Showing posts with label Kristin Cashore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kristin Cashore. Show all posts

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

FANTASY REVIEW: Bitterblue - Kristin Cashore

Release Date: 01/05/12

SYNOPSIS:

The long-awaited companion to the New York Times bestsellers Graceling and Fire Eight years have passed since the young Princess Bitterblue, and her country, were saved from the vicious King Leck. Now Bitterblue is the queen of Monsea, and her land is at peace. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisers, who have run the country on her behalf since Leck's death, believe in a forward-thinking plan: to pardon all of those who committed terrible acts during Leck's reign; and to forget every dark event that ever happened. Monsea's past has become shrouded in mystery, and it's only when Bitterblue begins sneaking out of her castle - curious, disguised and alone - to walk the streets of her own city, that she begins to realise the truth. Her kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year long spell of a madman, and now their only chance to move forward is to revisit the past. Whatever that past holds. Two thieves, who have sworn only to steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, who possesses an unidentified Grace, may also hold a key to her heart ..


REVIEW:

If you loved Graceling and Fire, then you’ve more than likely been waiting to get your hands on this title. It’s got Kristens usual writing style of solid prose, wonderful adventure and a heroine that you really can’t help but like which when added to a clean overall arc leaves the reader with a story that is a joy to read.

Add to this great dialogue alongside an author who mixes all the elements to just the right proportions of action, character growth and personal interaction and all in this is a title that really will hit the spot. Finally add to this a cleverly concealed target backed with wonderfully placed threads and for me as a reader I was more than satisfied with the book.

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

FANTASY REVIEW: Fire - Kristin Cashore

BOOK BLURB:

A must-read title for all fans of Patrick Rothfuss and Trudi Canavan, FIRE is an exceptional fantasy novel. From the deft characterisation to the gripping story, the fast-paced action to the evocative prose, this is one of the strongest fantasy novels of the year. Set in a world of stunningly beautiful, exceptionally dangerous monsters, Fire is one of the most dangerous monsters of all - a human one. Marked out by her vivid red hair, she's more than attractive. Fire is mesmerising. But with this extraordinary beauty comes influence and power. People who are susceptible to her appeal will do anything for her attention, and for her affection. They will turn away from their families, their work, and their duties for her. They will forget their responsibilities to please her . . . and worse, crush nations, neglect kingdoms and abuse their power. Aware of her power, and afraid of it, Fire lives in a corner of the world away from people, and away from temptation. Until the day comes when she is needed - a day when, for her king, she has to stand against not only his enemies, but also against herself . . .


REVIEW:

As you may be aware, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Kristin’s first novel Graceling. This one clearly demonstrates that Kristin has not only the talent but feels like she’s more humble and able to take constructive critism as a lot of the problems I had with the previous were fixed within.

Whilst a prequel the novel was better constructed with superior story arc, cracking descriptive text but above all a character I could really get behind. Whilst Kristin won’t appeal to everyone, this series really will have me reaching for the next novel as I truly believe that she’s found her voice. I just hope that she continues to improve as much with the next novel as this as lets be honest, she’ll be a contestant for a few awards.

Monday, 11 May 2009

FANTASY REVIEW: Graceling - Kristin Cashore


BOOK BLURB:

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight - she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug. She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po. She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace - or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.


REVIEW:

This debut novel is perhaps a bit of an unusual tale to be brutally honest as it feels that it has elements of YA over the Adult fantasy that we tend to review yet with the context of the material along with the attitude of the principle character we had to place it within this category. Its interesting in a debut sort of a way however it doesn’t quite pack a hard enough punch as the principle protagonist seems to be more of a 2d character than the fully rounded that we’ve come to expect. This I have no doubt will be fixed within future novels however it did leave me feeling a tad unfulfilled especially when you consider how much of a power house the physical abilities of the protagonista actually are. Its quirky, its lead is female and above all it will probably help to broaden the female readership for the genre but as a new novel it isn’t that impressive. With luck the author will hopefully correct the character oversights in her next novel.