Shadow is a prequel novella written by Amanda Sun in the Paper Gods series. It provides near perfect backstory on Katie Greene and Yuu Tomohiro. WhileShadow is a prequel novella written by Amanda Sun in the Paper Gods series. It provides near perfect backstory on Katie Greene and Yuu Tomohiro. While taking place prior to Ink – the first installment, this should be read after it as complements rather well with it.
This novella introduces both main characters prior to them meeting each other. Katie Greene's mother just died and is devastated to learn that she will have to leave the only home she has known and move across the world to Japan. Meanwhile, Yuu Tomohiro is living his daily nightmare as he struggles to control his strange abilities and keeps everyone at arm's length.
Shadow is written rather well. Switching from dual first person perspectives, readers get a chance to get into the heads of the protagonist – especially Yuu Tomohiro as it is through him that readers get a chance to connect with the mythology in the series and the dreams – the shadows, that he is having is nothing but a precursor to the core series.
All in all, Shadow is an interesting addition to the Paper Gods series and enhances the wonderful world that Sun has created.
Merged review:
Shadow is a prequel novella written by Amanda Sun in the Paper Gods series. It provides near perfect backstory on Katie Greene and Yuu Tomohiro. While taking place prior to Ink – the first installment, this should be read after it as complements rather well with it.
This novella introduces both main characters prior to them meeting each other. Katie Greene's mother just died and is devastated to learn that she will have to leave the only home she has known and move across the world to Japan. Meanwhile, Yuu Tomohiro is living his daily nightmare as he struggles to control his strange abilities and keeps everyone at arm's length.
Shadow is written rather well. Switching from dual first person perspectives, readers get a chance to get into the heads of the protagonist – especially Yuu Tomohiro as it is through him that readers get a chance to connect with the mythology in the series and the dreams – the shadows, that he is having is nothing but a precursor to the core series.
All in all, Shadow is an interesting addition to the Paper Gods series and enhances the wonderful world that Sun has created....more
Homecoming is a short story from the Witch Eyes series written by Scott Tracey, which serves as a shot prequel of the first book of the series, howeveHomecoming is a short story from the Witch Eyes series written by Scott Tracey, which serves as a shot prequel of the first book of the series, however this short story should be read after Witch Eyes – the first book.
The short story is set prior to the first book. Set a year before, Braden Michaels, more than anything, wants to have a friend or two, but being a witch in training and homeschooled makes that yearning difficult to achieve – without a charisma spell, which backfires tremendously.
Homecoming is written moderately well. There wasn't much meat to this story, but it was a quick read and it is short and sweet. The narrative is rather simplistic and straightforward and shows a nice insight to the main protagonist in Braden Michaels. In short, it is a decent introduction to the series and the main protagonist, but not crucial to the series if missed.
All in all, Homecoming is a moderately written short story about the life and times of Braden Michaels a year before his life-changing event that happens in the core series. It is also a good addition to the Witch Eyes universe, albeit it is not necessarily needed to be read.
Merged review:
Homecoming is a short story from the Witch Eyes series written by Scott Tracey, which serves as a shot prequel of the first book of the series, however this short story should be read after Witch Eyes – the first book.
The short story is set prior to the first book. Set a year before, Braden Michaels, more than anything, wants to have a friend or two, but being a witch in training and homeschooled makes that yearning difficult to achieve – without a charisma spell, which backfires tremendously.
Homecoming is written moderately well. There wasn't much meat to this story, but it was a quick read and it is short and sweet. The narrative is rather simplistic and straightforward and shows a nice insight to the main protagonist in Braden Michaels. In short, it is a decent introduction to the series and the main protagonist, but not crucial to the series if missed.
All in all, Homecoming is a moderately written short story about the life and times of Braden Michaels a year before his life-changing event that happens in the core series. It is also a good addition to the Witch Eyes universe, albeit it is not necessarily needed to be read....more
The Midnight Heir was originally an e-book short story from The Shadowhunter Chronicles series (The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices) writtThe Midnight Heir was originally an e-book short story from The Shadowhunter Chronicles series (The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices) written by Cassandra Clare and later bound up in The Bane Chronicles. This short story is co-written by Sarah Rees Brennan.
Magnus Bane is back in London for a short business trip in 1903. While staying at a club to pass the time, Magnus sees James Herondale, the son and spitting image of his father Will Herondale, of The Infernal Device fame. When Magnus witnesses James Herondale vanishes in front of his eyes, he notes that James must have inherited powers from his mother, Tessa Grey, an unmarked warlock as his golden eyes are a token of his infernal blood. Magnus wonders whether the Clave cares for a shadowhunter who can perform magic, as well as attacking mundanes which he should be protecting.
After chasing James around London for the last few hours Magnus delivers him home and is reunited with Tessa and Will, whom he last saw a quarter a century ago. Tessa seemed ageless and has grown in her magic abilities and Will who has aged significantly since the last time he saw him. Yet, Will is still as handsome as ever, with tousled black hair and bright blue eyes. He is broader, with laugh lines, which Magnus thinks makes him more handsome, as he looks happy.
The Midnight Heir is written rather well. It gives more history to Magnus Bane this time in Edwardian London. It introduces James Herondale, the son of William Herondale and Tessa Gray from The Infernal Devices fame. Apparently, Magnus Bane witness James Herondale inheriting his mother's powers, which is manifested in his golden eyes. It is interesting how the golden eyes are viewed differently as it was admired in Jace Herondale and disdained for James Herondale as he felt damned.
All in all, The Midnight Heir is well written short story about James Herondale and how he copes with having demonic powers, which he inherited from his mother through the perspective of Magnus Bane. It is also a wonderful addition to The Shadowhunter Chronicles universe, enriching the series a tad bit more.
Merged review:
The Midnight Heir was originally an e-book short story from The Shadowhunter Chronicles series (The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices) written by Cassandra Clare and later bound up in The Bane Chronicles. This short story is co-written by Sarah Rees Brennan.
Magnus Bane is back in London for a short business trip in 1903. While staying at a club to pass the time, Magnus sees James Herondale, the son and spitting image of his father Will Herondale, of The Infernal Device fame. When Magnus witnesses James Herondale vanishes in front of his eyes, he notes that James must have inherited powers from his mother, Tessa Grey, an unmarked warlock as his golden eyes are a token of his infernal blood. Magnus wonders whether the Clave cares for a shadowhunter who can perform magic, as well as attacking mundanes which he should be protecting.
After chasing James around London for the last few hours Magnus delivers him home and is reunited with Tessa and Will, whom he last saw a quarter a century ago. Tessa seemed ageless and has grown in her magic abilities and Will who has aged significantly since the last time he saw him. Yet, Will is still as handsome as ever, with tousled black hair and bright blue eyes. He is broader, with laugh lines, which Magnus thinks makes him more handsome, as he looks happy.
The Midnight Heir is written rather well. It gives more history to Magnus Bane this time in Edwardian London. It introduces James Herondale, the son of William Herondale and Tessa Gray from The Infernal Devices fame. Apparently, Magnus Bane witness James Herondale inheriting his mother's powers, which is manifested in his golden eyes. It is interesting how the golden eyes are viewed differently as it was admired in Jace Herondale and disdained for James Herondale as he felt damned.
All in all, The Midnight Heir is well written short story about James Herondale and how he copes with having demonic powers, which he inherited from his mother through the perspective of Magnus Bane. It is also a wonderful addition to The Shadowhunter Chronicles universe, enriching the series a tad bit more....more
Get What They Deserve is the third book in The Fowl Twins series written by Eoin Colfer. It centers on Artemis Fowl's preteen siblings have it out witGet What They Deserve is the third book in The Fowl Twins series written by Eoin Colfer. It centers on Artemis Fowl's preteen siblings have it out with archnemesis Lord Teddy Bleedham-Drye once again.
Lord Teddy Bleedham-Drye, Duke of Scilly, has had it with the Fowl Twins, in particular Myles Fowl. Myles has thwarted Lord Teddy multiple times in the previous two books, and now the murderous Duke is out for revenge. He relentlessly pursues the twins with the plan of eliminating the threat they pose to his ability to live forever. Concocting a fiendish plan using multiple clones, Lord Teddy Bleedham-Drye is on the cusp of winning, but fell victim to being of lesser intelligence to the Fowl boys.
Myles and Beckett Fowl are aided by diminutive but capable blue-skinned pixel Lazuli Heitz and the ghosts of a large number of indignant Bleedham-Dryes whom Lord Teddy has murdered over the years, against first a goblin hit squad then, climactically, an army of fireball-shooting goblins.
Get What They Deserve is written rather well. Colfer provides generous measures of banter and villainous gloating grease the wheels as well as ridiculous contrivances that pull the twins from any number of obviously hopeless situations on the way to their hard-won triumph.
All in all, Get What They Deserve is written rather well and is a wonderful continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Deny All Charges is the second book in The Fowl Twins series written by Eoin Colfer. In a scheme to inveigle the Fowl twins into helping steal a huge Deny All Charges is the second book in The Fowl Twins series written by Eoin Colfer. In a scheme to inveigle the Fowl twins into helping steal a huge trove of gold doesn't go at all well for the schemers.
Myles and Beckett Fowl kick off their second round of exploits, dealing in midair with a guided missile to which their hybrid pixie-elf chaperone Lazuli Heitz has been strapped, then go through a series of equally ridiculous captures and rescues to several showdowns with bad guys, saving not only tons of gold, but thousands of Irish teens at a flash convention from the vengeance of a maddened, human-hating warrior dwarf.
Deny All Charges is written rather well. Colfer strings dazzling displays of high tech, heartwarming peeks at the family dynamics of the closely knit if decidedly eccentric Fowl clan, dolphin-back rides, huge blobs of slime, and a climactic exhibition of prejudice gone off the rails in this high-octane and rather implausible narrative.
All in all, Deny All Charges is written rather well and is a wonderful continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
The Fowl Twins is the first book in The Fowl Twins series written by Eoin Colfer. With their big brother Artemis off to Mars, 11-year-old fraternal twThe Fowl Twins is the first book in The Fowl Twins series written by Eoin Colfer. With their big brother Artemis off to Mars, 11-year-old fraternal twins Myles and Beckett Fowl are swept up in a brangle with murderous humans and even more dangerous magical creatures.
With their older sibling on Mars, the fraternal twins are dragged into a madcap adventure when they're kidnapped by Lord Teddy Bleedham-Drye – a 150-year-old Duke seeking the secret to immortality, which he believes rests in the venom of a diminutive troll that the twins are protecting. Sister Jeromina, a nun and agent of the secret organization ACRONYM, also has them in her sights. Meanwhile, Lower Elements Police Specialist Lazuli Heitz, a pixel (pixie-elf hybrid), seeks to rescue the imperiled troll and the twins by extension. A globetrotting caper transpires as the myriad factions attempt to outwit, outsmart, escape, and double-cross one another.
The Fowl Twins is written rather well. Colfer's trademark tongue-in-cheek narrative voice is on full display, his characters existing in a preposterous balance between sincerity and absurdity, mad science, and technology. Though a working familiarity with the previous books is handy, this series opener is accessible and entertaining: the fast-paced plot, filled with unexpected betrayals, death-defying feats, and secret train cars, will appeal to any aficionado of the original series.
All in all, The Fowl Twins is written rather well and is a wonderful beginning to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Dragon Pearl is the first book in Thousand Worlds series written by Yoon Ha Lee. 13-year-old Min must venture to the stars of the Thousand Worlds in oDragon Pearl is the first book in Thousand Worlds series written by Yoon Ha Lee. 13-year-old Min must venture to the stars of the Thousand Worlds in order to find her older brother, Jun, who is suspected of deserting the Space Forces to search for the legendary Dragon Pearl.
Min's quick wits and technical prowess come in handy, but it's her abilities as one of the fox people to shape-shift and to charm others that prove vital after she leaves her home planet of Jinju aboard the freighter Red Azalea. When her brother's former ship rescues the vessel from mercenaries, she poses as slain cadet Bae Jang, promising his ghost that she will avenge his death in exchange for impersonating him on the ship.
Disguised as the dead cadet, Min is able to continue both quests, enlisting the aid of two of Bae's friends: female dragon Haneul and non-binary goblin Sujin – all the while avoiding the scrutiny of Captain Hwan as the ship heads to the Ghost Sector, the probable location of the Dragon Pearl.
Dragon Pearl is written rather well. Lee offers a perfect balance of space opera and Korean mythology with enough complexity to appeal to teens. Min is first and foremost a teenager on a mission and a magical being second. The ambivalence of her identity echoes ethical questions that many readers face. Min explains Korean mythology smoothly as the action progresses for readers with no previous knowledge.
All in all, Dragon Pearl is written rather well and is a high-octane, science-fiction thriller painted with a Korean brush and a brilliant example of how different cultures can have unique but accessible cosmology and universal appeal....more
The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities: New Stories About Mythic Heroes is an anthology of ten short stories and edited by Rick Riordan. It is an anThe Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities: New Stories About Mythic Heroes is an anthology of ten short stories and edited by Rick Riordan. It is an anthology penned by authors from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint and one by Riordan himself as mythological adventures lie in wait.
For the most part, this collection of short stories was written rather well. The ten short stories in this anthology pulse with imagination and humor, and each entry is a true page-turner set in a fully realized, satisfyingly complete fantasy world that is somewhat accessible even to readers who are not familiar with the authors' novels, but it helps greatly if one does know the respective worlds.
With an inclusive range of contributors drawing upon their respective heritages and experiences to craft culturally specific, gratifyingly adventurous tales, there's a little something for everyone – like a world tour of wonder and excitement. The cultures represented by these own-voices stories are: Indian, Mesoamerican, Korean, Cuban, Black American, African, Navajo, Mexican, Mesopotamian, and Celtic.
Like most anthologies there are weaker contributions and The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities: New Stories About Mythic Heroes is not an exception. However, it is down to preference as there are some worlds that are easier for me to be immersed in than others. Furthermore, there was only one author I had yet to read, an oversight that would be rectified soon. Lastly, there were some author's that didn't stay true to their voice and tried to emulate Riordan style with varying results.
Readers would be reunited or introduced for the uninitiated to Aru Shah, Zane Obispo, Min the fox spirit, Sal and Gabi, Tristan Strong, Nizhoni Begay, Paola Santiago, Sikander Aziz, and Riley Oh. Sadly, Riordan's entry, which closes the anthology, didn't write about Percy Jackson or the other Greco-Roman demigods, the Carter twins the Egyptian magician, or Magnus Chase from Norse Mythology. However, he introduces a new hero in Demne, an eight-year-old boy, who story is about Celtic mythology. Hopefully, we see more of him soon – perhaps in a new Riordan series.
All in all, The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities: New Stories About Mythic Heroes is a captivating collection of stories based on world mythologies....more
The Other Wind is the sixth and final book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It centers on Alder, a minor village wizard, who would revoThe Other Wind is the sixth and final book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It centers on Alder, a minor village wizard, who would revolutionize the world of Earthsea by destroying the boarder between life and death.
Alder, the man who unwittingly initiates the transformation of Earthsea, is a humble sorcerer who specializes in fixing broken pots and repairing fence lines, but when his beloved wife, Lily, dies, he is inconsolable. He begins to dream of the land of the dead and sees both Lily and other shades reaching out to him across the low stone wall that separates them from the land of the living.
Soon, more general signs and portents begin to disturb Earthsea. The dragons break their long-standing truce and begin to move east. The new ruler of the Kargad Lands sends his daughter west in an attempt to wed her to King Lebannen. Even Ged, the former archmage, now living in peaceful, self-imposed exile on Gont, starts to have disturbing dreams.
The Other Wind is written rather well. The narrative continues the stories of Earthsea characters Lebannen, Tenar, Tehanu, and, in a minor role, Ged, from the previous installments. With the exception of Tehanu, these characters are already fully developed, and there is little further development. Le Guin reconsiders the relationship between magic and something even more basic: life and death itself.
Overall, the Earthsea Cycle was written rather well. Le Guin has created a wonderful world of magic, sea, and islands – a vast archipelago of hundreds of islands surrounded by mostly uncharted ocean. The series could be divided into two trilogies (or a trilogy and duology – depending if one counts Tales from Earthsea as an installment). She takes, especially in the beginning, well-known heroic troops and turned them on their heads (during the time she written them) by having the main heroic leads as non-white (Ged) and female (Tenar). The second half of the series deals with feminism and death. While it is not necessary to read Tales from Earthsea, it is recommended to read "Dragonfly" as it serves as a nice bridge from the fourth to sixth installments.
All in all, The Other Wind is written rather well and is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series....more
Tales from Earthsea is the fifth and penultimate book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It is a collection of five short stories and a cTales from Earthsea is the fifth and penultimate book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It is a collection of five short stories and a couple of essays that round off the history of Earthsea.
For the most part, this collection of short stories was written rather well. Tales from Earthsea is a collection of five short stories that are mainly set in Earthsea's past – before the story of Ged and Tenar – with the exception of the last story.
"The Finder" (★★★★★) is set some three centuries before the birth of Ged and details both the origin of the school for wizards on Roke Island and the long-suppressed role that women and women's magic played in the founding of that institution.
"Darkrose and Diamond" (★★★★☆) is a love story of sorts, about a young man who'd rather be a musician than a mage and the witch girl he loves.
"The Bones of the Earth" (★★★★☆) describes Ogion, Ged's first great teacher, when he was a young man, centering on that wizard's loving relationship with his own mentor, who just happens to be a witch, as they quell an earthquake.
"On the High Marsh" (★★★★☆) is the only story in which Ged himself appears, albeit in a secondary role, is a touching tale of madness and redemption.
"Dragonfly" (★★★★★) is a tale set immediately after the events in Tehanu, as it is the story of a young girl who chooses to defy the ban on female mages, tries to enroll in the school on Roke Island and, in doing so, initiates great changes to the world of Earthsea.
Tales from Earthsea is written rather well. LeGuin addresses the patriarchy in her world as it discloses that the Roke school had been established by women who were later excluded from it and that Ogion, Ged's beloved tutor and mentor, had learned his magic from a master who had learned from an "unauthorized" woman mage. Other stories feature strong and assertive women who in various ways challenge male dominance.
All in all, Tales from Earthsea is written rather well and is a wonderful addition and continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Tehanu is the fourth book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. Set almost twenty years, it continues the stories of Tenar and Ged as they tTehanu is the fourth book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. Set almost twenty years, it continues the stories of Tenar and Ged as they try to live their lives in peace.
It is a bittersweet tale of Tenar and Ged, familiar characters from previous installments. Tenar, now a widow facing obscurity and loneliness, rescues Therru (true name: Tehanu), a badly burned girl from her abusive parents. The girl, it turns out, will be an important power in the new age dawning on Earthsea. Ged, now broken, is learning how to live with the great loss of not being able to perform magic anymore.
A just, new young king has come to the throne, but evil still fills the land. Together, the king, Tenar, and Therru hold the power and potential of what is to come. Tenar is the central figure: nurturing Ged through his crisis of self-definition and establishing a new, earthly relationship with him and nourishing Therru, who springs from a power as ancient, vital, and terrifying as life itself.
Tehanu is written rather well. Tenar's struggle to protect and nurture a defenseless child and Ged's slow recovery make painful but thrilling reading. Sharply defined characterizations give rich resonance to Tehanu's themes of aging, feminism and child abuse as well as its emotional chords of grief and loss. Le Guin's weaves contemporary concerns into a tale with the universality and dignity of legend.
All in all, Tehanu is written rather well and is a wonderful continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
The Farthest Shore is the third book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It follows Ged, now the archmage at Roke, undertakes a long sea oThe Farthest Shore is the third book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It follows Ged, now the archmage at Roke, undertakes a long sea odyssey in search of the vague evil that is drying up true magic throughout the islands.
A strange, inexplicable malaise is spreading throughout Earthsea. Magic is losing its power; songs are being forgotten; people and animals are sickening or going mad. Accompanied by a young prince named Arren, who is predestined King of a united Earthsea, Ged finds town after town destroyed by fear, greed and the false comfort of drugs.
Finally, guided by dragons to the land of the dead – the farthest shore, Ged and Arren find the source of evil – a non-dead, nonliving shadow of a mage named Cob, whose greed for power and immortality has upset the vital equilibrium of life and death. With magnificent effort Ged closes the door Cob has opened between the worlds, restoring Cob to easeful death and thereby restoring a healing balance to the world, but at a high cost – Ged’s ability to perform magic.
The Farthest Shore is written rather well. As an adventure narrative this lacks the concrete tensions of its predecessors, but once more the intended theme stay true. It centers on the unmeasured desire for life and its misapplications, which are deeply embedded in the action. Further, although each of the two previous volumes was complete in itself there is an organic relationship among the three that cannot be realized without Ged's final plea and his drawing of the Rune of Ending.
All in all, The Farthest Shore is written rather well and is a wonderful continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
The Tombs of Atuan is the second book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It follows the story of Tenar, a young girl born in the Kargish The Tombs of Atuan is the second book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It follows the story of Tenar, a young girl born in the Kargish Empire, who is taken while still a child to be the high priestess to the "Nameless Ones" at the Tombs of Atuan.
The Tombs of Atuan is an ancient desert society of women and eunuchs, where Tenar is taken at six and renamed Arha, the Eaten One, because her former existence must be cast off when she becomes high priestess to the Nameless Ones, the spirits of the tombs. She is raised with other neophyte priestesses until at fourteen she assumes her grand and isolated role of guardian of the sacred underground labyrinth, where light is forbidden and no one but Arha may enter.
She accepts her new identity solemnly and completely, and the account of her life as a growing priestess is appropriately stately. However, the story becomes more than the skilled creation of a closed, exotic world when a trespasser enters Arha's underground domain and then the stifling formality becomes a background that adds impact to the stranger's violation of the Place and drama to the girl's subsequent rebirth.
The man is Sparrowhawk, the Wizard of Earthsea some years older, and he has come for the missing half of the amulet of Erreth-Akbe, which can bind the warring kingdoms and which is buried with other treasures in the labyrinth. Arha traps the wizard in the labyrinth and plans to kill him, but instead she begins to pay him compulsive visits, first to taunt, then to listen to his tales and watch his feats of illusion, finally to weep because her gods are dead. However, the wizard answers that they are not dead as they are immortal as they are the dark and hate the light, but are not gods. Thus Sparrowhawk gives Tenar back her name and helps her to escape from the Place and the dark powers of the Nameless Ones.
The Tombs of Atuan is written rather well. Le Guin has set the narrative on one island of her archipelago world and focused on one of many religions. It is a bildungsroman that explores Tenar's growth and identity. Tenar's coming-of-age is closely tied to her exploration of faith and her belief in the Nameless Ones. The Tombs of Atuan explores themes of gender and power in the setting of a cult of female priests in service to a patriarchal society, while providing an anthropological view of Kargish culture.
All in all, The Tombs of Atuan is written rather well and is a wonderful continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
A Wizard of Earthsea is the first book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It follows a young boy named Ged and his personal journey of leA Wizard of Earthsea is the first book in Earthsea Cycle written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It follows a young boy named Ged and his personal journey of learning magic and chasing a shadow creature he inadvertently released, and ultimately himself.
The story is set in the fictional archipelago of Earthsea and centers on a young mage named Dunny (later Ged), born in a village on the island of Gont. He displays great power while still a boy and joins the school of wizardry, where his prickly nature drives him into conflict with one of his fellows. During a magical duel, Ged's spell goes awry and releases a shadow creature that attacks him and the rest of the novel follows his journey as he seeks to be free of the creature.
A Wizard of Earthsea is written extremely well – it is far from perfect, but comes magically close. The narrative is a wonderful bildungsroman of Ged – the copper skinned protagonist, as it explores Ged's process of learning to cope with power and come to terms with death. Le Guin has created a wonderful archipelago world with a very balance magical system. The magic system is closely tied to the idea that language and names have power to affect the material world and alter this balance. The structure of the narrative is similar to that of a traditional epic with some subversion that makes it rather unique.
All in all, A Wizard of Earthsea is written extremely well and is a wonderful beginning to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Pahua and the Soul Stealer is a mythological magical adventure written by Lori M. Lee. A Hmong American girl sets out on a quest to save her little brPahua and the Soul Stealer is a mythological magical adventure written by Lori M. Lee. A Hmong American girl sets out on a quest to save her little brother from an angry spirit.
It follows reserved, empathic Hmong 11-year-old Pahua Moua, who hides her ability to see spirits. Worried about standing out even more in her predominantly white Wisconsin town, Pahua also fears that revealing her abilities will lead to losing her only friend: a talking cat spirit named Miv.
When Pahua accidentally unleashes a malevolent bridge spirit that threatens her younger brother's life, she teams up with strong-willed Zhong, a young Hmong shaman warrior sent by the elders, to seek the lightning axe – a celestial weapon of the gods once wielded by the first and greatest shaman – in the spirit realm.
Pahua and the Soul Stealer is written rather well. Lee adroitly develops the friendship between Pahua and Zhong as they bond over their insecurities and complicated familial relationships. Humorous dialogue from the demons and spirits brings a much-needed levity to each challenge that the two girls face. This is a fun adventure through a world inspired by Hmong mythology, full of imagination and featuring characters whose concerns are both modern and timeless.
All in all, Pahua and the Soul Stealer is a classic, satisfying adventure tale packed with magical beings....more
Wayward Witch is the third and final book in Brooklyn Brujas series written by Zoraida Córdova. It follows Rose Mortiz – the youngest Mortiz sister anWayward Witch is the third and final book in Brooklyn Brujas series written by Zoraida Córdova. It follows Rose Mortiz – the youngest Mortiz sister and her adventure with magic is just as daunting as her sisters.
Rose, the youngest Mortiz sister and a bruja with a newly found unique power, never expected to be a Chosen One or to go on her own adventure as her sisters did before her. However, on the night of her Deathday party, Rose and her father are whisked away to the mythical Kingdom of Adas, the fairy realm where he was trapped for years and where Rose is welcomed by the king as Lady Siphon, one of the Guardians of Adas.
Together with a misfit band of powerful companions, Rose must save the kingdom from the spreading rot that is destroying the land while her father is kept hostage. Rose fights to survive, defeats multiple adversaries, and makes new friends and allies, simultaneously contending with the secrets her father had been keeping from their family and learning to control her powers without letting them consume her – all while struggling not to lose herself and her memories of home and family.
Wayward Witch is written rather well. Infusing her story with Latinx traditions and characters, Córdova beautifully wraps up the series through the self-assured narration of a 15-year-old girl who finds herself as she learns to control her powers. Focusing on the last Mortiz sister, this time Rose, who was whisked away with her father to the Kingdom of Adas. Córdova's blending of Latin American traditions, matriarchy, and religions, which makes the premise intriguing.
Overall, Brooklyn Brujas is a wonderful series. Córdova has blended a wonderful world full of magic in modern society with Latin American traditions. The narrative felt bloated in the first installment, but that is probably due to Córdova setting up the universe and explaining the mythos and magic system to an audience that may not be informed on the traditions of Central America. However, once the world has been established the narrative felt less bloated and more fluid. Each installment focuses on one of a trio of sisters, which makes each installment seem rather different, but fresh.
All in all, Wayward Witch is written rather well and is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series....more
Bruja Born is the second and penultimate book in Brooklyn Brujas series written by Zoraida Córdova. It follows Lula Mortiz, who tries to save Maks, heBruja Born is the second and penultimate book in Brooklyn Brujas series written by Zoraida Córdova. It follows Lula Mortiz, who tries to save Maks, her boyfriend, by cheating Death. However, Lady de la Muerte is not so easily bested.
Some months after Lula and her family have returned from their ordeal in Los Lagos, the Mortiz family tries to find its way to a new normal – as normal as being for a bruja. Falling back into high school life isn't easy, though, and Lula's sinmago boyfriend simply can’t understand what she has been through.
Unable to cope with this new Lula, Maks breaks up with her on the way to the last soccer game of the year, leaving her devastated. However, when a freak accident kills everyone involved – except Lula, who is saved by her magic, the Mortiz sisters cast a canto to heal Maks, with devastating results.
Magic always comes with a price, often a string of unintended consequences. The choice to save Maks, though well-intended, spurs a supernatural chaos, throwing the entire order of the world out of balance. Lula and her sisters must put a stop to the wheels they put in motion, resulting in an epic adventure to save not just Maks and the city they love, but Lady de la Muerte herself.
Bruja Born is written rather well. Córdova's magic-infused, delightfully dark story continues and expands readers in her engrossing, Latin American–inspired fantasy. Focusing on a different Mortiz sister, this time Lula, who has the powers of healing and her misadventures caused by magic. Córdova's blending of Latin American traditions, matriarchy, and religions make the premise interesting.
All in all, Bruja Born is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Labyrinth Lost is the first book in Brooklyn Brujas series written by Zoraida Córdova. It follows a Brooklyn bruja – a witch, who doesn't want her powLabyrinth Lost is the first book in Brooklyn Brujas series written by Zoraida Córdova. It follows a Brooklyn bruja – a witch, who doesn't want her powers and must journey to another dimension to save her family.
Seventeen-year-old Alejandra "Alex" Mortiz comes from a long line of brujas, and her family is eager to celebrate her Deathday, where she'll summon her ancestors and receive their blessings. Alex's sisters and mother believe that she hasn't discovered her power yet, but she has actually been hiding it and she'll do anything to get rid of it.
Alex is an encantrix, one of the most powerful brujas, and a brujo named Nova Santiago claims to know how she can banish her power for good. When the spell goes sideways and her family disappears, she must journey to the dangerous "in-between world" of Los Lagos, once a land of wonders, to get them back, enlisting Nova as her guide.
Labyrinth Lost is written moderately well. Córdova's magic-infused, delightfully dark story introduces readers to an engrossing, Latin American–inspired fantasy setting and an irresistible heroine who longs to be normal and pines for the father that left their family behind years ago. Córdova's blending of Latin American traditions, matriarchy, and religions makes the premise interesting, but the story is ultimately a predictable chosen-one quest.
All in all, Labyrinth Lost is written moderately well and is a mediocre, but promising beginning to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
The Last Fallen Star is the first book in Gifted Clans series written by Graci Kim. When a spell goes wrong, a girl sets out on a quest to save her siThe Last Fallen Star is the first book in Gifted Clans series written by Graci Kim. When a spell goes wrong, a girl sets out on a quest to save her sister.
Korean American adoptee Riley Oh is the only saram – a normal, non-gifted person without a lick of magic, in her family, who are healers and part of the Gom clan. When Riley's denied the opportunity to take part in a magical initiation ceremony, she, along with her headstrong 12-year-old sister Hattie, also Korean American, protest and conjures a spell that will split Hattie's magic with Riley.
Their decision sets off a series of events that reveal Riley's biological parentage and threatens the whole community and when Hattie's life hangs in the balance, it is up to Riley to find the last fallen star to bring her back.
Riley and her biracial best friend, Emmett, a sardonic saram of Korean descent, encounter a slew of Korean mythological characters, including an inmyeonjo, a dokkaebi, and gwisin.
The Last Fallen Star is written rather well. As Riley and Emmett travel around Los Angeles' Koreatown, readers familiar with Korean culture will appreciate several references made. Though overly detailed explanations of magic bog down this otherwise fast-paced adventure, unique clan identities are cleverly imagined, and Riley's emotional arc and journey to self-acceptance shine through.
All in all, The Last Fallen Star is written rather well and is a good and promising beginning to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Lightbringer is the third and final book in the Empirium series written by Claire Legrand. It concludes the narrative of mother-daughter queens RielleLightbringer is the third and final book in the Empirium series written by Claire Legrand. It concludes the narrative of mother-daughter queens Rielle Dardenne and Eliana Ferracora separated across time complete each other's stories in this trilogy closer.
Held captive by the Emperor Corien after Simon's betrayal, Eliana defies efforts to fully restore Simon's marque power, which would enable Corien to reunite with Rielle. Eliana's refusal is met with psychological torture in the form of dreams that feel real and through the suffering of her loved ones. Her torment is finally interrupted by a mysterious voice in her head, which results in Eliana's greater knowledge of the Deep and the world's mythology.
Meanwhile, a thousand years in the past, Rielle's storyline follows her as she, fleeing heartbreak and rejection from Audric – now regretful of his reaction, deposed, and seeking asylum and allies, is dragged deeper into darkness by Corien. Rielle’s storyline leans hard on the love-triangle element.
Lightbringer is written rather well. Many of these plotlines – using primary and secondary characters' viewpoints drawn from the large, unwieldy cast, spin in repetitive ruts so that all of the pieces land in place for a dynamic, flashy final act that unifies the storylines and themes.
Overall, the Empirium series is written rather well. Legrand has created a wonderful world where race and ethnicity carry no significance and same sex relationships are casual with positive representation. However, the narrative has some pacing issues, where in some places it slows down to a crawl and feels bloated in some places and others where one breezes through the action with ease. Legrand's writing has improved with each book in the trilogy, but the pacing issues persist if not subdued.
All in all, Lightbringer is written rather well and is a wonderful continuation to an equally wonderful series....more