Review: The Sword of Summer

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)

Rick Riordan
middle grade, Norse mythology

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.
One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.
The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.
Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . . 

Behold, the book I basically started reading in November and finished a week ago.  Round of applause, please.

No matter what, come hell or high water, Rick Riordan's books will be good. However, I realize now that the appeal will lessen the older you get. 

Unlike the Percy Jackson books, and like Heroes of Olympus, The Sword of Summer was a massive, almost 500-page book. Let's be honest - Heroes was not as good as PJ, but we loved it and read it anyway, partially because we loved the familiar characters and world. In the case of Magnus Chase, I found the size a bit of a problem. The Norse world and it's rules are not as familiar to the average reader as the Greek Gods and stories are (at least to me) and I found all the character arcs and backgrounds and subplots rather confusing. 

Also, I found the supporting characters rather dull and not as relatable as Annabeth, Grover, and Tyson always were. Blitz and Hearth were not young kids, and Samirah, while having cool and useful abilities, didn't usually add much to the scene. 

Truthfully though, all of the above is really just one flaw, and that is that the book was not Percy Jackson. If you can read it without expecting it to be what it cannot be, you should enjoy it(:

On to the things I loved: humor as spot on as usual, THE CHAPTER TITLES, the cover, the fact that it's a trilogy, pure originality, pop culture references, the dedication, Rick Riordan fandom inside jokes (passes out even more than Jason Grace), the talking goats, the talking sword. 

Review: Demigods and Monsters

Demigods and Monsters: Your Favorite Authors on Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series

Which Greek god makes the best parent?Would you want to be one of Artemis’ Hunters?Why do so many monsters go into retail?
Spend a little more time in Percy Jackson’s world—a place where the gods bike among us, monsters man snack bars, and each of us has the potential to become a hero.
Find out:
Why Dionysus might actually be the best director Camp Half-Blood could have

How to recognize a monster when you see one

Why even if we aren’t facing manticores and minotaurs, reading myth can still help us deal with the scary things in our own lives

Plus, consult our glossary of people, places, and things from Greek myth: how Medusa got her snake hair extensions, why Chiron isn’t into partying and paintball like the rest of his centaur family, and the whole story on Percy’s mythical namesake.

When I bought this I thought it was going to be something like The Demigod Diaries or The Demigod Files - some bonus Riordan content. When I realized what it was though, I was a bit diappointed but interested. Behold, my thoughts:

The introduction was really cool to me - it's basically Rick Riordan expressing his amazement that people could find symbolism and deeper meanings in a bedtime story he made up for his kid. Includes interesting quote by Mark Twain. 

Monster Recongnition for Beginners- cute, entertaining. Liked the footnotes. 

Why Do So Many Monsters Go Into Retail? - found this boring, was unable to figure out the concrete claim the writer was trying to make. 

Stealing Fire From the Gods -  well written, but a familiar concept. 

Would You Want to be One of Artemis' Hunters? - a question I (and I bet every other female reader of The Titan's Curse) had thought about a bunch of times. The whole dilemma in one essay.

Dionysus: Who Let Him Run a Summer Camp? - ahhh loved this. Mr. D is my favorite. 

The Gods Among Us - heartfelt. A good and important read.

Percy Jackson and the Lords of Death - some new and interesting comparisons to Maya mythology, and a How To Build A Middle Grade Adventure guide.

Eeny Meeny Miney Mo(m) - oh, admit it. You thought about which godly parent you'd want a million times. This essay confirmed my choice! (APOLLO)

Percy, I Am Your Father - rating of the gods based on their parenting skills. An overlook over the whole series, some very good points. 

As Bad as They Wanna Be - all about Hades and Nico. I loved this! Always thought they deserved more credit than they got. 

The Greek Hero- New and Improved - agreed!

Not Even the Gods Are Perfect- nicely done, but a subject discussed in other essays. 

Frozen Eyeballs - about oracles and prophecies. Had more potential than it lived up to. 

The Language of the Heart - ehhh.

A Glossary Of Ancient Greek Myth - cutely written, actually had a lot of new info there, but I still stopped halfway through because you can only read a list of definitions for so long.

Overall? Not going to excite your middle grader, but if you have a thoughtful fan in mind this might work for them. Rating:

Happy 2016 dear people! So sad I missed December here on the blogosphere, and looking forward to a year filled with happiness and books!

Love, 

Esty

Review: Lioness Rampant

Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness #4)
Tamora Pierce
YA fantasy, adventure

"I'm not sure I want to be a hero anymore." 
Having achieved her dream of becoming the first female knight errant, Alanna of Trebond is not sure what to do next. Perhaps being a knight errant is not all that Alanna needs....But Alanna must push her uncertainty aside when a new challenge arises. She must recover the Dominion Jewel, a legendary gem with enormous power for good -- but only in the right hands. And she must work quickly. Tortall is in great danger, and Alanna's archenemy, Duke Roger, is back -- and more powerful than ever. In this final book of the Song of the Lioness quartet, Alanna discovers that she indeed has a future worthy of her mythic past -- both as a warrior and as a woman.

So I have library books to return and the Clean Out Your E-reader Challenge on my mind, urging me to read those books, and yet, on Saturday I was struck by a "Screw it all" attitude, "I wanna read Alanna". So I did.

This is the last book in the Song of the Lioness Quartet and I read the first one before I had a blog so I'm going to review this series as whole. You can read my review of book 2 here, and book 3 here.

As girls' adventure books go, there's no beating Alanna. Smart and headstrong, she leads the pack in heroines. Think Deryn from the Leviathan books, or Mulan. She longs to be a knight so she switches with her twin brother and trains in the palace as a boy. Over the years she makes powerful friends (Some may be a little more than friends:)) and accomplishes extraordinary feats.

Characters- ALL AWESOME. Jon, the boys, Sir Myles, George, Liam, Buri, Thayet, Coram, Thom... I could go on all day. Everyone has such personality! They're what make these books so much fun to read(:

Themes and ideas- this, I think, is the area where the quartet stands out the most. Aside from the girl-warrior-dressed-as-boy thing, the novels explore the ideas of believe it or not, your first love isn't necessarily your true love. Also, while I personally don't approve of this choice, Alanna sleeps with her lovers. Multiple ones. And wears a protective charm for pregnancy. Not only does she contest womens' right to fight, she also disproves all the things that would traditionally make her a respectable woman in her world, and I found that refreshing and inspiring. Also, her love life doesn't end in happily ever after marrying the prince- she loves him but contemplates her ability and will to rule, and ultimately makes a decision based on things other than what's expected of her but rather for her own and others' good.

Note: The first book centers around Alanna at ages 11-12, and is suitable for middle-grade readers. Book two has more mature content.

Another aspect of the series that I love is how you are with her over a period of almost 10 years, and really grow to love her world and friends.

And now, the REASON FOR GIVING BOOK #4 ONLY 4 STARS:
I'm not sure. Maybe it's that sometimes Jon has seriously out of character moments, something that I see as a flaw in the writing. Or maybe it's that Alanna kinda goes looking for trouble (though that's arguable- it's her job as a knight) I think it's mainly that the big plot point in  book #3 is resolved with little explanation in book #4, and that the big plot point in book #4 pops out with little explanation as to WHY it was allowed to happen in the first place.

Also, I was disappointed in Thayet's final decision , because I felt that so much could've been done with the loose end of her country, Sarain.

Rating:


overall note: I have been enjoying these books for years and will dearly miss Alanna. Really really recommended.

Review: House of Hades

House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus #4)
Rick Riordan
Middle Grade Adventure, Greek Mythology

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

Usually I try to keep my blog spoiler free, because in my opinion if you can't read the review because you haven't read the book than what help am I? I want to help you choose your books. The exceptions are novels like Clockwork Princess and this, about which nothing can be said about the writing, character development, pacing, or feeling, because all that is obviously completely flawless. No, this won't be much of a review- more a rant discussion of the actual events. So, if you haven't read it, GET OFF YOUR DEVICE AND READ IT. If you have, please comment and help me sort through my feelings.

SPOILERS START HERE


OK, NICO IS GAY?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! WWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAATTTTTTT OMG.
I think my shock has less to do with the fact that he is gay rather than the fact that Rick Riordan put a gay character in his book. For a long time we've been trying to figure out what Nico's deal is, and while I had a lot of theories, I didn't think in that direction AT ALL. You just don't expect to encounter homosexuality in a kid's book! But when I got over the original heart attack, I appreciated what Riordan did there. He writes his books for kids, not white straight kids. If all his characters were what is considered default than in a way he'd be adding to the discrimination people face today.  In addition, I'd like to give him credit for not actually using the words 'gay' or 'homosexual' or 'attracted to boys'. It makes it not a political issue, rather a difference- and the kids read and are like, 'ok, Nico had a crush on Percy. That makes him different' . What a subtle and brilliant way to promote acceptance. Also, notice how the new series features Hazel- who is black, Frank- who is Chinese, and Leo- who is Hispanic. Refreshing. 

Guys: I FINALLY began to like Jason. Up until now he was given all the respect afforded to Percy but the readers didn't know him or love him, so it was like, STOP BEING AN EQUAL TO PERCY. I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU DO ANYTHING YET.  But in this book you do. He really becomes a leader- gets to know his team, relents when needed. I STILL think Piper is useless, though. Sue me. 

Me-when-I-found-out-Coach-Hedge-is-having-a-baby (it was obvious in the beginning if you've ever had a little sibling): AHAHAHAHAHA OMG EEEEEEHHHH

LEO AND CALYPSO- one word:FEEEELS
More than one word: I genuinely missed Calypso! It was such a disconnected incident in The Battle of Labyrinth (right  book?) that I didn't think about her very much after. I am so happy Leo found her- he deserves her the most. 

Dear Rick Riordan,
Can we get some Grover, Tyson, Thalia, Chiron or Rachel please? Or at least some more Reyna.
Sincerely,
Where-have-all-my-awesome-people-gone

PERCABETH
WOAH. I knew they would come out changed and a little scarred. It was kinda a beautiful process, actually. Also, it was nice to see them grow up and start planning their future, if a little heartbreaking. 
And the big surprise? We see an almost fatal mistake of Percy's-forgetting about Bob and Calypso. It showed that even the good guys can make bad mistakes. It was a little shocking, having worshipped Percy all my life, but a good wake up call. Nobody is perfect. Not even close.

Last two things: Anyone else catch the dedication? *gnashes teeth and growls*
THE TITLE OF BOOK FIVE: THE BLOOD OF OLYMPUS. MAKE OF THAT WHAT YOU WILL.

How will I live after next fall?

Review: The Woman who Rides Like a Man (Song of the Lioness #3) spoiler free

The Woman Who Rides Like a Man
(Song of the Lioness #3)
Tamora Pierce
Fantasy, Adventure

"Let her prove herself worthy as a man."

Newly knighted, Alanna of Trebond seeks adventure in the vast desert of Tortall. Captured by fierce desert dwellers, she is forced to prove herself in a duel to the death -- either she will be killed or she will be inducted into the tribe. Although she triumphs, dire challenges lie ahead. As her mythic fate would have it, Alanna soon becomes the tribe's first female shaman -- despite the desert dwellers' grave fear of the foreign woman warrior. Alanna must fight to change the ancient tribal customs of the desert tribes -- for their sake and for the sake of all Tortall.

Alanna's journey continues...

You can read my review of the second Alanna book here.

The Alanna books are really one of my favorite adventure series out there. I mean, what do Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl and Alex Rider all have in common? Oh, yeah. A MALE PROTAGONIST. Now I'm not saying she's the only one out there, but Clary and Cammie and Katniss all star in YA, and Alanna is a rare sight in middle grade adventure novels. Granted, in the past two books the Song of the Lioness chronicles have crossed over into YA.

That was my one nitpick. Those of you who remember the first book remember Alanna and her friends as 10-12 year olds, the kind of book you could give to a kid. The second and third of this series isn't really appropriate for that age anymore and that kind of disappoints me. I remember reading Alanna: The First Adventure years ago and I know now that it's good I only continued recently. There's nothing graphic or anything, but, and I hate to say this, Alanna is sleeping with her men left and right. I mean, yeah I'm used to the heroine choosing between two guys in a heart wrenching love triangle but come on, lady, you can't have both of them in your bed in one book. Multiple times. Give the sequels to children above 12-13 in my opinion.

That said, Alanna was as fun and kick-butt as usual. George was funny and Myles was insightful, just the way I like everyone:)

Actually I have one more problem. *minor spoiler alert, highlight to read*

Ms. Pierce, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH JON? I mean, we (your readers) know him and love him and he is NOT a jerk!! If there's one thing I hate it's when my favorite characters act OUT of character. I really hope for the fourth and final book he'll come back to himself. Then again, having read other peoples' reviews on Goodreads, I can see how his behaviour makes sense. Alas, maybe I just enjoyed the wishful thinking about Prince Charming.

*end spoiler alert*

Other than that? Gotta love the cover of the edition I read (showed above). Alanna, now a knight, dressed in armor, holding a sword and riding a war horse with her hair loose and chest unbound. Basically sums up the status transformation between books 2 and 3. Rating: 

2 more things: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JK ROWLING AND HARRY POTTER! Thank you for bringing the magic into my life. 

And eeeep! I start my first job tomorrow! Guess where? You got it. A local kids/teens bookstore:) Wish me luck!

Love,

Esty

Review: Son of Sobek

Son of Sobek
Rick Riordan
middle grade short story

Carter Kane is investigating rumored sightings of a monster on Long Island when he runs into something else: a mysterious boy named Percy Jackson. And their meeting isn't exactly friendly. . . . 

Basically a crossover between Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles. Can anyone say, RECIPE FOR WIN??

Of course it was perfect! Percy and Carter funny and sarcastic as usual, saving Manhattan from bloodthirsty monsters. What's new? Honestly, my only complaint was that it was too short. I thought there would be earth-shattering revelations on both their parts, what with realizing there are other gods alive, but not to worry- nothing changes. You'll see.

I was also happy to see Rick Riordan left us an opening that Carter and Percy will meet again in the future... hmmm :) Rating:


Anyone else been seeing these rumors about a new Harry Potter? They're not true... right?
Happy Monday!
Esty

Review: Soul Control

Soul Control
C. Elizabeth
YA Fantasy

"Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil." These words ring true for seventeen-year-old Saydi Gardiner upon discovering her ancestry. But if she has any doubts, further confirmation is forthcoming and it comes in the form of a wickedly gorgeous Nathanael Braxton, when he steals her heart and cuddles into her sole - the last place the boy should be. Nineteen-year-old Nathanael's unrelenting good looks aren't the only thing that make him dangerous - and he knows it! However, his caring half-human self struggles with a loyalty - a loyalty that binds him to the hunt for the soul that will give his family the power they seek. There's only one problem: When he finds her, Nathanael falls in love with his prey - Saydi.

Hello everyone! Sorry about my absence, I was just finishing up this book. It was kinda long. Also, I have began Clockwork Princess and with difficulty peeled myself off for dance and this review. The fact that I have the presence of mind to do this is astounding if I do say so myself. Any emotional support you can give would be much appreciated- but don't spoil! 

Anyhoo, Soul Control. Like I said, it was long, and while no one likes a big book more than I, I did feel there was too much of stuff I didn't want, and too little of stuff I did. 

Basically, it's a war between gods and demons. I actually really liked the spin the author gave this tale, because I haven't really encountered a lovable demon character before, one who is almost human (well, half half) except maybe in Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and that was very different from this. However, I warn ista-love haters to beware, this might not be the book for you. (Personally, I was able to get over it for this one. Saydi and Nathanael's relationship grew on me) 

I wasn't a big fan of Saydi's, she accepted and forgave some things too easily in my opinion. Also, while I live off fantasy, I need it to be realistic- as in, her dad can't pop up after 17 years and Saydi and her mom are thrilled and after 1 day she's calling him Dad/Daddy.

Another thing that bothered me is that I didn't really understand the cause of the war. It was talked about a lot, but it just seemed to go over my head. Rondure? Catacomb? Spirit Light? Why? Granted, that may not have anything to do with the author's writing and more with my comprehension. Still, I wish it had been a little more clarified. 

But I must say I did like the cast. A lot of YA books tend to put the heroine's girlfriends aside because there so much going on around the boy/family/cause and I was glad to see Soul Control had Becky, Angie and Norma right along for the ride even if they didn't really understand what they were seeing. Also, their dynamic was realistic. Their fights, greetings, and conversations were like mine with my friends- typical teenage girls (`the family that just moved in has a boy? How old??? What did you say? He's hot?!').

 Back to the cast though, I wish we could have gotten more of Job and Joshua (Nathanael's triplet brothers) and the Magisters (I know, I know, and just when I'm reading Clockwork Princess too.... Don't worry, they aren't evil masterminds. Just Saydi's teachers:)) I felt like they have big personalities and great backstories we never got to feel. 

Another thing I liked was the fighting between Saydi and Nathanael. I always sided with Nathanael because he was really doing all he could and Saydi was being an ungrateful brat sometimes but I was like YES. YOU ARE A COUPLE. FIGHT. Sometimes I lose patience with all the lovey-dovey books that forget to show you that in the real world, people fight, but they learn to get over it. And I know it's fiction and fantasy and whatever, but a really good book is one that has you convinced that the supernatural world exists and incredible creature live among us. And how can you do that if the humans aren't acting human?? So kudos to Soul Control for that. 

And two more little things that made me happy- the Braxton's gentlemanly behavior and the Canadian setting. THANK YOU C. ELIZABETH!! Go Canada:))
Grade: 45%
-Esty 

Review: Abandon

Abandon
Meg Cabot
YA fantasy/ Greek mythology

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

The problem when reading a much-loved book by a much-loved author is that you have high expectations for it. And, well, Abandon didn't live up to what I thought it would be.

The main reason I didn't like it was because it wasn't dark enough for it's theme. What I mean is that the story was told lightly, and didn't have that mysterious, scary, dark, enticing atmosphere that most books of this genre usually do. I could tell it was meant to be intense, but it just wasn't (for me).

The second thing that bothered me was the insta-love. I know some people like it, and sometimes I do too when it's done well enough, but this just felt like I was told they fell in love, not shown it. No spark for me.

And third but last problem was the fact that this couldn't be a standalone novel. It's not that it had to be, I love books with cliffhangers as much as the next reader (or hate as much as the next reader...?) , but Abandon didn't have enough plot in it to make me feel satisfied when I was finished. It was more like an introduction to the world of the series.

But this book did have its redeeming qualities (it is Meg Cabot, after all). I personally liked Pierce. I admired how she wanted to help everyone and actually DID instead of just talking about it. Also, she had interests, she got out, she wasn't shy, she didn't automatically snub the queen bee and become a social pariah (seriously. Why do they always do that? No good ever comes out of it. Better play it smart like Pierce). You  go, girl.

Another pro for Abandon was the ending. I am happy to say that while the story line was fairly typical, I did not see the end coming and for that I am thankful. In conclusion, I probably will read Underworld (book #2) but I'm not running to the bookstore for it. Grade: 40%

-Esty 

Review: In the Hand of the Goddess (Alanna #2) + My Opinion on Love Triangles

  
In the Hand of the Goddess
Tamora Pierce
fantasy


"I don't want to fall in love. I just want to be a warrior maiden."
Still disguised as a boy, Alanna becomes a squire to none other than the prince of the realm. Prince Jonathan is not only Alanna's liege lord, he is also her best friend -- and one of the few who knows the secret of her true identity. But when a mysterious sorceror threatens the prince's life, it will take all of Alanna's skill, strength, and magical power to protect him -- even at the risk of revealing who she really is...

Filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good and evil, Alanna's second adventure continues the saga of a girl who dares to follow her dreams -- and the magical destiny that awaits her.

Alanna's journey continues...


***SPOILER ALERT***  TO THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ ALANNA THE FIRST ADVENTURE
That said, it was a good sequel. The story starts off about 3 years after the last one left off, Alanna now a squire to Prince Jonathan and Tortall on the brink of war. Her real identity is still unknown to most of her friends except Jon and George, who become the main love interests throughout the book.

And that's what bothered me.

Now I know there is a huge debate among readers about  love triangles; personally, I think it depends how they're done. Sometimes, it makes sense and written realistically, like the Hunger Games, in which Gale and Peeta fell in love with her because they had each been through so much with her, and let's face it, she's an amazing person. It also tied in well with the plot, everyone's feelings majorly influencing what happens. And the key point (for me at least) is that they didn't sit around waiting for her to choose. I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority here, but I was happy when Gale left. I mean, why should he stick around forever till Katniss will  finally make up her mind and stop kissing them both? What with everything she was going through, and her love for both of them, she might never have done it. And let's be honest, Gale is too independent, strong, smart, and eligible for that. He would have lost all my respect and thankfully didn't.

MY POINT IS, some love triangles are great, and this wasn't one of them. For starters, there is a 7 year difference between Alanna and George. With adults it's not a big deal but the whole time I couldn't help remembering how she was ten when they met and that's creepy. And besides, she was only 18 during the second part of this book.  As for Jon, well, I was rooting for them. He is a great guy and true friend and I couldn't help but love him. The main problem was that they both wanted her and she kinda just...let them. Like, they would be all lovey-dovey and give her a kiss and she would be all 'I don't want to fall in love' but let them kiss her anyway. It seemed beneath her, you know?

Also, I was a weensy but annoyed with the pacing. The book seemed divided into two different plots, with about 2 years separating them, and while the writing flowed wonderfully (hence, only "weensy bit" annoyed) it was a little disconcerting having Alanna in a more mature mindset in the space of a page.

BUT, as mentioned above, it was a good sequel and great writing. The characters are lovable and annoying (making them very human to me ) and the whole thing was an enjoyabele read. Recommended. It may seem middle grade, but be warned, it's not. Grade: 70%

Have a good weekend!
-Esty