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