I love a good retelling of a story; a fairy tale reimagined, a familiar story with a new twist. The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede remain some of my all-time favourite books. Wicked by Gregory Maguire had me completely under its spell...and then it was made into an amazing musical - does it get any better than that? :)
Unfortunately, not all retellings are good ones. Instead they feel a bit gimicky. So, I started reading Sisters Red with a bit of hesitation.
Thankfully, my fear was unnecessary. Sisters Red puts a new spin on the Little Red Riding Hood story (which seems to be popular these days, with at least two recent movies doing the same!). Scarlett (Lett) and her sister Rosie managed to survive the wolf's attack (with Lett severely scarred as a result) and now dedicate their life to hunting down wolves, called Fenris (werewolves). The packs are getting bigger and stronger, and with the help of their woodsman friend Silas, they set out to try and prevent the Fenris from turning another Potential.
I'd say this retelling gets a 4 out of 5 on the Rez Reads chart. It wasn't "life-altering" but it was quite a good read...and the last few chapters had me holding my breath. The author, Jackson Pearce, has one other novel "As You Wish" that apparently is even better than this one...and a re-telling of Hansel and Gretel called Sweetly, that's due out this summer.
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Graceling/Fire ~ Kristin Cashore
Only a few more weeks of summer (although I'm already back at school!) so I'd better get moving on all the Top Ten Nominees!!
Kristine Cashore's Fire is on the list, but I wanted to start by reading her first novel, Graceling. The 2 books are related to each other by one character, but you can read Fire without having read Graceling (although I'm glad I read them in the order I did!).
Let me just start off by saying that I LOVED Graceling. Five out of five, for sure, on the Rez Recommends scale. I reminded me quite a lot of The Hunger Games, which I also loved: feisty heroine, great adventure, amazing characters, a little bit of romance, political intrigue...all around great!
Graceling Plot summary: Katsa is a Graceling - which means she has special powers...in her case, the extraordinary fighting skills: she can take down an entire room of soldiers all on her own, and barely break a sweat. Her uncle, the power-hungry King Randa, takes advantage of these powers and uses her as a hired thug. Katsa's tired of bullying people and starts to defy her uncle. During a secret rescue mission, she meets Po, another Graceling (you can tell a Graceling by their eyes - each eye is a different colour - but they each have different skills/Graces). She's immediately drawn to him, but can't quite figure him out...the chemistry between the two of them is refreshing - there's clearly a romantic attraction, but it's not the over-the-top, swooning that seems to be quite popular these days. Anyway, the two of them uncover a plot to overthrow all Seven Kingdoms...let the action begin!! (Actually, the action starts right in the first few pages - I dare you not to get sucked in!). Overall, I LOVED it...I was thrilled to find a book that I enjoyed as much as The Hunger Games and couldn't wait to start the next book, Fire.
Fire Plot Summary: Once again, the hero of the story is female. This time, Fire, is part human, part monster...she is stunningly beautiful and has the ability to control the minds of anyone she meets. But this gift comes at a price...people obviously fear her, and that fear often leads to hate so she's always in danger - from humans and monsters. When Prince Bringan brings her to King City to try and uncover a treasonous plot, she must use this gift to try and save the kingdom. Maybe because I had such high expections after enjoying Graceling so much, I was a little disappointed in Fire. It took much longer for me to get engrossed in the story...it was like the author got a bit bogged down in the mythology/background story. Or maybe there were just more characters that I was trying to keep track of. It started off really well - the Prologue, which links the 2 books together, was fantastic. And then it seems to slow down for a while. But, if you stick with it, it's definitely worth the effort...similar elements make it a great great: adventure/suspense, a little bit of romance, great characters. Overall, Fire gets 4 out of 5 on the Rez Recommends scale. And again I should say, maybe my impression was skewed because I read it so closely after I finished Graceling.
No word yet on whether there's another book on the horizon, but I certainly hope so.
Now, I'm on to Teens' Top Ten nominee, Heist Society by Ally Carter. I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm loving it so far...I'll let you know when I'm done!
Kristine Cashore's Fire is on the list, but I wanted to start by reading her first novel, Graceling. The 2 books are related to each other by one character, but you can read Fire without having read Graceling (although I'm glad I read them in the order I did!).
Let me just start off by saying that I LOVED Graceling. Five out of five, for sure, on the Rez Recommends scale. I reminded me quite a lot of The Hunger Games, which I also loved: feisty heroine, great adventure, amazing characters, a little bit of romance, political intrigue...all around great!
Graceling Plot summary: Katsa is a Graceling - which means she has special powers...in her case, the extraordinary fighting skills: she can take down an entire room of soldiers all on her own, and barely break a sweat. Her uncle, the power-hungry King Randa, takes advantage of these powers and uses her as a hired thug. Katsa's tired of bullying people and starts to defy her uncle. During a secret rescue mission, she meets Po, another Graceling (you can tell a Graceling by their eyes - each eye is a different colour - but they each have different skills/Graces). She's immediately drawn to him, but can't quite figure him out...the chemistry between the two of them is refreshing - there's clearly a romantic attraction, but it's not the over-the-top, swooning that seems to be quite popular these days. Anyway, the two of them uncover a plot to overthrow all Seven Kingdoms...let the action begin!! (Actually, the action starts right in the first few pages - I dare you not to get sucked in!). Overall, I LOVED it...I was thrilled to find a book that I enjoyed as much as The Hunger Games and couldn't wait to start the next book, Fire.
Fire Plot Summary: Once again, the hero of the story is female. This time, Fire, is part human, part monster...she is stunningly beautiful and has the ability to control the minds of anyone she meets. But this gift comes at a price...people obviously fear her, and that fear often leads to hate so she's always in danger - from humans and monsters. When Prince Bringan brings her to King City to try and uncover a treasonous plot, she must use this gift to try and save the kingdom. Maybe because I had such high expections after enjoying Graceling so much, I was a little disappointed in Fire. It took much longer for me to get engrossed in the story...it was like the author got a bit bogged down in the mythology/background story. Or maybe there were just more characters that I was trying to keep track of. It started off really well - the Prologue, which links the 2 books together, was fantastic. And then it seems to slow down for a while. But, if you stick with it, it's definitely worth the effort...similar elements make it a great great: adventure/suspense, a little bit of romance, great characters. Overall, Fire gets 4 out of 5 on the Rez Recommends scale. And again I should say, maybe my impression was skewed because I read it so closely after I finished Graceling.
No word yet on whether there's another book on the horizon, but I certainly hope so.
Now, I'm on to Teens' Top Ten nominee, Heist Society by Ally Carter. I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm loving it so far...I'll let you know when I'm done!
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
Talk about not judging a book by its cover!
I have to admit, I'm guilty of choosing (or in this case, NOT choosing) books based on their cover. Even though "Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow" is on the Books with Bite list, I shied away from it, thinking that it was some kind of wilderness survival book (the girl on the front is wearing this giant parka, looks very icey, etc.) - which is not what I've been in the mood for.
But, during Rez Reads, I left my book at home one day, so I decided to pick up "Sun and Moon..." and see what it was actually about.
To my surprise, it's actually a very cool re-telling of a Nordic fairy tale...and also has elements of Beauty and the Beast. A little bit of romance, a little bit of magic/folklore, and characters that you really grow to like...it all adds up to a great read. I give it 4 out of 5 on my Rez Reads book review form.
So, shame on me for not trying it sooner...perhaps that's the next list I should create: Great books with not-so-great covers!
I have to admit, I'm guilty of choosing (or in this case, NOT choosing) books based on their cover. Even though "Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow" is on the Books with Bite list, I shied away from it, thinking that it was some kind of wilderness survival book (the girl on the front is wearing this giant parka, looks very icey, etc.) - which is not what I've been in the mood for.
But, during Rez Reads, I left my book at home one day, so I decided to pick up "Sun and Moon..." and see what it was actually about.
To my surprise, it's actually a very cool re-telling of a Nordic fairy tale...and also has elements of Beauty and the Beast. A little bit of romance, a little bit of magic/folklore, and characters that you really grow to like...it all adds up to a great read. I give it 4 out of 5 on my Rez Reads book review form.
So, shame on me for not trying it sooner...perhaps that's the next list I should create: Great books with not-so-great covers!
Marked ~ P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Although Marked is not on the Rez Reads "Books with Bite" list, it is the first book in the "House of Night" series...book 2, Betrayed, is on the list and I can't wait to read it.
I have to say, of the three fantasy/faery/vampire series that I've just started (City of Bones, Wicked Lovely) this one is my favourite so far.
Unlike the other 2 series, there is no separation between the supernatural/magical world and the real world. In Marked, everyone knows that vampires (vampyres) exist...although no one knows why some humans are marked and go through "the change". Also, vampyres are not inherently evil...they are merely different, supernatural. Once a person is marked, they go off to the House of Night...a school for vampyres (sort of a Hogwarts for vampyres)...for guidance through the change, instruction on the history and their developing powers. Unfortunately, not all students who are marked will graduate...there's also a distinct possibility that their bodies will reject the change, and they will die.
At the beginning of the book, Zoey Redbird is marked...although she seems to be going through the change differently than most of the other students - her mark is a special one, and she seems to be more more powerful than the other students. The kids in the "popular crowd" - the Dark Daughters - are less than impressed.
I think what I liked most about this book was that the story wasn't about the vampires and the magic...that was just part of the story. It was much more about the characters...kind of like a realistic teen novel (a la Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants) where everyone just happens to be a vampire. I am looking forward to seeing where Zoey's story is leading in Betrayed because although Marked is not a cliff hanger, it certainly didn't feel finished.
And now I feel like I need to read something outside of the fantasy/magic/supernatural realm...so look for something completely different in my next post.
I have to say, of the three fantasy/faery/vampire series that I've just started (City of Bones, Wicked Lovely) this one is my favourite so far.
Unlike the other 2 series, there is no separation between the supernatural/magical world and the real world. In Marked, everyone knows that vampires (vampyres) exist...although no one knows why some humans are marked and go through "the change". Also, vampyres are not inherently evil...they are merely different, supernatural. Once a person is marked, they go off to the House of Night...a school for vampyres (sort of a Hogwarts for vampyres)...for guidance through the change, instruction on the history and their developing powers. Unfortunately, not all students who are marked will graduate...there's also a distinct possibility that their bodies will reject the change, and they will die.
At the beginning of the book, Zoey Redbird is marked...although she seems to be going through the change differently than most of the other students - her mark is a special one, and she seems to be more more powerful than the other students. The kids in the "popular crowd" - the Dark Daughters - are less than impressed.
I think what I liked most about this book was that the story wasn't about the vampires and the magic...that was just part of the story. It was much more about the characters...kind of like a realistic teen novel (a la Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants) where everyone just happens to be a vampire. I am looking forward to seeing where Zoey's story is leading in Betrayed because although Marked is not a cliff hanger, it certainly didn't feel finished.
And now I feel like I need to read something outside of the fantasy/magic/supernatural realm...so look for something completely different in my next post.
Wicked Lovely ~ Melissa Marr
I'm in a fantasy/magic phase for my summer reading. Like City of Bones, Wicked Lovely takes place in a current-day urban setting...but this book felt much more "magical" to me - less gritty (although it had suspense and thrills galore!) and more faerie tale.
Aislinn can see faeries, who live among us but are usually only seen when they put on glamours, to appear as humans. Aislinn, however, can see them all the time. But these faeries are dangerous, mischevious, and generally like to create havock for humans.
The Summer King, Keenan, is searching for his Summer Queen to try and defeat the Winter Queen, Beira...but unless the girl he chooses is destined to be this queen, she is consumed by the chill of the Winter Queen's staff...no matter how much he loves the girl. Keenan meets Aislinn and her life forever alters...her mortality begins to fade as she must decide what her future holds.
I loved the slightly unexpected ending that sets it apart from a typical faery tale...and I've put the next book in the series "Ink Exchange" on hold at the library. This series would also fit perfectly on the "Magic in the Real World" list.
I also think this would make an amazing movie! Here's a question for you...after you've read Wicked Lovely, who do you think would be great to star in the movie version? Send me your dream cast (for the characters of Aislinn, Keeran, Seth, Dania and Beira) in the comments or by email.
Aislinn can see faeries, who live among us but are usually only seen when they put on glamours, to appear as humans. Aislinn, however, can see them all the time. But these faeries are dangerous, mischevious, and generally like to create havock for humans.
The Summer King, Keenan, is searching for his Summer Queen to try and defeat the Winter Queen, Beira...but unless the girl he chooses is destined to be this queen, she is consumed by the chill of the Winter Queen's staff...no matter how much he loves the girl. Keenan meets Aislinn and her life forever alters...her mortality begins to fade as she must decide what her future holds.
I loved the slightly unexpected ending that sets it apart from a typical faery tale...and I've put the next book in the series "Ink Exchange" on hold at the library. This series would also fit perfectly on the "Magic in the Real World" list.
I also think this would make an amazing movie! Here's a question for you...after you've read Wicked Lovely, who do you think would be great to star in the movie version? Send me your dream cast (for the characters of Aislinn, Keeran, Seth, Dania and Beira) in the comments or by email.
City of Bones ~ Cassandra Clare
I just finished reading my first summer reading book, from our "Books with Bite" list. "City of Bones" is the first installment in the series "The Mortal Instruments" by Cassandra Clare...and let me tell you, I can't wait to read the next one!
Here's part of the description from the inside cover of the book:
"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly epxects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon..."
It had the perfect mix of action, magic/fantasy - but set in the real world of current-day New York City - and just a dash of romance. It is a whopping 485 pages, but worth every page.
If I were to list other "readalikes" - books that if you liked one, you'll probably like the other - I would put it alongside:
Here's part of the description from the inside cover of the book:
"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly epxects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon..."
It had the perfect mix of action, magic/fantasy - but set in the real world of current-day New York City - and just a dash of romance. It is a whopping 485 pages, but worth every page.
If I were to list other "readalikes" - books that if you liked one, you'll probably like the other - I would put it alongside:
- Twilight series - Stephanie Meyer
- Blue Girl - Charles de Lint
- Tithe, Valiant, Ironside - Holly Black
- Harry Potter series - J.K. Rowling
It fits perfectly on the "Magic in the Real World" list, that I posted earlier. And don't worry, we'll definitely be adding this series to the Library @ Rez!
I've already filled out my Rez Recommends book review (and will add it to the Rez Recommends binder that you can check out when you come back to school) and have put "City of Ashes" (book #2 in the series) on hold at the public library. Now onto another from YALSA's Top 10 nominations (Books with Bite) list...stay tuned for a post to see what I read next...
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