Review - Pieces of Us by Margie Gelbwasser

Title: Pieces of Us

Author: Margie Gelbwasser

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 336

Published: March 8th 2012 by Flux

ISBN: 9780738721644

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Every summer, hidden away in a lakeside community in upstate New York, four teens leave behind their old identities…and escape from their everyday lives. Yet back in Philadelphia during the school year, Alex cannot suppress his anger at his father (who killed himself), his mother (whom he blames for it), and the girls who give it up too easily. His younger brother, Kyle, is angry too—at his abusive brother, and at their mother who doesn’t seem to care. Meanwhile, in suburban New Jersey, Katie plays the role of Miss Perfect while trying to forget the nightmare that changed her life. But Julie, her younger sister, sees Katie only as everything she’s not. And their mother will never let Julie forget it.    Up at the lake, they can be anything, anyone. Free. But then Katie’s secret gets out, forcing each of them to face reality—before it tears them to pieces.  

I Give This ...

 

This story was gritty and dirty, and everything I hope my girls never have to go through as teens.  Every character in this story is so broken, that's its hard to imagine any hope in their lives.

I was the most intrigued by Katie.  She seemed to have the perfect teen life.  But, it seems her mom had her on such a pedestal she forgot to teach her the basics.  When her world comes crashing down around her, she does everything she can to stay on top.  Even when it means sacrificing her own pride and dignity.  It was heartbreaking to watch her suffering.  It seemed so unnecessary.  Her sister I also felt sorry for.  After spending her entire life in her sisters shadow and constantly being made to feel inferior, it's no wonder that she acts the way she does when her sister falls from grace.   She's never been the one on top.  It would be hard to give that feeling up when you've never had it before.

I had a harder time with the males in the story.  Alex was so hard to like.  I knew that he was two-faced, bit I just could not see what Katie saw in him.  In the end he treated her no better than he treated any other women in his life.    I was disgusted with him.  Kyle was the only one I think might be able to come out of this travesty somewhat normal.  He recognized how screwed up everything was.   He seemed to be making moves to fix the problems in his life.

I admired the author's willingness to take on such a wide range of dirty topics found in this novel.  But, I honestly found it too much to stomach at times.   I'm not one to shy away from this type of stuff, but sometimes it's just too much.  

Review - Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore

Title: Between Sea and Sky

Author: Jaclyn Dolamore

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 229

Published: October 25th 2011 by Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

ISBN:  9781599904344

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren--the highest calling a mermaid can have. When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her. Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city. There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood--a dashing young man named Alander, who belongs to a winged race of people. As Esmerine and Alander band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship . . . and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air. 

I Give This ...

This was a different sort of read for me.  I think I've gotten to the point were I expect my young adult fantasy to be a little more more gritty.  This story was simple, so I honestly felt like it was almost more middle grade fiction despite the age of the characters.   I think there was so much more that could have been done with this story.

The mythology was there.  It's one of the more interesting premises for mermaids that I've read.   Mermaid's openly exist with humans.  In fact, the siren's readily mix with them.   Not every mermaid can become a siren, and sirens are more drawn to humans than any other mermaid.  All mermaids can change into humans, although it causes them great pain with every step they take on human feet.   I got the impression that siren's are better able to withstand that pain.  A siren is also powerful because all her power is trapped in her belt (which other mermaids don't have).  She may give her belt freely to a human, or it can be forcefully taken from her.  But, once she does, the pain being human causes her is gone.

When Dosinia disappears, Esmerine is convinced that she did not give up her belt of her own freewill.  She's determined to find out what really happened.  What I did think was interesting was her thoughts may have been on finding Dosinia, but she sure made a beeline for finding Alander first.  It felt like she needed that excuse to seek him out.  I did admire her determination to find her sister.   Being a mermaid, I would think she would have a great connection to the ocean.  And to travel so far from it shows how much she wanted to see her sister (or was it to spend more time with Alander).

The story seemed frightfully simple despite my interest in it.  And Esmerine has all these thoughts on finding her sister, but no real way to find her.  She didn't really think it through.  Sometimes it felt like she way saying to she would do something in hopes of getting Alander to help her.  It was a little frustrating.   

In the end, the story wasn't all that I hoped that it would be.  But, it wasn't all bad either.

Top Ten Tuesday - Top 10 Historical Fiction Books

 

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  If your curious about this meme, visit Top Ten Tuesday where they have previous topics and upcoming topics listed as well.

 

Today's topic is our top 10 in any genre.  I picked historical fiction.  I love historical fiction, but I'm not very well read in it.  I would love to hear your favorite if you like the genre.  This are my top 10 in no particular order!

 

1. The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon - The series is a list in itself.  I particularly recommend book 1-3.   This will give you a history lesson covering many countries and time periods.  LOVE IT!

 

2. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet - I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book.  It's really not like most historical fiction.  But, I found that I read it much fast that I anticipated.  And, I really liked it.

3. Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran - This has made a lot of my lists.  And for good reason.  I think its a wonderful book and recommend it to anybody who likes historical fiction (and for those who don't).

 

 4. The Queen's of England series  by Jean Plaidy - I know these aren't literary genius.  But, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for England's royalty.  And this series is probably what started it (or maybe its my English grandmother). 

 

5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin - One of the few classics that I've read and enjoyed.    

Since this list actually involves more than 10 books, I leave it at that.   Would love

 

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

I think spring is in the air!  While, we've had a very mild winter here in the Rockies, nothing beats those first spring like days.   Thursday and Friday last week for hard days at school.  The weather was gorgeous and spring break is right around the corner.   Needless to say, the kids are having a hard time staying in there seats!  Hopefully, we can all buckle down for two more weeks of learning (either that or the weather turns nasty again).

Read Last Week:

• Cascade by Lisa Bergren
• The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting
• Perception by Kim Harrington

 

Currently Reading: 

• Starters by Lissa Price

Up This Week: 

• Torrent by Lisa Bergren
• Betrayal by Lee Nichols

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!

For Review: 

• Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
• The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross
• The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting (Around The World Tours)
• Perception by Kim Harrington (Around The World Tours)

Swapped:

• In The Blood by Adrian Phoenix
• Beneath the Skin by Adrian Phoenix

Review - Allegiance (Legacy #2) by Cayla Kluver

Title: Allegiance

Author: Cayla Kluver

Series: 2nd (Legacy)

Pages: 490

Published: February 28th 2012 by Harlequin Teen

ISBN: 9780373210435

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description:  He couldn't help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep blue eyes pierced me and held me captive.  An eighteen-year-old queen in love with the enemy as their countries pass the point of no return… Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn't truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica—until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge.  Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn….

 I Give This ...

 

I was really looking forward to this book.   Legacy had everything that I look for in a novel, including fantasy, romance, and that historical novel feel.   Asking this book to live up to the story the first one created for me was a daunting task.   While at times the story felt long and maybe a little drawn out, the overall story was wonderful.

  

I still enjoyed Alera's character, although I felt like she wasn't half the queen I thought she could be for most of the book.  I know she didn't want any of these, and more important she is in love with Narian.   But, I think she wasn't doing her character any justice by defying the rules and protection that people laid out for her.   And by wallowing in her own self pity, she wasn't showing the people what a strong person she could be.   Thankfully, she eventually steps out of that cocoon that she's built around herself.   We, the readers get an excellent view of the powerful person she grows to be.  And I can't wait for the people to figure that out as well.

I had a hard time wrapping my mind around what Narian was doing.  It sometimes felt like he was doing this just because there was a prophecy that said he did this.  I understood that the Overlord had some serious leverage over him.   But, what was keeping him there later. when the threat had been removed?   I was pleased to see that even when we couldn't see it, every move he made was to put Alera in a better position.   He was constantly fighting for her life.   A lot of lives were lost to protect hers.   A horrible position to be in no doubt, but to Narian nobody else mattered.

The character that surprised me the most was Steldor.  I had mixed feeling on him at the end of Legacy.   But, by the end of this book, part of me really hoped that Alera would give him half a chance.   He may have wanted to be king, but I honestly think that he wanted Alera more.  I don't think he was use to having to chase her.   Everything came so easily to him, and it really bothered him that Alera was the one thing that he couldn't completely had.

It seems like a lot time is covered in this book and it's sometimes difficult to follow.  It's also a little gruesome to the end.  The author spares us quite a bit of details, but leaves plenty the imagination.  War isn't pretty.  And in this magical land, it can be more than bloody.  We were told repeatedly how the Overlord would make everyone suffer.   I apparently didn't really believe it (or couldn't imagine it).  

I'm looking forward to the conclusion of this series with the next book.  The story went in a direction that I honestly wasn't expecting, so I'm curious as to what will happen next.    

 

Review - The Other Countess (The Lacey Chronicles #1) by Eve Edwards

Title: The Other Countess

Author: Eve Edwards

Series: 1st

Pages: 352

Published: July 12th 2011 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers 

ISBN: 9780385740890

Source: Personal Copy 

Description:  England, 1582   Ellie—Lady Eleanor Rodriguez, Countess of San Jaime—possesses a worthless title, but her feisty spirit captivates the elite of the Queen's court—especially the dashing new Earl of Dorset. William Lacey, Earl of Dorset, has inherited his father's title—and his financial ruin. Now Will must seek a wealthy bride and restore his family's fortune. If only he hadn't fallen for the beautiful but penniless Ellie . . .Sparks fly whenever Ellie and Will are together, but circumstances—and the conniving interference of others—threaten to keep them apart.

 I Give This ...

 

I've been eying this series forever.  At first it seemed to be published only in the UK and I was debating an order from Book Depository.  But, then I found out that it would eventually be a US release as well.  I was happy to say the lease.  This type of historical fiction in one of my weaknesses.

I liked both main characters immensely.  I thought the lifestyle that Ellie lives was interesting.  She's got the title, but nothing to back it up.  In the eyes of those powerful at court, she not much better than a peasant.  Especially when you factor that her father is seen as some what of a "leach".  I was really intrigued by the fact that he studied alchemy.  It's a subject that I'm not readily familiar with.  It was interesting to read how he was viewed by others in society.  I loved that Ellie sometimes despised what her father did and the position it often put her in.  I also loved that in spite of all that, she would do anything for him.

I loved William!  I love it when a character does exactly what I think he should.  He may be an ass at times to Ellie, but I know he's thinking of what's happened to him in the past.  I also love that he realizes his mistakes and is man enough to admit them AND apologize to her for it.  And as much as I hate it, it fits with this time period that he denies his feeling and goes with what is expected of him.    He knows his family and his lands are at stake.  

I loved the secondary characters in this as well.  Lady Jane turned out to be far more of an asset to the story than I thought.  And her brother was down right wicked.   I was saddened by turn of events at the end, but thought the story ended just the way it should.  It makes me excited that I already have a review copy of book two in this series on my kindle!