Review: It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist
My rating: 3.5 of 5 genies
Published: April 9, 2013
Series: It Happened at the Fair #1
Genre: Historical, Christian Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Howard Books
Source: Purchased
Pages: 418
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: Amazon.com or The Book Depository

Goodreads Summary

A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.


The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading It Happened At the Fair, but it isn't my best book by this author. Deeanne Gist gave me A Bride Most Begrudging, Maid to Match and A Bride in the Bargain, all of which are Historical Christian Fiction guilty pleasures of mine. I love her books because Gist knows how to write Christian romance provocatively without losing that faith aspect. At the Fair leaves me conflicted because it didn't hold as strong a faith value as her previous works.

Both Cullen and Della pray, Della even sings "Jesus Loves Me" when she gets nervous in confined spaces, but I couldn't connect with their brief instances of faith. I could not help thinking that they held a faith similar to that of many Americans at the time, people who didn't mind enslaving others and doing away with the rights of said people. They worried about propriety like any other individuals living then, but there was no sense of God really being there, and not much besides good character set them apart.

More things were overt and focussed on, like the Fair and it's beauty. Gist did a remarkable job bringing this piece of time to life and wrote splendidly of what the World's Fair had once been like. The exhibits, bustle and sights were exploding out of the pages. Still, Cullen and Della might as well have been figures in a Historical setting. It was a Historical novel by a well known Christian author, the book itself not necessarily being Christian.

That aside, I liked At the Fair. It was funny and smart, a novel to happily pass the time with. I wasn't a fan of the main conflict in the story, Cullen is engaged to marry a childhood sweetheart when he encounters Della at the fair. He had left the farm to sell his automatic sprinklers, striking out, but with his hearing slowly receding it doesn't take long before the suggestion is given that Cullen take lip-reading classes. Della is a teacher at the School for Deaf Children and the person Cullen beseeches to teach him lip-reading. They've met before, he having saved her life before, but it takes some convincing, Cullen agreeing to act as tour guide for Della, before she agrees to the lessons. There is chemistry between the two, but with Cullen keeping his distance due to his engagement, their affection wasn't as open as that of most couples. It was more like mutual attraction, and a very nice shirtless scene, before Della fall in love and then Cullen.

There is the matter of Wanda, Cullen's betrothed, but a confrontation eventually leads to a satisfying end. At first it was odd seeing Cullen go from displaying limited affection to full-blown gestures, kisses and all. In retrospect I do think this showed the extent to which he withheld himself out of respect for both Wanda and Della. He is an upstanding man with great character and a mind for innovation. There is opposition and a lot that he has to overcome, but Cullen handles it excellently. The way he doesn't engage with instigators like Bulenberg made me respect him.

Della didn't feel as real to me as Cullen, her real name is Adelaide and I spent some time figuring out where "Della" came from, but she is not a bad character. I think she could have been developed more, but by far not a bad job on Gist's part.

The story was good and complete with an interesting look into the spectacular World's Fair that made this a unique book for me. Still, it was more Historical fiction than anything else and I would have liked stronger characters with greater faith value.

3.5/5 genies: It Happened at the Fair is a great Historical look at the World's Fair, captured beautifully by a talented author. 

Stacking The Shelves (11): April 2013 Splurge

**"Stacking the Shelves" is run by Tynga @ Tynga's Book Reviews and I'm linking up with some of the great books I found this week.**

Hello my Loves!!

It has been a WHILE, and I have missed you all :D I come with good news. I am a free woman, exams finished yesterday, and I am so excited to be done second year! Thank-you for bearing with me, I know it was inconvenient, the many hiatuses, but things should be relatively easier as the more stressful courses are out of the way. As promised, this post is also a massive haul of all my bookish expenditures over the last month. I ended up getting a lot, mainly because Amazon had such great deals on kindle books and I couldn't resist stocking Tookie up. Also, I stress shop. *hangs head in shame* What do you think of the splurge?

The Physical 

(Notice how Dante insists on being first up? That boy just has to always be the centre of attention!)

I got this mid-April, so yes, Dante Walker now resides on my shelf! He makes it look so good. Seriously though, I think the boy is getting to me.

How lovely are these novels, I can hardly wait to read them! I'm excited to be getting back into Christian Historical fiction - one of my all time favourite genres - and these titles look oh so promising. 

You know when you have the urge to buy a book, that little crave that just won't quit? That is exactly how I felt about Article 5! I lusted after it for MONTHS until I just couldn't take it anymore. I went ahead and just bought the book. Honestly I'm happy I did, I can't wait to read it, and it looks so fabulous among the other books in my cages :) Also, Pivot Point promises to be a great read, I'm loving the positive vibe I'm getting from other readers!

Did I mention just how GORGEOUS the historical Christian fiction covers are?? Seriously, I think the publishers have appropriately stepped up their game. The books are stunning and lovely, I can hardly wait to read them! Especially these two, I'm a Gist fan for life, and Mitchell has me really enthralled with her newest release. 

So confession time: I caved. I couldn't help myself! I finally got myself a copy of If I Stay. This book is like the golden grail of Contemporary YA fiction and I felt a bit like I was missing out by not reading it, an issue I will endeavour to remedy ASAP. Like Anna and the French Kiss, it was a great deal. In fact, all three books are in fabulous condition, and I got them second-hand! They made me really pleased.

More Christian fiction, I told you I was getting back into it! The newest one by Tyndall looks promising, this author is so great at writing pirate/nautical-type fiction with just the right amount of romance. All I could think when I saw this was GIVE. ME. Lol, I also got me some Lori Wick, because the woman - although responsible for breaking my heart by not writing more - has a history of penning such resonating and powerful fiction. I've read Sean Donovan before, but I needed a copy on my shelf. 

Gorgeous books, I want to read The Fairest Beauty because of its fairy-tale factor. Snow White is far from being my favourite Disney Princess, but the story is prime for retellings and such. I've never seen it done Christian-style, but this looks good! Also, Colleen Coble: I see your gorgeous book cover AND premise, hoping it doesn't disappoint! 

The eBooks

Betrayed by Ednah Walters 

Existence by Abbi Glines 

Dark Seraphine by KaSonndra Leigh

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

That Boy by Jillian Dodd

Awakened by Ednah Walters 

 If You Stay by Courtney Cole 

A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles 

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy 

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski 

VAIN by Fisher Amelie 

The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken

Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris 

Everblue by Brenda Pandos 

For Review

The Mackenzie Legacy by Derrolyn Anderson

I start reading this book in a few days!! Because the first book was as good as it was, I want to see what happens in this sequel :) If you haven't entered already, be sure to drop by my Giveaway for both books in the series. Don't forget to enter!!

Right. So that is the haul! I think I might have stress-shopped a bit, but having the books helped me get through the exams quicker. I kept imagining reading them as soon as the papers were done :P Now I can't wait to start! I love all my books and adore my subscribers as well. What did you guys think of the books purchased this month? Have you read any of the books listed? I'd love to hear your opinions on them!

I'm looking to post a few more round-ups if possible, mostly of cover reveals and April new releases. I'll keep you posted!

Until then, you know I love you lots, take care!

XX 

Review (The Skinny) : Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 2.5 of 5 genies
Genre: Inspirational/Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance
Published: October 1, 2010
Pages: 366
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.
When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.
When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?

The Skinny

It is alarming how well I can see through this plot! I loved the last book I read by Karen, To Win Her Heart, but this one is oodles too long and equally predictable. The beginning half had me - it was funny - and I liked Gideon and Addie, but a quick sweep through some pages tells me that their romance dissolves into the typical Man-Woman corniness I quite dislike. Also with so little time I cannot afford to (sorry) waste the little I do have with something that only mildly interests me. It isn't meant to be a mean remark, I just want something more engaging. This is the second time in a year that I have tried this book, I got farther than the last time, but I'm not sure if there's a third meeting in our future.

This novel had its perks, I wouldn't read it again, but it was an okay read.

Review (The Skinny) : Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Genre: Inspirational/Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance, Adult
Published: June 1, 2010
Pages: 363
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary 

From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled—by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in the ways of refined society, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid.

But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs...and their hearts.

The Skinny

*Sigh* This book was perfect! My family and I went on a road trip and on the way there I had the absolute pleasure of reading this. Time passed quickly with this book, I enjoyed it that much. It was wonderful and so heart-racing! The cover was what got my attention - it is so accurate and relevant to the story.

The title fits, and the story is as moving as its characters. Mack is a complete dream for all that he sacrifices, and Tilly is so likable, a great heroine! It was written beautifully and already a fan of Mrs. Gist I will continue to read all of her books!

4 genies: A good read. I enjoyed this book, not quite loved, but it 

isn't far off from being amazing.

Review: That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake

That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake
My rating: 2 of 5 genies
Genre: Inspirational/Christian, Historical, Fiction, Romance
Published: August 1, 2009
Pages: 348
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Gooding, Texas, is about to gain a double blessing--a veterinarian and a doctor. But when siblings Enoch and Taylor Bestman arrive, the discovery that Taylor is a lady doctor has the town up in arms. Especially Karl Van der Vort, the town blacksmith, who becomes the first patient...against his will.
Though hesitant to believe in Taylor's doctoring skills, Karl finds himself oddly protective of this surprising woman who dares to drive about town on her own, wearing the color red, for heaven's sake Taylor, on the other hand, wants only to prove that doctoring is her life's calling, despite the town's opposition. The result? Pride meets attraction head-on, and sparks begin to fly.

My Thoughts

'That Certain Spark' was interesting and NOT in a good way. Interesting like cafeteria meat that you pick with a fork wondering what exactly it is or supposed to be. It was weird for me and you have no idea how it burns me to say that! I love a lot of books by Hake, like 'Fancy Pants' and 'Bittersweet' to name a few, and while I am being honest let me say that not all her books have been easy to get into. Fudge! They have been even impossible at times, but I found that perseverance in those cases proved worth it at the end. Eventually something would happen.

I felt that way about this book too, but that didn't happen. I liked the cover, a picture of Taylor, it was quirky and looked to have everything to do with the story. And yet even though Taylor was a protagonist I never did feel like she was the MAIN focus. It felt like a crowd had been forced into this book, there were just too many people! I can see why Hake did it, and on many occasions I grumble at not being properly entertained, just not on this one.

Sometimes things didn't even check out. Realistically speaking Enoch's courtship with Mercy bordered on lust and was just that, unrealistic. If we are going to have a Lust-relationship be clear about it! Do not mask it as love because barely two weeks together does not a happy marriage make. Who seriously marries a vet who just moved into town 2 weeks ago! Who in their right mind!? He could be a killer who stuffs children into pig carcasses! Didn't think about that, huh Mercy? And Taylor's brother wasn't a guy, he was a pansy. Their relationship was very forced to me, Hake tried too hard to make them seem like twins, insisting that they had a 'connection'. Well the proof is in the pudding and I tasted water.

They were too unrelated for my liking. Sure Enoch stuck up for his sister, but it didn't feel authentic, it felt like someone was going 'Oh, you have to go do something. People are staring and you ARE her twin,' every time someone was rude or tried to get her to leave. Their being related did nothing for me.

Furthermore the love interest for Taylor sucked as well! At the beginning he seemed flipping American then all of a sudden he's... Dutch? What now! At least his brother was spouting German or Danish from the start, not halfway through like Karl. It was as if he up and decided to be German, and throwing random phrases around does not make him that! Why is it that most authors think ignoring a person's heritage is okay? They come from unique backgrounds, all of them do and lumping them into a mold of job, occupation or type based on romantic interest does not tell me about that person! Does that character miss where he came from? Believe it or not but that guy has history in whatever country you're botching to make him look worldly, authors.

I absolutely hated that. Also Karl reminded me of Frankenstein's monster: hulking, bumbling and unaware. He was fine going around defending Taylor, not completely on her side yet but thinking she was hot and doing it just because. Yeah, thanks pal. I didn't think Hake devoted enough time to those two at all because there were no butterflies when I gave up halfway through the book and checked out the ending, I was just like 'Not worth it!' and dropped the book altogether. It was all split between Enoch and his family troubles (which by the way were just ridiculous) and 10 other town people including Karl and his brother. They all had opinions and I'm sure I didn't need to be exposed to all of them. I get that they are important to the town and somewhat to the story, but these people have HAD their stories, why force them into this one? Detain them!

How Hake expected me to devote attention to Taylor when Enoch had so much drama going on is beyond me, it was just too much! I am very disappointed and despite the 2 genie rating I give this novel I will keep reading Hake's work, because she isn't a bad author, this is just a bad book.

2 genies: I wanted to like this, I really did, but too much was left under-developed.

There was far more worse than good.

Review: To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: Inspirational/Christian, Historical, Romance,
Published: May 1, 2011
Pages: 352
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets...
Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.
Levi's renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

My Thoughts

Hallelujah!

Ha, really this book was phenomenal! I was not expecting it to be this good, don't ask me why but I just wasn't. I finished reading 'That Certain Spark' before this and was feeling more than a little sour towards Christian Fiction, especially anything historical! And yet here comes Witemeyer to plummet completely my bias. Really she outdid herself!

This read took longer for me to finish and not because of the ability of the book to keep me interested. No, It was my fault because 1/3 through the reading process, I cracked. There was just so much stuff going on that I'm not getting into that took precedence over reading. That is why I took a bajillion days to finish!

Alright, So we're clear? Excellent!

See the word I used there? It's a perfect description of this novel, perfectly EXCELLENT. I expected to hate it, and though 'A tailor made Bride' was decent I was tired of being preached at. I'm a Christian but I find that some books just make it one sermon; 'don't do this', and, 'stay away from that,' but never once do they expose you to realistic scenarios in which you will need to make tough choices. No, it's often just one dramatic sludge of fail with flimsy heroines and generic males. This book was not that.

I am in love with Levi, an ex-prize fighter turned Christian blacksmith-hunk. I loved his lisp and how intelligent this man was! He was so vulnerable and troubled that I just wanted to 'FIX HIM'! Lol that is what girls tend to do right, I'm not quite sure. Take this scenario for example:

Man who overheard to Judith: Excuse me, but are you insinuating that you are not in fact a woman, madam?

Judith: What do you think this is?! *scratches armpit* I don’t have to answer that. Pansy, get me a sandwich and talk American!

Man greatly disgruntled: I suppose I shall leave you to your...em...activities, madam.

Judith: *burps* that’s right! Ye heard me. Some people just aren’t educated. :/ *burps again*

*Ahem* So as you see I am not very normal. I come close on occasion but that is all, and yet you don't have to be mildly insane to appreciate any part of this book or its fabulous characters! It just ROCKS. I enjoyed the heroine - Eden, a kindhearted librarian, as well and found her to be something rarely seen in fiction these days: lovely. She was so very delightful and cute I adored her! That is why I forgive her for taking Levi, because they deserve each other.

The emotions were so authentic I forgot I was reading at points and just lost myself in this book. It kept me turning pages - especially at the end - and no character was unwarranted. They all served purposes... finally! I was so sick of background sheep-people that just chewed grass and made irrelevant sound, that is what characters with no real point mean to me and I was tired of them. This book held meaning because every single character had a story; not one that could be duplicated, but a tale really unique.

Witemeyer did her research and it payed off - GREATLY. In my opinion, Bethany House should do the smart thing and sign her up for more contracts, she is a gem and officially up there next to Kingsbury and Gist in terms of stellar Christian fiction authors. I want so much more from her! Pick this book up and give it a good read, I'm thinking it would be worth every penny.

5 genies: WOWZA. Yes, this is that book, the book you've been looking for! 

You need this novel in your life, take it from me. 

Review of Red River (Series, Vol. 1-28) by Chie Shinohara

Red River, Vol. 28 by Chie Shinohara
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Genre: Manga, Historical, Fiction, Romance, Action, Mystery, Magic
Published: January 12, 2010
Pages: 200
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Format: eRead
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Over 15 million copies sold in Japan! R to L (Japanese Style).
Final Volume!

Prince Kail, a young warrior and sorcerer, and Yuri, a modern-day teen, were thrown together when Queen Nakia drew Yuri across time and space into the ancient Hittite Empire. When it is the season of the North Star, Prince Kail has the power to send Yuri home. But the evil queen's plan to murder them both--and their growing feelings for one another--keep getting in the way!

During the ceremony to install her as Tawannana, Yuri tells Kail she's pregnant. Then, in a glimpse into the near future, Kikkuri recounts a day in his life as the chief trainer for the kingdom's horses, and Yuri gets herself into a bit of a fix while visiting Cappadocia. And in the concluding tale, love finds its own road in the events leading up to the marriage of Ramses, now the Pharoah of Egypt, and Kail and Yuri's granddaughter Naptella.

My Thoughts

With 28 volumes it is difficult to review every single one, and that is putting it very lightly! I took heed from a few readers and decided to review the last one as a giant summary of the series. It will be brief and just my notes on incidents and characters.

------------------ Beware of Possible Spoilers! ---------------------


This series was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning the history between the Egyptians and Hittites. I bet Ms. Shinohara did a butt-load of research to pull off something so amazing, and it definitely showed by how knowledgeable it was! Shinohara had a way of educating and entertaining with intelligent humor, and I liked that a lot about this series.

I loved Kail, and was in love with his adoration for Yuri! Man they were so sweet. Seeing them in this final volume is such a far-cry from the first where she was like, "I hate you. Get away!" Now it was like, "C'mon sugar, yeah!" Lol, they were cute. I cannot begin to describe what a strong heroine Yuri was! Girl had fire and it was hot! She comes from the 20th century but still manages to strategize the whole Hittite army to victory, not to mention rule like a boss! I respect, very much.

You know who I also respect? Ursula. I felt bad for that guy she was going to marry, I mean to say that her loss would have been so hard! And still he was so loyal, truly admirable.

The other character that was a favorite was Hadi. Her toughness was just killer and she was beauty and skill all in one, so totally a beast! I didn't care for her sisters however, and thought them quite foolish to fall for the same guy and both know about it. I do not share men. Ever. Plus Kikkuri was so not a catch! He took care of horses and didn't have any desirable qualities or looks whatsoever; he was just there, and giving him both girls was such a waste.

The ending was also a little weird for me and although I hoped there would be a little extra snippet with Yuri ruling, instead there was just a summary of sorts and closing with the same aggravating Kikkuri. [ But guy was a pimp! I gotta give it to him, two twins and a truck-load of kids...who were also twins. Lucky duck. With freckles of course, can't forget those. (hide spoiler)]

I also never saw the promised marriage between Yuri and Ramses grandchildren; that would have been so cool, finally a union! Still, it ended pretty decent and I was left with a slight case of mixed feelings for Urhi and the Queen. [ I wished they could have been together in some alternate universe/spin-off, I hated that those horrible people made him a eunuch! No child deserves that and Shinohara garnered my sympathy by throwing that last-minute bit of info into the mix. I felt bad for him. (hide spoiler)]

Most of the regrets I have are expressed above, although another, and equally important, area of concern is the slight smuttiness of this manga. I wasn't expecting it. Nudity, yes, but not the depictions of Kail having sex with Yuri and her throwing her head back in ecstasy as she nibbles on his (sorry to say) less than defined chest. It felt a little like porn at times,(not good), and I was so grateful that there was no drawn genitalia. That would have been more than a little much!

Also I did not really appreciate the way every man with a penis loved Yuri. Attraction does not work that way, but every man wanted her, like really badly and it was awkward. I pained for Rusafa and frowned deeply at this author when she did what she did to him! UNCALLED FOR!! That's another thing, Shinohara is so casual with her disposal of characters that it is painful. Obvious examples such as Usula. Tito and Zananza were hard to swallow being swept away, and in that aspect the author did not prepare the reader nearly enough. Not for their abrupt passing or the easiness in which it is soon forgotten.

Rusafa was a great guy and I think she should have killed Kikkuri instead of him. Just saying.

But no book except the truly celestial ones can leave zero signs of dissatisfaction; and I accept that this work was better than most despite my perceived failings in certain areas. Like I mentioned, having some things different would have been more my cup of tea, but it was as final in presentation as I had expected of the series closer, and with that I have no issue.

Review: Wanted by Matsuri Hino

Wanted by Matsuri Hino
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Manga, Fantasy, Action, Historical, Pirates, Romance, Gender Bender
Published: September 8, 2008
Pages: 208
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Format: eRead

Goodreads Summary

In the Mediterranean at end of the 17th century, former songstress Armeria disguises herself as a boy and boards the ship of the pirate Skulls--the man who kidnapped Luce, her first love. Captain Skulls is arrogant, violent, and a skirt chaser! And unfortunately for Armeria, he discovers she's a woman...

The Skinny

The ending of this was far too abrupt. Kind of like that previous sentence, but let's cut to the chase:

I enjoyed everything about this manga and I think the only thing I found real trouble with was the ending ---IT WAS AWFUL!! I read pages and pages of beautiful artwork and well-written story only to get to THAT?! The ending needs a re-boot - like that Spider Man movie coming out - and ASAP. Pretty please, at least give us a spin-off??

Sigh. This is why I cannot in good faith rate this a full 5/5, but the cliffy of an ending aside, there is a lot going for this manga; I would read it any day and I recommend everyone to give it a try.

Review: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
My rating: 3 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Historical, Adventure, Romance
Published: August 1, 2010
Pages: 352
Publisher: Little, Brown Books For Young Readers
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.

My Thoughts

Alright so while the threat of my finding a new Motherboard has my old one spooked, let me hurry and churn out this review! I won't go into detail but know that this is the third time that I've sat here in the attempt to write this up. I don't know why but whenever I get close to finishing my computer just blinks off. Yes, it is VERY annoying and if it doesn't start putting its act together I will go down to Staples and replace it.

*whispers crossly to computer* "You know that new model I showed you? Yea, well it's gonna replace YOU! No it wasn't for my mother, it's for ME! Now if you know what's good for you, you'll behave."

*Ahem* My apologies that you had to see that folks, you caught me as I was reinforcing some discipline into my delinquent Motherboard. It won't happen again, I assure you. So moving on.

I didn't hate this book, in fact it was decent, but that's just the thing; I love the concept of this series and it escaped me as to why this book should be anything short of amazing. I hold the curse of the second book responsible because I cannot fault Mrs. Zink. The failings come through poor plot decisions and dry characters, they all felt so very stoic to me and as though nothing really was happening.

The first book I was terrified of the Souls and here I wasn't the least bit frightened. They seemed sad. Not the 'let me hold you' sad, but the 'I can see why you haven't been able to escape yet,' sad. Sad as in pathetic. They should have been menacing! There should have been blood. Why wasn't there blood?

I waited and hoped my hardest that this book would really be 'better' like so many others claimed, but it wasn't. Lia became a hypocritical and indecisive prude, the very worst kind. I mean seriously who's it gonna be, James or Dimitri? Or Philip who looks to have a major case of pedophilia but a crush regardless. She can't decide and it makes me as the reader incapable of sympathizing with her.

My love life as it stands is nonexistent, no men, no guy friends, Nada. I blame school. I've been studying non-stop that I can't really be bothered, and yet I know that if guys like Dimitri had the awesome Hots for me, there wouldn't be a question as to whether I accept him! James is soiled goods, sorry bud but the Alice thing is just too much. You couldn't handle 8 months apart? I would understand if maybe they were unsure as to whether she was alive or not, but everyone knows she is living! Why couldn't he wait?

She promised to come back and no matter the reason I cannot justify your decision to cozy up to resident evil, a.k.a, Alice. There is no coming back from that, my friend! People survive years apart and a few months here managed to rip true 'love' apart? Unbelievable. That is why I think Dimitri better for Lia, because he would wait and he would not give up. Ever.

There was so much more that could have happened with Dimitri also and I felt like we just knew him for his qualities and not as a character. His romance with Lia happened swiftly and I was okay with that. What I wasn't okay with was Lia after a steamy make-out session, thinking about JAMES. Like she's having her conscience pricked or something, but a lot less realistic. I didn't buy it. She wants Dimitri and I promise to howl if she returns to the man possibly in love with her sister! I am not a fan of that because I know, (God forbid), that were I in her shoes I would not only kill James, but tear my sister limb from limb.

Alice has crossed TOO many lines! Enough with her getting away with everything, and enough with Lia being so dull that I cannot fight for her as much as I want to. She is too proper at times and in other parts, overly vivacious; strike a balance! I missed the Lia of book one and am not a fan of this one because it is drab and moody and not exciting enough.

The setting was uninspiring to say the least and I pushed myself to finish. I kept asking where the gothic feel was, the mystery? It felt very structured in a bad way, and unsure.

However the 3-genie rating is for the love and hope I have in this series. I will read the last book because I want to see it all play out and I am sure it'll be every bit better than the first.

*Fingers crossed*

P.S: In regards to Alice, despite my hatred for her I could not help missing her presence. Alice's life just seemed much more interesting than Lia's and you my dears, have no idea as to how greatly that worries me! She was up to a lot of things and I hope the next book will have the sisters in closer proximity and not only at the end. Someone should keep an eye on that girl and I am speaking of someone more competent than Aunt Virginia.

Review: Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel, Historical, Adventure, Romance, Inspirational
Published: February 1, 2011
Pages: 369
Publisher: David C. Cook
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

What do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives among the romantic hills with their archaelogist parents. Stuck among the rubble of the medieval castles in rural Tuscany, on yet another hot, dusty archaeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds...until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

Suddenly Gabi's summer in Italy is much, much more interesting.

My Thoughts

This is an excellent first book in the River of Time series, so much so that even before I finished reading - 2/4 of the way through - I knew that I needed to request my library for the last two.

Gabby is intelligent, I can't possibly count how many times this was stressed, the girl is smart. She speaks Latin and knows how to sword fight. A little too convenient for the whole transported back to Medieval times aspect of the story? Yes, but at least it was made clear that she knew these skills prior to time travel. Gabi did not miraculously pick up said abilities in Marcello's time period, becoming boss-awesome at everything, nstead she always knew how and the skill happened to come in handy. I want to leave it at that. Because I appreciate a little convenience sometimes a little not a lot and I enjoy a writer giving me the benefit of, well, having a brain. Thanks for that, Bergren!

I've actually read another book by her, Captain's Bride and didn't like that one much at all. The characters were all so back-biting there and seemed so selfish. So when I realized this and that book were by the same author, there was a little hesitance. Previous experience made me wary - I only got as far as 1/3 of the way with Captain's Bride - but my preconceptions were proved incorrect as this work is unique and, thankfully, much better!

I'm not going to criticize overly this literature because honestly I enjoyed it, I really did. The characters are heavily realistic and the setting seems very true to Medieval century. Save a few inconsistencies. I liked the details added and that made the story more authentic, like the no indoor plumbing bit - gross but necessary! - the tub-bathing (literally) and the basic grossness of men back then. Needless to say, some were without manners? Nasty!

Marcello and Luca (love that name!) were gems among men. Actually, I never thought either was perfect per se. I believed they were well-mannered, sensitive very attractive but not perfect. These are the kind of guys I would not mind having around!

Another thing I would like to draw attention to is the romance; I felt it was very believable, there was the whole insta-attraction thing, but with Marcello who can really blame Gabs? She was attracted to him, that was certain It was satisfying that at the end Gabi was still kinda figuring out her feelings for him and it's the kind of love I see lasting.

All in all I am very eager to see what happens in Cascade, how they explain the time travel to their mother and how Gabi/Lia get back! I couldn't put this book down for anything, the politics were interesting and enlightening. I recommend this to anyone in need of a good Historical Romance. This is it!

----------------------------------- 5/5 genies! ---------------------------

Some things that annoyed me: Possible SPOILERS ahead!!!!!

- I understood Lia's need to get back, I mean that period in time was as unpredictable as buck! What with people being beheaded at every what-instance and the Bubonic Plague, killing people off as well as Bloody Mary could, I sympathized being anywhere near a place like that would freak anyone out. BUT. I hated how whiny she was about getting back!

Lia: "Ah, let's go home, Gabs, mom's probably worried blah blah blah blah and we need to get back before we blah blah with the space-time continuum."

Judith: *Duck tapes Lia to dungeon* "Shut it, Lia! She's staying."

Like really, all the girl cared about was getting home to a barely-there mother. What with her obsession with finding the tombs secrets, she would hardly feel their absence, this is what I was led to believe.

*Sigh* She even wanted Gabriella going to the tombs after knowing about her conflicted emotions with Marcello! Ugh, it just made her come off as blessedly human and selfish. So many emotions for this book! Trust me when I say, you need to pick yourself a copy, STAT!

Review: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
My rating: 1 of 5 genies
Genre: Plays, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Tragedy, Drama
Published: January 1, 2004 (First Published, 1595)
Pages: 283
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Intro

I was thinking the other day and decided, "Hey! Why don't I write up a review for the world's possibly most effed up play ever. Why not?" So I'm going to. As you can probably tell this will not be eloquently written and in fact, I do not give a flying purple monkey about the romanticism behind the idiocy that went down that one week in Verona, (It all happened in on week!), because this play has bothered me since forever and it isn't about to change now! On with the review!


SPOILER ALERT!!

Over the ages people have swooned and very literally pined over and wished for a love such as Romeo and Juliet's. Schnitzel, most of the books published these days have the same pathetic star-crossed lovers theme to it! It's ridiculous really, what little sadists we are on the inside. Because somehow a stupid,stupid,STUPIDboy killing himself when he finds the woman he loves deadafter grave-digging her out btwis suddenly the ideal fairy-tale, and then that girl waking up to find him dead only to stab herself to death is instant TRUE WUV!



PSSSHH!

No way is any of that effed up monkey business even intelligent. One, Romeo you were a tool and secondly, Juliet you should have ceased the opportunity to live on! He was totally in it for the sex, I mean he liked that Rosaline chick when he thought he could get his hands on her sex, why not a severely younger girl's? Nah, it makes no difference right? Right?

I declare B.S. It does so make a difference, although I will admit to getting the whole 'back then they didn't care about age' argument. Granted they didn't, but within a week you cannot fall in love and then be willing to die for that love, that is straight up whacked. Try telling me that is rational and I will deliver personally the flying monkey fist to your face, because it isn't. That kind of relationship is not love, it's obsessive, creepily and utterly obsessive .

And you know what? This may even be a little hypocritical of me, since I was all team Dimitri and I accept that, but at least Rose wasn't 13!

Some theories I believe in:

- Friar Lawrence was the mastermind behind it all! If he had slapped on an extra donkey to that letter, the plan would have reached at least a day early. It's called express mail, sucker!



- Both Romeo and Juliet really had no lives, I mean I meet a guy I like within a week and things are great, but for some reason I end up playing dead medieval princesses in my house and he comes over, sees me 'dead', and then proceeds to kill himself? I'd be glad, because the guy is a whole new level of messed. WHO DOES THAT?? Apparently Romeo and Juliet. Frick, what happened to being self-dependent, it seems that even in the fifteenth century it did not exist. Who can blame Bella for going off the deep end? There wasn't much too look up to anyway.

And one thing I never could get:

Romeo: HOW ABOUT YOU WAIT UNTIL SHE'S REALLY DEAD?! He must have been really thirsty, took him no time at all to gobble up that poison. I mean ever heard of water, or Rum, bud?

Juliet this should have been you:




That guy was finally gone, why did we not party? I would have liked a party.

I will never love this play. The timeline is ridiculous and the emotions too rash to ever be realistic. Shakespeare I love you and believe you are a genius, but this is one piece of yours I will never like.

1/5 genies: This reflects nothing on our relationship, Shakespeare, and you and I are still very much in love. Unfortunately, R&J was far from being a winner in my book!

Review: A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce

A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce
My rating: 2 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Retelling, Romance, Historical, Mystery, Magic
Published: March 1, 2008
Pages: 396
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

This ravishing winner of the ALA's William C. Morris YA Debut Award is a fairy tale, spun with a mystery, woven with a family story, and shot through with romance.

Charlotte Miller has always scoffed at talk of a curse on her family's woolen mill, which holds her beloved small town together. But after her father's death, the bad luck piles up: departing workers, impossible debts, an overbearing uncle. Then a stranger named Jack Spinner offers a tempting proposition: He can turn straw into gold thread, for the small price of her mother's ring. As Charlotte is drawn deeper into her bargains with Spinner-and a romance with the local banker-she must unravel the truth of the curse on the mill and save the community she's always called home.

My Thoughts

I tried to get into this one, really hard actually, but the sentences just dragged endlessly and never seemed worth the effort. Bunce's knack for description is remarkable in the sense that she can make the very most elementary of things, complex. My experience with this book was very much like an essay; leaving me thinking it a very well written piece of prose, but not truly engaging. Not that every essay out there is as dry as card board, only that A Curse Dark as Gold could have been written for scholars with no business whatsoever bothering with escape literature. It was lengthy and thick in all the wrong ways and my senses were never engaged with the main character or the grief surrounding her.

I wanted to like it, and I understand that the plot truly does thicken once the main protagonist decides to do something; I just couldn't manage to keep myself motivated long enough for that moment to come. The two genies at the beginning of this rating are for the writing because I really do find it beautiful and Ms. Bunce has a talent for words.

But I warn you to pick this book up only if you are going on a trip you are certain will prove a very far journey. You may also read this if the library next door suddenly caught fire and by sheer luck this is the only piece of written literature to survive.

2 genies: I wanted to like this, I really did, but too much was left under-developed.

There was far more worse than good.

Review: Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Mystery
Published: July 1, 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 343
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters--one good, one evil.

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, they find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

My Thoughts

See that? A few hours after I have finished devouring 'Prophecy of the Sisters' and I am still this way, talking ominously and carefully as the protagonist, Lia had. She was brilliant. I will admit to my wariness at picking up a book like this, and let me explain by saying 'a book like this' refers to the ever possibility of split POV's, which frankly I am finding myself not a fan of. Some authors like Zink, can pull it off, whilst others make it a jumbled mess of redundancy. I was pleased that with this book that was not the case.

Lia is insightful and deep, aware but still searching, she makes it nothing short of a pleasure to read her adventure - follow along as she solves the mystery of the prophecy. Zink does not try to rose-colour anything and clearly establishes Alice and the Beast as antagonist pointedly, but very early in the book. She doesn't play with the reader's emotions as some others might and tells it like it is quite frankly, they are facing the end of the world and Lia's twin sister very much wants her dead to achieve her own gain. And yet the book is not entirely black and white, it has shades of grey that I cannot delve into without revealing too much so I will keep my lips sealed.

What drew me to this read was it's interesting plot and cover, the picture of two twins had me turning to read the blurb at the back, after that I couldn't resist borrowing this from the library and I am saddened to say I do have a regret, that I did not in fact buy read this instead. It would make such a great addition to the books I own already and I have it on my to-buy list, ready for when I should visit the glowing Haven of book Abodes. aka, Chapters.

I want this book because it was consuming and absolutely un-putdownable, the characters were REAL. The ties chilling and engrossing. There was mystery and the best dose of romance suited to a book such as this, it was not overdone and purposeful. James was a gentleman and he is but one in a long line of reasons for which I will pick up my copy of 'The Gate' ASAP. I want MORE and that is why this book holds a 5 genie rating. It entertained me, stole my hours until I had turned regrettably the last page! Should you read this book? That depends, does my reaction make you feel as though you should?


I hope the answer is yes. 5/5 genies!