Review: Deeper by Robin York

Title: Deeper (Caroline and West, #1) 

Author: Robin York 

Rating: 2 Stars

I feel as if I've been saying this all too often over the course of the past few days, but...

...what a disappointment.

Deeper is a rather excellent New Adult novel, much the same way Easy is, but it failed to charm and enamor me. Moreover, York uses far too many tropes, forcing my eyes to roll as a knee-jerk reaction. Frankly speaking, the "bone melting" glances, the "weak knees" and the "flash of heat" is all getting a little too boring at this point. Caroline is rendered speechless by West's very presence and West's point of view does little but shake off his manliness, throwing him into a spotlight as a love interest whose every waking thought is consumed by "his girl", a possessive streak that begins long before these two even become involved. West and Caroline meet on the first day of college and for eighteen months, West is literally lusting after Caroline. Do guys really do this in real life? It feels like a rich fantasy New Adult authors have created in order to make their love stories seem more plausible because, surely, if the male love interest is sexually interested in the female protagonist for months before they wind up together it just must be True Love.

Caroline, a victim of sexual abuse after her ex-boyfriend posted naked pictures of her online, isn't a heroine I despised. In fact, her determination to barrel through each day is admirable and her actions - seeking out West for safety - are understandable. But, it all just feels too familiar. Caroline and West develop an easy relationship together, sexual tension aside, but they aren't "friends", a pretense of maintaining distance between them. West, in order to fulfill the typical role of a "bad boy" dutifully sells drugs, an exterior which, of course, hides a true softie. Plus, West is the only guy on campus to see Caroline's situation for what it is: harassment. With these New Adult novels, it feels as if there can only be one good guy, or else we have a love triangle on hand. Every other guy on this nerdy campus calls Caroline a slut or posts dirty remarks in response to her pictures - except West and his roommate, Krishna. It felt contrived, convoluted, and a bit unnatural; as if the reader is being forced to accept and love West. Also, where in the New Adult handbook is it a requirement for the love interest to beat up the crappy ex-boyfriend? I've never seen a fistfight in my life, yet, so I don't know why New Adult is crawling with violent alpha males, but I'm bored of it.

Deeper certainly discusses the issue of sexual abuse in a tasteful manner, shedding light on the atrocities the internet can contribute to. Nevertheless, its characters fit all-too-typical molds, the romance focusing a bit too much on the steam and chemistry than on individual growth or development (which I feel may have been more appropriate for this story), and the bottom line is simply that I am bored and fed up of these overused tropes. York writes them well, using them in a powerful manner, but no matter how well you dress them up, tropes remain tropes, from trust issues to rabbit sex. It seems I've gotten into the habit of reading quality New Adult - books like Unteachable or My One & Only - so Deeper fell into my lap as an unpleasant surprise. While I thoroughly enjoyed Knox's About Last Night and fully intend to pick up her other full-length adult novel (Ride With Me I think...?), York's New Adult fiction isn't my cup-of-tea. It seems that New Adult these days must include romantic "healing" and a heroine who is the victim of sexual abuse, but within those parameters, there are only a fraction of stories to be told. And, here's the thing: they've already been written, time and time again. Freshen up, New Adult.

Review: Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

Title: Flame of Sevenwaters (Sevenwaters, #6) 

Author: Juliet Marillier

Rating: 3 Stars

This review is SPOILER-FREE for the Sevenwaters Series, but if you'd like to read my reviews for the previous novels, you can find their links - as well as links to other Marillier novels - at the end of this review.

I picked up Flame of Sevenwaters as a last-ditch effort to pull myself out of a reading slump.

What a disappointment.

Quite simply put, this novel was boring. It took a significant amount of time to find its stride and, even then, the tell-tale qualities I look for in a Sevenwaters novel were absent.

Maeve is a delightful heroine, her narration starkly realistic and bold. We met Maeve in Child of the Prophecy but now, nearly ten years later in Flame of Sevenwaters, Maeve has learned to survive despite the fact that her hands are burned and useless. While Maeve's voice can often veer into bitterness, I thoroughly enjoyed her inner struggle; finding the courage to move on from the past instead of giving into the fears she continues to harbor. Moreover, the relationships Maeve sustains with those around her - from her father who eagerly welcomes her home after a long stay with Liadan and Bran to her mother who is constantly aware of Maeve's disability - are nuanced and infused with depth. Marillier has always excelled at developing complex relationships, which continues to carry through with this installment.

Flame of Sevenwaters is a satisfying conclusion to this long, but beloved, series. It wraps up the loose ends of the Mac Dara plot line, but not too neatly. With this last novel, Marillier escalates Mac Dara's interest in Sevenwaters, heightening the stakes at hand. Unfortunately, far too much of the story line is spent chronicling menial tasks from Maeve's re-introduction into Sevenwaters to her blooming relationship with her younger brother, Finbar, to the interest she takes in two stray dogs, Bear and Badger, she finds in the woods of Sevenwaters. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Flame of Sevenwaters lay in the miniature snippets told in third person from Ciaran's point of view as he uncovered the secret to bringing down Mac Dara. Of course, these were far too few, contributing minimally to the story as a whole.

Another negative aspect to this novel was, unexpectedly, the romance. Marillier's romances are one of the strongest components of this series. Every novel has featured an incredible love story, but Flame of Sevenwaters lacked a true arc. In fact, the name of the love interest appears at around the half-way point of this story and he himself only makes a proper appearance towards the end of the novel. Even more disconcerting, however, is the fact that there is a male friend who isn't quite love interest material but could have had the potential to be if developed in a slightly different manner. Maeve and her romantic interest in Flame of Sevenwaters share an emotional bond; theirs is a relationship composed of little conversation but large amounts of trust. Of this basic foundation, I have no complaint, but I could have used a great deal more discussion and development of the love story in this novel. I simply...wasn't on board.

Both Seer of Sevenwaters and Flame of Sevenwaters have been rather disappointing in light of this series as a whole. Where the former at least contained a worthy romance and sufficient action to carry it forward, this last installment lacked even those two components. Marillier's Sevenwaters series is one of the best Adult Fantasy series out there. It's full of heart, soul, and deep emotion. While its second trilogy has lacked the excellence of the original trilogy - with the exception of Heir to Sevenwaters - it still remains a memorable experience I won't be likely to forget anytime soon. And, best of all? I can - and will - be revisiting Sevenwaters; whenever I need Sorcha's strength, Liadan's courage, Fianne's will, Clodagh's perseverance, or even just the presence of Red, Bran, Darragh and Cathal to remind me that true love does, in fact exist. For that, for them, I cannot thank Marillier enough.

Sevenwaters Series (Chronological Order): 

Daughter of the Forest

Son of the Shadows

Child of the Prophecy

Heir to Sevenwaters

Seer of Sevenwaters 

Other Marillier Novels: 

Shadowfell (Shadowfell, #1) 

Heart's Blood 

Wolfskin (The Light Isles, #1) 

Just Another Book Crush (#12): Faking Normal by Courtney Stevens

Just Another...Book Crush! is a monthly feature where I invite an author whose book I've recently reviewed and loved to write a guest post and share their three latest book crushes. It's a feature I'm starting mostly because I'm often very shy to approach authors, especially ones I admire, and also because I love reading guest posts since, more often than not, they convince me to pick up a book even when the reviewer cannot. 

I'm so excited to have Courtney Stevens, the debut author of Faking Normal, joining us today! I unexpectedly received an ARC of Faking Normal and despite knowing next-to-nothing about the novel, the author, or the subject matter, I decided to give it a shot. As readers know, Contemporary YA is not always my genre of choice. Yet, this novel completely surpassed my expectations and I fell head-over-heels in love with its story, its message, and most of all, its strides within its genre. I only hope other readers will too. 

Alexi Littrell hasn't told anyone what happened to her over the summer. Ashamed and embarrassed, she hides in her closet and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does. When Bodee Lennox, the quiet and awkward boy next door, comes to live with the Littrells, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in "the Kool-Aid Kid," who has secrets of his own. As they lean on each other for support, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her find the courage to finally face the truth.

The Questions People Ask!

Over the last six months, people have contacted me through twitter, email and Facebook and asked a variety of questions. I thought I might cull the most popular ones for this post.

1.      Is Faking Normal true?

It’s an interesting question to be asked. I don’t blame people for asking, but it feels like the question under the question is a serious one. Have you been raped? That’s not only serious; it’s personal. Deeply personal. It was a question my friends prepared me for, and you would think the very nature and topic of my book would prepare me for. But honestly, I wrote, got an agent, and sold a book about rape before I ever realized I WROTE A BOOK ABOUT RAPE. What?!?! I didn’t exactly mean to do that. So the question still feels as if I’m standing naked in front of the world.

Here is my answer. The statistics say 1 in every 3 women has experienced sexual abuse by the age of 18. That statistic is staggering to me; staggering to me as survivor. I am not Alexi. Faking Normal isn’t “true,” but I am well-acquainted with Alexi’s pain. And my story, this is it in a nutshell: I believe there is hope on the other side of pain.

2.      Where did Bodee come from?

Following a difficult season in my life, an old friend came back into my life as a new friend. He was safe, and kind, and loved me in a powerful way.

While the character of Bodee is fictional in his circumstances, I tried to give all the safety my friend offered me to Bodee.

3.      What gave you the idea for the conversations on the desk?

I am not in favor of defacing school property, but I was at 16. (In pencil.) This is a true little snippet from life. I didn’t have a romance with the guy. He was just a friend who sat at my desk in the period after mine and we were in love with Hotel California. (So many lyrics.) On a dark deserted highway, cool wind in my hair … That’s how it started. If you have something that rich in your life, you have to work it into a novel.

4.      Will Bodee and Alexi’s story continue?

Never say never, but no. Although there is a world of story for them to live, I’d like to leave them on the page where they are and let the reader take if from here. There are many hard, hard things left for Alexi to face. I’d rather not put her through that in front of the world.

I can promise you that Bodee isn’t going anywhere. I don’t know that these two will “grow up and get married,” but they will always, always, always love and protect each other.

5.      Why did you choose to write about such sensitive topics?

I didn’t mean to.

I had an image of teenage-me crying in her closet, and I wanted to write a book for her. In developing that story, in trying to whisper, “Things will get better,” to her, the rest of the story emerged. These characters came walking into my life with weights on their shoulders, and I tried between page one and the page last, to say, “Hey, let me help you with that.”

You can read my thoughts on Faking Normal HERE. Seriously, if you haven't already added this one to your TBRs then get on it ASAP. It's worth the read, many times over.

ARC Mini-Reviews: Half Bad by Sally Green & Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop

Title: Half Bad (Half Life Trilogy, #1)

Author: Sally Green

Rating: 4 Stars

Release Date: March 4th, 2014 

It seems that ever since Harry Potter, YA has ironically become dominated by female protagonists, paranormal romances, and magical realms. With Half Bad, though, debut novelist Sally Green returns to a familiar formula - male protagonist, a society of witches living among humans, and a young boy who grows up with a family raising him against their wishes. And yet, Half Bad has been making waves around the blogosphere, not because of its similarities to Rowling's work, but rather because Green breathes life into her characters, twisting a knife deeper and deeper into our gut; we bleed when they bleed, we cry when they cry, and we hope when they hope. Half Bad is not without its flaws, but it is an unforgettable debut; honestly, what more could you possibly ask for?

Nathan, the main character and narrator of Half Bad, is the son of the deadliest Black Witch in history, Marcus. Luckily - or unluckily, depending on how you look at it - he is also the son of a White Witch. Nevertheless, Nathan's entire life is a ticking bomb. Whether it be his family or his neighbors, everyone around Nathan is simply waiting for him to reveal the darkness within. And, even more dangerous, the White Witches are waiting for him to make a mistake...just one. Half Bad excels in exposing the ironies of Nathan's society, delving into the ugly politics of this world and keeping nothing hidden. Green's world-building, though lacking in some minor aspects, is, for the most part, quite remarkable. More importantly, though, it is timed impeccably, peeling back the layers to this realm expertly.

Half Bad is a worthwhile read, however, due to its characters. I dare you not to feel when you pick this up. I dare you. While some readers may struggle with sections told from the second person narration, I thoroughly enjoyed the prose and, in particular, the multiple shades to each character. Nathan, specifically, is a good person, forced to his breaking point since his entire society is against him. It is the evolution of his character and growth which makes Half Bad a novel to remember. Admittedly, the ending is rushed and the romance lacks true spark, but I am utterly confident in the directions Green plans to take this novel. Unpredictable, heart-pounding, and enticing, Half Bad is not a novel to put off - not for any reason in the world.

Title: Murder of Crows (The Others, #2) 

Author: Anne Bishop

Rating: 4 Stars

Release Date: March 4th, 2014 

Written in Red burst upon my radar last year, simply demanding to be read. And, to my utter delight, it not only introduced a rich new Urban Fantasy world, but it also charmed me, forging connections with characters I'd only just met and stealing my heart entirely. Needless to say, Murder of Crows swiftly became one of my most anticipated reads of the year and, I am pleased to report, it did not disappoint. Following the events of Written in Red, the Others of Lakeside are no longer the disturbingly scary non-human predators they've constantly claimed to be. Instead, Meg's appearance into their lives - and more importantly, into their hearts - has instilled a grudging level of respect and acceptance for humans. Now, however, a deadly group is about to shatter that fragile peace. When drugs specifically targeted to bring down the Others are used against them, Simon Wolfgard, leader of the Others in Lakeside, is determined to do stop the violence against his kind. Especially when the threat is not only to his own people, but to Meg as well.

Where Murder of Crows shines is in its prose, Bishop introducing perspectives of characters which later play a larger role as the novel wears on. It's an intriguing tactic and a style of writing which works perfectly, allowing the focus of this novel to be split between character development and mystery both. Of course, the plot is tight and enticing, keeping the pages slipping through fingers slick with tension. Yet, the reason this series is so beloved, even by just the second novel, is because of its characters. Meg is as charming as ever, though Simon, with his increased narration space, steals the show with his genuine confusion and noble intentions to be a good friend to his Meg. Simon and Meg's relationship changes and grows in this novel, teetering ever-closer to the romance we can feel sizzling between the two. Unfortunately, Murder of Crows zooms in on their friendship, largely ignoring the multitude of relationships Meg formed with many other members of the Compound. Nevertheless, those aspects of Written in Red are not pertinent to the plot of Murder of Crows, though they are missed. As a whole, however, Murder of Crows is a strong sequel, tying together an impeccably paced plot - one whose repercussions I am curious to see unfold in the next installment - and an even more beloved relationship. It builds upon the already expansive world-building of Written in Red and for readers waiting to see if this a series worth sticking with for the long haul, Murder of Crows confirms that yes, it definitely is.

ARC Review: Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen

Title: Stolen Songbird (Malediction Trilogy, #1) 

Author: Danielle L. Jensen 

Rating: 3 Stars

Release Date: April 1st, 2014 

Objectively speaking, Stolen Songbird is an excellent debut. A tale of a young girl with vivid red hair and the voice of an angel, kidnapped and sold to trolls, meant to break an age-old curse - and fails. Cecile, our protagonist, is rebellious and bitter, obviously, but she does not allow her confinement to dampen her spirits. Instead, she takes it upon herself to discover the inner workings of the kingdom she finds herself in, details of the curse that have confined the trolls into their cave, and secrets her husband, the Crown Prince, jealously guards. While trolls cannot lie, they are deceptive creatures and the trust that forms, gradually, between Cecile and Tristan is precious.

From the beginning to the end, Stolen Songbird is a work of art, exquisitely plotted and impeccably timed. Whether it be the slow-burn romance that unravels between Tristan and Cecile, one full of confusion as neither truly knows whether or not to trust one another. Or whether it be the unveiling of a hidden rebellion, one that challenges the monarchy rule of the troll kingdoms, lead by Prince Tristan himself. Or even if it is simply world-building information, Jensen approaches her debut novel with an analytic mind, ticking off the boxes expertly. 

Moreover, Jensen masterfully avoids typical tropes, all too overused in YA. From her distinct lack of slut-shaming, even when a beautiful troll girl, Anais, shares a close relationship with Tristan, to her development of Cecile's character, Stolen Songbird is pleasantly devoid of love triangles and Mary Sues. Each secondary character is given a back story and Cecile, instead of falling for her husband's good looks and sharp wit, cleverly forges an alliance with him that turns into friendship and, eventually, into love. Although Cecile loathes her presence in the troll kingdom and desperately wants to return home to her family and best friend, Sabine, she recognizes the futility of this early on. Nevertheless, while searching for a means of escape, she also manages to ingratiate herself into the lifestyle at the palace where she resides, making herself an active player in this game of politics and deception instead of a mere pawn. 

Ironically, however, the downfall of Stolen Songbird lies in its veneer of perfection. For, truly, it is perfect. It contains strong world-building, an intriguing premise, and a swoon-worthy romance to boot. Despite these positive qualities, though, it was difficult to overlook the fact that these characters, that Cecile and Tristan, were all just a little too good to be true. You see, romance isn't merely about time and place or the gradual development of feelings. It's also about sacrifice and overcoming hurdles; it's about falling in love despite flaws, not merely because they do not exist. Tristan is not only the secret leader of an underground rebellion against the discriminatory rule of his own father, but he is also a human sympathizer and, moreover, despite the fact that he must maintain a facade of hatred for Cecile, he goes out of his way to write her notes or shower her with meaningful gifts. Cecile, too, is accepting of Tristan's nature, gently waiting for him to trust her as she grows to trust him, and her involvement within the political sphere is brilliantly executed, leaving no room for true character growth. 

Cecile grows emotionally, maturing as she must learn to acclimate quickly into a new society. And Tristan, additionally, changes after being bound to Cecile, finding hidden depths of compassion that surprise him. What neither of these characters do, however, is stumble or make mistakes. Admittedly, they perform sacrifices for one another out of the love and devotion they hold for each other and while that may be one form of error, it doesn't birth growth. It doesn't inspire regret, though it causes pain, and winds up contributing to the plot. What I'm getting at is this: I don't remember characters because of their accomplishments. I remember them because of the times they stumble, the times they fall, and the times they pick themselves back up. I remember Harry best from The Order of the Phoenix where his rashness and anger lead to unforgivable consequences. And then I remember the fact that he never gave us, despite the loss in his life, and that he grew to mature from the errors he committed; that he accepted his flaws and moved on in life. And a fantasy novel is, I feel, where the severity of flaws and consequences can be best explored. 

In a contemporary setting, the largest errors that characters commit are emotional ones: holding themselves responsible for the death of a loved one, using sarcasm and bitterness to push away those around them, etc. In fantasy, however, the magnitude of these disasters know no bounds. Stolen Songbird fails to push its characters to their utmost capacity, peeling back layer upon layer to their personas. Although I know the distinct character traits of Cecile and Tristan, they remain forgettable individuals for their struggles have not been cemented in my mind. Of course, take my criticism with a grain (or a pinch, really) of salt. After all, I am returning from a stint of Adult Fantasy, which is far more satisfying in its scope, and having reading The Hollow Kingdom last year, a novel whose premises is similar to Stolen Songbird though its characters find ways to transcend the barriers of their flaws, I cannot help but compare this debut and find it lacking. 

Ultimately, though, for fans of YA Fantasy, Stolen Songbird will likely tick off all the right boxes. For me, that last thread of emotional connectivity never became cemented and the rather winding quality of this tale - it really can be much shorter - forced my mind to wander a time too many. Nevertheless, there is no doubt in my mind that this trilogy is on its way to becoming the next big hit among readers worldwide. Just ignore me while I sit alone in the corner secluded for the black sheeps of this world.