Review: Daughter of the Pirate King (Tricia Levenseller)

Title: Daughter of the Pirate King
Series: Daughter of the Pirate King, Book 1
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Adventure
Told: First Person (Alosa), Present Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence, killing, abuse, minor torture, sensuality, innuendo and sexual implications - see Content Note below)
Format Read: ARC (BookHype)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I’ve gotten what I came for.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

*          *          *

In a Sentence: A quick and thoroughly entertaining pirate adventure with an easy writing style and truly kick-ass female protagonist.

Confession: Unless there's a lot of comedy involved (a la Pirates of the Caribbean), I'm generally not much for pirates. So although I'd heard good things about Daughter of the Pirate King, going in my expectations were low. To my surprise I discovered an exciting and engaging adventure with the truly kick-ass female protagonist so many other books have promised but few have actually delivered.

While Alosa's tendency to turn all the horrific things that happened to her into "teaching moments" wasn't exactly the healthiest, she was a genuine pirate princess and embraced it, her strength and surety and fearlessness a beautiful thing to behold. Her power was also different and interesting and added a nice twist to her character and personality. Cute and tortured Riden was an excellent foil and love interest, and his banter with Alosa was naturally a highlight. Their "relationship" was an intriguing one as Alosa's character, so detached after her violent upbringing, doesn't even seem to recognize or understand the concept of love, and I look forward to watching her discover it - with Riden's help - over the rest of the series.

Despite the murder and marauding that always accompanies pirates, the story's easy, breezy writing style made for a light and effortless read. The plot was simple with only one or two twists, which I found very refreshing - so many book plots nowadays try to outdo themselves twist-wise and end up a messy knotted ball for all their threads, and as I can typically predict most of them it's grown rather tiresome. With just Alosa's ruse and her search and little else to Pirate King's plot I could relax and enjoy the quick adventure without suspiciously second-guessing every little thing. I will say the last 30% or so had some flaws, but for the most part it was an engaging story with a satisfying ending.

Content Note: I typically avoid pirates because of the filth and debauchery that accompanies them, but told in an easy writing style from the viewpoint of a detached and fearless female I felt the dingier bits of pirate life and rateable content (see Content Rating above) were very tastefully handled and for the most part blessedly skimmed over.

Conclusion: An easy and entertaining adventure with an uncomplicated plot, fantastically fearless female protagonist, and tastefully handled piracy. I wasn't even 20% through when I found myself wishing I already had the sequel to read next, and now look forward to Alosa's next adventure, Daughter of the Siren Queen, with great anticipation!

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

DNF Review: Reawakened (Colleen Houck)

Title: Reawakened
Series: Reawakened, Book 1
Author: Colleen Houck
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: August 11, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy Adventure
Told: First Person (Lily), Past Tense
Content Rating: Teen (up to P95: car accident, mental and physical manipulation)
Format Read: ARC (trade)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

When seventeen-year-old Lilliana Young enters the Metropolitan Museum of Art one morning during spring break, the last thing she expects to find is a live Egyptian prince with godlike powers, who has been reawakened after a thousand years of mummification.

And she really can't imagine being chosen to aid him in an epic quest that will lead them across the globe to find his brothers and complete a grand ceremony that will save mankind.

But fate has taken hold of Lily, and she, along with her sun prince, Amon, must travel to the Valley of the Kings, raise his brothers, and stop an evil, shape-shifting god named Seth from taking over the world.

From New York Times bestselling author Colleen Houck comes an epic adventure about two star-crossed teens who must battle mythical forces and ancient curses on a journey with more twists and turns than the Nile itself.

*          *          *

DNF Review
(DNF at Page 95)

In a Sentence: While the premise was interesting, I couldn't connect with the writing, the main character, or the story, and the magic was unsettling.

I'm intrigued by all things Egyptian (I once even tried to learn hieroglyphics), so when I heard about Reawakened I was eager to read it. But despite the exciting premise, right from the start there was something off about the writing that unbalanced everything else, and I found the story rather unbelievable and a little disturbing.

I'm always willing to suspend some disbelief for the sake of entertainment, but here I struggled as the situations felt way too coincidental or just downright dictated. Main character Lily, who was supposed to be really smart, was instead rather dense, but I could tell it wasn't her fault but the story's dictating her personality and knowledge - and the knowledge around her - out of necessity. (She loved to study people but had somehow never heard of anthropology (the study of humans), and her college brochures didn't even list it as an option??) Then when she came into contact with Amon, her reactions were odd, and after a lot of talking and proof that should've persuaded a "smart" person like her it was something insignificant that convinced her to believe him. (My literal reaction: "What? That she believes? Seriously?")

And then there was the magic. While I was intrigued by the power to allow one person to live off the life force of another, I found the "necessary" slavish addition highly disturbing as Amon was able to control not only Lily's body with commands but alter her mind and emotions, diverting her thoughts when she focused on things he didn't want her to and calming her when her instincts told her to fear. Although the book insisted there was innocence to it I was unsettled by the way it was handled, and the interesting bits were soon suffocated by the troubling ones.

In the end though, the writing was the final nail in the sarcophagus for me. With flat dialogue and awkward movement on top of the dictated characters and disturbing magic, I struggled to maintain interest despite the plot heading overseas. Clinging to the still intriguing premise I hoped the book would get better, but when a serious case of backstory infodumping began on the plane ride my interest dropped to zero and I finally decided it was time to throw in the Egyptian cotton towel.

Conclusion: While I really thought this would be just my kind of read, I couldn't connect with any of the elements and lengthy infodumping proved too much for me to continue.

Try It Again?: Doubtful

Review: The Dark Talent [Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians #5] (Brandon Sanderson)

Title: The Dark Talent
Series: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, Book 5
Author: Brandon Sanderson (site)
Publisher: Starscape (Tor)
Release Date: September 6, 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary Fantasy Adventure
Told: First Person (Alcatraz), Past Tense
Content Rating: Teen (violence/fighting/war, death, wooly sea sloths)
Format Read: ARC (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Alcatraz Smedry has successfully defeated the army of Evil Librarians and saved the kingdom of Mokia. Too bad he managed to break the Smedry Talents in the process. Even worse, his father is trying to enact a scheme that could ruin the world, and his friend, Bastille, is in a coma. To revive her, Alcatraz must infiltrate the Highbrary–known as The Library of Congress to Hushlanders–the seat of Evil Librarian power. Without his Talent to draw upon, can Alcatraz figure out a way to save Bastille and defeat the Evil Librarians once and for all?

*          *          *

Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review. Thank you, Tor!!

*Warning: possible spoilers below!*

Series: This is Book 5 in the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series. For reviews of the previous books, see Book 1: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, Book 3: The Knights of Crystallia, and Book 4: The Shattered Lens. (Book 2: The Scrivener's Bones, pending.)

In a Sentence: A return to everything I loved about the first two brilliant and hilarious books but with a little more weight, thrilling twists, and a shock of an ending.

Determined to save the world from his possibly well-meaning but probably misguided father and retrieve the antidote that will revive his friend, Alcatraz teams up with his evil Librarian mother and several Smedrys to infiltrate the Highbrary (aka the Library of Congress). But after accidentally declaring war on the Librarians to the entire world, the infiltration becomes more of a very loud, very public break-in that turns DC into a war zone. With the aid of some unexpected family Alcatraz is able to make his way into the Highbrary, but once inside he must face a bloody dinosaur, several methods on his "ways to die that don't sound very fun" list, his parents' true motivations, his mysteriously absent Talent, and a very dark, very ancient evil bent on destroying everything he holds dear.

While Alcatraz is one of my all-time favorite series, after a somewhat disappointing fourth book my expectations for this fifth were a little low. So it was with great happiness that The Dark Talent vaulted my expectations to deliver as entertaining and thrilling a read as the brilliant and hilarious first two books that started it all!

As expected with this amazing series, the writing was sharp with wit and action and really bad puns, the story full of exciting twists and turns and cake I did not see coming. Although the weights of responsibility, familial unrest, and war that have built up over the series did dampen the zany humor just a bit, the Smedry eccentricities along with Alcatraz's penchant for off-topic tangents and new discovery of informative footnotes rather perfectly balanced the darker elements. By this book Aclatraz has fully embraced being a Smedry, which made for highly amusing moments and dialogue, as well as accepted what it means to be a leader and all the responsibility and guilt that comes with it, especially in times of war, which made for a bit more adulting than one might expect in a children's book but generated some good takeaway lessons. Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read, and up until the last chapter the only thing keeping The Dark Talent from 5 Scribbles was the almost complete lack of my favorite character, Bastille, although I didn't feel her absence quite as keenly as expected except in the occasional need for a cutting remark.

And then: the last page.

After pondering it a while afterwards, the end really rather fit what came before and was properly foreshadowed through the entire series. At the time it hit though, it was probably the most complete shock of an ending I'd ever read, and had me rereading and flipping through the final pages of the ARC with wide eyes while I made many of the noises in Chapter Alice. I'd been under the impression this was the final book in the series, and for the series to end like that... While fitting, I was not happy. As in giving this book 2 Scribbles instead of 5 unhappy.

Luckily, I'd received an early finished hardcover just a few days before (thank you again, Tor!!). Still making Chapter Alice noises I scrambled for it and flipped to the end, praying that the ARC ending was some kind of misprint. It wasn't. But while the end remained the same, I discovered just how "unfinished" an Advance Reader Copy can be right before the hardcover flyleaf, a discovery that bumped this book back up to 4.5 Scribbles and now has me awaiting 2017 (cake I hope it's only 2017) with even more anticipation than I built up for this long-awaited fifth book.

Rutabaga.

Conclusion: A highly engaging and entertaining fifth installment in the Alcatraz saga with a shocking end but thrilling possibilities. Although the fourth book was somewhat disappointing this fifth returned to the brilliant and witty roots of the first two books, and I highly recommend the entire series for anyone who enjoys fast-paced, action-packed, fourth-wall-breaking adventures!

For Fans Of: Harry Potter

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Review: The Shattered Lens [Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians #4] (Brandon Sanderson)

Title: The Shattered Lens
Series: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, Book 4
Author: Brandon Sanderson (site)
Publisher: Starscape (Tor)
Release Date: July 19, 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary Fantasy Adventure
Told: First Person (Alcatraz), Past Tense
Content Rating: Teen (fighting/violence/minor war, streaking)
Format Read: Hardcover (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Can Alcatraz save a city under siege?

If the island of Mokia falls, so could the rest of the Free Kingdoms--and then the entire world would fall under the sway of the Evil Librarians. Can Alcatraz save the day once more?

Armed only with a few pairs of glasses, a small supply of exploding teddy bears, and his incredible Talent for breaking things, Alcatraz is determined to try. All he has to do is defeat an army of giant Librarian robots, a force of regular-sized but extremely evil Librarians, and worst of all: his own mother!

*          *          *

Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review. Thank you, Tor!

Series: This is Book 4 in the Alcatraz Series. For reviews of the previous books, see Book 1: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, and Book 3: The Knights of Crystallia. (Book 2: The Scrivener's Bones, pending.)

In a Sentence: An off-the-wall yet introspective sequel about responsibility and exploding teddy bears.

Determined to save Mokia from falling into Librarian hands, Alcatraz eludes Knight protection and heads for the island, hoping the protection will follow and aid in the fight. But after convincing the capital city of Tuki Tuki not to surrender, Alcatraz suddenly finds himself in charge and out of his depth as their failing defenses and dwindling numbers struggle to hold out for the coming cavalry. When Alcatraz's mother suddenly appears and reveals that all he's previously learned and assumed about the world may not all be as it seems, he must face some unsettling truths about his family and his Talent as it begins to take on a life of its own.

This was by far the most oddball installment in the series yet, raising the bar quite a few notches with its erratic chapter numbers and introductions, random tangents, and almost complete elimination of the fourth wall as characters constantly commented on being in a book and did things like quoting Hamlet for an entire chapter with almost complete indifference. Unlike previous books though, the off-the-wall antics here felt somewhat exaggerated, more of a gimmick to balance out all the serious elements of the story, and while I could understand and even embrace the serious elements given the series progression from comical ignorance to sober responsibility for both the plot and Alcatraz's character arc, this book sadly lacked the playfulness of the previous books for me.

Also sadly disappointing was the story. The first two-thirds lacked the brilliant spark of the previous books, and while the last third was quite thrilling with lots of excitement and a few interesting twists, as a whole the story was rather unremarkable. Likewise, compared to previous series settings I found Tuki Tuki a bit bland as Mokians are a less-is-more kind of people, although they did have some intriguing eccentricities and made a nice contrast to their the-more-the-better Librarian adversaries.

As expected with this series the writing was smooth and engaging, and although the wit did take a bit of a hit from all the seriousness, even at partial strength the wit was still strong and there was some unique and amusing action to compliment it. Bastille continued to be the capable warrior female that I've loved throughout the series, and even as the "romance" between her and Alcatraz finally began to be realized she remained true to her character about it (as did Alcatraz by being completely clueless about his and her feelings). Only one new Smedry was introduced this book but she was a delightful one, and her Talent, as with all Smedry Talents, really added something special to the story.

Conclusion: While sadly my least favorite of the series so far, The Shattered Lens was still a somewhat fun and adventurous read with eccentric characters and a few laugh out loud moments. If you enjoyed the previous books, this is definitely a must-read.

For Fans Of: Harry Potter

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

Review: The Knights of Crystallia [Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians #3] (Brandon Sanderson)

Title: The Knights of Crystallia
Series: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, Book 3
Author: Brandon Sanderson (site)
Publisher: Starscape (Tor)
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary Fantasy Adventure
Told: First Person (Alcatraz), Past Tense
Content Rating: Young Teen (fighting and violence)
Format Read: Hardcover (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

The Knights of Crystallia is the third action-packed fantasy adventure in the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series for young readers by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson. These fast-paced and funny novels are now available in deluxe hardcover editions illustrated by Hayley Lazo.

In this third Alcatraz adventure, Alcatraz Smedry has made it to the Free Kingdoms at last. Unfortunately, so have the evil Librarians--including his mother! Now Alcatraz has to find a traitor among the Knights of Crystallia, make up with his estranged father, and save one of the last bastions of the Free Kingdoms from the Evil Librarians.

*          *          *

Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review. Thank you, Tor!

Series: This is the third book in the five-book Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series. For my review of the first book see Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians (second book review to come).

In a Sentence: Although not quite as exciting as the first two books, this proved another fun and witty installment in the Alcatraz series!

After many adventurous detours, Alcatraz has finally made it to his birthplace in the Free Kingdoms. But with its castles and costumes and controversies little is familiar, and nothing is quite as he'd anticipated. For one thing, his family is sort of a big deal. For another, he is an even bigger deal. But while he initially enjoys the fame and perks, Alcatraz quickly learns that being a big deal also comes with a lot of expectations and responsibilities, like foiling assassinations, saving kingdoms, and attending Council meetings. To accomplish all this he is forced to befriend a recovering Librarian, ride a hog, read mysterious books, and break many, many things, and in doing so stumbles upon several shocking revelations about his family and his powers.

This book wasn't quite as good as the first two for me - the wit just wasn't as striking, the setting as impressive, and there was little excitement until well into the second half of the book. That said though, the wit still had its moments as Alcatraz used his signature chapterly tangents to talk about chapter breaks, after-school specials, and fish sticks, all of which and more had me snickering at length on numerous occasions. And birthplace Nalhalla had its highlights, from some unusual modes of transportation (spoiler: dragons!!), to its Royal Archives (not a library), to the Honorable Guild of Evil Warlords. Also, while I felt I was predicting some nigglenutted behavior in the plot as the story escalated, I was eventually proven infinitely wrong (which I really should have expected, this being an Alcatraz book) before a thrilling climax and an intriguing epilogue left me eager for the next installment. Some new and quirky characters were added to the mix as previous ones were shuffled a bit and, while I wasn't as impressed with Alcatraz's character development in this book, I adored Bastille's growth and strength, even in her suffering. She's been one of the toughest female characters I've ever read, and I look forward to her continued perseverance in the face of limitations, adversity, and Smedrys.

Conclusion: While not quite as quotable or adventurous as previous installments, The Knights of Crystallia was still a fun read with good humor, great characters, and a strong ending - I definitely recommend it if you enjoyed the first two books. Can't wait for Book 4, The Shattered Lens, releasing July 19, 2016!

For Fans Of: Harry Potter

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians (Brandon Sanderson)

Title: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
Series: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, Book 1
Author: Brandon Sanderson (site)
Publisher: Starscape (Tor)
Release Date: February 16, 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary Fantasy Adventure
Told: First Person (Alcatraz), Past Tense
Content Rating: Middle Grade (violence, minor torture)
Format Read: ARC (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

On his thirteenth birthday, foster child Alcatraz Smedry gets a bag of sand in the mail-his only inheritance from his father and mother. He soon learns that this is no ordinary bag of sand. It is quickly stolen by the cult of evil Librarians who are taking over the world by spreading misinformation and suppressing truth. Alcatraz must stop them, using the only weapon he has: an incredible talent for breaking things.

*          *          *

Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review. Thank you, Tor!!

In a Sentence: A concisely clever and comical adventure with witty writing, creative characters, and a playful and ponderous plot.

I originally discovered this book when it first released in 2007 from Scholastic, and after a thoroughly delightful read declared it pure brilliance and absolutely hilarious. I was heartbroken when it fell out of print a few years ago (it's hard to recommend a book one can't readily purchase!), so when Tor announced last year that its Starscape imprint would be reissuing the series, and with new illustrations by Hayley Lazo, I couldn't have been more excited! Alcatraz's playfulness and wit transcend age with flawless writing, quirky and diverse characters, and an original story that is fun and fraught with excitement and danger. In my opinion, a read really doesn't get much better!

The Story: After living with numerous foster families for thirteen years, Alcatraz Smedry receives - and quickly loses - a mysterious birthday inheritance from his real parents: a bag of sand. When his grandfather arrives (late, of course) and informs Alcatraz that his knack for breaking things (doors, kitchens, chickens) is a family Talent, and in the wrong hands the stolen sands could cause untold suffering, they infiltrate a library to steal back his inheritance from the dastardly evil librarians who secretly rule most of the world. Along the way Alcatraz breaks many, many things (some helpful, some not so much), discovers girls make killer knights and glasses are not just corrective eye-wear, and finds the true place where he belongs. Swiftly paced and hilariously witty, this is a quick and adventurous read with exciting action, engaging intrigue, and just the right amount of silliness.

The Writing: As a whole this book is a mastery in all areas of writing with sharp dialogue and precise description, but it is the concise and snappy movement that really make the prose pop for me - especially Alcatraz's actions and reactions when his Talent is activated. I don't know how many times Alcatraz tosses a handle in this book, but I snickered every single time. My favorite:

"I walked up, pulled open the screen door--threw the door handle over my shoulder as it broke off--then stepped inside after Grandpa Smedry."

Written as an autobiographical account under a borrowed pen name (to hide from Librarian agents), the author allows himself comical and occasionally reflective chapterly tangents about things like fantasy stories (you know, "important" books where the boy's mother and dog die), irony (be prepared to own a mousetrap factory), information (and morons), and most amusingly (especially to a fellow writer like myself), authors:

"Some people assume that authors write books because we have vivid imaginations and want to share our vision. Other people assume that authors write because we are bursting with stories, and therefore must scribble those stories down in moments of creative propondidty. 

Both groups of people are completely wrong. Authors write books for one, and only one, reason: because we like to torture people."

So true, so true. But I digress.

The Setting: The "real world" of the librarian-oppressed Hushlands sprinkled with advanced Free Kingdom tech such as self-driving cars, empowering sunglasses, crystal swords, and stairs. While some things may seem a bit foreign, most of the tech is really rather logical when you let yourself ponder just how "advanced" many of our advancements really are...

The Magics: Just when I think no one could possibly come up with any more unique and original magics, Brandon "Magic Master" Sanderson presents the Smedry Talents, where arriving late, tripping, and breaking things are considered powerful gifts instead of mundane annoyances. Because what if you could arrive late to a bullet? Or trip and fall behind a sorting cart when you would rather not be seen? Or break a monster made out of romance novels when you would prefer not to be killed by it? But Sanderson doesn't stop there as this book also has a second magic: Oculary. Donning Lenses forged from different sands, those with the ability (Occulators) are able to follow the footsteps of those they know, translate illegible languages, and project ice, fire, and wind from their glasses. Both magics are unique, fun, and highly inventive, and add great humor and twists to the story. And we only scratch the surface of both magics in this book, which leaves a lot of further exploration and elaboration to look forward to as the series progresses!

The Characters: Wielding clever powers, advanced Free Kingdom tech, and unique looks, this book's quirky, diverse cast make for one lively and diverting read! With characters from all walks of life, there are no absentee guardians or unsupervised youth here - both children and adults get into all sorts of trouble and danger together, as they should. Alcatraz proves an unreliable and entertaining narrator with a flair for the dramatic and turns of phrase, and his indifferent, jaded approach to life and breaking things creates comical content and many quotable lines. (And paragraphs. And chapters. And books.) He isn't all comedy and quotes though as he deals with some more serious revelations about his past and complicated family, but this slightly somber edge to his character offers a nice balance to his otherwise prevalent playfulness. Rutabaga.

The Illustrations: As can happen with ARCs the illustrations were sadly draft so I can't give a full account of them when paired with the text. However even unfinished they were a fun addition to the narrative, especially the different glasses that headed each chapter, and I look forward to rereading the book again soon with the finished artwork!

Conclusion: Be it the first read or the fourth, Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians continues to be pure brilliance and absolutely hilarious! If you enjoy evil librarian stories with masterful writing, quirky characters, unique magic, forgotten languages, talking dinosaurs, and lanterns shaped like fruit, then I highly recommend you pick up this exceptionally entertaining and fantastical autobiography. (I mean, Middle Grade Fantasy. Yeah.) And while you're at it, I just as highly recommend grabbing the second book, The Scrivener's Bones, which rereleased February 16, 2016 as well (review to come soon)!

For Fans Of: Harry Potter

Scribble Rating: 

5 of 5 Scribbles

*Parts of this review were previously published on my former blog, Black Kitten Reviews.

Review: Starflight (Melissa Landers)

Title: Starflight
Series: Starflight, Book 1
Author: Melissa Landers (site)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: February 2, 2016
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction Adventure
Told: Third Person (Solara & Doran), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (sensuality, violence, some innuendo, a few words of language, minor underage drinking and accidental drug use)
Format Read: ARC (friend)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Life in the outer realm is a lawless, dirty, hard existence, and Solara Brooks is hungry for it. Just out of the orphanage, she needs a fresh start in a place where nobody cares about the engine grease beneath her fingernails or the felony tattoos across her knuckles. She's so desperate to reach the realm that she's willing to indenture herself to Doran Spaulding, the rich and popular quarterback who made her life miserable all through high school, in exchange for passage aboard the spaceliner Zenith.

When a twist of fate lands them instead on the Banshee, a vessel of dubious repute, Doran learns he's been framed on Earth for conspiracy. As he pursues a set of mysterious coordinates rumored to hold the key to clearing his name, he and Solara must get past their enmity to work together and evade those out for their arrest. Life on the Banshee may be tumultuous, but as Solara and Doran are forced to question everything they once believed about their world--and each other--the ship becomes home, and the eccentric crew family. But what Solara and Doran discover on the mysterious Planet X has the power to not only alter their lives, but the existence of everyone in the universe...

*          *          *

In a Sentence: A thoroughly entertaining sci-fi with a wild and unpredictable adventure plot and a cast of some of the most vivid characters I've ever read!

Sci-fi is my favorite genre, so when I first heard about this Firefly-esque YA back in March 2014 I could not have been more excited to read it. My eagerness didn't fade for almost two years (quite a feat for capricious me), and when I finally got my hands on it last month I was blown away by one of the best reads I've had the pleasure of laying eyes on!

Story: A delightfully pure adventure story with minimal foreshadowing and epic twists - especially at the end - that I did not see coming. I usually prefer twists foreshadowed, but here I relished the uncertainty and impulsiveness of the deficiency as the plot detoured this way and that due to unforeseen roadblocks and revelations. Out of their element but driven to reach their destinations, Solara and Doran find themselves trading - and fighting - with pirates, robbing a medical center, accidentally intoxicated (and tattooed), and on the run from not one, not two, but three different groups simultaneously. It was a thrilling roller-coaster of frying pan to fire and back again and I enjoyed every second of it.

Firefly Comparison: While a Firefly comparison is definitely valid, unlike others I didn't feel it was overly similar to the show. They do share a basic plot structure - two fugitives finding refuge on a questionable ship of mysterious misfits - but aside from both also having colorful characters and adventurous stories, I think Starflight stands separate.

Characters: This book had some of the most vivid characters I've ever read, flawed and realistic in their personalities and mannerisms. All had interesting little tics and quirks - from Kane's smile to Renny's kleptomania to the sugar bear that lived in the Captain's pocket - that really brought them to life and enhanced the story. But with her strength for survival and dogged motivation, Solara stole the show and proved one of the most engaging characters I've had the pleasure of reading. From Page 1 her conviction to obtain a better life for herself fueled the adventure, and at every turn it drove the story even as she and it evolved due to shifting situations and intriguing revelations. Another pleasure was Doran, who even from the beginning wasn't just your average handsome spoiled rich boy. His fears and flaws and his struggle to overcome them were refreshing and compelling, and I really enjoyed watching his growth as he discovered his courage and his aspirations for the complicated future ahead of him.

Romantic Relationship: Solara and Doran's romance was a great example of the fine line between hate and love and how shared experience and eventual trust can push you from one side to the other. It had an enjoyable slow burn that culminated in passion but also a sweet intimacy and friendship.

Writing/Setting: Great movement, smooth dialogue, description easy to picture. The Third Person perspective lost me a bit at times, especially as the chapters randomly switched back and forth between Solara and Doran, but for the most part it engaged me well enough. The setting was mostly the usual ships in space and terraformed planets, but they proved appealing backdrops with both familiar and foreign elements, and there were a few intriguing aspects to some of the tech.

Conclusion: Already a finalist for my Best Read of 2016, this amazing sci-fi completely blew me away with its vivid characters and unpredictable adventure story. If you enjoy space adventures, Starflight is not to be missed! Cannot wait to get my hands on next February's companion sequel, Starfall, which will be told from the perspective of pugnacious fellow crewmates, Cassia and Kane!

For Fans Of: Firefly

Scribble Rating: 

5 of 5 Scribbles

Manga Review: Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE Series (CLAMP)

Series Title: Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE
Author: CLAMP
Volumes Reviewed: 1-28 (complete series)
Publisher: Del Rey
Release Date: April 2004 - November 2010
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Adventure
Content Rating: Teen (violence)
Format Read: Paperback (purchased & library)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary (for Volume 1):

To collect the pieces of Sakura's memories scattered through many unknown worlds, Sakura and Syaoran contract world-hopping Mokona from the Time Witch Yuko, and with fellow contractors Kurogane and Fai travel to many worlds. Along the way they discover much about each other and about themselves, and struggle against one who would use the power of Sakura's memories to alter everything they have ever known.

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In a Sentence: A fun and exciting but also serious and convoluted story of just how far someone will go to fulfill a wish.

Story: How far would you go to protect someone you love? To see someone you'd lost just one more time? To see another's desire granted? All these questions are the basis of this epic and complicated saga about wishes, curses, and the prices one must pay to fulfill them.

The first half of the series is a lot of fun with minimal over-arcing intrigue as the group travels to different and fascinating worlds collecting Sakura's memories. We get to know and care for the characters as they get to know and care for each other through dangerous and exciting adventures. What series arc intrigue we do collect comes in bits and pieces and flashbacks that should but don't really prepare you for the sheer mass of multi-layered mystery ahead. Once you get into the mid teens, things take a darker turn that slides into a convoluted second half of mysteries layered upon answers layered upon mysteries as secrets and lies are revealed and multiples of familiar faces come into play. By the early twenties the story moves fast and gets seriously complicated, so be prepared to power through to the conclusion once you hit them or you may get a little lost.

As can be expected of CLAMP, the end is left open not only for the characters to make cameos in other series (according to the Translator, they appeared in Kobato!), but for possible sequel series someday. True to form, Tsubasa: WoRLD CHRoNiCLE started releasing August 2014 in Japan, and has thankfully been licensed by Kodansha for publication in America beginning December 2015!

Setting: Until the second half of the series when the group started lingering in worlds, my favorite world changed with every jump. The Hanshin Republic with its battle-ready, guardian-angel-like Kudan. The Country of Oto with its oni-hunters and Cat's Eye cafe and world secret. The Country of Shura with its endless war. Piffle World with its Dragonfly aircraft race. The Country of Recort, steampunk meets childhood fantasy with a library of magical books I'd kill to visit. They travel to over a dozen worlds that span all time and setting - desert and snow and tropical, tribal and Victorian and futuristic, flourishing and desolate, magical and technological. All show limitless imagination and artistic skill and are worth seeing.

Art: Amazing, as can be expected from CLAMP. This is their sweeter style, with mostly pretty characters boasting lots of personality and intricately detailed backdrops.

Characters: It's hard to go into any depth about the characters in this book because not only do some of them sort of change personality halfway through the series, but others change entire persons. With CLAMP, nothing - and especially no one - is what they seem, and before the end everyone and everything has no less than two gasp-worthy alterations. But no matter their changes, the main group and secondary characters are all interesting and fun to follow through thick and thin and many thrilling adventures!

Favorite Character: Fai D. Flowright, no contest. He begins fun and playful but as his true personality emerges due to time and violence he becomes chilling and thrilling and all the best spoilers!!

Special Note: Make sure to take stock of what every character is doing in every frame, because rarely is someone not doing something interesting! This includes even the extra background characters - you never know who will make a cameo.

Romantic Relationship: Sakura and Syaoran's romance is one for the ages as it spans not only time and space and worlds in this series but flows from its origins in Cardcaptor Sakura. It's sweet and tragic but no matter the obstacles your heart goes out to them and roots for them to somehow be together.

Series Crossover: This series crosses with another of CLAMP's called xxxHoLic. xxxHoLic was released in tandem with Tsubasa in America, and I initially read the two together, more or less (the volume pacing is wildly different). Apparently you don't have to read one to follow the other, but having read both I must say that a deeper layer of the convoluted onion opens up between both arcs so I definitely recommend, while perhaps not reading them "together," reading both near each other. If I had to choose which to read first, I think I would say xxxHoLic, because reading the entirety of Tsubasa first will ruin the mysterious beginning of xxxHoLic. (FYI the Tsubasa sequel series, Tsubasa: WoRLD CHRoNiCLE, crosses over with the xxxHoLic sequel series, xxxHoLic Rei.)

Conclusion: While the plot can get a bit complicated in the second half, with its dazzling worlds and highly engaging characters this CLAMP saga is worth a little confusion as the ladies truly let their limitless imaginations run wild through space and time. Highly recommend for contemporary fantasy manga lovers.

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Review: The Leveller (Julia Durango)

Title: The Leveller
Series: The Leveller, Book 1
Author: Julia Durango
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: June 23, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Action-Adventure
Told: First Person Singular (Nixy), Present Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (some language, violence, scary situations, phobias, innuendo)
Format Read: ARC (won - thank you, Brittany!)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Nixy Bauer is a self-made Leveller. Her job? Dragging kids out of virtual reality and back to their parents in the real world. It’s normally easy cash, but Nixy’s latest mission is fraught with real danger, intrigue, and romance.

Nixy Bauer is used to her classmates being very, very unhappy to see her. After all, she’s a bounty hunter in a virtual reality gaming world. Kids in the MEEP, as they call it, play entirely with their minds, while their bodies languish in a sleeplike state on the couch. Irritated parents, looking to wrench their kids back to reality, hire Nixy to jump into the game and retrieve them. 

But when the game’s billionaire developer loses track of his own son in the MEEP, Nixy is in for the biggest challenge of her bounty-hunting career. Wyn Salvador isn’t some lazy kid looking to escape his homework: Wyn does not want to be found. And he’s left behind a suicide note. Nixy takes the job but quickly discovers that Wyn’s not hiding—he’s being held inside the game against his will. But who is holding him captive, and why?

Nixy and Wyn attempt to fight their way out of a mind game unlike any they’ve encountered, and the battle brings them closer than either could have imagined. But when the whole world is virtual, how can Nixy possibly know if her feelings are real?

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In a Sentence: A short and stellar action-adventure for gamer and non-gamer alike!

Confession Time: I've never played a video game. My parents encouraged reading instead, and by the time I was old enough to purchase them myself I decided I'd rather spend my money and time on books (parental brainwashing = complete). The closest I can claim to ever playing one is an old Mother Goose computer game at daycare (which I rocked at), and maybe a few deaths on a friend's Super Mario Bros once. All that said though, the concept of video games fascinates me, so when I found out about this story I was super-excited to read it!

Writing/Story: Coming in at just over 250 pages, part of The Leveller's charm is how short it is. Because of it, the plot gets straight to the point so we can enjoy the thrills (and chills) of the virtual reality gaming world, the MEEP. The action was short and sweet, powering through levels and obstacles without a word wasted while the description effortlessly painted its pictures with just a few vivid sentences, the world easily visualized in my head.

Setting: Set mainly in virtual reality and centered around gamers, I was a little worried about not understanding all the lingo, but Julia made this book completely accessible to gamer and non-gamer alike. I may have missed out on a few inside jokes but didn't notice, and I really enjoyed learning more about gaming and the culture.

I did have a slight problem with the real world, however. As far as I'm aware, we are still far from the ease of virtual reality that is shown in The Leveller. Never a worry with futuristic fiction, but while the MEEP resided leaps and bounds from current technology, the rest of Leveller's world did not. I noted no other advances - to the tech or anything else - and in fact the general vibe of the story (while really fun) seemed more retro than the few decades into the future that I assumed this was set in. I wasn't expecting drastic changes, but a few more other than the MEEP would've been completely plausible. We spent little time in the real world though, so I was able to overlook it for the most part.

Characters/Romantic Relationship: Nixy was sassy and snarky and I adored her. She showed great initiative and courage, going where grown men feared to tread to feed her college tuition. When she stumbled she picked herself back up, and it was simply a lucky break that she ended up with a cute boy in the end. Said cute boy Wyn was charming and easygoing and I liked him, and although I'm not quite sure I fully bought into Nixy and Wyn together I'm willing to roll with it and reserve judgment for the next book since their relationship really had very little time and opportunity to grow into much of anything.

Favorite Bit: The language cheat. In tense and seemingly unfair situations, swearing is bound to happen, but instead of subjecting readers to the usual words the author gave Nixy a proclivity for foreign swear words. She didn't abuse them though, which made me enjoy them even more.

Conclusion: A thrilling and chilling read that I recommend for anyone who enjoys a quick action-adventure virtual reality story! Really looking forward to the sequel!

For Fans Of: video games

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Tuesdays at the Castle (Jessica Day George)

Title: Tuesdays at the Castle
Series: Castle Glower #1
Author: Jessica Day George
Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure
Content Rating: Middle Grade (scary situations, some violence)
Format Read: Paperback (purchased)
Find It On: Goodreads
Summary:

Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. 

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In a Sentence: A lighthearted, magical and exciting story about a sentient castle and a brave royal family that I absolutely loved and can't believe it took me this long to read!

This book was a Mary Poppins for me: practically perfect in every way. Why?

1. A thrilling story. For a thin book it was packed with twists and turns and lots of action! I barely put it down in the less than two days I read it, and the last few chapters especially had me on the edge of my seat.

2. A sentient castle! A magic castle that moves and creates and changes rooms at will? Two words: Dream. Setting. Because of the castle alone I'm shocked I didn't read this sooner - magic is my thing, but magical buildings are pure catnip for me. Now, if Castle Glower can just give me a library...

3. Celie. Eleven year-old main character Celie was quite the capable young lady, which made her an exciting heroine to follow and root for, but she was also realistic in her childlike limitations and eccentricities. When she spent a day running around the Castle herding servants, escaping bad guys, and hauling around a heavy basket, she collapsed in the end. Sometimes we can think of children as having unlimited energy, or at least as much energy as an adult in tense situations, but after running themselves ragged they tend to drop - and usually right where they stand. Celie was really no different and I found her portrayal, and the portrayal of her siblings as well, refreshing and relatable.

4. The sibling relationships. I mostly grew up a single child, so I really don't know what it's like to have siblings. From what I gather it's a bit of a love-hate relationship, but most books I've read depict it heavily to one side or the other. In this book, Celie is the youngest, with an older sister and brother, and I was happy that while they did have their problems with each other they put them aside and banded together to take care of each other and the Castle. But most importantly, the older siblings listened to Celie! They didn't put down her ideas, ignore her, or mistrust anything she said. While those of you with siblings may consider this unrealistic, I prefer my family stories with strong ties of trust. 

5. It’s a series! There are two more books in the Castle Glower series already released (2: Wednesdays in the Tower, and 3: Thursdays with the Crown), with a fourth to come this fall. The end of this book wrapped up a little fast and left some unanswered questions, so I’m excited to find out more about the Castle and continue the further adventures of the Glower royal family!

Conclusion: With its easy writing, exciting story and relatable characters, this book was a spectacular read that I highly recommend not only for kids but anyone who enjoys quick fantasy adventures with strong family bonds and magical settings!

For Fans Of: Diana Wynne Jones

Rating: 

5 out of 5 Scribbles