Love. Books. Write.

I love reading, mainly fantasy. All i want to do is read fantasy books and I will be one happy lady. So here is Love.Books.Write where I shall share all my reading habits in hopes of you enjoying them as well and maybe join the wonderful realm of fantasy. Carla Fletcher is aspiring to be something one day. She doesn't know what, but when she does she is sure to alert you. She is in her final year as a student at the University of East Anglia reading Film and English Studies. She is really enjoying it, and doesn't want to leave Norwich. Her favorite genres to read are Fantasy/Romance/Sci-Fi in both Young Adult and Adult genres...Remember to Love. Books. Write. Carla also has a Film Blog: http://moviemayhems.tumblr.com/

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March/April 2014 YA releases

I’ve read the first few pages of all of these on Amazon and, OMG, I need them NOW! Too bad I’m kind of broke (though I couldn’t resist pre-ordering Sea of Shadows and Gods and Monsters)

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Judge a Book by its Cover - #2

Welcome to 'Judge a Book by its Cover' segment - number 2.

I had the pleasure of reading this novel when I probably should have been focusing on my studies at the beginning of my final year at University which I have only just completed [possible hint for a job in publishing? I am shameless I know]. I recently remembered that the second book, 'Seige and Storm', of Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Triology was soon to be released in the United Kingdom on the 6th of June 2013 and went to buy it online. However, I've decided to stall purchasing as I was disappointed to witness that they have decided to publish the second book, and republish the first book, the same cover as the US editions in which the cover is completely different and which also goes by a different name, the first edition now being published in the UK as 'Shadow and Bone' when originally it was called The Gathering Dark. From what I've discovered the second book was meant to be published as 'The Shadow Fold' in the UK but I can't seem to find that cover or title anywhere and now I sadly will not have a consistent cover to go with the first book. Sad times for me. Anyway, on with the praising of the original cover designed by Sinem Erkasas and photo illustrated by Nathalia Sullen as seen above is just perfect. I think both artists have captured the story and romantic fantasy element is a rather admiring way. It has a certain intrigue to it I think: girl in the middle of a snow coated forest, searching/running away for something, a wondering soul. A midnight blue to encapsulate the gathering darkness of the heart and lust that could consume her. And the gold of the titles, border and simple descriptions stand stark yet also adds a certain sophistication, visually intriguing on any bookshelf of fantasy lovers. Love it.

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The Assassin's Tale by Kristen Jones

A lot happening to keep you reading; a tolerable start for any fan of young adult literature.

I like my assassin novels with a good level of intensity and attitude. The deadly art, woven into a plot of political intrigue, casts a certain tension and excitement that keeps you turning the pages and incorporates, well at least the ones I enjoy reading, a romance as seductive, dangerous and exciting as the art itself. However despite the title which suggests a tale about assassins Kristen Jones’s The Assassin’s Tale barely explores anything to do with them. There was, however, something that kept me reading, despite the fact that I found myself often getting continuously frustrated and often reeling in embarrassment into the corners of my sofa.

My main issue was directed at the main character, Mistral, and her attitude the novel refused to condemn in a way I thought acceptable. Jones allowed Mistral to bombard her way through the book without fully recognising the consequence of her actions or showing compassion for people who had and did so much for her. I would go as far to say that she lacked empathy and I was not able to connect with her. The Assassin’s Tale follows Mistral as she trains to become a warrior for the Valley of the Ri – a place for half-blood mythical creatures to be used by the Council in order to manage matters ranging from political to domestic disturbances from creatures, but it is also a place where they are welcomed and acknowledged when their tribes would otherwise turn their noses up at them. Mistral comes to learn a lot about the world she lives in and makes some wonderful and boisterous friends, who teach her and help her on her way to freedom, but there is more going on between the Ri and the Council, especially now that Mistral and her closest friends, the twins, have magical gifts that could be beneficial to a lot of people: good and bad.  

I found myself reading just to know what was happening between the Ri and the Council – corruption and the greed of man is always an interesting exploration. There was just the right amount of subtlety woven into the story and you knew when important information or hints were being given that would explained itself later, or in this case, lend itself into another conspiracy. The book, unfortunately (which I find myself being quite surprised at since I love a romance), was overloaded with the most frustrating relationship between Mistral and the deadly Ri warrior, and Mage although he refuses to use his power, Fabian. On Kindle The Assassin’s Tale is 789 pages long and the majority is filled with this ridiculous love and with Mistral unable to function at all when her Mage is away from her because she has ‘bonded’ with him spiritually; a zombie state similar to Bella’s in Twilight. I totally understood the concept, the whole ‘him being the one’ and to be ‘separated from him is like missing part of yourself’, but it was so embarrassing to witness a woman, who was strong and independent and did things from herself, to wither into a dependent and whiny being who constantly heeled to Fabian’s protective and possessive nature (I have read the second novel this factor only continues). I desperately wanted a strong woman like Kasta and Fire from the fantasy novels by Kristen Cashore, it would have shorten the novel considerately and been more compelling.

Despite my annoyance there were worthy aspects to The Assassin’s Tale. The friendships formed between the new apprentices of the Ri were very powerful, indeed an aspect that kept me reading as the humour and affection between the group was truly inspiring; you could certainly feel the friendship as genuine which was quite beautiful, and refreshing, to follow as it developed throughout the book. Jones most definitely crafted a strong bond and warmth between her characters. An interesting aspect I also found myself enjoying was the agility of the novel. There was always something going on whether it was a contract taken by the apprentices that developed their relationship, or a mission that offered an insight into the world they lived in or hinted at a conspiracy afoot. The story constantly moved so that, rather than gradually building tension in order to present a grand ending, it focused on their lives and how they lived it.

An interesting start, I’m interested in the plot, but it could definitely have done with a lot of work and development beforehand.

#1 - The Assassin's Tale

#2 - The Assassin's Destiny

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Sebastian by Anne Bishop

Anne Bishop carves a beautifully told tale with all the light and dark contortions of the heart; its rawness, its torment, its vulnerability and its ability to love.

I came across Bishop after searching for similar works to Jacqueline Carey who crafted the amazing series of Kushiel’s Legacy (which, if you haven’t read already I suggest you definitely start – beginning with Kushiel’s Dart Carey blends a compelling dark fantasy in an explicit and expressive celebration of sex and sexuality woven into a intriguing plot of politics); and Bishop, unlike Carey in its overt adult exploration, brings another facet of frankness to the concept of love. Although struggling at the beginning to comprehend this universe and the concept of the fragmented ‘landscapes’ that make up this world, which a few fantasy book I can think of are susceptible to, quite disastrously, if they continue to stumble with a complex idea, Bishop remedies this instead by allows you to experience the world through her characters; once you understand the concept surround the landscapes the idea is rather a unique and beautiful one.

The first novel to The Landscapes of Ephemera duology concentrates on the half-incubus Sebastian who begins to tire of his life, and his being, as a sex demon in the only landscape created by his cousin, the rouge Landscaper, Glorianna Belladonna that defines him: the Den of Iniquity, a land of carnal delights and a home for demons. Connected through bridges which take you to where your heart desires, one brings a woman, longing to be safe and loved, to the Den bringing Sebastian his opportunity to feel to humanity.  However the landscapes that make the world of Ephemera are in danger from an evil that relishes in all things dark and even the Den, a haven for the darker tenure of the heart, may be helpless against it.

Bishop paints a very romantic and tender story. Sebastian’s eagerness and his shyness to seize the kindness and nature of humanity drove this tale for me and the family and friends who offer the many kinds of love really captured the power and wonder of the human heart. The danger of the Eater of the World which threaten this, I shall be honest, I quickly read through. I wanted to savour the moment and interactions between Sebastian and those he loved and loved him instead because they were so compelling that ever moment counted. Sebastian was sensual and intoxicating in its simplicity and its stripping of human nature. I brought the second one on my Kindle as soon as I had finished and cannot wait to start reading, especially since it will focus more on Belladonna, the rouge landscaper and cousin of Sebastian who has already faced betrayal, anger, friendship and who has shown the biggest capacity of love and understanding – I cannot wait to read to see how Bishop explores and develops her character.

Definitely a fascinating read.

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Judge a Book by its Cover - #1

The phrase 'Don't Judge a Book by its Cover' I've always ignored when deciding what paperback book I will buy from my favourite bookshop and divulge in. Of course the blurb must always entice its reader, however for me if the cover design is appealing I will most likely get it. If I love the book I feel like its a double bonus. Having finally gotten a Kindle, after having many doubts preferring that enticing new book smell welcomed after turning its first page, I haven't considered book covers deciding rather on content, which is a shame, my Kindle Bookcase doesn't look as appealing as my actual book case and I'm not willing to pay over £5 for a book if its not actually in my hands where I turn its pages. Anyway, I've decided to include a segment 'Do Judge a Book by its Cover' in my blog dedicated to my favourite books covers, for I believe they are equally as important to the art of storytelling. 

This book cover design for Cassandra Rose Clarke's The Assassin's Curse by Sarah J. Coleman is perfect in its simplicity. It has an exotic aspect to the design, very similar to designs that give that Arabian feel, especially with its Arabian skyline style. And after reading this novel this design correlates well with its content: a daughter of a pirate clan who abandons her ship and ends up bound by a curse with the assassin sent to kill her by another pirate clan's son who she jilted at the alter. They travel across towns and places to break the curse. This cover just represent itself perfectly for its simplicity is beautifully intricate, and I am equally pleased that the second novel (which will be released June this year) follows this spectacular design:

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Cursed (Cursed Magic Series) by Casey Odell

The first instalment to Casey Odell’s Cursed Magic Series is similar to the typical young adult fantasy novels by Kristen Cashore, Maria V. Snyder and Cassandra Rose Clarke’s debut novel The Assassins Curse. Maybe not as refined but there is definitely something intriguing and alluring for fans of the young adults fantasy genre and is an enjoyable start to the series.

Cursed follows Claire Tanith forced from her small and secluded life, her village having been attacked by centaurs she never knew existed, and is sent by her mother into the forbidden forest with the puzzling words: ‘they will protect you’. Entering into the unknown Claire finds out that she shares a world with elves and magic. But magic has ceased to exist for over a hundred years due to the battle between humans and elves and when a miraculous mark suddenly appears on Claire’s arm, a curse for her but a beckon of hope for the elves, Claire is rushed on a mission with two elves: a mischievous Aeron and a brooding Farron (and of course as the majority of young adult fantasy romances goes I think we can all figure out where the love story lies between).

Odell’s brings us instantly into a quick and fast paced opening sequence with the attack upon Claire’s small home, which was well written, replicated the suddenness of the moment perfectly. Unfortunately this quickness followed into the story and for someone like me who reads a lot of YA fantasy, often the kind aimed at female readers, the build up of the plot fell somewhat flat and frustratingly the story bombarded throughout the novel recklessly making the understanding of the plot quite confusing. It needed a moment of clarity to better explain the history of the elves and what had happened for magic to disappear. 

However despite this the characters managed to keep the plot moving, the interactions between them funny and entertaining. And I love a good romance and am a sucker for characters trying to test the boundaries of each other, teasing and all. The interaction between Claire and Farron kept me turning the pages, and there are definitely a lot of moments between them which are always interesting. Farron is the typical mysterious and menacing character who appears annoyed at having to babysit the sheltered and curious Claire whose eager to learn, question and can stand up for herself, which is always commendable. However, her naivety of both the world and love for the General who ends up joining them on their mission I found rather annoying and I believe this was my main problem with this novel, for this relationship felt unbelievable and awkwardly foolish which (spoiler (?)!) was and it was easy to know, frustratingly, what was coming.

Yet despite this ‘curse’ of falling into the clichés of YA fantasy/romances novels (excuse the pun I couldn’t resist), Cursed is an enjoyable fix for fantasy and young adult fans who love a typical plot of young women who isn’t to do what she has to do and those small but intimate moments that always make the fantasy romance oh so sweet.  

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Finally! A Kindle Cover in a style of a Book! I have been looking everyone to get one of these in the UK. I found a fabulous site that was in the USA, but finally someone in the UK took this on too. Thankyou KleverCase! They have a lot of amazing designs. I was very tempted to get the Einstein's: Theory of Relativity just so that if someone asked what I was reading I'd be like: a fantasy novel about vampire, just for a laugh. I chose Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice for my design. I was considering waiting to see if they would do Persuasion, it is my favorite out of Austen's work, but I couldn't be asked to wait! I wanted it now. The 'My Kindle' cover is a very sweet and cute idea as well, but I've always judged a book by its cover so I wanted to wicked design one.  

So to all my UK fellows: treat yourself!

https://www.klevercase.co.uk/index.php

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Last Breath (Morganville Vampires) by Rachel Caine

A fan of the Morganville Vampires series, I did, I must confess, begin to get bored with the series, the same thing happening. What I enjoyed most about the series was the linking stories or the plot that would carry on for 2-3 books but be interesting enough to keep me going. Such as the story about Bishop, which got all very intense and came to a dramatic and brilliant end...or will it, I don't know, Rachel Caine is skilled at bringing people back and creating more chaos for the residents of Morganville. And Caine has came back with another twisted plot that makes the vampires want to run.

I was scared. To be fair, the setting I was in when reading it wasn't probably the best. 3am, in a house on my own, the door upstairs suddenly slamming shut from a breeze because I left the window open wasn't doing any good at not making me spooked. So, when reading about a creeping and mysterious person called Magnus, some creature that isn't human, not entirely a vampire and vampires are suddenly missing. This is a creature that makes the vampires run for their lives and probably wasn't the best idea at 3am to be reading.

But even so, I was amazed, astounded and absorbed again by the storytelling of Rachel Caine; of Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael as they once again try to save the town, but now the task seems even bigger and terrifying as ever now, and with Amelie, the vampire Founder of Morganville, not doing anything but planning an escape for the vampires, I was left gripping the pages. I can't wait to read the next book, with the story carrying on into the sequel. What will happen, I haven't a clue, but its going to be epic. I can feel it. There is so much going on and everything is just getting started. This has to be the darkest book of the series. 

I would also liked to applaud Rachel for writing some pages in the perspective of other characters, instead of it all being Claire's. It was really interesting and you could sense and knew which character was speaking. Except for Eve, I got a tad bored during her bit, but overall a really good start and attempt. Love it.

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Among Thieves (A Tale of the Kin) by Douglas Hulick

Welcome Douglas Hulick. He's new to the town of fantasy writing. But with a skilled hand of creativity and imagination Hulick sweeps through; he has been heard.

Amongst Thieves, Hulick's debut novel, is a story containing sword and sorcery novel, with all the fierce fighting, all the trust and betrayal and with all the excitement and energy. Drothe, a member of the Kin and a skilled man part of an organisation of thieves and murderers, comes in possession of a book; a book that for some reason everyone wants, a book that people have attempted to kill him for. Drothe stumbles upon a big mystery, one that has all the drama and intrigue that will keep you turning the pages.

Hulick is definitely someone equal to the works of Joe Abercrombie, who novels are one of a kind and out of this world; not as powerful and graphic as Abercrombie's work are, but slightly subtle which makes it as interesting. Hulick's novel appears almost real, something like a relic, something historical. Hulick stumbled upon a historical criminal jargon book which influences his novel, and this is definitely apparent through the book, which makes it feel so real. And that is a quality which makes Amongst Thieves interesting. All the emotions and the actions are powerful in this subtle way. Hulick brings a freshness, a new mystery that you must read.

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Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

The next instalment to Kristin Cashore's realm of Gracelings and monsters, Bitterblue is now grown up, is the Queen of Monsea and is left with the sad and terrible truth of her legacy; a land silently suffering in pain of the past, of what her father, King Leck's, Graceling powers did to everyone; demand obedience by controlling their mind with lies. Now, Bitterblue must bring this kingdom out of its heart and head ache, but with so many gaps, lies and people trying to forget and move forward, maybe the past could hold all the answer left in the fog that still lingers. 

Bitterblue is as fragile by the truth as her advisers. After having had her mind fogged by her father and having watched him kill her mother before her eyes she is as confused about her father's doing...what did he do that causes her advisers to desperately forget everything, who often shrink within themselves to escape her questions and Leck's torments. With so many gaps in the lack of knowledge of it all Bitterblue makes it her task to be a truthseeker, to understand. But diving into the truth is proving more tricky and harder as someone is frantically trying to stop her from doing so, and it may just be closer to home than she expected.

Cashore brings a most amazing and emotional read. The story is tragic, the emotions raw and desperate, and the sadness evoked is startling and deep, but beautiful at the same time. I couldn't take my eyes away from the pages, so heartbreaking and eerie. The terrible deeds of King Leck linger raw in the bones of everyone, and the chance for hope and happiness is a long long road, but one that Cashore divulges in a head held  high. 

Loved it. A brilliant end? to the world of the with Gracelling, Monsters and all types of people and walk of life. 

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Geist (A Book of the Order) by Philippa Ballantine

Exciting and exhilarating, Philippa Ballantine presents a powerful and vivid story, both dark and beautiful in her novel Geist (A Book of the Order). Deacon Sorcha Faris, with the fiery and powerful power of Active, is teamed up into a new Bond with the tranquility and sight of the Sensitive, Deacon Merrick Chambers; part of the Order, protector of the Emperor and guardian against the spiritual beings called Geist of the Otherside. Together they are sent to the a village under violent and dark attacks of geists, along with the Pretender to the throne Raed Rossin, who carries a mighty curse within in; a beast of the Otherside. But, at this isolated village the trio soon discover that there is more dark dealings going on; something big is about to happen which could change everything they knew of their powers and destroy their world. 

Thrilling is its story, which bears all the excitement of adventure and passion. Magical and captivating are its character, who bear a lot of power and emotions that are intricately brought before the readers. And the plot is coiled and woven with mastery, that you won't be able to tear your eyes from its pages. Geist is predatory. Once it has its claws upon you you become fixated. 

I can't wait to see what its sequel has in story. Beautifully written, as well as being vivid in its imagery, Geist is a must read.

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Poison Study by Maria V. Synder

It has been an awfully long time since I've given a review. I've been back at University, So I haven't had time to read books for fun. But I've sneakly been trying to do so around my revision, and this book made me want to plunge into my fantasy world of books again.

Poison Study is the first of this trilogy about Yelena, who becomes the Commander's poison tasters instead of execution for being found straddled to the dead body of a General's son. Her new life as the poison tasters brings so much more in opportunities, and we divulge into new beginnings, future and the dark hauntings past that continue to haunt Yelena. But, Yelena slowly begins to discover that she has magic, forbidden in Ixan under the rule of the Commander. As Yelena studies in being a poison taster with Valek, the Commander's number one confidant and assassin, there is more troubling matters to unfold which could put the country of Ixan in danger both domestic and from their neighbours who use magic.

An exciting and passionate beginning to this trilogy. I've re-read it twice and love ever second of it. Yelena is so entertaining, and Valek is so smooth and expressive in his own way that reading these to characters is so beautiful. 

This is a must read for those who love a good fantasy, and a brilliant romance. But with all the excitement and thrills of a brilliant story of action. 

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I am extremely...

...HAPPY, because MASTIFF, by Tamora Pierce has arrived! As has LAST BREATH by Rachel Caine. The review will be awhile, since I am at Uni atm and also work so, I WILL TRY my hardest to read. I miss reading for fun.

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I love the Kushiel books! I'm reading Kushiel's Scion right now. =)

Yay! They are so amazing! They are my favourite books, I need to read them all again! They are all beautiful! Have you read them all!? Which ones if your favourite!? This is actually a really hard question!

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Naamah's Kiss

I literally could cry. If Jacqueline Carey was ever to stop writing, I really don't know what I would do. There wouldn't be anything as amazing to interest me. Again, I will bow down to you Carey, love as thou wilt and kiss the ground you walk on, as you are my Queen. This devotion probably doesn't sound healthy to you reading this, but if you have not ever read, starting from the beginning, the Kushiel's Legacy by Jacqueline Carey, then you do not understand the joy and happiness and intense passion  bond to them. Therefore, I recommend that you do.  Centuries after the lives of Phedre no Delaunay and Imriel de la Courcel we are introduced to Moirin of the Maghuin Dhonn, the bear-goddess, but she also has other strange gods claiming her as their own as well. She embarks on a journey, which is more important that the destiny which she is bond to. With her small gifts and the blessing of the goddess Naamah, the goddess of desire and pleasure, Moirin goes to places where powerful mages wield and a celestial being is trapped in the mortal flesh of a Ch'in princess. Moirin learns a lot of desire and destiny, but the gods are known to use their chosen hard and Moirin faces a lot of hardship on the way. Jacqueline Carey once again spins a beautiful, compelling and powerful tale, plunging us into the depths of desire and pleasure in the forms of friendships, kindness and passion. I always have to commend Carey on her characters, as they are each the most interesting and the one thing that I believe drives all her tales. Her characters are seriously the most powerful in their kind, and in each there is something to admire and surely love. My heart aches. They are seriously powerful. It is not only this but also the imagery Carey provokes, are spectacular and beautiful.  I really recommend these books, you could pick up and start with any trilogy, but it wouldn't be right. I think it is much better to start from the beginning and because they all link together perfectly.  Carey, please come to London and do a singing, I would surely cry before you, but I would love to pick your mind and have a lovely chat with you over a lovely cup of tea. 

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I am so intensely excited to divulge into Jacqueline Carey's Moirin's Trilogy, my heart is already beating! Love this so much! Reading is Badass!

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Kushiel's Mercy (Imriel's Trilogy)

If there is one series of books that I would recommend anyone, it just has to be Kushiel's Legacy by Jacqueline Carey. I literally wept at the end. I am not lying, 3am in the morning, tears rolled down my eyes, as I told myself to stop and get a grip of myself, but I couldn't, Carey has woven yet another tale, overflowing with so much fierce passion, love and emotion, and I crumbled under her language, how she spins words, the power of language. You won't really understand how incredible these books are until you have read them. Jacqueline Carey, again, if I saw you wondering the streets of London, I would sit, abeyant to you, worship the ground you stood on, and call you my Queen of Terre d'Ange.

In this final part of Imriel's trilogy, we embark on a more tragic, important and vital journey ever. Filled with tragedy, war, fierce love and passion and a terrible sorcerer that has cast a spell so powerful that binds everyone in the city of Terre d'Ange to forget about Imriel and his love to Sidonie, and that they are allies with the sorcerer. But of course, everyone outside of the city not touched by the spell are in shocked and madness wondering why Sidonie married Astegal, that they have joined Carthage and are helping them fight countries around Terre d'Ange, although they do not know why this has happened. Everyone is plunged into madness, and Terre d'Ange is on the brink of civil war. But Imriel is the only one who remember his love to Sidonie, and knows what has befallen, and seeks help from enemies.

I don't want to give too much away. Because it is so intense. Literally, these books beat every other book for me, because they are so well written, so powerful and passionate, and I could read them over and over again and become so surprised. I now need to by the next trilogy, which I actually can't wait for! Seriously, I recommend these to everyone, because they are just amazing. Go go go, my friends, may you find greatness in Kushiel's Legacy, and may you follow Blessed Elua concept: Love as thou wilt.