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Showing posts with label Magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magic. Show all posts
Monday, August 31, 2020
Despite Vivid Backdrop, Magical YA Debut Turns Into a Long Slog to a Disappointing Finale
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Abandoned as a baby in the deep forest that surrounds it, the only home Kallia has ever known is the isolated Hellfire House. Under the tutelage of a master magician and now his son, she has become a powerful show magician, the masked star of the House's nightly show. Despite the celebrity that comes from providing jaw-dropping performances for awestruck audiences, Kallia longs for more. She dreams of breaking free of her gilded cage, traveling beyond the impenetrable woods that keep her trapped, and harnessing all of the magic she feels burning through her veins. Jack, the master of the House, refuses to even entertain the idea of Kallia leaving. But, when she learns of a magic competition in the mysterious ice-laden city of Glorian, she ignores his warnings and flees in the night.
Female show magicians are looked down upon, but Kallia soon becomes a crowd favorite. Although the other contestants and most of the judges are clearly rooting against her, Daron Demarco can't look away from the competition's stunning star. He's in town for his own secret reasons and can't afford to be distracted. Nevertheless, he can't stand idly by while Kallia—obviously the most talented magician in the contest—is shunned. As the competition heats up, though, magicians start disappearing, Glorian's only exit mysteriously vanishes, and Kallia is acting strangely. Is she systematically eliminating her competitors? Or is someone cheating in order to cripple her chances of winning? It's up to Demarco to figure out what is going on before the competition becomes not just dangerous, but also deadly ...
It's tough to ignore a book billed as Phantom of the Opera meets Moulin Rouge and Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles is certainly earning a lot of attention. The YA debut deserves it for its vivid imagery, which does give the story a sumptuous "glamdark" backdrop. Beyond that, though, there's nothing super original about the novel, the first in a planned duology. Kallia's world is a confusing one that doesn't get much clearer as the story moves along. Our heroine is a kick-butt MC, whose confidence and determination make her admirable, even while her vanity and coldness diminish her likability. Her comrades, including Demarco, aren't fleshed-out well enough to make them stand out. Even the colorful members of the Conquering Circus, by far the most interesting characters in the novel, don't get enough page time to show off their uniqueness. Likewise, Glorian—whose mysterious secrets were the only thing that really kept me reading this book—is relegated to a side act while the lukewarm romance between Kallia and Demarco steals the spotlight. Added to these irritants is the fact that Where Dreams Descends drags on for 464 pages, a good 200 of which could have been cut. Although there is a fair amount of action in the novel, there was no point at which I couldn't have put it down for good. I stuck with it, though, expecting a dazzling finale that would provide enough answers to bring a satisfactory end to the story's first volume while leaving me eager to read the second. Didn't happen. The cliffhanger ending just felt disappointing, trailing more questions than answers in its wake. After wading through 464 pages, it didn't feel like much of a reward. Needless to say, I won't be bothering with the sequel. I just don't care that much. Despite its intriguing premise, in the end Where Dreams Descend felt like a long, dissatisfying slog for me. Bummer. I really wanted to like it more.
(Readalikes: I rarely read YA fantasy, so nothing's coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and mild sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Where Dreams Descend from the generous folks at St. Martin's Press and Wednesday Books. Thank you!
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Madcap Middle Grade Adventure a Fun, Zany Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
As the ruler of the Kingdom of Camellia, the 22-year-old emperor has been so spoiled that he's become an insufferable egomaniac. Watching from the Great Beyond, his meddling ancestors decide it's high time their ungrateful descendant learns a lesson in humility. Using their otherworldly powers, they plop him in the countryside alone except for an 8-foot tall ostrich.
While attempting to make his way back to Lotus City, the helpless emperor crosses paths with Begonia, a young dairymaid in search of her lost cow. She's accompanied by Key, a romantic lad who's seeking his fortune away from the overcrowded home in which he feels invisible. When two of their party make an unlikely love connection, all of them are sent on a wild, madcap adventure that will have them crisscrossing the kingdom, chasing twitterpated animals, encountering strange folk, and rescuing a forlorn emperor who cares only about himself. Along the way, they will all learn some valuable lessons about friendship, family, and working together to save the day (also, an ostrich).
Because of stunning novels like All the Truth That's In Me and The Passion of Dolssa, I've become a big fan of Julie Berry. She's a talented writer who's not afraid to take risks. I love that about her, even if her newest—The Emperor's Ostrich—is a risk that didn't work all that well for me. Although I enjoyed it overall, the story did seem overly long and it got confusing in places. Despite a few dull spots, though, it's a fun, zany adventure that will appeal to kids who like fairy tales (which I never was, which probably explains why I didn't like this one as much as Berry's others). With a strong female lead who's brave and independent but also a team player, the tale offers a refreshing spin on a conventional genre that should delight girls who prefer to rescue themselves rather than wait around for Prince Charming to do it for them. Even though The Emperor's Ostrich is not my favorite Berry novel, I still think it's worth the read for fairy-tale lovers who like quirky adventure stories infused with magic and mayhem.
(Readalikes: This tale is supposed to be Berry's nod to Lloyd Alexander, an author whom I've never read. Presumably, it's similar to his novels?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Emperor's Ostrich from the generous folks at Macmillan. Thank you!
Thursday, February 08, 2018
The Disappearances Offers An Intelligent, Magical Mystery
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
I read a few exceptional novels in 2017, but the one that stands out most is The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy. Why? Lots of reasons: it's original, it's absorbing, it's intelligent, it's well written, it's just ... magical in a lot of ways. It's also really hard to describe, so you know what? I'm not even going to try. I'll just hit you with the back cover blurb:
What if the ordinary things in life suddenly…disappeared?
Aila Quinn’s mother, Juliet, has always been a mystery: vibrant yet guarded, she keeps her secrets beyond Aila’s reach. When Juliet dies, Aila and her younger brother Miles are sent to live in Sterling, a rural town far from home—and the place where Juliet grew up.
Sterling is a place with mysteries of its own. A place where the experiences that weave life together—scents of flowers and food, reflections from mirrors and lakes, even the ability to dream—vanish every seven years.
No one knows what caused these “Disappearances,” or what will slip away next. But Sterling always suspected that Juliet Quinn was somehow responsible—and Aila must bear the brunt of their blame while she follows the chain of literary clues her mother left behind.
As the next Disappearance nears, Aila begins to unravel the dual mystery of why the Disappearances happen and who her mother truly was. One thing is clear: Sterling isn’t going to hold on to anyone's secrets for long before it starts giving them up.
Aila Quinn’s mother, Juliet, has always been a mystery: vibrant yet guarded, she keeps her secrets beyond Aila’s reach. When Juliet dies, Aila and her younger brother Miles are sent to live in Sterling, a rural town far from home—and the place where Juliet grew up.
Sterling is a place with mysteries of its own. A place where the experiences that weave life together—scents of flowers and food, reflections from mirrors and lakes, even the ability to dream—vanish every seven years.
No one knows what caused these “Disappearances,” or what will slip away next. But Sterling always suspected that Juliet Quinn was somehow responsible—and Aila must bear the brunt of their blame while she follows the chain of literary clues her mother left behind.
As the next Disappearance nears, Aila begins to unravel the dual mystery of why the Disappearances happen and who her mother truly was. One thing is clear: Sterling isn’t going to hold on to anyone's secrets for long before it starts giving them up.
(Readlikes: Reminds me of The Forgetting and The Knowing, both by Sharon Cameron and of Don't You Forget About Me by Kate Karyus Quinn)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and brief, mild language (no F-bombs)
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Disappearances from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, February 03, 2018
Magical Prequel Compelling Enough
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
"...whoever they were, whatever their history might be ... They were not like anyone else" (13).
For centuries, the Owens Family has lived under a curse that taints their lives and, especially, their loves. By leaving behind the witchery that has earned her family its dubious reputation, Susanna hopes to live a normal life. After a modeling career in Paris, she marries a psychiatrist and bears three children: Franny, Jet, and Vincent. It's obvious from the get-go that the kids are more Owens than anything else. Franny can commune with birds, Jet can read minds, and Vincent can see the future. Desperate to keep her family's secrets, Susanna admonishes the children to avoid magic at all costs.
When the children are summoned to the Owens' ancestral home in Massachusetts, Susanna knows her efforts have been in vain. Under the tutelage of Aunt Isabelle, the kids begin to uncover the secret of who they really are and why they can do the remarkable things they do. With that knowledge, the three must learn how to cope with their unique gifts in a world that can't understand them.
Back in the Dark Ages before this blog was even a twinkle in my eye, I remember enjoying Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman both as a novel and as a film. When I heard the author was publishing a prequel, I snatched it right up. The Rules of Magic isn't quite as charming as I thought it would be (actually, it's super depressing), but it's still mostly enjoyable. The characters are complex and interesting, though not always likable. While there's not a ton of plot going on in the novel, it's compelling. Overall, then, I liked The Rules of Magic, didn't love it.
(Readalikes: Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, sexual content, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, January 04, 2018
Fun, Magical Debut a Promising Series Start
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Although she descends from a powerful, long-time magical family, Amber Sand is certainly not a witch. The high school senior got gypped in the sorcery category. Her "gift" is very specific and totally lame. She has the ability to see a person's true love within seconds of gazing into their eyes. While she's able to make a few bucks playing matchmaker at her mother's magic shop on Navy Pier, Amber's ability is pretty much useless. She can't even discern her own true love. How ridiculous is that?
When Charlie Blitzman comes to Amber for help, she's confused. Especially since he's not asking for romantic advice, but for her aid in finding his father's missing girlfriend. Amber can't say no. After all, Charlie's dad is the mayor and Amber's mother's best friend. It doesn't hurt that Charlie's gorgeous and the most sought-after guy at her school either. Although Amber can tell instantly that she is not Charlie's true love, she can't help falling for him. As she tries to unravel both a mystery and her growing feelings for a boy who clearly isn't meant for her, Amber will have to figure out her place in the equally confusing worlds of magic, love, and high school.
The Best Kind of Magic, a debut novel by Crystal Cestari, is a fun, light-hearted romance that highlights the everyday sorcery at work in all our lives. While I found the rules of its magical world a tad confusing, I enjoyed the story overall. It's an engrossing novel that will appeal to teens who like their contemporary fiction sprinkled with a little bit of magic. With the next book in the series—The Sweetest Kind of Fate—coming out on February 13, now is the perfect time to get caught up in Amber Sand's enchanting Windy City world. It's no Harry Potter, but the series promises to be enjoyable and engrossing.
(Readalikes: Um, nothing is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, and mild sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Best Kind of Magic from the generous folks at Disney/Hyperion. Thank you!
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Lucky Number Thirteen
(Image from author's blog)
For the 13th day of December, the good folks at Quirk Books asked me to post about a fun new book they just published. If you've got a young book lover on your Christmas list, you're definitely going to want to pay attention to this review!
Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye by Tania Del Rio is the first in a middle grade series featuring the titular character. Our hero is the 13th in a long line of Warrens, all of whom have been responsible for the care of the family hotel. After the untimely death of his father, Warren the 13th became the newest owner; at only 12, however, he's not yet old enough to assume command of its operations. Under the temporary direction of Warren's lazy Uncle Rupert, the Warren Hotel has become a derelict edifice, empty of guests for the last five years. Dutiful Warren, who serves as the hotel's only bellhop/handyman/housekeeper/general errand boy, spends his days cleaning, repairing, and taking care of his inheritance as best he can. Despite the cruelty Rupert's wife, Annaconda, inflicts on Warren, he remains cheerful, positive, and dedicated to his job.
When a mysterious guest checks into the hotel, Warren is shocked. And intrigued. Something strange is definitely going on. With more guests arriving and Aunt Annaconda muttering about the All-Seeing Eye, it quickly becomes apparent that people are searching The Warren Hotel for its fabled treasure. If Annaconda finds it first, Warren knows, nothing will be safe—not his beloved home, not his few (but loyal) friends, and certainly not himself. In a frantic race for the hidden prize, Warren will encounter everything from witches to pirates to a monster in the boiler room. With so many obstacles in his way, how will Warren beat Annaconda at her own game? It's a perilous quest, but one our brave hero must undertake in order to save the people and the hotel he loves.
Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye is a clever, quirky book that tells a tale full of adventure, magic, and charm. Eye-catching illustrations (by Will Staehle), all done in black, white, and red give the story extra appeal as do the puzzles, secret messages, and playful text boxes scattered throughout the book. These extras make an already well-written story even more engrossing. With all these elements working in seamless tandem, Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye makes for an entertaining, enjoyable reading experience that will enchant readers of all ages. It bespelled me quite thoroughly, thank you very much. I can't wait to see what Warren the 13th gets up to next!
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye from the generous folks at Quirk Books. Thank you!
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
YA Steampunk/Alternate History Story a Clean, Charming Romp
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Verity Newton, a 17-year-old from Connecticut, is no stranger to adventure. She's faced danger and derring-do of every possible kind—between the pages of the pulp novels she loves to read. Her real life has been less exciting, but her luck in that regard appears to be changing. Verity's train hasn't even reached New York City before it's robbed by gentleman bandits! And that's only the first of many intriguing encounters she has in the bustling metropolis.
When Verity accepts a position as governess to a trio of orphaned children living with their uncle, she finds herself the employee of a mysterious British magister. Using magic to ensure its rule, this noble class has always controlled the American colonies. Living lives of wealth and privilege, they refuse to mingle with commoners—or concern themselves over the petty squabbles of the lower classes. Lord Henry Lyndon, however, seems a little too interested in the antics of the Rebel Mechanics, an underground group that uses science and engineering to undermine the magicians' power. Already acquainted with the cheeky rebels, Verity agrees to be their spy. She hopes to uncover her employer's clandestine activities while keeping her own secrets well hidden from prying eyes.
As the fight between the rebels and the magisters heats up, Verity finds herself caught in the middle—not just between two warring factions, but between two magnetic men. With danger all around her, she's finally found the grand adventure for which she's been longing. But will it prove too much for the intrepid Verity?
From the moment I heard about Rebel Mechanics, Shanna Swendson's debut YA novel, I knew I needed to read it. The alternate history/steampunk premise just sounded fun. And, you know what? It really is. Although the book turned out to be a lighter read than I expected, I still found Rebel Mechanics engaging, entertaining, and immensely enjoyable. A clean, campy romp, this is the kind of story in which readers of all ages can delight. Sure, it's predictable. Yes, it's got a sorta-annoying love triangle. No, I didn't care. I just enjoyed this charming, upbeat read.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
When Verity accepts a position as governess to a trio of orphaned children living with their uncle, she finds herself the employee of a mysterious British magister. Using magic to ensure its rule, this noble class has always controlled the American colonies. Living lives of wealth and privilege, they refuse to mingle with commoners—or concern themselves over the petty squabbles of the lower classes. Lord Henry Lyndon, however, seems a little too interested in the antics of the Rebel Mechanics, an underground group that uses science and engineering to undermine the magicians' power. Already acquainted with the cheeky rebels, Verity agrees to be their spy. She hopes to uncover her employer's clandestine activities while keeping her own secrets well hidden from prying eyes.
As the fight between the rebels and the magisters heats up, Verity finds herself caught in the middle—not just between two warring factions, but between two magnetic men. With danger all around her, she's finally found the grand adventure for which she's been longing. But will it prove too much for the intrepid Verity?
From the moment I heard about Rebel Mechanics, Shanna Swendson's debut YA novel, I knew I needed to read it. The alternate history/steampunk premise just sounded fun. And, you know what? It really is. Although the book turned out to be a lighter read than I expected, I still found Rebel Mechanics engaging, entertaining, and immensely enjoyable. A clean, campy romp, this is the kind of story in which readers of all ages can delight. Sure, it's predictable. Yes, it's got a sorta-annoying love triangle. No, I didn't care. I just enjoyed this charming, upbeat read.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), and violence
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Rebel Mechanics from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Friday, September 04, 2015
The Sparrow Sisters Be-Spells Me Quite Thoroughly Indeed
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Like many other New England beach towns, Granite Point, Massachusetts, exudes a quaint warmth that draws people to its shores. Tantalizing smells from Baker's Street Bakery waft through its quiet streets, mixing with the salty air in a most pleasing medley of scent. The village green beckons, its lush tranquility contrasting with the busy harbor, where sunburned fishermen unload vessels filled with snapping lobster and plump Atlantic cod. Granite Point's real treasure, however, can be found off Calumet Landing, where four acres of sandy soil produces such an array of botanical delights that the Sparrow Sisters Nursery can only be described as, well, magic. Where else can snow-laden roses open on New Year's Day, fruit ripened in summer stay fresh and sweet into December, morning glories bloom all day, and Italian fig trees produce fruit only weeks after being planted?
The Sparrow Family has lived in Granite Point for centuries; now, only three remain: Nettie, Sorrel, and Patience. The three women live together in Ivy House—the ancestral home built by their great-great (and more) grandmother for her sea captain husband—where they care for each other and their plants with a devotion that is almost ... supernatural. Locals look to Patience, with her potent natural remedies, to cure everything from cradle cap to arthritis. They know it doesn't do to spend too much time pondering how the Sparrows do what they do—it's enough to know that whatever the Sisters do do, it works.
Things sail along as they always have in Granite Point until an outsider arrives in town. Henry Carlyle, a young, handsome doctor from Massachusetts General (by way of the U.S. Army), has come to take over the old town doctor's practice. Haunted by what he saw in Iraq, the reserved newcomer hides secrets his new neighbors are eager to extract. A man of science, Henry dismisses the eccentric Sisters' unique hold on Granite Point until a run-in with Patience leaves him thoroughly bewitched. He finds himself falling hard for the enigmatic Sister even as he tries unsuccessfully to understand what makes her tick. When one of Patience's clients dies after consuming one of her cures, Henry becomes even more baffled. Who is this woman, really? And what has she done to him with her otherworldly enchantments? As a modern-day witch hunt ensues, Henry must decide what to think and where to stand on the issue of Patience Sparrow. With his heart overruling his head, the consequences of his choice may be dire indeed ...
Is there a more alluring novel setting than a small, colorful beach town where a hint of magic swirls in the briny air? Not for me. Which explains why I was immediately entranced by Granite Point, the seaside village at the heart of Ellen Herrick's debut novel, The Sparrow Sisters. The characters, from the offbeat Sisters to lovestruck Henry, to Ben, the brawny lobsterman, to lonely Matty, slipped right into my heart as well. The novel's slow-building plot made sure that by the time a death occurred, I cared about not just the deceased, but also about everyone in his/her world. Although the book offers a mystery and elements of magical realism as well as compelling discussions of contemporary conflicts like traditional vs. alternative medicine, none of that distracts from what The Sparrow Sisters really is—an intriguing, warm-hearted family drama. All of these things made the book a charming and delightful read, one that be-spelled me quite thoroughly.
(Readalikes: The publisher compares it to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman and Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen; it's been a long time since I've read the former and I've never read the latter, so I'm not sure how apt are these comparisons. The Sparrow Sisters did remind me a little of The Truth About Love and Lightning by Susan McBride, though.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a half dozen or so F-bombs, plus milder invectives) and some sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC and a finished copy of The Sparrow Sisters from the generous folks at HarperCollins via those at NetGalley and TLC Book Tours. Thank you!
Monday, June 29, 2015
Magical Illusions of Fate an Enjoyable Romp
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
As a native of tropical Melei, Jessamin Olea longs for the warmth and brightness of her island home. She can't stand the dark dreariness of Albion, the city where she attends school. Its inhabitants, obsessed with wealth and status, aren't anymore enamored of Jessamin as she is of them. As an "island rat," she's considered a second-class citizen, useful only as a servant to her high-brow betters. Even her father, a professor in Albion, can't be bothered with her. Despite all this, she's determined to make something of herself using her natural gifts of intelligence, quick-thinking, and spunk.
When she draws the attention of Finn Ackerly, a handsome 19-year-old aristocrat, Jessamin is introduced to the glittering world of Albion high society. Not only is it filled with bulging pocketbooks, fancy gowns and sparkling jewels, but it's also defined by a potent blood-magic that runs through noble veins. Because of her growing friendship with Finn, Jessamin also attracts the attention of the sadistic Lord Downpike, who will stop at nothing to recover what she's taken from him. Caught in a deadly game against a dangerous opponent, Jessamin will have to rely not on magic, but on her own wit and spunk. Can she save herself and Finn before it's too late for both of them? Or will she, like so many of her island countrymen, be trampled under the boots of Albion's powerful gentry?
Filled with adventure and magic, Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White is a fun, enjoyable novel. Although it's clever and imaginative, it's true the story isn't all that original. Still. It's clean, it's engaging, it's an easy, entertaining read that can be enjoyed by both teens and adults (my 13-year-old daughter and I both liked it). Jessamin's the kind of heroine anyone will find compelling —it's as easy to sympathize with her plight as it is to cheer on her brave fight against Albion's evils. All in all, then, Illusions of Fate tells a satisfying story that's just plain fun to read.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence, intense situations, and mild sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Illusions of Fate from the generous folks at HarperCollins as part of my work as a judge for the Association for Mormon Letters Awards.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Holmberg's Magical World Not Developed Enough to Enthrall
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
All through her years at Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined, Ceony Twill has dreamed of becoming a Smelter. Manipulating metal is important work. She longs to learn all the secrets of the intriguing, exciting craft. Since graduates are allowed to choose the medium (metal, plastic, rubber, or glass) to which they will bond themselves, 19-year-old Ceony has no reason to believe she will not get her wish. Until she doesn't. Thanks to an anonymous donor, she will be apprenticed to a paper magician, of all things. Ceony cannot think of anything more useless and dull than paper magic. And now she's stuck with it. For life.
As Ceony gets to know her new teacher—30-year-old Emery Thane—she begins to understand that there is more to paper magic than meets the eye. She'd still rather be working with metal, but her assigned medium does have its surprises and wonders. The same is true of the enigmatic Thane. Before Ceony has time to learn much at all from him, however, his evil ex-wife rips out his heart. Left with a dying teacher, Ceony must use all her new skills to save him. Does she have even a fraction of the knowledge and talent she needs to triumph against a powerful practitioner of the dark arts? Or will her education in paper magic end (tragically) before it's begun?
YA fantasy is such a saturated genre that it's always refreshing to find a book that stands out from the norm a little. The Paper Magician, the first novel in Charlie N. Holmberg's new trilogy, certainly does that. While the magical world she creates is imaginative and different, it's also confusing. Its rules were never very clear to me. Likewise, the characters (especially Ceony and Emery) aren't developed enough at the outset to make me really care about what happens to them throughout the rest of the novel. As far as plot goes, there's some action to liven things up, but much of the story is told through memories and flashbacks, meaning the tale has little momentum to keep it moving forward. In the end, while I appreciated the fresh aspects of Holmberg's story, I was disappointed by its weak world-building, flat characters and lackadaisical plot. There just wasn't enough to The Paper Magician to enthrall me. Too bad, because I really, really, really wanted to love this one.
(Readalikes: Reminded me a teensy bit of the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence/gore, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-copy of The Paper Magician from the generous folks at Amazon Publishing because of my position as a judge for the Association for Mormon Letters Awards. Thank you!
Friday, May 30, 2014
A Snicker of Magic A Splendiforous, Hopeful Tale
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Chances are, you've seen this cover splashed all over the book blogosphere lately. A Snicker of Magic, a debut novel by Natalie Lloyd, is getting lots of attention. Not to mention rave reviews. The story's a little difficult to describe so, once again, I'm going to rely on the professionally-written blurb to do my work for me:
Some people collect baseball cards. Or hedgehogs. Or belly button lint. Not Felicity Pickle. She collects words—words people are thinking about, or words they want. Some words glow, and some dance. Some have wings, and some have zebra stripes.
Yet although Felicity has traveled all over the country with her mama and little sister, there's one word she's never seen—home.
Felicity is tired of wandering from place to place. Making new friends can be harder than fractions ... especially when words like loser and clutzerdoodle fill the classroom every time you open your mouth.
But when her mama's van, the Pickled Jalapeño, rolls into Midnight Gulch, Felicity feels her luck begin to change. For the first time, she's found a place where she can grow some good memories ... and maybe even make a friend.
That's because Midnight Gulch used to be magical—a town where people could dance up thunderstorms and bake secrets into pie—until a curse drove the magic away.
At least, that's what most people think.
Felicity can tell there's still a snicker of magic in Midnight Gulch. It hasn't disappeared; it's just been playing hide-and-seek for a very long time.
All she has to do is find the right words to turn it loose.
Sounds like a fun story, right? And it is. Sure, it gets a little silly at times, but mostly it's a magical, uplifting tale about family, forgiveness, and the power of words. The characters are as quirky as you might expect. So is the fictional Tennessee town in which they live. Readers will relate to the sympathetic Felicity and cheer as she and her BFF, Jonah, seek to find the magic in the people and places around them. Overall, I enjoyed this one.
(Readalikes: Reminded me of Savvy by Ingrid Law and Sway by Amber McRee Turner)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for nothing offensive
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of A Snicker of Magic from the generous folks at Scholastic. Thank you!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Unique, Magical Take on WWII Engaging, if Not Totally Satisfying
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
For 17-year-old Philomena "Phil" Albion and her sister, Phoebe ("Fee"), creating illusions to dazzle eager audiences is just a part of life. Like generations of Albions before them, the girls are gifted stage illusionists. Both are passionate about magic and can't imagine a life that doesn't involve sequined costumes, thunderous applause and the thrill of performing sold-out shows night after night after night. But that's exactly what happens after the London Blitz when Phil and Fee are sent to the countryside, where they'll be safe from Nazi bombing raids.
Separated from their family, with little to occupy them but farm chores, the girls hardly know what to do with themselves. Never one to sit around twiddling her thumbs, Phil—who's filled with "the fervent need to perform some patriotic act immediately" (19)—decides to create a Home Guard out of the ignorant country folk, none of whom seem to realize there's a war on. Ever the dreamer, Fee is busy reading love stories and chasing chickens when her sister stumbles across a hidden castle full of potential soldiers. Much to Phil's shock, it's actually a wizarding college (think Hogwarts, just with an older student body) that has no use for female magicians, especially those who know little of real magic. Determined to prove she's a match for any of the wizards (particularly the arrogant young Arden), Phil refuses to stay away. Who cares if the wizards-in-training don't want her around? Phil will do anything not just to impress them with her own magical ability, but to convince them to join her Home Guard.
Naturally, complications abound. And the harder Phil works, the less things seem to go her way. As the Nazis edge closer and closer to Sussex, she's becoming more and more frantic. Can Phil persuade the gutless wizards to help her defend England? Can she make any of the small-town residents care about something beyond their farms? It will take all of Phil's charm—and more than a little of her magic—to accomplish her goals. No matter what, she's willing to risk it all, even if she has to give up her life, or her heart, in the process.
When a copy of Delusion, a historical YA novel by Laura L. Sullivan, arrived on my doorstep, I got a very pleasant surprise. I mean, a unique, magic-laden take on World War II? Yes, please! From the cover art to the plot summary to the intriguing premise, the novel practically guaranteed an entertaining story. Did it deliver? More or less. Phil and Fee are both funny, likable characters. Sullivan's prose is clever and engaging. Despite a few predictable twists, Delusion's plot kept me engaged. And yet ... the story just wasn't quite as satisfying as I hoped it would be. It's a bit anti-climatic, for one. Also, the idea in the novel that I found most intriguing—that of the girls' parents working with a special magical unit of the military to misdirect the Nazis' attention away from key targets/missions—really wasn't explored at all. In the end, then, I enjoyed Delusion, even if I didn't love, love, love it.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, and sexual innuendo/content
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Delusion from the generous folks at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Thank you!
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