I loved this book, loved the writing, the characters and the imagery.
A bit different to my usual fare: although this is a story about Amazon women - and they certainly are immensely strong in physical prowess, will power and determination - it is a story about seeking peace, redemption, love and balance.
This book does have implied and recollected scenes of significant horror - gang rapes and sexual slavery - which were just bearable for this wussy reviewer, but more importantly, may be themes too strong for younger readers.
The writing, the world, the characters and images are so unusual and so beautiful, this book plunges us into an indelible experience. The sense of space, of landscape and long ago, of the importance and intimacy of a few other people, and the struggle to investigate and embrace newness and change, are rendered with truth and insight.
This
is a sparkling, magical book singing with fresh ideas in a saturated paranormal
YA universe. A strong young female voice, a belting plot, exotic imagery and strange
magic immediately capture the reader and keep the pages flipping.
The
story explodes into being when a determined and wilful pirate girl runs away
from an arranged piratey wedding into an unknown future. Her problems increase
when the scorned clan seek revenge through an unbreakable assassin sent to kill
her. In a night-time desert fight, Ananna desperately uses magic given her by an
enigmatic woman whom Ananna believes she cannot trust. The unexpected
consequences bind the handsome young assassin to Ananna, in an adventure which
crosses seas in search of a forbidden island.
Striking
features of the book include the sensual and exotic imagery and the unusual,
sparkling magic, which is also creepy and scary magic. The binding of the assassin
and victim is a terrific device for plot development and the building of
romantic tension. The immediacy of the writing style is very effective. Like Ananna,
we do not know what kind of magic is happening to us, and who to trust.
Ananna,
as the female protagonist, is satisfyingly determined and courageous (most of
the time). Ananna is handy with a knife or a lie, and has quick hands for essential
thieving. She has great character: as Ananna explains to her prospective
husband, ‘Oh just stop!...Why would I want to marry someone who won’t even
listen to me?..I want a ship of my own, not yours.’
This
wonderful, magical story unfolds in a desert setting. We feel the cold harsh bite
of the sand in the wind; the rich smells and colours in the night markets, and the
uneasiness inherent in the slipping, sliding shadows which could so easily
become something both corporeal and menacing. With Ananna, we feel alone,
desperate but determined to find our own way.
This
story is filled with vivid, individual characters, immediacy of action and
great backstory. Cyberpunk elements add a strange contrast in the desert scenes:
‘The creatures stood there for a long time, creaking and heaving and letting off
smoke.’
I
particularly love the unusual magic: ‘The thing crawled across the sky, long
thin strands like a ghoul’s fingers’, and ‘..he spat out a word in a language
like dead flowers, beautiful and terrible all at once.’ This is Ananna discovering
a type of magic: ‘As I worked, I sang in a language I didn’t know; the words
sounded like the babble of water over stones, like rainfall pattering across
the surface of a pond, like rapids rushing through a canyon.’
In
the beginning, this story could have been the one I’d wished I’d written; however,
the narrative is unable to sustain the fire, pace, imagery and ideas of the
first third. Our heroes’ journey, while interesting, could perhaps have been
more dramatic – I’m sure the author considered whether to have them cross her pirate
father’s path and experience her mother’s magic– perhaps in sequels we will see
this, but in some ways the reader is set up for a drama which does not then
take place. Ananna is a pirate; the reader wants more pirate action, battles
and lore.
Swearing
and curses are always difficult to get right in an imagined world. In this
case, the author chooses to use conventional swearing, ‘bullshit’, which jars in
the exotic setting. The invented prayers and invocations are far more appealing:
‘…still there, thank Kaol and her sacred starfish.’
The
last section re-engages with and echoes the earlier creepiness, although again does
not quite hit the gripping suspense and sheer wonder of the new magic of the
first sections. Our heroes are possibly saved too early in the final settings,
which defuses what could have been an explosive climax, given this author’s superlative
powers of strong voice, evocative imagery and strange magic.
Overall,
this book is highly recommended for anyone who loves YA paranormals – it really
shines above the general. Sequels will be anxiously awaited, promising unusual
and dramatic adventures with a most engaging protagonist.
Recommended for: Everyone who enjoys comics and superheroes. Perfect for reluctant readers and middle grade boys.
This review is made possible through NetGalley ARC from Penguin Books Australia, (Imprint: Puffin). Thanks NetGalley!
Publication Date: July 25, 2012
Vanguard Prime is Steven Lochran’s comic book imagination brought to life in novel form. A feast of superheroes with superpowers, powered up villains and high stakes burst from the action-packed pages.
An ordinary teenager turned reluctant superhero is a device which works well in Rick Riordan’s bestselling Percy Jackson series, and is used to good effect again here. In Vanguard Prime, we may be slower to engage with the protagonist. The book starts a little slowly, but it is worth persisting. The explosive action and strongly drawn characters of the final quarter are well worth the purchase price.
This reviewer, at first uncertain, was thoroughly captured by this description on page 16: ‘She looks less like a military officer and more like the person who just took out the military officer with a single punch’.
The few weaknesses occur in the beginning of the novel. The first chapter is filled with American phraseology, a little off-putting for Australian readers: ‘pops the boot’ ‘stooge with a two-dollar haircut’ and a father using phrases such as ‘well, okay, son.’ The present tense voice and short sentences seem intrusive in the initial chapters, as though they are not the author’s natural style, but have been edited to convey immediacy and to suit the perceived market – which of course is a terrific approach when done well. Something is missing in character portrayal, too: the reluctant hero is just a loser with no particular attributes to engage our interest.
However, keep reading! Both the story and the characters dramatically improve after we relive the incident where Sam becomes aware of his superpowers. The action explodes, we are committed to Sam and his journey, and suspense heightens through poor decisions of the ‘good’ team, which compound our hero’s problems.
The story is alive with terrific superheroes: Agent Alpha, Gaia, Knight of Wands and Machina – the tough, sassy, straight talking girl colleague, a staple of YA fiction. The villains are larger than life with their own superpowers: Metatron is a wonderfully extreme bad guy, as is Overman. We are hoping to hear more of the villainous Major Arcana in subsequent books.
The final solution is youth-led, an important idea in YA. Another delight is Lochran’s comic book landscape: ‘The sky is a vivid blue, a superhero comic book blue, with clouds looking like thought bubbles.’
With lines like that, and the author’s flashes of humour: (when fitting Sam’s new suit) - ‘that’s how all the superheroes are wearing them this season’, the series promises to be a winner.
Recommended for everyone who enjoys comics, superheroes and action, and is clearly destined to be a perfect present for reluctant readers and middle grade boys.
NOTE: Steven Lochran will be a panelist at the Ballarat Writers and Illustrators Festival, September 1, 2012. Please see http://www.ballaratwriters.com/?page_id=2256 for details.
I read this book as it was recommended by my Goodreads friend Sam. I put off reading it for a while, as I wasn't sure the cover looked like my kind of book. I read it because Sam said it was very funny - and yes, it is!! The one-liners and asides are delightful.
The characters are terrific, the action is satisfying and magic-enhanced, the baddies are pretty bad. It would normally be about 3 stars for plot, ideas and content, but it gets an extra star for lovely writing style, genuinely engaging, appealing, clever and competent young female lead characters, and for the tailor, a unique creation. I hope we see more of him, and I wish he could make me a work suit.
I read Matched primarily because a Goodreads reviewer suggested Glitch referenced it heavily, and I enjoyed Glitch (see review - ARC from NetGalley).
There is lots to like about Matched, in particular, for me, more literary writing dropped into the prose than is common with much YA - some phrases and images are simply beautiful. The book hooked me with this image in the first few pages: 'Compact means small. I am small. I also like the way it sounds when you say it: com-pact...like the one the artifact itself makes when it snaps shut.'
I enjoyed the Dylan Thomas references and explorations of meaning in his words. The very controlled society is portrayed with flair and conveys an enjoyably creeping unease.
In common with its modern literary fiction cousins, though, Matched suffers from a lack of drive and action in the plot. Me, I like action and frights, danger and gutsiness, and you won't find an over abundance in Matched.
Weirdly addictive. Wasn't sure at first - other characters generally save the day rather than Sherlock - he is often saved rather than thinking through a solution himself, which is not a great approach in YA. However, the characters are both appealing and odd, the mystery was not bad and the idea itself is terrific. Will look forward to reading more in the series.
If
you love dystopian YA, with a strong female lead, gorgeous love interests and a
roller-coaster plot that keeps you glued to the page, then don’t miss Glitch.
A kind of Bourne Identity meets Divergent, the book is scary, sensuous,
emotional and thought-provoking, and yet the action –packed plot keeps twisting
and turning, with enough shocks and surprises to keep the reader wide-eyed and
breathless.
The
Community is mind-controlling, freeing humankind from pain and war, but also
from love, joy and the appreciation of beauty. When Zoe begins to ‘Glitch’ and
see things as they really are, her secrets and lies begin to pile up. She
cannot reveal her feelings and reactions – to do so would reveal her as ‘anomalous’
and schedule her for deactivation. She must control her emotions, stay blank,
walk at a uniform pace, all the while experiencing real terror in case she, or
her strange new power, is discovered.
Zoe
meets Adrien, and extraordinary love scenes ensue (nothing M or X rated).
Adrien slowly teaches Zoe about her own emotions and how to read human
reactions, long denied to her before she Glitched and broke free of The Link –
the Community’s mind control program. With Zoe, we experience afresh every
touch, every hesitant unfurling of feeling, the raw exhilaration of love. But
can she trust Adrien? Is he who he says he is, or a Monitor for the Community?
If Zoe makes a mistake, it could mean death and deactivation for her, and doom
for those she cares about. Is she better with Max, or should she trust her instinctive
wariness around him?
Zoe
cannot even rely on her memory, as memories can be wiped or altered: she can
only rely on her wits and emotions of the moment, although she is only learning
what emotions mean. The stakes mount higher as more Glitchers are drawn into desperate
escape plans, but almost everyone could be different from what they seem,
including the terrifying Chancellor who interrogates Zoe weekly.
Key
aspects of Anastasiu’s writing are refreshing and convincing. Science elements such
as knowledge of brain structure and emotional pathways, pathogens and allergens,
lift the novel above comparable YA romance/adventures for Science fans like this
reviewer. The Worldbuilding is excellent
– ‘only officials had real last names instead of just work designations’. The
concept that citizens can only Glitch while their brain is developing - until
18 - then they have the permanent
‘V-chip’ installed and are lost to the Community forever adds tension, and
places the story squarely with teenagers.
The novel explores the nature of
memory and emotion, and what it means to be human, and the consequences of our
choices. The novel also has a delightful
Paranormal edge with The Glitchers’ surprising and extreme anomalous powers, which
emerge when they begin to Glitch.
Minor
weaknesses include the contrived slang, which is so hard to get right and could
annoy some readers. The protagonists fell in love a bit quickly – the dreaded
instant-love of many YA novels - but later developments add an interesting
spin. A memory wipe, and they are starting again. Would she remember? Will she
make the same choice? There are some bumps in the writing: In the beginning,
did Adrien save Zoe too quickly, taking over the action lead, before we see her
fighting for herself?
Overall,
the trilogy promises a gripping, fast-paced read, with wonderful, strong
characters that we really care about, and a terrifying dystopian world.
This
review is made possible due to NetGalley – Thanks NetGalley, I loved reading
and reviewing this exciting debut novel.
5 stars. Rick Riordan penned another winner with this one. The labryrinth is a fantastic character in itself - a feat of imaginative genius to have it constantly morphing and challenging its entrants. The labyrinth becomes a metaphor for life and the choices we make - the characters must 'see clearly', and 'hold fast' to their chosen path, or be very flexible and prepared for anything, dealing with surprises, monsters, threats and upheavals along the way. Like life, it is always difficult to go back or retrace steps back to a turning point or crossroads - everything has changed again. The characters lose and find friends along the way, other characters are more fully revealed, and some lose their way, their family and friends, and even their sanity. Love the names, as always - Mrs O'Leary is a delight.
Love the Ancient Egypt themes and characters even better than the half-blood heroes in the Lightning Thief. Love how humour is used to lift a slightly sagging middle storyline! The animal characters are very appealing and funny - it all makes me feel like a puzzled teenager doing his and her best in a most confusing world. Laugh out loud stuff, here.
In
the first book of her new trilogy, master storyteller Emily Rodda weaves her
magic once again. The Golden Door
introduces Rye, youngest of three brothers. His brothers, and others, have
vanished one by one while seeking to stop the deathly flying skimmers which
attack and kill the citizens of The Weld.
Rodda
unfolds a story full of magic, danger, chance encounters and strange characters
who offer assistance at critical junctures. Accustomed to thinking less of
himself than his heroic sporty eldest brother, and his clever, quick, second
brother, Rye must somehow face hazards, battle evil-doers, trust his instincts and
new abilities, and find the hero within himself.
Rodda’s
language is simple and clear, her writing is assured, the plot is fast paced
and yet allows us to get to know Rye and his assorted friends whom he collects
along the way. Rye is an immensely appealing character – unassuming, loyal and
courageous when it matters.
Emily
Rodda has won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award
for a record five times. Many readers will be familiar with Rodda’s
best-selling Deltora Quest series, and this trilogy promises to be another
extraordinary adventure.
My introduction to Kate Forsyth's wonderful children's fantasy writing - after which I gulped down 11 more of her books in row.
The Puzzle Ring has elements of history, of magic, of mystery and a quest. The plot is tight and satisfying, and the writing is as magical as any of Kate's own inventive magical creatures or objects. Like most of her stories, the character, Hannah, learns much about her own courage, kindness and persistence, and makes surprising friends and allies in the least expected places. She also discovers where she really belongs.
Kate Forsyth's stories always have the child or children driving the action and solving the mysteries, and The Puzzle Ring is another terrific offering.
Recommends it for: everyone; middle grade children
The gripping final in the Starkin trilogy, with a prince on a quest, his devoted friend and a snooty princess-turned ally. As always, the humbler characters are wonderfully drawn and very appealing.
The snooty princess gradually becoming a friend device, echoes and reflects each layer in the trilogy.
In this third installment, the lovers didn't ring quite true for me - perhaps they were not tested as much, or they became aware of their mutual attraction too soon; the mutual attraction gradually unfolding by the characters in the Starthorn Tree was beautifully done, by contrast.
Overall, the writing is as beguiling, the scenes and landscapes as fresh and wonderful and the storytelling as magical as all Kate Forsyth's Children's fantasy.
Gripping continuation from The Starthorn Tree. Engaging characters, thrilling new developments and another quest. The prophecies work well to add mystery, magic and suspense. Imaginative fantasy creatures add richness to the story; Kate Forsyth's compelling narrative style hooks the reader in and keeps us glued to the page.
One star off for quite a graphic evil scene in the middle of the book - too graphic for many children (and for me). There is sufficient light and shade in the characters and in the plot - this was a little too much.
This book is full of wonderful and surprising characters, intriguingly named fantasy creatures, and Kate Forsyth's familiar themes of finding friends in least-expected places and revealing undiscovered strengths and talents through dangers and challenges faced.
The story races along with suspense, action, emotion, danger and cliff-hanging excitement.
The baddies are satisfyingly bad, a prince needs rescuing by a princess, in a more modern twist on the fable and sacrifices must be made to gain the reward.
I love the names of the creatures - hobhenky, boo-bogey, wildkin, grogoyle, as well as more familiar creatures, such as wood-sprites and river-roans.
****WARNING a bit of a SPOILER**** I've taken off half a star for the fate of one of the characters, which I thought was unnecessarily harsh for a children's book.
Read this book! It is funny, has an ordinary hero on an epic quest, with endearing friends, exciting challenges and terrible monsters to overcome. The story is a very modernised version of Greek myths, with Gods, heroes, a little magic, gifts to help on the quest, obstacles, betrayals and terrible decisions. The story is narrated through Perseus, or Percy, a twelve year old with ADHD, a very wry sense of humour and a big heart. Some of his teachers turn out to be guardians and monsters in disguise, still containing recognisable traits they had as teachers. Other monsters respond well to a very human approach. The battles and disasters accidentally caused or faced by Percy, are satisfyingly large-scale, destructive and cataclysmic; his pitfalls are exaggerated modern dilemmas and his friends and helpers come in a variety of forms, as is appropriate for a hero's journey. The writing is direct and the narrator's voice is a slightly confused and funny teenager's. The descriptions and modern take on the mythic Gods is really wonderful. I am just happy I only discovered the series now, so that I get to read all the books as fast as I can digest them.
I am so sick of vividly described torture in fantasy novels. Many such scenes are merely gratuitous. Unfortunately, when the story is one we wish to read, as in 'Inheritance', we are forced to endure through the detail as we want to enjoy the rest of the story. I understand its use as a device - the character must suffer to build empathy, to develop as a character, to explore their own capacities and flaws, and most importantly, to suffer in order to earn their reward at the climax of the novel. Surely there are many other ways to achieve this? Torture, if absolutely necessary, can be off-scene. The character can experience challenge and suffering in many other ways; or evil characters can be portrayed as evil without the torture: See my review: The Healer's Keep (Healer and Seer, #2) byVictoria Hanley
Finally, I think books which include scenes of torture should have warnings on the cover. Remember readers and writers, books are fiction. There is far too much real torture and suffering out there for us to have to live through fictional experiences as well. Does portraying evils such as torture 'normalise' treating other people and creatures in this way, or does it help to raise the issue of the horror of torture? My view is that I already know about and abhor this type of behaviour. I don't want to experience it vicariously as well in fiction, the place I go to rest and escape.
Strongly portrayed female characters experience poverty and the struggle to survive in Victorian London. Interesting twist where the younger sister must look after the older. Historical facts and the reality faced by young women alone and unprotected in Victorian London are brought vividly to life.
Recommended for: readers who enjoy YA fantasy and adventure
Strong lead characters, including strong female leads, contribute to driving a great adventure, replete with interesting and unusual magic. The evil-doing villain in this book is so scary, I felt sick. Fantastic to see a genuinely scary, evil villain, that does not rely on twisted torture scenes or graphic violence to show his evilness (I am so sick of vividly described torture in fantasy novels - there should be a warning on the cover)- just portrayed through his steely gaze and powerful magic abilities.
Really like that characters are shown as caring for friends and accepting kindness from strangers, and that good actions, while increasing the danger and tension in the moment, are ultimately rewarded.
