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.)

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.

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)

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

Title: Daughter of the Forest
Author: Juliet Marillier
Series: Sevenwaters #1
Genre: Fantasy, fairy-tale retelling
Publisher: Tor Books, 2001
Source: Gift from my mom
Read for: Alex Awards challenge, Chunkster challenge

Daughter of the Forest is a retelling of the six swans fairy tale. Sorcha is the seventh child of a seventh son and the only girl in her family. She loves her childhood with her six brothers, learning to heal and having strange encounters with the Fair Folk. However, Sorcha's life is turned upside down first when she encounters a Briton, sworn enemy of her people, and second when her father marries the beautiful but venomous Lady Oonagh. Her family torn apart, Sorcha begins a quest to save her brothers. However, her quest takes her places she could hardly have imagined.

I am not especially familiar with the fairy tale of the six swans, but I do know that Daughter of the Forest was a compelling and beautiful read, rich with descriptions and haunting mystery. I found myself completely enthralled in Sorcha's world and eager for the next installment of the trilogy.

I think one of the greatest strengths of Daughter of the Forest is the atmosphere. Marillier creates a world that is beautiful yet completely wild and untamable. The beliefs of Sorcha's family lend an eerie, mystical feel to the story. As Sorcha encounters the Britons, the atmosphere changes into more of the hearty, meat-and-potatoes, green countryside type of setting, but Sorcha keeps her haunting air of magic. The way the mood enveloped the story made it so powerful and entrancing.

Hand in hand with the atmosphere is the beauty of the writing. Marillier's voice is distinct and lovely, with vivid descriptions of the forests and the emotions of the characters. I felt completely invested, completely involved with Sorcha's tale. I think the ability to involve a person so deeply into a book that is so long and so different from my contemporary life demonstrates Marillier's remarkable skill as a writer, and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.

Another aspect of Daughter of the forest that was extremely compelling to me was the depth of emotion in each of the characters. They do not experience flat, simple urges and reactions. Instead, their experiences are complicated and their sentiments are reflections of that complexity. I  felt strongly about what Sorcha was going through, experiencing moments of anguish and joy as if they were my own, even when the circumstances were situations I have never experienced. The sheer emotion of the characters were transmitted exquisitely through the writing.

Daughter of the Forest was a powerful and lovely book. As a fantasy novel it satisfied me by providing an interesting world with magic, but it also satisfied me simply because it stirred my emotions and was beautifully written. I am looking forward to reading the next book, Son of Shadows.

5 stars

Warnings: Violence, a scene of sexual abuse