Review: Defending the Galaxy by Maria V Snyder

Defending the Galaxy (Sentinels of the Galaxy #3) by Maria V Snyder

Published by HQ Young Adult – AU
Released on December 2 2020
ISBN 9781489252784

Read 9 – 12 December 2020

This is the first time in a long while where I have been unable to review a Netgalley book before its release date, and believe me! I feel all the remorse. Funny that, considering how small an audience this blog has, and how little my reviews contribute. But no matter. My Catholic guilt doesn’t discriminate.

I loved the first two books in this series, and having reviewed the second one a year ago here, I can see that I would be gushing about all the same elements: Ara’s growth, her ability to do what’s right not what’s easy, and the fast-paced action. This book just bulldozes through a number of complex plot points, some insightful considerations about the way humans treat technology and anything in fact that they can bend to their will, as well as some great family dynamics and the love story. Aah Niall, you are a true treasure: trusting, supportive and patient.

At the end of book 2, Ara’s connection to the Q-net is complete. Her bond and musings with the sentient being make for thoughtful and witty conversations. Q helps Ara navigate the obstacles, the bad guys and the whole galaxy, and it really feels like she is only 17. Continuously referred to as ‘junior officer’, readers never forget that she is low on every scale. When Ming pulls out the mother card and Ara is grounded, teen readers will observe an interesting stand off. Ara has been living by herself, training as a security officer, and yet she acquiesces to her mother’s worry and protective behaviour, demonstrating her maturity and her understanding of her parents’ feeling. But secretly, she continues to help her teammates and the human race, so much of her rebellious nature persists.

Jarren and his cronies are revealed in more detail: their motivation, their goals and their process. The HoLFs remain scary and a very clever enemy. Their attacks constantly create tension and suspense. While Ara’s abilities often seem to solve everything, she does have to work for the rewards — just trying to get the head honchos on board is a mammoth task in itself.

This is a highly satisfying conclusion to an action packed sci fi series. Recommended to any fans of this authors’ work, and to readers who enjoyed series such as Marissa Meyer’s Renegades, and Claudia Grey’s Constellations. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for advanced copy.

Released (in Australia) on December 2nd.

Review: Just Pretending by Leah & Kate Rooper

Just Pretending (The Chicago Falcons, #3) by Leah & Kate Rooper

Published by Entangled Crush
Released on November 5 2018 (in the US)
ISBN 9781640637153

Read October 21 2018

This is very much a romance novel, so I advise you to just chill out and enjoy these two as they stumble their way through dislike to fake relationship; from misunderstanding to communication; from what-the-hell-people? to aww-shucks-that’s-cute. It’s predictable and doesn’t break any expectations.

Tyler is presented as a troubled boy, who although he deserves our sympathy and our help, refuses to be seen as weak or needy. His dyslexia has an up side and down side–on the positive, we see how clever Tyler has been to hide his disability and to show that with enough determination, he can pretty much function and achieve. On the negative side, his fear of discovery means he is very sensitive and defensive, which makes him impossible to really know. How can anyone else like him when he barely likes himself?

Also? The fact that he is ashamed of his family makes him harder to like. So it’s easy to see that Tyler has lots of growing to do throughout the novel. I found that at least he was honest with himself, even if he couldn’t give others the same courtesy.

Eva was also a fairly stereotypical character. Being Queen of her country at only 16 means she is bound by obligation and honour. It’s not ridiculous to imagine that she would sometimes want to take a break and enjoy some ordinary teenage pursuits. Her mother is unfortunately a complete (horror) trope, and Daniel (who had his own book last year) is entirely too over-protective, and I desperately wished someone would call him out on it. So annoying that he was cast in this role.

Tyler pretending to be someone else in order to spend quality time with Eva was unrealistic, but it was fun to see them connect. That Eva forgives him works in the context of the novel’s expectations. Tyler does grow up a lot, and seeks forgiveness, not only from Eva, but also his family and friends. They display much surprise about his lack of confidence, which only serves to makes us more aware of how little attention they paid him.

But I went along for the ride, despite my misgivings, knowing that the target audience will love it and enjoy the wish fulfillment elements. After all, who among us here, didn’t wish that we could be a princess and be swept off our feet by a fit, hunky, tall all-American boy who loves only us? I mean, when we were younger of course, not now. (cough cough).

Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy. Just Pretending was released in the US on November 5.

Lists: Best of 2017 Diversity

I have gone for a different take on diversity this year. Last year I focused on representation of ethnicity, this year I have broadened the scope. There are many different marginalised voices that are being heard more often and more loudly. Of course, it’s a good thing.

I have always loved the inclusive elements of Maria V Synder’s fantasy novels and Dawn Study (January) is no exception. People can have power regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation, and while magic can represent any of those minorities, it isn’t forced or heavy-handed here. Evil exists and our heroes want to ensure freedoms aren’t impinged. It might seem straight-forward, but it’s far from that. Politics and loyalty are entwined and the stories are exciting and entertaining.

Three books I reviewed for RSO also make it on to this list. Optimists Die First and Phantom Limbs both have an amputee, and Piglettes has a secondary character in a wheelchair, but it’s Mireille and her two friends, as girls trying to affirm their identity and build self-esteem as plus size characters, that are the embodiment of positive representation here. My short reviews are added below.

Optimists Die First by Susin Neilsen (April) Random House

No one does quirky, anxious teen quite like this author. While Petula is paranoid and aggressively antisocial, readers still cheer her on because it’s clear she’s suffering much pain and sorrow. Jacob comes across as the complete opposite – charming, loquacious and extraverted—yet he’s hiding secrets, and is damaged too. Together, they journey towards finding ways to live with their guilt, and the consequences of their actions.

There are significant minor characters, particularly those who are part of the art therapy classes Petula is forced to attend, and hates. Each of these teens must also face their fears. Nielsen presents serious topics here, including alcohol addiction, parental neglect, and grief. The YART classes are often hilarious and sobering both at the same time, which will challenge readers, and let them know that often healing happens when problems are shared. These teens mock the rhetoric of their somewhat inept therapist, but ultimately they bond and blossom despite (or because of?) her inadequacies. Optimists Die First  is aimed at older teens, and is insightful and life-affirming.

Phantom Limbs by Paula Garner (June) Walker Books

This intensely intimate portrayal of grief is authentic and honest. Three young people’s lives are traumatised due to death and disaster, and teenagers will welcome its gritty realism. Otis thinks about sex often, Dara is aggressive and unapproachable, and Meg is the missing cog. Because Otis narrates, we don’t truly know what’s going on with the two girls, but secrets and pain have a way of working their way out, and it’s unflinching and uncomfortable.

Amputees are more visible in YA fiction, and Dara’s portrayal is extremely aggressive. She demands much from the mellow Otis. While he’s thankful for his physique and fitness, he isn’t sure he’s all that interested in being a champion swimmer, but he’s too much of a softie to tell Dara (plus she’s scary). Otis is turned inside out when Meg comes back, and there are lessons to be learned by all three teenagers. It concludes most satisfactorily, allowing readers to believe it is possible to survive the worst that life can throw at you.

Piglettes by Simone Beauvais (August) Pushkin Books

Piglettes has been translated from French, and has a very distinct style and feel. Protagonist Mireille survives severe teasing and humiliation about her looks and weight with humour and sarcasm. Readers will take a few chapters to adjust to Mireille’s narrative voice. It’s light! It’s irreverent, and the way she elects to name people with pseudonyms that are almost like real people is confusing and wickedly funny. For example, she refers to the President of France as Barack Obamette, who just happens to be married to Mireille’s (absent) father, who she calls Klaus Von Strudel because he is half-German. She has no filter, no fear, and no expectations that anyone will ever treat her right.

Astrid and Mireille find second place winner, Hakima, and together, they plan a road-trip to Paris to overcome their demons. Hakima’s older brother, Kader, a amputee soldier accompanies them, and along they way they sell sausages, and develop a social media following as they make their way through villages and towns. Not everything goes to plan, thank goodness, because often it’s in the unexpected that we learn, we laugh and we live.

This is a joyous celebration of girl power, and a challenge to people who are judgemental and intolerant of others. We are swayed here by laughter and friendship. Mireille is generous, kind-hearted, and trying to live her best authentic life. Young people could do worse than spend time with her on this ridiculous and inspiring journey.

Defy the Stars by Claudia Grey (April) Hot Key Books

I didn’t write anything about this book, and yet its balance of big issues and thrilling adventure has stayed with me. Its diversity comes in several ways–the development of Abel from AI to real ‘person’, the clear representation of female heroes, and the exploration of refugees and the way they are treated and primarily discarded. It’s a different type of inclusiveness, but no less important or interesting.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (April) Walker Books

Another one I wished I had taken the time to write a lengthy review. This has the unfortunate honour of being touted as ‘important’, and ‘mandatory reading’ which might have the reverse effect of turning people off. However, it is actually and thankfully very readable, and a really terrific story. Starr is an excellent narrator and her character arc of safely ignorant to ‘woke’ is plotted really well, and never comes across as heavy or dark. An African-American teenager witnessing the shooting of a friend by a police officer is a strong narrative, and it only gets stronger when we are introduced to Starr’s family, and the complications of race politics and inequality. It is important, but happily, it’s more than that. It’s a great story.

I have one more list to go before Christmas – the #voices best of list.

 

Review: Approximately Yours (North Pole, Minnesota, #3) by Julie Hammerle

Approximately Yours by Julie Hammerle

Published By: Entangled: Crush
Released: October 2 2017
ISBN: 9781640633865

Read: September 19 2017

This is the third and final book in the North Pole, Minnesota series, stories set in a town that is Christmas-themed all year around. My reviews of the first two books are here, both of those set in other seasons. So finally, here we are, in the lead up to Christmas and all the hoop-la that goes with it for the townsfolk and the visitors it draws.

Danny is not a visitor. He appears in the previous two books, as his mother owns the local coffee shop (Santabucks! Ha!) a favourite spot for our romantic leads to hang around. Up until this book, Danny has been cast as the local basketball hero, a skilled player and captain who the town hopes will be the ‘next big thing’. Danny’s own feelings on the matter are mixed. He has devoted himself to the game for years, and yet the sideshow of celebrity and reporters distracts and annoys him. The story does a really good job of tracing his life back to before basketball consumed him, before he was a sports star and committed boyfriend.

Turns out, Danny was a totally different person, and someone who remembers him from that time is newly arrived, grieving granddaughter Holly. She competed against Danny in the annual gingerbread house competition, and their rivalry was fierce (for 8 year-olds). Slowly and gently, we understand how bereft Holly is by the recent death of her grandmother, Dolores, and coming back to the house in North Pole to clean it, ready to sell, is distressing. Many of Holly’s best childhood memories are from her time spent here with her family and all her cousins. Both Danny and Holly are feeling many confusing emotions, and their re-connection comes at a vulnerable time for both.

Danny’s injury forces him to reassess his life plans. Who is he now he can’t win games and earn scholarships? Is he able to re-invent himself? Holly’s upset he seemingly doesn’t remember her, and that he seems to be attracted to her cousin Elda. Refusing to risk heartbreak, she encourages the two of them, and spends the majority of the book in denial.  This rift on the Cyrano de Bergerac story fits seamlessly into a 21^st century tale because awkward Elda asks Holly to pretend to be her via text messaging, and we see Holly and Danny develop a chemistry through gifs, common interests and flirting. Poor Danny. He’s so unsure of himself. His long term girlfriend dumps him for the team water boy, and now he finds that he is more excited when talking to a girl virtually than in real life. It takes Holly and Elda a long time to own up to this terrible behaviour.

Meanwhile the town is gripped by the excitement of the celebrations of actual Christmas. Once again, parents play contrasting roles—Danny’s mum is supportive, whereas the girls’ parents are largely absent, seemingly unaware and uninterested in how much this taking apart of Mrs Page Senior’s house is hurting Holly and to a lesser extent, Elda. It’s jarring and noticeable.

Overall, I enjoyed it more than Any Boy but You or Artificial Sweethearts. In the former, I liked the female MC, Elena, and in the latter, I liked Sam more than Tinka. In this third one, both romantic leads are sympathetic and well developed. I love the way the cover matches, but also creates its own look. The ending is suitably happy. Maybe it’s a mite too contrived and perfect, but who am I to deny Elda her HEA too (you go, Dinesh!)?

Thanks to Entangled Crush and Netgalley for the preview copy. Recommended if you have already read the first two, and enjoy a book that involves miscommunication and twisty love plots. Humour is supplied by Craig, and Elda’s strange love of plumbing and her fascination with, of all things, roadkill! Both leads are deserving of each other, and it’s a perfect seasonal read. Approximately Yours is released on October 2 (in the US).

Review: Dawn Study by Maria V Snyder

Dawn Study by Maria V Snyder

Published by: Harlequin Teen Australia
Released: February 2^nd 2017
ISBN: 9781848456891

Read: January 20 2017

The final book in the Soulfinders series is complex. I don’t envy Ms Snyder her task to devise all the plotting and planning required to shift this many characters around so many different circumstances and locations. Of course she handled it with surety and ease. I never felt confused or lost. I was able to keep track of Yelena, Leif, and Janco, and even when we met up with Heli and the Stormdancers, there was enough backstory and exposition to assist my understanding without dragging the pace of the narrative.

As is par for the course, Valek and Yelena often separate to complete different tasks or missions, and consequently, readers are often on the edge of their seats as they continually put themselves in danger in order to make sure there’s peace for the other. It’s noble and always been the way with this amazing pair of heroes. Both suffer a great deal in this book, and it wouldn’t be anywhere near as good if the herd had an easy time of it. This battle is hard fought, hard won and worth every minute of the read.

Everyone has a part to play to beat Bruns at his own game. Much about his plans and his allies are revealed through the story, some of it alarming, but it all fits in with the series, right back to the original trio of books (the Study Series). Snyder has created consistent theories, which show her ability to plan for the long term. I am interested to see what she moves on to next. Considering all her books fall in the Chronicles of Ixia series, there’s a good chance there will be more set in this universe. Yay.

Let’s talk a little about the ending. It’s perfect. There, that’s enough, surely. A little more? Okay. Snyder doesn’t rush through the happy scenes. We are given lots of information about all the characters, and most of them end up where we expect and would want them. That does mean there are some farewells and departures, which evoke some tears and sadness.

I very much enjoyed this book and know it will satisfy everyone who has followed Yelena and Valek to this point. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen Australia for advancing me this copy. I have seen at least three different Australian release dates, so I am going to promote the one on the publisher’s site. Released February 2^nd 2017.

Recommended for readers who love their fantasy, with strong world-building, and brave, resilient characters. The relationships are adult, but there is a positive range of ages, from young children through to grandparents who are all determined to do their bit. The banter is snarky, the characters depict diversity, and Snyder affirms that family are chosen as well as determined through blood. Brings this series to a close.

Best of 2016: Final books in series

I wanted to stick to three books in each of my ‘best of…’ categories, but this one just would not stay within the rules. I have had to stretch to six, because each book and each series are testament to the quality of work that YA readers are lucky to have. They are all amazing and bring to an end magical stories that will stand the test of time. These were all the series I finished in 2016, but I would still like to see how The Last Star by Rick Yancey, resolves the The Fifth Wave series, and I have all the books in Marie Lu’s Young Elites, and Claudia Gray’s Firebirds Series which both concluded in 2016. I want to read them too.

The Winner’s Kiss (Winner’s) Marie Rutkoski (March 2016)

In my Goodreads review, I wrote how perfectly this ended. It was slow, and our heroes spend a lot of time apart, but that is crucial to ensure all the pieces fell into place authentically. Kestral and Arin battle inner demons and external enemies to finally confront both head-on. I loved every minute of this book and series. A re-read for sure.

A Tangle of Gold (The Colours of Madeleine) Jaclyn Moriarty (March 2016)

I was fortunate to receive an early copy of this and gushed about it at Reading Time. All the words I want to say about this original and clever series are there. I loved loved loved this series.

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle) Maggie Stiefvater (April 2016)

I was anxious to delve into the fourth and final Raven Cycle book, not surprising since almost from the first page we know Blue will kiss her true love and he will die. Although it was released in April, I didn’t read it till August. And Stiefvater nails it. It’s brilliant. Gansey, Adam, Ronan and newly introduced Henry, battle and triumph, and the ending is so Maggie! (muscle cars!!)

The Ocean of the Dead (Ship Kings) Andrew McGahan (August 2016)

Another one I reviewed at Reading Time (always there for series books that no-one else has started. Ha). This is more literary, more middle years, more adventure than action, but McGahan’s weaving of myth and legend, twisting in destiny and fortune, is astonishing. Amber Dow remains elusive and wondrous, and the nautical descriptions provide a rich backdrop. Epic fantasy at its finest.

Shield (Spark) Rachael Craw (September 2016)

New Zealand author Rachael Craw has written a highly engaging and explosively action-packed series with Spark. I raced through each book, with my heart tripled beating and my butt on the edge of my seat. Protagonist Evie barely gets any down time as she learns to navigate her new existence, and Shield does not let up the speed. Evie’s team has grown, but her enemies have multiplied too. She is prepared to sacrifice everything to keep her loved ones alive, and Craw really makes her struggle real and tense. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows) Leigh Bardugo (October 2016)

This is only a duology, but Bardugo shoves about five books worth of plots and characters into these two. Billed as a paranormal heist story, it’s populated with many endearing (if not completely law-abiding) heroes. Unfortunately, they can’t all survive the dangerous exploits, so there is a fair amount of sadness here too. It is also impressively diverse, inclusive, and the snark and romance is strong and appealing. I read both books, one after the other this year, and Crooked Kingdom has cemented Bardugo as the go-to author for young adults.

Because I can’t help myself, I will be back tomorrow with eight (!) more books I couldn’t leave out.