|
|
Out of all of the novels that experiment with Grimm's fairy tales, Dust City has to be one of my favorites. Something about the mixture of ethereal creatures like fairies with the harsh, gritty world of drugs and conspiracies and murder just works so...moreOut of all of the novels that experiment with Grimm's fairy tales, Dust City has to be one of my favorites. Something about the mixture of ethereal creatures like fairies with the harsh, gritty world of drugs and conspiracies and murder just works so well and weaves together this completely unputdownable book.
There are so many tiny details that contribute to my love for this book: the coexistence of revolutionized animals with humans, the blatant prejudice and segregation of the two, and the authenticity of how drug dealers (or I guess I should say "dust" dealers) work. There are so many human elements and flaws being expressed with fairy tale characters. If this same story/plot was a contemporary story with all humans, I wouldn't have loved it as much as I did. Like I said before, there's something oddly entertaining about classic creatures from our childhood being thrown into these demented, real-life situations.
The book is a quick read, very fast-paced and I think it worked with the plot. I do, however, wish it were fleshed out a bit more. I love Henry's character, but I kind of wanted a glimpse into his life before all of this chaos hammered down on him. And more of his father! The entire book kind of plays around "like father, like son" but other than other characters mentioning him, I feel like I didn't get enough of the "big, bad wolf" father. I also would have liked a lot more of Fiona. She struck me as a charming, witty and brave heroine, so I was kind of bummed that she doesn't play a bigger role. But those are just a few things that I, personally, would have liked to see. The story definitely works just fine without them!
Overall, I really enjoyed Dust City. I can't believe that it got swept under the rug when it released and that I haven't heard people ranting and raving about it because it totally deserves that kind of attention. If you're in the mood for something fantastical and fast-paced with a lot of action and mystery, something dark and gritty and raw, I definitely recommend Dust City.(less)
|
|
|
I scrambled to get my hands on this book after watching the movie, which I absolutely fell in love with. It's a fantasy, it has magic, it has hilarious, lovable characters in a plot that is sort of dark and twisted. (And it came from Studio Ghibli. E...moreI scrambled to get my hands on this book after watching the movie, which I absolutely fell in love with. It's a fantasy, it has magic, it has hilarious, lovable characters in a plot that is sort of dark and twisted. (And it came from Studio Ghibli. Even though that has nothing to do with the story, it feels worth mentioning since I love all of their movies) The book, though wildly different from the movie, is just as charming and magical as the movie, probably more.
This book has a classic feel about it, and it's not written the way most YA fantasies are today. At first, that kind of irked me, even though I think it mostly had to do with the fact that I'm not used to classics. The opening chapter was just a recap of Sophie's life so far but it was so impersonable. The more I read, the more I loosened up. Sure, it's being told in third person and Sophie's not as emotional and hormonal and immature as heroines often are nowadays, but she's admirable and witty and carries the entire story regardless. Once I got nudged out of my own comfort zone, I was swept up into Howl's world of talking fires and walking castles and live scarecrows and curses and spells and much more awesomeness that would take too much time to list.
I was so happy that, with all of the major plot changes of the movie, all of my favorite characters were present and entertaining and snarky as ever. Book Calcifer is a bit too serious for my liking, but his strange relationship with Howl made up for it. Howl is even more whiny and overdramatic and rude but I can't help but love him. He's an unconventional hero, that's for sure, but his flaws make up a great part of his charm.
Overall, I'm so happy that I bought myself a copy of Howl's Moving Castle. It's funny and magical and adventurous and had the fantasy fangirl in me positively GIDDY by the time I closed the book. (Seriously, if you're a fantasy fan and you haven't read this yet, I'm DEMANDING you get a copy. See? I used caps. I mean business) I almost wish Howl and his castle were real so I could climb aboard and join their little dysfunctional family. I definitely recommend everybody read this book! It's pretty old, but totally worth checking out!(less)
|
|
How did you find out about the last book you read?
she
voted for
Mentioned in the media
|
|
|
I always start off reviews for the books in this series with some gushing, fangirl, well put together praise. But I don't think that will be possible this time around because - oh, hold that thought. I need to go finish sobbing.
*sobs for another ho...moreI always start off reviews for the books in this series with some gushing, fangirl, well put together praise. But I don't think that will be possible this time around because - oh, hold that thought. I need to go finish sobbing.
*sobs for another hour, or two, or four*
If you would have told me a few years ago that a series about fey would have become one of my all-time favorites, I would have laughed in your face. But here I am, a blubbering mess because it's all over. And what a way to go. The Iron Knight was a stunning, perfect, action-packed, perfect, romantic - did I mention perfect yet? - closure to The Iron Fey world and Ash and Meghan's relationship.
I'm so glad that this book was written. Ash has grown as a character and blossomed right before our eyes in the previous three books, but I feel like there was still a coldness (coldness ... Winter Prince ... get it? Yeah, I'm lame) about him that I wanted to see crack. The Iron Knight explores his past with Puck and Ariella and the events leading up to Meghan's arrival in the NeverNever. It also explores his past regrets as the emotionless Winter Prince. Every memory is like a new crack in his icy demeanor and reading this side of him was just so fascinating because he's so much more passionate and sensitive than the impression I got from the first three books. A lot more passionate than Meghan, I'd definitely say.
I'll admit that I was a bit worried toward the middle. A girl who shall not be named was thrown into the mix and it started to feel like she was replacing Meghan in the foursome. I was a bit irked because I wasn't really a fan of the idea that this book was finally getting a love triangle. But it was so, so much more to it than that and I was actually really grateful for her presence in the story at the end. (Which is odd considering I spent an immeasurable amount of time muttering angry things at the book because of her)
Overall, The Iron Knight was another brilliant addition/conclusion to the series. Our favorite characters are gathered together again for one last kick-ass adventure, facing a new level of terrifying creatures, tasks and emotions. It's intense, heart-pounding, heart-breaking, romantic, action-packed and everything that this ending should be. I'm devastated that it's over, but I'm so happy with how my favorite characters stories ended. If you're a fan of the first three, get this book IMMEDIATELY. But have a box of kleenex ready! Trust me, you'll need them.(less)
|
|
|
|
|
Oh my gosh, how do I even begin to explain the contents of awesomeness that fill these pages? Reincarnations! Dragons! Romance! A hot musician! Epic action scenes! A strong heroine! I'm so excited to share my love for this book that I can't even form...moreOh my gosh, how do I even begin to explain the contents of awesomeness that fill these pages? Reincarnations! Dragons! Romance! A hot musician! Epic action scenes! A strong heroine! I'm so excited to share my love for this book that I can't even form full sentences.
Let me start by praising Jodi Meadows for writing such a great character and heroine in Ana. 2012 seems like it'll be the year of strong female protagonists and Ana will most definitely maintain a steady place at the top of that list for a loooong time. Instead of being a typical damsel in distress, she's more of a knight in shining armor. And I love that she kind of grows into her own strength too. Her spirit is a bit wounded toward the beginning from her unpleasant upbringing, but her fierce determination to live despite the disapproval of her existence makes her such an admirable character to root for. And while we're on the topic of admirable characters, I need to also mention how much I love Sam and his relationship with Ana. THIS is a fictional romance done right. No instalove here. They start off as strangers, and then friends, and the way they develop from there felt so natural and realistic. Bravo, Jodi Meadows!
Everything about this story is so intriguing. As things unravel and we start learning more about their reincarnations and past lives, I got more and more curious. HOW does this work? WHY do they come back? HOW do they adjust to life in different bodies? HOW are they reborn? Incarnate is so unique and imaginative that I couldn't get enough of the facts and lifestyles and world that this author crafted.
And the action! This book is fascinating enough with Ana trying to figure out what she is, but the action was some added excitement. Dragons attacking a city! Sylphs! SYLPHS! I've never come across sylphs in YA fiction yet so I was extremely excited when Ana first went head to head with one.
Overall, I found everything about Incarnate to be wonderful. Jodi Meadows satisfied every hunger I have when it comes to a great fantasy - an original plot, exhilarating action, mythical creatures and a great love story. This is definitely a debut that I recommend everyone check out!(less)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|