Fictional Power Couples I've Read and Adored

 

This list is prompted by the book club’s discussion of An Odyssey: A Father, a Son, and an Epic by Daniel Mendelsohn. Well, more like the tangent discussion of Homer’s Odyssey due to the former book. The question of whether Odysseus is a true hero or not was brought forward, which made me thought of Penelope. A woman whose fortitude was well tested, not only by holding up the candle of hope for Odysseus’s return but also by her vigilance to hold the fort against the wolves who wanted to take Ithaca’s throne. Odysseus managed to fight his way home (though arduous and protracted) with his ability to think himself out of tough situations (and help from Athena), hence, winning back both wife and throne. Their love for each other is strong. True. Moreover, Odysseus and Penelope are two powerful individuals on their own, and even stronger together.

With Penelope and Odysseus in mind, I made a list of the fictional power couples I’ve met and liked -couples whose love stories are cheer-worthy. And likewise, they are forces to reckon with together or even individually. Forces that can either shape or knock down a kingdom (or something like that).

(5) Lindsey Boxer and Joe Molinari (Women’s Murder Club by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro)

Sgt. Lindsey Boxer is a homicide detective for the San Francisco Police Department, who has multiple solved-cases under her belt. She faced off with too many scumbags on record, crossed bullets, and survived them all. She loves deeply and fights fiercely for her own. Joe Molinari was former deputy director of Homeland Security and FBI agent. His CV is probably a hundred pages thick. He left his august position, to be near Lindsey and take care of their baby girl Julie, and now works as a consultant for different agencies. Aside from Lindsey’s group of lady friends, Joe is her topmost consultant on her active cases and everything else.

  

(4) Yelena Zaltana and Valek Icefaren (Poison Study series by Maria V. Snyder)

Yelena is a Soulfinder, a very rare magician that can capture or release human souls. She has remarkable equestrian and Bo Staff fighting skills too. Valek, on the other hand, is an assassin whose tracking, disguise, and knife skills are yet unmatched. I love their loyalty to each other, more so by their loyalty to their kingdoms and how much they are willing to sacrifice to find peace between Ixia and Sitia.

(3) Sophie Hatter and Howl Jenkins Pendragon (Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones)

Known for her shyness and gentle heart, Sophie came to be a determined individual after she was cursed into an old woman. After a while, it is discovered that Sophie is capable of talking life into objects. Meanwhile, Howl is a powerful wizard and can turn himself and others into any animal. Bound with Calcifer, Howl’s power is heightened. Together, Sophie and Howl took down a powerful witch and djinn. I love how these two can always find each other even in peculiar ways.

(2) Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar and Rowley Picot (Mistress of the Art of Death Series by Ariana Franklin)

Adelia is an Italian doctor from the renowned University of Solerno and well-versed in the "art of death". In Henry II’s England, when both advanced medicine and autopsy were but a myth, Adelia is an oddity for being a lady doctor. So she hid her true identity to fend off accusations of practicing witchcraft while answering to the King’s call to unravel murders and examine the dead. Sir Rowley Picot, is the Bishop of St. Albans. A knight and Henry’s most trusted fixer. His current position turned him into one of the most powerful people in England, opening many doors, and yet bound apart from Adelia and their daughter Allie. Together, they have foiled conspiracies and a war against Henry II and England.

(1) Hero Jarvis and Sebastian St. Cyr (Sebastian St. Cyr series by C.S. Harris)

Hero Jarvis is the only child of Lord Charles Jarvis, the Prince Regent’s cousin, executor, and the real power behind England in this series. Hero is the Lady after my own heart. She is determined and smart, even shrewd if she wants to be. And her social principles are to be replicated. Hero works on writing about the underprivileged people of London slums, bringing awareness to the opulent populace the true nature of their society. She never cringed away from danger and exposure if it means saving lives. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin is the youngest son and heir of the Earl of Hendon. He also served in the royal army. Now, he serves the people by investigating murders and bringing perpetrators to justice. Picture him as James Bond in Regency England. With both Hero and Devlin’s influences and talents, they can move around circles no Bow Street Runner can and investigate.

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I am sure there are more power couples out there to add to this list. I’ve yet to discover them so I’ll keep my eyes peeled. If you have any suggestions, give me a holler. 

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Book Review | WHO SPEAKS FOR THE DAMNED by C.S. Harris

   
Who Speaks for the Damned by C.S. Harris
Series:  Sebastian St. Cyr #15
Publication Date:  April 7, 2020
Publisher:  Berkley
Genre:  Historical Mystery
Rating:  ★★★★★

It's June 1814, and the royal families of Austria, Russia, and the German states have gathered in London at the Prince Regent's invitation to celebrate the defeat of Napoléon and the restoration of monarchical control throughout Europe. But the festive atmosphere is marred one warm summer evening by the brutal murder of a disgraced British nobleman long thought dead.

Eighteen years before, Nicholas Hayes, the third son of the late Earl of Seaford, was accused of killing a beautiful young French émigré and transported to Botany Bay for life. Even before his conviction, Hayes had been disowned by his father. Few in London were surprised when they heard the ne'er-do-well had died in New South Wales in 1799. But those reports were obviously wrong. Recently Hayes returned to London with a mysterious young boy in tow--a child who vanishes shortly after Nicholas's body is discovered.

I look forward to this series every year as an annual event. I am so invested with the characters that I want to keep tabs on how their lives are moving on. This is the fifteenth book in the series, but Ms. Harris still manages to keep each mystery fresh and new every issue. Her research skill is so exceptional that the historical details in Regency England are weaved seamlessly.

A convicted murder, believed to have died in Botany Bay, was recently found… well… dead with a sickle on his back at Pennington Tea Garden. Knowing Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, a person’s death is not necessarily the end of the story. He was pulled into this investigation because of a young boy who went missing after Hayes’s death, and also because Devlin saw a mirror of himself in the victim. Nicholas Hayes’s murder stirred far too many old memories and quite several nobilities. And there’s nothing more intolerable for Devlin than a cold mix of nobles and their lies.

To decry injustice is merely scratching the surface. The issues that this sequel has in its arsenal can be overwhelming. And despite the setting, we can still spot these issues in these present times, if we look hard enough. Devlin and his wife Hero represent something far deeper than just “a power couple”. They stand for people who cannot stand or speak for themselves. Their views and hopes for the disadvantaged and neglected are something we, everyone, should aspire to.

These events took place in London, England, in 1814. The continent is celebrating Napoleon’s defeat and England is hosting events for the Allied Sovereigns. A time where opium smuggling was rampant and Lascars made England their new home.

Very rich in history, well-plotted, and deliciously peppered with red herrings, WHO SPEAKS FOR THE DAMNED will keep you at the edge of your seat from beginning to the end.

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About the Author:
Candice Proctor, aka C.S. Harris and C.S. Graham, is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of more than two dozen novels including the Sebastian St. Cyr Regency mystery series written under the name C.S. Harris, the C.S. Graham thriller series co-written with Steven Harris, and seven historical romances. She is also the author of a nonfiction historical study of women in the French Revolution. Her books are available worldwide and have been translated into over twenty languages.

A former academic with a Ph.D. in European history, Candice also worked as an archaeologist on a variety of sites including a Hudson's Bay Company Fort in San Juan Island, a Cherokee village in Tennessee, a prehistoric kill site in Victoria, Australia, and a Roman cemetery and medieval manor house in Winchester, England. She loves to travel and has spent much of her life abroad, living in Spain, Greece, England, France, Jordan, and Australia. She now makes her home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, retired Army officer Steve Harris, and an ever-expanding number of cats.

*Thanks to Berkley for the advance review copy in exchange for this unbiased review.
*This post is a part of the monthly linkups organized by Lovely Audiobooks! You can click here to check it out and be a part of it.

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THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV by Elizabeth Berg

  

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
Publication: November 21, 2017
Publisher: Random House
Genre: Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★

A beautiful, life-affirming novel about a remarkably loving man who creates for himself and others second chances at happiness.

A moving novel about three people who find their way back from loss and loneliness to a different kind of happiness. Arthur, a widow, meets Maddy, a troubled teenage girl who is avoiding school by hiding out at the cemetery, where Arthur goes every day for lunch to have imaginary conversations with his late wife, and think about the lives of others. The two strike up a friendship that draws them out of isolation. Maddy gives Arthur the name Truluv, for his loving and positive responses to every outrageous thing she says or does. With Arthur’s nosy neighbor Lucille, they create a loving and unconventional family, proving that life’s most precious moments are sweeter when shared.-Goodreads

Elizabeth Berg put together [probably] the most unlikely people together in this story… and they turned out to be very charming.

Arthur is an octogenarian and a widower, whose everyday highlight is visiting his dead wife at the local cemetery. Meanwhile, Maddy is a bullied teenager, who lost her mother very early after she was born, leaving her to his distant and unaffectionate father. And Lucille is Arthur’s neighbor, who waited all her life for true love to happen.

At the center of this heartwarming story is a makeshift family. They’ve built a home abound with kindness and rooms for consideration. A simple structure, really, allowing them to forget the troubles and awful of the outside world, and focus on seeing the good in people. Unlikely people, yes, but home nonetheless.

I love Berg’s take on people. I love her characters, including their flaws. I’m glad she gave her characters another motivation in life. I’m glad to have met Arthur and wishing there’d be more like him in the world. I’m happy knowing that his kindness survived him and will continue effecting.

THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV is Book #1 of the Mason series.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Berg is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including We Are All Welcome Here, The Year of Pleasures, The Art of Mending, Say When, True to Form, Never Change, and Open House, which was an Oprah’s Book Club selection in 2000. Durable Goods and Joy School were selected as ALA Best Books of the Year, and Talk Before Sleep was short-listed for the ABBY Award in 1996. The winner of the 1997 New England Booksellers Award for her body of work, Elizabeth Berg is also the author of a nonfiction work, Escaping into the Open: The Art of Writing True. She lives in Chicago.

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15 BOOK SERIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY (OTHER THAN HP)

My spawn at 12.

My family has a standing Yuletide tradition to [either] listen to the Harry Potter audiobooks, or watch the movies, each day leading to New Year’s Eve. However, there are also other books we shared together over the years since my daughter started reading at three. It was always tricky choosing because it involved plenty of compromise and message consideration, due to her age. It took some preparations too since we want to anticipate her many questions during the actual reading.

Here, I compiled only the book series we mostly adored. Some of these were books my husband and I read when we were young and shared with our daughter, others, we chose together.

(1) Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne (Illustrator: Ernest Howard Shepard)

Pooh is described as “the bear of very little brain” or “the best bear in all the world”. I believe we all prefer the latter. This little old bear really knows how to worm into everyone’s heart. The diversity of the characters from the 100-Acre Wood is reflective enough to transcend heartening lessons every time. Parents like me are able to explain plainly to a three-year-old child because of Milne’s use of naivety and simple child-like language and logic to push the message across.

(2) Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park (Illustrator: Denise Brunkus)

The first book is Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, detailing Junie’s first school bus ride to school, which we chose purposely to encourage our little girl (then) to go to kindergarten. This series is goofy-fun and filled with common childish behaviors. Very young readers can easily learn golden lessons behind Junie’s mishaps and misbehaviors.

(3) Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne (Illustrators: Salvatore Murdocca; Okama)

Siblings Annie and Jack discovered that a treehouse in the woods near their house can transport them to historical places and times. We simply love these siblings -their constant encouragements, on being brave, accountability for each other and for their choices. Replete with historical details, scientific facts, and life lessons, children will undoubtedly learn cool stuff from this series. My daughter still collects them up until now.

(4) Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey 

“Who would let their child read a banned book?” I WOULD! Or Did. George and Harold are rebellious enough to pull pranks on anyone in the school including their very own strict principal. This series is banned from school libraries because adults believe that it encourages kids to be rebels, to question authority. Parents need to know that behind all the potty humor it also encourages them to be critical thinkers. We usually asked our daughter what she thought about the book aside from being funny and identify which she thought was wrong. What we learned was that every kid needs a hero, even the most recalcitrant and unrepentant ones. Parents can both leave their kids with their own choices and create their own hero or parents can help them find an ideal one. These series may not be a model blueprint but they’ll know which kind they are supposed to stay away from.

(5) Jigsaw Jones Mysteries by James Preller (Illustrator: R.W. Alley). 

Very much like our beloved HP books, this series is about friendship, family, school, inclusion, and mystery. The books are noir-esque, witty and exciting to read. By the time we get to the middle page, we each have our own inferences and dispute behind it. It really heightens the reading experience exponentially and enhances the kid’s deduction skills, too.

(6) The Magic School Bus by Joanna Cole (Illustrator: Bruce Degen). 

This series is a great way for early readers to learn more about scientific stuff. Ms. Frizzle takes her students to incredible field trips, learning from inside a magical bus that can pretty much do anything. This is a good series to hook kids and love science.  The series is not exactly for read-aloud. It is more advisable that parents and kids read the books separately and discuss or compare notes later.

(7) Wayside School by Louis Sachar (Illustrator: Adam McCauley). 

We love all the zany, odd people in this series. The school is 30-floors high, each classroom built on top of each other, and a lot more crazies happen on the 13th floor. These books are attention-grabbers, so be absolutely prepared for longer reading sessions, rereads, and terrible giggling even after lights out. And these are the only books I know where the author wrote himself into his own books and shared with all the wackiness.

(8) Time Quintet by Madeleine L'Engle

These books were written several decades apart. Most people know about the movies, but hardly know that there are four more books after A Wrinkle in Time. I found a copy of A Wrinkle in Time in my old grade school library, a long way back. And like the first few books I had, I had my elder brother scout for the rest of the books from Recto, a street in Manila where you can find all kinds of second-hand books. The quintet is classified under coming-of-age fiction, which means children come to certain awakenings, and may need closer attention when they raise some questions or concerns. It does not only give children perspectives but also questions them and challenges them to make tough choices.

(9) The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis 

My husband and I discovered the first book in different fashions. His was more interesting, I admit. Way back in grade school, he needed to make his first book report (a book of his own choice) and found an old Puffin copy of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in the church library. I’ve always argued that this series should be classified under Christian fantasy, and it’s good to know, that a long time ago, an old church librarian thought the same too. By this time, we know how magical these stories are and the virtues they possess. We all know how four ordinary kids had the journey of a lifetime -filled with secrets, valiance, betrayal, unconditional love- and lived to tell all about it. Exactly the kind of journey parents would like to share with their kid/s.

(10) The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

This is my all-time favorite children's fantasy. It has everything a child can conceive in a series –myths, Arthurian, old magic, time travel, and the Holy Grail. I have no qualms recommending this to any parent with middle-grade kids. The language alone employed by Cooper is a good foothold and unsoiled; it is very savory for any age. This is replete of life lessons –accountability, priorities, sacrifices, and conquering challenges- that parents can discuss in detail with their kids and exercise their problem-solving skills. We took turns reading chapters every night. Those were absolutely wonderful nights.

(11) Inkworld by Cornelia Funke (Translator: Anthea Bell)

This is also a very rich fantasy series, wherein book characters can come to life and real people are sucked into books. Familial love resonates throughout the series and it’s very compelling. My daughter was about ten-years-old when we started reading this series. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone younger because there are some graphic details of violence and disagreeable language. However, this series is an agreeable challenge for pre-teens. Some more delicate readers/parents might disagree with me though.

(12) A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (Illustrator: Brett Helquist)

These are the thirteen unpleasant tales of the unlucky Baudelaire orphans. Certainly, there is violence here, as there is a sinister villain vent on harming the kids and their protectors. However, Daniel Handler is a master story-teller and can blow over such events with good humor. And with his fine writing, he has a clever way of explaining words in context. This is altogether mysterious, adventurous, and grimly engaging. Parents might want to give their kids a taste of The Bad Beginning first, and then ask them how they feel about dark humor before introducing the next book.

(13) Secret Series by Pseudonymous Bosch (Illustrator: Gilbert Ford)

The key element to these books is the mystery. Parents with mystery-hungry kids will enjoy secret codes and anagrams. We love the family set-ups the author cleverly introduced here. It gives children an opportunity to learn and appreciate different family structures. And, if both parents and kids are [just] a bit curious about Synesthesia, they definitely need to meet Max-Ernest. Or, if in need of first-hand knowledge on survival skills, well then, Cass could be their next best friend. OR, if kids just need some silly reads to blow off some steam, this series is a clear choice.

(14) The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

This is such a fun, fun read. Talk about not-so-little geniuses on adventures. It is smart, mysterious, and adventurous. All the characters are amusingly odd and very engaging. Kids will love the puzzle-solving parts of the stories, including all the twists and turns. By the time we read this, our daughter is already twelve-years of age. So we read the books separately, and then greedily discussed them right after.

(15) His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

When our daughter asked us if she could read the series, we approved but with some apprehensions. We were preparing ourselves for probable questions about Christianity and the human soul, actually. After reading The Amber Glass, she broke into our room crying, accusing us of not warning her about the ending, which was bittersweet, if not heartbreaking. Not every book has an “and-they-lived-happily-ever-after” kind of ending. It involved some really tough lessons and my husband and I agreed that she’s ready enough to learn about them. Parents who want some level-up challenges for their pre-teens can definitely recommend this one. It is an engaging alternative world fantasy with gripping adventures and mystical elements that will allow kids’ imagination to soar high.

In our experience, shared reading is a good bonding motivation for parents and kids. It encourages discussion, allowing everyone to openly share their feelings and thoughts. Problems are easily resolved and secrets don’t hang back because kids are accustomed to discussing them with their parents. Reading with parents also builds their confidence. So next time you read with your kids, make sure it’s not just to lull them to sleep, take it as an opportunity to engage.

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OVER SEA, UNDER STONE by Susan Cooper

“But the grail may not leave this land,
but must wait the Pendragon,
till the day comes.”

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Book Review | THE FOREVER KING by Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy

Arthur Blessing is more than just a ten-year-old boy, for his mere name defines myth and magic. To keep the power, as ancient as time itself, is his by right. But forces beyond the grasp of humanity are after that same power. With Hal Woczniak as his guardian, Arthur must cross time and continent to stay alive- battling a mad sorcerer and his minions -long enough for him to reign once more.  If he ever chooses to…

Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy offered a new twist to the Pendragon legend, filled with actions and mysteries.  The setting interweaves between the present and ancient.  The characters were all interestingly presented and well-built in progression.  The story made me laugh, cry, and (most often) left me hanging at the edge of my seat. You wouldn’t want to put this down until you’re done. I never get tired of reading this over and over again. 

THE FOREVER KING series comes in three (3) books. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Book details:
Title: The Forever King
Author: Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy
Publication: July 1st, 1992 by Tom Doherty Associates (NY)
Genre: Fantasy, Arthurian, Mythology
Ratings: ★★★★★/ ♥

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Book Review | HERO AT THE FALL by Alwyn Hamilton

March 6th, 2018
 Viking Books for Young Readers

The breathless finale to the New York Times bestselling Rebel of the Sands series will have you on the edge of your seat until the dust from the final battle clears!

When gunslinging Amani Al'Hiza escaped her dead-end town, she never imagined she'd join a revolution, let alone lead one. But after the bloodthirsty Sultan of Miraji imprisoned the Rebel Prince Ahmed in the mythical city of Eremot, she doesn't have a choice. Armed with only her revolver, her wits, and her untameable Demdji powers, Amani must rally her skeleton crew of rebels for a rescue mission through the unforgiving desert to a place that, according to maps, doesn't exist. As she watches those she loves most lay their lives on the line against ghouls and enemy soldiers, Amani questions whether she can be the leader they need or if she is leading them all to their deaths.

I fall into a habit of reading sequels so far apart. The longest on record was eight years before I read the sequel. REBEL OF THE SANDS (Book #1) was one of the best books I read in April of last year. That’s why I was so happy that TFG’s genre for February was Fantasy, allowing me to finish the next two books in the trilogy in quick succession. (Yay, self!)

HERO AT THE FALL started where TRAITOR TO THE THRONE left off. Like the first two books, there is no downtime or slacking moments here, everything moved along fluidly. It’s my heart, actually, that needed keeping up. Highlights and action sequences were both given ample emphasis. I really admire how Amani and Jin’s relationship, incredible as it is, never overshadowed the storyline.

Since we are in the subject of relationship, I like how the characters meld together, while holding on to their identities and intended purpose. They were all developed nicely, good or bad, they were very convincing. Amani, indeed, came a long way – a rebellious young girl who wanted to escape out, into a fully-realized rebel fighting for the survival of her world.

And yes, heroes do fall along the way. I knew that I was really deep into the series, when I held onto every page of the book, fearing that the next page may be another goodbye for a character. Miss Hamilton is no fickle in killing off characters. Maybe, she’s related to GRRM? It made this series even more compelling because I held onto the notion that their death will not be for naught... that there will be a very rewarding ending. Overly dramatic? Of course, this series can turn any reader into one. We are speaking of Djinn and Demdji powers here.

And lastly, I am in awe of the worldbuilding. The seamless mapping of the place was so vivid. I never imagined falling for an imagined world, but I did fell for Miraji and its people. I even fell for Dustwalk, that remote town at the end of the desert. Did I mention Djinn and Demdji powers?

Stories. Some stories turn into legends. In some, details were impregnated as they were told along, down generations. But that is how stories endure. These stories will remain with me for a long time. Someday, I may have to reread them.

Congratulations, Alwyn Hamilton. Job well done.

*BTW, Is it just me? 'Cause I really want to see a graphic version of this series. I want to see all the characters in their various glorious colors.

Book details:

Title: Hero at the Fall
Author: Alwyn Hamilton
Publication: March 6th, 2018
                       Viking Books for Young Readers
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: ★★★★★

Rebel of the Sands series:
#1 Rebel of the Sands
#2 Traitor to the Throne
#3 Hero at the Fall

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Book Review | AUTUMN by Ali Smith

AUTUMN begins in a dream-like state. Daniel Gluck is dead. He supposed he is in heaven because he looks young again and naked. It is as if rebirth took place by the seashore and he is the only one who survived. The truth is, the time has finally caught up with Daniel. He is reliving some old memories, and escape is inevitable at this state.

Is there never any escaping the junkshop of the self?

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Demand is experiencing the hard reality of the bureaucratic world. Her passport application was rejected: “Your face is the wrong size… The correct size in the photograph submitted, the man says, is between 29 millimeters and 34 millimeters. Yours falls short by 5 millimeters.” Apparently, there are correct stipulations in life, measurements that we have to abide by, like sizes, dates, and time. Very unlike in death.

This is my first Ali Smith, and I find myself in a difficulty here, describing how her writing works, or how this book worked for me. To call her wonderful seems underrated. To pronounce her difficult, on the other hand, seems obtuse. And yet, I find her both wonderful and difficult.

I find her words fluid, yet I don’t know where it will lead me. They seem to make no sense until it gets me where it needs me to be, where it is profound and unblinking. Smith can move from poetic, to conversational, and matter-of-factly funny. At one point, the book tells about the Brexit and the chaos it brought to the English nation. Still, in a succession of recollections, it tells about life in its minute form. Autumn is the paradoxical view of death and birth, of letting go and seeding. It tells us that time is not really our enemy, but not exactly our friend either.

Autumn is the first book in the Seasonal Quartet, followed by Winter.

Book details:

Title:  Autumn

Author:  Ali Smith

Publications: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Pantheon, 07 Feb 2017

Genre: Literary Fiction / Women's Fiction

Rating: ★★★★

*Thank you, Pantheon and Netgalley for the review copy.

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Book Review | SELECT by Marit Weisenberg

October 3, 2017
Charlesbridge Teen

“It had always been a fact of life that we were biologically different—better—and that it had to be kept secret.”  

Seventeen-year-old Julia Jaynes has the perfect life. She’s beautiful, freakishly athletic, and extremely smart. That’s because she comes from a race of highly-evolved humans living in the heart of Austin, Texas.  

In order to protect their anonymity and preserve their elite society, Julia’s powerful father forces her to suppress her abilities. When she accidentally demonstrates her super human prowess in public, she’s banished to the one place meant to make her feel inferior: public high school. Thrust into the confusion and humiliation of a normal high school, Julia is just trying to keep her head down when John Ford strolls into her life. (Read complete synopsis here.)

This book basically has that Star-Crossed-Lovers trope. Julia Jaynes was born to a billionaire family with genetically superior genes than common humans. For decades, her kind is hiding in plain sight among the populace. And despite their great fortune and efforts, they are close to extinction. Meanwhile, John Ford is your average senior high school guy struggling to get into college through a scholarship.

The book synopsis said it all. Readers don’t have to look very far and grasp that this book has all the trending YA elements:  (1) a certain group of people with inhuman abilities, (2) they need to keep their identity a secret, (3) intermingling is a big no, (4) angsty teenagers, (5) stunning beauty, and (6) a love triangle. If you are into all of that, then, this book is for you. However, I am looking for something… more. I was looking for something outstanding in the story that may trump those previous YA books. Something absolutely exciting or may shock the senses, that will remain with the reader for a long period of time.

Now, I am not saying that there is nothing great about this book. The story is really well-paced. I read the whole book for only a few hours without any backtracking. The general plot is very interesting. Julia came from a group of people who experienced genocide. Their number is small and nearing extinction. Now, that’s a huge topic to explore, given with all the issues in the world today. I was actually hoping the story to explore more of this perspective, rather than the love pursuits of the characters.  And speaking of characters, I like them. They need more depth, not just their life grievances. But yes, I do like them.

Overall, this is okay. It has plenty of potentials and hopefully, Ms. Weisenberg explores them all.

Book detail:

Title:  Select

Author:  Marit Weisenberg

Publication:  October 3rd, 2017 by Charlesbridge Teen

Genre:  YA Fiction

Rating: ★★★

Book #2: Select Few

*Thanks to Charlesbridge Teen and Netgalley for the copy.

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Book Review | THE AWAKENING by Amanda Stevens

     

March 28th, 2017, Mira

My name is Amelia Gray, and I'm a cemetery restorer who lives with the dead. An anonymous donor has hired me to restore Woodbine Cemetery, a place where the rich and powerful bury their secrets. Forty years ago, a child disappeared without a trace and now her ghost has awakened, demanding that I find out the truth about her death. Only I know that she was murdered. Only I can bring her killer to justice. But the clues that I follow—a haunting melody and an unnamed baby's grave—lead me to a series of disturbing suspects. 

I have been a fan of this series ever since I requested for the 1^st book via NetGalley. I highly recommend that you pick a copy now if you haven’t already. The Restorer completely hooked me and left me in agony for the next book, then the next, and then, the next.  Amelia Gray, the protagonist, was a huge curiosity for me.  I never imagined a cemetery restorer was an actual career until I met her. I’ve watched her evolve from book to book. Having her powers never excused her from being vulnerable, but her resilience is palpable and very admirable. And I have always rooted for her.

Ms. Amanda created a vivid atmosphere for this series. She captured Charleston for the readers and projected it into something we could actually breathe in and consume. Every book contains an escalating plot that would eventually boil into an eerie, yet satisfying read.

Again, THE AWAKENING is no exception. Amelia knew from the beginning that restoring Woodbine Cemetery would mean uncovering a secret. It may be a secret far darker from anything she had encountered before. And being in proximity with John Devlin and the Conge will not make anything easier for her. Death may even be inevitable this time.

Shush… lest she awakens…

Saying goodbye to this series is like saying goodbye to an old friend. Of course, mine is a mixed feeling of both happiness and sadness. I am still reeling from the ending, but I couldn’t see a more fulfilling way to end it. Years from now, I would look back and be reminded that The Graveyard Queen was the series that kept me from sleeping, made me stare at my window more than I should, check my walls and ceiling, and literally duck under the covers in hunt of that elusive sleep.

Congratulations, Ms. Amanda!

Book details:

Title:  The Awakening

Series:  The Graveyard Queen #6

Author:  Amanda Stevens

Publication:  March 28th, 2017 by Mira

Genre:  Fiction / Paranormal

Rating: ★★★★★

*Graveyard Queen Series:

• The Abandoned
• The Restorer
• The Kingdom
• The Prophet
• The Visitor
• The Sinner

*Egalley was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for this honest review. 

This review contains a quote from an uncorrected copy.

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Book Review | DAWN STUDY by Maria V. Snyder

January 31, 2017

MIRA

DAWN STUDY is the much-awaited conclusion of the Study Series by Maria V. Snyder. Although I am very sad to say goodbye to this series and its characters, I can’t help feeling contented on how everything came together in the end.

Sitia and Ixia are still on the verge of war. In spite of Yelena’s magicless status, she and her enigmatic husband, with their motley crew, must find a way to defeat the rogue magicians, overturn the Cartel, and free the Commander from the influence of Owen Moon. On top of that, they are desperate to keep their family together by avoiding assassins and bring their child safely into the world.

I just love reading how our power couple, Valek and Yelena, grew equally dependent on each other’s guidance, yet remains to be independent powerful individuals. The turn of tides -Yelena being magicless, while Valek just gained his- brought forth more of themselves and marveled at those revelations. They both remain strong and trusting despite the odds and challenges in every turn. I like how Ms. Snyder inserted certain qualities that working couples should learn and keep. That’s one of the interesting elements in this series, there’s always a lesson here.

I will also (of course) miss the rest of the gang. This series introduced a number of characters, every one of them are truly unique and fun. They dragged us through different adventures with their quips and cranks that drove us crazy but kept us asking for more. I definitely will not forget about them. 

Thank you, Ms. Snyder, for this wonderful series.

And needless to say, I  do recommend this series. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Book details:

Title:  Dawn Study
Series:  Study Series #6
Author:  Maria V. Snyder
Publication:  January 31, 2017; by MIRA
Genre:  Fiction, Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★

*Study Series
#1 Poison Study
#2 Magic Study
#3 Fire Study
#4 Shadow Study
#5 Night Study
#6 Dawn Study

*Thank you, Mira, for the galley.

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