Audiobook Review: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Title: Of Poseidon
Author(s): Anna Banks
Genre(s): Fantasy, Myth, Romance, Young Adult
Publisher/Date: Feiwel & Friends / May 22, 2012
Series: The Syrena Legacy (Book #1)

"Morning tide makes a great companion when you don’t want to be around people. It soothes and comforts and doesn't ask for anything. But the sun does. The higher it gets, the more I am reminded that nothing stops time. There is no escaping it.” -Emma McIntosh

Case Study 

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom... (synopsis from Goodreads)

The Game's Afoot

Remember all the reasons I was afraid to read a book about mermaids? Well, remember the time I read a mermaid book and loved it? Yeah. This was not one of those times. I really wanted to enjoy Of Poseidon but the book had too many glaring issues for me to ignore. 

Overt Sexism

While I can appreciate what Banks was trying to accomplish by distinguishing Syrena society from human society, I didn't jive with how the female characters were portrayed. They are just these pretty little things who have no say in what they do or how they get to feel. Rayna, arguably one of the most fierce women in the book, spends all her time fighting "the man" and taking a stand. She's forced to marry Toraf against her will, without consent or even her presence. And what's worse is that in the end, she accepts it all because of a petty manipulation that incites her jealousy. And Emma, who initially backs Rayna, THINKS OF THE PLAN that wins Rayna over! Really?!

Yay, Diversity?

I would love to applaud Banks' use of diversity in this book, but unfortunately, her portrayal of a POC character leaves something to be desired. She had a great opportunity to make Chloe's character count, but instead, we're given a stereotypical shell who meets every cliché there is. SPOILER ALERT: Chloe not only dies in the first several chapters, but she dies in a less than dignified way. Her death is used solely as a device to move the plot forward. It becomes all about Emma and is totally meaningless. Not cool, Banks. Not cool.

An Unsexy Romance

The "swoonworthy" siren, Galen, is supposed to be the walking epitome of sex but I thought he was a complete douchebag. He reminded me a lot of Edward in Twilight with those "serial killer eyes" (yes, that's actually how they're described in the book), his incessant manipulation of Emma, his need for total control and the constant stalking. Seriously? Stalking is NOT sexy! There is not ONE redeemable factor about this guy, except for the fact that he's hot, and I'm sorry, but looks do not make up for a lack in personality. Galen and Emma basically have your run-of-the-mill angsty, teenage romance and I'm not in high school anymore, so I can do without the drama.

Under the Sea --- or Lack Thereof

When I read a mermaid book, I damn well expect to see a lot of the world beneath the sea. Is that really too much to ask? Of Poseidon only gives us small glimpses of the Syrena world and it wasn't enough. It's probably the only redeeming quality about the book and there's very little attention paid to it. Details and world building --- they're pretty important from what I hear. Immerse me under the sea! Also, with regard to the mythology, you do know that Triton was the SON of Posiedon, not his brother, right? Good. Now that we've cleared that up, let's move on...

Watch Your Language!

I really tend to enjoy novels that share a dual POV, which Of Poseidon does, however, there was definitely something off about it here. Banks chose to tell the tale from Emma's first person POV and Galen's third person POV and the change in tense gives the book a choppy, unpolished feel. Grammar. Tense. Structure. All components of a basic English class. Suffice it to say, I know Banks can do better.

Summary Prognosis

This book is everything I feared a mermaid book would be. Of Poseidon was a lackluster story, lacking in any real action or conflict or substance. The characters were unremarkable and in some cases, downright loathesome. Top it off with an unsexy romance and unpolished writing, and let's just say, I'm ready to release this trend back into the sea.

Rating: ★½ 

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Book Review: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Title: Cruel Beauty
Author(s): Rosamund Hodge
Genre(s): Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publisher/Date: Balzer + Bray / January 28, 2014
Series: Stand Alone

“You were sent here to die. You were the one that was not needed, was not wanted, and they sent you here because they knew you would never come back.” -Ignifex

Case Study

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love. (synopsis from Goodreads)

The Game's Afoot

Beauty & the Beast is one of the world's most recognized fairy tales. But have you ever wondered what this whimsical tale might look like if you fused it with the brutality of ancient Greco-Roman mythology? You'd get a story that's resoundingly familiar yet undeniably unconventional. You'd get Cruel Beauty.

Cruel Beauty garnered quite a bit of buzz in the YA community in that people either loved it or they hated it. Books like this are always a gamble but I'm a big fan of fairy tales and mythology so I decided to give it take the chance. I'm really glad I did.Though Cruel Beauty is marketed primarily as a retelling of Beauty & the Beast, I found it to be more Greek myth than fairy tale. And if you're familiar with Greco-Roman mythos, you'll see notes of it everywhere. It's in the bones, from the setting to the history and definitely in the romance.  Cruel Beauty is one of those books that's inspired by rather than retold, and for that, I admire it.

Based on some of the other reviews, I was expecting grandiose info dumps and an overly convoluted plot. Fortunately, I didn't see much of that anywhere. I thought the world-building was concise, enough for me to get a good sense of what the kingdom looked like and how it functioned. There's a lot going on and it's easy to get lost so I saw the descriptiveness as a necessary thing. Like I loved the imaginative descriptions of the Gentle Lord's house. I loved how it changed and flowed and had a life of its own. The house feels like a living, breathing, sentient being. Through Hodge's rich descriptions, the house becomes a character in its own right and THAT is the mark of a talented author.

But probably my favourite thing about this book is its characters. Nyx is quite the unlikeable character. In fact, she's downright mean. But she's also incredibly complex and given her situation, being raised as a sacrifice, you totally understand why she is the way that she is. She's bitter and angry and vengeful and I totally felt for her. It makes her hard and hostile and bad-ass. I mean, she punches her demon husband in the face. PUNCHES. HIM. IN. THE. FACE. And I totally want to be her BFF because of it. And then there's Ignifex, the Gentle Lord. The bad guy of all bad guys. But he's not really so bad. Well, he is but he's got his reasons for being so devilish. He's a tortured guy. Like Nyx, he's suffered and that suffering has turned him into an unforgiving, iron-fisted ruler. And it's that suffering that makes him and Nyx the ideal couple.

Oh yeah. Speaking of Ignifex and Nyx, let me just talk about their romance for a second. I don't typically like stories solely for the romance, but man, I TOTALLY did here. I ship Nyx and Ignifex SO hard. I loved everything about them --- their cruel banter to the gradual softening towards one another --- it was incredibly entertaining. They go from hate to tolerate to mutual understanding to love in a beautiful way. Now there is a love triangle in the book, however, it's not your average love triangle. It doesn't permeate the whole of the story and, thankfully, is resolved quickly and in a unique sort of way. As for Shade, I wasn't really a big fan. Like the other characters, there is more to him than meets the eye but I was never really sure what to think of him.

Aside from the incredible character development, I also have to give Hodge mad props for the uniqueness of this story. She blends fairy tale elements and classic mythology in a way that's fresh, exciting and new. There's a lot going on in this book but she fuses it together in a way that makes sense. You get lost in it entirely. And this is why I think a lot of us love fairy tales. Because they entrance you and encapsulate you in a fantasy, in a thing of beauty. And this is what makes Cruel Beauty so successful. It's whimsical and terrifying and beautiful and cruel all at the same time. So yes, while Cruel Beauty does have its issues, generally speaking, they didn't hinder my enjoyment of the overall story. This is one of those books where its strength lies more in its characters than in the plot. There's magic in it, everywhere, and it completely captivated me, like any good fairy tale will do.

Summary Prognosis

Cruel Beauty is an interesting blend of fairy tale and mythology. Though the foundations of the story are somewhat familiar, the character and scenery are unforgettable. There are parts to the book (i.e. - the ending) that are a tad confusing, but overall, Hodge has given us something fresh and beautiful. My fondness for the book lies more in its character and breathtaking world building than its convoluted plot. This book has the SHIP of all SHIPS, so if you're looking for something to sail then this book is definitely for you!

Rating: ★★★★½
 

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Audiobook Review: The Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman

Title: The Ocean At The End Of The Lane
Author(s): Neil Gaiman
Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
Publisher/Date: William Morrow Books / June 18, 2013
Series: Stand Alone

“I do not miss childhood, but I miss the way I took pleasure in small things, even as greater things crumbled. I could not control the world I was in, could not walk away from things or people or moments that hurt, but I took joy in the things that made me happy.” -Unnamed Narrator

Case Study

Sussex, England. A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. Although the house he lived in is long gone, he is drawn to the farm at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock, and her mother and grandmother. He hasn't thought of Lettie in decades, and yet as he sits by the pond (a pond that she'd claimed was an ocean) behind the ramshackle old farmhouse, the unremembered past comes flooding back. And it is a past too strange, too frightening, too dangerous to have happened to anyone, let alone a small boy.

Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. Like a fuse on a firework, his death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie—magical, comforting, wise beyond her years—promised to protect him, no matter what. (synopsis from Goodreads) 

The Game's Afoot 

Neil Gaiman is a legend in the literary world. His books are all smart, beautifully written and full of wonder. The Ocean At The End Of The Lane is no exception. Admittedly, I've only read one other book by Gaiman, American Gods, and it's a very different sort of story than this one. I wasn't really sure what to expect from his YA, but it definitely wasn't this. Ocean might be a story written for kids, but it's undoubtedly one that's meant more for adults. There's a sadness and isolation to the book that goes hand in hand with the narrator's loss of innocence, with the pain of growing up.

Like in most of Gaiman's other works, magic touches everything in Ocean. And like the background mythology, the magic here is old. There's a quietness, a subtlety to it which lends to the story's very dream-like quality. It also helps that Gaiman narrated the audiobook, so the story is read as it was meant to be read. The narration was like poetry, smooth and rhythmic, lulling the listening deeper and deeper into the story. Gaiman is a wordsmith like no other. His words are so simple yet effective, stimulating to every one of the senses. And the story easily flows from one event to the next, the moments ebbing and flowing like the soft breeze over a gentle sea. 

One of the coolest things about this book was the presence of such strong female figures, taken in the form of the Hempstock women. I really loved the mother/maiden/crone dynamic between them. Honestly, they were the ones that drew me in and they were the ones that kept me riveted to the page. I guess the only thing that really threw me was the ending. I read this book over a week ago and now that I've had time to digest it, I still don't know what to think. It raised more questions than answers and lacked and overall feeling of completeness. These are just a few of the questions I still have: Did the boy take away anything at all from his experience? If not, what was the point? Was he worth Lettie's existence? Lettie thought so, but I'm not so sure.

Despite my reservations about the ending, I was really impressed by Ocean. It's a story unlike any other---dark, terrifying and wonderful---one that's beautifully written and superbly spoken by the man, the master, Neil Gaiman.

Summary Prognosis

The Ocean At The End Of The Lane is an exquisite story written by the master of wordsmiths, Neil Gaiman. This book is about the power of childhood and adulthood and loss all rolled into one frighteningly magical journey through one man's memory. It will stimulate both your senses and your mind and leave you wanting more. In a word, it's simply beautiful.
 

Rating: ★★★★

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Audiobook Review: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Dream Thieves
Author(s): Maggie Stiefvater
Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal. Young Adult
Publisher/Date: Scholastic Press / September 17, 2013
Series: Raven Cycle (Book #2)

"“His eyes were frighteningly alive, the curve of his mouth savage and pleased. It suddenly didn't seem at all surprising that he should be able to pull things from his dreams. In that moment, Blue was a little in love with all of them. Their magic. Their quest. Their awfulness and strangeness. Her raven boys.” -Blue Sargent

Warning: This review may contain spoilers concerning The Raven Boys.

Case Study

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after... (synopsis from Goodreads)

The Game's Afoot

Magic is real. Or so The Dream Thieves would lead you to believe.

If there's one thing Stiefvater excels in, it's writing a story that makes the magic in it feel completely possible---one where dreams are real, ley lines are woken and sleeping kings can be found.

And this is why I love this series. Because there's whimsy surrounding everything in it, even if it is a little dark. With each turn of the page, we're driven deeper into the quest that ensnares Blue and her Aglionby boys. The story Stiefvater tells is one that's wrought with emotion and depth. She weaves this complex net of backstory with so many unexpected twists and turns. There's not a predictable moment in sight. Even the things you think you know are coming, still come as a surprise. She is masterful at creating atmosphere. Every page is rich with intricate detail and the deeper you go down the rabbit hole, the more entangled you become. I am trapped in this world in Henrietta and I never want to leave.

But as much as I love the world Stiefvater built, I love the characters even more. Each one is tragically beautiful in their own way. They are truly one-of-a-kind, and not in the trying too hard to be one-of-a-kind either. They are naturally, effortlessly unique which just adds to the haunting atmosphere. Even Henrietta is a character in and of itself. Blue is quirky. Gansey, the old soul. Adam, the troubled nice boy. Noah is a little less smudgey and a whole lot more. And then there's Ronan. The dream thief. I love angry, onry Ronan and am pleased that we get to see exactly why he is the way he is. We're also introduced to a slew of new folks in The Dream Thieves, Mr. Gray being my favourite among them. He's calculating and clinical and never loses his sense of self, despite the revelations that come to him. There are so many reasons to love each and every one of these characters, including the horrifically intriguing Kavinsky. Like Blue with her Raven Boys, with each passing page, I fall a little bit more in love with them.

Where I'd say The Raven Boys was in large part a legendary journey, The Dream Thieves is much more a book of discovery. We discover who and what Ronan is. We discover the changes that have occurred to the group at large after waking the ley line. We discover new parts of and people in Henrietta. We discover a whole new world, a world of nightmares. We discover what first kisses feel like and we discover what dreams are really made of. Everything in Henrietta has irrevocably changed since Book #1 and I can't wait to see where the journey takes us. Even though there are still so many unanswered questions by the end of this book, there's one thing I am absolutely certain of:

 Magic is real.

Summary Prognosis

I didn't think it was possible but The Dream Thieves far surpassed my already high expectations. I don't hesitate when I say it's even better than its predecessor, The Raven Boys. The Dream Thieves is a magical yet beautifully tragic story woven together with a thread of engaging characters and hauntingly beautiful prose. You peel back the layers to find surprsing depth and detail. It's one of those rare stories that captures your heart and your spirit all while avoiding a lot of popular YA clichés. I highly recommend checking out the audio version if you can---Will Patton's brilliant narration only enhances the brilliance of this imaginative, wonderful world that Stiefvater created.


Rating: ★★★★★


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Audiobook Mini Reviews: Death Angel by Linda Fairstein & The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

Title: Death Angel
Author(s): Linda Fairstein
Genre(s): Crime, Thriller
Publisher/Date: Dutton Adult / July 30, 2013
Series: Alexandra Cooper (Book #15)

When the body of a young woman is discovered in Central Park, the clock begins ticking for Assistant DA Alex Cooper and Detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace to find the killer who has breached this haven in the middle of New York City. Is the body found in the lake, under the unseeing gaze of the Bethesda angel, the first victim of a deranged psychopath, or is the case connected to other missing girls and women in years past whose remains have never been found? Just as the trio gets their first lead, the investigation is almost derailed when Mike and Alex become embroiled in a scandal. As Alex attempts to fight the accusations leveled against her and Mike, she follows clues that range from the park’s most buried — literally — secrets all the way to the majestic Dakota, which has experienced its own share of tragedies. When another young woman is attacked in the park, a new question arises: is this enormous urban park a sanctuary—as it seems to the thousands of New Yorkers and tourists who fill it every day—or is it a hunting ground for a killer with a twisted mind? (synopsis from Goodreads)

Summary Prognosis

My dad and I have been listening to this audio series for years and we love it. It's like Law & Order: SVU meets CSI. Her books combine crime, drama, mystery and intrigue and SMARTLY written characters all in one deliciously intense game of cat and mouse. Oh yeah. I'm a sucker for that stuff. Plus, I adore narrator, Barbara Rosenblat. She's consistent with her voices, each one distinctive and wholly appropriate and I love listening to her.

To date, Death Angel is my favourite book in this series. The grizzly murders and cold-case kidnappings, all set in the backdrop of New York City's Central Park, was the perfect combination. And while it might seem like there's a lot going on---rape, the murders and a kidnapping---it's never too much. Fairstein knows exactly when to bring on the intensity, making the cases bizarre but still believable. She's got a killer eye for detail and protocol, which is simply fascinating.

As a dedicated fan, I love watching the relationships between the characters grow, but as a new reader, I have no doubt they'll reel you in. Plus, I've been waiting a long time for this Mike and Alex thing to come to fruition (which it finally does!), so there's definitely a swoon factor too. Death Angel is fast-paced, action driven and full of twists and turns. Every time I thought I knew who the killer was, she'd throw me off kilter, so predictability was never a problem. And here's the bonus: while there are a few references to events in prior books, you don't need to read them in order to follow. 

Rating: ★★★★★  

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Title: The Looking Glass Wars
Author(s): Frank Beddor
Genre(s): Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher/Date: Dial Books / September 26, 2006
Series: The Looking Glass Wars (Book #1)

Alyss of Wonderland? When Alyss Heart, heir to the Wonderland throne, must flee through the Pool of Tears to escape the murderous aunt Redd, she finds herself lost and alone in Victorian London. Befriended by an aspiring author named Lewis Carrol, Alyss tells the violent, heartbreaking story of her young life. Alyss trusts this author to tell the truth so that someone, somewhere will find her and bring her home. But he gets the story all wrong. He even spells her name incorrectly! Fortunately, Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan knows all too well the awful truth of Alyss' story and he is searching every corner of our world to find the lost princess and return her to Wonderland so she may eventually battle Redd for her rightful place as the Queen of Hearts. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Summary Prognosis

I'm always down for updated takes on classic fairy tales, especially when they involve serious action and violence. The Looking Glass Wars is chalk full of potential, fusing the Alice in Wonderland we know with the historical Alice Liddell. Beddar takes the Wonderlandian characters with which we're familiar and tells their real story, because, apparently, Carroll got it all wrong. But so did Beddar.

While I think the bare bones of the story were really clever, overall, the story was a bit childish for my liking. I sort of expected the silliness, because c'mon, it's Wonderland, but not to that degree. The book is highly imaginative so Beddar could've afforded to go a bit more futuristic with his tale. A steam-punk take on Alice would've been really appropriate here. 

The Looking Glass Wars is a tad too long, cheesy and somewhat predictable but it's undoubtedly fun. The violence and lessons learned here is reminiscent of Harry Potter, only lacking that special something. Beddar does a lot of telling and not enough showing. It's not that this was a bad book, per say, it just wasn't my cup of tea and I'd recommend it to a much younger crowd. 

Rating: ★★½  

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Book Review: Death Takes A Holiday by Jennifer Harlow

Title: Death Takes A Holiday
Author(s): Jennifer Harlow
Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher/Date: Midnight Ink Books / August 8, 2013
Series: A F.R.E.A.K.S Squad Investigation (Book #3)

"A getaway. No vampires. no dead bodies. No egos the size of China. Just me, Nana, and April shopping, talking, and drinking too many margaritas. And no men. Heaven here I come." -Bea Alexander

Warning: This review may contain spoilers concerning Mind Over Monsters & To Catch A Vampire. 

 

Case Study

A supernatural love triangle + one indecent proposal Beatrice Alexander can crush a sixty-foot snake with her mind, but she can't take any more of the drama that's tearing apart F.R.E.A.K.S. Should she give it all up -- her job as a secret agent and the possibility of a relationship with Will, the gorgeous werewolf? Bea's hoping to get it all figured out on a trip home for Christmas. But soon her hunky ex-boyfriend wants to rekindle their romance. Then, a powerful (and super hot) vampire lord offers Bea an impossible ultimatum: leave San Diego and her family forever -- or become his lover. (synopsis from Goodreads)

The Game's Afoot

You guys... I've been waiting for well over a year for this book, so the second it arrived on my doorstep I ripped through it like a kid on Christmas morning; which is funny because a good portion of the book actually takes place on Christmas morning. Natch.

After blowing through the first two books in the series, Bea and the gang have become like old friends to me. We've been through our ups and downs, shared a few laughs, indulged in some seriously swoony moments, all while kicking paranormal ass. Okay, well maybe I personally haven't kicked any paranormal ass, but I'm there to lend moral support.

Fact: I'd be about this helpful in the face of danger

I'm always a little wary as I delve deeper into a much beloved series because my expectations usually get the best of me in the end. Fortunately, this isn't the case with this one. Though there's less to be found in the action department (when compared to the first two books at least), it's quite heavy on Bea's personal development and character growth. We get to learn more about her family, friends and past which gives us more insight into why she is the way she is. As much as I love her snarkiness, it becomes evident that it's a defense measure. She's in a very vulnerable position, and at this point in the books, she's been put through the ringer. The traumatic death of one of the team members results in Bea's subsequent ostricization from the F.R.E.A.K.S. Plus, she's got two incredibly hot supernaturals vying for her affection which only makes matters worse.

Basically, the F.R.E.A.K.S. are on the verge of WWIII and it isn't pretty.

"I should be happy. Team Bea won this battle, but as Will walks away and I feel that ever-present anger wafting from him, instead I want to cry. War is hell. Especially when it's not one you want to be fighting." -Bea Alexander

So naturally, a vacation is in order. Can you blame her? You'd think that slipping back into your old life would be a piece of cake, but Bea finds out even that isn't as easy or safe as it sounds when you're a F.R.E.A.K. From deadly conspiracies to hungry trolls and the vampire mafia, Bea's time at home isn't the relaxing vacation she hoped for. And to top it all off, she's got hunky exes and vampy proposals to contend with as well. What once was a love triangle between Bea, Oliver and Will suddenly morphs into this weird love polygon. I know! But where that usually turns me off in a book, Harlow makes it work. This may or may not have something to do with a sexy Irish vampire. Just saying.

I think @jenharlowbooks is reading my mind because I do love me a sexy, well-spoken, British/Irish vamp. RAWR! #youknowwhatilike
— Nikki (@foiltheplot) August 27, 2013

Don't get me wrong, I will always root for my main man, Oliver, but Connor sure does give him a run for his money! So yeah, Bea has a lot to contend with. But despite all the drama, Bea manages to still be a bad ass. Even after being shot, chased, body broken and nearly sacrificed, she's capable of saving herself with a witty retort and all. And that's why I love these books so much --- we've got one BAMFY MC, lots of swoonage and tons of supernatural action. It really doesn't get any better than this, friends.

Summary Prognosis

I devoured Death Takes A Holiday just as quickly as i did the first two books in the series. While it isn't as high on the action, it more than makes up for it with the character development and introduction of some super sexy super freaks! If I have only one regret, it's that I didn't pace myself while reading it because I NEED MORE! If you're a fan of the paranormal genre but aren't familiar with this particular series, I highly recommend you get aboard this freaky train because IT SERIOUSLY ROCKS!


Rating:★★★★


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Movie Review: The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Harald Zwart

 
Title: The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
Director(s): Harald Zwart
Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal
Release Date (USA): August 21, 2013
Rating: PG-13

"Everything you've heard... about monsters, about nightmares, legends whispered around campfires. All the stories are true." -Hodge Starkweather

 Caution: Read at your own risk! Possible spoilers for the book/movie ahead.

So if you haven't heard, there's been some buzz about The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones... and most of it's not good. As is usually the case with popular YA series-gone-to-film, I'm guessing much of this comes from the series' die-hard fan base. Since I was less than impressed with the book (my review), I'm going to try and take a more objective look at the movie. I walked in to The Mortal Instruments with the hope that it would blow the book out of the water. I mean, c'mon, did you see that trailer?! It looked SO good! And while I did enjoy the film overall, it didn't wow me as much as I thought it would. 

There were definitely deviations from the book, as can be expected, but for the most part, I liked what they did with it. Sure, they cut out a lot of background history on the Shadowhunters and their world, but can you really blame them there? It's a movie and most moviegoers want to see some action. So yeah, they skipped a bunch of mythology to get to all the kick-ass parts and I'm cool with that. It's an easy movie to follow for those who aren't so familiar with the series, but I can see where it would be a more difficult adjustment for loyal fans of the books. For me, the changes didn't really matter so much because they worked. I think the biggest change was where the end battle took place and I do question how they'll make that fit in future movies (if there are any).

What I did appreciate were the subtle nuances to things in the book that were otherwise omitted. Where I think it lacked was in the fact that it was missing much of the mysterious darkness that the book had. It felt too rushed and we weren't able to get that real, gritty NYC feeling. I also really wanted more from that whole vampire/werewolf fight scene. It was one of my favourite parts of the book. I was also a bummed about how they handled that WTF revelation at the end --- it felt like they sugar-coated it so that it lost a lot of its WTF-ness. Not cool because that's what really made the book stand out.

This still makes me cringe...

As far as the casting goes, I thought most of the main characters (Clary, Simon, Jace, Hodge & Clary's mum) were spot on. First off, I LOOOOOVED Simon. He was a total natural --- relatable and cute and dorky and friendly. Lilly Collins was beautiful and brought a lot of depth to Clary. Jace didn't look quite like I pictured but he played the serious yet snarky role quite well. Jamie Campbell Bower looks like more of a heroine-chic version of the Jace that's in my head. It's nice to finally see Lena Headey not be a total bitch and Jared Harris always keeps it classy. I thought Magnus looked the part but the acting was SO forced. It was just bad. I'm a give or take on Valentine and Luke. They weren't what I imagined but they were do-able (I mean literally and figuratively). RAWR! 

The biggest casting issue I had was with Alec and Isabelle. For the two most beautiful characters (in the book), I thought Clary and Simon outshined them both. And maybe I'm just being picky here, but aren't they supposed to look 17 not 30? Nuff' said.

Overall, I'd say the movie was pleasing. The action was terrific, the romance believable (probably because Collins and Bowen dated in real life) and most of the casting was great, but I do think they can do one better if there's a sequel. The movie had a few cheesy moments (greenhouse sappy scene, I'm looking at you!), some intense drama, offered up some laughs and provided some legitimately creepy moments. Don't get me wrong, I can see why fans were displeased but if you hadn't read the books, I think the movie is a good alternative.  My recommendation if you are a fan is to not take the movie too seriously, otherwise you'll probably feel the bitter taste of disappointment.

Summary Prognosis

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones has gotten a lot of flack for not living up to the book but I kind of liked the movie. The casting was fairly well-done, with a few exceptions, and the plot was action-tastic! In terms of book-to-film adaptations, this one was pretty close to the original source material in both plot and feel. I did spend a lot of time trying to remember specifics from the book, though, so I feel like I may have missed out on some things. I'll probably go again, not for comparisons sake this time, but to enjoy the film for, well, being the film.


Rating:★★★½


Watch It: This movie is currently out in theatres
Discuss It: IMDB | Rotten Tomatoes
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Audiobook Review: Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

Title: Monstrous Beauty
Author(s): Elizabeth Fama
Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
Publisher/Date: Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) / September 4, 2013
Series: Stand Alone

“She looked out across the water and allowed the feeling of longing to wash over her, spill into the crevices of her soul, and fill her completely.” -Hester Goodwin

Case Study

Fierce, seductive mermaid Syrenka falls in love with Ezra, a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences.

Almost one hundred forty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra and feels overwhelmingly, inexplicably drawn to him. For generations, love has resulted in death for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse? With Ezra’s help, Hester investigates her family’s strange, sad history. The answers she seeks are waiting in the graveyard, the crypt, and at the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago. (synopsis from Goodreads)

The Game's Afoot

I never thought I'd say this, but... I read a mermaid book. Now I know what you're thinking...

But seriously. I read a mermaid book, and here's the thing, I LOVED it! Monstrous Beauty is a hauntingly beautiful tale of love, deceit, fate and tragedy. It's one of those rare books that caught me completely off guard and in a very good way. 

And here's the thing... while it does contain mermaids, I wouldn't exactly say Monstrous Beauty is a mermaid book. It sort of defies being pigeon-holed as such because it contains a wide variety elements---mermaids, curses, ghosts. And yes, that's a lot of randomness but it does work. The story's told through the alternating narratives of Hester (present day) and Syrenka (the past). Normally I find this kind of switcheroo jarring, but Fama pulls it off and in a very natural way. From the get-go, you know the story's end-point but you don't know how it got there. You're like a detective, putting the puzzle together piece by piece but in a very fresh and interesting sort of way. I picked up the audiobook, narrated by Katherine Kellgren, and I highly recommend that you do too because she's magnificent; definitely one of my favourite readers to date. Kellgren's voice lulled me into a trance-like state and you can't help but hang on to her every word. 

In case you were wondering, Monstrous Beauty isn't one of those Disney-esque, happily-ever-after fairy tales, oh no. Think more along the lines of the Grimm Brothers. This isn't Ariel we're dealing with here. These mermaids are fiercely alluring but with an added fear factor: we're talking pointed teeth and sharp claws. Oh yeah. They've got a deadly amount of strength, they're super vindictive aaaaaand also kind of terrifying. Then there's Hester. She's the average, reliable, girl-next-door type who has both brains and snark. At the beginning, she's confident and gawkward but as the story progresses and things get crazy, she becomes vulnerable and desperate and kind of stupid. I'm talking teenage-girl-in-love-for-the-very-first-time kind of stupid, and this of course, leads her to do some very stupid things. I gotta be honest. Hester was frustrating, particularly with regard to how she treats her friend Peter. It's kind of shitty but at least it shows imperfection and makes her a more relatable character. In fact, there's something that draws you in to each one of these characters, that makes you want to dig deeper and know more. That's how layered and interesting they are!

And if the characters don't reel you in, there's always the historical Plymouth setting and sea lure out to get you. Fama's gone to incredible lengths with the amount of research and detail she included in the book. I really liked those scholarly elements. They keep the story grounded, especially when there's so much supernatural stuff going on. Monstrous Beauty proved me wrong in that it showed me exactly why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, or in this case, by its mythical entity. The writing is eloquent, the story so incredibly imaginative that I want to be part of this world. In short, the book was amazing and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. Monstrous Beauty transported me to a magical world, both above and under the sea. Well played, Fama. Well played.

Summary Prognosis

Shockingly, Monstrous Beauty, ended up being one of my favourite reads of the year with it's engrossing storyline and engaging characters and beautiful prose. This book is full of unique twists and rich history and mythical elements, so there's something to please everyone. It's dark and creepy and haunting and romantic and I promise, you won't want to put it down. So don't judge. Just give it a try!


Rating: ★★★★★


Read It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
Discuss It: Goodreads | Author's Website
Extras: Listen to an audio clip here