Review: Sinner

I am such a fan of Stiefvater's world-building. She creates solid stories with solid characters thrust into interesting worlds. For her latest novel, world-building happens in an interesting way because the world is already there: Los Angeles; however, she creates a microcosm of L.A. that will keep readers turning the page.

If you have not read the Mercy Falls trilogy, it's okay. Stiefvater fills holes in for readers as needed, but my guess is that if you read this first, you will want to go back and read that series just to see where Stiefvater started with Cole and Isabel versus where she takes them in this novel.

Swoon!

Title: ‘Sinner’

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Pages: 368

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

A standalone companion book to the internationally bestselling Shiver Trilogy.

Sinner follows Cole St. Clair, a pivotal character from the #1 New York Times bestselling Shiver Trilogy. Everybody thinks they know Cole's story. Stardom. Addiction. Downfall. Disappearance. But only a few people know Cole's darkest secret -- his ability to shift into a wolf. One of these people is Isabel. At one point, they may have even loved each other. But that feels like a lifetime ago. Now Cole is back. Back in the spotlight. Back in the danger zone. Back in Isabel's life. Can this sinner be saved?

My Thoughts:

First, let me say that I read this book in a single sitting—I was that captivated by the story. But I wasn't sold from page one.

As the novel opens, readers are in a car with Cole, who is doing a live radio interview via cell phone. During this interview we meet Leon, the man who has been charged with driving Cole to his destination—and who becomes one of Cole's best allies in the novel. While the interview was not compelling, the moment Cole steps out of the car to walk to his destination, I was curious. Curious to see how Stiefvater was going to unfold this story.

And I was surprised. I was—because at first I didn't think I was going to like this novel. I went into it thinking, “Hey, I really enjoy Stiefvater's writing, and the cover is kinda cool, so I want to give this novel a chance.” But when I got to that opening, I was convinced that this novel was not going to be for me.

I was wrong (not the first time; won't be the last).

So, if you open the novel and see that interview and think, “I don't know if I'm going to like this,” keep going. It is worth it.

This story is told in duel narration with Cole and Isabel, and I liked this approach. It broke up the monotony a little, especially when Cole was being a bit too wild or Isabel was being a bit too, well, Isabel.

Cole sold this story for me. He is a character on the brink of re-fueling his career, finding love, fighting the wolf inside him. But this story isn't about Cole the wolf. It is about Cole the musician; Cole the man; Cole the friend; Cole in love.

Cole the wolf does make a few appearances—and I won't spoil the why. But let me say that it is cleverly woven into the storytelling.

Cole has come to Los Angeles for one reason, and one reason only: Isabel. He wants her in his life, but he is scared of what he will find when he reunites with her.

Stiefvater doesn't make us wait either. The reunion happens early in the text because this reunion is what sets the stage for the rest of the story.

While Cole is trying to re-start his career via a reality show, readers will find Isabel living with her mom, aunt, and cousin and working for a fashion designer. Isabel is sharp-tongued, and she has some of the best lines in the novel. Isabel is as lost as Cole, but she hides it a bit better. She has started her studies to become a doctor, but her parents are on the brink of divorce, and this eats at her soul. The chip on Isabel's shoulder is a heavy one, and it is going to take a lot for it to be chipped away.

If anyone can do it, it's Cole.

What I loved about this book is how Cole and Isabel's characters are weaved nicely together as a couple but also as individuals. They both have their own interests and pursuits in life, and they both go for them. But they also celebrate what makes each of them so wonderful, and this is honesty on a page.

There are minor characters of note in the novel that contributed to my enjoyment, but two stood out the most as my favorites.

There's Baby, the producer of the reality show, was a bit cagey for me, but of course she is meant to be. She tries to pull fast ones on Cole several times, but he turns the tables on her and her show, and it is fantastic.

And then there's Leon. He is my absolute favorite character in the novel. We meet Leon at the beginning because he is the man charged with driving Cole to his destination. Leon becomes an important figure in the story, not for his driving skills but for the friendship he develops with Cole. Leon is Cole's voice of reason, the guidance that Cole needs to help him stay focused on his life goals. I just want to hug Leon. He should have his own story.

There is an epilogue that takes readers into a chunk of the future to see if Cole and Isabel achieved their dreams together, separately, or at all.

I think on that note, this is the time to stop because I am afraid I will give away key points in the story, and I really don't want to spoil anything for you.

Do I recommend this book?

I absolutely do. I read this book in one sitting because I really wanted to see where Stiefvater would take Cole and Isabel, and I was most curious to see how she would tie it all together.

What's been your favorite read lately? Share below. I am always looking for books to add to me TBR pile.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

I want to complain about that cover. I never would have picked this book up in a bookstore because that cover does not speak to me. It is plain, it is hard to read the title, and the connection to the novel just doesn't work for me. 

Guys—do NOT let that cover deceive you. This novel is fab!

Title: ‘The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender’

Author: Leslye Walton

Pages: 320

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Magical realism, lyrical prose, and the pain and passion of human love haunt this hypnotic generational saga.

Foolish love appears to be the Roux family birthright, an ominous forecast for its most recent progeny, Ava Lavender. Ava—in all other ways a normal girl—is born with the wings of a bird.

In a quest to understand her peculiar disposition and a growing desire to fit in with her peers, sixteen-year old Ava ventures into the wider world, ill-prepared for what she might discover and naïve to the twisted motives of others. Others like the pious Nathaniel Sorrows, who mistakes Ava for an angel and whose obsession with her grows until the night of the Summer Solstice celebration.

That night, the skies open up, rain and feathers fill the air, and Ava’s quest and her family’s saga build to a devastating crescendo.

First-time author Leslye Walton has constructed a layered and unforgettable mythology of what it means to be born with hearts that are tragically, exquisitely human.

My Thoughts:

One word to describe this novel: WOW. Seriously, I was shocked by how much I truly loved this story. I loved taking the journey with the Roux family. This novel was the whole package for me.

I want to deal with the plot first. This book is full of raw emotion and storytelling. I was not prepared. I thought it would be a bit of a quirky read; I mean, a girl born with wings sounds pretty quirky.

Walton takes readers through several generations of the Roux family—ending with Ava. It seems as if this family is cursed when it comes to love. Each generation has her own “battle” to fight, but they all try to be practical in their life choices.

I loved every single character. While Ava's name is in the title, this is not solely her story. She shares her woes with her grandmother and her mother.

Ava's grandmother is a strong woman who must overcome town gossip in order to survive and feed her baby.

Ava's mother is almost Gatsby-like (just without the money). She is waiting for her true love to return for her. So much so that she cannot bring herself to even leave the house.

There's Gabe, a man who comes into the night to help with odds and ends around the house, and who works ferociously to try to find a way for Ava to use her wings to fly.

Jack Griffith—a childhood friend of Ava's mother who has big aspirations in life, and a father he cannot please.

There's Ava's twin brother, who is autistic (it doesn't so say in the text, but he is).

And then there's Ava. A girl born with wings who wants nothing more than to be “normal” and to live a normal life. But, her mom seems to have other plans for her.

There are other players, but that's about all I can write without giving away really important plot points—and trust me, you don't want this story ruined for you.

The setting of this novel is also a character, bringing just enough charm to the page to make the reader feel at home but providing just enough menace to remind readers that all is not as it appears.

This novel is an engaging story of love and loss and heartbreak spanning over several generations of the Roux family, and it is an absolute must read.

Do I recommend this book?

Absolutely. I do feel that this novel is more suitable to a more mature reader. This not a novel for everyone, but I feel as if you are a big reader and are mature by nature, this novel will appeal to you.

I do need to caution you—the novel does contain sex. It's not graphic nor overly descriptive, but when I read a YA novel with sex, I always like to give a heads-up about it because I know not everyone approves. There is also a rape, which absolutely broke my heart, but that is the job of a writer—to tell a true story.

This is one of my favorite novels of 2014—share one of yours below.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Witchfall

This series is awesome - I love it! Princess Elizabeth + witches = happy reader. This is why I love this series: the magical element with a touch of historical fiction.

And that book cover?! That is a cover that would make me pick this book up in a bookstore or library.

Title: ‘Witchfall’

Author: Victoria Lamb

Pages: 336

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Her darkest dreams are coming true.

In Tudor England, 1555, Meg Lytton has learned how powerful her magick gift can be. But danger surrounds her and her mistress, the outcast Princess Elizabeth. Nowhere is safe in the court of Elizabeth's fanatical sister, Queen Mary. And as the Spanish Inquisition's merciless priests slowly tighten their grip on the court, Meg's very dreams are disturbed by the ever-vengeful witchfinder Marcus Dent.

Even as Meg tries to use her powers to find guidance, something evil arises, impervious to Meg's spells and hungry to control England's fate. As Meg desperately tries to keep her secret betrothed, the Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, out of harm's way, caution wars with their forbidden desire. And with her most powerful enemy poised to strike, Meg's only chance is a heartbreaking sacrifice.

My Thoughts:

Lamb does not disappoint in this sequel. I was even more invested in Meg than ever—and my heart pumped harder in this novel than in the first.

We are thrust back into Tudor England when Mary is still on the throne and Princess Elizabeth is still her prisoner. Throughout the novel, I waited for the death of Mary. And waited. And waited. Because I knew that the solving of all of Meg’s troubles would happen with the crowning of Elizabeth.

But, there couldn’t be a third book if Lamb gave it to Elizabeth in this novel. So, I still wait. But be on notice Lamb: I except Elizabeth to be crowned in book 3. I might cry if she is not.

After all, Queen Mary’s England is dangerous. And it gives me the heebes. And really, I love Queen Elizabeth. Give it to her already.

Okay, back to the sequel.

Meg is at court with Princess Elizabeth, but all eyes are on them. One misstep and all is lost. Meg has to mind her Ps and Qs and plays her role well, but is that enough?

When Princess Elizabeth takes ill, and accusations of witchcraft land in her rooms, the plot takes a scary shift. The last think Elizabeth needs is this to happen—and she needs to convince her sister to stop the silliness.

But now Queen Mary has taken to her chambers, awaiting the arrival of her little prince. An arrival that will not happen as Queen Mary is not pregnant but sick with cancer. Again Lamb, where is this woman’s death?!

So Elizabeth has another plan, get to the King. He can stop the accusations. But, does it work? After all, people will talk when they see him conversing with a woman that many in England feel should be put to her death. How will Queen Mary feel about her sister taking time out of her day to spend time with The King? And can the witch craze begin to step away from Princess Elizabeth’s household, and off the back of Meg. Or is there a traitor among them, waiting to oust Meg at the first chance?

And how does Marcus Dent play into all of this? After all, Meg “banished” him in the last book. Or did she?

One thing I really enjoyed was the growth of Meg’s character. She continues to build into her power, while trying to conceal who she really is, and the bond she shares with Princess Elizabeth seems unshakeable.

I also enjoyed how Lamb built the plot’s tension throughout; sometimes making my heart beat a little faster because I was so afraid for Meg. The pacing is spot on, giving readers a story and characters they can invest in. And I do feel invested in Meg. While Meg is the star of this series, there are other characters that enhance the story (besides Princess Elizabeth) that bring fear, love, jealousy, horror, and more to the page.

Twists, turns, surprises, and more wait on the pages of this delightful read. It is one of my favorite reads of this year. I love all things historical fiction that deals with Tudor England, especially when witches are a part of it. And this is fastly becoming a favorite series of mine.

Do I recommend this book?

I enthusiastically do! Especially of readers of historical fiction (with a touch of magic), this book series needs to find itself into your life.

Let’s talk about books—what’s the best historical fiction novel you’ve read lately?

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Don't Even Think About It

Since her 'Magic in Manhattan' series, I have been a fan of Mlynowski's. She has a style of writing that I enjoy, full of imagination and interesting plot ideas.

Her latest YA novel is no exception. 

But, I have to say that I am not a fan of the cover. I just don't think it does the novel story justice, at all. I wouldn't have picked this up if I saw it in a bookstore or library. But you  should.

 
Title: ‘Don’t Even Think About It’

Author: Sarah Mlynowski

Pages: 336

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

We weren't always like this. We used to be average New York City high school sophomores. Until our homeroom went for flu shots. We were prepared for some side effects. Maybe a headache. Maybe a sore arm. We definitely didn't expect to get telepathic powers. But suddenly we could hear what everyone was thinking. Our friends. Our parents. Our crushes. Now we all know that Tess is in love with her best friend, Teddy. That Mackenzie cheated on Cooper. That, um, Nurse Carmichael used to be a stripper.

Since we've kept our freakish skill a secret, we can sit next to the class brainiac and ace our tests. We can dump our boyfriends right before they dump us. We know what our friends really think of our jeans, our breath, our new bangs. We always know what's coming. Some of us will thrive. Some of us will crack. None of us will ever be the same.

So stop obsessing about your ex. We're always listening.

My Thoughts:

What would happen if you were a sophomore in high school and were able to read the thoughts of those around you? Would you use your newfound power for the betterment of society—for yourself?

This is what Mlynowski explores in her latest teen novel.

Mlynowski’s tale follows a classroom of sophomores, all in line to receive their annual flu shot. But something about this batch is off; something goes wrong, and as the kids start to discover that they can read the minds of those around them (and vice versa), the fun begins.

From minor “cheating” in the classroom to a showdown at a birthday party, there is a little something here for all readers.

Parts made me laugh; parts made my heart thump; new friendships were formed; others were torn apart; and I found myself turning the page to see how it all ends.

What a fun read. I found the plot to be interesting, engaging, and fast moving. From the moment those kids stepped into the nurses office until the end of the story, I was hooked—and ready to read the consequences of their new power.

And there were interesting on-the-page play with this idea. Especially when a school cafeteria comes into play; after all, isn’t that where all the awesomeness usually happens in high school? And dances. And parties.

I mean, they are in high school. They are mostly fifteen. Their lives are more a mess than anyone can imagine, but when that is no longer a secret, when those surrounding know every thought, detail, secret, how do the characters cope? How can they grow and bring the story to a head?

Well, Mlynowski does so flawlessly. She has characters that teens can identify with in some way, and she has an engaging idea that can keep those teens hooked into the story, contemplating their own thoughts, details, secrets. What if those in their own classes knew all that was happening, and they were powerless to stop it? Oh the horror—and I think this is what most teen readers will find most intriguing.

For me, I read it as a reader as well as a teacher. I just cannot imagine what would happen if students could read my mind, or if I could read theirs. Yikes!

I was curious to see how all of this was going to end and I had many questions while reading: would they be discovered? is it a weird science experiment gone wrong? could this really happen? And my final thought: this is why I don’t get a flu shot. I would be the one who would end up with a batch of Spidermanesque funk and end up with some weird “power” I don’t want.

I think that is about all I can say without revealing important plot points—and there are a lot in this book.

While the cover is adorable, I really don’t think it fits the plot. It makes it appeal more to girls, and I feel like this is a unisex book. The boys’ thoughts are on the table just as much as the girls’ thoughts. They are equally humiliated, and interesting. Their ups and downs match that of the girls, and they seem to get equal page time.

Publishers should really think about that when putting covers on books. If I was a teen boy, I wouldn’t touch this book with that cover. But boys, I think you would enjoy the storytelling too. Just wrap the cover with a brown paper bag, like back in the old days when we did that. It will be okay. And you will read a pretty interesting tale.

Do I recommend this book?

Absolutely. I recommend this to all fans of Mlynowski, but also readers of Stephanie Perkins and Elizabeth Eulberg. Mlynowski has a smooth style to her storytelling that is approachable for a variety of readers, and this plot is engaging enough to keep readers from tween up invested in the characters and the story.

Let’s talk about books—what’s the best novel you’ve read lately?

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Lives of Magic

Title: ‘Lives of Magic’

Author: Lucy Leiderman

Pages: 384

Publisher: Dundurn

Available: January 28, 2014

Source: requested from Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Seventeen-year-old Gwen is settling into her new home in Oregon and looking forward to senior year when she is kidnapped by Kian, who warns her that she is in terrible danger. An ancient war was fought between magical Celtic warriors and three evil magicians. Those magicians are alive and well and need Gwen's magic to regain their power. If they succeed, they'll be unstoppable. To save the world, Gwen must unlock the magic trapped in her memories of a past life in Britannia.

As Gwen starts to recover her lost memories and awakens to her power, she suffers the consequences of a divided soul. Gwen and Kian travel to New York and then to England to find others of her kind. Gwen, Garrison, Seth, and Moira need each other to solve the puzzle of their last days in ancient Britannia. They are only as strong as what they remember, but a troublesome history threatens to doom the world. One way or another, a deadly showdown is inevitable, ready or not …

My Thoughts:

I love a good mystery story, one wrapped in jogging a memory of a long past full of magical wonder. That’s the reason I requested to read this novel—I felt it would speak to me.

The title and cover of this book is what grabbed me first—the idea that past lives wrapped into magic meets modern day times.

Gwen is a typical high schooler, with a new life in Oregon. All of that changes in an instant when Kian steps on the page. Soon, Gwen is swept up into a world she is unaware she was a part of, one with a connection to magic, and it is up to Kian to help her (1) remember that past and (2) stop the ones who do not want her—or anyone like her—to have a future.

But Gwen is not alone. There are others that are like her. She and Kian are on a quest. They must find those “others” if there is any chance at defeating the three evil magicians.

If only they could remember their past.

This novel was action packed. From natural disasters to love, Leiderman chose for her leading lady to juggle a lot. But if any character can handle it, it is Gwen. I enjoyed the idea that the magical powers grew within each character as he/she remembered their past.

What a clever way to have the magic grow as the character grows. This is a nice change from the “hey, you’re magical and need to figure out how to control your magic” story. It allowed each character to truly tap into his/her magical awareness. And it gave them an incentive to really dig deep into those memories.

It was fun to experience Gwen’s flashbacks with her. We learned of her past life as she did, and it helped bring the story full circle. What was even more fun was trying to see Gwen juggle a love life too. Not only does she need to save the world, but she must also save her heart (and possibly the heart of another).

In this part of the storytelling, the author will keep readers engaged.

I enjoyed the book as a whole, but I do not know if I will continue with the series. It just did not grab my attention in the way I was hoping—and expecting.

While I enjoyed the storytelling and getting to know Gwen as a character, I just did not connect to it. I have read several reviews that feel this was an awesome book. For me, it was okay.

For readers looking for a mixture of magical fantasy meets it’s time to save the modern world, this book will speak to you.

It hits shelves this week.

What’s the most interesting magical tale you’ve read lately?

Comment below and let’s talk about books.

                                                                                          

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator