fantasy – Page 53 – Down the Rabbit Hole

Review: Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier

June 22, 2015June 24, 2015 Andge @ Down the Rabbit Hole

Series: Silver #1

Mysterious doors with lizard-head knobs. Talking stone statues. A crazy girl with a hatchet. Yes, Liv’s dreams have been pretty weird lately. Especially the one where she’s in a graveyard at night, watching four boys conduct dark magic rituals.

The strangest part is that Liv recognizes the boys in her dream. They’re classmates from her new school in London, the school where she’s starting over because her mom has moved them to a new country (again).

But what’s really scaring Liv is that the dream boys seem to know things about her in real life, things they couldn’t possibly know–unless they actually are in her dreams?

Luckily, Liv never could resist a good mystery, and all four of those boys are pretty cute….

4 Drink Me Potions

This sounds so trippy, was my very first thought upon seeing this book in the bookstore.

Weird lizard doorknobs? Talking statues? A girl with a machete? All found in crazy dreams that our protagonist Liv gets at night? Uh, heck yeah. This is totally trippy-sounding.

Knowing me and my love for Alice in Wonderland, Dream a Little Dream certainly seemed to remind me of Lewis Carroll’s level of eccentricity in storywriting. So I absolutely couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book.

Ok. Now I have to say, it wasn’t as crazy and eccentric as the premise may make it sound. That’s not to say that it wasn’t still very fascinating in so many facets. I will admit, this is my very first translated book. Most YA novels are just…well, written in English originally. However, I think this is not some story that gets lost in translation. It’s downright amazing. How so, you may ask? Friend, let me tell you.

The setting and culture
Yes, I think some people may start seeing a trend in which I absolutely ADORE stories set in London, whether historical or present day. There’s just something so fascinating with the Brits and their city. With the book beginning off with Liv and her sister and their au pair (I had to look up what this was…) leaving to move to London, I was more than excited from the start. And once they were there, the setting was just so beautifully described. I totally wanted to hop onto the next plane set for this destination. London just seemed to make this fantasy story really pop and come alive.

But – I think a lot of this excitement comes from loving the protagonist.

The characters
I shall start off with Liv. She makes for a wonderful character. She’s adventurous, curious when a mystery seems to be afoot, and sometimes even a little reckless when it comes to solving whatever has been hidden from her. I read a review where someone said that Gier writes with a voice that truly sounds like a teenager. And this statement is very true. Liv doesn’t come across as some mature little young person. She really does sound like a teenager trying to find her place in the world, while still enjoying the wonders of the world that seem more prevalent in teens.

And I love Liv’s relationship with the various secondary characters. From her younger sister Mia (who sounds more mature than Liv sometimes…), to her newfound almost-step family and even the not-always-the-nicest friend she made at school. They all fit into the story in their own place while enhancing the suspense as the big mysterious aspect of the story builds.

The “mystery”/plot twisters
There were a few rather interesting things that aren’t necessarily solved in this first novel in the series. Firstly, there’s some mysterious character named Secrecy who literally knows everyone’s secrets. It’s kinda scary how fast this person figures things out. And so far, this person’s identity remains a, well, secret. But, exciting, isn’t it? Especially when the answer doesn’t seem to be obvious to the reader.

The other thing was the ending that involved the central theme of the plot: the 4 boys who seem to have gotten themselves into rather dark dream magic. It was definitely an intriguing concept, being able to dream with someone else. Having a dream door that fits each individual’s personality? Man, makes me wonder what my dream door would look like. Being able to go into one’s dreams and live through that with them? Freaky and personal. Totally impinges on privacy rights – which makes it all the more cooler.

Anyway, I guess I’m saying that Dream a Little Dream definitely had its surprises when it came to the mysterious 4 boys. Plus, it didn’t hurt that all 4 of them were rather cute….and individually unique.

You’ve got Henry, who I still can’t make head or tails about. He’s so mysterious. Sometimes I wonder if we really know him yet. He’s definitely hiding something.
Then there’s Grayson, the sweet almost-stepbrother of Liv’s. He was introduced rather early on and I initially thought he’d be the one Liv falls for. Of course, I totally dig the big brother role he’s stepped into (and I think I’ve taken the little sis role heavily ’cause I DETEST his girlfriend).
Jasper’s…sweet, but not the brightest bulb in…well the world. He carries some innocence to his character, in the sense that the dark stuff they’re doing doesn’t tarnish who he is.
And finally, there’s Arthur. The golden boy and “best looking” of the four. I am still figuring him out.

That leaves me to just comment on one final thing.

Er, the romance
Don’t get me wrong. As you can see, I do love the boys. AND there was no love triangle! Hoorah! That’s like +10 points in my books already. I just…I love the one Liv picked but sometimes the chemistry didn’t feel quite right. Like, I’m not really sure how the guy suddenly fell for her. I understand Liv’s reaction more, but his attraction to her puzzles me. I hope it lasts through the sequel, but I really need closure on this or else I may just wish she ends up with her almost-step brother.

Anyway, this may not be as Alice in Wonderland-esque as I had wanted it to be, but it amazed me in so many other ways beyond what comparisons I initially may have drawn. Dream a Little Dream may be the only translated book I’ve read so far, but as biased as that may be, I think it’s probably the best I’ll find. Definitely worth the read. I cannot wait for book 2 – which is published but needs to be translated! Urgh! Impatience abounds.

Overall Recommendation:
Dream a Little Dream is a beautiful title for a beautiful fantastical story on dreams and mysterious magic. Set in the gorgeous city of London, we follow the amazing Liv as she finds herself in a new school and new possible stepfamily and – oh uh – falls into a mess that she cannot help but be curious about. Getting dragged into the world of shared dreams with four of the hottest guys at school, I must say, this book has it all. A definite must-read. Too bad it has to be published in German and then translated. I’m biting my nails in anxious impatience already! Gier is one story writer that you’ve got to try.

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

June 5, 2015 Andge @ Down the Rabbit Hole

Series: The Lunar Chronicles #2

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison–even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

4 Drink Me Potions

Scarlet was not a disappointment after the high bar its predecessor, Cinder, set.

Even though the story follows Scarlet Benoit, there are still quite a number of chapters dedicated to Cinder and her predicament after the events of the previous novel. I truly appreciated that as I absolutely ADORE Cinder. That, however, also gives less time for us as readers to follow along with Scarlet and Wolf’s adventures as the book is split between all their different POVs.

First, I’d like to mention that the introduction of Cadet – I mean Captain Thorne was my favourite part. He is an amazing character, fun and laughable to offset the seriousness of Cinder’s attitude. They make a great pair. Friendship goals! No competition for Kai, no worries, but they are probably the best platonic relationship between a male and female I’ve seen in a long time.

Scarlet I couldn’t relate to as much as I did with Cinder. Maybe it was partly due to a diverted focus from just her as we swing back and forth between Cinder and Scarlet’s situations. But I just think that she’s a little too hot-tempered for me. Like, we’re first introduced to her and she’s seen pelting tomatoes at a wall behind the restaurant at which she’s supposed to DELIVER those same tomatoes. I dunno. Red temper for a redhead?

I DID enjoy the mysterious Wolf. I wasn’t sure what exactly he was. Wolf? Man? Both? And I definitely was wondering how he would fit into the overall plot that concerns Queen Levana and her goals for Earth. Let’s just say, I was pleasantly surprised to see how seamlessly Marissa Meyer was able to combine two fairy tale stories together with this dystopian world and its problems. Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

Having Scarlet and Cinder’s lives collide was also done so well, especially in the midst of the battle scenes that were more prevalent in this novel. That was probably the part in the story that I kept waiting for. I am fully anticipating how their stories are going to mesh with Rapunzel’s next. Onto Cress!

The only thing about this book that I might complain a little bit about is that it personally didn’t push me to keep on reading as much as Cinder did. That’s not to say that it wasn’t a fast read or wasn’t enjoyable. It just didn’t…excite me as much. It could also be because of my love for Cinder was so much greater. The unfairness of her situation and her personality just made it so hard to not love her and want the best for her.

I could say a whole lot more for this review, but I think it’s come to that point where I have such high expectations for Meyer that it’s rather normal for everyone to hear how amazing this novel was. Whether as a part of the larger series or as a stand-alone novel, Scarlet pieces together more of the crazy adventures that await our fairy tale characters, as well as keeps the excitement and originality at a high level. She’s just one amazing author that writes beautiful stories. Enough said.

Overall Recommendation:
Scarlet was exactly as how I’d imagined it. Another great fairy tale story, this time centred on Little Red Riding Hood, with fun and realistic characters set in a creatively crafted dystopian world. I don’t know how Meyer does it. She takes these age-old people and spins them into something new and exciting, while staying true to certain essentials of the fairy tales. A definite must read! The suspense is ratcheting up.

Review: Ice Kissed by Amanda Hocking

June 2, 2015 Andge @ Down the Rabbit Hole

Series: Kanin Chronicles #2

In the majestic halls of a crystal palace lies a secret that could destroy an entire kingdom…

Bryn Aven refuses to give up on her dream of serving the kingdom she loves. It’s a dream that brings her to a whole new realm…and the glittering palace of the Skojare.

The Skojare people need protection from the same brutal enemy that’s been threatening the Kanin, and Bryn is there to help. Being half Skojare herself, it’s also a chance for her to learn more about her lost heritage. Her boss, Ridley Dresden, is overseeing her mission, but as their undeniable attraction heats up, their relationship is about to reach a whole new level—one neither of them is prepared for.

As they delve deeper into the Skojare world, they begin to unravel a long-hidden secret. The dark truth about her own beloved Kanin kingdom is about to come to light, and it will change her place in it forever…and threaten everyone she loves.

4 Drink Me Potions

Following the aftermath of events in Frostfire, Amanda Hocking didn’t disappoint me with any middle book syndrome. I found Ice Kissed rather compelling and intriguing.

As I mentioned when I reviewed Frostfire, the whole premise of this strange, almost fantastical world set WITHIN our every day world is very unique. It definitely intrigues me more than say, if this was a whole new and separate world of its own. This second installment didn’t go out into the human world but the land of the Skojare tribe (of trolls) was nicely explored.

With the Skojare Queen still missing, Bryn feels like she failed at her duties and mission to bring her back. Many questions were thrown about. What happened to her? If they found her, was she a part of whatever weird conspiracy that was going on with the Kanin tribe’s most wanted criminals? I loved that there were always things to wonder about, never quite making the story boring even when the pacing wasn’t terrible fast or anything.

I was scared that there was going to be some horrid love triangle in this series, but I’m happy to say that I may have read the implications wrong. Ridley is still his amazing self, and as their relationship gets more complicated after crossing that line past friendship in the previous novel, Bryn can’t seem to hide even to herself just what he means to her. Although I like that their growing attraction is developing, I’m very pleased that it wasn’t the centre of the story. Trying to figure out what is going on with the Skojare and how it may relate to the Kanin’s current problems was definitely the highlight, and it made the whole story more enjoyable.

My one complaint would be that I wished the story was a little longer, or at least held some more substance. There are questions, but there are few answers given. The Kanin are preparing for war, and Bryn has no idea who she can trust anymore. Maybe the bad guy Konstantin Black isn’t all that bad after all. Everyone’s motives are so hard to predict. It’s awesome – and frustrating at the same time. I’ll be impatiently waiting to figure out the answers in Crystal Kingdom when it comes out.

Overall Recommendation:
Following Frostfire, this second installment, Ice Kissed was pleasantly enjoyable while still carrying on some of the intrigue from the previous book. Ideas of conspiracies are afloat and Bryn isn’t sure who she should trust. All the while, the steady but complicated relationship with her boss Ridley is ever present. Their growing attraction has to be dealt with, and it is the only promise for something good in a future that only seems to hold bleak events. War is looming and Bryn has no idea who her allies are. With a great set up for the final conclusion, Ice Kissed was entertaining in itself as a novel, but definitely added to the greater picture.