Castle in the Air (Castle #2) – Diana Wynne Jones

Paperback, 383 pages
Published April 22nd 2008 by Eos
Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

Young merchant Abdullah leads a humble life. Or he did until a stranger sold him a threadbare–and disagreeable–magic carpet. Now Abdullah is caught in the middle of his grand daydreams. Waking one night in a luxurious garden, he meets and falls instantly in love with the beautiful and clever Flower-in-the-Night. But a wicked djinn sweeps the princess away right before Abdullah’s eyes, leaving the young man no choice but to follow. This is no ordinary quest, however, for Flower-in-the-Night isn’t all the djinn has stolen. Abdullah will have the so-called help of the cantankerous carpet, a cranky genie in a bottle, a dishonest soldier, and a very opinionated black cat. Will this motley crew be able to find the djinn’s mysterious dwelling and rescue a castle full of princesses?

Review:

I really love the tongue-in-cheek tone in the two Diana Wynne Jones books that I have read. It makes the novel clever and pushes the humorous aspect of it to the forefront even when the events in the novel are of a rather serious nature. Castle in the Air tells the story of poor Abdullah who is manipulated without even knowing it into fulfilling the prophecy made at his birth. There is a genie, there is a shape or rather size-changing cat (and kitten), princes, princesses (a whole lot of them), true love, grasping greedy family members and adventure. The flying carpet that has a personality of its own and Abdullah’s one true love “Flower By Night” whose innocence hides a razor sharp, logical mind that won me over.

More than all of the stuff already mentioned, I believe it is the latter half of the story that will win your love. It is very clever and subtly done that I can’t say anything at all without giving it away. And it would be such a pity to give it away and take away your chance to discover the story for yourself. If you haven’t tried Diana Wynne Jones yet, I urge you to do so. I, too, took a while before reading her most famous series (Howl’s Moving Castle immortalized by the animated movie by the same name) but I am determined to read as much of her work as possible. Strongly recommended

The Changeling – Philippa Gregory (Review)

Hardcover, 272 pages
Expected publication: May 29th 2012 by Simon Pulse
Source: Publisher

Synopsis:

Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl
Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.

Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.

Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.

The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.

Review:

I haven’t read any of Gregory’s widely acclaimed novels because historical novels usually aren’t my thing – well, not unless they feature young adult characters and there’s no tragedy involved. However, I was pretty comfortable going into Changeling because as an established author, I was sure that Gregory knew how to weave a tale. And I wasn’t disappointed. Not at all. I had some issues but I dare say they are more because I am an adult reading young adult novels than because there is anything wrong with the novel. Convoluted sentences aside, let’s get on to the review proper.

I find it very difficult to read books that deal with the Crusade and the Crusaders and talk about “heretics” because I become very aware of my own position and that these “famed heroes” are murderers to my people. Being Muslim, I find it very difficult to see the heroism and to put aside my own feelings matter and approach the book simply for entertainment purposes. It is very difficult but not impossible and I think I successfully approached this book in an objective manner.

Luca, the male protagonist, is very interesting but you know the character that overshadows him with his brilliance and nonchalance? Frieze, Luca’s manservant, who is charming, irrepressible and irreverent. In my opinion, Frieze is much more developed as a character than Luca who is rather restrained by his position and the status he has to maintain. The dour Brother Peter is not much of a character though I suppose he fulfills his purpose. It’s just that you never get much of a sense of him because he is, I believe, intentionally shrouded in mystery. Then there are the two female characters of whom I like Ishraq slightly better than Isolde. This might be because Ishraq is much fiercer and far more liberated than Isolde who is held into place by her position, her loyalty and her vows. However, Isole, though we do not see much of her, does promise to develop into as vibrant a character as Ishraq. I appreciated how both girls are so loyal to each other and maintain that loyalty.

I would love to see this series as a TV show because I believe that due to the episodic nature of Luca’s Inquirer work, it could successfully sustain a season or maybe more. The initial “case” that Luca deals with leads him to meet Isolde and the subsequent “cases” are ones they come across as they journey through Christendom. There is a shadowy Order, heart racing moments of intrigue and danger, bandits and of course, love in two flavours. The interactions between Frieze and Ishraq are entertaining while the friction between Luca and Isolde seem more passionate though innocent in nature. A priest and a nun. Ha. Anyway, I am not too much of a fan of the latter because it seems to be a bit too fast and I like to see courtship slowed down.

The novel is easy to read and very entertaining and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun historical read that promises to develop into more. This brings to me to the one issue I had with Changeling. I felt, and this is a personal observation mind you, that Gregory simplified her usual style a whole lot to better match the intended audience of the novel. However, I feel that this simplification cost the novel the complexity it needed to correctly and minutely deliver the true story in all its rich historicity. I do think she may have underestimated her young adult readers who, in my opinion, are much more able to read and comprehend complex characters and narratives than they are given credit for.

On My Radar

The Icarus Girl – Helen Oyeyemi

Two words: Nigerian mythology. Young narrators. The synopsis for this is absolutely fascinating. I must get my hands on this and soon.

Tiger Moon – Antonia Michaelis

From Nigeria, we move to India. I love stories about India  because there is such a treasure chest full of mythology, magic and amazingness there so we’ll see how Michaelis does.

Old Magic – Marianne Curley

One of my readers suggested this, saying this is her favourite witchy novel so I shall try it. I’m not too impressed by the cover but sometimes the best books get the suckiest covers.

Mystic City – Theo Lawrence

There’s magic, there’s politics, there’s betrayal and there’s possibly love. Hm. Need I say more?

Blackbirds – Chuck Wendig

The cover is amazing. I must say that the Angry Robot/Strange Chemistry imprint has extremely gorgeous covers.  And the synopsis is intriguing. I’ve heard mixed reviews of this but I’m still willing to take a chance on it.

Silently and Very Fast – Catherynne M. Valente

So I haven’t actually read anything by her but somehow all her books are ending up on my to read list.

On My Radar is a meme inspired by The Book Smugglers! And that’s all from me this week. What’s on your radar?

So You Want To Read About…Boarding Schools!

Let’s face it, all of us have, at one point or another, daydreamed about going to boarding school. Not because we would like to be away from our parents but because we think there will be a lot more freedom away from their eyes. As the following books prove, we were deluded about the amount of freedom we thought we’d get.

• The Malory Towers series by Enid Blyton
  This is by now means the only series that Blyton wrote with a boarding school setting but I think this is quite similar in tone and content to be representative of all the others. Blyton’s books are aimed at a much younger audience so I am not sure whether you will be able to get the same enjoyment reading it as adults but let me tell you, when I was a kid, the thought of having midnight feasts kept me up late several nights. In fact, my cousins and I planned and executed a midnight feast despite not being at a boarding school.
• The Chalet School series – Elinor M. Brent-Dyer
  This, while being similar to Malory Towers, is decidedly more grown up than any of Blyton’s stuff. Dyer’s stuff also deals with, a bit more seriously, the politics, dynamics of living in a boarding school. It becomes more than a setting and actually plays a part in the narrative. It’s great schoolgirl fun if you like that kind of stuff.
• Gakuen Alice – Tachibana Higuchi (manga)
  The surprising thing about this series is that the main protagonists are grade schoolers but the complexity of the narrative and the events and emotions they deal with are so much more complicated than you would think. I totally scoffed at this one thinking that it would not be as interesting or as complex as I like my manga because as I said, grade schoolers. Tachibana proved me wrong once and again as she weaved a world that would, I assure you, rival that of Rowling’s Harry Potter world were the series more mainstream and wider read. It’s gorgeous and a bit darker than just having one villain. I urge you to give this a go or watch the anime. Good stuff, you guys.

• Gemma Doyle Trilogy – Libba Bray
  This one is quite popular and I really love the atmosphere set in this. Old world, old fashions, traditions, the camaraderie, the sisterhood and the dark side of it. While the boarding school is not as prominent, the novels still show in quite a detailed manner the life style one can usually find in a girl’s boarding school. I found it a fascinating aspect and portrayal apart from the primary narrative.
• The Curse Workers series – Holly Black
  This also has a boarding school as a setting and shows glimpses of life in a co-ed boarding school that are quite intriguing. The series comes strongly recommended.
• New Girl -  Paige Harbison
  A modern retelling of Rebecca that exposes the sordid (fictional) underbelly of a boarding school where teens get too much freedom and the consequences that arise.

Dark Kiss – Michelle Rowen

Paperback, 348 pages
Expected publication: May 22nd 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Source: Net Galley

Synopsis:

I don’t do dangerous.  Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that’s me. But I just couldn’t pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me…something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It’s like part of me is missing-and I don’t know if I can get it back. Then there’s Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he’s keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he’s what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me…. NIGHTWATCHERS When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising..

Review:

I am a somewhat cautious fangirl of Rowen’s so despite my current state of oversaturation where angels are concerned, I decided to give Dark Kiss a go because hey, Michelle Rowen! In hindsight, I probably should have not. I can promise you that this novel is aimed at audiences who are not me. However, since I am the one who read this, I am forced to give a review that is a reflection of my reaction. Keep in mind, however, that you might react quite different to this novel than I, ultimately, did.

Samantha’s character is quite an interesting one. She, as is characteristic of Rowen’s heroines, manages to skate the fine line between annoying and likable. She actually thinks things out, goes through a process of thinking before reacting simply on instinct and emotion that almost always make me yell at the average YA heroine about her ever growing stupidity. Stupid heroines are not attractive, in case you weren’t aware.

The thing is though, while Sam is not perfect in some ways, she is perfect in other ways. In fact, the word that is very frequently used to describe her is “special.” This term is used so frequently that it fast loses whatever sarcastic/humourous tinge it was supposed to have and becomes annoying and far from making me snigger resignedly  every time it is used, it made me roll my eyes. Repeatedly. Not what the protagonist of a novel should make you do, if you think about it. She is special, she is a rare kind of supernatural who may have been prophesized for all I know about it. Anyway, that whole “special” thing is a very old trope that doesn’t present itself in any new and innovative way.

That said, I really really REALLY like that Rowen abstained from using the tired trope of the Mean Girls. She did have a mean girl but she reworked it and I was left feeling with a warm fuzzy feeling (well okay, not really but you know what I mean) by the fact that for once, girls were girls instead of a cardboard stereotype of mean girl and nice girl.

The whole angel mythology was, again, nothing terribly new but there were some interesting reinventions of the soul story. I liked that. The love interest – there is no love triangle, I can hear angels singing, pun somewhat intended, but the love interest is disturbing in some ways, mostly by being crazy-ish. And Sam frequently has people trying to kill her but that’s normal for paranormal YA heroines, poor creatures, so let’s get back to the romance, damn it.

The romance in the novel consumes everything else that might have been interesting. Why is romance the most important thing in the world for teenage girls? The dreaded word was used here so really, I had to stop and pause for a long moment before I could continue reading (the word here would be “soul mate”). You are sixteen years old and you are already looking for a soul mate. Ugh, I hate that term. So yeah, my already lagging enthusiasm for the book took a sharp dip when I came across that term. Thankfully the ending was near but it  felt a bit too neat with some conflict leftover to segue into the next installment in the series.

We would be here for a long time were we to go into other aspects of the novel besides the romance, the violence and the gray area between right and wrong. However, since this is supposed to be a review in the loosest sense of the word, let me tell that you that if you want to read something light, frothy romance with a not so annoying protagonist and angels and demons, this might be the book for you.

Pocket Princesses Catch Up

Visit the artist’s tumblr and see more of her awesome work: http://amymebberson.tumblr.com

The Talisman of El – Alecia Stone

Hardcover, 364 pages
Expected publication: May 20th 2012 by Centrinian Publishing Ltd
Source: Net Galley

Synopsis:

WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE?

One Planet.

Two Worlds.

Population: Human … 7 billion.
Others … unknown.

When 14-year-old Char­lie Blake wakes up sweat­ing and gasp­ing for air in the mid­dle of the night, he knows it is hap­pen­ing again. This time he wit­nesses a bru­tal mur­der. He’s afraid to tell any­one. No one would believe him … because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago – the day before his dad died.

Char­lie doesn’t know why this is hap­pen­ing. He would give any­thing to have an ordi­nary life. The prob­lem: he doesn’t belong in the world he knows as home.

He belongs with the others.

Review:

Talisman of El resonated with me for a number of reasons and I shall attempt to enumerate them in the following paragraphs.

1. Stone’s characters are warm, personable and retain an innocence that makes it easy for an adult reader like me to believe in their youth. What I mean is that so many times adult writers write in the voice of teenagers, middle graders without bothering to characterize them as young in their thoughts, their language, the emotions expressed etc. But Stone manages to be faithful to the age of her characters in both the emotions expressed and the language used. Charlie has a somewhat painfully earnest sincerity to him that makes you warm to him. The other characters, too, are suitably personified.

2. The plot and the pace are fun and I see this as being a great hit amongst the younger readers for all the action and adventure it offers them. This would make a superb movie, in fact. There are revelations, movement, secrets, bad guys and good guys and heck, even kings. There are also slivers of romance that promise to develop into something more as the series continues.

3. I felt that Stone managed to capture what it feels like to be a foster child. I have never been in a foster home and I do not pretend to know what or how it feels to be moved from one place to be another but I found that Charlie’s portrayal, his yearnings for a family, for something permanent perfectly encapsulated what I think foster kids might go through. The loss of a home is something I am able to relate to so… Yeah.

Good points aside, I will add that right before the end of the novel and right after the great reveal, there was a sense of (what’s the male equivalent of Mary Sue?) -ish vibe I got from Charlie. Slightly. Only a whiff of it. Apart from that, I enjoyed The Talisman of El and if you want a middle grade novel with a likable male protagonist who has lots of adventures, I’d recommend this to you.