One Window, Two Views {2014 Trends in YA}

One Window, Two Views will be a weekly meme where we will discuss a topic from each of our points of view.  Please join the discussion! 

 Arianne: Sci-fi is going to be huge this year. Huge. And it’s not just any old sci-fi, either. There are two big trends to watch out for in young adult science fiction for 2014: aliens, particularly aliens really wanting to inhabit the Earth, and technology, particularly scary technology from the not-too-distant future. Some of the alien adventures, like Alienated by Melissa Landers and Avalon by Mindee Arnett, involve romance. Some of the technology-based titles, like Elusion by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam, involve romance, too. Others, like Dissonance by Erica O’Rourke and Starbreak by Phoebe North, involve entirely different worlds. But there’s also an emerging focus on adventure over insta-love, and this is where novels like Scan by Sarah Fine and Vitro by Jessica Khoury come in. Because sci-fi’s always been a place where relationship conflicts and ass-kicking adventure can co-exist, and that’s one thing that I hope doesn’t change this year.

As dystopian and paranormal lose their publishing appeal, contemporary is making a comeback. For a genre that’s always been pretty strong, it’s outdone itself in 2014. First, there are books like #Scandal by Sarah Ockler and #16 Things I Thought Were True by Janet Gurtler that take the emphasis on social media last seen in books like Adorkable by Sarra Manning and bring it to a whole new level. I for one did not foresee the arrival of hashtags in book titles! Male narrators are coming into their own this year – who said there weren’t enough guy characters in YA?! The Prince of Venice Beach by Blake Nelson, High and Dry by Sarah Skilton, More Than Good Enough by Crissa-Jean Chappell and Road Rash by Mark Parsons set out to prove that contemporary is just as much a guy’s terrain as a girl’s. There’s also been an increase in books that take advantage of teenagers’ desire to get out and see the world. Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae, Royally Lost by Angie Stanton, Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins and The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith are just some of the books in this trend that I can’t wait to get my hands on. In fact, I think contemporary is going to be my favourite genre of all in 2014! What about you, Liza?

Liza: Arianne, I think some of the new trends also include Thriller / Mystery / Horror (I’m grouping them together to make it easier on myself!)  These are genres that I’m usually very selective about, especially with horror, because I’m a wimp when it comes to that.  It seems that publishers are looking for the next “Gone Girl” equivalent in YA. Nevertheless, I’ve spotted some books that fall in these categories and that I would love to read (and I even own some of them already).  Let’s start with Jennifer Armentrout’s Don’t Look Back which sounds like an amazing mystery, the same as The Body in the Woods by April Henry. I’m currently reading a unique combination of horror, mystery and graphic novel, In the Shadows by Kierten White and Jim Di Bartolo.  Other books in this category are The Vanishing Season by Lynn Anderson, The Fall by Bethany Griffin, Say Her Name by James Dawson, and Feral by Holly Schinder.  Now that I think about it, I’ve had more of these as my WOW in the past several weeks!

Also big this year is Fantasy.  After the sound successes of series like the Throne of Glass by Sara Maas, Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson and The Grisha series by Leigh Bardugo, publishers are looking for more of the good stuff; after all it’s been proven that the YA reader loves fantasy.  This year brings some pretty amazing reads that aim to transport us to new worlds.  Let’s start with The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski and Death Sworn by Leah Cypess, two of my recent reads and already favorites.  The first about the conquest, conquerors and love against all odds, and the second about a world where the Empire, Magic and Assassins rule the world.  Another awaited title is The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Peason, Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raash, and Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White. You might notice that most of these books might also include some type of paranormal element, such as magic, as well.  Oh, and it seems that it’s a requisite to have a gorgeous cover too.

I don’t believe that we’ve seen the last of dystopian and paranormal, but rather that the market it’s been saturated in the last few years and YA readers are being more selective of what they read.  Another trend seems to be the emergence of the stand-alone books, probably brought by the resounding success of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars.  Books such as Better off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg (loved it!), This Side of Salvation by Jeri Smith-Ready and On the Fence by Kasie West seem to be pretty popular.

Let’s talk: What do you think is the next big trend in YA?  Which one of these is your favorite genre? Do you agree with us?  Do you disagree?  Have you read any of these?  Are you eagerly waiting for some of these books?

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Review: The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski (The Winner’s Trilogy)

Title: The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Published: March 4^th, 2014 by Farrar Straus Giroux

Source: ARC (thanks Macmillan

Format: Paperback

Genre: Fantasy | Romance

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: A

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love
As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.
One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.
But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Review

The Winner’s Curse is the first book I read by Marie Rutkiski and it will certainly not be the last.  In this book I found a real gem, reminiscent, at least to me, of Maas’ Throne of Glass and Carson’s Girl of Fire and Thorns.   

World building is really important when writing fantasy and it was expertly done in Winner’s Curse. The differences between the Herrani and the Valorian’s culture are marked, even if at their core they are more similar that they believe possible.  The plot is intricate and scattered with the political unrest that only conquest can bring and also with military strategy.  Rutkoski’s writing is exquisite, it’s full of imaginary, and it’s lyrical and poetic. 

The characterization is remarkable.  The story is told from the third point of view, from Kestrel and Arin’s perspectives. Kestrel is from the Valorian nobility and she lives in the conquered land or Herrani.  All that society expects of her is to make a choice between marriage and the military career.  Either option relinquishes her independence and her music, two of the things that she holds dear, and she wants to rebel against it.  Kestrel tries to be fair to the person behind the titles, to grant love to who deserves it, regardless of where they came from.  She is a brilliant strategist and loyal to her father (her only family) and her country, even when her heart dictates otherwise.

Arin is harder to know, at least on the first part of the book. However, he shines on the second part of the book and tries his hardest to make Kastrel happy and secure, regardless of her new circumstances.  He is also brilliant and has a big responsibility over his shoulders at a very young age.  I’m eager to know (given the ending) how this couple will survive what’s to come.  From my end, it looks like a hopeless relationship, but I hope it turns out to be an epic love story.

The ending of The Winner’s Curse was torturous.  It is a subtle cliffhanger, just enough to make me sit at the edge of my seat for the many months that will take to its sequel to be published. An outstanding book, with awesome characters and an even more amazing writing, The Winner’s Curse is a clear winner (pun intended.)

Quotes (from the ARC):

“The pointy-chinned woman snickered. “Looks like someone’s suffering the Winner’s Curse. The Winner’s Curse is when you come out on top of the bid, but only by paying a steep price.”

”His eyes met hers. They were the color of the winter sea-the water far below Kestrel’s feet when she had looked down and imagined what it would be like to drown.”

“Arin smiled. It was a true smile, which let her know that all the others he had given her were not. ”Thank you,” he said. 

Kestrel felt herself blush. She focused on the keys and played something, anything. A simple pattern to distract herself from the fact that she wasn’t someone who easily blushed, particularly for no clear reason.”

About the cover: This is one of the most stunning covers I have ever seen.  The grace of the captured movement, the delicacy of her hand holding the ‘R’, the beautiful font and colors.  Gorgeous. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Snow Like Ashes

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we have the opportunity to let others know about books that we are eagerly waiting for.

Title: Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch 

Published by: Balzer & Bray

Release date: October 14, 2014

A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.
Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.
Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.
So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.
Sara Raasch’s debut fantasy is a lightning-fast tale of loyalty, love, and finding one’s destiny.

Why I want to read it: Doesn't this sounds absolutely amazing!  I adore fantasy and this really looks like a good one.  Oh, and this cover is breathtaking, right?

What are you waiting for this week?

Waiting on Wednesday: The Winter People by Rebekah L. Purdy

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we have the opportunity to let others know about books that we are eagerly waiting for.

Title: The Winter People by Rebekah L. Purdy

Release date: July 1st, 2014

Salome Montgomery fears winter—the cold, the snow, the ice, but most of all, the frozen pond she fell through as a child. Haunted by the voices and images of the strange beings that pulled her to safety, she hasn't forgotten their warning to "stay away." For eleven years, she has avoided the winter woods, the pond, and the darkness that lurks nearby. But when failing health takes her grandparents to Arizona, she is left in charge of maintaining their estate. This includes the "special gifts" that must be left at the back of the property.
 
Salome discovers she’s a key player in a world she’s tried for years to avoid. At the center of this world is the strange and beautiful Nevin, who she finds trespassing on her family’s property. Cursed with dark secrets and knowledge of the creatures in the woods, his interactions with Salome take her life in a new direction. A direction where she'll have to decide between her longtime crush Colton, who could cure her fear of winter. Or Nevin who, along with an appointed bodyguard, Gareth, protects her from the darkness that swirls in the snowy backdrop. An evil that, given the chance, will kill her.

Why I want to read it: This cover is SO pretty!  Besides that, the premise sounds really interesting and mysterious.  

What are you waiting for this week?

Short Reviews: Novellas

Title: Night of Cake & Puppets (Daughter of Smoke & Bone 2.5) by Laini Taylor

Published: November 26^th, 2013 by Little, Brown Books

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

Genre: Contemporary romance

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: A

In Night of Cake & Puppets, Taylor brings to life a night only hinted at in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy—the magical first date of fan-favorites Zuzana and Mik. Told in alternating perspectives, it’s the perfect love story for fans of the series and new readers alike. Petite though she may be, Zuzana is not known for timidity. Her best friend, Karou, calls her “rabid fairy,” her “voodoo eyes” are said to freeze blood, and even her older brother fears her wrath. But when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or “Violin Boy,” her courage deserts her. Now, enough is enough. Zuzana is determined to meet him, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It’s a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter’s night before finally leading him to the treasure: herself! Violin Boy’s not going to know what hit him. 

My Review

As you know I LOVE this series.  I think Night of Cake & Puppets was just awesome!  It shows an unexpected side of Zuzana.  Only she would think of such a complicated plan to get Mik to notice her.  Who would have thought that Zuzana could be shy?  Mik is such a sweetheart, I think I would fall for him too :) This was a night to remember, that’s for sure. 

A must read for fans of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone series. 

Title: Shattered Mountain by Rae Carson (Fire and Thorns 0.6)

Published: March 26^th, 2013 by Greenwillow Books

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

Genre: Fantasy

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: A

On the outskirts of Joya d'Arena, small villages fight for survival against the onslaught of sorcerers and raiders. Mara's village has been safe--so far--but Mara decides to escape anyway. Escape from her harsh, abusive father. Escape with her first love. But when their plans fall on the same day that the animagi burn the village to the ground, Mara faces losses that could destroy her. She's a survivor, though. She is going to make it through the mountains, and she is going to protect the refugees following her. Because there's a rumored safe haven . . . and some say they have found the Chosen One. Told from Mara's point-of-view, The Shattered Mountain is an alternate perspective of the beginning of the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

My Review

The Girl of Fire and Thorns series is another of my absolute favorites. This little gem brings us Mara’s story and how she became part of the revolution and escaped an Inverno attack.  Mara had a very difficult upbringing under the thumb of a dominant and cruel father.  She also was part of a great love story, which unfortunately didn’t end well.  She is very strong and resilient and determined to do what’s right, regardless of the consequences.  I really good addition to the world of the Fire and Thorns series. 

Title: The King’s Guard by Rae Carson (Fire and Thorns 0.7)

Published: July 30^th, 2013 by Greenwillow Books

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

Genre: Fantasy

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: A

At fifteen years old, Hector is the youngest squire in the most elite military force in the country. And his first day is disastrous. Everyone assumes the only reason he was recruited is his close personal association with King Alejandro, not because he's really earned it. But Alejandro needs Hector for a secret mission, one that gives him the chance to prove to everyone—including himself—that he is worthy to be a Royal Guard. Hector must break into the ancient Fortress of Wind to retrieve something so important that the kingdom's future depends on it. What Hector finds in the fortress will stretch his bond of friendship with his king near to breaking. And it will prepare him to become the fearsome warrior and lord commander Elisa will never let go. 

My Review

Besides Elisa, Hector is my favorite character of the series.  In The King’s Guard we get to meet a young Hector, but also young Alejandro and his former wife. It was a great adventure that displayed Hector’s growth, strength of character, loyalty and leadership.  I really enjoyed this one, being in Hector’s mind is fascinating! 

The complicated politics of the Joya d’Arena take precedent here, as well as Alejandro’s lack of direction and decisiveness.  We also learn a big and surprising secret.  Another must read for fans of the series (like me!).

Title: Bittersweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout (The Dark Elements 0.5)

Published: December 1^st, 2013 by Harlequin Teen

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

Genre: Paranormal | Romance

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: A

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining balance between good and evil. He was her everything...right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally. And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again...

My Review

I’m starting to think that Jennifer Armentrout is incapable of writing a bad book!  I haven’t read everything she’s ever written, but everything that I have is amazing. Bittersweet Love is not the exception.  This novella is an introduction to the Dark Elements series and the word of gargoyles (great idea, right?)  As such, it is an informative story, full of explanations about their world and how unjust it is for the females. 

I adored Dez, he is so sweet and protective of Jasmine and truly loves her.  I’m very happy that she was able to see part Dez’s apparent betrayal (otherwise, I would keep him for myself!)  Great introduction to the series, I can’t wait to read White Hot Kiss.

Have you read any of these?  Are you a follower of these series?  Do you enjoy novellas?  What do you like about them?

The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson (Remnant Trilogy #1)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we have the opportunity to let others know about books that we are eagerly waiting for.

Title: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

Published by: Henry Holt

Release date: July 15th, 2014

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assasin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.

Why I want to read it - This is one of the most beautiful covers ever!!! Sorry for the explosion, I just had to get that out my chest.  The only book I've heard by Pearson is the first of the Jenna Fox Chronicles and I found it to be very thought provoking.  The Kiss of Deception doesn't only sounds good, but it comes highly recommended by it's publicist's at Macmillan.  I cannot wait for this one!

What are you waiting for this week? 

Review: Winterveil by Jenna Burtneshaw (Wintercraft #3)

Title: Winterveil by Jenna Burtneshaw

Published: June 25^th, 2013 by Greenwillow Books

Source: Library

Format: Hard cover

Genre: Fantasy | Paranormal

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: A-

Teen Kate Winters and her powers are unique. She alone can understand Wintercraft, a book of ancient secrets. In Winterveil, the veil between the living and the dead is crumbling, and only Kate can stop it. The pull of the veil is powerful, and part of Kate wants to let it fall, allowing the dead overrun the living. Her best friend Edgar Rill urges Kate to save the world of the living. But Silas Dane can influence Kate too. Silas, a merciless villain, has the potential to behave honorably—if he chooses.

My Review

I was dying to read the conclusion of the Wintercraft series, sadly, my local library took forever to bring the book.  If you recall, the ending of Blackwatch was quite dire and all seemed hopeless (like the drama?).  I should have trusted Burtenshaw to be able to get Kate, Silas and Edgar out of that bind. 

The story of Wintercraft is so unique.  The idea of a city where the dead was buried and was tended by a specially trained group of people and then abandoned it’s hard to imagine.  Even harder is that the dead couldn’t find peace when they built the new capital city on top of it.  The world building is impeccable, as it’s strange. 

The story is told in the third person, which is very appropriate for this complicated story as it allowed the reader to be everywhere and know everything that was going one.  Even then, the plot is unexpected, complex and full of surprises.  The writing is straightforward and easy to read and understand and that is always a bonus when reading fantasy.

What to say about Kate?  She is somewhat different in Winterveil.  She’s more powerful, braver, more mature, and accepting.  It must be incredible scary and empowering at the same time to have a deeper understanding of things that most of the people cannot see.  To see and hear ghosts and a different world that is beyond most people’s comprehension.

Silas – would you get offended if I were to say that I fell in love with you as a character - *I’m sure he’s probably just shuddered*.  Silas is so, so, so …(hold on, I’m thinking of the right words) exceptionally difficult and loyal.  He has suffered so much, and keeps enduring everything the world throws at him, just to save Albion, the city he feels honor bound to protect.  Silas, I understand your sacrifice and I hope you find peace.  The relationship between Silas and Kate is also unique.  Even though there is a vast different in their age and experience, I kept hoping that the bond they shared would develop into something deeper.  One can only hope, right?

Edgar is sweet, protective, resourceful, but always timid and fearful.  In this installment we see the reasons why and I think he developed a bit of a backbone, for which I’m glad.  Even then, I just don’t see anything romantic developing between him and Kate.  –Just saying.

Dalliah is our evil character here, and evil she is indeed!  She has the same problem as Silas, leaving without a soul in a torturous state, and she has been like that for years.  She has done so many atrocities to bring down the veil and she sees a golden opportunity in Kate, which is a true Winter and much more powerful than she could ever be.

What a wonderful ending to the series, although it was very open.  I still hope for a ‘cure’ for poor Silas and some sort of reconciliation for Kate and the rest of the skilled. I think there is so much more of the story to tell *hint, hint, cough, cough*

About the cover: I always like the covers for these books.  This one is mysterious, I imagine it’s Silas running up the castle’s stairs in Albion about to confront the council.  I like the contrast of dark and light and the birds in the background. 

Review: Roses by G.R. Mannering

Title: Roses by G.R. Mannering

Published: November 2013 by Pony Press

Source: Finished copy provided by publisher

Format: Hardcover

Genre: Fantasy

Grade rate: B+

'As the gates clicked shut behind them, she heard the distant roar of a beast.' She bears no name. Her silvery appearance is freakish to the numerous inhabitants of Sago, the cosmopolitan capital of Pevorocco in a fantasy realm. With her mother vanishing at the instance of her birth, she is sent to live with the cruel, rich Ma Dane, where she is punished daily for something, though she knows not what. Tauntingly named Beauty, she flees Sago in a violent uprising that sets out to massacre all Magics and journeys to the furthest point of the country. But Beauty cannot hide in the grassy Hillands forever. Before long, the State officials find her and threaten to take her back to war-torn Sago where death surely awaits. In a midnight blizzard she escapes them, running into a deep, enchanted forest to a great and terrible beast who will bargain for her life. But can Beauty accept Beast? Eternity is a long time.

My Review

I love fairy tales and one of my favorites is Beauty and the Beast.  I’ve read different versions and loved them all, some more than others, thus when I was offered the opportunity to review Roses I grateful accepted it.  Roses is more a high fantasy than fairy tale and it was a phenomenal read.

As I said, Roses is a fantasy, as such the world building takes some time and I have to confess of a bit of confusion at times (like they measure time in moon cycles?).  The world of the Western Realm is very diverse and a country at war.  There is a chiasmic and unfair division of classes in the city of Sago and also a war between “normal” people and Magic Beings and Magic Bloods.  People, as it always happen, are afraid of what they don’t understand and revel against it.  The world built by Mannering is exquisite in its detail and uniqueness.

The story of Beauty is heartbreaking.  She looks very different, with silver skin, white hair, and amethyst eyes and most people are terrified of her. The first years of her life are awful, she is either neglected, ignored, abused or shown like a circus animal.  She is mockingly named Beauty after years without even a name. Her only solace are the horses and Owaine Ma Dane’s horse trainer. When the Magic Cleansing starts, Owaine and Beauty flee the city to the Hillands to Owaine’s place of origin. 

Here Beauty is also feared, but is more accepted.  She finds peace and the love of his new father Owaine.  The story intertwines the magical persecution with the story of B&B.  The Beast is truly terrifying and more ‘beastly’ and ugly that any I’ve read before.  Also, the enchantment was done by a Magic Blood to a general (not a prince) and his soldiers.  I really liked Beast and how patience he was with Beauty.  I’m also happy that Beauty learned at least some answers about her past, even if everything was snatched quite fast.

The story is slow, it spans from the beginning of Beauty’s life until the ‘end’ of the story of Beauty and the Beast.  It is obvious that this is the first book of a series, as the ending was a non-ending, or rather the beginning of Beauty’s involvement in the war.  The plot is complicated and the story of B&B is just one of the layers of the intricate fantasy with magical and political undertones. The writing is descriptive and eloquent with minimal dialogue.  The part that I enjoyed the most was (as expected) when Beast came into the story (until almost 200 pages!); it felt like an intermission of the real story (like one story within another).

Overall, Roses is a great read.  It is not exactly a retelling of B&B, but it seems like a high fantasy built around it.  I’m very curious to know where the story line will go next. 

About the cover: The cover is much prettier in person.  The vine or roses are black and shiny and very appropriate (as is the title) to the story. 

Review: Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke & Bones #2)

Title: Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

Published: November 6^th, 2012 by Little, Brown Books

Source: Purchased

Format: Audio book narrated by Khirstine Hvam

Genre: Fantasy | Paranormal | Romance

Age group: Young adult

Challenge(s): 2013 TBR Pile | Finish the Series

Grade rate: A+

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war. This is not that world. Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it. In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life. While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

My Review

Daughter of Smoke and Bone was my favorite read of 2011 (see my review here).  I was very nervous to pick up Days of Blood & Starlight, I was sure that Taylor would not be able to replicate the awesome perfection of the first book.  I didn’t need it to worry because she didn’t let me down.

As with the first book, I will start with a quote:

“Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a new way of living—one without massacres and torn throats and bonfires of the fallen, without revenants or bastard armies or children ripped from their mothers’ arms to take their turn in the killing and dying.

Once, the lovers lay entwined in the moon’s secret temple and dreamed of a world that was a like a jewel-box without a jewel—a paradise waiting for them to find it and fill it with their happiness.

This was not that world.”

Some people are born with the special ability to string words together in a way that transforms their meaning.  That, my dear readers, is the difference between writing and being a gifted author.  Needless to say Laini Taylor is a master of her craft.  The writing is nothing short of sublime, evocative, lyrical, and wonderful in its inventiveness.  The plot is a masterpiece as well; it’s a mix of fantasy, from the chimera and the angels in the world of Eretz; and the real world with its technology and ease of living.  There so many twists and turns and many voices telling the story at once.  I did not expected what happened towards the end, but I’m very happy that it did. Certain people (and chimera for that matter) had it coming.  I’m just saying.

My heart breaks for both Akiva and Karou.  For the torture that their feelings brought to them that causes misguided regret, shame and remorse.  At times I felt like Karou needed a good throttling and I’m glad that she came to her senses and is acting more like herself by the end.  I think this has a lot to do with one of her friends being back at her side.  I adore Akiva; he has the ability to dream big and love deeply, to do what it takes to do what’s right.  He is so in love and I completely understand what loosing that love would mean to him and to his world. 

There is a host of characters that are centric to the story, but it would take a review twice as long as this one to name them all and do them justice.  That is to say, that characterization is also very good and we get to meet many new characters in this installment.

Kudos to Khirstine Hvam, the narrator of the audio book because this was one of the most wonderful narrations ever.  She was able to make Taylor’s incredible writing come alive with feeling.  The voices and the accents were pretty cool to listen to.

The only question now is what to do until Dreams of Gods & Monsters comes out in April of next year? Luckily we get a short novella in November, Night of Cake & Puppets (Zuzanna and Mik’s story), just in time to tie me over the long wait for the conclusion of this outstanding series.

 More quotes for you:

“A dream dirty and bruised is better than no dream at all.”

“You have only to begin, Lir. Mercy breeds mercy as slaughter breeds slaughter. We can’t expect the world to be better than we make it.”

“Mercy, she had discovered, made mad alchemy: a drop of it could dilute a lake of hate.”

“Let's just get this out of the way so I can relax. Karou, your friends aren't going to eat us, are they?

"No, Karou thought. They are not. She whispered back, "I don't think so. But try not to look delicious, okay?”

“She thought of Akiva, the night he had come to her at the river, the crushing pain and shame in his face, and love, still love - sorrow and love and hope - and she remembered the night of the Warlord's ball, how Akiva had always been the right to Thiago's wrong, the heat to the Wolf's chill, the safety to this monster's menace.”

“It wasn't disgust she felt for Karou, not anymore; it was indignation. Incredulity. A man like Akiva crosses worlds to find you, infiltrates the enemy capital just to dance with you, bends heaven and hell to avenge your death, saves your comrade and kin from torture and death, and you send him off looking gut-punched, diminished, carved hollow?

About the cover: I like this cover much more than the one for the first book.  There is something beautiful about the red painted mask that I just love.

Waiting on Wednesday Defy by Sara B. Larson (Defy#1)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we have the opportunity to let others know about books that we are eagerly waiting for.

Title: Defy by Sara B. Larson 
Published by: Scholastic
Release date: January 7th, 2013

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory. The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

Why I want to read it: I really like this cover. There's vegetation on the background and then the knife with the ornate rose hilt looks epic.  The blurb is very interesting, even if it's a love triangle from the get go.  

What are you waiting for this week?

Waiting on Wednesday: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we have the opportunity to let others know about books that we are eagerly waiting for.

Title: Winner's Course by Marie Rutkoski
Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Release date: March 4th, 2014

Seventeen-year-old Kestrel is an aristocratic citizen of Valoria, a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers. Here, a girl like Kestrel has two choices: join the military or get married. Despite her skills in military strategy, Kestrel’s real passion is music.Which is why she feels compelled to buy Arin, a slave with a talent for singing, at auction. It’s not long before she finds herself falling in love with Arin, and he seems to feel the same for her. But Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for Arin is much higher than she ever could have imagined.Set in a new world, The Winner’s Curse is a story of wicked rumors, dirty secrets, and games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Why I want to read it - Oh my goodness!  Look at that cover, it's breathtaking.  Besides that it sounds like a really good fantasy, with war and cross star lovers thrown in for good measure.

What are you waiting for this week?

Review: The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson (Fire and Thorns #3)

Title: The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

Publish: August 27^th, 2013 by Greenwillow Books

Source: ARC from Elderwise

Format: eBook

Group age: Young adult

Genre: Fantasy / Romance

Challenge(s):  2013 Finish the Series

Grade rate: A+

The epic and deeply satisfying conclusion to Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy. The seventeen-year-old sorcerer-queen will travel into the unknown realm of the enemy to win back her true love, save her country, and uncover the final secrets of her destiny. Elisa is a fugitive in her own country. Her enemies have stolen the man she loves in order to lure her to the gate of darkness. As she and her daring companions take one last quest into unknown enemy territory to save Hector, Elisa will face hardships she's never imagined. And she will discover secrets about herself and her world that could change the course of history. She must rise up as champion-a champion to those who have hated her most. Riveting, surprising, and achingly romantic, Rae Carson has spun a bold and powerful conclusion to her extraordinary trilogy.

My Review

Fire and Thorns is definitely one of my favorite series of all times!  SO GOOD that words cannot express its awesomeness!  The Bitter Kingdom did not disappoint at all. If possible each book is better than its predecessor.

When I went to BEA it was my most dear wish to find The Bitter Kingdom there, but alas it didn’t happen.  While there Lexie from Poisoned Rationality told me that it was available in Edelweiss  and I lost no time requesting it and it got approved (thank you Greenwillow).  Needless to say I proceeded to devour The Bitter Kingdom after the cruel cliffhanger of Crown of Embers.

One of the things I like most about this book is its unbending purpose to be different.  What do I mean by that?  The Bitter Kingdom is unpredictable, well thought out, surprising and more.  Every time I thought to myself (or talked to myself): “Hmm…. I bet now this will happen next”, it was not to be.  Ms. Cason took the road less traveled and for that I thank her.  The plot, as you might imagine, is a gem.  The world building continues as we get to see the other parts of Joya and of course, the lair of the enemy.  It is really outstanding, not just the world, but the customs, the language, the culture, the religion and much more.  The writing is so good and versatile; it’s lyrical, descriptive, funny, practical and overall amazing.

On to the characters now and prepare yourselves for more gushing (I’m not embarrassed by it either!).   Elisa is such a fascinating character.  She starts the series by being a shy, unsecure teenager that is aware of her intelligence, but also painfully aware of her shortcomings.  Over the course of the series, she changes outwardly as well as inside; she becomes confident on her abilities, she learns who to trust the right people, she learns more about her godstone and her role in the lives of others. She becomes an inspiring leader.  Elisa is so smart and practical that is always a step ahead of the rest. 

Hector is what I imagine a knight in shining armor would be (figuratively speaking).  He is honorable, loyal, smart, unassuming, and strong, with high standards for himself and his guard. Hector and Elisa are great couple, and their romance is so sweet.  Elisa finds herself in need of another politically advantageous marriage, but that is just the icing in the cake.  After her parody of her marriage with Alejandro, this time around Elisa finds a loving partner in Hector and I couldn’t be happier for them.

Other important characters in this installment are Storm, Mara and Belén.  Storm, if you recall from The Crown of Embers, is an Inverno prince that becomes indebted to Elisa and accompanies her to find Hector.  I really warmed up to Storm in this installment and, for the record, I never doubted you Storm! Mara is Elisa’s lady in waiting and part of the resistance against Inverno, so she acts as a bodyguard as well.  Belén is a complicated character that has now proven himself trustworthy and Elisa’s champion as well.  I love the group of five and their interactions.  Even Mula adds a lot to the story, in her innocence and blind faith.

The Bitter Kingdom is, in short, perfection.  Next for me is to read the two Fire and Thorns novellas The Shattered Mountains and The King’s Guard.  Of course, Ms. Carson you are now part of my ‘automatically buy’ list as you have gained a fan for life.  I do hope that we get Cosmé and Alodia either in their own series or novellas (and of course I want to visit with Elisa and Hector! *Pretty please*)

About the cover:   I’m not a big fan of the covers for the books, but I have to say that this one is the better of them.