Review: A Curse so Dark and Lonely

A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing
Released on January 29 (US) February 4 (Australia)
ISBN 9781681195094

Read December 28 2018

For a long while, I thought the title of this book was A Curse so Dark and Lovely, which of course, no. But really the word ‘lovely’ brings a sort of truth to Rhen’s situation. If not for the curse, he would never have become the man he is by the time he meets Harper. The curse is terrible for the kingdom and even worse for Rhen’s family, but for Rhen himself, it saves him. There’s a sense of loveliness about that, but truly, it’s more lonely (than lovely) for Rhen—so actually A Curse so Dark and Lonely is the perfect title.

While this novel follows some of the features of Beauty and the Beast, in other ways it is updated and quite different. Rhen has cursed the whole kingdom, Emberfall, with his arrogant and privileged behaviour (not to mention reckless and thoughtless) and part of that involves turning into the monster, who without realising, kills and destroys without discrimination. The castle is enchanted, music plays, food always available, in which time moves differently. Outside the perimeter of the castle grounds, Emberfall is suffering, vulnerable to outside forces waiting and wanting to conquer it.

Rhen’s only companion is Grey, commander of the guard, sworn swordsman and accomplice in playing out the never ending cycle of the curse. This relationship is a very strong element of the story, with Grey forming a very crucial part of the triad. His sacrifices are many and his guilt strong.

Harper, our romantic lead, one half of the narrative, hero and saviour (of Rhen, Emberfall and Grey) is a thoroughly modern girl (I wanted to say ‘Millie’, but that dates me soo bad). She isn’t Grey’s choice to be the next attempt to break the curse. She fights Grey off his choice—an inebriated partly unconscious girl—and ends up in Emberfall by accident. Snarky, fierce and completely proactive, she disarms both boys in different ways, and the tussle for understanding and communication is a delightful component of the narrative. Harper’s background is grounded and authentic, and she’s possibly the only way forward for Emberfall. Watching her not only accept the role she has to play, but also developing respect and concern for both Rhen and Grey makes A Curse So Dark and Lonely a worthwhile and satisfying read. Knowing Kemmerer is already working on book two means the cliff-hanger is almost bearable.

Rhen is the heart of the story (Grey is the strength, Harper is the spark). He is tortured (quite literally as well) and damaged, unable to forgive himself, both as a royal prince and as the monster. His regrets are many, his accomplishments few. Harper forces him to confront the reality of his situation and demands he does something to help his people. One of his strengths, his ability to strategise, allows a plan to formulate, and with that comes hope, a very dangerous emotion.

There are several secondary characters, including Freya, Zo and Harper’s brother Jake, who round out a strong amazingly created cast. Their loyalty to Harper, and their own determination to save Emberfall means that ultimately the three main protagonists have others to help and support them. The climax is suspenseful and suitably dramatic, and the epilogue is, as mentioned before, appropriately open ended.

I haven’t mentioned Harper’s cerebral palsy. So beautifully integrated, Harper constantly stresses that it’s not a disability, it’s just part of her. When Grey teaches her to defend herself, she merely finds way to compensate, and the respect she garners shows how important self-confidence and strength of will can be. There are other inclusive additions, including a strong same sex relationship, which shows Kemmerer’s understanding of what current novels require.

I very much enjoyed immersing myself in this wonderful combination of fantasy land and contemporary storytelling. Kemmerer is one of the best young adult authors currently writing male leads—flawed, yet finding ways to be better, and romantic without being skeezy or fake. Her ability to present friendships between (straight) males promotes positive bonding and excellent role modelling. I would love to see this given to boys because while the cover might be off-putting, this is not an overly romantic, or girly story. Harper fights her attraction, there is very little kissing, and the action is strong and exciting.

Thanks to publishers, Bloomsbury and Netgalley for advanced copy. Highly recommended for readers who love early Sarah J Maas, series by Alwyn Hamilton and Sabaa Tahir, the Rephaim series by Paula Weston. Due out everywhere this coming week.

Lists: Best of 2017: Voices

There were some distinct and pleasing voices this year, as well as the familiar and the unusual. Once and For All (June, Viking Books) is a comfortable voice for Sarah Dessen fans. She delivers in the best way possible, and Louna is a girl of her times. Her home life is unique, her lost love a tragedy, and her new one a blessing. My review is linked to the title. I will continue to read anything this author writes.

Other books here that I reviewed include Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens (August, HarperTeen), and Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (April, Bloomsbury). Both Billie and Juliet live boldly with a strong sense of identity. When these are shaken, they learn to reach out to people, and ultimately accept changes with courage and love.

Girls Can’t Hit by E S Easton (July, Hot Key Books) has a humorous voiced narrator – snarky and over the top. It’s a delicious read. Here’s my RSO review.

This is a joyous and over-the-top celebration of girl power. While the main objective is to amuse and entertain, readers are also offered positive messages about feminism, and the choices girls can make to control the way they are perceived and treated. Easton manages to straddle that line between lecturing to his readers and letting them make up their own minds.

Fleur is a laid back narrator who is happy with her safe small world. Her best friends, Blossom and Pip are loyal and familiar. Blossom’s social justice campaigns and Pip’s cautious driving and other social awkwardness provide a lot of the humour, as do Fleur’s hilarious parents. But it’s Fleur growing need to step away from her comfort zone that is at the heart of the story.

Usually on Saturdays, the trio pretend to be Saxons at Battle, the place where the Battle of Hastings took place (in 1066), and Fleur’s decision to take up boxing interferes with their weekly routine. Again, Easton plays a lot of this for laughs, but at the same time, he sensitively explores Pip’s anxiety and Blossom’s confusion at the ways in which Fleur is changing—her interest in women boxers, watching the Rocky movies, and her determination to get fit. As well, Fleur starts to understand her mother’s protectiveness, as she bonds more with her father. It’s a story of friendship and family, although there is a small romantic storyline too.

A delightful read with powerful and positive representations, Girls Can’t Hit is sure to engage your middle school readers who appreciate humour in their fiction.

Stargazing for Beginners by Jenny McLachlan (June, Bloomsbury) also plays for laughs, but this narrator is more nerdy. Meg’s obsession with becoming an astronaut makes her a prime candidate for mockery and bullying, yet her determination and resilience offers a really strong role model for readers. Her journey through the novel from outsider to acceptance is well plotted. Her growing self-confidence and awareness is a joy to watch.

The Other F-Word by Natasha Friend (May, Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc.) was a complete surprise and the voices here are many and varied. These teens find each other online and their emails, messaging and virtual connections are seamless and insightful. They must decide on some very tough choices, and while they consider the impact of meeting their biological father, they also support each other with side issues. It’s really authentic and interesting, and completely off topic, I think adoption, surrogacy, and IVF might be a new trend in YA. Family comes in all shapes and sizes, and these types of novels help to build new representations which of course, is awesome.

And I am done. Thanks for reading. I will do a post about my much anticipated 2018 reads if I can make the time before New Year. Merry Christmas and best of reading to you.

Lists: Best of 2017 Speculative Fiction

My definition of spec-fic covers fantasy, science fiction, dystopian fiction, magic paranormal, steampunk and super heroes. Cool huh? Most of these are covered in these six books, which are all excellent in their own right. Three are standalones, and three are the first in new series, although La Belle Savuage, as we all know, is a spin-off from the very popular His Dark Materials books.

I reviewed Daughter of the Pirate King (February) and Renegades (November) here on the blog just recently. I reviewed The Undercurrent (August) and What Goes Up (October) for RSO, and will add them here now:

The Undercurrent by Paula Weston Text Publishing

Weston’s characters are thoroughly Australian, from their friendly insults through to their strong heroic instincts. Main characters, Ryan and Jules capture our hearts and our sympathy because we see how much they are at the mercy of greedy corporations and corrupt government agencies. In a departure from standard YA novels, readers are also given viewpoints from two adults, and the book develops in an interesting and layered way. While for the most part this is a fast ride, an action-packed escapist adventure, it also asks important questions about the way money impacts negatively on basic essentials like food and safety. We are also challenged to think about the increase in privatisation, and imagine that happening to the military. The local setting is described clearly, and there are familiar place names that both Queenslanders and South Australians will recognise. The climax is tense and thrilling, and the conclusion will more than satisfy fans of Weston’s previous paranormal series. It will also bring in a new readership.

What Goes Up by Katie Kennedy Bloomsbury

This is a book of two halves—the first part set on Earth with our three heroes competing to be chosen to be part of NASA. With the likelihood of alien contact, or at worst, invasion, preparation for the future is crucial. Readers will enjoy pitting themselves against the candidates, considering how they might approach the challenges and puzzles experienced. Kennedy does an excellent job of including unpredictable results and consequences. It’s a series of sequences that are both intellectually stimulating, as well as physically exciting. As well we are asked to make ethical and moral choices, and this is where the book finds its heart.

The second part of the book sees our heroes now facing real danger, and all of the tests and theory must be put into practice. Space is not quite how others have imagined it, and we loved this fresh approach to the alien invasion trope. Kennedy places her characters into emotional upheaval, as well as the physical threats, and readers will find themselves drawn into more than just the action. They will also feel and question what it means to be a hero, and what makes us human. Strong storytelling.

Invictus by Ryan Graudin (October, Hachette) is a clever and controlled mash-up of about five tropes woven together – it’s a heist story, with a raggedy team of diverse genius misfits, who travel back in time to procure items just as they are about to vanish anyway. Stealing? Lord, no, of course not. It’s also snarky and contemporary as only sci fi can do well, with a mystery to solve via cryptic messages sent through time to help (or hinder), and at the core of it all, there’s a story of family, and lost love,  and finding out who you really are. I keep using these words–inventive, inclusive and one hell of a ride.

La Belle Savuage by Philip Pullman (October, David Fickling) Was possibly the most anticipated novel of the year. That’s certainly true for me. I went in with some trepidation, but fell back into the writing style and story with ease. I actually found it fast paced and quite moving. I loved Malcolm’s loyalty and steadiness. His immediate protective instinct towards six months old Lyra makes him the best person to keep her safe. It’s a tense mystery and hints at all the issues we see in Northern Lights. I absolutely loved being transported back into this world, and wish I had time to do more than just flick through the earlier texts, hunting for clues and characters.

That’s it for today. On Friday, I want to post my #diversity picks.

 

Lists: Best of 2017 LoveOzYA (more)

So now you know why I have been adding reviews up here randomly–so I can link to them without having to come up with something about a book I read months ago. I am very weepy that I never wrote more about The Secret Science of Magic (April) because it might almost be my favourite of the year, and I don’t have a copy to remind myself or reread passages. Yet I have strong memories of its authentic portrayal of anxiety, its diverse range of characters, plus a terrific representation of family, and of course, Joshua’s magic, optimism and final grand gesture. Everything about it worked for me.

I added reviews of The Things We Promise (March) and Take Three Girls (September) recently. I believe they will feature on many 2017 awards lists. They are powerful stories that invite readers to see the perspective of different people, and in doing so, encourages empathy and action.

I will add some words from reviews I wrote for RSO for the other three books.

Remind Me How it Ends by Gabrielle Tozer (March)

Gabrielle Tozer’s third novel presents Milo, small town slacker, one of the only kids in his year level to not escape to university. We meet him in the first chapter, visiting Sal, his high school girlfriend at a college party, and his bewildering sense of dislocation and separateness from her and her new friends is described perfectly.

This sets the scene for Milo’s search for a sense of belonging. It’s not in Durnan, middle of nowhere ACT, or at his parents’ bookshop where he works. It’s certainly not Sal, or his friends who have left him behind. Turns out it might be Layla, one time best friend, who arrives out of the blue, seemingly damaged, reliant on a deadbeat boyfriend, but who sparks something in Milo he can’t deny or resist.

This coming-of-age story is fresh and strong, and offers many layers beneath the banter, the banal world Milo wants to escape, and the bittersweet feelings of loss and longing. The ending is perfectly pitched, and provides an realistic and satisfying resolution.

Because of You by Pip Harry (August)

Tiny’s voice, aimless and full of longing, is distinct from Nora’s heart-broken and uncertain one. There is vulnerability for both of them, and the friendship and kinship that develops through their interactions is as hopeful as it is unexpected. Harry’s inclusive and diverse cast of minor characters carries a subtle message about stereotyping and judging others. The tone is warm and gentle, but the subject matter is harsh and uncomfortable. However, readers aren’t made to feel pity or guilt. Instead they are inspired by the way individuals rise to the challenge to help others, like Eddie, and cheer on the members of the creative writing group as they bravely confront their demons in a public forum full of strangers.

Harry has created a well plotted story combining a number of topical social issues with a strong coming-of-age journey. Do not let teen boys be put off by this cover. It’s relevant and important for all young adults about to step into the wide, sometimes uncaring world.

Gap Year in Ghost Town by Michael Pryor (August)

Anton’s snarky, laid-back voice is one of the best reasons to read this book–he is hilarious, self-aware and self-depreciating. The two female leads, Rani and Bec call him out when he is disparaging, but in ways that are clever and helpful. The trio are formidable when the action starts, but that takes time, actually, and the story is better for the steady build-up and foundation created by astute writing and an eye for detail. Pryor’s confident and witty wordplay will appeal to nerdy readers who are likely to geek out at the constant pop culture references and the humorous asides.

Anton’s indecision about his future is not overworked, and yet is a constant thread, making it just as much a coming-of-age story as it is a ghost busting action-packed fight against the forces of evil. Adults play significant roles, some helpful and some obstructive, adding depth and richness. I particularly love the character arc of Anton’s dad where he learns to navigate the wonders of 21st century technology.

It’s a genre novel that doesn’t pander or placate. It’s elegant, clever and charming.

On Sunday, I will post the obscurely titled ‘Names’ list.

 

Review: My Lovely Frankie by Judith Clarke

My Lovely Frankie by Judith Clarke

Published: Allen & Unwin
Published: July 1 2017
ISBN: 9781760296339

Read: April 21 2017

In an age where it is hard not to judge the Catholic Church for its reprehensible actions against children, My Lovely Frankie offers a different point of view. True, the teachers of the seminary are exactly as you’d expect – inflexible, pious, and judgemental– but into that narrow, repressed world comes narrator, Tom, and the aptly coined lovely Frankie.

Frankie is exactly the type of priest who would be accepted and appreciated today. But in the 1950s, he stands out as too earthly, too empathetic, too much in the present. Frankie celebrates nature, he listens to (lay) people, he smiles at everyone. These qualities are condemned, and leave him open to envy and anger. Quiet, solitary Tom understands that Frankie is at risk, he’s just not sure why or from whom.

The build up to Frankie’s disappearance combines the story at the seminary, a look back to how both boys arrived there, and as well, we see and hear from Tom in the future, as he is now, old and content, presiding over a small country town parish, accepting of his attraction to Frankie, and its implications. It’s a mastery of structure and storytelling that each of the timelines flow naturally into each other, and that as patient readers, we let Clarke guide us gently through the joys of Frankie’s life, and the tragic consequence of jealousy and ambition.

Today’s young people are more secular and less knowledgeable about how Church doctrine impinged on many aspects of people’s lives. The ‘50s and ‘60s weren’t so long ago, but Australia’s societal and cultural norms have shifted significantly. This look back is almost like viewing a different country. It provides teenagers with another narrative to add to the one they get from today’s media about the role and impact of institutional religion.

Review originally written for Riverbend Standing Orders.

Review: Paper Hearts by Ali Novak

Paper Hearts by Ali Novak

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
ISBN: 9781492653363
Released: July 4 2017

Read: 25 June 2017

When writing a romance novel, the most important thing is to get everything else right. Because basically readers don’t come for the ending. They know it’s a HEA. It’s a given. So the journey, the on-the-way, the path taken to reach it? That’s important. It has to feel right, because otherwise the romance won’t hold up.

At times, Paper Hearts doesn’t feel right. There are too many questions for which I wanted answers. The twist in the plot had too many holes, and it didn’t quite hit the shock value it was aiming for. But most unfortunately, I didn’t feel like I ever really knew Alec. I read the first book in this loosely connected series (about a boy band called The Heartbreakers), and even in that review I noted he seemed enigmatic, and one would think that, given this is HIS book, we would feel more connected. I didn’t. He’s as much a mystery by the end as he was in the beginning.

Everything is seen through Felicity’s point of view. She’s an open book. Her feelings, however, are closed up tight, and for much of the story, she remains focused on good grades, and getting into Harvard, even though anyone with their eyes half open can tell her passion lies elsewhere. Her decisions about her future were made when she was 13, when her older sister left and never returned. Felicity took on the burden of the well-behaved daughter, the reliable one, and we all know that meeting Alec is going to shake the foundations of her well-intentioned plans.

Felicity’s mother is a cardboard cut-out of a character. She serves only to be critical and meddlesome. Felicity has let her mother get away with some bad decisions, but at least we know why. We understand the loss of sister Rose has affected their mother badly, and it’s a clear reflection of Felicity’s generous heart. I wanted her to more appreciative of Felicity and oh, how about, not lie to her for years! (sorry, heading into spoiler territory there!)

I did like the way Felicity developed over the course of the novel. But really, aren’t the books meant to be about the boys in the band? Yes, by the end of the novel, Alec is also more confident, more independent, but we have little understanding of how he gets to that point, because of course, when the big misunderstanding happens, we follow Felicity and never see how Alec deals with the breakup. It’s frustrating. There was also way too much reliance on Felicity overhearing half-understood conversations, which didn’t help provide any insight into Alec.

A little research shows that these books started on as online stories, and now are being published in print. It’s great to see authors who have gained fans via an online forum getting to see their work in traditional media, and I will be interested to see the following titles that will show us the other two band members, Xander and JJ find their happy-ever-after. You might ask, why read these books if I’m just going to be critical? Well, I do love a romance. I always have. But I want more than eyes lighting up at the sight of him/her, and I don’t deserve you. And Paper Hearts just didn’t hit those highs.

Thanks to publisher, Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for the advanced copy. If you read the first book, you will want to catch up with all the band members here. There is one long extended sequence in which the Heartbreakers all appear. It’s a lovely bit of bonding. The road trip has some funny moments, and Felicity’s best friends, Asha and Boomer are their own special sub-plot.

Published on July 4.

Review: The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein

Published by: Disney-Hyperion (US); Bloomsbury (UK & AU)
ISBN: 9781408866610
Released: May 4 2017 (US & UK) June 1 2017 (AU & NZ)

Read: May 6 2017

US Cover

UK & AU cover

Code Name Verity was a surprise hit in 2012 not only because of Elizabeth Wein’s original and witty style, but also for the spotlight she placed on rarely seen women contributing to WWII efforts. Verity and Maddie were plucky and brave, and to re-visit Julie (code name Verity) in 1938 was both a delight and a little bit heart-breaking.

It isn’t necessary to have read Code Name Verity before The Pearl Thief. In fact, I read one comment suggesting it might be better to read this new one first. It doesn’t matter, truly. Reading either will send you off to the other (in fact, right now while I write this review, I have my kindle open to Verity and am reliving her adventures and looking for Julie in every line). Just for the purposes of accuracy, there was another companion novel too, Rose Under Fire, published in 2013, and follows another woman pilot captured and imprisoned in a women’s concentration camp. Full disclosure, I haven’t read that one, but its reviews (on GR) are overwhelmingly positive.

The Pearl Thief reads like a period Ms Marple mystery. Julie arrives home early from boarding school, is whacked on the back of the head and spends two days unconscious in hospital waking with few blurry memories. Once back home, she endeavours to figure out what happened to her and why. Set on her Scottish ancestral land, readers soon learn that her family, the Beaufort-Stuarts have lost everything to crippling debt, and this last summer the family are packing up and moving out, while the contractors come in to convert the castle and grounds to a private school. There’s also a library with many items still to catalogue, and a lot of the action and mystery is centered here.

It’s this exploration of the changing times that author Wein handles so beautifully, and so poignantly. At 15, Lady Julia is privileged and very aware of the advantages of her station. Yet, she is not one to lord it over others, demonstrated by her tendency to dress and act like a boy, and her fierce loyalty to the McEwan’s, a family of Scottish travelers, spurred and demonised by the general population. Fortunately, Julie’s whole family understand the long standing traditional co-existence of the travelers and the landowners, and how they both benefit from the arrangement of providing land for the itinerant families while they helped with seasonal work. With the advent of industrialisation and automation, leading to the crumbling breakdown of social classes, we can see it’s the end of an era. We also know that war is on the horizon, although it’s not mentioned once. I am glad Wein doesn’t try to be clever and give any pretentious foreshadowing. Julie lives right in the moment. If anything, she looks back to a time when her grandfather was alive, and her childhood was carefree, and life wasn’t as complicated.

Julie’s interactions with Euan and Ellen McEwan, the travelers who rescue her, comprise the most compelling friendships, but we also meet Mary, the librarian, Julie’s brothers Jamie and Sandy. As with any mystery there are a number of suspects, and Wein makes readers work as she introduces any number of characters, all who add diversity and richness, red herrings and motivations. The story uses expressions and attitudes pertinent to the day, although Julie’s inclination to enjoy kissing both boys and girls seems tres moderne, it totally works. She’s an open-hearted, free-spirit who declares her desire to be bold and daring. She is all that without even trying. She noses around looking for clues, she questions any number of suspects, she manipulates people and circumstances to further her investigations, and never gives up. Does this make her the perfect person to become, oh, maybe a spy? Possibly. Because she’s truly wondrous here.

It’s a grand adventure told by a feisty and clever person. The Pearl Thief is highly recommended for readers who love their stories complex and involving. It’s a historical piece that recreates the time period with accuracy and delight. There’s a longing and nostalgia for a time past, and a lot of talk about connections and lineage, but also a reverence for preserving historical artifacts for the greater good, rather than personal gain or glory. Unsurprisingly, there’s also a certain poignancy for those of us familiar with Code Name Verity.

Copy provided by publisher, via Netgalley and read with thanks. Already out in the US and UK. Coming to Australian and New Zealand on June 1 2017.

 

 

Girl out of Water by Laura Silverman

Published by: Sourcefire Books
Released: 1st May 2017
ISBN: 9781492646860

Read: 26 April 2017

Girl out of Water does a couple of things really well. It sets up an effective contrast of protagonist Anise’s two environments—the ocean, the sense of freedom, the comfort of home against the alien stark, dryness of the place she is forced to travel to. This establishes Anise’s mind set – In California everything is comfortable, familiar and supportive. In Nebraska there is only responsibility, obligation and isolation. Anise is leaving behind friends, potential love interests, and the chance to catch up with her absent mother. Straightaway there is conflict and a heavy sense of guilt, making Anise a character readers will readily identify with, as she accepts the enforced change.

Anise’s development through the novel is another high point. She learns to adapt to life looking after her three cousins while their mother recuperates from a serious car accident. She spends time talking to her father, really talking, about serious matters, although her flighty mother isn’t one of them (unfortunately). She challenges herself to learn to skateboard which is nothing like her beloved surfing, but adapting and showing courage is something Anise excels at.

The introduction of the charismatic Lincoln breathes fresh air into Anise, and his teasing charming smile certainly makes her life better. While there is instant attraction on both sides, Silverman wisely lets the romance build slowly. It’s complicated of course, because just before she left Santa Cruz, Anise kissed her best friend Eric and they didn’t really have a chance to talk. This is a part of the novel that I struggled with—In moving to Nebraska, Anise stops talking to all her friends, people she has known all her life. There are reasons given for this behaviour—she’s jealous they are having fun without her, she is caught up with the trauma of her younger cousins, she doesn’t have anything really to say to them (and yeah, that’s true enough)—but I felt the story didn’t really need that drama.

Because the other element of the story is Anise’s mother, an absent and negative influence in her life. She can’t help but compare herself to this woman, who flits around the country, only dropping in occasionally before whisking off again. She in unreliable, unpredictable and perhaps a little trope-y. We see this woman far too much in YA, and the only redeeming feature about its use here, is that she remains off-page, and we don’t have to see her turn up and hurt Anise one more time. By the end, Anise is more confident of her own power, her own strengths. Her realisations that she doesn’t have to stay to be loyal is a huge step towards reconciling her disappointments and insecurities.

I need to talk more about Lincoln. He represents the positive energy in the world. His optimism, his ability to celebrate nature, and love himself is a strong force in the novel. He has one arm, but it’s not a disability or limitation, or an obstacle. Nothing stands in his way, and Anise can see how he role models to the younger kids at the skate park. As well, he is an adopted child. His blended family (Vietnamese parents, Caucasian younger brother, while Lincoln is black) is presented as an accepted and loving group, and I enjoyed all the stories he shares with Anise about them. Such positive representations are welcome in all novels.

Copy was provided by publisher, via Netgalley, and read with thanks. Recommended to readers who love their main characters sporty and fearless. The romance builds slowly, but turns into a loving and committed relationship. The young children in the story are realistic and not just there to serve the plot. They have their own troubles and develop into fully developed characters. While Anise’s mother is problematic, the other adults balance out with their supportive and caring portrayals. There is a road trip, and a satisfying resolution of the estranged friends. Released 1st May.

Review: Valentine by Jodi McAlister

Valentine by Jodi McAlister

Published by: Penguin Teen Australia
Released: January 31 2017
ISBN: 9780143574163

Read: November 9 2016

Valentine is a fresh Australian voice in paranormal YA. I don’t know anything about Jodi McAlister, but I am sure she will be embraced by the LoveOzYA community and we will get to know more. The themes of her debut novel aren’t original—we’ve read about the Seelie before—but the delivery of them is appealing and fast-paced.

I have quibbles, which I want to get out of the way first. The blurb on my ARC gives away too much of the plot. If the information is also on the final copy, I will be disappointed. The story is only from Pearl’s perspective. She doesn’t know which of the four Valentine kids is the Seelie. We shouldn’t know either. The twists and turns of the plot would play out so much more satisfactorily for me if we find this out when Pearl does, not before. [Update: I just checked the blurb on the published version, and whew! it keeps its secret].

Also, what’s with the strange names? Cardy? Disey? Shad? Yeah, okay, they turn out to be nicknames, but even the names from which they originate are weird. Paradise? I guess they aren’t weird, so much as rarely used as names. I found this distracting.

But on the whole, I loved this story.

Pearl is a snarky narrator. She’s self aware and keeps referencing well known pop  culture and literature. It fits in well with the plot because strange, paranormal things keep happening to her, and provides a real sense of the meta. Also, Pearl is a musician – she sings and writes her own music. It was pleasing that this part of her life continues, even while all the mystery and bad stuff happened around (and to) her, aspects of Pearl’s life go on.

All the secondary characters were interesting and realistic. The boys have flaws, and the insta-love already existed, so it’s difficult to accuse Pearl of that trope. Nothing about her attraction to Cardy is instant. She’s had her crush for a long while. I loved Ranga Dave and Pearl’s older sibling, Shad. His twin Disey is the older sister we all wish we had, and Phil is a terrific best friend. These people want to support the Valentine kids, but it’s difficult when you don’t know (or don’t believe) who or want you’re up against.

The plot is revealed as the story builds, but it’s always moving forward and quite tense. Pearl doesn’t really have much time to think. She can only react to the events and do her best in the situations as they happen. This means she has little chance to explain her actions, which has dire consequences by the end of the book. This is another fascinating aspect of the book. Not all her friends and family are sympathetic by the end. Unfairness is a real part of all our lives and to see our protagonist not always getting the kudos for rescue and self-sacrifice is a tough and bitter pill to swallow.

Valentine ticks a number of appealing boxes and offers unexpected twists, and this balance should make it popular among demanding teens who expect high quality from their literature. The diversity is there, but not in a way that seems artificial or forced. It’s impressive how seamless and organic it feels.

Recommended to readers who like their main character sarcastic and edgy. The romance smoulder is off the charts and the family dynamic is strange yet perfect. It is the first in a new series and concludes satisfactorily, but still with so many more questions to be answered. Valentine was released (in Australia) on January 31.

Review: The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti

 

The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Released: January 3 2017
ISBN: 9781492636083

Read: December 14 2016

The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti does most things really well, but fails at others. It’s a bold move to have the disappearance of Lizzie the central point, considering we never meet her in real life. Hawthorn as vulnerable protagonist and as the conduit to discover the truth about Lizzie, works because her mind is worth dipping in to. She is awkward, self-aware, self-pitying, and lonely. She’s also quirky, curious, and determined to remain an outsider looking in—even if the view makes her jealous, spiteful, and a little bit nasty at times. Her caustic observations, her wilful determination to solve the mystery, and her despondent reactions to the bullying and teasing she endures are both witty and troubling, and ensures she remains a sympathetic character.

Those moments when Hawthorn reveals contradictory attitudes to her social exclusion aren’t always successful. While we see her derision at her tormentors, we also see her envy at their popularity and privilege. In my mind, she should be dismissive of them, and yet she covets their life, and not very secretly either. Anyway, Hawthorn does this constantly through the novel—shows spirit and resilience, then becomes whiny and pitiful. It’s disconcerting.

The developing friendship with Lizzie’s boyfriend, Lorenzo is also problematic. He is much older than her 17 years, and slowly we see his true personality, and it’s a bit creepy. Hawthorn’s attempts to persuade Enzo that Lizzie’s disappearance is due to paranormal reasons is clever because, as readers, we are familiar with regular contemporary novels being suddenly thrown into supernatural dimensions, so it’s entirely plausible it could happen here. That both of them desperately want to believe Lizzie is still alive is a poignant depiction of genuine grief.

Throughout most of the story, Hawthorn lives a double life. Hanging out with Enzo, working in a café, and becoming more confident and comfortable, contrasts with her school life, where she is tormented by spiteful bullies, even more isolated when her only friend Emily finds a boyfriend. Hawthorn appears so selfish in this world, a pitiful victim. Standing up to mean girl Mychelle (yes, it’s spelt with a ‘y’) is hard, and Hawthorn only manages it sporadically. When her two worlds collide, it is a painful thing to watch, most of all because Hawthorn is blindsided. It’s an example of what Sedoti gets right—that awkward teenage sense of heightened humiliation and regret.

Sedoti is saying that we never truly know what’s going on in a person’s head. And sure, it’s not an original theme in YA novels, not by a long shot, but Sedoti’s treatment of it is insightful and interesting. Hawthorn’s obsession with Lizzie might seem weird, but it says much about her—she has an incredible imagination, she feels intensely, and she is desperately seeking meaning and a place to fit. Other characters such as Rush and Connor, Sundog and Emily, in their own ways help Hawthorn to find herself amidst the random chaos of the universe.

I like that the more I think about the novel, the more there is to find. I have read a lot of negative reviews at Goodreads, but that’s also balanced by a lot of positive, which pretty much sums up my reaction to it. I liked a lot of it, but there were just a couple of minor niggles that stopped me from totally engaging with Hawthorn’s story.

Thanks to the publishers via Netgalley who provided access to this early ARC. Released January 3rd, 2017.

Recommended to  readers who prefer their books full of intense emotion, with slow growth of a main character who has a strong, if inconsistent narrative voice. The romance level is low. Secondary characters are well developed. Resolution is conclusive and hopeful.