"Simple things are often the most challenging"

In case you missed them: 
Paul's Pre-Reading
Paul's Review
My Pre-Reading

Going into this book, I was expecting a pretty epic self discovery novel. And I wasn't really disappointed. There wasn't as much adventure as I had originally anticipated, but I think there was enough to keep it interesting and keep the story moving along. And plus, any story with dragons and other mythical creatures attacking humans is bound to be pretty awesome!

I really enjoyed that this world has creatures that don't exist in our world. At least in the same capacity. Dragons and centaur roam the wilds, and sylphs are always waiting to attack. Apparently, sylph have no mythological background, and I think it was really nice how Meadows took a relatively unknown, unexplained creature and made it her own. I am curious as to why the dragons attack Heart, and why they seem to hate the temple so much

Speaking of which, I think the temple is ridiculously creepy. I completely agree with Ana on that one. I would not want to go near it, and if I ended up inside of it I would freak out. So kudos to Meadows for describing the temple like that. And the outer walls of everything too. Stone should NOT have a heartbeat...

I thought Ana was written very well, and I liked that (as terrible as this might sound) she didn't have a purpose and was a mistake of no consequence. What does that mean for her future? Will Janan reincarnate her? I'm excited for the rest of the book to find out if these and other questions will be answered.

I also loved Sam. I saw that romance coming, but I was very glad that it wasn't forced. It almost reminded me a little bit of the romance between Amy and Elder in Across the Universe, only Ana was not against loving Sam like Amy was Elder.

I think my favorite scene in the book though was the ball. I would love to go to something like that in my lifetime. Meadows' description of it was outstanding, and I almost felt like I was there.

I would recommend this novel to YA readers looking for something totally different. A new world with a little action/adventure and a little romance and a lot of mystery and self discovery. 5/5 for sure.


--Ashley

Review of Dark Eden: Eve of Destruction

My Pre-Reading
Paul's Review

Dark Eden 2 was very much like Dark Eden - same characters, similar set up, and same villain. However, I enjoyed this one better than the first one. I thought the whole battling death to defeat am immortal being was interesting, and I kind of liked how Will was forced to watch everything from afar - like he had chosen to do in the first book.

The only thing I was kind of concerned about was that the kids trusted Mrs. Goring in any capacity. She had done nothing in Dark Eden to earn their trust, and Will should have known that she would force him to tell everyone what he knew. And that Marissa would be angry with him. Also, shouldn't he have known who Mrs. Goring had trapped in the underground silo? I mean, how did he really plan on catching him anyway?

Ok, so Will wasn't exactly my favorite character. But he is a 15 year old boy, and I think all of his flaws and annoying tendencies made his character seem more real.

I thought Carman did a great job with the suspense throughout the novel. As soon as you get comfortable with what's happening, he throws another wrench into the mix and everything gets all screwed up again. And eventually, the kids have to get out of it on their own.

I think my favorite part was the play on words with the title, Eve of Destruction. I really liked how he fit it into the book, and I thought it was clever how he kind of just dropped it without making it too obvious.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who read Dark Eden, and to anyone who like middle-grade psychological thrillers. I thought both were an easy read, and if you're looking for something you can finish in a day and still be intrigued, I would suggest this duology. I give this book a pretty solid 3/5.


--Ashley

Paul's Dark Eden and Dark Eden 2 Review

Titles: Dark Eden and Dark Eden 2: Eve of Destruction
Author: Patrick Carman
Year Published: 2011 and 2012

Ashley picked these books, or rather she won the sequel on twitter, and as usual they have creepy covers. I didn't like the cover of Dark Eden with the two attractive "teens". They didn't look anything like the characters to me.

Do you remember school book fairs? The ones at my school usually were in the library and there were stacks, bins, and shelves full of paperback books on sale. These books had that feeling to them. They weren't epic stories, but they were entertaining. There wasn't anything edgy about the series. The fears were interesting, but the most controversial bit was one line in the first few chapters that wasn't expanded upon questioning Alex's sexuality. I was just waiting for that to be brought back up, but it wasn't other than Alex not pursuing a love interest.

Both books used a similar formula of Will being outside the main action as an observer until he had to rush in and try and save the day.

I could not get into the first book. Will wasn't likable or relatable. Throughout both books he went into great lengths of his theories. Can't I as the reader come to conclusions on my own? I did like the Keith character, though. All of the twists at the end made the beginning worth reading.

The sequel reminded me of a horror movie sequel. Let's bring back the same cast. Different situation, but same formula. Even the Amy character was in the same style as the first book.

An aspect of the sequel that I thought was interesting, although I didn't take advantage of it, was the website. There were little references at the bottom of some pages with passwords to use to view certain things. I bet middle grade readers would love this.

Overall, these were entertaining books. I recommend them to someone looking for a light read or for middle grade readers looking for something a little scary. I give this duology a 3/5.


-PAUL

Paul's Review of Bitterblue

Title: Bitterblue
Author: Kristin Cashore
Publication Year: 2012

It has been a while since I read Graceling and Fire. I really liked them. Cashore created a very interesting world with even more interesting people. Her writing is beautiful. In Bitterblue, her writing was even better.

It was evident that Cashore took her time in making this novel. I enjoyed reading from Bitterblue's perspective more than both Katsa and Fire's.

This was a completely different book. Many sequels today in series, like Hunger Games and Harry Potter, have a very similar formula from book to book. Bitterblue had a completely different structure than Graceling. The whole story took place within one city! Most of the action occurred offscreen.

Since Katsa was in this novel, it was really interesting to see her through Bitterblue's eyes. She didn't seem as rash when the narrative was from her perspective.

Bitterblue really brought together Graceling and Fire. It bridged the two worlds on each side of the mountains.

Every single character had depth. I especially enjoyed the characters brought back from Graceling. I liked all the new characters too. So many new and really interesting graces were introduced. Also, I think Cashore portrays same sex relationships very well.

The messages in this novel are endless. It really brings up thoughts and discussions of morality and how to rule. King Leck left lasting scars on his people.

I LOVED this book! I think it is the best of the three. I want more! Bitterblue works excellently as both a sequel and companion novel. In a sequel I want to see the same maybe Saf or Skye exploring The Dells. This novel definitely gets a 5/5.


-PAUL

Paul's Insurgent Review

I can't believe I forgot to write this. I finished this book before I even came out onto this boat. This review may be vague, but I really liked this sequel!

Veronica Roth created a really interesting world in Divergent. She expands it even more in Insurgent. I enjoyed seeing into the lives of the other factions as well as the factionless. All the characters continued to grow with the world around them.

The part that interested me the most was when they began to discuss what is beyond the wall. I really enjoyed when the creation of this system was discussed.

I give this a 5/5 and will definitely be reading the next installment the week it comes out! Detergent, right?


-PAUL

Paul's The False Prince Review

Title: The False Prince
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publication Year: 2012

I first saw this book at the book store and it intrigued me. I hadn't seen it on Amazon before. After looking into it, it seems than it bridges the gap between middle grade and young adult fiction. I purchased it nonetheless.

This book took me some time to get into, although I read it in less than 24 hours. I didn't really get into this book until the big reveal, which took place in a very confusing way. It might have been that I was reading this in the wee hours of the morning, but the point of view changed for about a chapter. I understand why Nielsen did it, but it didn't flow to me.

Once I got past the reveal, the story really drew me in. All the characters had depth. There was no absolute good or bad. Everyone was an inbeteeen grey. I like when you are unsure whether someone is a villian or a hero.

I look forward to reading the sequel now that I know these characters and the world they live in. I give this book a 3/5.


-PAUL

I'm on a Boat

I am once again on a boat. I have even more time to read on this job than my last. I'm going to try and post some reviews as I finish them using the Blogger app, but I can't do as much with it.


I will try and catch up the next few days as I continue to breeze through books.


-PAUL

The Selection Review by Paul

There has been a lot of hype over this book. There's even a pilot that may still become a series on The CW. Kiera Cass is one of many YA authors that promotes well, using her own blog, twitter, and youtube. If you aren't following her on twitter, look up @kieracass.

I enjoyed this book. I read it very quickly, possibly within two sittings. I really like the world Cass has created and the way she explains the details of this world. There isn't any awkward in characteristic blabber or inner dialogue about the history. The castes are explained just enough. There is just enough halfway through the book. By then, I was well invested in the characters and their world. The history was more interesting than if it had been in a prologue. I hope to learn more about the history in the sequel, as well as the rebels.

I enjoyed following America's journey. Her friendship with and possible affection for Maxon grew naturally. She didn't act like many of the other girls, after fame or riches. She initially just wanted to stay in the Selection so her parents could eat.

I do not like Aspen. Cass wrote him well to be just out of the reach of likable, especially during their break up when he wanted to be the provider. I thought this book had the potential to be just another YA love triangle, but America's romantic interests were dealt with nicely.

The Selection, although not The Hunger Games in terms of reality television was still not The Bachelor. Cass did well integrating some of the common reality tv personalities and cliches into the selected girls.

Lastly, I liked the use of music. America made money by singing and playing instruments. I like when YA authors integrate music, like how Jodi Meadows did in Incarnate.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There wasn't as much tension at the end of this novel as I would have hoped for, but I'm looking forward to the sequel. I give this book a 4/5.


-PAUL

"True love is usually the most inconvenient kind"

My Pre-Reading

Before I review this book, I just want to throw it out there that I think the comparison of The Selection to The Hunger Games that some people around the internet are completely uncalled for. This book is nothing like The Hunger Games, except that there's a game people get randomly chosen to participate in. The games are nothing alike, the selection process is nothing alike, and the characters, the world, and the circumstances are completely different. Does anybody get married by the end of The Hunger Games? No. Does anyone die in the process of The Selection? No. Well, not as a direct result of the game at least, there is a war going on so I'm sure someone somewhere did die. But that's besides the point.

Now that that is out of the way...

This book definitely met all my expectations. It was a fantastic mix of romance, self-discovery, and even enough action thrown in to keep it interesting. Most of the characters, and all of the main had great character development, and nobody stayed stagnant for very long. The unraveling of Maxon's character and personality was done very well, and I found myself pulling for him from the first time America interacts with him.

I absolutely loved America's character, and I was very glad that Cass didn't just throw her at the prince. It made America feel more real, and not just like another conniving girl after the crown. Which made it feel less like The Bachelor, and I definitely appreciated that. I don't think I would have been able to handle a book just about a bunch of girls fighting over a crown instead of trying to legitimately win the prince's heart. I also thought that the way America treats her servants in the castle is wonderful. Being from a lower caste, she understands them more than the other girls and treats them like real people. 

A couple of spoilers from here on out, so proceed with caution if you haven't read the book yet.

I loved how America was so reluctant to enter the Selection, but does anyway to please her family and her secret boyfriend. Except that I didn't really like Aspen, and I thought he treated her terribly after their break-up. I wish she hadn't kept that last penny in a jar, but I can see the significance and the purpose. Aspen really didn't impress me much, but I feel like that was what Cass intended. Although I hope he doesn't shape up and win America's heart, part of me still thinks he'll make an effort to in the next book. And then most of me still hope she chooses Maxon.

I could rant for a while about how Maxon is so much better for her than Aspen, and how much he clearly cares for her, but I'll let you read the book and make your own decision on that. It's Team Maxon for me all the way though.

The history lesson in one of the middle chapters was very interesting, and I'm glad Cass included it. It's always nice to know a little bit about the world and the time period that the novel takes place in, and I think including that chapter was a great way to incorporate the information without it sounding like an actual history lesson. Or without having one of the characters randomly go off about the history of the country and the world. 

I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel. The ending of The Selection left me wanting so much more, and I hope the rest of the series answers the questions I have and resolves the plot in the way I hope it will. Although I'm sure I'll be happy with the outcome no matter what happens. Cass' descriptive style of writing is enough to make me enjoy the books even if the plot doesn't go how I think it should.

A strong 4/5 on this one! If you haven't picked it up yet, I highly recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a little less action, great character development, and a strong female protagonist. 



--Ashley

Paul's May Book - Incarnate

Title: Incarnate
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2012

Synopsis: NEWSOUL

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Why?: Paul picked this book as his May novel, and now I get to read it! It's been on my Amazon "recommended for you" list for a while, so I'm pretty excited that Paul bought it.

Expectations: I expect a  very interesting story, which probably quite a bit of epic mystery involved. Not so much a dystopian book as a "this is a parallel universe" one.

Judging a book by its cover: The cover has a girl with a butterfly over her face. I assume the girl is Ana, and that butterflies are kind of a big deal to her. Or to her society.


--Ashley

"There is some madness in love."

Paul's Review
My Pre-Reading

Going into this book, I was ready for a new take on Hansel and Gretel that had some sort of tie-in to Sisters Red. What I got, however, was quite a bit more than that. I'll try not to include many spoilers, but there are a couple minor ones. And I apologize for anything that might be a little confusing... read the book and you'll understand!

I really enjoyed  that Jackson Pearce changed up the style of the novel from Sisters Red and didn't write it from two different perspectives. Although it worked in Sisters Red, I really don't think it would have worked as well here. I think Ansel was less three dimensional than Gretchen, and having the entire story told from her viewpoint really made everything come together much more than I think it otherwise would have. She was still able to capture the sibling relationship very well though, and I think that says a lot for Pearce - she can write in many different ways but still get the same point across.

The way that the two worlds were tied together was done very well, and even though I figured it out pretty early on, I thought that it the reveal to Gretchen was appropriate. Like "oh hey, I'm not afraid of the woods anymore!.... well crap. There are still scary things out here." And then having her face her fears and confront them... I just thought it was all done well. Probably even better than Sisters Red.  Actually, definitely better than Sisters Red.

I was wondering how Pearce would tie the two novels together (apart from the Fenris), and I was pleasantly surprised by the presence of a Reynolds boy. As soon as Samuel mentioned his brothers and father being woodsmen and each having specific traits, I figured he was Silas' brother. And of course, once I realized that  Silas' last name was also Reynolds, I knew he had to be. So that was pretty cool.

Sophia was the most interesting character to me though. The way Pearce makes her out to be the traditional sweet-making witch of Hansel and Gretel mixed with a new Fenris related twist made me both like her and fear her. I was very intrigued by her back story until the moment it was revealed, and I appreciated the way Pearce started to set up Fathomless with the explanation of why Sophia does the things she does.

All around, I would definitely say Pearce did a much better job with Sweetly than with Sisters Red. So, 4/5 on this novel. And a recommendation to anyone and everyone who read Sisters Red. Which, if you haven't and you like modern re-tellings of  classic fairy tales, I suggest you read. And then go pick up this one.


--Ashley

Dark Eden 2: Eve of Destruction

Title: Dark Eden 2: Eve of Destruction
Author: Patrick Carman
Year Published: 2012

Synopsis: Will Besting and the other teens who were “cured” at Fort Eden are still experiencing the strange signs of aging that were a part of their recovery. Now they are being called back to Fort Eden because Mrs. Goring is dying, and for some reason she wants to see the seven teens together again.

But once Will and the others arrive at Fort Eden, they find themselves ensnared in a dangerous plan to finally end the reign of Rainsford. Will must lead the group through a perilous underground trap masterminded by two devious souls. Can he outwit both Rainsford and Goring and find a new cure?

Patrick Carman’s Eve of Destruction is another terrifying journey into the depths of fear, love, revenge, and—ultimately—redemption.

Why?: I won this book in a Tweetstakes from HarperTeen. So I figured I should read it! Plus, I liked the  first one, and I'm interested in how this one will continue the story.

Expectations: I expect another psychological thriller, but with more action. Also, I hope that the characters will be further explored, and all of Rainsford's motives and such will be explained.

Judging a book by its cover: The cover of the edition I have has a girl walking down a long hallway. I think a hallway, or a maze of hallways, will be important. And the girl too. What does she have to do with anything? Is it one of the girls from the first book?


--Ashley

As You Wish

Paul's Review

Title: As You Wish

Author: Jackson Pearce 

Year Published: 2009

Synopsis: Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes. Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. 

As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.

Jackson Pearce spins a magical tale about star-crossed lovers, what it means to belong . . . and how important it is to be careful what you wish for.

Why?: Paul and I have read two of Jackson Pearce's other books, so he got this one for us to read as well. Hooray!

Expectations: I expect this to be a fun story about a high school girl and her boyfriend troubles. Probably a few sad moments, since there are star crossed lovers, but overall a fun story.

Judging a book by its cover: The cover has a girl who looks like she's trying to make a decision. I think most of this book will have to do with choices and their consequences.


--Ashley

Ashley's May Book - The Selection

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass 
Year Published: 2012

Synopsis: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Why?: Amazon has been recommending this to me for a few months now, and the more I looked at it the more I wanted to read it. Although it sounds like "The Bachelor," I think it sounds more epic and more interesting than "The Bachelor" ever could be. I've only heard good things about this novel, so that also helped me pick it. Plus, the cover is gorgeous.

Expectations: I'm expecting an epic "Bachelor" kind of feel to this book, but with princes and princesses and war and all sorts of other awesome things. I'm also expecting some self-discovery - maybe America isn't really in love with Aspen? Or maybe she decides that she has to give up her own desires to help save her family? I'm really expecting quite a lot from this book, and I'm really hoping it will exceed all of them. 

Judging a book by its cover: The cover is gorgeous. I love America's dress (I assume the main girl is America) and I think all of the girls wearing the same dress will be important. Maybe they wear the same dress so the Prince doesn't choose based on wealth or fashion sense alone? And I love that there is a tiara over the title. Obviously, getting that crown is very important.


I'm so excited to start reading this!


--Ashley

"Why are you hiding in this room all alone?"

My Pre-Reading

When I started this book, I really wasn't sure what to expect. A psychological thriller, of course. A lot to do with fears and curing them. I was expecting the unexpected though, and that's exactly what this book gave me. At the very end, it was a huge "WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?" moment.

I really liked the way the fears were "cured" - I thought it was really interesting to see who was afraid of what, and why. And I also really enjoyed the Masque of the Red Death tie-in. I thought it gave the whole novel an interesting twist, especially with how it ends. Because Rainsford - what in the world is up with that guy? I'm hoping Carman delves deeper into his character in the next book. Mrs. Goring too. I really want to know more about her past, and why she even has the association with Rainsford that she does. Especially knowing how and why he cures the teenagers.

Although I initially found Will to be a very strange character (since his fear is not revealed until about halfway through the book), I actually found myself liking and even feeling sorry for him by the time it comes for him to be cured. Especially after finding out why he fears what he does. I really liked the way that Carman had that happen, especially since Will spends most of the novel hidden away in a room by himself watching and listening to the other kids.

I'm pretty excited to read the next novel in the series, since I think that the "new and improved" Will Besting will be a very interesting character. Having him finally able to live without being crippled by his (not so ir)rational fear will bring out quite a lot in him that I think was lacking in this installment.

Overall, I think I would give this book a 3/5. Not exceptional, but definitely intriguing and interesting enough to keep my attention long enough for me to finish it in one sitting. I'd probably recommend it to someone who was a fan of mysteries, with a little bit of the fantastical and the thriller thrown in. Also, to someone with a very open mind. You have to be pretty accepting of some weird things to have this book work for you.


--Ashley

Insurgent Pre Reading

It's Insurgent Day!!! I got it, as well as "Bitterblue" by Kristin Cashore, in the mail today. 


Roth Recapping Divergent

Title: Insurgent
Author:Veronica Roth
Year Published: 2012 


Synopsis: 

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature. 

Why?:  I LOVED Divergent. I loved the world that was created and the characters inhabiting it. I'm ready to see what Tris is up to now. The world was left in chaos. 


Expectations: I have very high expectations for this book. I am very ready to start reading it. I will be reading through Roth's recap before starting, for sure. 


Judging a book by its cover: The cover is very nice. Divergent had a very clean cover with the fire and the grey. This cover is more organic and dirty. The tree insignia of the Amity faction intrigues me. The first book had a lot to do with Dauntless and thus had its insignia on the cover. Seeing Amity's insignia on the cover makes me excited to learn more about Amity.


-PAUL

Incarnate Review

I finished this minutes ago! 

If You Have NOT read it: Amazing. I loved this book. The pure concept of this book is intriguing on its own. There is a finite number of souls and when you die, you are reborn a few years later. The people of this world live hundreds of lifetimes. When I first started reading the book, I had so many questions. I would find my mind wandering from the pages into the world. What is it like to be born with knowledge? If you are going to be reborn, why not take risks? Never meeting someone new. Never being able to truly escape your past. 


Jodi Meadows did an amazing job creating this world and like all good dystopian novelists, breaking it. I don't know exactly what genre to place this book in besides Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Mythical beasts roam the world and are shot down with laser guns. There is also a utopia/dystopia aspect to it. 


This book definitely made up for its feminine violet with etched butterfly inside cover. Although I never got around to making a book cover, as Jodi Meadows herself, suggested, I didn't need to. I read this in less than six days. I read for hours at a time. This book was hard to put down. 


If you enjoy a book that opens your mind and makes you think, you will truly enjoy "Incarnate." 


If you HAVE read it (aka SPOILERS): There are so many good things about this book. I loved the way we were introduced to this complex world that has been the same for so long. The world is completely flipped at the arrival of a newsoul. The reader learns of the world through Ana's eyes. Each person in this world has their niche that they have perfected throughout their lifetimes. Where does Ana fit into this?


I really enjoyed how Meadows dealt with religion. I am intrigued how Jadan will be expanded on in the further novels. How did this world come to be? I loved the parts of the book where Sam talked of what he remembered from the beginning. 


The romance between Ana and Sam was just enough. It wasn't overpowering or forced. The dancing at the Masquerade Ball that led to the kiss was done so well. I liked that Meadows chose to have the two lovers, whom have been lovers throughout their many lives, both occupying female bodies. 


Music was dealt with beautifully in this novel, as well. I could almost hear the piano playing and Ana humming her own songs. 


Technology was dealt with nicely. I liked the iphone-like devices. 


The casual inclusion of mythical and newly created beasts was done well. They fit into the world. I hope we meet more beings in further books. I would love to see how the centaurs live. Do they reincarnate as well? The sylphs also have a mystery about them. I am intrigued as to whether they have a connection with the humans somehow. Maybe a shadow of past souls or something? 


I am very excited to get back into this world and not excited that I will have to wait until next year most likely. 


I give this novel a 5/5.