The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu

Marie Lu created a charming story within the confines of the life of the notorious artist, Mozart. She picks up the point of view from Wolfgang Mozart's sister, Maria Anna Mozart and the fictional story that they created as children, the Kingdom of Back. Normally I am not much of a person to read a story about a historical figure (some of the stories tend to be dry) but what Marie Lu achieves in this novel is something to be admired. She weaves her story between what she believed to be the story of the Mozart children, into the story that they created and what might have happened in their fictional land. The imagery brings you into this world that you just want to keep reading more.  These historical characters are brought to life and you cannot help putting yourself in their shoes and wanting to help Maria be seen and heard for the talents she herself possesses, defeat the bad guy who is not who you think it is, and save Wolfgang from his lifelong health issues. I highly encourage you to read this book. I cannot wait to read more from Marie Lu.

Splintered by A.G. Howard

Splintered by A.G. Howard was a new take on Alice in Wonderland. For many people, myself included, Alice in Wonderland is a story of a girl who everyone believes is odd or crazy. That's what Howard accomplished with this story. Taking the essence of Lewis Caroll and bringing it to life in a new way. Her story Splintered is book #1 in a new series. She introduces a character that replaces the Cheshire cat (don't worry he is still in the story!) The great thing about this new character is, he sends the main character, Alyssa Gardner on an adventure to undo the mistakes that were made in Wonderland the first time.

Expectations: There are so many different renditions of Alice in Wonderland that I was a bit skeptical about reading this new take. I can't wait to see how this character Alyssa Gardner gets to Wonderland and how each character will appear.

During the book: The main character Alyssa is a descendant of the original Alice. She must find her way to Wonderland or fall prey to the curse that is on her family. Alyssa is a typical teenager who tries to outrun her families past. As the book continues, Alyssa makes her way from the rabbit hole to the Red Queens garden. Along her way, she starts to complete the challenges that will free Wonderland. Howard brought Alyssa to the new characters by making her trials coincide with a new element adding a new and enriching take on the original story. Alyssa wants to see her family back to normal and becomes her sole focus. However, there is a love triangle throughout the book that I found a little distracting. I hope that as the story progresses into the second book that it will get better.

Would I recommend this book: Maybe.

For more information visit: Splintered by A.G. Howard

Book 3 of 2019

Stain by A.G. Howard

The book in this spot is one I had no intention of reading as the second novel of the year. However, I am glad I did. Stain by A.G. Howard is a breathtaking new look on The Princess and the Pea. A.G. Howard is a new writer for me, and I cannot wait to read more of Howard's books. I could see Cate Blanchet reading for this in an audiobook.

Can I first talk about the artwork for this book? I mean it is dissimilar to most books out currently. No sword in hand, no prince to rescue her; the picture is a girl and her crown, or is it? I love how this cover is so intricately detailed.

For me, this year is all about discovering new authors.

Expectations: After reading the back excerpt (yes I am one of those people) I wasn't sure what to expect. It was intriguing to find a story that doesn't give its plot away so easily. The brief excerpt on the back has a girl waking up on a pallet lost, confused, and unable to remember past events, including herself.

During the book: I must say I was spellbound by this book. Albeit it took me longer to read than I wished (life gets in the way sometimes). Her writing style is intrinsic and detailed and flows beautifully. The writing only aided the plot. As I was reading, I thought the story was another take on Cinderella and one other fairy tale. I am glad it wasn't. The Princess and the Pea in which Stain is based is a simple story that is of a prince trying to find his princess but having a pea cause her minor discomfort during her sleep. If she can withstand it, then she will be able to wed the prince. Stain is the story of the princess becoming who she is meant to be, and being able to withstand this form of punishment to prove her worth. But is it just that easy?

Would I recommend this book: Yes

For more information visit: Goodreads Stain Review Page

Book 2 of 2019

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Chrstiopher Paolini

The book in this spot is one I have been waiting for a while: The Fork, the Witch and the Worm by Christopher Paolini. I first heard about Eragon when the trailers for the movie version started showing in 2006. My friend had already read the book and loved it. She encouraged me to read it as well. I have loved the books ever since.

Expectations:

With this new book, I'm excited to go back into the world of Alagaesia and find my favorite characters on their journeys. Many authors choose to leave their stories where they end them because they don't want to abuse the story. Christopher Paolini has so much room to play within his world. I know I am not the only fan to waiting to see what becomes of Eragon, Saphira, Arya, Roran, and Murtagh. world.

When Christopher Paolini first announced this book I was interested in learning more about his sister Angela the person that was used to create his fictional character, Angela the herbalist. Angela quickly became one of my favorite characters in the book because she happened to know so much and helped solve problems without giving away her secrets and she would show up when she was least expected. She's very quirky and isn't afraid to call each character out when they are acting foolish. I loved Angela and Eragon's interaction this time. He is catching on to her way of talking and thinking but only briefly; he can't catch up to her level of cleverness!

During the book:

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm didn't take me long to read. I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading. I was happily surprised to see Murtagh make an appearance in the first couple of chapters. Not only was Murtagh alive and well, but he was also in pursuit of an uncommon and unlikely item.

In the last section, The Worm is a story by the Urgals telling of an encounter with a dragon in the past. Eragon is starstruck while listening to the history of the beasts that lived long ago in Alagaesia.

Would I recommend this book? Yes.

You should read the Inheritance Cycle. If you have any more questions visit Paolini.net

Book 1 of 2019

Zeroes (Volume 1) by Scott Westerfeld

The other day I finished Zeroes by Scott Westerfeld, Deborah Biancotti, and Morgan Lanagan. I was excited to dive into Westerfeld's new world since I already loved the Uglies Series. This new series follows 6 teenagers with unexplainable gifts. Each character brings about their own struggle while trying to save a new friends father. The leader of the group known as Glorious Leader is a from a wealthy family and tries to keep them all together (not giving any spoilers on what they can do). Flicker relies on her twin to help her and is by far the coolest on of the group, well I think so. Scam has a knack for getting himself into trouble especially with his mother being a District Attorney.  Crash comes from a poorer home but her parents already know about what she can do and hold her to the standards that she needs to accept the responsibility for whatever she does. Anonymous has almost given up on his chance of friends and family. These five together are a jumbled group of teenagers that are able to accomplish amazing things. I mentioned a sixth teen, you'll just have to read the book to find out who they are. 

Blogging for Books: The Fold by Peter Clines

In Peter Clines' novel, The Fold, he creates a fictional world that achieves to access other dimensions without realising it. The story follows the main character Mike Erickson, a high school teacher, into the journey of scientific discovery. When his friend, Reggie, asks him to investigate the experiment Mike follows a path toward a possible reality. Mike meets a team of scientists determined to keep under wraps the secret of "The Fold." He spends a great deal of time learning what the scientists know only to be dredged in a problematic solution to end the project. This book is a great read, and while some parts are predictable there are twists and turns all throughout the novel. Peter Clines does a good job of breaking the chapters into subsections giving the reader a careful insight into what they should look for. A highly recommended novel for anyone looking for/or who loves science fiction or any genre of fiction.