Tangled Webs by Lee Bross

Publish Date: June 23, 2015
Format Reviewed: Hardback
Series: Tangled Webs
Author: Lee Bross
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

Introduction

In 1725 London, secrets are currency, and everyone who is anyone has some secrets they don't want to lose. Enter Lady A, the 16-year-old-girl who collects and exchanges secrets from clients for her nefarious boss, Bones. To keep her safe is Nic, standing nearby, while she threatens surly men in ballrooms. It's all pretense, because when they go home to their dilapidated rooms, they are orphans, starving and hungry. Arista - the girl behind the mask of Lady A - has bigger dreams of escaping, maybe, even to India. If Bones discovers her traitorous thoughts, he'd end her, but she has learned a thing or two about secrets and shady deals, and she may stand a chance. 

Setting

You don't see 1725 London very often in YA books. This has just enough details in setting to get by, but not enough to write an essay about it. Also, balls are pretty, outside is gross because it is full of the...not rich people. 

Also, who's teaching these street kids how to read? Just wondering.

Hey, a real person from history is in this book too. The video below is a bit of a spoiler, but this person did exist in real life, so readers may already know the real-life counterpart. 

Main Character

I see the main criticism in this book is Arista. She's apparently the best extorter of secrets London has ever seen, and she makes stupid decisions. Yes. She's 16. It's a rite of passage to think with your heart rather than your head. You also think you have everything under control when everything is actually on fire. And...Bones was the one pulling the strings and feeding the rumours of how dangerous she was. It's pretense and a show, and it's the life she has lived for quite some time. 

Instalove 

Yes, it does happen here. However, this is a (in no particular order) historical fiction YA romance. I admit, I was intrigued, as there is also a love triangle (which I also don't usually like). But Grae is a saint with all his patience, which makes it incredibly unbelievable. No one is that good. 

Book Aesthetic 

Thought I'd mention that this book does have these lovely lace decal pages. I thought it was a nice touch on the aesthetics of the book, especially with the bold use of black pages. So it's more than just plain text on pages, which was nice. 

Final Verdict

I found this to be an entertaining romp of 18th-century London. I didn't care for the beginning because of the irritating dumps of her history that should have been written in better. It was a fast read, so that's a bonus for some readers. Goodreads says this is a series, but this was published in 2015 and I don't see the sequel. Either way, this book wraps up nicely as a stand-alone. I recommend this to teens who want a historical fiction YA with lots of romance, with a bit of thriller elements (but not too much).  

Spellbound by JoAnne Keltner

Pagan Light

Possessed * Spellbound

Publish Date: July 28th, 2019
Format: ebook
Series: Pagan Light
Author: JoAnne Keltner
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Introduction

Psychic and healer, Jackie is coming to terms with her unique abilities and is thinking of her future. She has also begun a relationship with David, the seminarian. However, before David can become a priest, he must marry or forever be without a wife. Time is ticking for David, and Jackie has to decide if she wants to be with him forever, despite not knowing him for long. When the opportunity to go with him to Russia arises, she goes to spend more time with him, plus she can learn about her great-grandmother's mysterious past as well. Unfortunately for Jackie, something wicked is afoot, and she is going to have to deal with it. 

Love

This book definitely subverted my expectations about the Jackie/David relationship, and that was well-played. It ran through my mind a lot, and I felt like Jackie's mom (OMG you're going to RUSSIA with someone you barely know?!). It all comes together in the end though, and I'm stoked to read about what happens to David in the next book. Ultimately, I really like David as a person.

I still dislike Jason, though. Yes, he came through in this book. Nope, still don't like him.   

Final Verdict

I enjoyed this book even more than the first! Going to rural Russia and interacting with the family and unearthing Babu's secrets was awesome. Once the truth comes out, it was quite the ride. It ended abruptly, but that just means that I'm going to have to read the next one when it comes out. I highly recommend this if you like YA/New YA and paranormal books. 

*~*Below is a spoiler, so don't read it if you don't want the big twist to be ruined!*~*

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Side note, this is also reminiscent of the film Hot Fuzz. Here, have a gif: 

  

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone Series

Daughter of Smoke & Bone * Days of Blood & Starlight * Night of Cake & Puppets *
Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Publish Date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: Hachette Audio, Audible Audio | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Format: Audiobook
Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Author: Laini Taylor

Narrated By: Khristine Hvam
Author’s Goodreads

Author's Website

My Review on Goodreads

Introduction

If you knew Karou, you'd know she's raised by what she calls monsters, and she loves them dearly. She fills her sketchbooks with them, human-animal hybrids, and after art school and hanging out with friends, she goes to her father's shop. Her father, Brimstone, the goat-ox hybrid, is a wish monger who trades impossible wishes for teeth. And Karou runs his errands, collecting teeth from those willing to part with them, until everything is interrupted by old foes, old war, and old lovers.

Setting - Prague

I really enjoyed that it was set in a place I am unfamiliar with. Not that there's anything bad with writing what you know, but I've had enough of Canada and the US. I was lost for a bit with all the different names/terms, but I grew to love the unfamiliarity of it. Taylor uses enough local sights, food, etc, so you can look stuff up if you want to, but she gives enough context that you can understand what she's talking about.

Fantasy Elements

I think the best part of this book is the fantastical elements. The chimaeras, the human-animal hybrids, are imaginative in their character designs and have robust personalities, my favourite being Brimstone. Then there are the otherworldly elements of the space Karou and her family live in, what wishes are and what they can do, and everything about Karou's existence.

Writing

This seems to be what throws people off of Taylor's writing. The author uses a lot of smilies and metaphors, and flowery writing, which I quite like, but I get that the preference lately is to have less flourish. I did find it to be a bit long, though. It took me a few months to finish it, and that only happened because I moved out of the city so my commute to work doubled. A little too much description bogged down the flow. (Alas, I am conflicted, because I also loved hearing about the new locales and people...)

Love

Eh. I didn't love the love here. Dude is trying to kill her, then he...pines for her. Then they meet up again and she...lets him hang around?

But.

I love what happens after.

Final Verdict

I enjoyed that this book didn't plunk you in as an outsider that needs everything explained right away. It kept the mystery going and in the meantime, we got to see Karou go about her life, which includes school, exes, then running her family's errands. I could devour books based just on her life before it falls apart. I still feel like the first part of the book is vastly different from the second. I enjoyed both parts, but you could keep me in the day-to-day life of Karou forever and I'd be happy. Ultimately, I highly recommend this book if you like longer fantasy, paranormal, or urban fantasy stories. If you don't like these genres, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it because it is a lot to take in. But if this sounds intriguing to you, I highly recommend it. BTW, the narrator for this audiobook (Khristine Hvam) is FANTASTIC.

Timeless by Gail Carriger

Parasol Protectorate

Soulless * Changeless * Blameless * Heartless * Timeless

Publish Date: March 1st,  2012
Publisher: Orbit
Format: Paperback
Series: Parasol Protectorate
Author: Gail Carriger
Author’s Goodreads
Wikia (has spoilers!)
My Review on Goodreads

Disclaimer

This book is not typically found in the YA section of a library as the characters are older (MC is 26). It has some sexual content. I do contend that teens can enjoy the story and world, but some people may be upset about the sexual content. Totally fair. I usually only review content that is clearly marketed to teens, and this is not. I'm reviewing this because it is in the same universe as the YA Prudence and is the pre-story to that. So...

If you don't like some steamy content, please skip this review/book!

Introduction

Alexia and her husband Conall were busy living their Happily Ever After when they are summoned by a very important vampire Queen in Egypt. Apparently, their toddler who can touch an immortal and absorb their abilities has raised some eyebrows. To Egypt! Oh, wait. Also, old secrets are unearthed and repentance is in order. LGBT romances blossom. Pastries. Mummies. Water. Coffee. The end of the 5 book series. 

Final Verdict/End of the Series

So, the loose ends get tied up. Some more than others. But Alphas, Lyall, and Floote, her father's past are done. Undoubtedly, my favourite books in the series were the first and the last. The only question remaining is...

Why Would You Take Your Daughter to a Vampire Hive? 

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Next?

This was all to get into Prudence. Seriously. 5 books. I'm going to reread skim Prudence, and continue on. The world is phenomenal. 

Possessed by JoAnne Keltner

Pagan Light

Possessed * Spellbound

Publish Date: January 30th, 2019
Original Title: Goth Girl Virgin Queen

Format: ebook
Series: Pagan Light
Author: JoAnne Keltner
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Introduction

Jackie can read the emotions of people and objects, which makes her life exhausting. Due to a major traumatizing event when she was a child that happened in her Russian Orthodox Church, she shies away from her gift and God. But when people in her town begin to act violently, she has to step in with her abilities to help.

Themes/General Story Elements

Teenage goth friends being friendly until one of them messes up everything by wanting a boy who doesn't want her. Oh, and she tries to get the boy with a Ouija board. Jackie saw a foreboding vision in church as a child, which, arguably, tarnished her life. Mainstream religion also weaves itself nicely through the narrative, but it isn't proselytizing. Her grandmother, who cannot speak English, is very devout. There is also another character who is spiritual, who tries to help. I like how there wasn't a war with who is right (spirituality/religion/science) but it's all there, playing nicely in the sandbox.

Ending (no spoilers)

The ending was great. The pace was a little speedy, but so much happened and I was eagerly reading to find out what happened. The title becomes a bit of a spoiler, but I forgot about it and I was surprised and hooked.

Romance (tiny spoiler)

Jason became annoying. When a boy implores you to love him, even when you say you just want to be friends, run away. I honestly wish she didn't give him a chance. She made it clear she has plutonic love for him, that's it. It's not cute.

Final Verdict

I recommend this not only to people who generally like possession or paranormal stories, but also people who like films like The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Paranormal Activity, The Last Exorcism, etc. I wouldn't directly classify this as a horror book, as it is lighter in tone at times, and thus probably has a wider appeal. It was a great read and I hope it gets more readers!

Bonus

My favourite psychics: 

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

Lost Voices

Publish Date: July 4th, 2011
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Format: ebook
Series: The Lost Voices
Author: Sarah Porter
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

Introduction

Luce has had a very difficult life at the hands of her alcoholic uncle, who took her in when she lost both of her parents. After a traumatic incident, she falls off a cliff. She opens her eyes and she's underwater, as a mermaid. With this tribe of mermaids, she finds a family that cares for her deeply. What Luce is going to find out, is that you can't just be 14 forever and live happily under the sea. Mermaids have a murderous nature and the politics of her tribe become ever more fragile as more new mermaids join. Luce tries to find a place in her new family, but she cannot let go of her morals.

Story

Evil mermaids. Not the nice ones in Forgive my Fins. They are young girls/women who went through traumatic lives and they love each other, but don't let that fool you. They have a sinister hive mind fronted by their queen. The good thing is that Luce doesn't agree.

Red flags here...

It gets worse when more mermaids arrive and stir up the status quo for the worse. The story doesn't have the usual beats that other stories have. Once she is a mermaid, the story just goes along, not that I minded. There's a jarring portion that is from other people's perspective that wasn't needed, it could have been explained to Luce later. My only gripe is that one major character's behaviours later on makes no sense to me. She's friendly, then vicious, then defends Luce, then pushes her away again, then is nice again...?

Final Verdict

I quite liked it. It's not a nice mermaid story, I can't stress it enough. It's strange to see so many negative reviews because the story was darker than they wanted, but the introduction to this book clearly states Luce's human life and her mermaid life. It's not a nice story. Do you like questionable morals or questionable revenge? Do you fight nature, or embrace it? How long do you keep a secret to keep your family together? If you're looking for a darker YA book, give it a try.

Heartless by Gail Carriger

Parasol Protectorate

Soulless * Changeless * Blameless * Heartless * Timeless

Publish Date: July 1st, 2011
Publisher: Orbit
Format: Paperback
Series: Parasol Protectorate
Author: Gail Carriger
Author’s Goodreads
Wikia (has spoilers!)
My Review on Goodreads

Disclaimer

This book is not typically found in the YA section of a library as the characters are older (MC is 26). It has some sexual content. I do contend that teens can enjoy the story and world, but some people may be upset about the sexual content. Totally fair. I usually only review content that is clearly marketed to teens, and this is not. I'm reviewing this because it is in the same universe as the YA Prudence and is the pre-story to that. So...

If you don't like some steamy content, please skip this review/book!

Introduction

There's a plot to kill the queen, and Alexia must get to the bottom of it. Unfortunately, she is eight months pregnant and under constant assassination attempts of her own.

Tone/Pacing

The book does get some shifts in tone. The beginning is slow and meandering, setting up everything for later, and I found it absolutely boring, though it is good to know when you read Prudence. The last third(ish) of the book is action-packed with plot twists and turns and to me, it was much more enjoyable. 

However, the constant reminder of Alexia being pregnant got trite real quickly. I don't know if the author has ever been pregnant, but the way Alexia has to be man-handled every five minutes was ridiculous. She's unable to do so much, yet she constantly puts herself and her child in danger.

The pacing was thrown off a lot with the terrible way answers were almost given. This book likes to have conversations where something is almost revealed, but a sudden visitor/ruckus happens and they are interrupted. Once or twice, sure, but how many times has this happened here? I lost count and I stopped caring.

Verdict

It definitely wasn't as good as the other books. But it does shed some light on some historical events, plus a few mysteries from the previous books. There's only one more book in this series, so I can't just stop now. I have a lot of complaints about this book, but ultimately, I wanted to know about the story itself and what happens to the characters. Which is what this series does - it gets you hooked with emotional investment. The problem is, I now dislike a bunch of characters because of their actions in this book, and a lot of the plot is contrived. I'm kinda rooting for the vampires to eat everyone now. 

Spoilers Ahead! Let's Spill Some Tea.

1. Having Biffy and Lord Akeldama split for good was a wasted opportunity. Alexia and Conall are together, why not Biffy and Lord Akeldama? The whole thing was dragged on for so long and it just ended with zero satisfaction. Biffy couldn't integrate into the pack and learn to be a werewolf AND be in love with a vampire? Thanks, I hate it. 

2. Speaking of Lord Akeldama...he used Alexia to his own advantage by getting the other vampires out of London, which made Alexia/the pack lose their castle. Am I supposed to think this was cute? Also, Alexia put her FRIEND into slavery with the group she hates, who will also start biting her. Lovely. 

3. I still have no idea why everyone wants to kill the baby. Because it has never happened before in recorded history? I think? And Akeldama adopting the baby makes everything ok, somehow? 

4. Lyall lied for how many years? Seemed so tacked on...

5. Why did she save the vampires?!

Marceline is the only Vampire Queen you need!

  

Killer Domes and The Chosen One by Gibbo Gibbs

Publish Date: July 06th, 2019
Format: eBook
Author: Gibbo Gibbs
Author’s Website
My Review on Goodreads

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Introduction

Humanity now exists in a dome utopia -- they are fed, clothed, and given creative projects in a program called Canvas. Maz, a girl of intellect and curiosity, and her best friend Hap, happen upon an opportunity to learn about the truth of the domes. Maz chooses to learn more, and Hap reluctantly follows.
 

Pacing

This is quick and rewarding, which I like in novellas. Even the "quieter" moments aren't boring. Aside from the clean, orderly domes, there are robots, survival, and futuristic technology, which are all fun/terrifying, depending on the reader. I think sometimes it went a little too quickly, and I couldn't envision some of the landscape/environments very well sometimes, but this novella doesn't need that much detail.

Essay Ideas

Need another book to pair with a classic dystopian novel like 1984, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, or something more recent like Never Let Me Go or Oryx and Crake? Especially if you are short on time, or if you are interested in something with a faster pace and more sci-fi elements, this may be an option for you. This is the apocalypse and how humans dealt with it, along with the aftermath. I am hoping there are more books to this series as well, so we can get even more world-building and backstory.

Final Verdict

I greatly appreciate dystopia novels and I personally haven't read too many that were this heavily in the realm of sci-fi. There are a few grammatical errors, but it's independently published, and I know how expensive editors are, and what I spotted were few and far between, so I'm not too concerned here (if it was riddled with errors and unreadable, I'd say so, or I wouldn't review it at all). The characters were all great, and the two younger dome-dwellers were interesting to follow, as was their other companions. I had a great time with it, and it's a quick read even for me (a slow reader). If you like novellas, sci-fi, post-apocalyptic dystopias, this will probably be a good time. Or, if you need more reasons to fear the future, try this one.   

An Ignorant Witch by E.M. Graham

Witch Kin Chronicles 

An Ignorant Witch

Publish Date: July 17th, 2019
Publisher: OneEar Press
Format: Kindle Edition
Series: Witch Kin Chronicles
Author: E.M. Graham
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

Introduction

Dara goes to school, has a best friend, and has an average life. She shouldn't. She's a half-witch, untrained, and shunned by her witch father. Magical creatures also reside in her hometown in Newfoundland and she is capable of magic, but forbidden to venture into such territory. Her mother disappeared years ago and she resides with her aunt. Then her best friend's brother disappears and Dara becomes entangled in a magical mess she's not equipped to deal with. 

Audience

I'm not sure who the audience is supposed to be. Dara is 20 but immature, the book occasionally uses curse words, and the writing is straight forward and mostly easy to read. It makes it difficult to recommend because it sounds New YA based on story/ages but it reads like a young YA book. It's the same issue I had with The New Keeper. It really could have been written to strongly suit one specific audience.

Setting

The book has a strong setting on Granby Island, Newfoundland. Graham does a fantastic job describing Newfoundland's landscapes, people, and berry pail quirks. I've never been there so I can't confirm, but Dara lists off the directions she's taking by naming streets and local points-of-interest, along with the names of various hills and describes the terrain. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of her aunt's cozy kitchen/home and Dara's step-mother's home. I know Dara points it out, but I still enjoy how the sterility of their home is not "witchy" but Edna's home has more of said qualities.   

I don't remember there being Newfoundland
dogs in this, but there should be. They are
good bois.

Writing

The book does a lot of telling rather than showing. The beginning pages of the book goes into her appearance, her house, her family drama - Dara just tells the reader. She legitamitely talks to the reader and that drives me bananas. All this information could have been explored naturally such as: she gets a glimpse of herself in the mirror, brushes her unruly hair, comes home to her aunt's house so she can describe it, a slow dribble her family history to the reader to keep interest and mystery. Dumping it on the reader was jarring, but if you can take the dumps of information and run with the story, I think you can have a fun time.  

Final Verdict 

If you're looking for a new book of witches who aren't instantly over-powered and who make mistakes, and even a book set in Newfoundland, this book may strike your fancy. The core story is what kept me reading. This author has a lot of potential and I sincerely hope they continue writing. As for this book, I hope this is Dara's introduction to the Witch Kin in terms of magic and politics that will follow in book 2. 

Changeless by Gail Carriger

Parasol Protectorate

Soulless * Changeless * Blameless * Heartless * Timeless

Publish Date: April 1st, 2010
Format: Paperback
Series: Parasol Protectorate
Author: Gail Carriger
Author’s Goodreads
Wikia (has spoilers!)
My Review on Goodreads

Disclaimer

This book is not typically found in the YA section of a library as the characters are older (MC is 26). It has some sexual content. Not as much as Soulless, but it is there. I do contend that teens can enjoy the story and world, but some people may be upset about the sexual content. Totally fair. I usually only review content that is clearly marketed to teens, and this is not. I'm reviewing this because it is in the same universe as the YA Prudence and is the pre-story to that. So...

If you don't like some steamy content, please skip this review/book!

Introduction

Alexia Maccon, muhjah to the queen and bluestocking extrodinare, takes up nighttime hours to manage werewolf pack dynamics and vampire politics. One morning, her husband wakes Alexia with an angry conversation with a ghost. Then, he up and returns to Scotland, leaving her to navigate the current crisis: the widespread loss of immortality. Along with her own problems, Ivy and Alexia's family also bring their own issues to her that she has to deal with. With an entourage in tow, she travels to Scotland to unravel a few mysteries.

Characters

All I really have to say about this book is regarding the characters. The first book, Soulless, did a fairly good job of creating characteristics for everyone that were simple but concrete. This book tosses it all out. Perhaps this section will only be useful to writers who want to do better. The final verdict is at the end of the post.

Lord Maccon was a fairly simple character before: gruff and not easily swayed by sentiment. Emotions? Ew. Alright. Now, he has been sitting on information that Alexia should have been told, and he's just so flippant about it. He calls Alexia "Wife" all the time, which to me is demeaning. In public he says he married her for her body and to shut her up. Their dynamic is awful. And then the ending is beyond infuriating. Why would he act this way? He's with BUR and is fully aware that bizzaro creatures like WEREWOLVES (which he is one!), vampires, and ghosts exist. I saw the plot twist coming very early on, but the reaction to it was astonishingly stupid. I don't think it was properly written into Maccon's character/the world. IF she had given him cause to worry, it would have made a bit of sense, but she had literally never given him reason to question her loyalty. I officially hate him. Unfortunately, because I have already read Prudence, I know the ultimate outcome. I wish she would run away with anyone, including the lovely lady introduced in this book.

Ivy turned into an absolute dolt and I'm not sure why. Any why would Alexia be friends with someone that ridiculous? I did enjoy her ultimate action at the end of the book, as I think she would find it all romantic and against societal rules that she so stringently abided by. One of my favourite scenes in this book is this:

But the author did Ivy a disservice and I don't know why she was so poorly written. The character became unbearably annoying when Ivy could have filled her purpose in the story without the mind-numbing stupidity. Perhaps some of the ignorant comic relief that she's supposed to be providing could have been shifted to Alexia's sister.

Madame Lefoux and Lady Kingair are two new characters that are actually amazing. Each has their own histories, personalities, and ambitions. I think some things with Madame Lefoux (like Alexia undressing her and commenting on her bust) was cringy. Perhaps Ivy being so stupid was to balance out these two other women? 

Final Verdict

This book loses the romance elements, which is fine by me, because there is much less steam obstructing me from reading the actual story. These books aren't going to win literature awards, but the world is interesting and the characters are fun. This book has more same-sex representation than in the first installation, though Maccon does look down on my favourite vampire for the same reason, and that's a bummer. If you've already read Soulless, I don't see why you wouldn't read this one, and if your library already has Soulless, you'd get Changeless (unless you're my current library, that has all of this universe's books in print except this one). It's steampunk, has vampires, werewolves, lesbians, and women in men's clothing, so there's a little bit of everything here.

Fortuna Sworn by K.J. Sutton

Publish Date: June 23 2019
Format Reviewed: eBook
Series: Fortuna Sworn #1
Author: K.J. Sutton
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Introduction

Fortuna is a very special being in the world. Only herself and her missing brother are left of their otherworldly kind. She is dangerous, alluring, and very protective of the people she cares about. When the chance to find her brother is presented, she takes it. But she must trust a faerie and play their twisted games. It goes beyond saving her brother, as it quickly becomes apparent that she must fight for her own survival as well.

World Building and Characters

There are two worlds in this book. The familiar human world is just as we know it, though there are some things we regular humans don't get to see. Then there's the other, unseen world. I won't spoil anything, but this book details this new and exciting place. Fortuna is a fantastic bridge for the reader, because she holds some knowledge, though some of it is flawed and she's still learning. The world of the faerie court is thick with intrigue, indulgence, lust, and violence. They have their own traditions and history and there's so much for Fortuna and the reader to learn. 

Every character is well described and have great character details. What they look like, dress like, and their personality really shines. Fortuna changes throughout the book, reacting to her ordeals and growing. Just when you think you can trust another character, you can't, and she has to change too. I appreciate that there are no wasted characters, with the exception of one girl from the beginning, there are no wasted characters (but I'm hoping we get to see said girl in another book). There is one witch that is mentioned, and I hope we get to see her at some point too. 

Love Interests

There are a few possible love interests here and they are all great. You can't trust faeries but dang, does one really try to get Fortuna to like him. I flipped-flopped between liking him and loathing him. The other option, who I shall not name, is just so amazing as well. However, it's unconventional, and at first, I really wasn't rooting for him because it was so weird. But you know what? The more I read, I was like, no, girl, please be happy with someone because everyone here sucks.  

Age Group

Faerie stories seem to have a heaping spoonful of steamy moments, and this book is no exception. Because some of the scenes get fairly explicit, I recommend this to older teens, the new adult age range, or adults. In case anyone is wondering, these scenes are leagues above Soulless. What I do appreciate about Fortuna Sworn is that intimacy IS hella confusing, especially when you are new to it with new people.

Cover

Can we just take a minute and appreciate this cover? It's gorgeous and it's faithful to the book. Isn't it the worst when the cover has a representation of a character and it doesn't match the description? This absolutely does. It's amazing, please oogle the cover, it's deserving.

Final Verdict

I've read a lot of good books last year and this year, but this seriously this one is in my top 5 (even higher than The Hazel Wood, and I really got into that one). I couldn't put this down. I am so sad that it ended because it needs to go on and I can't wait for the next one. With the last line, I was loosing it. Winter 2019 can't come fast enough. I usually don't like stories that have three trials, but these were engaging and the stakes were high. As long as you are ok with some sexual scenes, I highly recommend this book.

 

This book was a roller coaster for me. The review ends here, but just in case anyone is interested, here how I basically handled it my reading experience.
Outrage came pretty quickly. This is what I wanted Fortuna to do right from the start:

Every time someone stood in her way or was just being so wishy-washy with their feelings/actions, I also put them on my list. Especially by the end. I was basically internally screaming Why isn't she murdering everybody?!

Give me back my brother!

Sometimes I softened a bit and it was confusing. Urgh,feelings!

But then, of course, I got angry again, and decided rampaging was still the best option.

I do, however, realize that if I tried to do anything of this, the outcome would be this:

So that's why I'm not the heroine of this book. I hope in the next book, she gets to kick even more deserving butt.

A New Keeper by J.C. Gilbert

The Secret Library Series

A New Keeper

Publish Date: June 11th, 2019
Format: Ebook
Series: The Secret Library
Author: J.C. Gilbert
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Story

Alex is a teenage bookworm who likes reading, drawing, and watching Game of Thrones. When she happens upon a secret library containing every story that she can go into and experience she doesn't know if she can take on the responsibility of being the new Keeper. The lure is irresistible, so despite her anxiety, she sets off to right one of the stories, and becomes entangled. In addition to this new calling, she has to deal with anxiety, family life, school, and her best friend. It's a lot for one girl to handle, but she gives it her best.

 Anxiety

The main character struggles with anxiety in a relatable way. She gets so scared at the prospect of doing her speech and she doesn't confront her teacher about it after because she can't. Walking past people, let alone talking to people, is a challenge. She'd just rather not. I relate. Books are better.

She does give her anxiety a personification - a hedgehog named Hank. I really liked the anxiety described as a prickly hedgehog that burrows, sits heavily, squeezes, etc, her insides. However, I didn't like that it was named Hank. That seemed a little far. The imagery of a prickly ball having so much impact was fantastic, I just couldn't get past the name and talking to it. 

YA?

This is being marketed as young adult fiction and that doesn't quite seem right to me, though middle-grade fiction doesn't work either. The writing was easy and made for quick reading, and for the most part, it felt like a middle-grade book. Yet I can't recommend this to middle-grade readers because of some of the language used. So I would say a younger YA audience is probably the best bet. I think I'd get some side-glances if I catalogued this into a MG section of a library.

Loose Threads

My biggest complaint is that there are loose threads that are just forgotten about. I am certain that these elements will come back up in later books, but it was very unsatisfying to read this book and get zero follow-up/answers to some things. Namely:

The appraiser is gone
Darcy is forgotten
The fairy is dropped
What's up with Elaine in the Library?

Yes, the fairy is getting its own book, but in this book, oh well, there's a fairy loose, too bad. Also, a lot of her problems could have been solved if she had spoken with the librarian. But she doesn't and I have no idea why.

Final Verdict

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and I recommend it to younger teens. Alex learns that she has to take control of her life, whether she feels the hedgehog sitting heavily on her heart or not, and that was great. Going into books is basically every librarian's dream (including this one!). The library is the hub world where she can then go into other worlds through books, so there is lots of potential for more books (which apparently there are more coming, according to Goodreads).

Soulless by Gail Carriger

Parasol Protectorate

Soulless * Changeless * Blameless * Heartless * Timeless

Publish Date: October 1st, 2009
Format: Paperback
Series: Parasol Protectorate
Author: Gail Carriger
Author’s Goodreads

Wikia (has spoilers!)
My Review on Goodreads

Disclaimer

I originally read this book because I read Prudence but I was lost in the world that was established in Parasol Protectorate. Goodreads claims Prudence is for a YA audience, but Soulless is NOT tagged as YA in Goodreads. I assumed it would be, and I was wrong. This book gets steamy. More steamy than A Bite at the Cherry. It isn't in the YA section at my public library - it's in the regular fiction area. I do contend that teens can enjoy the story and world, but some people may be upset about the sexual content. Totally fair. I usually only review content that is clearly marketed to teens, and this is not. I'm reviewing this because it is in the same universe as the YA Prudence and is the pre-story to that. So...

If you don't like some steamy content, please skip this review/book!

  

Story

Alexia Tarabotti is a spinster, half-Italian, and is soulless. To be soulless means that if she touches a supernatural being, she neutralizes them and turns them mortal. By the way, England has integrated its supernatural folk into society. This includes werewolves, vampires, and ghosts. The Bureau of Unnatural Registry (BUR) keeps tabs on them and everything seems to be in order.

The story is actually remarkably simple; supernatural beings are going missing, and BUR has to find out why. The rest is the love story component with interesting characters. That's it. If you read the back of the book, you got it.

The issues that I had about the world in Prudence are largely answered. Vampires cannot stand any sunlight (as it should be). Older werewolves can stand the sun for a time, otherwise, they are regulated to the nighttime, and they get "full-moon madness". Ghosts did not receive much elaboration, but if the sneak-peek to the second book is to be believed, we will see them more in book two, Changeless. A rove is a supernatural being who does not belong to a larger group. A hive is a vampire group who basically has a ruling queen (queens can make other vampires). Drones are humans who want to be turned into vampires or receive patronage, and they feed the vampires willingly and serve them. Clavigers are the same as drones, but for werewolves.  

Main Character

While I hated Prudence's snobbery, Alexia is bossy but indomitable. She can still be liked. At the age of 15, her mother put her on the shelf and declared her unmarriable because she is tall, tanned, has a prominent nose, and is half-Italian (which her mother had married, did she not know how heritage works?).

I wish she was nicer to/about Ivy, her best friend. So much to say about bad hats, but she's her best friend, why can't she say anything nice?

Vampires

These vampires are more like this:

Which is good.

However, Lord Akeldama is the Sassy Gay Friend trope, which I don't think would fly today.

Werewolves

Less of this:

More like this:

Big wolves, not bipedal.

Final Verdict

Overall, I was highly invested in this book. It's more about how the various characters interact with each other rather than a compelling plot. You'll know who she gets with within the first 30 minutes, if that. Like vampires, werewolves, parasols, grumpy werewolf men with no manners? This might intrigue you. The scenes of intimacy caught me off guard, and honestly, they aren't even that interesting, one time I laughed, so there's that. I thought the ending scene in the carriage was ridiculous and I just wanted it to be over. I recommend this to an older crowd who is alright with some steamy scenes.

Still here? Have some more gifs.

Take that werewolf! Reminds me of What we do in the Shadows

You know he is, too.

Alexia and Ivy