Title: An Ember in the Ashes Author: Sabaa Tahir Published by: April 28, 2015 Publication date: Razorbill Pages: 453 Genres: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Romance Summary from Goodreads: Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear. It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do. But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy. There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself. “This life is not always what we think it will be,” Cain says. “You are an ember in the ashes, Elias Veturius. You will spark and burn, ravage and destroy. You cannot change it. You cannot stop it.” “You are full, Laia. Full of life and dark and strength and spirit. You are in our dreams. You will burn, for you are an ember in the ashes. That is your destiny.” I was really looking forward to this book, and I wasn’t disappointed (much). It’s been on my reading list since the beginning of the year after it was already getting media buzz. Paramount has also already bought the movie rights. So, I wanted to discover what the hubbub was all about. An Ember in the Ashes is gripping while being surprisingly slow-paced. I guess there hasn’t been word of a sequel to the book yet. If it’s a stand-alone, readers will be sorely disappointed. If it becomes a series, Ember… is one thrilling launching pad to the story. It was one of those books I couldn’t put down. I stayed up way to late to finish it. I have few complaints, except for a complicated love quadrangle? I get tired just thinking about it… The Martial Empire is a dark place—threat of death, rape, and severe beatings are real, which makes the story that more urgent and compelling. When Laia is sneaking around Blackcliff Military Academy, I was continually gripped with horror at the consequences if she is caught. Neither of our main characters walk away unscathed. I liked both characters, but I particularly enjoyed Laia’s development. She comes into herself towards the end of the book, gaining confidence and control over her desires. They’re from different social worlds, but Elias and Laia both long for their freedom. Elias wants to escape his future of dealing death and swearing fealty to an unjust Empire. Laia wants freedom for her imprisoned brother. Their journeys are wrought with difficulties and they will be tested to their breaking points, but through each other they might find deliverance. Would I let my teen read this book? Some of the themes of this book reminded me of Hunger Games—war and rebellion and fighting to the death. Martial Empire is worse than the Capital though. Children are beaten in the military academy, and the Masks (who graduate from the academy) are expected to rape and kill without remorse. Though you feel this threat, especially for the women of this story, there is no graphic sexual violence. The Commandant is a cold, frightening character that dishes much of the abuse. She’s ruthless, tyrant of the academy. There are some sexual references, but no sex scenes. There are two kissing scenes with some mention of longing, but are relatively short. The soldiers especially talk about sleeping with women and whores. And several times Elias thinks about his love interests without clothing and in intimate embraces. Magic also has a part in this story, which plays out as devilry and is associated with dark figures. An Ember in the Ashes is a more mature young adult book. I’d save this one until high school, at least. I wouldn’t recommend it for kids younger than 14. Age recommendation: 16 Language— No common swearing Drugs & Alcohol-- References to getting drunk Sex--2 kissing scenes; Women slaves are treated as property to be used; Whore is regularly mentioned, along with references to the brothel; References to the soldiers having multiple sexual affairs. Laia is threatened with rape twice Violence--Sword and hand-to-hand combat; Character’s are stabbed in battle; Throats are slit; A ten-year-old boy is whipped to death for deserting; Commandant physically maims slaves as punishments; Laia is nearly beaten to death My Goodreads rating: 4 out of 5 stars Buy: An Ember in the Ashes on Amazon.com
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Author: Marie Rutkoski Books: The Winner’s Curse The Winner’s Crime The Winner’s Kiss (Expected Pub: 2016) Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Genres: Fantasy, Romance Kestrel is the daughter of the general of the Valorian army, who serves the Emperor. She has two choices when she comes of age: marry or enlist. Her father wants nothing more than for her to serve Emperor and country when she turns 20, following in his footsteps. However, Kestrel (unlike many Young Adult heroines) is not a fighter. She’s easily physically outmatched, but she’s a strategically fierce competitor. This battle of minds and her love for music and ability to see truth serves her well, and is what draws Arin to her. Arin is Herrani. The Herrani were defeated by the Valorians some years ago and now serve the Valorian society as slaves. For reasons she can’t decipher at the time, Kestrel purchases Arin at a slave auction. Arin isn’t a very “good” slave. He’s defiant and a risk-taker. He’s a slave with strategies and secrets of his own. The first book of the Winner’s Trilogy–The Winner’s Curse—is mostly romance. Kestrel and Arin’s relationship seems doomed from the beginning. How could it be anything other than secret? I appreciate the nature of their relationship. Though there’s an immediate attraction, the relationship is slowly won, as stereotypes and prejudices are broken down. As the story unfolds and Arin’s secrets are revealed, their relationship becomes even more complicated. Both must choose between freedom and family, patriotism and love. One thing I didn’t like about Winner’s Curse is there’s not a bigger picture of the war-torn world Kestrel and Arin live in. We know that the Valorians rule and the Herrani have never been a threat to that new rule. That’s why the cliffhanger at the end of the book is an important progression in the story—an introduction to the new setting and antagonist of the next book, The Winner’s Crime. The Winner’s Crime is not like its predecessor—it’s better. It’s much less romance and almost completely suspense and intrigue. The world and war broadens into new territories, and nothing is easy for Kestrel or Arin. It’s almost impossible to see a “happily-ever-after” for them. Between looming threats, secret identities, miscommunication, and their own pride, these two can’t catch a break. And although there is less romance, there is still a lot of angst and wondering if these two will ever get a moment, let alone a lifetime together. I don’t want to say any more as to not give anything away, but the ending to Winner’s Crime makes me so sad to wait another year for the conclusion!! Would I let my teen read this series? The Winner’s Trilogy is great Young Adult fantasy. It’s well written with a unique story, has a strong, smart protagonist, and it’s mostly clean. I definitely recommend this series for your teen. Age recommendation: 14 Sex – Several kisses Violence – Some sword and knife fighting and deaths; mention of beatings and a slave being punished by getting ears and nose cut off. My Goodreads rating: 4 out of 5 stars Buy: A Winner's Curse on Amazon.com Title: Talon Author: Julie Kagawa Published by: October 8, 2014 Publication date: Harlequin Teen Pages: 464 Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance Summary from Goodreads: Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser. Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George. Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons. I have to say that nothing is more disappointing than having exciting prospects (dragons! star-crossed love! historic rivalry!) dashed by cliché and boring storytelling. Julie Kagawa has a series called The Iron Fey, which I read a few years ago and enjoyed. I was hopeful for this book. However, within the first few chapters I started to wonder–maybe it’s just a start-up problem? You know how sometimes you read a book and the beginning is really rocky? Like, an author had a good premise for a book, but he struggled to set the groundwork in order to get to the actual story? This was not the case with Talon. The protagonists felt cliché, the history of dragonkind and the St. George rivalry seemed unimagined, and the love triangle was not very compelling. Ember is a beautiful, fiery redhead with a personality to match. In typical teen form, she wants to shed her responsibilities to embrace her freedom. Understandably, for she’s been living in isolation most of her life for her own protection. During her summer of freedom, she meets a bad boy on a motorcycle (Riley) who her dragon has an instant primal attraction. He will explain why Talon is not to be trusted (but you’ll have to get through 80 percent of the book first!) Ember meets Garret when she’s attacked and almost sexually assaulted by a frat boy. He takes this opportunity to infiltrate her life, rescuing her from chauvinistic frat boy. Ember has to be rescued by a boy, even though she’s a fierce dragon, because she can’t risk exposing herself while biting into the jerks throat. As Ember and Garret spend more time together, they fall for each other, despite being mortal enemies (though they don’t know they’re mortal enemies). Much of the book is spent developing Ember and Garret’s budding relationship (with a few dragoncentric Riley scenes to shake things up). Between Ember’s restlessness and Garret’s solemnness, there are long monologues about understanding their new feelings for the other. I wanted to know much more about Talon and St. George. Overall, I was a little bored. I picked up Talon because I knew the second book, Rogue, was publishing at the end of this month. Maybe we’re in for more history and excitement in the next installment. I haven’t decided if I’ll read it. Would I let my teen read this book? The content is mature enough that it’s firmly in the high school- age department. Despite that, there’s nothing to recommend against it, except that it might not be your kind of story. Your teen might like it better than I did! Age recommendation: 14 Language – moderate, 1 F-word Drugs and Alcohol – underage drinking Sex – Kissing; characters’ sexuality is ignited (meaning – lead couple is experiencing sexual attraction for the first time with lines like “I feel it low in my belly and pull her closer…” Violence – there are military scenes and battles with guns and explosions, but nothing described in gory detail; dragons like to talk about ripping people’s heads off My Goodreads rating: 2 out of 5 stars Buy: Talon on Amazon.com
Title: A Darker Shade of Magic
Author: V.E. Schwab Published by: Tor Books Publication date: February 24, 2015 Pages: 400 Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Magic Summary from Goodreads: Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit. Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now. Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'. But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.
V.E. Schwab takes 1819 London and transforms it to a dark, magical place. Blood grants access to power. Kell must cut himself, and his blood acts as the catalyst to let him create a door to another universe (and to create other spells). While some have managed to live peacefully in balance with magic, others bind it tightly for ultimate control. The Antari are a rare breed of magician–one fully black eye marks them as magicians powerful enough to travel between alternate universes. Kell is one of two Antari known to the world of magic.
Kell is a conflicted protagonist. He likes to follow the rules and understands the risk of magic–the ease of loosing control. Yet, he’s compelled to risk himself for trading magical objects for trifles like music boxes and maps, even though it’s illegal. He also belongs to the royal family of Red London, and though he feels loved by his adopted brother, the prince regent, Rhys, he can’t help but feel owned. Brought to the royal family at a young age for his rare power, he has no memory of his life before the palace. Despite these doubts, and the danger that befalls him, he’s determined to set things right—and save his world even if he has to sacrifice himself. Lila is from Grey London—a London that has forgotten magic. Lila is a thief, knows how to defend herself, and is fiercely determined to have an adventure. When her path crosses Kell’s, she leaps at the opportunity to accompany him on his world-saving mission. Kell is reluctant for her companionship, but Lila proves her worth and might have some magic in her blood after all. I was intrigued by V.E. Schwab’s worlds. She created multiple compelling universes and multidimensional characters in Kell and Lila. And some characters that are so horrible you love to hate them. Magic, itself, was a terribly frightening being. Sidenote: Dear V. E. Schwab, I don’t know if you’re going to pursue a romantic relationship between Kell and Lila (I approve. I think they learn from each other and compliment one another), but please please please don’t make it a triangle with Rhys too. I couldn’t tell if that was a hint at the end or not, but if you want to generally please me, which I think you should, just don’t. This is the first book in a series. I was glad to get a conclusion to the story, and I’m excited to see what adventures Schwab will take these characters on in the next book. We do find out that there aren’t just alternate Londons, Kell’s duty only includes London; so there’s a whole world of alternates to explore! Would I let my teen read this book? A Darker Shade of Magic is a dark fantasy. The characters are adults, which makes me wonder what categorizes this as a young adult novel. There was some confusion about this even on the book’s Goodreads page. I don’t think it belongs in the YA category, even though it might be marketed that way. Content-wise, there are many dark themes, violence, some language, attempted sexual abuse, and a disturbing sexual scene. I would not recommend this book for young teens.
Update 4/16/15:
Age recommendation: 17
Language – generally mild, but two f-words Drugs and Alcohol – casual drinking in taverns Sex – A few friendly kisses; references to characters having many sexual partners (male and female); a sex scene where dark magic is transferred between two people in a brothel. Violence – Blood drawn multiple times for spells; multiple people stabbed and throats slit; Lila is groped and assaulted, then kills the man; boy gets whipped by tyrants in White London. My Goodreads rating: 4 out of 5 stars Buy: A Darker Shade of Magic on Amazon.com |
Lindsey Learn
I read a lot. I'm a Mom. I'm officially in my 30s, but strangers often don't believe I'm old enough to drink. I love Young Adult fiction, and thought it was worthwhile to help teens and adults find age-appropriate options. Categories
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