Review: Cold Fire by Kate Elliott

Title: Cold Fire (Spiritwalker, #2) 

Author: Kate Elliott

Rating: 5 Stars

First, let me tell you what Cold Fire is like. Cold Fire is like ripping your heart out, stuffing it into a washing machine, and watching it go around and around, twisting and turning in every which way while you are helpless to do anything. Of course, then you try to do something to this poor heart of yours, so you rush forward to stop the washing machine, but it’s in the middle of the wash, so even when you get your heart out, you still have to wring it out and dry all the excess soapy water, so the end result is the same: pain.
                                                                                     
In other words, Cold Fire is a whirlwind of emotion. With Cold Magic, Elliott lay down the rules, introduced us to the world, and made us care for her characters. In Cold Fire, though, the fun finally begins with politics, intrigue, mystery, betrayal, world-building, friendship, kinship, and, best of all, romance. If Cold Magic failed to convince you that this trilogy was worth investing your time into, I implore you to give Cold Fire a try. If nothing else, Andevai will trap your heart so thoroughly you won’t be able to tear away from these books after all.

From the beginning itself, Cold Fire is nothing like its predecessor. For one, the pace is breakneck, from the start to the finish, a refreshing change from the slower commencement of Cold Magic. Additionally, the primary setting of this novel is not the Ice Age Europe we’ve come to know, but rather the Americas. With this brings on a slew of new world-building, just as interesting and creative as that in the first book. I love drawing the threads of familiarity between our world and that which Elliott has created, which makes discovering every layer of this intricate fantasy that much more astonishing.

And yet, Cold Fire shines, through and through, because of its protagonist, Cat. Cat finally comes to find answers to many of her pressing questions about her lineage, but at a price. While she may have been curious and stubborn in Cold Magic, this is the installment where she truly comes into her own. For one, I love that this book portrays women in a strong and independent light. Cat never answers to anyone for her actions and while there are those who tear her down for sticking by her decisions, there are others who understand and accept her for who she is, flaws, mistakes, and scruples aside. Moreover, Cat becomes an even more well-fleshed character in this book, coming to admit her faults and try, painstakingly, to correct them. I love that despite all the changes she undergoes in this installment, she retains her innate traits, all while moving onto becoming a better person; one who is more certain of her place in the world.

In addition to Cat, Bee also finds many answers in this novel. I love that this trilogy is so focused on the friendship between these two girls, both who are powerful and just as important to each other as they are to the story. One of my favorite aspects of their relationship is the fact that they manage to be such tight confidants to one another despite not constantly being together. I find this is such a realistic aspect of friendship, for making it work despite the distances, both physically and mentally, is a barrier many relationships are subject to. And Bee and Cat endure all that and even more together, their love and understanding a shining beacon in their otherwise darker lives. For them, they are more family than friends, and that bond is irreparable and resolute, which is so very rare in fiction. I adore it.

Nevertheless, it would be remiss of me to write this review without a mention of my favorite cold mage (and the keeper of my heart), Andevai. If you thought you swooned towards the end of Cold Magic, think again because you might as well faint from how utterly delectable Andevai is in this book. Where Cold Magic looks to deconstruct Andevai as we know him, introducing us to this arrogant cold mage and peeling back the layers until we see his vulnerable interior, Cold Fire seeks to exploit that kindness, making Cat realize just how wrong she was about her husband. I loved seeing Andevai work ceaselessly to win over Cat’s heart. It’s nothing short of heart-wrenching and their constant back-and-forth banter, wit, and sexual tension kept me on my toes. One of my favorite elements between these two is that their romance keeps you guessing, praying it’ll work out and worried that it may not because of one or the other’s strong personality. And yet, by the end, these two come to complement each other perfectly, their feelings for each other only fueling their grounded characters. I rarely come to enjoy, anticipate, and cherish a romance, but this one I fell for; every unspoken word, glance, and kiss a simmering flame of hidden depths and utter perfection.

At the end of the day, this is simply a trilogy not to be missed. If you’re a fan of strong world-building and character growth, this book has it in spades. If you even remotely enjoy complex politics, revolutions, and impending war, though, this is even more of a gem. Elliott sets up an interesting political scheme with Cold Magic, but Cold Fire is the actual fire to the action. With plenty of  new political players and old ones coming to join the mix, there is no end to the assassinations, betrayals, and lies. Which, trust me, I loved. I cannot imagine a book more tightly plotted, well-researched, or full of emotion than this one. It took me by surprise, the way it played with my emotions, and kept me up late at night, huddled in blankets for it felt as if I could feel the searing cold of the mages myself. Its characters are so very real and its world so very believable that I weep to think of it being nearly over. Without a doubt, however, this is a book I will be re-visiting, many times over. After all, I still need an answer to the question vai I cannot have Vai. (See what I did there?)

Summer Series Reading Challenge: 12

ARC Review: Omens by Kelley Armstrong

Title: Omens (Cainsville, #1) 

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Rating: 4 Stars

Release Date: August 20th, 2013

I doubt there is anything like discovering a book that, after a slow and disappointing start, finally hits its stride - and marvelously so. Armstrong's latest novel may not have the most gripping of beginnings, and I suspect a solid fifty pages could easily be cut off, but after roughly a fifth of the story, it truly takes off. Ever since I read Armstrong's DARKEST POWERS trilogy when it first released, I've been a die-hard fan of the author. I tried my hand at her other adult series, but was sadly unimpressed by BITTEN. In OMENS, though, it seems I've finally found another promising series from her.

Unlike most of Armstrong's novels, OMENS reads more like a murder mystery than a paranormal story. Olivia Taylor-Jones lives a rich and privileged life, until, that is, she discovers she's adopted and her real parents are Todd and Pamela Larson, notorious serial killers. Thus, fleeing her past and desperate for answers, Olivia turns to Cainsville and begins seeking the truth about the ritualistic murders her parents committed. With the help of Gabriel Walsh, a cunning lawyer, Olivia begins to investigate whether her parents continued claim of innocence is really true. If only superstitions and mysterious omens would stop following her wherever she went...

It is clear that Armstrong wanted to try her hand at a new type of paranormal/occult brand, one that didn't involve shapeshifters. While there are plenty of superstitions and ominous portents in this novel, I appreciate that they are toned down. Of preceding importance is the case against Olivia's parents and her own investigations to see whether or not they murdered all eight of the people they were charged with. One of the strengths of this mystery is that it is impossible to know whether or not these people are truly murderers. Of course Olivia hopes they're not, but the evidence against them is so overwhelming that we're kept guessing till the very end. And even then, there are so many unanswered questions - ones I am clamoring to find answers to in the sequel. Furthermore, though the novel is told primarily from Olivia's first-person perspective, the reader is given glimpses of multiple third-person perspectives that crop up and only add to the chilling element of the storyline. At first, I was increasingly confused by these but I grew to anticipate the insight they'd provide as the novel wore on.

Yet, OMENS shines because of its narrator, Olivia herself. As the daughter of two notorious serial killers, Olivia cannot help but wonder what truly wins out - nature or nurture? In OMENS, Olivia investigates more than just her parents murders - she investigates herself. From the beginning itself, Olivia is plucky, independent, and strong. Although she's engage, she doesn't hesitate to make it clear that her future plans are just as important as his. And later, when that engagement breaks off - along with many other relationships - Olivia doesn't hesitate to find her own two feet, move, get a job, and make a new life. Moreover, she slowly comes to accept that along with being prim and proper Olivia Taylor-Jones, she's also superstitious Eden Larson as well. I found that Olivia's growth was well-paced and gradual, something I loved because there is still so much room for her to change in a realistic manner.

Nevertheless, my favorite character in this story has to be Gabriel. A ruthless lawyer and closed-off individual, at first glance Gabriel seems to be nothing more than a ticket for Olivia to use. After all, she's not attracted to large and muscular men like him, and especially not ones who are used to getting their way...right? OMENS brilliantly sets up a relationship between these two, though, and as they become business associates and then business partners and possibly even unlikely friends, the sexual tension between them only starts to simmer. I am a total sucker for a slow-burn romance and this one has all the necessary - and delicious blue-eyed - components. Gabriel is complex enough to stand as a formidable character on his own, though. We've only peeled back a few layers of him in this installment, but it's enough to keep our interest piqued. More than anything else, I suspect I'm looking forward to reading more about this hunky lawyer in the books to come than anything else.

OMENS was, ultimately, a pleasant surprise. Armstrong has crafted a brilliant mystery plot line and an even more remarkable overarching storyline with plenty of clues to keep readers thirsty for more. With strong characters added to the mix and an intriguing small town, full of their own quirks and superstitions, it's safe to say that I will be lining up to have the next book in my hands - and soon! Welcome to Cainsville...indeed!

Review: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Title: Garden Spells

Author: Sarah Addison Allen 

Rating: 4 Stars

Despite having read numerous reviews of Garden Spells before I picked it up from my library, I still didn’t know what to expect. In fact, there seems to be an unspoken rule when it comes to this novel that each review must be vague and ambiguous, but after reading the novel, I can confirm that there really isn’t much to say about this story. It is simply one that demands to be read, felt, and soaked up.

Quite simple put, Garden Spells is about the Waverly Sisters, Claire and Sydney. For the first six years of her life, Claire knew no home, merely traveling with her mother from town to town. When her younger sister, Sydney, was born, though, her mother returned to her small North Carolina hometown. From that moment on, Claire has never wanted to leave, yearning to earn her place as a Waverley and set down some roots. Sydney, though, was the exact opposite. When their mother took off again when Sydney was six, this time it was Sydney who yearned for something different. Now, all grown up, the two sisters are practically strangers to one another. When Sydney returns home after ten years with her five-year-old daughter, Bay, in tow, just escaping an abusive relationship, Claire’s life is turned upside down. Claire demands routine and having her sister return, not to mention the too-hot-to-handle Tyler move in just next door, changes her life. Yet, as these two sisters will find out, home is not just made up of roots; it’s made up of relationships as well. And some of them are there to stay.

From the first chapter itself I fell in love with this story. Allen writes beautifully, drawing the reader in with her simple, but compelling prose. Claire and Sydney become more than characters as the pages fly by, they become your own sisters. While their journey to one another, learning to trust and open up, is heartwarming, the true gift of this novel lies in their own paths to self-growth. Claire and Sydney learn to embrace themselves and embrace life, whether it is through finally accepting people in or finally accepting yourself. And while their romances are warm and touching, they are merely stepping stones to a greater understanding these two women find within themselves. I loved Claire’s story for its outward simplicity, but inward trauma. And I loved that Sydney’s story was just the opposite. Although she is running away from an abusive relationship and the effects of that fear hang over her, Sydney learns that the key to happiness is not as complex as it seems.

Garden Spells follows a large host of characters, though, not merely Claire and Sydney. In fact, this entire town has an aura of its own with its local legends, the most famous of them these Waverly women themselves. Claire uses the herbs in her garden to cook the most delicious meals, but more than that, they do things. Whether it be the annual Fourth of July wine that helps people see in the dark or the apples that show people their fate, nothing is quite as it seems. I was initially afraid of what the term “magical realism” meant, one that is used often in association with this novel, but I needn’t have feared. Yes, there are certain magical components to this piece, but the overwhelming majority of it is grounded in reality, in the real-life issues people face and their journey in overcoming them. And if an apple or two helps along the way, who’s really going to complain? ;)

Bottom Line? Don't miss out on this gem. Garden Spells is a vastly under-appreciated adult contemporary that blossoms with love, comfort, and happiness. It tackles serious issues with poise, never becomes an issue novel (though it could have) and best of all, it leaves you with a tingling sensation of joy that you feel all the way down to your toes. I may not have read any of Allen's other novels, but I know I will be picking them all up very soon. I can describe her work in just one word: Perfect.

Review: A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard

Title: A Darkness Strange and Lovely (Something Strange and Deadly, #2)

Author: Susan Dennard

Rating: 3 Stars

I think it's safe to say that I've finally learned not to count my chickens before they've hatched. If I'd had to pick one book this year I was wholly confident of loving, it would have been this one. Not only were the initial reviews stellar, but I had loved Dennard's debut and couldn't imagine not feeling the same rush of emotions for this novel. Thus, color me surprised to find myself underwhelmed and unimpressed by the end of this book. ADSaL is an excellent sequel - there is no doubt about that - but it is sadly not the sequel I wanted. Not in the least.

What makes Dennard such a strong writer is her excellent command of language and plot. Once again, she manages to seamlessly transport her reader into her chosen time period, this time re-creating Paris as it once was with its societal mores. Furthermore, it is clear that this trilogy has been thoughtfully pored over and planned. Dennard skillfully introduces Eleanor into the world of necromancy and drops just enough hints about the evil Marcus to keep us guessing and aching for the eventual conclusion that is to come. And all of this is done so, so well. From the introduction of Ollie, the demon who served Eleanor's brother and will soon come to serve her, to the battle Eleanor must face between embracing necromancy to save herself or choosing the safer path of her Spirit Hunter friends, every plot device is meaningful and furthers both the overarching story arc and Eleanor's own personal growth.

Yet, despite that, I was sadly disappointed by this. For one, Eleanor herself has intrinsically changed. As someone now dabbling in the "black arts" she feels more alone than ever and although she retains her headstrong spirit, she also turns to make many decisions - such as trusting strangers - that I couldn't comprehend. Furthermore, she no longer seeks libraries, brandishes parasols, or spends all that much time with her old friends. In other words, I found her rather difficult to connect with and though I appreciated her inner struggle, I can't say I wholly understood it. I still continue to love Eleanor and her narration, but perhaps not as much as I once did. She is a different woman alone than she is with the Spirit Hunters and I was especially unhappy by the fact that the secondary characters I'd grown to love were given such little screen time. In fact, they only appeared in the second-half of the novel and even then, only briefly. Although Eleanor's interactions with the Spirit Hunters were packed with depth, the majority of her storyline was spent with Ollie, who I couldn't seem to completely trust for the majority of the book. Additionally, Eleanor makes a few other new friends who are seemingly forgotten by the end - I do hope they reappear and have some significance in the concluding book.

As per the romance, the one aspect of this book I was possibly most looking forward to, I have to admit I'm torn. On one hand, Dennard perfectly captures the stubborn will of both Daniel and Eleanor and their few interactions are charged, each of them moving in tentative circles. At the same time, though, their relationship didn't progress much. Rather, this book only prolongs the inevitable. If it had had at least one meaningful conversation perhaps I wouldn't have felt so underwhelmed, but sadly I was. I do certainly appreciate that this middle novel was more a character-driven scope of Eleanor herself, but with her so changed and the secondary characters so absent, it was unfortunate not to have the romance to fall back on.

ADSaL may not have worked out for me, but it is still a stunning novel. I continue to be amazed at how perfectly this book ties together plot threads from the first novel and the inevitable conclusion to follow and it is a pleasure to read a book that skips the dreaded MBS entirely. ADSaL doesn't have a single boring word in its pages and will likely keep you glued to your seat. Despite its positive elements, I did enjoy its predecessor much more and missed many notable quirks and secondary characters in this one. I'm hoping they're all back in full blast for the conclusion, which I hope will resemble Dennard's debut a little more. All in all, not a bad book, just a bad one to expect too much out of.

Review: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #6) 

Author: Ilona Andrews

Rating: 3 Stars

When it comes to a Kate Daniels novel, I'd tell you that disliking one of these books is like disliking chocolate; you may not like it as much as another brand, but you still love it because it's still chocolate. Sadly, that is not the case with Magic Rises. Ilona Andrews's latest installment in their breathtaking series is a massive disappointment. In fact, the characters are so out of their usual molds, the plot so very flimsy, and the very romance we've come to love so very ridiculous that this hardly feels like Kate Daniels. I've never said it before - and it shocks me to even be saying this now - but the truth is, after five Kate Daniels novels, four Kate Daniels novellas, three Edge books, and one Kate Daniels companion book, Ilona Andrews has finally managed to disappoint me.

Magic Rises starts off promising enough, falling seamlessly back into Kate's easy narration, wonderful voice, and classic wit. It hardly feels as if we've been waiting months for this book because the story draws you back into this world so fully. When the Pack begins to face the reality that many of their children are going loup, Kate and Curran can hardly turn down an offer from three European packs to act as a neutral party between them during a dispute. Thus, the Beast Lord, his Consort, and a great many of their fellow pack members find themselves journeying to Europe. Where shit hits the fan.

Now, this wouldn't be a Kate Daniels novel if the world didn't crumble into chaos, so naturally, the universe must comply by throwing impossible situations Kate's way. For the past few novels, Ilona Andrews have been building up Kate's back story, particularly her interesting relationship with Hugh D'Ambray who nearly mirrors Kate herself. Not only do they both fight in a similar and synchronized style, but Voron was a father-figure to them both. Thus, when Kate realizes that the situation in Europe was a plot, not to lure the Beast Lord, but to lure her into leaving Georgia, the tables are turned. Ilona Andrews masterfully weaves a game of cat-and-mouse between Kate and Hugh, having them circle each other warily while building unique character dynamics between the two for, despite their similarities, they are enemies.

While the crux of this novel is focused on the intriguing situation Kate finds herself in - meeting Hugh in Europe - the entirety of the novel is not solely this issue. For one, there is constant arguing between the European packs. Needless to say, this provided a fresh dose of entertainment and new insight into more packs than simply than run by Curran. Additionally, seeing the Pack support Kate in an outside environment was nothing short of touching. We've seen Kate grow into her role as Consort, but to see the Pack also accept this role when she isn't in the stable environment of the Keep was a welcome surprise. Unfortunately, this is where the excellence ceases in Magic Rises.

Although there were many flaws within this novel - most notably the total glossing over of a major character's death and some very convenient plot holes - my main issue arises with Kate and Curran's relationship. One of the reasons the Kate Daniels Series is so popular is because Kate and Curran have an upfront no-nonsense relationship from the start. Not only are they perfectly matched in terms of wit and fighting prowess, but as a couple they have stuck together despite many unlikely odds. Thus, to suddenly see Kate and Curran go back in time, revisiting prior trust issues they had already worked through, was a surprise. Actually, seeing them shift through pages of relationship angst and drama was even more of a surprise - an unpleasant one.

When it comes to drama/angst in a relationship, I am usually not found anywhere near. And yet, I especially hate when petty drama/angst is brought up once two people are already in a loving and sustaining relationship. In my eyes, this plot thread was completely unnecessary. It did nothing for Kate and Curran's relationship arc except raise doubts about their future as a couple and, frankly speaking, I am upset. I find it hard to believe that two such rational people could have behaved so out-of-character in this installment and the ending of this novel did little to reassure me. Curran has been completely knocked off my pedestal of Swoonworthy UF Heroes and replaced by Adam Hauptman (take that Beast Lord)! I've been a champion of Curran for a long time, but his actions in this novel were uncalled for.

In retrospect, it seems silly to be getting so worked up over a mere relationship, but the crux of this series is Kate and what makes Kate tick is her mercenary status. Thus, to see Kate break out of that mold and learn to fall in love and trust someone else is a huge aspect of her character arc. Kate is independent, strong, and completely self-reliant, but Curran plays an extremely important role in crafting her to become who she is - someone who has learned to open their heart to others. As such, to see their relationship veer on such a twisted road thoroughly ruins both this book and the future of the series. At this point, I can only hope that the next Kate book is far better than this one. Magic Rises certainly has its strong point, but it is sadly nowhere close to being Ilona Andrews best.

Links to Reviews for Kate Daniels #1-5:

Magic Bites Review

Magic Burns Review

Magic Strikes Review

Magic Bleeds Review

Magic Slays Review