Historical Fiction

Strands Of Bronze And Gold | Jane Nickerson | Book Review

by April (Books&Wine)

I am almost always down for fairy tale retellings. Seriously — if a book has just a whiff of being a retelling, I will get my hands on it, most especially if the book is young adult. So it follows that I would be BEYOND excited for Strands of Bronze And Gold by Jane Nickerson, a debut author. For the most part, I quite liked this retelling of the Bluebeard fairytale, but I had a few quibbles mainly because other people brought some issues up and on reflection — yes I agree. ALSO! You guys, I totally had to go wikipedia the Bluebeard fairytale because for some odd reason I was thinking pirates and Treasure Island but LOL that’s BLACKbeard not BLUEbeard. Okay, that aside I am sure you totally want to know what Strands of Bronze And Gold is all about. Read on, friend, read on.

Strands Of Bronze And Gold Jane Nickerson Book Cover

Sophia Petheram’s dad dies — leaving her and her siblings orphans. Unfortunately he doesn’t leave them a fortune but tons of debt. However, lucky for Sophie, her godfather Monsieur de Cressac steps in to take guardianship over her. Cressac is fabulously wealthy, FYI. And so, Strands Of Bronze And Gold opens with Sophia making the journey from Boston to Mississippi. Also? This book is set in the antebellum South — meaning Monsieur de Cressac has slaves. This comes as a culture shock to Sophia. Upon arrival Cressac lavishes all these gowns and jewels upon Sophia — she loves them at first but gradually becomes more and more uncomfortable. As de Cressac as the only person who is really suitable for Sophia to socialize with — she starts to get a crush on him. OH OH and he totally isolates her and won’t let her talk to anyone and punishes the slaves if they get friendly with her. ALSO! ALSO! All of de Cressac’s previous wives have died. So, yeah, as we all know he’s totally hiding a secret and it’s up to Sophia to find out that secret and get the hell out of dodge.

I did not mind the main character of Strands Of Bronze And Gold because she shows growth. Sophia starts the book as a kind of petulant, vain and silly girl. Yet, she matures and realizes there are more important things than fashion and dresses. She also is allowed to change her mind and grow — I like that she has a misguided crush but then actually is allowed to have a realization about how much her crush sucks. Sorry y’all, but he totally does suck. I liked that Sophia was clever. I also liked that she had an inner strength and we saw moments where she has a spine and doesn’t back down to Monsieur de Cressac. So really, what I am trying to say is that Jane Nickerson wrote a main character who didn’t annoy me. Way to go.

I think my very favorite thing about Strands Of Bronze And Gold was the mood the permeated the pages. Nickerson does mood very, very well. You see, as I read I just got this sense of suffocation and the walls closing in — much like Sophia. As a reader, I started off much like Sophia – digging on all the new clothes thinking for an old, Monsieur de Cressac is kind of hot. BUT THEN. He starts to act totally sketchy and you start to see him isolate her and it’s like WHOA HOLD THE PHONE THIS GUY IS BAD. And as he takes away her chances to communicate with people who don’t live at Wyndriven Abbey – you start to feel oppressed. Or at least I did, vicariously. The mood was so strong and overwhelming in this book that I often wanted to stop reading and catch my breath. And no, I am totally not over exaggerating — I just have a lot of feelings y’all.

As for the setting and the time frame of antebellum era Mississippi — I didn’t really think much about it until I saw the Book Smugglers tweeting about how this book portrays Black people. So, because I don’t read in a vacuum, I started to think a lot more deeply about the book as I was reading it, and do concur that it is a problematic element. I realized that one of the people of color mentioned, Anarchy totally falls into the Mammy role. She is super protective and nurturing of Sophia and puts herself at risk to protect Sophia and is totally stereotypical. So, yeah, definitely not cool about that. And I think it’s stupid on my part to not even be aware/think about those things — obviously because of my privilege I don’t think about stuff like that and it really is something I need to work on as a person.

So anyways, on the merits of writing and mood, I very much enjoyed Strands Of Bronze And Gold by Jane Nickerson. I thought Sophia was an interesting lead character and someone I empathized with. However, it’s definitely not okay to rely on stereotypes when writing characters of color and so, that definitely took away from my enjoyment of the book. Don’t get me wrong, I am open to checking out future books by the author, but I think that it’s good to go in with an awareness of what might be problematic.

Disclosure: Received for review via Netgalley

Other reviews of Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson:

The Book Smugglers – “Unfortunately all of it was hugely disappointing.”
Bunbury In The Stacks – “reflects with frightening accuracy how any young woman can become ensnared in an abusive relationship”
Great Imaginations – “It’s creepy, disturbing, unsettling, full of gothicky goodness”

The Sweetest Dark | Shana Abe | Book Review

by April (Books&Wine)

There are quite a few elements that I absolutely love to read about: dragons, historical fiction, boarding schools, and romance. The Sweetest Dark by romance writer Shana Abe contains these elements, yet it did not entirely deliver on it’s interesting premise. I felt that this young adult book was bogged down by very cheesy writing, thus not living up to it’s potential.

The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe | Good Books And Good Wine

Lora, an orphan, is found mysteriously wandering around London at the age of 10 with no memory of her previous life. She is sent to live in an orphanage. While at the orphanage, a mysterious voice tells her to jump out the window, which then lands Lora in a mental asylum. Meanwhile World War I is raging on. As London is not safe, Lora luckily wins a scholarship to the elite Iverson boarding school on the coast of London. Unfortunately, her wealthy classmates do not take a liking to her. However, Lora catches the eyes of groundskeeper Jesse and the aristocrat Armand. A love triangle plays out in this boarding school setting while Lora tries to unravel her Drakon heritage.

Lora is actually a pretty interesting heroine. She has gumption and does not take mistreatment lying down. She is also quite intellectually curious, given her awful upbringing in the orphanage. I quite liked reading about Lora discovering her Drakon heritage and coming into her powers — which also involve a bit of a sacrifice. She’s someone I can respect in that she keeps her head held high and her pride in tact despite the taunts of her classmates. Lora was not at all a weak heroine, except when it came to the romance bits of The Sweetest Dark.

Unfortunately, where The Sweetest Dark lost me was with the love triangle. Lora has intense connections with both Jesse and Armand for different reasons, that I won’t reveal because I don’t want to spoil you. Unfortunately, I didn’t really care for either of her love interests. One was a total protector and super sappy — and I felt that he made Lora seem a bit weak. The other love interest was a jerk to Lora and haughty and insulting toward her.

I, personally, was not a huge fan of the writing style. To me, it felt a bit like purple prose – meaning the writing was overly flowery. The descriptions within The Sweetest Dark are over the top ornate and I would have liked it more, had it been dialed back a bit. Typically I love romance and kissing scenes, but those bits within this book made me roll my eyes.

If you are into interesting heroines, don’t mind love triangles and can get past cheesy writing, then you should definitely check out The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe if it appeals to you. The plotting is pretty good. However, if you’re really just interested in the dragon-people aspect, then I would recommend you read Firelight by Sophie Jordan instead as it is more well-written. Unfortunately, The Sweetest Dark was a bit of a disappointment to me, but I wouldn’t tell you do not read this book. If it sounds up your alley, I say go for but don’t walk in expecting the writing to be similar to Libba Bray, as mentioned in the official publisher blurb.

Disclosure: Received for review via Amazon Vine

Other reviews of The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe:

A Reader Of Fictions – “It definitely falls into the category of really weird books.”
Candace’s Book Blog – “This was so much perfection within it’s pages that I nearly cried at the beauty”
Read Breathe Relax – “Abe’s writing is filled with so much emotion.”

Invisible World | Suzanne Weyn | Book Review

by April (Books&Wine)

Straight up, witches are cool. And for real? Who did not sit right up and pay attention during the Salem witch trials in history class? This girl was on that like white on rice. When I saw Invisible World by Suzanne Weyn up for grabs at a book signing, I chose it because I thought it would be a cool read — also I LOVE historical fiction and feel like there isn’t enough of it in YA to sate my appetite. Unfortunately, Invisible World turned out to be a disappointing read where I was left unsatisfied.

Invisible World Suzanne Weyn Book Cover

Elsabeth James has magical powers — she’s a mind reader AND also? She can like see things from other people’s perspectives quite literally. Elsabeth and her family — father, sister and governess decide to sail to America because there’s opportunities for her dad to do science things. Unfortunately, the ship they are on sinks and well, Elsabeth washes up on the shore of a Gullah Island (Which FYI I can’t say without thinking of the TV show). There on the island, she ends up falling for this guy whose name I forget because I am writing this review a few months after I finished the book. Anyways, she also learns voodoo magic too, while on the island and begins to heal. UNFORTUNATELY! Elsabeth ends up sold as an indentured servant to these people in Salem, Massachusetts, and obviously you can guess where the story is going.

Gullah Gullah Island GIF

So, because Elsabeth has powers you would think she’d be kind of a badass right? Unfortunately she’s more of a wet blanket. She spends a lot of the book being all mopey and such, and I was like come on let’s get to the magic. Maybe she’s a product of her time? But I don’t know, I was just hoping for a character that would knock my socks off and unfortunately that did not happen at all.

I do like, however, that Invisible World included a Gullah island, as that’s a piece of history that we don’t often hear about. I also liked that people of color got to be the heroes for once, instead of there being a white savior. However, once we get to Salem, the book takes a turn for the worse, as the witchcraft/bad guy is kind of hilarious, unintentionally. I know I probably thought the suspense stuff was funny because I am older than the intended audience, and you know, some books just don’t cross the generational divide.

Also? The romance within didn’t feel all that believable to me. I didn’t swoon or highlight pages or anything. I was like, oh that’s nice she has a beau now. It was pleasant, but nothing I really rooted or cheered for, ya know? Also, the romance happens like SUPER fast, like bam out of nowhere she’s in love with this slave. Which okay, yeah that adds in drama – the whole interracial thing. And I would have loved it if that was the book’s focus. Unfortunately, to me, I personally felt like the book suffered from lack of a strong focus and trying to do too much with too few pages. Perhaps budding history buffs will love this book, but I’ve read better (Witch of Blackbird Pond FTW).

Disclosure: Picked up at an Oblong Books event.

Other reviews of Invisible World by Suzanne Weyn:

In (Parent)thesis – “Yep. I am reeling by the badness.”
Bibliophile Support Group – “I read it quick, it flew by, and wasn’t boring”

Eleanor & Park | Rainbow Rowell | Book Review

by April (Books&Wine)

Oh, you guys. YOU GUYS. I’m head over heels swooning over Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, just like Gayle Forman’s blurb said I would. I’m trying super hard to come up with the perfect words to convey with this book was totally radical, but I can’t. I’m having brain freeze over how great this book was. Is that a thing — book reviewer brain freeze? Anyways, I loved Eleanor & Park in that it was not at all a typical read — the characters weren’t movie star attractive, there were actual real life problems and not just first world problems either, and sigh. I just fell for both characters as I got to know them through Rowell’s excellent use of dual narration.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell | Good Books & Good Wine

Eleanor is the new girl in school, and so on her first day she takes the bus. Only, she doesn’t fit. Her clothes are fricken weird. Her hair is bright red. She’s a bit bigger than the other girls. So when she enters the bus, she finds that everyone has already carved out a place, with no room for her. Backpacks block her way to a seat. THEN. Then. Park lets her sit next to him, reluctantly. This sparks a very slow burn relationship — like super slow. Developed out of silence and glances and secretly reading comic books, and eventually actually speaking to each other, discovering a mutual love of music. It’s an unlikely relationship – Eleanor is literally the red-headed stepchild and actually poor – not just the type where mom and dad can’t afford her whole tuition, but poor as in she wears old clothes from Goodwill and her bra is held together with pins. Park is half Korean and his family is quite well off. I mean, his parents almost pretty much hand him a car. He doesn’t have much dysfunction in his house and actually feels safe at home. And AGHHH you guys, this book , Eleanor & Park is all about how the sweet, tender, (lol ew, tender) relationship plays out and also it’s about first love and even, dare I say it, privilege and lack there of. I mean, hell yes I picked up on that.

You know how some characters make your heart crack right open, because you actually give a care about them and are so, so invested in their story? Eleanor was totally one of those characters for me. I’m one of those people who often laments the lack of impoverished characters in realistic YA. I mean, I am sure there are a lot of books with characters who are poor, but not many that have felt as real to me as Eleanor. I definitely did not grow up quite as poor as Eleanor, but I definitely do know what it’s like to find certain food items to be a luxury and what it’s like the have the wrong clothes — hell, even to be the kid in thrift store clothes and hand-me-downs (granted, my cousins were ‘rich’ so their hand-me-downs were nice), but yeah she just was someone I could relate to on that level. Anyways, I don’t want to give away everything about Eleanor’s character, except to say one thing struck me about her. And that is that she’s mentioned as being consistently angry and mad, and that just rang so true to me. Unfortunately, when you don’t have much, sometimes you end up resenting other people and things. And it totally seemed within the realm of possibility that Eleanor would not be cheerfully content with having a dick for a stepdad, sharing a room with 4 siblings, and constantly being the butt of the joke at school. I really felt that Eleanor was so authentic as a character and not just some Pollyanna.

Of course, I can’t go on and on about Eleanor and not mention the other main character, Park. Ugh, you guys. So, in contrast to Eleanor is Park who obviously is not nearly as disadvantaged. Hello, his parents often hand him money. They pay for him to do things like tae kwon do. Anyways. Park’s very first words to Eleanor are ‘Jesus, fuck.’ and well, a little bit more. Thankfully, that doesn’t set a precedent for their relationship. He’s very different from other YA love interests in that he doesn’t exactly ‘save’ Eleanor, but he’s very supportive. He also isn’t even attracted to her at all, at first. None of this burning love. But yeah, anyways, more about Park’s character that I liked: he’s into good music, comic books, and actually really listens to Eleanor. I basically LOVED Park and wouldn’t mind seeing more male leads with similar characteristics.

You know how some books make you swoon over just a touch of the hand? Y’all, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is one of those frantic heartbeat hand holding kinds of books. The love depicted between Eleanor and Park felt so genuine and real and well-developed. Every glance and every touch actually meant something. I thought the romance showcased teenage longing so well. I loved seeing when Park realized he was into Eleanor. I loved seeing the small kindnesses between the two — especially the bit where Park would leave tapes and comic books for Eleanor, just a silent, understood giving. You guys, this is what I want in a contemporary romance book — a read where the feelings are authentic and real and actually developed and not the sort of book where it comes out of thin air.

I mentioned above how I liked Eleanor & Park because it shows privilege. Y’all, I loved that Rainbow Rowell incorporated the realities of economic and also white privilege within the story without getting all preachy or you know, college 101 on the reader. Like, for instance, we get to read about Eleanor’s food insecurity – meaning that she never has enough to eat and is always starving. I mean, it’s not that she’s eating burger instead of lobster, but like she literally cannot get enough to eat and her siblings consider canned ravioli to be a feast. I love that we got to see how no, poor people aren’t happy and in love with being impoverished and it’s not some grand adventure. Hell, there’s even a Box Car Children reference and you guys that is awesome. THEN. We have Park, who as a person of color doesn’t have white privilege. I particularly found a scene where they were discussing Asian men and the exoticizing of Asian women to be utterly fascinating and illuminating as to what Park must face. Anyways, I just loved that this book slips in those things without being super in your face. And I love that I picked up on it too — haha books that make me feel like a genius are THE BEST.

Honestly, I cannot recommend this book enough. I already see myself picking up a copy of Rainbow & Park for my sister — no seriously, I do because this is the kind of book you tell everyone to read. I also see myself getting rid of 10 books from my shelves so that I can order myself a copy of Attachments and not feel guilty about it. Y’all, Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park is a heartfelt, tough, beautifully written and amazing read. I am so, so glad I listened to my blogger friends and read this one sooner rather than later. It’s among my 2013 favorites and YAY YAY the author actually has a book on her backlist and another for me to look forward to.

Disclosure: Received for review via Netgalley

Other reviews of Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell:

Rather Be Reading – “All of this young love stuff? You got it so right”
GReads! – “This book encompasses all the beauty there is in falling in love for the first time when you’re a teenager”
Stacked – “These characters are real and they are aching”

The Madman’s Daughter | Megan Shepherd | Book Review

by April (Books&Wine)

My interest in The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd was peaked at the Harper Teen BEA party event. Basically they held the event at this really cool bar and we got to learn all kinds of cool things. One of those things being the evolution of the book cover design for The Madman’s Daughter and the various iterations it went through. You guys, I am a total cover whore, I can’t pretend like I don’t pick what I read based off the cover. And of course, this is such a me cover — from the red color of the font, to the dreary landscape to that awesome dress to the brunette (holla brown haired girls), I love this cover. And so, OMFG, I could absolutely not wait to read The Madman’s Daughter. Y’all, this debut was TOTALLY worth the wait. TOTALLY.

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd | Good Books And Good Wine

SPOILER ALERT: Juliet’s father is a madman. Shocking, right? I bet you never would have guessed that. Anyways, he basically does somethings that society is not cool with (he’s a doctor of sorts) including vivisection, and so, a once prominent figure, he ends up falling from grace. He then ends up kind of disappearing, thus leaving Juliet and her mother with NOTHING, because he is a douchebag. Unfortunately, Juliet’s mom dies and well, she has to go into service, but it’s hard because of her dad’s reputation. When a blast from the past (her family’s old servant) crosses Juliet’s path, she discovers her dad is well and alive on an island. As Juliet’s life totally sucks in London, she decides to go to the Island of Doctor Moreau. And yes, it’s just as creepy as the original.

Juliet definitely deserves to be narrator. Like, she compelled me. Plus, she wasn’t boring or simpering. Nor was she a total weirdo despite her dad. AND OMG YOU GUYS THE FEELS. I totally had these emotions for Juliet because she’s been dealt an awful card in life, and seriously how much does it suck to have a parent who totally does not have their shit together and also a dead parent. YET. She is strong. She faces her problems head on, instead of taking the easy way out. You know me, I love a headstrong character and Juliet is totally one of those — whether she’s living impoverished in London, on the sketchiest boat journey ever or dealing with her misogynist dad, she has this well of inner strength.

I absolutely loved Megan Shepherd’s descriptions of the worlds that Juliet inhabits. Like, not just the island, but London. She describes a London that’s just getting electricity and kind of straddling the modern era while also there’s one foot firmly on the side of tradition — especially when it comes to society. I was dismayed at how society treated Juliet after all her family had been through, but I suppose scandal leaves no one untouched. I also really loved how the island was described. As a reader, I was feeling a scary sinister sort of undercurrent the whole entire time. And also, claustrophobic to be honest. I may call myself a hermit, but I could never survive on Moreau’s island where there’s only like 5 human residents. Forget that you guys. Anyways, it’s lush and so, so well done and easy to imagine the compound.

Fair warning, there is a love triangle in The Madman’s Daughter and it’s not really my favorite ever. I mean, okay okay I did have trouble deciding which team I was on. There’s Montgomery who is basically Juliet’s past. He knows so much about her and they really do have a shared history. However, he seems kind of distant on the island, yet also a bit valiant too so that makes him appealing. Then there is the mysterious Edward Prince, whom ultimately, I could take or leave. He’s got sort of a weird back story and just didn’t really bring the swoons. You’ll get why when you read the book.

I feel like The Madman’s Daughter starts off kind of slow, but honestly once you get on the sketchy ship that’s when the pacing truly picks up and when I felt utterly engaged. So, just putting that out there for those of you who need an immediate fast pace. Along those lines, Megan Shepherd’s word choice is actually pretty awesome because it gives this proper historical sort of feel to the book, but at the same time is totally accessible, so you aren’t reading it going uh can someone translate this for me. I really like it enhanced the feel of the book and engaged me as a reader. There’s a certain amount of buy in needed to really love this book — I mean buying into the concept of a madman who fuses people and animals, but for me that wasn’t so hard to do.

Friends, I’d actually really recommend The Madman’s Daughter to most of you. I mean, obviously if you hate historical fiction and love triangles, this is probably not going to be added to your favorites list. However if you like unique spins on old classics, lush backgrounds, strong world building and intriguing characters and social dynamics, chances are you’ll fall as hard for Megan Shepherd’s debut as I did.

Disclosure: Received for review

Other reviews of The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd:

Hobbitsies – “a delightfully creepy and horrific debut”

Makeshift Bookmark – “Can we please pause to raise the roof for a snarky badass of a heroine?”

The Perpetual Page Turner – “What a compelling story!”

Dark Triumph | Robin LaFevers | Book Review

by April (Books&Wine)

Super vague spoilers for Grave Mercy, so read at your own risk but note this review is not riddled with all the big reveals and such.

I realize I might take some heat from other bloggers for posting my review of Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers so early, but you guys, I have that condition where when I love a book SO hard, I cannot for the life of me shut up about it, regardless of how early I’ve read the book. Also, I do what I want. YOLO. Friends, right now I am experiencing all of the feels because I clicked to the last page of Dark Triumph and all is as it should be with an utterly perfect ending where all comes together. Legit there is nary a second book in a series slump to be seen — which IDK about you all but seems like 2013 is the year of book 2 and thank god I haven’t read very many that don’t live up to book 1. Anyways, if you’ve come to His Fair Assassin book two, Dark Triumph looking to recapture the emotions and swoon and OH EM GEE OH EM GEE REVEALS from Grave Mercy then yo, you have come to the right place as I can vouch straight up Dark Triumph is a worthy book two and I fell hard for Sybella, as hard as I did for Ismae.

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers | Good Books And Good Wine

First things first, I need to put my inner bias out there so you can judge this review accordingly. I had originally read and reviewed Grave Mercy as an egalley. I loved it SO MUCH that I bought a hardcover, AT LIST PRICE, not at that Amazon Discount Pricing. Therefore, I was predisposed to like and desperately wait on Dark Triumph. YOU GUYS. I am in L-O-V-E with this book. Plus, I know for a fact that I will be buying it when it comes out AT LIST PRICE as well because it is worth it and you know this is one of those books that I need to have in hard cover form. Dark Triumph focuses on Death’s Handmaiden, Sybella. As you might remember from Grave Mercy, Sybella is the girl who came to the convent after going through some real shit. She’s kind of ‘damaged’ in book one. Well, in this book we get to see just why she’s so damaged. We open with her being sent to D’Albret’s house and Sybella is hell bent on killing D’Albret, only like a total douche he doesn’t have a marque, so it’s not exactly sanctioned by Mortain. Instead, Sybella finds that her mission is to rescue Beast (ILY ILY ILY) and get him to Rennes. You see, Beast is practically half dead from fighting some of D’Albret’s soldiers. ONLY he’s got the spirit of a total warrior and is one of St. Camulous’s own and so, together the two travel on to Rennes, to the duchess meeting plenty of interesting characters along the way. SHOUT OUT TO THE CHARBONNERIE, YOU KIDS ARE MY FAVORITE.

Sybella, Sybella, Sybella. Girl goes through so much pain and strife and ugh, you guys her life totally blows. And now I can see why she was Captain Emo in Grave Mercy. There is such a good reason for it, but I totally will not go into that because you do not deserve spoilers pre-Dark Triumph. Suffice to say, Sybella is a bit mopey, but in the book we actually understand why and it’s nothing that I can hold against her. I loved her character because she had what it takes to get the job done. Instead of agonizing over killing dudes with marques on them, she just does it. And it is legit and awesome. Sybella is very no nonsense and tough, and while yes she shows her vulnerable side to the readers, there’s a wall up to the other people in her life. It’s quite the interesting combination — tough as nails on the outside, soft on the inside.

What makes Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers so compelling is Sybella’s inner conflict. We get this exploration of Sybella’s inner landscape, you know like her feelings and emotions and such — I just wanted to sound smart with that line. Questions of whether evil is genetic or nurtured arise. I can’t tell you much about Sybella’s past without spoilers but I can say that her home environment sucks and she might as well live with the embodiment of evil. Further, she also consistently questions whether she is good enough or whether she really deserves love because of previous things that have happened to her. And what we really get is this awesome transformation from victim to survivor — it’s incredibly empowering, now that I think about it.

Of course, Dark Triumph is not all doom and gloom and depressing and well, dark. Beast from Grave Mercy features quite prominently in this companion book. You guys, Beast is awesome. He’s a bear of a man. Yet, despite his bulk, he has a lightness inside. He’s very charismatic and people are drawn to him. Where Sybella is brooding, Beast is laughing, ya know? Obviously based on the summary those of you with two brain cells to rub together can infer that Beast and Sybella hook up because come on, that is how these summaries and romances work. YOU GUYS maximum swoonage occurs within Dark Triumph and it’s a nice slow build over mutual antagonization and also definitely respect. What I love is that the two have issues to work through — their romance is not one that is easily won, thank goodness. Plus you guys, there is a kissing scene that you’ll totally want to highlight, and that’s the only bone I will throw you.

For such a long book, Robin Lafevers makes it so Dark Triumph is kind of impossible to set down. Y’all, I had intended Dark Triumph to be my work out book and we all see how great that one went. Instead of just reading it while on the bike, I carried it around with me reading my kindle like the wind. This noise is gripping in the best possible way. While it doesn’t quite focus on politics and machinations and intrigue like Grave Mercy, it does have that interesting focus on self-conflict. And I just loved that Sybella was such a dynamic character and seeing her have these epiphanies. It was definitely a treat to read about.

Obviously, I highly recommend this book. Robin LaFevers’ latest definitely adds more meat to the His Fair Assassin trilogy. Dark Triumph manages to not feel like a filler in any way shape or form. Instead, it was totally awesome, especially when everything just clicked for me and I had that AH-HA reader sort of moment. If you happen to have a copy, I recommend reading it now and totally talking it up because this is one series that deserves ALL OF THE SALES, seriously. All of them. I came, I saw, I swooned over Sybella, Beast, the Charbonnerie, Yanick and more. Definitely, definitely preorder LaFever’s Dark Triumph I promise you won’t regret one clicking it.

Disclosure: Received for review via Netgalley

Other reviews of Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers:

Dark Faerie Tales – “Time escaped me, as I read through the story”

Carina’s Books – “So many things that made me cry. And smile.”

Sassyreads – “Dark, this one… and I liked it”

Books by Robin LaFevers:
Grave Mercy

Writing as RL LaFevers:
The Unicorn’s Tale

Allison reviews Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

by Allison L

When I found out that Ruta Sepetys was going to be signing her book Between Shades of Grey at BEA, I knew I had to be in that line. What I didn’t know at the time was that a certain number of people in line would be receiving a special advanced copy of her next book Out of the Easy. How awesome was that? So awesome!

I have to admit though I was a little nervous as to rather or not this new book would meet my expectations especially with how much I loved Between Shades of Grey. I also wasn’t sure what to think of the plot as it has the potential to be pretty controversial. But it turns out that I really had nothing to fear because my second experience with Ruta Sepetys was just as good as the first one. Maybe even better!

Set in 1950’s in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Out of the Easy tells the story of seventeen year old Josie Moraine. Josie is the daughter of a local brothel prostitute, and she is desperate to get out of the Big Easy. She wants so much more out of her life than what the town has to offer. Yet before she can even get her foot of the door, she finds herself tangled up in the investigation of a mysterious death of a wealthy visitor where her mother in the primary suspect. Suddenly, Josie can’t ignore her instinct to find the truth, and before she knows it she is caught up in the same world she wants to leave, and the fact that it doesn’t seem to really want to let her out could be her ultimate test.

I could not put this story down for anything, and I always hated to whenever I really had to. I just enjoyed it THAT much! Honestly, it was really different from anything that I’ve ever read before. I loved the setting. It was nitty and gritty but it was also very real. Everything is so well drawn out, and accurate that it feels as if you have really been transported to the exact location. I mean, I’ve never been to modern day New Orleans before but, in my mind, I truly feel like I’ve been there in the 1950’s (which is pretty extraordinary considering I wasn’t even alive yet). I also think that the setting made me enjoy the storyline that much more because it was so interconnected with it. Almost everything that happened in the story was somehow related to the setting, and really did happen because things were so messed up in the area.

My heart desperately went out for the main character, Josie through out the entire book. I wanted her to be able to make the right choices, and I wanted her to be able to receive her happy ending. Yet at the same time, I couldn’t help be fearful for Josie. She was so gutsy and smart, and had such a strong ambition, and drive but all that she had ever known in her life was the Quarter. The people within the Quarter never judged her (except for when they thought that she was trying to escape) but people outside the Quarter did. Especially those with a higher social status or those who simply could not understand how someone could live the way that Josie’s friends and family had to (and not necessarily by choice). I loved the comparisons of the rich and the poor within the Quarter (so well done!). I also really liked the way that Ruta Sepetys made Josie’s journey, a journey of self discovery, because I feel that Josie learned so much about herself and about the area that she called home that when it came time for her to decide if she really wanted to leave or not, she was more than capable of making that decision.

Not only did my heart go out to Josie but all the other characters as well. Out of the Easy is packed full of wonderful characters. There really is not a poorly written character in the bunch. All of them are so well fleshed out, even the ones I came to despise, and I felt like I knew them all. Also, all of the relationships and friendships are incredibly fleshed out as well. There is a reason for every connection, and every connection has been built over time. There are really no insta-connections in this book, and the ones that appear to be insta-connections are evenly fleshed out by the end of the book. Josie has an amazing support system in her life (although it does take her a bit of time to realize it), and even when that support system goes against terrible odds, it is still able to stand strong because everyone is standing together. It is also this support system that helps Josie discover who she really is, and who she does and does not want to be.

Out of the Easy is a glimpse into one life but it is a life that can resonate with so many regardless of the time period that you live in. It is beautifully written, heartbreakingly real, and it opens your eyes to a world that you may not have come in contact with before. If you’re a fan of Ruta Sepetys debut novel, or a fan of historical fiction, or are just looking for something new to check out within the realm of YA novels I highly recommend this one to you.

Disclosure: Received advance copy at BEA

Other reviews of Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys:

Confessions of a Book Addict: “Sepetys is a brilliant author and she has wiggled her way into my heart as one of my favorite authors along with Out of the Easy being one of my favorite books. I highly recommend it…”

Fiction Folio: “I cannot recommend Out of the Easy enough people!!”

Hobbitsies: “Out of the Easy is such a cinematic, visual story and I highly recommend picking up a finished copy for yourself.”

Christina Reads YA: “You won’t regret checking it out. Great characters, great writing, great research for her world-building…“

The Fire Horse Girl Kay Honeyman Book Review

by April (Books&Wine)

You know when you absolutely love a book and you want to shout it from the rooftops and then let everyone and their mother know just how great the book is. You are absolutely convinced that everyone should be reading it. THEN come to find out, the book ends up not getting a whole lot of attention despite being totally awesome and legit and full of plot lines that WE ALL LOVE. Friends, that book is The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman. This book is 100% legit and honestly deserves a parade or something to make up for the lack of coverage on the blogs — which HONESTLY to me, if something isn’t being splashed all over book blogs in MY OWN PERCEPTION that means it is being sorely neglected. YOU GUYS STOP NEGLECTING THE FIRE HORSE GIRL.

The Fire Horse Girl Kay Honeyman Book Cover

Raise your hand if you love reading historical fiction. Raise it up high if you love books staring fierce females who are headstrong. Raise it up to the ceiling if you are a huge fan of when girls dress like boys in order to have freedom. PREACH IT SISTER FRIENDS. Anyways. The Fire Horse Girl has those elements IN SPADES. So, basically Jade Moon is a female born in the year of the fire horse which is kind of a big deal on the Chinese zodiac, I guess. Basically, this is a very bad thing because it means that she’s not exactly submissive but very independent and stubborn, actually. Jade Moon lives in China with her dad and Grandfather. Her mother died in child birth, and because Jade Moon is a fire horse girl everyone blames the family’s bad luck on her. When the opportunity comes to go to America, Jade Moon sees the road to opportunity and her dreams. She will do whatever it takes to get to America. In fact she kind of grabs her dreams right by the horns and I 100% support it and find it awesome.

Jade Moon definitely deserves to be the main character because she is utterly fascinating. In a time when girls basically had to sit down and shut up, she’s all I am woman hear me roar. And I am like YOU GO GIRL, GET ON WITH YOUR BAD SELF! Because I think in all caps. Pretty much every single person in her life tells her she is not good enough because she does not submit and because of her whole birth during the year of the fire horse and being a girl. Instead of getting down and depressed, she gets determined. It results in good life choices. So basically I would totally send a Valentine with chocolates to Jade Moon because she is awesome. Straight up.

If you are looking for a long, slow meandering book, The Fire Horse Girl is NOT for you. If, on the other hand, you want a book that draws you in from the first chapter and won’t let you go until the last page, The Fire Horse Girl might as well be your next read. The dialogue comes across as fairly authentic. I wasn’t like okay people do not talk like that ever. Lady go outside and listen to people talk. Instead, I was all YES I COULD HEAR THIS CONVERSATION. PLEASE SPEAK MORE. Seriously, Kay Honeyman’s book is wonderfully written and the word flow might as well be perfect because I never had to reread a paragraph to clarify what the heck was going on.

YOU GUYS! I never ever get to read about this setting — 1923 and no flapper focus. I’d be lying if I said I read too many flapper books because one can never have enough flapper books. However, The Fire Horse Girl has interesting historical things going for it! It covers immigration and Angel Island. It covers little China in San Francisco and actual China, itself. There are Tongs, paper sons, and the Chinese Exclusionary Act. It’s kind of my inner history nerd’s dream come true. Like, my inner history nerd wants to write a ballad or an ode or a haiku to this book.

The romance in The Fire Horse Girl isn’t exactly the sweep you off your feet sort. It’s very, very, very slow to develop. And that development is only after a ton of bumps in the road along the way. Plus, the two characters who fall for each other really don’t get along very much. So, basically it’s my ideal romance. And yes, there’s not like any kissing scenes or anything. So, if you’re like OH NO SEXUAL CONTENT, you will like this book.

Obviously if you can’t tell by my mad ramblings, I am a huge fan of The Fire Horse Girl and totally want to push it on you. Like, this is one of those books that deserves more attention. It deserves to not be shoved aside by the more flashy paranormal or dystopian books. Instead, The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman deserves a spot right on center stage for it’s unique setting, strong writing, and FIERCE leading lady, Jade Moon.

Disclosure: Received for review

Other reviews of The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman:

City Of Books – “a must-read for any historical fiction lovers“

Confessions Of A Readaholic – “I was immediately captured by the gorgeous writing”

Something Strange And Deadly Susan Dennard Book Review

by April (Books&Wine)

My attention usually perks up when someone mentions zombies. Throw 1876, the post-Civil War era into the mix and you have me as a reader hook line and sinker. Something Strange And Deadly by Susan Dennard adds a unique spin to the paranormal zombie genre via setting. Further, it is an example of strong characterization. Something Strange And Deadly does not take a turn for gimmicky, but instead is a genuinely good book and unique story.

Something Strange And Deadly Susan Dennard Book Cover

The walking Dead are plaguing Philadelphia. As if Eleanor Fitt didn’t have enough to worry about, what with being her formerly wealthy family’s last hope in achieving prestige again, she now has to worry about if the Dead have her brother Elijah. Eleanor must turn to the Spirit Hunters for help — speaking of which she’s totally attracted to one of the Spirit Hunters, Daniel, the problem is he is below her class. Meanwhile, her mother is trying to foist her off on Clarence Wilcox, one of Philadelphia’s most wealthy bachelors. As you can see, Eleanor has a lot deal with. Luckily, she’s quite the plucky heroine.

Eleanor is headstrong and brave for her time period. She does not simper or wait for others to take action. Instead, Eleanor is the sort of female who takes the bull right by the horns. She’s very loyal to her brother and also does her familial duty despite not exactly loving it. PLUS! When the walking Dead show up she doesn’t cower in fear or faint, but instead thinks with a clear and logical head. She is a pleasure to read about.

Something Strange And Deadly does an excellent job providing readers with a sense of place and time. In the book, Philadelphia is holding an international exhibition and so many tourists are in the city taking in the new sights and technology. The exhibition also brings the spirit hunters to Philadelphia. Dennard does fabulous work in making the technology of 1876 seem new and wondrous. Beyond the machinery of the age, Dennard also incorporates the constructs of social structure. Class divisions are illustrated in the dialogue — for example Clarence Wilcox, who is one of Eleanor’s rich and wealthy suitors, speaks using formal speech patterns. In contrast with Clarence is Daniel, one of the spirit hunters, Daniel is working class and thus employs a lot of slang and contractions in his speech. I thought this was an interesting way to show that people of various classes spoke differently.

For a long book, clocking in at 388 pages, Something Strange And Deadly by Susan Dennard is rather engaging. There are not very dull moments. Instead, the book has an interesting plot, plus there is an air of mystery as to the identity of the necromancer raising the dead. The dialogue is not clunky or weird or out of place — even with the class divisions. I also found the characters to be quite likeable.

The romance within Something Strange And Deadly is subtle. It’s not quite in your face. Eleanor doesn’t spend the entire book pining or fantacizing about a certain character. She does entertain notions of kissing the character, but it’s not something that happens on the first page. Instead she gets to know her love interest and through working with him and assisting him, she then decides that she’s into him. It’s quite the slow burn and very swoonworthy when she realizes she has feelings for him and he for her. I will say, this book is light on physical interaction between the two characters. It’s not a kissing fest by any means.

Susan Dennard’s Something Strange And Deadly was an unexpectedly good read. It has a unique concept. It’s got such a cool setting. There’s a romance that is neither instant nor overwhelming. The main character is someone to cheer for. The stakes feel real. If you’re looking for a young adult paranormal book where the girl doesn’t fall in love with the zombie, check out Something Strange And Deadly, it is well worth your time.

Disclosure: Received for review via a few sources — Amazon Vine and also from publisher, holla!

Other reviews of Something Strange And Deadly by Susan Dennard:

365 Days Of Reading – “a fun romp through an alternate history (with zombies)”

Cuddlebuggery – “mixes aspects of Steampunk with good ol’ zombie fun.”

Hobbitsies – “I just wasn’t grabbed by it”

Allison Reviews Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

by Allison L

Code Name Verity Book Cover

If you’re looking for a slow burning book with one hell of an impact, I honestly cannot point you in the direction of Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein fast enough. This book is just phenomenal. It pulls you right in, and REFUSES to let you go. It plays with your emotions, and makes you think in a way that you may never have really thought before. I feel like I have been forever changed because I have read about ‘Verity’ and Maddie. I just…

Serena Star Face

Code Name Verity starts out with a simple four word sentence: “I am a coward”. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity though. Those four words start you out on an adventure that you’re not soon to forget. It is the adventure filled with an unbreakable friendship between two girls, ‘Verity’ and Maddie, who were together in a plane that went down over France during World War II. Unfortunately, ‘Verity’ was caught by Nazi officers, and is being interrogated and tortured, and this is her written confession taken down on whatever scrap paper she is able to find. It is thrilling, and touching, and completely unforgettable.

Jim Shiver Face

Just reading my recap of the premise of Code Name Verity gives me chills. Seriously. It is THAT good. It is also extremely multilayered which becomes apparent through the incredible writing. The writing was one of my favorite parts of the story. I loved all the detail that Elizabeth Wein put into her story. Admittedly at times, I did have to pace myself because of the length of detail, especially when it came to descriptions of airplanes; however, it was all worth it. This book gives you another completely new perspective of World War II. It does not focus on the Holocaust or the fighting but instead focuses in on a different type of sacrifice and devotion. In particular, two women’s sacrifice and devotion not only for their country but for each other, and it is beautiful.

It was so striking to read about two women who were doing what they love to do because it was what they wanted to do especially in the middle of a war zone. There was such a strong tone of friendship in this story, it pulled at my heart. It made me think about the type of friend I am, and made me question if I would be able to make the type of sacrifices that ‘Verity’ and Maddie made for each other. The two of them didn’t even have to think about what they did for each other. They just acted, and knew that the other would understand. I honestly don’t know if I would be able to do that. I wish I could say that I could.

I know that my review may not make a lot of sense but I’m just so afraid of giving away too many details that I’m trying to keep it as simple as possible. I’ve found this to be incredibly difficult because there is so much I want to say about Code Name Verity Oh, and it’s also been really hard to not just be like READ THIS BOOK NOW: YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT because I know that is not always the best reviewing point. Seriously though, I really do feel that this book is worth it. Like I said at the beginning of my review, it starts out with a slow burn but it leaves with one hell of an impact. I understand if you feel the need to set it down and walk away but I feel as if I must convince you not to do that. Or if you must set it down, don’t walk away for too long. It may take a while to everything to come together but I promise once it does, you will not regret reading about it. I know I don’t!

Crying Clapping Gif

Disclosure: Borrowed from library

Other reviews of Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein:

April’s Review: “Oh, Maddie and ‘Verity’ you hold my heart in your hands and I am so glad I got the opportunity to read your story.”

Anna Reads: “For a brilliantly researched and beautifully realized read that will surprise and charm you, you must pick up Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein.”

Pure Imagination: “It’s an incredible book that will warm your heart and break it in equal measures.”

Out There: “The book is brimming over with fast-paced plotting and harrowing, edge of your seat, reading.”

WhatchYAreading: “I love that this is a book with an agenda but still manages to tell an amazing, entertaining and sometimes funny story.”