Manga Review: Frau Faust Series (Kore Yamazaki)

Series Title: Frau Faust
Author: Kore Yamazaki
Volumes Reviewed: 5 (complete)
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
US Release Date: September 2017 - November 2018
Genre: Alternate Historical Fantasy
Content Rating: Older Teen (strong violence, human experimentation, child possession, murder, a few words of language)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | Azon | BookDepo | RightStuf
Summary (of Volume 1):

From the creator of The Ancient Magus' Bride comes a supernatural action manga in the vein of Fullmetal Alchemist! With electrifying art and a gripping story, Frau Faust reimagines the protagonist of the classic tale who makes a deal with the devil as a tenacious female scholar.

More than a century after an eccentric scholar made an infamous deal with a devil, the story of Faust has passed into legend. However, the true Faust is not the stuffy, professorial man known in fairy tales, but a charismatic, bespectacled woman named Johanna Faust, who happens to still be alive. Searching for pieces of her long-lost demon, Johanna passes through a provincial town, where she saves a young boy named Marion from a criminal’s fate. In exchange, she asks a simple favor of Marion, but Marion soon finds himself intrigued by the peculiar Doctor Faust and joins her on her journey. Thus begins the strange and wonderful adventures of Frau Faust!

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Series: This is a five-volume manga series, all released and available.

Frau Faust is a brief but entertaining five-volume series about following your heart and doing things your own way with the time you have. Set in an alternate historical world of alchemy and religion that we barely scratch the surface of, it tells the story of the immortal Faust as she hunts for the hidden pieces of her formerly contracted demon, Mephisto, in an attempt to finally achieve death after over a century. Along the way she makes new friends, reconnects with old ones, reminisces past accomplishments and failures, weaves a little magic, and loses a bit more of herself in every violent confrontation with those who would try to capture or kill her. There's a lot of pain, and as typically happens when dealing with demons things can get pretty creepy at times, but despite a more melancholy finish there's a little humor and a lot of hope for all concerned by the end. Although the artwork is not afraid to be occasionally grotesque with unusual creatures and violence that doesn't shy away from blood and gore, it's generally rather simple and handsome with backdrop settings and expressive, emotionally-charged characters.

Bonus Stories: Volume 1 boasts the bonus short story, The Invisible Museum. Not only does it offer a fascinating location in the mysterious museum of invisible exhibits along with a fun cat-and-mouse chase story, but the intriguing theme of desiring to disappear proved both a dark and hopeful one. And the butterfly really was quite beautiful. 4.5 Scribbles.

Conclusion: A short but engaging alternate historical fantasy with lots of thrills, chills, and onion-layered characters. Especially recommend if you already enjoy Yamazaki's other series, The Ancient Magus' Bride.

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

Nightschool: The Weirn Books by Svetlana Chmakova

Pandora Hearts by Jun Mochizuki

Time Killers by Kazue Kato

Review: Rebel Magisters (Shanna Swendson)

Title: Rebel Magisters
Series: Rebel Mechanics, Book 2
Author: Shanna Swendson
Publisher: NLA Digital
US Release Date: July 12, 2016
Genre: Young Adult Alternate History Magical Realism
Content Rating: Teen (daring deeds, lawbreaking, eavesdropping, brief kissing)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: 
Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon
Summary:

Tea, Love ... and Revolution!

The Rebel Mechanics aren’t the only group plotting revolution against the magical British Empire. There are rebel magisters, as well, and Verity Newton and her magister employer, Lord Henry, know that the only way for the revolution to succeed is if both groups work together. A diplomatic mission seems like the perfect opportunity for them to meet with rebels in other colonies and gather support—right under the governor’s nose.

From drawing rooms, ballrooms, and the harbor in Boston to the streets of Charleston, Verity and Henry find themselves up against stubborn factions of both magisters and Mechanics and increasingly aware that they can only really count on each other as their relationship deepens. It may take a real crisis to unite the rebel movements and rally them to the cause—but could such a crisis also tear them apart?

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Series: This is the second book in the Rebel Mechanics series. You can read my review of the first book here.

Rebel Magisters is the sequel to Rebel Mechanics (review here), a magical alternate history tale of revolution and romance. After quite enjoying the first book I was excited to continue protagonist Verity Newton's adventures, and happily quite enjoyed Magisters as well. Although published independently, the quality was generally the same as the first book (traditionally published by Macmillan), the writing and plot maintaining the familiar light tone and steady pace I'd previously appreciated. Verity lived an exceptionally charmed life as everyone she met became an important contact, every gathering she joined ended safely for her, and every mission she undertook was successful, which I must admit occasionally strained the realism of the story. However, her tale was still fraught with tension, action, and intrigue, and those around her weren't always quite as lucky leading to a lot of interesting conflict, complications, and close calls for everyone.

Most of the returning Mechanics played smaller roles as Verity delved deeper into the magical and political world of Magisters with Lord Henry. But they still had their moments - the Flynn siblings especially with their amusing and theatrical appearances, and the new Mechanics were an interesting look at how a change in location can alter people's priorities and creations. The new Magisters added a bit of color to the story as well, although it was the expanded roles of the returning ones that I really enjoyed as we discovered there was more to a few of them than originally met the eye. What ultimately made the book for me though was sweet yet cunning Lord Henry's continuous presence at Verity's side, their friendship happily growing into more while they schemed in the shadows. Although I hope he will play a large part in the next book as well, I anticipate the third installment in Verity Newton's tale, Rebels Rising, will be more a story of female power and ingenuity due to the pleasantly surprising elevation of two other recurring characters at the end of this book.

Conclusion: An exciting sequel of intrigue and adventure with engaging action, interesting characters, and a swoony slow-burn romance. If you enjoy alternate histories with magic, then definitely give this series a try. Especially recommend for fans of Gail Carriger's Finishing School series, and Mary Robinette Kowal's Shades of Milk and Honey.

For Fans Of: Gail Carriger, Mary Robinette Kowal

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson
Brother's Ruin by Emma Newman
Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White
Murder, Magic, and What We Wore by Kelly Jones
The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

Review: Illusions of Fate (Kiersten White)

Title: Illusions of Fate
Series: standalone
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Alternate Historical Contemporary Fantasy
Told: First Person (Jessamin), Present Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (some minor torture, violence, kissing, quick animal cruelty)
Format Read: ARC
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase:Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary:

“I did my best to keep you from crossing paths with this world. And I shall do my best to protect you now that you have.”

Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.

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Illusions of Fate is an alternate historical fantasy with a little bit of everything: mystery, romance, suspense, magic. After a mysterious and alluring man insists on rescuing her from trouble, Jessamin finds herself violently entangled in power and politics and must find a way to save herself and everyone she holds dear from a sadistic villain.

At its heart, Illusions is a lord-and-commoner love story - although Finn is an unorthodox lord and Jessamin is anything but common. Capable and self-reliant, Jessamin wielded strength and wit against friend and foe and held her own against a terrifying antagonist. Even in the face of danger and torture she pushed through and saved herself when required, not waiting for a man to eventually rescue her. While her actions weren't always prudent she was true to herself and took responsibility for the consequences, and she was a fierce friend willing to sacrifice herself if need be to save others. Lord Finn, aptly described by the author as Howl meets Mr. Darcy, could be a bit vain, but ultimately he was charming and caring not only to Jessamin but to generally everyone. His and Jessamin's romance was odd but sweet and not overpowering, which I really enjoyed. I adored their dear friend and gossip Elanor for her cleverness, compassion, and secret skills, and although Jessamin got her into some deadly trouble Elanor remained a steadfast and reliable companion.

Despite the story's lighter romantic feel, the mystery elements involved gruesome murder, hidden magic, and a surprise twist in the last chapter that I did not anticipate in the slightest (bravo, Ms. White). The plot of power and politics got quite dark with a disturbing scene of torture, sadistic threats and actions, and a violent climax that almost ends on a bittersweet note, but ultimately love prevails for a happy and satisfying end.

Conclusion: Although the surprising bursts of violence were a little unsettling, Illusions of Fate is an enchanting standalone in the vein of Howl's Moving Castle with a sweet romance, intriguing magic, and a strong female character you can't help but root for. Highly recommend for alternate historical fantasy lovers.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

House of Ivy & Sorrow by Natalie Whipple
Dark Metropolis by Jaclyn Dolamore

Review: Reticence (Gail Carriger)

Title: Reticence
Series: The Custard Protocol, Book 4
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: August 6, 2019
Genre: New Adult Alternate Historical Paranormal Steampunk Romance
Told: Third Person Multiple, Past Tense
Content Rating: Adult (violence, innuendo, sensuality)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | Indiebound | BookDepo
Summary:

Bookish and proper Percival Tunstell finds himself out of his depth when floating cities, spirited plumbing, and soggy biscuits collide in this delightful conclusion to NYT bestselling author Gail Carriger's Custard Protocol series.

Percival Tunstell loves that his sister and her best friend are building themselves a family of misfits aboard their airship, the Spotted Custard. Of course, he'd never admit that he belongs among them. He's always been on the outside - dispassionate, aloof, and hatless. But accidental spies, a trip to Japan, and one smart and beautiful doctor may have him renegotiating his whole philosophy on life.

Except hats. He's done with hats. Thank you very much.

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Series: This is the fourth and final book in The Custard Protocol series. Although they feature different point of view characters, the books follow the crew of the Spotted Custard and their consecutive adventures and really must be read in order. You can read my review of Book 3, Competence, here. This is also one of many series set in Gail Carriger's Parasolverse, the scope of which you can check out here.

After attending a shotgun wedding in London and catching up with respective (and disrespective) relations, the Spotted Custard is sent to Japan to (naturally) investigate a new rumored shifter and rescue a missing intelligencer. Parachutes, communal bathing, and broken custard ensue, along with an inevitable romance for eligible bachelor Percy and newest crewmember and resident doctor, Arsenic.

Gail's signature wit and playful style make for another delightful read that I quickly devoured and thoroughly enjoyed with laughter and wonder. The romantically addlepated Percy was absolutely adorkable as he navigated the exasperations of love, and it was interesting to view the paranormal elements from Doctor Arsenic's clinical perspective. Their courtship was also somewhat clinical but perfectly fit the couple and was extremely amusing.

I was thoroughly chuffed to visit beloved country Japan, and with its special shifters and exotic setting it did not disappoint. The new paranormal discoveries and discussions did get rather too technical and complicated for simple me to fully follow, but Gail showcased just how thoroughly she has thought out her historically fantastical universe and the little I did understand was most intriguing. A surprise third point of view added a very unique take on the shenanigans (I don't want to spoil the surprise, but it's a familiar face and favorite flyer) and was highly entertaining to observe so closely.

The end had its share of smiles and sniffles but was ultimately uplifting as always as the crew continues their adventures off-page. Although the series nicely wrapped I was definitely left wanting more, and I shall never give up hope that Gail someday gives in to popular demand for The Further Adventures of the Custard Protocol.

Conclusion: A thoroughly delightful read that was even better than expected, and I expected to be thoroughly delighted! Percy was adorkable, Arsenic gave Sophronia a run for her money as my favorite Parasolverse female, and the surprise third POV was such fun. If you enjoy reads by Gail then this novel cannot be missed, if only for the dozen or more catch-up cameos of previous Parasolverse characters.

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Series Conclusion: While the Finishing School series remains my favorite of the Parasolverse, the Spotted Custard crew of delightful eccentrics is my favorite team. With Custard's globetrotting adventures and supernatural discoveries I enjoyed learning more about world history through a fantastical lens, and although it could get a little too intellectual at times for simple me the new supernaturals were fun and interesting. I can't wait to see what Gail's vast imagination creates next!

Series Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Paragraph Review: Ink and Bone (Rachel Caine)

Title: Ink and Bone
Series: The Great Library, Book 1
Author: Rachel Caine
Publisher: New American Library (NAL)
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Alternate Fantasy
Told: Third Person (Jess), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence, death, war, intense situations, kissing)
Format Read: ARC (trade)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time…

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn…

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Ink and Bone was one of those books I really enjoyed but can't put my finger on exactly why. It was just a really good read as a whole: an engaging voice, a strong cast of characters I (mostly) kept straight, vivid settings and description, and an intriguing alternate history and story. If there was one thing that did stand out for me though, it was a lack of foreshadowing. I had little idea what would happen next at any given moment, but I enjoyed it that way as I shared in Jess's surprise, shock, and anguish. It wasn't a light story with its smugglers and book burners and countries at war, but I wouldn't call it a heavy story either. It had the comfortable weight of Harry Potter, an elite society with a full history and world power, and the boy who joins its ranks and discovers the light but also very dark sides of it. The book ended on a complete arc with no cliffhanger, although there is definitely more to Jess's story. Like what came before I have almost no idea what to expect from the next book or the rest of the five-book series, and very much look forward to finding out what happens to Jess and the Great Library in Book 2, Paper and Fire.

Series: There are 5 books in The Great Library series. As of this review, 4 are currently available, with the 5th and last releasing September 3, 2019. You can check out the entire series, along with a few short stories, on Goodreads here.

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Paragraph Review: Jackaby (William Ritter)

Title: Jackaby
Series: Jackaby, Book 1
Author: William Ritter
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Genre: New Adult Alternate Historical Supernatural Mystery
Told: First Person (Abigail), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (some minor gore, violence, violent monster attack, scary situations)
Format Read: Paperback (trade)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary--including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain the foul deeds are the work of the kind of creature whose very existence the local authorities--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--seem adamant to deny.

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An easy and engaging New Adult alternate historical mystery with a predictable culprit but likable characters and an interesting supernatural setting. The cover quote compares it to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but in my opinion (aside from being a supernatural Sherlock Holmes) it's more in the vein of Black Butler - except instead of demons, it's fairy folk (and lighter on the gore). The writing style is simple and relaxed which created a very smooth and quick read, and as the story is made up of a lot of larger scenes I slid through the chapters with ease. I really loved Jackaby's quirkiness but especially his surety of self (and choice of roommates), and male author William wrote a generally authentic and relatable female point of view character in Abigail, even if she was a bit plain. The plot was delightfully simple (I typically avoid mysteries for being too complicated), and while I fingered the culprit from the first along with several other reveals (although to my amusement I almost missed a red herring), I enjoyed the suspense of the plot and was reluctant to put the book down, breezing through it in three days. I'll definitely be reading the second book, Beastly Bones, and probably the rest of the series.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Paragraph Review: Competence (Gail Carriger)

Title: Competence
Series: The Custard Protocol, Book 3
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: July 17, 2018
Genre: New Adult Alternate Historical Paranormal Steampunk Romance
Told: Third Person Duo (Prim, Percy), Past Tense
Content Rating: Adult (sexuality, violence, werecat mauling, unsettling vampire feeding habits)
Format Read: ARC (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Accidentally abandoned!

All alone in Singapore, proper Miss Primrose Tunstell must steal helium to save her airship, the Spotted Custard, in a scheme involving a lovesick werecat and a fake fish tail.

When she uncovers rumors of a new kind of vampire, Prim and the Custard crew embark on a mission to Peru. There, they encounter airship pirates and strange atmospheric phenomena, and are mistaken for representatives of the Spanish Inquisition. Forced into extreme subterfuge (and some rather ridiculous outfits) Prim must also answer three of life's most challenging questions:

Can the perfect book club give a man back his soul?
Will her brother ever stop wearing his idiotic velvet fez?
And can the amount of lard in Christmas pudding save an entire species?

*          *          *

Review copy provided by publisher - thank you, Orbit!!

Series Note: This is the 3rd book in The Custard Protocol Series, but the first from Prim & Percy's POV (Books 1 & 2 are from Rue's POV). This is also one of many series set in Gail Carriger's Parasolverse, the scope of which you can check out here.

A playful and witty adventure from Prim & Percy's point of view that was a pure delight of a read and my favorite of the series so far! While another vampire race is discovered (unnerving but fascinating), most of the book follows the Spotted Custard's general floating adventures exploring the natural and supernatural world as Primrose comes to terms with her sexual preferences. There were a few bits of customary series sexuality (lesbian this time) that had asexual me blushing fiercely, but Tash's possessiveness was adorable. The ending was even more of a delight than the entire read (seemingly impossible but somehow Lady Gail pulled it off) and, given the promises for next book Reticence I am most eagerly anticipating The Custard Protocol's final installment!

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Murder, Magic, and What We Wore (Kelly Jones)

Title: Murder, Magic, and What We Wore
Series: standalone
Author: Kelly Jones
Publisher: Knopf BYR
Release Date: September 19, 2017
Genre: Alternate Historical Mystery
Told: First Person (Annis), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence)
Format Read: ARC (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

The year is 1818, the city is London, and 16-year-old Annis Whitworth has just learned that her father is dead and all his money is missing. And so, of course, she decides to become a spy.

Annis always suspected that her father was himself a spy, and following in his footsteps to unmask his killer makes perfect sense. Alas, it does not make sense to England’s current spymasters—not even when Annis reveals that she has the rare magical ability to sew glamours: garments that can disguise the wearer completely.

Well, if the spies are too pigheaded to take on a young woman of quality, then Annis will take them on. And so she crafts a new double life for herself. Miss Annis Whitworth will appear to live a quiet life in a country cottage with her aunt, and Annis-in-disguise as Madame Martine, glamour artist, will open a magical dressmaking shop. That way she can earn a living, maintain her social standing, and, in her spare time, follow the coded clues her father left behind and unmask his killer.

It can’t be any harder than navigating the London social season, can it?

*          *          *

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

In a Sentence: A delightfully fun and fashionable alternate Regency mystery with an engaging story, endearing characters, and enchanting magic.

Regency fashion aficionados who also enjoy espionage and whimsical magic, you are in for a treat with Murder, Magic, and What We Wore! Outfitted with a cast of resourceful and talented females, this fast-paced intrigue was a delightful read with a light if predictable mystery, easy description and dialogue, and a thrilling, open end that left me wishing for a whole series.

While the historical intrigue was exciting and the understated magic a marvel, it was the enterprising female characters that really made the book shine. While Annis and Millie rather stumble into their amazing talents, the mastery of them doesn't come easy (well, at least for Annis), and their perseverance and hard work to make an independent living despite cultural setbacks made for a very engaging story. Skillful maid Millie, my favorite, was perhaps a little too good at most everything she set her hand to, but she was a perfect partner for fashionista Annis and I loved their occasionally inverted master-servant dynamic. I'd really like to see how their partnership will further develop and have my fingers crossed for at least a sequel featuring the dynamic duo and their international escapades.

Special Note: There are many fictional and historical cameos among the walk-ons in this book. If spotting them is your thing, be sure to peruse the Author's Note glossary at the back of the book before starting the story!

Conclusion: A delightful historical mystery with marvelous magic, intriguing espionage, and talented females. Keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel, or even a whole series! Highly recommend, especially for fans of Gail Carriger and Mary Robinette Kowal's Glamourist Histories series.

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles