Annette's Book Spot

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Audio Book Review: Cruel Beauty, by Rosamund Hodge

While Cruel Beauty contains beautiful storytelling, the complexities of the mythology overwhelmed me a bit.

Nyx has always known she must marry the Dark Lord (the demon who has captured her world), leave her home and family, and fulfill her destiny to save her kingdom, Arcadia. She is determined to use the Hermetic Arts to kill the Dark Lord and release Arcadia from its spell.

What she finds in the castle with the Dark Lord is very different than what she anticipated.

The reader goes in knowing that this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, so the general story arc is understood. There are a lot of details that add a lot of interest. But....

I had a hard time following the story at times. Part of the problem is that I was listening to the audio version. I'm sure if I were reading Cruel Beauty I would have had to re-read certain sections to make things a bit clearer. It is well written, but there's just so much to keep track of.

I don't want to go into to many details, but there are details of how Arcadia got in the condition it is. There are a lot of rituals, folklore, and customs that are explained. The "hermetic arts" are an entire story on their own. Several myths are mentioned, including Pandora. There are shadow children and Kindly Ones. I couldn't keep track of how it all fit together, and I'm still not sure how Nyx managed to end up where she did at the end of the book.

Because of my confusion, I missed a lot of details. I think that someday I need to read Cruel Beauty again, but honestly I'm not sure that will ever happen.

Even though the narrator (Elizabeth Knowledon) did a great job reading the book, I wouldn't recommend the audio version of Cruel Beauty. Fans of fairy tale retellings will enjoy Cruel Beauty,but I would only recommend it to more sophisticated teen readers. It's not quick or easy, although it is very lyrical.

Published by Balzer + Bray, January 28, 2014 (Audio by HarperCollins and Blackstone)
Audio Book obtained from SYNC
352 pages

Rating: 3/5

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Book Review: Brilliance by Marcus Sakey

Brilliance is a well-crafted thriller that seamlessly incorporates a paranormal element and sucks you right into its unique premise.

About 30 years ago a phenomenon began. A much larger percent of the population started to be born with savant-like abilities. The abilities are very specialized and the people are normal in all other ways. No one has been able to figure out why this is happening, but it has changed the complexion of society. Children are tested at age 8 to see if they are an "abnorm." Some of them are sent to special academies.

The main character, Nick Cooper, is a special agent working for a new government department called Equitable Services that was created to deal with abnorms. Nick IS an abnorm. He goes after those abnorms who have used their powers to endanger the public or break the law.

There is a huge national incident that kills many people. Nick decides the only way to stop the terrorists is to go undercover and pretend that he's left Equitable Services and joined the other abnorms.

The tension builds nicely, as Nick faces dangers and makes alliances but really can't trust many people at all. There are twists and turns to keep you guessing. The farther along I got in the story, the faster I needed to read.

Nick makes some stupid decisions a few times that get him into trouble, but this added to the drama and tension. The actual "bad guy" may not be a surprise for some, as the story follows a familiar design. But the unique premise and the part that these special abilities play in the outcome make Brilliance special.

Fans of espionage, detective, thrillers, government conspiracies, or futuristic stories should give Brilliance a shot. The second book in the series, A Better World, was released recently, and I can't wait to get to it.

Published by Thomas & Mercer, 2013
eBook purchased
452 pages

Rating: 4/5

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Book Review: Torn Away, by Jennifer Brown

Torn Away was not what I expected, but it is entertaining and a little heartbreaking.

I don't read book blurbs. And this one tells too much. So, I'm not going to give you specifics in this review, but you can find out more if you read the blurb. All I knew about Torn Away is that it is about a devastating tornado, and it was written by Jennifer Brown whose books I've enjoyed before.

I'm afraid of tornadoes. I live in Illinois, and this book takes place in Missouri, so that's very close. I've never been in a tornado, but I've had several close calls. I thought Torn Away was going to be about the aftermath of a tornado. The clean up. The rebuilding. The volunteer helpers. The finding people places to live.

Torn Away is actually about Jersey recovering from grief, and in that way, it's like a lot of other books out there. I think Brown missed an opportunity here to not only tell Jersey's story, but keep the story within the aftermath of the tornado.

What actually happens is that a few days after the tornado, Jersey, who has lost everything (and I won't be specific here, but we're talking property and loved ones) is taken away from everything she knows. So this is about her adjusting to a new (and horrific) life, about finding out that her loved ones may have misrepresented their past, coming to terms with her loss, and suffering from PTSD.

And, just let me add, Ronnie is a total jerk. I live in a "blended family" and -- just -- that would NEVER happen. I don't care how grief stricken you are -- isn't there any love or compassion for your non-biological child? He really pissed me off.

I'm not a crier, and this book made me tear up several times, so it is well written and I felt for the characters. I just didn't get the unique premise that I had hoped for.

Published by Little Brown BFYR, May 6, 2014
eBook obtained from NetGalley
288 pages

Rating: 3.5/5

Monday, July 14, 2014

Book Review: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

Oh, gosh. You guys. The Kiss of Deception is a good one. Just finished it. Couldn't wait to write my review.

Lia is one of the most fun and awesome heroines I've been introduced to in a long time. (no offense Calaena, Karou, and Ismae). Lia, short for Jezelia, is a princess. When we begin it's her wedding day. She's being married to some prince who she's never met -- because she's "first daughter" she must succumb to an arranged marriage.

Lia has other ideas. She and her maid, Pauline, run away on horses right before the ceremony. Lia is wearing a jewel-studded cape that will help finance their adventure, and they are pretty tricky about setting false trails.

They arrive at Pauline's hometown of Terravin, where they are helped by Pauline's aunt and get work in her inn and tavern. Lia must stay hidden because there is surely a bounty on her head.

What she doesn't know is that the prince she left at the altar is looking for her. And the "bad guys" have sent an assassin to get rid of her. These two men arrive at the tavern on the same day. What makes the story much more fun is that the reader doesn't know which man is which. And Lia is falling for them -- well, especially ONE of them. Is it the right one?

Lia is in for a horrific adventure at the hands of some really scary men. She's resourceful and strong and never gives up. She also may be developing the "powers" that she is supposed to inherit from her mother. But she doesn't really understand what is happening.

The romance is dreamy and the adventure is heart pounding. There are sad parts too, and of course, deception all around.

The Kiss of Deception stands up to its reputation as a page turner. The ending gives us a little hope, but also a lot of questions still needing answers which will make you count the days until the next book (Heart of Betrayal) is released.

Another great fantasy adventure with a strong female heroine that I know will be immensely popular at my library.

Published by Henry Holt (BYR), July 8, 2014
eARC obtained from NetGalley
496 pages

Rating: 5/5

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Stacking the Shelves - This Week's Books

Not a lot this week, but a couple good ones (I hope!)

For Review:

Compulsion, by Martina Boone from Edelweiss

From the Library:

Midwinterblood, by Marcus Sedgwick

That's is for me! How about you? Leave me a link so I can visit you and add to my list. Thanks for stopping by. Make sure you stop by Team Tynga's Reviews and visit all the participating blogs. Have a great week!

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Book Review: Into the Wild Nerd Yonder, by Julie Halpern

The summary of Into the Wild Nerd Yonder makes one think that this will be a touching, meaningful contemporary novel. And it should be. But the pacing is slow, and I didn't get the feels that I should have.

It's the summer before Jessie's sophomore year, and her best friends, Bizza and Char, have reinvented themselves into punk rockers. Jessie's brother is in a punk band, and although he doesn't want them to, the girls start hanging around with the band. Jessie has always had a crush on the drummer, Van.

So when Bizza goes after Van, and ends up in an intimate situation with him, Jessie is hurt, and angry, and gives up on their friendship. And, finally realizes that Van is a real jerk.

So, the second half of the book is about Jessie finding a new set of friends. She has been talking to a nerdy girl who is into Dungeons & Dragons. Since Jessie sews, she's been asked to create costumes for the D&D group. So Jessie very reluctantly goes to these D&D sessions with these nerds and finds a new set of friends and maybe even a romantic interest.

It really takes a long time for things to happen. I found the plot to be very plodding, and after reading about 50% of the book, I started skimming. It was one of those books that you could read a couple paragraphs of each chapter and know what's going on. I did read the last 10% of the book too. I think the second half was better, so I probably should have skimmed the first half.

I really didn't feel very sorry for Jessie. I don't know why. The characterizations are good, the writing is fine, but I didn't see her problems as being that dramatic.

I loved that Jessie has supportive parents and gets along with her brother. I loved that Jessie listens to audiobooks and the references to the books she was listening to. I loved that Jessie sews, since that is one of my hobbies. So, why didn't I love this book?

The age group for which Into the Wild Nerd Yonder is intended may enjoy this one more than I did. I try to put myself inside my "teenager mind" when I'm reading, but sometimes it's difficult.

Published by Feiwel & Friends, 2009
Purchased eBook
256 pages

Rating: 3/5

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Book Review: DJ Rising, by Love Maia

While I felt DJ Rising might be a bit unrealistic, it was an interesting, heartwarming story.

Marley has a hard life. His mother is a heroin addict, so Marley must earn enough to support both himself and his mother. Totally on his own. He' attending a prestigious high school on scholarship, and all the rich kids at the school know he's not one of them. But he has a strong desire to go to college, and he works hard and gets straight As.

But, the most important thing to Marley is music. His dad, who was killed in a car accident, got him started DJing, and Marley's band instructor has helped him hone his skills. It's all Marley dreams of -- being a DJ at a popular club.

Marley gets some opportunities to DJ, and meets some people who help him. He also makes some progress in the romance department. Things might be looking up at home too. For a while, Marley sees all his dreams coming true.

Marley really has it together. Almost too much together. He has some great friends, but really not much of a support system, and at the beginning of DJ Rising he's working and studying, and cleaning and cooking and it all seems a bit too easy.

There are a lot of descriptions of being a DJ. The songs he plays and how he mixes them together. Also, how he tries to create his own music. All the parts about his passion for music and DJing got really repetitive.

My favorite part of DJ Rising is the last 25%. The tension builds. Marley meets some real obstacles and he overcomes them successfully. Parts of this resolution are a bit lucky, but it still made me feel good.

Teens who love music would definitely be drawn to DJ Rising. It's a story about how working hard and sticking with your dreams can all pay off--a message that's important to today's teens.

Published by Little, Brown BFYR, 2012
Purchased eBook
304 pages (qualifies for my Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge!)

Rating: 3.5/5

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Book Review: The Queen of the Tearling, by Erika Johansen @HarperCollins

The Queen of the Tearling spans several genres and does it well. There's some fantasy and magic, lots of adventure, and a bit of a dystopian society.

Kelsea is 19 at the beginning of the book, and she's leaving the only home she has ever known in the woods, isolated, with her foster parents. She will be taken to the Tear to become the new queen.

She will face much adversity. Her uncle is trying to have her killed, because he has been in charge of the Tearling for years and wants to keep it that way. The Tear society consists of the nobility, who are selfish rich people, and a great deal of very poor people who serve them. She also has to worry about the Red Queen of Mortmesne, who invaded the Tear years ago when Kelsea's mother was queen, and will not hesitate to do so again.

Kelsea is totally unprepared for what she must face because her foster parents kept most of the unpleasant details from her. She manages to surround herself with some loyal guards and servants and begins to make changes. In doing so, she puts her life, and her entire country in much more danger.

No one could possibly not admire Kelsea. She must mature very fast, and she does. She's strong and resourceful and mostly very brave. She also has a necklace that she can't take off. It glows at certain times, and compels Kelsea to action. As the story progresses, Kelsea figures out more and more about the power of this valuable jewel.

The other characters are just as riveting. I really enjoyed getting to know Mace, although I think there's much more to him than we discovered in this first book.

The Queen of the Tearling is long. It does take a while to get going. There is a lot of waiting around and getting to know our characters. A little too much for my taste. But once it gets going, the pacing is excellent, and I had a hard time putting it down.

America is referred to a few times. Apparently centuries have passed since "the crossing" where ships left America to find a better life. The ship that carried all the medical equipment and expertise and most of the scientific knowledge sank. So basically the Tearlings had to begin again and therefore their life is fairly primitive. This seemed like extraneous information, but I'm assuming it will be more paramount in future installments.

The Queen of the Tearling has a definite resolution, but there are still mysteries to be solved, and there's still some danger lurking in the future. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Another YA book that I'm looking forward to recommending to my teens!

Published by Harper, July 8 2014
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
448 pages

Rating: 4/5

Monday, July 7, 2014

Book Review: Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden

Escape from Camp 14 is a riveting, unbelievable story of survival that everyone should read.

The story of Shin Donghyuk may be familiar, but reading the details of his life in a North Korean camp for political prisoners, his escape, and his life after makes one realize that this is different.

One thing that is very hard to understand is that Shin was totally unaware, his entire life, of any world outside the camp. They didn't even bother to indoctrinate him into the North Korean political system. Shin was born in the camp. His parents were prisoners, so Shin basically had no chance to ever be released. His heredity meant everything.

Also, Shin really had no ability to empathize. He was taught to look out for himself and turn in anyone who was doing anything against the rules. This included his mother and brother, who he witnessed being executed with very little emotion. Everything was about food. Shin spent his entire life hungry. Really, the only reason he wanted to escape was to not be hungry. He had no ideas about anything else he wanted to accomplish.

These facts make his escape all the more unbelievable and his indoctrination in to society all the more difficult.

Escape from Camp 14 is the story of Shin's life, but Harden inserts sections into the narrative about the history, economy, and political ideology of North Korea. These sections are necessary and interesting, but may pull some teens out of the story.

Escape from Camp 14 is a quick, compelling read. I would recommend it to everyone -- both teens and adults. It will open your eyes to a part of the world that we are uncomfortable thinking about. It's a story like no other.

Published by Viking Adult, 2012
Purchased eBook
224 pages (qualifies for my Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge!)

Rating: 4/5