Review: The Dream Thieves

Guys, this book. Oh my. And that cover?! Love it.

Title: ‘The Dream Thieves’

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Pages: 448 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Available: NOW at your local bookstore or library

Source: requested from Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after...

My Thoughts:

First, let me go ahead and SQUEE about this novel.

Okay, now that that’s out of my system, let me just SQUEE about Stiefvater’s writing. I don’t know what it is about her, but she really knows how to tell a story wrapped in mystery, wonderment, and awesomesauce.

For fans of ‘The Raven Boys,’ they will find themselves caught up in a world full of thievery. I mean, look at that title. But it’s not the typical level of thievery. This is something new. Something that happens in dreams. Something that can be controlled.

Or can it?

From the start readers are off and running. And we do not stop until the final word on the final page. When I finished this novel, I felt like I had run a marathon. My heart was pumping that much.

I found myself lost in this world where dreams are real—or kinda sorta—and friendships are tested, and loyalty comes into question.

Do not expect a lot of the story to focus on Blue—the focus is not on her but on those who are looking for Cabeswater. Some of these characters are dangerous, some are hysterically hilarious, some just need friendship. They all have the same goal.

And would this be a story without a man of mystery?

Like all good storytelling, this novel has a solid plot and character development.

The plot itself is nicely paced, balanced with heart-pumping moments and moments of pure awe. That’s about all I can write without spoiling anything. Notice even in the Goodreads description, it’s skimpy. It’s like any little detail can be a spoiler.

The characters are well developed. Stiefvater gives us information on a need-to-know basis. When we need to know it, she reveals it. It’s a slow build in that way for character development—and I mean that in a good way. It adds to the element of suspense.

Of all the characters, I have to say that I didn’t have a favorite. Usually I do, but this novel is a team effort. There is no one star, no one standout, no one page-stealer. At least for me. They all worked together, building on one another, adding to each other’s purpose on the page, and I really enjoyed that. Because it is rare for me to feel that way about characters. It’s like the cast of ‘Friends’—they are a necessary ensemble.

I like this tactic in this novel because it helped create the air of mystery and suspense that mirrors all that Cabeswater seems to be.

As a whole work I loved every page of this work. It kept me engaged, wanting more, but it also piqued my curiosity because I found myself trying to solve several mysteries throughout. I love when a novel engages me in that way. It helps keep my brain young.

If you are a fan of Stiefvater’s writing, if you read and enjoyed ‘The Raven Boys,’ then be sure to include this in your TBR pile.

This is such a great unisex series for teens. I do recommend for teachers to make sure they have Stiefvater’s ‘Raven Boys’ as well as ‘Scorpio Races’ on hand in the classroom library. And make sure your school librarian orders it as well.

Happy Book Birthday Maggie Stiefvater! 'The Dream Thieves' is available as of today. 

What’s your favorite Stiefvater novel?

Comment below and let’s talk about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Thin Space

I was not expecting to enjoy this novel as much as I did. I loved that cover, and the premise sounded like something I would enjoy.

I was right.

Title: ‘Thin Space’

Author: Jody Casella

Pages: 256

Publisher: Beyond Words/Simon Pulse

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: requested from Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Ever since the car accident that killed his twin brother, Marshall Windsor has been consumed with guilt and crippled by secrets of that fateful night. He has only one chance to make amends, to right his wrongs and set things right. He must find a Thin Space—a mythical point where the barrier between this world and the next is thin enough for a person to step through to the other side.

But, when a new girl moves into the house next door, the same house Marsh is sure holds a thin space, she may be the key—or the unraveling of all his secrets.

As they get closer to finding a thin space—and closer to each other—Marsh must decide once and for all how far he’s willing to go to right the wrongs of the living…and the dead.

My Thoughts:

Thin Space, real or not real?

As the novel opens, readers meet a shoeless Marsh—desperately searching for a Thin Space. The only way in is through is bare feet.

Marsh has been searching since he was able to recover from the accident. The accident that took the other whole of him, his twin brother Austin.

There are things that need to be said. Apologies to be made.

But those around him believe he is simply in mourning, going through a phase, dealing with loss the best he can. Even at school allowances are made to accommodate his new shoeless life.

But too much of a good thing is not the way to heal—and those around him want to intervene. And love him. And allow him to love them back. There is just one problem: Marsh cannot seem to do so without his brother. His life. His twin. Austin. Lost.

But what if all of that is hocus pocus? What if Thin Spaces aren’t real? But more important, what if they are? What would he say if he were to come face-to-face with his brother?

Marsh is convinced that a Thin Space does exist. Next door. He has to get into that house. His neighbor promised on her death bed to leave a Thin Space for him. How does he get in? What does he look for?

Enter Maddie. New girl in town. Befriends Marsh quickly, even at the dismay of her brother Sam. She sits with Marsh at lunch, talks with him, wants to know him. There is just one problem: Marsh isn’t ready. He isn’t ready to live again, to do all the things that comes with living the life of a teenager.

His entire being is consumed with getting into Maddie’s house. She lives in the house where a promised Thin Space will be. Friendships must be formed in order for Marsh to get into that house. But how? Why?

The plot of this novel stole my heart. I loved it. I loved the idea of Thin Spaces. I loved the portrayal of all-consuming loss. I loved the pacing and development of the plot. It just spoke to me.

I think we all have a Thin Space in our own life—a passage into a world where amends can be made, promises kept. There goes the English teacher in me, but I felt the Thin Space itself was a metaphor for something greater in life. Nope, it’s probably just a Thin Space. But still. Loved it.

While Marsh seems to be a bit of an odd character, I found him endearing. He doesn’t mean to be odd. He doesn’t mean to make others feel uncomfortable. He just wants Austin back. He just wants to find that Thin Space—and the author takes a lot of care with his development. We experience his emotional stagnation, his want of friendship, his feelings of loneliness and insecurity.

But you know what, I couldn’t get over the shoelessness. Seriously. It just broke my heart imagining this teen in pain walking everywhere (including the snow) shoeless. It was such a reminder that we all have our quirks, and instead of judging one another for them, understanding is the way to go. This is what Marsh is missing in this novel. Understanding. Until he meets Maddie.

I loved her character. Maddie was just what Marsh needed in his life. I am a believer that people step into our lives at certain moments for certain reasons. Maddie steps into Marsh’s life because she is one of the only people on the page that does not judge him, wants to be his friends, wants to understand.

Some of the minor characters didn’t really add much for me. I found Maddie’s brother Sam more of a burden than an addition, and a couple of the kids that were bullying Marsh really just needed someone to kick their butts. But, that happens to be the sad realities of life.

This novel explores a plethora of issues: loss, trust, truth, friendship, loyalty. The author handles them with honesty and with care.

As a whole work, I enjoyed this novel. The story kept me interested, and there is a twist toward the end (I guessed it early on, but I also read a lot of mysteries) that I think many readers will enjoy, but be warned: it might leave you with more questions.

But you know, sometimes I like endings like that because I can make the decision for myself.

 I classified this as a YA mystery because throughout the entire novel, I feel we are putting together puzzle pieces to complete a mystery. There are a lot of unanswered questions in Marsh's world, and I felt like as readers it was our job to help find and place those pieces.

Thin Space is available now—you should add it to your classroom library.

What YA novel have you read lately that really struck a chord in your heart?

Comment below and let’s talk about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: The Nightmare Affair

Hey guys!

I feel so honored to have already read this novel, on shelves today. I loved every page of this book. It was an original mystery that kept me guessing—and my heart pumping—until the final reveal.

In LOVE with this cover

Title: The Nightmare Affair

Author: Mindee Arnett

ISBN: 9780765333339

Pages: 367                          

Available: Available NOW from your bookstore or library

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Sixteen-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare.

Literally.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy, is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder.

Then Eli’s dream comes true.

Now Dusty has to follow the clues—both within Eli’s dreams and out of them—to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target

My Thoughts:

One word to describe this book: incredible.

I loved the concept, I loved the execution, I loved it.

From the moment I stepped into the novel, I was thrown into a world I know nothing about. As readers we think we do—we’ve read all the legends. But we do not know the entire truth.

You will question all you’ve been taught in various legends and myths when you finish this novel. Okay, that’s not really true, but there were moments where I thought, “Wait a minute. I thought…” You may have the same reaction. Or you may not.

That’s what I loved so much about this novel. Arnett kept me guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had a hold on the plot and what was unfolding, I was wrong. This is masterful construction. I mean, this novel is if Nancy Drew was a Nightmare and could manipulate dreams to uncover the truth of the crimes she’s solving.

Yep, I just equated a dream about a crime-solving Nightmare to Nancy Drew. Original, right?

Now on to my love for the two main characters: Dusty Everhart and Eli Booker

From the moment Dusty appeared on the page I knew I would love her. She was brave. And limber. And crawling through a boy’s window.

See, love it!

Dusty was a breath of fresh air for me because she was a Nightmare, something I suffer from, and I almost feel as if they are now necessary in my life so creatures like her can survive. That’s all it’s about anyway, surviving. Even if that means a Nightmare crawls through my window, crouches over me, and well, I’ll save that for the book. But I get it now. Thanks Nightmare(s), you’ve simply used me to help you survive. Excellent.

Back to Dusty. This poor girl. I mean, she is one of only a few Nightmares. Her mother gives Joan Crawford a run for her money (in a metaphorical way), and she is a new student who seems to have a hard time fitting in at Arkwell Academy.

Enter Eli Booker. Readers meet him right away. There is no holding back. No mystery. Nope, it is his window Dusty crawls through as the novel opens, and what transpires between them is heart-pumping. In all the right ways. See, he affects Dusty differently than the others she visits.

As a matter of fact, Eli dreams of a murder that turns out not to be a dream. He is Dusty’s other half, at least while sleeping. As a result, he gives up his mundane “human” life to become Dusty’s other half. It’s necessary to catch the killer, and to stop the destruction of the Will.

The Will in the novel reminds me of The Force. Yep, Star Wars style. It is there to keep all magickind honest. To use their powers for the right reasons, not the wrong. But as with any good mystery, someone wants to get his/her hands on it—and not for the right reasons.

I spent the novel figuring out who to trust, who to love, who to suspect. After all, many have quite a bit to gain with having power of the Will. Many.

Mix together two crime-solving-through-their-nightmare teenagers plus an evil so heinous that he/she murders for power, and you get ‘The Nightmare Affair.’

Dusty and Eli had great “on page” chemistry. They were funny. They were at ease. They were themselves more with one another than any other character. They were the dream team. They worked.

Of course, these aren’t the only two staring in the novel, there are plenty of other secondary characters who bring out the best in what makes Duty and Eli great characters. From suspicious teachers to a suspicious handyman, these characters will keep you on your toes and keep your alert levels high.

The killer could be anyone, anywhere, anytime.

A heart-pumping novel that I could not put down. I had to put it down to eat and sleep, but it wasn’t easy. I read this in two sittings and a run on the treadmill. Although, I should really watch the reading while running because it’s starting to make me always question whether or not someone is standing over my shoulder while I read these fantastically creepy novels.

And this one is creepy. But in a gentle way. Not in a, “I’m going to have nightmares for the rest of my life” way. After all, I’ve already told you it has a Nancy Drew feel. Which I loved.

And let me tell you, there is a scene that is a ‘Harry Potter’ combination of two novels. I remember reading it and making the analogy to my husband. I said, “It’s like Sorcerer Stone meets Order of the Phoenix while in the Ministry of Magic…but in a gentler way.” When you read it, you’ll have to let me know if you feel the same.

‘The Nightmare Affair’ needs to be added to your mound of reads. I recommend it for all readers, not just readers of a certain type of book. If I have to “type” it out I will say readers of Duncan, Gaiman, Schwab, Stine. There. I’ve given a reader type, but it’s not needed. This one has a broad appeal.

What’s the best novel you’ve read lately?

Happy Reading!

-          The Hodgenator

Review: The Archived

Title: The Archived

Author: Victoria Schwab

ISBN: 978-1-4231-5731-1

Pages: 336                                   

Ages: 12 and up

Available: January 22, 2013

Summary (from the book jacket):

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous-it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

My Thoughts:

I cannot express the love I have for this book. I originally read the first 100 pages when given the chance on NetGalley, and then I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the ARC. Guys, Schwab has a gift with storytelling. I thought so with The Near Witch, but her latest novel seals the deal for me.

We are thrust into a world of the dead, into the world of Histories. But sometimes they get a little restless, and they get out. It is up to Keepers like Mac to put them back. Sometimes that easier said than done.

But that is not the heart of this story. Self-discovery, knowledge, and understanding. Those three elements are the heart – and those three elements drive the plot for me. It is these three elements that humanize Mac and make her character development strong. Mac understands her role in the world, but does she truly understand the impact of that role? Especially when things are not as they appear. Especially when her life as a Keeper is so steeped in mystery that is seems impossible to solve.

Self-discovery: Mac, while keeping up with her duties as Keeper, is also learning about herself. How to deal with loss. How to deal with parents. How to deal with romantic feelings. Three things that many of us experience as we grow up. But there is a luxury the rest of us do not face. We are not constantly being summoned to help return a History to its rightful place.

Knowledge: Throughout the novel Schwab provides snapshot conversations between Mac and Da. I loved these. I thought they were a nice addition, a nice way to reveal more to readers about her relationship to Da and the knowledge he wanted to impart on her as a Keeper. But more than that, these conversations gave Mac knowledge that helped her put the puzzle pieces together. And they helped the reader as well. We discovered the necessary knowledge the moment she did, and for me I have several “a ha!” moments during these snapshots.

Understanding: Mac is dealing with loss. She is dealing with parents who are dealing with loss. And she is dealing with a job she can share with no one. As I previously stated, the snapshot conversations help put puzzle pieces together, but it the understanding of the necessary knowledge that puts Mac at ease, that allows her to move forward to do the job that needs to be done. To help her move forward within her own life.

And what is a beautiful YA story without beautiful, hunky male characters? We are treated to Owen and Wesley, two paths that Mac could take. In many YA novels, there is a bit too much “mushy mushy” to really fit into the plot. It feels as if the mush is there simply to be there, no real purpose. Well, let me tell you—not is that the case with this novel. These two gentlemen are necessities to the overall plot as well as Mac’s own self-discovery of who she is, and what she was born to do. Schwab takes care with the development of Owen and Wesley, providing enough mystery to make readers question the purpose and motives of these two characters without making us feel overwhelmed with a love triangle.

Because this book is not about a love triangle. Not even close.

The plot of the novel is nicely paced as well. Elements are revealed as they are necessary. Sometimes I read novels and it seems that authors either make them front or back heavy with information, and that can become overwhelming, especially when reading a mystery. But that is not the case with this novel. We are given information as we need it, not want it, but need it.

Ultimately Schwab delivers a tale that will keep readers engaged, cheering for Mac, and for the Histories, while guessing what will happen next. While this is a beautifully written story, it is also a mystery that needs solving, before it is too late to save the archive.

I don’t know about you, but when I read a mystery, I like to take a moment to (1) close the book, (2) look at the person next to me, and (3) guess what the author has in store. Anyone else?

Well…I did just that throughout this book, and I am usually right. But Schwab is so crafty in her storytelling that while I was able to figure out bits and pieces, I was still gasping with a beating heart as all was revealed. Ladies and gents, that is good storytelling.

I do wonder about Mac’s last name though, Bishop. Is that eventually going to tie into some kind of interesting history that leads all the way back to the Salem Witch Trials? Or am I just thinking too much about it? I swear, every time I read that last name I am just waiting for Bridget to pop up in the stories…and many times she does. I will be curious to see if there’s any kind of tie to her.

Have you read The Archived? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Have you reviewed the novel? Leave a link.

Happy Reading!