Review: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King by Christie Golden

Arthas: Rise of the Lich King by Christie Golden

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Publisher: Pocket Books (April 1, 2009)
Age Group: Young Adult/Adult
Pages (Paperback): 312
Source: Borrowed
ISBN-13: 9781416550778
Genre: Epic Fantasy

His evil is legend. Lord of the undead Scourge, wielder of the runeblade Frostmourne, and enemy of the free peoples of Azeroth. The Lich King is an entity of incalculable power and unparalleled malice -- his icy soul utterly consumed by his plans to destroy all life on the World of Warcraft.

But it was not always so. Long before his soul was fused with that of the orc shaman Ner'zhul, the Lich King was Arthas Menethil, crown prince of Lordaeron and faithful paladin of the Silver Hand.

When a plague of undeath threatened all that he loved, Arthas was driven to pursue an ill-fated quest for a runeblade powerful enough to save his homeland. Yet the object of his search would exact a heavy price from its new master, beginning a horrifying descent into damnation. Arthas' path would lead him through the arctic northern wastes toward the Frozen Throne, where he would face, at long last, the darkest of destinies.

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Overview:

I absolutely loved this book. I loved the writing style Christie Golden presented in this piece and I squeed over her work with Chris Metzen. I knew a lot of the pieces to this story but it was eloquently put together in a fantastic novel. It was the first book in a long while that I finished in 24 hours.

Review:

As a lore supplement, this book is great. As a book telling a story, this book is amazing! This book offered a unique experience for someone who has played the game, and would be a great story for someone who hasn't.

This book takes us on the full journey of the life of Prince Arthas Menethil. Destined to be the Lich King, the evil ruler of the Undead that plague the world, Arthas was not always so heartless and cold. In fact, the depth of this character is remarkable in his complexity. Arthas was (perhaps is) capable of love; profound and ever present love.

Our story starts with a boy who loves his father. Shortly into our story we see a boy who can develop and harness friendships that could span kingdoms. Beyond that the story grows into a young boy in the throws of his first and eternal love. Then our tale darkens to a young man, nearing the throne and expressing a deep love of his people; deep enough this love will cost him everything. But darker yet, our grown prince continues to twist within himself and develops a love of power, a power he now wields over his valued army of the dead.

In such a short span of a book, Christie Golden has absolutely painted a remarkable image of young Arthas Menethil. Power reading this book is the only way to satisfy your need to know more about this young prince. With her intensive research, her easy writing style, and the attention to detail Christie Golden has won my heart and respect.

I would recommend this to fans of fantasy who can shoulder the burdens of betrayals and tragedy as well as feel the elation of love. Without making this seem like a sappy love story (as it clearly is not) I walk away from my favorite parts of this book with the lesson that love can transcend good and evil; through the taint of power, love can survive.

Rating out of 5:

Review: The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

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Publisher: HarlequinTEEN (February 1, 2011)
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages (Paperback): 358
Series: The Iron Fey (Book 3)
Source: Library
ISBN-13: 9780373210183
Genre: Fantasy (Faeries)
Author: Website | Twitter | Blog
Series Reviews: Book 1 (4.5★) Book 2 (5★)


My name is Meghan Chase.


I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.


This time, there will be no turning back.

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This review & overview may contain spoilers for previous books.

Overview:

Compiling the events and excitement from the previous books, this book book picks up at the exact point the other ends. It is compelling to watch the series of events unfold as we watch Meghan and Ash get pulled back into world of Faery and Iron. The introduction of interesting characters is a bonus and the level of mystery increases as the False King tries harder to crush the Nevernever. The book is riveting and full of intensity and romance that will make your heart ache.

Review:

Yet again, Julie Kagawa has produced a riveting fairy tale that has won my heart. In this third installment in The Iron Fey, we find ourselves back in the land of the Nevernever and war has gripped this magical land. Meghan and Ash have been ripped back into the world of the faeries and now have the belief of the courts on their side.

With the fate of Faery on her shoulders, we have been able to witness Meghan as she grows through each book. In The Iron Queen, she isn't as whiney and confused as she was in the previous books and it is in this book that she fully embraces who she is. Stuck in the throws of denial, Meghan must quickly learn to accept her destiny if she is too save anyone, including herself. In this book, the concept of sacrifice is lurking around every corner. When to fight, who to fight for, and when it is over are all important questions that Meghan and her allies find themselves asking.

In this book, Meghan isn't the only one taking the forefront. In a daring act of unconditional love and devotion, we get to know Ash in an intimate way. Deep and rich in the lore of truenames, Ash has been deeply developed as a strong protagonistic character. If he had been construed as a heartless ice prince, this book changes it all.

In a tragic, yet empowering, ending we come to understand the finality that lies behind the love that Meghan and Ash share. In a gripping turn of events, we come to the end of Meghan's story, only to be set up for the journey that Ash will continue to take in The Iron Knight; Julie Kagawa has yet to disappoint.

Rating out of 5:

Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

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Publisher: HarlequinTEEN (January 25, 2011) 

Age Group: Young Adult 

Pages (Paperback): 363 

Series: The Iron Fey (Book 2) 
Read Next: The Iron Queen

Source: Library 

ISBN-13: 9780373210138

Genre: Fantasy (Faeries) 

Author: Website | Twitter | Blog

Series Reviews: Book 1 (4.5★)

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.
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Overview:

This book was better than the first. It was so full of deceit, betrayal and delicious evil. We are introduced into the reality that is the world of Faery and the hatred between Winter and Summer. The story is full of what it means to be faery and make the hard choices. There is a subtle change about Meghan that we learn throughout the course of the book that is finally revealed in an inspiring moment of power and loyalty. Battle in this book is more intense and more life-threateningly real for Meghan, Ash, and Puck which adds a whole new aspect to the world. It also has a solid, unrevealing, setup for The Iron Queen (Iron Fey #3).

Review:

This review may contains spoilers for previous books and/or very slightly, this book.

Picking up in a perfect continuance from The Iron King, this book starts in a land of unbridled cruelty and selfishness. As promised in The Iron King, Meghan is being held within the Unseelie Court by Queen Mab. Having spent most of the first book in the land of summer or iron, the beginning of this book rounds out the world, giving us a since of completion.

In the harsh coldness that is the land of Winter, Meghan finds herself confused, alone, and untrusted. Again, the saftey of the Nevernever is at stake and only she knows the full force of what is occuring. The interaction with our favorite scores of support characters lead Meghan on a confusing chase, always questioning who to trust while we unravel a new change the has come about in Meghan.

I was pleased at the mystery surrounding the re-introduction of Ironhorse and the depths to which this character has been created. I love Ash and Grimalken, maybe Puck too, but the addition of Ironhorse was so solid and pivotal to the story; it was extremely well written.

The plot for this book takes us across many lands while Meghan battles for her life and struggles, yet again, to save the people who do not believe her. The battle in this book was considerbly more well-written than in the first and had us on the edge of the seat, waiting to see who lived or died. Battles were never set up with a tone that hinted the outcome before it happened.

Julie Kagawa has again, crafted an incredible faery tale with a mythical level of magic and understanding. Through the span of two books, we have seen the characters grow and change in remarkable ways and we have been on the adventure of several lifetimes. I strongly encourage having The Iron Queen on stand-by in the hopes that you can continue Meghan's tale.

Rating out of 5:

Review: The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

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Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (March 9, 2010)
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages (Hardcover): 407
Series: The Forest of Hands & Teeth (Book 2)
Source: Library
ISBN-13: 9780385736848
Genre: Dystopia/Survival Horror
Series Reviews: Book 1 (2.5★)

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

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Overview:

Unlike the first book in The Forest of Hands and Teeth, this book was astounding. It had a combination of lies, cults, action, mystery, tragedy, danger...it had it ALL! The writing was stronger and the voice behind Gabry was stronger and more resolute, allowing more of a connection to her than Mary. This book also provided enough information on the Infection that I was left wondering but not questioning.

Review:

In a simple comparison, this book is the complete opposite of its companion, The Forest of Hands and Teeth. The most profound change is the character construction; all of the characters were created differently in this selection than before. Each character has a better connection, a deeper story, and more intriguing mysteries and destinies.

Gabry's story is intricately woven throughout the entire book. The connections that this book has to the first are so well written and important to who Gabry is; we begin to unravel the secrets of time along with her, and it is an intimate discovery of self. Gabry is such a timid character, a welcome relief from the standard rebel who is strong and can defy odds.

This book has a delicately crafted love triangle but, unlike its companion, doesn't centralize its importance; it is developed and featured as part of her journey as she survives with Elias and Catcher. This book is full of lies, confusion, mysterious cults, secrets, growing up, survival and so much more wrapped securely in the blanket of wonderful writing. Carrie Ryan uses this book to provide more insight into the infection which helps us understand more of the world that Gabry, Mary, and the others are living in. That was something that was absent from the first book, and now we have the opportunity to see and construct the timeline, the world, and its inhabitants.

In a dystopian novel, the why is the most important question and having that answered somewhat was a relief. Then to have that paired with beautiful character creation, this novel opened up with propelling action and ended in the same context. It was an edge-of-the-seat read from start to finish; I recommend having Dark and Hollow Places (Book 3) on standby.

This book didn't leave me with the sense of hopelessness that I was expecting. Unlike Mary, Gabry wasn't fighting for her selfish reasons to find something, she was fighting for others. Fighting the unknown, the mudo, and fighting for her life in the sheer hope that she could save them all...even...Annah.

Rating out of 5:

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

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Publisher: Scholastic (September 14, 2008)
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages (Hardcover): 374
Series: The Hunger Games (Book 1)
Source: Library/Bought
ISBN-13: 9780439023481
Genre: Dystopia

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

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Overview:

This book was everything that I was hoping it would be. From the moment I read the first page this story, Katniss, had me hooked. I haven't read a book this action packed that from the moment of the reaping to the very end that has a perfect setup for Catching Fire, I was absolutely enthralled in the action and the danger that Katniss faced at every turn; yet, she is a survivalist at her very core and the more we encourage the more she rises to the challenge.

Review:

There is a lot of hype surrounding this book and the movie that is in development; a lot of times, that can deter someone from reading or simply put a lot of unfair expectations on a book. This book lived up to all of its expectations and far surpassed them. From the moment the book begins, we are thrown into the world that Collins has created and I didn't want to leave.

The book picks up on an event called The Reaping where the children/teens are selected to attend the Hunger Games. From the moment it begins, to the moment that it ends this book is action packed and an emotionally packed thrill ride for heroine, Katniss. The plot of the story didn't seem like it would be as riveting as it was but the story is gripping and full of action that is used to develop Katniss as a character.

From other blood-thirsty teenagers to deadly mutations, Katniss faces it all in The Hunger Games; but away from the games, she fights the system. We are introduced to the world of 12 districts, hers being the Slums and scum, and a ruling government body that repeatedly reminds the citizens of its domination. The Games cannot be turned down, watching and attending the Reaping is obligatory, death is required; these are all ways the government beat the people down. It is depressing and maddening to consider life in that world, and yet it is so wonderfully addictive thanks to the work of Collins.

Through all of the negativity, doubt, and hardships we still manage to see Katniss survive. There are times we are afraid for her, there are times we shout her name, there are times we wish to sponsor her, and sometimes, we just give up hope; then, she prevails. She is a strong willed and powerful standing sixteen year old, carefully and expertly created with incredible depth.

The love interest(s) and male protagonist(s) Peeta and Gale form a carefully constructed, yet unique, love triangle. Peeta, the baker, the chosen...the enemy... Gale, the brother, the hunter and the one who got left behind. Katniss struggles in her search for emotion, never trusting the feelings Peeta displays and in turn, never seeing Gale a romantic light. She falls into emotional traps of loving both without realizing she feels for either. This triangle is so carefully connected that the slightest breeze could send it shattering to the gound and that makes it so uniquely intense.

Overall, this book was spectacular. From the characters, to the story, the history, and the emotions it elicited in me were all wonderful to experience; so wonderful in fact, I bought the entire box set days after reading the first book. I cannot wait to continue this series and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian settings or simply phenomenal books.

Rating out of 5:

Review: Divergent by Veroinca Roth

Divergent by Veronia Roth

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Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (May 3, 2011)
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages (Hardcover): 487
Series: Divergent Trilogy Book 1
Source: Gifted to own
ISBN-13: 9780062024022
Genre: Dystopian

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. 

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A lot of times, the excellence that is Divergent, is compared to its 2008 predecessor The Hunger Games. Having never read The Hunger Games, I was able to give Divergent its ability to wow me own its own, with no competition and it set an amazing standard. This book was artfully crafted to give you a fully created Dystopian Chicago setting in a world where true human nature is always prevalent.

In Divergent, Roth has created an immense set of sound and solid characters including the main heroine Tris, the male protagonist Four, and a slew of other support characters. The depth and connection that Roth provides to these characters is miraculous and fine tuned to include a beautiful array of personal and familial details. 

The concept of the Divergent is unique and one that helps round out the idea of the factions that she has created for the founding of the society. The society forces each person to look deep within themselves to fit into a model, a cookie cutter, of their personality and be manipulated into world peace but this book clearly and intelligently illustrates that that is not always possible and adds a realistic feel with the play on humanity.

The plot of this book was riveting; there was actually a point when I could not put it down. I understand a lot of people say that quite often but I say it with the utmost honesty. Once I was thrown into the whole plot of the book and the excitement built towards the climax, my heart was racing for Tris and I could not physically put it down because I had to know what was coming and by the end of the book I was exhausted. I felt like I had been on a nail-biting roller coaster for the thrill this book gave me.

Rating out of 5:

Review: Crave by Melinda Metz

Crave by Melinda Metz & Laura Burns

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 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (September 21, 2010)

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages (Paperback): 278

Series: Crave (Book 1)

Source: Library

ISBN-13: 9781442408166

Genre: Paranormal (Romance)

Shay could never do the things her friends could--never try out for sports, never go to parties, never fall in love. Because of the mysterious and incurable blood disorder she was born with, she can barely make it through three days of school a week.

But now, her doctor-turned-stepfather has a brand-new treatment that he thinks will change everything. And it does. As soon as the new blood starts pumping into Shay's veins, she has visions of a different life...Gabriel's life. She sees an orphanage, loss, fangs, blood, and lust that she can't explain.

Is Gabriel real? And if he is, could he really be what she thinks he is?

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I went into reading this book having nothing to go on but the cover and the synopsis; I picked it blindly off the library shelf and I was nervous. But sometimes, that experience is when we find the true jewels of the stacks and this book is one of them.

This book has deep and complex characters that tell their stories in dual perspective voice. Shay, the Sick Girl, finds an addiction to life; but it isn't just her life she is addicted to because there is Gabriel...Gabriel's life. Who is Gabriel? What is Gabriel? These questions compel her actions and her addiction and you find yourself wanting to ride the roller coaster with her; you want to experience life for the first time and with Shay, you can.

Through Gabriel's eyes, Shay has a remarkable connection to Gabriel and her unique take on life makes her stand out, makes him forget she's human...she's Shay. Love blossoms and grows into a complex relationship; one inspired through hope but started from desperation.

Their stories wrap into each other as you witness more and more of the history and the visions unfold until finally you hit the end. This book quickly replaced Twilight for me because of the elaborate character creation. Gabriel has true and sincere complexities unlike the popular Edward Cullen who simply feels he is a monster and dangerous. Gabriel has genuine family ties, clear and concise memories of his human life, his emotions, his last sunset; all the things that make him who he is. All the things that make Shay fall in love with him.

The worst part of this book is the cliffhanger ending. Towards the end of the book, the plot had me flipping pages and reading as fast as my eyes could cover the lines, the plot had reeled me in, I was in character heaven, then it was over. Gone. Done. Finite. And I am stuck in miserable suspense until Sacrifice releases in September. I long to continue my love affair with the Sick Girl and the Vampire.

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
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Publisher: Margaret McElderry Books (August 31, 2010)

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages (Paperback): 478

Series: Infernal Devices (Book 1)

Source: Library

ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-7586-1

Genre: Paranormal/Steampunk

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

This series is the prequel to The Mortal Instruments.

I am in my own little love affair with the works of Cassandra Clare. I was first introduced to her writing when I read the Mortal Instruments and was astounded; I couldn't put those books down, and now I lie in torment as December slowly approaches and the countdown to Clockwork Prince is on; The Infernal Devices have just whir-clicked their way to my favorites shelf!

Clare's writing style gives me all of the aspects of the story I crave; what is going on inside the main character's (Tessa) head, what happens with scenes that she isn't a part of and this is all wrapped up and protected in the sanctuary of a great story. Something else that I began to pick-up and love in TMI was that with Clare, you should never expect anything; she will throw a twist at you that sends your world spinning and leaves you turning the pages!

The sheer complexity of the characters is another aspect of this book that I am in love with; Clare does a phenomenal job at creating complex yet loveable characters; they aren't overtly whiny, some are dark and mysterious, others are frilly, while some are light-hearted and entertaining. Each character that is introduced, including support characters like Sophie, have their own intricate details that are illustrated that you get such a sense of world in Clare's writing style instead of just another character that comes and goes. Have I mentioned how much I love her character creation? I did? Good...because I love it.

Even more so about her characters is their growth. Tessa, the female protagonist, is set seemingly so rigidly into the defined gender roles of the Victorian London setting; but through Jace, Jem, and Charolette we witness Tessa's growth and acceptance into her destiny. We also get to witness the growth of first love; while TMI fans may have expected to fall into the same romance as we did with Clary & Jace, the triangle with Tessa, Jem, and Will is all its own and is so carefully constructed with the aspects of loyalty, compassion, desire, and admiration all the while all three of them maintain their own complex storylines/lives.

But a story can only go so far with the characters; the plot of this book only adds to its 5 star rating. This steampunk, historical setting is exceedingly detailed in Clare's depiction of Victorian London; it allows you to escape into the vision as if you were the one looking out the curtained, carriage window. She notes that for the most part, this description of London is geographically correct, she has successfully created her own world within the existence of our own; that which we cannot see. This only serves to add an aspect that I love in books...that, maybe, this could really happen.

I've never forayed into steampunk and was unaware that I was doing so with this book but I loved it. If you haven't read The Mortal Instruments fret not, this is a stand alone series; however, if you do read or have read TMI, you will have an amazing level of appreciation for the tie-ins, nods, and connections this book provides including the Pandemonium Club, Magnus Bane & Church! Be on the look-out in the remaining 2 books of the series for other pieces of history to the Shadowhunters and the families we grew to love in TMI, I am sure they will be there.