Empire of Books

Hello. And welcome to Empire of Books.

Please, let me introduce myself. My name is Ryan. I'm 18 and I live in the UK. I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember and am never happier than when curled up with a good book. I admire a lot of authors (wanting to be published myself, some day). My favourites include JK Rowling, Michelle Paver, Anthony Horowitz, Justin Somper and Zizou Corder.

The way things will work here are quite simple. I'll read a book. Think about said book. And review said book. Simple. I write reviews on my computer after reading a book, so decided to start a blog to share my thoughts on books that I find interesting, or just plain amazing and need to be shared with the world.

If you are a publisher, or an author, and would like me to review your book, then please do e-mail me at empire-of-books@live.co.uk. I love reading new authors.

My first review will be of Skins: The Novel, based on the popular E4/Channel 4 show.

Items of Non-Book Business

I have a few reviews I'm working, but frankly, I've been in a real reading rut lately. I try not to post reviews of books that are less than 2 stars, and recently every book I've read has been a real dud. If you have some good suggestions, please let me know.

I'd like to recommend to everyone to give some type of aid to the people of Haiti. If you aren't able to give monetarily, or with donated clothing, etc. at least send a prayer their way. There are many credible organizations that are involved in the relief effort. I recommend either the Red Cross or Care.org. My heart goes out to the people of Haiti. They are the poorest nation in the hemisphere and have seen their fair share of struggles. I can't even imagine the devastation of the people there.

Second, it's National Delurker Day. So, I'm putting myself out there to ask if you haven't commented before, do so now. Make yourself known! I made a goal to comment on 15 blogs that I follow today. Even if you have posted in the past, do so again today. Especially if you have a good book recommendation.

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier: Review

Wildwood Dancing

By: Juliet Marillier

Description (From Goodreads.com): 

High in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters. Every Full Moon, they alone can pass through it into the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom. There they dance through the night with the fey creatures of this magical realm.

But their peace is shattered when Father falls ill and must go to the southern parts to recover, for that is when cousin Cezar arrives. Though he's there to help the girls survive the brutal winter, Jena suspects he has darker motives in store. Meanwhile, Jena's sister has fallen in love with a dangerous creature of the Other Kingdom--an impossible union it's up to Jena to stop.

When Cezar's grip of power begins to tighten, at stake is everything Jena loves: her home, her family, and the Other Kingdom she has come to cherish. To save her world, Jena will be tested in ways she can't imagine--tests of trust, strength, and true love.

 

Review:

This was a wonderful retelling/mashing of the 12 Dancing Princesses and the Frog princes with some vampires thrown in for fun.  I tend to really enjoy fantasy that has interesting historical lore, and this book had plenty of that. The Transylvanian setting was intriguing, and added a lot of depth to the story.  The book had a lot of foreshadowing which made the book slightly predictable, but there was still plenty of surprises and twists that quickened the pace.

My one real complaint with the book is that there were just too many sisters. Sometimes their personalities melded together and I'd have to read back through parts of the book to get the story straight.  Also, at one point in the book, one of the characters falls in love with a "forbidden" lover and basically stops caring about everything else in her life. I wasn't impressed by it, but thankfully it didn't cloud up the story too much.

I loved Jena's character, and her relationship with her frog Gogu.  It was really a best friend relationship that was both touching and incredibly funny at times. Another wonderful part of the story is the villain and how he weasels his way into the story. It was a great example of how we shape our character by our actions, no matter how well-intended we may be.

 

I will definitely pick up the sequel and see how the story continues.

Rating:

I gave the book 5 stars

Book A-Likes:

The Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George. Recommended for those who like fairy-tale retellings and fantasy

Profanity: None

Drugs and Alcohol: None

Sexuality: Mild

Violence: Mild

Most Anticipated Books for 2010

Happy New Year!

This will be the first year in a long time that I am not making a resolution to read more. Believe me, I read plenty. I've been flipping through some of the Spring Catalogs, and I'm getting very excited about compiling a new "to-be-read" pile. Here is a list of books I am most looking forward to in 2010.

This World We Live In
By: Susan Beth Pfeffer
April 1, 2010

I was absolutely enthralled by "Life as We Knew It," the first book in this series. The writing was so fantastic, I really had to shake myself out of the story a few times.  I'm not much for a book written in journal form, but it was absolutely necessary in this case, and it came off beautifully.

I can't wait to see where the story goes, and knowing the strength of Susan Beth Pfeffer's writing, it's going to go somewhere you don't expect.

Princess of Glass
By: Jessica Day George
May 25, 2010

I have a author-crush on Jessica Day George. There hasn't been one thing she's written that I haven't loved. "Princess of the Midnight Ball" was no exception, and I'm happy to see a sequel to it.

My favorite thing about Jessica Day George is the way she crafts her characters. They are all important, and they all make up a fantastic story. I am sure this book won't disappoint.







The Scorch Trials (Maze Runner #2)
By: James Dashner
October 2010

The Maze Runner is one of my most recommended books this year. I've recommended it mostly for teenage boys and people who liked the Hunger Games. The first book ended in quite a cliffhanger, so I'll be very interested to see how the story plays out in the sequel.


The Hunger Games: Book 3
By: Suzanne Collins
August 24, 2010

Obviously that isn't the actual title or cover art, but who cares! Hunger Games and Catching Fire were the two best books I read all year. I don't think I've been as invested in a series since Harry Potter. This will be a book that I will go get at midnight if I have to.









Crescendo
By: Becca Fitzpatrick
October 2010

Hush, Hush did what I thought was not possible: Get me to read paranormal romances. There is still a lot of story left to be told, so Crescendo will definitely be one that I'm picking up this year.

Spells
By: Aprilynne Pike
May 4, 2010

I liked "Wings" enough to continue on in the series, and that's saying something for me. Plus, she's a local author for me, and I'm really a sucker for promoting them.

But, I will not read any further in the series if Laurel doesn't end up with who I want her to. And, that's a promise. :P








And, that's my list for 2010! I'm sure it will grow as I discover new authors and stories. But, it looks like a fantastic year for YA! What books are you most looking forward to this year?

The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison: Review

The Princess and the Hound

By: Mette Ivie Harrison

Description:
He is a prince, heir to a kingdom threatened on all sides, possessor of the animal magic, which is forbidden by death in the land he'll rule.

She is a princess from a rival kingdom, the daughter her father never wanted, isolated from true human friendship but inseparable from her hound.

Though they think they have little in common, each possesses a secret that must be hidden at all costs. Proud, stubborn, bound to marry for the good of their kingdoms, this prince and princess will steal your heart, but will they fall in love?

Review: This book really surprised me in how much I enjoyed it. It was told from the male perspective, which was not only refreshing, but very well done. Prince George's mother dies when he is still quite young, and his father never seems to learn how to connect with him.  Having animal magic is frowned on, and while George does his best to ignore his abilities, they are still a huge part of who he is. In the beginning of the book, most of George's development is learning how to cope with his powers and try to live a life that will set him up for his future as a king.

I loved George's relationship with Beatrice. It's difficult to describe without giving a lot away, but basically, George wasn't expecting what he found in Beatrice. This causes him to do some reflection on who he is, and what he wants out of life.

Anyway, the characters were fantastic, and I loved the story. I highly recommend it to those that love fantasy.

Rating:

I gave the book 5 stars

Book A-Likes:

I can't think of a good book to compare it to, but the writing was similar to that of Robin McKinley, Jessica Day George, and Gail Carson Levine.

Profanity: None

Drugs and Alcohol: None

Sexuality: None

Violence: Very Mild

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: Review

City of Bones

By: Cassandra Clare

Description: When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Review: I didn't know this going into the book, but apparently the author is quite famous in the Harry Potter fandom world. I really didn't have any idea what the book was about when I started. Frankly, I just liked the cover.

This book was pretty much a combination of Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I could pick out elements from all the different books/series, and use them to predict what was going to happen next.  In some ways, that was good, in others, it was a little corny.

The characters were mostly good, none really stood out to me as being fantastic.  Except perhaps Luke. I really liked his character and learning more about him as the book progressed.  I also really liked the integration of vampires, werewolves, faeries, and demons. The vampires were not sparkly, and the wolves were not full of teen angst. The underground world was fascinating, similar to Harry Potter's world.

Overall, the book was fun. It wasn't brilliantly original or anything, but it had some good points. It was good enough for me to continue the series.

Rating:

I gave the book 3.5 stars, and rounded up to 4.

Book A-Likes:

Harry Potter, Star Wars (even though that isn't a book), Recommended for those who like Urban Fantasy.

Profanity: Mild

Drugs and Alcohol: Mild. There is mention of drugs and clubs with alcohol.

Sexuality: Mild

Violence: Moderate. I mean, they are vampire/werewolf/demon killers. There has to be some killing.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike: Review

Wings

By: Aprilynne Pike

Description: Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

Review: I was so close to loving this book. There were just a few things that have prevented me from really getting into it like I wanted to.

My favorite character in this book was David, easily. He seems to genuinely be interested in Laurel's well being. When her dad gets sick, he volunteers time at their bookstore and other things that show that he really cares.

The Faerie lore was another aspect I really enjoyed.  The author did a great job of taking an idea and really running with it. Also, the villains were pretty good. I only wish they had been featured more. I'd really like to know more about their history and hope that they play a bigger role in the sequel.

This book is a good middle-reader fantasy. It was a little slow as far as actual action goes, and some of the events in the book were a little trite. But, I would very highly recommend this book for a pre-teen girl that you don't want to give a book about abusive vampire relationships. There isn't any of that in this book. And, I liked it enough to be pretty excited about the sequel coming out next year.

Rating:

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Book A-Like:

Twilight, If you like paranormal romance you'll like this book.

Profanity: None

Drugs and Alcohol: None. She doesn't even eat meat.

Sexuality: None

Violence: Mild. There is one fight scene.