The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens

If you haven't read The Emerald Atlas yet and don't wish to deal with spoilers, I would like to suggest that you stop reading now. The Fire Chronicle is--after all--the second book in the Books of Beginning trilogy.

I think I'd go so far as to say that I enjoyed The Fire Chronicle more than The Emerald Atlas. Why? Because Kate is stuck in the past for an important reason and it causes Michael to assume the role of eldest sibling (and in doing so, assume responsibility for Emma). However, that's not to say that Emma isn't becoming more responsible as well. She might be the youngest of the three, but Michael really isn't older than her by that much--or so she'd be happy to tell you. I will admit that I felt as if there could've been more Emma in The Fire Chronicle; believe me, you'll know what I mean.

As for the plot itself, I'm trying not to say much about it. You know that Kate's in the past and that leaves Michael and Emma to find the second book--referred to as the Chronicle--which is really all you need to know going into The Fire Chronicle, in my opinion. You can also expect a fair bit of magic, traveling, and even a bit of fighting along the way as they hunt for the second book; as for Kate, well, she's got her hands full as it is, even if she doesn't realize it right away.

In all, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where the last book will take Kate, Michael, and Emma! If you've read The Emerald Atlas and have been wondering if you should read The Fire Chronicle, I'd say that the answer to your question is... definitely! Admittedly it felt a little slow in the beginning (to me, at least) but once they leave the orphanage behind, the plot begins to pick up.

Overall Rating: ★★★★ and a half.

The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint at Random House

Release Date: October 9, 2012

Edition: ARC

Picked up from ALA Annual.

Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

In Alban, being gifted is a terrible thing; they call you smirched and every year there's a Cull to wipe out those with unique gifts. This is a part of the reason why Neryn has been wandering for the past three years, to avoid detection; but it's more than that, her gift involves the Good Folk and even speaking to them is strictly forbidden by the King. She'll be rescued by a boy named Flint, journey to the North, and be tested left and right to determine her potential worth as a Caller, someone who can see, speak with, and command the Good Folk.

My favorite part of Shadowfell? The fact that Neryn doesn't exactly stick to Flint like glue--nor does she trust (or like) him for quite some time. Having said that, don't expect to fall in love with Flint automatically. No, he's not devastatingly handsome and no, he's not exactly the best of men--depending on how you want to look at things--but he saves Neryn more than once... and he definitely grows on you after a while. In all, Neryn and Flint's relationship is still in its fledgling stages and this is one of those times when I actually prefer it that way. 

As for the plot, Neryn spends a ton of time on the road and there were points during her journey that felt a bit sluggish to me; however, in all, I definitely ended up enjoying it--and in particular, the Good Folk. If you haven't guessed it yet, the Good Folk are faerie folk who have been a part of Alban for much longer than the humans. Although Neryn's gift is related to them, not all of the gifts are and the range of gifts is definitely impressive. As a character, Neryn starts off feeling a bit weak--she gives into her father and his gambling habit--but her journeys definitely make her into a stronger person and by the end of Shadowfell she's definitely capable of standing up for herself. So no, Neryn is definitely not a simpering, silly girl and I loved that about her. I really can't tell you much of anything about Flint as the mystery surrounding him is a part of the fun and, you know, spoilers.

In all, I definitely enjoyed Shadowfell and if you enjoy high fantasy, definitely check it out! Admittedly I wish that the pacing had been a bit more breakneck, but maybe that's just me. At the same time though, I loved how Shadowfell left off as it wrapped up Shadowfell while still leaving it open enough for the reader to understand that there will be another book. So yes, I'll definitely be checking out the next book once it comes out.

Overall Rating: ★★★★ and a half.

Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, a part of Random House.
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Edition: e-ARC
* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman

I'm at a loss for words right now, but I'll tell you this: if you like standalone books and you like mysteries (and thrillers), this is definitely a book that you'll want to check out. The main character, Nora, has no idea what she's getting herself into when she begins to translate Elizabeth Weston's letters and the result leaves one of her--very few--friends dead and it also sends them across the Atlantic to Prague as Nora is guided to the Lumen Dei via Elizabeth's letters.

I really loved how all of the characters developed and that--as you see them through Nora's eyes--there's more to them then you might expect. And as for Nora, well, she can be gullible and she's had it rough--after her brother's death--but she's definitely bearable. Then there's Chris who is pretty darn funny and who is always there for Nora as well as Adriane, the girl that Chris is dating. Adriane, at first glance, seems like she's just a pretty girl who happens to hang out with the geeks, but in truth, she's pretty smart as well--although she's not interested in Latin like Nora and Chris are. Did I mention that? Latin--yes, the language--plays a huge role in The Book of Blood and Shadow. It's the language that all of the letters are in and Nora was introduced to Latin by her father who definitely taught her quite a bit. However, after the death of Andy (Nora's brother), her parents really don't interact with her as they're still coping with his death--even though it's been a while. I could tell you about Max and Eli, but if you read The Book of Blood and Shadow, you'll know why I'm not going to go into detail about them in my review--spoilers. 

Admittedly it took me a good two chapters to really get into The Book of Blood and Shadow, but once I passed that point I really got caught up in the story. This was my first time reading something written by Robin Wesserman and I absolutely loved it. It's so easy to get caught up in the world that she created for The Book of Blood and Shadow and if you've been thinking about reading this book, definitely do yourself a favor and pick up a copy! Because when it comes to the Lumen Dei, Nora (and friends) aren't the only ones hunting for it. Robin Wasserman does an amazing job at tying history into The Book of Blood and Shadow and Prague itself as well. If you enjoyed the likes of The Da Vinci Code, I imagine you'll enjoy this--but even if you didn't like The Da Vinci Code and like the sound of The Book of Blood and Shadow, I'd definitely tell you to give it a try!

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Favorite Quote:
"She inspired you to poetry," I pointed out.
"So do spotted toads. And the occasional well-barbequed steak. Beauty's not really a necessary criterion."

The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, a part of Random House

Release Date: April 10, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

The Emerald Atlas
Author: John Stephens
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers (an imprint of Random House)
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Edition: ARC
* Received from publisher for review.

Summary from GoodReads:  
John Stephens' aptly-titled new fantasy trilogy begins auspiciously with a nimble, fast-paced tale of three siblings. Kate, Michael, and Emma have suffered through ten years of odious orphanage "care"; now they have slipped into the care of the eccentric, disturbingly mysterious Dr. Pym. While exploring their new home, the children discover a magical green book. With that discovery, a decade of tedium dissolves into cascades of dangerous time travel adventures and struggles with a beautiful witch and decidedly less attractive zombielike Screechers. High early reader marks for strong characterization and battle scenes.

My Thoughts: 


Admittedly, when I think of books involving siblings, A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis immediately spring to mind. In part, I was afraid that it would drift too closely along those lines and I am pleased to say that it was unique. 


Siblings Kate (the eldest), Michael (the middle child), and Emma (the youngest) have been whisked away from the safety and comfort of their own home to be protected from the darker forces that are after them. As a result, they've been moved from orphanage to orphanage before finally landing in Cambridge Falls--and the home of Dr. Stanislaus Pym. I loved the setting of Cambridge Falls and its initial lack of inhabitants as well as watching the town's history play out. 

But more about our three main characters. Kate is the eldest and as such, is responsible for her siblings. She's level headed and has a bad habit of saying "yes" when her siblings ask her for anything--even when it's not the greatest of ideas. Michael is the middle child and rather bookish at that; he absolutely adores dwarves and this serves him well. Also, he likes to photograph things. Lastly, we have Emma and honestly, she often annoyed me throughout The Emerald Atlas. She's very headstrong and will often pick a fight. However, on the upside, she is extremely loyal. 

Through the past, they also meet Gabriel, a massive man who is a fierce warrior from a village in the mountains and the Countess, a powerful witch who is after the Atlas (and uses French phrases on occasion, although she claims she's Russian). Along with the Screechers (named such by the children of Cambridge Falls although their real name is the morum cadi) she seeks the book by holding the town's children hostage and forcing the men of Cambridge Falls to look for it in the Dead City. 


The dwarves were a pleasant surprise, I must say. They weren't the cantankerous drunks that I think of when I picture dwarves; they were a much neater, more respectable group and well, funny! Admittedly there is one drunkard in the group, but this particular bad apple isn't enough to spoil the bunch. 


I found the prologue to be a bit slow, but things certainly pick up once the children arrive in Cambridge Falls. The Emerald Atlas is set in a world rich in detail and magic; it'll grab hold of you and it won't let go until the story wraps up. Yes, The Emerald Atlas has a definitive ending as it does deal with the first of the three Books of Beginning. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to reading the next installment to this series and if you're intrigued by the summary, I'd suggest picking up a copy to read! Honestly though, it's the sort of Middle Grade book that even us big kids can enjoy!


Overall Rating: ★★★★

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers (Random House)
Release Date: 10/26/2010
Edition: ARC
* Recieved from Random House via Random Buzzers.

Summary from GoodReads: “I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

My Thoughts: 


Admittedly, this is the first time that I've read a book written by the dynamic duo that is Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. Yes, I've watched Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, but I didn't think to pick up a copy of the book--I intend to amend this sometime soon. With that said, I really enjoyed Dash & Lily's Book of Dares--and by this, I mean to say that my one complaint would be that it ended. 


As a lover of both Moleskine notebooks and bookstores, I was easily sucked into the world of Dash and Lily--as Dash, our male character, finds the red notebook nestled away in the Strand (a bookstore in New York City) and Lily, our female character, leaves clues within its pages with the hopes of--perhaps--making a new (male) friend (as in 'possible boyfriend material'). Admittedly, the one thing I didn't quite like was Lily being, well, Shrilly (yes, it's her nickname) since it requires all capital letters and well, the mere idea of having a shrill voice makes me wince--although I do understand her reason for being shrill.Though I suppose on the other hand you have Dash's nickname--given to him by Mark--which happens to be Snarly (truth be told, I'm not quite sure how he deserves it as he never seems to snap while talking, in my opinion). 


Anyways! I love how Dash & Lily's Book of Dares took you through New York City during the holiday season--the worst possible time to live in a large city--from December 21st to January 1st through both Dash and Lily's points of view. I could say that this book is about falling in love with the essence of another person--which it is--although I suppose it'd be a tad more accurate to say that it's about daring yourself to take a chance. If you liked Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist and love things both bookish and literary, I'd suggest checking this one out--although I trust you to gauge for yourself if this book is for you or not.


Favorite Quote: 
"She led me into a room that could only be called a parlor. The drapery was so thick and the furniture so cloaked that I half expected to find Sherlock Holmes thumb-wrestling with Jane Austen in the corner."


Overall Rating:  ★★★★