Book Review # 87: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Please note that before you read this review that I am reviewing this publication for Pan Macmillan. I received an advanced readers copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. In no way is my opinion influenced by the fact that I received this free of charge. Now on with the review!

Title: Heartless

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: ARC 

Publication Date: February 9th 2017

Pages: 467

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland, she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love. Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

Long before the malevolent Queen of Hearts came to be, she was an ordinary girl who simply wanted to fall in love. When I originally heard that Marissa Meyer was delving into the back story of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, I was ecstatic. Not only did I believe that Meyer produced miracles with the wondrous Lunar Chronicles, but I wondered where she could actually take the story. Well, anywhere I guess, it is Wonderland after all! Heartless surprised me actually because it wasn't the Lunar Chronicles at all, and in reflection I'm not quite sure why I expected it to be. However, that doesn't say that Heartless didn't live up to it's predecessors reputation because I actually did enjoy it.

The general plot line of Cath being a baker both amused and pleased me. It was nice to see that the portrayal of royalty could be almost ordinary. Well, at least in Cath's eyes. It was quite fitting that the Queen of Hearts, who loves her tarts, had a history and fascination with the culinary arts of baking. Whilst a royal figure who seeks escape from the tight confounds of royalty is nothing new to the YA genre, (as realistically, most YA heroines tend to hail from some position of power) it was refreshing and I appreciated Meyer's decision to write Cath in this way. Now, saying that, the plot of Cath falling in love with the Court Joker, well that led to some very assumptive predictions. What would be the one thing to change a girl of desire and adoration to the Wonderland villain we know and fear today? Love. Of course it would be. In my personal opinion, I saw this section to be slightly cliche, and I think I would have liked to have seen Cath descend into her role as the Queen of Hearts gradually. It all seemed to occur very suddenly and very conclusively.

Now, Heartless did have it's many positives, one of which exposed us as readers to Meyer's version of a twisted Wonderland; the Kingdom of Hearts. In Meyer's Wonderland we do get to meet some elements and characters from the original world such as the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter. Whilst these elements added a reminiscent value to the story, I still felt that the Kingdom of Hearts could have been developed more, especially considering this is a stand alone novel. I would have liked to have explored some of the more elaborate elements of Wonderland, outside of the main realm of Hearts.

Conclusively, as a backstory for a villain, Heartless was a thoroughly enjoyable standalone novel that reinstalled my love of Marissa Meyer's iconic and mythical writing style. Whilst I could definitely have seen areas that could have been developed, obviously that is just the opinion of this blogger. On my classification scale, I'd award Heartless by Marissa Meyer a 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review # 86: Holding Up The Universe by Jennifer Niven

Please note that before you read this review that I am reviewing this publication for Penguin. I received an advanced readers copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. In no way is my opinion influenced by the fact that I received this free of charge. Now on with the review!

Title: Holding Up The Universe 

Author: Jennifer Niven

Publisher: Penguin

Format: ARC 

Publication Date: October 6th 2016

Pages: 388

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed 'America's Fattest Teen'. But no one's taken the time to look past her weight to get to see who she really is. Since her mum's death, she's been picking up the pieces in the privacy of her home, dealing with her heartbroken father and her own grief. Now, Libby's ready: for high school, for new friends, for love, and for EVERY POSSIBILITY LIFE HAS TO OFFER. I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything.

Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin too. Yes, he's got swagger, but he's also mastered the art of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a secret: he can't recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him. He's the guy who can re-engineer and rebuild anything, but he can't understand what's going on with the inner workings of his own brain. So he tells himself to play it cool: Be charming. Be hilarious. Don't get too close to anyone.

Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game which lands them in group counseling, Libby and Jack are both angry, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world - theirs and yours.

In 2015, Jennifer Niven shocked the YA community with her deliverance of All The Bright Places, a novel I described upon review as compelling, compassionate and yet totally soul destroying. It was a novel that left an impact on me as a reader, so when I realised the announcement of a second novel entitled Holding Up The Universe, I was intrigued. Tackling such prominent and modern struggles such as weight, Niven delivers once again with Holding Up The Universe. It of course was of no surprise when I realised that Niven explores the complexity of human emotion and even branches out to exploring a condition that I hadn't even heard of. Prosopagnosia (or face-blindness) is the inability to recognise the faces of others, no matter how many times you see them. This outlook on life was a really interesting and inspiring way of looking at the world and understand the difficulties that came with living with the condition. 

As expected from a Niven novel, our two characters originate from two very different backgrounds and meet through consequence or as some may call it, 'fate.' From then on, we watch as spectators as their journeys develop and intertwine in with one another and a relationship begins to brew. Thankfully, unlike the horrors Niven expressed to us at the end of All The Bright Places, Holding Up The Universe ends in a much happier and more joyful manner. If you've read stereotypical romance novels before then I don't need to express to you the ending as you can most likely guess. However, like other romances, Jack and Libby go through their various trials during their relationship. But this book is a lot more than just romance. It explores the notion of coming to terms with who you are and not allowing others to define that. It also indicates the most important message is to understand that you are wanted, no matter what other say, because if you want yourself then that shatters any negativity coming at your from elsewhere.

With these characters comes two very distinctive voices, and both Libby and Jack were very resonant with their character traits. Libby's voice was confident, positive and at times had a fragility edge to it, whilst Jack's was often quite the opposite. Often hiding behind his asshole demeanour, Jack is simply trying to fit in and achieve normality in such a deranged world. At times I did feel a lot for Jack, and whilst I did feel for Libby the majority of the book, my heart did go out more strongly for Jack. With his condition; not being able to recognise the people you love, it's heartbreaking, and trying to overcome this idea of fitting in - well that's something that I believe most people can relate to at some point in their lives. We've all done it, haven't we? However, whilst this novel was adorable and very powerful for many reasons, I did have frustrations at times with some of the predictability, it was an enjoyable contemporary novel that shared a lot of powerful messages. Would I read it again? Certainly. I award 4 out of 5 stars to Holding Up The Universe by Jennifer Niven. It resonates strongly as a YA contemporary novel and I would strongly urge others to read it. 

Book Review # 85: A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

Please note that before you read this review that I am reviewing this publication for Harper Voyager UK. I received an advanced readers copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. In no way is my opinion influenced by the fact that I received this free of charge. Now on with the review!

Title: A Torch Against the Night 

Author: Sabaa Tahir

Publisher: Harper Voyager UK

Format: ARC 

Publication Date: September 8th 2016

Pages: 454

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Elias and Laia are running for their lives.

After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.

Laia is determined to break into Kauf - the Empire's most secure and dangerous prison - to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars' survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.

But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene - Elias's former friend and the Empire's newest Blood Shrike.

Bound to Marcus's will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own - one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape... and kill them both.

After the thrills delivered in An Ember in the Ashes, Sabaa Tahir showed the world her potential in crafting an original, mythic concept within a troped, Young Adult type setting. It explored roman design and democracy in a brutal system, and alas Sabaa concocted originality in its simplest form. With A Torch Against the Night, Tahir brings a whole new level of excitement to the table with the second installation in this saga, this time merging the classic themes delivered in Ember with a fantasy lined undertone.

The book kicks off where we left our beloved characters, observing them on the run from the new Emperor, Blood Shrike, The Commandment and their band of viciously trained Masks. Their target? Escaping to the prison in Kauf to liberate Laia's brother. From then, their journey unfolds, as we as readers explore with our two heroes, the perils and excessive trials they face and the compromises they have to make along the way to survive.

Whilst Embers focused in the duel narrative perspective, Torch delivers us a third perspective from Helene who has her own perilous journey of her own - tracking down Laia and Elias and ending them. Fighting for honour and sacrifice, both very traditional traits, and tradition and loyalty is a theme that runs throughout and identifies heavily in all characters in this novel. Helene relies heavily on her determination for her wellbeing and her family, Laia has the loyalty to her brother and Elias is loyal to his own freedom.

Although, whilst character development is something that Sabaa identifies heavily with in this novel, she could also be seen as taking a sideline with it, as she spends less time exploring the deeper emotional states of her characters and focuses more on the crafting of her expansive world. As aforementioned, our main protagonists venture across this newly developed world on a quest to free Laia's brother and we get to explore not only the expanse of the world but also of the power dynamics of the world. Through Sabaa's development in writing, we also are exposed to the internal struggles and how the uncertainty of navigating politics can have an effect on characters and the world around them.

One of the other elements that has slowly been building its way up since the beginning of the series is the aspect of myth and magic. It becomes very evident in this book with Laia's character developing some unique gifts that throw a new edge into Tahir's world. With the development of the 'Nightbringer' on the imminent horizon, it is curious to wonder just how great of a threat this foretold villain is going to pose, considering how ruthless the antagonists have been thus far in Sabaa Tahir's work. It will be interesting to see how the current characters at play weave into the story of the Nightbringer and how it will develop against the whole plot. So how do I rate this instalment in Sabaa's saga? Well as confusing and mystifying as some of the more elaborate fantasy elements woven into the story had me, A Torch Against the Night is a solid sequel to Embers and I award it a 4 out of 5 stars on my classification scale.

Book Review # 84: This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

Please note that before you read this review that I am reviewing this publication for Titan Books. I received an advanced readers copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. In no way is my opinion influenced by the fact that I received this free of charge. Now on with the review!

Title: This Savage Song

Author: Victoria Schwab

Publisher: Titan Books

Format: Paperback 

Publication Date: June 7th 2016

Pages: 407

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.

After the success of Victoria's 'Shades of Magic' series thus far, This Savage Song appealed to me as Victoria's writing is so melodic and fluid. Trust me, you don't realise how appropriate the word melodic is for this book until you read it! In a world divided where monsters are born from violence, our two main characters fight for survival in their own unique ways.  What I found so beautiful about Victoria's book was that whilst this book was very dystopian in its intend, the messages it portrays about modern society were so realistic and foretelling. Monsters born from violence. Ringing any bells? I followed Victoria's process on Twitter through the inception of This Savage Song, and she details it as being her dark monster baby. You can definitely tell that Victoria has poured every ounce of her being into this work, and it is totally one that she needs to be proud of.

Exploring the world of monsters was fascinating, especially from August's point of view. Seeing darkness from the perspective of the supposed 'evil' in the world greatly arouses curiosity and wonder. Now, whilst character's battling their inner evils is nothing new within YA, Schwab delivers her readers with the exploration of normality and the struggles that people can conquer to try to achieve it. It is interesting to see the emotional journey of these characters, who centre the majority of this novel. One thing that Schwab delivers effortlessly are solid and realistic characters, who have relatable ties to the emotional well-being of her readership. If you find yourself drawn instinctively to character focused novels then This Savage Song is the book for you.

However, whilst I adored the character journeys in this book, there was a lack of plot enthusiasm for myself, which surprised me for a Schwab book. In comparison to her Darker Shade series, which really awed me and enticed me, that is very heavily focused on a perfect blend of character development and plot line, This Savage Song fell slightly flat, hence the star rating I'm awarding it. That isn't to say that there wasn't a plot, because the very evidently was. I just felt that it wasn't as defined as I would have hoped for. Obviously, this is just the opinion of one sole blogger, and you will find hundreds, if not thousands of reviews praising the plot. Will this stop me from continuing on with this duology? Not in the slightest! Luckily, the intrigue of the characters enticed me enough to continue, and this sole blogger looks forward to seeing where the story continues in the next instalment. I award This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab a 3 out of 5 stars. Once again, Schwab impresses with her development of realistic characters. 

Book Review # 83: A Gathering of Shadows by V.E.Schwab

Please note that before you read this review that I am reviewing this publication for Titan Books. I received an advanced readers copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. In no way is my opinion influenced by the fact that I received this free of charge. Now on with the review!

Title: A Gathering of Shadows

Author: V.E.Schwab

Publisher: Titan Books

Format: Paperback

Publication Date: February 23rd 2016

Pages: 508

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.

In 2015, Victoria Schwab introduced the world to the first book in her new Shades of Magic series. Not only did 'A Darker Shade of Magic' entice thousands of readers internationally, but it also exposed those who dreamt of stranger worlds to a phenomenal new series that would leave a lasting impact on those who read it. Personally, I adored A Darker Shade of Magic, awarding it a full 5 stars on my classification scale. When A Gathering of Shadows was realised, I knew it was a novel that I had to get to right away. However, this was not to be! I didn't actually get round to reading it until recently, when not only did I know that the conclusion to this trilogy would be closer at hand, but also I didn't want to have to not be in this spectacular world. Schwab has crafted such a unique and magical setting along with phenomenal characters that leave such a lasting impact on her readers. It's definitely one of those worlds that you do not want to leave. I haven't felt this way about a book series since Harry Potter, so my full appreciation of Schwab's work knows no bounds.

In this next instalment, we revisit the various versions of London along with the mesmerising characters we were introduced to in the first book. Luckily for readers, not much time has passed between the events of the last book and Gathering, therefore the impact that has been made since the events of Darker Shade are very apparent to readers, and it doesn't feel like we've been far from home since. However, there is something new looming on the horizon, The Element Games, a magical tournament meant to entertain and keep healthy relationships with neighbouring countries. In doing so, an old friend returns to Red London. Although, that isn't all that returns as darkness from Black London begins to stir in White London...

Gathering allows Schwab to expand her description of the magic system in the world beyond what she introduced in Darker Shade. Through the Element Games, we were exposed to different varieties of magic and we were allowed to see the effects that overuse of that magic posed. Now as magic began to grow with Red London, we also get glimpses into the effects of dark magic now brewing within White London as we revisit an old friend and opponent... As for the characters, Kell is finally settling into life in a princely style after Lila's departure from the docks of Red London. Unfortunately for him, it's not quite all it lived up too, as he begins to realise the constraints of the monarchy as he battles with something that lives inside him that constantly needs letting out. As for Lila, she's been at sea for four months in search for adventure and now she's returned to the surprise of the Elemental Games, and with the development of her new found talents, she's set her eyes on a new adventurous prize.

Although, whilst we are reunited with our old favourites, Schwab treats us to the introduction of some new characters. One of these characters is the stunningly fabulous Alucard, who's past with Rhy lays bubbling away awaiting for the past to catch up with them. We also get the pleasure of meeting some of the magicians from far across the seas whom I will be excited to see if we meet again in the finale, A Conjuring of Light. Once again, Victoria Schwab has blown me away with the way she has crafted her magical tale. I award A Gathering of Shadows the full 5 out of 5 stars on my classification scale, and I eagerly await to see what sweet torture she brings for us in the conclusion to this trilogy, especially after how perilous she was in the cliffhanger at the end of this book! V, you have me enthralled!