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 LGBTQIA

It’s been a strong year for queer YA, and I think the release of the film, Love, Simon, based on Becky Albertalli’s Simon Versus the Homo Sapien Agenda has something to do with that, and will open doors for even more literature depicting positive representations of all sorts of teens, but particularly those who sit somewhere on the queer spectrum. You’ll actually find other LGBTQIA books on my other lists too.

Future Leaders of Nowhere by Emily O’Beirne (March) I have been raving about O’Beirne’s books for a couple of years now. Contemporary Australian coming-of-age stories about gay girls that have a fresh voice. I reviewed both Future Leaders, and its sequel, All the Ways to Here (November) here. Willa and Finn are searching for meaning and stability. They support each other, and are stronger for their love for each other.

Noteworthy by Riley Redgate (May) I don’t know if this is readily available in Australia, but look out for it. It’s such a strong novel with a poor Asian scholarship student transforming herself to a boy to join an all male an elite a cappella octet called the Sharpshooters. I think it’s the longest review on here. God, I loved this. Interestingly, MC Jordan’s possible bisexuality is not the biggest question of the story. Read with glee (sorry, can’t help myself).

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli (April) A companion novel to Simon Versus the Homo Sapien Agenda, Albertalli introduces twins Mollie and Cassie, who each deal with issues, primarily romantic endeavors, that are equally sweet and thoughtful. Again, this novel is filled with inclusion elements, and a powerful overriding sense of celebrating who you are. Can’t wait for her collaboration with Adam Silvera.

Release by Patrick Ness (May) A deeply personal, intimate story, Ness shows us one day in the life of Adam Thorn. Set in small town America, Adam is the son of a preacher, and is about to say goodbye to his first love. As he experiences this day of tumultuous highs and lows, Adam shows us what helps him through: a best friend, a new love, and his own strength and resilience. It wouldn’t be Patrick Ness without a parallel story of the ghostly  kind. It’s dense and dark, but ultimately hopeful.

We are Okay by Nina LaCour (February) I keep going on about this one. My review was posted at Children’s Books Daily.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (June) For a book that I loved so much, I have not raved about it much. But it’s been getting rave reviews everywhere else, and was voted one of the top books in the Young Adult Fiction 2017 GR Choice Awards. My short review is here.

My mystery list which was actually supposed to be posted today will be published on Sunday.

 

Review: A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by MacKenzi Lee

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Published by: Katherine Tegan Books
Released: June 27^th 2017 (in the US)
ISBN: 9780062382801

Read: October 28 2017

A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is one which will need to be sourced internationally at this point. It’s a historical novel set in the 1700’s, with main character, Monty offering a strong narrative voice, who initially, seems very selfish and oblivious. This is realistic given his privilege and social standing. His father is a Viscount, and Monty is expected to toe the upper class line, however, he refuses. His rash and reckless behaviour takes a while to be explained. There is much trauma in his childhood, linked directly to his father’s discovery that Monty enjoys the (intimate) company of both girls AND boys. This attitude is historically correct, but as modern readers, we find this attitude abhorrent and unacceptable. While it hangs over Monty like a cloud, it doesn’t detract from the novel’s celebratory and hilarious tone. Of course, Monty grows as a character, and becomes much more worthy of the delicious Percy.

Monty and Percy are on their ‘Grand Tour’, an adventure that takes them around Europe (Yes! There’s a map!), including an author note at the end showing her extensive research on the times. Monty and Percy are accompanied by Monty’s sister Felicity, who is depicted as an enigmatic, surly bookworm. We can expect to see her story in the future, and honestly, I can’t wait.

I liked that this novel went places I didn’t expect, and while not everything was explained completely, the HEA was worth waiting for. There are pirates and gamblers and much shenanigans, mostly from Monty who really is just trying to do the right thing, and find his own place in this very narrowly conceived world. His courage and enviable flair are undeniable. It’s quite a long novel, and some patience is required while Lee sets up the location, the characters, and the situation. The ending is open, but hopeful. I will reread this one, for certain.

Review: The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone by Jaclyn Moriarty

The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone by Jaclyn Moriarty

Published: Allen & Unwin
Released: November 1 2017 (in Australia)
ISBN: 9781760297176

Read: October 19 2017

At 109 chapters and over 500 pages, this story will challenge some young readers. But it is worth it because we are taken into a world that is fully realised, but never over-explained. We travel with Bronte to visit ten Aunts, and they are distinct individuals, and nothing feels repetitive or cliched. Each moment of revelation is seamlessly woven through the storyline, so that when its significance is inevitably realised, readers are not surprised or jolted out of the narrative.

The underlying sadness and pain take a while to leak through. Bronte is seemingly accommodating and well-mannered, so much of her point of view is coated with a stiff-upper-lip resolve. However, she also displays tremendously brave behaviour and very acute observations, and slowly we are given a glimpse into how she really feels about the disappearance and death of her parents. There is anger of course, and a longing that permeates her quest. It’s only late in the novel we are told that Bronte is reliving the story two years after her adventures. As a 12 year old, her perspective is wiser and gently scathing towards unkindness and narrow-mindedness. This is very subtle and is a further layer in a cleverly constructed story.

Moriarty incorporates humour to great effect. Each Aunt is accompanied by other characters who test Bronte’s mettle (ha. See what I did there?), and her ability to adapt and learn shows young readers about resilience and reward. Aunt Sue’s boisterous sons are delightful and generous, and Aunt Nancy’s clever daughters are wily and honest. Taylor’s no-nonsense offer of friendship arrives at exactly the right time, and the boy with no shoes is a mystery Bronte refuses to leave unsolved. I could go on listing other wonderful characters – the noisy librarian is particularly welcome, and the water sprites are effusive and jubilant—but to do that would spoil much of the wonder and delight of the novel. It’s best you discover them on your own.

The final quarter where all the clues fall together into the intricately woven climax keeps readers madly turning pages to watch Bronte stay one step ahead of the evil threatening her family and her identity. She needs all her skills and friends to triumph, and it’s an astonishing and wholly satisfying defeat. Then we have the final pages of reflection and quiet acceptance of her new reality. If I wanted more here, well, that’s ok. Those final poignant pages are all the more powerful for their low key and concise conclusion.

This ambitious and clever novel seems geared towards younger readers, but I believe anyone will love it. I think everyone should read it, actually.

Review: Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Published by: Feiwel & Friends
Released: February 28 2017 (in the US)
ISBN: 9781250095961

Read: September 24-25 2017

Most of the books I review here are ones I receive from Netgalley. The other advanced copies I read are reviewed elsewhere. But now I have more time to read for myself, I hope to add books that have been on my to-be-read list for a while, ones that I have heard about and have been keen to read. Daughter of the Pirate King is one such book, and I am pleased that it lived up to my expectations.

A caveat of sorts. Books about pirates do cause me some consternation. I remember a judging panel I was once on, where another judge confronted us all with a strong anti-pirate stance. The argument was based on the fact that today, pirates still exist, and the trauma they cause is real and horrifying. That to create a romanticised view of them was to do a disservice to people who are robbed, kidnapped or worse by these opportunists. It was a discussion mostly around picture book depictions, and how we continue to create pretty, fanciful pirate books, and how offensive this is. I certainly haven’t forgotten that explanation, and so every time I see a pirate book, I am much more cautious and careful.

However, pirates are present in films, TV shows as well as books, and it’s difficult to completely ignore their presence. This year I created a ‘nautical’ shelf on GR to accommodate a growing number of books where characters live life on oceans or rivers, and villains in those books are often a variation of a pirate character. What’s tricky is a situation in which the pirate character is the protagonist, and readers are asked to identify with him or her, and we all know pirates loot, ravage and destroy. How can we reconcile that?

Easily, actually. The same way we accept vampires or gangsters, thieves or vikings. Authors present characters as flawed individuals and readers accept them or not. It’s up to us.

Right, so, on with the review. Finally. Alosa is the title character. As daughter of the pirate king, she agrees to be taken captive and sneakily hunt down a piece of an important, life-changing map. Right from the beginning we are aware we follow an adept, clever, confident girl, a captain of her own crew, a skilled fighter, and a scheming opportunist. Alosa has deliberately put herself in harm’s way, has a clear plan to follow, but is capable of working outside it when the situation requires, which happens often. Not surprising really, considering she is dealing with well, other pirates.

Alosa reveals her secrets slowly. Her dark back story only makes her more appealing and sympathetic. When she fights for her life towards the end, we are glad of all the gifts and skills she possesses, even though we know how much she suffered to have them. I loved her too cocky, too confident snark, but ultimately she has every reason to be arrogant. She really is that good.

The romance is a slow smolder. The trust builds with Riden (pronunciation, anybody? Ree-din? Ry-den?) even while they eye each other suspiciously, and lie to one another (and themselves). Their banter is consistently good fun and revealing, and inevitably why they are able to save each other. The conclusion is a mix—some plot points are wrapped up, but the major story line is left open for at least one more follow up.

Daughter of the Pirate King contains a strong and determined main character, who never gives up. Alosa’s story is a blend of the her time as a prisoner, as she tries to locate the map and gets to know her enemies, and flashbacks to her upbringing, her own crew, and the larger story of the mysterious map. Truly, the dialogue is witty and snarky, an obvious contrast to the dire situation of being the only woman on a ship inhabited by immoral men. It’s not long or drawn out, and this conciseness keeps the narrative tight and tense. Yes, it’s a fun fantasy tale, but it also continues the trend in YA of depicting independent females in charge and capable, and developing diverse secondary characters who bring nuance and texture. Highly recommended.

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.