[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: Of Dreams And Rust by Sarah Fine]

"Of Dream and Rust"
Author: Sarah Fine
Series: Of Metal and Wishes #2
Pages: 288
Genre: YA, Retelling
Date Published: August 4th, 2015
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Format Read: Purchased Hardcover

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Summary:

War erupts in this bittersweet sequel to Of Metal and Wishes, inspired by The Phantom of the Opera and called “relentlessly engrossing” by The Romantic Times.

In the year since the collapse of the slaughterhouse where Wen worked as her father’s medical assistant, she’s held all her secrets close. She works in the clinic at the weapons factory and sneaks away to nurse Bo, once the Ghost, now a boy determined to transform himself into a living machine. Their strange, fragile friendship soothes some of the ache of missing Melik, the strong-willed Noor who walked away from Wen all those months ago—but it can’t quell her fears for him.

The Noor are waging a rebellion in the west. When she overhears plans to crush Melik’s people with the powerful war machines created at the factory, Wen makes the painful decision to leave behind all she has known—including Bo—to warn them. But the farther she journeys into the warzone, the more confusing things become. A year of brutality seems to have changed Melik, and Wen has a decision to make about him and his people: How much is she willing to sacrifice to save them from complete annihilation?

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Of Dreams And Rust,

You made me feel all of the emotions. Every single one. Most books only give you a few feels, but you actually made me use all of my different emotions in less than three hundred pages. You should be proud of yourself for that. I honestly can't say how much that I enjoyed you, because I'm not sure that there is enough time for that. You're the best!

-The White Unicorn

I'm a Sarah Fine fan girl for life, so it should be no surprise that I pre-ordered this novel as soon as I knew that it was going to exist, or the fact that I started it the day it showed up at my house. As a lover of musicals, Phantom of the Opera has always been a favorite of mine. Mix Sarah Fine and Phantom together and you get magic. Of Dreams and Rust, and it's predecessor Of Metal and Wishes prove that. 

It's true that Of Metal and Wishes was supposed to be a standalone novel, but when Fine was asked to continue the story, she did. I think that the first book would have been fine as a standalone, because it's brilliant, but I'm glad that Fine decided to continue Wen, Melik, and Bo's story. 

This book reads really quickly, and it's not very long. I could have done with a few more chapters myself, but I think that Fine puts everything that needs to be said into the novel as is. I think I just didn't want to say goodbye to the characters, so I would have been pleased if this book would have gone on forever. But it didn't. 

Because the characters were so established in the first novel, we jump right into the action in book two. I like that we didn't have to wait for Wen to do something dramatic. She finds out that Melik might still be alive, and that she might be able to save him, and she rushes off to do just that. 

Melik becomes a really complex character in the book. I don't remember him being quite as dynamic in the first novel and I really liked where his character progression went this time around. He's conflicted about a lot of things and it shows in the way he responds to everything around him. It's also interesting to see the story taking place in his comfort zone. It adds something new to the tale.

Bo is who he's always been, and I like that while the rest of the cast has grown a bit since we met them in the first book, it is safe to say that Bo might have actually digressed. I love this about him. It makes him different. It makes him the wild card. It makes him the boy who does what he wants when he wants, which keeps us all on our toes. 

This book is sad people. Like the kind of sad that might mean that you should not read it without some tissues on hand. It's brutal, and it's beautiful. It's everything you want from a Sarah Fine novel. So read it. Just read it, okay?!

Rating:

  5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this NOW!

[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: Ensnared by A.G. Howard]

"Ensnared"
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Splintered #3
Pages: 384
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Fairytale Retellings
Date Published: January 6th, 2015
Publisher: Amulet Books
Format Read: Purchased hardback

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Summary:

After surviving a disastrous battle at prom, Alyssa has embraced her madness and gained perspective. She's determined to rescue her two worlds and the people and netherlings she loves. Even if it means challenging Queen Red to a final battle of wills and wiles . . . and even if the only way to Wonderland, now that the rabbit hole is closed, is through the looking-glass world--a parallel dimension filled with mutated and violent netherling outcasts. In the final installment of the wildly popular Splintered trilogy, Alyssa and her dad journey into the heart of magic and mayhem in search of her mom and to set right all that's gone wrong. Together with Jeb and Morpheus, they must salvage Wonderland from the decay and destruction that has ensnared it. But if they succeed and come out alive, can everyone truly have their happily ever after?

-Goodreads
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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Ensnared:

Parting is always such sweet sorrow and leaving you behind is kind of like that. I have loved the books that fill your series and even though some of your plot points bugged me. We can't love everything about each other. That's what makes a real friendship and you, book, seem to be a good way to end ours. That is until I decide to read all of you and your companions again. Thanks for doing you and all the creepiness that that implies. 

-The White Unicorn

I've had this weird, uncontrollable love for A.G. Howard's Splintered series from the beginning. The imagery is some of the best that I've read in a long time, and you get pulled into the dark, twisted world that she builds, without even realizing it. That being said I've also had issues with the whole series, namely a dude named Jeb, but I have to admit that I might have felt something like love for him in the last installment of this series. All in all I have to say that this has been a fun ride and I'm pretty bummed that it's over. I'm totally okay if Howard wants to write a few more novellas to go along with this series, that's all I'm saying. 

Ensnared is full up of all the adventure of the last two novels in the series. This time Al has to sneak through the cracks in a mirror to see if she can save the people most important to her, with the help of her father. Howard uses this chance to examine a different realm of Wonderland. This time we are in AnyElsewhere. It's where all the broken creatures of Wonderland come to play, so the creatures held within will make your skin crawl. The world building is once again top notch, and I love that Howard gives us a different view of her Wonderland. It really does play out well. 

I also adored the fact that we get to see more of Al and her father interacting. The family aspect of these books has always been something that I admire and Ensnared delivered on that front. It was also awesome to see what the whole story behind Al's father's family was. Howard even introduced us to a few new characters this way. And of course, getting Al's mother back was all a part of the plot. I do wish that we would have gotten to know Al's mom better in the scheme of things, but this is a small complaint. 

Of course there were also many of the original characters in play. Chessie has a rather large role and I love this version of him, so it's always delightful to see him out and about. We had a new fairy bouncing around by the name of Nikki and Rabid shows his face a few times as well. Throw in the evil Queens that we've come to know so well and the whole cast (plus some) were there. 

The reason why this book isn't getting 5 unicorns comes from the conclusion of the love triangle that Al has been in the middle of all this time. As a story teller I think that Howard was really clever with the conclusion. From a story telling POV, I can't really fault her with her choices and I think they fit well with the story that she has established. That being said, I selfishly wanted a different conclusion. I wanted something more definitive to happen. Al has always seemed a bit weak in her relationships to me and the end game didn't make her feel any stronger. I wish I felt differently, but I do not. 

I'm so glad that I delved into this world that Howard created and that I got to meet Morpheus, who still wins, out of all the characters she pinned, in my book anyway. He was perfect in this final chapter and I couldn't have asked for more. I mean except the one thing I wish would have happened for him in a nicer way. But what am I saying. I'm just showing favoritism, which I think he would approve of.

If you have ever been a fan of Alice in Wonderland, you need to read this series. The books are beautiful even if they are a bit flawed. But isn't that how all the best things in life are?

Rating: 

4 Unicorns = Close to Perfect!

[Waiting On Wednesday: Of Dreams And Rust]

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...

"Of Dreams and Rust"
Author: Sarah Fine
Release Date: August 4th, 2015

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Summary:

War erupts in this bittersweet sequel to "Of Metal and Wishes", inspired by The Phantom of the Opera and called “relentlessly engrossing” by The Romantic Times.

In the year since the collapse of the slaughterhouse where Wen worked as her father’s medical assistant, she’s held all her secrets close. She works in the clinic at the weapons factory and sneaks away to nurse Bo, once the Ghost, now a boy determined to transform himself into a living machine. Their strange, fragile friendship soothes some of the ache of missing Melik, the strong-willed Noor who walked away from Wen all those months ago—but it can’t quell her fears for him.

The Noor are waging a rebellion in the west. When she overhears plans to crush Melik’s people with the powerful war machines created at the factory, Wen makes the painful decision to leave behind all she has known—including Bo—to warn them. But the farther she journeys into the warzone, the more confusing things become. A year of brutality seems to have changed Melik, and Wen has a decision to make about him and his people: How much is she willing to sacrifice to save them from complete annihilation?

-Goodreads

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If Sarah Fine writes it, I will read it. It's really as simple as that. But it's also the sequel to one of my favorite books of the year!

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

[Review: Winterspell by Claire Legrand]

"Winterspell"
Author: Claire Legrand
Series: None
Pages: 464
Genre: YA, Retelling
Date Published: September 30th, 2014
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via Edelweiss) for honest review

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Summary:

The clock chimes midnight, a curse breaks, and a girl meets a prince . . . but what follows is not all sweetness and sugarplums.

New York City, 1899. Clara Stole, the mayor's ever-proper daughter, leads a double life. Since her mother's murder, she has secretly trained in self-defense with the mysterious Drosselmeyer.

Then, on Christmas Eve, disaster strikes.

Her home is destroyed, her father abducted--by beings distinctly not human. To find him, Clara journeys to the war-ravaged land of Cane. Her only companion is the dethroned prince Nicholas, bound by a wicked curse. If they're to survive, Clara has no choice but to trust him, but his haunted eyes burn with secrets--and a need she can't define. With the dangerous, seductive faery queen Anise hunting them, Clara soon realizes she won't leave Cane unscathed--if she leaves at all.

Inspired by The Nutcracker, Winterspell is a dark, timeless fairy tale about love and war, longing and loneliness, and a girl who must learn to live without fear.

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Winterspell,

Wow, I didn't know what I was getting into when I opened you up. I knew you were a retelling of The Nutcracker, which struck my fancy, but I could never imagine the dark, twisted journey that you took me on. You were filled with beautiful writing, intense word building and all the oddly sensual feels. You weren't dainty and vague like the ballet, you were bold and careless and I loved you for that.

-The White Unicorn

Winterspell is going to be one of those books that either works for people or doesn't. It's books like this that I feel are some of the best. They dare to do things oddly and they don't care what you think. Legrand has written a book that will leave you wondering how you never picked up on some of the odd themes of The Nutcracker ballet, even if you watch it ever single Christmas. Reviews are all over the place for this one, and I get it, but I have to admit that I'm in the camp of people who thoroughly enjoyed this captivating retelling of a classic.

Legrand doesn't pull any punches with her storytelling. She has re imagined characters we know into creators that we can barely recognize. She tweaked an elegant world that we're already familiar with and given it new, dark, sensual, creepy life, while still maintaining said elegance. Her words and characters bring the story to life as Legrand explores humanity as well as fantasy with edgy tact. Some of the content will make you squirm, but that's part of what makes Winterspell something that you can't look away from. Fairies are ruthless, the fact that Clara is in love with a statue (turned man) is weird (but no weirder than the original story), sugar is a drug and the rats will make you scream at night. It's perfect, and real life in New York is no less terrifying.

I do have to admit that I found fault with only one thing in this book. It's such a part of the story that I didn't mind it when things came full circle, but I have to admit that in the beginning I wasn't the biggest fan. You see, our girl Clara has a way of victimizing herself and her sexuality. There is this creepy pedophile doctor in her real life and every time he looks at her she blames herself for his wondering eyes. It pissed me off, but even though she continues to do this, it plays a huge role in her development later on in the book. Clara grows from this timid girl with hardly any self respect into someone who knows who she is so completely that it's hard to see the girl she started out as when the book is finished. So, in the end what started out as a problem became something that I adored about Clara's character development. She becomes something of a Queen, instead of the frightened young girl she starts out as.

Nicholas is quite an interesting one himself. His and Clara's love is strange. He's a statue that she talks about having feelings for and then, because of magic, he becomes a man. The way she talks about him as a statue is odd, but it sets the tone for the book rather well. Honestly, everything about this book is odd, which is why I liked it so much. The magic that flows through Cain gets in the way of their love, but things will be what they will be, in the end. I liked that Nicholas wasn't a saint. He'd done some really messed up things and you saw glimpses of the darkness even when he shone his brightest.

And then we come to Anise. Twisted, seductive, brutal Anise. She's a rather captivating villain. She's evil all right, but she has these moments where you almost believe that she could be better. She has this deep lust for love that takes control of her and it makes her feel human. But then, just like that she'll snap back into the evil Queen we know her to be. 

Legrand also makes a point to highlight other characters that we already know, while throwing some new ones at us as well. I adore the fact that none of these characters are full of light, each and every one has something dark lurking in their souls and it keeps things interesting. You're never sure who is good and who isn't. Plus, Legrand throws some curve balls at us that are rather unexpected. I want to say something about it, but I fear it would be a spoiler and I loved how much it shocked me, so I'll leave to find out what I mean for yourself.

This book is a whole lot Nutcracker with touches of Sucker Punch and steampunk. It's a jumble of mixed emotions and feels and sex appeal and humanity all rolled into one. If you like any or all of those things, you should read this book ASAP. 

Disclaimer: Though I say this book is full of sensuality and sex appeal, nothing graphic happens, it's more the tone of the book that I'm referring to.

Rating:

5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this NOW!

[Waiting On Wednesday: The Wicked Will Rise]

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 Wicked Will Rise"
Author:Danielle Paige
Release Date: March 30th, 2015

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Summary:

In this dark, high-octane sequel to the New York Times bestselling Dorothy Must Die, Amy Gumm must do everything in her power to kill Dorothy and free Oz.


To make Oz a free land again, Amy Gumm was given a mission: remove the Tin Woodman’s heart, steal the Scarecrow’s brain, take the Lion’s courage, and then Dorothy must die....

But Dorothy still lives. Now the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked has vanished, and mysterious Princess Ozma might be Amy’s only ally. As Amy learns the truth about her mission, she realizes that she’s only just scratched the surface of Oz’s past—and that Kansas, the home she couldn't wait to leave behind, may also be in danger. In a place where the line between good and evil shifts with just a strong gust of wind, who can Amy trust—and who is really Wicked?

-Goodreads 

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

[Review: Of Metal And Wishes by Sarah Fine]

"Of Metal and Wishes"
Author: Sarah Fine
Series: Of Metal and Wishes #1
Pages: 320
Genre: YA, Classic Retellings
Date Published: August 5th, 2014
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via Edelweiss) for honest review

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Summary:

There are whispers of a ghost in the slaughterhouse where sixteen-year-old Wen assists her father in his medical clinic—a ghost who grants wishes to those who need them most. When one of the Noor, men hired as cheap factory labor, humiliates Wen, she makes an impulsive wish of her own, and the Ghost grants it. Brutally.

Guilt-ridden, Wen befriends the Noor, including their outspoken leader, a young man named Melik. At the same time, she is lured by the mystery of the Ghost and learns he has been watching her … for a very long time.

As deadly accidents fuel tensions within the factory, Wen must confront her growing feelings for Melik, who is enraged at the sadistic factory bosses and the prejudice faced by his people at the hand of Wen’s, and her need to appease the Ghost, who is determined to protect her against any threat—real or imagined. She must decide whom she can trust, because as her heart is torn, the factory is exploding around her … and she might go down with it.

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Of Metal And Wishes,

Book, you slay me! I knew you were going to be great, but I didn't know how great and I have to say that you were pretty much the greatest! This note might be a little gushy and filled with too many greats, but who really cares. As a lover of all things Phantom of the Opera, I can say that you really outdid yourself as a retelling. Also, I'm a little sad that I have to wait a whole year to read the conclusion of your story. Way to leave a girl hanging. (see what I did there?)

 

-The White Unicorn

Of Metal and Wishes is one of those books that I just connected with. As a huge Sarah Fine fan I was excited when I learned that she would be tackling one of my favorite stories and twisting it into something new and different, this book became one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Let me tell you right now that it didn't disappoint me. This book is truly a work of art. Dark, creepy, fantastic art.

Many people know that phenomenon that is The Phantom of the Opera. It's taken many different forms over the years from movies and musicals and books, but Fine takes the main story and uses it as the inspiration for her own tale. She does it masterfully, leaving the overly romantic creepiness of the story intact, while adding so many different levels of her own creativity into the mix. It's a book that grabs you and drags you along for a ride that you won't be forgetting any time soon.

The world building in this book is top notch. Fine has created a world that feels both ancient and dystopian at the same time. She's created classes and factions of people that in turn help create this feeling of tension throughout the novel. The slaughterhouse setting is perfect for the vibe of the novel. The world building is compact. Even though it is small, it also seems incredibly large at the same time. So many creative details live in the halls of this slaughterhouse that you're never bored. Fine has a blast with all things Ghost and the fantastical world in the basements of the slaughterhouse shine.

Perhaps the best part of this novel is the characters themselves. Fine gives us a diverse character set with lots of interesting dynamics. Wen, is the dutiful daughter who holds a lot of angst within her bones, but it's not an angst that will turn you off, it's the kind that pushes her as a person and makes you root for her in every way possible. She's a bit of a badass and she can stitch up a human like nobodies business.

Malik was the perfect love interest! I was pleased that Fine decided to give him loads of backbone. In Phantom his role is always played as the gentleman. The soft one. But Fine didn't play that way in her retelling and instead gave us a male lead who was just as strong and ruthless as The Ghost. It makes the triangle and the love stories more interesting when it's harder to pick a clear winner, and I loved that.

That leads us to The Ghost himself. He's so different than any anti-hero that I've read and I adored him. Fine makes him someone that you can relate to, even if you don't agree with everything that he does. She gives him a back story that pulls at your heartstrings and gives him a charisma that makes you wonder why you like him so much.

The secondary characters are just as wonderful and they add so much to the story in their own rights. Fine takes the whole book in a really dark and sometimes disturbing direction, and it works. It works so very well. Honestly, I could go on and on about this book. For right I'll just say, if you have eyes and you like books then you need to read this as soon as it comes out.

Rating:

5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this NOW!