Review: Winterspell

Winterspell by Claire Legrand
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books
Release Date: September 30th, 2014
Date Read: 5/22/14 to 6/5/14
464 Pages
Rating: ✰✰✰1/2

After her mother is brutally murdered, seventeen-year-old Clara Stole is determined to find out what happened to her. Her father, a powerful man with little integrity, is a notorious New York City gang lord in the syndicate-turned-empire called Concordia. And he isn’t much help.

But there is something even darker than Concordia’s corruption brewing under the surface of the city, something full of vengeance and magic, like the stories Clara’s godfather used to tell her when she was a little girl. Then her father is abducted and her little sister’s life is threatened, and Clara accidentally frees Nicholas from a statue that has been his prison for years. Nicholas is the rightful prince of Cane, a wintry kingdom that exists beyond the city Clara has known her whole life.

When Nicholas and Clara journey together to Cane to retrieve her father, Clara encounters Anise, the queen of the faeries, who has ousted the royal family in favor of her own totalitarian, anti-human regime. Clara finds that this new world is not as foreign as she feared, but time is running out for her family, and there is only so much magic can do...

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

I received an e-book of Winterspell through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Before I start in my review, I just want to say that this is my first review book from Edelweiss, and I had some trouble with the format on my kindle. Some of the paragraphs weren't together, in that they were cut up with awkward spaces in between them. And then sometimes the author's name randomly appeared out of nowhere. Does this happen with all review books from Edelweiss? Or is it just this specific ARC? Ah well. This did not affect my review, but I would still like some answers.

I requested Winterspell because I love fantasy retellings, even though I knew basically nothing about the Nutcracker. And although it didn't leave a lasting impression on me, plus I'll probably never read it again, it still was a good read. (Especially compared to some titles I have been reading).

Let's start with the beginning. We have Clara Stole, who's trying really hard to keep her family together and also out of harm. To do this, she pretty much lets herself get sexually harassed by Dr. Victor, a creepy doctor that experiments on orphans. But luckily for her, she's being trained by her mother's friend, also known as Godfather, who basically looks after Clara. So that's why when the faeries start attacking, she's prepared, even though she has no idea what's going on.

YEAH, so anyways. Fairies start attacking her and Godfather at a Christmas party. A statue comes to life, because apparently he's a prince from another world, cursed by fairies. Clara's father is kidnapped and sent to the "other" world, so she chases after him, along with Nicholas the statue. And from there, they have to figure out a way to 1) Take back the land from Anise, the "evil" faerie queen. 2) Bring Clara's father back to the real world or else her sister will be in danger.

And, yes surprise, Clara is not what she seems. Noooo she's SPECIAL. Yes.

Yep saw that coming

In my opinion, I thought the beginning dragged pretty slowly until we were actually introduced to the other world. I wasn't a fan of Concordia, the "real" world, which also happens to be in the past. Concordia is located in historical New York, but since there wasn't much world development for that part of the world, I really don't know much about it.

Hmmm, I guess I kind of do like Clara, though I don't connect with her as much as I thought I would. Also, a big part of the story involves Clara's powers. The only problem is, I'm not actually sure what her powers are! She does develop the ability to open doors, or portals, to other locations, but it is not specific to her. She seems to have winter based powers, but it's not really explored. But she definitely evolves over time, becoming more confident in what she's trying to do.

Then there's the love interest, Nicholas, who used to be a statue. And he basically watched Clara grow up in Godfather's shop, from his statue state. So I do kind of understand the insta-love. However, I just hated how he kind of abandoned her until he realizes his mistakes, which isn't for awhile.

We spend a good time listening to Clara's frustration about this

Most of the story focuses on how NOT black and white the world is. I sympathized with Anise, the faerie queen that takes over, just because life was cruel to both her and her race. Unfortunately, there is reason to get rid of her. Legrand does a good job in making the reader realize that there's never a good side or a bad side. Each side want what's best for his or her race, including revenge. This is definitely the main reason why I liked the book more than some others that I've been reading.

And also, I definitely prefer the "other" world compared to Concordia. For example, Legrand shows us metallic, grand constructions and buildings that are constantly being destroyed and rebuilt, and also the lives of the poor humans. It reminded me a Times Square, but just blown up times 100.

So yep. It was a pretty good read (I never know how to end these book reviews aha). But then again I don't have super feels over it.

Winterspell comes out on September 30th of this year! Be sure to check it out :D

Or just request it on Edelweiss haha.

Short Hiatus until Saturday

I'm really sorry. SUPER DUPER SORRY

I haven't been posting at all and I feel pretty bad because I thought I would have more time to read and write reviews, but I don't. Bleh. The reason for this is because I'm on a road trip (as most of you know), and today has also been a pretty bad day.

First off, a part of the car (underneath it) is coming out of place, and I'm going to the dealership on Thursday to get it fixed temporarily (hopefully and also for cheap-ish). Long story short, this plastic covering part is almost touching the ground, and even though we haven't had any problems with it, I'm terrified it's going to get worse if I don't get it fixed.

At least I have an appointment booked, in Myrtle Beach. And hopefully it's quick.

And along with that, the hotel I reserved charged me more than the actual cost I reserved it for. So now I have to get that problem fixed as well tomorrow. The only reason I'm not doing it now, is because the check-in lady does NOT want to be there. Either way, I'm getting my money back through Booking.com, or the actual hotel. SOMEONE WILL PAY.

OR I WILL HIT SOMEONE

SO YEAH. Everything is kinda sorted out for now (I was freaking out on the highway on the way to Myrtle Beach). And I'm not as stressed out. But really I just hope tomorrow's better.

Note: You can check out my road travels on this blog! 

Top Ten Tuesday #13

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

YES THIS IS A FREEBIE! Hold on, lemme take a minute to think...

Top Ten Books Featuring Fuzzy Animals!

You know what? Animals are adorable! Some actually play a huge role in their story, and I think they should be recognized for that! You see, I've never owned any pet, not even a fish. So anytime I'm introduced to a fluffy, little animal, I just want to squish and cuddle with them. With that said, I have decided to pick out ten books that have animals in them, whether they talk, don't talk, play a role, or are just too darn cute.

Note: All art is from their rightful owners at Deviantart! Feel free to click on the image to go directly to the source!

1. Sabriel by Garth Nix (Abhorsen Trilogy)
Have I told you guys that I ADORE MOGGET. He's a sarcastic, little talking cat, and I don't care how mean he is I just want to squish him. And plus this is only a temporary form, that he's been sealed in. So I don't know exactly what his origins are. Very mysterious....dun dun dun. BUT STILL CUTE.

2. Lirael by Garth Nix (Abhorsen Trilogy)
And this gets me to our next adorable animal, The Disreputable Dog! Please don't ask me about the name, because I have no idea why she calls herself that. She also talks, and pretty much helps out Lirael in any way she can. She's also super powerful and created by powerful magic (somehow), but her origins are also unknown.

"I am the Disreputable Dog. Or Disreputable Bitch, if you want to get technical. When are we going for a walk?"

3. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne Valente

Ok, so a Wyverary, or this dragon looking animal, IS NOT FUZZY, but still an awesome companion to our main character here! And plus, he loves books and libraries, and is also known as Wyverary A-Through-L (because he knows everything about the things starting with those letters).

4. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

And look it's Grimalkin! My other favorite sarcastic cat (was he sarcastic, pretty sure he was. Such a long time since I've read the Iron King). I also found a picture of him and Mogget together on DeviantArt. They're just so fluffy!

 

5. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
A couple of fuzzy characters here. For one, there's Lyra's daemon, Pantalaimon. And then there's also the talking polar bear, Iorek. It's been nearly six years since I've read HDM, but I've always wanted a daemon in real life. It would be cool to see what my spiritual animal is! (I WANT IT TO BE DINOSAUR. jk, a panda will do)  

6. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

I really liked how the mouse Algernon, was basically Charlie's only "friend" he could relate too. Both of them were given the same drug to enhance their IQ. Poor little Algernon.

7. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

ROSIE THE ELEPHANT. I want an elephant so bad, I don't care if they're huge and smell. I was rooting the whole time for Rosie while reading.

8. The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot

Okay, so I might be grasping at straws a little, as I usually do, but I'm pretty sure the dog Paco in Meg Cabot's The Boy Next Door, is what causes "Max", aka John, to come up and take care of him. So yes. Paco the Great Dane has caused these two lovely people to meet.

9. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

I'm talking about Dustfinger's lizard that is always with him, which is also on the cover here. Other than that, I don't remember any other animals. Though I feel like there were. hmm.

10. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
SO there are a lot of fun animal companions in the series, but I've decided to focus on the Prisoner of Azkaban! Only because we have Crookshanks, Scabbers (haha but not really), Buckbeak, and also Hedwig! I loved Hedwig. I've always wanted an owl for myself.

So yay I came up with ten! This was actually a pretty fun topic, I'm surprised I've read so many books with animals/talking animals as companions.

Are there any other books out there that also feature cute, awesome animals? Also share your TTT below!

The Start of the Road Trip

Although my road trip doesn't start until May 27th, I decided to head down to Washington D.C. to pick up my best friend and stay with her for a couple of days on Friday, so two days ago.

Now that I'm actually here, we've been busy, going back to my high school to check out the new buildings they added, and also preparing for the trip. We bought so much food. So basically, what's going to happen, is on Tuesday, we will be traveling to New Orleans while stopping at a couple of places.

Our main stops are: Chattanooga, New Orleans, Atlanta, Charleston, and lastly Myrtle Beach.

Hopefully, I'll remember to update the blog once in a while, and also get a ton of reading done throughout the trip. BUT I'M SUPER EXCITED. 

Also, I hope everyone who's going to BEA has an awesome time! I'm super jealous!

Review: Nihal of the Land of the Wind

Nihal of the Land of the Wind by Licia Troisi
Chronicles of the Overworld #1
Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
Release Date: May 27th, 2014
Date Read: 5/16/2014 to 5/21/2014
230 Pages
Rating: ✰✰1/2

An international bestseller from an extraordinary storyteller—get ready for Nihal and her world

Nihal lives in one of the many towers of the Land of the Wind. There is nobody like her in the Overworld: big violet eyes, pointed ears, and blue hair. She is an expert in swordplay and the leader of a handful of friends that includes Sennar the wizard. She has no parents; brought up by an armorer and a sorceress, Nihal seems to be from nowhere.

Things suddenly change when the Tyrant takes charge. Nihal finds herself forced to take action when she is faced with the most difficult mission a girl her age could imagine.

Fierce, strong, and armed with her black crystal sword, Nihal sets out to become a real warrior. Readers will be riveted as she forges her powerful path of resistance.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you Open Road Media!

If I'm correct, Nihal of the Land of the Wind is translated from Italian, and has actually been around since 2004, and is called Nihal della terra del vento (plus it has a badass cover to go along with it, which doesn't exactly fit with the contents of the story). So basically, this is an English translated version that's being published in five days. 

My first impressions of the cover and the name caused me to instantly relate this to Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. And even though I knew it wouldn't be similar, I was still prepared to enter a world filled with magic, a complex theme, a little bit of romance, and a lot of world-building.

And also glowing wheat. That's a plus.

  

Well, let's just say that my expectations were not met. 

Let me explain. Even after only the first chapter, you could tell that the book's aimed toward middle schoolers. The writing was very fast-paced, with much telling rather than showing. First, we're introduced to Nihal, an unusual girl with pointed ears and purple hair is so talented in sword-play that she's always the commander in the war games she plays with her friends. Then later on, we find out that yes, Nihal is an excellent swordsman because her father, Livon, is an armorer or a weapon's dealer.

After a series of events, Nihal trains under a sorceress, who happens to be Livon's sister, in order to learn magic. She becomes friends with Sennar, the other student and also other main character. But then, THERE'S WAR. And the people in the Land of the Wind all try to flee while their town is burned to the ground. Nihal is devastated, and then she finds out she's the last half-elf of her kind, because the Tyrant destroyed them all.

So now, SHE MUST HAVE REVENGE! 

The character development here is: Naive, talented girl playing with swords and magic, to RECKLESS KILLING MACHINE

Key word is reckless. Here I was, good with the first half of the book. Sure it was fast-paced, but I get it, this is meant for a younger audience. But then, in the last parts of the book, we see a reckless, stupid decision-making main character, who I want to bash on the head multiple times.

Example: 

Nihal's Superior (Ido): "Nihal, don't get close to the dragon because he might hurt you. He's not used to a new rider yet"

Nihal: *gets close to the dragon*

Dragon: *breathes fire on her*

Nihal: "I'M SORRY I'LL NEVER DISOBEY YOU AGAIN!"

Nihal's Superior (Ido): "Nihal, you can't ride the dragon yet. I have to train you properly, and I will have a have a day of important business to attend to"

Nihal: *rides the dragon without supervision anyways*

Dragon: *goes crazy*

Nihal: "I'M SORRY I'VE LEARNT MY LESSON!"

Nihal's Superior (Ido): "Nihal, you are not going into battle today because you need to control your feelings. Stay here!"

Nihal: *sneaks away to join the army into battle*

Nihal: *doesn't retreat and gets wounded*

On the other hand, I did like this one scene, where in order for Nihal to enter into the Dragon Academy to become a dragon soldier, she had to earn her place. The general didn't want a girl in his academy, so he made an outrageous deal with her. If she could defeat 10 of his top soldiers, she would be accepted. And although it was very hard to believe she beat them all, I kept on rooting for her throughout the whole trial. 

Overall, I did enjoy Nihal of the Land of the Wind to some extent, well mostly the first half. It wasn't the fantasy novel I was expecting, and plus there really wasn't any climactic scene at the end, which was a bummer. Also, it doesn't seem like there will be a continuation of the series, since it's been 10 years since the first book (I'm so old). And please keep in mind that if you have read this in Italian, this is the English review for this book, because I can't read Italian. The translation errors could have an effect on my reading of the book. Maybe it sounds prettier, better in Italian? I will never know.

Thanks for reading my review. You can request this title at NetGalley if it's still available!

Top Ten Tuesday #12

Hosted by the Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Books About Friendship

Awww, now this is such a cute topic. I absolutely love the friendship between characters, especially when it buds into a romance. Although I haven't read many books that strongly focus on the friendship, here are a couple that I think are worth mentioning.

1. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
This book literally screams friendship. It's all about the friendship between Maddie and "Verity" which is absolute pure gold and also heartbreaking. Man, I cried so much after I finished this.

2. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
I absolutely loved the relationship between Eleanor and Park! I loved how they were able to bond between mixtapes and X-Men.

4. The Universe vs. Alex Woods by Gavin Extence
This is one is slightly unique, in that Alex befriends a grumpy old man, Mr. Peterson, and ends up starting a Vonnegut themed book club with him. It's basically like the movie Up!, except no balloons, South America, or Dug. Just an old guy with his marijuana. (Yes I know, this was a weird book)

4. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Another Rowell novel surprise surprise. The emails between Beth and Jennifer are hilarious, and it clearly shows how tight their friendship is.

5. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
RUDY AND LIESEL WILL FOREVER HOLD A PLACE IN MY HEART WAHHHHHH
Sorry, I got a little out of control there.

6. The Golem and the Jinni by Helen Wrecker
What really drew me into this novel, was the combination of a golem and a jinni, and their unlikely friendship. Like that is honestly one of the most bizarre combinations I've ever heard of.

7. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
This entire series teaches us so much about friendship and bravery and courage, AND JUST EVERYTHING. There's way too many life lessons. Really.
I do have to reread this series sometime in the future though.

8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
I think Charlie's friend group really helped him out in some ways or another. Though I don't really remember. Ugh I'm such a bad reader.


I am fresh out of ideas now. I only got to eight, ahaha.

What do you guys think about friendship in books? Does it tear your heart out as well? Leave your TTTs below so I can stalk ;D

Weekly Updates: Works in Progress

Hello again! I've just finished settling in back at home for a nice long summer vacation.

But instead of reading, I ended up just redoing my whole banner design. Well, I was planning to redo it at one point in time or another, but IT JUST HAPPENED. It's a work in progress though. I'm at the stage where I'm adding characters as usual (I've been wanting to only stick to book characters, but it is so hard! Especially when I can't find a reference for my favorite MCs)

Other than that, I do have a bunch of random updates that need mentioning:

I'm going to be participating in the Semi-Charmed Summer 2014 Book Challenge! 

I probably won't plan book ahead of time, I'll just read what I want and then see what points I can get. It started in the beginning of May and ends August 31st! I'm pretty sure people can still jump in and join!

I'm going on a road trip, starting next Monday! So I'll try to schedule as many posts as I can for the following two weeks, but I will have my laptop with me. I'll definitely get some TTTs up though. And also updates along the way of course.

I'm also participating in the Way of Kings Read along with a bunch of people! I mentioned this in my STS yesterday.

And that's it from me! I hope all of you had a very nice week as I did!