Book Review: Entwined - Heather Dixon

Title: Entwined
Author: Heather Dixon
Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy

Synopsis: Azalea and her 11 sisters are princesses in what was once a very magic castle, but is now mostly not magical, with a very few exceptions, and has been running low on finances as well. They have just lost their mother, and their father is no longer acting as though he belongs to the family, leaving Azalea to take care of her 11 sisters. As if that wasn't enough, the next blow comes when they realize that as the royal family they were all going to be required to participate in a year of mourning, which means no sunlight, no working clocks, black dresses, and NO DANCING. As dancing is their one and only escape, the thing that keeps them centered and acts as an outlet for their emotions, this last part is the hardest of all. After breaking the rules several times and getting caught, Azalea discovers a secret and passage in their room that leads down to a magical forest and pavilion under the castle. It is there that they meet Keeper, who is trapped there as the keeper of the pavilion, and who gives them permission and even encourages them to come back and dance every single night. What Azalea doesn’t realize is that Keepers generosity is not without its costs.

Review: First of all, I added this book to my “to be read” list for one reason – when I read the description on Goodreads, and found out the main girl’s name was Azalea, I HAD to read it. (My daughter’s name is Azalyah, pronounced the same). It was so fun to listen to the book and hear her name over and over, and I hope to one day let her listen to it as well, as I’m sure she will get a kick out of it too. It’s not the most common of names (however beautiful it is). So that being said, I had NO IDEA I was reading a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. In fact, the book was almost done, and Keeper was doing a little reprise version of the story before I actually figured it out. It was them forehead-slap moments for me. I should have seen it from the beginning. Anyhow, since I’ve never watched a movie or read a book in the past based on this story, I cannot compare other versions with how I felt about the book – so there will be no Barbie Princess comparison here…(I’m sure you all are sighing in relief, right?)

So this book was so beautifully written, and read (props to the narrator). The accent the book was read in was slightly British, which made me think of a Victorian setting. I’m not sure if that was the intention or not, but it worked well. There were moments when I couldn’t help but make associations back to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast , what with the Teapot and sugar tongs with the bad attitude and all. I am incredibly impressed with Heather Dixion’s ability to have so many girls, and so many different personalities, and for those personalities to remain consistent throughout the book. Of course, a few of the sisters were young enough to not really have much of a part of the book, so it wasn’t exactly 12, but it was enough! I wish I could sit here and name them all – but having listened to the book, not read it – all I’ve got for you is Azalea, Bramble, and Clover, then I’m stuck. I'm pretty positive the baby was Lily.

This book was a tiny bit bi-polar on whether it was going to be a nice princess-y type book, or whether it was going to be dark and gothic. This is not necessarily bad. The thing is Azalea and her sisters were not dark nor gothic at all. They wanted a bright happy life filled with dancing and..well I was going to say men, but I really think they might have been happy with just the dancing. If the world was as it should have been for these sisters, they would have been outside every day in the sunshine, with rainbows and butterflies, dancing the day away. However, the girls did know and understand their responsibilities as princesses, and they did take those responsibilities about as seriously as they were capable to for their ages. And since their world was not as it should have been, they were trapped in darkness and did with it what they could. However, I will say, that the darkest and most gothic parts of the book came when Keeper started revealing his true self to Azalea. He was the perfect mix of “the bad guy you love, “ and “the bad guy you love to hate.” He sort of had a Phantom of the Opera thing going on there, what with living beneath the castle, and being undeniably attractive and all. But when his story started to unravel, I went from thinking that this book would be great for thirteen year olds, to..eh, maybe 15 or 16 will be more appropriate, as it had a sort of creepy, nightmare factor going on there at the end.

I think one part that sort of threw me for a loop was their general not much reaction to losing their mother. She was sick for a long time, and Azalea had already been established as the caregiver, but it seems like there would have been more of a reaction. I mean, these are girls, and I don’t care what you say, girls are emotional from the day they are born. I know that dancing was their way of coping, but it doesn’t seem completely believable. I was thankful that the girls were forced to reconcile with their father, and address the fact that he just lost his wife, the love of his life; he actually was in mourning.

What I Loved: The Entwine dance. Now that was sexy!  Oh, and isn't that a beautiful cover???

Not So Much: That Azalea did not dance the Entwine with HER love (yes she has a love, as do Bramble and Clover – I failed to mention above, because those stories seemed so bi-product to the rest of the book). But, with a dance where your partner wraps you up and you are bound to him - this had some very potential electrifyingly hot material – but this book wasn’t really sensual, and I guess it wouldn’t have been appropriate.

Song Dedication: I don’t think I have one. Clare de Lune? It would have to be music only, no words, whatever it is.

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Wither - Lauren DeStefano

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
SERIES: Chemical Garden - Book 1
GENRE: Young Adult – Science Fictio
FORM: eBook


SYNOPSIS: In a world where women only live to be 20 and men to 25, due to a virus that has come about because of genetic engineering, life has become extra special, as well as precarious. Rhine has spent the last few years living alone with her twin brother Rowen, and avoiding the men in the gray jackets – the Gatherers - who kidnap teenage girls from their off the streets, from their homes, out of their beds; but to no avail, as she has found herself first in the back of a truck with many other girls, and then as one of three new brides to a rich family in Florida, far from her own Manhattan home. Determined to run away and find her way back to her brother, Rhine does not count on the fact that she may actually find herself caring for some of the people she meets while imprisoned, but that is exactly what happens. First, the servant Gabriel, then her bride sisters, but then even Linden, the husband himself, isn’t so bad.

REVIEW: Lauren DeStefano is an excellent writer, she paints a beautiful picture, even if that picture is a sad one. She has created a future world that seems completely realistic, and a concept that is absolutely believable. One of the more interesting parts of this book was how people have adapted to the new way of life. For example, in this world polygamy is accepted, and encouraged, mostly because the world needs people, so babies in mass quantity are the goal. There also is a perspective on what is considered normal living. Jenna was surprised to find out that Rhine had not been a prostitute, but even more so that she was a virgin. Cecily was surprised to find that Rhine hadn't previously lived in an orphanage. Both of these are the “norm” for children and especially young girls. While none of the circumstances mentioned are ideal or even easy, Jenna and Rhine are very unhappy with their new life and Cecily is overjoyed. She feels that has been dealt the ultimate hand, and she wants to make the absolute best of it. This seems entirely logical too; coming from an orphanage waiting on her “sentence” to be complete at 20, instead she gets to live in luxury in a mansion with servants, a handsome husband, and a doctor father-in-law who is trying to heal her of her ailment. For her, being kidnapped is the ideal situation.

Unlike the growing trend among YA books which have been driven by very socialistic or even dictatorship type governments, and then rebellion; Wither was not political at all, but still had that future world feel about it. I like the consequences for our actions theme (not “like” as in I want it to happen, sort of way..that would be crazy…) For the most part, I liked the book.

Wither was filled with so much pain, that there were moments when I really just didn’t want to read on anymore. Every single character is in pain, whether it shown or not. Rhine, because the very thing her and her brother spent so much time and effort protecting against has happened, and she willingly walked right into the trap. Jenna has lost her family and while she puts on a “I just don’t care anymore” façade, she does care. Cecily’s pain comes later, and I think we’ll see more of it in the future, but she’s a new mom who’s child is being torn from her. Linden has lost his first love, and knows deep down he’s losing another. I also think he’s not quite as oblivious to what his father has been doing has he seems to be, but he is choosing not to pay attention to it. Even Housemaster Vaughn is in pain. He's fighting tooth and nail for an antidote to the virus before he loses everything he has, his son, Linden, and there is nothing he won’t do to get what he wants. While Housemaster Vaughn is creepy, and a bit evil and overbearing, there are ways that I do know what he is about, and feel sorry for him too. There is a bit of urgency to his purpose, and he is not letting anything get in his way. The one and only person I cannot identify an emotional pain for is Gabriel, he seems to have accepted the hand he has been dealt, and while he thinks about the outside world and is fascinated by it, he really doesn't seem to care one way or another about experiencing it. Had Rhine not shown up, he would have been happy enough just to work at the house forever and died. Maybe I don’t see his pain because I am not really emotionally attached to Gabriel as a character. He and Rhine connected some, but I didn't feel the spark between them like I think I was meant to.


WHAT I LOVED: The perfect blend of future and present. Lauren even had the characters pretending to be in the 21st Century, but has brought so many things that we love in today’s world forward, holograms replacing video games, everything is virtual or high-tech. Completely believable. But what I loved more was how Rhine was constantly “calling a spade a spade” and wishing for the real thing over the virtual.

WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE: The relationship between Rhine and Gabriel and Linden. I wanted different decisions to be made. I cannot elaborate much more without spoiling it…

SONG DEDICATION: For Rhine: “Stockholm Syndrome,” Muse



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Invincible - Sherrilyn Kenyon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Invincible
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Series: The Chronicles of Nick #2
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Form: Audiobook

Synopsis: Picking up right where Infinity left off, Nick Gautier is now training with Grimm (Death) to be able to access and use his powers effectively, a task he’s finding quite difficult and frustrating, especially with information coming from Grimm (Death), Uncle Ambrose, Caleb, and Kody – and usually the information is a bit conflicting. Also, it seems as though he’s being stalked, that other 14 year old boys are dying around the city, and something strange is up with the new football coach.

Review: In a book that is not only action packed, but is also dripping with sarcasm, Sherrilyn Kenyon has continued running with Nick Gautier’s awesome story. What I love about this series is that it is truly clean, yet maintains everything that you love about Sherrilyn Kenyon’s books – I would not hesitate to let a 13 year old start this series, but here I am 31 and am completely entertained! Another thing I love about Kenyon’s characters, no matter how bad a—they may be, typically her characters have good moral character. They are likable and fun, and I LOVE sarcasm…so of course I’m entertained!

Oh, and props to the narrator! He did an awesome job, his sarcasm and timing is perfect!! :)

LOVED IT: The small reference to the movie Hackers. I’m such a nerd, but seriously, that is the most awesome, terrible movie out there! I also love the pace that Nick and Kody’s relationship is developing, it’s just so sweet.

HATED IT: Hate is such a strong word. Maybe I should change this part to "Didn't love so much." I know..my blog, my rules. Where was Kyrian? He was there in the beginning, but it seemed like Nick doesn’t really go to work all that much.

SONG PLAYING THROUGH MY HEAD: Basketcase by Green Day. Poor Nick felt like he was going crazy most of the book.

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Where She Went - Gayle Forman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Form: Audiobook

Synopsis: Adam, after dealing with the aftermath of the accident that took Mia’s entire family and the healing and therapy that came with it, finds himself alone. Mia left him without word or explanation, she just disappeared from his life. It’s been three years since the accident and while his life should be a great one; his music has made it big having gone triple platinum, he’s getting ready to go to London for the tour of a lifetime, he’s got a girlfriend suitable for a rockstar; Adam is empty, and unhappy and constantly on the edge of a breakdown. It is a chance happenstance that he notices that Mia is playing at Carnegie Hall the night just before he leaves on tour, and deciding to attend the concert, he has just opened the doors to getting the answers to questions he’s been asking himself for the last three years.

Review: This book was an excellent follow up to If I Stay. I, for one, am thankful that the story wasn’t quite as heart-wrenching this time around, but it wasn’t without its pain. Adam has emotionally been through a lot in the past few years, and when the book opens up, it seems as if every bit of it is getting ready to come crashing in on Adam’s head. He is nervous, paranoid, and withdrawn throughout most of the book. When Mia re-enters the picture, things start calming down within Adam – even after she reveals her shocking reasoning for why she left him in the first place.

I love books told from the male perspective, and especially this time – hearing Mia and Adam’s story from Adam’s voice, it made the entire experience that much deeper and stronger, in my opinion. Typically when I read a novel, especially a romance novel, I end up falling in love right along with the girl, with If I Stay, and Where She Went, that wasn’t the case. It had nothing to do with Adam, Adam is awesome, it’s because of his love and utter devotion to Mia. It’s almost as if he is “off the market,” which makes no sense since in other novels, the boy is utterly in love with the girl too. Maybe because of putting myself in place of Mia, I felt like I was reading about two very real people, and their very real problems and their very real relationship. Either way, I loved the book regardless.


LOVED IT: Adam describing how he first noticed Mia. OH! And also the end..the very end. Which I can’t describe, because that would be a spoiler, and I try hard not to do that….

HATED IT: This is hard. Finding one thing about the book I didn’t like…I’m not sure I can this time. Perhaps the “they talk to me” conversation would fit. I understand what Mia/Gayle Foreman was trying to say I think, but the whole thing sort of felt awkward, and perhaps could have been “said” differently….but I think awkward was what she was going for – so perhaps it’s purpose was fulfilled.

SONG PLAYING IN MY HEAD: Well, lyrics from Adam’s songs start of many chapters of this book – and he knows best how he felt, since this is his story and all. But if I had to place one on the book, I think Muse’s “Time is Running Out” may actually be an okay fit.



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Forbidden - Tabitha Suzuma

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forbidden
Author: Tabitha Suzuma
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (older young adults, please!)
Form: Book – ARC Book

Synopsis: Lochan and Maya have always been close. Even when they were toddlers they created their own special language, much like twins are known to do, and did everything together. Having been abandoned by their father a few years back, and as good as abandoned by their alcoholic mother, Lochan and Maya have taken over the responsibility of raising their three younger siblings. These responsibilities, their friendship and the way that they know each other and understand each other in ways that no one else can or ever will be able to has resulted in a love that goes far beyond the love of a brother and a sister.

Review: This book is extremely difficult for me to review – well, not review, but to rate. I think my 4 star rating is being a bit generous, because while this book is written extremely well, the topic- matter is not one I care to revisit any time in the near future. But then maybe my rating is perfect because, it doesn’t matter if I like the topic or not, it was still a good book. The characters are so real, you can’t help love the lot of them. They are genuine, and despite my misgivings with the entire thing, in the end Lochan and Maya they are just acting on what the feel. Take out the brother/sister relationship and make them from two families who are dueling enemies, and instead of Lochan and Maya, you’ve got Romeo and Juliet.

I was captivated by this story. I picked up the book the day it came in the mail, and I did NOT want to put it down because I had to know…what next? The romance in the novel was just as good as any normal novel would be, but then you mentally had to take a step back and say, “Wait…they are BROTHER AND SISTER….this is just wrong.” And even they knew it.

Lochan was a bit messed up. He had extreme social anxiety that had gone unnoticed and untreated for far too long. The only people he was able to deal with without having a bit of a panic attack were his family. He loved his brothers and sisters, and was willing to do whatever it took to make sure they were healthy, taken care of, and even loved – especially loved. He had a very mean temper though, that was also going unchecked – and was leading to some very destructive tendencies. But with the world resting on your shoulders, and terrible secrets to keep, who wouldn’t buckle under that kind of pressure? But given all the ways that he is really not right in the head, you can’t help but love Lochan and to forgive him for all of his faults. It is his passion for his family, I believe, that leads him to love Maya the way he does in the first place, not to mention his inability to really communicate beyond the walls of his house.

It’s Maya I was really disgusted with. Sure she was only sixteen, and a teenager herself. She also has this connection to Lochan to combat with, but she is without the social anxiety obstacle. Instead of thinking logically or even having a conscious it seems, the way that Lochan attempts to, she did more justifying and encouraging. She was the one who took that first step and the one who laid on the pressure throughout the entire book. She would not address the wrongness of the issue, she just went with what she felt and declared that it was perfectly normal. While Lochan was torturing himself with his actions, the consequences for himself and the entire family, she was lying to herself and in turn to Lochan, who – from what I could tell – was not mentally able to withstand. Maybe I’m being hard on Maya, but then she does end up having to live with her own consequences as well.

As a whole, the book, the kids, the life; I am extremely sympathetic. Of their parental combination, I had one half. My father is an alcoholic who in the end “abandoned” my brother and I, to pursue his addictions. I can understand the burden and stress of taking care of your siblings, because I experienced it firsthand. So, reading about all of the kids trials and fears, and even just calling for mom to tuck them it at night – it’s so sad, but it’s the truth of how so many teens/kids survive.


LOVED IT: I love Lochan’s name. I wish I’d thought of it..;) Okay, really, the writing of this book was excellent. I really hope to read more by Tabitha Suzuma in the future, because I love how she was able to immediately capture my attention and thrust me into the world she created.

HATED IT: The premises. I spent most of the book hoping that they ended up NOT being siblings somehow or another, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that even if they weren’t, they were raised as siblings, and it would probably seem just as wrong.

SONG GOING PLAYING THROUGH MY HEAD: There isn’t going to be a perfect song for this book. But, “A Beautiful Mess” by Jason Mraz may work…



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