Review: Seraphina

Title: Seraphina
Author: Rachel Hartman
Series: Seraphina #1
Published: 2012 by Random House
Version: E-book
Obtained: Library Download

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

First Sentence:
“I remember being born.” (Prologue)

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Well. I have officially found a new favorite dragon book.
I find it funny that Christopher Paolini is the one who is quoted on the cover, seeing as his books used to be my favorite (yes I know I still haven’t finished them). Anyways.

In this world, there were all these wars pitting man against dragon. Finally they established peace. Oh, dragons also have the ability to morph into human form, even though it’s very uncomfortable for them. Seraphina is a half dragon – half human. Her father fell in love with a dragon and didn’t know she was a dragon until she died giving birth to Seraphina. So now Seraphina works in the palace as a music mistress and gives lessons to the Princess, all without letting anyone know her secret. Her dragon uncle, Orma, stays around to help her out. So the book starts with a member of the royal family’s funeral. Since he got killed in a very dragon-like manner, the people start distrusting the dragons again. But the peace treaty celebration is coming up and the leader of the dragon population is coming to stay within the castle. Lots of discord. Anyways. So during this time of stress, Seraphina is helping Prince Lucian figure out who killed his uncle, and she’s finding it harder and harder to keep her secret. Also, there’s a chance that her secret is the one thing that can help them all.

This whole concept with dragons is new and refreshing, and I love it. Orma is amazing and the Ardmagar is incredibly complex. Although the dragons in their natural form weren’t anything new, the thoughts they had were. Certain times when the reader got to see what the dragons thought, it was all scientific, about wind vectors and such. I never really thought about them needing to know the best way to fly.

Seraphina’s trouble with her secret was handled in an excellent way. It wasn’t just her hiding it forever and ever. She slowly began to accept herself (akin to the character transformation in Grave Mercy). As she began to accept herself, she opened up to friends and love.

I won’t say “this was an great debut novel,” because this was just a great novel, period. I loved this book. The length was perfect and the story isn’t over, as there is a sequel coming out late 2013. It should pick up the mystery right where it left off. Hopefully some unfortunate circumstances get resolved.

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Content Warning: Some mild language

Rating:

Review: Palace of Stone

Title: Palace of Stone
Author: Shannon Hale
Series: Princess Academy #2
Published: 2012 by Bloomsbury
Version: Hardcover
Obtained: Christmas gift :)

Coming down from the mountain to a new life in the city is a thrill to Miri. She and her princess academy friends have been brought to Asland to help the future princess Britta prepare for her wedding. There, Miri also has a chance to attend school-at the Queen's Castle. But as Miri befriends students who seem sophisticated and exciting she also learns that they have some frightening plans. Torn between loyalty to the princess and her new friends' ideas, between an old love and a new crush, and between her small mountain home and the bustling city, Miri looks to find her own way in this new place. Picking up where "Princess Academy" left off, and celebrating the joys of friendship, romance and the fate of fairy tale kingdoms, this new book delivers the completely delightful new story that fans have been waiting for.

First Sentence:
“Miri woke to the insistent bleat of a goat.”

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WARNING: If you have NOT read the amazing, wonderful book that is Shannon Hale’s Princess Academy, you might not want to read the review of this book (since this is the sequel). So how about this: go find Princess Academy, read it, and then come back here. :)

So when I heard that Shannon Hale was writing a sequel to Princess Academy, my first thought was OH MY GOSH YESSSSS!!!! But then, I thought more about it and became very worried. What if something happened to these characters I love? What if it is a terrible book and takes the first one down with it?

I can hereby assure you that Shannon Hale is flawless and everything she writes is worth it.

In this sequel (by the way, do not worry if you forget a lot of Princess Academy. There is not that much that carries to this one from it, plot-wise), Miri and several of her friends have received the chance to travel down to the capital for Britta’s wedding. Miri is going to have the chance to study at the famous Queen’s Castle! It is what she has wanted forever, to learn all there is to learn. But soon she learns that there is political upheaval and her year will be spent trying to decide what is right and whether to save her best friend or her family (or both, hopefully).

I gotta say, I was not expecting this plotline for the sequel, but it was EXCELLENT. There were many things thrown into the story. A rebellion, a boy with hot-headed charm, a discovery about the royal family, another retelling of the bandit tale, and, obviously, more quarryspeak.

Peder and Miri’s romance is sweet and progresses at a perfect pace. I love their conversations and their awkwardness and everything. I pretty much just LOVE Miri though. She is strong even when she feels scared. She has big ideas yet feels insignificant. She convinces people to be strong and independent. She is incredibly loyal to her friends and family.

Now while I wish that Shannon Hale would write more books featuring Miri, I know it probably will not happen, seeing as this was an unexpected gift. But I am excited for anything else Shannon Hale writes, seeing as everything so far has been perfect.

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Content Warnings: Nothing

Rating:

2012 Round-Up!

So my total book count for the year is…..
69
That’s 21 less than 2011, and I blame it purely on college and the way it eats up your time.

Also due to my general laziness and college work, I have not reviewed hardly any. And that sucks. I realize that, so I’m going to try to spend time on the weekend reviewing multiple books to post during the coming week. I’m also going to try to nail down a schedule of weekly posts I will participate in. So look forward to a more organized blog this coming year!!

(As I finally review them, I will update this list!)

Final list of books read by month:

January 2012:

The Name of the Star - Maureen Johnson

The Agency: The Body at the Tower - Y. S. Lee

Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - Michelle Hodkin

Deadly Cool - Gemma Halliday

Masquerade - Nancy Moser

Death Cloud - Andrew Lane

February 2012:

Mistwood - Leah Cypess

Variant - Robison Wells

The Future of Us - Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi

Faithful - Janet Fox

March 2012:

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer E. Smith

A Million Suns - Beth Revis

Fever - Lauren DeStefano

Legend - Marie Lu

The Boy Book - E. Lockhart

April 2012:

Out of Sight, Out of Time - Ally Carter

Social Suicide - Gemma Halliday

Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi

Spell Bound - Rachel Hawkins

May 2012:
Firelight - Sophie Jordan

Prom & Prejudice - Elizabeth Eulberg

Prisoners in the Palace - Michaela MacColl

Article 5 - Kristen Simmons

Cinder - Marissa Meyer

The Merman and the Moon Forgotten - Kevin McGill

First Date - Krista McGee

Paranormalcy - Kiersten White

Insurgent - Veronica Roth

Graffiti Moon - Cath Crowley

June 2012:

Starters - Lissa Price

Supernaturally - Kiersten White

Making Waves - Lorna Seilstad

The Luxe - Anna Godbersen

Wanderlove - Kirsten Hubbard

Enchanted - Alethea Kontis

Bitterblue - Kristin Cashore

The Pledge - Kimberly Derting

Obsidian - Jennifer L. Armentrout

Cool Beans - Erynn Mangum

Latte Daze - Erynn Mangum

July 2012:

The Agency: The Traitor in the Tunnel - Y.S. Lee

Beguiled - Deeanne Gist & J. Mark Bertrand

Pretty Crooked - Elisa Ludwig

Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo

Grave Mercy - Robin LaFevers

Double Shot - Erynn Mangum

Pandemonium - Lauren Oliver

For Darkness Shows the Stars - Diana Peterfreund

Ruby Red - Kerstin Gier

Keeping The Castle - Patrice Kindl

Scarlet - A.C. Gaughen

August 2012:

Born Wicked - Jessica Spotswood

Garden of Madness - Tracy L. Higley

The Scorpio Races - Maggie Steifvater

Dark Life - Kat Falls

Angelfire - Courtney Allison Moulton

September 2012:

Such a Rush - Jennifer Echols

A Midsummer Tights Dream - Louise Rennison

October 2012:

Ripper - Stefan Petrucha

November 2012:

The Crown of Embers - Rae Carson

The Mark of Athena - Rick Riordan

December 2012:

Because It's My Blood - Gabrielle Zevin

Second Chance Summer - Morgan Matson

Middle Ground - Katie Kacvinsky

Girl V. Boy - Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout

The Evolution of Mara Dyer - Michelle Hodkin

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

 

Some Favorites of the Year (in no particular order):

The Agency Series by Y.S. Lee

There’s one more of these coming out soon which I can NOT wait for. These books are fantastic. Mary has remarkable and realistic character development, the mysteries are always surprising, and James is super amazingly hot and perfect with his imperfections. I could read these again and again.

 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

I really loved this book. I thought the romance was great and the whole “so I’m evil but don’t you still find me kind of hot?” bad guy to be an unexpected villain aspect. Even though in the end, it took an unexpected turn and I’m still confused about her “ability,” I really feel like the sequel is going to be amazing.

 

Legend by Marie Lu

I’m very excited to see where the sequel takes this story. Usually I’m not a big fan of dual narrators, but with the font change it was easier to read. I loved both protagonists and the conflicts they overcame. From the ending though, I have no clue where this story will go.

 

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Ahh! Love!! Love the concept, love the characters, love the direction it’s heading. I love everything. I identified with Cinder more than any other protagonist I remember reading lately. I know that’s weird since she’s a cyborg and such, but it makes sense, I promise.

 

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Did any Divergent fans NOT love this book? I felt that it continued the story in an excellent manner. The only thing I didn’t like was Tris and Four’s relationship development. That sucked. Oh well, the actual plot was awesome.

 

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Kristin Cashore is a genius. I could not have been more eager for this book or more thrilled after reading it. Bitterblue was a perfect sequel to explain the continuing story we all wondered about. How did Bitterblue get the kingdom back to normal? How did Katsa and Po’s relationship progress? Also this book explained a lot about the Graces and just…it was so beautiful. I mean the actual book was beautiful. With the maps and diagrams, the black and white divider pages…I loved it. I love Kristin Cashore.

 

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

I came into Shadow and Bone with very high expectations that were all fulfilled. This was the most perfect book. From the detailed setting to the complicated romance, I loved everything. Seductive villains and childhood friends turned lovers. Character development from shy and overlooked to strong and confident. If you have not yet read this. Read it.

 

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

You know how assassin books are always awesome? No exception here. Make those assassins formed from a group of men-hating nuns and add in some great faking-the-feelings-turns-to-real-feelings romance, and you have a real winner. Also, it’s super long. Which I LOVE!

 

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Lauren Oliver always manages to break my heart. Whether it be through a terrible ending, another terrible ending, or yet again a terrible ending. Goodness woman, I can only hit a book in frustration so much. You suck. I love you. Keep writing. Forever.

 

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

This was my first Stiefvater book, and it won’t be my last. She has blown me away with her beautiful writing and characters that I just love. This was a stand alone too, which I LOVED because I’m sick of having to wait a year to continue a story. Even though the ending wasn’t all I hoped for, it was good. It included all it really needed to.

 

Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

Rae Carson can not get anymore wonderful. Although I kind of hated her a little for certain events in Girl of Fire and Thorns, I got over it. I moved on, embraced the new happenings until the end of Crown of Embers. OHMYGOSH. I NEED THE SEQUEL. You can’t end a book that way, it’s just wrong. Genius and a perfect setup for a sequel, but MEAN.

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So that’s the end of it. I loved many other books, but those definitely stood out. I encourage you to check out the reviews I have linked of the books I read this year. And I will get right on the whole “actually posting reviews” part of blogging real soon. :)

Review: Because It’s My Blood

Title: Because It Is My Blood
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Series: Birthright #2
Published: 2012 by Farrar Straus Giroux
Version: Hardcover
Obtained: Library

Since her release from Liberty Children's Facility, Anya Balanchine is determined to follow the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her criminal record is making it hard for her to do that. No high school wants her with a gun possession charge on her rap sheet. Plus, all the people in her life have moved on: Natty has skipped two grades at Holy Trinity, Scarlet and Gable seem closer than ever, and even Win is in a new relationship. But when old friends return demanding that certain debts be paid, Anya is thrown right back into the criminal world that she had been determined to escape. It’s a journey that will take her across the ocean and straight into the heart of the birthplace of chocolate where her resolve--and her heart--will be tested as never before.

First Sentence:
“’Come in, Anya, have a seat. We find ourselves in the midst of a situation.’ Evelyn Cobrawick greeted me, parting her painted red lips to reveal a cheerful sliver of yellow teeth.”

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WARNING. If you have not read the wonderful first book, All These Things I’ve Done, you might want to go find that book, read it, and then come back and read this review for the sequel. :) My review of All These Things I’ve Done.

You know how a lot of series get better and better as they go?  This is no exception! I loved the first one, but there was some lack of a cohesive plotline. In this one, the plotline kept heading in the same direction, there was great character development, and plenty of new characters and new discoveries.

In the sequel, the storyline picks up a few months after the end of the first one, when Anya was thrown back in jail after promising to break up with her boyfriend. Anya gets out and realizes that her life is much more different than it was. She has no clue what to do now.

And that is the prominent theme of this novel. Should Anya stay in the chocolate world, or move on and give up her “birthright” in her family’s company? After much time thinking this over with new friends and seeing the impact of her family on the her city, she makes her decision and it affects absolutely everyone and will change many things she took for granted.

I thought that Anya’s character didn’t change too much, but she finally stepped up and made a decision instead of just remaining indecisive about everything. She and Scarlet tried to work out their differences and she tried to work things out with Win too.

Although I like this book much better than the first one, I still have some complaints. Even though Win is in this story…that’s all he is. He’s just there and doesn’t change, doesn’t grow, doesn’t really help with anything. He is as adorable as ever, but you almost forget about him. And the whole thing with him at the end disappointed me. I just feel like he could have been further explored as a character in this book. While yes, the main focus of the book was Anya finally making a choice about her future, it would have been nice if Win hadn’t been so shoved off to the side.

Scarlet also disappointed me with the choices she made. I know that it is just the character making the bad decision and not the author, but it did seem a little weak for Scarlet.

However. I realize that this is the second book in a trilogy, and it’s usually the one where bad things happen that get mostly fixed up in the third book. So I’m hopeful that the final book (which comes out in 2013) will be even more excellent than this one!

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Content Warnings: Mild language

Rating:

Review: Enchanted

Title: Enchanted
Author: Alethea Kontis
Series: Woodcutter Series #1 Published: 2012 by Harcourt
Version: Hardcover
Obtained: Library

It isn’t easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past—and hers?

First Sentence: “My name is Sunday Woodcutter and I am doomed to a happy life.”

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This story is a giant mash-up of many, many fairytales. The obvious one is The Princess and the Frog, as Sunday Woodcutter grows to love a frog and kisses him, turning him human. But Alethea Kontis has given the reader a new and more in-depth look at this story. Not only does the frog turn human, but he has to THEN make Sunday see that it is him.

I really enjoyed everything about this book. Ms. Kontis has a quirky way of writing, and I loved the random information she decided to throw into her story. It helped the whole world have more depth and the characters have more intricacy (many of Sunday’s sisters represented famous fairytale characters). Even though there were many characters, each one possesses a uniqueness and charm.

But by far, my favorite character is Rumbold. Starting as an adorable talking frog, he then turns human and has to decide how to best woo Sunday. It’s a bit of a problem though because her family hates him; yet, somehow he manages to get her attention. As for Sunday, she tries to understand why she actually does like this man that her family has disliked for so long. Their courtship sort of takes off from there…with other speed bumps.

I will most definitely check out the next two books in the series, which come out Fall 2013 and Fall 2014. Hopefully these will further explore the other character’s lives and more of this fantastic world.

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Content Warning: None.

Rating:

Review: The Crown of Embers

Title: The Crown of Embers
Author: Rae Carson
Series: Fire and Thorns #2
Published: 2012 by Greenwillow Books
Version: Hardcover
Obtained: Bought

Elisa is a hero.

She led her people to victory over a terrifying, sorcerous army. Her place as the country’s ruler should be secure. But it isn’t.

Her enemies come at her like ghosts in a dream, from foreign realms and even from within her own court. And her destiny as the chosen one has not yet been fulfilled.

To conquer the power she bears, once and for all, Elisa must follow a trail of long-forgotten – and forbidden – clues, from the deep, hidden catacombs of her own city to the treacherous seas. With her go a one-eyed spy, a traitor, and the man whom – despite everything – she is falling in love with.

If she’s lucky, she will return from the journey. But there will be a cost.

First Sentence:
“My entourage of guards struggles to keep pace as I fly down the corridors of my palace.”

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ATTENTION!! This is a SEQUEL and therefore the first book might be spoiled slightly in this review. So if you have NOT read the masterpiece that is Girl of Fire and Thorns, read my review of it. Then read it. Then come back here and read this. And then go get this book. See you in like…3 days. :)

 

Why Rae Carson? Why are your books devastating in SUCH a great way? Why do I finish them and then not want to read another book until the sequel comes out? Why are you so perfect?

All who have read the first in this series can agree with me when I say that these books are perfect. I legitimately think that they cannot be made better in any way. Also, if you thought the first book was unbeatable….oh boy.

The story picks up right where it left off. Elisa is trying to run this country she just inherited. After several attempts on her life, she decides to go in search of the source of all the world’s magic, so she can control her powers for once.

Elisa is the poster-child for proper character development. What a difference in her from the shy, overweight, and over-looked girl we met in the beginning of the series! She has matured through the events of the first book and now she is trying to understand how to be the person she has always wanted to be. Many times when she takes control of a situation, you just want to say, “Look at you go girl! Show them how smart you are!”

However, many people are still trying to manipulate and use her: basically everyone with power around her. With the beautiful exception of Hector. OH HECTOR, my friend! You went from being a faithful side character to becoming a full-blown, beautiful, complex, and HOT love-interest. When I first heard that Hector was the new love interest, I was like, “Isn’t he the silent bearded guard who barely had a part in the first one?” Oh my friend, you will fall in love with Hector even faster than Elisa.

More nice thoughts: Setting was just as vivid and immersing as last time, I want to go there. New side character of Storm = completely awesome. I love characters that don’t ever lie.
Mara…I love you. Thank you for making heavy moments light-hearted.

But hey, Rae Carson, stop killing me. You’re a bit of a jerk after that move you pulled in the first one, and now the ending to this one. I mean, it’s a wonderful set-up for the next story, but it made me slam the book down. A few times.

Now I will sit patiently, bookless, as I await late 2013.
(just kidding, I’ll totally be reading other books until then.)

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Content Warning: Kissing and talk of sex

Rating: