Tag: goodreads

• Book Review: “The Secret Daughter of the Tsar” by Jennifer Laam (ARC)

  Posted at 8:21 am by Laura, on October 14, 2013

  The Secret Daughter of the Tsar by Jennifer Laam 

  Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
  Publishing Date: October 22, 2013
  Genre: historical fiction
  ISBN: 9781250040916
  Goodreads: —
  Rating: ★★★
  

  Veronica is an aspiring historian living in present-day Los Angeles when she meets a mysterious man who may be heir to the Russian throne. As she sets about investigating the legitimacy of his claim through a winding path of romance and deception, the ghosts of her own past begin to haunt her. Lena, a servant in the imperial Russian court of 1902, is approached by the desperate Empress Alexandra.  After conceiving four daughters, the Empress is determined to sire a son and believes Lena can help her. Once elevated to the Romanov’s treacherous inner circle, Lena finds herself under the watchful eye of the meddling Dowager Empress Marie. Charlotte, a former ballerina living in World War II occupied Paris, receives a surprise visit from a German officer. Determined to protect her son from the Nazis, Charlotte escapes the city, but not before learning that the officer’s interest in her stems from his longstanding obsession with the fate of the Russian monarchy.

  Lena, a servant in the royal household and favorite of Empress Alexandra, is asked to help Alexandra conceive a boy after giving birth to four daughters. But in 1920, when Alexandra is delirious from the medication given during labor, Dowager Empress Marie threatens Lena and strikes a bargain to help save the Russian monarchy. Fast forward to WWII occupied Paris as Charlotte flees with her ex-husband and son Laurent to Spain to escape the Germans. Fast forward to the present day, where Veronica is working on her book for tenure and failing miserably. But suddenly a Russian man named Michael seems to be the key to her future with the Romanov family.

  I was a little skeptical about reading a book with three POVs, as they can sometimes be confusing, sloppy, and muddle. Laam, however, was very consistent with her chapters, clearly marked the years and locations, and each piece of the puzzle started to fit together perfectly. This book was in no way confusing with the multiple perspectives.

  The story was enjoyable and kept my attention. It was like a journey across Europe and time, an adventure across the generations. About halfway through the novel, though, when Veronica is visiting New York and meets another claimant to the Russian throne, the circumstances seemed elevated to ludicrous proportions. The other portions of the book, with Lena and Charlotte, maintained reality at least. But after Veronica’s visit to New York, the link between the three women was obvious. I raced to the end just to see how exactly they each reacted to their situations.

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book for review.

  Posted in books, Reviews 2013 | 2 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: adult fiction, genre: fiction, genre: history, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “The Last Enchantments” by Charles Finch (ARC)

  Posted at 8:32 am by Laura, on September 23, 2013

  The Last Enchantments by Charles Finch 

  Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
  Publishing Date: January 2014
  Genre: fiction
  ISBN: 9781250018717
  Goodreads: —
  Rating: ★★★★★

  After graduating from Yale, William Baker, scion of an old line patrician family, goes to work in presidential politics.  But when the campaign into which he’s poured his heart ends in disappointment, he decides to leave New York behind, along with the devoted, ambitious, and well-connected woman he’s been in love with for the last four years.

  Will expects nothing more than a year off before resuming the comfortable life he’s always known, but he’s soon caught up in a whirlwind of unexpected friendships and romantic entanglements that threaten his safe plans. As he explores the heady social world of Oxford,  he becomes fast friends with Tom, his snobbish but affable flat mate;  Anil, an Indian economist with a deep love for gangster rap; Anneliese, a German historian obsessed with photography; and Timmo, whose chief ambition is to become a reality television star. What he’s least prepared for is Sophie, a witty, beautiful and enigmatic woman who makes him question everything he knows about himself.

  William Baker decides to pack his bags and head to Oxford to study literature for a year. His career in political campaigns has slowed and he feels like he’s stuck in a rut. Leaving behind NYC, job opportunities, a long-time girlfriend, Will looks forward to his adventure in England and putting off “real life” for the time being. As the weeks progress in school, he befriends posh Tom, adorable Anil, talented Anneliese, studious Ella, driven Peter, and the ever elusive Sophie. His journey into self-discovery, and navigating the many forms of love, is deeply moving and incredibly touching.

  I was originally drawn to this book because of the Oxford setting. I didn’t expect to like Will — the stereotype I have in my head of “poor little rich boy” is not a positive one — but little by little I began to see myself in him, my friends in him and his friends, our experiences quite similar. Will feels lost in the “adult world” and finds comfort in academia. Unsure of his future, he makes wild decisions to put off the inevitable. There are so many twenty-somethings out there who feel just the same: the desire to grow up and become someone, while at the same time terrified, unsure, and fearing failure.

  Will is conflicted throughout the book when it comes to romance. Every type of love is presented: the enduring love with a long-time flame, passion and obsession with someone new and out-of-reach, and lust after a friend. There is no clear-cut relationship, which is actually quite refreshing in a book because it’s true to life. Emotions, love especially, never have logical explanations.

  Everything you would expect from a graduate student is in this book: from studying in libraries, pubs, and cafes to parties in clubs, from sleeping with a friend to lazy walks in the park. There’s no sugar-coating or brushing over facts. It’s plain truth about one young man’s journey, all the mistakes and accomplishments, all the experiences, to the path of his future. It’s beautiful.

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book from St. Martin’s Press for review!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2013 | 1 Comment | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, book review, books, genre: adult fiction, genre: fiction, goodreads, review

• Top Ten Tuesday: Books on Fall TBR List

  Posted at 10:45 am by Laura, on September 17, 2013

  Top Ten Tuesday, a concept started by The Broke and the Bookish, is a themed post that connects bloggers to bloggers, bloggers to readers, and readers to readers. Every Tuesday has a special topic, and this Tuesday is Top Ten Books On My Fall TBR List, in no particular order.

  

  1. The Last Enchantments by Charles Finch — An ARC I received that is very good so far! William Baker takes a year off from his life in NYC and moves to Oxford, England. While there, he’s caught up in sudden friendships and a whirlwind romance, experiences he never thought would fall into his plans away.

  2. Allegiant by Veronica Roth — Because I have to know how it ends.

  3. The Secret Daughter of the Tsar by Jennifer Laam — Another ARC I received. After falling in love with Paullina Simons’s trilogy, and then reading Natalie Standiford’s Cold War account, it seems Russian-themed fiction is destined to fall into my hands and sink deep into my heart. I have hopes for this one.

  4. Bellman and Black by Diane Setterfield — As a long-time fan of The Thirteenth Tale, I’m beyond excited to read this next chilling book by Setterfield! She has the power to unsettle and fascinate, and I cannot wait to read her words again.

  5. The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott — From the author that brought you The Dressmaker is another ARC due out in February 2014. This book follows a young woman who becomes a Mill Girl, and the series of events from working conditions to a murder of a fellow factory worker leads to a shocking court case based on true facts.

  6. . The Bookman’s Tale by Charlie Lovett — Hay-on-Wye, Victorian painters, Shakespeare manuscripts, lost love, books, obsession, history…This is the book for me!

  7. Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd — An ARC that will be published in January 2014, and the sequel to The Madman’s Daughter, a retelling of H.G. Wells’s The Island of Dr Moreau, this book is bound to be great for Victorian London enthusiasts and fans of Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

  8. Stolen by Lucy Christopher — I’m always talking about this book and recommending it to people, and yet I’ve never read it! It’s about time that I do.

  9. And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard — An ARC due out in January 2014 about a girl traumatized by a school shooting, interwoven with healing inspiration from Emily Dickinson’s works.

  10. Just One Day by Gayle Forman — Another one of those books I’m always recommending yet I’ve never read. Need to get on that.

  What are some books on your to-read list this fall?

  Posted in books, Top Ten Tuesday | 4 Comments | Tagged books, genre: dystopian, genre: gothic, genre: history, genre: mystery, goodreads, top ten tuesday

• Book Review: “The Outside” by Laura Bickle

  Posted at 9:15 am by Laura, on September 13, 2013

  The Outside by Laura Bickle 

  Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
  Published: September 2013
  Genre: young adult, horror, paranormal
  ISBN: 9780544000131
  Goodreads: 4.05
  Rating: ★★★★★

  After a plague of vampires is unleashed in the world, Katie is kicked out of her Amish community for her refusal to adhere to the new rules of survival. Now in exile, she enters an outside world of unspeakable violence with only her two “English” friends and a horse by her side. Together they seek answers and other survivors—but each sunset brings the threat of vampire attack, and each sunrise the threat of starvation.

  And yet through this darkness come the shining ones: luminescent men and women with the power to deflect vampires and survive the night. But can these new people be trusted, and are they even people at all?

  Katie, the Englisher Alex, and Englisher Ginger, are thrown out of Katie’s Amish community and placed under the Bann. The only way they can survive in the wastelands thronging with vampires is to find untainted holy ground, kill, or use holy relics and symbols to deflect attacks. As they journey north with a horse and a wolf, Katie struggles with her faith, the concept of humanity, and the power of God’s forgiveness as she commits every sin to survive. When she’s confronted with a scientific “cure,” she must choose her battles: to take the cure and become less human in the eyes of God, or live a life abandoned and on the run.

  Just as horrifying and gripping as The Hallowed Ones, this book promises everything and more for this struggle for humanity. The landscape is hauntingly bare, the night is filled with anxiety, and the day is filled with worries over food, sleep, and survival. Every abandoned home and store is examined thoroughly before entering, in hopes the food hasn’t spoiled, the home is warm, and the vampires have not created a nest. Every human is looked upon with caution, and even holy ground is considered unsafe.

  Katie’s internal struggles were absolutely fascinating to read. She’s confronted with all sorts of issues while she fights to survive Outside. First, there’s violence. Although it is in the name of self-defense, she struggles justifying it when her Amish faith says she must turn the other cheek. Second, there’s theft and vanity. She and Alex constantly steal from abandoned stores and homes, and she has to shed her Amish clothes for English ones. There are other issues, such as pride and greed, that she struggles with in her faith. Katie moves further and further away from her upbringing, and it distresses her immensely. Each move she makes, she gave careful thought, and frequently asks God for forgiveness for her transgressions.

  Alex and Katie’s love was beautiful. It’s not the all-consuming passion so often read about in young adult novels. Alex respects her, seeks her opinion on matters and treats her like an equal. Katie loves his commitment, his steady presence. All they need is a look, a hand to hold, a piece of food to share. Their bond was peppered with tenderness I have not read in ages. And I think that’s what makes this book great overall: it is the end of the world, a fight for survival, and the time on the run is spent treasuring every moment, the good and bad.

  Posted in books, Reviews 2013 | 1 Comment | Tagged book review, books, genre: horror, genre: paranormal, genre: post apocalyptic, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Top Ten Tuesday: Books as Movies

  Posted at 10:45 am by Laura, on September 10, 2013

  As this blog is becoming more and more book-related and less publishing news-related, I thought I’d start participating in some of the themes bloggers are incorporating into their blogs lately. First is Top Ten Tuesday, a concept started by The Broke and the Bookish. Every Tuesday is a theme, and this Tuesday is Top Ten Books I Would Love to See as a Movie or TV Show, in no particular order.

  

  1. Defiance by C.J. Redwine — I will die of happiness if this happens. I love it more than Hunger Games, more than Divergent. And if I love a dystopian more than Hunger Games, it’s…mind-blowing. To see such a fierce, stubborn, independent female character grace the screens (similar to Katniss) in this futuristic yet medieval fantasy would make my heart stop.

  2. Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell — This would make for a great television show. History buffs, Anglophiles, Games of Thrones, and The White Queen fans would love it. Emma of Normandy, later the great-aunt of William the Conqueror, is a nearly forgotten queen in British history who truly turned the tides of time.

  3. The Likeness by Tana French — I have a feeling I’d watch this movie so many times my disc would somehow be destroyed. The slow pace, suspenseful plot, and academic Irish setting would pull me in just like the book and never let me go.

  4. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness — But only if it starred Richard Armitage as Matthew Clairmont. I mean, I’m sure the movie (or TV show, the trilogy is quite packed with information, plot development, and characters) would be great regardless, but…I’m not the only one in this Richard for Matthew movement.

  5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern — I wonder what this confection would be like if Baz Luhrmann directed the film…

  6. House Rules by Jodi Picoult — Although Picoult’s books are always a tear-jerker, it wouldn’t be like My Sister’s Keeper (which, by the way, still very angry about the movie ending). As someone with a psychology degree and deep interest in the autism spectrum, I think this as a movie would be an excellent opportunity to shed light on what it’s like with autism and the way these people are treated. The casting and acting would need to be handled with care (ha, catch the unintentional pun, Picoult fans?).

  7. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor — I’m not sure if it would be better as a movie or as a TV show, but it would be incredible to see all the fantastic creatures roaming the streets of Prague! Not to mention the actors can proudly wear their tattoos on screen this time around.

  8. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen — A great, light-hearted summer beach movie, I predict…

  9. The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan — I can see a screenwriter making this a very suspenseful boarding school story. Make it far more chilling and shocking. Not that LaBan did a poor job with the book — the book is great — but that the slow build in plot would be difficult to capture on film without the right lighting, artistic shots, and pensive looks.

  10. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons — Easily a three-season TV show, with the other books in the trilogy. Who wouldn’t want to learn more about Russia during WWII? So much was kept hidden from the West until very recently.

  Most of my favorite books have been turned into movies, shows, and mini-series, or will be soon, so this was actually quite difficult!

  What books would you like to see as movies?

  Posted in books, Top Ten Tuesday | 3 Comments | Tagged books, goodreads, movies, top ten tuesday

• Book Review: “Cruel Beauty” by Rosamund Hodge (ARC)

  Posted at 9:27 am by Laura, on September 8, 2013

  Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge 

  Publisher: Balzer + Bray
  Publishing Date: January 2014
  Genre: young adult, fantasy, science fiction, mythology
  ISBN: 9780062224736
  Goodreads: —
  Rating: ★★

  Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

  With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she’s ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

  But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

  Nyx’s purpose in life was decided before birth: destroy the Good Lord and free her people from him and his demons. She’s trained to find the hearts of the four elements and bind them, for no mortal weapon will kill the demon king. But once she’s trapped in his ever-changing castle, she begins to have doubts about her task, and wonders who, exactly, is the one at fault for her kingdom’s misfortunes.

  An interesting retelling of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty will be one of those books readers will either love to pieces or, like me, find it to be too much. While it’s understandable for Nyx to be an angry, revengeful sort of character — destined for a life she did not choose — she comes across as stubbornly annoying. The anger she feels to her family seems unjustified, apart from her father, and the impulsive and rather silly things she does against Ignifex are childish and not at all calculating like her killer instincts would seem.

  I also had a difficult time understanding the world of this story. It combines mythology and fantasy and science fiction so much so that I lost track of what was considered a tale and what was considered real and factual for this world. It also felt like there were so many powers in this world, there was no limit. Every power needs a limitation.

  This book was not for me, although I wish it was. I simply could not get into it.

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book from Balzer + Bray for review. 

  Posted in books, Reviews 2013 | 4 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: fantasy, genre: sci-fi, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “The Boy on the Bridge” by Natalie Standiford

  Posted at 8:03 am by Laura, on September 5, 2013

  The Boy on the Bridge by Natalie Standiford 

  Publisher: Scholastic
  Published: July 2013
  Genre: young adult, historical fiction
  ISBN: 9780545334815
  Goodreads: 3.4
  Rating: ★★★.5

  Laura Reid goes to Leningrad for a semester abroad as Cold War paranoia is peaking in 1982. She meets a young Russian artist named Alexei and soon, with Alexei as her guide, Laura immerses herself in the real Russia–a crazy world of wild parties, black-market books and music, and smuggled letters to dissidents. She must keep the relationship secret; associating with Americans is dangerous for Alexei, and if caught, Laura could be sent home and Alexei put under surveillance or worse. At the same time, she’s been warned that Soviets often latch onto Americans in hopes of marrying them and thus escaping to the United States. But she knows Alexei loves her. Right?

  Nineteen-year-old Laura Reid has always been fascinated with Russian language and culture. Russia was the country of poetry, passion, soul, violence, and despair. She studied Russian language in high school and now in college she finally has the chance to spend a semester in Leningrad and truly immerse herself in the culture in the middle of the Cold War. Homesick after two weeks and desperate to not be paranoid about the KGB, Laura begins to wonder if this opportunity was a waste. It all changes when she meets Alexei after he prevents gypsy women from snatching her wallet. His attentions seem honest, but Laura can’t help but wonder if he’s only friendly because she’s American and wants an easy ticket out of the USSR.

  My interest in this book is three-fold. First, I am my mother’s daughter, and have some strange fascination with Cold War Russia. Second, I have been to Russia, back in 2004 when I was a young teenager. I remember the very cool summer weather, glittering palaces and museums, carbonated water, strange chicken meals and beet salad, markets, and gypsy children playing accordions. In a way, I was curious to see if this Laura saw the same things I did, and viewed them the way I did: dirt poor people living among the lavish buildings, terrible food yet beautiful culture. Third, this book simply looks like a nice light read, a little love story to warm the heart.

  The third reason for my interest crashed. Laura is paranoid just like the Russians at the beginning of the book, and she does view Moscow and St. Petersburg similarly. And while this is a love story, it’s one that’s also filled with doubts and does not quite leave the heart filled with warmth and joy. Alexei, nicknamed Alyosha, is fascinated by American culture and introduces Laura to his friends. Any time Laura is with him, she believes they are in love. He means every word he says, and every interaction is filled with a natural love. Like Laura, you fall in love with Alexei when you’re with him, and have your doubts when you’re away. Does he truly love her? Or does he just want to marry her and get out of the country? And no matter which one is true, how could Laura bear it if Alexei was discovered and arrested by the KGB?

  The author could have used more descriptions, more ways to make the reader both trust and distrust Alexei, more ways the readers could love St. Petersburg while also fear it. Albeit through the most simple of sentences, it’s a heartbreaking story filled with fear and hope, love and doubt. Every page is filled with passion and emotion.

  Posted in books, Reviews 2013 | 1 Comment | Tagged book review, books, genre: history, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “Deception” by C.J. Redwine

  Posted at 12:36 pm by Laura, on September 3, 2013

  Deception by C.J. Redwine 

  Publisher: Balzer + Bbray
  Published: August 2013
  Genre: young adult, dystopian, post-apocalyptic
  ISBN: 9780062117205
  Goodreads: 4.25
  Rating: ★★★★★

  Baalboden has been ravaged. The brutal Commander’s whereabouts are unknown. And Rachel, grief stricken over her father’s death, needs Logan more than ever. With their ragged group of survivors struggling to forge a future, it’s up to Logan to become the leader they need—with Rachel by his side. Under constant threat from rival Carrington’s army, who is after the device that controls the Cursed One, the group decides to abandon the ruins of their home and take their chances in the Wasteland.

  But soon their problems intensify tenfold: someone—possibly inside their ranks—is sabotaging the survivors, picking them off one by one.

  After the fire that destroyed Baalboden, Logan and Rachel do their best to lead, train, and care for the 150 survivors. The only way to stay out of the Commander’s grasp, Rowansmark’s eyes, and Carrington’s army is to flee through the Wasteland to Lankenshire, a scholarly city-state that may be able to help Logan recreate the device that controls the Cursed One. But the travels prove harsh, and Rachel’s grief and sanity is tried and tested. Someone within their band of travelers is a killer.

  I loved how Redwine goes into depth to explain the territory and history of the Wastelands. The reader finally gets a glimpse of just how much time has passed since the Cursed One burst through the earth. Some of the weary Baalboden travelers remember their childhood before the city-states, and comment on the city-scapes, structures, and a Ferris wheel they pass. It’s rather eerie, just how close to modern day this takes place. I also found the differences between each city-state fascinating. Rowansmark is technologically advanced, Carrington runs like a military state, Baalboden was uneducated and backward, and Lankenshire is very knowledgeable, advanced, and aware of the history of the city-states. So neat, seeing how the separation of the survivors turned out vastly different cultures.

  The character development improved ten-fold, as well. Logan breaks out of his introverted shell and leads the best way he knows how: by coming up with as many intelligent plans and back-up plans as possible. Rachel, understandably, is filled with grief and vengeance, and appears to have PTSD triggered at the sight of blood. She struggles to maintain a strong facade, but it takes Quinn’s wisdom to help her come to terms with her emotions.

  As far as the traitor in the camp, I found the person to be an obvious one — but their intentions and purpose was a complete surprise. The whole journey in this trilogy takes a major turn in the final 100 pages, and I am on the edge of my seat to see what Redwine brings next!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2013 | 3 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: dystopian, genre: fantasy, genre: post apocalyptic, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” by April G. Tucholke

  Posted at 7:57 pm by Laura, on August 24, 2013

  Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April G. Tucholke 

  Published: August 2013
  Publisher: Dial
  Genre: gothic, horror, paranormal, young adult
  ISBN: 9780803738898
  Goodreads: 3.89
  Rating: ★★★★

  Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery…who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

  Violet and her twin brother Luke are practically orphans, their artists parents gone on a long European artistic holiday for over a year. In order to pay for their crumbling seaside manor, Violet puts up a notice for a renter in their guesthouse. Within hours, River West blows in, with his vintage car and linen slacks and devil-may-care smile. Violet is drawn to him without understanding why, and knows that every word out of his mouth is a lie. As children become bewitched, a man commits suicide, and news of nearby towns going insane, Violet begins to connect the events to River, and is determined to stop it.

  The publisher’s summary is a lie. In a good way. Do not be misled into thinking Violet will be another dim-witted “heroine” who can’t help but fall in love with the bad guy. No, Violet is not in love. She never is in love. Her every action with and towards River is for a reason, and that reason is not blinding love. River and Violet are like Heathcliff and Cathy, only not as animalistic and passionate. Imagine if Heathcliff had a supernatural power that controlled Cathy’s emotions. River is Heathcliff in every possible way a character is a Byronic hero. Violet is Cathy, born of wealth but with a free spirit and an unexpected tendency to transgress social boundaries. Unlike Heathcliff and Cathy’s passionate love (and equal hate) for one another, River and Violet step around each other, one heavily drawn to the other while the other is filled with loathing.

  The connections between River’s family history, Violet’s family history, and other family histories in the town of Echo are a bit reminiscent of Great Gatsby and Wuthering Heights blended together, as well. There’s the wealth and parties and sex and drinking and drugs of the roaring ’20s, mixed with familial commingling, forbidden love, and supernatural fears of the devil and hell and sin. An absolutely fascinating blend.

  What’s so great about this book is that River isn’t exactly a bad guy or a good guy. His character is a very complex one. Tucholke urges the reader to face the complexities of humanity. River has power, and it’s not always used for good intentions or ill, selfless or selfishly. He’s an addict, through and through, and his words and his actions make it difficult for Violet, and the reader, to trust him. I love that.

  Posted in books, Reviews 2013 | 2 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: gothic, genre: horror, genre: paranormal, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “Raven’s Gate” by Anthony Horowitz

  Posted at 1:18 pm by Laura, on August 19, 2013

  Raven’s Gate by Anthony Horowitz 

  Publisher: Scholastic
  Published: October 2006
  Genre: young adult, gothic, horror, sci fi
  ISBN: 9780439680097
  Goodreads: 3.91
  Rating: ★★

  Raven’s Gate was closed long ago by five children. On the coming Roodmas black magic festival, blood sacrifice can re-open the portal. Professor Dravid sees power in orphan Matt, 14. But all who help the lad die. His new guardian Mrs Deverill, with the Yorkshire village of Little Malling, are powering up the abandoned local nuclear plant for the evil Old Ones to return.

  Fourteen-year-old orphan Matt is accused of a crime he did not commit and is sentenced to a year’s time within the government’s LEAF project — Liberty and Education Achieved through Fostering. When Mrs. Deverill brings him to Hive Hill in Yorkshire’s Little Malling, Matt instantly realizes something is not quite right. The villagers are mad. All the roads lead back to the same intersection. And a strange abandoned nuclear power plant is lighting up at night. Matt risks his life to find the answers to all of his questions, included the most avoided of all: what is Raven’s Gate?

  Horowitz has made a name for himself in young adult fantasy and horror. He has everything a great writer should have: good plots, engaging characters, steady pacing, and enough mystery to keep the reader going. Unfortunately, this book was not for me and I found it lacking. It simply did not hold my interest.

  I will note though that there are plenty of chapters here that lived out my worst nightmares. There’s a whole section dedicated to Matt riding a bicycle in the middle of the night to escape Hive Hall. He comes to an intersection of five roads, and with each path he takes, he ends up back where he started. It was a never-ending nightmare, moving quickly and yet going nowhere, never escaping. The horror elements of this novel were spot on, and the science fiction aspects between nuclear energy and black magic could be very intriguing for those with that particular taste.

  Posted in books, Reviews 2013 | 0 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: horror, genre: sci-fi, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• 

• Hello, I’m Laura!

  I'm a bookish bookworm and book hoarder. By day I'm a literary agent, and by night I'm forever rearranging my bookshelves. I could talk your ear off about Gothic literature, and in my past life people thought I'd become a professional musician. I have a fluffy black cat named Rossetti, I love to travel, tea is my drink of choice, British TV is the best, and I'm always down for chips-and-queso nights. Welcome to Scribbles & Wanderlust! Grab your favorite hot beverage and let's chat books!

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