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My name is Ardis and I am an avid reader and budding writer. I want to share my love of books with others. I work with kids and am interested in finding and creating books that will ignite the reader in everyone. Contact me at: ardis.atkins@gmail.com

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I Owe You One
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Love, Hate & Other Filters
The Wartime Sisters
The Belles
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Hey, Kiddo
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Queen of Air and Darkness
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The Retribution of Mara Dyer
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Monday, September 30, 2019

ARC Review: The Library of the Unwritten by A. J. Hackwith

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41961994-the-library-of-the-unwritten
Please note:  I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions of my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Many years ago, Claire was named Head Librarian of the Unwritten Wing—a neutral space in Hell where all the stories unfinished by their authors reside. Her job consists mainly of repairing and organizing books, but also of keeping an eye on restless stories that risk materializing as characters and escaping the library. When a Hero escapes from his book and goes in search of his author, Claire must track and capture him with the help of former muse and current assistant Brevity and nervous demon courier Leto.

But what should have been a simple retrieval goes horrifyingly wrong when the terrifyingly angelic Ramiel attacks them, convinced that they hold the Devil's Bible. The text of the Devil's Bible is a powerful weapon in the power struggle between Heaven and Hell, so it falls to the librarians to find a book with the power to reshape the boundaries between Heaven, Hell ... and Earth.

Review:
Any book, especially a fantasy book, about a library will most certainly get my attention on NetGalley.  The Library of the Unwritten, by A.J. Hackwith, is a fun fantasy adventure story that I would best describe as Percy Jackson for grown-ups.  It has a fun mix of heroes and villains, religious themes from many cultures, and a story that is filled with many locations and adventures.  This is a highly entertaining book.

What I Liked:
World-building:
The story is set in Hell, specifically, Hell's library where the manuscripts of unfinished novels dwell.  All that unrealized potential, just sits on the shelves.  At times, the characters in these works "wake up" and try to escape.  This is where the librarian comes into play.  It is their job to put these fictional characters back in their story.  

I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of this library, the librarian, and her assistant, and the escapee characters.  Also, there is a second story line set in Heaven. It seems that there is a tremendous bureaucratic machine (where lines literally take an eternity) processing people entering Heaven.  Although neither Hell or Heaven is described in great length, we can sense that entering Heaven will be worth the wait.

Characters:
The librarian, Claire, has a mysterious past that we will learn about as the story progresses.  But for now, we see that she is strong, efficient, and no-nonsense.  She collects a random array of lost souls, all realizing that Claire has their best interest at heart.  But that has not always been the case...

Ramiel is an Angel who is assigned to find the pages of a book called The Devil's Bible.  He is full of righteousness as he encounters Claire, assuming she is evil because she works for the Devil.  But, because he is also working towards redemption for something in his past, he begins to see there is more to Claire and her friends than meets the eye.

There are many wonderful side characters, but I particularly like the ones who are fugitive characters from the unfinished novels of the library.  The author has fun playing with common archetypes such as the Hero and the Damsel.  There is also a exploration of how a story is created.  Does the plot create the characters or do the characters drive the story?

Story:
The book centers around finding the lost pages of The Devil's Bible, a book that holds tremendous power.  The Librarian must travel to the earthly world, as well as otherworldly realms such as Valhalla, to find the missing pages.  As with any quest, each new destination presents a challenge Clair must pass to prove herself worthy (as in the Percy Jackson books).  This was fun, and not always straight-forward.

What I Was Mixed About:
Slow Beginning:
The beginning of the story was slow to get going.  I was worried that the novel would be one cliche after another.  It was starting to annoy me when finally the story picked up with Ramiel and other characters that added more variety to the story.  Going to many different locations, also created a sense of unpredictability.  I just wish the author would have done this faster.
 Rating: 




Release Date:  October 1st, 2019

Author:  A. J. Hackwith

Publisher:  Ace Books

Genre:  Adult Fantasy

Page Length:  384 pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:
Apparently, this is the first novel in a series.  I had lots of fun getting to know the universe of this book, and I look forward to reading about the further adventures of these characters.
   
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Thursday, September 26, 2019

ARC Review: The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42613944-the-memory-thief
Please Note:  I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
In the city of Craewick, memories reign. The power-obsessed ruler of the city, Madame, has cultivated a society in which memories are currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please.

Seventeen-year-old Etta Lark is desperate to live outside of the corrupt culture, but grapples with the guilt of an accident that has left her mother bedridden in the city’s asylum. When Madame threatens to put her mother up for auction, a Craewick practice in which a “criminal's" memories are sold to the highest bidder before being killed, Etta will do whatever it takes to save her. Even if it means rejoining the Shadows, the rebel group she swore off in the wake of the accident years earlier.

To prove her allegiance to the Shadows and rescue her mother, Etta must steal a memorized map of the Maze, a formidable prison created by the bloodthirsty ruler of a neighboring Realm. So she sets out on a journey in which she faces startling attacks, unexpected romance, and, above all, her own past in order to set things right in her world.

Review:
I was so excited to read this book, based on the premise.  A society where memories can be traded (and stolen).  What would people do?  Could this be used for good or evil?  There was so much potential for an awesome book.  Unfortunately, all that potential was wasted.  The world of this novel needed too much explanation, slowing down the action.  The characters were cartoonish, and the plot was full of tasks that were completely unnecessary to the story's resolution.  

It gives me no pleasure to give a negative review.  I think the author worked very hard on this story.  I will give this book one and a half stars, based on the creative premise.  But the execution of the novel was so flawed, I couldn't bring myself to rate it higher. 

What I Liked:
Premise:
I did really like the book's premise.  A society where memories can be transferred between people sounds awesome.  The author was smart to pick up on the probability that this gift could be used to terrorize and control a society. 

What I didn't like:
Characters:
There were many archetypes such as the evil leader, in this case known as Madame, the Hero, Reid, and the Chosen one, Etta.  

Madame was a two-dimensional character.  We never find out her motivation or background that might explain her behavior.  I found Reid particularly annoying.  How many times can a character exclaim, "I will protect you" to the allegedly kick-ass female main character?  

The main character, Etta, was very grating.  The entire time she walked around acting guilty entirely out of proportion to the things she did.  She was also far too trusting of characters who were presented as villains but then emerged as amazingly nice people (again with no explanation).  For the Chosen One, she wasn't at all empowered.

 Plot:
While I don't want to tell the entire story, there were several major plot points that went nowhere.  For instance, a huge part of the story was building up to the climactic moment when they would enter The Maze, where Etta and Reid would rescue an important character.  Will they be clever enough to survive all the traps and puzzles?  Will the person they are saving be sane enough to help rescue Etta's mother?  

Pro Tip:  Authors, you need to deliver on your promises.  If you build up an event in your book, there needs to by a payoff.  If not, the reader will feel cheated.  The whole Maze scene lasted about three pages!  The characters were never in any real danger.  They did not need to be clever, or strong.  It was such a let down, I cannot begin to describe how lame this was.  

Rating: 




Release Date:  October 1st, 2019

Author:  Lauren Mansy

Publisher:  Blink

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Page Length:  368 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:
A wasted opportunity.  If you must read this, get it for free at the library.  Otherwise, save your money. 

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Tuesday, September 17, 2019

ARC Review: Small Spaces by Katherine Arden

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36959639-small-spaces?ac=1&from_search=true

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This has not influenced the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
After suffering a tragic loss, eleven-year-old Ollie only finds solace in books. So when she happens upon a crazed woman at the river threatening to throw a book into the water, Ollie doesn't think--she just acts, stealing the book and running away. As she begins to read the slender volume, Ollie discovers a chilling story about a girl named Beth, the two brothers who both loved her, and a peculiar deal made with "the smiling man," a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price.

Ollie is captivated by the tale until her school trip the next day to Smoke Hollow, a local farm with a haunting history all its own. There she stumbles upon the graves of the very people she's been reading about. Could it be the story about the smiling man is true? Ollie doesn't have too long to think about the answer to that. On the way home, the school bus breaks down, sending their teacher back to the farm for help. But the strange bus driver has some advice for the kids left behind in his care: "Best get moving. At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you." Nightfall is, indeed, fast descending when Ollie's previously broken digital wristwatch, a keepsake reminder of better times, begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN.

Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed the bus driver's warning. As the trio head out into the woods--bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them--the bus driver has just one final piece of advice for Ollie and her friends: "Avoid large places. Keep to small."

And with that, a deliciously creepy and hair-raising adventure begins.

Review:
I have read several of Katherine Arden's books.  They are full of beautiful imagery, strong characters, and creative stories.  Small Spaces, her newest middle-grade novel, continues with these high standards.  This was a fun, creepy story that younger readers will love.

What I Liked:

Setting:
An eerie little town in Autumn, a school trip to a farm (with a haunted past), a strange encounter with a woman muttering about a book.  All of these work to create a sense of foreboding that is compelling and scary.  Not to mention, the scarecrows...

                 
via GIPHY


 Characters:
Ollie, the main character, will be a kid others will identify with.  Ollie is a girl who's mother has died.  She tries to remain under the radar, as she can't stand the sympathetic tone of teachers, and her fellow students.    She even lashes out against her father when he tries to tell her to move on.  No one seems to truly acknowledge her right to her own feelings.

I also liked Brian and Coco, who's characters went beyond stereotypes and showed Ollie not to judge others.  I liked that the novel took the time to really develop these characters and make them an important part of the story.

The Book:
Although it is not a person, the book that Ollie steals is practically a living character.  We get to read portions of it as the story progresses, which gives the backstory of the farm and the "smiling man".  As Ollie and her friends try to find their way, they meet various people who might be connected to the book's story.  It all make for a chilling tale.

Story:
This is a creepy story, but one that is not too scary for middle-grade readers (ten and up).  I will never look at scarecrows or school trips the same way again! The sense of dread permeates the story, which makes for a page-turning, exciting story.  I hope you don't mind if I am being vague, but I really don't want to give away spoilers.

I will say that this is a perfect book to read as Halloween approaches.  It is fun, exciting, and scary.

Rating: 




Release Date:  July 9th, 2019 (in paperback).  Original release was September 25th, 2018

Author:  Katherine Arden

Publisher:  Puffin Books

Genre:  Middle-grade fantasy

Page Length:  216 pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation: 
This is a perfect book to read as Halloween approaches.  It is fun, exciting, and scary.  Middle-grade readers, and adults will love it.

 
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Thursday, September 12, 2019

ARC Review: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43521657-the-ten-thousand-doors-of-january?ac=1&from_search=true

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence my opinions in the review in any way.

 Synopsis (from Goodreads):
In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place.

Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure and danger. Each page turn reveals impossible truths about the world and January discovers a story increasingly entwined with her own.

 Review:
What if there were doors to other worlds just waiting to be discovered?  How would people use this opportunity?  The settings, characters, and story created an experience that blew me away!  I really enjoyed this book.

What I Liked:
Setting:
I enjoyed the early 20th century time period.  This moment before the first world war is a heart-breaking mix of optimism and innocence.  You can tell how different the world will soon be when the massive war machine of Europe awakens.

 January is growing up in a world of privilege as the ward of Mr. Locke.  But being a girl of color, she is never really accepted.  People don't know how to treat her.  Is she a servant, an exotic pet?  She gets many different reactions from people.  This realism was smart and refreshing.

Characters:
I loved January.  She struggled to fit in anywhere, and was torn about her feelings about Mr. Locke.  Mr. Locke treated her as though she should be eternally grateful for his support, that she should follow him without question.  Did he love her like a father?  Or was he manipulating her (and her father) to profit from her potential?

 She tried so hard to fit in and behave like a proper Edwardian girl.  But she  also longed to escape and see the world like her father.  I loved her determination to live life on her own terms.

 Mr. Locke was a complicated character.  You don't know for most of the book if he was trying to protect January or exploit her.  Perhaps it was a little of both.  What I can say about Mr. Locke is that he was a complicated man who was really full of his own importance.

 There are several other characters who were complex and intriguing.  I loved how surprised I was by all these people.

 Story:
The story was a roller coaster ride of adventure as we learn of all the ways the doors can be used and of all the things that pass between the many worlds.  I loved how January, despite her efforts to maintain a low profile, found adventure and held on to her dreams of finding her father.  This was a story of overcoming other people's low expectations and persevering through adversity.

Rating: 




Release Date:  September 10th, 2019

Author:  Alix E. Harrow

Publisher:  Redhook

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Page Length:  384 pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  A thoroughly unique story and setting sets this YA fantasy book apart.  This was a very enjoyable read.

 
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Tuesday, September 10, 2019

ARC Review: Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34109621-don-t-you-forget-about-me?ac=1&from_search=true
Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
If there’s one thing worse than being fired from the grottiest restaurant in town, it’s coming home early to find your boyfriend in bed with someone else.

Reeling from the indignity of a double dumping on the same day, Georgina snatches at the next job that she’s offered – barmaid in a newly opened pub, which just so happens to run by the boy she fell in love with at school: Lucas McCarthy. And whereas Georgina (voted Most Likely to Succeed in her school yearbook) has done nothing but dead-end jobs in the last twelve years, Lucas has not only grown into a broodingly handsome man, but also has turned into an actual grown-up with a business and a dog along the way.

Meeting Lucas again not only throws Georgina’s rackety present into sharp relief, but also brings a dark secret from her past bubbling to the surface. Only she knows the truth about what happened on the last day of school, and why she’s allowed it to chase her all these years…  

 Review:
I first learned about author Mhairi McFarlane from a Boostagrammer in England named The Bookish Gurl. Since I really enjoy British romcom books, I was interested and found Don't You Forget About Me on Edelweiss.  Yes, this book was funny and romantic.  But it was also quite timely in this era of the #metoo movement, bringing up sexual harrassment (and worse).  With such a positive introduction to this author's work, I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.
What I Liked:
Characters:
At first, we see Georgina as a stereotypical underachieving thirty year-old, working a series of low-paying waitress jobs and dating losers.  But there is a more complex woman under her pink furry jacket and short skirts.  I loved getting to know this character.  This author does a wonderful job of giving the reader information about Georgina in small doses, thus making me interested in finding out the whole truth about her.

 Lucas is a man from Georgina's past who is likewise quite mysterious.  There are a few unnecessary about his past that are a bit clichéd, but mostly Lucas is a solid character with hidden depths.

 Georgina's family is an interesting mix of infuriating and funny.  I especially enjoyed all the antics over Sunday lunches.  These could easily have been two-dimensional, annoying characters.  At first, they definitely are.  But I loved how we learn more about them and see how they all change over the course of the book. 

Themes:
Although this is not an exact retelling, I felt there were very strong similarities between this book and my favorite book of all time: Persuasion.  Many of Georgina's family resembles the family of Anne, the main character in the Jane Austin classic.  There is the vain, controlling step-father, and siblings who clearly don't see Georgina as capable or important.  And the main theme of a second chance at love after an intense, but youthful infatuation is the same. 

 Story:
The story centers around the mystery of why Georgina and Luke (who were so in love as teens) broke up in the first place.  There are definitely differences between what we think happened and what really took place that will be addressed as the story moves along.  This was very satisfying.

 But along with that, there is a side story about the aftermath of Georgina's relationship with a manipulative womanizer.  In fact, there are several men in the story who are used to exploiting women.  They seem genuinely baffled by the new self-awareness of women who are fed up with sexual harassment, mansplaining, and being devalued.  How she progresses from accepting this behavior to putting herself first made me adore Georgina.  It elevates this story from a charming romcom to a timely novel where we tell these types of men that their Time's Up!
Trigger Warning for sexual assault

Rating: 




Release Date: September 10th, 2019

Author:  Mhairi McFarlane

Publisher:  William Morrow Books

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction

Page Length:  432 Pages

Source:  Edelweiss

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  A highly-entertaining book that was alternately funny and serious.  Go get this book!

 
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Wednesday, September 4, 2019

ARC Review: The Long Call by Ann Cleeves

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43263552-the-long-call
Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
For the first time in 20 years, Ann Cleeves—international bestselling and award-winning author of the Vera and Shetland series, both of which are hit TV shows—embarks on a gripping new series.
In North Devon, where two rivers converge and run into the sea, Detective Matthew Venn stands outside the church as his father’s funeral takes place. Once loved and cherished, the day Matthew left the strict evangelical community he grew up in, he lost his family too.

Now, as he turns and walks away again, he receives a call from one of his team. A body has been found on the beach nearby: a man with a tattoo of an albatross on his neck, stabbed to death.

The case calls Matthew back into the community he thought he had left behind, as deadly secrets hidden at its heart are revealed, and his past and present collide.

An astonishing new novel told with compassion and searing insight, The Long Call will captivate fans of Vera and Shetland, as well as new readers.

Review:
My mom was an avid reader of mystery novels.  She enjoyed the puzzles and the suspense.  I guess that because my mom loved these books, I automatically resisted them (ah, daughterly rebellion).  But in recent years, I have finally come to understand their appeal.

This is the first Ann Cleeves novel I have read, but it certainly won't be the last.  The Long Call has lots of what I love about any book: a small-town setting, an array of quirky characters, and a compelling story.  But this is also a top-notch crime story that was very exciting.

What I Liked:
Setting:
I love books set in small towns.  There is something about a place where everyone is known that makes me want to delve in more deeply.  After all, everyone has their secrets.  The setting is North Devon, England.  I found the faded resort town to be  charming.

Even though the place was charming, it was not a sugary sweet small town.  The effects of a downward trending economy were evident, from the seedy streets (away from the tourist areas) and various social issues that accompanied them.

Characters:
I really liked Matthew, the lead detective.  His smart appearance belies a very complicated backstory that is relevant to the action in the book.  His husband, Jonathan, is the polar-opposite of Matthew with his laid-back attitude and casual attire.  They couldn't be more different, or a more perfect fit for each other.

 I also liked Jen, the other police officer (detective?) in the story.  Her struggles are very different from her colleague, Ross.  Jen is constantly juggling being a single parent with putting in the hours and dedication to her career.  I like her running commentary, as she often wonders if the assignments she gets are because she is good at certain skills, or because she is being pidgin-holed into less important work because she is a woman.  Since she is one of the only women in her department, these are not unreasonable concerns.

Also, I quite liked the various characters in the book who had Down's Syndrome.  I liked that the author showed different presentations of the same condition.  I also really appreciated the families who took care of these characters.  This book didn't sugar-coat the challenges families face, especially when the parents face old age.

Story:
The story begins with a body found on the beach.  A seemingly random series of events that follow gives Matthew the idea that they are all connected.  But he can't quite figure out how.  That's the puzzle portion of the book, and it's fun to figure out how everything is, indeed, connected.

 The ending was exciting, with lots of plot twists I didn't see coming.  This seems to be the first book in a new series, and I will really look forward to the next book.

 Rating: 




Release Date:  September 3rd, 2019

 Author:  Ann Cleeves

 Publisher:  Monitaur Books

 Genre:  Crime/Mystery

 Page Length:  384 Pages

 Source:  NetGalley

 Format:  E-book

 Recommendation: 
This seems to be the first book in a new series, and I will really look forward to the next book.  If you enjoy mysteries, you will love this book.
 





 
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Tuesday, September 3, 2019

ARC Review: Sword and Pen by Rachel Caine

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34408305-sword-and-pen?ac=1&from_search=true
Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
The corrupt leadership of the Great Library has fallen. But with the Archivist plotting his return to power, and the Library under siege from outside empires and kingdoms, its future is uncertain. Jess Brightwell and his friends must come together as never before, to forge a new future for the Great Library . . . or see everything it stood for crumble.

 Review:
I have a slight confession to make:  when I requested Sword and Pen, by Rachel Caine, on NetGalley, I hadn't realized there were FOUR previous books in the series!  Of course, I read the first book, Ink and Bone, and I thought I may need to read one more book before moving on to the book I requested.  So I spent the summer reading the entire series.  And I am so glad I did.

 This series has been so fun, filled with a diverse group of characters, and enough action and romance to keep me on the edge of my seat for all five books.   The fifth and final book is a fitting send off.
What I Liked:
Setting:
The Great Library is set in a kind of alternate reality, steampunk version of the world.  All knowledge is controlled by the Library (a clear allusion to the Roman Catholic Church), so owning any original copies of books is forbidden.  There are many layers to this societ.  Most of the main characters are soldiers in the High Garda, but others are scholars, magicians (called Obscurists) or criminals.  The book is set in the middle of a revolution, so there are lots of rebels, as well. 

 Each book gives us more of the mythology of this world.  In Sword and Pen, we learn about how the very foundations of the society were formed.  Themes of personal and intellectual freedom are highlighted, as well.

 Characters:
The group of friends (Jess, Morgan, Glain, Khalila, Thomas, and Dario) are back.  While some characters, such as Jess and Dario are your standard YA heroes (reckless, with a heart), others are really unique.  Glain, although it's not specifically stated, is asexual. Thomas, the genius inventor, has to work hard not to give in to violence.  And Khalila is a devout, hijab-wearing Muslim.

 While I love every single young person in this book, I also appreciate that the author took the time to have characters with a variety of ages.  And they aren't simple background characters.  Wolf and Santi are very complex men in a deeply committed relationship.  The students look up to both of them.  Each is smart and has different strengths and challenges.

 Story:
The story is action-packed as the team tries to finally put a stop to the Archivist's hold on power.  All the planning in the world doesn't prevent various roadblocks to victory.  It would be a pretty boring book if it was easy.

 I appreciate that the author took the time to wrap up everyone's story.  And, fair warning, not everyone gets a happy ending.

 What I Was Mixed About:
Although I did really love the story, the action was a little too non-stop!  How many close calls can Jess get in in a day?  He has the most amazing luck to get out of sticky situations time and time again.

Rating: 




Release Date:  September 3rd, 2019

Author:  Rachel Caine

Publisher:  Berkley Books

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Page Length:  368 pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-book

Recommendation: A fitting finale to the series.  Do read all the other books first (and preferably just before reading this book).
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Monday, September 2, 2019

ARC Review: The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43316755-the-harp-of-kings?ac=1&from_search=true
Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions of my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Eighteen-year-old Liobhan is a powerful singer and an expert whistle player. Her brother has a voice to melt the hardest heart, and a rare talent on the harp. But Liobhan's burning ambition is to join the elite warrior band on Swan Island. She and her brother train there to compete for places, and find themselves joining a mission while still candidates. Their unusual blend of skills makes them ideal for this particular job, which requires going undercover as traveling minstrels. For Swan Island trains both warriors and spies.

Their mission: to find and retrieve a precious harp, an ancient symbol of kingship, which has gone mysteriously missing. If the instrument is not played at the upcoming coronation, the candidate will not be accepted and the people could revolt. Faced with plotting courtiers and tight-lipped druids, an insightful storyteller, and a boorish Crown Prince, Liobhan soon realizes an Otherworld power may be meddling in the affairs of the kingdom. When ambition clashes with conscience, Liobhan must make a bold decision and is faced with a heartbreaking choice. . . .

Review:
I was really interested in this novel from the description I read on NetGalley: a brother and sister who are musicians AND warriors!  I am so grateful for the approval because this is one of the most unique fantasy novels I have read in quite some time.  It has wonderful characters, the intrigue of a spy novel, and Faeries! What more could you want???

What I liked:
Characters:
Liobhan and her brother Dau are training to become elite warriors, but they are also accomplished musicians who entertain their fellow cadets with strangely compelling music.  I loved the many layers to their relationship.  They supported each other but were very different.  Liobhan lives for combat drills and punishing physical workouts.  Dau is also an impressive fighter, but, secretely, he would rather play his harp and compose music.

They are also keeping an intriguing secret from every one.  I was really surprised by this plot twist, but in the best possible way.

Brocc is another cadet training to be a warrior.  At first he seems like a misogynistic jerk, and seems to take joy in antagonizing Liobhan.  But as the story progresses, we see the deep scars that form his personality.  He has a story arc that will make you care deeply about him by the end of the novel.

Tropes Smashed:
As I was introduced to these characters, I instantly thought I knew what would happen based on so many popular tropes in YA (enemies who fall in love, royalty who plot for dominance).  But I was happily proven wrong!  I love that this author didn't feel the need to stick with predictable plot lines.  This made the story really refreshing.

Story:
The story has all the fun elements of a crime novel.  There is a mystery (where is the Harp of Kings, who took it, and why?), suspects with hidden agendas, and danger.  You don't really know everything that's going on until the very end where all the different parts fall into place to show us what is happening. 

And then there are the Faeries.  They play an important role in the mystery.  I really enjoyed this other world with unique characters, settings, and problems.  I especially liked the emphasis on the natural world.  

Trigger Warning:
This was a deep, and, at times, difficult book to read.  There are graphic depictions of physical abuse, animal torture and sexual assault.  These were necessary to the story, but please be warned. 


Rating: 




Release Date:  September 3rd, 2019

 Author:  Juliet Marillier

 Publisher:  Ace Books

 Genre:  YA Fantasy

 Page Length:  464 pages

 Source:  NetGalley

 Format:  E-Book

 Recommendation:  This is a unique YA Fantasy.  Very compelling with surprisingly deep themes.

 


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