Edward Scissorhands Volume 1: Parts Unknown (graphic novel) - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from IDW Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Edward Scissorhands Volume 1: Parts Unknown
Author: Kate Leth
Illustrator: Drew Rausch
Recent Release Date: May 19, 2015


Synopsis: An all-new adventure revisiting Edward Scissorhands' two decades after the end of the fan-favorite movie! In a castle just outside a sleepy suburban town, a brilliant inventor created Edward Scissorhands... but left him tragically unfinished. Two generations of exile have left Edward digging through abandoned experiments, but once he wakes up a creature left buried, he discovers he isn't the only one missing a vital piece. As Edward tries to fix a grave mistake, he comes face-to-face with a teenage girl who was sure he was only myth... despite the stories her grandmother told her about the man she could never touch.

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Review: I've always enjoyed the film Edward Scissorhands. It's creepy, but also bright. It's a modern fairy tale. The graphic novel takes place twenty years after the film. A young girl discovered Edward, finally confirming the stories her grandmother had told her. The girl's grandmother is of course, Kim from the film. 

An early invention that was decommissioned by it and Edward's creator has come back to life. This invention does not have Edward's heart. With the help of Kim's granddaughter, Edward tries to find the invention before the city turns into a mob yet again. 

This was an enjoyable graphic novel, but not anything spectacular. I recommend it to fans of the original film, but there really isn't much new in this book to add to the story. I give it a 3/5. 


--PAUL

A Darkness Strange and Lovely (Something Strange and Deadly #2) by Susan Dennard - Ashley's Review

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Title: A Darkness Strange and Lovely
Author: Susan Dennard
Year Published: 2013

My Pre-Reading
My Something Strange and Deadly Review
My A Dawn Most Wicked Review

Synopsis:  Following an all-out battle with the walking Dead, the Spirit Hunters have fled Philadelphia, leaving Eleanor alone to cope with the devastating aftermath. But there’s more trouble ahead—the evil necromancer Marcus has returned, and his diabolical advances have Eleanor escaping to Paris to seek the help of Joseph, Jie, and the infuriatingly handsome Daniel once again. When she arrives, however, she finds a whole new darkness lurking in this City of Light. As harrowing events unfold, Eleanor is forced to make a deadly decision that will mean life or death for everyone.

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Review: Ohmygosh you guys. This book. Like I don't even think I have words to describe how amazing this book was. I was up so late finishing it because I just couldn't put it down. I didn't think it was possible, but this book might be even better than the first one. I'll try to keep things as spoiler free as possible...

I absolutely love Eleanor, and I love how different she is in this book compared to Something Strange and Deadly. She's stronger, braver, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect herself and those she loves. She does make some bad decisions, but who doesn't? I do think that the Spirit Hunters were all very quick to judge her though, and that kind of annoyed me. I mean, give the poor girl a break and let her explain herself.  

Speaking of the Spirit Hunters, I thought it was interesting that they really weren't in the book as much as I expected. Don't get me wrong, they're there, and they're important, but it just seems like they had a bigger presence in SS&D. This book felt very focused on Eleanor, and it worked very well. I just missed them. And I was very sad not to see as much of Daniel as I hoped. I adore him and the scenes he was in, and it's obvious how much cares for Eleanor. Seeing him all dressed up and trying to act like a proper gentleman made me laugh too, because it was just so out of character - at least the character I knew before. I think it makes it all the more endearing when he slips back into his normal habits though. 

I could go on about the characters all day though, especially Oliver, Laure, and all of the other new people we're introduced to. Even the minor characters are so well developed that I feel like I know them all. Dennard does an excellent job expanding the world she's created, and seeing Paris through Eleanor's eyes was really cool. And I really enjoyed the irony of the darkness in the City of Light. And learning what the Darkness that is Strange and Lovely is! Figuring out where the title comes from in the book is one of my favorite things ever.

Although this book takes place over the course of maybe a month (it might be longer, but it feels like about a week), everything is very fast paced and flows so smoothly. I never felt like things were dragging or that we were given detail just for the heck of it. Everything is important, and if you play close enough attention, you can definitely figure out all of the twists and everything without it taking away from anything. I literally could not put the book down, and never wanted it to end.

I'm so sad that now I've got to wait a whole year again, but that just gives me time to read these books all over again. I definitely recommend this to anyone who has read the first book. If you haven't started the series yet, do it ASAP! Especially if you are looking for a new twist on zombies, a strong heroine, romance with a very swoon-worthy boy, adventure, action, a little bit of steam punk, and a dark story with comic relief. I would most definitely give this one a 5/5, and can't wait until I can get my hands on the conclusion to this trilogy! I will certainly be doing a re-read later this year too. One of my favorite books and series by far!


--Ashley 

A Darkness Strange and Lovely (Something Strange and Deadly #2) by Susan Dennard - Ashley's Pre-Reading

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Title: A Darkness Strange and Lovely
Author: Susan Dennard
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis:  Following an all-out battle with the walking Dead, the Spirit Hunters have fled Philadelphia, leaving Eleanor alone to cope with the devastating aftermath. But there’s more trouble ahead—the evil necromancer Marcus has returned, and his diabolical advances have Eleanor escaping to Paris to seek the help of Joseph, Jie, and the infuriatingly handsome Daniel once again. When she arrives, however, she finds a whole new darkness lurking in this City of Light. As harrowing events unfold, Eleanor is forced to make a deadly decision that will mean life or death for everyone.

Why?: I loved everything about Something Strange and Deadly, and I've been anxiously waiting to find out what's next for Eleanor, Daniel, Joseph, and Jie. Plus zombies, steam punk, mystery, adventure, and romance. So, of course I'm going to read this book! 

Expectations: I'm really expect a lot from this book. Something Strange and Deadly was so good, that I'm hoping this one is even better. I'm looking forward to learning more about Marcus and the dead, as well as the Spirit Hunters. I think Eleanor will be stronger and braver in this book than she was at the beginning of the first one.

Judging a book by its cover: I absolutely love this cover. I fell in love with the Something Strange and Deadly cover, and this one is even better than that one. I would totally pick this book up if I saw it on a shelf somewhere... especially because I absolutely love Eleanor's dress. 


--Ashley

Shades of Earth (Across the Universe #3) by Beth Revis - Ashley's Pre-Reading

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Title: Shades of Earth
Author: Beth Revis
Year Published: 2013

Paul's Review
Paul's Pre-Reading

Synopsis: Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.

But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.

Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing.

FUELED BY LIES.
RULED BY CHAOS.
ALMOST HOME.

Why?: I read the first two books in this series, and loved them. I'm really looking forward to find out how Amy and Elder's story ends, and to see what Centuri-Earth is like. Also, what else is living on this planet.

Expectations: I expect an epic adventure, full of secrets and mysteries. Also, I expect a lot of people to die, and I'm pretty sure some of them will be people very close to Amy, Elder, or both. Since people just keep dying in this series as soon as you get to know them and like them. 

Judging a book by its cover: So this cover is completely different from the other two original covers... and I'm not really the biggest fan. It looks really steampunk to me, and that's not what this series is about. I'm not sure why they got away from the original artwork, but oh well. I might pick this up in a bookstore based on the cover alone, but I'm honestly not sure. 


--Ashley

Asunder (Newsoul #2) by Jodi Meadows - Ashley's Review

My Pre-Reading
Paul's Review
Paul's Pre-Reading

Title: Asunder 
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2013
 
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Synopsis: DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.


Review: I wish I had reread Incarnate before I started this book. When I started Asunder, I had completely forgotten who some of the characters were, what had happened to them, and pretty much everything except for the really important things. I think I probably would have gotten into this so much quicker and easier if I had remembered what was even going on. That being said, the way that Meadows reminds you what went down last time was done very well. It didn't seem overwhelming or like she was telling you "ok, this this and this happened." It was more Ana remembering. Which is totally believable. 

I loved how music was incorporated into this story again. As a musician, it's always interesting to see how music impacts characters and how much people rely on it. If I were Sam, I would have been absolutely devastated if someone had done to me what they do to him. And then I would probably go on a rampage. I love how Ana goes from listening to music to playing it to composing it, and I'm super jealous that she can pick all of that up so quickly.
Meadows' world building skills are absolutely extraordinary. I mean, I thought I knew a lot about the world by the end of Incarnate. But she just keeps throwing new things at me, and I love all of them. I was really excited when I realized that there would be a lot of sylph in this book as well, because I had so many questions about them at the end of Incarnate. And I was not disappointed at all! I still have questions, but they're new ones. I also really enjoyed how religion and romance are portrayed in this book. Especially when the truth about Janan is revealed. Or part of it, anyway.

Oh, and Cris. I loved Cris and his roses. I don't like Stef as much anymore, but I can understand why she does and says the things she does. But Cris... I wish we had seen more of him!

One of my only gripes about this book was that Ana mentions being "asunder" way too often. By the end, I wanted to take that word and cram it down her throat so many times. I understand it's a big part of Ana and of the story, but good grief. Maybe if the title of the book was something else it wouldn't have bothered me so much, but I like subtler reasons for books being named what they are.

Overall, I would totally recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Incarnate. I would also recommend the series to anyone who enjoys fantasy books filled with romance, mystery, and adventure. A very strong 4/5 on this one! 


--Ashley

The Crown of Embers (Girl of Fire and Thorns #2) by Rae Carson - Ashley's Review

My Pre-Reading
Paul's Review

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Title: Crown of Embers
Author: Rae Carson
Year Published: 2012

Synopsis: In the sequel to the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a seventeen-year-old princess turned war queen faces sorcery, adventure, untold power, and romance as she fulfills her epic destiny.

Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. 

As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy.


Review: This book was absolutely fantastic. It was completely different from The Girl of Fire and Thorns, and I think that made it even better. While the series opens with a story of epic adventures and fighting and a girl maturing from someone not qualified at all to be a leader to someone who wins a major battle for her people, this book really delves more into the politics and Elisa's emotions. Now that her husband is dead and she is left to rule her country alone, being a war hero won't keep her happy or loyal or even safe for long. 

Being on the political side of things for this book was really interesting, even though I'm not one to go looking for books about politics and such. I think it really helps expand the world. I mean, it's one thing to be able to create a world and describe its physical attributes, but it's a completely different thing to be able to describe its government in a way that makes for an interesting story and keeps the same feel as the previous book. I love Carson's writing style, and she does an excellent job keeping the reader engaged. 

I also loved the way that Elisa grows and matures in this book. She learns important lessons, and gives up things that could help her be the most powerful ruler to save friends and rule on her own terms with her own strengths. And then there's the budding romance (that I totally called from the end of Girl of Fire and Thorns). I was very happy with how it was done - not too much, not too pushy, and just enough at the right time. I also love how Carson included same sex relationships like they were nothing out of the ordinary. 

In my opinion, the way religion is dealt with is done very well. A monothiestic religion is practiced, but there is magic and fantasy and all sorts of things built in to it. And although they refer to "God," it's very clear that the religion is a fictional one and not meant to offend or make a statement about any existing religions. I personally think that's a fine line to tread, and that Carson does an exceptional job with it.

I would totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA Fantasy novels. Especially fans of Kristin Cashore's Graceling series, Kiera Cass' The Selection, and all those types of books. Politics, fantasy, religion, and epic adventures come together for one amazing story. I can't wait to see how Elisa's story will end! 5/5 for sure on this book!


--Ashley

Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2) by Veronica Rossi - Ashley's Review

My Pre-Reading

Title: Through the Ever Night
Author: Veronica Rossi
Year Published: 2013

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Synopsis: It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.


Review: When I finished Under the Never Sky, I was desperate for Through the Ever Night to come out so that I could continue Perry and Aria's story. And it most definitely did not disappoint. Everything that I loved about the first book in the series - the mystery, the adventure, the romance - was back, and even better. Although there isn't as much tromping around through the wilderness and such, there's still plenty of adventure to be had. And, although the problems are different, they're still just as intense. Oh, and there are parts where I think Rossi just felt like ripping out someone's heart and stepping on it. Because I was certainly in tears. 

Aether storms have become an even bigger problem, and I thought Rossi did an excellent job making them both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. I mean, I love a good lightning storm (which is what I picture the Aether storms to look like). But I would never want to witness an Aether storm. I loved how the Tides all work together during the storms to protect each other and save as many of their friends and family as they can.

Although I love hearing about Perry and Aria, I think my favorite part of this book was that we got to learn so much more about all of the minor characters. Whether through flashbacks or current events, we got to know so much more about most of the people in the Tides. And, thanks to Roar and Liv, we already know a little bit about Roar, but it was really interesting to see how his friendship with Aria has grown and continues to grow. It's completely different than his relationship with Liv, but you can just tell how much he loves Aria (in that best friend way). 

Plus, on top of all the great character building, we get to learn even more about the world in which Perry, Aria, and all their friends and family live. It's a scary place, and I give them props for being as brave and as strong as they are. I'd probably turn into a crying little baby if that was my world. 

I cannot wait to find out more about the Still Blue in the next book! I'm hoping there will be another short story to tide us over (fingers and toes crossed!), because I do not want to wait until next year to learn more about the world and its people. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who has read Under the Never Sky, but I would also recommend the series to anyone who enjoyed Divergent, the Delirium trilogy, Shadow and Bone, and even Cinder. And pretty much to everyone I know. A strong 5/5 to this one!


--Ashley

The Crown of Embers (Fire and Thorns #2) by Rae Carson - Ashley's Pre-Reading

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Title: Crown of Embers
Author: Rae Carson
Year Published: 2012

Synopsis: In the sequel to the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a seventeen-year-old princess turned war queen faces sorcery, adventure, untold power, and romance as she fulfills her epic destiny.

Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. 

As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy.

Why?: I read The Girl of Fire and Thorns, and have been anxiously awaiting this sequel since I finished it. I can't wait to see how Elisa's story continues, and how she deals with being a new widow and queen of a foreign land at only 17. And I'm really curious as to what her epic destiny is!

Expectations: I'm expecting quite a lot from this book! Epic adventures, fantasy, magic, and probably lots of heart break. Because that's what Rae Carson does. Makes you fall in love with a character and then kills them. What a jerk. But I love it anyway and think it adds so much to the story.

Judging a book by its cover: I love this cover. It's colorful and striking and all sorts of fantastic things. If I saw it on a shelf somewhere, I would totally pick it up. 


--Ashley

The Pirate's Wish (Assassin's Curse #2) by Cassandra Rose Clarke - Ashley's Pre-Reading

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Title: The Pirate's Wish
Author: Cassandra Rose Clarke
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: After setting out to break the curse that binds them together, the pirate Ananna and the assassin Naji find themselves stranded on an enchanted island in the north with nothing but a sword, their wits, and the secret to breaking the curse: complete three impossible tasks. With the help of their friend Marjani and a rather unusual ally, Ananna and Naji make their way south again, seeking what seems to be beyond their reach.

Unfortunately, Naji has enemies from the shadowy world known as the Mists, and Ananna must still face the repercussions of going up against the Pirate Confederation. Together, Naji and Ananna must break the curse, escape their enemies — and come to terms with their growing romantic attraction.

Why?: I absolutely loved The Assassin's Curse and I was left hanging at the end, so I'm desperate to know  if/when/how Naji completes the Three Impossible Tasks. I'm also really curious about how Ananna approaches this growing attraction she has to Naji, because neither of them seem like very romantic individuals. Ananna is headstrong and not willing to listen to anyone, and Naji is so withdrawn that there's no way Ananna can know how he feels about her. So yeah. Bring it on.

Expectations: I expect a really nice conclusion to this series. Lots of adventure, fantastical places and creatures, pirates, and the crazy Mists people all mixed up in it. Plus, I'm hoping the chimera on the front means there's a chimera in the story somewhere!

Judging a book by its cover: I love this cover! It's very similar to the Assassin's Curse cover, and it always makes me a happy panda when book covers match. Plus, the orange is really eye-catching. And desert-y. If I saw this on a shelf somewhere, I would totally pick it up.


--Ashley

Paul's Girl of Nightmares Pre Reading

Title: Girl of Nightmares
Author: Kendare Blake
Year Published: 2012

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My Review of Anna Dressed in Blood

Synopsis:It's been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can't move on. 

His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live—not walk around half dead. He knows they're right, but in Cas's eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.

Now he's seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he's asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong...these aren't just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn't know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn't deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it's time for him to return the favor.

Why?: This book was Ashley's August pick. We both really enjoyed Anna Dressed in Blood. Kendare Blake does Young Adult scary well so I am excited for the thrill of reading this.

Expectations: I am hoping to learn more about the mythology of this world, or I guess the science of this world. I want to learn where it was that Anna ended up. Is it Hell? What is Hell? I hope we get to see more of Anna's history and her abilities.

Judging a book by its cover: This cover is creepy. I'm assuming that's Anna in Hell. The red beings reaching up at her are creepy. I'm excited to read this and hope the tone matches this cover.

-PAUL