Review: The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

August 3, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: The Book of Lost Things

Author: John Connolly

Publishing Information: November 7, 2006 by Atria Books

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Horror, Fairy-Tales

Series information: Standalone

Format: Hardcover, 339 pages

Source: Borrowed from my local library

Recommended For: Those in the mood for a fairy tale with some dark twists

High in his attic bedroom, twelve-year-old David mourns the death of his mother, with only the books on his shelf for company. But those books have begun to whisper to him in the darkness. Angry and alone, he takes refuge in his imagination and soon finds that reality and fantasy have begun to meld. While his family falls apart around him, David is violently propelled into a world that is a strange reflection of his own — populated by heroes and monsters and ruled by a faded king who keeps his secrets in a mysterious book, The Book of Lost Things. (Via Goodreads)

The story begins with David, obsessing over his “routine” (see: OCD) that he believes will save his mother from her life threatening illness. Unfortunately, David is unable to save her and his mother succumbs to the illness and dies. Some time after (side note: a little TOO soon after the death of David’s mother, if you ask me) David’s father remarries a woman named Rose and nine months later she gives birth to a son. It is around this time that David begins having “episodes,” moments where he blacks out and wakes up with no recollection of what happened while he was asleep. Poor David feels as if he is all alone in the world, as his father is working for the government and therefore is never home. So David is stuck in Rose’s giant house with just Rose, (who he loathes) and his new brother Georgie for company. David does his best to avoid these two and instead buries his nose in his books, as they remind him of his mother.

Rose tries her best to make David feel comfortable, and even gives him the room of her late uncle, Jonathan Tulvey. The room is filled with Jonathan’s books and trinkets and David takes comfort in seeing that someone is as connected to stories as he is. David becomes curious and asks Rose about Jonathan and she explains that when he was younger he and his little sister vanished into thin air one day. David becomes intrigued by this and as time passes he begins to hear the books in his room talk to him, and he begins to dream of a very sinister man, whom he names “The Crooked Man.” These dreams become twisted with reality and as time passes, David travels to another world in which the fairy tale characters he has grown up reading about exist. However, these characters are not the same kind and caring versions that he has grown up to love. They are sinister and grim versions, each twisted into a new form.

These characters were one of the absolute best parts of the story. I don’t want to spoil the fun for you so I will just touch upon some awesomeness. First, Snow White is a fat, disgusting and mean person. Second, Ever wonder where werewolves came from? Little Red Riding Hood had some issues with bestiality (I promise the story does NOT go into detail at this point, thank goodness, because, EW.) and the Crooked Man is quite possibly one of the creepiest villains I have yet to encounter (Rumple who?) There was also a rather kind woodsman, a loyal knight and an extremely creepy Sleeping “Beauty” thrown into the mix. All of these characters David met on his journey to see the King, the ruler of the land, who was having a very hard time ruling. David learns something from each encounter and it is through these extremely trying situations that the reader is able to see him grow from a spoiled, selfish child into a mature and kind young man.

When pondering the setting to this story I realized how unique John Connolly writes. Ultimately, he was just writing about a vast forest, a small town, and a few huge castles. Yet, in my mind I saw a darkness creeping from the corners of my imagination toward David. I saw lights extinguishing behind him as he walked down the long corridor, I saw the trees sway when there was no wind. These are things Connolly simply hinted at yet I was able to pick up on these subtle images and make them into something that made me afraid as if I was the one walking through this land.

The Book of Lost Things is harrowing and phenomenal. I haven’t been so enthralled by a novel of this genre since reading The Child Thief by Brom. It was deeply imaginative and sinister enough to have even the bravest adult looking over their shoulder while reading.

“These stories were very old, as old as people, and they had survived because they were very powerful indeed. These were the tales that echoed in the head long after the books that contained them were cast aside” (Page 10).

Review: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

July 27, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell

Author: Chris Colfer

Publishing Information: July 17, 2012, Little Brown Young Readers

Genre: Middle-Grade, Fantasy, Fairy Tales

Series information: Book one in a planned series

Format: Paperback, 438 pages

Source: ARC from the publisher (BEA 2012)

Recommended For: Lovers of fairy tales and retellings

Alex and Conner are doing their best to get by. Having recently lost their father to an accident, the twins live with their overworked mother in a small rental home and rely on one another for comfort. Alex is an overachiever, the teacher’s pet and the logical one of the two, whereas Conner is the comedian, and the more impulsive twin. Both children hold memories of their father close and look upon his stories when they need comfort. On their twelfth birthday, their grandmother comes to visit and brings her very old, very special storybook for them as a present. This book opens up a different world for the children in which the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about are real. The only problem here is that, not only are the heroes and princesses real, but also the Evil Queen and big bad wolves are real as well. These well known villains are on a hunt to find items for a wishing spell; the same items that the twins are hunting in order to wish themselves back home to their mother. Through this quest the twins meet a very pregnant Cinderella, a very vain Red Riding Hood, a few Kings Charming, and a host of other well known fantastical characters.

Anyone who knows me know that I love a good retelling and apparently the publisher was describing this one as “The Chronicles of Narnia meets Shrek.” Besides the falling through a wardrobe book to a fairy tale land, this book is nothing like Narnia. It would be easy to compare this to the numerous retellings out there today and I’ll admit that as I was reading I was thinking of the ways the book reminded me of Once Upon a Time, The 10^th Kingdom, and yes, Shrek. However, while Chris Colfer was reminding me of all of the things I love about these former retellings, he was also showing me something different. New sides of old characters, surprisingly romantic interludes and a new kickass heroine.

One thing I loved even more than the characters in this novel was the different worlds that the author created. I’m a big fan of epic world building and Colfer penned the settings in a way that made it easy to see in my mind. When Conner asked, “What’s up with all the glitter?” while in the Fairy Kingdom, I really saw it sparkling. When the twins traveled to the Thornbush Pit, I felt myself cringing away as if I was the one who had to venture to the bottom. The only thing missing from this element was a good, detailed map of the kingdoms. I actually drew one for myself so I could keep track of where the twins were headed. (No judgy!)

I’ll be honest, I was wary going into this story. I know many of you had the same thought in your mind when you saw that the author of this novel was a well-known tv actor. To be quite honest, had I not received an ARC of this novel I might not have picked it up for a number of reasons. But let me tell you something, I am so glad that I did. I am beyond thrilled with this story and really rather impressed at Mr. Chris Colfer. Bravo, Kurt! Take that NYADA!

This excerpt provides the reader with a glimpse at the twins and their personalities. Primarily Conner and his humorous jibes toward his sister:

“Grazing around a perfect little stream ahead of them, to their amazement, was a herd of unicorns. They were beautiful: white with silver horns, silver hooves, and silver manes.

Conner’s forehead wrinkled, and his mouth dropped open. ‘Oh, jeez,’ he said. ‘That’s the most obnoxious thing I’ve ever seen in my life!’

‘I want to pet one!’ Alex said, and ran toward them.

‘Alex, be careful!’ Conner said. ‘They could have rabies!’

‘Unicorns don’t have rabies, Conner!’ Alex said.

You don’t know where those horns have been!’ Conner called out.

Alex walked up to the herd, slowing her pace so she wouldn’t spook them. They were so majestic and graceful, she just had to stop and admire them for a moment. One saw her and walked toward her…” (Page 262.)

This story was far from perfect but there were parts that made me laugh out loud, parts that made me a little misty eyed and parts that made me marvel at the level of angst, love and devotion in a middle grade novel. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages.

Review: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

July 21, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: Scarlet

Author: A.C. Gaughen

Publishing Information: February 14th, 2012 by Walker Childrens

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance, Retelling

Series Information: Standalone novel

Format: Hardcover, 292 pages

Source: Borrowed from my local library

Recommended For: Fans of strong heroines, and lovers of historical fiction wrapped inside a bit of romance

Before I even begin this review there are some things you should know. First, there are probably three obsessions I have in relation to literature: Shakespeare, The Wizard of Oz and Robin Hood. I am so in love with Robin Hood that my thesis in undergrad was a 40 page cultural comparison of the original Gest of Robyn Hode and the 1991 film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. For those of you who majored in English and wrote a thesis, you all know that there is probably little I haven’t researched and read in relation to the famous outlaw. Second, I ADORE stories that showcase a female character that is feigning being a boy, which brings me right back around to my love of Shakespeare (my cat is named Celia only because the bf hated the name Rosalind!) These little tidbits bring us to Scarlet…

Scarlet is an important part of Robin’s band of outlaws, she is one of his most trusted allies and one of the most skilled thieves in Nottinghamshire. The band is made up of Robin, Scarlet – known as “Will” through town, John and Much. They work diligently to ensure that the townspeople are fed and protected from the sheriff – by ensuring that they have the funds to pay the increasingly high taxes. The story is reminiscent of the tale we all know and love but the tables turn when the sheriff hires and “thief taker” Guy of Gisbourne to hunt and kill Robin and his friends. Upon hearing the news, Scarlet begins to have misgivings about staying with the group as her old wounds are re-opened and her past is suddenly brought forward in a very real and serious manner.

First, let’s take a look at the characters. Scarlet is combative, abrasive and independent, and I loved her. I loved that she was all of those things yet also extremely sensitive, kind and a little confused about her feelings about those around her. I believed Scarlet to be immature when she ran away when anything (or anyone) came too close to picking at the scars she kept deeply hidden but I found that she balanced these moments with moments of sheer courage that allowed her to run toward an obstacle and handle it head on. Scarlet had a very intelligent head on her shoulders and I appreciated the balance between her kick-ass elements and her somewhat shy and insecure characteristics, it made her more real for me.

Robin was the perfect hero in this book (remember, I’m biased!) and even though he was a jerk often and I wanted Scarlet to slap him a bit he was still every bit the man I wanted him to be. It wasn’t until the end of the book that I realized Robin’s reasons behind his somewhat arrogant and mean behavior. I think reading his comments and jibes toward Scarlet hurt me because I knew how much she was self-loathing internally and I just wanted him to see that and make it all better! John was the more flirtatious and fun between the two obvious love interests and I really loved him a lot too, though I knew he wasn’t the one for Scarlet. I adored the way in which Scarlet was oblivious to John’s affections at first and then still scoffed at the idea that he truly liked her yet she still somewhat tried to go along with it because she was young and confused and really didn’t know how to feel. Girl, we have all been there! John was the perfect big brother figure, the best guy to have at your back because he really was loyal to the cause and his band, despite how he let his feelings get in the way now and then. Much was a character I would have liked more from. I really loved every interaction with this character and thought he was a perfect balance to the other characters. Much was the calm through everyone’s crazy storms. Every character had their darkness but Much knew his use to the band and he excelled in his position. I really can’t stress how much I loved these characters and they way they looked out for one another. Though I know Scarlet was confused by how the band cared for her, it melted my heart at times. When Robin looks at Scarlet and realizes she has been harmed at Godfrey’s hands, I swooned a little (page 125.) It’s moments like those that really proved how much the band valued her both as a member of their group but as an important person in their lives.

We can’t forget about the villain, Guy of Gisbourne. As I am keeping this review spoiler free I can’t get into the real evil behind this character but here is a description of him from Scarlet’s point of view, just to paint a little picture:

“People stopped to look at him. He were wrapped in violence as if it were his clothes, his cloak like death, his armor like blades. His hair were shaggy as an animal’s and it looked like the Devil were trapped in his head.” – Page 74

One of my main reasons for adoring this story was the way in which it contained surprising plot twists that also felt familiar. It was somewhat clear to me what Scarlet was hiding from the band from very early on in the novel. However, there is no great reveal at the end but details given throughout the novel that make the reader piece together her past and understand her a little more as each chapter progresses. I also loved the ending. Usually I am not a fan of books that conclude without their loose ends being entirely tied. However, I think the ending of this novel perfectly represented the story in its entirety and it left me with a glorious feeling.

This book is easily one of my favorite reads of 2012. At one point the bf walked in, glanced at me and said, “Are you petting that book?!” and it turns out, I was. I was petting the book because that is precisely how much I loved it. It was a book that made me feel as if it was written just for me to enjoy, bringing me into the dark canopy of the trees of Nottinghamshire.

Review: The Black Swan by Mercedes Lackey

May 24, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: The Black Swan

Author: Mercedes Lackey

Publishing Information: May 1st 2000 by DAW (First published in 1999)

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Retellings

Series information: Standalone but part of a series of fairy tales

Format: Hardcover, 416 pages

Source: Bought for my own collection

Recommended For: Fans of deeply layered fantasy books that pluck the heart strings

After his wife’s untimely death, a powerful sorcerer dedicates his life to seeking revenge against all womankind. He turns his captives into beautiful swans–who briefly regain human form by the fleeting light of the moon. Only Odette, noblest of the enchanted flock, has the courage to confront her captor. But can she gain the allies she needs to free herself and the other swan-maidens from their magical slavery? A monumental tale of loyalty and betrayal, of magic good and evil, of love both carnal and pure, and of the duality of human nature, The Black Swan is a rich tapestry, which is sure to become an all-time masterpiece of fantasy.

The Black Swan is part of Mercedes Lackey’s Fairy Tales series and it is a loose retelling of the story of Swan Lake. Like the original story, the princess Odette is turned into a swan by a sorcerer who vows that she will be turned back into her original form if her lover, Prince Siegfriend remains faithful to her. The sorcerer, Baron Von Rothbart, uses his daughter to trick the prince into betraying Odette so that she will be forced to remain in her swan form.

I am not extremely familiar with the original story (Okay, so I’ve only seen the Barbie version) but like most retellings, Mercedes Lackey molded this story into her own. The characters gain more depth and the reader is able to understand their motives. Even the Baron becomes a more solid character, as his motives are made clear though still rather unjust. I was extremely impressed with Lackey’s addition of another villain in the form of Queen Clothilde. She was the epitome of evil and made The Baron look almost innocent in his wicked ways. Prince Siegfried is a rather hard hero to fall in love with as he is represented as a womanizer and to be quite honest, I hated him for most of the story. Furthermore, though the reader thinks this story to be centered around the swan maiden, Odette, it is really Odile who takes center stage in the tale. Odette plays her part as the pure maiden seamlessly but it is Odile’s inner turmoil and growth that really draws the reader and helps one become invested in her tale.

This was one of the first fantasy books I picked up as a young adult, I read it so many times that my paperback fell apart and my mother bought me a hardcover as a replacement. I hadn’t picked this up in years but once I started reading it again I was immediately drawn in as I was so many years ago. I love the relationship between Odile and her father and I love the strength she gains as the story progresses. Each character grows in a different way and the relationships between everyone progressed in relatable and interesting ways. I also adored the land that Lackey creates. At one point Odile is using magic to carve out a “home” out of a treen for herself and the swan maidens and for some reason it is a part that stuck with me for years, the image is forever etched in my mind.

I still have yet to read anything else by Mercedes Lackey but I hope to read the rest of her Fairy Tales as well as her Elemental Masters series because I have heard wonderful things about both. This novel comes highly recommended to lovers of fantasy, strong female characters and those who love their fairy tale retellings as much as I do.

Review: Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier

April 19, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: Heart’s Blood

Author: Juliet Marillier

Publishing Information: October 2nd 2009 by Tor

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Series information: Standalone

Format: Hardcover, 405 pages

Source: Purchased for my personal collection

Recommended For: Readers looking for a unique and gorgeous retelling of an age old tale

Whistling Tor is a place of secrets, a mysterious, wooded hill housing the crumbling fortress of a chieftain whose name is spoken throughout the district in tones of revulsion and bitterness. A curse lies over Anluan’s family and his people; those woods hold a perilous force whose every whisper threatens doom.

For young scribe Caitrin it is a safe haven. This place where nobody else is prepared to go seems exactly what she needs, for Caitrin is fleeing her own demons. As Caitlin comes to know Anluan and his home in more depth she realizes that it is only through her love and determination that the curse can be broken and Anluan and his people set free.

Caitrin is a young woman running from the horrors of her household. Her father has died, her sister has married and gone and all she has left are kinsmen who are abusive to her both mentally and physically. Under their abuse Caitrin has become a ghost of the strong scribe her father taught her to be. It is a dreary, cold evening as Caitrin ventures toward Whistling Tor, a secluded village which houses secrets of its own. It is in this village that Caitrin overhears that the local chieftain is in need of a scribe who can read and translate Latin. Though the stories surrounding this chieftain and his household are enough to make any brave warrior wary, Caitrin believes this is her best hope of escaping her kinsmen who she believes will certainly come looking for her.

Caitrin makes her way up to Anluan’s home and finds that it is a curse that plagues the chieftains of the Tor. A curse that no one believed would ever be broken, until Caitrin came. Caitrin comes to love the Tor and its inhabitants and with her hope she acts as a beacon of light to those plagued by centuries of darkness.

The setting of this book was something I was very interested in. I love Juliet’s Sevenwaters series and adore that it centers on the forest, however, I was happy to find a more unusual setting and time period. Another significant change in this book was the element of magic. True, all of Marillier’s books focus on magic in some way but most center around “Other” magic, whereas Heart’s Blood is rooted in dark human sorcery. Caitrin must do her best to unravel the mysteries of the house and find a way to break the curse in order to help the friends she has come to love.

Another difference in this story is the way Caitrin must go about breaking the curse. In many of Juliet Marillier’s books the central female character must overcome certain tests usually given to her by Otherwordly beings. In this story it is a much more direct approach in which Caitrin must educate herself on the past wrongs done by the chieftain’s and arm herself with knowledge and strength in order to defeat the evil still dwelling there. Though I absolutely love reading tales regarding the “Old Ones” I also really appreciated the way this story was a tad more paranormal.

The secondary characters in this story were so fantastic I can hardly describe them. Some were rather creepy, the mysterious Muirne gave me a chills a few times as did the ethereal child who became attached to Caitrin and cried when she was left alone. Eichri and Rioghan were dependable and quite funny. Fianchu, whose name means “hound of a warrior band” was a huge, sweet and mysterious dog (think Dire Wolf) that I loved immensely. One cannot forget Magnus who was like a father to Caitrin and though very strong and dependable had an immense heart that showed throughout the novel.

As is her style, Marillier included some dark elements to the tale that really drew me in as a reader. I was invested in the characters, I felt their pain and disappointment as they did and found myself on the edge of my seat hoping for a happy ending. Reminiscent of Son of Shadows and Heir to Sevenwaters, both Anluan and Caitrin have things to learn and many ways in which they can grow. It is Caitrin’s strength that shows Anluan how to be a good chieftain and defeat the evil taking over his heart and home. Anluan helps Caitrin grow back into the woman she used to be before her father died. As many of you know, Juliet is the queen of slow burning romances. This story did not disappoint, every look and small gesture radiated with something more and as always, Marillier broke my heart a little just to put it back together.

Heart’s Blood was an obvious choice for me, Beauty and the Beast rewritten by the master Juliet Marillier was sure to be a hit in my mind. However I am always wary reading books by an author I love because my hopes are so high I fear that they will never be met. Thankfully, Juliet Marillier made my heart sing per usual. She stayed true to her path of weaving so many elements into a beautifully layered story. She creates friendships between characters (both human, Other and animal) that bring tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart.

This book comes highly recommended; it is an absolutely unique and gorgeous retelling of an age old tale. For those of you who have read this and are looking for another retelling by Juliet Marillier, check out my review of Wildwood Dancing!

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

March 29, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: Everneath

Author: Brodi Ashton

Publishing Information: Janurary 24, 2012 by HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Series information: Book one in the Everneath trilogy

Format: Hardcover, 370 pages

Source: Borrowed from my local library

Recommended For: Fans Greek Mythology and smoldery male leads

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she’s returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld… this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can’t find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there’s a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki’s time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she’s forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole’s Queen

Nikki Beckett has returned after she has been presumably missing for six months. She hasn’t been in rehab or away on some drug binge, but in the Everneath where her six months away has been equal to one hundred years. Nikki went to the Everneath with Cole when she believed she had no other options left to her. Unlike every other person who has gone to the Feed, Nikki didn’t fade away. She remembers her life from above, but most importantly, she remembers Jack. She decides to go back to Jack, to try to make amends with her family and say goodbye properly before the Tunnels come for her. That is her destiny, to become a battery to the Everneath or to become an Everliving next to Cole as his queen. Unfortunately, as Cole’s queen, Nikki would have to feed off of people as he does and she refuses to do so. As time progresses she decides that these options don’t suit her and therefore she takes her fate into her own hands.

I really enjoyed Everneath, the Hades and Persephone myth has been done a few times and though it is one of my favorite myths I was getting a little sick of it. This book was a different kind of retelling where I didn’t find myself figuring out exactly what was going to happen next.

The characters were a good mix of personalities and though I had a hard time accepting some of the behaviors of certain characters I thought they worked well together. I honestly had a very hard time understanding why Nikki was so in love with Jack. They did go a bit into their back-story but it didn’t completely “click” with me, there seemed to be constant doubt on Nikki’s part and considering he was the sole reason she was able to hang on during the feed it seemed a little confusing. It may be that I am outgrowing the YA romances (gasp!) but I still wanted more from their relationship.

Overall I really liked Everneath, I believe I will continue with the series since the ending of this book was very interesting to me and I recommend it to those who enjoy Greek Mythology and retellings. Originally I was going to recommend it to fans of Goddess Interrupted and Fury but there seems to be a great divide between these fans, as they either love Fury or Everneath. Ironically, I was not particularly a Fury fan, and I enjoyed Everneath very much.

Review: Fury by Elizabeth Miles

March 1, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: Fury

Author: Elizabeth Miles

Publishing Information: August 30th 2011 by Simon Pulse

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology

Series information: Book 1 in The Fury Trilogy

Format: Hardcover, 370 pages

Source: Borrowed from my local library

Recommended For: Readers looking for a suspenseful and unique mythology retelling

Sometimes sorry isn’t enough….

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems…
Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better–the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel…something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen.

When I first read the blurb about this book I thought the idea was so cool, there are retellings popping up all over the place but the idea of the FURIES being showcased really caught my attention. I love a good tale of revenge, and I have a serious love for karma. However, I went into this book with expectations too high, I had expected to read a book with serious mythological elements and instead was met with a story about serious repercussions in relation to high school problems.

I was pretty much annoyed by the characters almost immediately. Em is in love with her best friend’s boyfriend, Zach, and even though she completely 100% knows the severity of what she is doing she does it anyway and starts messing around with him while her best friend Gabby is on vacation. When her lies come undone she cries and talks about how horrible of a person she is but just wants Gabby to “listen” to her so they can talk everything out. Do I think her punishment from The Furies was too harsh? Yes, but we will get to that in a moment. Chase is the other person The Furies have come after; he did something pretty terrible that to me is more unforgiveable than Em being a boyfriend stealer. Despite this terrible behavior (it’s kind of a plot twist so I can’t really say what he did) I found myself sympathizing with Chase and feeling bad for him because he is poor and does everything he can to maintain his reputation. He falls head over heels for one of The Furies and she humiliates him to a point of no return, it made me sad and a little frustrated. The secondary characters were more likeable and I found myself really enjoying Em’s neighbor JD. Drea was also a neat character and I wish we saw more of her than just her assisting Em in finding out more information on The Furies. I shouldn’t even mention Zach because he is a cheating scumbag who gets no punishment, though the ending hints that he may show up in the sequel.

It’s no mystery that I love horror stories and I love vengeance so I really thought I would enjoy this story more than I did. Em’s punishment from The Furies was slightly more justified to me than Chase’s and I will say that the author had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Chase meets a much different end and I really didn’t enjoy it. I understand the justification in minds of The Furies but really I was just annoyed by it and thought it slightly dramatic and not at all teaching a lesson but getting rid of the situation all together. I really do hope that Elizabeth Miles brings back Zach in the second book because he was the only one in this story I thought needed serious punishment for being such an arrogant jerk, and he got away in the end unharmed.

There were parts of this book I really liked, it was definitely suspenseful but didn’t scare me in the least. It was also very different in the way it brought in both juvenile and adult themes and molded them together. I have been on a total mythology kick lately and though the retellings I have read have been okay, they aren’t mind blowing amazing. Fury by Elizabeth Miles falls into the same category as a sort of take it or leave it book that fell short for me in a few ways, perhaps my expectations were too high. However, this book IS worth reading; just don’t go in expecting much in relation to the Greek myths. Don’t be deferred from my opinion, like any good doctor will tell you, a second opinion is always a good idea! My friend Heidi posted a magnificent rave about the book on her blog a few weeks back.

Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

February 18, 2012 by Alyssa

Title: Goddess Interrupted

Author: Aimee Carter

Publishing Information: March 27, 2012 by Harlequin Teen

Genre: Young Adult, Mythology, Romance

Series information: Book 2 in the Goddess Test series

Format: Hardcover, 304 pages

Source: Received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley

Recommended For: Fans of Greek Mythology and their retellings.

Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

WARNING: THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR BOOK ONE IN THE SERIES, THE GODDESS TEST. I SUGGEST YOU READ THAT BEFORE READING THIS REVIEW!

It has been six months since Kate passed the tests to become Henry’s wife and the queen of The Underworld. It has also been six months since she has seen Henry, six months that she has spent exploring the world with her best friend James. Kate can’t wait to get home and see Henry, unfortunately he isn’t as excited to see her and he barely acknowledges her presence. Kate brushes this aside and decides to go forward with her induction ceremony but right as she is about to be crowned, Cronus, the “father” to the six most powerful Gods begins to break free of his prison and he attacks the group of Gods gathered for the ceremony. It comes to light that Calliope is behind this attack and she is doing everything she can to free Cronus to take revenge on Kate and Henry. Cronus captures Henry, Walter and Philip and Kate decides she has no other choice but to go after them. James and Ava accompany her and they soon realize that they need some serious help from the only other person besides Henry who knows all the secrets of The Underworld, his first wife Persephone.

At first I was a little annoyed over Persephone’s characteristics but overall I really liked her personality and the way she bantered back and forth with Ava. She is a really forward character and knows exactly what she wants. I have to say that for the most part I liked her significantly more than Kate. A lot of the story was focused on Kate struggling with her emotions toward Henry, She knew she loved him but one moment she was leaving because she didn’t think he loved her and the next she was 100% sure that he did. Not to mention the fact that she felt completely inferior to Persephone in relation to every aspect of her life. I felt like she was so stuck on comparing herself to her sister that she couldn’t appreciate her gifts and her strengths as much as she did in the first book. Then there was Henry, I wanted to punch him in the face a few times, especially when SPOILER ALERT Persephone goes to him in his “secret” hideout and they have a LONG reunion in which they keep kissing!!! I understand that Persephone was apparently trying to prove to him that he didn’t love her but are you kidding? They just kept going and going and I had a really hard time liking Henry after that. It just felt like he was settling for Kate because she was devoted to Henry and Persephone was not. END SPOILER I think by the end I was just tired of the back and forth in Kate’s mind and I just wanted some hint of love or emotion from Henry.

I know it seems like I was not satisfied with this book but I really was. It was adventurous and heartfelt and it made me want more. I was SO happy with the ending. The first book ended in a total meh way and that’s what I had expected from this novel as well. Thankfully I was surprised and it was a total I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING moment that really has me anticipating the next book. Despite my frustrations over certain parts of this book it was very entertaining and I recommend it to those liking books filled with conflict, emotion and Greek myths with a twist.

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Tag Archives: retellings

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