[Review: Wolf By Wolf by Ryan Graudin]

"Wolf by Wolf"
Author: Ryan Graudin
Series: Wolf by Wolf #1
Pages: 400
Genre: YA, Alternate History, Magical Realism
Date Published: October 20th, 2015
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review

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Summary:

Code Name Verity meets Inglourious Basterds in this fast-paced novel from the author of The Walled City.

The year is 1956, and the Axis powers of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule the world. To commemorate their Great Victory over Britain and Russia, Hitler and Emperor Hirohito host the Axis Tour: an annual motorcycle race across their conjoined continents. The victor is awarded an audience with the highly reclusive Adolf Hitler at the Victor's ball.

Yael, who escaped from a death camp, has one goal: Win the race and kill Hitler. A survivor of painful human experimentation, Yael has the power to skinshift and must complete her mission by impersonating last year's only female victor, Adele Wolfe. This deception becomes more difficult when Felix, Adele twin's brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race and watch Yael's every move. But as Yael begins to get closer to the other competitors, can she bring herself to be as ruthless as she needs to be to avoid discovery and complete her mission?

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Wolf By Wolf,

I've never read anything like you before, but now I know that I'd like every book to be as awesome as you are. I can't even put into words what you made me feel, but I'm going to have to move past that, because this is a review after all. You gave me a new look at World War II. I didn't ever want to imagine what it would have been like if Hitler won the war, but you made me see it. You also gave me one of the most amazing Jewish protagonists that I've read in years. All I want to say is thank you, and also thank you for just being the beginning. I'm beyond excited that I'll get to have more time with your story in the future!

-The White Unicorn

I really enjoyed Graudin's The Walled City, so when I heard that she was taking on an alternate version of World War II, I knew I had to read this novel. Though I knew I needed to read it, I never would have guessed that this novel would be what it was. It's flat out genius. Graudin's writing is perfect for telling the story. It's raw, it's heartbreaking, but it's also full of hope, and an extreme lust for life. She has this way of blending real facts, and the parts of the story that she made up, perfectly. I have to say that even though I know this book isn't historically accurate, I bought into it without a hitch. 

The past that Graudin created is horrifying. Seeing what could have happened had Hitler won World War II isn't something I've ever really thought about, but it clearly would have been terrible. I'm glad that this story is fiction. There's just no other way to put it. 

Yael is one of the best Jewish protagonists that I've read in a really long time. The fact that she has the ability to skinshift only adds to her appeal, but to be honest it's who she is inside that makes me like her so much. Sure, she's not always likable and she carries the world around on her shoulders, but she's a Jewish girl who's still alive, and everyone she's ever loved is long dead. It makes her mission, and her story all that much more touching. It's so strange to be touched so deeply by a character who is so harsh, but it's what makes this book what it is. The characters are brilliant.

Honestly, it's so refreshing to see a cast of characters like this. It's because Yael is pretending to be Adele, and because she is, it blurs the lines between who she is to the other characters. You start believing that she's Adele just because Adele's brother Felix, and her old flame Luka believe it. In fact sometimes Yael even believes it. It adds an extra layer into the story that's glorious. 

Felix and Luka bring a lot to the surface of Yael/Adele's character. I enjoyed both of their parts in the plot. I also have to give Graudin a shout out for the rest of the secondary cast. No one is left behind, even the dead, and I couldn't have been more pleased by the fact.

Add in the fact that Graudin's world building is perfection, and the fact that she weaves wolves into the story as often as she can, and you have a book that I think everyone should read. It's about the human condition, wrapped in delightful storytelling. We'll never forget the horrifying facts of actual history, and this book will make sure that you don't forget those events, or ones that we can only imagine. 

Rating:

5 Unicorns = Get your hand on this NOW!

[Review: This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee]

"This Monstrous Thing"
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Series: None
Pages: 384
Genre: YA, Alternate History, Steampunk, Retelling
Date Published: September 22nd, 2015
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via Edelweiss) for honest review

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Summary:

In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.

His brother, Oliver—dead.

His sweetheart, Mary—gone.

His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.

Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.

But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.

Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To This Monstrous Thing,

When I think of creative books, I'm always going to think of you. You not only are a retelling of a classic novel, but also an alternate history book. Those are some of my favorite genres, and you pulled them both off wonderfully. I really couldn't have asked for more from you. I enjoyed you immensely.

-The White Unicorn

Do you enjoy retellings of classic horror novels? Do you enjoy alternate history stories? Do you enjoy the steampunk genre? If you answered yes to one or all of these questions then This Monstrous Thing is the perfect book for you. Mackenzi Lee isn't messing around with her debut novel, and it shows not only in her story telling, but also her writing. She's created a story made from the bones of classic horror and a reimagined history of it's author. She asks the question, "what would happen if Mary Shelley got the inspiration for Frankenstein from her own life?" It's a question I never knew I wanted the answer to, but I'm glad that I have it now. 

The book takes place in real places. It houses characters that actually existed. But then it steers away from the norm and throws a Steampunk element into the mix. Lee gives us a industrial revolution that effects people. There are people that are fully human in her world, and others that have body parts or organs made of gears and metal. It's creates factions in the society, and raises some pretty heavy moral questions. It's the perfect setting for a Frankenstein retelling. 

The fact that Mary Shelley is one of the book's characters is an interesting move. When I read the back of the novel and found out Lee's reasoning behind making the book an alternate history piece instead of just a retelling, I liked what she had to say. I highly suggest that you read the afterword when you've finished the book. It's interesting to see the brothers that Frankenstein is based on brought to life. Literally and figuratively.  

I just adored Alasdair. He's a conflicted soul, but he always does what he thinks is right. He's likable, which isn't what people who know the tale of Frankenstein remember him to be. Oliver is also much more than meets the eye. He's not the monster we know either. The book looks at what makes us human, and what has nothing to do with it. Also, I enjoyed what Lee added to the story with Clemence's character. She's a winner in my book.

So, if you enjoy all the things that I've mentioned, go get your hands on a copy of this fantastic novel!

Rating:

4 Unicorns = Close to perfect!

[Review: Silver In The Blood by Jessica Day George]

"Silver in the Blood"
Author: Jessica Day George
Series: Silver in the Blood #1
Pages: 358
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Alternate History
Date Published: July 7th, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via Netgalley) for honest review

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Summary:

A New York Times bestselling author brings dark secrets to life in a lush new YA perfect for fans of Libba Bray or Cassandra Clare.

Society girls from New York City circa 1890, Dacia and Lou never desired to know more about their lineage, instead preferring to gossip about the mysterious Romanian family that they barely knew. But upon turning seventeen, the girls must return to their homeland to meet their relatives, find proper husbands, and—most terrifyingly—learn the deep family secrets of The Claw, The Wing, and The Smoke. The Florescus, after all, are shape-shifters, and it is time for Dacia and Lou to fulfill the prophecy that demands their acceptance of this fate . . . or fight against this cruel inheritance with all their might.

With a gorgeous Romanian setting, stunning Parisian gowns, and dark brooding young men, readers will be swept up by this epic adventure of two girls in a battle for their lives.

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Silver In The Blood,

You had a lot of things that I like going for you. You had sister-friends (who were actually cousin-friends), you had cheeky gents, you had a cool setting, and you even had a deep rooting in the Dracula legend. I loved that last bit the best, because you came at the story from a totally different angle than I've read before. Okay, so you weren't perfect, and I found you to be a bit wordy (which was something I both liked and didn't like) but in the end I thought you were a solid start to a new series!

-The White Unicorn

I've had the pleasure of reading quite a few of George's books, and so when I saw that she had a new one coming out, I knew I had to jump on it. I'm very glad that I did. Though I had a few issues with this book, I really enjoyed it. It was sweeping adventure, and it made me want to travel to Romania, even with all the creepy details. 

Fact: I love creepy details!

George's writing style isn't the normal fair in YA lit, and that's why I like it so much. It reminds me of the feel of a old classic, but it's less heavy handed than that. It's flowy and detailed all at once. It makes me like reading the story, as much as it makes it slightly hard to get into. I know that I sound like I'm contradicting myself, but there is really no other way to put it. Obviously, I have read more than one of George's book, so this is much more of a compliment as it is a complaint.

The book is drenched in Romanian history. George did a lot of research on her setting and it shows. I felt like I was on the Orient Express with Dacia, and dancing through Paris with Lou. Once we all got to Romania the flow of the book switched and everyone was thrown into a really strange family full of secrets. Which may or may not have to do with Dracula and his family tree.  

I did feel like the urgency of the evilness of Dacia and Lou's family could have been a bit more pronounced. I always had a feeling that everything was going to work out alright in the end, and I would have liked to question that more. I guess in a way, the format of the novel made it feel pretty predictable for me. 

The characters on the other hand were great. I'm not usually into dual POVs, but I found that I really liked getting to know Dacia and Lou individually, as well as together. Both girls go through a lot when they uncover their families big secret, and I found watching their transformations to be really refreshing. They both come into their own in some pretty big ways, and I liked that. 

All in all I found that this book was about a lot of things that I haven't read about before, and I always like those. If you like sweeping adventures, blood soaked evenings and strong female friendships, this is the book for you.

Rating:

3 Unicorns = I liked it a lot, but it had it's issues!

[Review: Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen]

"Lion Heart"
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Series: Scarlet #3
Pages: 348
Genre: YA, Retellings, Alternate History
Date Published: May 19th, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review

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Summary:

The eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure.

Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief.

Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape from the Prince's clutches, she learns that King Richard’s life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine demands a service Scarlet can’t refuse: spy for her and help bring Richard home safe. But fate—and her heart—won’t allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long, and together, Scarlet and Rob must stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England. They can not rest until he’s stopped, but will their love be enough to save them once and for all?

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Lion Heart,

I just loved you. I love your whole series, but you were a wonderful conclusion. I honestly couldn't have asked for more. Well, I could have asked for you not to be so historically accurate, so that I could have watched one of your characters die, but there is not much you could do about that. I'm so glad that we got to spend time together.

-The White Unicorn

I'm pretty bummed that these books are over. That being said, I am so glad that I got to experience them. Gaughen gave us a feminist, Robin Hood tale, and she delivered in all aspects in this trilogy. I'm sad to say goodbye to so many characters that feel like family. So much so that when (or if) one of them dies, I can't help but cry buckets full of tears. I'm not saying that anyone dies, but they might. 

As in all trilogy conclusions, Gaughen had the job of wrapping everything up, and she did a wonderful job. She gave us the happy endings, the bittersweet ones, and the ones that make you want to pull your hair out. The book mixes history and legend, and I have to admit that I wish that Gaughen would have strayed a bit from history and ended Prince John's sorry little life. But as real life goes, sometimes those types last longer than they should. 

I feel like Scarlet really comes into her own in this book. She's always been a clearly written character, but as all the mysteries of her parentage, and her past come together, she finds the bits that make her more sure of herself. The slow and extremely small progression that she goes through in all three novels is so carefully written that you feel privileged to have watched it.

The love story also comes to a head, and we saw a bit more of a sassy side of Rob. I have to admit that I think I adored him most in this book. He's so snarky, and I feel like he felt like he needed to fill in for John, and I'm glad for that. The romance was on fire, and yet didn't take away from the rest of what was going on. 

The conflict in this book wasn't as strong as in Lady Thief, but then again, it was still strong. Gaughen still made me hate Prince John and I feel like that says it all. 

All in all I couldn't have wanted more from this novel, and I'm so glad that I took the time to read it, as well as the wrest of the series. Read them!

Rating:

5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this NOW!

[Review: Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen]

"Lady Thief"
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Series: Scarlet #2
Pages: 308
Genre: YA, Retellings, Alternate History
Date Published: February 11th, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Format Read: Purchased Hardback

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Summary:

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again. 

-Goodreads
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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Lady Thief,

You know what I love? A book that makes me ugly cry in the worst way when I finish it. You know what? You did that to me. Just so you know, it makes me like you that much more that you made me blubber. You made me feel things, and you made me fall even more in love with all of your characters. Isn't that all you can ask for from a book, because I think that it is, and you fully delivered on that front.

-The White Unicorn

EVERYONE needs to read this series right now. If you haven't picked up Scarlet yet, get your hands on it, and then keep on going, because things only get better in Lady Thief! This book gave me so many feels, and I loved it for that.

Gaughen is craftsman when it comes to world building. She blends legend and history together in a way that makes you think that what you're reading is what really happened in England all those years ago. She connects you to her characters with her words and makes you feel like you are a part of Robin's band, and the horrors that they face. She isn't afraid to make her characters suffer, and the book is much better for it. In all honesty, I can find nothing wrong with Gaughen's writing style, and I'm a big fan.

Scarlet is back with a vengeance. Now that we know who she really is, her rough exterior is a thousand times more interesting. I love that Gaughen gives a direct view into Scar's thoughts, as the book is written in first person narrative. I think I could live inside of Scar's brain for more then three books, but that's all I'm gonna get. It's fun to watch Scar navigate her high born heritage. And if you think you know everything about her, you don't. Gaughen made sure to add plenty of more twists to Lady Thief.

The love story between Scar and Rob is on fire this time around. Where things were just starting in Scarlet, Gaughen let's things grow between them, and gives us a front row ticket to all the feels. Rob continues to grow as a dynamic character, and I can't wait to see where his character goes in book three.

Of course the rest of the band is back as well. We see a lot of Much and John, and my love for both of them grew a lot from the first page to the last. On top of characters that we've met before, Gaughen added in other allies for Scarlet, and I enjoyed getting to know them as well. I can't tell you who some of them are, but they are great!

Gisbourne also rears his beastly head, and if you didn't strongly dislike him before, you will now. I like how, even though he is clearly a villain, Gaughen gives him bits of humanity. It messes with both your idea of him, as well as Scar's, but thankfully, it doesn't change much. He's still pure evil.

I feel like I have nothing but great things to say about this book, and yet I feel like I can't even touch on some of my favorite bits without giving away huge parts of the plot. So, I'm going to end my review here and tell you that you need to read this series, and then we can talk!

Rating:

5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this NOW!

[Review: The Walled City by Ryan Graudin]

"The Walled City"
Author: Ryan Graudin
Series: None
Pages: 432
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Alternate History
Date Published: November 4th, 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review

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Summary:

730. That's how many days I've been trapped.
18. That's how many days I have left to find a way out.

DAI, trying to escape a haunting past, traffics drugs for the most ruthless kingpin in the Walled City. But in order to find the key to his freedom, he needs help from someone with the power to be invisible....

JIN hides under the radar, afraid the wild street gangs will discover her biggest secret: Jin passes as a boy to stay safe. Still, every chance she gets, she searches for her lost sister....

MEI YEE has been trapped in a brothel for the past two years, dreaming of getting out while watching the girls who try fail one by one. She's about to give up, when one day she sees an unexpected face at her window.....

In this innovative and adrenaline-fueled novel, they all come together in a desperate attempt to escape a lawless labyrinth before the clock runs out.

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To The Walled City,

Talk about gritty, that's what you are. You made my skin crawl and even though I'm not claustrophobic you made me feel like I might be. The city inside of you was like a character in and of itself and I enjoyed it--a lot. The fact that you are loosely based on a real place that once existed, makes me feel pretty disturbed, but at the same time you're a book that makes life seem a little bit more amazing and you show that no matter how bad it get's there is always a beauty to life.

-The White Unicorn

There are those books that make you feel tired when you read them and The Walled City was one of those for me. I don't think that that's a bad thing, it means that things are happening, that the pacing keeps you on your toes and that you're not sure what is going to happen next. Graudin has plotted this novel to exhausting perfection. Every page is full of something that will shock you and make you root for all of the characters.

Though The Walled City is a fictional place, it's based on the Kowloon Walled City that was around not too long ago in Hong Kong. The fact that the inspiration for Graudin's Walled City was real place puts a whole new weight to the book. These fictional kids could have been real people, dealing with things that, hopefully, none of us ever have to deal with. 

The story is told through the eyes of three different characters. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of multiple POV, but this book made me like it. Graudin used three pairs of eyes in a way that made the story flow well and gave us more of the story than we would have gotten with one POV. None of the main characters or their POV's felt like dead weight and each of their eyes were needed in telling this story.

Dai, Jin and Mei Yee are all connected in a way that is really special. Graudin could have so easily turned this into a love triangle and yet she doesn't. The book benefits from this on so many fronts. It gives the story room for romance and, more importantly, friendship. It takes three teens and gives them all a common goal. It does what so many other books refuse to do and I'm glad that that's the approach that Graudin chose to take. 

The book is filled with every dark theme you can think of. Prostitution, drugs, murder, domestic violence, gangs and more. It's intense, but it's a story that is more than those things. The focus on family lightens the load and shines a light on things that might be a bit much for the normal reader. It's something that really makes the power of family stand on it's own feet and that might just be my favorite thing about the book in general!

Rating:

 4 Unicorns = Close to perfect!

[Review: The Spiritglass Charade by Colleen Gleason]

"The Spiritglass Charade"
Author: Colleen Gleason
Series: Stoker & Holmes #2
Pages: 360
Genre: YA, Mystery, Steampunk
Date Published: October 7th, 2014
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via Edelweiss) for honest review

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Summary:

After the Affair of the Clockwork Scarab, Evaline Stoker and Mina Holmes are eager to help Princess Alix with a new case. Seventeen-year-old Willa Aston is obsessed with spiritual mediums, convinced she is speaking with her mother from beyond the grave. What seems like a case of spiritualist fraud quickly devolves into something far more menacing: someone is trying to make Willa "appear lunatic," using an innocent-looking spiritglass to control her. The list of clues piles up: an unexpected murder, a gang of pickpockets, and the return of vampires to London. But are these events connected? As Uncle Sherlock would say, "there are no coincidences." It will take all of Mina's wit and Evaline's muscle to keep London's sinister underground at bay.

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To The Spiritglass Charade,

Every single time you're story wraps me up in it's pretty words and mesmerizes me. I have to admit that I enjoyed myself completely while I was shoving my face into your pages. It's books like you and your predecessor that prove that a well written mystery is always something to make time for. The setting and characters that you house have become some of my favorites and they are only becoming more so. By George, you've done it again!

-The White Unicorn

I was excited to dive into the second installment of the Stoker & Holmes books and let's just say that I wasn't disappointed with the outcome. Gleason has brought back our favorite characters in bigger and better ways this time around and I have to say that I enjoyed every single minute of this steampunk mystery.

I have to comment on the fact that it's been awhile since I read the first book, but I feel like Gleason did a lot of character building this time around. The set up story is done and now she gets the chance to throw our girls into even more messy messes since we already know who they are. Gleason also shows us more of the girls personalities and even though I enjoyed them the first time around, I have to say that I adored them to pieces this time. Mina and Evaline are both snarky and witty on a whole new level and it really worked for me. They act like the girls that they've been raised to be, but they also have these secret kickass sides that we get to see. 

I love the fact that Mina and Evaline aren't best pals. It adds this consistent tension to the story. They work so well together and they respect each other, but they don't depend on each other. It's a very different feel then we normally get in YA lit and I commend Gleason for creating such a dynamic relationship between our leading ladies. She gives them their own identities and it makes reading her books fascinating. Where a lot of books would have the girls depending on each other or the males in their lives, Mina and Evaline are fully capable of kicking ass and taking names by themselves... in most cases. But that's what having a partner and a slew of talented friends is for, those moments where you can't do it on your own.

Of course the boys are back as well. Dylan is still trying to get back to 2016 and trying not to fall for Mina. Grayling is still running around trying to outwit the girls and "keep them safe". Pix is still keeping to the shadows and making Evaline swoon. Gleason is taking her time developing them and there is still a lot of mystery surrounding all of them, which works well with her feminist plot line. Plus, as a reader it keeps me interested in all three of them.

The actual plot line of The Spiritglass Charade is one that I could go on and on about, but that would lead to spoilers, and God knows you'd hate me if I gave you those. I will say that Gleason is a Queen when it comes to weaving a story. So much more happens in the book then Willa's supposed insanity. Gleason has a way of hiding the real mysteries out in the open and keeping you busy with the little details. In this way, it's always a surprising pay off to me, as a reader in the end. 

I'm excited to know that there will be more Stoker & Holmes books. At least, I think there will be? I mean, with an ending like that, you know that Gleason has a lot more planned for her extensive and exciting cast of characters in the future. I for one can't wait for the next mystery to be released out in the wild!

Rating:

4 Unicorns = Close to perfect!   

[Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd Give To People Who Have Never Read YA Historical Fiction]

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly linkup hosted by The Broke And The Bookish!

 

I'm a huge fan of Historical Fiction novels. I think that they are some of my favorites. I guess it stems from being able to learn about history and having a captivating story at the same time. Sure, it's not always 100% accurate, but once again, it is called fiction for a reason. Here is my list of Historical Fiction for people who haven't read it before...

 

 

 

 

"Code Name Verity" and "Rose Under Fire" by Elizabeth Wein: These books are companion novels, but you can read them separately and out of order. They take place during World War II and both stories gives us a different look into the war by featuring female pilots in the Royal Navel Fleet!

"In the Shadow of Blackbirds" by Cat Winters: This book dives us right into World War I. It deals heavily with spiritualism, the Spanish Influenza and a wonderful creepiness factor. It doesn't focus 100% on the war and dips into other issues on top of it!

"Prisoner of Night and Fog" by Anne Blankman: What if you were raised as Hitler's niece in Nazi occupied Germany? That's what this book asks. It's wonderfully terrifying and gives us an inside look into Hitler's rise to power all through his fictitious niece.

"All the Truth That's in Me" by Julie Berry: This one is a bit of a shocker. The main character vanishes and when she comes back part of her tongue is missing, leaving her in silence. It's not clear when this book is set, but it's definitely Historical Fiction and the writing is brilliant!

"Rouge" by Leigh Talbert Moore: I love this book so much. It's a New Adult set in a cabaret in New Orleans at the turn of the century. It's twisted and dark and delightful. If you're in the mood for a NA, this is one to check out!

"The Diviners" by Libba Bray: Okay, so this book is a beast, but reading all 600+ pages is totally worth it. This one is set in the roaring 20s and has all the normal trappings, but on top of that, murders are going on! It's one heck of a thrill ride!

"A Mad, Wicked Folly" by Sharon Biggs Waller: This book is set in London in 1909 and features all the wonderfulness. A female artist who is a feminist is the main reason that this one is so amazing. It's also cool to see what the early feminist movement looked like over the pond.

"Tsarina" by J. Nelle Patrick: This book gives us a good look into what the war was like that lead to the Romanov takeover in Russia. It doesn't focus on the royal family, so if that's what you're looking for, this isn't that. On the other hand I loved the detail that went into this book. There might also be a magical egg...

"Witchstruck" by Victoria Lamb: Do you like Tudor England, witches and political intrigue? Well, if that's the case, this one is for you. Princess Elizabeth even plays a large role and the court life is as interesting as the "way out in the middle of nowhere" life. 

 

Well there's my list!  What's on yours?  I wanna know.  Leave your link below or tell me in the comments!   

[Waiting On Wednesday: The Spiritglass Charade]

Waiting On Wednesday happens every week on Wednesdays (hence the name) and is hosted by Breaking The Spine.  It's were people talk about the books they want to read about that aren't out yet.

My pick this week is...

"The Spiritglass Charade"
Author: Colleen Gleason
Release Date: October 7th, 2014

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Summary:

After the Affair of the Clockwork Scarab, Evaline Stoker and Mina Holmes are eager to help Princess Alix with a new case. Seventeen-year-old Willa Aston is obsessed with spiritual mediums, convinced she is speaking with her mother from beyond the grave. What seems like a case of spiritualist fraud quickly devolves into something far more menacing: someone is trying to make Willa "appear lunatic," using an innocent-looking spiritglass to control her. The list of clues piles up: an unexpected murder, a gang of pickpockets, and the return of vampires to London. But are these events connected? As Uncle Sherlock would say, "there are no coincidences." It will take all of Mina's wit and Evaline's muscle to keep London's sinister underground at bay.

-Goodreads

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I adored the first book in this series, even if it wasn't perfect and I can't wait to see what Miss Stoker and Miss Holmes are up to this time. The word is imaginative and so awesome. If you haven't read The Clockwork Scarab, do it!

What are you waiting on this week?  I wanna know!       

[Review: Tsarina by J. Nelle Patrick]

"Tsarina"
Author: J. Nelle Patrick
Series: ?
Pages: 331
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction/Alternate History
Date Published: February 27th, 2014
Publisher: Razorbill
Format Read: Hardcover from the library

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Summary:

Natalya knows a secret.
A magical Faberge egg glows within the walls of Russia's Winter Palace.
It holds a power rooted in the land and stolen from the mystics.
A power that promises a life of love for her and Alexei Romanov.
Power, that, in the right hands, can save her way of life.
But it's not in the right hands.

-Goodreads 

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Tsarina,

Thanks for being, what I think is, the perfect version of an alternate history novel! You played at twisting things and adding a (slightly goofy) magical flare to a time in history that was scary and sad. You gave us real people as characters and you gave us fake characters that were able to tell your story. Sure you flubbed a few things to make your story work, but isn't that how you make a story work? You were so atmospheric and chaotic and I loved every minute that I was in your beautifully written pages!

-The White Unicorn

Guys, this book is so gorgeously written. Patrick has this way with words. Her sentences are beautiful and the flow of her writing is perfect for this story. It's just gritty enough to make the horrors happening in Russia feel real, while also capitalizing on the glitz and glory that was Romanov ruled Russia. This story is masterfully told, even if some of magical realism made me chuckle. The fact that Patrick could take the known facts about the Romanov's and the political things that were swirling around them and add a magical element that, for all intensive purposes, worked tells you just how good of a story teller she is.

The three main characters that we are introduced to never existed, but they show us both sides of the war as it's unfolding and escalating to the end of the Russia that they all grew up in. Natalya is spunky and headstrong. She's also a bit rash and hasty in her choices, which caused me to roll my eyes at her. That being said I liked her and I felt like emotionally she was fully realized, even if she wasn't always the smartest cookie in the jar. Emilia started out soft. She was the best friend who didn't seem to have any backbone and then out of nowhere she became a bit of a badass and I loved that about her. Leo is a red. He's everything that Natalya and her family are against and I loved the tension between the two of them. I found him to be a fascinating character and I liked that Patrick decided to give us a look into that side of the revolution. We see so much of the Romanov side of things, so I thought that was a smart move on her part.

We don't see much of the royal family, so if you think that's what you're going to be getting, you're wrong. This really worked for me, but I can see it coming as surprise for some. Alexei shows up for a chapter and a half, but then the chaos hits and he goes from a character to someone who is mentioned a lot. Patrick flubs his age in a way that makes him seemingly ageless, even though we know that he died when he was 13. Which makes his relationship with Natalya a little weird, but who's really paying attention to that. 

Tsarina is driven by a love story between a doomed monarch and his lady love and the magical egg that's keeping him healthy and is also keeping his family in power. Patrick could have changed history in her novel, but instead she stays true to the facts and I'm so glad that she did. I mean, there was no magical egg, but most of the rest of hr story is drenched in history and you can tell that she really did her homework. 

In the end, I really enjoyed this book. I think it's fantastical and fun and if you take the weird egg out of the mix you have a really interesting historical fiction novel. It's a book about love and how that love changes and the crazy things that life throws at you. If you don't mind magical realism and you like Romanov Russia, read this one!

Rating:

4 Unicorns = Close to perfect!

[Review: Witchfall by Victoria Lamb]

"Witchfall"
Author: Victoria Lamb
Series: The Tudor Witch Trilogy #2
Pages: 336
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Alternate History
Date Published: March 25th, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format Read: eARC provided my publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review

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Summery:

Her darkest dreams are coming true;

In Tudor England, 1555, Meg Lytton has learned how powerful her magick gift can be. But danger surrounds her and her mistress, the outcast Princess Elizabeth. Nowhere is safe in the court of Elizabeth's fanatical sister, Queen Mary. And as the Spanish Inquisition's merciless priests slowly tighten their grip on the court, Meg's very dreams are disturbed by the ever-vengeful witchfinder Marcus Dent.

Even as Meg tries to use her powers to find guidance, something evil arises, impervious to Meg's spells and hungry to control England's fate. As Meg desperately tries to keep her secret betrothed, the Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, out of harm's way, caution wars with their forbidden desire. And with her most powerful enemy poised to strike, Meg's only chance is a heartbreaking sacrifice.

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Witchfall,

Hey there book, it was nice of you to be as awesome as you were.  I liked your big sister, "Witchstruck" a lot and I was looking forward to reading you.  I'm glad that you didn't suck and that you didn't even have middle book syndrome.  It made reading you a really pleasant experience.  This could have gone a lot differently, but you did me right!  You gave me the right hint of romance, the fun of a good mystery and even more historical figures.  Well done!

-The White Unicorn

It's always great when a author delivers a grand second novel in a trilogy.  So often the middle book is filled with all the boring, little, middle bits of a story, but "Witchfall" is not one of those books.  It starts off pretty much where "Witchstruck" left off and rushes us into Meg's newest adventure with all of her old pals.  

Once again Lamb creates a world that is so historically detailed that it's fun to dive into.  Of course she adds her own elements into these well known English facts, but the story is rooted in reality, even if it goes off course to give us a thrill ride where witches actually have powers and real royal Princesses have too much attitude.  

This time around Princess Elizabeth and Meg aren't being held captive anymore.  They are in the walls of court (which is basically still a prison).  The Inquisition is strong, Queen Mary may or may not be pregnant, The King is flirting with Elizabeth and everyone is running around pretending to be devote Catholics and not witches.  Or at least that's what Meg is doing.

Oh Meg, she's an interesting one.  On first hand she looks like she's so brave and then in reality she does things that just aren't that smart.  She's that kind of manic brave that doesn't work for everyone, but I find myself liking her for it.  She rushes headlong into things and ends up making some of the weirdest choices, but somehow they work out for her.  You want her to open her eyes so that she doesn't find herself in large amounts of trouble again, but you also wanna see where her guts will take her.  The girl has guts, even if she's not the best game plan maker.  Seriously, she's not the brightest bulb in the box, but it makes her real and interesting and oddly loveable.

Things heat up a bit between Alejandro and Meg, which I approve of.  Give me a doomed Gothic romance and you'll be my friend for life.  Also the Princess is just as snarky as ever and even though she's not healthy most of the book, she still gets her two words in.  Over and over again.  Meg's brother shows up and there are a few new players this time around too.  They add to the plot and they're so much fun.  

Over all I'm really pleased with this book and I'm a huge fan of the trilogy!  If you haven't given it a shot, you should!  For those of you who are curious, here is my review of "Witchstruck".

Rating:

4 Unicorns = Close to perfect!

[Review: The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason]

"The Clockwork Scarab"
Author: Colleen Gleason
Series: Stoker and Holmes #1
Pages: 356
Genre: YA, Alternate-History, Steampunk Mystery
Date Published: September 17th, 2013
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via Edelweiss) for honest review

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Summary:

Evaline Stoker and Mina Holmes never meant to get into the family business. But when you’re the sister of Bram and the niece of Sherlock, vampire hunting and mystery solving are in your blood. And when two society girls go missing, there’s no one more qualified to investigate.

Now fierce Evaline and logical Mina must resolve their rivalry, navigate the advances of not just one but three mysterious gentlemen, and solve murder with only one clue: a strange Egyptian scarab. The stakes are high. If Stoker and Holmes don’t unravel why the belles of London society are in such danger, they’ll become the next victims.

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

This book combines some of my favorite things.  Egyptian mythology, an alternate version of London and two kick ass heroines who don't mess around.  Gleason has this way with words that pulls you in and she somehow manages to pull off that feeling of an old Sherlock Holmes mystery novel (or a movie version for that matter).  It's fast paced and the use of duel points of view keeps you just enough in the dark that you don't know everything and yet you know more then both our main characters do.  The story keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps you interested till the very end.

Evaline and Mina couldn't be more different and Gleason uses that to her advantage.  Evaline is a beauty, taught in all the ways of society.  She's also the family's inherent vampire slayer, even though she doesn't have the disposition for it.  I loved that she's Bram's half sister, it creates an interesting family dynamic.  Mina on the other hand has an extremely famous uncle (he's Sherlock Holmes) and she has trained so that she's almost good enough to give her Uncle a run for his money.  She's got all the guts in the world and absolutely no idea how to act in society.  It's fun to watch these two girls interact.  They clash and they don't know what to do as a team and yet they've been thrown together as one.  Watching them learn how to be a well oiled crime solving machine was really enjoyable.  I kinda loved both of these girls for different reasons.  They're just a well balanced pairing and what's better then unlikely allies? 

The world building was also really interesting and vivid.  I've been reading quite of bit of this whole Alternate-History thing lately and I have to say that Gleason excels in creating a version of Steampunk London that is consistent and breathtaking.  She's really good at creating little details and weaving them into everything.  I felt fully immersed in the world that she wrote her story into.

The mystery itself was quite a lot of action packed fun as well.  Grizzly murders involving young girls of high society and an Egyptian cult.  Sign me up!  Gleason keeps you guessing and guessing and guessing some more.  Seriously, there is a lot of guessing going on.  It was also interesting that she pulled Sherlock's female nemesis Irene Adler in to be the one who contracts the girl's under the order of The Princess Alexandra of England. 

Three fellows grace the pages as well.  That's right, we have three love interests.  Some are more subtle than others, but each of these gents adds something into the mix.  

Pix seems to be a thief, though I can't be so sure.  He keeps bumping into Evaline in dark corners.  They have this wonderful, offbeat kind of chemistry that I enjoy reading.  Though we are kept pretty much in the dark, were he is concerned.

Dylan Eckhart is from the future.  This was one of the things that I didn't love about the novel, though I did really like Dylan and the fact that he kept mentioning things that neither Mina or Evaline knew about and carrying around his iPhone, I found the time travel arc really weird.  He's charming, he's sweet and he's totally stoked that he's meeting all these people who've been dead for about 100 years.  It's just that Gleason didn't really utilize the time travel thing very much.  This being the 1st book, I'm hoping that it plays more of a role in later books.

And last but not least we have my personal favorite: Inspector Ambrose Grayling.  Not only is he a feisty cop who challenges Mina in her deduction skills, he's also got these underlining bad boy traits.  He doesn't call attention to them, but man oh man are they there.

All in all I deduce that this book was a really good one.  No, it wasn't perfect and the whole time travel thing makes me drop the rating down a star, but that being said I think this is a really good book.  It's got a world that sucks you in, two main characters with a lot going on, a decently interesting mystery and a good dose of exciting fun.  I can't wait to see where Gleason takes the story in the next book and I want to know the answers to my unanswered questions, even though I have my guesses!

Rating:

 4 Unicorns = Close to perfect!

[Review: WItchstruck by Victoria Lamb]

"Witchstruck"
Author: Victoria Lamb
Series: The Tudor Witch Trilogy #1
Pages: 304
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Alternate History
Date Published: September 24th, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format Read: eARC provided by the publisher (via Edelweiss) for honest review

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Summary:

Meg Lytton has always known of her dark and powerful gift. Raised a student of the old magick by her Aunt Jane, casting the circle to see visions of the future and concocting spells from herbs and bones has always been as natural to Meg as breathing. But there has never been a more dangerous time to practise the craft, for it is 1554, and the sentence for any woman branded a witch is hanging, or burning at the stake.

Sent to the ruined, isolated palace of Woodstock to serve the disgraced Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and half-sister of Queen Mary, Meg discovers her skills are of interest to the outcast princess, who is desperate to know if she will ever claim the throne. But Meg's existence becomes more dangerous every day, with the constant threat of exposure by the ruthless witchfinder Marcus Dent, and the arrival of a young Spanish priest, Alejandro de Castillo, to whom Meg is irresistibly drawn - despite their very different attitudes to her secret.

Thrilling and fast-paced, this is the first unputdownable story in a bewitching new series.

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

It has come to my attention that I love alternate history in my books.  Witchstruck is yet another shining example of why.  Lamb somehow managed to blend historical events in England as well as characters we know with elements like witches who have actual power.  Meg is as fictional as they come, while we all know that Elizabeth became the actual Queen of England.  The fact is that Lamb writes both of these girls in such a way that they both seem like they were real factual people.  It's so well done that you might find yourself looking through history books to see if there was ever any mention of Meg Lytton.  

There is a lot going on in the pages of this book.  Witches practicing in the secret, dark corners.  Conspiracies that could throw England into a huge fire of rebellion.  Catholics vs The Protestants and the consequences of being caught practicing anything other than Catholicism.  Witch trails and plenty of death to go around.  Lamb paints a world where you have to follow the status quo or be continuously checking your back to make sure no one is there to stab a knife into it.  Or in this case a broadsword or a dagger.  But what is so awesome about this book is it's heart, the heart that shows two girls coming to terms with who they are.

I though Meg was a really strong protagonist.  I like a self assured lead, who doubts things just enough that they feel real and Meg is just that.  She's trying to discover who to trust out of all the people around her and is practicing the dark arts in secret.  Only a few know that she is in fact a witch.  The secret is her burden to bear and yet she never really complains about it.  She's the type that always does the right thing, even when it feels like the wrong one.  Basically she's someone who you would want to be, for the most part.

It was also fun to see the way that Lamb painted Princess Elizabeth.  The would be Queen is only 20 in the book and is still coming to terms with everything that her royalty has bestowed upon her.  She hasn't had that easy of a life so her human reactions to what is happening around and to her really work in this book.  Lamb takes a historical figure and makes her someone that you can relate to.  She pulls her out of the history books and turns her into a real person.  Who knows if it's 100% accurate, and who cares.  I totally dug Elizabeth!

Now, let's talk about Alejandro.  Sure every time I read his name the Lady Gaga song would come to mind, but if this is who she was singing about, I now know why.  The man is pretty darn amazing.  He's close to becoming a Catholic priest and Meg is a witch.  Lamb uses these facts to build some of the sweetest, swoon worthy moments that I've read in a long time.  I found myself excited every time they interacted and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next.  Big points for a swoony, tension filled romance! 

So, to be perfectly corny, I can't help but admit that I was bewitched by Lamb's story of witchcraft and Tutor England.  If you're a fan of witches, swoon worthy romance and English monarchy then this book is for you.  This book was a wonderful start to what is sure to be a great trilogy.  Can I have book two please?

Rating:

          5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this one now!