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Out this week: Ghost Book (Henry Holt, $14.99):
Remy Lai writes and draws this graphic novel that's based on Chinese mythology. It’s about a girl, July, who can see ghosts — and the spirit she befriends during Hungry Ghost month.
See what else is arriving at your local comic shop this week.
The Crooked Door by Brad McLelland
"For everything you wish and more Knock twice upon the Crooked Door."
Year Read: 2022
Rating: 2/5
About: When Ginny and her parents move to Nebraska, their car breaks down in a strange town called Pottsville. By day, it's almost too charming and perfect, but by night, Ginny quickly learns that it's crawling with monsters created by something called the Dirge. The Dirge lives behind a crooked trap door in a basement, and it's happy to grant children's wishes for a price. If Ginny wants to save her parents, she's going to have to find a way to defeat the Dirge and the children of Pottsville once and for all. I received a free e-ARC through NetGalley from the publishers at Macmillan/Henry Holt. Trigger warnings: character death, abduction, captivity, injury, weapons.
Thoughts: I had to push myself through most of this book, and had I read a sample of the writing style beforehand, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. It reads like something an actual middle schooler would write at times, in addition to being rather long and drawn out for a middle grade novel. It starts with an extended car ride that could have easily been skipped, and it can't maintain the mystery or horror for as long as it needs to when things do finally get going. I quickly got bored with all the running and chasing and hiding. There's a reason that Goosebumps books are only about a hundred pages long, just saying.
I didn't vibe with the main character at all, and she's another variation of the selfish, entitled brats that populate this book. Yeah, kids can be as selfish as adults if not more, but unlike the children of the corn, there's nothing remotely sinister about these. McLelland also pushes believability quite a bit with Ginny being able to both repair cars and drive them for being, at most, twelve years old. However, I did enjoy the lore in this story. There's some interesting German folklore on the background of the Dirge, and it was probably the only time I felt invested in what was happening. Regardless, I doubt younger readers would be motivated to stick with it.
LITTLE THIEVES
by Margaret Owen
(Henry Holt, 10/19/21 10/5/21)
9781250191908
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New from Henry Holt & Co. and a living legend of rock and roll, Me: Elton John Official Autobiography, by Sir Elton John.
THE FAITHLESS HAWK
by Margaret Owen
The Merciful Crow #2
(Henry Holt, 8/18/20 7/28/20)
9781250191946
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Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
Author’s Website | Goodreads Publisher: Macmillan - Henry Holt & Company | @fiercereadsya Type: Series Series: Dance of Thieves (#1) Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound Publication Date: August 7, 2018
A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts. When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger. At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions. [x]
Six of Crows
Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt Genre: YA, fantasy, mystery Year: 2015
OVERALL
I was surprised and delighted by Six of Crows. I didn't know what I was expecting going in, but it's equal parts, fantasy, Ocean's 8 style con, mystery, and thriller all rolled up into one fun and exciting package. It's not often that I am genuinely surprised by a mystery but the twists and turns were enough to keep me on my toes. The characters were diverse and interesting and were different enough that seeing how they meshed together was fun.
WORLDBUILDING
The worldbuilding was extensive and detailed enough that it held up for the entire novel, but it did feel like there was something missing. Ketterdam felt like a seedier fantasy Amsterdam. Fjerda clearly has Nordic influences, reminiscent of Viking times. Even though both Ketterdam and Fjerda are the only two countries that the story takes place, and they're not quite different enough from each other to be believable. One has canals, the other is encased in ice. I was hoping to see how these changes in environment affected culture.
Then there's the undeveloped fantasy equivalents. The Suli are a pretty obvious fantasy equivalent of the Roma, Novyi Zem is the fantasy Black country, and Shu Han the fantasy Asian nation. Which is all good in theory. I am 100% on board for broadening fantasy horizons, but these nations were mentioned in passing, but serve as the backstory for a few characters. But again, they are eurocentric in their construction, and aren't quite fully developed. A few key areas could have used more development, like Inej and Matthais' respective religions, and I was really hoping language barriers would play a bigger role in the story. But it's the few minuscule gaps in this that keeps this book from reaching 5 stars.
PLOT
The intricate plot of Six of Crows is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the novel. The craftsmanship that goes into creating such intricate plans that pivot on a needle-sharp turn is impressive. The way the story is written, choosing simultaneously the best and worst times for a flashback--the information is critical to enlighten the action in the present, but it's also during at the apex of the action--drives the plot and pulls the reader through the book at break-neck speed. But my favorite thing by far, is the intricate plans that Kaz cooks up, but systemically keeps those plans from some of the other POV characters, but also the reader.
All in all, the plot was fast-paced, fun, and clever enough to keep me on my toes, when I often times can guess the plot pretty easily.
THEMES & TONES
There didn't seem to be any overarching themes to the book, other than misfits stick together and a vague sense of 'take what you want and give nothing back.
CHARACTERS & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
•Kaz Kaz is by far the most interesting character. He's morally ambiguous, deceptive, intelligent, and wholly focused on vengeance, which makes him really fun to read. His disability and quirks--wearing the gloves--are an important part of his character and not glossed over. Although I personally would have loved some more time spent on his limp, each time he is separated from his cane, we feel the absence as he does.
•Inej It took me a while to warm up to Inej. She didn't feel fully developed to me. The best assassin in the world (despite being only 16 and doing if for only a year, hmm), she's the definition of the silent and deadly archetype. I would have liked to learn more about her culture and especially her religion, because she clearly holds it in high regard. She definitely grew into her character.
•Nina Nina felt a little flat to me. She's the stereotypical flirt, loves to eat, and is an all-powerful Grisha. I have issues with her romance with Matthais, again due to the fact that they are apparently so young. At the beginning, it seemed like they had a lot of history, I was assuming they'd known each other for years, but apparently they traveled together for a few weeks, then spent a year apart, and that's... it.
•Matthias An intriguing character for sure, although a little oversimplified for me. He was raised to be an elite warrior and religious fanatic who hunts and kills Grisha. I feel like it would take more than a hot bod to undo years and years of grooming. Again, I don't have a problem with their romance, but I would have liked to see more development. But once again, the fact that they're so young means that they don't have the time to get to know one another.
•Jesper Definitely underutilized in the story. His main characteristic is that gambling is his vice. I wish he'd had more exploration. Maybe it's because I've never encountered this particular problem before, nor had someone close to me with a gambling problem, but I just didn't get it. There was no real motivation to his gambling, and he was just so quick to do it. I feel if he had a little more page-space dedicated to him, I might have a better understanding of him.
•Wylan Another interesting but underutilized character. A pet peeve is that there are six people on the team, and they split neatly into 3 couples. It reminds me of being a kid and watching shows like the Winx club where a group of 7 girls who are best friends, just happens to meet a group of 7 guys who are best friends and they all date each other. It seems juvenile as a plot device, and again these kids are so young that romance probably won't last.
•Kuwei I thought he was 10 at first and was really sad to find out that this was not the case.
Although my biggest pet peeve is the main reason that I can't give Six of Crows 5 stars: not a single of these characters is older than 18. They're all young enough that often times they are referred to as "boy" and "man" simultaneously. Because they're so young, some of the backstory doesn't fit the timeline. How does Kaz break his leg bad enough to give him a permanent disability, heal, work his way up in the Ketterdam gangs, and also teach Inej to be a master at stealth in just 2 years? It doesn't work. Another thing--they don't act like they're teenagers. They don't make hotheaded stupid young people mistakes. I'm expected to believe this group of kids is somehow the BEST at their respective jobs in the world? Don't get me wrong, I'm young too, and I'm all for young empowerment, but they were just so young for their supposed talents. Even physically, young people are at their prime in mid-twenties. Also, the official art for these characters is ridiculous (see below). This is more an indictment of all YA but Six of Crows definitely falls into this trope. If they don't act like teens, and they don't look like teens, and they don't have the ability of teens... then what's the harm of making them a bit older?
The age diversity could have been such an interesting angle, too. Like if Kaz was twenty, or twenty-two and Wylan really was fifteen, how would that change the team dynamic? Having them all be within 2 years of each other made them seem more like super-powered self-inserts and it leeched away at their credibility.
My last major problem is with Kuwei. He was introduced as a "boy" so my mind went straight to "10 year-old" boy. Nope. Look at the art of him. Not 10 at all. But after learning he wasn't a kid, I was kind of disappointed. It would have been really fun to see a ragtag group of criminals try and keep a kid alive and safe. A missed opportunity.
Pictures of the Cast:
Kaz:
Inej:
Nina:
Matthais:
Jesper:
Wylan:
Kuwei: (clearly, and to my sadness, not 10 years old)
Is it just me or do none of them look 17? They all look 30.
WARNINGS
Mentions of forced prostitution after kidnapping, but not graphically described, but it is a significant part of a character's backstory.
MY RECOMMENDATION
If you're looking for a fun, fast read that definitely stands out in the YA genre, then pick up this book! Especially if you're a fan of mysteries or the epic burglary team trope, then you will definitely enjoy this read.
goodreads | amazon
RATING: ★★★★
Text of the above images follows:
The letter sent yesterday by Elizabeth A. McNamara of Davis Wright Tremaine to President Trump's lawyer Charles J. Harder of Harder Mirell & Abrams:
I write as counsel to Henry Holt and Company, Inc. ("Henry Holt") and Mr. Michael Wolff in response to your letter dated January 4, 2018, concerning your client, President Donald J. Trump. Without identifying a single false statement, your letter broadly challenges Mr. Wolff's book titled Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House published Friday, and an excerpt from the book published in a January 3, 2018 New York magazine article, as containing "false/baseless statements" about President Trump that give rise to a host of legal claims. As a result, you demand that my clients cease publication of the book and "issue a full and complete retraction and apology." My clients do not intend to cease publication, no such retraction will occur, and no apology is warranted.
As President Trump knows, Mr. Wolff was permitted extraordinary access to the Trump administration and campaign from May 2016 to this past October, and he conducted more than 200 interviews with President Trump, most members of his senior staff, and with many people they in turn talked to. These interviews served as the basis for the reporting in Mr. Wolff's book. We have no reason to doubt--and your letter provides no reason to change this conclusion--that Mr. Wolff's book is an accurate report on events of vital public importance. Mr. Trump is the President of the United States, with the "bully pulpit" at his disposal. To the extent he disputes any statement in the book, he has the largest platform in the world to challenge it. Generalized and abstract threats of libel do not provide any basis for President Trump's demand that Henry Holt and Mr. Wolff withdraw the book from public discourse. Though your letter provides a basic summary of New York libel law, tellingly, it stops short of identifying a single statement in the book that is factually false or defamatory. Instead, the letter appears to be designed to silence legitimate criticism. This is the antithesis of an actionable libel claim.
Your letter does not resolve this key omission when it argues that actual malice can be proven because the book "admits in the Introduction that it contains untrue statements." It does no such thing. Instead, Mr. Wolff responsibly tells his readers his approach to confronting the well-established reality that many in this administration, most prominently the President, routinely traffic in verifiably false statements. Thus, Mr. Wolff explains how he attempted to reconcile conflicting accounts. Surely you are not contending that Mr. Wolff, in reporting on a falsehood told him by, e.g., a member of the administration, is therefore necessarily reporting that it is true.
To briefly address a few of the additional substantive claims identified in your letter, we note that you understandably cite to New York as the governing law, yet we were surprised to see that President Trump plans on asserting a claim for "false light invasion of privacy." As you are no doubt aware, New York does not recognize such a cause of action. Messenger ex rel. Messenger v. Guner + Jahr Printing and Pub., 94 N.Y.2d 436, 448 (2000); Hurwitz v. U.S., 884 F.2d 684, 685 (2d Cir. 1989). Not only is this claim meritless; it is non-existent. In any event, it is patently ridiculous to claim that the privacy of the President of the United States has been violated by a book reporting on his campaign and his actions in office.
Next, your letter focuses on alleged claims for tortious interference with contractual relations and inducement of breach of contract. Yet, as your client will no doubt appreciate, timing is everything when it comes to these claims. And there is no dispute that Mr. Bannon had already communicated with Mr. Wolff freely and voluntarily well before the "notice" you have provided. Mr. Bannon plainly needed no cajoling or inducement to speak candidly with Mr. Wolff. And an after-the-fact lawyer's letter putting my clients "on notice" does not put the genie back in the bottle, much less subject Henry Holt or Mr. Wolff to liability. The law treats sources like Mr. Bannon as adults, and it is Mr. Bannon's responsibility--not Henry Holt's or Mr. Wolff's--to honor any contractual obligations. Indeed, your attempt to use private contracts to act as a blanket restriction on members of the government speaking to the press is a perversion of contract law and a gross violation of the First Amendment. No court would support such an attempt to silence public servants and the press.
Nor are these the only clear infirmities with this threatened claim. For a tortious interference with contractual relations action to be sustained, President Trump must prove that Henry Holt and Mr. Wolff actively and intentionally procured the breach for the sole purpose of harming Mr. Trump, his family, or businesses. Jacobs v. Continuum Health Partners, Inc., 7 A.D.3d 312, 313, 776 N.Y.S.2d 279, 280 (1st Dep't 2004). This he cannot do. A reporter, like Mr. Wolff, "whose motive and conduct is intended to foster public awareness and debate cannot be found to have engaged in the wrongful or improper conduct required" to state such a claim. See, e.g., Huggins v. Povitch, No. 131164/94, 1996 WL 515498, at *9 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Apr. 19, 1996). Put simply, the book's purpose is news reporting and nothing more.
Lastly, the majority of your letter--indeed, seven full pages--is devoted to instructing Henry Holt and Mr. Wolff in meticulous detail about their obligations to preserve documents that relate in any way to the book, the article, President Trump, his family members, their businesses, and his Presidential campaign. While my clients do not adopt or subscribe to your description of their legal obligations, Henry Holt and Mr. Wolff will comply with any and all document preservation obligations that the law imposes upon them. At the same time, we must remind you that President Trump, in his personal and governmental capacity, must comply with the same legal obligations regarding himself, his family members, their businesses, the Trump campaign, and his administration, and must ensure all appropriate measures to preserve such documents are in place. This would include any and all documents pertaining to any of the matters about which the book reports. Should you pursue litigation against Henry Holt or Mr. Wolff, we are quite confident that documents related to the contents of the book in the possession of President Trump, his family members, his businesses, his campaign, and his administration will prove particularly relevant to our defense.
This letter is without waiver of any of Henry Holt's or Mr. Wolff's rights, remedies or defenses, all of which are expressly reserved.
