Description: The Balance of Power Has Finally Tipped...The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise.

Who Will Crumble? Kell - once assumed to be the last surviving Antari - begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And in the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive?

Who Will Rise? Lila Bard, once a commonplace - but never common - thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible.

Who Will Take Control? And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay.

Review: After thoroughly enjoying the first two books in the Shades of Magic series, A Darker Shade of Magic and A Gathering of Shadows, I had very high expectations for the final book in the series. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met and I appear to be in the minority who felt that the series finale did not end on a strong note.
  There are three main reasons why I gave A Conjuring of Light a low rating: the lack of character development, pacing issues, and a weak villain. In the first two books of this series, we are introduced to a fantastic cast of characters with quirky personalities and watch how they interact with one another. I wanted more character development in this book. We get pieces of it sprinkled throughout the book such as Rhy's parents change of heart when it comes to Kell and his actions or Kell getting the chance to learn about his parents, both of which are great discussion points but Schwab barely scratches the surface with it. I also needed the answer as to what happened with Lila's eye that is constantly asked throughout the book by each character that she meets and never answered. I also wanted to dig deeper into Lila's past. The romances in the book also left me unsatisfied. While we get the romantic tension climax between Kell and Lila as they finally openly admit their attraction and affection for one another, I was actually more interested in Rhy and Alucard's romance that was quickly summed up.
  Another issue I had with the book is the inconsistency of pacing in the book. There were parts that I quickly read, particularly the beginning where we get answers to the cliffhanger of A Gathering of Shadows, and others that dragged on and on. I think my issues of pacing is that I did not feel threatened by the main villain in the story. While I do understand his threat to the Londons in the series, I didn't just find him compelling enough to read pages and pages about him. As a result my interest in the book embed and flowed and I certainly didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first two books. Despite my issues, this was still an okay read and I would still recommend this series. I guess I need to lower my expectations for series finales.

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language and violence in the book. There are two small sex scene that isn't too graphic in the book.

If you like this book try: Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, A Madness of Angels (Matthew Swift #1) by Kate Griffin

Description: It has been four months since a mysterious obsidian stone fell into Kell's possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Prince Rhy was wounded, and since the nefarious Dane twins of White London fell, and four months since the stone was cast with Holland's dying body through the rift--back into Black London.
   Now, restless after having given up his smuggling habit, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks as she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games--an extravagant international competition of magic meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries--a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.
  And while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning. But the balance of magic is ever perilous, and for one city to flourish, another London must fall.

Review: A Gathering of Shadows is a great follow up to A Darker Shades of Magic. It takes place 4 months after Kell and Lila saved the world with big changes. Now Lila has wormed her way onto a pirate ship called the Night Spire and sailed away from Red London with an enigmatic and mesmerizing pirate named Alucard Emery in search of an adventure and a new beginning. Lila has been transfixed in learning all she can about magic and how to hold/manipulate it. Meanwhile Kell is still dealing with the consequences that nearly took his life and that of his adoptive brother Rhy.
  Like the previous installment, the plot is a slow build until the upcoming magical tournament called the Essen Tasch which reminded a lot of Goblet of Fire tournament except the adult version where magicians fight to the death. Of course there is a lot of treachery and deception that occur in the background as all of our characters meet together.  Schwab expands the world beyond Red London and we learn different facets to our characters.
   I have to say that I really fell for Alucard Emery who reminded me a lot of Sturmhond from Bardguo's Grisha Trilogy, a character that has many layers beyond the rakish captain facade. There is mention that Rhy and Alucard has a romantic history and Kell is not a big fan of Alucard so I'm really curious to learn more about this couple. There is also a slight undercurrent of romantic tension between Kell and Lila that continues to spill over in this book though both of them will vehemently deny their feelings for one another. Overall I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first book since it contained the tournament which was a lot of fun to read about. There is a nasty cliffhanger so be sure to have the third book, A Conjuring of Light, on hand when you are done to make sure all your favorite characters are safe. This is a really fascinating world where magic can both be a blessing and a curse depending on how the characters use it.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, crude humor, and some strong violence. Suitable for teens and adults.

If you like this book try: A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab and Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Description: Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black. Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand. After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure. Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.

Review: The Shade of Magic series is a great introduction to fantasy for readers who may not be too comfortable with the genre. It is fast paced adventure that is quick to get into with a great, medium-sized cast of characters with an easy to understand world and magic system. It is also a great teen to adult crossover book. 

Description: Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side. And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.
  Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?
  For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip-smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her. And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love…or be killed himself. As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear—the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.

Review: The Crown's Game was one of the most hyped books of 2016. I kept seeing it everywhere on the blogosphere and on booktuber's channels. I did a pretty good job dodging these titles, but alas curiosity got the best of me again. The Crown's Game did not wow me at all and despite its cool premise, it left me wanting more. 
 In an alternate 19th-century Russia, the tsar can call upon the abilities of an enchanter. Normally, only one exists at a time. In the rare case that two are born, they must compete, because Russia's inherent magic will allow only one to remain alive. Vika is an expert at controlling the elements and has been training her whole life to serve her country, unaware that another enchanter exists. Nikolai, best friend to the tsar's son, Pasha, has been training with his mentor explicitly for the Crown's Game. When the game begins, Vika and Nikolai take turns showing off their magical prowess for the tsar, creating wonders that get more powerful with each turn until the Crown Game finally begins.
 I didn't care for any of the characters in the Crown's Game and I found them so bland, one dimensional for my tastes. Furthermore Nikolai and Pasha seemed interchangeable to me until the author would point out their different social statuses. I expected Vika and Nikolai to have some suspicions about one another, but to my dismay they quickly became friends and starting to fall for one another. The "magic show" felt like I was watching a Disney montage instead of both enchanters displaying their strengths. Also it was so obvious that Nikolai, Vika, and Pasha would form a love triangle. Overall I felt very bored for most of the book and was further disappointed when the author seems to find a loop hole into her own premise of how only one enchanter can survive. Needless to say I will not continue this series.

Rating: 2 stars

Words of Caution: Infidelity and child born out of wedlock are mentioned in the story. There is also a scene at a bar. Recommended for strong Grade 8 readers and up.

If you like this book try: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Shadow and Bone series by Leigh Bardugo

Description: When Esquire magazine planned an issue to salute the American jazz scene in 1958, graphic designer Art Kane pitched a crazy idea: how about gathering a group of beloved jazz musicians and photographing them? He didn’t own a good camera, didn’t know if any musicians would show up, and insisted on setting up the shoot in front of a Harlem brownstone. Could he pull it off?

Review: Jazz Day is remarkable poetry collection in which the author recreates an iconic 1958 Harlem photograph spotlighting many famous jazz musicians in just 21 poems. The poems flows beautifully as the sets up the background starting with Kane's inspiration of the photograph to providing short glimpses of the musicians' biography. Since I don't listen to jazz, a lot of the musicians were new to me and I learned a great deal from the poems. My favorite part of the book is the illustrated reproduction of the famous photograph. The illustrator beautifully captures not only the photograph in great details in acrylic and pastel painting but also captures the tone and the excitement of the photo shoot in progress. There is also an extensive resources page with thumbnail biographies, list of source notes, and bibliography for further reading. Jazz Day is a great resource for teachers and librarians who would like to do a lesson on music and poetry.  

Curriculum Connection: Art, music, and poetry. 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for strong Grade 3 readers and up. 

If you like this book try: Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown, Harlem Hell Fighters by J. Patrick Lewis




Description: Some girls are perfectly happy never doing anything out of the ordinary. But Addie was anything but ordinary. She longed for thrills and excitement! At a time when a young lady appearing onstage was considered most unusual, Addie defied convention and became a dancer. And when she married the world-famous magician Herrmann the Great, she knew she had to be part of his show. Addie wanted to shock and dazzle! She would do anything to draw the crowds, even agree to be shot out of a cannon. But when Herrmann the Great died, Addie couldn’t disappoint her loyal fans — the show had to go on. What could she do?

Review: Anything But Ordinary Addie is a very fun read. Like many people, I also thought women were only the magician's assistant, but this pictorial biography should me that I was very wrong. Adelaide Herrman was a 19th century female magician. From a very young age, Adelaide did not want to be just any ordinary girl. Her independent spirit fueled her passion to push the limits of her gender. She joined a dance troupe, later joined the circus, and  delighted crowds by riding the bicycle-like “boneshaker.” She was introduced to magic when she boarded a ship from Europe to the U.S. where she met her husband Herrmann the Great. After a tragedy, she transitioned from a magician assistant to an established magician. Like the subject, the illustrations of this pictorial biography are larger than life and very lifelike. The colors are vibrant and bold. Each page draws you in and you begin to feel as if you are in the 19th century and Adelaide is performing right before your eyes. In addition to great story and illustrations, I also loved the female empowerment message.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 1 and up.

If you like this book try: Miss Mary Reporting by Sue Macy, The House that Jane Built by Tanya Lee Stone, Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough

It's Monday and time for Manga Mondays! Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. I haven't found a series that I want to dive in and read so I'm trying a few different series in hopes that one of them would grab my attention.


Description: Yume desperately wants to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a magic user in the worst way! She innocently practices using magic to help the people she encounters: struggling soccer players, the wrongly incarcerated, and a student who wants to show his moon-loving teacher a lunar eclipse on a cloudy evening. On this coming-of-age journey filled with genuine imagination and a passionate sense of awe, follow Yume as she learns that the true magic in life can take place right inside her own heart.

Review: Someday's Dreamers has great potential of being a great manga, unfortunately it is very slow, bland, and confusing. The world-building aspect of the story is very interesting albeit unfinished. I wasn't exactly sure how things worked in this world of magic and mages. The characters also seemed to have depth and interesting motivations. This manga has a hard time deciding whether it wanted to be an action-packed magical adventure series, a deep character study, or even a combination of both of these. The story refuses to dig into either the world or the characters and instead it meanders around on these small episodes, occasionally giving us tantalizing hints of depth, but then just as soon pulling away. The basic story that I got from this volume is a kindhearted girl named Yume travels to Tokyo to further her training as a magic user. With the guidance of her teacher, Masami Oyamada, she takes on different clients to grant them wishes closest to their heart.
As I mentioned earlier the pacing is a bit off in this series. There are a plethora of flashbacks, but it's not always clear that they are flashbacks. On the plus side, I did think the artwork was nicely done but there were a few panels that I found hard to read because there was so much crammed into them. Even though Someday's Dreamers is a two volume series, I didn't feel think this story grabbed me enough to pick up the next volume. I will try and see, however, if there is an anime based on the series that I might watch instead.

Rating: 2 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for strong Grade 5 readers and up.

If you like this book try: Someday's Dreamer: Spellbound series by Norie Yamada

  2014 doesn't seem to be the year of good finales. I've been sad to see some of the books series that I've been looking forward to end on such a sad note. I'll have to add the last book in the Avry of Kazan/Healer series, Taste of Darkness, to the pile of disappoints. Please note that this review is based on the advanced reader's copy of the book provided by the book's publisher via Netgalley.

Description: She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears? Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever. But there's a more immediate threat: The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever. Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

Review: I really hoped Taste of Darkness would end the Avry of Kazan series on a high note, but unfortunately it didn't. The book does not read like a whole novel but rather little novellas stringed along together. There are many subplots featured in this book in addition to the overall plot arc of saving the Fifteen Realms from evil rulers. Due to the episodic nature of the book, I didn't really feel invested in really any of the missions and had to put the book down because it wasn't holding my attention.
  Avry is still likable as a heroine and her relationship with Kerrick grows stronger. Both of these characters find a way to work around with their own flaws of stubbornness and putting other people's needs before their own. Since Avry and Kerrick go on separate adventures, the narrative is split in two, each of them having their own point of views. I liked Avry's point of view more than Kerrick since I was never really a fan of him, especially with how he treated Avry in the first book, and that many of the secondary characters that stole the show for me were featured in her point of view. I was surprised to find out a new villain was introduced in this book only because I didn't think the story arc featuring the earlier villain, Tohlon, was complete. Though The Skeleton King appeared menacing, I didn't think he was fully developed and didn't come across as strong in the book. Overall, the Avry of Kazan is a decent series that had the potential to be a great story.

Rating: 2 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong violence, fade to black sexual situations, and some language. Recommended for teens and adults who like fantasy.

If you like this book try: try: The Shifter by Janice Hardy, Study series by Maria V. Snyder, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Fire by Kristin Cashore, Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

  I have been meaning to pick up Leigh Bardugo's Grisha series ever since I read great reviews about them. I finally got the chance to do so a month ago and was lucky enough to get an advanced reader's copy of the second book ahead of time. If you are interested in a fantasy that uses Slavic and Russian lore, be sure to pick this series up. The second book in the series, Siege and Storm, will be released next month (June 4th) according to Amazon. Many thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced reader's copy of Siege and Storm via Netgalley.

Description (from the Publisher): Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Review: At first glance, there is really nothing new to Shadow and Bone. Bardugo sets familiar tropes of fantasy such as court intrigue, magic, and characters finding dormant powers against the backdrop of a Russianesque land. In the opening passages, we are transported back in time and meet two small orphans, the handsome, competent Mal and the fragile, tiny Alina, who never seems to do anything right, who have developed a tight bond. Jumping forward present day, the story follows the two friends after they have joined the King’s First Army: Mal as a soldier-tracker and Alina as a cartographer. When placed in a life and death situation in the Shadow Fold, a mysterious, magical darkness that seethes with flesh-eating monsters, Alina discovers that she possesses a magical power that she had not known. Quickly, she is taken to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, magicians who practice the Small Science.
  My issue with Shadows and Bone is not in its worldbuilding. Bardugo's skill is demonstrated in making Ravka come to life, however, I didn't really have a good grasp of the surrounding kingdoms that posed a threat to Ravka. I also thought the story took too long for the intrigue aspect of the plot to take flight. Apart from the charismatic, enigmatic Darkling, the people of the court were very blase.
    Bardugo has engaging characters, but I didn't think they were allowed time to develop. Alina is a somewhat likable character, but she got too whiny at times for me. Her wishy-washing actions made me wonder if she was truly capable of being an important leader that she is destined to be. I thought her strong friendship with Mal was evident, but I had a hard time believing their relationship could be anything else because there was virtually no development in their romance. When they did get together, however, their romance lacked heat. There are some clever turns in the fast moving plot, however, some of them were revealed too quickly. Despite these issues, I was interested enough in Bardugo's exotic and vivid world to see what happened next.

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, sexual innuendo, and strong fantasy violence. Recommended for strong Grades 7 readers and up.

If you like this book try: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson


Description (from the Publisher): Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.
   The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Review: Shadow and Bone reads like a coming of age story set in a fantasy world. Siege and Storm, the second book in the Grisha Trilogy, changes the tone from a bildungsroman to a political thriller. Alina and Mal are on the run. All they want is to put Ravka and the megalomaniacal Darkling far behind them. Alas, this is far easier said than done. Captured by the Darkling and forced onto a ship captained by the notorious pirate Sturmhond, they find themselves in pursuit of the second of three magical amplifiers that will make Alina powerful beyond belief--and bind her ever-closer to the ancient, evil Darkling. Sturmhond has an unexpected agenda of his own, though, and turns on the Darkling. Darkling temporarily thwarted, Alina and Mal find themselves back in Ravka's capital as part of the ailing king's younger son's attempt to find his way to the throne.
   I definitely liked Siege and Storm much more than Shadow and Bone as it fixed a lot of my issues with Shadow and Bone. Alina's voice isn't as whiny this time around. I actually felt that I understood her and her predicament much more, especially as she struggles to deflect the allure of power that she draws from her ability. The relationship between Mal gets complex without the use of a love triangle yet I was surprised to see how much these two characters have trust issues. For a couple who seem to be all about devotion, they sure are insecure about their relationship and easily jealous of other people.
  There are also some great new characters added to the mix. I absolutely loved the Sturmhound. He is incredibly talented as playing the part of a ruler and a diplomat. Though I liked Mal, I couldn't help but hope that he and Alina would get together. I thought they did have some chemistry. I really hope to see him in the final book. While there really isn't a big cliffhanger in Siege and Storm, there are some serious questions that need to be addressed: Who is Alina?  Is she Mal's lover? Prince Nikolai's pawn? Commander of the Grisha Second Army? Saint? Though the book may seem large, over 400 pages long, I had no problem speed reading through them. Scheming and action carried me until the last page. I'm really curious to see how Bardugo ends her series.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and strong fantasy violence. Recommended for strong Grade 7 readers and up.

If you like this book try: His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFevers, The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Clarke

  A couple of weeks ago, I had a bad reading streak. Nothing seemed to catch my eye and books that I had anticipated to really enjoy just kind of fizzled. In hopes of overcoming my bad book after-taste, I picked up the second book in the Dresden Files. The humor, action, and mystery is just want I needed in order to revitalize me as a reader. I don't feel a sense of urgency to read the Dresden Files series straight through, unlike some other series, but that's not to say that the Dresden Files isn't good. It is and I would highly recommend them to readers who enjoy urban fantasy and crime fiction.

Description (from Goodreads): Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn't been able to dredge up any kind of work—magical or mundane.
  But just when it looks like he can't afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise. A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses;and the first two don't count...

Review: Fool Moon is even better than Storm Front. Butcher seems to have a better sense of what he would like to do with his characters and his intricate and complex world of magic set against the back drop of the Windy City. Fool Moon treats its readers to more world building, especially where the paranormal creatures such as werewolves and were-creatures are involved, more back story, and more insight into Harry and his friends.
  I found Harry instantly likable in Storm Front. He comes off as your average gumshoe detective who just happens to be a wizard and almost always broke. In Fool Moon we get a glimpse of Harry's vulnerabilities, his lack of companionship, and other parts of his psyche. Harry's big flaw is his constant impulsive behaviors that go against the guardians of magic, the White Council, not because he is abusing his powers but he finds himself in places he shouldn't be. Though placed on the White Council's watch list, Harry is always showing them how wrong they have him pegged. Yes, he can be extremely annoying and a pain to them, but his actions continuously show his good intentions and his sense of justice.
  I really enjoyed the beginnings of his relationship with his police partner Murphy in the first book. As this story progressed, it became clear to Harry that he is now forced to evolve his relationship with Murphy to the next level- mind you that it isn't physical but reaching out a trusting hand in friendship. He really came to see just how much he put her at risk while selfishly believing that he was protecting her. I hope that as the series moves forward now that he will be more open and up front with her. Murphy is definitely a person that Harry should have in his corner. 

  Scent of Magic is the second book in the Healer/Avry of Kazan series by Maria V. Snyder. Since I enjoyed the first book, I was really happy to find the second book on Netgalley. Many thanks for the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. Scent of Magic has already been released and is now available at a library/bookstore near you.

Description (from Goodreads): Hunted, Killed—Survived?

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.
  Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.
  War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again.

Review: Scent of Magic picks up right where Touch of Power leaves off. Though the author does provide a good recap of what previously happened, I would still recommend reading Touch of Power to get a good sense of the characters and the world building. Avry and Kerrick are together, but their friends and enemies think she is dead. Using the advantage of her rumored death, Avry impersonates a soldier, infiltrates and teaches the High Priestess Estrid’s army how to move silently through the forest undetected while trying to get close to her estranged sister. Meanwhile, Kerrick leaves to warn his own kingdom of Tolon's threat and sets off on his own adventures.
  Scent of Magic tries hard to avoid the middle book syndrome, but doesn't quite succeed. There are tons of new characters introduced and a new game plan is set to avoid the potential catastrophe of the incredibly evil Tolon's army. Tolon as you may recall is a magician who has the ability to awaken and control the dead. The book's structure is quite strange. Each single chapter is divided into Avry's and Kerrick's point of view. Avry's parts of the story were more enjoyable because I really like her character plus we also get to spend time with our great secondary characters. (As a side note, Snyder is only of the few authors that I've read who creates fantastic secondary characters that you love just as much as you love the main leads.) Kerrick's point of view, however, didn't really have much excitement. While the author does try to put his best characteristics forward, Kerrick does absolutely nothing for me. Can you believe that I wouldn't really mind it if there was a love triangle in this series?
  In addition to the clunky structure, I felt the plot twists were a bit too convenient and easy to figure out. Instead of being completely surprised, I thought they were anticlimactic, especially with the rushed and melodramatic cliffhanger ending. Some events such as the meeting between Avry and her long lost sister happened too quickly than I would have liked. Also Tolon unfortunately changed from a formidable and unpredictable villain to a complete moron. I was really embarrassed for him.    
  While Scent of Magic is a bit disappointing, I'm still curious to see how Avry's journey ends. I do like and care for the majority of the characters enough to see this series ending. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, disturbing images, and sexual situations. Recommended for teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: The Shifter by Janice Hardy, Study series by Maria V. Snyder, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Fire by Kristin Cashore, Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

  The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern has been a popular book at my public library for quite some time. I had planned on reading it when it was listed on the ALA's Alex Award, a resource that I often use when I'm stumped to read for adult fiction. I was excited and curious to read the book after hearing such enthusiastic responses to it. Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me.

Description (from the publisher): The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Cirque des Reves and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway - a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love - a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands. True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Review: I have no idea who wrote the above description for The Night Circus, but the book I read had none of the epic selling points. No huge duel, no sweep off your feet romance, and while there were a myriad of characters I wasn't able to tell if they were extraordinary or not because they went in and out of the story at arbitrary times.
  I read The Night Circus for a book club that I recently joined. It was met with plenty of positive reviews except from me. I didn't love it or hate it but was rather confused as to why everyone seemed to get something out of the story which I did not. I couldn't get comfortable with the story nor the characters. It was as if I was looking through a misty window that failed to clear up no matter how much I try to wipe it down while trying to see what was outside.
  After much thought, I think I understand why this book didn't work for me. I really do think your enjoyment of the book depends on what type of learner you are. Why does it matter? Well, The Night Circus is written entirely in third person omnipresent with an occasional interludes of a second person narrative. The book heavily relies on visuals. The book is almost entirely composed of description. While I thought the description is very cinematic and beautifully done, as a reader I felt immediately alienated. You already begin the book knowing that you're an outsider, a spectator of the events that unfold in front of you. You can only watch from a distance but not touch or come any closer. After a few lovely passages, the narrative became contrite, dull, and indulgent. I don't mind great imagery, but I'd rather have imagery to support the novel instead of becoming the novel. The writing style severely impaired my reading ability and I really had to push myself to finish it. I had already spent a few hours reading it, what more could a couple of more do to actually finish it?
   As someone as a visual and auditory learner, none of the characters became three dimensional people to me. I never got a chance to hear their own voices. I knew about them without really getting to know them per se. Sure, I could tell you who they are superficially, but they didn't mean anything to me as a reader. I can also tell you want the games were about, but I thought the whole point of it was long winded and frankly, boring. With the exception of timer periods noted at each chapter which I really didn't understand their significance because we are told virtually nothing about what is happening outside of the circus, there weren't many context clues, to give me much sense of the character's personalities. I felt the book could really have been written at any time period.
  People who I've talked to who didn't like the book often say it's because they don't care for the fantasy genre, but for me it's not the genre that bothers me. Perhaps if I listened to the story instead of reading it, I might have liked it a bit more. I know that the book rights have been bought by Summit Entertainment but there's probably going to be a lot of tweaking with the plot and pacing for the story to have action. In the case of The Night Circus, maybe just maybe the movie might be better for me than the book.

Rating: 2 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, a small non-explicit sex scene, and disturbing images. Recommended for teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: The Art of Disappearing by Ivy Pochoda, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanne Clarke, Vaclav & Lena by Haley Tanner

  As a gift for their readers during the holiday season last month, husband and wife team Ilona Andrews offered up a free Kate Daniels novella for a limited time. The novella, Magic Gifts, takes place at the same time as Andrea’s book, the upcoming Gunmetal Magic and right after Magic Slays. The two stories intersect. If you have not already, I highly recommend reading the Kate Daniels series. It's one of my favorite series that I recently discovered. There are currently five books out and it's best to read them in order as the series builds upon itself. You can click on my review link which will bring the books up in order for you. 


Description (from Goodreads): A dinner date after a hard day at work sounds heavenly. Of course, when that date is between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels, things don’t go as planned. Before you know it, undead are running amok, heads are being chopped off, lawyers are deployed and used with extereme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out. 

Review: Reading about Curran and Kate is a special treat and Magic Gifts is no exception. I know when I read the Kate Daniel series I'm always craving more scenes that feature both Curran and Kate together and in Magic Gifts we get a glimpse into their relationship and in their daily lives. What was suppose to be a simple, relaxing dinner date turns out to be anything but as a battle between vampires, mages, shape-shifters, and Vikings with the mead and axes interrupts.   
 I thoroughly enjoyed Magic Gifts and read it in one sitting as there were no dull moments in the book. I liked learning about what is going on with the Merc and how Kate was going to deal with that situation. While this is discussed and touched on a bit, it was quickly pushed to the wayside while the characters faced a more prominent issue. I also loved learning about more mythological creatures that inhabit Kate's world and I made a mental note to never tick off a Viking. *shudders* Though the conflict gets resolved by the end of the book, I though it was a bit rushed and that may because the novella is a mere 100 pages. The novella does fulfill its purpose in just whetting our appetites while we agonizingly wait for Gunmental Magic (August 2012) to be released and I'm dying to know what happened to Andrea and Raphael.


Rating: 4 stars


Words of Caution: There is some strong language and violence. Recommended for older teens and adult only.


If you like this book try: Bloodsong series by Cat Adams, Mercy Thomspon series by Patricia Briggs, Fray or Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 graphic novel series by Joss Whedon, Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neil, Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

  After reading the jaw dropping cliffhanger of Hard Bitten, I was counting the days until the release of Drink Deep. In the meantime, I formulated theories with a coworker who is reading the series with me during lunch breaks. Lots of questions were raised and I wondered how Neill was going to tackle them all in the next book.

Description (from Goodreads): Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down. That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.
  Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.

Review: Drink Deep is really hard for me to review because of my conflicted feelings about the book. There were lot of things that I really enjoyed, which added to the story. There were other parts that I thought weren't fully flushed and incredibly rushed at the end. I'll try my best and highlight both the strength and weaknesses of the book. 
   Drink Deep is entertaining and full of little twists and surprises that kept me turning the pages. Neil has created a new mystery where no one seems to know what is going on, which builds tension and the right amount of suspense. Magic is unbalanced and the supernaturals are blaming each other for the causes. Merit is on the case to clear the vampires' reputation. During Merit's investigation, we learn more about the lesser known paranormal creatures such as the nymphs and the fairies, which I found interesting. I always love learning new tidbits in Neil's intricate world.
  After the devastating events that left Merit shattered, it was nice to see her back on her feet. She could have easily wallowed and whined her way throughout the book, but I'm glad to have old Merit back. Of course she is still in pain and trying to wrap her head around what happen, but I'm glad that her life isn't on pause. 
  I also enjoyed learning about Jonah, who was an important side character in the last two books. We get to see him in action. He is smart, witty, and incredibly good looking. He knows his place and doesn't push. I wasn't quite sure of Jonah before this book, but I grew to like him. 
  Though I was enthralled by Drinking Deep, the book is not up to par with the other books in the series. I actually think in some respects that it is the weakest book in the series thus far. The book came across a little bit as filler or even a transition book. While the mystery had me guessing for a good chunk of the book, I thought it was too conveniently solved at the end. I'm still wondering how all the pieces come together actually. Some of my favorite characters seem to adopt new and unwelcoming personality changes. The main question that all readers asked of Neill is answered yet I felt it was rushed and not really rewarding (I can't really complain all that much. It was nice to see.). Overall the plot arc of the book isn't integral to the series, except for the last few chapters. When I finished the book, I'm still left with questions, but I'm looking forward to the adventure that Neill is setting us up for in Biting Cold and hopefully a return the Chicagoland Vampire normalcy that I can expect.
 
Rating: 3.5

Words of Caution: There is some language and allusions to sex. Recommended for mature teen readers and adults.

If you like this book try: Biting Cold by Chloe Neil (Chicagoland Vampires #6), Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep, Cassandra Palmer series by Karen Chance, Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead, Kate Daniel series by Ilona Andrews, Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs

 I'm relatively new to the urban fantasy genre. Thanks to friend recommendations I've found great reads. I first heard about Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicle series from Missie over at The Unread Reader. It's kinda hard to not pick books that are featured in her My Book Boyfriend meme. When she featured Atticus O'Sullivan, I knew I had to go out and find this book. Thanks for the recommendation, Missie!

Description (from Amazon): Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.
   Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Review: When I picked up Hounded, I read a few books that didn't work well for me and I needed a change. Hounded hit the spot with its witty characters, a great blend of mythologies and the modern world along with a sharp sense of humor. Before reading this book, I've only read urban fantasy series such as the Kate Daniels and Mercy Thompson series which are driven by a strong female character. Hounded is the first male driven urban fantasy series that I've read.
  Atticus O'Sullivan is a 2100-year old Druid, supposedly the last of his kind. He is disguised as a good looking 21 year old Irish guy. He lives in Tempe, Arizona, and runs a New Age herbal and book store. Atticus is on the run from the Celtic god of love who wants a mystical sword that Atticus took from him in a battle centuries ago. The god also wants Atticus dead. Periodically, as the god has located Atticus, he sends his minions after him to kill him. In Hounded, the god of love wants to kill him personally. 
   In the scope of the urban fantasy genre, many of the common tropes exist. The Tuatha De Danann, werewolves, vampires, witches, ghouls, gods, goddesses, demons, etc., are present in the story but they are not common knowledge to the general human population. Though the book focuses on the Celtic mythology, which I'm not well versed in at all, Hearne gives the reader enough contextual clues to understand the mythological figures and to not make the reader feel lost. Elements from other mythologies such as Native American, Slavic, Nordic and Indian mythologies are included in the book too, which made the book rich and even more interesting.
  I thought all the characters are fleshed-out and interesting, and most of all, the highlight of this book is its sense of humor. The plot has some nice twists and turns. There is enough action in the book to keep the reader's attention. I never felt bored while reading the book. Things that seem impossible things are given enough logical explanations so that I didn't have to suspend too much disbelief to take me out of the story.  
  Atticus is a delightful hero who is paranoid, smart, snarky, yet has a warm heart. He is rough around the edges, but you can easily see why he has been alive for many centuries. I loved how well he tries to adjust to live with today's world. His commentary of why today's people do the things they do were extremely amusing. As he looks back on his past, you can tell he has definitely retained life lessons that has helped him along the way. His loyalty to his Irish wolfhound, Oberon, is heartwarming and brought a smile to my face several times. Oberon and Atticus are able to communicate mentally and their conversations are hysterical. Here is one of my favorite snippets: 

Oberon: Well, give her back her check and send her packing! We don't need to play her witch's games. They always want to get you and your little dog, too!

Atticus: "I knew I should have never let you watch the Wizard of Oz."

Oberon: Toto didn't deserve that type of trauma. He was so tiny.

In addition to Atticus and Oberon, one of my favorite secondary character is the Widow MacDonaugh, an elderly woman that is Atticus's neighbor and a friend. MacDonaugh has survived the sectarian conflicts in Northern Ireland. She is incredibly funny and not your stereotypical old lady who is completely oblivious to what's going on. She actually picks up things quite quickly and in her own unique way accepts Atticus's quirks and explanations. I would love to have her as my grandmother.
   This is one of those books that I wish I could hear on audiobook. I would love to hear the Irish accent and the proper way to pronounce the various ethnic names in the book. Thankfully, there is a glossary included in the first book that I found to be useful and referred to a lot in the beginning. Hounded is one of the books that you want to read to the end once you start it.  I know that I will definitely be getting the next two books in the series.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong language and violence in the book. There are also allusions to sex. Recommended for mature teens and up only.

If you like this book try: Hexed (Iron Druid Chronicles #2) by Kevin Hearne or Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher

  I'm really enjoying the ecclectic titles featured in the Rebecca Caudill list this year. You can find the book list at the Illinois School Library Media Association. This list is basically a reader's choice book award for Grades 4 to 8, which are selected by teachers, librarians, and of course, students. I recently finished The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas.

Description: Conn's life is forever changed when he tries to pick the pocket of the wizard Nevery. Instead of being hit with a strong jolt of magic from attempting to steal the wizard's locus magicalicus (all wizards have to have one that specifically belongs to them), Conn feels nothing. Instead of punishing the boy, Nevery takes Conn under his wing, teaches him magic, and enlists his help in finding the person responsible for stealing the city's dwindling magic supply.

Review: The Magic Thief is an enjoyable, fast paced, fantasy read that is sure to be enjoyed by younger and older elementary students. The book opens with Conn narrating his failed pick pocketing attempt with the wizard Nevery. This one encounter has altered his life for good, especially when Nevery realizes that his locus magicalicus (a stone that represents the wizards power and is only controlled by the rightful owner) doesn't harm Conn like it should. The curious wizard takes pity on the poor thief and employs the Conn as his servant, but the boy’s inquisitiveness and talents move him to apprentice status. Nevery can use all the help that he can get as he Nevery has recently returned to Willmet to save the city-state, which is faltering as its magic seeps away.
  What may seem like an ordinary fantasy book seem new is the smart alek voice of Conn and his amusing relationship with Nevery. We learn very early on that Conn doesn't have a great life as an orphaned, poor, street kid but definitely has the desire, drive, and smarts to rise above his destiny. He is able to view magic with a fresh pair of eyes and use his thieving skills as a way to understand how the magic is used. He is continually surprising his master, who seems to always be a few steps behind. As Conn becomes more enmeshed in his new life, he navigates through the intricate dealings of both the wizarding world and the political machinations of the Underlord.
  Besides Conn, the other wonderful character is Nevery. He is a renowed wizard who is grumpy and has a very dry sense of humor. His voice comes alive with his supplemental journals that alternate between Conn's narration. These journals are Nevery's observations as well as a testament as how he perceives Conn.
  While some of the plot is a bit predictable and a fantasy world that doesn't seem as lively as some of the high fantasy books targeted to the middle grade audience, the voices of the characters stand out and make the book enjoyable and I'm sure they will look forward to reading more of this series as new plot twists are revealed.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 4 to 8.

If you like this book try: Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage, The Wizard of Dark Street by Shawn Thomas Odyssey, The Magic Thief: Lost by Sarah Prineas (The Magic Thief Book 2)

Thanks to the recommendations of my good book friends, I discovered the Kate Daniels series. This series has quickly become my favorite. Filled with action, romance, mystery, and humor, each book is a rollercoaster ride. I was thrilled to find out that the latest book was coming out last month and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy. Though the word slays is in the title had me worried that one of the characters will be killed, I wasn't too worried how the awesome husband and wife duo, Ilona Andrews, was going to handle the book.

Description: Kate Daniels has some major life changing events: a new job and a new relationship status to name a few. Stubborn and determined to make it on her own, Kate jumps at an opportunity for an impossible case when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose. Since nothing is easy for Kate, the loose vampire is not an isolated incident but just the beginning of a very probable apocalypse if Kate doesn't get to the bottom of it. The fate of the city and everyone dear to her is in Kate's hands.

Review:  Magic Slays is a terrific addition to the Kate Daniels series. It is well written, intricately woven novel that builds upon its previous installments. While Magic Bleeds may have the tone of a happily ever after, Magic Slays reminds us that the fairy tale ending is not very realistic. Kate faces new obstacles, new enemies, and once again her past threatens to shatter her one chance of happiness. 
  With each book in this series, the writting becomes better and stronger. There is definitely a shift of focus in the writing as it has matured just like our heroine. There is one major storyline which involves an anti-magic “bomb” that is being built in the city and could kill hundreds that draws our attention. While there are some deviation from this storyline, they actually add something to the overal plot and character development. What I love about the Kate Daniels series is that there is no filler. 
  There are a few twist and turns in Magic Slays including startling revelations about Julie and Kate's parents amongst other things. I enjoyed watching all of the established characters grow as well as be introduced to new ones too.
 Kate is one of my favorite heroines. She has a tough as nails exterior but a warm, vulnerable heart, which makes her all that much more endearing and lovable. I have to say that I loved her much more in Magic Slays. There are moments when she could easily back track and remove herself from everyone, but she moves past this and faces her problems head on. I loved watching Kate embrace her magic and her heritage, though it meant for her to go to the dark side.
  I think many readers of the Kate Daniels series will agree with me when I say that the best part of this series is watching Kate's and Curran's relattionship change and grow. They remind me of an urban fantasy version of Elizabeth and Darcy. Their banter always makes me smile because they are so alike and it feels very natural. 
 I know I said this before, but those who haven't read this series must put it on their to be read pile. If you are new to the urban fantasy genre or have thought about diving in but not sure where to start, I would highly recommend this series. If this book piques your interest, please start from the very first book and not the latest one. Though each book is written as a standalone, the character development and world building that occurs in the previous books are crucial to this series. You can find the reading list for the Kate Daniel series here.  

Rating: 5 stars

Words of Caution: There are strong language and strong violence in the book along with a few allusions to sex.

If you like this book try: Bloodsong series by Cat Adams, Mercy Thomspon series by Patricia Briggs, Fray or Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 graphic novel series by Joss Whedon

Image Credit: Ruby Reads

GIVEAWAY: I preordered all the Kate Daniels books this past January, but I had no idea that a friend of mine also preordered them for my birthday this May. Since I love this series so much and I highly recommend them, I'm going to giveaway all of them to one lucky reader. That's right, one person gets a chance to win ALL 5 Kate Daniels books! Since I have the books on hand, this giveaway is open to US Residents only. You don't have to follow my blog to enter, but it is appreciated. To enter, please leave your name/alias along with an email address so I can contact you if you win. I will use Random.org to select the winner. This giveaway ENDS July 22nd at 11 pm EST! Good Luck!

  Throne of Fire is the second book in the Kane Chronicles series by Rick Riordan. Riordan picks up Egyptian mythology this time and incorporating it with humor, adventure, family, and a dash of romance for good measure. I really enjoyed learning about the Egyptian gods and goddesses, something that I knew very little about before picking up this series. Although I didn't enjoy this series as much as his Percy Jackson series or Heroes of Olympus, which focus more on Greek and Roman mythologies that I'm well versed in, I really did like it. 

Description: The gods of Ancient Egyptian are unleashed in our world. Each desiring to have ultimate power and control. Caught in the middle are Carter and Sadie Kane who share a strange connection to the gods. While they may temporarily have saved the world last time, the sakes are even higher now as they must outsmart the House of Life and the gods of chaos in order to complete their worldwide search for an ancient Egyptian book.Who can they trust for help? Who is an ally? Who is a foe?

Review: As you may recall from the first book, The Red Pyramid, the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in our world. Our main characters, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have recently discovered each other and their connection to the gods. The Kane siblings are descendants of the House of Life and have unusual powers, destinies. Like the first book, Sadie and Carter narrate their new adventure with much urgency, warning us that the world is going to end and they need our help.
   Throne of Fire starts with a bang with a fire and a theft in the museum. Carter and Sadie, with the help of their trainees adn friends, try to get an ancient artifact from the museum that will help restore order in the world where the god of Chaos is quickly rising to power. If you are new to this series, I would highly suggest that you read The Red Pyramid first. Although Riordian provides a glossary of the Ancient Egyptian deities and a brief recap sprinkled throughout the story, a lot of the character and world is established in the first book. You can read my review of The Red Pyramid here.
   Throne of Fire was a quick read for me due to Riordan's excellent pacing. There are plenty of action packed moments in the book along with great character introspection as Carter and Sadie reveal their insecurities and worries to the reader. Though Egyptian mythology is not as familiar as Greek or Roman mythology, I never felt Riordan dumbed things down for me nor were they over my head. I learned as Carter and Sadie learned along the way. Seeing how duplicitous the gods are in the book was also a delight.
  I think Riordan connects to a wide range of audience because of his fantastic characters. Carter and Sadie are much more flushed out in Throne of Fire. Their bonds to one another is strengthened. Though they might disagree with each others plan, they are always on the same side. Carter, who seemed to be more serious and kind of bland, opens up more and his complexity begins to show as he reveals his fear of failing the people that he loves. Sadie,who constantly cracks me up with her one liners, is a feisty, smart, and snarky heroine. She can stand on her own two feet and take care of herself yet she too at times is doubtful of her abilities. We are also introduced to two new secondary and important characters, Walt and Jaz, who are important to Carter and Sadie and help move the story along. Throne of Fire, though a bit darker than the first book, is an adventurous roller coaster ride that fans of this series will no doubt love. I look forward to seeing how this exciting series comes to an end with the third and final book. 


Rating: 4.5 stars

Curriculum Connection: Social Studies, English

Words of Caution: There are some scary, fantasy violence that would be rated PG in the book. Recommended for Grades 4 and up, especially those who are interested in mythology and ancient worlds.

If you like this book try: The Ank of Isis by Christine Norris, Children of the Lamp series by Philip Kerr or The Secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott

  When Cassandra Clare announced the Mortal Instrument series will be a six book series instead of three, I had mixed emotions. On the one hand, I was worried because I thought City of Glass wrapped things up so nicely and was afraid that this series would get drawn out. On the other hand, I was excited to meet the cast of characters that I had grown attached to again and was curious as to what could possibly happen to spur three more books. Since City of Fallen Angels was released just this Tuesday, I'm sure many of you either have just started the book or waiting anxious to get your hands on a copy which is why I decided to post a spoiler free review.

Description: It's been two months since the earth shattering events that took place in Idris. Our starring heroes and heroines are trying to readjust to life and find some normalcy, but of course that easier said than done. There has been a mysterious string of murders that are taking place in New York City, which has caused hostility between the Shadowhunters and Downworlders. There seems to be one thing that connect these crimes: Simon Lewis, who was once use to the comfortable shadows, but is now forced to be in the center of everyone's attention. Why does everyone want Simon and who is the mysterious murderer? Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

Review: I didn't just read City of Fallen Angels, I devoured it. I couldn't put the book down. Trying to do work instead of picking up the book was extremely hard. I started Tuesday night and finished it Thursday afternoon during my lunch break at work. It goes without saying that I was sucked into the book and comfortably back into Clare's world where fantasy and contemporary New York City seamlessly blend. I actually felt as if I never left her world. I finished the first three books in the series and I wasn't sure if I remembered everything thing. Thankfully, Clare does give us enough information about past events that jogs our memory but it doesn't bog down the book. For readers who are completely new to this series, I would highly suggest you read the first three books in order (City of Bones, City of Ashes, and City of Glass) before reading this book. Important events and people are mentioned, but aren't fully explained which might cause confusion to new readers.
  City of Fallen Angels reminded me a lot of what I loved about City of Glass, my current favorite book of the Mortal Instrument series, mainly because there is non-stop action, plenty of romantic tension, and snarky humor that has made this series so appealing to me. I have heard from many that this book is called "Simon's book", but that is not necessarily true. Simon does have a larger and important role in the book, but Clare does a great job in providing each character their time on the page, which is why the third person narrating style works so well in the book. While we still get to see our romantic couples in their phases of ecstasy and despair, we also get a sense of a new budding relationship in the works, which I really hope is fruitful.
  I will say that some of the annoying habits of the characters are still prevalent in this new volume of the series. Jace irritated me to no end, but then again he did annoy me in the first three books too with his false bravado and baggage. There were many times when I said to myself  "Here we go again" but after knowing his hardships from the previous books, it still bothered me but I managed to overlook this.
  My favorite part of the book is getting inside Simon's head (he's my favorite character in this series followed strongly by Magnus and Isabelle) and learning how he is adjusting to his new identity along with his power/curse. Through his eyes we can see what it is like to be the insider and the outsider simultaneously. I also loved seeing a different side of Isabelle and Alec, who were more reserved in the first three books, but become more three dimensional in this book. City of Fallen Angels does have a dark tone than its previous books and Clare doesn't hesitate to put her characters into the grinder, which makes us realize that not even fictional characters can escape the consequences of their actions.
  Readers who have read Clockwork Angel, the first book in the prequel series called Infernal Devices, will either see or hear familiar names. We also meet a few new characters along the way too. While some of the plot twists were predictable, many new questions have been raised. Things are just going to get more complicated as they go along and I'm intrigued to know how the events in Victorian England have an effect on our contemporary world. Of course the book ends in a cliffhanger, we are in a YA series after all, and we do have quite a while to wait for the next book in the Mortal Instrument series, City of Lost Souls which will not be released until 2012. Fortunately, we do have to wait only a few months until the second book in the Infernal Devices, Clockwork Prince, which will come out this summer. If you're like me and really enjoyed City of Glass, I don't think you'll be disappointed with City of Fallen Angels and if you are, I would love to know why.


Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There are some intense make-out scenes, some language and PG-13 violence in the book. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, Dark Divine series by Bree Despain, Gemma Doyle series by Libba Bray, Angelfire by Courtney Moulton, Demon Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

  Shakespeare. Love him or hate him, but you can't deny his influence on our literature and pop culture. The most common complaint against Shakespeare is his language. Many readers are unable to understand what his characters are saying. The lack of action and more character introspection seems to turn off lots of people. I guess I'm in the minority that I don't mind the tough language. I like to observe what his characters are doing or aren't doing. Shakespeare's plays weren't made to be read, but to be seen and felt with all of our senses. My favorite thing about Shakespeare is that there is no one single, correct interpretation to his plays, which I know infuriates a lot of readers. It also made me incredibly frustrated when I had to write papers on his play for my classes. So when I came across a book aptly called Kill Shakespeare that seems to bring Shakespeare lovers and haters together, I knew I had to read it.

Description: The heroes of William Shakespeare's plays, Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, and Falstaff, attempt to overcome his most infamous villains, Richard III, Lady Macbeth, and Iago, in order to find and kill the reclusive wizard William Shakespeare and take his magic quill that is said to give immortality and power.

Review: The concept behind Kill Shakespeare is nothing new. Taking well known characters and setting them in a new environment has been done before quite successfully in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore and more recently the Fables graphic novel series by Bill Willingham. While this narrative approach could have failed miserably for Kill Shakespeare, I actually found it very interesting and an enlightening exploration of Bard's well known plays and characters.
  As we begin the graphic novel, Hamlet's father has been murdered and his uncle has taken the throne. A distraught Hamlet is tricked by the incredibly foul, powerful tyrant Richard III and the seductive Lady Macbeth to kill the mysterious wizard known as William Shakespeare and to retrieve his magical quill. If Hamlet is successful in his quest, the leaders promise that they will rise Hamlet's dead father from the grave. Although left in the care of the king’s adviser Iago, Hamlet soon finds himself in the company of the deceptively clownish Falstaff, who brings him before Othello and Juliet, leaders of a rebellion against the king and claims Hamlet as the Shadow King, the chosen one who can only protect William Shakespeare.
  Kill Shakespeare is full of action scenes while keeping an authentic interpretation of the cast while simultaneously adding another layer of complexity to them. For example, Juliet has survived from her disastrous relationship and vows never to give in to her emotions again. She is now a strong, female leader of a rebellion. Like wise Lady Macbeth uses her sexuality to gain an upper hand on the males who think they are in power. She controls the three witches and plays an insiders game. At first I will say that the selection for heroes piqued my interest. I don't really consider Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, or even Falstaff heroic. For the authors to choose them makes me wonder how a hero is defined and whether or not Shakespeare himself would agree with their selection. I actually found myself more interested in the so-called villains and how they try to outsmart one another through their manipulations and games.
   I think Kill Shakespeare has successfully showed Shakespeare-phobic readers what makes the Bard so special. Readers who are unfamiliar with the Bard or his plays are able to follow the story because there are enough context clues given. While some of his original dialogue are retained, it doesn't seem misplaced but flows naturally in the story. I think the combination of drawing and text allows readers to understand what is happening instead of relying on the foot/side notes. I, personally, loved the various connections to many plays and loved seeing characters from other plays pop up in the story. The art, all in color, opens up the world and offers some great background sets that don't overwhelm the characters or their dialogue. I told my English teachers about this graphic novel and already have one reading it. I look forward to hearing their reviews and reading more from this series.

Curricular Connection: English/Shakespeare

Rating: 4.5 stars


Words of Caution: There is some language and allusions to sex throughout the novel. There are also many scenes of bloody violence. Recommended for high school students and adults.


If you like this book try: Fables by Bill Willingham or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore

  I never heard of Nicholas Flamel nor Dr. John Dee until now. Apparently, the are both real, historical figures. Flamel was one of the most popular alchemists of his time. He was born in 1330. It has been rumored that Flamel had discovered the two greatest secrets of alchemy in a book called The Book of Abraham: how to turn metal into gold (also known as the philosopher's stone) and how to become immortal. Historical records show that he died in 1418, but when people dug up his grave it was empty and more rumors spread. Dr. John Dee, like Flamel, was also an alchemist but he was also a spy for Queen Elizabeth I, a mathematical, a geographer, an astronomer, and an astrologer. Flamel and Dee play a major role along with mythology and magic in Michael Scott's best selling series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Famel. I recently finished the first book of the series called The Alchemyst.

Description: Sophie and Josh are ordinary fifteen year old twins, who finds themselves in an extraordinary situation. Unknowingly, they find themselves caught up in the deadly struggle between two archival alchemists, Nicholas Flamel and John Dee, over the possession of an ancient book called The Book of Mage, which holds the most powerful spells. If the book is in the wrong hands, the world as we know it will be destroyed. The more that Sophie and Josh learn about the book and the alchemists, it seems that the power to save the world is in their hands, but can they trust what anyone says?


Review: I really wanted to love this book. It had everything that I could love in a complex fantasy: mythology, magic, compelling characters, and historical figures yet I thought the book was just okay. The pacing of The Alchemyst is feverishly fast. We are immediately plunged into an explosion and lots of characters are thrown at the reader without much explanation. Once the explosion has cleared, however, we slowly begin to understand that Sophie and Josh have unwillingly find themselves in midst of a catch and chase game between rivaling alchemists, Flamel and Dee. Flamel and his wife, Perry, has had the most covet magical book, The Book of Abraham, for eons. Dee is constantly pursuing the Flamels and is dead set on getting the book and getting rid of the Flamels for once and for all. Sophie's and Josh's problem grows exponentially when they come to find out that they are involved in a prophecy where the safety of our world lies in their hands.
  The characters that Scott introduces in his complex story are derived from history as well as several mythologies including Celtic and Egyptian. Flamel is an intriguing character that is shady at best. I constantly questioned what his real motive is throughout the book, which is something he advised the twins to do so too. Dee is also maliciously good. He has everything that makes a great villain: ambition, smarts, and a clear goal. Sophie and Josh are pretty good too. They are twins, but first and foremost, they are friends who depend on one another for support, but most importantly they balance each other out. For instance, Sophie is more prone to think things over and stay calm while Josh is reckless, emotional, and impulsive. Needless to say this says something about the prophecy in which they play a major role. Unlike the human characters, the mythological creatures are hard to pin down, mostly because I don't know anything about them which is my major complaint about this book and what hindered me from enjoying it.
  The Alchemyst is filled with action scene after action scene with minimal explanations. I could easily identify the mythological creatures yet I was scrambling to find some context in which they appear. Unlike Greek or Roman mythology, I am not at all familiar with Celtic and Egyptian mythology which is why I really had a hard time enjoying this book because the deities were mentioned by name but know brief information was given about them.
  I hate when authors withhold information from their readers. I don't mind researching. Heck, that's what I do for a living, but I would like to read a book where at least I have some key terms to use to find the information. Besides the names of the creatures, I really had no where to go from there. Perhaps kids and teens who read this book overlook this lack of information, but I found the book hard to read when I know there are some significant meanings behind symbols and not knowing what it is. I found myself putting down the book, researching, picking the book up again, and then putting down again. This cycle got tiring and took me out of the story, but I did finish because I liked the characters.
 Another thing that bothered me while reading the book is that I was puzzled why Flamel and his wife needs the book for the recipe to stay immortal when they already have had the book in their possession for centuries upon centuries? Wouldn't they have memorized it by now?
  Despite these obstacles, I plan on reading the rest of the 6 book series. Perhaps I'll look up the characters and do some research before reading them to actually sit back and enjoy the complex story arc and characters. This book was just a bit much for me and I would not recommend reading this book when you have a cold or a foggy brain. It doesn't help at all.


Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong fantasy violence throughout the book. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan, The Magician by Michael Scott (Nicholas Flamel #2)