Frost Like Night

Frost Like Night is the third book in Sara Raasch's Snow Like Ashes series. 

"Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading--and no on is safe.

"Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic--so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labryinth, destroy the very magic she's learning to control--and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

"Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira--and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within the ranks, winning the war--and protecting Meira--slips farther and farther out of reach. 

"Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she's freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer's slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left. 

"As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together or lose everything." 

General Thoughts and Plot: Wow that intro seemed really intense. It is the final book in the series and everything comes to a head. In true, "I'm the only one who can do it" fashion, Meira ends up needing to sacrifice herself in order to stop the magic. Not going to lie, I saw the ending a mile and a half away. It was very easy to see where it was going. However, how we got there was pretty neat. Final battle sequence of magically hypnotized armies, travel to find the last few lands we hadn't visited yet because reasons, and somehow saving the world while still looking gorgeous and unharmed. It was a little cheesy with a nice ribbon to tie it all up with, but I guess it gave us what we wanted. 

Theme: The caption above put it in context, a lot of this is about "I will sacrifice myself for the good of my people." Obviously not wanting to die or them to die, but battles must be fought and heroic days must be lead. Again, kind of cheesy, but that's what you get with "end of the world" motifs

Setting: As with before in the series, it's an interesting, if not childish, representations of the four Seasons and four other kingdoms that are easy to get confused.  The labyrinth is pretty cool though. 

Characters: It was cool to get a little more of Angra's backstory, his Angry story. There are so many of those little things where again it almost seems childish. Obviously he's the BBEG, but I like a BBEG who is able to get a little monologuing done so we know his reasonings. I don't think they worked well enough for me though, didn't quiet hit hat power punch that I was hoping for. I did very much enjoy Meira and a certain boy "got back together." Many of the other characters were good too, and I liked the development that supporting cast had, like Theron--though his ending seemed a little... wanting. 

Spice: 3/5 Spicy Chilis. It's been a minute since I've read it and nothing came to mind, so whatever happened wasn't too much that I was disturbed by it. However, other reviews mention things happening, but not explicitly described. So this is where I'm putting it. 

Writing Style: It was alright. Modern, young adult. Easy to read and listen to, but nothing extraordinary.

Overall: It was pretty good. A decent ending for the series. Not my favorite series, maybe top fifteen, but I also read it over a year ago and my feelings probably shifted as parts there weren't as memorable as they could have been. There weren't very many scenes that stuck with me like there were in the first one. There were moments that were good, sure, but I really had to think about this one to remember what was going on. 

Ice Like Fire

 Ice Like Fire is the second book in the Snow Like Ashes series by Sara Raash. 

"It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.

"Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?

"Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats?

"As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world."

General Thoughts: It has been a little over a year since I read this and when I first realized that this was on the list, I had a hard time remembering what it was about. Upon further reflection, I did remember that it got rather political. Fights between Winter and Cordell, Meira and Theron, Mather getting himself in trouble. It was a good audiobook and an interesting story, but middle books can be hard to make exceptional, or so I've found. 

Plot: I will not end up doing this justice. I simply don't remember much beyond them going to different countries and trying to get people to believe that the BBEG is still around and pulling strings. I do remember some vice between Meira and Theron and that Mather acted like an idiot. I also remember Meira being pulled in many different directions and that her thought process was interesting and I liked how she figured out how to fix her problems. There were a bunch of "must find the thing" moments in each of the cities they visited and she was able to get help along the way. I do remember that the end was really good. With all the puzzle pieces back together and finding out that the BBEG had his fingers in many pies it made for a really good cliffhanger amongst all the blood. 

Setting: The Snow Like Ashes books have a very simple map though an interesting world that has developed from that map. Each country is so different that different cultures have to bloom from them. Summer was very interesting, though I didn't appreciate all of their social norms, though I hope there wouldn't be many who would. Although, the fact that Summer, Winter, Spring, and Autumn are always that season is kind of basic. It is nice that the other non-season countries are different, but it can be confusing especially when they aren't actually in those countries. 

Characters: I don't have anything bad to say about any of them as far as I can remember. There were some that were annoying or I was glad to see die, but as a character that's what they were supposed to do. Meira had many moments of growth and her fight to figure out what "Being Queen of Januari" meant and that fight continued on into the third book, so I believe. Mather goes about learning more about how not to be an idiot, which I'm grateful for. I was rooting for him to win out his love triangle. Theron has his moments, but he starts slipping into an antagonist roll, though not the main antagonist as the BBEG because he is constantly butting heads with Meira though he has sound ideas as well. 

Spice: 2/5 Spicy Chilis. I remember there being more than flirtations, I mean Meira and Theron are/were engaged to be married. I remember them kissing at least once in the first one, I think. As the book goes on, their love for one another dwindles considerably. Mather coming up into this love triangle again doesn't really happen because he's too far away, though he does love her and tries to save her toward the end. There isn't much of any opportunity to show it. 

Writing Style: It is a very modern, young adult book. Simple in writing. Simple metaphor and similes. Not very poetic or lyrical. Nothing particularly stands out compared to other young adult books. 

Overall: It was a decent book, definitely a middle of the series book where there are parts that are easily forgotten. The ending was pretty cool and had some unexpected parts. I probably wouldn't want to reread this one again on it's own. If I was wanting the series, then yes, but there weren't any  moments the I felt I needed to read again because it was just that good. 

Tenant of Wildfell Hall

 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte is a very blunt book, especially for the day and age that this Bronte Sister wrote it. 

"Gilbert Markham is deeply intrigued by Helen Graham, a beautiful and secretive young woman who has moved into nearby Wildfell Hall with her young son. He is quick to offer Helen his friendship, but when her reclusive behavior becomes the subject of local gossip and speculations, Gilbert begins to wonder whether his trust in her has been misplaced. It is only when she allows Gilbert to read her diary that the truth is revealed and the shocking details of the disastrous marriage she left behind emerge. Told with great immediacy, combined with wit and irony, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is a powerful depiction of a woman's fight for domestic independence and creative freedom."

General Thoughts: Oof, this was a tough read. Not only is it an older book, first published in 1848, but the subject matter is hard too. In reading about it, Charlotte Bronte--Anne's sister--had the book pulled from publication no long after Anne's death because she thought it was one of the reasons she died, too much mental and emotional strain--which is probably one of the reasons it Anne wasn't as popular amongst readers as Emily and Charlotte were which is sad. It's a great book; it's just not a light easy read. 

Plot and Theme: This book is about the tragedies and abuses of some women's lives. Helen hates liquor because of what her husband did while he was intoxicated--angry, abusive, unfaithful, and plain-old nasty. I'm sure there were many women who wanted to run away from the same kind of husband back then who were socially and financially unable to. Death was more acceptable than divorce. The social critique; the blatant, in-your-face depictions that were shown here I'm sure were a shock then. Those things weren't talked about openly but was probably rampant in gossip chains. Helen running away from her husband is amazing. 

Setting: This was set in the time period it was written, so I'm sure the setting was spot on. Historically, lol. From what I recall it was well set up. The atmosphere was dark and gray like the position Helen was in. I would have liked to see the cliffside where they picnicked and even the crumbling down Hall. 

Characters: It has been over a years since I read it, but from what I recall Helen was an angelic character, almost too much so. Going back to take care of her husband who was dying is potentially more saintly than I would be, especially after what he put her through. Gilbert Markham was an interesting lens to look though. I remember him being frustrated and charmed and kind which I'm sure was new and refreshing to Helen  though she didn't trust him for a while. I do think that the other characters, especially around the topic of alcohol, were interesting. She, for her time and place, Helen was probably an extreme outlier, everyone had a sip of brandy or glass of wine or some such. I, being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, appreciate her vehemence and her ability to stick to her guns. Her character was unwavering and I can support her in that. 

Spice: 1/5 Spicy Chilis, but not in a good way. Arthur Huntingdon is an awful person and needed to be put down. The fact that people were in uproar over the fact that Helen "slammed the bedroom door" on her husband because she was so sick of his abuse and infidelity makes my modern brain very upset. The other romance between Helen and Gilbert was chased, like most historical novels of the era. 

Writing Style: Again, this is an old book and not written with the "modern" audience in mind. It is written much like Jane Eyre and Jane Austen's books with their elaborate words and long sentences and paragraphs. Some modern readers might not like that that and I must admit that I had a hard time finishing it too. 

Overall: It is probably one of those books that everyone should read before they die. It is considered one of the first "feminist books" which is pretty cool. 

Emerald Green

Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier is the last installment of The Precious Stones Trilogy 

 "Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is. She only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. Sue suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she's just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably being using her all along. Emerald Green picks up where Sapphire Blue left off, reaching new heights of intrigue and romance as Gwen finally uncovers the secrets of the time-traveling society and learns her fate."

General Thoughts: This is another book that sticks with me. I don't read many time traveling books, but this one was well done indeed. 

Plot: Gwen is finding that there are more schemes in her family that she really wants to and what is worse is no one is listening to her and no one is telling her anything. She is frustratingly alone except for a very few people who can help. I love the fact that she gets her deceased family to help her out. Her grandpa reminds me of my own grandpa who I miss dearly. Being able to pop in and out of time to see him as he grows and gets older, himself is really neat. I will also say that the final resolution was unexpected and well done. I'd love to go back and read it again to see if I can pick up on any of the hints that I probably should have gotten along the way. 

Setting: Much of the setting is the same as the previous books. Only about two weeks, at most, goes by in the "modern present" and so although there are lots of balls and we jump around the London Bridges and streets from different eras, we don't move around a lot. From what I recall, having read this a year and a half ago, I do believe the descriptions that were given were well done. In listening to the book, I don't think I was ever taken out of the story because I got lost at where we were. Often it was in the same hallways or rooms so then not much needed to change, but we were given enough information to not be floating in a blank space. 

Characters: I think the characters really pull the story along. While the plot is intriguing, the characters really bring it to live. As I said, I love Gwen's grandpa and her best friend. I think I remember them the best. I don't remember why, but I was never really hung up on Gideon. He's not the best love interest I've read about. Other side characters were perhaps even more memorable and enjoyable that him. As for Gwen herself... I don't know. It's been a minute since I've read it, but I also wouldn't consider her as memorable either. I remember things she did, but not so much her personality. I do remember Count Saint-German being a creepizoid and their altercations were engaging and fun to listen to. Maybe Gwen and Gideon really do belong together. 

Spice: 1/5 Spicy Chilis. It is a romance book, but it's a legitimate young adult book so nothing happens. I believe the most they did was kiss and maybe it was a little passionate in the first book, but she's angry and upset at Gideon for the a chunk of this book until he makes things better. 

Overview: I really enjoyed this series. It is kind of strange how it happens so quickly. You could literally have it be one large book and everything would slide in perfectly because no time passes. I think the time traveling here was well done and didn't jar me when she jumped in the timeline. It would be interesting to see what was going on from Gideon's point of view, but not that we'd need a new book for it. I'd be very interested to see what else Kerstin Gier makes and I'd be delighted read them. 

Jane Eyre

 Apparently it has been quite a few years since I've read or listened to Jane Eyre, and I'm glad I made this journey again. 

Young, plain Jane is orphaned. Forced to live with her uncles wife and children, she is abused and neglected. Her strong will and temperament are then bridled at Lowood Academy. There she makes friends with the teachers and other pupils. Death pays a visit on a large scale at the Academy, which brings sorrow and a heightening of the presence of God into Jane's life. Fully grown and educated, Jane decides to take her academic learning into a career as a governess. She finds a position at Thornfield Hall and enjoys the small society there. With only the master of the house, her pupil, and the servants in attendance, she begins to find a home at Thornfield and has found a friendship with the master of the house, Mr. Rochester. Their relationship starts to become more than simply governess and master, and he eventually proposes marriage. She begins to let her bridled passions and true character unwind. But fate has a strange turn and all is not as it seems at Thornfield Hall. 

There are reasons why this book has been well loved for nearly 180 years. The characters with their foils, the gothic mystery, the fairytale, the love story, view of God, and symbolism are amazingly well done. 

Jane has probably become my favorite character, almost ever. She is bold and brash where and with whom she finds it appropriate. She has her fault of probably being too easily led, by those who mean well and those who are manipulating a situation -- though part of me wonders how much of that was do to the time and what was expected of women 180 years ago and how much was her character, I don't have an answer yet on that. I love how she is religious and learns, as we all should, about forgiveness and charity and service to others. Those aren't often what is written about now without seeming pompous or prudish. I love how she stands up for what she believes to be right even though it hurts her greatly. She chose not to stay with Mr. Rochester for important reasons. She holds her ground with Mr. Rivers and, though she comes close, she doesn't recant her opinions and holds her ground. She knows what she wants, especially in the long term, and doesn't let herself be trodden on or manipulated by others feelings and wants. She is and has a strong character! I mean, come on! She says, "Oh, I will give my heart to God. You do not want it!" Bold as brass! <3 Love it. 

Mr. Rochester is an interesting character too. Similar to Jane, he's not handsome (which is cool because how many characters are often portrayed as the most beautiful person ever in the whole world or time? It's unrelatable for a large portion of society.) He's loud, has strong opinions, and is rather grumpy (though given his circumstances, it's understandable), sometimes I think he talks more than Jane -- which does make the relationship they have in the beginning a little hard to believe, though that might just be because I need to pay better attention -- but he sees that she is smart and thoughtful. He is proud, which is his biggest fault, but throughout the course of the story he finds himself extremely humbled. I love the way Charlotte Bronte words his devotion for Jane. His love is palpable on the page. It is beautiful, kind, and honest. 

The Gothic and supernatural elements of this book are the best thing for it. It gives the ghosts the prowl the Hall so much more life and vivacity than I think could have been done in any other setting. It gives strong tones of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen -- though Austen was a satire of Gothic literature in her time. This Gothic atmosphere only ever lends itself to the story and bolsters it up. 

I think the mystery of Thornfield Hall is what most people remember of Jane Eyre today. "Vampyres" and fires are pivotal points in this story and they are so well written. Just... *chefs kiss * it's so well done. 

I have no problems with this book. It was well written. The writing, though older and potentially longwinded, is elegant and only give to the story. It is written in a "more modern" tone as opposed to even Jane Austen which was written 30 years previously which made it considerably easier to dive into. 

I'm extremely interested in finding the many depictions of this story that have been produced. I know plays have been done and I own a movie, but I have a need for more. 

I love it. I love it. I love it. 

In finding a cover of Jane Eyre for this post, I was in awe of how many beautiful (sometimes funny) covers were published. Here are some of my favorite ones. 

Some of these covers, though, make no sense whatsoever or are just completely inaccurate.

He looks really creepy here.... Um... Excuse you, dude! 

I mean, what is this? It definitely screams 1840s Gothic Classic to me... right... 

Vow of Thieves

 The second book of the Dance of Thieves series by Mary E. Pearson. 

Can I just say, "Wow." 

Kazi and Jase make their way back to Tor's Watch. New hope and a love of life in their wings. But when a mysteriously dead bird falls from the sky with a note from Jase's sister saying that their home is under attack and their brother is dead, everything starts going wrong. They had only been gone for a month, maybe two and suddenly everything Jase knew is gone. They make their way to town which has had parts of it demolished and then comes the arrows. Kazi orders Jase's horse to run, but she's unable to get away. Both wounded, Kazi under arrest and dying, and Jase.... His case is unknown. Who's taken over the city? Where are the Ballengers? Who's survived? Who hasn't? 

This was very well done. I've not had any real problems with any of the books I've listened to by Mary E. Pearson. The characters are great, the worldbuilding is awesome, and the moments of who to trust, who not to, and questions of "How crazy is this guy!?" It was great. 

The only thing I wish had been revealed (better) than it was is the age of the King. I honestly thought he was a lot older (when I was reading the first book). Nope! He's a young guy (because of course he is). Not knowing how old he was changed a lot of things in my mind as I was listening to the book. 

I really enjoyed the way Ms. Pearson had Kazi skirt around the King and dive in and out of situations. I enjoyed the people we didn't particularly like in the first book, but got a moment to prove themselves. Wren and Synove are some of my favorite characters throughout the series and I like how "family comes first" is a big theme. 

It is a great book and a good series that I very much enjoyed. 

Dance of Thieves

The sequel series to The Remnant Chronicles  by Mary E. Pearson  and it was done very well. There were many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, which I think is a marvelous point in all of Mary E. Pearson's books. 

With a new Queen on the thrown of Venda, Kazi is sent with her Ratan crew to find a certain traitor who has escaped Vendin justice. The small clan city where they believe he is hiding out has also come under new leadership with the death of their Patre. Jace (the new Patre) and Kazi have a confrontation right before they both get knocked out and shackled by slave runners. Chained together and finally escaping, they must find their way back to civilization and not kill each other on the way. Between political interreges and secrets they won't tell each other, complications arise and they must skirt around each other while falling in love. 

The best thing about this series are the two main character and the natural development of their own individual character growth. The supporting characters are fantastic as well and do so much to build each other up to make it feel like a naturally functioning people. The Ratan and Jace's family are fantastic. Sometimes, because there are so many, I did get a bit confused, but many of them have such stark attributes that it's easy to tell what each character is like. I also listened to the audiobook and it helps a lot as well because the readers for this series did such a good job with characterization as well. My favorite is particularly toward the end when Synove fires her blunted arrow at a traitors back. That was perfect. That was amazing and so well set up. 

There are misunderstandings, but not in the cliché "it's going to run the plot" kind of way. They intentionally keep secrets from each other because "national security." With it being intentional instead of happenstance, it makes the story and the dance that happens real and much less the cliché. 

The world building that Mary did for The Remnant Chronicles and this series is amazing. It is top notch, even through it is in a basic "fantasy setting." There is so much time taken into the history of both series that makes it seem alive, seem real. No good story has no history. The histories, the ruins, the monuments, the rivalries all stem off how important history is to many of the cultures in this world. World building is my favorite thing in stories next to good characters. And this book is no exception to that. 

I'm loving it and am listening to the second one animatedly. The cliffhanger at the end of this book, demands that the second book is picked up quickly. So, on we read. 

The Heart of Betrayal

Wow. This is a great book. 

Lea, Princess of Morrighan, finds herself in enemy territory. After being kidnapped by the Assassin and carted across country to Venda, she must find a way out of this inescapable city. The Prince has lies and says he's an emissary of the Prince wanting to make a treaty with Venda. With her precarious position, lies and secrets deep in the Sanctum, and her world view shifting from seeing everyone here as barbarians to survivors, Lea has quite a path ahead of her. Their plans for escaping seem ludicrous with four, not four thousand or even four hundred, soldiers to help. How do they get out? How is this woman that Lea keeps seeing that seems invisible to everyone else? 

This was a very well written book. Had me sucked in the whole time and I can't wait to get into the third book. SUCH A CLIFFHANGER!!! 

Lea, I think, grows quite a bit in this book as her understanding of the people she once saw as her enemy are now seen through new eyes. I wish Kaden and Rafe had more growth, though Kaden by the end of the story does take a big step forward we only hope he isn't dead because of it. 

I also really like the world that this is in. Venda, where we spend most of the book, is a city built upon ruins. Ruins with libraries beneath it. Libraries of knowledge that only very few people can read. I liked how we got to see a bit of the ruins as she was toured around the city. It would make for a great graphic novel, that I would love to read. 

I think it was also fun how we know there is a prophecy and she's "the chosen one" kinda thing, but that so many people don't know about it or don't believe it is real. But that there are many people who know the old stories and give shifty eyed glances to one another because "they know" more than what the bad guys do. It made the little things they did that much more precious and important. 

The ending was very well done and I can't wait to get into book 3. 

The Kiss of Deception

 The first book in the Remnant Chronicles was one I was suggested on a social media group and, boy, was I astounded on how much I liked it. 

Lea is a princess and is forced into an arranged marriage to a prince she doesn't know. She doesn't like the idea of being tied down to a old man for the sake of diplomacy, so she runs away with her ladies maid. Leaving false leads and trails, the two girls flee to another nearby country to disappear all together. But leaving behind her past is far harder than she thought. Her marriage cavah (henna tattoo) on her back which was supposed to fade after a few baths, seems to becoming more vibrant and colorful. And the Gift she was supposed to have but never able to tap into starts to bloom in her.  Becoming a tavern waitress and starting a fresh and anew, Lea finds that her past is still very close at hand. Unknowingly, the Prince she was supposed to marry and an Assassin sent to kill her follow her trails and board at the tavern she works in. And slowly, she finds that she is falling in love with these two men and whom they portray. But then when news from home spurs her to head back and turn herself in as a traitor for running away, she finds herself kidnapped by this Assassin who can't quite bring himself to kill her so instead takes her back to his home country, across desserts and plains, through ruins of the ancient and canyons; all the while the Prince is hot on their trail to find her and kill him before they are out of reach. 

I'm not much one for love triangles, but this one isn't so bad. I think the thing that makes this  love triangle okay is that the characters are their own. They are full, deep, and lively characters that push the story on more than just pining over "my love for you" and whatnot. A good part of the second half is the knowing that the Assassin lied to her and he keeps lying to her because he's loyal to his country and yet still doesn't want to kill her, he's saved her--yet obviously this is a bad thing because he's still kidnapped her. Their relationship is very twisted and dependent on one another even if she doesn't want it to be. 

I also liked at the beginning we don't actually know who is the Assassin and who is the Prince. There is enough ambiguity between the two men that the reader is constantly guessing who is who and if this guy is going to kill her by throwing her off a cliff or dagger in the night or other instances. 

The character development for Lea is great and you can see the turmoil that happens for the boys (though I wish there was more of them in the story--specifically Rafe). 

I also really like the Ancients and the ruins and the stories/remembrances that are threaded importantly throughout the story. Lea is "The Chosen One" and has a prophecy about her that we find out more about as she does. I want there to be ghosts in the ruins. I want there to be more that others understand about the prophecy as they nod knowingly. I want more information about these ancient civilizations, specifically the truths behind why and how they collapsed more than just "The Gods did it." And what's fun (because I started listening to book two already), we do. 

I've really enjoyed this series.  

Castle in the Air

 I was not disappointed with this "companion" to Howl's Moving Castle though it was not what I expected. 

This story follows Abdullah, a humble carpet merchant from Zanzib. One day, a traveler comes and sells him a flying carpet. Seeing that it does fly, he buys it but then can't seem to make it work. To make sure it doesn't fly away, he falls asleep on it only to wake up in a garden that could only be from a dream. Abdullah also sees a beautiful woman who's name is Flower-In-The-Night, who happens to be the princess. On his second miraculous visit the next night, she is kidnapped by a djinn and he can do nothing to stop it. After getting thrown in the palace dungeon by her father the Sultan, with help from the carpet he finds himself in the dessert in the hands of bandits with a genie at hand. With a wish to help him find Flower-In-The-Night, he finds himself in the northern non-dessert country of Ingery and at he disposal of a vagabond soldier who is supposed to help him find the most beautiful, smart, and kind woman he's ever seen. 

It was a jolly read that I very much enjoyed. 

At first I was a bit perturbed that this sequel didn't star Howl, Sophie, and Calcipher, but I found that I enjoyed Abdullah, the genie, the cats, the soldier, and the others. I liked Flower-In-The-Night, though I would have liked it more if she had gotten a bit more screen time. But she was a powerful woman who didn't take any flack from anyone, even a djinn. The other princesses we meet were pretty awesome, too. 

I also liked the expansion of the world in Howl's Moving Castle. There is much in the world that I wanted more of and happily got it through a different narrator. 

I don't think I have anything negative to say about this one. It was very much a joy to read. My son really liked it too and got into the story. 

The Storm Runner

 Rick Riordan wanted more cultures to be represented in Percy Jackson like ways and got many other authors from different cultures to write about mythologies. This book, written by J.C. Cervantes, is a dive into Mayan Mythology. 

Zane is a kid who constantly got picked on because one of his legs was shorter than the other meaning he had a very dominate limp and was forced to walk with a cane. With his back yard in New Mexico being home to a volcano and walking around and on top of it all the time with his dog, he became pretty good at keeping his balance on uneven terrain. It was just about time to start at another school when things start to go loco. A girl that can shapeshift into a hawk appears and demons flying airplanes fly into the volcano. He finds out that practically all the people around him are keeping secrets from him and that they aren't who they appear. He isn't even who he thinks he is.  Zane discovers more about himself as he dives deeper into the mythology of his ancestors. Dealing with the God of Death and Darkness is no picnic either. 

This book felt very much like Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Full of snarky humor of a teenage boy, it was fun to get into Zane's head and discover more about Mayan culture as we understand it presently. There is so much that I didn't know about and it was fun to learn. The book was written well enough that it wasn't confusing for me an "unknowledgeable" person when it comes to this sphere. 

I enjoyed the characters. Zane's uncle was funny and wasn't "useless" like some characters have been in this type of series. Brooks was alright though not my favorite. There was so much "mystery" about her and it took her forever to explain so many things--she was needed to inform us as the reader and Zane as to what is up with the Mayan world. His Seer neighbor almost seemed unneeded, though I can potentially see her being potentially bad guy worthy later but probably not. I also found it nice that Zane's mom didn't just sit back and do nothing while Zane was off adventuring. She tried to help in as many ways as she limitedly could. 

It was good, though I think the concept of "not knowing who you can trust" when you find out that you can trust most everyone was kind of obnoxious. Unless it's foreshadowing for more books, I found it kind of unnecessary. I did like the fact that The Twins  that Zane has to ask for help from turned out the way they did--trying hard for no spoilers here. I also liked the lady who took over Shibalb; she has the potential to become a very fun character and I hope we get more of her as the series goes on.

Over all I enjoyed it. For those who get upset about "the dog dies" books, take a breath and keep reading. Much of the book aside from facing the God of Death is Zane trying to get his dog back. And as you can see from the next cover, he does. So it's okay, it just take a while for him to accomplish it. It's okay, don't stop reading. 

Street Magic

 The second book in the Circle Opens series by Tamora Pierce follows Briar and his teacher Rosethorn into Chammur where they work their Green Magic to help revitalize the "tired" ground. Chammur is a place that has had people living on it for centuries that is built into the rock that surrounds it. It's more than just the farm soil that's tired. 

While traveling through the market, Briar spots a girl shining stones and embowing them with magic. When he asks her about it, she runs. He tries to find her over the next few days while familiarizing himself with the local gangs. Being once part of a gang, he gets rolled into their problems. Between finding Evvy, finding her a teacher, teaching her the basics of stone magic and how to meditate, and the gang wars that surround him, he has his hands full. 

I really enjoyed this book. The differences and difficulties of walking into different cultures is an interesting path Briar leads. 

I enjoyed the simplicity of the text while having a set of complicated characters. The stone mage, Evvy, reminded me a lot of Toph Beifong from Avatar: the Last Air Bender. Both "stone mages" that are hard, firm, and determined. The characters all throughout the series were great, though there seemed to be a lot of them that only got mentioned a very few times, yet still important, but then were quickly gone after a little while (for very good reasons, mind). Many flowed in and out of the story--sometimes making it hard to remember who they were exactly.

I've gotten to really love Briar and his companions (new ones included) and I think that is a signature of Tamora Pierce. She puts so much life and vigor into her characters that they come alive and I want more and more of them.  

This book was also an audiobook that I listened to and it was very well done. I had now qualms with any of them and enjoyed their performances immensely. 

I'll have to get to the 3rd book later because it isn't available at my library currently, but I will get to reading it sooner rather than later. 

Briar's Book

 

The last book in The Circle of Magic was pretty good and rather relevant with today's pandemic and disease controls. 

Briar was once a street rat before he became a mage. But now that he has a handle on his magic, he helps his teacher Rosethorn with making medicine and delivering it to the nearby cities. Once he gets into town he goes to see the other street rats and a bit of his old life. But when he gets into town this time he is led to his friend Flick who has all these blue welts all over her body. He calls down Rosethorn who informs him they have a pandemic on their hands. They are quarantined along with Flick and as the days go on more and more people show up at the hospitals with these blue pox. People are dying with fevers so high that they start hallucinating. Riots happen in the streets while they are inside. Mages and healers are working on finding a cure, but the dead are mounting. 

This book is different than the others. Whereas in the other books, the kids really work together with their magics interwoven, here they are still working together, but still separately. Briar spends so much time away from the girls and works a lot more with Rosethorn (which isn't bad, I really enjoyed their relationship growth). But their communication and conversation is so little and they all seem so busy with other things, there is just a different feel of it. And I'm not so sure I like it. 

I liked how Tamora uses modern medicine in a magical way. Gloves and masks alongside magic and enchantments. Though even with all there magics there are causalities. Which is sad. 

I do feel like so much of the other characters were there doing things because "they have to do something" like Daja making boxes, Tris writing for Crane, and Sandry magicing gloves and masks... As if Tamora was grasping at straws for something for them to do. Almost half thought out or something. I wanted more and for them all to work together again more than just what they did at the end. The ending was supposed to be grand, but I think it fell flat. 

I still really like the idea and potential the next series. But for this own series, I feel let down. So I would need to go on to the next series. So on we go. 

Daja's Book

 Book number 3 in Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic series is probably my favorite so far. 

Daja has been living with her friends at Winding Circle Temple for about four months now. After the death of her family and company of Traders died at sea, she was found by Niko and brought to the temple to learn how to use her magic. After an earthquake and the accident that bound her and her friends' magics together, strange things have been happening. Suddenly Daja who works with fire magics in her forge suddenly has iron growing like a plant; Briar magic with plants shot lightening into sand, frying the plants he was looking after, and made glass; and strange things have been happening to Tris and Sandry's magics as well. Not only can they talk to one another, but they also find that each others powers are leaking unexpectedly into their friends. They need to straighten their magics out and gain control as well as help the  mountain village they've entered that's been struggling greatly with drought and wild fires and a group of Traders are in town reminding Daja of her old life but can't be a part of it because she is a trangshi (unlucky) and therefore an outcast of the Traders and in a way doesn't exist to them anymore. 

This one has been my favorite book so far. It wasn't one I read before when I tried the Circle of Magic series before, but I've found I really enjoyed it. Daja does grow more with her magic and as a character I think  more so than any of there other characters throughout the series so far. Being a trangshi, an outcast, she must learn to cope with this as she still yearns to be accepted by them though the Traders refuse. I like Daja's trades with the caravan and how it makes her questions harder the traditions of her people--along with the rest of the Trader caravan's ideas on tradition too. Instead of just going along with the people, understanding why those cultural traditions are good or bad and if they need to be changed--though change doesn't happen quickly. 

I also like the background plot of the wild fires as well as the mountain city's mage vs Niko and other non-acidemia mages. It was an interesting critic and view on how some feel over shadowed by the "every day magics." I find it interesting because the "every day magic" is what Tamora based all of the kids' magic on: weaving, plants, smithing, and lightening/winds/whatever Tris' is. Yurrun Firetamer tries to show off and is prideful of what he and his father before him were able to do in keeping all the fires of the surrounding villages doused for years. His rivalry with Niko and distain for the students along with his lack of availability for criticism becomes his downfall in the end which causes things to go array. 

All of the books so far have a feeling of "when we have time, remind me to teach you how to do this." Frostpine even says it plainly toward the end of the book, but I think each of the teachers have said it or a variation of it in each book throughout the series. These kids are doing much larger magic than anyone thought they would and these teachers haven't had the time enough to actually be able to sit down and teach their students much it seems. They have only been there four  months, and the kids have to be led or saved a lot by their teachers because they get in too deep into something, though they have ended up saving the day eventually each time. 

I'm looking forward to the next book. Audiobook at the moment with Tamora Pierce actually narrating the book, which makes it rather enjoyable. 

Tris's Book

 The second book in Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic series is verse pirates. 

Sandry, Tris, Briar, and Daja, after surviving an earthquakes weeks ago have discovered that their magics have weaved themselves with one another. they can now talk to each other in their minds and do more powerful spells. None of them has much control to their powers, but they are slowly studying  and trying to discover it. After the earthquake, some of the physical and magical barriers that kept their Temple home and the surrounding villages safe are in disrepair or in shambles all together, which makes it perfect time for pirates to try to make their way in and plunder the surrounding areas. These aren't normal pirates either. They have more mages and new technology that none of the Temple mages have seen before. These four may only be kids, but they are growing fast and their magics are growing faster. 

I enjoyed this one. It was high action and adventure with those subtle moments of teaching of the kids. Like Sandry's Book it seemed to go by very quickly where it probably would have been okay to join it with the first book in the series, but there was enough of a plot and story arch to make it okay at standing on it's own as part of the series. I suppose I just want more than these, seemingly, brief snippets that we get from the pages of this book. 

I've liked the growth that these characters are going through and how they are becoming their own people while still joining together to go great things. I like how they are willing to bend some of the adult rules as they try to help with these major problems that are affecting everyone. 

I am also very much ready for the next book. Bring it on. 

The Poppy War

 

This one, I didn't finish.

The basic plot of this book is a young girl, Rin, who grew up with her "auntie" and "uncle" in the country of a China-esque country. In order to not be sold off into marriage she studies her heart out to take the governments exams to try to get into an academy. While she aces the exam and escapes a life of forced marriage and hiding the drugs her "relatives" are dealing, she finds herself way out of her league. She's studied for two years, but the rest of the students at this war academy have had their whole lives to train in marital arts, the classics, and other areas that she has no training in whatsoever. With pompous arrogance on ever side of the students and teachers who hate the country trash, she must prove herself not only to them, but to herself as well. And then she discovers she has shaman magic.  

With a difference in country and cultures, this book reminds me very much of Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness series and her Protector of the Small series. Only girl in a group of boys at school and she must show that she can stick with the boys and beat them or get "kicked out of school." There is even the "I'm starting my period" moment toward the beginning reminding her that she is very much a girl amongst the arrogance of men. For those coming into a new generation, sure enjoy it (for as far as I read anyway). 

It is highly based on the politics and wars of 20th Century China which there isn't much of on bookshelves. Her country goes from Imperial "China" and fighting wars to defend their borders, to stopping a civil war and joining rebels to build a republic, and fighting enemies with more modern technologies. Being a history buff, I enjoy the other culture interpretations of history (in a fantasy sense too) and so I was really excited about it. Though I just read a brief article with the title of "What if Mao was a teenage girl?" And that was kind of off putting. He is not a world leader I like in any which way, so comparing Rin to Mao... makes me a bit wary. 

But I had to put it down because there was too much swearing. Not as much as others (comparatively, it could be considered "light") but there to many F-bombs dropped for me. Some of the other swear words I can deal with, but when it comes to the heavier language... I prefer to not. There are too many other books I'd like to get to. 

It was well written from 15% I got through. For those who don't mind/care, go for it. If you enjoy diving into cultures and enjoyed the Song of the Lioness or Protector of the Small, I think you'd enjoy this one too. History buffs, have fun. 

Emma

 Jane Austen's Emma is a classic. 

Emma considers herself quite the matchmaker. With not wanting to marry at all and being the second daughter to the wealthiest man in the town, she has found it a fun game to meddle in the love lives (with the best of intentions) of the people around her. She was able to get her sister and their wealthy neighbor to marry as well as her governess and an older gentlemen in their neighborhood to marry as well. Now that they are married and she's realized she's lonely, she finds a new friend in Harriet Smith, a young girl with not much known about her background. Emma has her eyes on Mr. Elton, the towns clergyman, for Harriet, not the farmer Mr. Martin. Emma enjoys influencing people and can make a mess of things, which her ever present neighbor Mr. Knightly is more than willing to let her know. 

I took a Jane Austen class in college and, upon seeing the length of Emma and the fact that I didn't much care for the main character, I moved on to the next book on the list that I needed to read so then I might actually complete one of the assigned books that semester. (It didn't happen, fyi.) I watched the movie with Gwyneth Paltrow to get the basics and moved on. 

Now that time restraints and pressures to read it were off, it finally got back to it and still struggled. I tried it but was daunted by the text and characters. So I decided to listen to the audio book and I DID IT!! 

I knew the story of Emma from the movies and multiple variations that are out there. They all have their pros and cons, but the 2009 mini-series and the 2020 are my favorite. Clueless was pretty awesome too. Knowing the story I think helped with the actual text, but even listening was somewhat hard to digest at times. As opposed to Pride and Prejudice where there was a lot of conversation and dialog, this book seemed to get bogged down by exposition and describing what was happening instead of letting us be there. And when there was dialog between characters, the lack of discourse between characters and major monologues (such as that of Mrs. Bates, which does fit her character, obviously) would have got me stuck if reading it off the pages. This problem is one that early novels  have or what makes them dramatically different from the novels of today. The writing is just such a struggle. 

In the end, though, I did enjoy the book. I enjoyed the communication (or lack there of which causes a bunch of conflicts) between the characters. Specifically between Mr. Knightly and Emma. I also liked how kind and compassionate they all were towards each other. Mr. Woodhouse is wealthy, yes, and full of peculiarities, but all the characters are sensitive to his oddities and willing to help him and avert his anxieties. Between the 2020 and 2009 variations of Mr. Woodhouse, I enjoyed them both--probably my favorite character in the 2020 version. 

The people in Emma were real. I think think this is an applicable statement for pretty much all of Jane Austen's stories. There is a realness about them, if not their circumstance, then their attitudes and actions. That is, what I believe, Jane's truest strength in her writings is. 

Read on, Jane-ites. Read on! 

Anne of Green Gables

 Anne of Green Gables is a series I've never read before, but a set of movies that I loved. 

Anne is an orphan who is sent to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Anne is known for her imagination, which throws the Cuthbert siblings for a loop. Always talking and getting lost in thought. Learning to live with this adventurous, airheaded, proud, red head has become they have ever had. 

It is a very simple and straightforward book. Not some grand adventure but the adventure of everyday life for a very imaginative girl. Dealing with school, friends, constant misunderstandings, and bitter rivals with boys are the plot of the book. 

The book is mostly about characters. Becoming friends with Diana, rivals with Gilbert, Matthew and Marilla. They are the moments she has with the people around her. 

This books a light and full of character. I very much love it. 

The "Anne of Green Gables" movie with Meagan Fallows is the best. They are the most accurate to the book. Meagan is a fantastic Anne who makes her endearing as well as accurate to the book. "Anne with an 'E'" is no such representation. I very much dislike that one and could only watch a few episodes before I very willingly put it down. 

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

 This is a super cute book that is for anyone wanting to read something sweet. 

Written in letters after the end of WWII, the story is about a woman named Juliet who gets a letter from a man on Guernsey who came into possession of one of her old books by Charles Lamb. They begin correspondence and she finds out that in order to deal with being occupied by Germans during the war, this small group of odd neighbors begin a literary society--with an interesting story as to how it started and its name. The Society has continued on after the war and from the society begin to open up about their experiences in the war. Juliet was also a writer for a local British news paper and wants to write a book with their collection of letters. Of course, Juliet has her own life back in London, men, writing, friends, post-war happenings. 

It is a great story with full characters, many of them with fascinating stories. This is one of the best parts of the books. So many different people with different points of view, with different happenings, ways of coping with trauma, and different ways of being heroic in times of difficulty. 

I also greatly enjoyed the romance part of it. Rich American guy who is charming and witty and a lowly country boy from Guernsey. A little love triangle without being high school dramatic. They are adults here and act as such, for the most part. It wasn't heavy on the sappy romance, which was good, but there was sweetness and a comedy about it. 

There isn't really anything that I dislike about it. It was written well. However, the audio book that I listened to for it was misleading. The gentleman they had voicing the younger men wasn't that young sounding. So the younger men sounded like they were in their sixties instead of late twenties, early thirties. When she started liking a certain person, I was concerned that she liked the oldest gent in the literary society. It wasn't until I looked at the Netflix cover that I realized, "Oh, he's much younger" which was a relief. 

I very much enjoyed it and will reread it again. I've also heard the Netflix movie did it justice, so I'm going to be taking a look at that soon. 

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

 

The sixth installment of the Harry Potter series is one that I enjoyed greatly. 

Harry goes back to school, a fair bit lighter than in previous years, hoping that things can find a good normal. Starting classes with a new potions teacher with a new and intriguing book, Snape taking over D.A.D.A., relationships bloom and flounder, and new lessons from Dumbledore on the history of the Dark Lord. Normalcy? At Hogwarts? Never. Draco is up to something and everyone thinks that Harry is off his kilter. But is he?

As I said, I enjoyed this book. I busted through it very fast (beings smaller than Order of the Phoenix does that) and was enveloped in the memories that Dumbledore showed Harry. Getting to know the enemy helps to destroy him, right? His background was something missed in the movies and it wounded the story it presented. 

I liked that it had gone from dark and death oriented all the time, back to something that resembled the first four books (before the ending of number four anyway). It was lighter and a last pick me up before the final battles of book seven. While the ending here wasn't happy, betrayal and death happens, it--over all--had a lighter tone. There were very tender moments where I had to choke back tears so then no one would see me crying over stuff that I knew was going to happen. Well written moments that deserve applause in a good hero's journey. 

Well done, Rowling. Well done.