Brad About Books: The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two by Catherynne M. Valente

Read on June 25, 2013

THE GIRL WHO SOARED OVER FAIRYLAND AND CUT THE THE MOON IN TWO
Expected Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 256 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Fairyland, #3

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't started this series.

Check out my review for previous novels in the Fairyland series:

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making • The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There

The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two is a whimsical, magical story in the ever epic world of Fairyland. Catherynne M. Valente has truly done it again - not only has she exceeded my love for the first two books, this third novel blew them out of the water. Fantastically incredible!

I absolutely adore this series. Every time I step into Fairyland with September, I know I'm always in for a treat: a magical adventure, gorgeous writing, and delightful characters are always in store. And The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two was no exception. In fact, it's my favorite of the series! We always get to see a new section of Fairyland in each story, and the adventure that September embarks was spectacular. Dazzling and downright phenomenal, this series is extraordinary.

September, oh September, how much I love you. Though she is older and more mature from previous adventures, she still has that spark of energy and quest for knowledge. Everything about September is everything I love in a protagonist. Two words: Moon-Yeti. Each book in this saga offers an incredible outlook on fantasy, from Shadows to yetis. Going on this adventure to the moon with September, Saturday, and Ell was truly one of a kind, and I adored this third novel. If you're a fantasy fanatic, this marvelous series is a must-read. 

The writing style is, simply put, amazing. Each sentence is lyrical and draws the reader further into Fairyland. Catherynne M. Valente has a remarkable writing style that shines through the pages majorly. The only bad part about this series? I never want it to end! A rip-roaring and stunning novel to an exceptional, flawless series. 

Overall, The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two is a dazzling novel that will appeal to readers of any age. Being on any adventure with September is fantastic - Catherynne M. Valente knocked it out of the ballpark with this one!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There by Catherynne M. Valente

Read on April 28, 2013

THE GIRL WHO FELL BENEATH FAIRYLAND AND LED THE REVELS THERE
Published: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 258 pages
Source: RAK
Series: Fairyland, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read book one, The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There is a highly addictive and brilliant sequel that builds upon the magical world masterfully created by Valente. I can't express how much I adored this novel!

World-building is the biggest part of a story for me. I love everything of how an author can weave together an eccentric, lush, and rich world, then play upon it in a sequel. I thought that the world was already amazing in book one, but woah, it got ten times better in The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There! We get to see the mirror, sinister underworld of Fairyland, and I loved getting to see and explore the differences and contrasts between both Fairylands. Catherynne M. Valente did an exceptional job with expanding upon the epic world of Fairyland, and it was definitely my favorite part of the whole book. A new favorite book of mine! Love this series!

"Shadows are the other side of yourself." In The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There, we explore Fairyland Below, the place which shadows (mirrors, basically, of Fairyland residents) live. And the ruthless Hollow Queen, Halloween, just happens to be our protagonist's shadow. Any adventure with September is grand and fantastic, but seeing the depths of Fairyland Below with her was awesome. And I hate to say, but I loved Halloween! Wicked and lost, Halloween definitely left a mark on me after finishing this phenomenal sequel. The characters are truly stunning. They're all unique and wonderful, with a dash of snark and adventure. Valente has created a masterpiece of a series that shouldn't be missed; readers of any age will devour this series whole.

Adventure! Fast-paced scenes! Tension-filled moments! What more can you ask of in a middle grade? We all know of the dreaded Sequel Syndrome - in which a sequel doesn't live up to book one's epic-ness - but The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There most definitely veered away from the SS. Everything about this second novel was compelling, captivating, and always kept my eyes on the page, turning pages as fast as I could. A marvelous gem amongst middle grade.

Overall, The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There is a brilliant and incredible addition to a fantastic series. Rich, compelling, and deeply enticing, I couldn't put this book down!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

Read on April 22, 2013

SAPPHIRE BLUE
Published: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt (Macmillan)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 362 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Ruby Red, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read book one, Ruby Red.

Sapphire Blue is wild, thrilling ride that hooked me from the first page and never made me want to put it down. I wasn't sure if this sequel could be any better than book one, but it was! This series is a one of a kind gem!

Time travel is such an interesting and unique topic, and the way that Kerstin Gier handles it is flawless. There's so much history and backstories behind this family, and I loved getting to experience it all with Gwen. Gier has put so much thought and time into making this family tree of history just bloom off the page and come alive, and I applaud her for that. It makes this series complete! With Sapphire Blue, we delve deeper into the mystery of what's going on behind closed doors; this sequel blew me away. If you loved Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue will knock your socks off!

Not only are Gideon and Gwen stunning characters, new characters get a spotlight in this sequel, adding to this already rich world. This series is a breath of fresh air in YA, and I couldn't get enough of Sapphire Blue. Gier's melodic and captivating writing style flowed off the page masterfully - it's vibrant and bubbly, but also has a dark undertone that breaks through the cracks to reveal sinister secrets. I was so happy to see that the dreaded Sequel Syndrome flew over this series' head. So good!

With the twelve time travelers, Gwen has a lot on her shoulders in Sapphire Blue, and I loved that Gier wasn't afraid to break her characters. She put them through so many trials of betrayal, defiance, and love, and they all played a key part in this sequel that wove together an incredible story. Sizzling and daring, Sapphire Blue exceeded my expectations and more!

Overall, Sapphire Blue is a compelling and fantastic sequel that grabbed me right from the beginning and never let me go. Kerstin Gier nailed it with this one!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Blackout by Robison Wells

Read on July 20, 2013

BLACKOUT
Expected Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 432 pages
Source: ALA

THE VIRUS HAS SPREAD.

Laura and Alec are trained terrorists.

Jack and Aubrey are high school students.

There was no reason for them to ever meet.

But now, a mysterious virus is spreading throughout America, infecting teenagers with impossible powers. And these four are about to find their lives intertwined in a complex web of deception, loyalty, and catastrophic danger—where one wrong choice could trigger an explosion that ends it all.

Blackout is, simply put, epic. Divergent meets X-Men in this fast-paced, awesome story that always kept my eyes glued to the page and my pulse racing with these characters. Legendary!

I'm a huge sucker for post-apocalytpic, dystopian novels, and the fantastic thing about Blackout is that it brings something new and fresh to the table. Kids being infected with powers? Sign me up. I was invested into this rich and vast world right from page one and never wanted to leave. Not only is this world dark and strange, it's one of the most unique settings I've ever seen done. With superhumans and terrorists running around a plagued world, disaster and havoc will arise; Wells did a phenomenal job with this novel. Fans of Divergent will eat this book up. Blackout is one of my new favorite novels for the year!

What a marvelous cast and ensemble! Laura and Alec are a great contrast between right and wrong; is what they're fighting for worth the cost? And Jack and Aubrey are the shining light of innocent, but they might be turning rotten on the inside. I loved this contrast between good and evil! Robison Wells plays on so many levels of good vs. evil and the fight for power. If you love your books with the right amount of action and characters that will blow you away, Blackout is a must-read. I truly believe that this will be a new buzz book! It's rich in it's fast-paced, tension-filled moments, stunning with its flawlessly contrasted characters, and original with its storyline and writing style. So amazing!

That ending! Please tell me there's a sequel! Wells did an exceptional job with this ending. Even though there was never a dull moment within Blackout, that ending just knocked the book out of the ballpark. It's almost like a race against the clock - time is ticking, and you're not sure if you'll come out on the other side. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, and I absolutely fell in love with this book.

Overall, Blackout is a new, shining gem within the post-apocalyptic genre that shouldn't be missed. Wholly unique and brilliant, Blackout is an exceptional and astonishing new novel that captured me and never let me go!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

Read on July 7, 2013

THE CHAOS OF STARS
Published: September 10, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 288 pages
Source: ALA

(fantastic cover, fantastic title)

Family is forever. 

Especially when they're immortal.

Isadora’s family is seriously screwed up.

Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.

Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all.

The Chaos of Stars is an extraordinary and incredible take on Egyptian mythology that left me starstruck and in complete awe. Kiersten White has done it again! 

I haven't read a whole lot of Egyptian mythology (in fact, I don't think I've read any!), so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going into The Chaos of Stars. But believe me, I was blown away! Being the only mortal in an immortal Egyptian gods family, it can get stressful, and White did a phenomenal job with developing Isadora's character. She starts off a bit whiny and naïve, but she evolves into a fierce and fantastic protagonist as the novel progresses. And I think that was done on purpose: you're not suppose to fall in love with Isadora automatically - you grow to love and cheer her on. That was done masterfully! All of Isadora's family members are messed up and twisted, but I couldn't help but love them all. Seriously, The Chaos of Stars is a true gem of a novel. 

 Even though The Chaos of Stars comes in under 300 pages and is on the smaller side of novels, it packs a punch and the action is non-stop. Action scenes and high tensions are thrown at the reader like gunshots; I tore through these pages so fast! The Chaos of Stars is a brilliantly crafted novel that will have you in its clutches and never let you go. I was still invested into this story long after I turned the final page.

Speaking of final page... holy woah, that ending was phenomenal! I didn't expect that much action in the ending, but there was so much of it. It didn't feel forced at all; the action scenes weren't just "there" to give the book that extra oomph. They felt authentic and deserved a spot in The Chaos of Stars, and they complemented the novel so well. If I had to give this book a flaw, it was that I had a little rocky beginning with the book. But as the novel moved on, I fell in love so hard with this novel. A must-read!

Overall, The Chaos of Stars is a masterful and powerful novel that utterly enticed me and kept me way into the night, turning the pages as fast as I could. Kiersten White has knocked it out of the ballpark once again! I loved this book!

M Y   R A T I N G

Tumble & Fall Blog Tour + GIVEAWAY! (US/CAN only)

Hey everyone! I'm here today with Alexandra Coutts, author of the marvelous Tumble & Fall, as part of the Tumble & Fall blog tour! This book is fantastic, and I'm so happy to have Alexandra on the blog for a Q&A!

1)   If you knew you only had one week to live, how would you spend that week?

If I had one week left, I would insist that everyone I love make their way to the island where I live. We would spend our days at the beach and our nights in front of a fire, talking, playing music, cooking delicious homemade dinners (and baking lots of brownies!) I think in a scary, stressful time, the comforts of home – and family - would be what I’d crave most. 

2)   Where did the inspiration for Tumble & Fall spring from?

I usually get my inspiration for books from characters, first. In this case, I had been dreaming of the character of Sienna for a long while. A girl who had struggled with depression, spent time in a rehab facility, and was then confronted by the challenge of coming home and fitting back into her old life. Gradually, I started asking myself: What would make the transition of coming home even more complex? And that question led to another question: What would the end of the world be like for somebody who already wanted to die?

Those questions led me to the asteroid, Persephone. And I quickly realized that as the story grew, I’d need more characters to tell it. From there, TUMBLE & FALL was born!  

3)   All three characters were different in their own unique way - which was your favorite to write about?

Although I was most connected to Sienna’s story, since it was my way-in to the book, I had the most fun writing about Caden. His adventure is the most dramatic of the three, and I’ve never written anything like it before. There’s kidnapping, bodyguards, a secret bunker…it was where I really gave myself permission to get a little bit crazy. Because if ever there’s a time to get crazy, it’s got to be the end of the world, right?   

4)   Describe Tumble & Fall in five words - go!

Second chances. Love. Forgiveness. Hope.

5)   Are you working on any new projects you can share with us?

I do have a new YA book in the works, but it’s too soon to talk about it! I can say that it takes place on Martha’s Vineyard, and that it’s totally, 100% asteroid free! 

Thanks so much for those answers, Alexandra!

Make sure to stay connected with Alexandra and Tumble & Fall!

-Alexandra Coutts is part of the September Fierce Reads Tour with Leila Sales, S.A. Bodeen and Marissa Meyer. The tour schedule is on our blog: http://www.macteenbooks.com/events/september-fierce-reads-tour-info/

-All Fierce Reads book and tour info can be found on our Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/FierceReads

-Follow Alexandra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/abcoutts

-Find Alexandra online and read her blog: http://alexandracoutts.com/

-Read an excerpt of Tumble & Fall on Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/doc/159831039/EXCERPT-TUMBLE-AND-FALL-by-Alexandra-Coutts

Giveaway time! This giveaway is for one hardcover copy of Tumble & Fall, and is US/CAN only. Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Fallout BLOG TOUR + Giveaway! (US/CAN Only)

Hey everyone! Today, I'm with S.A. Bodeen, author of The Compound and The Fallout for The Fallout Blog Tour! I asked S.A. some questions, and she answered! 

1) If you had to be locked inside of a compound, what three items would you take with you?

Carmex (Have used it since 1976. Cannot live without it. Literally. I just counted and I currently have six containers.)

The complete works of Stephen King. (I’m locked in a compound. How much scarier can things get?)

Sensible run fast/jump high shoes. (I always feel the need to be ready to run if need be. Fight or Flight and all that…)

2) What was it like to be back inside Eli's head for the sequel? 

A little weird at first, like the first day of riding a bike in the spring and feeling like you’ve forgotten how. But then it was cool to be able to continue his story and see him keep going on his journey to be a good person and discover all the answers…Plus it was fun to throw some more obstacles his way. I wasn’t done with him yet.

3) Three words to describe The Fallout?

  Here is my valiant effort: 1. Opaque 2.Deceptive 3.Satisfying (I hope.)

4) Where did the inspiration for The Compound and The Fallout come from? 

 I was a weird kid with irrational fears. For one, I was terrified of UFO’s and thought aliens were going to abduct me. Growing up in Wisconsin, I went to a school where we had fire drills, tornado drills, and nuclear attack drills. We would have to go sit in this smelly wrestling room in the basement. Once, a teacher remarked that we’d have to stay down there twenty years if there really was an attack. That kind of stuck with me and I became obsessed with post-apocalyptic books and movies. I always wondered what it would be like to survive a nuclear war and what would happen after. I guess I wondered so much that I had to write the story. 

5) Are you working on any projects you can share with us? 

Next spring the first book in my middle grade series comes out. Shipwreck Island is a cross between Swiss Family Robinson and Lost.

Thanks so much for that Q&A, S.A.! It was loads of fun!

Make sure to stay connected to S.A. Bodeen and The Fallout!

-S.A. Bodeen is part of the September Fierce Reads Tour with Leila Sales, Alexandra Coutts, and Marissa Meyer. All tour info can be found on the Fierce Reads site: http://www.macteenbooks.com/fiercereads/tour.php

-Be sure to become a fan of Fierce Reads on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FierceReads

-Read an excerpt of The Fallout on Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/doc/164842767/EXCERPT-The-Fallout-by-S-A-Bodeen

-Want to know more about The Fallout?: http://www.macteenbooks.com/fiercereads/books/fallout.php

-Become a fan of S.A. Bodeen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SA-Bodeen/10521893291

-Follow S.A. Bodeen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sabodeen

-Check out her website: http://www.writersabodeen.com/

Now, it's time for a giveaway! This is a giveaway for a paperback of The Compound and a hardcover of The Fallout. This giveaway is US/CAN only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway