Review: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Synopsis: Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free. Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear. It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do. But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy. There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself. (from the online description)

Review: With a deft hand, Sabaa Tahir plunges the reader into a strange, harsh, and unforgiving world, where the mighty Martial Empire swept over the Scholar’s country and took them captive. Now, 500 years later, the Scholars live in poverty, as menial labors, or slaves, to the dominate Martial. But the Scholars haven’t forgotten their roots and seek to rise against their oppressors and free themselves.

Laia, born in a Scholar family, knows all too well the might of Martial law. Her family has suffered much under them. But her family was strong, courageous – and she is not. But she will need to be if she is to save the last member.

Elias is a Golden Son of the Martial Empire, seemingly the brightest and best – but he has a dark secret. One that will get him killed if he isn’t careful.

Through twisted circumstances, Laia and Elias cross paths, each changing the other irrevocably.

World-Building: Tahir’s world reminds the reader of Roman, if Rome had guns and magical creatures like Djinn. Without being heavy-handed, the author pulls the reader in and gives clear picture of the culture and customs.

Characters: Each character goes through realistic growth, albeit with the normal angst and if-you-just-talked-the-problem-would-be-solved issues normally found in your YA novels. The PoV shifts between Laia and Elias and Tahir did an excellent job of making them sound different.

Plot: Fast-paced, never a dull-moment. Several times things happened that were mildly unrealistic, obviously used to move the plot forward, but nothing egregious. It certainly didn’t hinder my read-it-all-in-one sitting drive.

Overall, this is a better example of the YA novels available and worth reading. 

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: People's Choice Awards: Best Fantasy, 2016 /  Amazon's Best Young Adult Books, 2015 / Indigo Best Books of 2015 / Suspense Magazine, Best Books of 2015 / NYPL Best Books for Teens, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-59514-804-9
Year Published: 2015
Date Finished: 11-3-2017
Pages: 446

Review: Cloaked in Red by Vivian Vande Velde

Synopsis: So you think you know the story of Little Red Riding Hood, the girl with the unfortunate name and the inability to tell the difference between her grandmother and a member of a different species? Well, then, try your hand at answering these questions: Which character (not including Little Red herself) is the most fashion challenged? Who (not including the wolf) is the scariest? Who (not including Granny) is the most easily scared? Who is the strangest? (Notice we’re not “not including” anyone, because they’re all a little off.) Who (no fair saying “the author”) has stuffing for brains? Vivian Vande Velde has taken eight new looks at one of the world’s most beloved (and mixed-up) stories. You may never look at fairy tales in quite the same way again. (from the online description)

Review: This is a collection of 8 version of Little Red Riding Hood, all written by the author.  In subject and plot, the stories have marked differences. But in prose and syntax, they are drearily similar. It is simple, suitable for a reader of the elementary level.

The Red Cloak: The main character learns to have a bit of courage. Cute and sweet.

The Red Riding Hood Doll: Weird. I have no idea what the point was.

Little Red Riding Hood's Family: My favorite! Lots of fairy tale and paranormal characters show up. It’s entertaining.

Granny and the Wolf: The wolf is more like a puppy dog and I’m a sucker for a puppy dog!

Deems the Wood Gatherer: Strange and disturbing and not in a good way.

Why Willy and His Brother Won't Ever Amount to Anything: Amusing , particular if you like other fairy tale. The “twist” at the end was good.

The Little Red Headache: The wolf tries to help, only to have much trouble for his pains.

Little Red Riding Hood's Little Red Riding Hood: This one has the cloak at the main character, and the ending was witty.

Overall, the good stories weren’t enough to make this collection more than just a bland collection. Sad, really, as her similar treatment of Rumplestiltskin was excellent. 

Bookmarks: 

The Red Cloak: 3.5/5
The Red Riding Hood Doll: 2/5
Little Red Riding Hood's Family: 4/5
Granny and the Wolf: 4/5
Deems the Wood Gatherer: 3/5
Why Willy and His Brother Won't Ever Amount to Anything: 3/5
The Little Red Headache: 3/5
Little Red Riding Hood's Little Red Riding Hood: 3/5

Over All: 3 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-7614-5793-0
Year Published: 2010
Date Finished: 11-1-2017
Pages: 127

Review: The Jewel of Seven Stars by Bram Stoker

Synopsis: In the early hours of the morning a young lawyer is called to the home of a beautiful woman he has just met, where her archaeologist father lies in a coma, the victim of a mysterious attack. The injured man is discovered to be dabbling in ritual magic in an attempt to raise an ancient Egyptian queen from the dead. As the hour of his great experiment approaches, a deadly supernatural struggle begins. (from the online descriptions)

Review: Considered the bases for the classical Mummy myth, this short novella by Bram Stoker takes advantage of the Egypt-mania that swarmed the Western world in the later parts of the 1800s. Told from the view point of the young lawyer, Malcolm Ross, it concerns the collection of the rich but eccentric Abel Trelawny and his daughter, Margaret – and the mummy of an Egyptian Queen…..

This has all the proper themes of a Victorian Gothic story – the morally-pure virgin, the stalwart young man, the mad scientists, the doctor, the creepy house, the blood in the night, shadows and ghosts, and mysteries of the past coming to haunt the present.

Stoker gave much detail about Egypt, and it was clear he did his research before adding in his own fantastical elements. It also contains Stoker’s trademark foreboding imagery and gothic prose. It’s a fine tale for a dark and creepy night.

But, it’s also a bit slow at times, some of the action or events are never really explained, and the ending – well, my big issue is the ending. It’s ambiguous exactly what went wrong and why the Great Experiment ended in death. Perhaps is it my modern mind, but I would have preferred a bit more explanation

Bookmarks: 3 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-486-47469-7
Year Published: 1904 (Mine is a 2009 Edition)
Date Finished: 10-31-2017
Pages: 188

Review: IT by Stephen King

Synopsis: Welcome to Derry, Maine. It’s a small city, a place as hauntingly familiar as your own hometown. Only in Derry the haunting is real. They were seven teenagers when they first stumbled upon the horror. Now they are grown-up men and women who have gone out into the big world to gain success and happiness. But the promise they made twenty-eight years ago calls them reunite in the same place where, as teenagers, they battled an evil creature that preyed on the city’s children. Now, children are being murdered again and their repressed memories of that terrifying summer return as they prepare to once again battle the monster lurking in Derry’s sewers. (from the online description) 

Review: Thanks to this book, I now cast a wary eye towards drains and sewers, and I never ever go near clowns. Seriously, scary AF.

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: TBD

ISBN: 978-1-5011-4297
Year Published: 1980
Date Finished: 10-25-2017
Pages: 1156

Review: Ban This Book by Alan Gratz

Synopsis: In Ban This Book by Alan Gratz, a fourth grader fights back when From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is challenged by a well-meaning parent and taken off the shelves of her school library. Amy Anne is shy and soft-spoken, but don’t mess with her when it comes to her favorite book in the whole world. Amy Anne and her lieutenants wage a battle for the books that will make you laugh and pump your fists as they start a secret banned books locker library, make up ridiculous reasons to ban every single book in the library to make a point, and take a stand against censorship. Ban This Book is a stirring defense against censorship that’s perfect for middle grade readers. Let kids know that they can make a difference in their schools, communities, and lives! (from the online description)

Review: This book! This book! Oh heavens – okay, so told from the first person pov of Amy Anne, an avid 9-year-old bibliophile, this books explores what makes us ourselves, where we find courage, and mostly, what censorship is and how it works.

When her favorite book (From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg) is banned from her school library, Amy Anne is cut to the heart. Why would someone ban her favorite book?

With a little digging and some help from her friends, Amy Anne learns than many books are banned, books that she loves, that others love. And she makes a choice – she’s going to run a Banned Book Library from her locker, freely giving out books, sharing her love of reading, with her classmates.

But this takes courage – what if she gets caught? And as more books disappear from the library shelves, Amy Anne has to decide if she can overcome her fear to speak out against this wrong.

Although meant for late-elementary, early middle-school reader, this book will appeal to all ages. If you are looking to explain censorship to young readers, this book is an excellent way to help them understand.

Note for Parents: Sex is mentioned (in relationship to why some books are banned, in particular, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume). While censorship is explained, the book also encourage parental involvement and activie engagement in the reading life of their kids, essentially saying that parents should be the one to guide their child’s reading.

I will recommend this book to kids and adults alike. 

Note: As part of LibraryThing's Early Review Program, I received this book free in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: None (Yet)

ISBN: 978-0-7653-8556-7
Year Published: 2017
Date Finished: 10-9-2017
Pages: 255

Review: Twilight Sparkle and the Crystal Heart Spell by G. M. Berrow (A My Little Pony Book)

Synopsis: Twilight Sparkle is a very special Pony and a loyal apprentice of Princess Celestia. Twilight Sparkle's life has been turned upside down by recent exciting events in Ponyville, so she sets off for the Crystal Empire to get advice from her former foalsitter, Princess Cadance. Join Twilight Sparkle in this original and brand-new adventure!

Don't miss the special purple activity pages in the back of the book! (from the online description)

Review: This book is written with a young reader (K-4^th, maybe) in mind, not for an adult such as myself. But, I’ve been a MLP fan since I was young enough to read this, and T-Spark is my favorite.

This reads just like an episode of the show – cute, sweet, with a dash of adventure and mystery, and of course, Friendship is always the answer. I felt this was nearly direct re-hash of at least one episode of the show (evil object turns pony against others) which was disappointing.

The real reason to read it is the backstory for Princess Cadence. Not sure if these books are considered Canon or not, but if so, it is worth it for that alone. However, it raised more questions than it answers about the origins of Alicorns, particularly consider that Cadence’s daughter, Flurry Heart, was born one.

While I will eventually want the entire collection, I’m not running out this moment to buy the rest of the series. This is a good easy read, suited for young MLP fans to practice their reading skills with. But for older collectors, this book might disappoint as far as substance. 

Bookmarks: 3 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-316-22819-0
Year Published: 2013
Date Finished: 10-7-2017
Pages: 131

Review: The Snow Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Synopsis: Aleksia, Queen of the Northern Lights, is mysterious, beautiful and widely known to have a heart of ice. No one would seek her wisdom except as a last resort. But when she's falsely accused of unleashing evil on nearby villages, she realizes there's an impostor out there far more heartless than she could ever be. And when a young warrior following the Tradition disappears, leaving his sweetheart and mother to fear the worst, Aleksia's powers are needed as never before.  Now, on a journey through a realm of perpetual winter, it will take all her skills, a mother's faith and a little magic to face down an enemy more formidable than any she has ever known.… (from the online description)

Review: Once again, I was enchanted and delighted to read Lackey’s retold fairy tales, set in the Five Hundred Kingdoms. This one, in particular, involve three women who must gather their wits, find courage, and trust friendship, all to save the people they love and the people they are sworn to protect.

With a lovely Russian tone, Lackey gives us strong, well-developed characters, living in a world of rare and dangerous magic, and sets them on a journey in a fast-paced plot with lots of action and suspense.  Our Fairy Godmother, Aleksia, who often plays the “Snow Queen” in the Tradition (usually to the benefit of those she encounters) must leave her Ice Palace and trek across the frozen tundra to find the person who is  killing entire villages in her name. She will cross paths with heroes and witches, good-hearted girls, and frozen gods, and she will be forced to face her inner trials even as she struggles to turn the magic from evil to good.

For anyone with a love of fairy tales, particularly those of Russian origins, and who wants to read a story with strong female characters, this is your book!

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-373-80294-4
Year Published: 2008
Date Finished: 9-30-2017
Pages: 408

Review: The Magic of Recluce by L.E. Modesitt

Synopsis: Young Lerris is dissatisfied with his life and trade, and yearns to find a place in the world better suited to his skills and temperament. But in Recluce a change in circumstances means taking one of two options: permanent exile from Recluce or the dangergeld, a complex, rule-laden wanderjahr in the lands beyond Recluce, with the aim of learning how the world works and what his place in it might be. Many do not survive. Lerris chooses dangergeld. When Lerris is sent into intensive training for his quest, it soon becomes clear that he has a natural talent for magic. And he will need magic in the lands beyond, where the power of the Chaos Wizards reigns unchecked. Though it goes against all of his instincts, Lerris must learn to use his powers in an orderly way before his wanderjahr, or fall prey to Chaos. L.E. Modesitt, Jr.'s bestselling fantasy novels set in the magical world of Recluce are among the most popular in contemporary fantasy. Each novel tells an independent story that nevertheless reverberates though all the other books in the series, to deepen and enhance the reading experience. Rich in detail, the Recluce books are a feast of wondrous marvels. (from the online description)

Review: This is not the normal sort of book I’d read, as I’m not a huge fan of High Fantasy. But I read this as park of GroupRead on Instragram and I’m glad I did.

Modesitt has a talented for character and world-building. When we start, the main character Lerris is a bored whiny directionless boy. You know, a teenager. But in Recluse, his home country, a world of Order, his attitude creates Chaos. So he is sent on away, to find out if he wants to live by the rules of Recluse (Order) or if he wants to live in the Chaos that the rest of the world resides in.

Through this, Lerris learns and here is where Modesitt’s talent with character development because apparent. Lerris goes from a whiny child to an adult with courage and wisdom. It’s fantastic.

As for the world building – the idea of Order and Chaos as magic, the history of the planet, the dark and light, it’s intriguing. In particular, the idea that Chaos magic can help people (food and warmth) but too much causes problems, while Order seems cold and heartless, but in the end, in can bring balance. I want to read more of this world, to learn more about the difference between the magic.

If you enjoy well-developed characters, intriguing world-building, and epic fantasy stories, read this!

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-8125-0518-4
Year Published: 1991
Date Finished: 9-15-2017
Pages: 501

Review: Heartstone by Elle Katharine White

Synopsis: A debut historical fantasy that recasts Jane Austen’s beloved Pride & Prejudice in an imaginative world of wyverns, dragons, and the warriors who fight alongside them against the monsters that threaten the kingdom: gryphons, direwolves, lamias, banshees, and lindworms. They say a Rider in possession of a good blade must be in want of a monster to slay—and Merybourne Manor has plenty of monsters. Passionate, headstrong Aliza Bentaine knows this all too well; she’s already lost one sister to the invading gryphons. So when Lord Merybourne hires a band of Riders to hunt down the horde, Aliza is relieved her home will soon be safe again. Her relief is short-lived. With the arrival of the haughty and handsome dragonrider, Alastair Daired, Aliza expects a battle; what she doesn’t expect is a romantic clash of wills, pitting words and wit against the pride of an ancient house. Nor does she anticipate the mystery that follows them from Merybourne Manor, its roots running deep as the foundations of the kingdom itself, where something old and dreadful slumbers . . . something far more sinister than gryphons. It’s a war Aliza is ill-prepared to wage, on a battlefield she’s never known before: one spanning kingdoms, class lines, and the curious nature of her own heart. (from the online description)

Review: This was book was described to me as “Pride and Prejudice, where Darcy is a Dragon rider” and I was like, uh, say no more. I’m in.

I’ve read my share of P&P adaptions, some good (Bride and Prejudice) and some hideous (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) – but this, this one is my favorite.

“Elizabeth” called Aliza in this, lives in a world were monsters are real. Her father works for the Lord Merybourne, who, when faced with Gryphon attacks, hires Riders to free his land. Darcy, one of the great dragon lords, arrives, and as expected, is appalled at the backwater hillbilly-invested land he’s been hired to protect.

The story faithfully follows the P&P narrative, with enough fresh twists (and dragons) to make it a stay-up-late-too-see-what-happens sort of read. Yes, we know Aliza and Darcy get together in the end – but how? That’s what matters – that and, does she ever get to rid the Dragon?

If you enjoy fantasy worlds and/or P&P, this is the book for you!

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN:978-0-06-245194-1
Year Published: 2016
Date Finished: 8-20-2017
Pages: 336

Review: Watership Down by Richard Adams

Synopsis: A phenomenal worldwide bestseller for more than forty years, Richard Adams's Watership Down is a timeless classic and one of the most beloved novels of all time. Set in England's Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale of adventure, courage and survival follows a band of very special creatures on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, to a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society. (from the online description)

Review:  I read this is as part of a GroupRead on Instagram. I’d never read the book, only seen (and be traumatized) by the cartoon.

This book is magical. Part folk tale, part adventure, a bit grimdark, realistic but not gritty, it has both sunlight and shadow. It’s hard to classify, to pin to a genre. I’m not sure I would let kids read it and yet, it is just the sort of books kids ought to read.

Hazel, and his friend Fiver, leave their warren after Fiver has a vision of death and danger. They travel across the wide Downs, in search of a place to live. Along the way, they face hardship, adventure, and find other rabbits who also wish to live in safety and peace.

Their story is interspersed with Rabbit folktales, about their mythology and gods, their beliefs and faith. It’s fantastic and gives their culture so much life.

I recommend this book. Older kids and teens will enjoy  it, but I would say for young kids (elementary age) that a parent should read-a-long. There is death and blood and terror at some parts that might require a parent’s guidance. But there is light and wonder and magic and love as well, and it is worth the time.  

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-380-000293-0
Year Published: 1972
Date Finished: 8-21-2017
Pages: 478

Review: Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold (Vorkosigan Series, Book 2)

Synopsis: Sick of combat and betrayal, Cordelia Vorkosigan is ready to settle down to a quiet life. But when the Emperor dies, her husband Aral becomes guardian of the infant heir to the imperial throne of Barrayar and the target of high-tech assassins in a dynastic civil war. But neither Aral nor Cordelia can guess the part that their cell-damaged unborn will play in Barrayar's bloody legacy. (from the online description)

Review: Cordelia Vorkosigan, now married to the Regent of Barrayar, is thrust into the politics of a culture and country that is still foreign to her. In the midst of this, Cordelia discovers she is pregnant.

Bujold created in Cordelia, a complex character, fierce but fair, mother and solider, intelligent and kind, uncompromising but gentle, logical but not cold. Watching her navigate the unfolding events in the story made me wish she was real!

The story itself was face-paced – within a few pages, Bad Things happen and challenges arise that threaten the stability of her new home and her family – and endanger the life of her child. The plot was plausible, action-packed, with just the right amount of suspense, and a healthy dose of humor.

And the ending (which I won’t spoil) – Gah! I cheered out loud! Cordelia was so freaking bad-ass!

Read this – particular if you enjoy stories with well-rounded female characters. 

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: Hugo Award for Best Novel, 1992; Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, 1992; Nominated for Nebula Award for Best Novel, 1991

ISBN: 0-671-72083-X
Year Published: 1991
Date Finished: 8-10-2017
Pages: 389

Review: The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains by Dr. Robert Lustig

Synopsis: While researching the toxic and addictive properties of sugar for his New York Times bestseller Fat Chance, Robert Lustig made an alarming discovery—our pursuit of happiness is being subverted by a culture of addiction and depression from which we may never recover.         

Dopamine is the “reward” neurotransmitter that tells our brains we want more; yet every substance or behavior that releases dopamine in the extreme leads to addiction. Serotonin is the “contentment” neurotransmitter that tells our brains we don’t need any more; yet its deficiency leads to depression. Ideally, both are in optimal supply. Yet dopamine evolved to overwhelm serotonin—because our ancestors were more likely to survive if they were constantly motivated—with the result that constant desire can chemically destroy our ability to feel happiness, while sending us down the slippery slope to addiction. In the last forty years, government legislation and subsidies have promoted ever-available temptation (sugar, drugs, social media, porn) combined with constant stress (work, home, money, Internet), with the end result of an unprecedented epidemic of addiction, anxiety, depression, and chronic disease. And with the advent of neuromarketing, corporate America has successfully imprisoned us in an endless loop of desire and consumption from which there is no obvious escape.           

With his customary wit and incisiveness, Lustig not only reveals the science that drives these states of mind, he points his finger directly at the corporations that helped create this mess, and the government actors who facilitated it, and he offers solutions we can all use in the pursuit of happiness, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Always fearless and provocative, Lustig marshals a call to action, with seminal implications for our health, our well-being, and our culture.

Review: I was eager to read this book after listening to Lustig’s lecture, Sugar: The Bitter Truth, given ad part of the Series: UCSF Mini Medical School for the Public, in 2009. I found his work intriguing and enlightening.

This book further explored the issue of sugar in our diet, but tied it to the larger issue – how corporations use our brain chemistry to modify our behaviors and entice us to buy their products. Lustig takes us through the two separate pathways in our brain – Dopamine (Pleasure) and Serotonin (Happiness), explaining how each is vital to our life, but can also be used to make us want things that aren’t good for us.

It’s a convoluted subject, making the narrative seem repetitive at time – but it’s required to explain the topic properly. The text has more pop-culture slang and jargon than one usually finds in science texts. It was a bit distracting, as if Lustig was trying to make it “down-to-earth”. But it didn’t.  Despite this, I have recommended this book to several people and will continue. It’s an important idea to consider! 

Note: I received this free as part of the Early Reviewers Program on LibaryThing, in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-101-98258-7
Year Published: September 2017
Date Finished: 7-31-2017
Pages:332

Review: Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Synopsis: There hadn't been any trouble out at the lake in years. Sunshine just needed a spot where she could be alone with her thoughts for a minute. But then the vampires found her . . . Now, chained and imprisoned in a once-beautiful decaying mansion, alone but for the vampire, Constantine, shackled next to her, Sunshine realizes that she must call on her own hidden strength if she is to survive. But Constantine is not what she expected of a vampire, and soon Sunshine discovers that it is he who needs her, more than either of them know. (From the online description)

Review: A vampire book unlike any I've read. This work is an intoxicating swirl macabre romance, sweet baked goods, family, magic, horror, and love. Sunshine, a baker for a local coffee house, is content with her life, elbows deep in cinnamon buns, lying in sunshine, and time with her family and boyfriend. But when she meets Con, the magic inside her explodes and she must find a place in her old world for the new her.

McKinley, once again, pulls the reader into a world that is both strange and familiar. She doesn’t baby the reader, tossing out slang (for this world) and mentioning events that seem recognizable to all but the reader. It’s a bit frustrating at first but once you slip into the world, it because easy.

This is a must-read for any Vampire affectionaido, one of the great modern classics of the genre.

I am desperate to return to this world, to her the story of Sunshine’s father, to see where she goes after these events. Hopefully, McKinley will have pity on us all and write a sequel. 

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature in 2004.

ISBN: 978-0-425-22401-4
Year Published: 2003
Date Finished: 7-3-2016
Pages: 405