The Title Was Already A Pun – A Review of Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak

by with One Comment Historical Fiction

It is no secret that I love The Book Thief. So when I heard that Markus Zusak was releasing another book, I knew I would be buying that.

I can honestly say that I had no idea what to expect of the plot. All I knew before I read it was that the Dunbar family of five brothers were going to experience some conflict, and it was down the the second youngest, Clay, to bring the family back together again.

God, was it more.

I was really curious about this book, as it is marketed as being very contemporary. I’m very selective when it comes to general and contemporary fiction, but I knew I was into something good judging by how deep Zusak would go into his works. I wasn’t wrong. He dives into elements you wouldn’t expect to come out of what he is writing, tying so many things together and making meaning out of seemingly insignificant things and moments. I guess that’s what draws me to Zusak. He takes something you think you’d know everything about, and then he shows you the rest of the iceberg.

Zusak used an interesting choice of structure in the telling of Clay’s story. It certainly wasn’t linear, but parallel. Chapters would switch between the past and the present, and the connections made between them were small but meaningful and gave a grand perspective of things. And it made total sense for it to be written swapping between the two. The situations were very relevant in respect to each other and it built up on the character of Clay a lot.

Speaking of Clay, his character is very interesting. He is very enigmatic at first, but that’s because we don’t know about him. The structure enhances us knowing his drives, insecurities, and connections with his family.

There was one thing I was uncertain of in Zusak’s decisions. I wasn’t entirely sure why it was the oldest brother telling the story. There was obviously some kind of reason behind that and I feel I might have missed it, and I doubt that reason was beyond the connection between him and Clay. I’ve been thinking it over for a while and still haven’t found any other clues.

Character I Loved

I really enjoyed the boys’ mother, Penny. Her drive and her story was all very touching, and she was a very strong character as well. Everything associated with her I fell for.

Character I Loved to Hate

There wasn’t really one of those, but Rory could get pretty annoying at times. It was all intentional, I could tell, but some of the things he did, man.

Favourite Chapter

Chapter 7 was very interesting with the focus on Clay’s love interest, Carey. It was quite the change of scenery and focus that felt pretty nice in my opinion.

Favourite Serious Quote

How many letters to Carey could he formulate, but not yet write?

Well, this was a familiar feeling. This quote stabbed me in the heart with an honest weight.

Favourite Not-So-Serious Quote

I don’t have a favourite, but they’re all to do with their donkey, Achilles.

Overall Verdict

A simple story with a whole lot of depth. Bridge of Clay gets a score of 4/5.

Yours in writing

Amy

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Tom and Ashwen are my BroTP- A Review of The Misadventurers: An Almost Epic Tale by Steven Partridge

by with No Comment Fantasy

Well that’s the longest post title on my blog to date.

This book comes from another AuthorTuber, Steven Partridge. I’ve only been watching his content for a couple of months, and he is a saint. The Misadventurers is his debut novel.

This is the review of an advanced reader copy (ARC) of Steven Partridge’s novel. I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

In a tale reminiscent of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, a group of adventurers from different walks of life are forced together to complete a quest. They must retrieve the sword of dire power. Emphasis on must. They literally cannot walk out of this until they complete their quest.

This kind of book isn’t usually my cup of tea. But let’s just say I downed it. I didn’t expect to be as hooked into it as I wound up being.

The world was built really well, and we set foot into many communities to show it. Each city felt like their own character, and was a fresh outlook for somebody seeking more than the textbook settings. From the bustle of Greenridge, to the industrial Stonebluff, to the colour of Trundleburg Village, I loved every place the characters dragged me to.

I’m always a sucker for great, diverse characters, and they were absolutely delivered. These were delivered so well that my favourite characters were constantly changing. They mainly swapped between Ashwen, Beryl, and Cole. But that doesn’t mean the others are discredited. Heck, the chemistry between the main five was brilliant as well! I was particularly a sucker for every moment Ashwen and Tom talked, or in Ashwen’s cased bickered, with each other. Their friendship is the most wholesome thing I ever read.

I spotted some references in there to giggle over, which I mainly know from watching a couple of D&D livestreams. I feel I’d find and appreciate a lot more of those references had I been into RPG games a lot longer. Well, it’ll be a happy little hunt for you guys when you read it.

Also, did Tom get his name from the scene where he spies on Beryl? Because he was a peeping Tom?

Character I Loved

This changed way too much, but I think in the end it wound up being Cole. I’m not going to say too much about him due to spoilers, but this was a character with some serious depth. And I’m a sucker for tempered characters.

Character I Loved to Hate

Goddamn Princess Garnet. There were so many times I just wanted to squeeze her head until it burst, but I’d be too weak to do that. Is there anyone who would actually be capable of that to do it on my behalf, please?

Favourite Chapter

I was seriously enticed by Chapter 9 due to the setting and the way it was explored. I’ll leave the magic of reading it up to you guys, but I’ll tell you it’s industrial, communal, and absolutely unique.

Favourite Serious Quote

“Until you see past the illusions of the world, you will remain unable to truly connect with it.”

Damn, that’s deep. Honestly, this whole scene was. But this quote in particular should be the slogan for world peace.

Favourite Not-So-Serious Quote

Curse his insight.

Let me guess, Tom rolled a natural 20?

Overall Verdict

A fantastic adventure lead by brilliant adventurers. The Misadventurers: An Almost Epic Tale gets a score of 4/5.

The Misadventurers: An Almost Epic Tale will be out on August 27th. You can preorder Steven Partridge’s debut here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VR2LKS4

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mis-adventurers-steven-partridge/1132715789

Yours in writing

Amy

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I Did Nazi That Coming – A Review of Bitter Seeds by Ian Tregillis

by with 2 Comments FantasyHistorical Fiction

I had never thought I’d be using this pun in the title of a review, and here I am.

I picked up Bitter Seeds in a bookshop at the end of January, intrigued by its seemingly unconventional plot. It lived up to its first impressions and was finished in under three weeks.

In case the title of the book didn’t provide insight into this book, it takes place during the second world war. Only that there are some unusual players in the game; the Nazis have young adults with trained psychic abilities on their side, as British government agent Raybould Marsh finds out on a mission in Spain. As the Nazis gain on the Allies in the war, Raybould calls upon Will, a friend from university, to help provide their own supernatural secrets to win the war. That secret is Warlocks.

The premise itself was a hook; I have recently discovered a joy over reading books taking place in the Second World War. But this book was full of surprises. It was not simply battles and blood, although they did feature in it. The explorations of loyalty and morals were done very well in the context of this. And boy, was it dark. If you’re not a fan of dark stuff, this may not be your book. Oh, but it was SO my book! These relationships, these stakes… it was good!

But there was still some bad. I feel like with some characters while they got me engaged their personalities could have gone deeper. In particular, some of their motives get lost. The ending was also a lot calmer than I had anticipated. Without giving spoilers I’d say that the stakes weren’t quite as high as is typically structured at that point of the book, so its final chapters were a deflation of a lot of the mood.

Character I Loved

Gretel outright wins this. Her character is the most intriguing I’ve ever seen. From her thought processes, to her sinister charm, to her relationships I was hooked in. She was as well written as the protagonists, but I love her more than that. While she is totally on the bad side, I kind of want to protect her. Not that she needs it…

Character I Loved To Hate

Reinhart. Oh, the bastard. The things he does combined with his asshole nature just boils my blood! While Gretel did some dark things, some even darker than he did, I hate him more because of that a-word that is used to describe him.

Favourite Chapter

Chapter nine was full of all the emotions, and I drank them right up!

Favourite Serious Quote

‘Ravens everywhere huddled in their nests, to ride out the ice.’

This requires a lot of context and knowledge of its symbolism, but in short it was a beautiful way to describe how the world in the perspective of the ravens had turned to chaos.

Favourite Not So Serious Quote

‘Incoming.’

And that was how Gretel roasted Rudolf and I fell in love with her.

Overall Verdict

A pleasant surprise with engaging content.

Bitter seeds gets a score of 4/5.

Yours in writing

Amy

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Rather Tame – A Review of Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce

by with 2 Comments Fantasy

 

While this book didn’t quite live up to its name, I wouldn’t call it a lullaby.

It still intrigued me even though I took a month to read it.

13 year old Daine is taken up by a horse trainer to help escort horses to the kingdom of Tortall. On this trip, Daine is shown to have a particular knack of animals. Later she learns it is not just a knack, as she gets caught in discoveries that could mean the destruction of the kingdom of Tortall – why she understands animals so well, what the strange demonic creatures are she has been encountering, and who has sent them there.

I picked up the entire Wild Magic series for $10 at a second hand shop to give the four books a read. This first book, while it wouldn’t have the most amazing or in depth plot, was still a surprisingly enjoyable read.

One point that made this so was how well it was written in third person. I typically stay away from the “God’s perspective” point of view as I call it, where you read everyone’s thoughts. In many cases it becomes difficult to track who is thinking what or if their thoughts are even relevant to the story. Pierce, however, wrote this well even without switching the points of view exclusively to scene breaks and chapters. The transitions between people’s minds made sense; perfect sense. Every thought felt like it had a purpose. I could engage with these thoughts easily.

While that was the biggest standout in the quality of this book, it doesn’t stop there. Well thought characters, world building, and the language used were top notch.

If I were to point out an issue, I’ll admit at times the stakes weren’t notable at times. It felt like they would only just get noticed when it was relevant.

But there is a big however to add into the mix. It was crafted well, but I wouldn’t consider myself as engaged with the plot as you might expect considering how well I said it was written. I appreciated it, yes, but I didn’t drool over it or spend five hours in one day reading it; that’s why it took a month to read.

Was this kind of fantasy book just not my taste? Maybe not. It’s like how there’s foods you like, and then foods you love. This book certainly wasn’t the literary version of fires for me.

But I’m not here to put you off.

Character I Loved

Ah, Numair. Charming Numair. He was in such a highly awed position as a mage and later a mentor, but he was so down to earth. I could just imagine thousands of different pleasant conversations I could have with him, and he’d never provide something boring nor something professional.

Character I Loved To Hate

This is probably the one character in the whole book that was written bad. Zhaneh Bitterclaws, the leader of the Stormwings, was revolting. Her existence was corny, and I had trouble believing the characters took her seriously. She was an adequate threat, at best. Her dialogue came out of children’s TV, squawking about karma and suffering. It would have been better if we at least knew her motives, but there was no evidence as to why she was involved in any of the plot instead of just serving as an obstacle.

Favourite Chapter

This goes to Chapter 3: The Hawk. The development in Daine’s character – her dedication and fading optimism – was beautifully written here. She truly shone here.

Favourite Serious Quote

“The person who commits an action is the one responsible for it, not the people he commits the action upon.”

Why am I so drawn to universally relevant quotes?

Favourite Not So Serious Quote

“But you didn’t point, or make circles, or chant anything-“

He shrugged. “Some people need those things. I don’t.”

She gasped at his arrogance. “Well, excuse me for breathing!”

I live for the chemistry between Daine and Numair. Those two make the entire book. And also, this is totally the feeling of living in a shadow, right?

Overall Verdict

A quality work that wasn’t wild, but still magical.

Wild Magic gets a score of 4/5.

Yours in writing

Amy

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Pants Free Fantasy – A Review of The Other Normals by Mark Vizzini

by with No Comment Fantasy

This was not a nudist fantasy book! Don’t let my title fool you – there was just a lot of instances which involved the main character not wearing pants.

That didn’t sound any better.

Loincloths! The MC wore loincloths a lot! There, I made it better.

In the two months I took to read this book, there were a lot of mixed feelings towards this book.

When Perry Eckert is forced to abandon his fantasy role-playing game sanctuary for a summer camp for teens, he hates the environment as soon as he is pushed into it. That was, until, he follows a creature from the game into the World of the Other Normals. He learns that this world is parallel to his own, and must learn the connections between the two to save their world and change his own life.

This was an interesting concept to take on, particularly for me as I enjoy the exploration of multiple universes in fantasy contexts. The world building of the fantasy area was done well. Everything in that world had its place and purpose. I didn’t once have a moment where I thought the information was just to show off the world. The main characters were defined well along with their abilities. Those two components made the entire experience enlightening. The voice and perspective of Perry definitely showed that in the parallel world, and you could feel his wonder of the world too.

However, I found a lot of issues with pacing in this novel. The book was divided into nine parts based on their respective location, and the chapters within those were short and felt unnecessary to be split up the way they were. The entire first part was an absolute drag, and had me not pick the book up again for three weeks solely because I was anticipating the rest of the book to go on slowly. We didn’t even see a character from the parallel world at the end of it. It didn’t feel right for an entire part to be used to show the issues that Perry was having and what the people around him thought of it. This left some of the scenes in the fantasy world feeling somewhat rushed in comparison. Notably, a key piece to the final battle was left to another character explaining what happened in a paragraph.

Character I Loved

This goes out to Ada Ember, the leading female and well deserving of the title! The feminist in me was charmed by her fighting strength. I would call her the best fighter in the book, actually. But, unlike most badass females in fiction, she strayed from the stereotype with her chipper personality. Her first impression was not of innocence or stoicism, but a quirky understanding towards Perry when they meet. It was a fantastic portrayal of the rare combination.

Character I Loved To Hate

This is kind of multiple characters. I hated Perry’s parents the most, if they even deserve that title. Everything about their actions screams their blindness towards everything that Perry experiences. For one thing, both have their own lawyers that interact more with Perry than they do. It barely even feels like they care for him and his brother, making less of a fuss over his alcohol addiction than his brother’s lack of social skills and true masculinity. Their care for their children feels mandatory, like “Hey, we created you so I guess you are kind of a priority for us”. A tip for future parents – lawyers don’t show that too well.

Favourite Chapter

Due to their length, I’m using a part number instead. Part 4, titled Subbenia, takes the prize home. This is our first proper look at the parallel world, and it was orchestrated well along with the tension and the fighting. It was a very thrilling arc to take up.

Favourite Serious Quote

“I picked Ember. After I started working with Mortin.”

“Why?”

“Because embers turn into flames.”

The power! As Ada explains her choice of last name after being taken care of, this was just such a powerful message. This won me over for having Ada as my favourite character.

Favourite Not So Serious Quote

“What are you, racist?”

A running joke used in the context of both worlds. It’s just amusing seeing the assumptions being made everywhere.

Overall Verdict

While a slow start, once you dive into the body of this take on YA fantasy, you’re in for a pleasant swim.

The Other Normals gets a score of 3.5/5.

Yours in writing

Amy

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Prince Flynn of Assville – A Review of The Savior’s Champion by Jenna Moreci

by with One Comment Fantasy

You can usually tell how much I enjoy a book based on how long it takes for me to read it. Even then, life slows down my reading process. Most good books take me about two weeks to a month to read, and some have taken me a year as I’m not as attached to them.

The Savior’s Champion by Jenna Moreci comes into the two week mark. It took me another week to recover from this beauty.

In this dark fantasy novel, twenty men compete in a tournament to win the hand of the holy future queen. However, Tobias Kaya didn’t enter for the “greatest hook up of all time”, he entered for the money which his family desperately needed. Labelled with the “Artist” laurel and pitted up against murderous bastards, a magical underground obstacle course, and his eyes on the wrong prize, the odds of him ever living long enough to see his family again are slim.

The plot in this book was very straightforward, but that can be expected when being based around a tournament. However, Jenna Moreci knew how to make it all very engaging. The stakes were clear and emotions drove the plot forward, whether in decision making or fighting. The events flowed and the story was quite easy to follow, and there was a variance of ways to end the chapters, not just making every chapter one-paragraph cliff-hangers but still making promises of progress. Most books I read a chapter per day, but I went on chapter sprints with this book, reading 3-5 on days where I had plenty of time and squeezing in a few pages where I could on other days. Moreci’s writing, description, and understanding of her protagonist’s mind made this seemingly straight line turn into a rollercoaster.

The characters were clearly developed, and most were distinct in both appearance and personality, save for a few. The diversity of characters and the ability to identify characters with distinct personality aspects or looks was great, but the only downer was those characters that didn’t have as strong of lights shining down on them. Their looks kept changing in my own head, and there wasn’t a distinct quirk or tone of speech to identify those characters by. Not until they particularly mattered. The characters that stood out remained pretty consistent, but if the rest of the cast was it would be further appreciated. This would be the only downfall in the book.

Loved Character

Tobias. I fell in love with him the moment the first chapter ended, and he just became more and more awesome with each interaction he made with others. To sum him up, he’s like Kettle Corn – sweet and salty. And yet this didn’t conflict. Tobias knew where his heart was, though he was often conflicted by it due to surviving the events in the tournament. As a fellow creative, his struggles as an artist right from starting his apprenticeship really resonated within me.  It’s not often that I’d call the lead my favourite character in any kind of story; I’m not fond of the everyman trope, and in many cases the secondary characters charm me more. Tobias is a beautiful exception.

Loved to Hate Character

Flynn. The title probably gave that away. Though his laurel in the tournament was ‘The Prince’, he certainly didn’t have the charm of many other characters.  I rolled my eyes a lot at his narcissistic comments, especially his first words to Cosima. I was at first sceptical of him trying to warm up to Tobias as those two characters clashed a lot, but then I realised he’s an ass. Flynn is a well written ass. I wouldn’t have named the post what I did otherwise.  I’d be happy to paste a picture of Flynn on the punching bag I have yet to buy. I may have even hated him more than the far more antagonizing competitors.

Favourite Chapter

Chapter 15. God, the emotions in this chapter. This certainly defined a moment in the book where the sides amongst the competitors were distinct, and through a moment which had so much anger and love.

Favourite Serious Quote

“And sheep never question tradition. They just follow the flock, same as always.”

Raphael lives up to his intellect laurel in this quote. I found myself resonating with this quote in terms of what Tobias’ circumstances were and my own values.

Favourite Not So Serious Quote

Fucking Flynn.

Need I say more?

The Overall Verdict

An engaging read full of suspense, reward, and consistent main characters. A great example of the dark fantasy genre.

The Savior’s Champion gets a score of 4/5.

I look forward to the second book in the series to be released.

Yours in writing

Amy