Trial By Fire by Josephine Angelini

Trial By Fire by Josephine Angelini

Release Date - September 2, 2014

Publisher Website - Raincoast/Macmillan
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.

I've always loved witch stories. It's rare, however, that I find one that completely stuns me. After devouring Trial By Fire I was enthralled. A unique, tightly woven story that mixes parallel universes with some intricately planned witch mythology. It takes the Salem witch trials and delightfully twists it into something breathtaking.

Everything from the world building, to the characters, and connections between them is strongly developed. This is one of those books were each element is given equal attention and creates something smart, and incredibly readable. The setting is a tweaked reality that offers enough normalcy to be unsettling while embracing it's startling differences. The inclusions of parallel universes can be tricky, but this novel weaves them together in a way that is easy to follow.

Lily's character is another element of the story that is carefully plotted. From her last name, to the powers she has nothing is there by accident. Each little inclusions adds to the larger picture, sometimes in unexpected ways. Lily is plagued by health issues and I was afraid that she was going to be a weak character. Josephine wisely balances this 'illness' with Lily's driven, brave attitude. She may have this 'illness', but she refuses to let it define her. This allowed for her to be immediately embraced by the reader. You want her to succeed. She isn't some simpering girl who allows herself to be treated horribly. She knows her worth, and knows that she deserves to be treated kindly. It was refreshing to see a YA heroine who demanded she be treated well, and didn't immediately forgive because of a pretty face.

Lillian, at first glance, feels opposite from Lily. She's secretive, and cruel. She's right in the middle of the intricate politics that exist in this different Salem. As the story continues it becomes clear that things are not so straight forward. Lily and Lillian are perhaps not so different. Just a product of different circumstances. While we do not get the full story, we see that there is more to Lillian than it first appears. This is the central focus of the book. How alike are Lily and Lillian? Is Lily capable of being Lillian if subject to the right circumstances? Lillian deliciously tells Lily that she is her at one point in the novel, and it's shiver inducing. The tantalizing idea of how do you begin to fight when you're literally your own enemy is threaded throughout the novel in very real ways. Choices, and their consequences are going to be a prominent theme, and I cannot wait to see what choices Lily and Lillian make going forward.

Another theme is the notion of survival. How far would you go to survive and what would you do to protect others and yourself? Is the sacrifice of a few worth the survival of many? These are questions that both Lily and Lillian grapple with. It offers an insight into who Lillian is, and we've only just scratched the surface. It ties back into the grey areas these characters, and the world itself, exist within.

There are plenty of sexy, sensual moments throughout the novel. Witches have been portrayed as sensual before, but this is a case of understatedly sexy. Due to it's subtle approach it's effect is blush inducing. Less is more, and Josephine Angelini has mastered the tease of just enough when it comes to the romance, and sexiness. Plenty of the witches spells are incredibly provocative, and allows for plenty of chemistry between the characters. The romance was something I fully enjoyed because it felt logical. The love interest himself comes with some interesting baggage that creates it's own set of problems. There are lingering questions, and enough drama to keep the potential for heartbreak high, and that means I am fully invested. While some many sense a love triangle, I do not think that is what is happening, but I do enjoy the dynamic.

A steamy, well developed, intense start to a captivating series. Josephine Angelini has put her own twist on witch mythology and it burns brightly throughout these pages.

Ghost House by Alexandra Adornetto

Ghost House by Alexandra Adornetto

Release Date - August 26, 2014

Publisher Website - Harlequin Teen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 320 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of Halo comes the start of a beautiful and powerful new series.

After the loss of her mother, Chloe Kennedy starts seeing the ghosts that haunted her as a young girl again. Spending time at her grandmother's country estate in the south of England is her chance to get away from her grief and the spirits that haunt her. Until she meets a mysterious stranger…

Alexander Reade is 157 years dead, with secrets darker than the lake surrounding Grange Hall and a lifelike presence that draws Chloe more strongly than any ghost before. But the bond between them awakens the vengeful spirit of Alexander's past love, Isobel. And she will stop at nothing to destroy anyone who threatens to take him from her.

To stop Isobel, Chloe must push her developing abilities to their most dangerous limits, even if it means losing Alex forever… and giving the hungry dead a chance to claim her for their own.

Ghost stories have always intrigued me. Particularly ghost stories that mix in a little romance. Throw in anything but typical sounding love triangle and this novel piqued my interest. While the novel's romance didn't work for me, it did end up surprising me with other elements.

The atmosphere and tone of the novel nicely allowed for a haunting setting. The foggy country estate is a setting destined for ghosts, and tragic pasts. It is a predictable, but successful, setting that carries the tone throughout the entire novel. A lot in this novel hinges on it's setting, and it's something that did work in the novel.

The ghost mythology, particularly in relation to Chloe and her abilities, is one that unravels slowly. It's unusual that the main character is already aware of her abilities at the beginning of the book, and it was a refreshing change. Her ability to see ghosts is something that she's had to deal with from a young age and something she's come to accept. While the hows and whys are a mystery to her, she's grown to see it as part of her life. This allowed the story to move forward much more quickly and let it's focus be elsewhere. Answers to the many questions of how her abilities came to be, or even how they work, are touched upon during the novel. The answers given are satisfying, even if it's something that will be explored and expanded on during the entire series. Chloe's curiosity, and eagerness to learn is delightful, even if it's driven from a survivalist stand point. It's this drive that gives me faith that learning more will be a large part of her character journey.

Alexander Reade is your average teen love interest. Good looking, charming, and haunted. The flashbacks into his life provided the most information about his character and were desperately needed. The author did make a point of infusing him with mannerisms, characteristics, and a demeanor fitting his time period. She balances his old fashionedness with Chloe's personality so that they complimented each other.

The romance was your usual insta-love situation. It was rushed, immediate, and intense. The reasons for the attraction between them were never explored. The interaction between the characters was not enough to develop the level of feelings that are claimed. It left me feeling disinterested in the relationship and the characters. Separately the characters work, but the chemistry never came through when they were together. A slower build, and some real connections being built could have helped establish a foundation over the course of a series, but everything seemed to happen much too quickly to feel genuine.

After reading the synopsis I was concerned that the 'love triangle' would be predictable, and the villainess nothing more than a caricature. It was therefore a pleasant surprise to find that Isobel is driven by more than jealousy. Her story is fleshed out more than I anticipated, and she feels like a fully established character. The histories of these ghosts are what provided an extra layer to the story. It was unexpected, but it completed the story. It allowed for these characters, who appeared undeveloped, to have some depth.

A novel that ended up being an okay read for me. There is plenty of intriguing potential in the mythology, but the romance left me feeling disconnected. In the end there are enough tantalizing teases to interest me in the sequel, even if I wasn't captivated the way I had hoped.

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).

I've had an insane book week this week, and I am so excited about everything.

First up, I went to an advance screening of If I Stay and they had a trivia giveaway. One of the bags was some If I Stay swag, and it's all really cute!

It's a tank top, a luggage tag and little notebook. Very cute. I loved the movie. It was exactly what I wanted it to be. Mirelle Enos was my favourite part of the movie, but Jamie Blackley as Adam was pretty prefect!

I had to wait to get my copy of Isla and the Happily Ever After because I pre-ordered one of those signed copies that came with special goodies. The closest place to me was Toronto, and I happened to be going there anyways, so I picked it up at the same time.

Isla and the Happily Ever After (goodreads)

The book, an awesome tote bag, three cute buttons, and some stickers! I am happily reading this right now and wanting to hug the book it's so cute.

I also got a few amazing sounding books from Harper Collins Canada

The Fall by Bethany Griffin (goodreads)
The Death Of Us by Alice Kuipers (goodreads)
Us by David Nicholls (goodreads)

I love Bethany's other books, so I am excited to read The Fall. The Death Of Us is one that Harper Canada has been talking about quite a bit. I read One Day by David Nicholls, and have been eager to see what he would release next.

Lastly, I also got one of the most awesome buttons EVER!

That cover, right? So stunning. A big thank you to Harper Collins for the books, and the amazing
button!

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.

Here are my obsessions this week.

BOOK

Dorothy Must Die series cover reveals

I love everything about these cover. They both match the first perfectly. The first one is clearly a nod to Dorothy herself, while the second is showing another iconic character from the mythology. These covers really fit the tone and feel of the story so I am glad they didn't decide to change them. Now for the long wait until they are release!
 
TV/MOVIE

Nightcrawler trailer (#2) 

 

The more I see of this movie, the more impressed I am. It's going to be intense. I am curious to see reactions coming out of the Toronto International Film Festival that will be happening soon.


OTHER

Taylor Swift's New Album

Taylor's big announcement was indeed about her new CD! It'll hit stores in Oct, and is called 1989. I am obviously obsessed with the first single, Shake It Off. It's fun, and makes me want to dance around the house. I also love the use of Polaroids for her CD cover. I want Polaroids to be a thing again.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends.

This weeks question is: 

What book/series do you think would make a better TV show than a movie?

The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer. The world, and it's characters are so intricate and I feel that, to do it justice, it would need to be given a medium that allowed for it to be explored and developed. I feel too much would be lost in a movie format.

I also think that Danielle Paige's Dorothy Must Die series would be a better TV show for the same reasons. It needs time that a movie just doesn't afford.

Happy Weekend!

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

Release Date - September 9, 2014

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages -  288 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.

Kiersten White captured readers’ hearts with her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy and its effortless mix of magic and real-world teenage humor. She returns to that winning combination of wit, charm, and enchantment in Illusions of Fate, a sparkling and romantic new novel perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, The Madman’s Daughter, and Libba Bray.

This book immediately piqued my interest with it's tease of a historical setting mixed with magic. Kiersten White captivates with fantastic characters, and a solid premise. However, the world building was not quite fleshed out enough for me to fully immerse myself in the story.

Kiersten White's specialty is characters. I've adored all of her characters in previous books. She makes them stand out brightly, and this novel is no exception. Jessamin with her spunky, driven spirit will captivate you. Finn will enchant you. You'll giggle, and fall in love with Eleanor. She paints them so vividly that even if you don't learn much about them, you feel like you know them.

This novel's world is filled with wonder. You'll immediately be charmed by not only the characters, but the world itself. From birds that can turn into books, to music made from magic, it made you want to crawl inside the pages to visit this world. The only element that is missing from this book is the finer details that would make everything jump out and let the story grab you. I wanted more from everything. I wanted to know the hows, and whys, and whens. The magic itself is so delightful that it makes you need more. It's a short novel, and could have benefited from a few additions to flesh out all of those details that I wanted to know.

The romance was a mix of hot and cold for me. The playful banter between Jessamin and Finn, combined with Finn's insanely charismatic personality ensured there were plenty of moments to swoon over. Everything seemed to happen so quickly, particularly in certain aspects. I understood why they would have been drawn to each other, but for me it was a case of timing. Expansion of the story could have allowed the romance to unravel a little slower. That being said, I did smile a lot from the cuteness that is Finn (and Finn with Jessamin).

A novel that is filled with magic, wonder and enchantment. This could have easily been a new favourite if it had been fleshed out a bit. The characters, the romance, and the premise itself are all very charming, and I do recommend it. I just wished it had been explored to it's fullest potential because I feel all the elements are there.

Waiting on Wednesday........ Fairest

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of them all?

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.

Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series.

It's no secret that I LOVE this series. I was pleasantly surprised when the announcement was made that we'd be getting a fourth book. I am looking forward to reading all about how Queen Levana became the evil villainess we know and love to hate.

Expected release date -January 27, 2015