Once Upon a Time Final Post

I never wrote my finishing-up post for Once Upon a Time VIII, which finished up on June 21st. I only ended up reading one book off my original list, but I did read five books (even more, actually), which was my goal. I always love this challenge and look forward to the second challenge hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings in the fall!

1. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
2. The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke
3. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
4. 'Twixt Firelight and Water by Juliet Marillier
5. Prickle Moon by Juliet Marillier
6. Abhorsen by Garth Nix
7. Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor

Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Plain Kate by Erin Bow is about a girl named Kate who is an amazing wood carver like her father. She is happy working with her father and they lead a good life together... until he dies of a terrible epidemic that has been sweeping their superstitious country. Suddenly, people are being burned as witches and accusations are flying. While living in extreme poverty, a stranger begins making deals with her... but they lead her to be accused of witchcraft herself. Soon Plain Kate is on a journey to stop the stranger and see if there is anywhere she can be loved.

I am not usually a fan of middle grade fiction. There are a few novels I have loved, but for the most part I haven't been a fan. However, Plain Kate is incredible. I had my doubts about it from the age level it was written for, but honestly, I think anyone who loves fantasy will be swept up in this book. It reminded me of Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone series in setting and Franny Billingsley's Chime in tone (and if you have been reading the blog for a long time you know those are high words of praise).

What did I love about it? First of all, the setting was unique, mystical and dark and absolutely haunting. The world building was so powerful. The magical rules of witchcraft were also fascinating -- witches could do great evil or great good, healing or bringing people back from the dead. Also, witches couldn't lie, which put an interesting spin on everything.

I also loved the characters. They were vivid, complex, and unforgettable. Our heroine is also the cause of much of the destruction in the story. Our villain has moments of great compassion, and his entire enterprise is built out of misled love. Also, there is Taggle, a talking cat, who is amazing. Usually I am annoyed by animals that talk in people books (animals talking in animal books, like Redwall, is different and okay). However, Taggle is hilarious. He isn't a friendly familiar that talks like a human. He is a complete and utter cat, and hearing his voice is delightful. He alone makes Plain Kate worth the read.

If you couldn't tell, I loved this book. It is going on my list of "books I want to own a copy of," because I want my kids to read this book. If you like fantasy at all, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Plain Kate.

4.5 stars

Warnings: Violence and disturbing images

Mini-Reviews: Fantasy Novels

Every Day by David Levithan

I read this book for the FYA book club, and to be honest, I didn't have very high expectations. Different people had told me that they didn't care for it, and the premise, a nameless, genderless spirit who occupies different bodies each day but falls in love, seemed bizarre and a little hokey. Still, I have never escaped my obedient school days in which I never failed to complete a reading assignment, and the lure of book club made me feel obligated (even though I didn't actually attend the meeting where the book was discussed). Also, all (two) of my experiences with David Levithan have been positive. He is pretty experimental, but he is also a fantastic writer, particularly at transmitting emotions. So, I gave it a chance.

And the verdict? I really enjoyed Every Day. A's transformation into different bodies each day was interesting, despite the bizarreness. In addition, despite the fact that the experience of possessing a different body each day is at the very least uncommon, the story still held powerful themes that almost anyone could relate to -- letting people go, making sacrifices for the people you love, what love really is. I think it's a worthwhile book that will bend your brain a bit.

4 stars

Warnings: Some language, brief drug references, brief referral to sex

Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

If you've been reading this blog for the last year or so, you've probably gathered that Juliet Marillier can do no wrong in my opinion. Having recently finished her first Sevenwaters trilogy, I was very excited to dive into the second trilogy (although like the Jane Austen books, I can't stand the thought of being finished forever, so I am puttering around a bit). In Heir to Sevenwaters, Aisling and Sean have finally had a son -- only to have him ripped from them days later and replaced by a changeling creature of the forest. Meanwhile, unrest in the region is threatening Sevenwaters. Clodagh decides to rescue her brother by entering the land of the Fair Folk -- a land where nothing is certain and risks abound.

While I didn't love Clodagh as much as some other Sevenwaters heroines, this book just brutally shredded my heart. Motherhood is a theme in most of the Sevenwaters books, but for some reason it was particularly wrenching in Heir to Sevenwaters. There were scenes that literally felt as if I had been kicked repeatedly in the stomach. One of the reasons I love to read is to experience a powerful range of emotion, so I found Heir to Sevenwaters to be evocative and satisfying. I plan on reading every book Marillier has ever written, and I will probably reread all the Sevenwaters books. She is definitely elevated to favorite status.

4.5 stars

Warnings: Violence, referrals to sexuality (off the page)

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

I read the sequel to Princess of the Midnight Ball a long time ago, and you know me -- I can't leave anything unfinished. I actually enjoyed Princess of the Midnight Ball more than Princess of Glass, although it had a few moments of dullness for me. 

The story is a retelling of the twelve dancing princesses. Rose and her eleven sisters (all named after flowers -- I'm impressed that Jessica Day George came up with all the names) are forced to dance for an evil fairy king each night to pay off a family debt. They can't escape, and no one can help them, til a brave soldier and gardener, Galen, takes matters into his own hands. 

Initially, I felt that the story was slow moving and I found it hard to relate to the characters. The backstory dragged on a bit and I was ready to put the book down. However, in the second half the action picked up and I found myself eager to return to the adventures of Rose, Galen, and the rest of the princesses. I'm a sucker for a fairy tale retelling, and Princess of the Midnight Ball provided a light, enjoyable story. 

3 stars

Warnings: None

Sabriel by Garth Nix

This is another FYA book club assignment (but I did go to this meeting). I actually read this book when I was much younger, having randomly picked it off the shelf at Barnes and Noble when I had a giftcard. I remembered being completely unimpressed, but now, over ten years later, I knew that Sabriel had a huge fan base, and I was curious to see if maybe I had missed a gem. The good news is that I had! I think only rarely do fantasy books improve with time, but the book that left me completely unimpressed as a pre-teen charmed me (in as much as a story about the dead can be charming) as an adult. 

Sabriel and her father have the power to visit the land of the dead -- to help spirits go past the seventh gate to their eternal destiny. However, often spirits find their way to earth and cause harm -- and it has been happening a lot more frequently. Suddenly, a huge weight of responsibility rests on Sabriel's shoulders, and she has no idea what she is doing. 

I loved the world-building and the fact that the creatures could be considered zombies (closet zombie story lover). And while Sabriel herself was a bit stiff and unlovable, I respected her strength and her journey. There was even a bit of romance, albeit somewhat bumbling. I have the second book in the trilogy out from the library and I am curious to see what Garth Nix does next.

4 stars

Warnings: Scary images, violence, innuendo

Italian Folktales retold and edited by Italo Calvino

This was a beast for me to conquer, but it was enjoyable as well. I love mythology, fairy tales, folktales -- you name it. I saw this book mentioned and was intrigued for two reasons -- first of all, the Italian background, which intrigued me because my husband used to live in Italy, and second of all, the fact that it is by Italo Calvino, an author that I have always wanted to read because he is mentioned in my favorite book, Kartography. Checking in at 200 stories and well over 700 pages, it literally took me months to read, but it was rewarding. It was interesting to see the different take on traditional fairy tales as well as the similar threads and tropes running through the tales. It won't appeal to everyone, but I think Italian Folktales is a true masterpiece. I only wish I could remember more of the stories so I could share them with my children.

3.5 stars

Warnings: Fairy tale violence (evil stepmothers in boiling oil, cut off hands, etc.)

Unbound Series by Eve Marie Mont

I was very intrigued by the idea of the Unbound series -- a girl finds herself in the midst of a classic tale. However, this series surprised me by bringing a much more satisfying story to the second book.

In the first book, A Breath of Eyre, Emma, an aspiring writer, finds herself transported multiple times into the world of Jane Eyre while facing her own issues with her mother's death, a classic "mean girls" scenario at her boarding school, and a complicated boy situation. 

Sound like a lot? It is, but Eve Marie Mont almost pulls it off. I really enjoyed the critical analysis of Jane Eyre embedded in the text, and the constant drama of Emma's life kept me intrigued. However, the fact that she had to be in a coma to enter the literary world led to several Bella Swan-esque situations of constant injuries and rescues. A Breath of Eyre was colorful and interesting, but could have done with a bit of tight editing.

3 stars

Warnings: Language, thematic material

However, while I felt a little iffy about A Breath of Eyre, A Touch of Scarlet really impressed me. In this case Emma is back at school after a summer of romance, but her dreams have gone away with the warm weather (cheeeeeese) and she finds herself in a compromising situation that results in a cold freeze from her friends. Meanwhile, she is studying The Scarlet Letter in school and finds herself transported into the novel when she runs.

First of all, Emma's literary travels seem more believable to me in A Touch of Scarlet. She isn't getting struck by lightning and landing in comas. Instead, she is running and entering a trance-like state. It's all fantastical, but in a more believable way. Also, the drama in this book is addictive. There is a lot going on, and I was completely absorbed, dying to find out what happened next. Finally, while Emma did learn lessons in A Breath of Eyre, I found the lessons in A Touch of Scarlet to be much more resonant. 

All in all, the series so far is unique and enjoyable, blending classics, contemporary, historical fiction, and fantasy. I am excited to see what A Phantom Enchantment will bring.

4 stars

Warnings: Same as above

Mini-Reviews: Fantasy and Dystopian

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

I'm giving Fahrenheit 451 away for World Book Night this year, and since it has been many, many years since I first read it, I thought it was time for a reread. I would imagine most people are familiar with the story because it is required reading in so many schools, but just in case you aren't -- it is set in the future, in a world where books are outlawed and firemen burn down the houses where they are discovered. People are obsessed with their "parlor wall" TVs and go to sleep with "seashells" burrowed in their ears -- sound at all familiar? It definitely rang a little too true for comfort for me the first time I read it.

Fahrenheit 451 isn't really an enjoyable book to read, but it has an important message. And of course, book lovers will all agree that it is important to keep books, to keep the ideas alive, to not succumb to the mindlessness of  meaningless pleasure-seeking.

4 stars

Warnings: Some language

Child of the Prophecy by Juliet Marillier

Okay, so I've loved all the Sevenwaters books so far, but Child of the Prophecy might be my very favorite one. (Although it is hard to beat Daughter of the Forest, if only because it was first and it was so near perfection). Juliet Marillier's writing is so beautiful and satisfying, and I love the world she has created/channeled (because it is ancient Ireland, with some magic thrown in). Reading her books feels like I am literally transported into the story -- I know that is a cliche way to describe a reading experience, but it became a cliche because it described the feeling so well.

Of course, all of these things refer generally to the trilogy. What specifically made me love this book so much was the fact that every character has two faces. Everyone is so complex, and the characters are forced to make difficult, difficult decisions. The protagonist, Fainne, makes some very serious, awful mistakes. Characters that are pretty universally seen as "the good guys" have some dark actions in their pasts. And even one of the slimiest characters in the novel does something so honorable and tragic that I  felt guilty for thinking he was a sleazy guy. So basically, go read it. But read the first two books first.

5 stars

Warnings: Rapey scene, violence

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

If you thought the last review was gushy, you should probably go ahead and just skip this one. Except don't, because I want to convince everyone in the world to read this book. 

My first experience with Maggie Stiefvater was The Scorpio Races. And I loved it, despite the extremely bizarre subject matter. (Sean Kendrick may or may not have had more than a little something to do with that). After reading The Raven Boys, it is now official -- I will read anything that woman writes. 

I finished The Raven Boys in a 24-hour period, mainly while rocking my son to sleep. And during that 24 hour period, I almost wanted him to wake up and fuss so I had an excuse to go back in and rock him some more. Honestly, The Raven Boys was a perfect book for me. The atmosphere was exquisitely created, this perfect mix of haunting, chilling eeriness and beauty. The characters were all so poignant and alive, despite the fact that the book really isn't that long. The leaped from the page (another cliche that I am using unabashedly, because after all, this is supposed to be a mini-review, so it's not like I'm trying to write epic literature here). And the plot was so unique and so awesome that I was dying to find out what happens next. Bring me The Dream Thieves, please. 

5 stars

Warnings: Language, violence

The Girl With the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

I can't get enough of the Steampunk Chronicles. They are honestly just some of the most fun books that I have ever read. There are bizarre gadgets and menacing, creepy otherworld influences and dashing heroes and spunky, fierce heroines and it is just full of awesome. Is it brilliant literature? No. Is the dialogue sometimes cheesy? Oh yes. But I dare you to not enjoy The Girl With the Iron Touch.

4 stars

Warnings: Violence, rated PG fantasizing

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

I read this because there was a huge billboard of the movie right by where I live (gotta love LA) and because it was cheap on Amazon (so, so many book purchases happen because of this. They know what they are doing, those monopolizers). Anyway, I had no idea what this was about, so I'll summarize it for you in a brief fashion: Boy meets girl. Girl belongs to a family of witches. Witches are cursed and are "Claimed" for good or evil on their sixteenth birthday. Girl is sure she is going to be evil, but boy really likes her, so they decide to figure out how to change her fate.

I liked this -- I pretty much devoured it (and it is pretty beastly long). I have the sequel waiting at the top of my stack of library books. It has a unique setting, awesome atmosphere, and fun characters. At times it dragged, and Lena's constant freaking out grew old (which sounds harsh... I'd be freaking out too. But sometimes I got tired of reading about it). But for the most part, I really liked it, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

3.75 stars

Warnings: Language maybe? A little violence. It's pretty clean overall.

Once Upon a Time VII

I've become much choosier with my challenges this year, but I honestly just can't get enough of the seasonal challenges hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings. I'm looking forward to participating in the Once Upon a Time Challenge, which runs from March 21st to June 21st. 

I will be reading one book in each of the four categories: fantasy, folklore, mythology, and fairy tale.

Potential choices are:
Fantasy - The Heir of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier
Mythology - The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter
Fairy Tale - Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
Folklore - Italian Folk Tales by Italo Calvino

I'm also looking forward to participating in this "quest" by reading A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare to begin my "Shakespeare Project" (more about this in the future).

I love this challenge and am excited to get started!

Short Story Spotlight: "The Witch of Duva: A Ravkan Folk Tale" by Leigh Bardugo

Image credit: Anna and Elena Balbusso

I stumbled across "The Witch of Duva" when I was looking for release dates of trilogies that I had started. I loved Leigh Bardugo's first book in the Grisha Trilogy, Shadow and Bone, so I decided "The Witch of Duva" would be the perfect choice for this month's Short Story Spotlight.

The story is set in the Russia-like fantasy land of Ravka, in a small town where there is never enough food to eat and girls go missing. No one knows if it is an evil spirit, a witch, or something else entirely, but Nadya has her suspicions. One night she strays from her home and comes across a secret in the woods that she had never expected.

"The Witch of Duva" had many elements that I love in a story. I loved the element of folklore, creating a sort of culture or mythology for this fantasy world. I also really enjoyed Bardugo's lush descriptions of delicious food. When I had the chance to hear her speak at the Provo Library during the Fierce Reads tour this summer, she mentioned that she loved writing about food in Shadow and Bone, and this is clear in "The Witch of Duva" as well. Despite eating a full (and rather unhealthy) dinner tonight, my stomach is rumbling from the descriptions of meat in creamy sauces and fragrant pastries baking on the oven. The final element that really drew me in is the aspect of a dark fantasy -- it isn't horror, exactly, but there is a creepy element tinged with the supernatural that makes this story haunting and a little eerie.

Leigh Bardugo's imagery is vivid and at times disturbing throughout the story as the characters deal with the horrors of hunger and abuse. The powerful images will definitely make this story difficult to forget. In addition, the story has a startling plot twist that I couldn't see coming at all. It is always more enjoyable for me to be surprised instead of having everything figured out.

If you enjoyed Leigh Bardugo's writing and/or the fantasy world she created in Shadow and Bone, you won't want to miss "The Witch of Duva," which is available free online. In addition, if you like folklore (albeit imaginary folklore), dark fantasy, or really good food descriptions, you should definitely check this one out.

Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier

Title: Son of the Shadows
Author: Juliet Marillier
Series: Sevenwaters #2
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Fantasy, 2002
Source: Borrowed from my mom
Read for: Fun

Like her mother, Sorcha, Liadan is gifted with healing. She is content to stay at Sevenwaters, helping her family in any way she can and remaining close to the forest. However, when Liadan's life goes down an unexpected path, she finds herself tested in ways she never could have imagined, as well as gifted with more power than she knew.

I'm starting to think that where Juliet Marillier's concerned, it's impossible to not hit gold. Sure, this is only the second of her novels that I have read. And I'll be honest, Daughter of the Forest was a better book, in my opinion. However, this sequel, Son of the Shadows, also kept me compelled to keep reading and entranced in the magical atmosphere and beautiful writing that I'm beginning to learn characterizes Juliet Marillier's work.

Son of the Shadows picks up several years past Daughter of the Forest, and focuses on Sorcha's children. Niamh, her vivacious oldest daughter, is tied up in a dangerous love affair. Sean, Liadan's twin, is learning to take over Sevenwaters some day. And Liadan is simply doing what she can to help everyone around her, although she is quickly blindsided by the realities of loss, marriage proposals, and an even more dangerous, unexpected adventure that shows her that there is more to people than meets the eye. Watching this adventure unfold and the revelations associated with it was probably one of my favorite parts of Son of the Shadows. When the adventure first began, I was leery of the new characters Liadan meets, but as the story unfolds it becomes clear that there is more to them than meets the eye. I think this is definitely one of Marillier's strengths -- her characters are developed and full. We even see some darkness in the "good guys" of Daughter of the Forest -- they are extremely complex and have some motives that aren't entirely pure. I enjoyed being introduced to the new characters as well as watching familiar characters develop further.

Son of the Shadows also has Marillier's trademark haunting, atmospheric writing. I love the Celtic feel to the story -- the hints of magic, earth spirits, and mysticism. Juliet Marillier also is able to convey powerful emotion in simple words by changing up her sentence structure etc. For example, this passage dealt me a blow to the heart --

That look said, this is a long good-bye, yet not time enough. I have no aptitude for this. I cannot learn this. I would hold on, and hold on, until my hands clutch at emptiness.

I mean, seriously. Simple words, but the way they are put together is a blow to the heart.

Overall, Son of the Shadows was an excellent read. I didn't love it quite as much as Daughter of the Forest -- for some reason the plot was not quite as compelling to me -- but it was still a rich and vivid reading experience. I am looking forward to the rest of the Sevenwaters books!

4 stars

Warnings: Abuse, violence, some scenes of sensuality (not graphic)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #6
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Scholastic, 2005
Source: Audiobook from the library
Read for: Harry Potter Challenge

Memories from the first time: I don't actually have any idea where I was when I read this or how I got my copy of this book. I'm not sure why it isn't one that stands out in my mind, because it is one of my favorites in the series. I do remember that I really liked it, especially all the romance. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a book with a bit of good snogging. :) 

Impressions this time: I definitely still really enjoyed The Half-Blood Prince. I think there is so much new information that we learn in this book about Voldemort and how to destroy him. The characters are also really having to decide where their allegiance lies -- they are becoming old enough to make decisions and not just be sheltered by the fact they are in school.

I also must say that I was extremely relieved by the fact that Ginny was awesome in this book. I have more recently watched the movies than read the books, and I find Ginny to be a little bit weak-sauce in the movies. She is always quiet and somewhat dull. However, in the book she is sarcastic, funny, and talented -- it is much more obvious why Harry is attracted to her. 
Best new spell: I love when Hermione makes the little birds fly around her head and then dive-bomb Ron. 

Best new character: Professor Slughorn is quite amusing with his penchant for collecting famous people and his love for the little luxuries in life. He definitely has his flaws, but I always enjoy reading about him. 

My crush for this book: I think we can solidly say Harry, in this book.

Most villainous moment: SNAPE. Even though it is all cleared up in the end, I remember the shock I felt in this book, after all Dumbledore's trust. 

New secret discovered about Hogwarts: It was interesting to learn about all the founders of the school and their particular objects, as well as the way those objects held a draw for Voldemort. 

Coolest new fact learned about the wizarding world: All the information about Voldemort's past and parentage was very interesting. I loved the sessions with Dumbledore when he and Harry viewed memories and put together evidence from Voldemort's past. 

Favorite magical creature: Well, Care of Magical Creatures is a thing of the past, so we don't get as much exposure to interesting creatures in this installment. However, we'll have a moment of silence for Aragog. 

Best argument between Ron and Hermione: The whole Lavender Brown fiasco. Let's be honest, this one is mostly due to Ron being a jealous idiot.

Deathly Hallows that show up: The Invisibility Cloak, the Philosopher's Stone is mentioned

Horcruxes that show up: Marvolo Gaunt's ring, Slytherin's locket, Helga Hufflepuff's cup, Voldemort's diary is mentioned

Coolest magical object: I think I've said this before, but I love the Pensieve. I would love to be able to immerse myself into someone's memories. 

YA Friday: The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan

Title: The Brides of Rollrock Island
Author: Margo Lanagan
Genre: YA, fantasy
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012
Source: NetGalley
Read for: Review

On Rollrock Island, an uneasy past troubles the women -- past memories of mysterious women from the sea, of seals taking on human shapes. When young misfit Misskaella learns that she has the power to influence the seals to come to the island, take their human forms and entrance the island's inhabitants, she uses it to gain both money and retribution. However, despite the perfection of the seal-women and the apparent happiness of the arrangement, a dark cloud hovers over Rollrock Island, threatening to shatter the tenuous peace.

Did that summary sound weird to you? Because taken at face value, The Brides of Rollrock Island is an incredibly bizarre, twisted story. However, coupled with Margo Lanagan's entrancing writing and compelling characters, it develops into something mysterious, beautiful, and disturbing.

I have heard nothing but praise for Margo Lanagan's writing, and while I have not yet taken the opportunity to read some of her previous work, my expectations were certainly met, if not exceeded, by The Brides of Rollrock Island. There is a sort of lilt to her writing, a musicality, that made me feel as if I was inhaling a dusty, beautiful legend. In addition, Lanagan has an excellent trick of giving away just enough to keep the reader completely entranced. The Brides of Rollrock Island was told by several first-person narrators, all of whom knew certain sides of the story and made certain small contributions. Hints and rumors slowly blossomed out into a whole story, but not before I was antsy with uncertainty and curiosity.

I frequently complain of wanting more information from a story -- of feeling as if the author didn't give me enough to be satisfied. The Brides of Rollrock Island was also guilty of this crime on the surface, but it was executed in such a way that while I still had some questions and certainly wouldn't have complained of more history and backstory (my biggest questions -- who was the painting of? And why did Misskaella and Trudle have their abilities?) the answers are hinted at if not explained outright. And the mystery adds to the haunting atmosphere of the story.

I was also quite satisfied by the different voices telling the story. The Brides of Rollrock Island is not about one person -- it is a brief history of the island, and the many voices giving that history are all authentic and all participated in a different way. Missing, of course, is a story told in the voice of a seal-wife -- we do not ever get the chance to fully understand them, only how they are perceived by those who love but also inadvertently enslave them.

The Brides of Rollrock Island also raises some subtle questions about feminism. The brides are treated with the utmost love and devotion by their husbands and sons -- they are practically worshipped. However, they are deprived of any choice -- they are only permitted to experience life within the bounds drawn for them, which leaves them constantly aching. I enjoyed searching this subtle question out while reading.

The Brides of Rollrock Island is an interesting, unique little book. Beautifully written and with layers of depth, it is a rewarding read well off the beaten path.

4 stars

Warnings: Descriptions of nudity, a few scenes of moderate sensuality

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #5
Genre: YA, fantasy
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2003
Source: Audiobook from the library
Read for: Harry Potter Challenge

Memories from the first time: So I was at music camp when Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix came out. I was fifteen and it was the longest I'd ever gone without seeing my family, and I was loving the freedom. The book came out the night before the last day of camp, and the counselors let us go to the university bookstore to check out the party even though we were technically supposed to be in bed. I remember going with this boy I liked from the camp and watching the movies in the bookstore. They were going to unveil the books at midnight and the boy and I found them hidden under this table. (We didn't crack them open, though -- too afraid of the repercussions). I also remember the next day there were all these music performances and some people were just reading straight through the recitals. 

As for the book itself, I remember not liking it very much in comparison to the other books. I mean, it's Harry Potter, and I enjoyed the series, but I was annoyed for much of the book. It is the only book I had ever read once. I think that has to do with the fact that Harry was so grumpy and that Umbridge was annoying not to the point of being a delightful villain but instead to the point of just being awful and my wanting to be far, far away from her, not reading about her. 

Impressions this time: Even though I had less annoyance with this book than I did the first time, I definitely have been less eager to listen to it than I have been to the other books. As I've driven home listening to it from the hospital, I've felt that same irritation at Umbridge that I felt the first time. With that said, though, there is a lot of interesting information about the wizarding world that is revealed, and a lot of new action develops with Voldemort's return. I think it is definitely an important book to the series and enjoyable for many reasons (like the DA and Harry's first experiences with romance). 

Best new spell: Ginny's Bat-Bogey hex is pretty awesome. 

Best new character: LUNA LOVEGOOD. Hands down. Although the voice that Jim Dale used for her was somewhat obnoxious. He uses this super gravelly voice, and I picture her as the actor from the movie, who speaks in this more high and dreamy type of voice. At any rate, she is absolutely awesome. 

My crush for this book: You know, ordinarily I would probably say Harry at this point, but he was kind of being a punk in this book. Despite the fact that this book is the first book where any romance actually gets started, my book crushes were in abeyance.

Most villainous moment: Umbridge is a pretty nasty villain. In particular I hate her method of detention and her sickly sweet way of delivering awful verdicts. However, I think the most villainous moment is when Kreacher is laughing about Sirius' death. 

New secret discovered about Hogwarts: Learning more about the Room of Requirement was definitely exciting. Especially the fact that it so perfectly equipped the person in need with exactly what they could use, whether that was dummies at which to fire defensive spells or mistletoe for a bit of snogging. 

Coolest new fact learned about the wizarding world: I loved all the different things Harry and his friends came across in the Department of Mysteries, such as the vase that contained Time, the veil of death, and the many prophecies. I also found it somewhat interesting to learn more about the bureaucracy of the Ministry of Magic -- there was definitely more politics involved in this book than in any other Harry Potter book.  

Favorite magical creature: The thestrals were very interesting, and useful. 

Best argument between Ron and Hermione: For whatever reason, I can't recall a good argument in this book, although I imagine there must be one. Maybe because Harry was busy arguing with people instead?

Deathly Hallows that show up: The Invisibility Cloak, the Philosopher's Stone is mentioned

Horcruxes that show up: Nagini

Coolest magical object: Frank and George's various shenanigans were all pretty interesting and cool to read about. 

YA Friday: Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull

Title: Seeds of Rebellion
Author: Brandon Mull
Series: Beyonders #2
Genre: MG, YA, fantasy
Publisher: Aladdin, 2012
Source: Received from publisher
Read for: Review

**SPOILERS** for A World Without Heroes, book 1 of Beyonders, are imminent.

Jason Walker has returned to his own world in the midst of the conflict with Maldor, having discovered that the secret word he quested for in the first book was a fluke. Now he is desperate to get back to Lyrian. Meanwhile, Rachel is still in Lyrian, uncertain of Jason's fate, when she learns that she has a powerful gift -- a gift Maldor will do anything to seize.

I remember in the first book of the Beyonders series being stunned by how packed with adventure and excitement the book was. Seeds of Rebellion has possibly surpassed its predecessor. While I gave A World Without Heroes four stars on GoodReads, for some reason when I look back on it I remember having a mediocre experience. With Seeds of Rebellion, I was really impressed at how quickly the book engaged me and how much I enjoyed it.

The only thing that truly bothered me with Seeds of Rebellion was that for much of the first hundred pages or so, I really could not remember many of the characters from the first book. I remembered the general premise and many of the main plot points, but the characters were vague for me. I think this is partly because I read the book over a year ago, but more than this I think it is because both novels are packed with new characters. Both novels are somewhat episodic in nature, with the characters jumping from adventure to adventure and picking up many new friends (and enemies) along the way. While things slowly came back to me or were re-explained, I did feel that all of the information made the book harder to retain.

However, I did enjoy the characters and the adventurous plot. Although at times Jason seemed a little flat to me in this installment of the trilogy, I was very pleased with Rachel's increased powers and her growing importance in the story. For much of the first book, Rachel had to sit on the sidelines (although she did play a very important part in one section). In this book, Rachel is the genuine hero as she discovers her talents and the ways they can help the cause of defeating Maldor. I also enjoyed getting to know more of the diverse peoples and creatures of Lyrian.

I also really enjoyed the plot. The adventures were once again non-stop, making Seeds of Rebellion a very exciting read. It is clear that Brandon Mull has vast stores of imagination, because we go from adventure to adventure at such a rapid pace through all these different worlds and races. At times I wished that we could spend a bit more time with each one, but it was interesting to be exposed to so many different groups. I think my favorite adventure in Seeds of Rebellion was that involving the Forbidden Kingdom, a walled off piece of Lyrian from which no traveler can ever return, due to its infestation with the living dead. I love a good, creepy zombie story.

I also enjoyed Mull's writing. While the level tends to be about middle grade, this book feels more young adult to me due to the increased violence from other books by Mull (such as the Fablehaven books). One quote in particular stood out to me, enough that I wanted to share it -- I think the image is conveyed so poignantly.

Rachel had never envisioned such virtuosity with a weapon. It was like watching a concert pianist play an impossible piece of music, fingers flying to strike mind-boggling patterns of notes and to pound sprawling chords. No, it was more than that. It was like watching that pianist play an impossible piece with dynamite strapped to his back, rigged to detonate if he touched a wrong note.

Fairly awesome, in my opinion.

While there are certain aspects of Seeds of Rebellion that didn't work perfectly for me, I was very caught up in the excitement of the story. I am looking forward to the final book in the trilogy and the exciting conclusion that awaits.

3.75 stars

Warnings: Violence