Book Review: Raybearer

“‘Uniformity is not unity. Silence is not peace.’”

 
Wow, just smack society in the face, why don’t you? Too often we see globalism’s attempt to erase culture in the name of peace. I think we need to read that again: “‘Uniformity is not unity. Silence is not peace.’”

 

Book: Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
Genre: Young adult fantasy
My rating: 4/5 stars
Mini description: courage in the face of confusion
 
For someone who has often struggled to get into young adult fantasy, I really enjoyed this one! The main reason I struggle with YA fantasy is because it’s often lackluster in comparison to the epic worlds and characters you see in adult fantasy. Not so with this book.

I also finished the story in about a week, which is refreshing since I didn’t had a lot of time to read at the time I was reading the book, but I didn’t want to put this one down!
Though there were a couple of times where I had a hard time connecting with Tarisai, the main character, the writing style was really good. The details were spectacular without being overwhelming, as is common with adult fantasy.

The writing style takes an untraditional approach, though the trend is becoming more common, and covers several different years of Tarisai’s life. It really showed how she grew over time, going from being naïve and wanting to please those around her to being well researched and determined to stand up for what she believes is right, even when it's not always clear.

Also, can we talk about the emphasis on culture and the dangers of continent-wide conformity? Throughout the story, readers get a taste of the disunity in an empire, but the emperor and his council keep trying to fix it in all the wrong ways, which is frustrating but typical of governments.

I enjoyed the book so much, I went out and bought a copy of my own. Now I have a wait a whole year before the sequel’s paperback edition comes out… But that doesn’t stop me from borrowing the sequel from the library!

In all, I gave Raybearer 4/5 stars for excellent themes and character development albeit some reader disconnect. I would recommend the story to anybody interested in YA fantasy. I was still in the beginning of the story when I noticed that there's going to be a sequel, and I got really excited. Even once I reached the end, I have similar sentiments.
 
Interested in the book? Have you read it yet? You might also enjoy these fantasy novels: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger, Fawkes by Nadine Brandes, The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrowand, and The Beast Player by Nahoko Uehashi.
 
Let’s chat! Have you read Raybearer yet, or has it made it to your TBR? What are some of your favorite YA fantasies?
 
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Similar book reviews: Elatsoe, The Ten Thousand Doors of January, and Fawkes

Book Review: Ahab

 “‘… have you ever stopped to think that perhaps these noble intentions I see in other are truly there, they just need to be drawn out? Would we all not be better versions of ourselves if others held us to higher standards?’”

 

Wow. Just wow. I enjoyed this story way more than I expected!

A long, long time ago in a country far, far away, I read the source book, Melville’s Moby-Dick. Can I just say that I enjoyed this retelling for different reasons? While Moby-Dick focusses on whaling in the 19^th century and the impact it had on society, the economy, and nature as a whole, Ahab explores the potential future of the 26^th century after a devastating war between humankind and sentient machines (the whales, or MICs as their called).

 

Book: Ahab by E.B. Dawson
Genre: Sci-fi, space opera, retelling
My rating: 4/5 stars
Mini description: whales in space, space whales!

Told from both the perspective of Ahab and his first mate James Starbuck, Ahab was a delightfully complex story. I particularly enjoyed the dual perspective and the juxtaposition of Ahab’s stubbornness and determination next to Starbuck’s idealism and loyalty. Though not as nearly as long as its source book, I found the book to be the perfect length. And the font size was legible!

I particularly liked how Dawson incorporates sailing with space travel. While the former is tried and true, the latter is relatively new, so there’s no saying what exactly it will look like in the future.

Even though the story takes place in the 26^th century, it’s reminiscent of the 1800’s, which is both interesting and frustrating. From a story-telling standpoint, I though the details of the society were really cool, but from a woman’s perspective, a society that doesn’t advocate women’s rights is super frustrating, even if some of the characters stand up for them.

Another element I liked about the book is how it’s not so straightforward with its answers. The ending actually left me wondering if that was all, yet the more I thought about it, the more I liked it.

So I actually feel kinda bad for giving the book 4 stars instead of 5, and the only reason for that is because some parts of the story felt unnecessary. At one point, Ishmael shows up, which I found to be really cool how Dawson worked him in, until he’s never mentioned again. Was the only purpose of the chapter for the brief cameo? Plot-wise, his appearance doesn’t make much sense.

In all, I gave Ahab 4/5 stars for excellent character development and story telling albeit some unnecessary plot points. I would recommend the book to those who have and have not read Moby-Dick and are interesting in space opera. I look forward to reading more of Dawson’s work.

 

Interested in the book? Have you read it yet? You might also enjoy these classic retellings: The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen (Turandot, Italian opera), The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant (Les Miserables, French classic), The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (The Snow Maiden, Russian fairytale).

 

Let’s chat! Have you read Ahab yet, or has it made it to your TBR? Have you read the original Moby-Dick? What are some of your favorite classic retellings?

 

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Similar book reviews: The Court of Miracles, Strange Waters, and The Beast of Talesend

Book Review: The Court of Miracles

“I’d rather live one glorious night hunting by your side, Nina Thénardier, than a hundred lifetimes without you.”

 

You know how I said I don’t usually read retellings? Meet another one! This time though, it’s the characters from Les Misérables with some elements from Hunchback of Notre Dame (the Miracle Court) with a touch of The Jungle Book. Though the combination sounds a little odd, it actually works really well.

 

Book: The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction 

My rating: 4/5 stars 

Mini description: Eponine deserved better

 

I didn’t think I could hate Thénardier any more than I already did. Until I finished chapter one. If you’re familiar with the original story of Les Misérables, then you already know the majority of characters from this book.

The plot itself differs greatly in that it focuses on Eponine “Nina’s” perspective as she lives as a thief among the Miracle Court, basically a mafia of sorts with nine different guilds. At first, I was skeptical about the court, but it quickly became clear that it was not an idealized sort of life, especially not with the Guild of Flesh dealing in human trafficking. The intensity of this element is far more prevalent in this book than in its main inspirational source.

At the same time, Grant plays off the events of the original story. Sometimes, it’s annoying in that it left me knowing how certain events would turn out, but at other times, she used the knowledge to her advantage to put her own twist to the story. Which was pretty cool, though no less heart-wrenching.

Another element I liked was the stories at the beginning of each section and the way Grant weaves in the French language here and there. It really added to the richness of the story as a whole.

Probably my favorite characters were Nina for her stubborn determination and familial loyalty, Ettie for her innocent naivety and romantic nature, and Enjolras St. Juste because it’s Enjolras. The sister relationship between Nina and Ettie is just golden. Who needs Marius (he never shows up) when you can have the love between two sisters? Oh, yeah, and Javert is a woman while Valjean is apparently a boring housemate. I need more backstory for these characters!

In all, I gave The Court of Miracles 4/5 stars for excellent character development, interesting world building, yet an okay plot. I’m curious, though, to see if Grant plans on writing a sequel because the ending was pretty open-ended.

 

Interested in the book? Have you read it yet? You might also enjoy these YA retellings: 

Turandot inspired historical fiction.

Goldilocks inspired contemporary.

Guy Fawkes but with magic.

 

Let’s chat! Has The Court of Miracles made it to your TBR list yet? Have you read it? What’s your favorite classic retelling?

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Similar book reviews: The Magnolia Sword, Of Myth and Monster, The Beast of Talesend, and The Snow Child

Mini Book Reviews: The Light at the Bottom of the World to The Art of Feeling

You know those moments when you read all the good books and just want to rant about all of them? They may not come very often, but I’d read some pretty good books lately and thought I’d share all of them with you.

Also, I’ve had lots of time to read. LOTS. At the moment, my workplace isn’t supposed to reopen until the end of June, so I get to read even more. These library books are mine now, thank you very much. I’ve even started reading books I own again. What is this odd sensation?

Today’s post features sci-fi and contemporary novels I’ve been reading lately!

The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah

Genre: Young Adult, Sci-fi

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounding up to 5

Mini description: Underwater sci-fi that takes actual science into consideration

Have I ranted enough about how good this book is? No, no I have not.

Sci-fi is fun. Underwater stories are awesome. Underwater sci-fi is epic! Part travel narrative, part mystery, this book features an underwater London, submersibles, and an underwater species that’s not quite human. The story also explores themes of hope and a healthy questioning of stereotypes. I liked it so much I bought a copy.

Check out my full review on Goodreads.

100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Mini description: Heartfelt story about perseverance

I know I’ve mentioned this one before too, but it’s just so good! Tessa is an incredibly relatable character, except for the fact that she can’t type without her sight (Not that I’m one to talk. I often mix my letters up because one hand sometimes gets ahead of the other, but I know where the letters are by feel.) That aside, I really enjoyed the development of friendship between Tessa and Weston. And both of them have such heartbreaking backstories, but Weston is determined to live an inspiring life.

Check out my full review on Goodreads.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Genre: Sci-fi

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Mini description: An AI who just wants to enjoy their shows and maybe find out who they are

Though not long enough to be considered a novel, this little novella is the perfect length for both plot and character development. Murderbot may not have the best track record with they’re job, but they’re determined to keep their humans alive this time around. If they would just stop asking about their feelings long enough for them to enjoy their favorite shows, the universe might be a little better. Who knew an AI could be so relatable?

Check out my full review on Goodreads.

The Art of Feeling by Laura Tims

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Mini description: Girl who struggles with depression meets boy who can’t physically feel

Reread. To say the characters in this book are a little messed up would be an understatement, but I like them anyway. The main ones that is. There are a few I’m still mentally giving the death glare. That being said, there are funny moments and heartbreaking moments, and I just love the themes of friendship and family and growth. Just a heads up, there is a lot of swearing. Not quite The Hate U Give-level swearing but still more than your average YA novel. My main complaint though—that dog on the cover is too cute to be Tito, at least the one in my imagination.

Check out my full review on Goodreads.

Interested in any of these books? You might also enjoy The Boy Who Steals Houses by C. G. Drews (contemporary), The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X. R. Pan (contemporary, magical realism; see book review), Skyward by Brandon Sanderson (sci-fi; see book review), and A Conspiracy of Stars by Olivia A. Cole (sci-fi, fantasy; see book review).

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Let’s chat! Have you read any of the listed books? Which did you enjoy? Which are you most excited about reading? Which contemporary and/or sci-fi novels have you been reading lately?

Similar book reviews: Mini Book Review: From Isle of Blood and Stone to Sadie, Strange Waters, and A World Without You

Book Review of Background Noise: Poems, Vignettes and Word Explosions

“Remember when we heard the thunder
Saw the light that made us wonder
As the rain fell in the night
The years have passed ̶ the tender aching
Pages turned ̶ memories fading
As the rain fell into the night”

—excerpt from “Seasons of Paper”

There’s something about some poems that beg to be read aloud. I came across several such poems in Background Noise and just had to share them with the nearest family member. Reading poems aloud is such fun!

Book: Background Noise: Poems, Vignettes and Word Explosions by Jerry Danielsen

Genre: Poetry, Nonfiction

My rating: 4/5 stars

One-word description: Thought-provoking

I particularly enjoyed the poems that were on social commentary, from the longing for deeper relationships in “Salt and Chocolate” to the overabundance in consumerism reflected in “Marketing to Death” and “iWant”. The first poem made me think about my own blog and the way I probably have way too many links that people don’t bother with. What if we shared writing for the sake of writing instead of for the sake of views?

“It’s all good at
www.RunAsFastAsYouCanPointlesslyUntilYouPassOut.com

“Click here to find
More places to click on
And get a change
For the possibility
Of more clicking”

—excerpt from “Marketing to Death”

My main complaint, however, was that after a while, some of the poems felt a little too on the critical side, particularly when he wrote, “Maybe somebody / will buy this book”. As a writer, I completely understand the feelings of longing for one’s voice to be heard. But as a reader, I felt a little indignant.

In the end, the poems made me think a lot. Even as I typed this review on my laptop, my mom begged me to go on a walk with her, so I set the review aside and left. After all, what good is reading poems that make you think about technology if you simply embrace it? What good is reading books about life if we don’t live it?

In all, I gave Background Noise 4/5 stars for some excellent, thought-provoking poems yet some repetitively critical ones. I would recommend the book to readers of poetry, and I will be keeping an eye out for more of Danielsen’s work.

Let’s chat! Read any good poetry lately? Has Background Noise made it to your To-Be-Read list yet? What’s your take on the pervasiveness of technology in our culture today?

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More clicking here (similar book reviews): Audacity and Full Cicada Moon

Book Review: A Conspiracy of Stars

This book is one of my new favorite sci-fi novels! Just saying. It’s amazing.

I devoured the book in one sitting and not just because I was stuck on an airplane. If I wanted to read or do something else, I would have. Nine-hour flights tend to provide movies and music, but I couldn’t get enough of A Conspiracy of Stars. I was actually sad when it ended.

Book: A Conspiracy of Stars by Olivia A. Cole

Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy, Young Adult

My rating: 4/5 stars

Awards: None (yet!)

One-word description: science!

“But home isn’t just a memory, I’ve decided: it’s knowledge, knowing where you belong and where you fit in. [...] This is home.”

Wow, so I haven’t related to a fictional character in a while. (Pfft! I totally did three books ago.) Perhaps what I mean to say is that the exploration of the concept of home was refreshing. When most people ask me where I’m from, what they really mean is “Where is home?” But having moved around my whole life, for me it’s not always that simple. Home for me is where my suitcase is. In that sense, I relate with Octavia, the narrator. This, too, is my home.

The plot was a little more slow-paced than some books, but I actually like it that way. Slower books can be pretty enjoyable, especially when they focus on excellent character development like this one. Perhaps one of my favorite themes no matter the book was also featured in this one: empathy is a gift, not a weakness.

And the world-building was amazing! At first, the author, Cole, seems to throw terms at me, and I felt like I got tossed into a hailstorm with no context. Then the characters took me by the hand and guided me along, explaining things like the well-informed scientists they were. For the most part, the characters were well-developed. There’s bound to be at least one mad scientist, right? *sigh* Oh, well. I did like how smart the Octavia and her friends were.

When the title finally made sense, I was immensely pleased.

My main complaint was the book’s predictability. I was hoping for at least one twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. But when I was right, I silently cheered, then the book ended and how dare it! I. Need. More.

In all, I gave A Conspiracy of Stars 4/5 stars for excellent world building, themes, and character but some predictable elements. I’d recommend it to sci-fi fans, especially those who liked Ender’s Saga and the Divergent trilogy. I know I said this already, but I can’t wait for the next one!

Interested in A Conspiracy of Stars? Have you read it yet? You might also enjoy these books: The Shifter by Chris T. Acadian, I, Robot by Isaac Asimov, and Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

Let’s chat! Has A Conspiracy of Stars made it to your to-be-read list yet? Anybody out there read it? Have any sci-fi book recommendations?

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Similar book reviews: Season of Wonder, The Shifter, and A World Without You

Book Review: The Astonishing Color of After

“Once upon a time we were the standard colors of a rainbow, cheery and certain of ourselves. At some point, we all began to stumble into the in-betweens, the murky colors made dark and complicated by resentment and quiet anger.  At some point, my mother slid so off track she sank into hues of gray, a world drawn only in shadows.”

This book hit me in the feels like a semi-truck.

Usually, I read good books at a faster pace, but I could only handle this book little bits at a time. It was so intense. Leigh’s mother struggles with depression, which hit so close to home. I have struggled with depression at times—including one point when I was reading this book, so I had to set it down for a week. But while it was difficult to read, after I read another book or two in-between, it was very well-written. And I like it when authors write a note at the end talking about mental illness instead of just leaving readers alone with the story.

Book: The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X. R. Pan

Genre: Magical Realism, Mental Illness, Contemporary, Young Adult

My rating: 4/5 stars

Awards: None (yet!)

One-word description: *internal screaming*

When I first opened the book, I found myself groaning like the kid from The Princess Bride: “Is this going to be a kissing book?”

The magical realism elements of the book were particularly mysterious. More than once, I was left wondering if Leigh wasn’t just imagining everything. Other times, she held physical evidence, and even though I’ve finished the book I still have my doubts. Magical realism, at the end, should leave readers wondering what’s real and what’s not, even if they’re used to reading fantasy, and the author, Pan, did a wonderful job!

The story takes place both in America and Taiwan, which I found to be excellent because usually multicultural books deal with one or the other. And Leigh was easy to relate with, as she loves her parents and her art, despite all the difficulties. Though there were times she wasn’t perfect, it actually made her easier to relate with.

I also particularly liked the book’s dialogue. At times, the characters spoke their minds but other times, they had difficulty speaking and communicating at all. Most often, I didn’t feel like I was reading a book at all. It felt so real.

However, there were times when the book got repetitive, repetitive, repetitive. I’m not sure repeating certain words again and again and again was really necessary, though I did like the use of the phrase “I want you to remember”. Another problem I had was that I took so many breaks, I actually started confusing this story’s characters with another story’s.

Reaching the end of the book was almost like the end of The Princess Bride:

Grandpa: And as they reached for each other... *closes book* 

Grandson (aka ME): What? What? 

Grandpa: Ah, it’s kissing again. You don’t want to hear that. 

Grandson: I don’t mind so much. 

Grandpa: Oh, okay. *continues reading*

In all, I gave The Astonishing Color of After 4/5 stars for an excellent story, well-developed characters, and great themes. I would recommend this book to fans of young adult books, magical realism, and accurate stories about mental illness. However, I would strongly caution readers who may struggle with depression and/or readers who know somebody who does. While this book addresses suicide and depression in such a way that had me silently thanking the author at the end, it can be rather intense.

Doesn’t The Astonishing Color of After sound intriguing? Have you read it yet? You might also enjoy these books: Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman, Tell Me Something Real by Calla Devlin, and A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness.

Let’s chat! Has The Astonishing Color of After made it to your to-be-read list yet? Anybody out there read it? Have any book recommendations featuring characters with mental illness?

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Similar book reviews: Goodbye Days, A World Without You, and The Snow Child

Book Review: The Snow Child

“In my old age, I see that life itself is often more fantastic and terrible than the stories we believed as children, and that perhaps there is no harm in finding magic among the trees.”

I was pretty skeptical about this book at first. It almost didn’t make it onto my To-Be-Read list. But am I glad it did! I ended up devouring it in a couple of sittings. Set in Alaska during the 1920’s, the state itself is as real as a character. I’m particularly drawn to stories like this!

Book: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Genre: Magical Realism, Fairy Tale Retelling

My rating: 4/5 stars

Awards: Pulitzer Prize Nominee for Fiction (2013), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Historical Fiction (2012), and more!

One-word description: Whimsical

Far too often, stories center on the beauty of summer and the darkness of winter. Winter, at least in my own mind, is a dark creature to be shunned. But this story reminds me of the beauty of it, the beauty in all its wonder and cruelty and cold. Not many books present winter in such a way, except maybe The Left Hand of Darkness, and even then, it’s more cruel than beautiful.

Often times, the story left me wondering what was real and what wasn’t. I suppose that’s a feature of magical realism, and I rather enjoyed it. The snow child’s dialogue lacked quotation marks while everybody else’s dialogue had them, which made me think her words were either soft spoken or closer to thought than actual dialogue. Then there was the whole idea that she had parents at one point, or did she really come from the first snow of winter?

I particularly enjoyed the characters, as this was more of a character-driven story than a plot-driven one. Mabel and Jack are such a wonderful couple, and I loved it when they were making snow angels in their yard with the snow child or when they danced in the kitchen. Yet they’re not without their faults, and the character development was so well done.

Mabel’s relationship with the snow child had to be my favorite. Having had a stillborn child years before, Mabel cares for the little girl just as though she was her own. And the child not only inspires Mabel to pick up drawing again and to write to her sister back East, but the child also draws her back to the desire to live.

The Snow Child has to be my favorite fairy tale retelling yet! It centers on the beauty and the cruelty of nature, the enjoyment of the little things, and the joy and sorrow of relationships. Drawn from the Russian tale of Snegurochka, the snow child, the book actually references the original tales, and Mabel spends plenty of time studying the pictures in an old book of her father’s, even though the text itself is in Russian.

In all, I gave The Snow Child 4/5 stars for wonderful storytelling and characters. I’d recommend it to anybody who enjoys fairy tales and well-written stories and snow. For the author’s debut, I am immensely impressed.

Doesn’t The Snow Child sound wonderful? Have you read it already? You might also enjoy these magical realism stories: Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter, Illusion by Frank E. Peretti, and Bone Gap by Laura Ruby.

Let’s chat! Has The Snow Child made it to your to-be-read list yet? Anybody out there read it? Have any magical realism book recommendations?

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Similar book reviews: The Beast of Talesend, Full Cicada Moon, and The Scorpio Races

Book Review: Audacity

“In under an hour, [the sun] is gone again
slipped past the edge of the next building
like an egg yolk
sliding out of the shell.”

Poetic imagery can be so fresh sometimes. It’s like a breath of fresh air, even if the images aren’t entirely aesthetically pleasing. What’s so nice about an egg yoke slipping away after such a short time period? I suppose that’s the point. It’s supposed to sound uneasy as daylight is short and precious in a large city like New York.

The above quotation is just one of the main pieces that stuck out to me, and I could quote them all, but then I might as well hand you the book.

Book: Audacity by Melanie Crowder

Genre: Young Adult, Poetry, Historical Fiction

My rating: 4/5 stars

One-word description: Empowering

When I attended WriteOnCon, an online writing conference, earlier this month, I logged into a live panel featuring five different authors of novels in verse. Of course, I was excited. These authors wrote poetry after all! And YA/MG fiction as well. It’s like the best of both worlds. Audacity is one of the many books I added to my to-be-read list and the first I requested from my local library.

When I noticed that the cover says “inspired by a true story,” I knew I’d picked the right book. Historical fiction it is! I don’t know nearly enough about suffrage as I should, and I feel like this novel is a great place to start.

This particular novel in verse is the first that I’ve read (which isn’t too many, truth be told) that included form poetry, as if the novel itself laughed at the idea of formalities and took flight all on its own. Which is of course wonderful considering all the bird imagery in the book underlying the theme of fire.

I only wish the story would have delved more into the fire that took place in March 25, 1911. Instead, the book ends with the date November 23, 1909, about two years earlier, and focuses on the strike rather than the reform itself. While the fire is mentioned in the historical note at the end, it is not in the novel itself: “When Clara and […] many others spoke in the aftermath of the fire of the need for reform, the public finally listened.”

I’m also not sure I knew the main character’s name, Clara Lemlich, until the acknowledgements. But I suppose it’s hard with first person and with poetic novels to include the narrator’s name. As a writer, I know firsthand how hard it is to slip the main character’s name into a story told from a first-person perspective.

You will lose,
          I say
if you try to strike
on your own without us.
[...] It is only by standing together
—men and women—
that we can ever hope
to outlast them.

In this particular passage, Clara is speaking to the men’s union, but I believe her words are still applicable today. If we’re going to call for public reform, we cannot go about it by putting another group down, whether its men vs. women or one race vs. another. I’m not saying that standing together is easy. It certainly wasn’t for Clara, who faced rejection, slander, beatings. But she stood by her belief in fighting for women’s rights to work in a good environment.

Of course, there’s so much more to the novel than Clara’s involvement in the unions. There’s her passion for learning and reading poetry, her experience as a Yiddish immigrant to New York during the early 1900s, her interest in birds and beauty even among a crowded city.

In all, I gave Audacity 4/5 stars for an excellent narrative, imagery, and themes but some vague details. Reminiscent of The Boston Girl, I’d recommend this novel to fans of historical fiction, poetry, and women’s rights in employment. I look forward to reading my next novel in verse!

Does the sound of Audacity spark your interest? You might also enjoy these titles: The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant, Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton, Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai, and Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee.

Keep your eye out for future posts! I have one on 7 Reasons I Enjoy Novels in Verse in the works.

Let’s chat! Has Audacity made it to your to-be-read list yet? Have you read it? If you like novels in verse, which is your favorite? What are some of your favorite poetic quotes?

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Similar posts: Controversy in Fiction: Feminism and Female Authors and Feminism and Female Characters; and Book Review: Full Cicada Moon

Book Review: The Beast of Talesend

Part-Indiana Jones, part-Sherlock Holmes, Nick Beasley is the best detective for denouncing false magic, until an encounter with a very real magical item causes him to change his mind… and his form.

This year, I’ll be challenging myself to post more book reviews, particularly focusing on new releases and books I enjoy that don’t get enough attention.*

*Last year, I tried out a monthly post on Character Types, and it just wasn’t working for me. I ended up procrastinating such posts and avoiding them where I could. So instead of writing about content I don’t care for (though I still like characters!), I thought I’d focus on something I’m excited to write, like book reviews!

Book: The Beast of Talesend by Kyle Robert Shultz

Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale Inspired

My rating: 4/5 stars

One-word description: Witty

I’m not a fan of fairy tale retellings. Before you freak out, please allow me to explain. I grew up on fairy tales. I don’t know them all, but I feel like I know a lot of them pretty well. So I guess you could say I’m not a fan of leftover plots. I don’t care for leftovers from my fridge (and I like food!), so why would I want to read the same story again? (This doesn’t apply to rereads. Rereads are fun.)

The Beast of Talesend, however, is not your average retelling. As the author put it in a recent interview, it’s more of a fairy tale inspired story rather than a direct retelling. After all, the events in this novel take place long after all the fairy tales themselves. This story in particular draws from Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, and several others.

Not only is the cover aesthetically pleasing, but the story was an enjoyable read. The characters and the chapter titles are witty. I also like how developed and different the characters were. Cordelia is rather self-confident and driven while Nick is a skeptic with extensive knowledge about artifacts. In fact, his respect for artifacts like books and—even more—his determination to protect his brother make him incredibly likeable.

But there were a couple of formatting choices that I found odd. Like why wasn’t the map bigger? I can hardly read it even with my reading glasses on. I have a hunch the e-book is better quality in this sense, but a vertical map might have been easier to read. Just so you know, I’m not docking stars for formatting. I’ve read plenty of traditionally published books with issues. (Like that one time I read a misprinted book that had 50 pages missing. Ahem. *cough* I digress.)

My only complaint is that I wish the story were longer. There could have been more details, but then again, I’m drawn to long and wordy stories. Perhaps too much so. This book was much shorter than I had been expecting. At least there’s a sequel!

That being said—the ending has me hooked! With some hints that the Jabberwock may make a later appearance, I am now seriously concerned for the rest of the characters. *shudders* I can’t wait to read the next book in the Beaumont & Beasley Series, The Tomb of the Sea Witch.

I gave The Beast of Talesend 4/5 stars for a great and creative plot and witty and well-developed characters. Reminiscent of The Tenth Kingdom, I would recommend this to readers who enjoy fantasy and fairy tales but don’t necessarily want to read the exact same story again.

Does The Beast of Talesend spark your interest? Have you read it already? You might also enjoy these great books: Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, Where the Woods Grow Wild by Nate Philbrick, and This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab.

Let’s chat! Has The Beast of Talesend made it to your to-be-read list yet? Anybody out there read it? Have any fantastical book recommendations?

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Similar book reviews: In the Palace of Rygia, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, and Rebel of the Sands