My Review:
For 54 years in the province of Caldon, the town of Pinsbury Port has received an annual invitation for their university aged sons to compete in a treacherous labyrinth of wits in hopes of winning a scholarship to Stemwick University sponsored by the elusive Mr. Holm.
Rhen Tellur is tired of helplessly watching a mysterious mutating disease drain the life of her mother and that of those she loves. She is tired of the Uppers disdain and indifferent to the seriousness of the plague. Rhen is gifted with a knack for numbers and the sciences, but in a world where gender roles are strictly defined, going to university or studying the arts and sciences is forbidden. Rhen decides to take matters into her own hands with her best friend, Seleni, by her side, she steps into the maze.
Set in a fictional realm that is like something out of a Jules Verne novel with a heightened element of illusion and strict social adherence to stereotypical gender roles and expectations. Intriguing, with a fascinating premise, the story begins by setting the scene, but it isn’t until about 1/3 of the way through the book that it really takes off. When I hit the 1/3 mark I couldn’t put it down.
Strong themes of friendship, courage, and coming of age run through this story, and I especially liked the friendship between Rhen and Seleni. But I was disappointed that while published by Thomas Nelson it gave no indication of being a Christian read, despite being technically “clean” depending on the age of the audience–comments about a female character’s body are made, males make suggestive comments, and women are talked about as if they are conquests. I feel that this book would have been a better fit with HarperCollins’ Blink imprint, which is more of a clean teen reads division of their brand.
I admired Rhen for her devotion to her family, she is level-headed in tense situations and is willing to stand apart from the crowd. Seleni is her best friend and confidant, she doesn’t want to fight the societal norms, but rather be there through thick and thin for her friend. Seleni and Beryll are one of my favorite things about this book. I enjoyed the imaginative setting and camaraderie between some of the contestants. Fraught with tension and adventure, the pages kept flying by. This was an enjoyable high stakes adventure, with a strong heroine with the courage to blaze her own path.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
My Review:
Rick Dial is back in this pulse pounding read from thriller writer, Andrew Klavan. The walls between The Realm and RL are fracturing, and Rick is compromised. Ever since the last battle, his brain has been linked to Kurodar’s, and in his dreams Kurodar finds his way into RL.
Will Rick be able to stop him, and save Favian and Mariel–or will they be trapped in the Realm as it comes crashing down?
The conclusion to Andrew Klavan’s thrilling Mindwar Trilogy had me hanging on to the last, wondering if Rick would be strong enough for the final blow.
I really liked how we got to see more of Molly and who she is and why Rick is so drawn to her calming spirit.
Rick is a discerning hero, always thinking of others and what he can do. I loved how he because a symbol of hope to his friends in the Realm. I like how his passion for right and wrong, has grown, yet he is still compassionate.
Overall, a wonderful read, well written and action packed to the end. Rick Dial is an admirable hero, he has grown into a man of conviction and strength, with a strong faith. A terrific conclusion to the trilogy. I would definitely recommend this read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising.”
My Review:
A name can be an identity, a future, and power.
Coin has made a living on the streets, a Nameless in a caste system of Royals, Legals and Nameless. She doesn’t know her real name, but when she is impossibly named the heir to the throne, she must fight for her life and for the lives of her people.
A engaging young adult read from debut author Rebecca McLaughlin, set in a well constructed world, with surprising twists and allies along the way.
Coin is a clever heroine, having survived on the streets by her own wits for years when suddenly a new destiny is thrust upon her. She is emotionally distant from others, and doesn’t trust anyone, but over the course of the book we see her long held standards challenged. I admired her determination, fighter’s spirit, she doesn’t back down, and isn’t afraid to play the long game.
There were many fantastic characters, especially strong females. I really liked Esther, Devil, and Hat, with her child-like innocence and enthusiasm. But of course Glenquartz was a fantastic character, and rather unexpected.
Well written, engaging, with great world building, and characters, with a compelling concept and subsequent consequences. I also really liked how this book proved that you don’t need a romantic storyline to tell a killer story, instead focusing on strong themes of friendship, family, power, and identity. Lots of action, and political intrigue, with a satisfying ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
My Review:
This book series was perfect. And this book had the perfect bittersweet conclusion.
I love how this series weaves a riveting, character driven thriller of a story, with genuinely relatable, flawed characters. Brandon is a teenaged everyman, who is so relatable even though his circumstances are not (at least to me personally). He has a wry, cheesy sense of humor, and he has a fierce determination to protect the ones he loves even at his own cost, he has his struggles but he wants to understand and to be better.
There are so many well developed characters that leapt off the page for me, even the ones that don’t get a lot of page time make their mark. Marvella is so well done throughout the series, she is a beautiful dream girl, full of a radiant love for God and others, yet she has her pain and struggles too.
Mr. Thrasher does an excellent job of dealing with the many difficult topics covered in this book, and realistically showing how spiritual warfare is waged and that there is true evil in the world. I loved that he wasn’t afraid to have his characters ask those tough questions, and in turn struggle to accept the at times tough answers.
There is so much that I want to say about this series but can’t put into words. But I HIGHLY recommend it, and am so thankful that Mr. Thrasher took the time and money to continue The Books of Marvella.
While this Glory does tie up the series, it leaves so many questions yet unanswered and I can’t help but think that we have just scratched the surface of the evil at play in Appleton.
I bought this series with my own money. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
My Review:
I don’t always pay attention to ads, but the cover of this book really intrigued me with it’s Asian heroine and historical style of clothing. I’ve been noticing more and more books with Asian protagonists, which is something I am absolutely thrilled about as an Asian-American woman myself. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and then to find that there are even horses involved, it’s like the book was written for me!
Jo Kuan lives with her adoptive father, Old Gin, underneath a struggling Atlanta newspaper whose owners are unaware of their presence. Jo works as a lady’s maid for one of the city’s wealthiest families, while spending her nights writing the Focus‘s advice column under the name Miss Sweetie.
Miss Sweetie is provocative, with new ideas that challenge those around her with questions of race and gender roles. Meanwhile she searches for answers to her mysterious parentage, while putting everything she holds dear at risk by getting involved with a notorious trader of secrets.
Jo is a Chinese-American young woman growing up in the aftermath of the Southern Reconstruction, where those of Asian descent have even less rights and are despised more than those who are Black. Jo is hardworking, industrious, with a love for words, and a strong dose of common sense. She is irrepressibly forthright and clever both of which get her into trouble and help her.
A riveting coming of age tale, with distinct and engaging narrative, that shows Jo’s wry humor, Southern upbringing, and the influence of Old Gin’s Chinese proverbs. As the story progresses, we see that not everyone is what they appear, and long held secrets revealed can change lives. I loved how this book explores a time in history through the eyes of Jo, a minority not commonly acknowledged in historical fiction set in the same time period and place, giving a unique look at Reconstruction Era Atlanta.
Old Gin is the only father Jo has known, he has sacrificed much to raise her and keep her safe, often telling her truths wrapped in proverbs or fables. Noemi is a talented, and determined young woman with big dreams of a better future. Nathan Bell is a forward thinking young man, who challenges himself to look at the story from different angles.
A thoroughly engaging read from beginning to end, I didn’t want to put it down! Ms. Lee does an excellent job of crafting complex characters against the backdrop of a young nation fighting for women’s rights, turning a blind eye to rampant racism. Secrets whisper, to life in this stunning novel from Stacey Lee, a story about coming of age, equality, courage, truth, secrets, daring, and love. Strong themes of family run through this novel, as well as sacrifice, love and the courage to stand up for yourself. You won’t regret picking this one up!
Books reviewed are checked out from my local library or purchased with my own money, unless otherwise noted.
My Review:
