The Girl of Fire and Thorns

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Sonia Gensler

As the title suggests, one of the most compelling things about Rae Carson’s debut novel, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, is its protagonist, Princess Elisa. In some ways, she is “everygirl” — a little self-absorbed, unhappy with her body, and entirely unsure of her purpose in life. In other ways, Elisa is unique. She bears the Godstone, which means she was chosen by God for greatness. She’s also highly educated and, despite her youth, quite shrewed in her assessments of people and situations. Its really the latter qualities that enable her to transform from a typically self-absorbed and physically awkward teen into a formidable force of political power.

As I might have mentioned before, I’m not normally drawn to fantasy novels. But when something gets as much buzz as this book did (it’s just been nominated for the Morris Award, by the way), I have to move out of my comfort zone. The story drew me in and kept me reading to the very last page because of character. You’ll fall in love with Elisa as she grapples for her true purpose and slowly gains confidence in her power. Her supporting cast of characters — a mixture of kings, priests, ladies-in-waiting, and desert rebels — is sure to captivate you, as well.

I’ll let Rae tell you more about the story and protagonist:

In Total Surrender – Anne Mallory

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Kathy Wheeler

I love the title of this book. What I love more is whose surrender it is. The hero is so dark, one has to wonder how he can find the light. But, of course, he does—its romance.

Andreas Merrick is a big time crime lord. If you read Regency, you will understand how unusual a hero this is, at least, in historical. His thought process is fascinating. Ms. Mallory does a fabulous job in convincing the reader how he little he believes in his deserved happiness.

Enter, our heroine, Phoebe Pace. Her father has been showing signs of losing his mental facilities over the course of the past few years. She and her mother have, so far, been able to keep her father’s illness a secret. (In current day, it’s known as Alzheimer’s.) Phoebe has single handedly kept the family business above water, but it’s ripe for takeover. She manages this by posing, somewhat, as a ditz with an over-bright smile and…food—an unorthodox method.

She shows up on Andreas’ doorstep. But he has several dark secrets of his own. That’s all I am willing to say. Suffice to say this book is more unusual than the Historicals I usually read. But I loved it. You will not be disappointed…I promise. —Kathy L Wheeler

A Monster Calls

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Sonia Gensler

The monster comes just after midnight.

13-year-old Conor is confused — this is not the nightmare he was expecting. The monster at his window is wild and fierce, but nowhere near as scary as the dark dream that has plagued him lately.

Conor’s world is falling apart. His mother isn’t responding well to cancer treatments. His father is in America with a new wife and family. Conor’s friends have betrayed him, and his enemies bully him. The burden of his present and future solitude weighs heavily upon him. A monster who wishes to tell him three stories, and demands one in return from Conor, is the last thing he needs.

Fortunately, the monster is persistent.

Some might say this is a good book for children coping with impending loss and grief. I say its appeal is much broader than that. A Monster Calls is gripping on many levels and appropriate for various age groups. It is a story of loss and healing, but it’s also a mystery with mythic qualities and a realistic portrayal of a contemporary teen’s struggle for autonomy and stability. Add gorgeous illustrations to this complex narrative and you have a very memorable book indeed.

Be sure to start with the author’s note from Patrick Ness. Once you’ve read that and the first chapter, you won’t be able to put the book down. Just be sure to keep your tissues handy.

Who’s that girl?

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Sonia Gensler

Everyone is raving about Daughter of Smoke and Bone, the latest YA novel by National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor (Lips Touch, Three Times) – and I’m no exception!

Karou leads a double life. At the outset, we see her as an art student in Prague trying to shed herself of a worthless boyfriend. Before long we see her secret life – perhaps her truer life – in which she speaks multiple languages, works minor magic, and travels the world procuring teeth for Brimstone, the unearthly creature who reared her from birth and is the only family she knows. Karou understands that Brimstone uses the teeth for a deeper magic, but doesn’t question further. Not at first, anyway.

This changes when ominous black handprints appear on the doors leading to her secret realm. Karou’s violent encounter with one of the winged creatures responsible for those handprints leads to revelations that fracture her understanding of the world. These revelations also allow her true journey of self-discovery to begin.

In the past I have steered away from stories of angels and demons, not to mention protagonists who are so achingly beautiful that it hurts to look at them. That stuff was too outlandish for me. Too over-the-top. This novel is over-the-top, but in a really fabulous way. The prose is exquisite, the characterization nuanced, and the pacing grabs you by the throat. Add to this a hauntingly gorgeous setting and an epic romance (literally EPIC) and you have the makings of an unforgettable first novel in a potentially stunning series.

I can’t stop thinking about this book!

A Trouble Shared

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Sonia Gensler

In The Day Before, the latest YA novel-in-verse from Lisa Schroeder, a young woman’s life is on the verge of a dramatic change. The details and significance of this change are unclear at first. All we know is that Amber has claimed a day just for her, no friends or family allowed. On this day before everything changes, she goes alone to the beach.

Turns out she’s not the only one taking a day. While at the beach, she meets Cade and immediately senses a kindred spirit. The two drift toward each other and end up spending their day together. We learn fairly quickly what Amber is trying to escape, but Cade protects his story for a while longer. His reticence lends a touch of mystery and suspense to this coming-of-age story of family conflict, compassion and burgeoning romance.

Schroeder’s verse style is streamlined and accessible, with a lovely sense of immediacy. It felt as though I were experiencing the story as a participant — breathing in each fragile burst of joy and reeling at each blow right along with the characters. Amber and Cade are authentic and dynamic protagonists, and their story will pull your hearstrings in all the right ways. Just make sure to have a box of tissues at hand!

If you enjoy The Day Before (and I know you will!), there’s plenty more where that came from. Lisa Schroeder’s debut novel, I Heart You, You Haunt Me is a gripping and poignant ghost story that I devoured in one sitting. Far From You and Chasing Brooklyn are sitting on my shelf, waiting for my next free afternoon. (It’s nearly impossible to read her books in bits and pieces.) If you’re looking for a beautifully told story with a lot of heart, you can’t go wrong with Lisa Schroeder.