Heir of Ra

Heir of Ra by M. Sasinowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

EBook received courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.
It is always a delight to discover a new work. Whether the work is a bestseller or lesser known, the discovery of a new world is akin to the discovery of treasure. The thought crossed this reader’s mind numerous times while reading M. Sasinowski’s Heir of Ra, the first novel in the Blood of Ra trilogy.
Heir of Ra tells the story of Alyssa, the daughter of an archeologist who suffers from a mysterious illness after an excavation of the mythical Hall of Records beneath the Egyptian Sphinx goes awry. Determined to find the cure, Alyssa encounters unyielding allies, unrelenting enemies, and discovers that the world as she knows it is not what it seems.
In a genre riddled with stereotypical protagonists, Alyssa is a great character. She’s confident, self-assured, and the author did not feel the need the weigh her storyline down with a love interest that dominates the novel, certainly refreshing for anyone looking to shy away from that trope. A bit more characterization will be needed to fully flesh out her character, as well as the other characters within Sasinowski’s world, but I look forward to seeing her character arc in the next two novels.
Heir of Ra reads like an action movie and the plot unfolds in a similar manner, beginning at a breakneck speed, never catching a breath until the final page. For someone who does not like to linger on minute details, it made the reading experience quick and enjoyable, but it does require a quite a bit of attention on the reader’s part to keep up with the various points of view. That’s not to say that the novel lacks depth and research – quite the opposite. Sasinowski displayed immense skill at his ability to keep the quick pace of the storyline while still maintaining important aspects of storytelling such as depth and well researched detail.
This book was an absolute delight from start to finish and I look forward to picking up Daughter of Ra, the second book of the series.

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Maggie Stiefvater’s Bittersweet Farewell to Mercy Falls

It was a bittersweet day on July 12, the day that Forever, the third and final book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy, was released to the masses. For those unfamiliar with Maggie Stiefvater’s bestselling trilogy, you will definitely want to read the first two books, Shiver and Linger, before reading Forever.
Forever begins almost immediately, giving the reader little to no back-story of the events that occur in Shiver and Linger. Grace is adjusting to her new transformation as a wolf, and Sam, now almost cured from becoming a wolf, is adjusting to life without Grace. Meanwhile, Cole is racing to find a real cure; Isabel and Cole must confront their feelings for one another, and danger looms ahead for the wolves as an aerial attack has been approved.
Readers have always admired Stiefvater’s uncanny ability to evoke such strong emotions with each novel she creates. A simple exchange between two characters would leave readers reaching for a box of Kleenex. Forever is no different, though the emotional pull does not feel as strong as it did in Shiver and Linger. Forever is highly entertaining, and readers will devour page after page until the very end. Readers will laugh at how Sam and Cole interact; they will sigh when Sam and Grace are together; and the actions scenes will leave readers at the edge of their seats.
The plot is unpredictable, to say the least. Readers will constantly question how Forever will end until they read the final page. However, if you are a reader who expects all of the loose ends of the series to be neatly tied up, you may be disappointed. Stiefvater provides some insight on the characters’ future, but the overall fate of most of the characters is left up to the reader. Many have complained that this is Forever’s core weakness, but this reader would have to disagree. Stiefvater places more power in her readers and their imagination to tie up the loose ends themselves. This is a bold decision on Stiefvater’s part, but it is also very refreshing in a genre where conclusions are generally spoon-fed to the readers.
The true strength in Forever is the character development. The main characters grow, thrive, and become stronger people. It is quite impressive when a reader can actually see a character evolve with each turn of the page. While all of the main characters grow considerably, the two most impressive changes come from Sam and Cole. Readers will find themselves rooting for both boys as Sam learns to face his fears, and Cole adjusts to starting his life over.
Overall, get the box of Kleenex out for the final book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. All of the fans, old and new alike, will be sad to see it come to an end.
For more information, visit Maggie’s website.

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Lisa Mantchev Proves Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

"Parting is such sweet sorrow." That is the feeling that Lisa Mantchev's new novel, So Silver Bright, evokes from the reader. In the final book of the Theatre Illuminata trilogy, So Silver Bright provides a fitting, and bittersweet, conclusion to a wonderfully enchanting story.

So Silver Brightbegins where Perchance to Dream, the second book in the Theatre Illuminata trilogy, concludes. The stakes are higher than ever as Bertie races to reunite her father and mother, save her beloved theatre that is caught in limbo, and defeat the evil sea goddess, Sedna, once and for all. Add in thieves, mischievous faeries, and a spoiled queen, and it is safe to say that Bertie has her hands full. To make matters worse, Bertie must also choose between her two loves: the swashbuckling pirate, Nate, or the air elemental, Ariel.

Those unfamiliar with the Theatre Illuminata trilogy are missing out on a spectacular series. However, one should read the first two novels of the Theatre Illuminata trilogy, Eyes Like Stars and Perchance to Dream respectively, before attempting So Silver Bright. Mantchev's writing style is a breath of fresh air in Young Adult literature. The story itself reads like something out of a dream, and is refreshingly unique. Her writing enchants the reader and catapults them into an illusory world- reality always a bit out of reach. Because the writing style is so different from typical YA novels, readers may have a difficult time getting accustomed to it. However, that is a matter easily settled within the first few pages, as the story itself takes hold of the reader. The plot is solid, and all of the loose ends are neatly tied up. The character development in So Silver Bright is nearly impeccable. It is wonderful to read how these characters grow with each turn of the page. Some readers may not be happy with how the story concludes, but Mantchev treats each character with respect, and honors them with an end befitting to their personal story arcs.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow." That is the feeling that Lisa Mantchev's new novel, So Silver Bright, evokes from the reader. In the final book of the Theatre Illuminata trilogy, So Silver Bright provides a fitting, and bittersweet, conclusion to a wonderfully enchanting story.

So Silver Brightbegins where Perchance to Dream, the second book in the Theatre Illuminata trilogy, concludes. The stakes are higher than ever as Bertie races to reunite her father and mother, save her beloved theatre that is caught in limbo, and defeat the evil sea goddess, Sedna, once and for all. Add in thieves, mischievous faeries, and a spoiled queen, and it is safe to say that Bertie has her hands full. To make matters worse, Bertie must also choose between her two loves: the swashbuckling pirate, Nate, or the air elemental, Ariel.

Those unfamiliar with the Theatre Illuminata trilogy are missing out on a spectacular series. However, one should read the first two novels of the Theatre Illuminata trilogy, Eyes Like Stars and Perchance to Dream respectively, before attempting So Silver Bright. Mantchev's writing style is a breath of fresh air in Young Adult literature. The story itself reads like something out of a dream, and is refreshingly unique. Her writing enchants the reader and catapults them into an illusory world- reality always a bit out of reach. Because the writing style is so different from typical YA novels, readers may have a difficult time getting accustomed to it. However, that is a matter easily settled within the first few pages, as the story itself takes hold of the reader. The plot is solid, and all of the loose ends are neatly tied up. The character development in So Silver Bright is nearly impeccable. It is wonderful to read how these characters grow with each turn of the page. Some readers may not be happy with how the story concludes, but Mantchev treats each character with respect, and honors them with an end befitting to their personal story arcs.
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So Silver Bright is extremely bittersweet, but the reader can take solace in the fact that each character has a fitting end, and the story meets a satisfying conclusion. Readers will laugh; they will cry, and they will be sad to see the final curtain of the Theatre Illuminata fall.

So Silver Bright will be released on September 13, 2011. For more information visit Lisa Mantchev's website.

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Welcome Back Bordertown

Bordertown is a place that borders the elfin realm and the human world. Teenagers (mostly runaways) from both worlds seek Bordertown to find and recreate themselves. This is the simple concept that started the popular Bordertown series back in the 80’s and served as the forerunner of what we would recognize today as urban fantasy. The original Bordertown writers include famed authors such as Charles de Lint, Ellen Kushner, and Emma Bull.

Welcome to Bordertown is a magical combination of short stories, songs, and poems. There is also another treat in the anthology: a graphic story. Authors such as Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, and Neil Gaiman contributed to the anthology, and they did so masterfully. Even better, the original authors contributed, including Terri Windling the author who created Bordertown, as well, making this anthology a wonder to read.

For those readers who have not read the original Bordertown series, do not hesitate to give Welcome to Bordertown a chance. The history of the series, as well as a layout of the town itself, is drawn out for readers within the first few pages. Reading just of few pieces from the anthology will make readers wish they had read the original Bordertown series.

Welcome Back Bordertown!

Bordertown is a place that borders the elfin realm and the human world. Teenagers (mostly runaways) from both worlds seek Bordertown to find and recreate themselves. This is the simple concept that started the popular Bordertown series back in the 80’s and served as the forerunner of what we would recognize today as urban fantasy. The original Bordertown writers include famed authors such as Charles de Lint, Ellen Kushner, and Emma Bull.

Welcome to Bordertown is a magical combination of short stories, songs, and poems. There is also another treat in the anthology: a graphic story. Authors such as Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, and Neil Gaiman contributed to the anthology, and they did so masterfully. Even better, the original authors contributed, including Terri Windling the author who created Bordertown, as well, making this anthology a wonder to read.

For those readers who have not read the original Bordertown series, do not hesitate to give Welcome to Bordertown a chance. The history of the series, as well as a layout of the town itself, is drawn out for readers within the first few pages. Reading just of few pieces from the anthology will make readers wish they had read the original Bordertown series.
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Like most anthologies, some work is stronger than others. Some stories were a bit too dry and difficult to get through, while other pieces were devoured in minutes. Overall, Welcome to Bordertown deserves a warm welcome from readers either familiar with the original series or just learning about the world. One thing is certain, once the reader enters Bordertown, they will never want to leave.

For more information on the Bordertown series, visit the Bordertown website.

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Lauren DeStefano's Promising Debut

It seems in most cases, an author’s debut novel is the weakest. The writing is good, but not great, and the characters are interesting, but a bit one-dimensional. Fortunately, this is not so for Lauren DeStefano’s debut novel, “Wither”, the first book in the Chemical Gardens trilogy. This unique dystopian novel takes place in the not too distant future, where continents have been obliterated, and, thanks to a botched genetic engineering experiment, humans do not live past there twenties. Specifically, women do not live past twenty, and men do not live past twenty-five. Prostitution and polygamy are also common practices in this world, due to a high demand for children so that family lines remain in tact.

Caught in this maelstrom is sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, girl who along with two other girls, is forced to marry Linden Ashby, a wealthy man whose father is a scientist who is desperately trying to find an antidote that will reverse the virus that is sure to claim his son and his wives. Rhine is introduced to a life of apparent luxury, but all she wants is to escape and reunite with her twin brother, Rowan. Rhine also finds solace in a servant, Gabriel, and she soon finds herself attracted to him. All of the characters interact well with one another, and the bond that Rhine forges with her sister wives is beautiful and saddening. However, some of the characters’ motives are not always clear, and there are several plot holes that will hopefully be resolved in later novels.

It seems in most cases, an author’s debut novel is the weakest. The writing is good, but not great, and the characters are interesting, but a bit one-dimensional. Fortunately, this is not so for Lauren DeStefano’s debut novel, “Wither”, the first book in the Chemical Gardens trilogy. This unique dystopian novel takes place in the not too distant future, where continents have been obliterated, and, thanks to a botched genetic engineering experiment, humans do not live past there twenties. Specifically, women do not live past twenty, and men do not live past twenty-five. Prostitution and polygamy are also common practices in this world, due to a high demand for children so that family lines remain in tact.

Caught in this maelstrom is sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, girl who along with two other girls, is forced to marry Linden Ashby, a wealthy man whose father is a scientist who is desperately trying to find an antidote that will reverse the virus that is sure to claim his son and his wives. Rhine is introduced to a life of apparent luxury, but all she wants is to escape and reunite with her twin brother, Rowan. Rhine also finds solace in a servant, Gabriel, and she soon finds herself attracted to him. All of the characters interact well with one another, and the bond that Rhine forges with her sister wives is beautiful and saddening. However, some of the characters’ motives are not always clear, and there are several plot holes that will hopefully be resolved in later novels.
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“Wither” is a cautionary tale of sorts that questions, and depicts in horrific detail, how far science can go before humanity is lost altogether. Fans of dystopian fiction, such as “The Hunger Games” trilogy, will devour “Wither” and the upcoming books in the series. Lauren DeStefano’s writing is strong for a debut author, and she is sure to grow stronger. Her story telling skills are superb- hooking the readers immediately in the first chapter. Her writing makes the readers not want to put the book down until the very last page. It is safe to say that Lauren DeStefano’s new voice in YA literature is a force to be reckoned with.

For more information, visit Lauren DeStefano’s website.

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Libba Bray Proves Beauty Is Only Skin Deep

A group of beauty queens stranded on an island. From the premise, the reader may believe the book to be about a group of superficial girls who are literally beauty queens. However, this novel is much more than that. When a group of beauty queens from the Miss Teen Dream pageant crash land on a supposedly deserted island, they must rely on each other, and themselves, for survival. With the addition of dashing pirates, an ominous corporation that also has its claws on the island, and commercial breaks that poke fun at corporate America, readers have a book that is both captivating and amusing.

Beauty Queens is truly a unique novel; a magical blend of Lords of the Flies meets an absurdist play. At a glance, the book is a satire that never takes itself too seriously, which makes the absurd scenes work. The novel questions American ideals concerning beauty, the female role, entertainment, media, religion, and marketing. At its core, however, it is a feminist novel. Beauty Queens tells the story of fourteen completely different girls. It takes a while for most of the girls to realize who they are, but when they do, it is rewarding to read. Bray makes it easy for readers to identify with the characters, and readers will find themselves cheering for the girls and hoping they each get the happy ending they deserve.

A group of beauty queens stranded on an island. From the premise, the reader may believe the book to be about a group of superficial girls who are literally beauty queens. However, this novel is much more than that. When a group of beauty queens from the Miss Teen Dream pageant crash land on a supposedly deserted island, they must rely on each other, and themselves, for survival. With the addition of dashing pirates, an ominous corporation that also has its claws on the island, and commercial breaks that poke fun at corporate America, readers have a book that is both captivating and amusing.

Beauty Queens is truly a unique novel; a magical blend of Lords of the Flies meets an absurdist play. At a glance, the book is a satire that never takes itself too seriously, which makes the absurd scenes work. The novel questions American ideals concerning beauty, the female role, entertainment, media, religion, and marketing. At its core, however, it is a feminist novel. Beauty Queens tells the story of fourteen completely different girls. It takes a while for most of the girls to realize who they are, but when they do, it is rewarding to read. Bray makes it easy for readers to identify with the characters, and readers will find themselves cheering for the girls and hoping they each get the happy ending they deserve.
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Even though it is an absolute treat, Beauty Queens is not for those who are easily offended. The book contains sexual content, and it addresses such issues. The subject is expressed tastefully and is not unnecessarily graphic. Beauty Queens also addresses issues of homosexuality and introduces a transgender character that will make readers reexamine the idea of sexuality and gender. In spite of some reservations readers may have, Beauty Queens is a must read for girls who are trying to find themselves or anyone who wishes to read a well-written satire.

Libba Bray’s writing is top-notch here. The dialogue is witty, and the overall format of the book is outstanding. The plot is tight, but readers may wish that some characters had a clearer ending. Overall, Bray has amazed her fans yet again, and is sure to gain more with Beauty Queens.

For more information on Libba Bray, visit her website.

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Sarah Dessen's New Novel Is A Slam Dunk

As cliché as the title seems, it is the accurate description of Sarah Dessen’s new novel, What Happened to Goodbye. Dessen’s tenth novel tells the story of seventeen-year-old Mclean, a girl who after her parents’ very public and bitter divorce, decides to move from town to town with her father, a restaurant consultant, and changes her identity in every new town they move into. Now, with three identities shed and a new one in mind, Mclean finds herself in Lakeview, where she discovers that it may not be so easy to assume a new identity this time. Mix in quirky minor characters, a charming love interest in the form of Dave Wade, and an obsession with basketball, and readers have a wonderful, thought provoking novel.

Many readers have complained that in the last few books, Dessen has taken to following a formula, and this reader would have to agree. Dessen does follow a formula, but, really, is that such a bad thing if the formula works? Of course, it would be a treat to see her step out of her comfort zone (she is a talented enough writer to succeed at it) but for the time being, her stories and her characters are endearing. Dessen’s style of writing is almost hypnotic; readers devour her books, as she makes her novels impossible to put down. Dessen’s characters, however, are the driving force in What Happened to Goodbye. Every character has a distinctive voice, so much so, the readers feel like they know them. The real winner of this novel, in this reader’s opinion, is Dave Wade, and it is a shame that he is pushed to the side, more so than most of Dessen’s other male protagonists. Dave is an interesting character, and he tends to outshine Mclean in some parts of the novel.


As to be expected with Dessen, the plot is solid and the ending is satisfying. Dessen’s writing, as always, is top-notch. The dialogue is natural and seamless; the description is vivid, and the constant use of metaphors present all add to the excellence and allure of the piece. Readers experienced with Dessen’s work may be a bit disappointed with What Happened to Goodbye because it is formulaic, but it works, and it should not be missed by readers old and new alike.

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