YA Fantasy

Review of Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

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Synopsis:
Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each one more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation, and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.
 
However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.

Review:
This book was the perfect gothic romance that I had read in quite a while. I absolutely adored Signa’s relationship with Death, both the “person” and how death effects her. Death is something that can be considered taboo, and everyone processes it differently, so it was a unique approach to see how Signa reacts to something that touches her deeper than many others. To any who lost a loved one before being old enough to truly know and understand them, this book did an amazing job at capturing what you thought a loved one might have been like, enjoyed, or even wanted from you–which all has to come from your imagination after losing them so early in life. I thought Signa’s abilities were quite unique and I hadn’t seen or read anything like it before.

This book was exceptional, and I, of course, had to immediately jump into the second–especially since there was a huge cliffhanger and I wanted to know how the next mystery is solved!!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Frogkisser! by Garth Nix

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Synopsis:
Poor Princess Anya. Stuck living with her evil stepmother’s new husband, her evil step-stepfather. Plagued with an unfortunate ability to break curses with a magic-assisted kiss. And forced to go on the run when her step-stepfather decides to make the kingdom entirely his own.

Aided by a loyal talking dog, a boy thief trapped in the body of a newt, and some extraordinarily mischievous wizards, Anya sets off on a Quest that, if she plays it right, will ultimately free her land—and teach her a thing or two about the use of power, the effectiveness of a well-placed pucker, and the finding of friends in places both high and low.

Review:
Now this book sounds like a true fairytale, meant for everyone, and it is! The book is humorous and yet has a princess that has to work to keep herself safe and learn to do things on her own, while also learning to ask for help in the right way, at the right time, and who to trust. While there are quite humorous bits, there are also many characters that have very serious consequences or situations thrust upon them that both show that one cannot always control what happens, but also that making smart choices results in better futures. There is a moral and lesson for everyone who reads this story; it’s fun, it’s sweet, it’s cute.

It’s very much not what one thinks of when they would think of a Garth Nix book, especially if they had read the Abhorsen trilogy because this book is very much written for a younger audience. While Garth Nix had previously stated that he wouldn’t write down for younger readers, it would take a certain type of reader/person to read said trilogy because the depth involved. While these character all have good backstories, it’s written in a way that younger people could easily connect, understand, and resonate with what’s going on.

I immediately handed this book off to a good friend when I was finished because it’s a nice, sweet, fairy tale, light read for an adult, and I think it’s something that most younger people would enjoy and everyone would get something out of. I highly recommend this book, as I likely would all Garth Nix works.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

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Synopsis:
Two sisters.One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance. 

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe — witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden. Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Review:
Despite the synopsis very much informing the reader of what was to happen, it still was quite a shock to discover after becoming so embroiled in the lives of the twin sisters Vittoria and Emilia. One of the interesting parts of this novel is that while it is written in third person it is very obviously in the limited view of Emilia; so while we may have thoughts and inklings as to what happened or didn’t, we are led to believe her line of reasoning must have some merit.

I quite loved how stories told and used as warnings were so clearly twisted from the truth. The way in which truth and story blended and not everything was known worked well throughout the novel to leave you wondering. The story, while clearly fantasy, was given great depth and life by the way it worked around the family restaurant and everyone’s specialties and help within. Emilia’s relationship with the monastery in town, and in particular Fratello Antonio gave way to the perfect bits and pieces of gothic horror/romance. I absolutely loved the characterization, the depth of the characters, and, I’ll admit, Wrath.

This book was something I eagerly devoured, and there was never a part that didn’t seem perfect. From learning about ways to cook in the restaurant, the type of perfume or drinks Vittoria liked to make, to the horrible cliffhanger of an ending, I was always left wanting more. I highly recommend this book for lovers of gothic romance/fantasy, enemies to lovers, witches and demons.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

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Synopsis:
“They’ve never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will.”

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?

Review:
This book was riveting from the moment I started. A second born daughter who is an afterthought, left to dwindle and do whatever pleases her until after her sister, the golden child, is married off- who could blame her for wanting to change the world? There were so many points throughout this novel that would resonate with women now, such as sometimes finding it hard to befriend other women who may see them as “competition”, and that women are often objectified by their sexual experiences or lack thereof. The issues dealt with, specifically of women, are very serious things often overlooked in literature and life as “not that big a deal”. There is high magic, great cunning, and amazing scenes of court sprinkled throughout this novel. I couldn’t seem to put it down, and only wish the ending had been a bit longer/stronger. While there is mention of intimacy and going against tradition, this is quite an empowering book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings . . . until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game — and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.

Review:
“If you think I’m jealous because someone else got to stab you, then you’re right.” (Page 329)

Magic and curses and the power of true love- what’s not to like? I absolutely love that this is a series set in the same world as Caraval with a few characters we know and oh so many new developments. I quite enjoy the stakes of this series, and how the truth of one’s emotions are learned through their actions. While parts of the series seemed like everything was obvious, the twists and turns left much ambiguous and to be discovered in full in future books. The depth and development of the characters is something that truly brings the world to life, just as much if not more than the magic we end up chasing. I love how everything is left to chance and there is always the possibility to change your future; much like real life.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Finale by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
It’s been two months since the Fates were freed, since Legend claimed the throne for his own, and since Tella discovered the boy she fell in love with doesn’t really exist.

With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she’s going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. . . .

Review:
What a whirlwind ride this series takes you on! Honestly, I was so glad to get to spend more time with Scarlett in this book as she is the sister I prefer (perhaps most older siblings do). Scarlett has to face both her heart and secrets she never expected in her life, and Tella has to fight for what she really wants versus what is easy. Finale becomes far more about interpersonal relationships and less about magic and the wonders thereof. Despite Legend’s attachment to the Fates we don’t see him actually interact with all that much; almost as if he feels less than/less god like when his power seems to fizzle. There definitely was a bit of an ending, but not as in depth as one would want… perhaps we’ll learn more of the characters in Once Upon a Broken Heart…

There were certainly times that I was rooting for Jacks, and I somewhat wonder if he’ll end up entangled with a future daughter…

That being said, beautiful and touching trilogy. Garber has a gift for fantastical worldbuilding and I was glad to be able to go for the ride.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Legendary by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
Donatella and Scarlett Dragna escaped their cruel father and made it out of Caraval alive, but the games aren’t over yet. What Scarlett doesn’t know is that, in order to gain their freedom, Tella made a deal with a mysterious stranger and now it’s time to pay.

Except what Tella owes is something that no one has ever been able to deliver: the true name of Caraval Master Legend. Tella’s only chance at uncovering Legend’s true identity is to enter the dangerous game of Caraval once more, and win. But what will she have to sacrifice to do that?

Review:
Holy. Hell. This book took me for a spin I wasn’t expecting. I hadn’t quite liked Tella in Caraval, and that didn’t change for quite a while during this book, but I did enjoy seeing her learn that you cannot always be rash and sometimes you have to temper your ideas. There were plenty of different plots going on, and while some twists and turns I discovered along the way, despite finishing this last night I couldn’t stop thinking about what some of the reveals in this novel meant in regards to what happened in Caraval with Scarlett. The game was so different, yet so clearly slanted and pointed. I cannot help but wonder if all Caraval is about allowing ONE PERSON something in particular, having everyone else along for the ride, or if these two particular games are special. I love the idea that while both Scarlett and Tella are willing to take the world on their shoulders and try to carry all the burden that they learn that it’s okay to rely on others and accept help. A lot of this novel is descriptions of clothing and balls, and while that doesn’t bother me, it may not be to everyone’s taste.

This book left me with far more questions and burning desires than book 1, and I cannot wait to continue on with the Finale to perhaps get a picture of what the end goal is for our dear Legend, and what type of future our two Dragna girls have.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Caraval by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
Welcome, welcome to CARAVAL, Stephanie Garber’s enchanting, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling fantasy debut about two sisters swept up in a mysterious competition filled with magic, heartbreak, and danger

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful and cruel father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to attend. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, and her sister disappears forever.

Review:
“Every person gets one impossible wish, if the person wants something more than anything, and they can find a bit of magic to help them along.” -Caraval

This book takes you on a fabulous journey and from the beginning you’re completely enthralled. This is a book you’ll both not be able to put down and cannot wait to finish but never want to have end. A gothic romance with magic that truly pulls you in, that I would definitely recommend for any fans of The Night Circus. The characterization, depth, and reasoning for how characters are and behave how they do is very well done. A world in which you never know what to expect or what is real, there were a few twists that were eluded to and expected that I quite enjoyed. Overall it was a stunning mystery from beginning to end and I absolutely adored every moment of it, even the terrifying/horrifying parts.

I thought that the anaologies and descriptions/imagery did a great job of pulling you into the world, but there was a huge undercurrent of trying to pull someone from a bad situation and remind them how to live again. There is a lot of time where Scarlett is left having to remember not to act in a certain learned behaviours because of the life she grew up in, and that she cannot always be meek and live in fear. Scarlett is also allowed to dream again, and remember/experience the magic she always wanted and dreamt of when she was younger.

It’s intriguing the way in which Tella is involved in the Caraval, which leaves the question of are all the games rigged? What’s also interesting is that Donatella is shortened to Tella and not Dona, though I definitely think it suits the character. We are never quite sure just how much Tella is acting and how much she truly is the wild sister, which I presume we will learn more of in book 2.

I frantically bought the next two books before I finished this one, and look forward to continuing in this world once they’re delivered. This had actually been on my to read list for a while and I’d picked up a paper copy while at a Barnes and Noble buy two get one sale- I definitely recommend this in paper as you’re going to want to be able to loan it out! There are so many tropes in this book, a few of which being sisterly love, older sibling parentification, enemies to lovers, magic/mystery. I highly recommend this book series to people who love magic, relatable heroines, circuses, and always straddling the line between what is and isn’t, what’s good and evil.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯



Review of Born of Water: A Mermaid Fantasy and Elemental Origins Novel by A. L. Knorr

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Synopsis:

My mother is a creature of the deep; a siren, a mermaid, and because her daughter is human, she can never go home.

A mysterious shipwreck could unlock ancient powers… or send her to a watery grave.

Targa MacAuley feels more at home on dry land than in the watery realm of her mermaid ancestors. After 17 years on solid ground, she fears she’ll never grow into the creature her mother hoped she’d become. To keep her mom’s homesickness and true identity under wraps, Targa signs on for a mysterious salvage dive in the Baltic Sea.

Her plan to blend in with the rest of the crew is spoiled when she catches the eye of a handsome local. A freak accident and a strange connection to the ancient shipwreck below attract even more unwanted attention. With both her mom’s secret—and her life—in danger, Targa must finally find the courage to unleash the currents surging deep within.

Born of Water is a Readers Favorite Gold Medal Winner and the first book in The Elemental Origins, a captivating nonlinear series of YA urban fantasy novels, now updated in celebration of its 5th anniversary. If you like new twists on mermaid lore, simmering romance, and close-knit mother-daughter bonds, then you’ll love A.L. Knorr’s nautical adventure. Embark on a deeper dive into the story’s lore with The Wreck of Sybellen, a companion novel included with the book.

Review:
Firstly, uncertain of the kindle version contains The Wreck of Sybellen, but if it does then it makes total sense that the ending of the book seemed completely at a standstill and apart from the rest of the novel. I quite enjoyed this novel and thought the characters had great depth, and the story itself was well done. The magic system used is well explained by not coming up until it matters; one cannot teach everything about a new subject immediately just because someone else is interested, and there are so many little nuances that you wouldn’t even think of unless they became relevant. I quite loved how many of the things that set Mira apart are traits that are considered mermaid, and since Targa doesn’t seem to share that trait, she understands how different her mother is, but also remains human in her mentality/self.

The book itself is good, though at the end, especially with the particular ending, one is left wondering what really was the goal? A lot happens, but it leaves you wondering about so much still to go on, and it had a very abrupt ending. Given the ending, I feel more inclined to continue with Targa’s story as opposed to continuing the series the book is a first of with her friends because they were not introduced in a way that made me particularly attached to any of them. I am not sure I will continue in either regard at this time, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a good YA novel for someone interested in mermaids/magic/romance.

While there is romance, I did like that it kept to what I would consider the right amount of depth/spice for YA. As an author I do understand that YA is really just a delineate of where to place the books on the shelf/the age of the characters, but I personally do not feel that YA and Romance should be the same books/genre.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik

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Synopsis:
The one thing you never talk about while you’re in the Scholomance is what you’ll do when you get out. Not even the richest enclaver would tempt fate that way. But it’s all we dream about: the hideously slim chance we’ll survive to make it out the gates and improbably find ourselves with a life ahead of us, a life outside the Scholomance halls.

And now the impossible dream has come true. I’m out, we’re all out—and I didn’t even have to turn into a monstrous dark witch to make it happen. So much for my great-grandmother’s prophecy of doom and destruction. I didn’t kill enclavers, I saved them. Me and Orion and our allies. Our graduation plan worked to perfection: We saved everyone and made the world safe for all wizards and brought peace and harmony to all the enclaves everywhere.

Ha, only joking! Actually, it’s gone all wrong. Someone else has picked up the project of destroying enclaves in my stead, and probably everyone we saved is about to get killed in the brewing enclave war. And the first thing I’ve got to do now, having miraculously gotten out of the Scholomance, is turn straight around and find a way back in.

Review:
This book put us right back into the world we loved, and my hope, as everyone’s is, would be that Orion, Orion, Orion will come back! This book did showcase El making some poor choices, however, that’s understandable given her age and lack of social experiences. Really wanted to hate Liesel but understand why El felt the way she did. There were quite a few quirks and turns I didn’t expect but overall I quite loved it. HATE Ophelia, but all of you will if you read this. Would have liked more for an ending after having spent so long with these characters, but otherwise, a great ending to a very gripping trilogy.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯