Season of the Witch by Sarah Rees Brennan

Season of the Witch by Sarah Rees Brennan
Release Date - July 9, 2019
Publisher Website - Scholastic
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages -  288 pages
My Rating - 4/5

**received from the publisher for an honest review**

** SPOILERS FOR THE NETFLIX TELEVISION SHOW ** 

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

It's the summer before her sixteenth birthday, and Sabrina Spellman knows her world is about to change. She's always studied magic and spells with her aunts, Hilda and Zelda. But she's also lived a normal mortal life -- attending Baxter High, hanging out with her friends Susie and Roz, and going to the movies with her boyfriend, Harvey Kinkle.

Now time is running out on her every day, normal world, and leaving behind Roz and Susie and Harvey is a lot harder than she thought it would be. Especially because Sabrina isn't sure how Harvey feels about her. Her cousin Ambrose suggests performing a spell to discover Harvey's true feelings. But when a mysterious wood spirit interferes, the spell backfires... in a big way.

Sabrina has always been attracted to the power of being a witch. But now she can't help wondering if that power is leading her down the wrong path. Will she choose to forsake the path of light and follow the path of night?

Our exclusive prequel novel will reveal a side of Sabrina not seen on the new NETFLIX show. What choice will Sabrina make... and will it be the right one?

As a fan of the Netflix series I was immediately intrigued when I saw there would be a prequel novel. I was hoping it would have the same tone and that the characters would feel like the same characters. Thankfully, Sarah Rees Brennan captures exactly what fans love about the show and delivers it within these pages.

The characters voices instantly felt familiar. She captures each of them so vividly. Sabrina is the same confident, head strong, inquisitive young woman. Ambrose is still the same sarcastic, caged time bomb we know and love. Harvey is still the sweet, dependable, caring young man. Those who have watched the show will immediately feel connected to these characters because we already know them. The use of alternating chapters to 'spotlight' characters helped get into their heads and ensured the emotional beats paid off.

I think those who have watched the series will get the most out of reading this. There are moments that resonate emotionally because we know the future outcome. It is this hindsight that allows the story to work in my opinion and I am not sure it lands the same without that prior history.

This book is about love and not just the romantic kind. There are familiar bonds that pack just as vital emotional punch as the romantic relationships. The scenes between the Kinkle brothers, in particular, took on a more bittersweet tone because we know what happens to Tommy. We know his wishes in regard to Harvey are not going to come true and that packed an emotional punch. The other familial bond on display is Sabrina's relationship with Ambrose. Their relationship is one of my favourites and we get to see their dynamic on full display here.

I, as a Harvey and Sabrina shipper, especially loved how romantic the storyline is. We learn exactly how much Harvey cares for Sabrina (and vice versa) and the main plot revolves around them and their relationship. I left this book even more invested in them as a couple. It's really hard to not want them together after this because it is such a focus, and done so well. Those who might be fan of Nicholas Scratch will be please to know he makes a cameo, but this really is all about Harvey and Sabrina.

There were two characters I wish had been given a little more to do. Roz and Theo (still going by Susie at this point) are mostly sidelined. We get to see them in the background and each has a brief 'spotlight' chapter. Hopefully if another book is released in this series they'll have more of a presence.

I highly recommend this for fans of the Netflix series. It captures the essence and tone of the series perfectly and allows a deeper look at some of beloved characters. It really is a treat for those who have watched the show and are looking for something extra that fleshes out the world of Greendale.

Tell The Wind and Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan

Tell The Wind and Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan
Release Date - April 5, 2016

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 368 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In a city divided between opulent luxury in the Light and fierce privations in the Dark, a determined young woman survives by guarding her secrets.

Lucie Manette was born in the Dark half of the city, but careful manipulations won her a home in the Light, celebrity status, and a rich, loving boyfriend. Now she just wants to keep her head down, but her boyfriend has a dark secret of his own—one involving an apparent stranger who is destitute and despised.

Lucie alone knows of the deadly connection the young men share, and even as the knowledge leads her to make a grave mistake, she can trust no one with the truth.

Blood and secrets alike spill out when revolution erupts. With both halves of the city burning, and mercy nowhere to be found, can Lucie save either boy—or herself?

Celebrated author Sarah Rees Brennan tells a magical tale of romance and revolution, love and loss.

I am not overly familiar with A Tale Of Two Cities. I read it in highschool and recall that I enjoyed it. I was intrigued when I heard that Sarah Rees Brennan was writing a novel inspired by the classic but mixed with magic. While I cannot speak to the influence A Tale Of Two Cities had on this novel, or the emotion impact on someone who adores the source material, I found this to be a well written read filled with fascinating characters.

The writing within these pages invokes a feeling of classic literature. There is something timeless about it. The story feels like a mix of historical and futuristic and that is a result of the writing. Its prose easily whisks you into the story, and the emotional journey that this group of characters takes. It's the writing and crafting of the characters that makes this story such an engrossing read.

One of the more appealing elements of this story are the characters and how they are created. They are complicated, complex characters whose backgrounds and actions have turned them into who they are. These choices and backgrounds have molded them and that creates some very life-like characters. There are no heroes, or villains. There are varying degrees of each in all the characters, and every single decision they make is one you can understand because you understand the characters. I comment a lot on characters who walk the moral grey area. These characters don't quite fit that description because they just feel authentic and real. They are the product of what has happened to them and that is true for every person.

The magic in this novel feels both familiar and new all at once. There is something comforting and easy about the world Sarah Rees Brennan has created, and yet there is a touch of wonder as well. Everything in this novel is tinged in sadness and a sense of inescapable tragedy. That manifests itself into the magic within this world as well. There is light, but with the light comes shadows and that is built into the very foundation of the story.

The story deals with segregation, fear, and prejudices. Light versus dark. There is no right or wrong side. The story within these pages adeptly shows that each side harbours their own problematic viewpoints and that each side is not without sin. Neither side is better than the other. In fact, opposing sides in cases like this are usually not that different. The situation may not look that different regardless of who is in power, and that just highlights one of the major themes in the book.

This novel examines what it means to be human. It looks a the potential in all of us to do both selfless and selfish acts. People are capable of acts of goodness but are, in the right situations, also capable of great cruelty and evil. A story of segregation and the murky greyness that exists in us all. It's a story that asks what it means to be human and humane. It's a must read if you enjoy the classics and magic.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Some amazing goodies made their way into my mailbox this week.

Teen Frankenstein by Chandler Baker (goodreads)
Tell The Wind and Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan (goodreads)
Where Futures End by Parker Peevyhouse (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Penguin Random House (especially @RazorbillCA) and Raincoast Books for these! I am curious about Where Futures End so I was excited to get it. The other two are ones I have been highly anticipating so I am hoping to read them very soon.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover of Tell The Wind and Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan (goodreads)

This novel has been on my radar since I first heard it described as A Tale Of Two Cities with magic. Immediately sold. This stunning cover only makes me all the more eager to read it.

Pretty, right? I cannot wait to read this one as I expect it's going to be really good.

TV/Movie

Trailer for Room

I read Room by Emma Donoghue and remember it leaving a lasting impression. It's one of those books that you just don't let go of easily as it leaves you examining it for days after you've finished it.

The movie based on the novel is going to be released this October 16th and it looks fantastic.

This trailer is pretty much perfect. It seems to capture everything from the book. I am hoping it's just as memorable as the book it's inspired by. The casting seems to be perfect, and so much of it hinges on them getting Jack right, and they seemed to have gotten a fantastic little boy to play this role.

If you're able to attend this year's Toronto International Film Festival, be sure to check out Room there as it's one of the movies scheduled for viewing.

OTHER

Real Life Disney Princes

Who hasn't imagined what those charming Disney Princes would look like in real life. Artist  Jirka Väätäinen has created stunning illustrations that show what they might look like as part of our world. The results are, of course, insanely good looking.

Buzzfeed has all of the portraits posted so rush over there and take a peek. I'll wait....

Helllooo, Prince Eric! Oh, and hi, Beast. Yeah, they're certainly YA inspiration worthy. Someone needs to write them into a fairytale retelling immediately. Let me know in the comments which guy is your favourite.

Side note- doesn't John Smith look at a lot like Jason Lewis?

What are you obsessed with this week?

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare (and others)

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan

Release Date - November 11, 2014

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 528 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A Collection of Ten Short Stories centred around Magnus Bane. Each short story is going to be published as an ebook followed by a Full Single Print Coming 2014

Ever wondered about the enigmatic, mysterious warlock Magnus Bane? The only character to appear in every Shadowhunter book, Magnus has a past even more shrouded in mystery than his present. I’ve teamed up with acclaimed YA writers Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan to create the Bane Chronicles, the back (and front) story of Magnus told in ten linked tales.

Look for short stories like Vampires, Scones and Edmund Herondale; The Rise and Fall of the Hotel Dumort; Saving Raphael Santiago and What To Buy The Shadowhunter Who Has Everything (And Who You’re Not Officially Dating Anyway). Each story will be available as an ebook on a monthly basis starting April 16 with the tale of What Happened In Peru. 

Each story will be released monthly online for the next ten months — and then for those who don’t read e-books, the full print collection will be available in bookstores and wherever else books are sold after the Chronicles have been finished

Magnus Bane is one of my favourite characters. Not just in this series, but EVER. His relationship with Alec is my official ship of the Shadowhunter series, and I was immediately thrilled when I heard this novel was going to be a thing. I was not prepared for the roller coaster ride that comes within these pages. I was left a puddle of Herondale angst and Magnus feelings by the end.

Rather than a full review I am going to discuss some of the short stories I especially loved and what made me love them. All you really need to know is that the essence and tone that is so integral to Cassandra's books are here. The characterization, humour, emotion and the little inside jokes are woven into each short story.

#3: Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale

This novella proves that all Herondale men are attractive, broken and/or cursed. Edmund's story is one of sadness and left me angry. It left a lasting impression (particularly towards the end) and makes you think of the Clockwork series a little differently.

#4: The Midnight Heir

Once again proving those Herondale boys like their angst and heartbreak. This is, hands down, my favourite out of all the short stories. This one left me speechless. This made me BEYOND excited for The Last Hours and getting to see everyone from the Clockwork series was entirely bittersweet. This one left me curled up in tears for many reasons, and I already adore James Herondale and want to punch people for hurting him.

#6: Saving Raphael Santiago

I was not prepared to not hate Raphael Santiago. This story is one of determination, kindness and an unlikely bond (I wouldn't call it a friendship). There is plenty of little surprises, and this adds layers to Raphael that I did not expect. 

#9: The Last Stand of the New York Institute

Any big fan of this series will devour this and immediately want the rest of this story. Getting to see the rise and fall (the short version) of Valentine and the Circle was breathtaking. Magnus' role was not unexpected, and it all ends with another wink to the Mortal Instruments series itself.

#10: The Course of True Love (and First Dates)

Alec and Magnus' first date is EXACTLY what you would expect. It's funny, and awkward and perfect for them. It's the emotion that sucker punches you towards the end that made me get teary and hug the book. At the end of all these short stories we see what Magnus has had to endure, and the hope that still is within him is beautiful. We see how his long life made him into what he is, and that he's never given up. He's always retained that sliver of optimism and that is what this collection shows you. Magnus has had unspeakable tragedy and sorrow during his many years. He's lost countless loved ones, seen generations of the same family line come and go, and yet always makes new connections. He hasn't shut himself away from that. He endures. The wistful moments when he's seeing someone (like when he meets James Herondale) for the first time, and the feelings he had for people connected to them creep up on him are some of the most beautiful moments in the book. Magnus has a lot to be wistful about, and we feel every single ache (even if it's dulled to a bittersweet fondness).

This collection made me fall in love with this world, this character, and everything all over again. The subtle way that your feelings would overtake you as you're reading these stories prove how deep this series becomes a part of you. This is one for the fans, a love letter if will, that teases what's to come, and shows you just how Magnus became the fabulous warlock we all love.