lia Habel for providing this ARC!

Dearly Departed by Lia Habel

Nov6

The world has changed and life as one knows it has reverted to a futuristic time mixed with the beauty and grace of the Victorian era. Fancy dress and high tech gadgets are the norm for seventeen-year-old Nora Dearly. The term at her finishing school has come to an end and she awaits her aunt’s carriage with patience and slight dread. Orphaned from the recent death of her father, Nora finds comfort through best friend Pamela as they venture home to New Victoria.

It was supposed to be a quiet first night back. Determined to find comfort in one of her favourite war films she shared with her father, a commotion outside derails her thoughts as the walking dead burst into her home. As Nora scampers to the roof, strangers rescue her but she’s horrified that even the handsome Bram is dead as well. Alone and surrounded by zombies, Nora must find strength within if she’s going to escape and return home.

I’ve never read anything steampunk before and I found myself pleasantly surprised how well this YA romance with zombies worked. Zombies aren’t all hungry monsters, but some have been given five years of an undead kind of life before succumbing to the final death. The idea is well executed and for those that need depth within a YA, look no further for Habel has thought of everything!

Steampunk fans will enjoy this book, and for those that don’t understand the genre will enjoy it just as must. There are excellent settings, cool gadgets and zombies falling in love. It was an exciting read that didn’t have my heart beating in fear but thrilled as I turned the pages in wonder about the fate of the characters. I can’t wait to read more from Habel and the next installment in the series.

Contact by Chris Morphew

Nov3

Contact begins minutes after the first book ends, with Peter as the narrator.

Peter’s life continues to get worse. Sure moving to Phoenix was great at the beginning, but ever since the latest community member Luke arrived everything’s spun out of control. Now he’s discovered that the leader of the town, Shackleton has created ‘Tabitha’, a plague that will destroy the world’s population in 80 days.

As Peter fights for his feelings against Luke over Jordan, the adults in power are ordered by Shackleton to place the three under strict watch. Regardless, the trio are determined to find the source of the ringing phone. If there are working phones in Phoenix, they just need to find one to be able to contact the outside and call for help. The stakes are raised as the teenagers engage in a dangerous tug of war against Shackleton. They’ll have to decide what’s more important, saving the world or saving their lives…

He’s done it again! Morphew’s ability to continue with the thrills and the mystery is executed brilliantly. I loved his idea of switching point of views with the three characters. I found Peter to be more likeable than Luke, and his sense of humour in trying to be romantically involved with Jordan was an engaging touch.

This book has more action, and some gore that jars the readers back to the seriousness of the world coming to an end. Perhaps the best part about the second book is how there are still many more questions to be answered. Why are all the people brought to Phoenix? What truly is Shackleton’s point of exterminating the rest of the population? What if the project doesn’t goes accordingly to plan? The only criticism I have is that I want the disaster to happen already, but at the end of this book there’s still 70 days to go. I’ll keep reading, because Morphew has stepped up the game in book two, so I can only wonder what’s to come in book 3 Mutation…

Day 30 – 30 Day Book Challenge

Oct30

It’s not fair asking someone who loves to read what his or her favourite book is. It’s impossible to choose. I picked C. S. Lewis because this book taught me to dream for the impossible. I see doors differently now. It made me wish for something else, to believe in the imaginary. It’s timeless. Narnia will always be timeless. You can never get there by the same path twice, and I’m still looking for my way in.

WOW! 30 days gone and 30 books discussed! I hope you enjoyed by journey through this year’s 30 Day Book Challenge. May I inspire you to do your own. Hooray for reading!