[Review + Giveaway] Happy Birthday To Me by Brian Rowe

Title: Happy Birthday To Me {goodreads}

Authors: Brian Rowe

Publication (dd/mm/yy): 25/10/11

Publisher: CreateSpace

Source: For review (thanks to the author!)
Age: 15+ Sexual references, mild swearing?

Pages: 315

My Rating:

Satisfying read

Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day!

High school is hard enough; imagine rapidly aging from seventeen to seventy in a matter of weeks, with no logical explanation, and with prom, graduation, and the state championship basketball game on the horizon. That’s what happens to Cameron, a mischievous pretty boy who has never had to face a day looking anything but perfect.

All Cameron wants to do is go back to normal, but no one, not even the best doctors, can diagnose his condition. When he falls for a mysterious young woman, however, he realizes that the only hope for his survival might be with the one person who started his condition in the first place...

My thoughts: 

I was initially intrigued when it was pitched to me, but I'm always just that bit more cautious with indie/self-published novels. The idea that someone could start aging a year of their life with each passing day is a fun concept, and Brian Rowe executed it well enough. An entertaining read all around, not without its moments of pure laugh-out-loud hilarity.

In Happy Birthday To Me, seventeen-year-old Cameron is the popular guy everyone wants to be or be with. He and his friends, exhilerated after a great basketball game, visit their favourite cafe/restaurant, where Cameron has a running joke: wherein everyone pretends it's his birthday and they receive birthday cake. It's just a harmless prank. Until it actually happens -- Cameron begins to age at a rapid rate, and no doctor can diagnose this hideous nightmare.

He's got the state championship basketball game, graduation and the prom! Unsatisfied with the prospect of living out the rest of his days as a research project at some lab, he takes it upon himself to finish high school, no matter what. Even if he becomes an 80 year old man on the outside and can barely walk.

I liked the outline of the book - every chapter denounces a new age that Cameron has stepped into. They really helped keep structure; it was also great to find out that something new had changed with him as he aged. That was without a doubt one of my favourite aspects of this book - imagining, for instance, a 50 year old man, creaking joints and all, playing on the high school basketball team.

Cameron himself, is, well, a pretty boy. Which equates to mean that I did not like him. Ha! He's cocky and selfish and stubborn and ignorant to everything that does not revolve around him. Tell me how that's supposed to be attractive, in any world? As he does age, we see some character progression, which was a bit cliche, but I did end up liking him more by the end of it all. He grows as a person, and sees the truth to his once-perfect life, which comes to light when he starts to age and is no longer the golden boy everyone loved.


Even worse than Cameron himself, is Charisma. His girlfriend. But then, all things considered, they're a match made in heaven then. Since the popular crowd are obviously so shallow, she ends up sneaking off with Cameron's best friend, who just doesn't get it. Everyone at the school annoyed me, and it just magnified everything I don't miss about high school (not that my grade had anyone NEARLY so shallow). The one character who had the potential to at least stay on my good side, was Liesl.

Liesl is harmless enough, and she ends up coming off okay with me. I didn't like her either, granted, but I didn't despise her and that's something. She remains such a mystery for the majority of the book, and maybe that's why I didn't dislike her. What did irk me is what she did, which I won't spoil here. Let's just say she does something really immature, which felt so out of character for her, if I ever knew her at all. Overall I thought she was a sweet character, whose emotions were sincere, true intentions.

The real standout for me is the writing. It's nowhere near polished. But. It's in the humor of it all. I enjoyed myself so much, despite the fact that I couldn't stand most of the characters. I was somehow able to dismiss that, because they did not matter to me. In the end it's about Cameron and his journey of self-discovery, and him finding out that his perfect life wasn't all that perfect.

Happy Birthday To Me happily sits with other good, fun paranormal YA novels on the market - if you're not too picky with characters, or cliche school cliques, you'll find much to like in the humorous antics, as you follow Cameron's fall from grace, day by day. Recommended for 15+ boys and fans of basketball . . . and birthdays.

Buy:

* cheapest Australian e-store price

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

Fishpond * | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

INTERNATIONAL READERS

Amazon | The Book Depository

All links from Booko, because I'm too lazy to search each individual store anymore.

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: ---

~Giveaway~

Sorry guys. Aussie only!

1x winner to receive: Paranormal pack

• Happy Birthday To Me by Brian Rowe
• 1 other paranormal YA book on my "giveaway" list (I'll email you the options)
• Assorted paranormal YA swag, including Clockwork Angel notebook
• Signed by Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Angel mini-poster

So what do you have to do to be in the draw?

Just comment and answer the question: 

WHY is Cameron aging a year with every passing day? 

Be as crazy as you want to be

You HAVE to include your email with your comment, or else your entry will not count.

Following is not required.
If you do follow, let me know under what GFC name you follow my blog for an extra entry.

Giveaway ends 31/12. Spread the word, if you want to! I won't mind. ;)

[Review & Giveaway] Brimstone by Alan Skinner

Title: Brimstone {goodreads}

Authors: Alan Skinner

Publication (dd/mm/yy): 04/10/10

Publisher: Sibling Press

Source: For review (thanks Sibling Press!)
Age: 14+ Mild to moderate violence and gore

Pages: 300
Series: #1 (Earth, Air, Fire and Water)

My Rating:

Summary:

At the age of 14, Jenny Swift is torn from her home deep in the forest to become apprenticed to the master alchemist Richard Antrobus. Jenny's mother was a healer from the East who has taught her well and from whom she inherits her exotic looks. But this difference means that she faces suspicion and distrust as she is drawn into a plot to throw the world into chaos. Not only does Jenny have to fight to stay alive amid the treachery and intrigue that surrounds the court of the Duke, but she finds her friendships and loyalties tested to the full. Forced to seek the key to the greatest secrets of the alchemists, Jenny discovers the power that lies within her - skills which could make her the greatest alchemist of any age.

My thoughts: 

What Skinner has written in 'Brimstone' is a cleverly spun tale that draws upon a reader's imagination in ways that any good fantasy novel should. Full of drama, danger, intrigue, magic, astonishment, and Romance with a capital 'R', 'Brimstone' fires up to a good start - as a series starter and a debut novel.

My synopsis: We begin with Jenny Swift, who is taken away from her home in the most horrid conditions she thought possible - only a handful of days left of her mum's life and she will be spending them playing the role of alchemist's apprentice. To one of the most esteemed and acknowledged alchemists in the world, mind, which would serve as a huge honour for anyone. But Jenny just wants to be with her parents and live in their cosy home in the woodlands. As Jenny and Antrobus, the alchemist, reach the great city of Vale, Jenny is thrown into imminent danger. Murder, betrayal...

Cover: Like any book, 'Brimstone' comes with its good points, and its bad points. Cover-wise, I probably would not have taken a second glance at it, to be completely honest. It's nothing to jump over the moon about, and it has a dated look to it. It gets the job done though.

Writing: 3rd perspective. Yes, it did result in a bit of a detached feeling towards the characters. Overall, it was also quite wordy (at times), and I did need to skip passages I found unnecessary. At best, Skinner remembers to include all the senses when describing something that should be dramatic and elicit strong reactions from the reader.

Characters: I liked and appreciated them the same way I would appreciate a Shakespearean character - a good point by far. I think with more character development, that I'm hoping will be in the next books, these characters can go much further and become memorable ones. I don't have a favourite, though I did enjoy the scenes with Emily and Jenny together; they have such a great friendship.

Ending: Definitive, momentous, heartfelt and dramatic. The twists at the end really threw me off, but any twists usually do.

Recommended for any fan of the fantasy/historical genres.

Note: Thank you Sibling Press for the documents and notes on the book, AND the actual book itself! I actually didn't have a look through the notes until afterward, and if I had known there was a character list in there I would have looked further, since there are so many characters in this book!

Quote:

Check out the first chapter HERE.

Buy:

* cheapest Australian e-store price

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson * | Borders | The Nile

INTERNATIONAL READERS

Amazon | The Book Depository

All links from Booko, because I'm too lazy to search each individual store anymore.

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: ---

Links: 

Facebook

Giveaway Time!

Australia only, ends 18th of November.

All you have to do is COMMENT below and answer this question: Which is your favourite element - earth, air, fire or water? Include an email address so I can contact you if you win!

[Review] The Taste of Apple by James Laidler

Title: The Taste of Apple {goodreads}

Author: James Laidler 

Publication (dd/mm/yy): 01/09/10

Publisher: Interactive Publications

Source: Author for review
Age: 14+ Moderate language and dark themes

Pages: 330

My Rating:

Summary:

Pedro Jones is lost. Abandoned by his father and forced into commission housing with his Filipino immigrant mother, the future seems bleak.

But when Pedro meets the 'mad' street busker, Johnny Lazzaro, and gets involved with the East Timor freedom movement, life takes an unexpected detour through the uncharted backblocks of the human heart.

My thoughts: 

To say I'm surprised that I actually liked this is an understatement. My track record with verse novels, I admit, hasn't been very good - I normally have problems connecting with the characters. However, with THE TASTE OF APPLE, this isn't an issue. Possibly because there are just so many dimensions, that I felt I actually knew the characters.

Pedro Jones has a fairly ordinary difficult upbringing, and when his father abandons him and his mother and sister, he's forced into commission housing. Living on the 'poor' side of my city personally I understood all the problems with ethnicity. In a rich and diverse multicultural population, criticism and racism runs rampant regardless that we are a "united" country. And for that I appreciated the realistic outlook of the racial struggle.

What I really loved about this book was the audio tracks that are included. See, this publisher and author thought it really clever to add an extra component to the reading experience. The CD includes 13 tracks, an assortment of thoughtful and meaningful poems. They brought an extra PUNCH to the book that reading alone just cannot deliver. It would also make this book a great one for reluctant readers - verse novel + music. The songs are also really cleverly crafted, with instrumentals normally over a loop replay but it really works with the lyrics/poetry. For an example, watch the trailer.

Pedro himself is a pretty average teenage boy whose interests lie in writing poetry. His future is threatened by a financial and emotional disposition but after he meets Juan 'Johnny' Lazzaro everything changes. The two form a strangely close friendship, and Pedro finds something to really care about.

The poems themselves were amazing. The complexities in its structure and word choice are well thought-out - and it shows! There is a tonne of quote-worthy passages in this book. It's rather a shame that I didn't tab any; I was flying through it before I found it a good idea to do so.

Laidler suggests this would be a good book to study for HSC/VCE English (Module: Belonging), to which I wholeheartedly agree. The book delves into belonging in an obvious way, AND it is simple but complex enough for students to dissect and interpret the book.

Overall, just a really worthwhile, thought-provoking read. The book is actually reminiscent of many contemporary YA books I've read, because of the themes and issues that were explored. It's really just an extraordinary VERSE NOVEL that will stick for weeks upon weeks.

Buy:

Live in Australia?

Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

Live elsewhere?

Amazon | The Book Depository *

Links:

Author Site



I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: Aussie YA Challenge

[Review] Logic of Demons: The Quest for Nadine's Soul by H.A. Goodman

Title: Logic of Demons: The Quest for Nadine's Soul

Author: H.A. Goodman

Publication: 14 July 2010

Publisher: Authorhouse

Source: Author for review
Age: I'm not sure. The protagonist is in his 30s, but this book is full of the teenage tendencies and naiveties suitable for teens. Um...definitely 18+, though.

Pages: 263

My Rating:

Blurb:

"What would you do if the love of your life was murdered by a deranged killer? Would you become a vigilante and seek retribution? And would this revenge affect those you care for in the afterlife? LOGIC OF DEMONS The Quest for Nadine's Soul takes you on a journey inside the psyches of men and women forced to deal with the spiritual consequences of their decisions. Through the lives of a demon, two Angels, and a mysterious teenage girl, a plethora of politically and socially relevant issues ranging from the roots of genocide and sex trafficking to child conscription and religious fundamentalism are addressed in this fantasy thriller. Life as well as the afterlife converge in this novel to explain certain peculiarities of the human condition. Whether you are God fearing individual or an atheist, LOGIC OF DEMONS The Quest for Nadine's Soul addresses moral and theological issues of interest for people of all backgrounds."

My thoughts: 

Slight spoilers. Read at your own risk!

Let me start by saying this wasn't a terrible book. It just wasn't for me, and it is my duty as a book reviewer to be completely honest in my opinions. I know there are many people out there who would deeply enjoy this novel, and I'll tell you why this didn't fit the bill for me. It goes without saying that this would appeal more to "adults" (whatever that means these days), say those in their late twenties onwards.

Logic of Demons begins when a steadfast man in his thirties is mulling over the recent murder of his late-wife. He goes to her funeral, and fights against his inner tendencies to strike back: he knows who did it, he has the motive, all he needs is the courage to go forward with such an idea. And he does. And in so doing, he scores himself a quick trip down to "The Office" (or Hell), after being 'accidentally' shot time and time again, before succumbing to his injuries. All that drives him forward is the will to see his wife again.

I could not relate to the protagonist, Devin, at all. He lives in a different world than I ever could have: he'd been married, then experienced horrific events; committed murder, and so on. His actions are also painfully naive considering all he's gone through. Perhaps this stems from my fatal inability to relate to him on even the most basic terms, but his mentally throughout the whole novel is "All I want is to be with my wife again!" It really annoyed me that he continually got screwed over time and time again by blindly trusting those who promised if he stuck by them they'd be able to lead him to his wife. This happened, sadly, to the point that I was shaking my head.

The writing style, and more specifically, just the basics of writing, are to be expected when dealing with a self-published novel. I can forgive that, but I can't forgive the blatantly obvious typos that popped up time and time again. Being a stickler for spelling and grammar, this also stifled my possible ability to enjoy the novel, even that little bit more than I did. Once more, the formatting of the novel as a whole was one that I was unaccustomed to. The chapters are long, especially when compared to many YA titles, resulting in my only reading one chapter in one sitting, most times. It took me more than a week to finish this book, and even by the end, I skimmed (I'm talking 60 pages, which is 20% of the novel!), just so I could read another book. At the beginning though, I was willing to give this one a shot, but it just wasn't meant to be.

However, the story when seen from a distance, is at its core, about the struggle between good and evil. Are the actions we, as humans, make purely our sole decisions? This novel deals with a chunk of issues that it's hard to list it. There's death, rape, love, trust, family, justice . . . Goodman actually addresses these pretty well, and I have no doubts that his next novels will prove to entertain and satisfy fans and loyal readers.

Buy:

Amazon | The Book Depository

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: --

Learn more about Logic of Demons and read more reviews at Goodreads! 

[Review] Minder by Kate Kaynak

Title: Minder

Author: Kate Kaynak

Publication: June 2010

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Review Copy: Paperback, won (Thanks, Cari!)

Pages: 250

My Rating:

Blurb from Goodreads:  

Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place. Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control. A stray thought can burn a building to the ground. And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads. But it's still better than New Jersey--especially once she meets the man of her dreams...

My thoughts: 

When I won this one at Cari Blogs, I didn't exactly know how Minder was going to fare with me. Fortunately for me, this one was pretty good. :)

Kaynak illustrates in her novel a world (within our world), Ganzfield, full of superheroes. The superpowered groups mentioned include:  
- minders (can read others' minds) 
- charms (can manipulate others through their charming words) 
- "pyros" (can make fires) 
- "movers" (can move objects with their minds)
(I don't remember the official names of the last 2).

The main character, Maddie, believed she was an ordinary person -- until she blasts out the brains of 3 (?) guys from school who were up to no good. Thus, her normal life is over and she is shipped off to Ganzfield, where she is introduced to a whole other environment. She quickly builds a close relationship with Trevor, the only "mover" in Ganzfield, as her minder powers grow ever-stronger. But trouble is afoot, and outsider forces (threatened by the powers of those at Ganzfield) get in the way...

The descriptions used to paint each scene was so well done and elaborate, but, to me, necessary and not excessively used. I mean, the story is a TAD slow going at the beginning, but as most novels are for me, I tore through the second-half of the novel.

The plot and premise are unlike anything I've ever seen before. After reading Minder, I was left wondering Damn, wish there were a real Ganzfield around here...I came to like the many relationships that Maddie forms with many other characters, such as with her and her mentor (another minder)-- the mentor becomes something of a father figure to which filled that void of her absentee father. I liked her relationship with Grace, a newcomer, a charm, there's that innocent glow of a fragile budding friendship . . . you know the type. Grace appears to be, in Maddie's POV, the only good charm that is worth mentioning individually. The charms are kind of like Ganzfield's version of "the jocks" in high school, though these "students" don't really get to choose their powers.

However, one problem I did have with Minder was that the relationship between Trevor and Maddie was, well, where do I start? It was a bit repetitive in that Maddie's mind continually fills with thoughts of What is Trevor thinking/doing? or Where's Trevor? or I can't hear Trevor's thoughts . . . Also, the justification behind their relationship, the reasoning, it didn't ring through for me. It seemed a bit silly or fabricated. I needed a bit more of an oomph on that part, but that may just be me.

I'd definitely re-read Minder in the future, and I definitely recommend it!!

Quotes:
[One quote for page 50, and another for halfway mark page.]

I considered getting a snack or something to drink, but the idea of going back to the dining hall made my appetite vanish. Perhaps I'd discovered a new form of weight loss: the humiliation-avoidance diet. (p.50)

 The sickly, orange glow from the near-dead batteries faded further when I jostled the casing. I sat on my cot, alone with the dim light and my turbulent thoughts. Without the touch of Trevor's mind, I started to feel exposed and insecure. What had happened between us? I'd never experienced anything like it.
My heart caught when I felt him returning. (p.125)

Trailer:




Amazon | The Book Depository

I am in no way affiliated with the above sites, nor with Kaynak or publisher. I do not receive any money for reviewing or linking.

Learn more about Minder and read more reviews at Goodreads!

[Review] Manifest by Artist Arthur

Title: Manifest

Author: Artist Arthur [debut novel!]

Publication: August 2010 -- out now!

Publisher: Kimani Press

Review Copy: ARC

Pages: 248

My Rating:

Blurb on ARC:  

KRYSTAL JUST MET THE PERFECT BOY.
TROUBLE IS, HE'S DEAD.

When fifteen-year-old Krystal Bentley moves to Lincoln, Connecticut, her mom's hometown, she assumes her biggest drama will be adjusting to the burbs after living in New York City.

But Lincoln is nothing like Krystal imagined. The weirdness begins when Ricky Watson starts confiding in her. He's cute, funny, a good listener--and everything she'd ever want--except that he was killed nearly a year ago. Krystal's ghost-whispering talents soon lead other "freaks" to her door--Sasha, a rich girl who can literally disappear, and Jake, who moves objects with his mind. All three share a distinctive birthmark in the shape of an M and, fittingly, call themselves the Mystyx. They set out to learn what really happened to Ricky, only to realize that they aren't the only ones with mysterious powers. But if Krystal succeeds in finding out the truth about Ricky's death, will she lose him for good?

 My thoughts: So yeah, Krystal has it BAD, so she says. No one seems to get her, but really, the way she talks about her whole life situation, it's apparent that she hasn't really taken the steps to get to a point where she can allow others to understand her. I think though, because of this, many teens will be able to connect to her situation on some level. But as this novel dictates, everyone has their problems, just different circumstances.

Arthur introduced me to the beginning of what I can only hope to be an exciting, interesting and stimulating series. There were a few parts that didn't bode too well with me, but overall I found myself enjoying the story that unfolded as the pages were turned. The premise is not entirely new, it's what I believe to be some wicked DISTANT spin-off of The Fantastic Four. I mean, there is the medium (Krystal), the all-rounder guy (Jake) and Invisible Girl (Sasha). Well, it's halfway to TFF anyway. :P But anyway, with the Power that the three have been bestowed with since birth, the focus is (surprisingly) turned towards Krystal and her ability to speak to ghosts. More importantly, the novel and the series is shaped around her Power and the decisions she makes in regards to her Power.

Speaking of Krystal, the character development is inspiring and done with good taste. [I mean, at the beginning she comes off obnoxious, but in the last pages you see how she has changed, and really appreciate that. Hopefully in the next book she'll be like that, too.] It didn't come off as cheesy or abrupt. It was necessary and drove the plot to its climax, and satisfying ending. Speaking of which, I actually did NOT expect the “twist” near the end when the mystery draws to a close. I liked most of the characters, though I think I could have done without the repetition of Krystal’s descriptions of how cute/hot Ricky was. But, yeah. That’s paranormal YA for you, I think. I dunno. This was actually my first paranormal book, though I guess Bad Girls Don’t Die is a paranormal book too… Hmm, it’s of a completely different kind though.

Anyway, this book is definitely worth a shot. It’s pretty short, took less than a day to finish this one. I’ll be buying my own copy in paperback, and once I have my own copy I’ll be giving away this ARC. :) I’ll be waiting to see what happens in the next instalment of this exciting and heart-racing series.

Amazon | The Book Depository | Borders

Learn more about Manifest and read more reviews at Goodreads!
Manifest is book 1 of the Mystyx series.

 

[Review] Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Title: Bad Girls Don't Die

Author: Katie Alender [debut novel!]

Publication: April 2009

Publisher: Hyperion

Review Copy: Hardcover, bought

Pages: 350

My Rating:

Goodreads description:  

Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence. Dysfunctional like her parents' marriage; her doll-crazy twelve-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude.

When a family fight results in some tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunction into danger. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green sometimes; she uses old-fashioned language; and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her strange behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in.

Alexis wants to think that it's all in her head, but soon, what she liked to think of as silly parlor tricks are becoming life-threatening--to her, her family, and to her budding relationship with the class president. Alexis knows she's the only person who can stop Kasey -- but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?

 My thoughts: What can I say about Bad Girls Don't Die? Okay, I'll begun with the easy things. The cover is brilliantly designed, the photo intricate, different, spooky and very very suiting for this story. The title is also interesting and definitely drew me in. Also, out of all of my The Book Depository orders, this one came to me in the best condition. The book is very durable, and even after reading it, it looks like it has barely been touched. So that's a plus on Hyperion's part, I guess.

About the actual story, now. I came in thinking that the whole thing would be just one big ghost story, but that wasn't even the case until about half-way in. In the beginning, we are introduced to Alexis, the main character, and her life in high school, as well as her relationship with her family and her totally-spinning-out-of-control little sister Kasey. As is expressed in the description, Alexis is something of a loner, preferring to hide away in her darkroom and take photos than have to spend an afternoon with her "fellow students". I'll say it was kind of slow-going for me for the beginning, but I knew that great things were coming, so I pushed forward, flicking the pages rather quickly (since the font size is pretty big and spaced out-- easy to read!).

When I really got into the heart of the story, and creepy things were happening (subtlety, you know you love it) and little bits of information began clicking together; from that moment onwards I just devoured page after page after page. (excuse the vampiric imagery) The story flowed beautifully, to its eventful and stimulating climax and then to its semi-confusing but intriguing almost-conclusion... You can tell that Katie intended for this one to be a standalone- but I'm not complaining that there will be more, as the story ends on a good note. (possible spoiler, I'm not sure)

About the characters, I like the voice that Alender equips Alexis with: narcissistic and sarcastic. For me, it wasn't so much the characters as it was the plot and premise that made me enjoy Bad Girls. Although, I did like a certain guy. While I would have preferred a slightly more 3D approach to him rather than just a family disaster story (more subtlety) to cling onto and claim as depth of character, I'm sure in the next novel Alender will give more depth and evoke more sympathy and emotion out of each character as we see them again.

Would I recommend this to others? Definitely. Looking for something slightly creepy that will blow your mind out of the water? Then perhaps Bad Girls Don't Die is one book you should pick up now!

Amazon | The Book Depository | Borders

Learn more about Bad Girls Don't Die and read more reviews at Goodreads!

 

[Review] The Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra's Last Hope by Elizabeth Isaacs

Review - The Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra's Last Hope by Elizabeth Isaacs
Thanks to Elizabeth Isaacs for a review e-book!

Title: The Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra's Last Hope
Author: Elizabeth Isaacs
Genre: Fantasy, romance, adventure, action
Ages: YA- 14+, there are some sexual scenes, but no language

Blurb from Goodreads: If Nora Johnson hadn't been on campus that day she would have never known her true destiny. Helping her friends move into the dorm that she wanted to call home, Nora accidentally collides with mysterious stranger, Gavin Frey. His very first touch sends flames through her heart. The world seems different-something within her has changed... [continued]

Thoughts: I asked for a review copy from Elizabeth Isaacs upon reading a post from her on Goodreads (she wanted reviewers), and at first I was a bit hesitant. Would I enjoy this read? However, the little reviews out there persuaded me to push forward and ask, and I am SO glad that I did, because had I not done so, I would never have found this treasure.

It is beautifully written, and from the first page, Isaac's eloquent and sophisticated language and form is prominent, though still very much YA. [example] At 380~ pages, this is not a quick read, but was a rewarding one. Not often have I felt like I was truly in there with the characters, in the setting, a bystander to the events that unfolded. However, the immaculate use of description did not throw me away from the plot. The storyline was at times very conversation-driven, lots of dialogue. At others, there was great action, and at at least two times during the novel, my eyes were welling up as I read. I was brought to really CARE for the characters. Each of them were different, and I couldn't help feeling the emotions that Nora felt as her narration followed through these events.

The Light of Asteria really needs more recognition, and to the very few reviews I have read out there, I thank you for bringing me to reading this lovely novel. The Light of Asteria is the first of a series. I'd assume the second one will be releasing in 2011. I will be readily awaiting Isaac's second book, and I have no doubt that it will be just as mystical and enchanting and, well, out of this world. Highly recommended.

Last thing. Why it DIDN't get 5/5. There were one or two rough patches where I put the e-book down and didn't feel like reading it until a few hours later. It wasn't because of a fault in the writing, just the pacing of that part was a bit slow. Most books have that, though, and that's why 5/5s don't get handed out often/at all. :P

You can buy "The Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra's Last Hope" (PB) at Amazon or Book Depository. It released March 22nd 2010! Also, check out her website! Kailmeyra.com, blog, and follow her on twitter if you must (@kailmeyra) Also, if you're reading this Elizabeth, consider coming to Australia sometime! I'd love for you to sign my metaphorical book! (I will definitely be buying a copy, even with my poor student-y funds)