Robin Goodfellow's Blog, page 26

Book Review for Through A Dark Glass by Barb Hendee

Through a Dark Glass, by Barb Hendee, is a dark fairytale about choosing between independence and love, and whether or not you’re willing to sacrifice lives for the sake of a happy end.

The book begins with the introduction of a witch that had become enslaved to the very mirror she enchanted. Years later, a young noble girl named Megan Chaumont is going to have to go through an arranged marriage in order to save her family from debt, though she gets to choose from three brothers. As she tries to decide, she stumbles across an ancient mirror, whom reveals to her the consequences of her choices. As the mirror dives into the choices of each of the princes, she sees that the paths aren’t the same, and that though she achieves a happy end, each one carries its own sorrows and burdens.

I enjoyed reading through the different choices. At first, I preferred her to be with Kai, because he seemed to be the most passionate. However, through Rolf she became more independent, and while she didn’t have the love she wanted, she did attain the political power needed to change the world. With her and Sebastian, she doesn’t have any of her independence, and has to rely on her husband for nearly everything. It was only until the very end did she realize that she didn’t need any man to make her feel safe. I enjoyed Kai the most obviously, because while she does become a strong woman, she maintains that balance between love and independence, and realizes she doesn’t have to be alone in life, that she can rely on someone to keep her safe. I loved that dynamic.

I loved the overarching concepts present in this book. I know a lot of men and women who would prefer to put their careers ahead of their love life and family life. It’s resulted in a lot of heartache, pain, sadness, but most often, loneliness. On the other hand, I also know a lot of people, mainly conservative, who would choose their family and love over their careers, and while this can be a good thing, it can also blind a lot of people to morality. Much like the other end of the spectrum, other values such as morality, independence, peace, and ambition become null and void.

As such, I would give this book a 4.7 out of 5.0 stars. I loved reading through the different choices. The words and thoughts are familiar, but Megan’s reactions were different. With the turning points and with lives on the line, Megan realized that she made best with what she had. While I would’ve personally chosen Rolf, simply because no one dies, in the end, Megan still decided to make decisions based on her happiness. Because of this, I would recommend the book to fans of Gail Levine Carson.

Book Review for The City of Dreams by Hailey Griffiths

The City of Dreams, by Hailey Griffiths, is a young adult fantasy about finding where you belong, and that family is family, no matter what society says.

Because of her disobedience, Ariella was banished to the City of Dreams, where she will live out her banishment with a woman named Yora, and her son, Prell. Ariella soon finds herself in her newfound home, and with her blossoming love with Prell, she becomes content. Even so, a more sinister monster lurks within the walls, and with the arrogance brimming within the walls, Ariella soon finds herself a political pawn with a destiny she never asked for. In this fantasy, Griffiths illustrates how precious innocence is in a world filled with danger.

I loved Prell and Ariella’s relationship. When I first saw them, I was a bit skeptical, but after a while, I did grow fond of them. I liked reading about Yora as well, but what won me over was how motherly she was towards Ariella. For a time, it really did feel like they were family; they kept each other safe, and that’s all that mattered. I was shocked at some of the actions they took to keep Ariella safe; after all, murder is murder. But then of course, corruption ran within the walls of the city, so I can’t really judge them. If I was in the same situation, I probably would’ve done the same thing.

Another thing that Griffiths does incredibly well is show the differences between the dream and cruel, earth-shattering reality. The City of Dreams really does sound intriguing, as does the powers of a Grace. Even so, manipulation, arrogance, and poverty are stacked within the city; it’s as if I’m reading a section of America’s Gilded Age all over again. The Rose Quarter was another thing that was beautifully done; it was made up of royal families who swore loyalty to the Graces. Even so, they shunned Yora and Prell, though Ariella knew they were better than anyone else.

I did wish there were more detail regarding the city; there were certain scenes that I fell in love with, scenes that gave me my imagination. The ending was rather abrupt as well, but it does align with Prell’s beliefs and attitudes.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. Ariella’s story shows just how far people are wiling to go for their families, even if they have to kill. This young adult fantasy details the stark contrasts between dreams and realities, but that even so, innocence can still blossom. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 3.9 out of 5.0 stars, and would recommend it to those who fell in love with Through a Dark Glass by Barb Hendee, and Scribes by James Wolanyk.

Book Review for The Girl of Glass by Megan O’ Russell

The Girl of Glass, by Megan O’ Russell, is a young adult dystopian about what it means to be human.

Magnolia “Nola” Kent is a young woman who has lived in the Dome her entire life. When a riot on Charity Day gets out of hand, she meets an old flame named Kieran, who asks her for medication to save someone else’s life. As time goes on, she begins to realize just how different the world is, and desperately seeks help for the people outside. Before she knows it, she’s thrust into a world filled with drugs, poverty, and desperation, as she struggles between the all through the uses of a drug meant to help make humanity stronger. In this thrilling novel, Russell explores the apocalyptic world through the eyes of a girl who must find a way to bridge the gap between humans and monsters, all the while moving on from an uncertain life that knows nothing of sorrow.

Personally, when I read about Jeremy, Kieran, and Nola, I thought it would be just another teenage love triangle that would go about resolving itself in an overly-dramatic way. I was happy to see that this was not the case. All three care about the future and humanity, and all three have their own way of going about it. Kieran would support the vampires in trying to find a way that humans can survive on the outside, Jeremy would take charge within the Dome through the Outer Guard, and Nola would be the bridge that connected the Dome and the outside world. Despite that, the reality of an apocalyptic nightmare shattered their expectations. Desperation and poverty runs rampant, and it was only through the three sides were they able to even begin to grasp just how dire things are. In some cases, I found the vampires even more humane than the very humans that have trapped themselves inside their Ivory towers. Because honestly, Charity Day was rather a brutal concept, taking pity on the suffering citizens on the outside while they enjoyed their luxurious lives from within.

The book reminded me of a sermon that my pastor taught. Oftentimes, we saw the marginalized as groups to help, not to befriend, or to even simply talk with. If anything, they were only there to show that the we did care enough to feel bad, to feel remorseful, but nothing more. I saw the very same themes in this book, where many had to transform themselves into monsters just to survive. The reactions from the students made it clear that they didn’t understand just what it took to live outside the Dome, and it was only through the riots did they even catch a glimpse of what it was like to live in those conditions.

As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. With its fast paced story, its overwhelming scenes, and its dark setting, Russell delves into the future where people are only interested in serving themselves and their interests, where the few are only there to hold out for as long as they can, just before they finally succumb to the end as well. It’s a story rife with drama and politics, and one that I believe every reader will enjoy.

Book Review for Straight Uphill: A Tale of Love and Chocolate by Jess Wells

Straight Uphill: A Tale of Love and Chocolate, by Jess Wells, is a story about interweaving the romances of the past to create a home for the future.

Gretchen is a divorced mother who had lost her son in an accident. Struggling to get away from it all, she decides to go to a small village in Italy where she meets an elderly baker named Bettina Liguria. After a series of odd encounters, Gretchen decides to help Bettina run her bakery while she finds someone else to help her. Soon however, she realizes that there’s more to this tiny village than what meets the eye. Jess Wells carves a heartwarming tale of love and loss by bringing together beautiful phrases filled with family, hope, and chocolate.

I admit, when I first opened up this book, I was skeptical. In fact, I was almost expecting a fairytale to just pop out of nowhere. However, as I delved further into the story, I was more than happy to be proven wrong. There was Gretchen, who shared a similar pain to Bettina Liguria, who had lost her family as well. There was Paolo and his sister, who struggled with a mother that had simply ran off with a man much younger than she. Then there were the past lovers themselves, who fought to get their family to where they were at. Wells masterfully wove time together to illustrate just how tender love can befall time. It’s a concept that I had fallen in love with, and one that I refuse to let go of.

However, what really did impact me was the love between Caterina and Edoardo. Despite World War II going on, they still had time to share a simple, yet wonderful love story between them. What’s more, Caterina threw herself into supporting her village, showing that she wouldn’t let a romance and the prospect of freedom distract her from caring for her loved ones. It made their relationship all the more tragic when Edoardo was executed. She dragged the entire village down with her, if only for the sake of avenging her husband. Their story gave me chills, because it reminded me of how easily something so wonderful could be ripped away in an instant.

The sensory imagery was just as delightful as the story. From Gretchen creating the bread, to Caterina and her chocolate, I could practically see the entire scene in my mind. It was oddly comforting in a way, reminding me of a small village in the winter, a village that’s just trying to get by in a world that seemed to easily overlook them.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. From the interweaving between timeless romances, to the hope that new love would blossom, Wells definitely adds a magical atmosphere into her book. The book did carry some of the fairytale-like features that didn’t make it cliche, and it was something that I was grateful for. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.6 out of 5.0 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy The Mer Chronicles by Errin Stevens and I, Coriander by Sally Gardener.

Book Review for Summer Seventeen and You by Sara Daniell

Summer Seventeen and You, by Sara Daniell, is a tender young adult novel about growing up, and learning who your true family is.

Samantha “Sam” Scott is a young, wealthy teenager whose boyfriend is the star baseball player, Logan Hart. But when a newcomer, Elliot Shaw, takes a coveted team position, Sam begins to loathe Elliot with a passion. Even so, the more time Elliot and Sam spend together, the more she realizes just how vain her hatred is, all the while falling more in love with Elliot with each passing day. However, this love is put to the test when she finds out she’s pregnant with Logan’s baby.

The relationship between Elliot and Sam was enjoyable to read about. I loved just how deeply their connection ran; it made Logan’s relationship with her seem so shallow and vain. Those appearances, however, became evident when she became pregnant with his child. The story quickly blossomed into a romantic, inspiring novel with Elliot and Sam at the center of it. Another thing I noticed was Sam’s relationship with her parents. Personally, I feel she should be able to convey this through her actions, rather than her words. It was a bit burdensome reading about them, to be honest.

Even so, the theme of surrounding people who love you is incredibly strong. Sam’s parents had abandoned her, and when Logan tried to make it up to her, only to destroy her with rumors, anger, and betrayal, it was Elliot, Quinn, and Zach who stayed with her. She depended on them, and over and over again they stood beside her, to the very end. And now, I believe they’ll stay together for her daughter’s sake. Though others tried tearing them apart, to Sam, they’re family, not just friends. It was this very aspect of the book that made the ending so bittersweet.

But the book wasn’t perfect. There were a few punctuation errors here and there. During the first word of the chapter, the first letter would be separated from the other. There was, again, an issue with the somewhat awkward moments between Sam and her parents.

Even so, the story was incredibly well done. From a light-hearted teenage romance, to a beautifully tragic tale about a mother who sacrificed herself so that her daughter could live happily, Daniell weaves a deceptively innocent novel about surrounding yourself with loved ones who support you and care for you in any way they can. Family ties, after all, run deeper than blood ties. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.3 out of 5.0 stars, and would recommend it to those who love literary genre, sweet romance, and young adult novels in general.

Encouragements

“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,

Love like you’ll never be hurt,

Sing like there’s nobody listening,

And live like it’s heaven on earth.”

― William W. Purkey

Book Review for Oath Breaker by Shelley Wilson

Oath Breaker, by Shelley Wilson, is a supernatural story about uncovering the secrets behind your past, and learning where you belong, even amongst a sea of lies.

Mia had just recently lost her abusive father at the hands of a werewolf. After she is found by police, she is taken in by her uncle, Sebastian Roberts, and enrolls in Ravenshood, a school that specializes in exterminating werewolves. One day, when she gets lost in a forest near the school, she meets a boy named Cody, who helps her get back. However, he warns her to be careful who she trusts. It isn’t long before Mia begins to see that her parents weren’t as they appeared, and that the real dangers lie within the school. In this Gothic tale, Wilson delves into the mysteries behind the war between the werewolves and the humans, and shows that sometimes, a family legacy is better off staying buried.

I liked reading about Mia. She went through the pain of being motherless, of being abused by her father, of being lied to by her uncle. Even so, she kept going. Through friends like Elizabeth and Adam, she managed to find her home at last, no matter how many heartbreaks she had to go through. I admire her compassion as well. She freed Terry though he was a werewolf, and had even accepted her brother, now that she learned more about how her mother died. Despite everything that’s happened, she found her home in the end.

The war between the werewolves and the humans was incredibly interesting as well. Fueled by the wolves’ desire to be left alone, and the humans’ unquenchable hatred, the war was bred by centuries of paranoia and fear. Unfortunately, Mia’s mother and Sebastian were caught in the middle. It’s a tragic end that managed to affect the war’s entire outcome, and the reason why Mia’s story was so horrific. However, she was able to go back home to where she belonged. Still, I can’t help but wonder how her training, and her time with humans, would affect her amongst her own pack.

The book certainly leaves a lot to be desired. From the romance that became a turning point for the war, to a young girl struggling to find her home, Wilson cultivates a Gothic novel that shows the hazy boundary between good and evil. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.0 out of 5.0 stars, and would recommend this book to fans of the Evernight series by Elliot McKay, and Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber.

Encouragements

“We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better.”

― C. JoyBell C.

Book Review for The Crow Girl by JB Trepagnier

The Crow Girl, by JB Trepagnier, is a story about an elderly man struggling to help young woman in need, and illustrates what it means to be a family.

Liam Collins had recently been fired from his job at a newspaper. After finding a young woman hiding within his garden, and subsequently shooting at her, he takes her to a hospital. Despite the nurse’s, Greta’s warnings, he decides to take her in and teach her how to talk, to not be afraid, to understand the environment around her. Little does he know, both he and the mysterious woman he named Einin slowly begin to learn from one another, and understand what it truly means to be human. In this heartwarming story, Trepagnier explores the bond that develops between two unlikely individuals, both of whom realize that there’s more to life than what they realized.

I loved seeing the relationship between Liam and Einin. You have a man who takes in a strange woman, a woman that hasn’t been in human society in decades, and you have a frightened creature who doesn’t understand a word anyone’s saying. Even so, they both managed to overcome the barriers, and become family, despite everything that’s happened. What’s more encouraging is the support they get along the way, from Greta with her strong, sharp disposition, to her son, who offered Einin an opportunity at financial independence. Needless to say, I was a bit shocked when I learned that Einin was around thirty years old, and am that much more surprised with the progress she’s made. It shows that there is something truly wonderful inside people, something that neither science nor religion could grasp.

I also liked reading about the familial ties in this book. What started off as mere strangers living their lives had become more than that the moment that Einin burst into their lives. It was like I was watching them becoming more and more intertwined with one another with each page I read. It was magical, because it showed that even if you have nothing, you can create a home out of something. Even the most unlikely of people can become precious to you in just a blink of an eye. It sharply contrasted to Einin’s own family and the love they showed her.

Personally, this story reminded me of a news article that I read back in my high school psychology class. Officials in France found a supposed wild child living in the woods. Given the name Victor of Aveyron, this child had ran away from different homes eight times, and had been the subject of developmental delay in academic circles. Einin’s case reminded me of his, because they were both found in the woods. Despite that, Victor made little progress intellectually, while Einin blossomed beautifully. Of course, cases such as these are incredibly rare, but fascinating nonetheless.

I loved this story. It showed the timeless themes of family and love in a way that made the story heartwarming. Not only that, but its analysis of developmental delay was also something I took an interest in. While I couldn’t help but disagree with the miraculously rapid progress Einin was making, I was happy nonetheless. As such, I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5.0 stars, and recommend it to those who enjoy Jessie’s Song by Jeremy Williamson and My Ladybird Story by Magus Tor.

Book Review for UnEnchanted : An Unfortunate Fairy Tale by Chanda Hahn

UnEnchanted: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale, by Chanda Hahn, is a young adult novel about doing whatever it takes to protect your family, even if it means subjecting yourself to the cruel whims of fairytales long forgotten.

Mina is, for all intents and purposes, a loser, or at least, that’s what she believes. However, this changes when she saves Brody Carmichael’s life, the most popular boy in school. This catapults her into the most recognized girl in high school. However, when she finds out about her family’s curse, she begins to understand the consequences of her actions. In order to protect her younger brother, Charlie, from succumbing to the curse, she must complete a series of fairytale stories. She soon realizes that if she wants to live happily ever after, she has to learn who to trust and who to love.

I enjoyed reading about Mina. She reminded me of myself when I was in high school. Even now, I can still think back on it, I wish I could tell her, ‘Yep, you’ll grow out of it.’ But still, she’s brave and kind, so much so that the book decided to help her. After all, her brother was in danger of being killed, and because her father died before her in attempting the trials, she would have to do whatever it took to complete them before they kill her. To be honest, Brody did annoy me just a bit. He seemed like he was the stereotypical Prince Charming jerk who would do anything to stay in the limelight. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that wasn’t the case. The relationship development between Mina and Brody was sweet. It could be a bit much at times, but other than that, it was wonderful.

The Fae are, of course, mischievous, like they always are. When I heard about the curse, and how they bargained with the original Grimm brothers, it made sense for them to do something like strike a deal, at least without getting something in return. Fairy godmothers and fairies who grant wishes; while they’re pleasant to think about, in the end, they’re just as malicious as they’ve always been. Then of course, this book is an inversion of a fairytale. It gives a glimpse of real life, and shows that every action has consequences. A bloody way to learn something, but important nonetheless.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was enchanting, as well as gothic, especially with the countless number of lives the fairytales have claimed. Hahn gives us a glimpse of what these fairytales are truly like, and that sometimes, in order to preserve innocence, you have to risk your life, all the while blindly following a trail of corpses. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 3.6 out of 5.0 stars, and would recommend it to fans of Gail Levine Carson and Lisa Ann Sandell.