March 2019 Reads

Although March was a long month, I didn't get to read too many books. In fact, all I managed was three, lol. I'm not sure when the last month was that I read so few books! However, life happened, & I still emerged with three books at the end of the month! So here they are. 

1) Tennyson: Poems \\ Lord Alfred Tennyson \\ 5 Stars

'Twas my first real foray into poetry, and I have to admit, it was stunning. I found Tennyson's writing quite obtuse at times and had to read beyond slow and repeat certain phrases, but--that guy had some serious linguistic skills on him. My favourite piece was The Lady of Shallott. Such a whimsical but tragic poem. This definitely isn't a breeze-through book of poetry, on the contrary, it's quite intense--but there are some real gems to be found!

2) A Bound Heart \\ Laura Frantz \\ 3 Stars

I always love Frantz's writing style...it's so timeless and classic and heartwarming. Being that I read mostly suspense, I found it somewhat hard to get into the slower pace of things, but...once I got out of the suspense mindset and settled into it being a bit more of a progressive, meandering historical plot, I enjoyed it immensely. I felt like Lark's character was refreshingly unique, and her personality was so attractive. She wasn't brash and annoying and in your face, but she also wasn't the pendulum swing into the opposite court--of being so timid and shy that it got on my nerves. She was just right. Pure, bright, and sweet. I think I'd like a friend like her. 

I felt Magnus's character was a bit...not bland, but...there was something left wanting for me, in Magnus. And their relationship. I wanted more interactions between them that were sweet, but their relationship almost more mirrored that of siblings. 

However, I still enjoyed the book and learning a bit more of history!

3) Fierian \\ Ronie Kendig \\ 4 Stars

Fierian would've reached 5 stars for me because it is complexly written, thought up and beautiful, with unique and compelling characters. Everything Kendig writes is just mind-bogglingly creative and epic. Only reason it didn't is because...I WAS CONFUSED. So confused, for such a great portion of the book/series that I got frustrated that characters were being plopped in, left, right and centre, and they had no backstory. 

Seeing as that the names are all quite different, I couldn't keep track of 50 plus characters and remember their backstories from books 1 & 2. I kept going back to the Character Glossary at the beginning of the book with the main characters, but most of the people I was wondering about weren't in there.
Same thing happened with locations. I was so stumped, and I kept looking back at the map in the beginning of the book and thinking, "Seriously, where is this location that's being mentioned?" 
Another confusing part was the history aspect. Now, I don't want a huge download, but with the Fantasy genre especially I feel like it's somewhat important to give your reader's a history of the planet. Like, what IS the planet? WHO are the people groups and their histories? I was so confused when a people group would be mentioned with no accompanying "this is who this people group is" and a sentence or two explanation of their culture/history. 
I'm not sure if it's because I read the third book about three months after I read the first two, or because I don't read much in the Fantasy genre, or because it was actually confusing...I can't say. 

For much of the book, I was so confused/stumped on who a character was, what their people group was, what history I was supposed to view them through, etc. Imagine my surprise when I get to the end of the book and I discover an alphabetical character list and list of locations/creatures. Because there was already a glossary in the front, I never thought, even once to look in the back! I was so annoyed, because I went for so much of the book being confused, and the glossary was lurking in the backmatter and I didn't even know it! 

The first half of the book felt (to me) quite disjointed and slow. Because of the aforementioned confusion regarding the characters, I found it hard to track when the POV jumped around so sporadically. I feel like the length could've been halved, considering how the first half of the book seemed like you were turning around and around and not actually moving forward. The stuff with Haegan and the Infantessa felt long and drawn out, like the same scene was taking place over and over again. 

The second half of the book, however, I LOVED. All the characters developments were amazing. Astadia and Tili's relationship--YES. I was just doing such a happy dance seeing it unfold. They had amazing chemestry. I'd love to see more relationships come together like theirs. Haegan's continued growth--yes. Draccian--what up dude but--YIKES!! I wished we had've gotten more Thiel & Haegan time, but alas, such was what the plot allowed. Oddly enough, Tili & Asadia were my favourite characters. 

Apart from the aforementioned confusion, of which there as A LOT (and that is the ONLY reason this book got 4 stars instead of 5)--Fierian was so complexly written. What an array of brainstorming genius! As usual, Kendig has done an excellent job in creating a world and making it epic and glorious. Giving us swoon-worthy characters and many gut-wrenching moments. 

In the end, if it weren't for the slower pace in the first half and my inordinate confusion, this book might've had me doing a serious joy dance. Even so, the second half had me pretty hooked, so I still consider this book a win in its own right.

And there you have March in books! Only three, but on the flip side--still three! 

What was your favourite book read in March? 

The Heart Of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson (Review by Ashley Nikole)

Book 2 in 'The Remnant Chronicles', The Heart Of Betrayal, picks up right where Kiss Of Deception left off. The intricately woven suspense, ample danger and sparks of romance, had me devouring this book in no time flat. 

PLOT: 

As I mentioned above, it began where book 1 left off, and it never lagged for a moment. There were always nuggets of information being shared, little by little, or dangerous suspenseful moments where it was near impossible to put this one down once I began. The plot was masterminded, and while I knew it was complex in book 1, I was able to more fully comprehend and appreciate how intricate it really was. As the dots were connecting, there were so many "aha!" lightbulb moments. I personally love those. 

CHARACTERS: 

In book 2, they become more vibrant and complex than in book 1. These characters really did jump off the page, and didn't feel even for a moment like they were any less real than if they were standing in the room with me. 

I have come by few authors who create such lifelike paper people, and Pearson did so, quite superbly in this series. 

SEXUAL CONTENT:

Plenty of kisses, all fairly descriptive. Rafe & Lia kiss, hold each other, etc. Lia shoves her hands up Rafe's shirt, feeling & caressing his back. Nothing becomes overly steamy, but it is clear their relationship is physical & passionate, even fuelled by the desperation of their situation. 

Lia & Kaden kiss a few times. 

Lia & the Komizar kiss several times. 

There is mentions made to Lia sleeping with Kaden, and the Komizar, but nothing happens in that department. 

LANGUAGE: 

Several uses of da**it, as*, bi**, bast***. If there are more, they've slipped my memory. 

VIOLENCE: 

Definitely more graphic than book 1. 

There are beheadings- more than one. The Komizar beheads a man after becoming enraged he didn't follow his orders expressly, spraying Lia's horse with the blood. Later, the Komizar stabs a child in the chest, killing her, for Lia's disobedience to him. 

We read of plenty of heads impaled on spikes for example of punishment in Venda, rotting and vultures eating at them. 

We happen upon some children with stubbed fingers (the end of a finger is taken as punishment for stealing food). 

Lia stabs a man and kills him. Several people receive sword, arrow & knife wounds. 

Blood & death are fairly common topics within the pages of this book. 

Before every meal, a tray of dried bones is passed around (each person takes one & attaches it to their belt) and a prayer like verse is said, acknowledging the sacrifice others give, to allow those present to eat. 

Regiments of other kingdoms are slaughtered while out on patrol, and the booty is brought back to Vendan's, to take part in as the spoils of war. 

I know I haven't remembered everything that took place in this book that was violent, so please forgive if I cannot give entirely full disclosure- I'm sure you've gotten an idea of the type of violence present. 

SPIRITUALITY: 

Most of the spirituality just did not float my boat, but that aside- most of the spiritual content in this book, apart from mentioning their gods a fair bit, was surrounding the gift Lia possessed and was trying to grow. The gift was of foresight, having glimpses into the future, and also of what was taking place in other kingdoms. Venda (the woman from long ago- dead- that the city was named after) appeared to Lia several times & spoke to her. 

CONCLUSION:

Guys, this book got me good. I was hooked, lost in the world of Venda & Lia's plight in attempting escape. While some of the spirituality didn't float my boat, and some of the violence was a tad gory (I just cringe at medieval type violence & punishment systems, they are barbaric and so gross my skin crawls just reading about them), this book was a total masterpiece. It had everything that makes a book come alive to me- multilayered plot, danger, passionate romance, emotionally intact characters (including the dudes), and a glorious quest to fulfill against all odds. I don't know what I'm gonna do with myself until July, when book 3, 'The Beauty Of Darkness' comes out. Arg! 

Rating: 5 Stars

Age: 17+ (again, this is roughly based- it might be too intense for certain 17 yr-olds, but certain 16 yr-olds might be ready for it. It's different for each person) 

Also, if you read this book and happen to be a big fan of Lisa T. Bergen's work, did this book feel like the River Of Time series, mixed with the her YA Dystopian series, 'Remants'? 

Read the full review for...

Book 1- The Kiss Of Deception
Book 3- The Beauty Of Darkness (Coming Summer 2016!)

Kiss Of Deception by Mary E. Pearson (Review by Ashley Nikole)

Right off, the cover caught my eye...and it was all a losing battle from there. The title had me thinking it was going to be a super dark, melodramatic YA book, but the synopsis on the back cover kept me from putting this one back on the shelf- and I am quite glad of it.

PLOT: 

I have to say, this one sucked in and utterly captivated me. It moved along at a steady pace throughout- the only time it felt slow in the least, was when Lia and Pauline first arrived at the village, neither the prince or assassin had, and we as readers, were clearly waiting for some danger & conflict to appear. Apart from that, the plot kept me hooked and reading quickly- despite its almost 500 page length. This book felt similar to Lisa T. Bergen's 'River Of Time' series, and is in my opinion, pretty much the perfect mystical land, conquests & kidnappings, gypsies & bandits, falling in love & saving the world (you know it) YA read. 

LANGUAGE:

There were some uses of he**, da**, as*, bi**, maybe a few others I've forgotten, but they are interspersed throughout. Not used heavily, but every so often. 

SEXUAL CONTENT: 

Lia and the fellow she falls in love with, kiss at different times and spend a night together- as a reader I assume their relationship was consummated at that point, what with them kissing a fair bit, slipping  clothing pieces off, and "tumbling in a bed of leaves". 

It didn't get explicit, so as a reader we don't know, but it's implied. 

Later on, a friend of Lia's boyfriend (it gives it away if I name him, so excuse the awkward, friend of friend of a friend business) asks if he (the boyfriend) put his baby in Lia's belly. The boyfriend replies the other fellow should speak more respectfully of Lia, but he doesn't confirm or deny the degree of their physical intimacy. 

One of the Vendans attempts raping Lia when he finds her bathing by a river. He loosens his belt (maybe takes off his pants, can't quite remember) and pulls Lia against him, more manhandling her than anything else- when someone interrupts. 

There is mention of Lia kissing both dudes at different times, them touching her back or face etc. and the sparks that fly- even just when exchanging a look- we all know the chemistry business, of which there is plenty in this book. 

Lia is described as naked a few times throughout the book, first is at the beginning, when she's laying face down on a stone table to have her wedding kavah (it's like henna, or a temporary tattoo) applied to her back along with ceremonial prayers, & oil etc. Another few times when she's bathing or jumping in a river. Gwyneth (another woman from the village) goes out berry collecting with Lia, and they both take off their shirts and are wearing only their chemise's on top. Gwyneth's is thin enough to see her breasts through, (since wearing thicker chemise's is unrealistic, given the heat there during the summer) but I'm not certain about Lia's coverage situation, haha.

There may have been other instances with sexual content, but a girl can only recall so much from a 500 page book. That's the gist of it, but any who, I'm not writing this review to put every single instance in, just enough to give you as a reader, an idea of what each content level is like. 

SPIRITUAL CONTENT: 

There was plenty of spiritual content, from holy testaments to their many gods, to chants & prayers, to priests and holy festivals with processions and the like. Each chapter began with a prophetic-like excerpt from a book of holy text, usually Morrighan or Gaudrel (different people groups or tribes). 

I didn't dig the amount of referencing to spirituality in this book, since it seemed an awful lot like an odd mishmash of religions from this world-  which I found rather confusing, directionless & annoying, but anywho. That's that. It was what it was. 

One thing I did find interesting about the spiritual content, was the gift Lia had (or didn't think she possessed, but did) which I thought was neat. There were a some metaphoric type goodies found in that area- but the rest of the spirituality just felt weird to me- and I wish it had been omitted.

CHARACTERS: 

These guys really came off the page. They were perfectly unique, and I found myself falling in love with each of them for it. Love triangles are the worst, and it was painful on multiple levels. Grr. But it was subsequently awesome I have to admit, since it wasn't happening in real life, haha. Again, and I can't really say how much I loved the characters, but they are pretty much amazing. 

I'm not sure exactly why, but up until about 3/4 of the way finished reading, I thought Kaden was the prince, and Rafe was the assassin. Where I got that, I'm not certain, but the whole way through, I was under the impression our two main guys...weren't who they were. So people, if you are reading this & haven't read the book...Rafe is the Prince, Kaden is the Assassin. Got it? Cool peas. 

CONCLUSION:

4.5 stars. I heartily enjoyed this book. The amount and difficult to peg religion was not my jam, so hence the loss of a star- but religious content aside, I really enjoyed reading this one, and I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2! 

I'd recommend this book for ages 16-17+

Again, the content in this book may not be appropriate for ALL 16 year olds, and it may be appropriate for certain 15 year olds. It's different for everyone. Check with your parents if you're wondering if it's right for you.

Read the full review for...

Book 2- The Heart Of Betrayal 

Book 3- The Beauty Of Darkness (Coming Summer 2016!)

Emissary by Thomas Locke (Review by Ashley Nikole)

Can I start off with the fact that I think this cover is phenomenal? I can't even take how beautiful & well designed it is. It was what made me pick up this book in the first place- I was like, "whoa, dat cover is- whoa"
Bravo!

First read by Thomas Locke (which is a pen name for the bestselling author Davis Bunn), and one of my first adventures into fantasy land, since I read the Lord Of The Rings- I'll say about a decade ago. 

I confess, the reason for my lack of fantasy reading is largely due to the heavy presence of witchcraft that normally accompanies the genre. 

For me, I don't feel as though a fantasy book gives a person license to go all occultic, black magic wielding, necromancy creepster on me. Perhaps I will one day write a blog post on that subject, but for now, suffice to say there is a fine line, and I don't believe fantasy fiction should be a guide in black magic 101- that people in real life try to replicate- but I shall rest my case and get back to the review at hand. 

PLOT: 

From the first page, I was drawn in & carried along with the story pretty well. There was hardly a moment of in-depth explanation (which I often find authors doing for the first three or four chapters, arg) in chapter one, instead I was plunged into the MC's life, without a big backstory- which I personally enjoyed. 

The pace was not what I would consider fast, but neither was it slow. Rather, it resembled a string of explosions and their subsequent aftermaths. So, in a sense, with all the mini explosions, the book felt at times a tad bit anticlimactic- but then again, there really wasn't a way around that, given the type of conquest-type plot. 

Also, given the fact that Emissary is book one in a trilogy, I clearly don't have the full perspective on the plot, where it begins and ends- at this point I have the foundation of book one- without the buildup or conclusion of two or three. 

Locke has a way of writing fantasy much as Tolkien would- and in a way where you feel as though the book was either written a century ago, or the author has honed their skill in which their writing & voice feels so very authentically...distant land and not contemporary. 

MAGIC:

Given that this is a fantasy book, the use of magic is a given. There are mage's, wizards and a telepathic race known as the Ashanta. With the fantasy genre, the question is not if magic will be used, it is more who uses it, how and why. If the magic is used with good intent & for the uplifting/liberation of others, it is good. If used with evil intent, it is dark- so magic is usually representing a metaphorical melting pot of good vs. evil. 

There are glowing orbs that hold energy from the currents which surge below the earth's surface, that create shifts in nature, heal, destroy or repair, etc etc. 

In mage school, students are instructed on how to weave spells & learn how to craft magic- pretty basic look at it- not in depth. 

There were some witches who attack Hyam- pretty grotesque and creepy, kinda left my skin feeling funny afterwards, ya know that kinda stuff? Yeah. 

Overall, the magic in this book didn't lead the reader down a witchcraft type dark or twisted path. Magic was a thing. It was used. There's that. 

VIOLENCE: 

This being a book with battles and the attempted conquering of a deathly foe, you can imagine Lord Of The Rings type bloodshed and the like. Battles, killing, blood, a dead army of shrieking ghosts- you get the point. 

SEXUAL CONTENT: 

Not much. A miniscule amount of romance between Hyam & Joelle.
The witches were sexually perverse & in your face, but for only a scene.

CONCLUSION: 
I would give this book a 2 star rating. I most certainly didn't hate it, but neither did I love it.
For me, I have to feel as though the character's hearts are not hidden or non-existent to the reader- there must be an emotional connection for me to fully enjoy the book. In Emissary, I felt there was a heavy informational download, epic battles, unique characters & looming challenges- but no real emotion. Correction- there was a scene or two I empathised with, but not many. So, while the writing was beautiful and the plot well crafted- it didn't make the cut for me,
personally.

Also, I felt as though the villain was entirely underdeveloped. I'm not a fan of the author focusing entirely on the bad guy, but honestly, I didn't know what Hyam and all the good guys were fighting against for the whole story. Some crimson orb-wielding, mystical wizard with seemingly ultimate power...but who was he? Where'd he come from? I had so many questions regarding the crimson wizard and why he was the ultimate big bad guy, but I came out pretty slim in the answers department. Then again, this is a trilogy, so I cannot go full circle and count all the eggs before they're hatched, so to speak. I look forward to having a more well rounded and educated opinion on this series, but for now, with the information at hand, these are my thoughts.

I'd recommend this book for ages 16+ (granted, not all 16 year old's are ready for the content in this book, that is loosely based on where I was as a 16 year old. Some would dig it at 15, some not even at 20- so keep in mind this is an approximately based recommend :)

I hear Emissary is under review for becoming a film! How exciting would that be?
Have you read Emissary? What were your thoughts? Share them in the comments below!