Sisters Red – by Jackson Pearce
25 April 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Jackson Pearce, Sisters Red
Just finished reading Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce. To quote the description from Amazon:
“The story of Scarlett and Rosie March, two highly-skilled sisters who have been hunting Fenris (werewolves) – who prey on teen girls – since Scarlett lost her eye years ago while defending Rosie in an attack. Scarlett lives to destroy the Fenris, and she and Rosie lure them in with red cloaks (a colour the wolves can’t resist), though Rosie hunts more out of debt to her sister than drive. But things seem to be changing. The wolves are getting stronger and harder to fight, and there has been a rash of news reports about countless teenage girls being brutally murdered in the city. Scarlett and Rosie soon discover the truth: wolves are banding together in search of a Potential Fenris – a man tainted by the pack but not yet fully changed. Desperate to find the Potential to use him as bait for a massive werewolf extermination, the sisters move to the city with Silas, a young woodsman and long time family friend who is deadly with an axe. Meanwhile, Rosie finds herself drawn to Silas and the bond they share not only drives the sisters apart, but could destroy all they’ve worked for.”
Sisters Red takes it’s inspiration from the classic fairy story Little Red Riding Hood but instead of one little girl there are two and instead of one big bad wolf there are packs of werewolves (Fenris) who hunt and eat pretty young women.
I really enjoyed this book for a number of reasons. I liked the way the author managed to work in a number of references to the original story – starting in the prologue – where Rosie tells a gentleman visitor “you have weird eyes” to which he replies “The better to see your lovely faces with” and continuing throughout with a number of other subtle parallels. I liked the two sisters and the fact that the story was told in their alternating voices. I thought this allowed you to see how their relationship started to change as the story developed. And, I loved the fact that the werewolves, even though terribly handsome, were not likable creatures at all. They were just plain, nasty monsters. There was no conflict in them about what they were doing, they didn’t fall in love with the beautiful girls they stalk, they are soulless. There is no way that you are attracted to these creatures, apart from the inital lure of the physical attraction they turn into grisly, smelly matt coated animals with yellow teeth and eyes and guttural voices. The stories of the fight scenes were also really well told, unflinching and bloody.
I really liked Scarlett in this book. She’s tough and unflinching if a bit demanding on her younger sister. As the book progresses I actually felt really sorry for her. Not because of her scars but as she realises that her sister is starting to pull away and they are no longer the strong unit they once were. Rosie, is a likable character, or more to the point I don’t think you could dislike her. She is sixteen and although she tries to be like Scarlett she is conflicted. She wants more of a regular teenage existence and she is feeling a very strong attraction to their childhood friend Silas. Undoubtedly it is easier for Rosie to want normal things as she doesn’t carry the terrible scars that to a certain degree make Scarlett an outcast but she does carry an enormous amount of guilt that Scarlett gained those scars protecting her. In a way I wanted to shake them both. It wasn’t Rosie’s fault that Scarlett was scarred – it was because of a Fenris attack after all, and, even though Scarlett was protecting Rosie wasn’t she also protecting herself? Plus, Rosie needed to be a little bit more upfront. She felt guilt over Scarlett but she needed to develop a bit more of a backbone and stand up for herself (although she does come into her own a bit at the end). At the end of the day you can’t live your life how someone else wants you to because your true self will come out evenually.
Personally, I probably could have done with a little less Rosie, although the relationship between her and Silas was integral to the story I suppose. I would also have liked this more if the settings had been darker – although I suppose this is a YA novel and so that restricts how ‘dark’ the story can really go. And, not really a criticism but more a word of caution – there are obviously elements of the story that don’t bear too much examination – such as the girls living by themselves, or running around in red capes in this modern day setting – but I like to take all this with the same pinch of salt that you use when you are in fact reading a fairy story. After all, nobody really questions these stories too deeply do they – how on earth can pigs build houses, do wolves really talk, could a girl really grow her hair so long and strong that it would be like a rope for a prince to climb up? Come on! Really! Anyway, we’re reading paranormal so if you can believe that Fenris roam the night gobbling up unsuspecting girls then the smaller details are beside the point aren’t they?
I would have no hesitation in recommending this story and I will definitely look out for No.2 – I think Scarlett could definitely carry a story in her own right (and I don’t mind admitting I would love for her to meet an equally tough love interest/hunter herself!)
Rating -A
Sisters Red
The Borgia Bride – by Jeanne Kalogridis
22 April 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Jeanne Kalogridis, The Borgia Bride
Just finished reading the Borgia Bride and my first impression would be what an incredibly interesting historial period this is to read about. I read quite a number of historical novels but have never read much about the Italian Renaissance. Obviously, the Borgias are notorious and Lucrezia probably the most well known so I was very intrigued to learn more and have in fact been so drawn into the period that I have read up further about the family since finishing this novel.
The story is told in the voice of Sancha de Aragon, daughter of King Alfonso II of Naples. Sancha is married to Jofre Borgia, the youngest son of Pope Alexander. Of course the marriage is all part of the usual jostling for power between families and the alliance provides a certain measure of protection to Naples from the attentions of the French whilst gaining Spanish support for Rome. Once Sancha gains the attention of Pope Alexander VI they are summoned to Rome where Sancha is immediately thrown into the inner circle of the Borgias with all their political macchinations and she becomes a witness to their strange, indulgent and incestuous relationships.
The story really revolves around two female leads: Sancha and Lucrezia. I liked Sancha – I thought from the beginning she was a strong personality, unafraid to face a challenge and also very protective of those she loved. That being said she is by no means innocent, she is a typical princess of the era who knows what is expected of her. So, whilst I liked her I wasn’t unaware of her own shortcomings. She certainly had no hesitation or guilt about rushing into an affair with her own brother in law. An affair that didn’t seem to be particularly discrete and as it turned out was not particulary wise either. Lucrezia, on the other hand actually surprised me, particularly given her reputation, as she seemed far more a tool of two very unscrupulous and frankly base men – those being her own father and brother. Lucrezia and Sancha eventually formed a friendship of sorts, increased by Lucrezia’s marriage to Sancha’s beloved brother Alfonso and also I think increased by their own similar desires to have acceptance and love from their fathers. It was a strange friendship and not one that I ever totally trusted.
The story is well told and sweeping covering the war between Naples and the French and the House of Aragons exile in Sicily. It then moves on and shows the wild ambitions of Cesare as he brings war on many of the old and strong families throughout Italy.
In terms of criticisms I guess these would relate to two areas. I didn’t really get a feel for the Italian court itself. Perhaps this is because the story was told by Sancha and she was excluded from a lot of the political intrigues, much more so than Lucrezia who definitely had her father’s ear and trust politically speaking. And, the romance between Sancha and Cesare was not particularly stirring – I’m guessing this was probably intentional on the part of the author because it wouldn’t be particuarly helpful for the readers to develop sympathetic feelings towards Cesare who at the end of the day was basically a brutal and vile man.
The above aside I found this a very interesting novel to read and would definitely recommend – although given the nature of some of the story I don’t think this is an appropriate book for a YA audience. I can’t help thinking that a story told by Lucrezia would make a very compelling story to read! I will most certainly look out for JK’s vampire stories.
Rating B+
The Borgia Bride
The Little Stranger : by Sarah Waters
18 April 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Sarah Waters, The Little Stranger
I read this book based on a review from one of the reading challenges that I am taking part in. Without this review I probably wouldn’t have picked this book up but I liked the sound of a ghost story.
The Little Stranger is a story set post war (1940s) and told by Dr Faraday. Dr Faraday first saw Hundreds Hall in his junior years and his mother had in fact spent a number of years there as a nursery maid. When he again sees the hall years later it has fallen into decline and the inhabitants, the Ayres, are struggling to come to terms with the age in which they are now living.
There are a number of things that immediately strike me about this book.
Firstly it is a very well written book. I absolutely adore the writing style. I guess there are bits that niggled me here and there but basically these are so minor that I can’t even remember them. I really hate to make comparisons but I’m going to break my own rules, the descriptions of the aristocratic Ayres and their family home put me in mind of Daphne Du Maurier’s writing style or perhaps of Wilkie Collins.
It is a long novel with a good deal of character building and scene setting. I actually enjoyed all this build up as it’s beautifully written, but, if you’re expecting a more chilling read with spine tinglers on every page this may not be for you. Personally, I felt as though I knew the people, the surroundings and the way of life. Dr Faraday’s insecurities came across vividly, particularly in comparison with the casual confidence of the Ayres. in terms of the ‘spookiness’ I found this to be a gradual build, more psychological than actually physical. And, I didn’t particularly find it spine tingling, apart from a few scenes that were slightly creepy I didn’t think this novel had the hairs on the back of your neck raising ability of, say, The Woman in Black or of Rebecca for that matter.
On a more negative note I feel at a bit of a loss as to what actually did happen. I’m not going to elaborate as I don’t want to spoil the plot but I don’t particularly understand why events started at the point they did? Was this through the introduction of Dr Ayres to the family way of life or was it simply as a result of stress. The other downside was the story became a little bit formulaic in that firstly, something happens to person A, then to person B, etc, etc,. Also, I do have a good imagination so I don’t need everything spelling out but I think there is possible too much left unsaid in this book. I don’t think you need everything laying down in black and white but there’s just something missing.
On the whole an enjoyable read, a little long in parts, and, not quite as chilling as I had hoped but a good story and very well told.
Rating B+
The Little Stranger
City of Fallen Angels : by Cassandra Clare
11 April 2011
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Tags: City of Fallen Angels
City of Fallen Angels
Just finished reading City of Fallen Angels by CC. This book has been much anticipated and so I wanted to take my time. I hope I’m not putting any plot spoilers in below but if you haven’t read the first three books you should really read these in sequence.
The story picks up a few weeks after the events of Idris. Clary has returned to New York where she is now training as a Shadowhunter and dating Jace. Everything seems to be okay until Jace starts to become withdrawn and the relationship quickly becomes strained. At the same time Simon is having to come to terms with his new status as a vampire. He’s living at home, afraid to tell his mum what’s happened, he has two girlfriends who are unaware of the existence of the other and he seems to have become the target of some plot to kill him by a gang of strange hooded characters.
This is a difficult review to write because I have slightly mixed feelings in some respects and also I don’t want to particularly go into any details about the story or how it ends.
On the plus side this story is very easy to read. I think CC is an excellent story teller and she’s managed to come up with a new plot seemingly from nowhere. I like the way that information is blended in effortlessly about the different downworlders. We learn more about the vampire world and the werewolves and come to terms with the history behind some of the newer characters. I also thought the main Demon character was well done with a convincing backstory. A little more focus is given to Simon in this novel and this is a refreshing change although, as much as I like him, I’m not sure that Simon is exactly leading man material (simply my opinion – I’m sure that a lot of readers love him!). Simon was struggling for a little while there and I thought things might have gone differently for him but I won’t elaborate further. All our favourite characters are present, although this is only a cursory appearance for the parent/authority figures and Magnus and Alec’s absence for a large part of the book is sorely felt. There were a few threads along the way but eventually they do all tie together and the pace and action are impressive. Also, I have to hand it to CC – she can definitely write a romantic/passionate scene that will raise temperatures and set pulses racing.
The elements that gave me mixed feelings – Jace. He got on my nerves a bit in this story with his constant self-berating. Its not that I can’t understand his feelings just that I started to lose patience with him a bit. And, somehow he seemed weaker in spirit and personality in this book. I’m beginning to think that being in love doesn’t suit him! I couldn’t really understand why he couldn’t confide more in his friends or just communicate with Clary. Although that leads me to one of my other points – the ‘old gang’ don’t spend any time together in this book – or so it seems. So we miss out on the banter/interaction between them all.
This book felt very much like a stepping stone into the next two, which I don’t mind at all. I like a bit of scene setting. I think anybody expecting a lot of lovey, touchy feely relationship chapters between Jace and Clary will definitely be disappointed because this book isn’t going to deliver that. Personally, I say, they’re shadowhunters. They don’t kill a pack of demons and then go on a year out – there are always more demons plotting away and they’re not going to take a time out just so that Jace and Clary can make out in peace and quiet for a while!
Minor gripes aside this is a good read and one in an excellent series of books which I would definitely recommend.
Rating A
From Dead to Worse : by Charlaine Harris (No.8) True Blood
7 April 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: From Dead to Worse
If you haven’t read the previous books this review will undoubtedly contain SPOILERS.
From Dead to Worse sees Sookie return to Bon Temps following the events at the vampire summit in Rhodes and try to resume her normal lifestyle. She is shaken by recent events, a lot of vampires have lost their lives and her boyfriend, weretiger Quinn, is missing. Bill is still in hopes of winning Sookie back round and Eric is also on the scene.
This book almost reminded me of a lot of mini episodes all brought together using different strands in order to tidy up lots of loose ends. This doesn’t mean it wasn’t enjoyable or that there wasn’t any action. On the contrary, the shifters are at risk of an all out war between two vying packs, the vampires are in danger of a hostile takeover by a new king and Sookie gets to meet an enigmatic stranger – I won’t give away who this is – but it definitely reveals a little bit more about Sookie’s heritage – not to mention a nice surprise at the end of the book.
The world in which Sookie lives is set to change, it seems that a number of the ‘supes’ have already come to this realisation and others are finally reaching the same conclusion. The human world live unknowingly amongst many different kinds of beings, weres, fairies, demons, to name but a few, and following the ‘coming out’ of the vampire community these other factions are starting to become more restless and less willing to stay hidden. Obviously this is going to become a major theme for future editions and you can almost see that things are going to get turned on their head.
I like Sookie, she’s a very caring individual – probably a bit too much sometimes. She’s also strong and willing to step in to help others in a spot of bother. Don’t get me wrong, she can be a bit self-absorbed at times and I don’t always understand how she’s reached a particular conclusion over one thing or another but on the whole she is a very easy to like character and this is reinforced by the number of strong, powerful and magical friends that she seems to have developed close bonds with.
There was a definite lack of any romantic element to this story but I think that was to allow Sookie to come to a number of realisations herself and find some closure in her own personal deliberations. The element of attraction between Sookie and Eric is developing into something much stronger and I’m hoping that this will move on in the next book as the chemistry between the two is great to read.
On the whole I thought this was a very enjoyable read, it introduces a number of new characters (some very short lived!) whilst bringing a number of old friends back onto the scene plus I always enjoy the time that Sookie spends back at home.
Rating B+
From Dead to Worse
Books and travelling with Lynn 