Review: Snow Whyte and the Queen Mayhem

Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem
by Melissa Lemon
Published December 11th 2012

by Cedar Fort, Inc.

ARC from Netgalley

Summary from Goodreads:

Stuck in her family's apple orchards, Kat's got plenty of work to do and only pesky Jeremy to help. But when Jeremy convinces her to run away, Kat will discover that nothing---and no one---in her life is quite what it seems. Wonderfully reimagined, this is the magical tale of Snow White as you've never read it before!

Thoughts:
I love fairy tale retellings, I really do. But I struggled to finish this book and had to stop a few times before being able to truly appreciate it. Maybe it's a case of a Snow White overdose what with TWO movies about Snow White coming out this year and the fact that both of them failed to impress me.

What makes this book so unique and interesting is that it was told from the point of view of the mysterious sorcerer who was trapped in the enchanted mirror belonging to the evil Queen of Mayhem (who is also the mother of our KatiyanaWhyte). And the redeeming quality of the story is of course the loveable and funny seven dwarves with their own personalities. I am just so glad that the author feature the dwarves so prominently in this book compared to other books or even movies which relegated them to the sidelines and focussed so much on the romance between Snow White and her Prince Charming.However, Prince Iden is certainly not a Prince Charming in the real sense and he had hidden agendas of his own in pursuing Kat.

There's not one but two big twists in the end and I'm just so glad that Kat end up with the right guy. But after all, this is a fairy tale and one does expect a happy ending.

Verdict: 3 stars.
In my Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge 
Available on: Amazon

Waiting on Wednesday #3: City of a Thousand Dolls

Waiting on Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by Jill from Breaking the Spine where we highlighted an upcoming release that we're eagerly anticipating.

City of a Thousand Dolls
by Miriam Forster
Expected publication: February 5th 2013
by Harper Teen

Summary from Goodreads:

The girl with no past, and no future, may be the only one who can save their lives. 

Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.

Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life.

Babble:
I'm a big, big fan of high fantasy. The blurb sounds so exciting. Wouldn't want to miss this!

Review: Reached

Reached (Matched #3)
by Ally Condie
Published November 13th 2012
by Dutton Childrens Books

Summary from Goodreads:

After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising—and each other—Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.

Thoughts:
One way to describe the Matched series is that it is a very mild version of The Hunger Games. There's no blood or gore, just a lot of pondering, wondering and longing on the part of the three main characters. As in the previous books, Cassia is missing Ky, Ky is also missing Cassia and Xander is still clinging to the hope that Cassia will choose him in the end which we know will never happen.

Now, the three of them are working for the Rising in their own way, not knowing what the others are actually doing. So we have Cassia back at her Sorting duties in the society, Xander as a physician and Ky as a co-pilot for one of the Rising's plane. Cassia, Xander and Ky found themselves in the midst of all the action when the Rising's plans are put into motion to take over the Society by introducing a cure for the Plague that is spreading among the citizens.

I enjoyed this book more than the second one which is so slow in its pacing. But the introduction of  several secondary characters although quite welcome since it gives the boys some romantic options besides just focussing on Cassia is just too late in the game. If only Official Lei or even Indie are given proper introduction in the first or second book, I might be inclined to really root for them. For example, Indie is introduced in the second book and I was really hoping that she might be a serious contender for Ky's affections but well nothing much happened. I get that Cassia is the main character of the series but she's so dull at times.

I highly recommend this series for anyone looking for a good dystopian series but the bumpy and boring second book might be just too much for some.

Verdict: 4 stars.
Available on: Amazon

Review: Black City

Black City (Black City #1)
by Elizabeth Richards
Published November 13th 2012

by G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR

Summary from Goodreads:

A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

Thoughts:
I was worried that the starcrossed love story between a half- darkling and a human would bore me to death. Luckily it is not love at first sight for these two and it took some time for them to develop their feelings towards each other despite their intense attraction to one another.

The problem is I never found vampires or darklings (as they are referred to in this book) to be very em...attractive. So I must say I don't get what drew Natalie to Ash. He drinks blood and bites people to make them high as if in a drug induced haze in order to earn some money to support his troubled family. He's also rude and overbearing. Granted he had a very rough and unusual upbringing being the only son of a human minister and a female Darkling who is now suffering from a dangerous plague that turns Darklings into creepy zombies.

The dystopian world created by Elizabeth Richards is very remniscent of the world found in Legend or even The Hunger Games. The United Sentry States are divided into nine megastates and each of them are controlled by an Emissary. As the daughter to the Emissary of Black City, Natalie is trapped under her mother's expectations for her to be a part of the government in the future. But Natalie is haunted by memories of her father's violent death and also felt responsible for her sister's catatonic state. To make matters even worst, her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her is appointed as her bodyguard to ensure her safety.

So with all that emotional upheavel, our two lovers must also deal with the growing tension between the oppressed Darklings and the ruling Sentry and also the evil plot that Purian Rose; the sinister and maniacal leader of the United Sentry States is planning for the future. This story is certainly dark and felt a bit deppressing at times but since I'm rather engrossed with the many conflicts that surrounded the two lovers, I'm very curious as to how they will turn out in the next book.

Verdict: 3 stars.
In my Debut Author Reading Challenge 
Available on: Amazon

Review: Katya's World

Katya's World (Russalka Chronicles #1)

by Jonathan L. Howard
Published November 6th 2012 

by Strange Chemistry

Summary from Goodreads:

The distant and unloved colony world of Russalka has no land, only the raging sea. No clear skies, only the endless storm clouds. Beneath the waves, the people live in pressurised environments and take what they need from the boundless ocean. It is a hard life, but it is theirs and they fought a war against Earth to protect it. But wars leave wounds that never quite heal, and secrets that never quite lie silent.

Katya Kuriakova doesn’t care much about ancient history like that, though. She is making her first submarine voyage as crew; the first nice, simple journey of what she expects to be a nice, simple career.

There is nothing nice and simple about the deep black waters of Russalka, however; soon she will encounter pirates and war criminals, see death and tragedy at first hand, and realise that her world’s future lies on the narrowest of knife edges. For in the crushing depths lies a sleeping monster, an abomination of unknown origin, and when it wakes, it will seek out and kill every single person on the planet.

Thoughts:
As much as I want to like this, it just felt short of everything that I hope for. I love space operas and the whole concept of a space underwater world sounds exciting at first. But halfway through, I just realised that the story consist of battle after battle with an unknown enemy that seemed so superior in every way.

As a main character, Katya is certainly a good role model for young girls everywhere. She's smart, strong and can handle extreme conditions fairly well. But there's just something robotic about her. She seemed to know everything and can predict the outcome of a certain strategic move in a battle that even a senior navy Officer has no idea of. Granted the author depicted her as some sort of genius navigator but even geniuses have their own shortcomings, right? And the other characters are not that interesting either. It is so obvious that the pirate; Kane is hiding something and the other characters which mainly consist of several pirates and naval officers are a little bit bland.

If you're a fan of nonstop action without much character development, then this is the book for you. The lack of romantic elements might turn off female readers but male fans might just enjoy this book.  
            
Available on: Amazon

Waiting on Wednesday #2: Pantomime

Waiting on Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by Jill from Breaking the Spine where we highlighted an upcoming release that we're eagerly anticipating.

Pantomime
by Laura Lam
Expected publication: February 5th 2013 

by Strange Chemistry

Summary from Goodreads:

R. H. Ragona’s Circus of Magic is the greatest circus of Ellada. Nestled among the glowing blue Penglass—remnants of a mysterious civilisation long gone—are wonders beyond the wildest imagination. It’s a place where anything seems possible, where if you close your eyes you can believe that the magic and knowledge of the vanished Chimaera is still there. It’s a place where anyone can hide.

Iphigenia Laurus, or Gene, the daughter of a noble family, is uncomfortable in corsets and crinoline, and prefers climbing trees to debutante balls. Micah Grey, a runaway living on the streets, joins the circus as an aerialist’s apprentice and soon becomes the circus’s rising star.

But Gene and Micah have balancing acts of their own to perform, and a secret in their blood that could unlock the mysteries of Ellada.

Babble:
Strange Chemistry has become my new favourite publisher since many of the YA titles that they published are the ones that I totally fell in love with. And from the blurb, it looks like Pantomime is set to become one of the eagerly awaited books for next year.

Review: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

(My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #1)
by Rachel Harris
Published September 11th 2012

by Entangled Publishing

Summary from Goodreads:
On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother-to-be and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze. 

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. 

Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

Thoughts:
I used to read a lot of historical fiction back during my university days so I literally jump at the chance to read this wonderful book when I found out that it's set in the Renaissance period. Filled with juvenile fun and adventure, the book certainly put a smile on my face as I followed Cat's journey to sixteenth century Italy.

And to top it all, the lovable and interesting characters made it so enjoyable to read this book. Alessandra is so charming and endearing and for once I'm not turned off by the romantic interest which comes in the form of the captivating Lorenzo. And Cat Crawford as the main protagonist although being the daughter of a Hollywood bigwig is not the typical mean popular girl. I love the fact that she's kind of a loner who likes to keep to herself.

Time travel and hot Italian guys? What more could I ask?

Verdict: 4 stars.
In my Debut Author Reading Challenge 
Available on: Amazon

Review: Poison Princess

Poison Princess (The Arcana Chronicles #1)
by Kresley Cole
Published October 2nd 2012

by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Summary from Goodreads:

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….

Thoughts:
This is my first Kresley Cole's book so I really have no expectations at all when I started it. Now, after finishing it, I'm still torn whether I should give this 3 or 2 stars. The story is quite intriguing and I found myself immersed in the mystery that surrounds Evie's gruesome hallucinations.

Unfortunately, it took some time for the story to pick up and I had to slogged through unnecessary back story of events that happened before the Flash. Things got more interesting once Evie's hallucinations/visions became a reality and the Flash occurred, where most of the human population not under any kind of shelter burned to ashes and a few of the survivors even turned into blood thirsty zombies.

But now that Evie is stuck with Jack trying to make their way towards Texas and Evie's grandmother, I'm constantly wishing that the characters are a bit more likeable. Jack is so rough and gruff and the epitome of the bad boy from the wrong side of town. And he's also rude, annoying and horny as hell. I'm sorry I just don't get why Evie's attracted to him.

And there are so many cringe-worthy moments in this book that made me seriously doubt whether it is indeed suitable for young adults. Scenes of torture, excessive violence and a deranged psychopath enjoying the pain he inflicted on his victims. It really turned me off at some point. So although, I'm very curious as to the whole Arcana legendary battle I'm not really sure whether I'll continue on with this series. The plot is interesting but so many elements of the book made me feel uncomfortable.

Available on: Amazon

Waiting on Wednesday #1: Towering

Waiting on Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by Jill from Breaking the Spine where we highlighted an upcoming release that we're eagerly anticipating.

Towering
by Alex Flinn
Hardcover
Expected publication: May 14th 2013 (first published April 24th 2013)

Summary from Goodreads:

At first, I merely saw his face, his hands on the window ledge. Then, his whole body as he swung himself through the window. Only I could not see what he swung on.
Until, one day, I told my dream self to look down. And it was then that I saw. He had climbed on a rope. I knew without asking that the rope had been one of my own tying.

Rachel is trapped in a tower, held hostage by a woman she’s always called Mama. Her golden hair is growing rapidly, and to pass the time, she watches the snow fall and sings songs from her childhood, hoping someone, anyone, will hear her.

Wyatt needs time to reflect or, better yet, forget about what happened to his best friend, Tyler. That’s why he’s been shipped off to the Adirondacks in the dead of winter to live with the oldest lady in town. Either that, or no one he knows ever wants to see him again.

Dani disappeared seventeen years ago without a trace, but she left behind a journal that’s never been read, not even by her overbearing mother…until now.

Babble:
Alex Flinn always managed to give a fun updated twist to any fairy tale. And this new modern take on Rapunzel seems so intriguing.  Must get my hands on this!

Review: Renegade

Renegade (The Elysium Chronicles #1)
by J.A. Souders
Published November 13th 2012
by Tor Teen
ARC from Netgalley

Summary from Goodreads:

Since the age of three, sixteen-year-old Evelyn Winters has been trained to be Daughter of the People in the underwater utopia known as Elysium. Selected from hundreds of children for her ideal genes, all her life she’s thought that everything was perfect; her world. Her people. The Law.

But when Gavin Hunter, a Surface Dweller, accidentally stumbles into their secluded little world, she’s forced to come to a startling realization: everything she knows is a lie. 

Her memories have been altered. 

Her mind and body aren’t under her own control. 

And the person she knows as Mother is a monster.

Together with Gavin she plans her escape, only to learn that her own mind is a ticking time bomb... and Mother has one last secret that will destroy them all.

Thoughts:

Unlike all the other dystopians out there, Renegade actually takes place underwater where an exclusive community of humans took refuge from the horrors of war that has destroyed earth. Evelyn who was chosen by Mother; the leader of the community to be the future leader always thought that her life underwater is just perfect. And although she knew that Mother is not her real mother she embraced her purpose in the community until she discovered a strange boy in her garden.

With its many twists and turns, Renegade certainly captivated me. The unpredictable plotline keeps me stuck to the pages until the very last. Just as you about to discover some truth about Evie and her relationship with Mother, another curve ball is thrown into the mix. I just wished that Gavin had a more prominent role rather than just being the romantic interest since Evie is the one making all the decisions. I love strong female protagonist but Gavin seemed clueless most of the time. There's a lot to be discovered beneath the multi-layered clues found in the pages and I'm eagerly anticipating the next in the series. Definitely a fantastic new series to watch out for!

Verdict: 4 stars.
In my Debut Author Reading Challenge 
Available on: Amazon

Review: Days of Blood and Starlight

Days of Blood & Starlight
(Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2)
by Laini Taylor
ebook, 420 pages
Published November 6th 2012

by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary from Goodreads:

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.

This is not that world. 

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is--and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

Thoughts:
What can I say? Laini Taylor is truly a master of words and storytelling. I know some readers are disappointed that Karou and Akiva's romance has suffered and that they are both on their separate ways, but what do you expect from a story based on Romeo and Juliet? Happily ever after?

Karou and Akiva  are torn by guilt since the Seraphims have succeded in decimating the Chimaeras. Now, a few of the chimaeras are on the run and the unfortunate ones are either taken as slaves or slaughtered. All of Karou's adopted family are now dead and she is desperately taking over Brimstone's duty of resurrecting the dead while hiding out in a kasbah in Morrocco. At the same time, her best friend Zuzana and her boyfriend Mik are still trying to grasp the truth behind Karou's existence and sudden dissapearrance. The human world is now aware that there are angels and demons in their midst and much of that discovery is attributed to the events in first book.

The story also took a darker turn as the horrors of war between the Seraphims and the Chimaeras are put to light. Akiva and his bethren angels Liraz and Hazael are becoming weary of being the Emperor's weapon while Karou is worried for her safety since the chimaeras that she had resurrected are hostile towards her and obediently following Thiago's every order to exact vengeance on the Seraphims.

Only Zuzana and Mik added some comic relief to the whole story as they trek to Morocco to locate Karou and stumbled upon a sand castle filled with all kinds of demons. Several new characters are also introduced to the readers and we finally get a deeper understanding on Akiva's background as a bastard son of the Emperor.All in all, the frenetic pace of the story definitely kept me up all night and I just can't wait for the next book. Seriously, this is certainly THE book to read this year. The myriad of characters, awesome world building and engaging plotline reminded me of The Lord of the Rings. Fans of fantasies definitely cannot miss this amazing series.

Verdict: 5 stars.
Available on: Amazon

Wishlist Wednesday #35

Wishlist Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by the ever sweet Dani from Pen to Paper where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added, that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.

City of Dark Magic
by Magnus Flyte
Expected publication: November 27th 2012 

by Penguin Books

Summary from Goodreads:

Once a city of enormous wealth and culture, Prague was home to emperors, alchemists, astronomers, and, as it’s whispered, hell portals. When music student Sarah Weston lands a summer job at Prague Castle cataloging Beethoven’s manuscripts, she has no idea how dangerous her life is about to become. Prague is a threshold, Sarah is warned, and it is steeped in blood. 

Soon after Sarah arrives, strange things begin to happen. She learns that her mentor, who was working at the castle, may not have committed suicide after all. Could his cryptic notes be warnings? As Sarah parses his clues about Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved,” she manages to get arrested, to have tantric sex in a public fountain, and to discover a time-warping drug. She also catches the attention of a four-hundred-year-old dwarf, the handsome Prince Max, and a powerful U.S. senator with secrets she will do anything to hide.

Babble:
Is this an American version of A Discovery of Witches? I love that book so I'm giving this a try. Besides, I haven't read an adult fantasy for the longest time.

Review: Valkyrie Rising

Valkyrie Rising (Valkyrie #1)
by Ingrid Paulson
Published October 9th 2012

by HarperTeen

Summary from Goodreads:
Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there. 

What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.

Thoughts:
An exciting new debut from Ingrid Paulson takes us to Norway where Ellie an American girl is visiting her grandmother for the summer. Ellie is a shy, socially awkward girl living in the shadows of her popular brother and was looking forward to just be herself away from the usual crowd in L.A. when she stumbled upon the mystery of the disappearances of several young guys in her grandmother's small fishing town. When her brother goes missing, Ellie decided that it is up to her to find out the truth about the unusual happenings with the help of her brother's best friend; Tuck.

This book is mighty cliche' and predictable from the start since I had an inkling that Tuck will eventually end up with Ellie one way or another. But the fast pace of the story keeps me glued to the pages and the Norse mythical element added a nice touch to the whole story. And I just love the whole banter between Ellie and Tuck from the beginning since love did not blossom between them immediately and after much arguing and teasing they realised that there's actually some chemistry there. And the brilliant twist relating to Odin, Loki and the whole Valkyries intrigued me till the end.

Verdict: 4 stars.
In my Debut Author Reading Challenge 
Available on: Amazon 

Book of the Month: October

Book of the Month is a monthly event, hosted by Book Whales. This is done to highlight one of the books we have read in the previous month.

So my book of the month is (cue drum roll please..)

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey #1)

by Julie Kagawa

My review

I did not expect to be so blown away by the book. And I did! Julie Kagawa certainly has a gift in creating a magical world filled with interesting and colourful characters. And the fact that it has not one but two swoon worthy heroes to root for just an added bonus. Definitely worth checking out.