Another 2009 Review: Monster by A. Lee Martinez

I guess if I could get my act together and finish reviewing all the books I read in 2009, I might actually get to the current years! It's weird, because I'm usually not this far behind. And I should probably be doing, I don't know, mini-reviews? But so far, each book I've read deserves its own full-blown review. As does this book, Monster by A. Lee Martinez (304 pgs, Orbit, 2009). This book was a 100% purely impulse read. Not for a challenge or because I'd seen it reviewed on someone's blog or I'd read something else from the author. Nope. None of those things. I saw it, I liked the cover, I decided to read it.

The thing was big and white and hairy, and it was eating all the ice cream in the walk-in freezer. Four dozen chewed-up empty cartons testified that it had already devoured half of the inventory and it wasn't full yet. From the safety of the doorway, Judy watched it stuff an entire carton of Choc-O-Chiptastic Fudge into it's mouth with a slurp. The creature turned it's head slightly and sniffed. It had vaguely human features, except its face was blue and it's nostrils and mouth impossibly huge. It fixed a cobalt eye on her and snorted. Judy beat a hasty retreat and walked to the produce aisle where Dave was stocking lettuce. "I thought I asked you to stock the ice cream," he said. "No need," she said, "Yeti is eating it all.".

When a couple of Yeti's decide to run amok one night at the Food Plus Mart, Judy, a 3rd-shift stock-girl, has her first encounter with Monster. Finding no one else to call for help, she decides on Animal Control, even though she's sure they won't believe her. But when she calls, Animal Control transfers her to the Cryptobiological Containment and Rescue Services. And they send out an agent: Monster, who happens to be be blue tonight. (He was bit by a basilisk, and the anti-venom treatment left him with an "unstable enchantment". IE, he changes colors each time he wakes up. And with each color comes some bizarre side effect! Blue is good. It means he's invincible.) With Chester, his paper gnome assistant (who's really a 6th-dimensional entity using the paper gnome as a way to interact on this plane), Monster spends his nights catching cryptobiological creatures.

See...there is magic that fills the world today. But not everyone can see it. Merlin's Lobe is a cluster of nerves in the brain, dealing with the perception of magic. In most humans, or incognizants, the lobe is not developed. These people can't see magic, even if it's right in front of them. There are also a few people that CAN recognize magic, but they forget about it almost as soon as it's not in front of their faces. They are light-cognizants, and that is what Judy seems to be. Once the Yetis have been dispatched, she completely forgets she ever saw them.

But Judy seems to be a magnet for all things magic. After the Yeti incident, she comes across a bunch of trolls, a kojin that destroys her apartment, an Inuit walrus dog-type monster, and a hydra, just to name a few creatures. A little too much to be a coincidence. But why are all these strange things happening to Judy? And will Monster be able to help her and save the world at the same time?

I have to say, I picked up this book on a complete whim. I hadn't heard anything about it. I hadn't read anything by the author. But the cover TOTALLY stood out and I loved it! After reading the first page, I knew I hadn't made a mistake. This book was hilarious! Tongue-in-cheek humor paired with all sorts of mythical creatures. What more could a person ask for? Oh yeah, did I mention that the entire fate of the universe is at stake?

As much fun as this book was, there were a few downfalls. Neither Monster, nor Judy were very likable. I'm not sure it it's planned that way, or if the character development just fell a little flat. You don't even feel very sorry for Monster, when his girlfriend from Hell (literally...she's a succubus from the Fiery Pits) makes his life miserable. If it wasn't for Chester, the paper gnome, Monster would be completely unsympathetic as a character. He's rough around the edges and bends over backwards to NOT get involved with people.

But see for yourself how much fun and how witty the writing really is: She didn't like to talk about it, but sin was a high-pressure job. It wasn't hard to get people to do bad things, but competition was stiff in her demon-eat-demon world. A demon was only as good as her last inspired atrocity, and even that didn't count for much.

He ran for the house as lightning bolts and miniature meteorites exploded around him. A shard sliced him across the cheek, and Monster learned that Elvis's downfall was engineered by vampires, that a dairy farm in Iowa had several super intelligent cows plotting the overthrow of the human race, and the mathematical equation for cold fusion, which he forgot almost immediately.

But Martinez also has a pretty good take on humanity itself: "Do you know what separates humanity from the other beasts of the world?" asked Lotus. "It's not the ability to make tools or complex language or any of that other nonsense you tell yourselves. No, humans are unique in all this world because they are the only creatures that can make themselves miserable. And do you know how you do it? You do it by expecting to be happy. You're so busy thinking about happiness, obsessing about finding it and why it isn't where you expect it to be, that you completely miss the point.

Pretty spot on, don't you think? Regardless of some of the problems, Monster is a really fun book to read. A book for 100% pure enjoyment purposes. I would definitely recommend this book! 4.25/5

Book 2 of Suzanne Collins' Gregor Series

Now that Chad has succeeded in getting Mommy hooked on a new series, I had to hurry up and finish book # 2. He checked it out of his school library and it was due back this week. (on a side note, he also succeeded in talking his teacher into accepting his Hunger Games and Catching Fire reads as AR credit by lending her his copy of CF. God, I love that kid!) So, Book # 2 in a five book series is Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane (312 pgs, Scholastic, 2004).

When Gregor opened his eyes he had the distinct impression that someone was watching him. He glanced around his tiny bedroom, trying to keep as still as possible. The ceiling was empty. Nothing on his dresser. Then he saw it sitting on the windowsill, motionless except for the delicate twitching of its antennas. A cockroach.

After Gregor had returned from the Underland with Boots and his father, he thought everything would be great again. But his father didn't return in the same condition in which he left. He was sick, and his mind just wasn't the same after all those years of captivity with the rats. He couldn't work, and there was never much food for the kids. But they were together again, and that was all that mattered.

One day, close to Christmas, Gregor took Boots to Central Park to sled. He couldn't do much for the family in the way of money, but he wanted to help out out all he could. But with all the family problems on his mind, he wasn't paying complete attention to Boots, and the next thing he knew she was gone! When he took the time to access where he was, he realized he was close to one of the waterways back to the Underland. And when he found the grate to the opening, he found a giant cockroach antennae! It seems that something had come from the Underland to take Boots. As he was trying to find the waterway, a couple of giant rats found Gregor. But luckily for him, Ares, his bat friend and bond, was waiting to take him to Regalia. It seems that the roaches had been watching the family. The rats had planned on stealing Boots and they wanted to protect her. And now that Gregor was back, it seemed that his help was needed once again. Another prophecy foretold of his actions. This one against the Bane, a giant white rat that would lead them to victory if it was allowed to live.

If Under Fell, If Over Leaped

If Life was Death, if Death Life Reaped

Something Rises from the Gloom

To Make the Underland a Tomb.

Hear it Scratching Down Below

Rat of Long-Forgotten Snow

Evil Cloaked in Coat of White

Will the Warrior Drain Your Light?

What Could Turn the Warrior Weak?

What do Burning Gnawers Seek?

Just a Barely Speaking Pup

Who Hold the Land of Under Up.

Die the Baby, Die His Heart

Die His Most Essential Part.

Die the Peace that Rules the Hour

Gnawers have Their Key to Power.

If the gnawers kill Boots, it seems that Gregor, the Warrior won't be able to protect the Underland anymore. And Gregor is NOT going to let that happen.

Once again, Collins leads us on a fantastic journey of the Underland. We are introduced to more characters. Some are members of the Royal family: Luxa's cousins. And a few more creatures from the Underland. If the first book was good, this one is even better!! As a reader, you are even more vested in emotion with the people and creatures that take part in the next quest. Gregor, has grown and matured. But one thing hasn't changed: his love for family, above all else. The lengths he is willing to go through to save and protect his sister is astounding. And it makes your heart feel all warm and fuzzy!

I wish everyone would read this series. I realize it's aimed at middle school/junior high students. But the life lessons are there for everyone. And Collins is grade A, #1 at weaving a story so tantalizing, that you won't want to put the book down until you have finished!! Take my advice and get this book for you and your kids. But get to it first, because the kids might not give it back!! 4.5/5

New YA Read: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - How Far are you Willing to Fall?

It seems like lately I've been all about the YA books. Or fantasy books. Or, in the case of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (400 pgs, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2009) a little of both!! This book is set to be released on October 13. The copy that I received is an ARC from Simon & Schuster through Shelf Awareness.

God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment....2 Peter 2:4.

Nora Grey is a smart girl. She would never do anything over-the-top irresponsible, unlike her best friend, Vee. She is a good girl who has no need for boys in her life. She is more worried about college than the prom. Then, a seating change in Biology causes her to be paired up with the new student, loner Patch. And he is anything but responsible. He is tall, dark and gorgeous. And completely uncooperative as a biology partner. At once flirty, yet condescending, he has no desire to complete the interview the teacher assigned as an "investigation". But all the while Nora is maddened by his actions, she is also finding herself wildly attracted to him.

Then weird things start happening to Nora. She doesn't feel safe, and is convinced someone is watching her. Is Patch stalking her? She has this certain feeling that he is somehow involved in the incidents that are plaguing her. And yet, try as she might to keep her distance from him, she just can't. She even tries to investigate his past by looking at school records and finds them completely blank. When push comes to shove, can Nora trust Patch to save her? Or is he the person she needs saving from?

I have waited a ridiculous amount of time to review this book. I kept putting it off and putting it off. I find reviews where I can gush endlessly about a book just write themselves. Anything else is a lot more work. I wanted to love this book. I really did. I had extremely high hopes for it. And unfortunately, they feel short. I try to go into books knowing very little about them, so I don't have such high expectations. But early word about this book has traveled fast, and it's popping up all over the net. From what I've read, I'm probably in the minority on this one. But it just didn't do it for me. And for a number of reasons.

When Harry Potter became so wildly popular, it spawned lots of similar books that dealt with kids and magic. That's just the way the world works. Now we are seeing the same thing with the Twilight books. And unfortunately, I just can't help but see too many similarities with Hush, Hush. From the high school to the bad boy "watching" the heroine....it reeks of the same outline.

Although the basic premise is the same, the storyline does go in a different direction. Patch is the "bad" boy, and honestly, it's hard to tell where his allegiance actually lies. I will give Fitzgerald lots of kudos for the fallen angel/nephilim mythology. It was seriously my favorite part of the book.

I did like Patch. Of course, I have always had a thing for the bad boy. I'm the one that was attracted to Kiefer Sutherland's bad vampire, David, instead of the good guy in Lost Boys. And that's just one of MANY examples I can give. Hell, I even married the bad boy. But as for the rest of the characters....nothing. I didn't really like Nora, and I should have. I always like the "smart" girl that doesn't realize how beautiful she really is. But not so with Nora. She was just so flat to me. And as completely ambivalent as I am about Nora, I downright hated Vee. She was rude, brazen, and just plain dumb. I think she was written as comic relief, but to me, it fell short. And if you don't care about the main characters, it's hard to really like the book.

The story had a lot of potential, and some of that actually shows through. Given time, I think Becca Fitzgerald will turn out some good books. And I have a feeling that those young girls who are missing Edward Cullen will fall hard for Patch. Unfortunately, it just didn't do it for me. But feel free to disagree. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this book. It's bound to be pretty popular with the YA's. 2/5

Round 2: Dylan Fontaine Vs. City in the Lake

Again...I just want to apologize to Renay for not posting this sooner. But at least I let you know what you were to be reading!! :)


For my Round 2 as a Judge for the Nerds Heart YA Tournament of Books, I was giving the tasking of choosing the best book between 2 really DIFFERENT books. Although the choice wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be (because one book totally stood out), they were really different types of books. One is a "coming of age" type of book; the other a Fantasy tale.

First: The reviews:
The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine by April Lurie (224 pgs., Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2008).

I can tell you from experience that a jail cell is not a place you'd like to visit. Now, I'm no Papillon, and the police station serving the Sixty-eighth Precinct in Brooklyn, New York, is no Devil's Island, but it sucks just the same.

For Dylan Fontaine, the summer of his fifteenth year is not going so well. His mother left the family to move in with her former art professor. His father, a doctor, spends more time at the hospital than at home in an effort to avoid the hole his wife left in the family. Dylan's older brother smokes way too much pot and spends all his time with his band. His best friend Angie is dating a real jerk. Oh yeah....he's also secretly in love with her. Getting arrested for stealing underwear AND holding his brother's pot is just the final kick in the teeth.

Then Angie decides she wants to make a short film about Dylan, as part of her summer film course at NYU. Entitled The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine, it gives Dylan a chance to do things he normally would never consider. Take chances instead of playing it safe. And grow in ways he never realized he could. Can Dylan survive the summer AND keep his family entact?

What's not to love about Dylan Fontaine? He's funny, smart, sensitive and wise beyond his years. He's a loyal brother and friend. He's a basketball player that could be star; a classical guartist that could be fantastic; an artist that is gifted, but always plays it safe. And he really wants to make things right with his family. This is a wonderful coming-of-age type of book, and I loved it! April Lurie has created a fantastic story for the teen set and adults alike. (I don't think it would be a great book for the younger set, mostly because of slight sexual content and the drug use). Dylan is a fantastic character, with lots of layers. He's a boy trying to become a man in a really trying time. He does the best he can with the cards he has been dealt, and it's admirable the way he tries to keep his family together.

Randy, Dylan's older brother, is also a great character. On the outside, he's this tough guy, playing in a band and trying hard to get past his mother abandoning the family. But deep down, he's just a boy that's insecure and lost without her.

A quick read, The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine, is definitely a page-turner. Lurie makes you care what happens to the people on the pages. And that is the sign of a great writer. 4.5/5

Book Number two:

The City in the Lake by Rachel Neumeier (304 pgs, Knopf Books, 2008).

The City is beautiful at sunset, almost as beautiful as the Lake itself. The waters of the Lake run with the crimson and flame-orange and deep lavender as the sun sinks beyond its farther shore, colors pouring across the water all the way to Tiger Bridge.

This fantasy tale set in an unknown time and place, is the story of a kingdom. When Prince Cassiel disappears from the Kingdom, the King is devastated. And not only that but the Kingdom seems to be dying because it. You see, Cassiel is the heart of the King. And that makes him the Heart of the Kingdom. Without him, things seem to be falling apart. His half brother, Neill, or "The Bastard" is taking a lot of heat for his disappearance. Many people think he might have something to do with it, maybe having set his sights on the throne.

In another part of the Kingdom, Timou is learning magecraft from her father, Kapoen. Growing up the daughter of a mage has never been easy for Timou, especially since she doesn't know her mother. And Kapoen has never been open about her birth. But when Kapone goes to the City to help find the Prince, and disapears as well, Timou is forced to learn about her mother, Lelienne. Lelienne, who just happens to be Neill's mother as well. She holds dark powers that are encompassing the Kingdom. Now that she has returned, Timou and Neill are becoming pawns in a game bigger than either of them understand.

First of all, I will be the first to admit I love fantasy. And while this book is right up my alley, I do realize it will not be suited for everyone. It's a bit confusing at times, and although Neumeier has weaved a very intricate story, there is a lot of philosophical babble that will go WAY over the heads of a lot of readers. For example:

We say it is a reflection of our City, we think of ours as the true City. But it is not so. The Lake holds -- it holds the eternal City, which the mage Irinore and the first King, Castienes, used to build our City. Ours is the reflection. The true City lies in a different layer of truth and dreams. But it is an aspect of eternal truth. It is more real than this ordinary City can be. Sometimes we dream of it -- of the truth that lies beyond our own City.

See? Not exactly easy reading. Much of the book reads like this. And as much as I liked Timou and especially Neill, I had a hard time figuring out exactly what was going on. That being said, I did enjoy the storyline. I just think the execution of it was a little confusing. I also thought it finished off nicely with all the loose-ends tidied up.

In my opinion, for those of you that love Fantasy, I'm pretty sure will appreciate the story this book tells. Otherwise, I really think you are in for some difficult reading. 3.5/5

My Choice for Winner of Round 2:

Hands down it goes to The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine!!

Now....The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine will go up in the next round against either Cracked up to Be or The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second (not sure who won that bracket yet!)

The other two bracket winners are:

My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger vs. Stop Me if You've Heard This One Before by David Yoo.

Thanks again for allowing me to be a judge. Sheesh. At least the pressure is over!!

A Lesson in Magyk - Is it Harry Potter lite?

Call me shallow. But I picked up this book mainly because I adored the cover!! I mean seriously, doesn't it just radiate fun and fantasy?? Magyk: Septimus Heap Book 1 by Angie Sage (564 pgs, Harper Collins Kids, 2005) is the perfect way to finish off a little fantasy for the Once Upon a Time III Challenge, as well as a selection for the YAC 2009. It is also the first book in the Septimus Heap Series, that is so far up to 4 books.

Silas Heap pulled his cloak tightly around him against the snow. It had been along walk through the Forest, and he was chilled to the bone. But in his pockets he had the herbs that Galen, the Physik Woman, had given him for his new baby boy, Septimus, who had been born earlier that day.

On the day that Septimus Heap was born, there was trouble brewing in the Castle. As his father Silas was returning from a trip through the forest, he finds a baby wrapped tightly in the snow. Since there was no way he could leave the poor child to freeze to death, he bundled her up and hid her in his cloak. As he was winding his way home, Marcia Overstrand, the Apprentice to the Extraordinary Wizard, stops him and tells him that no one must know that he found the baby. He MUST say she was born to him. A strange request, but one that Silas would keep.

But when he reached home with his bundle, he is met by the Matron Midwife. She is rushing out of his apartment carrying a bundle. Silas' son Septimus had died. As the seventh son of a seventh son, there were high hopes in the wizard world for the boy, but apparently it wasn't meant to be. So he and his wife Sarah, took in the baby girl and Jenna filled the vacancy left by Septimus' death.

It was a few weeks later, that the Heap's found out exactly where baby Jenna had come from. The Queen had been murdered on the night she had given birth the to Princess, the heir apparent. Not only had the Queen been shot by one of the Custodian Guard's assassins, but so had Alther, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. And although no one knew exactly what happened, the Princess was missing. It was presumed she was being held prisoner somewhere....but the Heap's knew differently.

All was well with the Heap family for 10 years. But on the day of Jenna's birthday, a knock at their door changes everything. The ExtraOrdinary Wizard herself, Marcia Overstrand had come calling (which NEVER happens). In the ten years since Jenna has been with the Heaps, life has changed if you are a Wizard family. No longer seen as a good thing, Magyk classes were cancelled. Although Marcia was still made ExtraOrdinary Wizard, a position of power, The Supreme Custodian had taken over the castle. He has spent 10 years trying to find the Princess. With spies all over the place, the guards had figured out that Jenna was really her. An assassin was on the way over to kill her. Only when she was gone could the Ex-ExtraOrdinary Wizard and Necromancer, DomDaniel, come back and fully take over the Castle.

The Heaps have to go on the run, taking Marcia and a little boy, Boy 412 from the Young Army, with them. Now the race is on to save Jenna....and themselves.

I kid that this book could be called Harry Potter Lite. But any books with wizards and magic are going to come up with that kind of comparison. It just can't be helped. Although, I figured the storyline out within a few chapters, the predictability certainly didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book. Magyk is a really fun read! Full of spells, white witches and wizards, it is a non-stop ride from beginning to end.

I loved the development of Boy 412, who had spent his entire life as only a number in the Young Army. And Jenna, who had taken the best of both being raised by the loving, bumbling Heaps and having Royal blood. She was tough and smart and kind. Certainly everything a future Queen should be. And even though she wasn't blood, the Heaps were ferocious about protecting her. You can actually feel the love they had for her.

Angie Sage has created a world of Wizards that is unique, even if the story is not. With a flare for storytelling, she sucks you in from page one...and doesn't let go. Even when the last page has been turned!

This is a perfect start to a fun series, and I know that I will definitely be reading the rest!! Aimed at kids from 9 - 12, this is still the perfect book for kids and adults alike. Even if you aren't a huge fantasy fan, I think you would enjoy reading this book/series. And if you are a fan....go out and find a copy!! Highly recommended!! 4.5/5

Fantasy and Science Fiction Writer's Day - June 23rd

I've been sitting here all day trying to figure out what I was going to write about for Fantasy and Science Fiction Writer's Day. As you can probably tell by my blog header, I'm a pretty big fan of fantasy!! But that hasn't always been the case. In fact, until about 4 years ago, my reading habits were vastly different. I seem to go through phases. I know a lot of fantasy readers grew up with the Narnia books or Tolkien. But I never read them (still haven't, if you can believe that!) I was actually into mysteries....Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and later Agatha Christie. I SO wanted to be a female sleuth! But then I picked up the book Carrie by Stephen King, and my future reading path was forever changed.

Later on, I read tons of "Chick Lit" and best sellers. I even went through a classics phase. Then an online book club I was in picked the book The Little Country by Charles de Lint. This a beautiful fantasy story that dealt with music, a mysterious manuscript, and magic. And I loved it!! So much so, that I started to hunt up books with the same magical themes.

It wasn't too much later I started this blog and found out there were tons of people that liked the same kind of books as I do! Today my reading is a bit eclectic...on top of the fantasy and sci-fi, I find myself picking up Classics, Young Adult literature, literary fiction, chick lit, and even the occasional memoir. But book blogging has definitely helped my love for fantasy evolve. I have made quite a few friends here whose love for fantasy have increased my TBR list from, well an actual list, to PILES of books! Not only that, blogging has brought me some new Favorite authors. Included in this list are Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Melissa Marr....and the top notch Neil Gaiman. One of the first books I read when I started blogging was American Gods. Neil Gaiman really rocks my world. With such wonderful stories and beautiful prose, I can't help but admire and love him. In fact, my literary crush on Mr. Gaiman grows with each book I read! If I had to list my favorite fantasy reads ever, I'm sure the top 5 would all be Gaiman's!

So, what is the difference between fantasy and science fiction? I've asked myself that alot. I looked up the definitions in Wikipedia: Fantasy is a genre that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, and/or setting. Fantasy is generally distinguished from science fiction and horror by the expectation that it steers clear of scientific and macabre themes, respectively, though there is a great deal of overlap between the three (collectively known as speculative fiction). I read all 3, although the books I tend to really love seem to fall more into the "fantasy" category. But I do read the occasional sci-fi novel. One of the best that I have read is The Chrysalids by John Wyndham. But I do realize I'm seriously lacking in reading some of the masters like Robert Heinlein, Philip Dick, and Isaac Asimov just to name a few. One of my goals in reading for the next couple of years is to remedy this situation and expand my reading to more sci-fi.

I realize this post is kind of rambling. Not really much to it. But I just wanted to bring to light on this "special" day my love for fantasy and share a little about it. Now, if you'd really like to help me out, give me some tips. What authors, fantasy or sci-fi am I missing? What authors can you not live without? What are some of your favorite books? I really don't need to add any more to my list...but I'm going to try to do just that!!

I guess I will add a list of my 10 Favorite Fantasy books (or series, as fantasy tends to run in either Trilogies or series):

• 1. American Gods - Neil Gaiman
• 2. Anansi Boys - Neil Gaiman
• 3. Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman
• 4. The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman
• 5. The Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling
• 6. The Mercy Thompson Series - Patricia Briggs
• 7. The Dresden Files Series - Jim Butcher
• 8. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
• 9. Memory and Dream - Charles de Lint
• 10. The Dark Tower Series - Stephen King

OK, so only the top 4 were Gaiman. I stand corrected!! I think this is a list I'd like to revisit at the end of the year to see if it's changed. Then maybe again at the end of next year, and the year after that....and so on. The books may change, but the love for Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror and Speculative Fiction never will!

De Lint's Novella Doesn't Pack As Much Punch as A Full-Length Novel

In an effort to whittle down the completely insurmountable number of 27 books from the library, someone suggested I start with the shortest. So that is what I did. I picked up The Dreaming Place by Charles de Lint (160 pgs, Firebrand, 2002) for a number of reasons. 1. I love Charles de Lint. 2. It is a fantastic choice for the Once Upon a Time Challenge - Mythic Fiction (or perhaps Folklore fiction). 3. Being Canadian, this is another selection for the Canadian Reading Challenge. More of a novella than a novel, The Dreaming Place is also part of the Newford Series.

"I didn't see you at school today, Nina," Judy said. "Were you sick?" "No, I just couldn't go in."

Nina Caraballo is having a hard time. Although she has a wonderful best friend, great parents, and is doing fantastic in school, she is having these awful dreams. She has started dreaming that she is an animal. It's usually random. One time, it's a cat. The next time it's a rabbit. But what makes these dreams such a problem is that they seem SO real. Almost like it's actually happening to her. And she is scared. In fact, she thinks that her cousin Ashley has put some kind of hex on her.

Ashley is the first cousin who lives with her. Although close to the same age, Ashley and Nina couldn't be any more opposite if they tried. Where Nina likes girly things and nail polish and boys, Ashley is broodier, angrier and spends most of her days wearing heavy metal t-shirts and hanging out at the occult store. Ashley's mother died in a horrible accident a few years before and her father just didn't want the responsibility of caring for her. Abandoned, she is now in the care of her aunt and uncle, and has such an anger inside her, she can hardly control it.

Although Ash didn't hex Nina, her anger has drawn a manitou spirit from the Otherworld, and that spirit has fixated on Nina. Can Ashley get over her anger to help her cousin? Or is Nana doomed to live in the Otherworld forever?

First of all, I have to say I'm a HUGE fan of Charles de Lint. The novels I've read (most notably, The Little Country and Memory and Dream) have been incredible. This short novella...not so much. One of the reasons that I love de Lint so much is his wonderful use of language to tell a story. It's rich and vibrant and brings to mind such wonderful pictures. In this short story, there just isn't the time to flesh out the characters as much as I would have liked. They seemed sort of "flat". This has always been my objection to short stories and novellas. And while some work, this one just didn't grab me.

This was also his first attempt at writing a book meant directly for the YA set. And it just didn't have the flare some of his other works do. Not that it's a bad book/story, because it's not. The idea behind it is really interesting. And I loved the Shamen Bones and his description of the Otherworld. I also liked the folklore and mythology behind the manitous. Maybe I just expected too much from this little book.

Regardless, I'm still going to read through the entire Newford series some day. Ever book gives you an other glimpse into this artful and magical place. This one just wasn't what I had hoped for. 3/5

PS. Check out my Music Munday Guest Post over at Kailana's The Written World!! It's a cool tribute to Girl Power Rock!!

Return to Fablehaven.....

It's time for a book review!! I'm not feeling all that well today. I'm nursing a killer headache and what could be allergies. I'm achy, stuffy, sneezy and my eyes are all watery. Let's just hope it's allergies and not the swine flu!!



Book 2 in the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull is Rise of the Evening Star (456 pgs, Shadow Mountain Press, 2007). I am using this book to "check off " a couple of challenges: The Young Adult Challenge 2009 and the Once Upon a Time Challenge 2009.

Crowding into homeroom with the other eighth graders, Kendra found her way to her desk. In a moment, the bell would ring, signaling the start of the last week of school. One final week and she would leave middle school behind forever and start anew as a high school freshman, mingling with kids from two different junior highs.

After last summer's eventful trip to visit their grandparents, Kendra and Seth's lives have returned to normal. Finding out that your grandparents are the caretakers of a magical refuge for mystical creatures can make everyday life seem rather boring. That is, until the end of the school year when a new student enters Kendra's class. A new student that isn't human. But only she can see what a vile creature he really is. Last summer, when the kids were at Fablehaven, Kendra was kissed by the fairies. Now she has the ability to see past the glamour that everyone else sees.

When a man arrives and says he was sent by Grandpa Sorenson to help, the kids believe him. But when he tricks Seth into freeing a demon called Ooloch the Glutton, the kids are forced to retreat back to Fablehaven. Of course, Fablehaven is having troubles of it's own. It is just one of many magical refuges around the world. There are 5 special artifacts hidden in five different refuges, and Fablehaven is one. An evil group known as the Evening Star is trying to infiltrate the refuges and steal the artifacts. If all 5 are recovered and the mystical properties restored, it means bad news for the entire world. Now it seems like someone at Fablehaven is a traitor working for the Evening Star. And it's up to the kids to try and save the day....again!!

While Brandon Mull has created a wonderful world at Fablehaven, I seem to have some trouble with this series. I LOVE the storyline, but the writing just seems so elementary to me. BUT, in defense of the author, this story is written for a target audience of 9 - 12 year olds. This is actually younger than most of the YA books I normally read, so the problem is probably just mine.

As I've stated, the storyline is fun, unique and really fast-paced. You get to interact with all sorts of fantastical creatures, including faeries, brownies, satyrs, imps and naiads....along with some truly evil creatures. Now that Kendra has been made "fairykind", she has developed some powers all her own. And in the end, even the elementary writing didn't stop me from truly enjoying this book. A complete cliffhanger at the end also ensured me reading the remainder of the series, and I think now that I know how the writing is, I will be far quicker to enjoy the next book.

If you have a young fantasy lover in your house, I think this series will definitely be a must read. Even as an adult, I actually ended up really enjoying the book. I'm definitely recommending this series for anyone that wants to have a little adventure!! 4/5

And stay tuned tomorrow for a review of my 1st Graphic Novel!!

High Fantasy War Games.....

Today, I'm going to start getting out some of those book reviews that I am behind on. I have at least 4 that I need to do, and I thought I would start with Cry of Justice by Jason Pratt (444 pgs, Bittersea Publications, 2007).

My wife, my beloved. I promise....I can explain. I can explain where I went. And why....I can explain why I didn't explain when I returned. I didn't explain because I was afraid.

In the aftermath of a horrible international war in the world of Mikon, thousands of refugees have fled the Coastal States and are heading into the Middlelands. Cry of Justice follows a few of those people. A small band of warriors are led by the Maga, Portunista. She is sharp, power-hungry and intent of gaining as much control as she can. Among her subordinates is Seifas, one of the last members of the Guacu-ara, or the Hunting Cry. Born and bred to kill, Seifas fears he is the only remaining Guacu-ara left alive, and has made it his mission to follow Portunista until the end. And then there is Jian, who happens upon the group. It is a mystery who he is or where he comes from. And not everyone trusts him, especially Portunista.

Told in part through journal entries from Portunista, Seifas, and an unknown author, this is the story of how Portunista and her band of warriors happen upon a castle. The castle belonged to Qarfax, an extrememly powerful Cadrist. The castle holds many secrets....secrets that Portunista is desparate to have....as do several other powerful mages. It is this castle and it's secrets that bring upon Portunista's group an epic battle: one that will change things forever.

Cry of Justice is an epic novel, the first of a trilogy. I would definitely classify it as "high fantasy". Maybe it's the fact that I don't read a lot of high fantasy that I found the first part of the book rather confusing. There are a lot of terms and people that I didn't understand, at first. But the story line is good. Very good. And that is what kept me reading.

Portunista is a hard character to nail down. You can tell she wants to be a "good" person, but she is so hell-bent on gaining power it diminishes her ability to distinguish from right and wrong. I wanted to like her. I really did. But her inability to trust in her own feelings made it hard. Just when I start appreciating her intelligence and her passion, she does something stupid....and it makes me mad!

Jian and Seifas are both wonderful characters, as are many of the minor warriors. They are strong, loyal and extremely complex in their nature. Jian has one goal throughout the story...and that is to save Portunista....from the other mages, but most importantly, from herself.

Although a lot of the complex war strategies were lost on me, I found myself reading faster and faster because I had to find out how the final showdown would end. Of course, being the first in a trilogy, the ending is far from over. You can tell that the story, even when the last page has been turned, is only just beginning. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has a love for high fantasy. For anyone else, it might be a bit confusing. Now, it's just a matter of time until Book 2 is released!! 3.75/5

A Fantasy Tale Full of Magic and Faeries!

After reading many wonderful reviews of the Fablehaven series, I decided it was time for me to give it a go. So I picked up Book 1, Fablehaven by Brandon Mull (368 pgs, Aladdin, 2007). It is my first selection for the 2009 YA Reading Challenge.

Kendra stared out the side window of the SUV, watching foliage blur past. When the flurry of motion became too much, she looked up ahead and fixed her gaze on a particular tree, following it as it slowly approached, streaked past, and then gradually receded behind her. Was life like that? You could look ahead to the future or back to the past, but the present moved too quickly to absorb.

Because an accident occurred in their family, Kendra and Seth's parents were forced to go on a cruise with relatives. This didn't leave a lot of options for the kids. They were going to have to spend 2 weeks with their Grandpa and Grandma Sorenson at their estate in Connecticut. The kids have never been very close to their grandparents because they were rather reclusive. In fact, they had never even been to their estate before. And neither of the children were looking forward to the visit.

But when they arrived, the estate was beautiful and a huge bedroom/playroom in the attic had been designated just for the kids. Grandma Sorenson was out of town visiting a sick relative, but Grandpa Sorenson was there to watch them. He gave them some specific rules to follow, and forbade them to go into the woods.

Apparently Seth was not one for following the rules, though, and at the first opportunity snuck out into the woods to see if he could find an adventure. What he found was a little more than he bargained for.

The Soreneson's were caretakers for a Magical preserve called Fablehaven. It was inhabited by mythical and magical creatures, both light and dark. Ancient laws kept order among the residents, including faeries, imps, satyrs, trolls and even a witch that was held captive under a spell. But Seth's impulsiveness got the better of him, and on Midsummer Night's Eve he caused the forces of evil to be unleashed and his Grandfather was taken captive. Can the children make things right, and bring back their Grandfather??

I'm not sure what I expected from this book. The storyline is very unique, and I loved the descriptions of all the magical creatures, especially the faeries. But I really think my expectations were too high, because I just didn't love this book. Maybe it's the mother in me, but I was extremely annoyed with Seth's lack of respect for the rules. I realize that he is at that age -- 11 -- and boys will be boys. I HAVE a boy that age, so I know. But he just kept getting into crisis after crisis. And didn't learn until too late that his actions would have deadly consequences.

The writing was a bit stilted, but by the end Mull had pulled it off. He did create a wonderful world in Fablehaven. He also left the reader with the knowledge that more is coming. A secret society is bent of destroying the preserve, and I'm sure that is where the series is going to go. All things considered, I think I will definitely read on and see what lies in store for Kendra and Seth in future books. I'm hoping that I will enjoy the next book just a little more. I do think the younger fantasy reader will really like this series. I'm going to pass it on to my boy and see what he thinks!! 3.75/5

Want a Little Magical Adventure???

Why did I read Erec Rex: The Dragon's Eye by Kaza Kingsley (400pgs, Firelight Press)? I had bought the book for my son for Christmas. He loves anything Dragon related. But I have to admit, *I* only picked up the book when Ms. Kingsley asked me to take part in her blog tour. But I have to tell you, I'm very glad I did!!

On one of his very first days in New York City, Erec Rex awoke to find that his mother had gone out. She had left all six of her adopted kids with a sitter, and had left their very, very modest apartment before everyone had gotten up. But when Erec saw her glasses on the sink in the bathroom, he knew something was wrong. His mother NEVER left her glasses. In fact, she actually slept with them on a chain around her neck. In that moment, Erec got one of his "cloudy" feelings. Sometimes, when something bad was going to happen, Erec would get a "cloudy" thought....and he would be commanded to do what it told him. He had no control over himself. This time, the cloudy thought ordered him to find his mother! And the first place to look was Grand Central Station.

After a little bit of deception from his brothers and sisters, Erec was able to get away from the babysitter. Armed with only a picture of his mother, her glasses, and the cloudy thoughts, Erec set off for Grand Central Station. He showed his Mom's picture to all the vendors, and yet no one claimed to have seen her. Finally, the young girl at the Newpaper stand, told him to meet her away from the stand. She knew where Erec's mother was, but couldn't be seen talking to him by the owner of the stand, her uncle Earl. The girl's name was Bethany, and she had seen Erec's Mom go with some men, under the station. And not just under, as in subway. But through a hidden entrance under the street!!

Erec and Bethany soon set off on a magical journey to far-away lands. In a world where magic is the norm, and all the people in "Upper Earth" are losers who have forgotten the magic. A world where Kings and Queens rule, although their time is almost at an end. To find the new rulers of the land, a contest is taking place....a contest in which Erec and Bethany find themselves thrust in the middle.

When Harry Potter went into legend status, a lot of people tried to use the same formula to sell books. Boys and Magic. But this series, while using the magic background, is so much more than a blatant Potter rip-off. The worlds that Erec finds himself in are so different from our own. It's fun to see Erec and Bethany, two kids from "Upper Earth" try to make their way through the magical lands of Alpium. And while we get a small glipmse of who Erec Rex really is, the backstory about him and his brothers and sister is only touched on in this first book in the series. There is a lot of mystery surrounding this family, and a lot of questions still left to be answered. So I guess I'm going to have to continue on to find any really answers!!

All in all, I really enjoyed this book!! It was fun, mysterious, and magical. I think it's a great book for kids and adults alike, especially if you have a love of fantasy. Even if you don't, you will probably find Erec a really great character. Fun read!! 4.25/5

Erec Rex, Kaza Kingsley and a Blog Tour

Have you read the Erec Rex books? I haven't (yet), but I've heard great things about them. In fact, I bought The Dragon's Eye for Chad (or me!) for Christmas!!

Taken from the back of The Dragon's Eye: Life is not easy for twelve-year-old Erec Rex. His single mother can barely support her six adopted kids. They’ve moved into an apartment so tiny that Erec sleeps with the washing machine. To make matters worse, there is a strange force in Erec that he cannot control.

Then one morning Erec’s mother is missing. Compelled to find her, he embarks on an adventure that will change him forever. On his journey he meets Bethany, who also lost both parents in a mysterious past. Together they discover Alypiam, where the knowledge of magic is kept.

Things do not go as planned. Forced into a royal competition filled with danger and sorcery, rescuing his mother seems impossible. He discovers that Alypiam is in peril and he is the only one who can save it. But he must learn the secrets of trust and loyalty to overcome all odds ... and to start on a quest to become king.

Now I ask you....doesn't that sound good?? Yes, folks. I do have a point to this post. Author Kaza Kingsley contacted me a few weeks ago. She is having a Blog Tour to promote her books, and has asked if I would host a day!!! Well of course I said I would be honored. It's not every day something like this just falls into your lap.

So.....here are the details. On January 13th (my birthday!), Ms. Kingsley will be guest hosting. I have some questions for her, and I'm hoping you will too!! I've never really done this before, so work with me. If you'd like to check out her website, you should!! Erec Rex is fantastic fun. And so is Kaza's blog, The Memory Mogul. For all of you who love YA books and fantasy, this is a series you shouldn't miss. Stop by on the 13th and leave a comment for Ms. Kingsley. Should be fun!!

And here are Kaza' other stops on her tour:

1/7 A Fort Made of Books

1/8 Books4Ever,

1/9 Baseballs and Bows,

1/10 Fanatic Space Blog,

1/11 Bibliophile's Retreat,

1/12 Children's Literature Book Club,

1/13 Stephanie's Confessions of a Book-A-Holic,

1/14 A Year of Books,

1/15 Author Chris Rettstatt's blog ,

1/16 Deliciously Clean Reads,

1/17 Into the Wardrobe,

1/18 Real Gurlz Magazine,

1/19 Chauceriangirl,

Now...I'm off to steal Chad's Christmas present and get started reading!!

Once Upon a Time.....

That's it! I'm certifiably crazy! Another challenge, you say?? Sure. Just add my name. But this one is a challenge that I am REALLY looking forward to. It's a Fantasy challenge. After finishing American Gods by Neil Gaiman, I can see myself firmly planting myself in this genre. It is hosted by the most helpful Carl V at Stainless Steel Droppings and is to take place from March 22 (the first day of Spring) and run till June 21st (Midsummer Night's Eve).

Not only is it just a mere challenge....it's a QUEST! "A chance to celebrate spring, the time of rebirth and renewal, by experiencing the type of storytelling that connects us with our past." So, I have decided I will challenge myself to Quest #3. Here are my selections:

• Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan - Fairytale
• Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman - Folklore
• The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley - Mythology
• The Skewed Throne by Joshua Palmatier - Fantasy
• A Midsummer's Night Dream by Shakespeare

I think that's a pretty good list. The Mists of Avalon is a classic, and I've never read it. Always "one of these days". Well....I guess that day is here. Anansi Boys seemed easy since I just read American Gods. And The Skewed Throne is nominated this year for the Compton Crook Award.

So....it's off to Fantasyland for me!!

Later!