Audio Review: The Selection

This cover - LOVE it!

Title: ‘The Selection’

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperAudio

Narrator: Amy Rubinate

Time: 8 hrs. and 7 min.

Source: Audible.com

I was searching Audible for something new—something YA with a bit of a twist. I have listened to several dystopian novels, and I tend to really enjoy them (as long as I enjoy the reader).

I have to say, I was not prepared for what was to come with this audio.

Summary (from Goodreads):

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Thoughts:

When I posted on Instagram that this was my latest audiobook, I had numerous readers tell me who much they loved this book.

One put it like this: it’s the Bachelor meets dystopian YA.

That is the perfect description of this novel.

The plot of the novel is engaging. From the moment I entered the world Cass has created, I was taken in. Sold. No need to even think twice. This was a world that I could tolerate. A new dystopia full of beautiful gowns, likeable female characters, danger, etc.

Of course, this story is so much more than that. It is a story of one girl’s journey to discover her own heart—her love for one and her possible love for another.

America Singer. Oh what a name—and what a character. I really enjoyed Cass’ development of America, a girl whose dream was to marry her one heart’s desire; a girl whose dream is shattered with the call of her name; a girl whose dream changes as most assuredly does she.

But America is much more than that. She is not like the others in the Selection. She is talented beyond words, has a gentle heart, a solid head, and possibly the only member of the Selection who can save their world if she is chosen to be Maxon’s princess.

And what of Prince Maxon? He is not at all I expected. I figured that Cass would develop his character slowly, to allow readers to grow with him. This was not what happened—from the moment he was a part of the storytelling, I was sold on his character. While America is there nursing a broken heart, I am rooting for the mending to be at the hands of Maxon, a boy growing into a man searching for a  wife who will be his true partner, not just his princess.

I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a dystopian male character like this since Peeta. I want to marry Prince Maxon.

This story is not all wonderment. There are 35 girls vying for Maxon’s heart. Well, really just 34 since America is there for the food. But that will soon change when she meets the man behind the prince, the one who really wants to rule the country fairly.

Since there are 34 other girls involved in the Selection, expect drama with a capital “D.” Readers will find it all: mean girl(s), sweet girl(s), blooming friendship(s), alliance(s), jealousy, revenge. Most of all, readers will find an engaging, fun story that brings dystopia to a new level—one where love is meant to be the center, at least for the public’s sake.

I must also include the rebel attacks. After all, this is a dystopian tale, and while Prince Maxon’s hunt for a wife is the intended focus, the true focus is on how the world around Maxon is falling apart, and how America can help him keep a clear head while Maxon decides which ladies will suit him the best.

I cannot wait to read the sequel, which I’ve read a lot of complaints about. Mostly that America cannot make up her mind as to who she wants the most—and while I haven’t read ‘The Elite’ just yet, let me say this: she is a teenage girl searching for the truth in her own heart. Of course she will have doubts; of course she will go back and forth on where her heart lies; this is a series and if America and Maxon both picked right away, there wouldn’t be more story to tell. I plan to just enjoy and see where Cass takes me, but I am hoping it leads America right into Prince Maxon’s arms because that is where she belongs.

Team Maxon!

With all of that said, I want to add a word about the reader. She was fabulous. She breathed life into all of these characters, transporting me to the world Cass created without reading it on the page. This is the ultimate goal I expect from audiobooks. The reader sells the storytelling almost as much as the writer, and for me, Amy Rubinate captured all of these characters for me.

I loved her.

What’s the best audiobook you’ve heard in a while? Share below—I am always looking for great audios.

                                                 

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

After seeing that cover—and that title—I knew I needed this novel in my life. I mean, with a character named Ophelia, what could go wrong, right?

I am glad I read this. I devoured the story.

Title: ‘Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy’

Author: Karen Foxlee

Pages: 240

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Available: January 28, 2014

Source: requested from Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

A modern-day fairy tale set in a mysterious museum that is perfect for readers of Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett.

Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairytale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.

My Thoughts:

The plot of this novel is simple, and yet not so simple at all. Ophelia spends time with her father at his new job, working in a strange museum. As young children are apt to do, Ophelia feels this place is one worthy of exploration.

This is how she encounters The Marvelous Boy. Except, what is so marvelous about him?

This is what the reader discovers as he/she devours this exciting tale. There is much to discover about The Marvelous Boy, the predicament he is in, and the time that is ticking away.

Can Ophelia save him? Or will she find herself another victim of The Snow Queen?

Oh sweet Ophelia, how do I love thee? No really, I absolutely adored her character. This was her story to tell, but Foxlee did a terrific job of balancing the development of Ophelia and her cause with the past of The Marvelous Boy and how he came to be in the clutches of The Snow Queen.

The story of the Marvelous Boy is what readers will devour as they race to the finish line of the novel with expectations of discovery of the true identity of The Snow Queen.

After all, throughout the reading I was questioning whether the Marvelous Boy was a real person or just a figment Ophelia dreamt up to pass the time.

And the Snow Queen? There is nothing I can say about her character without a revealing any kind of plot line. I will say this—it’s good.

As a whole, I enjoyed taking the journey with Ophelia. It was fun to run throughout the museum, searching for the best time to rescue the Marvelous Boy, hiding from the Snow Queen, and delving into a magical world that is nothing like my own. I felt like I was Ophelia, experiencing all the magical wonder that was that magical museum.

Goodreads says this novel will appeal to fans of Dahl, and I completely agree. I also believe this novel will appeal to those who enjoyed ‘The Apothecary’ by Meloy. It has the same feel for world-building.

I definitely recommend this novel to all readers/enjoyers of children’s lit, but most especially those aged nineish and above.

Have you read anything magical lately? If so, comment below and let’s talk about books.

                                                                                          

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