Review: Changeling

Changeling

Philippa Gregory
Published by: Simon Pulse
Released: May 24, 2012

Once again, I finish a book later at night, so I will send a special shout out to Goodreads and borrow the description from them once again.



Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn GirlItaly, 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.

I had high hopes for this book. I knew that Philippa Gregory was a talented writer who wrote The Other Boleyn Girl and I thought maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't have that "Authors who writes for adults then attempts to write for YA because it is wildly popular" syndrome. Yup. She has it. The writing wasn't horrible; it held my attention. But the story was just weird.

I was hoping for some fast pace, action novel that took place after the fall of Constantinople filled with fantasy, breath taking heroes, romance, ect. Nah. Book didn't really have that. Half of it took place in a nunnery...Wow! Lots of action there *Rolls eyes* The story wasn't horrible. I finished it in a day. It held my interest, but still left me with a lot of confusion and questions. If I hadn't participated in our school's production of The Sound of Music last year, I would probably have been so baffled by everything that happened in the abbey and all of the "nunly" (Yes, I did just invent that) stuff. It's more like 2 short stories cramed between a cover, one following the strange events at the abbey and the other the werewolf problem. They weren't really related at all except for the fact that *SPOILER* Isolde and Ishraq escaped and was found by Luca and Freize when they were caught by bandits. Then it weaves into the werewolf story. *END SPOILER*  The plot was uneven. It didn't seem to mesh together like it should and it was very predictable. I guessed the whole book. I usually enjoy coming up with theories, but this was flat out obvious.

Kuddos for having it placed in Italy. I love all things Italian and one of my best friends is over there right now partying it up in Rome. If I was over there now, I would be tempted to follow Luca's path just like I did in Paris with the Die for Me and The Red Pyramid locations (L'obelisque est mon préféré!)

And what was up with the ending? This book is short, barely topping 250 pages! I don't even think it deserves the title of Cliffhanger because it was anything but. It was an abrupt ending because the author either became bored or thought that it was an excuse of a cliffhanger. Nope. It was just sucky! She could have easily gone on at least another 100 pages and left us readers with a lot of questions. I am sitting here so confused. How was this book even published?

SPOILERS BELOW

Okay. Let's talk about that one scene in the nunnery when the truth comes out. It is very disturbing to say the least and even though I pretty much predicted what happen because it was so darn obvious, it threw me a curveball.

Zombie Nuns. That's basically what they were. Zombie nuns who formed a mob and burned the Lady Almoner, moaning traitor the whole time. Yeah okay. Lady Almoner was guilty of everything: poisoning the nuns, the death of Sister Augusta, paning for gold. But the image I got from that scene was so disturbing I couldn't even form proper thoughts afterwards. I had to keep telling myself "Did I really just read that?" and I was just so...speachless. I don't think I would ever look at nuns the same way again.

It took me a while to pick the book back up again.

END OF SPOILERS

The characters. They were really flat in my mind. No true characterization occured in the novel. Maybe something will happen in the next ones. Ishraq was pretty cool, being all kick butt and everything. But that's about it. Luca seemed too happy in his role as inquistor. He took it way too seriously and put his authority out there whenever he could. Freize was just annoying as any character could be. She tried to hard to make him a sarcastic character and he really just annoyed the living crap out of me. Brother Peter just needs to go do something fun. Seriously, that guy's robe is in a twist because he is so moody, pouty. I feel like he has been sitting in time out for most of his life. Isolde is too...hmmmm...I really have no complaints on her other than the fact that she should have thrown her brother out of a window whenever she had gotten the chance. Her brother was so horrible that I wish I could jump into the story to strangle the guy. The characters don't feel like they are 17, 18 in my mind. They seem like they could easily be adults. Understandable, seeing how Philippa Gregory traditionally writes for adults and this is her first YA novel. Frankly, I wish this was an adult novel. It could be 10 times better.

So am I being generous giving it 3 stars? I hate giving below 3 stars because I try to love every story I read. There is just a handful of YA books that I flat out hated (Entwined being on the top of my list.) The idea of the story is brilliant; the writing kept me interested. It was the plot, or lack of it, that bothered me and the lack of character development. Maybe I'm being too harsh on the novel, but I seriously wished I waited until more of the books came out before I bought this one. I had such high hopes for this book and it kind of disappointed me. It left me with so many questions that I'm going to have to go out and pick up the rest of them just to get answers. The book held my interest and that's mostly why I gave it 3 stars. Maybe if it didn't end the way it did, or was longer, or had a main plot, I could easily give it 4 or 5 stars. But there were those issues that really bugged me and I can't over look them.

I don't recommend going out and buying this book new like I did. Wait until more of them are out and pick them up cheap or on an eReader. In my mind, it wasn't worth the $13 I paid for it (at Targets, discounted price). I was expecting this big medieval fantasy, but mostly ended up with medieval superstitions that were silly and mundane, not at all fantasy, but truly and horribly real (Hate reading normal books if you couldn't tell...) I'm curious to see how they all play out so I'm going to continue the series, I just wish I waited until more came out. I am seriously kicking myself in the butt for that now.

Review by Calypso

Casting News: SIMON LEWIS

Casting news for CITY OF BONES (SO EXCITED FOR THIS MOVIE!!)

Robert Sheehan from, Misfits, has been casted as Simon. Haven't seen it but now I must because he's in it.

Of course he looks nothing like the Simon I pictured but I am going into the movie with an open mind. Apparently he has great chemistry with Jamie (JACE), and Lily (CLARY) and as long as he can act like the Simon Lewis I know and love, I am totally okay with him being Simon.

So far, only Jace, Clary, Isabelle, Simon, Pangborn, Blackwell, and Alec (Even though we do not know the actor due to scheduling conflicts).

Jamie Campbell Bower as JACE WAYLAND

Lily Collins as CLARY FRAY

Jemima West as ISABELLE LIGHTWOOD

Robert Maillet as BLACKWELL (One of Valentine's hunch men.)

Kevin Durand as PANGBORN (Basically like the salt to Blackwell's pepper. If that makes sense to anyone...)

And lastly, somebody we don't know yet because of scheduling conflicts as ALEC LIGHTWOOD. I really want to know who's playing Alec and Magnus. They are my favorite couple in the series. The wait is killing me.

So there you go! Lastest cast update for CITY OF BONES. Dying for this movie to come out and it hasn't even begun filming. I need a new obsession.

Cover Reveal: CLOCKWORK PRINCESS

It's here! Clockwork Princess cover! (Can March come any quicker??)

Only 251 days until the book hits stores March 19, 2013 (Not like I'm counting or anything)

I'm a little iffy on the cover. Don't get me wrong, I think it's gorgeous. But after careful discussions with Magnus, we feel like that smile is just not cutting it for us. It just doesn't seem like the Tessa I imagined in my mind. I understand that there is no perfect model out there who looks like the Tessa I picture. It's just, I don't know, not like Tessa. And the dress seems like something Jessamine would wear, but I still love the dress. It makes me want one really badly. Can I go back in time and have that dress for Prom?

And Magnus pointed this out and I would have never realized it. The background sort of looks like the Capital Dome in Washington DC. It's probably somewhere in London, but yeah, it does look a little like Washington DC. I can see where she's coming from there!

I cannot wait for this book. I want to see how Tessa gets out of the whole 'marriage' thing with Jem (Because we all know she's going to end up with Will. It's going to happen. It must happen.). And the epilogue is called "London, 2007". Okay. Breathe, Caly, breathe. I need this book like now. I want to see if mine and Mags's theories are correct (We are exceptional guessers, usually getting 2 or 3 of our theories right!)

March 19, 2013. Well, I know what I'm going to be doing that night. Will, Tessa, and Jem, I cannot wait and see how your story concludes.

Movie News: CITY OF BONES

So today they released the official movie logo for City of Bones and I am basically freaking out right now. Want to watch this movie SO SO SO badly.

I love how Angelic Power is the "o". SO EXCITED!!!

Review: The Goddess Test

The Goddess Test

Aimée Carter
Published by: Harlequin Teen
Released: April 19, 2011





So I am going to be lazy once again and borrow the description from Goodreads.

EVERY GIRL WHO HAS TAKEN THE TEST HAS DIED.

NOW IT'S KATE'S TURN.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she suceeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.

IF SHE FAILS...

Does anyone else hear the "Dun Dun Duuunnn..." after finishing that? Or is it just me?

*Sigh*

Where do I even start with this one? I am in love with Greek Mythology. I fell head over heels when I read Percy Jackson. I basically died when I read the Starcrossed Trilogy. I think The Covenant Novels ran over my heart with a tractor trailer truck. To say the least, I love modernized Greek Mythology stories, so I was expecting this one to be downright amazing.

*Crickets chirping*

The book wasn't horrible. I expect so much out of it and I found myself a little disappointed in Aimée's story. I love the idea of Hades (Sorry, I mean Henry) trying to find another wife to replace dear old Persephone after she got sick of the crazy, moody god (I have a low tolerance for Hades so please excuse my hatred of the guy). The concept of the book is amazing. Kate has to pass 7 tests in order to become immortal and be Henry's beloved prisoner, I mean wife. Pff. Who am I kidding? I mean prisoner.

**BELOW ARE SPOILERS SO DON'T READ AHEAD IF YOU HATE THOSE PESKY SPOILERS!**

The 7 tests are based off of the Seven Deadly Sins. Okay. Cool idea. I like it. Except for the fact that the Seven Deadly Sins are Christian. Am I wrong? I guess they did exsist back then when the Greeks were sitting in togas creating all of their brilliant myths. I mean, pride is a big Ancient Greek no-no. And don't even get me started on lust. Is anybody else thinking of Zeus and Aphrodite? Couldn't the test be something like, I don't know, Heracles's? I mean, why mix the two different concepts from two very different religions? But now I'm becoming WAY TOO PICKY.

Then there's the whole thing were Henry DOES NOT HAVE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST ATTRIBUTES THAT HADES IS SUPPOSE TO HAVE! -_- Okay. So the guy is broody, and moody, and is crazy obsessed with Persephone. He even has his slight anger problems. But that's about it. Nothing at all like the big, dark, terrifying god who I have come to know and deeply despise. Maybe that's why I warmed up to Henry just a little. A wee little bit. And maybe it did help melt some of my frozen heart that I have set aside just for Hades. But really? Henry a virgin? A VIRGIN? By all the Gods in Olympus alone, I did not see that one coming. Ummm...That sounds nothing like the god I have read so much about. Seriously. Okay. I will let this one slide I guess. Yeah.

Finally, Kate failed the test on lust. *Snickers* Kate, perfect Kate who was all like "I will never date any boys because my mama is dying and I have no time for guys at all". And yet she failed lust. *Starts to snicker again* Talk about irony. Okay, I'll cave. She was spiked with an aphrodisiac but still, I started laughing after I read that. It was everything she said she would never do and yet, BAM, she failed. Okay. Thanks for the laugh Aimée. I needed that. Then she fell madly in love with Henry and I was like "The guy barely talks to you, sees you, and he kidnapped you. AND YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH HIM?? WHY GIRL? WHERE ARE THOSE BRAINS YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO HAVE?" Stockholm Syndrome much?

I am done complaining now.

**END OF THOSE DARN PESKY SPOILERS**

I love Kate's relationship with her dying mother. I made me be on the verge of tears in some parts because the love she had for her mother was *sniffle* touching. But at some points, I was wondering if Kate even had a life outside of her mother. She dropped high school to take care of her, she refused to make any other friendships. Her life revolved around her mother. Granted, her mother was dying of terminal cancer and could go any second. I cannot relate to that at all, but I know I would probably go crazy if I had to watch my mother go through that without any friends or high school to ground me. (I cannot believe I just said something like that about high school. Wow.)

The thing that bugged me the most was the name change. The original names are seriously fine. I don't understand why Aimée would change perfectly good names. I was so glad that there was a guide in the back for me to flip back and forth to because otherwise, I would probably be confused with everybody. Like Ella and James. They did not have the personality of the god/goddess they were supposed to be. I guess at the end I understood why the names were all changed because it was finally explained. But it doesn't mean I had to like it.

What was the point of placing a mini love triangle between Henry, Kate, and James? I know James stands no chance at all but really? I know love triangles are seriously popular right now, but it's okay not to include them in a story. Just once I want to read a book that has NO LOVE TRIANGLES. YOU DON'T NEED TO HAVE A TRIANGLE IN YOUR STORY. Be different, keep it a line! I am done ranting about that now.

It took me about 160 pages in before I started to actually want to read more of the book. I was a little bored at first, but it did pick up in the end and I'm actually curious at how the stories will continue. I know that she wrote novellas that happen during Kate's summer stays away from Eden and that book two is out. So I may just have to pick them up eventually. I want to know how they end, even though the book drove me crazy for half of it.

So if you want a book that will drive you absolutely crazy... Haha. Just kidding. If you are a fan of modernized Greek Mythology stories, try these. They aren't my favorite stories ever, but are a pretty decent read for anyone interested in Greek myths. They are a tad bit predictable but hey, I love it when I guess everything correctly. So that's a plus I guess. But seriously, if you are curious about reading them or for some reason I cannot possibly fathom, are in love with Hades, go out to your local bookstore and pick them up. Enjoy a cute little read.

Review by Calypso

Review: Curse Workers

White Cat

Red Glove

(Curse Workers #1 and 2)

Holly Black
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Released:
Book One: May 4, 2010
Book Two: April 5, 2011

So I'm so tired and busy unpacking right now that I'm just going to borrow the description from Goodreads. (Thanks Goodreads for being such a life saver!!) And if you want to read them, I recomend not reading the description for Red Glove (Curse Workers #2). Tis' a little spoiltry for all you non spoiler folks.

White Cat:

Cassel comes from a family of Curse Workers - people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists. But not Cassel. He hasn't got magic, so he's an outsider, the striaght kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail - he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.

Red Glove:

Curses and cons.
Magic and the mob.

In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth — he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything — or anyone — into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she’s human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila’s been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion-worker mom. And if Lila’s love is as phony as Cassel’s made-up memories, then he can’t believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel’s oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue — crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too — they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can’t trust anyone — least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

Hmmm...Where do I begin??

To start off, Holly Black's books are definitely not for everyone. Someone could easily hate them or love them. I happen to love them, but I think Magnus might be on the fence with her stories. I'm not really sure how to describe it, but her tone and mood are more darker I guess. They are definitely not a light and fluffy story that are meant for you to fall head over heels for a perfect lead character.

Cassel is anything but perfect and that's why I think I love him so much. He's flawed, greedy, sly, and will do anything for a con. He grew up in a horrible home life, always thinking he was different but *SPOILER* was actually the most powerful of the whole bunch, a transformation worker. *END SPOILER*  He tries so hard to fit in with everyone, but gives up when he realizes he is just plain different. He thinks he is a murderer for killing his best friend, Lila. I feel sorry for the poor guy. Don't get me wrong, I am still a major fangirl for all of those perfect fictional guys out there *Cough, Cough. WILL HERONDALE* But it was nice to read something different for once.

The whole concept of the Curse Workers is genius to say the lease. It's like they are magicians, or supernatural, but instead of having it be one whole secret, the whole world knows about them. Most people are terrified of them, always wondering who has the 'heebiegeebies', and that's why most of them are like the Mafia or the mob, one big happy family.

This book is just so different from all the other YA books out there. It doesn't follow that stereotypical storyline like all of the other books I have read lately and that's why it has been in my mind non stop since I finished reading both of them. I cannot wait to get my hands on the last one, Black Heart and see how everything turns out.

Another reason why I love them so much: NO CLIFFHANGERS AND LOVE TRIANGLES! I would personally want to thank Holly Black for not making me read about another stupid love triangle. Thank you SO SO SO SO MUCH! Instead, the romance in this book is sort of unrequited in a way that makes me want to scream so loud for Cassel to end up with *SPOILER* Lila despite the fact that she was cursed to love him *END SPOILER* It makes me want to punch someone. And it isn't the main thing the story revolves around. It focuses more on Cassel's mistakes and how he has to go through life trying to be the good kid, trying to save his butt, trying to figure out a way to get everything he needs in order to survive. Romance plays a very little role for the most part. And the endings are satisfying. I am not panting and sobbing at the end like I am with Rick Riordan's or Cassandra Clare's. I can happily sit back and say to myself "Okay. When is Black Heart coming out in paperback?" Yup. Shocking right there.

The only complaint I have is that Red Glove wasn't as exciting as White Cat. I couldn't put book one down and it drove my mother completely insane because I was suppose to be socializing with our friends that we were visiting. Book two took a little longer because I was bored about half way through it and had to practically force myself to sit down and read it. But trust me, if the same thing happens to you, continue it and finish it. It gets better. I promise.

And this is totally off topic in a way, but I loved the little refrences to Jace "The Almighty" Lightwood. AAAWWW!! I love Cassandra Clare's books and I love how Holly Black even includes our favorite little shadowhunter as a minor character that only die hard lovers of Jace would even know about. Okay. Reel in the fangirl and get back to the Curse Workers.

So if you want something to read that's unique, dark, and takes place right on our favorite Jersey shoreline (No Snooki refrences in the book. SORRY!) I highly recomend this book if you want something that has finally left the norm for all YA books. They are so different and cool that it makes me want to go buy a pair of gloves to trot around in ;)

Review by Calypso





Review: Shatter Me

Shatter Me



Tahereh Mafi
Published by: HarperCollins
Released: November 15, 2011

Yes, I know. Another Dystopian novel. But this one is probably my favorite!

Shatter Me is about a girl named Juliette Ferrars who has been locked up for 264 days. She hasn't touched anybody in 264 days. Juliette's touch is fatal, anyone who touches her feels imense pain and well...to put it bluntly, dies. The Reestablishment has too much on their plate to deal with a girl who can kill with her hands. The world is dying, ravage with disease, and changing before peoples' eyes. She has been in total isolation for 264 days, until they decide to give her a roommate, Adam. Adam is from Juliette's past, the closest thing she can ever call a friend. So when a leader from the Reestablishment wants to make Juliette his pet, she has to make a choice: Be a weapon or be a fighter.

I just LOVED this book. It is probably the only dystopian novel I have read so far that mixes the dystopian future with a paranormal twist. It was almost as if Tahereh Mafi placed X-Men into a time machine and sent them into the future. Amazing, I know.

And the characters. Holy crap! These guys were AMAZING! I don't think I have ever felt so sorry for a character before I met Juliette. That girl's life just sucks. And Adam. Oh Adam. I love that guy. And Warner. AAWW!! I am so confused with that guy! I don't know whether to hate him or pity him. One second I was saying "CURSE YOU WARNER! GO DIE IN A HOLE!!" Next I was "Oh Warner, you poor, twisted soul." That drove me crazy! I still don't know how I feel about the guy.

The writing is just beautiful. I am jealous in awe at the writing. It's being narrated by Juliette's POV, present tense, so when she's telling the story, she would want to say one thing, and then cross it out and say something else. That is SO DIFFERENT AND COOL! I have never read anything like it. And it's so poetic. Some of my favorite quotes come from this book.

The only thing that bugged me was the language. Can Kenji say something other than S**T?? Seriously? It really distracted me from the story because my brain would keep going back to that. I felt like it broke the flow of the story. I think it would have been fine without Kenji's foul language.

So if you are in love with X-Men or Dystopian Novels or just want to read about some guy named Kenji (Seriously. He's hilarious! But doesn't show up until halfway through) I highly recomend this book. I could not put this down and basically got really sick in the car.

Review by Calypso  

SIDE NOTE:

I own the old cover of Shatter Me, but they are switching the covers for the novella Destroy Me, and book 2 Unravel Me. Frankly, I like the old cover better than this new one that features an eye. But oh well. At least the author loves them.