Review: The Queen of England: Coronation

The Queen of England: Coronation
Courtney Brandt
Steampunk 

Set in an alternate universe of London, after the untimely death of Queen Victoria in 1840, recently crowned Juliette faces a mysterious organization. The New World Order threatens her country and claims responsibility for the dirigible accident which killed off much of the aristocracy. Add in distracting romantic entanglements, a gifted unicorn, and tracking down the legendary Excalibur and this teenage Queen has an uphill battle leading to her coronation at Westminster. Will her reign be over before it has a chance to begin? 

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

England! Victorian Era! Royalty! All of my favorite things. The premise for this story is brilliant and super imaginative. Naturally I was happy to dig in to QoE.

So -

The writing and dialogue need work- people often stated the obvious where they wouldn't in real life, words were repeated and used incorrectly, contradictions arose.

Plot: Overall good. It moved around, lots of players and events. I was constantly engaged and there wasn't a dull moment. However, there were too many convenient occurrences that I just couldn't overlook. People managed to avoid Juliette's guards all too easily, someone in the middle of nowhere traveling exactly where she needed to go exactly when she needed it, and the list goes on.

Characters and Relationships: Juliette is smart, curious, active and modern. Truly, a heroine written for the purpose of being a literary female role model. Unfortunately, she was also naive and quick to trust, something that in a more realistic novel would have gotten her killed.

Relationship-wise, in QoE there was an unusual element I liked a lot- multiple love interests! I found that to be realistic. The Queen of England, pretty and young, would naturally have many suitors and in real life wouldn't immediately fall desperately in love with one of them, contrary to what stories would have us believe. It also allows for many things to happen in further installments.

The other characters in the book were cool, but none fleshed out enough. I want complexity!

All in all, given the sequel I would probably read it. The flaws in the writing are workable and with a little more professional editing the story could go far.

Review: Eternal

Eternal
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Vampires and Angels

At last, Miranda is the life of the party: all she had to do was die. Elevated and adopted by none other than the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul, Miranda goes from high-school theater wannabe to glamorous royal fiend overnight. Meanwhile, her reckless and adoring guardian angel, Zachary, demoted to human guise as the princess’s personal assistant, has his work cut out for him trying to save his girl’s soul and plan the Master’s fast-approaching Death Day gala. In alternating points of view, Miranda and Zachary navigate a cut-throat eternal aristocracy as they play out a dangerous and darkly hilarious love story for the ages. 

So what with my practically nonexistent reading time and this seemingly endless reading slump, Eternal was just my cup of tea. Allow me to say BEST FIRST PAGE EVER. This wasn't the book I had PLANNED to read over the weekend but God, with an opening like that I just couldn't resist. 

I had read Tantalize, which is the author's other novel (you don't need to read them together- totally different cast) set in this universe, a while ago and while I thought it was pretty good it was also weird and a little unclear. I can delightedly tell you that while Eternal was deliciously eccentric, I was able to follow the whole thing - actually, race through it was more like. 

Zachary, first off, was sooooo cute and funny. I love how he loved Miranda all her life and really was willing to cross lines for her, even though she didn't even know of his existence. I absolutely adored how he called her 'my girl' and never gave up on her even when she became a bratty vampire. This story was really special in my eyes because it had true love in it without making a big deal of it like in most other stories, especially in YA. 

Miranda goes through a MAJOR change it the book, and there aren't many chapters for you to get to know her before the vampire transformation. After the bite the book skips a few months past Miranda's 'soul sickness' period - the time after the bite where she still retains her humanity and is disgusted with the vampiric way of life. Even so, I felt that I got to know her enough that I was able to relate to her, and her gradual development from a self-entitled vampire princess willing to murder back into the girl she once was was a really well-written journey. 

I totally was not anticipating that ending, another point in Eternal's favor. Basically, READ THIS BOOK if you like alternate, fantastical universes (Smith's books are set in the 21st century just with the open existence of vampires and werepeople), romance, and really good humor and vampire jokes. Rating: 


Love,
Esty

Review: Goliath (Spoiler free!)

Goliath 
Scott Westerfeld
alternate universe/ historical fiction

Alek and Deryn are abroad the Leviathan when the ship is ordered to pick up an unusual passenger. This brilliant/maniacal inventor claims to have a weapon called Goliath that can end the war. But whose side is he really on?

While on their top-secret mission, Alek finally discovers Deryn's deeply kept secret. Two, actually. Not only is Deryn a girl disguised as a guy...she has feelings for Alek.

The crown, true love with a commoner, and the destruction of a great city all hang on Alek's next--and final--move.

I'll start with an explanation on why I haven't blogged since Thursday- the internet at home is down and we won't have someone come until two weeks from now (!!!). I'll still be available on Twitter because of internet on my phone but will be blogging sporadically. Currently I'm at my dad's office. 

Anyhoooo, to business. 
Goliath is the third and final book in the Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. You can read my reviews of Leviathan and Behemoth by clicking. 
Now that you've read them, you know I lurrrrrrvvveee this series. And Goliath did not disappoint!

This time the Leviathan's off to Siberia, and then to America! All the travel in these books makes for more adventures and exposure to really cool cultures. Also, no more secrets between Alek and Deryn. You know what that means..... *cue the applause and whoop whoops* 

The series always switches between Alek's and Deryn's POVS, and I absolutely love that. Through Alek's eyes, you fall in love with the Leviathan. Through Deryn's eyes, you fall in love with Alek. Brilliance. 

And speaking of the giant airship, it has officially been added to my top ten favorite settings. Almost like Hogwarts, I love the place, the people and creatures in it, the way it works. For that alone I hated to finish the trilogy. 

And the girls! While most of the characters are guys (we're talking war here, in the 1910's) the few girls in this book REPRESENT. Deryn kicks ass and Alek always admits that, not to mention Dr. Barlow who rocks the world. 

What else? Just pick up the nearest copy of Goliath (or whichever book you're on). It'll quickly become a fave. Rating: 

Esty

Review: Behemoth

Behemoth (Leviathan #2)
Scott Westerfeld
historical fiction/ fantasy

The behemoth is the fiercest creature in the British navy. It can swallow enemy battleships with one bite. The Darwinists will need it, now that they are at war with the Clanker powers.

Deryn is a girl posing as a boy in the British Air Service, and Alek is the heir to an empire posing as a commoner. Finally together aboard the airship Leviathan, they hope to bring the war to a halt. But when disaster strikes the Leviathan's peacekeeping mission, they find themselves alone and hunted in enemy territory. 

Alek and Deryn will need great skill, new allies, and brave hearts to face what's ahead.

This is the second book of the Leviathan trilogy. You can read my review of the first book (which Scott Westerfeld himself retweeted!) HERE. 

If you have read my review of Leviathan, you know I adored it.  Behemoth was a little less addicting- as in, I didn't find myself in agony every second I was away from the book, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. 

First off, I have to applaud the original setting. You'd think that as momentous as World War I was, there would be more books about it, no? Alas, this trilogy is the only set of books I can think of set in that time. And not only in Europe! It was so refreshing to have something placed in my side of the world for once. Behemoth takes place in the Ottoman Empire in 1914. My country, Israel, was under the Ottoman's rule at the time and today the entire region is still largely influenced by that period, so I felt familiar with the backdrop of the story. 

As for the characters- can I just spotlight Dr. Barlow and Count Volger for a second? HOW AWESOME ARE THESE TWO?! They always either make some sort of illumination in the story or just crack me up. And their completely conflicting backgrounds yet very twin personalities just go to show that it's not about where you're from (though some say they're totally different in character- That's interpretation for you!), but who you are. I would LOVE if they each had their own companion novel with their take on the events in Leviathan and Behemoth.

In this installment we really get to see Alek and Deryn's friendship grow. I have some complaints on that but I won't say anything so as not to spoil it for you:) 
Rating:

Have a good week, guys!
Esty

Review: Gathering Blue (The Giver #2)

Gathering Blue
Lois Lowry
YA dystopia

It is a society ruled by savagery and deceit that shuns and discards the weak. Left orphaned and physically flawed, young Kira faces a frightening, uncertain future. Blessed with an almost magical talent that keeps her alive, she struggles with ever broadening responsibilities in her quest for truth, discovering things that will change her life forever.

SPOILER FREE FOR THE GIVER AND MESSENGER

First off, I love the title and cover, and how they both tie in with the story. Now, already having read The Giver and Messenger, I pretty much knew what to expect for Gathering Blue. And it was all that I expected but nothing that made me go OMG. 

Kira is a girl born with a twisted leg, making her handicapped. Nevertheless, she is a gifted weaver/sewer/threader- I don't really know how to catagorize her. She lives in the dystopian world Lowry created in The Giver, just in a different community. This one is quite primitive but very selective. Kira was saved from death to work for the council with her gift, on the way discovering all the ways in which her community is corrupted. I liked her a lot. She dealt with her foes in the village calmly but strongly,  and was loving in general but never cheesy. 

The book being short, there isn't much to discuss plotwise, except that the ending was a bit inconclusive, forcing you to read Messenger (book #3). I could tell there was supposed to be some sort of message or symbolism, but it was a little hard to catch (ever happen to you?). I think it had to do with freedom of thought and how we all are prisoners to our society. 

However, I felt it wasn't as deep as the first or the third book, nor Son (book #4 centering aroung Gabe) according to what I heard. 

The best charcter was undeniably little Matt, Kira's friend who helps her out and whom she looks out for. Adorable, charming, and naughty, Matt is maybe 8 and comes from the more harsh area of the community. He alone makes the book worth reading. Also, I loved him in the next book which for some reason I read first (sorry that I keep bringing it up). It was great reading his childhood, helps you understand his teenage self. 

Anyhow, for those of you who loved The Giver, give Gathering Blue a try. If you havn't read it well- there's a reason it won so many awards (The Giver). Grade: 80%  
-Esty

Review: Messenger

Messenger
Lois Lowry
Dystopia/alternate universe

For the past six years, Matty has lived in Village and flourished under the guidance of Seer, a blind man, known for his special sight. Village was a place that welcomed newcomers, but something sinister has seeped into Village and the people have voted to close it to outsiders. Matty has been invaluable as a messenger. Now he must make one last journey through the treacherous forest with his only weapon, a power he unexpectedly discovers within himself

Well. Not a bad read. Very metaphorical. Messenger is a campanion novel to The Giver, which I'm sure most of you have read. I myself read it last year in English class last year, and although it was annoying to read a novel sloooooowly and analyzing the smallest of details, I'm glad I did. With these books, unless you're in the right mindset and reading critically, you're likely to miss the point. By the way, in between The Giver and Messenger there is Gathering Blue, which I recommend reading before Messenger.

Matty is a very interesting character. About 16 years old, we don't learn much about him other than the fact that he lives with Seer and that he came from an abusive family, but I think we read more about his background in Gathering Blue. He's a typical teenager- goes to school, hangs with his best friend, moons after the pretty girl next door. He also takes voyages through the forest and passes messages to other communities on behalf of Leader (Jonas). He is the only one who can travel through the forest unharmed. I really liked him. I enjoy reading about characters that act and speak and think normally despite all their supernatural powers. On the other hand, Matty is rather ignorant of a lot of things, but it's not his fault and he catches on quickly so don't let it bother you.

A word about Forest-

Forest is symbolic to all the problems and negative forces of humanity like greed and cruelty and misery that sometimes needs a sacrifice to heal (i.e. people start to be more careful driving after they lose a loved one to a car crash). Once you understand that, you can grasp the point of the story and the set of books in general (it isn't really a trilogy). I didn't figure it out until I read the interview with the author at the end of the book which I was lucky to have, because without it I would have been unsatisfied as I was before I read it. I hope this review helps. :) Grade: 65%

Anyway, I can't really tell you much more without ruining the whole thing for you, so that's all for today. Have a good week!

-Esty

Review: Leviathan

Leviathan
Scott Westerfeld
fantasy/historical fiction

It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. The Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.
Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men. Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered. With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.

Why oh why have I not read this book until now?? It's been around for awhile and I've heard sooo much about it and I absolutely LOVE Scott Westerfeld so I really don't know. All I can say is, I'm glad I finally did.

The plot, the characters, the pacing and the points of view were all done flawlessly. I was reading this on a school and dance day so I couldn't just sit and read for hours straight but believe me, I wanted to. It was one of those books that you can't let go of, and if you have to it calls your name all day and you're like 'I'm coming, I'm coming!'

In the beginning, it may be a little hard to understand. Even if you have some basic background in World War I, some of the facts are changed so it may confuse you. Not to worry though. After the first few chapters you'll swing right in.

As for the story...

(Just so you know, Leviathan takes place in an ALTERNATE World War I. The advanced technology and biological knowledge didn't exist at the time, and frankly that kind of DNA grafting still doesn't) Alek is an heir shunned by the throne for his mother's less-than-royal heritage and now on the run for fear of his life. He fights with 'Clankers'. Deryn is a girl who dreams to fly and joins the British Air Force as a boy to accomplish this. She fights in "Beasties". While obviously I'm rooting for the allies in terms of their actions and what they stand for (let's all assume for a moment we don't know the outcome of this war), I had to agree with Alek about the moral ethics of the beasties. It seems wrong to take innocent, living animals and graft them with others to create mutants that can be attached to engines and used for war.. kinda chilling and unnatural. Although you should take a stand on this after reading the book because I might not be explaining this properly.

The book is obviously meant to be the first in a series as no major plot point are resolved, rather, it introduces us to the characters (and their many problems), the world, and brings us to the (quite funny) circumstances in which Deryn and Alek meet (I smell romance next book!). But that's not to say it lacks in action. It is full of terrifying fighting scenes and lots of tension and suspense. The first thing you'll do after reading Leviathan is try to get your hands on Behemoth! My grade: 100 PERCENT !!
-Esty

P.S. So how did everyone survive the end of the world? :)