Sample Chapter of Woven Magic

It’s my birthday and the best present you could give me is reading and critiquing my story.

What’s it about? Here’s my latest summery.

Ten years ago two worlds merged, but when they split apart the Earth left several human cities behind in the world of the Kuth.

Everyone knows Altera is strange, her hair is never the same color you saw it last, but they don’t realize how special she is. Altera can see magic, enabling her to weave threads of magic together without the ceremony magic usually requires.

On a visit to a local Kuth village, Altera aids a healer who claims she’s a legendary Madj. The healer contacts her relative Jyk, to help Altera. Jyk is also a Madj, but he isn’t a teacher, he’s a regional, someone who travels across the land aiding countries with magical problems. Jyk has never had an apprentice before and doesn’t plan to start now, but after meeting Altera, he begins to change his mind.

Sound good? Read it here http://mollymortensen.wordpress.com/sample-chapter/

I’d like to know what you think and feel free to be harsh, I can handle it and I need to hear it. I’d rather honest criticism over false flattery any day. Thank you for stopping by.

~Molly

Book Review: The Last Changeling by Chelsea Pitcher

I won my first book to review from Netgalley!

THE LAST CHANGELING by Chelsea Pitcher

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

360 Pages

Pre-order from Amazon

Parental Rating: 12 and up. Mild Swearing and teenage ‘making out’.

The faerie Elora is trying to start a rebellion against her mother the Dark Queen, but to overthrow a millennium old faerie she needs the Bright Queen's help. The Bright Queen sets her a riddle, asking Elora to bring her a human offering. Elora travels to the human world, having only heard bad things about humans. She meets a human high-schooler named Taylor who lets her stay at his house. (She tells him to call him Lora, which is the name she mostly goes by in the book.)

The book is told from the perspectives of both Lora and Taylor. At the beginning Lora has a poetic voice and makes her seem more otherworldly, but as she assimilates to the human world she talks more normally. There were a couple of instances where Taylor sounded like Lora, too poetic for a normal teenage boy, but overall the characters were realistic and distinct. Though they were both told in first person I didn't confuse the two.

The characters were the stars of the story. I genuinely liked both of the main characters, which isn't always the case for me. The romance between them was gradual and felt natural. It was a sweet realistic romance. The side characters were just as good as the main characters and the friendships blossomed at a realistic pace the same way the relationship did.

Taylor and Lora gradually grow to trust one another and it makes them both better people. The change in their personalities is gradual and well done. They've both had a rough family life and they both have their secrets. They slowly open up to one another, and it felt like they would actually reveal these closely guarded secrets. Lora’s tells her story to Taylor as a nightly ‘fairy tale’. Since there is a lot of back story, this was a good way to do it without being boring.

Though there is plenty of magic in this book and excitement at the end, most of the book isn't fast paced. That doesn't mean it’s boring, not in the least. The Last Changeling mostly takes place in a modern high school and romance plays a large part of the story. Normally this wouldn't sound like my kind of book, but I really enjoyed it! There’s the normal teenage stuff, but it’s handled well and Lora is so different it’s fun to see through her eyes and watch her navigate the human world.

The world of the faerie has been done so many times, but the author still creates her own unique mythology. Like most fairies, those in Last Changeling can’t lie outright, are hurt by iron, and use glamours. (They also have wings, which I thought was the best part!) There isn't too much magic in the book, but what was there was imaginative and just plain cool.

There wasn't a to be continued ending, which I appreciated, but there’s certainly more to come. (At least I hope there is!) I would've appreciated if one question had been answered though. (I can’t say what it was without spoilers.)

I plan to buy The Last Changeling when it’s released and would highly recommend it.

8/10 Stars

Please visit again tomorrow for a chapter from my novel, Woven Magic. :)

Book Review: Chaos Walking Trilogy By Patrick Ness

The Knife of Never Letting Go

 497 Pages, $5.43 on Kindle

The Ask and the Answer

528 Pages, $7.39 on Kindle

Monsters of Men

808 Pages, $7.69 on Kindle

Genre: Young Adult, Scifi

I’m not rating this series, because it wouldn't be fair to the books. When I read the summery I expected a cute little fun book about kids who can read minds and a talking dog, but what I got was a thought provoking book, which was often sad. (I like books that make me happy, not sad.) It just wasn't my kind of book, but I got so wrapped up in the characters and the story that I read the entire trilogy. (And the short story that takes place afterwards.)

THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO

I was greatly annoyed by the bad spelling and grammar in this novel. Yes, it was intentional because the novel is written by a 12 year old boy. (14 Earth years.)

Todd lives on New World, a colonized planet where all of the men can hear each other’s thoughts. Most of the thoughts aren't clear, just Noise. As if that wasn't weird enough all of the animals can talk, including Todd’s dog Manchee. The planet was colonized 20 years ago and 10 years ago a war with the native species killed all of the women in Prentisstown and destroyed all the other settlements. Or did they?

Todd was raised by Ben and Cillian and is awaiting his birthday next month when he’ll finally be a man. One day he comes back from the swamp where he heard a strange quiet in the noise. Ben is alarmed, gets an already packed bag out for Todd and tells him to run. “Everything you know is a lie...” But Todd can’t know anything because then the other villagers would hear it in his Noise. (His thoughts.) So Ben writes Todd a letter, but the problem with this plan is, Todd only had the most basic lessons in reading...

I don’t want to say anymore and spoil the story. Throughout the novel the readers are taunted with the truth of Prentisstown, and finally at 75% ish through the book we find out. It was getting a bit silly at this point with interruptions so Todd couldn't learn the truth. (Although I pretty much had it figured out anyway.)

The voice is unique in this book and the strength is definitely the characters. Even the minor characters felt like people and I really enjoyed their relationships. Todd felt like a real little boy, imperfect, sometimes immature, and he has a temper. His commentary to the audience was amusing; My voice broke (shut up).

This isn't really a kids’ book. It’s deep, as in thought provoking, but also violent at times. (Both of which I don’t usually mind, but there’s one incident that bothered me.)

The Knife of Never letting Go is one big chase scene across the planet of New World. (Which is always my least favorite part of action movies.) Just when things are going well, or they have a plan, you just know everything’s about to go wrong. (Think Game of Thrones)

This book ends to be continued, and not just in a cliffhanger but a season finale cliffhanger where nothing is certain. I wasn't planning to read the next book, but well... I just had to know.

THE ASK AND THE ANSWER

The two perspectives in the sequel worked well, and I liked that half the book now has proper grammar. This book asks the question, who can you trust? And the answer is no one. There is not a ‘good guy’ and a ‘bad guy’. I've decided they’re all bad guys, even the main characters aren't exactly good.

This book isn't any more upbeat than the first and again, there is some heavy subject matter discussed. The characters also keep making mistakes, but Todd does seem more mature.

There are more new characters, one of which is a horse who calls Todd boy colt. (My favorite part of the book) We also get to know earlier characters better and some aren't what I thought. (Sorry for the teasing, I’m trying not to spoil anything.)

Another to be continued cliff hanger ending...

MONSTERS OF MEN

The perspective changes are confusing at first, mostly because they are both exciting and too short.

Then a third perspective is added, a native of New World, a species known as the Land in their own language. This perspective is unique and had such potential, but I found it hard to like the character, because he/she? is so full of rage and hate. It’s sad because I like other characters of his/her? race.

This book also ends to be continued! Another cliff hanger ending! At the end of a trilogy!

On Patrick Ness' website you can read three Chaos Walking short stories for free, including Snowscape which takes place after Monsters of Men. (Even though I was annoyed, I had to read it to find out what happens!) Snowscape is told by a side character, but the question we were left with at the end of the trilogy is answered. (Of course, not until the very end.)

How do you like your stories? Light and mindless or deep and thought provoking? I like mine somewhere in the middle, not total fluff, but not super serious either.

Anyone else have Goodreads? I love that site! Mine is here.

Book Review: Grisha Trilogy By Leigh Bardugo - Rising and Ruin

(No spoilers without proper warning.)

SHADOW AND BONE

Alina is a war orphan and has always been skinny and sickly. She grew up with her best friend Mal, a stocky boy who turned into a handsome young man. Alina’s afraid that the two of them are growing apart and she’s never had the courage to confess her true feelings to Mal.

The country of Ravka has been at war for over a century. A year ago Mal and Alina joined the military, Alina as a mapmaker, Mal as a tracker.

Their company is preparing to cross into the fold, an area of space where all is black and monsters known as volcra live. When they are attacked something shocking happens.

Alina is knocked out, then held at gunpoint and taken to the Darkling, a man with power over darkness itself. The Darkling leads the second army, the Grisha, people who have magical powers.

The Grisha are divided into summoners, (who control fire, wind or water) corporalki (heart renders and healers) and tinkerers. (Who make weapons, armor, and inventions like powders for explosives.)

The world of Grisha is unique as are the customs and words used, though they do sound a bit Russian. The romance worked and felt real. (I personally don’t like either of Alina’s suitors, but that’s just me. The Darkling has more promise than Mal, I just don’t like him.) The mystery actually fooled me. Afterwards I was surprised I didn’t see it coming, but it was well done, because I totally didn’t. (I kept talking about it afterwards too.)

Alina is sometimes foolish, but the author does such a good job of telling the story that these ‘mistakes’ make sense to the audience and some even turn out not to be mistakes.

SIEGE AND STORM

The sequel continues along the same lines as the end of Shadow and Bone. We meet some engaging new characters, most notably Stormhond the ‘pirate’. I found myself wishing Alina would have a new love interest and there is a new guy in her life, but I’m not sure what to make of him. He’s an interesting, mysterious character, but can he be trusted? Can anyone?

The book started with a bang, but dwindled in the middle. There’s too much planning and plotting and telling of time passing, but of course there’s plenty of action by the end.

RAISING AND RUIN

Raising started depressing, but luckily that storyline only lasts for the first chapter. (I hated that priest!)

We finally found out more about the Darkling’s past, including his name. I was satisfied with his name, it suited him.

There were multiple plot twists in the last book, and even the things I thought I’d figured out were a bit different than I expected. The first of the two major twists was good, but the second didn’t make any sense. (So much for small science...)

Most people will probably be happy with the ending, but I’m not. Overall I enjoyed this book and thought it was as good as Siege. (Except for that one part of the ending. I could rant about that all day, but I won’t.)

Shadow and Bone - 8 stars

Siege and Storm - 7 stars

Raising and Ruin - 6 stars (1 subtracted for the ending)

 

 

SPOILERS: DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ SIEGE AND STORM (No spoilers for Rising and Ruin though)

 

 

 

Which guy were you rooting for? (Was anyone rooting for Mal?) What did you want to happen to Alina? Queen? Grisha leader?

I know that Mal is supposed to be the love interest for Alina, and she keeps telling me how great he is, but I just don't see it. I'd like to see her with the prince personally, (Which is strange for me, I'm not a prince sort of girl, but then again he isn't the usual prince.) And if not the prince than the Darkling. (Yes, I know he's technically the bad guy, but I can't help it. I like him. Certainly more than stupid Mal.)

I know Alina hated ruling the Grisha, but I think she could do a good job of it. Maybe not as the sole ruler, but with a council of other Grisha. (or the Darkling.) Sure. Or she could be the queen, that would be cool too. I'm good with either of these outcomes. Becoming evil and joining the Darkling would work too. She could become a pirate with Stormhond and I'd be happy. (Not that I expect that outcome.)

 

Okay, I had to rant a little (SPOILERS FOR END OF RISING AND RUIN) DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ RISING AND RUIN 

 

 

 

 

The part I hated about the ending wasn't which guy she would up with, because though I hated Mal, I expected her to wind up with him. (Even though I kept hoping otherwise.) The whole he's dead, no wait he isn't was rather dumb, but that's not what really bothered me either. Nor was it about anyone who died. (Though a couple of more people could've died and made me happy, namely that priest.)

Alina losing her powers was about the worst outcome possible, and as if that wasn't bad enough now dozens of other people suddenly have the sun summoner powers! (So much for special!) Now tell me that's a happy ending? Everyone who got her powers is a good guy right and wouldn't cause all manner of trouble for the Ravka now? Right...

Even the pathetically sappy reopening of the orphanage would be acceptable if only Alina had her powers! (Maybe just the amplifiers broke so she's back with her natural powers.)

Okay, I know I said I wouldn't rant, but I couldn't help it. I really like these books and the whole losing her powers and lots of normal people all of a sudden having them almost ruined it for me! Okay, I'm done now. (Molly backs away sheepishly.)

YA Book Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy By Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

This is a very imaginative book. The world and the magic are well thought out and are horribly wonderful. I liked the characters, even the minor ones, and if there was a weakness it would be the suddenness of the relationships. (But I don’t see any other way for it to have happened.)

I believe it’s best to read this book knowing as less about it as possible, so I recommend you skip the summary and just trust me and go out and get it.

Okay, I understand your curiosity to know more. There's no way to describe this book without some small spoilers, but I promise I won’t reveal anything in my summary that isn't already on the book’s back cover. (Which reveals way too much, so read mine instead.)

Karou is an art student living in Prague. Her friends all believe she has a great imagination and enjoy her sketches of her Chimera ‘friends’. She’s perfected the art of lying by telling the truth with a wry smile. Her friends never suspect that all her stories are true. The star of these stories is Brimstone, like all the chimera he’s part human and part beast, which in his case is a ram.

Karou goes on errands for Brimstone, collecting teeth of all things. The four chimera live in a magical shop which can be found behind doorways all over the world, which Karou uses for her errands. Brimstone never answers Karou's questions about what the teeth are for or how she wound up in the shop as a baby.

Strange burned handprints start appearing on Brimstone’s doors and there are rumors all over the world of sightings of angels. Karou doesn’t give them much thought until she comes face to face with one of these angels. He’s beautiful and he’s trying to kill her.

Days of Blood & Starlight

I liked the further expansion of the world and the characters, and all of the new characters. But (afraid there is a but) This book was just so depressing. Not much good happens to these poor characters...

My only problem with the characters rests with Karou.  I was mentally yelling at her throughout this book. I like you Karou, I do, and I know you’ve been through a lot, but where has your backbone gone? And how can you be so stupid? I figured it out chapters before you did.

Though the opposite was true too, the characters kept knowing things chapters before us readers found out.  (I know what you’re doing author lady. You keep withholding information from us readers so we don’t put your book down. And well... it might have worked... but it was still annoying!)

One of the Best parts of this book was Karou’s human friend Zuzana and her boyfriend Mik. I love their personalities, their weirdness, and their relationship. They were a happy part in an otherwise too sad book.

The first book was almost an older YA book, but this one definitely is older YA. For violence, sex, and one almost rape scene. (Don’t worry though it’s not a bad one.)

Dreams of Gods & Monsters 

It was strange how the author introduced new characters and plotlines in the last book of a trilogy. I kept wondering why she felt to need to add several seemingly pointless new side stories. At 75% of the book it all started to make sense. The new aspects of this book were the set up for the next set of adventures.

I’m glad the author decided to go for this odd way of writing though, because the new storylines turned out to be my favorite part of the book in the end. (Weird I know.) So, hang in there and don’t skip over them.

There was also more excellent world building in the third book. Perhaps even a bit too much was explained. It felt all too neat and tidy, but I’m sure that for the next book it won’t be. (And there had better be a next book!)

Daughter of Smoke and Bone - 9 Stars

Days of Blood & Starlight - 7 Stars

Dreams of Gods & Monsters - 8 Stars