Book Stats:  

Source: Purchased

Reviewed by: Tynga

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Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Book Stats:  

Series:  Strange the Dreamer, #1

Source: Library

Reviewed by: Kara

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A new epic fantasy by National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Laini Taylor of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy.
The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around--and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he's been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance to lose his dream forever.
What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?
The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries--including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo's dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? and if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?
In this sweeping and breathtaking new novel by National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor, author of the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, the shadow of the past is as real as the ghosts who haunt the citadel of murdered gods. Fall into a mythical world of dread and wonder, moths and nightmares, love and carnage.
Welcome to Weep.

It's been some time that Laini Taylor has been working on this book, and I believe the publishing date got pushed back about 6 months from a previous announcement; so there's been plenty of anticipation!

Unlike her first series that starts with action and intrigue, this novel takes a much slower pace to establish the background, characters, and conflict. Because there are so many unknowns about the city of Weep and magic and barriers to Lazlo finding things out, the reader might find it confusing to follow at first. However, about 25% of the way through, the novel really picks up once Lazlo is in Weep and Sarai sees Lazlo through his dreams. Here the novel really grips you and carries you all the way to the finish, so if you're struggling, try and make it to this point in the book! I was surprised to find how much I liked it, actually, and surprises at the end just kept coming! (I did read where another review found this to be the opposite, that the beginning was fast and rich and the end was more of a slower slog...well, each reader their own!)

There are two things that are really great about this book: 1) Sarai and Lazlo's romance, which is so atypical and 2) the myth and magic of the lushly descriptive worldbuilding that really brings the world alive if not fully realized/revealed to the reader.

To understand a bit of the romance, I'll have to spoiler a bit. Sarai is one of the half-human gods' children living above the city of Weep and all of them have interesting abilities. Sarai is able to turn most of her (her spirit? her soul?) into moths and have them fly down to land on people in the city and influence their dreams. Lazlo is a newcomer to Weep, and when Sarai investigates him, he is able to see her, something no one else has ever been able to do before. They fall in love through the dream and the meeting of their minds, which is really beautiful and full of wonderfully rich imagery. As the reader experiences this with them, it is also the tale of two outsiders finding somewhere to belong and connect, and ultimately, shows possibilities of peace and hope for the future.

Laini Taylor has always been fantastic with description and making such creative, unusual fantasies and this one is no exception. At times, you're having to read so slow because you just don't want to miss the details and care in the setting creation. Weep, the creatures, descriptions of Lazlo himself...it's worth it to take your time to experience the history, the juxtaposition of opposing forces, and the emotion captured into words.

I also have to add, I loved how Lazlo is a librarian and has such passion for books and learning. (Shameless plug here for great librarians and readers/lovers of fantasy. Thanks, Laini!)

Here's one of my favorite quotes from the book:

"What's the point of being old if you can't beleaguer the young with your vast stores of wisdom?" - Master Hyrrokin
"And what's the point of being young if you can't ignore all advice?" - Lazlo

One last thing, you may not realize this is a series while reading it, but once you reach the end, it's rather obvious. So just know, we will probably be waiting over a year for book 2 (tentatively called The Muse of Nightmares though no other details have been released except that it exists as a duology) if you pick this one up, just in case you're a reader who likes to avoid book hangovers!

For two great interviews with the author on Strange the Dreamer and writing, see this one from USA Today and the other from Bustle.

Roar by Cora Carmack

Book Stats:  

Reviewed by: Tynga

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I am on an high fantasy rush and when I stumbled upon this beautiful cover (doesn't she look like Daenerys Targaryen?? ) I knew I had to get my hands on it. Yes, I confess, I judge books by their cover. And in this case, the content really lived up to its stunning packaging. 

 The story is set in a world where Gods are plaguing Caelira with magical storms for its denizens past wrongdoings. The only way to stay safe is to pledge allegiance to a Kingdom for protection. Kings and Queens are stromlings and the have different type of magic allowing them to control different kind of storms.  This magic was totally new and fascinating and I totally loved this original world. 

Aurora (a.k.a Roar) is the heir to her Queendom and if she wants to lead she needs to be able to protect it, so when she stumbles upon a band of storm hunters she sees to perfect opportunity, grasps it, and hold on for dear life. I loved how she joined this adventure under cover and was strong and fierce despite the odds against her. She is determined to succeed and her journey will be a difficult one.

I absolutely loved the hunters. They each have their own personality with their strength and weaknesses  and I enjoyed getting to know them. Bait was particularly funny, Jinx was colorful, Duke dependable, I don't like and don't trust Sly and Locke was beyond awesome and quite charming.

Speaking of Locke, he is the love interest of this novel and even though they are both instantly attracted to each other it takes a long time for their relationship to develop and I really appreciate that. They fight, struggle, yell at each other and their interactions are always so raw. It's really great. 

The plot was engrossing and I enjoyed the adrenaline rush of the well described storm battling scenes. I wish this book was longer though, there could easily have been a 100 more pages of anticipation, action and building toward the end. 

My main complaint in this book is I want to know more. More about Roar's abilities, why she's different, what happens to her friend Nova and her own powers. I also wanted to know more about Cassius' real intentions and his plan. Really, this world is so engrossing, I just didn't want to let go and now I am sad I have to wait another year before I can pick up the next installment. 

Read an excerpt  

Remember, Remember: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery by Anna Elliott with Charles Veley

Book Stats:  

Series:  Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery, # 3

Source: For review

Reviewed by: Kara

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"The game's afoot in this fast-paced Victorian mystery!

A lovely young American actress has a major problem.

It's a cold morning in 1897 when she awakens outside the British Museum, lying face down on the concrete pavement . She has no memories. She does not even know who she is, although she has a vague recollection of the name Sherlock Holmes. She thinks she may have just killed someone, and she knows someone wants to kill her. As she searches for clues to her true identity, she will learn that she is not the only target. Unless she can defeat her evil adversaries, the people most dear to her will die."

In this Sherlock Holmes continuation, a young woman is found by a young police constable on the steps of the British Museum after having been assaulted. Her memory is lost, and though she tries to jog her memory, she ends up running into someone who tried to abduct her. The only one who believes her is the policeman, John Kelly, who takes her to his home to his young sister. While there, a mysterious man tries to gain entrance and both girls are forced to flee, this time running back to the British Museum where our heroine's memory is jogged enough to finally rediscover her identity, Lucy James. Lucy, remembering her ordeal, immediately runs to Baker Street to deposit the young girl, Becky, for safekeeping while warning Dr. Watson of a plan she had learned of just before she was knocked out. Lucy makes her way to the docks where she is once again trapped by Mr. Ferrars who tried to abduct her earlier. Luckily, Holmes and Kelly arrive on the scene to help. Holmes and his crew are on the tail end of an investigation into a German spy ring of the Kaiser's trying to subvert or attack the British government. Lucy, Holmes's erstwhile daughter, is an actress and talented intellectual much like her famous father. But when Kelly is accused of murder, Lucy and Holmes must try to save him from hanging as well as avoid the spies within the Metropolitan police and keep an eye out for danger from the criminals they're pursuing, Mr. Ferrars and the fake doctor.

Despite beginning with amnesia, the plot keeps the reader engaged until the mystery reveals itself. Lucy is a likeable heroine though we don't learn much of her actual background except that she is American, went to boarding schools, is a talent actress/singer, and can defend herself. My favorite part about Lucy was when she pretended to be taken in with the plot for Mr. Ferrars to be her husband and then confronts him as soon as he tries to manhandle her into his carriage. After being scared she was going to be naive and go along with some stranger, I was happy cheering her on to be plucky and determined to avoid getting in the man's carriage. It show her difference of being a more independent, strong feminist young woman who is unafraid to take care of herself even in very uncomfortable situations. This fact alone sets it apart from most Regency historicals or other Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Women are generally damsels in distress, but not Lucy! Even when she must depend on John Kelly's kindness, she still shows herself capable of obtaining things she needs and standing up for herself.

Another gem of this book is the dialogue of Holmes, who really does sound like himself, or at least, the version of Holmes that I picture as Benedict Cumberbatch. Also the revelation of Holmes having a daughter and the both of them having to negotiate a relationship when neither are very used to having family, much less sharing feelings, is another interesting bit. It's all very formal and framed with utmost care to be without emotion, stated as facts. I find this quite believable for Sherlock Holmes. There isn't much detail to the book, which might've dragged it down if included, but the lack of detail, except when narrated by the characters to further the mystery, fits the quick plot and resolution. There's a bit of romance, done as lightly as possible in this era, but still keeps the reader interested and doesn't overwhelm the other aspects of the novel. I really enjoyed reading it as it was easy to jump into, fast-paced, and not gory (as mysteries can frequently be) while also being light and fairly true to continuing a possible future of Holmes and Watson. I'd read more and I'm definitely interested in reading more from Anna Elliott.

Please note that while this is the third book in the series, it is the first written by Anna Elliott and is the first to center on Lucy James as books one and two, The Last Moriarty and The Wilhelm Conspiracy, deal with Sherlock Holmes. The fourth, The Crown Jewel Mystery is also Lucy James and was just recently released on Kindle only.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima

Book Stats:  

Reviewed by: Tynga

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A thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed—Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love. Now, once again, the Queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa ana'Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible; tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch. With surrounding kingdoms seeking to prey on the Fells' inner turmoil, Raisa's best hope is to unite her people against a common enemy. But that enemy might be the person with whom she''s falling in love. Through a complicated web of lies and unholy alliances, former streetlord Han Alister has become a member of the Wizard Council of the Fells. Navigating the cut-throat world of blue blood politics has never been more dangerous, and Han seems to inspire hostility among Clan and wizards alike. His only ally is the queen, and despite the perils involved, Han finds it impossible to ignore his feelings for Raisa. Before long, Han finds himself in possession of a secret believed to be lost to history, a discovery powerful enough to unite the people of the Fells. But will the secret die with him before he can use it? A simple, devastating truth concealed by a thousand-year-old lie at last comes to light in this stunning conclusion to the Seven Realms series.

*The Crimson Crown being the final installment in the series, it will contain spoilers from the previous books*

Raisa won her battle, she is finally Queen of the Fells, but it only brought even more battles to be fought. Her Queendom is desired by many and she has to fight an invasion with an army of bought swords, the clans and the wizards both want her to marry with one of their own to gain power, and her heart desires only Hans but it seems so impossible. Being Queen right now is much harder then it ever was for her mother, but Raisa is determined to do what is best for her people, steering away from the easy path.

Hans is scheming as usual and he is gathering up enemies at the speed of light. He has so many secret project on the side that it gets all tangled up and put him in a very hard situations, even with the Queen. He is used to keeping everything a secret and habits die hard when your life depends on it. It might cost him his heart and his life though if he can't find a way to keep Raisa's among all this crazy mayhem. 

Fire Dancer's past also comes to light in this novel and I was completely flabbergasted. It was nice to see more of him and his mother and turned out to be a solid foundation to Hans when he needed him the most. I never doubted his allegiance, but his strength and faith made the difference for Hans here. 

This installment is the culmination of so many events and even though I didn't really mention Alger Waterlow aka Crow in my previous reviews, I really have to talk about him here because he has such an important role. Alger (known now as The Demon King) was literally demonized because history is written by the winners. He was betrayed by someone he trusted, captured and tortured by the Bayars who wanted control of a very precious treasure and he managed to hide within his amulet. Hans, who is a very distant relative of Alger, is now in possession of the amulet and it's how they met in the second book. A lot has happened between the two but in this novel, their relationship takes a very interesting turn and I really enjoyed it! Crow really stepped up and I was cheering him on as he helped Hans in his crazy quest. His role and his relationship with Hans made a huge difference in this novel, and I just had to mention it. We really got to know him and his past in this installment and I really loved it. Even the epilogue in this novel is about him.

This extremely well written series has an insane world building and I've all four books within two weeks and the transition is honestly seamless. Everything comes together perfectly and The Crimson Crown is the flawless epithet of all the subplots. I've come to care so much for each character that some stressful moments were simply hard to bear because you don't want them to suffer. I really loved how everything came together for this conclusion and the only thing I could've hoped for is an epilogue taking place 6 months or maybe a year later and hopefully see the characters thrive. 





At least there is a spinoff series taking place roughly 25 years later (which I've already read - review to come) and I'm sure you will want to read it too!

This series is one of my all time favorite and after reading it I feel at loss. I am in search of another epic fantasy series that will make me feel this way again. I swear, I am in withdrawal. If you have any suggestions for my next literary fix, please leave a comment and get me out of my misery!

Read chapter 1

 

Book Stats:  

Reading level: Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Hardcover: 314 pages

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

Release date: March 8, 2016

Series:  Rebel of the Sands, #1

Source: Library

Reviewed by: Kara

Order: Amazon | Book Depository

In a magical desert where myth and legend blur into reality, orphaned Amani is determined to finally make her way out of the dead-end town of Dustwalk forever where her only choices are to marry or die. Masquerading as a mysterious male sharpshooter, she joins in a contest to beat the local champion with her skill with a gun. She almost manages to win against the champion and an intriguing foreigner to gain her fortune (and potential freedom) until a fire starts and she must flee or risk being discovered for a girl. Upon later meeting the stranger, Jin, as he is being hunted by the Sultan's soldiers who are there putting down threats of rebellion nearby, Amani helps Jin hide. When she is identified as having associated with the potential rebel, the soldiers threaten and shoot her best friend Tamid, a cripple. Luckily Jin comes to her rescue with her recently captured Buraqi, an impossibly fast desert horse spirit. She and Jin flee through the desert, but Amani is set on going to Izman to find her aunt. She drugs Jin, escaping to take a train to the city, but discovers more of the Sultan's soldiers. Luckily, Jin has followed her and together they escape again, this time Amani throwing her lot in with Jin, traveling with him until she can make her way to Izman safely. However, the future holds other plans as they come across a destroyed city, a new magic, and a deadly plan by the Sultan and his army to kill more than just rebels...

I'm so glad I picked this book up! I loved it! It creatively blends Arabic legend, fantasy, romance, adventure, and some good old-fashioned gunslinging with a hint of steampunk.

Amani is a fierce heroine, one who will desperately fight for her survival and a better life even if it means dying for it. She is immediately likable for her sheer grit and attitude. Amani is being raised by her aunt and uncle, unwillingly, because when she was younger, her mother tried to kill her adopted father and set fire to their house and was shamefully hanged in consequence. Now, Amani is approaching the end of her mother's mourning and will be forced to marry. This act carries echoes of Middle Eastern culture where young girls are given (or taken) as brides for much older men, much like Amani's uncle threatens to do to her. Instead, Amani dreams of escaping to Izman like her aunt Safiyah.

When she meets the mysterious Jin, there is also a rebellion occurring. Before the story, the Sultan held a contest called the Sultim for his sons to compete to see who would be his heir. Rumors abound about what actually happened, but the Rebel Prince Ahmed, the son who had disappeared fifteen years earlier, supposedly appeared to compete and afterward began a rebellion to challenge his father's rule. Why? The Sultan has indebted the country to the nearby Gallans and many of his people currently suffer under their greed, cruelty, and oppression of their beliefs. Jin is suspected to be part of the rebellion, and as a result, Amani becomes swept up, especially when she is faced with saving his life or allowing him to die in the desert.

In their time together, Jin's and Amani's unlikely dependence on each other has created somewhat of a romance. Amani, an orphan who has only lived this long with a cripple for a friend, has finally discovered someone who sees her as a capable, brave person. She and Jin have formed a bond of trust in their escape and this mutual trust has also left room open for other feelings which comes to a head when Jin is gravely injured.

I'm not going to talk about the latter end of the book here as it reveals some big plot points! It is very clean, much like Rae Carson's books. I found this book to be so addictive! I couldn't put it down once I started. I'll talk about some of the magic and plot developments when I cover book two, Traitor to the Throne. This was possibly one of my favorite reads so far this year!