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thecaptainsquarters
**** trigger warning - blood, bullying, drug use, eating disorders, fatphobia, homophobia, self-harm, suicide, violence, vomit ****
Ahoy there me mateys. I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I was reminded of it by a Top Three Thursday post by Sammi @ onebookishgirl. A copy was in the hold of a local library and so I commandeered it. This certainly be an interesting read.
I don't normally include trigger warnings in me posts but this book was intense in its imagery and self-loathing. The book is targeted as a young adult dystopia. The story centers around a school for girls that is training them for a world of pleasing men. That is their purpose. These girls are literally manufactured for this.
At the end of their schooling session when they turn 17, the girls are split into one of three categories. There are the "companions" who are the highest ranked women. These spouses breed sons for the men until they are used up and replaced. There are the second tiered "concubines" who are the sexual playthings that have to be willing and ready for anything at all times. And then there are the low ranked, undesirable "chastities" who are the teachers who remain at the school to train the next generations.
This book follows a girl named freida in the last 10 months of her training before the Ceremony. All students are ranked by beauty and social media popularity. Ever since frieda became inseparable friends, at age 4, with the highest ranked isabel, they dreamed of being companions and supported each other. But lately isobel has begun isolating herself and the friendship begins to crumble. Poor freida's ranking has also begun to decline under the pressure and without her friend she feels lost. This book shows freida's long spiral into self-despair and destruction and her mad scramble for a coveted companion spot.
There is no happy ending. This stark, bleak look at a terrible future for women was harrowing and heart-breaking. The girls are vicious rivals who bully each other and abuse themselves. I found meself both rooting for freida, pitying her, and becoming frustrated with her bad choices. I wouldn't call this a fun read per se, but it was certainly a compelling read. I did personally like the first half of the book and the lead-up to the introduction of the boys (the "Inheritants") better than the rest. Overall, I recommend this book to those who can handle the harsh themes and are prepared for a thought-provoking and difficult book.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys. I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I was reminded of it by a Top Three Thursday post by Sammi @ onebookishgirl. A copy was in the hold of a local library and so I commandeered it. This certainly be an interesting read.
I don't normally include trigger warnings in me posts but this book was intense in its imagery and self-loathing. The book is targeted as a young adult dystopia. The story centers around a school for girls that is training them for a world of pleasing men. That is their purpose. These girls are literally manufactured for this.
At the end of their schooling session when they turn 17, the girls are split into one of three categories. There are the "companions" who are the highest ranked women. These spouses breed sons for the men until they are used up and replaced. There are the second tiered "concubines" who are the sexual playthings that have to be willing and ready for anything at all times. And then there are the low ranked, undesirable "chastities" who are the teachers who remain at the school to train the next generations.
This book follows a girl named freida in the last 10 months of her training before the Ceremony. All students are ranked by beauty and social media popularity. Ever since frieda became inseparable friends, at age 4, with the highest ranked isabel, they dreamed of being companions and supported each other. But lately isobel has begun isolating herself and the friendship begins to crumble. Poor freida's ranking has also begun to decline under the pressure and without her friend she feels lost. This book shows freida's long spiral into self-despair and destruction and her mad scramble for a coveted companion spot.
There is no happy ending. This stark, bleak look at a terrible future for women was harrowing and heart-breaking. The girls are vicious rivals who bully each other and abuse themselves. I found meself both rooting for freida, pitying her, and becoming frustrated with her bad choices. I wouldn't call this a fun read per se, but it was certainly a compelling read. I did personally like the first half of the book and the lead-up to the introduction of the boys (the "Inheritants") better than the rest. Overall, I recommend this book to those who can handle the harsh themes and are prepared for a thought-provoking and difficult book.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this urban fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
The cover drew me in and three things convinced me to read this book:
1. I love Kelley Armstrong! I discovered her through her young adult book, sea of shadows, and she became me most read author of 2016;
2. It is a Subterranean Press book and they do great work; and
3. This story is set in the Cainsville series.
I am not really an urban fantasy fan so I have been hesitant to pick up the first novel in this series despite me love of the author. So when I realized I could read a novella set in the world I was rather excited. It gave me a taste of what Kelley Armstrong can do with urban fantasy.
And what she can do is write a very compelling novella. This apparently is #5.5 in the series. Yet it didn't take long at all for me to get the gist of what had happened previously. I rather enjoyed the main character Olivia. She is fiercely intelligent, enterprising, and entertaining.
The premise is that Olivia has to lead her first Hunt. Yet despite the assurances that her prey is guilty and deserves death, Olivia hesitates and the man gets away. Olivia is horribly upset with herself and resolves to investigate her target in detail in order to solidify his guilt to her satisfaction.
I thought the plot elements of the murder that was committed and how the investigation was handled were wonderfully fun. I enjoyed Olivia's love interest and the snippets into the workings of their relationship. Despite being personally burnt out on fae stories, the fae elements of this one didn't detract from the story. I was pleased to enjoy this as much as I did. It is a testament to the author's writing skills.
I could totally see meself picking up the first novel of the series. If ye already be a fan of the Cainsville series then this will surely be a hit!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Subterranean Press!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
The cover drew me in and three things convinced me to read this book:
1. I love Kelley Armstrong! I discovered her through her young adult book, sea of shadows, and she became me most read author of 2016;
2. It is a Subterranean Press book and they do great work; and
3. This story is set in the Cainsville series.
I am not really an urban fantasy fan so I have been hesitant to pick up the first novel in this series despite me love of the author. So when I realized I could read a novella set in the world I was rather excited. It gave me a taste of what Kelley Armstrong can do with urban fantasy.
And what she can do is write a very compelling novella. This apparently is #5.5 in the series. Yet it didn't take long at all for me to get the gist of what had happened previously. I rather enjoyed the main character Olivia. She is fiercely intelligent, enterprising, and entertaining.
The premise is that Olivia has to lead her first Hunt. Yet despite the assurances that her prey is guilty and deserves death, Olivia hesitates and the man gets away. Olivia is horribly upset with herself and resolves to investigate her target in detail in order to solidify his guilt to her satisfaction.
I thought the plot elements of the murder that was committed and how the investigation was handled were wonderfully fun. I enjoyed Olivia's love interest and the snippets into the workings of their relationship. Despite being personally burnt out on fae stories, the fae elements of this one didn't detract from the story. I was pleased to enjoy this as much as I did. It is a testament to the author's writing skills.
I could totally see meself picking up the first novel of the series. If ye already be a fan of the Cainsville series then this will surely be a hit!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Subterranean Press!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! So I discovered this author due a cat on the cover. That book was scat and I loved it. It was cute and funny. When I went to look at what else he had written, I came across his non-fiction about golf. Now to be fair, I know absolutely nothing about golf other than miniature golf. Which people claim is hardly the same thing. The book's subtitle be "a hacker's return to a ruinous sport." That and the blurb made me interested. So I listened to the audiobook.
What a found was an silly adventure into one man's relationship with the sport. For all Mr. Hiaasen's claim to dislike the game, only someone who loved it could subject himself to such humiliation on the course time and time again. I absolutely loved reading about the ridiculous lengths that people (mostly men) go to in order to improve their game. From arguments about how many dimples should be on a golf ball, to the different types of clubs, to stroke cutting pills, it be amazing what people spend money on. I also though the sections on how wildlife in Florida has moved to the golf courses due to loss of habitat were interesting. Mr. Hiaasen's reflections on this and the wildlife he sees on the green were wonderful. And at times very very funny.
The book does go into a lot of detail about specific rounds of golf. The author kept a golf diary of every stroke. This took up most of the second half of the book and since I have no idea how golf is scored, it did get repetitive and boring in parts. But I did enjoy reading about the golfing misadventures and a topic about which I knew nothing. I do now know that I will stick with putt-putt. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
What a found was an silly adventure into one man's relationship with the sport. For all Mr. Hiaasen's claim to dislike the game, only someone who loved it could subject himself to such humiliation on the course time and time again. I absolutely loved reading about the ridiculous lengths that people (mostly men) go to in order to improve their game. From arguments about how many dimples should be on a golf ball, to the different types of clubs, to stroke cutting pills, it be amazing what people spend money on. I also though the sections on how wildlife in Florida has moved to the golf courses due to loss of habitat were interesting. Mr. Hiaasen's reflections on this and the wildlife he sees on the green were wonderful. And at times very very funny.
The book does go into a lot of detail about specific rounds of golf. The author kept a golf diary of every stroke. This took up most of the second half of the book and since I have no idea how golf is scored, it did get repetitive and boring in parts. But I did enjoy reading about the golfing misadventures and a topic about which I knew nothing. I do now know that I will stick with putt-putt. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! Here I continue me trend of awesome novellas published by Tor.com. The first mate is the one who found this sci-fi offering at a local library and wanted to read it. I read the premise and had to read it first! Arrr!
I actually didn't realize that this was a Tor novella until after I had read it. Given the pure awesomeness of the story, this didn't surprise me. I have other works by the author on me ports for plunder list but this was the introduction to his writing style. I be very, very impressed.
The premise is that there is a girl named Molly who has one simple life rule: don't bleed. Why ye ask? Because every time she bleeds, a clone (or more) of herself is "born" and it tries to kill her. She has been watching herself die ever since she was little. But as she grows, the problem gets worse. Who will win? Real molly or one of her doubles?
It was a quick, fun read and I devoured it. It is super atmospheric and creepy. Well written and original. I will never look at a simple scrape the same way. Reading it after midnight by lantern made it all the better. This would make an awesome (if bloody) shorter film. I will certainly be picking up more work by Tade Thompson. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I actually didn't realize that this was a Tor novella until after I had read it. Given the pure awesomeness of the story, this didn't surprise me. I have other works by the author on me ports for plunder list but this was the introduction to his writing style. I be very, very impressed.
The premise is that there is a girl named Molly who has one simple life rule: don't bleed. Why ye ask? Because every time she bleeds, a clone (or more) of herself is "born" and it tries to kill her. She has been watching herself die ever since she was little. But as she grows, the problem gets worse. Who will win? Real molly or one of her doubles?
It was a quick, fun read and I devoured it. It is super atmospheric and creepy. Well written and original. I will never look at a simple scrape the same way. Reading it after midnight by lantern made it all the better. This would make an awesome (if bloody) shorter film. I will certainly be picking up more work by Tade Thompson. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! So this book be a young adult fantasy novel that was just an okay read for me. I be conflicted. Overall it was enjoyable, but I wish it had been much better.
This was one of those instances where there were too many plot-lines. Ye have a) the romance subplot; b) the civil unrest based on types of magic subplot; c) the two princes' god-driven contest for the right to rule subplot; d) main girl trying to overcome her father's traitorous behavior and solve the mystery of his death subplot; e) the main prince dude's self-esteem over the right to rule subplot; and f) the drake subplot. Of course they all tie together in some fashion. The problem is that at 500 pages, the plot meandered in unreasonable fashion and yet for all those subplots, there was a ton of time where nothing was really happening except romantic angst. Or too much was happening where ye got glimpses of fun stuff and then immediately jumped topics.
And yet I loved the set-up to the story. Kate is in disgrace at the capital due to her father's assassination attempt. So she flees to the outskirts of the kingdom where she is tenaciously hanging onto a post with the royal courier service. A position she earned. She is trying to hide her forbidden, if cool, magic because it would mean death. Besides trying to survive folk calling her "Traitor Kate" and trying to sabotage her job, she is also dealing with the fallout from losing her noble title and the consequences of commoner life. Oh and drakes. Nasty non-flying dragons that hunt at night. Awesome right? Well the author sets up this fantastic scenario only to have her save the prince i.e. her old flame. And then the author shifts the entire story and setting. It is the right of the author to chose where to take her own story. I just wish it didn't go there.
So while I was miffed, I still wanted to know where it was going to go. So I kept readin' and grumblin'. And loving the magic systems. And loving the horses. And being intrigued by the contest between the brothers. I was less fascinated by the boring romance that took over, the stupidity of Kate's ridiculous tactics of spying, the plot twists behind the bad guys, and lack of use of the better side characters. In fact, at one plot reveal, I was so annoyed at the silliness involved that I put the book down. And left it there for several weeks. I wasn't sure if I was going to pick it up but I was so close to the end that I picked it back up when I had a small reading time-frame. Mostly because I didn't have the time to start something new.
So I read to the end and found meself a little cheerier. Much of this cheer came from the fact that ye have YA characters sharing their feelings, offering apologies, and listening to the other's point-of-view. I hate when all could be solved by just talking to one another and then they don't.
I continued to dislike the direction the author took the story though the various plot points do seem to coalesce at the end albeit unsatisfactorily. I do enjoy the magic system, and I would like to see more of it. I thought the character of Signe was wonderful and wish I could read a book about her instead. Kate continued to annoy me with her brashness and hardheadedness. Prince-lover-boy was stereotypical in general and a bit too mopey. And it needed a lot more drakes.
I do not regret this book but I am not feeling particularly hopeful for the next in the series. Time will tell if I read it or not. Arrr!!
This was one of those instances where there were too many plot-lines. Ye have a) the romance subplot; b) the civil unrest based on types of magic subplot; c) the two princes' god-driven contest for the right to rule subplot; d) main girl trying to overcome her father's traitorous behavior and solve the mystery of his death subplot; e) the main prince dude's self-esteem over the right to rule subplot; and f) the drake subplot. Of course they all tie together in some fashion. The problem is that at 500 pages, the plot meandered in unreasonable fashion and yet for all those subplots, there was a ton of time where nothing was really happening except romantic angst. Or too much was happening where ye got glimpses of fun stuff and then immediately jumped topics.
And yet I loved the set-up to the story. Kate is in disgrace at the capital due to her father's assassination attempt. So she flees to the outskirts of the kingdom where she is tenaciously hanging onto a post with the royal courier service. A position she earned. She is trying to hide her forbidden, if cool, magic because it would mean death. Besides trying to survive folk calling her "Traitor Kate" and trying to sabotage her job, she is also dealing with the fallout from losing her noble title and the consequences of commoner life. Oh and drakes. Nasty non-flying dragons that hunt at night. Awesome right? Well the author sets up this fantastic scenario only to have her save the prince i.e. her old flame. And then the author shifts the entire story and setting. It is the right of the author to chose where to take her own story. I just wish it didn't go there.
So while I was miffed, I still wanted to know where it was going to go. So I kept readin' and grumblin'. And loving the magic systems. And loving the horses. And being intrigued by the contest between the brothers. I was less fascinated by the boring romance that took over, the stupidity of Kate's ridiculous tactics of spying, the plot twists behind the bad guys, and lack of use of the better side characters. In fact, at one plot reveal, I was so annoyed at the silliness involved that I put the book down. And left it there for several weeks. I wasn't sure if I was going to pick it up but I was so close to the end that I picked it back up when I had a small reading time-frame. Mostly because I didn't have the time to start something new.
So I read to the end and found meself a little cheerier. Much of this cheer came from the fact that ye have YA characters sharing their feelings, offering apologies, and listening to the other's point-of-view. I hate when all could be solved by just talking to one another and then they don't.
I continued to dislike the direction the author took the story though the various plot points do seem to coalesce at the end albeit unsatisfactorily. I do enjoy the magic system, and I would like to see more of it. I thought the character of Signe was wonderful and wish I could read a book about her instead. Kate continued to annoy me with her brashness and hardheadedness. Prince-lover-boy was stereotypical in general and a bit too mopey. And it needed a lot more drakes.
I do not regret this book but I am not feeling particularly hopeful for the next in the series. Time will tell if I read it or not. Arrr!!
Ahoy there me mateys! This be book one of me e-Arrrrrc Extravaganza Challenge wherein I attempt to read 5 books in 7 days before their July 17th release date. Arrr! Now why this (a non e-Arc) be the first book in me list is for a silly reason. Ye see, Macmillian-Tor/Forge, be kind enough to approve me request for mystic dragon, the second book in the series. I inadvertently, and happily, requested it just because I recognized Jason Denzel's name and thought "oh I love him" and clicking. Only to realize that while me ports for plunder list had the first book, mystic, on it to buy since 2015, I never had! Well of course now that I had book two, I had to read book one first so I quickly bought it. And devoured it. It be a tasty treat that I truly should have read years ago. I be super excited that tomorrow I be readin' the sequel. Arrrr!
So this story follows Pomella, a young girl with a secret ambition. She wants to be a Mystic, one of the practitioners of magic. The problem is that she is common-born. And magic is reserved for the nobility who have the time, talent, and training for the art. So imagine everyone's surprise when she is summoned for a spot in the contest to choose a new apprentice for the High Mystic. Pomella decides to break tradition and participate but if she fails the consequences are dire. She will become Unclaimed and lose her place in society, her name, and the ability to ever go home.
Now first off all, I absolutely love the myst. The fae magic underlies the world but only mystics can access it. The magic lends itself to the user through different means - painting or an instrument for example. Those that see the myst can see the silvery creatures that live there. And not all of them are nice. I thought the use of the myst in this book was fascinating and yet ye only get a small glimpse of its potential. I am looking forward to finding out more.
Pomella be a very fun character. She is intelligent but makes mistakes. She is driven but can be blinded by stubbornness. She doubts her own abilities and choices. She works hard for what she wants. As a character, Pomella above all feels authentic. Just a person trying to achieve a huge, difficult but possible dream.
I also liked the other characters as well. There is a young man from Pomella's village named Sim who I adored. He did not have many chapters but those he did have helped enrich the story. I also loved the magical creatures, Pomella's best friend in her village, and the gardener. The romantic elements in the story were realistic and not over-the-top.
But best of all was the writing that helped draw me into the story and also the plot twists that were unexpected and yet so seemingly perfect when they happened. The arc was complete at the end of the book but I hope there be a lot more adventures for Pomella and Sim. So if like me, ye somehow failed to read this charming book, go get yerself a copy!
Stay tuned for book two tomorrow. I am looking forward to the explanation of dragon in the title. Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
So this story follows Pomella, a young girl with a secret ambition. She wants to be a Mystic, one of the practitioners of magic. The problem is that she is common-born. And magic is reserved for the nobility who have the time, talent, and training for the art. So imagine everyone's surprise when she is summoned for a spot in the contest to choose a new apprentice for the High Mystic. Pomella decides to break tradition and participate but if she fails the consequences are dire. She will become Unclaimed and lose her place in society, her name, and the ability to ever go home.
Now first off all, I absolutely love the myst. The fae magic underlies the world but only mystics can access it. The magic lends itself to the user through different means - painting or an instrument for example. Those that see the myst can see the silvery creatures that live there. And not all of them are nice. I thought the use of the myst in this book was fascinating and yet ye only get a small glimpse of its potential. I am looking forward to finding out more.
Pomella be a very fun character. She is intelligent but makes mistakes. She is driven but can be blinded by stubbornness. She doubts her own abilities and choices. She works hard for what she wants. As a character, Pomella above all feels authentic. Just a person trying to achieve a huge, difficult but possible dream.
I also liked the other characters as well. There is a young man from Pomella's village named Sim who I adored. He did not have many chapters but those he did have helped enrich the story. I also loved the magical creatures, Pomella's best friend in her village, and the gardener. The romantic elements in the story were realistic and not over-the-top.
But best of all was the writing that helped draw me into the story and also the plot twists that were unexpected and yet so seemingly perfect when they happened. The arc was complete at the end of the book but I hope there be a lot more adventures for Pomella and Sim. So if like me, ye somehow failed to read this charming book, go get yerself a copy!
Stay tuned for book two tomorrow. I am looking forward to the explanation of dragon in the title. Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
I so wanted to like this book and here I be abandoning ship. Sigh. This book has a gorgeous cover and wonderful blurb. The cover says it has puns. I thought it was going to be a clever topsy-turvy take on fairy tales. It had a few potentially fun characters like a talking goat and a bikini chain mail clad giantess but was too shallow in writing style to make me care about them. I liked what happens to the Chosen One in the beginning and was curious how that would work out. But the humor was certainly not to me taste and the plot was practically non-existent. The jokes were basically all potty-humor and genitalia based. A little bit of that would have been fine but I got tired of readin' words like poo and pellet over and over again. The plot meandered in way that was boring. A seemingly entertaining world underlies the book but there was no depth to be had. I gave up at 20%. I guess ye can't win them all.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Del Ray!
I so wanted to like this book and here I be abandoning ship. Sigh. This book has a gorgeous cover and wonderful blurb. The cover says it has puns. I thought it was going to be a clever topsy-turvy take on fairy tales. It had a few potentially fun characters like a talking goat and a bikini chain mail clad giantess but was too shallow in writing style to make me care about them. I liked what happens to the Chosen One in the beginning and was curious how that would work out. But the humor was certainly not to me taste and the plot was practically non-existent. The jokes were basically all potty-humor and genitalia based. A little bit of that would have been fine but I got tired of readin' words like poo and pellet over and over again. The plot meandered in way that was boring. A seemingly entertaining world underlies the book but there was no depth to be had. I gave up at 20%. I guess ye can't win them all.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Del Ray!
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book then ye might want to skip this post. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
This be the second book in me e-Arc Extravaganza Challenge wherein I attempt to read 5 books in 7 days before their July 17th release date. Arrr! Yesterday I reviewed the first book in the Mystic Trilogy. Yes it came out in 2015 but was included in me Challenge because I inadvertently, and happily, requested book two. I saw Jason Denzel's name and thought "oh I love him" and clicked only to realize that while me ports for plunder list had the first book, mystic, on it to buy since 2015, I never had! Remedied, read, and really loved.
Now I be conflicted on this one. Part of this is because I don't read blurbs for sequels on account of spoilers. So I was expecting the story would pick up soon after the events of the first book. Instead seven years has passed and we have skipped Pomella's training. This is super clear in the blurb. So I can't get too grumpy about it. But I really wanted to know more about how and why the magic works the way it does and especially how Pomella uses her version of it. Like specifics. And I thought we would get to be on every part of her journey. Nope.
What ye do get is a celestial event that threatens the very fabric of Moth and the rest of the world. The time up to and through the eclipse is especially dangerous. The Fayün world is blending in with the mortal world and the mystics from all different regions have gathered to help during the chaos. There be some explanation of how the magic works in an overarching way. This part was kinda odd and cool.
Ye also get a new mystic apprentice named Shevia. I absolutely loved her background, character, and part in this story. Ye get more awesome Fayün creatures. I could have used even more! Ye get to know why dragon is in the title. The answer is surprising and certainly different. I enjoyed how that played out. Ye get to see more of Sim. I adore him and I found the story of his seven passing years to be engrossing and wonderful. And I still of course enjoy Pomella.
Two small problems for me were lots of flashbacks and Pomella's magic. The flashbacks themselves were wonderful. The shifts in time and plot took some getting used to. And Pomella's magic was performed mostly through intuition. I personally didn't like that her magic always "just worked." I like me magic to have rules that I can follow.
I cannot say that I loved this one but I certainly enjoyed it for the most part. The writing was as lovely as in book one. I just had expectations that weren't met. And that be okay. The author went in a different direction. It happens. I think that this is the fault of me as a reader and not the author as a writer. In any case, there seemed to be clues of how book three will go. I will be reading it but I will keep a more open mind next time.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This be the second book in me e-Arc Extravaganza Challenge wherein I attempt to read 5 books in 7 days before their July 17th release date. Arrr! Yesterday I reviewed the first book in the Mystic Trilogy. Yes it came out in 2015 but was included in me Challenge because I inadvertently, and happily, requested book two. I saw Jason Denzel's name and thought "oh I love him" and clicked only to realize that while me ports for plunder list had the first book, mystic, on it to buy since 2015, I never had! Remedied, read, and really loved.
Now I be conflicted on this one. Part of this is because I don't read blurbs for sequels on account of spoilers. So I was expecting the story would pick up soon after the events of the first book. Instead seven years has passed and we have skipped Pomella's training. This is super clear in the blurb. So I can't get too grumpy about it. But I really wanted to know more about how and why the magic works the way it does and especially how Pomella uses her version of it. Like specifics. And I thought we would get to be on every part of her journey. Nope.
What ye do get is a celestial event that threatens the very fabric of Moth and the rest of the world. The time up to and through the eclipse is especially dangerous. The Fayün world is blending in with the mortal world and the mystics from all different regions have gathered to help during the chaos. There be some explanation of how the magic works in an overarching way. This part was kinda odd and cool.
Ye also get a new mystic apprentice named Shevia. I absolutely loved her background, character, and part in this story. Ye get more awesome Fayün creatures. I could have used even more! Ye get to know why dragon is in the title. The answer is surprising and certainly different. I enjoyed how that played out. Ye get to see more of Sim. I adore him and I found the story of his seven passing years to be engrossing and wonderful. And I still of course enjoy Pomella.
Two small problems for me were lots of flashbacks and Pomella's magic. The flashbacks themselves were wonderful. The shifts in time and plot took some getting used to. And Pomella's magic was performed mostly through intuition. I personally didn't like that her magic always "just worked." I like me magic to have rules that I can follow.
I cannot say that I loved this one but I certainly enjoyed it for the most part. The writing was as lovely as in book one. I just had expectations that weren't met. And that be okay. The author went in a different direction. It happens. I think that this is the fault of me as a reader and not the author as a writer. In any case, there seemed to be clues of how book three will go. I will be reading it but I will keep a more open mind next time.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this young adult sci-fi eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book then ye might want to skip this post. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
This be the fourth book in me e-Arc Extravaganza Challenge wherein I attempt to read 5 books before their July 17th release date. Only one to go. Arrr!
I absolutely loved the first book and was so excited to read this one. It be the middle book in the Nyxia Triad and for a book two, this was extremely fun. I was easily sucked back into the world of the Babel corporation and loved reading more of the adventures of Emmett Atwater and crew.
While this book clocks in at 400 pages, I read it in one sitting and the time whooshed by. I absolutely love the nyxia substance and its capabilities. Many of the crew was upset that book one took place in a space ship and wanted to see what the alien planet was like. Well ye get yer chance here.
I thought the planet of Eden had some excellent wildlife. That is the part that felt most alien and different. I really want to see pictures of a century. I don’t want to meet one in person. Sadly I thought the Adamites were hardly alien at all. They be humanoid and their culture felt too Earth-like. I found the ability of the two groups to mix so easily to be unrealistic. I mean the humans and aliens could even eat the same food! Also the author described one bridge as “man-made.” The humans didn’t make it!
But I didn’t let it bother me too much because the plot was fast and engaging. I loved the politics between the two cultures. I loved seeing the relationships of the young adult humans grow and change. I still think Emmett is an awesome character.
This book still could have used more nyxia but I thought the set-up for the next book rocks and I can’t wait to read it.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Crown Books for Young Readers!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This be the fourth book in me e-Arc Extravaganza Challenge wherein I attempt to read 5 books before their July 17th release date. Only one to go. Arrr!
I absolutely loved the first book and was so excited to read this one. It be the middle book in the Nyxia Triad and for a book two, this was extremely fun. I was easily sucked back into the world of the Babel corporation and loved reading more of the adventures of Emmett Atwater and crew.
While this book clocks in at 400 pages, I read it in one sitting and the time whooshed by. I absolutely love the nyxia substance and its capabilities. Many of the crew was upset that book one took place in a space ship and wanted to see what the alien planet was like. Well ye get yer chance here.
I thought the planet of Eden had some excellent wildlife. That is the part that felt most alien and different. I really want to see pictures of a century. I don’t want to meet one in person. Sadly I thought the Adamites were hardly alien at all. They be humanoid and their culture felt too Earth-like. I found the ability of the two groups to mix so easily to be unrealistic. I mean the humans and aliens could even eat the same food! Also the author described one bridge as “man-made.” The humans didn’t make it!
But I didn’t let it bother me too much because the plot was fast and engaging. I loved the politics between the two cultures. I loved seeing the relationships of the young adult humans grow and change. I still think Emmett is an awesome character.
This book still could have used more nyxia but I thought the set-up for the next book rocks and I can’t wait to read it.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Crown Books for Young Readers!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this sci-fi dystopian murder mystery eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book then ye might want to skip this post. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
This be the 5th book in me e-Arc Extravaganza Challenge wherein I had to read all 5 books before their July 17th release dates. Challenge complete! Arrr!
I previously read and was absolutely enthralled by the first book. This one was great too! Both stories are set “after the fall” in the coastal United States. The coast has flooded. Cities have fallen. The world is slowly rebuilding. The novel follows Enid, a young Investigator who helps police the towns along the Coastal Road. That job involves anything from helping people in the aftermath of storms, to arbitrating disputes, or in this case, doing a property inspection to see if the town should repair it. Teeg is in charge of his first mission and Enid is there to mentor him. What is a fairly simple assignment becomes much more difficult when a dead body turns up. And it is certainly murder. Can the two investigators find the killer? Or should they just leave it alone?
The first story was structured around Enid’s life both past and present with the murder being only part of the story. The murder mystery is at the forefront of book two and the majority of the story takes place in the present. Enid uses many of her experiences from the previous murder investigation to help her outlook in this one. Teeg is her foil in the case. Enid struggles to find her balance in her dual roles of investigator and teacher.
As in the first book, the murder mystery was less interesting to me than the settlement set-up in the far reaches of the territory. I loved the marshland setting. I loved getting to see more of the people who live in the Wild. I loved the continuing explorations of the bigger issues of society such as resources, the roles and expectations of various types of outsiders, and the ideas of truth and justice. I loved watching Enid’s investigative techniques.
The author manages another book where there is an overall optimistic outlook in the aftermath of a dystopia. I would love to have Enid on me crew. I would also love another book in the series either about Enid or a companion novel about another settlement along the Coast Road. Give me more! Arrrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you John Joseph Adams / Mariner Books!
Side note: There be another story set in this world! It is called “Where Would You Be Now” and is listed as book 0.5. I must read it. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This be the 5th book in me e-Arc Extravaganza Challenge wherein I had to read all 5 books before their July 17th release dates. Challenge complete! Arrr!
I previously read and was absolutely enthralled by the first book. This one was great too! Both stories are set “after the fall” in the coastal United States. The coast has flooded. Cities have fallen. The world is slowly rebuilding. The novel follows Enid, a young Investigator who helps police the towns along the Coastal Road. That job involves anything from helping people in the aftermath of storms, to arbitrating disputes, or in this case, doing a property inspection to see if the town should repair it. Teeg is in charge of his first mission and Enid is there to mentor him. What is a fairly simple assignment becomes much more difficult when a dead body turns up. And it is certainly murder. Can the two investigators find the killer? Or should they just leave it alone?
The first story was structured around Enid’s life both past and present with the murder being only part of the story. The murder mystery is at the forefront of book two and the majority of the story takes place in the present. Enid uses many of her experiences from the previous murder investigation to help her outlook in this one. Teeg is her foil in the case. Enid struggles to find her balance in her dual roles of investigator and teacher.
As in the first book, the murder mystery was less interesting to me than the settlement set-up in the far reaches of the territory. I loved the marshland setting. I loved getting to see more of the people who live in the Wild. I loved the continuing explorations of the bigger issues of society such as resources, the roles and expectations of various types of outsiders, and the ideas of truth and justice. I loved watching Enid’s investigative techniques.
The author manages another book where there is an overall optimistic outlook in the aftermath of a dystopia. I would love to have Enid on me crew. I would also love another book in the series either about Enid or a companion novel about another settlement along the Coast Road. Give me more! Arrrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you John Joseph Adams / Mariner Books!
Side note: There be another story set in this world! It is called “Where Would You Be Now” and is listed as book 0.5. I must read it. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/