The BiblioSanctum

YA Weekend: Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

Posted on December 7, 2013 Leave a Comment

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

Series: Book 2 of Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: November 6, 2012

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars – “Though there is very little of the romance that first drew me in, the story has evolved to something darker and more suspenseful; the writing, as always, is beautiful”

Let’s face it. Forbidden love is just like any other kind of love in young adult fiction. A good thing like that hardly ever lasts, at least not without being dragged through seven layers of confused teenaged angst and subjected to overused plot devices that involve mix-ups and misunderstandings. That said, I still really enjoyed this book. But the delicious passion and romance, which is what I loved so much about Daughter of Smoke and Bone, is lost and gone in this sequel, replaced by so much anger and bitterness.

Karou has finally awoken to her true origins, remembering the Chimaera she used to be. She also remembers the angel she once loved, in the world before the war and bloodshed. His people have decimated hers and killed those she loved, and so now she sets her sights on two goals: rebuilding the Chimaera army as their new ressurectionist, and hating Akiva. Meanwhile, the angel in question is wracked with guilt and heartbreak over what he has done to Madrigal/Karou, miserable that he’d found her only to drive her away again. Yet the war rages on, and Akiva must continue fighting for his own side, though not without uncertainty and a lot of doubt for his leaders and their orders.

The story has evolved to focusing on the fighting, politics and conspiracies between and within both factions. The seductive, magical aspect of this series has shifted to something darker and more violent, though I don’t necessarily see this as a bad thing. But like I said, there is now very little of the delicious romance that first drew me in, though I suppose this was something I’d already expected even as I was zipping to the library to snag the second book as soon as I was finished with the first. I understand you have to ramp up the romantic drama somehow to make things interesting, especially in a trilogy. Sadly, it just didn’t work for me; the relationship between Karou and Akiva was at once reduced to slow, dull, typical.

On the other hand, there’s so much more to this series than just the romance. When I wasn’t so busy being a morose sentimentalist, I actually enjoyed this book quite a lot, especially the chapters leading up to the ending. As irked as I was with the comedy of errors that has become of Karou and Akiva’s love story, the gripping suspense in the conclusion and its promise of an incredible finale in the third book went a long way to make up for my disappointment. I still like the story, and desperately want to know what happens next.

I also don’t want to make it sound like the book is completely devoid of love and lightness. After all, one of my favorite characters is Zuzana, Karou’s best friend, who has found happiness with her boyfriend Mik. Their relationship is like a potent concoction of sweetness and humor injected right into the story — almost like the author realized in advance that she would need to include them somehow to make everything feel less empty and bleak. It worked, for the most part; Zuzana’s chapters carried a big part of this book for me. As I grew less interested in Karou and Akiva, my fondness for other characters increased. Besides Zuzana and Mik, I also very much liked Liraz and Hazael, Akiva’s angel siblings and loyal companions.

And of course, Laini Taylor’s writing is as beautiful as always, bringing her worlds and characters to life. In this area she has not let me down yet. Even though I didn’t like this book as much as the first, there’s still plenty here to gush about, as you can see. Very much looking forward to the third book to see how the war culminates as well as to discover the fates of Akiva and Karou.

3.5 of 5 stars

Book Review: The God Tattoo by Tom Lloyd

Posted on December 6, 2013 Leave a Comment

The God Tattoo: Untold Tales from the Twilight Reign by Tom Lloyd

Genre: Fantasy, Short Stories

Series: An anthology of Twilight Reign

Publisher: Pyr

Date of Publication: November 5, 2013

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars – “A fantastic collection of dark and magical tales showing the epic scope of the world from Twilight Reign; a good choice for lovers of short stories“

I’m not generally in the habit of reading short story collections, though it wouldn’t be accurate to say I’m not a fan of them either. It’s just that given a choice between an anthology or a full-length novel, I would most likely end up picking the latter because they tend to better satisfy my appetite for more in-depth character development and world-building. Not that I don’t think a short story is incapable of achieving this at all, but it does take a talented author to make me connect to their characters and world the same way in so few pages. After reading The God Tattoo though, I’m happy to report that Tom Lloyd is one of them.

Of course, this collection of “untold tales from the Twilight Reign” also has the added benefit of taking place in a fantasy universe already established in a series of five books. According to the introduction, reading the main Twilight Reign series is not a prerequisite before tackling The God Tattoo, which is good because I’m a newcomer to this world myself. I have to say not being familiar with any of the locations or characters (apparently, not many of the major ones appear here anyway) did not hinder my enjoyment one bit; if anything I’m even more impressed with the sheer scope and epic quality of the world of Twilight Reign.

As the author himself has written, his series was never intended to be about one person or even a group of people; the history and population of an entire land are affected by the events, and the eleven stories presented here give a pretty good idea of what that means. There’s a nice variety, from tales of mystery like A Beast in Velvet and The Marshall’s Reflection, to some that are disturbingly magical, carrying a hint of that dark fairy tale flavor (examples like The God Tattoo, A Man Collecting Spirits, and Afraid of the Dark come immediately to mind).

This collection does a good job of fleshing out the world, showing how the people are an inextricable part of its history. The way some of these stories are connected merely serves to emphasize this point, featuring characters that shape events outside their own story and vice versa. As such, this anthology seems to flow better than most. Seen in context together, all eleven tales paint a very intriguing picture of Twilight Reign, with what I felt was a strong touch of horror to give the series that haunted, shadowy feel. It definitely sets the kind of tone I like to look for in my dark and epic fantasy.

Bottom line, I think this would be a great choice for avid readers of short stories and anthologies. That doesn’t describe me at all, but even so, I found myself enjoying this book a lot. Though Tom Lloyd did say that this collection is not required reading for fans of the Twilight Reign novels, I can’t think of any reason why any fan wouldn’t want to pick this one up as well; if you’re familiar with the world already, the stories here will probably resonate more. And if you’re a new reader of his work, The God Tattoo might be inspiration to add The Stormcaller to your reading list. I personally added it because I got a taste of the series and Tom Lloyd’s writing from these short stories, found that I liked what I saw, and now I’m interested in the full-length novels.

4 of 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Panels: Saga vol.2

Posted on December 6, 2013 Leave a Comment

Alana and Marko’s Secret Book Club.

Saga Volume 2

Graphic Novel Review: Batman: Hush/Heart of Hush

Posted on December 5, 2013 1 Comment

Batman: Hush by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee

Batman: Heart of Hush by Paul Dini and Derek Fridolfs

Wendy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

These books are squeaking through a three star review almost entirely because they indulge my OTP of Batman and Catwoman, but only because I have let my imagination take that relationship where my imagination needs to take that relationship. Otherwise, I was very disappointed with that and with the story in general.

Hush introduces a new villain for Batman; someone who knows him extremely well and is able to manipulate his enemies into attacking him where it hurts most. The villain parade seems to be a thing for Jeph Loeb, culminating in a brand new villain that Batman must defeat. Hush is so clumsily and obviously shoehorned into Batman’s life that the outcome became quite obvious early on in Hush. Heart of Hush tries to give the character more depth and reason for his obsessive hatred for Batman as he goes after Batman’s “heart” : Catwoman, but ultimately fails because of the amount of exposition involved.

Like I said, I am a big fan of Catwoman and Batman’s romance, but the introduction of their relationship felt too much like an immature fanservice plot device, shoehorned in just like Hush and Bruce’s new bestfriend, Tommy Elliot.

I admit that I have not read much in the Bat-universe beyond the major story lines like this, so I don’t know how much has been established between the two characters prior to Jeph and Jim shoving them together, but I think they did a poor job of making their relationship clear within the context of Hush alone. For comparison, the nature of the new52 Batman/Catwoman relationship is evident from the start – and no, it’s not that they are merely ****buddies. Perhaps the key factor in the latter is that Catwoman actually gets to have a personality, whereas in Hush, she’s a plot device in a catsuit.

Both Hush stories also did a lot more show than tell, which is pretty disappointing in a comic. And what they showed was so fractured and filled with gratuitous splash pages that it all grew very tedious. I realized that my love affair with Jim Lee was long over. His art has not changed or matured over the years and his characters continue to look the same. Derek Fridolfs’ art was new to me, and I enjoyed it, but I would have preferred if Dustin Nguyen got to do more than just the covers of Heart of Hush.

Book Review: Lost Covenant by Ari Marmell

Posted on December 4, 2013 Leave a Comment

Lost Covenant by Ari Marmell

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Series: Book 3 of Widdershins Adventures

Publisher: Pyr

Date of Publication: December 3, 2013

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars – “A perfect balance of light and dark, Widdershins’ newest adventure takes us to new places and provides a turning point for one of my favorite heroines in YA fiction”

I gotta hand it to Ari Marmell. His Widdershins Adventures books have this way of repeatedly stabbing me in the heart, but all I can say to that is “Please, may I have some more?” Lost Covenant became one of my most anticipated new releases this season, after the events at the end of False Covenant took my emotions on a roller coaster ride and left me wondering in awe about what our protagonist will do next.

It’s clear, though, that Widdershins has made good on her plans to leave Davillon, to the sorrow of all her friends at home. Burdened with grief and guilt, she and her own personal god Olgun have a few things to figure out, seeking a solace that only time and distance can provide. However, while sojourning in Lourveaux, Widdershins inadvertently stumbles upon a plot against the last surviving branch of House Delacroix. Remembering Alexandre Delacroix, the nobleman who took her in and changed her life, Widdershins is determined to help save these distant relatives of the man who was like a father to her.

Widdershins and Olgun discover more about themselves in this book, which marks a turning point for the character and her pocket deity. There is no doubt she is a flawed and damaged protagonist who has chosen to run away from her problems, but that doesn’t change the fact she is a fighter — and a smart, able and competent one at that. Her background and personality is what makes her unique, and she’s probably one of my favorite heroines in young adult fiction right now.

As usual, this latest installment of the series is a perfect mix of light and dark, balancing out the touching humor with plenty of horrors as well. Widdershins’ internal conversations with Olgun, the god hitching a ride in her head, are as funny and outrageous as always, but this time many of their interactions are also tempered with a more somber mood as the partners-in-crime attempt to move beyond what happened in Davillon. In many ways, the personal turmoil within Widdershins is just as compelling as the main conflict in the plot, which is saying something because the ending to this book is INSANE. The suspense I felt as the characters fought to survive a hostage situation was only intensified by the difficult choices Widdershins had to make.

This book also served as a nice excursion away from Davillon, introducing some new players including fresh foes for Widdershins to fight. In terms of allies, Cyrille Delacroix was a great new addition, and he and our main protagonist made a great team. Still, this also meant I missed a lot of the characters I’d grown to know and love over the course of the series (with the bulk of my pining reserved for Renard Lambert, admittedly) which was my only dismay. We did, however, get a few glimpses through several interlude chapters that all is not well at home, with an enemy targeting those close to Widdershins.

Once again, I now find myself yearning for the next book (like I said, more more MORE please)! Lost Covenant was a satisfying and entertaining adventure, but I’ll be glad to be returning to Davillon as well. Very much looking forward to Widdershins’ homecoming — and the world of pain she’ll be bringing to the enemy threatening her friends.

4 of 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Waiting on Wednesday 12/04/13

Posted on December 4, 2013 Leave a Comment

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that lets us feature upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!

Mogsy’s Pick

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor: April 8, 2014 (Little, Brown & Company)

I devoured the first two books of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series in November, so now naturally I am itching to get my hands on book three!

“By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz.

Common enemy, common cause.

When Jael’s brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people.

And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.

But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz … something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world.

What power can bruise the sky?

From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy.

At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter?”

Book Review: The Language of Dying by Sarah Pinborough

Posted on December 3, 2013 1 Comment

The Language of Dying by Sarah Pinborough

Genre: (Fantasy)
Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books
Publication Date: December 5, 2013
Author’s Info: sarahpinborough.com

Wendy’s Rating – 4 of 5 stars: With thanks to Jo Fletcher Books for the opportunity to read this beautiful, beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.

From the moment this book arrived in my mailbox, I knew I was in for something very special.

There is a tiny thread that binds this book to the fantasy genre, but otherwise, it is firmly ground in the harrowing reality of death, the pain of love and loss, and the struggles of family. It is told in the first person by the middle daughter of a man dying of cancer – and it is told directly to you, the reader, as she speaks to her father. Recollections of events in the past are told in the same present tense as current events, leaving raw, open wounds as her train of thought flows through these traumatic experiences.

This is not a long book, yet it took me a very long time to read it because it is not an easy book. Anyone who has watched a loved one wither away to disease will break to this book, if they are able to read it at all. Anyone who has not had such an experience will come to understand. But death is not just about dying, it is an opportunity to deal with the living and the lived, which Pinborough carefully unpacks through the narrator and her interactions with siblings. But ultimately, in the language of dying there are no happy endings.

Book Review: Something More Than Night by Ian Tregillis

Posted on December 2, 2013 2 Comments

Something More Than Night by Ian Tregillis

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery

Series: Stand Alone

Publisher: Tor

Date of Publication: December 3, 2013

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars – “Mind-bendingly original and inventive ideas in this book’s story and world; Tregillis’ writing leaves me in awe, especially the crime noir fiction-inspired voice of the narrator”

Ian Tregillis has impressed me in the past with his books in the Milkweed Triptych, which was why I got excited when I discovered that he was working on a new novel about angels. And not just about any angels; Something More Than Night is a hard-boiled noir detective story with the following tagline: “a Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler-inspired murder mystery set in Thomas Aquinas’s vision of Heaven” and features fallen angels, metaphysics, and a bizarre future. If that description didn’t pique your interest or at least make you do a double-take, seriously, check your pulse!

The story opens with a murder. The Archangel Gabriel is dead, his celestial remains falling to earth in a glorious light show in the starry sky, turning to snow as they drift into the mortal realm of the oblivious humans. No one notices the Seraphim’s passing but Bayliss, a fallen angel who has made Earth his home for the last few hundred years. His mission to find a mortal to take Gabriel’s place is botched, however, when he accidentally knocks a hapless young woman under a street tram, causing her death and subsequent ascension to the ranks of the angelic Choir.

Now not only does poor Molly need to come to terms with being dead, she also has to learn all that it means to be an angel – not to mention figure out why her predecessor was killed. But Gabriel’s death turns out to be no ordinary murder. Molly’s investigations with Bayliss lead her to uncover a huge secret that the Archangel had been keeping before he died, involving Jericho’s Trumpet and an eons-old conspiracy that can alter the fate of the cosmos.

I’ve only read the first two books in the Milkweed Triptych (with the third book on my list of must-buys, I assure you) but already Tregillis has cemented himself in my mind as a talented teller of stories and builder of worlds. I have found that his work is hard to pin down in terms of categorizing them; there really is no easy way to describe the unique way he mixes elements of speculative fiction with other genres. I am pleased to find is the same way with Something More Than Night, with its complex and often mind-bending plot and setting.

When it comes to the world he has created in this book, I can only boggle in amazement. There is the earthly one, which gradually makes itself apparent to the reader that we are in a different time, a future in which the earth has clearly seen better days. But then there is also the “heavenly” world called the Pleroma, which is not all clouds and Pearly Gates, but instead something that is both more mundane and extraordinary at the same time. Tregillis has managed to completely floor me with his descriptions of Magisteria (what his angels call home) made of memories and jumbled senses, transforming the abstract into words and physics that I think may take a bit of patience to wrap your head around, but it’s worth it in the end. I am still just so in awe.

I also adore Ian Tregillis’ writing style, which I’ve always figured was well suited for darker, more evocative stories, and as such I thought it was perfect for a book like this. Plus, I was just wowed by Bayliss’ voice and mannerisms, which are straight out of a crime noir novel of the 30s or 40s. I think that was the most impressive of all, and it’s obvious that great lengths were taken to make his character sound true to that particular era and genre. Admittedly, this makes Bayliss hard to understand at times, but I didn’t mind slowing down to savor each and every one of his affectations or lines of dialogue.

Really, the only thing I felt was a bit off was the “twist”. I like it when unexpected things happen in a book, but it’s an entirely different matter when everything I thought I knew or was led to believe gets turned around on its head, and that took a little something away from me. Still, it’s such a minor complaint seeing as how it was part and parcel of the story, and ultimately everything in the book came together so well. When it comes down to it, I’m pretty confident Something More Than Night will be unlike any book you’ve ever read. As always, Ian Tregillis blows me away with his talent and inventive ideas. For something totally original and different, check out this book and author.

4.5 of 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

YA Weekend: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Posted on December 1, 2013 5 Comments

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Series: Throne of Glass #1

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Publication Date: March 2012

Author Info: sarahjmaas.com

Wendy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars: Celaena maintains a level of charm and sass that makes it easy to understand why the prince, the captain and soon the visiting Princess Nehemia find her endearing as often as they find her frustrating.

Celaena Sardothien is the infamous “Adarlan’s Assassin,” betrayed and sent to slave away in the salt mines. The king had expected her to die a slow, torturous death, but he failed to break her. To her surprise a year later, she is summoned some time later to fight for her freedom in a competition that will name the King’s Champion. Sponsored by the Crown Prince Dorian, Celaena is removed from slavery and treated with almost every courtesy as a lady, and trained by Chaol Westfall, the Captain of the Guard, but warned that she must not reveal her true identity.

The balance of Celaena’s moments in finery with her time in training and competition were really well done in terms of revealing her character. She is as comfortable and confident in either situation, though her sometimes overwhelming ego makes it difficult for her to hold back the truth about her identity. I appreciate that, while her time in slavery does haunt her, there is no over-indulgent brooding. Celaena maintains a level of charm and sass that makes it easy to understand why the prince, the captain and soon the visiting Princess Nehemia find her endearing as often as they find her frustrating.

As much as I loved these moments of Celaena getting to be herself with Dorian, Chaol and Princess Nehemia, I grew impatient with the repeated referrals to her as Adarlan’s Assassin as there was little but her repetition of her esteemed title that indicated her skill. While she occasionally got to display her physical abilities, the focus of the story moved away from the competition. And while I suppose I have no choice but to accept that she is an excellent assassin with a hit list to prove her worthy of the praise (at least until I read the novellas), her survival training seems suspect.

Still, these moments reveal that Celaena is just a normal girl beneath whatever title she may hold and whatever tortures she’s been through. The moment she truly endeared herself to me was when she discovered the library and happily twirled through it. The book won me over when her follow up with the prince on this library led to him commanding her to read his favourite books that they might discuss them. I immediately developed a strong desire for Celaena, Dorian and Chaol to start up a secret book club.

Magic is initially very subtle. It has been banished when the book begins, but it is evident that it will play a role in Celaena’s future. I liked that I almost forgot about the fantasy aspect as Celaena adjusted to her new life. Maas spent a healthy amount of time developing the characters and their relationships. There is most certainly romance involved, but it does not preclude friendship. Once these bonds are strongly established, the story eases back into the major plot of the competition and the magic that will eventually alter Celaena’s experience.

Mogsy’s Book Haul

Posted on November 30, 2013 Leave a Comment

Another week, another great haul of books. This time, it’s mostly review copies from publishers. I’ve curtailed my book buying in the last half of November, with NaNoWriMo winding down and I really had to put most of my efforts into writing and not book shopping. Right.

Something More Than Night – courtesy of Tor Books, I’ve been looking forward to reading this for a while, ever since finding out author Ian Tregillis has been working on a noir detective style novel featuring angels. I’ve enjoyed his books in the Milkweed Triptych and so far this one is proving just as innovative and imaginative.

Banished – earlier this month folks who went to World Fantasy Convention in Brighton showed off their ARCs of this gorgeous book by Liz de Jager. No, I wasn’t lucky enough to be there, but Tor UK sent this one over to my delight, because I can never resist a paranormal story about the Fae.

The Doctor and the Dinosaurs – doesn’t that just sounds like a boatload of fun? A finished copy sent over from Pyr, I’m still really excited about giving this one a look.

A Darkling Sea – I had plans to pick up this one at release early next year, but fortune smiled upon me and I won an advanced uncorrected proof copy from a giveaway held by the publisher. Very excited to read this one, too.

The Cure – a sci-fi technothriller courtesy of Forge Books; not my usual type of read, but it was a blast nonetheless. I love it when books like this shake up my reading list, and this particular one had a twist that totally floored me. You can actually check out my review here!

Lost Covenant – I caught up with book two of the Widdershins Adventures series just to prep myself for this one! False Covenant was so good, I can’t wait to start this one, with much thanks to Pyr Books.

And now on to the digital pile, because there will always be an ebook deal or two I can’t say no to:

Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu – inaugural title from Ragnarok Publications for review, and I’m so happy to be offered the chance to review it. These good folks also had a Kickstarter for their Kaiju Rising: Age of Monsters anthology recently, which was the only anthology (I usually go for the full-length novel projects) I’ve ever backed on there because it just looked too damn cool to pass up.

Poison Dance – earlier this month, while browsing other blogs checking out their Waiting on Wednesday selections, I came across one featuring Livia Blacburne’s Midnight Thief. It looked so awesome I had to add it to my to-read list on Goodreads as well, and shortly thereafter I was contacted by the author wondering if I would be interested in reviewing this prequel novella. Heck yes!

Falling Kingdoms – a Kindle Daily Deal (I can never go two weeks without falling prey to at least one of those) probably because the second book is coming out very soon, and I’ve had this YA title on my to-read list for a while, so it was a no-brainer.

World After – an ebook I preordered, which was waiting in my Kindle for me the morning I woke up on release day. I loved, loved, loved the first book Angelfall so this for me was a must-buy.

The Burning Sky – Another YA title that I’ve been ogling for a while, so when it was a Kindle Daily Deal I jumped on it and snagged it. Seems to be a pattern with me.

Planesrunner – after a much impassioned conversation with other bloggers about upcoming Jo Fletcher titles, I ended my next book browsing session with this one in my shopping cart. Empress of the Sun is due to be released in early 2014, so I had best catch up with the first two installments starting with Planesrunner. I’ve heard great things!