The Raven boys- Maggie Stievater

Book Review the Raven Cycle The Raven Boys
Maggie Stiefvater

Upon first picking up the Raven cycle- the Raven boys I didn’t know what to expect. I expected a good read via my bestie who recommended this to me who also has a blog literarily obsessed. However having read some of Maggie’s previous works as in the Shiver series I didn’t expect it to make it onto my top book list.

The book starts out on Saint Marks Eve in Henrietta, Virginia, Saint Mark being heralded as a forgotten saint or something of the sort. But as it happens Saint Marks is the Day of the Dead, where the ghosts of those to die within the next year appear.

The leading heroine Blue comes from a family of Psychics but lacks in any clairvoyant ability herself only being a loud speaker to other psychics. Generally in most books Blue would be psychic and see her own destiny taking disastrous and tragic steps to avoid it. However this is not your typical book. A prediction has been made which is guaranteed to come true that should she kiss her true love he will die.

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

Not much problem there. Blue hates boys and would never go as far as to kiss one. Yuck! But when she encounters a ghost on St Marks it could be a sign that she is the one to cause that persons death.

The book itself takes time to get going with the reader getting a background into the various characters’ lives. I expected the book to focus on the supposed male main who the romance is supposed to focus on (Gansey). Instead it didn’t take particular favour to any character. With the predicted romance not happening. O_o no complaints infect I like it when things don’t go as predicted.

What my main love was that the book wasn’t just about the romance instead after the first few chapters the focus was switched to finding Glendower (which is a very old welsh king who grants wishes or something). Glendower suspected to dwell on ley lines which are invisible. The reader gets engrossed in the search as well as Whelks evil plans then find out a main character is dead even though he said so before no ever believed him.

There are so many plot lines going on at once. Why do Ronan and Declan fight so much? Why does Gansey search for Glendower? Who is Noah? What is Whelk up to? Can Neeve be trusted? What about Blues true love? What do ley lines have to do with a dead welsh king? Plus I find myself drawn into wanting to find out about Blues family too. So many things you want to know.

With each and every sentence I have to restrain myself from turning to the next page to find out what happens. A thrilling combination of romance, mystery, thriller and just sheer beauty. I’m in love.

Each character throughout the story have their own reasons for doing things whether it be nothing better to do or just for fun it makes it all the more interesting. The book itself is a real page turner and I absolutely adore the cover in a way you couldn’t get any more fitting (Rowans bird) but it also describes the sinister plot which lies behind the sunshine of a rich boys school and happy day to day life.

What is also interest is how she brings the characters together but not in a forceful way. The characters mainly Blue and the boys would never mix in the world she created but also in life however all through lost property they were brought together.

Another aspect I enjoy is the humour. Sounds silly for such a supposedly series book but crude comments from Ronan “Enjoy him for the night it’ll be someone else tomorrow. Always is”. Gansey “Hence forth you shall be known as Jane, Blue” (not an exact quote but near enough)

To sum up I loved pretty much every aspect of this book from the snooty rich kids and funny names to the bizarre loveable psychics. Am I the only person who finds the name Barrington Whelk hilarious? Not sure why it’s funny just is. My odd sense of humour. Plus I think the last name Parrish is strangely cute I just like the way it sounds. <3

On a Star based Rating 5 stars being best 0 worst the book gets:

Overall 5 stars

Plot: 4.5 stars (a little slow at the start)

Characters: 5 stars *sniggers* “Barrington Whelk” ^0^ “Parrish” *//*

Cover: 5 stars (love the fonts)

Writing style: 5 stars such lovely flow <3

Final comments: Your writing keeps getting better and better. I read Shiver and liked it, I read the Raven boys and loved it.

  –

Just a few notes to readers

Hi there its me Elizabeth blog author here.
Just to let you know I will hopefully be adding more reviews on a regular basis and that this blog has yet to be tidied up so I apologise for it being a little scruffy and disorganised.
Have a good day all
Elizabeth xx ^^
p.s. my copy of queen of shadows arrived today! soon to come review!

Magus of Stonewylde Review

Magus of Stonewylde -Kit Berry

Ok so I came upon the last book in the Stonewylde series in my local library and thought it sounded rather interesting and back into a Wiccan interest which I had a few years back.

So that lead me to get the first one out. She was dying. Sylvie suffers from a mysterious illness which has doctors baffled in modern day England. She has given up on life. So many allergies and intolerances she can’t eat.

By chance one of the Junior Doctors that day stays behind to talk to her. Suggesting a holiday in the countryside might do her good. Then she drops in the name Magus. This had me thinking oh my god another Magnus Bane? No. Magus.  The Magus is basically the word for the leader of the village or something similar.

This doctor happens to mention Stonewylde and how she’s sure that the clean air would do Sylvie good even though her mum is doubtful. Sylvie wants to do anything to get better.

They finally get hold of this Magus which seems to be every bit the lovely man the Doctor suggested. And in no time at all they are all off to Stonewylde. The Magus is a good man.

A couple of nights in he does this weird magic thing and ‘Poof’ Sylvie gets better. Well she starts recovering pretty quickly anyway. But then there is the mysterious moody boy who is digging out her back garden and planting vegetables under order of the Magus.

Of course being told no to talk to him means ‘let’s talk and fall in love’. Typical teenagers these days. It’s not quite that quick to be truthful although parts felt rushed.

What I loved most about this book was the description of the country the vividness of every lead and flower. The heat of the flames the damp of the morning dew. Every aspect has some clever way to take you there even more then Glimmer of Hope (Future world music) or Human Legacy (Ivan Torrent) although play them while reading this book and I swear you will be out in the sticks of the English countryside in no time.  

At just short of 800 pages it’s quite the hefty read but worth it. As it turns out the life isn’t as perfect as thought out. There is discrimination and abuse lying beneath the surface. It touches on a few difficult and sensitive issues such as teen pregnancy, child abuse, fascism, racism (not black v white). Racism in the form of the two types of People. Villager or Hall folk. Hall folk are the better race, they get the education and the good jobs often moving from Stonewylde but returning at special times of the year such as solstice.

Villagers lead simple lives. The Magus believes that they are unintelligent therefore do not deserve the right of education. And have to work long hours filled with strenuous labour quite often. Also he does nothing about the abuse of the characters faces. In fact siding with the abuser.

It also deals with alcohol abuse, misuse of trust, inequality and just plain ugliness. Ugliness that was supposed to be left in the 21st Century not to enter Stonewylde. While most of it is abuse out of fear I do feel at times that the poor kid was given too much or the author went into too much detail perhaps however looking back I probably wouldn’t change it. It’s slightly darker than im used to reading however the Wiccan aspect drew me in.

In the end most get there just desserts however it isn’t made clear either. Plus the Magus’s brother who I actually liked turns out to cause one major incident which I cannot forgive him for.

Sylvie is the typical heroine to be honest. Stung sense of justice, strong determination, no self-preservation pretty too. But then there is the male main character Yul. He is different. He is moody one for the animals, gets back up no matter how life treats him. There is a hardiness and cockiness about him which cannot be broken. Like a young animal he has a joy for life but also knows where his boundaries lie too. Which is how our mains differ.

It’s nice though. One because I like romance but no straightforward mush. Yuck. One which has many twists and turns and even a triangle or too is my preference. With one of the characters having such an odd nature I defiantly looked forward to the chapters orientated around him.

Overall I really enjoyed the book. It felt like I was taking a break from the usual pace of life and slowing down to sniff the flowers. This book is a breath of fresh air and is totally unique from what I can tell. While some aspects got rather dark and the abuse was a little heavy for someone who isn’t used to reading that kind of thing it displayed real life situations and that just because it seems like paradise it doesn’t mean it is for everyone.

The writing style is lovely and flows very well. The chapters alternate between Slyvie and Yul. The thought put into describing how each ceremony works and how the community works is a great achievement along. The author hasn’t just created a book they have created a whole new world.

4/5 overall just because some aspects didn’t gel with me so much but then again its realistic and hard hitting. Also Sylvie is the rather typical character I think that her character has much more character potential yet to be developed which I am sure the author will be discussing in the rest of the Stonewylde series. You became attached to characters rather quickly and soon I was egging on Yul and Sylvie all the way. Then during Yuls punishment towards the end I did cry when they were reunited but also in sadness that Yul had to go through such horror.

Top loves, Evil Magus, Male main, Magic, Celtic festivals, would love to live there, Yul!

First book Review The Iron King! Iron Fey book 1

The Iron King - Julie Kagawa

When I first picked up the Iron fey I really wasn’t sure what to expect. What I didn’t expect was to get drawn into the story so quickly.

It starts out in a normal mundane high school, girl has secret crush on boy but is oblivious to the real love that’s nearby (Robbie). Girl gets publicly humiliated by said crush after accidentally making him look bad. Typical high school romance right?

Wrong.

After such a bad day said heroine returns home only to find her little brother has turned into some sort of gremlin hell bent on causing misery / mischief.

But what I didn’t expect is the boy next door who isn’t actually next door but it kind of feels that way to me is actually straight out of Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream. The one and only Puck.

Puck. Puck is my favourite out of the whole book. He is true to Shakespeare description to my recollection (been a while since I studied Shakespeare). Plus I absolutely adore the childish mischievous but jovial nature of him.

Next comes our heroine. Who is actually the half-breed mongrel daughter of the summer court fey King Oberon. Why Oberon dallied with humans who knows let alone letting it get this far but hey there would be no story if it wasn’t for that. As a typical heroine she is head strong and has a sense for danger but is also caring. Personality is quite ordinary for a heroine but what sets her apart is her sheer guts to get her brother back.

Most would turn tail and run at the threat of being turned into a deer by Daddy-dearest (Oberon') wife. Let alone face off with a cold hearted winter prince that was more than happy to hunt and kill her not long ago. In other words while aspects of her character are almost stereotypical her devotion and just sheer normality for a teenager make her and person to follow. Not to mention her character develops throughout the book from being ‘what do I do?’ to ‘We’re doing this’.

The Iron Fey a new race of Faerie based off modern technology following the myth that fae are the creation of human dreams. Of course with the ever expanding technology metal monster fae are only logical. The way each little creature is described gives a vivid impression upon the reader making it very easy to imagine these modern day monsters hell bent on destroying something…

However I haven’t quite worked out what the Iron Fey goal is. They want Meghan but why? Surely Oberon spreads it around enough that there aren’t more of Oberon’s half breeds? What makes Meghan so special?

Plus there is the ever growing love Triangle between the warm and welcoming Puck who is perfectly reliable and would do anything for her ‘princess’. Or the unreliable but hell of a looker ice winter prince Ash. Who is unreliable and most likely has alternate motives to hanging around. But I can’t help but be torn too. Still I would have Puck he sounds more fun personally ;).

Julie Kagawa I thank you so much for this fantastic read I have read other works of yours before and none I have lost myself so much in as the Iron Fey – The Iron King. It feels like your describing what’s around us not what is possibly make believe. You made me believe.

I look forward to book 2. 5/5 a good read for anyone who loves fantasy with a good splash of romance and the logical mystery of computerised fae.

I will put the book cover up soon just at the minute it wont upload.

Iron Daughter - Julie Kagawa.

Iron Daughter - Julie Kagawa

On to book 2 of this enthralling series. I was very excited to pick up my copy of this book especially since it was left on such a cliff-hanger.

The book starts off with Meghan fulfilling her barging to Ash. She gets Ethan back but she has to return to Never Never but not to her home court. No to the sinister cold hearted winter court. Where blood sport is common living ice statues decorate to foyer and Red caps have no rules.

Believe me redcaps without a lead is a bad thing. Vicious creatures are like hyenas but prefer to taste of a kill they made themselves so they can dip their hats in it or something. Gross.

Mab Winter court Queen, yes slight reference to throne of glass I believe wants to use Oberon’s daughter as a bargaining chip what for a purpose I don’t believe she stated. So for the majority of the time Meghan ends up in a fancy but cold room in winter court. Pestered by a Phouka (I have no idea how to say that though) and not seeing her beloved Ash who barley makes an appearance until the action gets started.

What I am pleased to announce is his brothers get more of a mention. Now here was me thinking more hotties! No. You get a guy who is barely described who I would have loved to get to know better and his pet. Then the Evil manipulative fatherless so and so (catch my drift) Rowan. While Rowan seems like the one with his head screwed on since the other brother is barely seen he’s an insane power hungry idiot. But a well thought out one who knows how to bring a bit of fun to the fight.

You always get one eh? Anyway Sage is dead which I am disappointed about since I thought he could add more plot hence his name meaning Wisdom. But his death isn’t in vain. No for it starts a war! Hazzar!

The iron fae which have been absent from the books first part so far. Finally make their return (killing sage) but the biggest shock is in Rowan. Rowan is a back stabbing traitor who is power hungry. Stealing the sceptre of seasons (Well tries too) so it ends up in the hands of the Iron fae. Oooh. Which was his intention anyway. And tries to have his last sibling killed too.

But since our princess was there anyway who should turn up but… Handsome hotties Ash! Who tries to kill Rowan only to find out he failed and wished he hadn’t. At this point both Princess and prince realise S**t is going to hit the fan and make a run for it. Of course getting caught and facing Mabs wrath.

While in most books the lovers would run away hand in hand having a few near misses and time to make out in between and declare undying love blah blah. This time both prince and princess are thought to be delusional, honestly Iron faeries. Bah. Instead Oberon’s daughter is accused of taking it to daddy so we can have permanent summer. (I wish)

Any who, Ash is accused of killing both brothers but doesn’t kill Rowan. Pity. It’s nice to see a well thought out baddie who really can deceive and you wouldn’t suspect it was him. Of course being the Queens son he wouldn’t be a suspected traitor to the winter throne.

What I loved most about the book though was the journey and the stay at the in between I forget the Queens name but Tatiana Oberon’s wife had her banished. Basically she is the inspiration to many writers and artists and composers.

I like her. She wasn’t in it for a favour she did very little to get her hands dirty but she did it just to keep her little area out of harm’s way. Seems like I have just rambled on about who I like and don’t. But overall the book was un-put down able.

The descriptions are as vivid as always and I am very relieved to say my darling Puck lived. This time the romance is explored that slight bit more and makes you think. Who should she choose? What do the Iron fae want with the Sceptre? Personally I think it’s all just to draw Meghan in since reference is made constantly to her dreams being in the Iron realm then having iron magic when her summer magic is sealed.

One more thing I would like to add is that the author doesn’t just describe the characters. She describes every aspect of the world, from the blackened mess of a Forrest where the blight is spreading to the beauty and magicificence of the winter court. Although I do believe the word Gossamer is slightly over used.

Thank you again Julie Kagawa for another excellent read. I will be buying book 3 very soon and hope you look forward to my nonsensical review and fangirling over Puck.

Top marks again! 5 stars