Book Review: Alice Will by Ashley Chappell

Alice Will (Dream of Chaos, Book 1) by Ashley Chappell

Completed: April 2, 2014
Length: 297 Pages

With her leaky powers and premature smiting problem, fourteen year-old Trotter was still just trying to get the hang of the demi-godding business when the apocalypse began. In a world where the gods have withdrawn from humanity, leaving mortals bitter toward magic, she finds herself torn between the human and the goddess in her. When the world begins to fade away and she becomes the prime suspect, her search to determine the cause and prove her innocence ends up revolving around a mysterious little girl named Alice. Then she discovers that not all of the gods had been as distant as they seemed...

Now, with everyone against her and the gods fighting amongst themselves, Trotter is on her own to save her world and stop a spiteful god from using Alice to destroy everything.

Fiction or Non-Fiction? Genre? Young Adult Fantasy. Mythological.

What Lead You to Pick up This Book? I am reviewing this book as part of a TLC Book Tour.

Summarize the Plot: We have two young girls: Trotter and Alice. Trotter is aware of who she is and knows that she has special powers. Alice is an orphan, being treated badly, who is growing into abilities she didn't know she had. Trotter is told that she holds the ability to stop some violence that is moving into the world. But, Alice's youth and innocence are making things even more difficult for the world. There is a war coming and it has interesting players. This book also has a talking cat named Prowler that serves as Trotter's companion.

What Did You Like Most About This Book? There were a few things... First of all, I really like talking cats in books. I know it is silly and drives some people crazy, but think it is fun and Prowler definitely added comedic relief. Then, I really liked the mythology in this book. It was a bit rushed in the sense I wish I knew more, but it was still a creative idea. And, as always, I enjoy books where women save the world without help from men. Just saying!

What Did You Like The Least? In the interest of full-disclosure, there were a bunch of typos in this book. Just words that should be other words basically. Sometimes it wasn't a big deal, but other times it sort of jolted you out of the story. I really don't have any major to say against the book, but it did take me a while to get into it. There were a few inconsistencies... Nothing major, but just little things that I didn't really either believe should be part of the narrative or didn't fit with the world she has created.

What Did You Think of the Writing Style? I always seem to answer this question in earlier questions... Basically what I said above... Bit hard to get into and needed a little more editing.

What Did You Think of the Main Character? I will talk about Trotter and Alice in this question. While this book is essentially about Alice, Trotter is the recurring character for the series. Alice is almost 7, an orphan, and rather naive about the world. When she discovers that she has amazing powers, she sets out to create a world that will make her happy. The problem is she has seen so little of the world and experienced so few things. This makes her limited in her creativity. She is a cute kid, though, and just wants to be happy and have people love her. Then there is Trotter. It is less of a secret to her about who she is and she is 14. This makes her less naive and innocent than Alice. Not entirely, though, because she is still just a kid. That's where Prowler, the cat, comes in. He keeps her balanced. Trotter is the one that we will see grow in Chappell's series, so it will be interesting to see where she is headed. Alice and Trotter may seem different, but they have a lot of similar characteristics and made for readable characters most of the time.

What Did You Think of the Ending? Well, it wasn't a cliffhanger, so it had that going for it. It might have been a bit too perfect, but maybe I am used to books having lots of lose ends in this world of constant series. Frankly, with a few interesting revelations, the ending was not amazing. It wasn't terrible either. It was just the ending.

Recommended, but with a few reservations!

White Raven: The Sword of Northern Ancestors by Irina Lopatina

White Raven: The Sword of Northern Ancestors by Irina Lopatina

Completion Date: August 15, 2012
Reason for Reading: TLC Book Tour.

In the kingdom of Areya, humans, animals, and the magical creatures that inhabit the Eternal Forest have long coexisted peacefully, but now something is horribly wrong. A terrifying stream of monstrous creatures has begun to emerge from the secret depths of the earth, terrorizing all of Areya’s native inhabitants. From the tiny, wise drevalyankas to the bellicose cave-dwelling gnomes to the devious kikimoras who gather roots and herbs in the marsh, everyone is in danger. 

With the aid of Urart, the magical sword that has been passed down from the time of the ancient northern ancestors, Grand Duke Vlady can offer temporary protection to his people. But Prince Vraigo, Vlady’s nephew, who is endowed with magical power himself, understands that the source of the evil monsters must be found if there’s any hope of survival. Along with a motley crew of his forest-dwelling friends, Vraigo sets off on a perilous quest in search of the koschei, the powerful, corrupt Archmagus whose mission is the destruction not just of Areya, but of the entire world. 

When Urart disappears from the duke’s stronghold, Areya is doomed, and only Vraigo, the White Raven, can possibly retrieve the sword. This journey requires Vraigo to use all of his keen wits and magical abilities, as well as to ally himself to dangerous creatures like yagas and werewolves, natural enemies of man, and precipitates the young prince into the most bewildering, complex challenge he has faced yet: life in the twenty-first century.

When TLC Book Tours do fantasy novels lately for tours I usually jump at the chance to read them. I don't read nearly enough fantasy anymore and sometimes need an excuse to remedy that situation. It just gets lost in the shuffle of everything else that is going on. Needless to say White Raven sounded interesting and I was eager to see what the reading experience would be like. I was a bit worried in the beginning. I kept picking it up and not getting caught up in the story. You have to work at it a bit, but in the end I read most of the book in one sitting. I even stayed up late with it both because I had to write this review and because I wanted to know what happened.

The author takes many aspects of popular fantasy and weaves it together to make a story that seems backed in mythology. She got her inspiration from Siberia and it was almost like visiting there even though it is a fictional world she has created. It is still Earth, though. The book is basically a sword and sorcery story and I like a good fantasy novel of that type. It also includes paranormal elements and science-fiction elements. There is time travel. I was a bit leery of the time travel, but it was actually handled rather well. It is covered in the second half of the book. The first half is set in Areya exclusively. I knew that the time travel was coming, it says so on the back of the book, and I wasn't exactly sure how the story was going to lead in that direction. The transition wasn't perfect, it was almost too set-up, but it didn't distract me too much from my overall enjoyment.

The book follows the White Raven for the most part, especially in the first part of the book, but there are many secondary characters. In the second half of the book there is also Nik. He represents the 'modern' world. It is interesting watching him try to interact with someone who has lived a very different life. I also liked how the amazing ability to understand each other was developed enough that it doesn't seem strange. The authors brother did the translation and I think this was a great way to keep the book as close to the original as possible. Overall, I enjoyed my reading.

A recommended read! You can find some interesting promotions associated with this book below. Check out the tour page to visit other sites reviewing this book.

The book also includes a map of Areya and a list of characters. These are both very helpful additions.

There's a special promotion going on that was extended especially for this blog tour! Orders placed through the Light Messages site will be $12.00 per book instead of $16.95 (that's about a 30% savings), and folks will also receive a PERSONALIZED, signed post card from author Irina Lopatina. Postcards feature landscapes from Altai, Siberia––the inspiration for White Raven's Kingdom of Areya. The promotion goes for 14 days after your individual tour stop. You can find all the information at www.lightmessages.com/whiteravenpromo.

If readers submit photos of themselves with their copies (or e-copies) of the books, then Irina will send them a personalized, signed book plate for the front of their book. Go here and use the Contact link to submit the photo.

I apologize this is a bit late posting... I had a blog problem earlier and now I am racing to get this done in case the thunder I hear off in the distance gets closer.

Dark Frost: A Mythos Academy Novel (Book 3) by Jennifer Estep

Dark Frost: A Mythos Academy Novel (Book 3) by Jennifer Estep

Completion Date: May 16, 2012
Reason for Reading: Carry on with the series.

I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me—again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects—and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me?

It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me—and I’m in for the fight of my life.

I have had this book for a while on my 'currently reading' shelf, but other things kept happening to push it aside. I still find it very odd that I even like this series. I went in to it basically expecting to not like it at all, but this is the third book in the series. I obviously like it enough to keep reading. I guess it just goes to show that I cannot always predict what I will and won't like. I wouldn't say the books blow me away, but they are enjoyable. I think it helps is Gwen Frost, the main character, is a strong female lead. I think there should be more strong females in literature. The strength aspects often get overshadowed by things like love triangles or obsession. While there is romance in this series, it is not as bad as it could be. It is just a guy and a girl liking each other, but there is a lot of drama involved. I was determined that they work out the drama in this book or I was through with the series. That was caused by it going back and forth throughout the whole book. It has basically gone back and forth for the entire series so far.

The problem with third books in a series is it is hard to say anything without spoiling the previous two books. So, I will reiterate a few things instead. The thing I like the best about this book is the use of mythological creatures and subject matters. It is different than the other popular series out there and I enjoy reading different things. It is set at a boarding school, too, which another aspect I enjoy about books. As I said above, the series isn't amazing, but it is an enjoyable example of young adult fiction. I am glad that I got a chance to read an early copy of this book and look forward to book 4!

Mythos Series:
Touch of Frost
Kiss of Frost
Dark Frost (Released at the end of May)
Crimson Frost (2012)

Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to get this through Netgalley!

Touch of Frost and Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep (Mythos Academy Series, Book 1)

Completion Date: December, 2011

Reason for Reading: I blame Cat from Beyond Books for introducing me to this series. (In a good way.)

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. 

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died. . .

This was one of the last books I read in 2011. I was so happy to actually read something, but I never got around to reviewing it. I have found that while young adult works its way into my reading a lot nowadays, there are very few books that wow me enough to make my best of list. I have to say that even though this one did not make it; I still really enjoyed it. You see, I really enjoy Mythology and I am getting a bit tired of vampires, witches, etc. When I learned that the main character in this series, Gwen, was a Gypsy I was intrigued. Then, I discovered that the book takes place at a boarding school. I seem to really enjoy books that have that as a setting. The thing that made me pick up the book in the end, though, was the fact that it includes Amazons, Spartans, and other historical superheroes AND the Gods and Goddesses they believed in at that time. It was just a different idea from the norm and I was in the mood for something different.

Anyway, as I was saying this book centres around Gwen Frost. She had a very normal up-bringing other than the fact that when she touched a person or their personal objects she could pick-up on their emotions, memories, etc. The Gypsy trait runs through the women in her family. Her grandmother Frost can tell the future to a degree and her mother had the ability to tell when people were telling the truth. I say 'had' because Gwen's world has been turned upside down following the horrific death of her beloved mother. It is only after that she goes to Mythos Academy and begins to learn just what people are capable of and just what amazing things have been there all along that she didn't even know about. Her mother and grandmother decided she she was going to be raised separate from that world, but situations have changed.

So, what did I think? Gwen is a kick-ass heroine. You have to give her some credit as she comes to terms with her new world, so she can still be a bit naive at times and do stupid things, but ultimately she is totally not a damsel in distress. That does not mean she doesn't need some help along the way. The people she is going to school with have been training for years and she hasn't even known about all of this for more than a few months. There is a bit of weirdness with the romance angle of the book, but I have seen much worse. Overall I was happy with the world that Jennifer Estep has created. It fits in well with the world we know about and that makes it believable. I enjoyed all of the characters and found watching everything from Gwen's perspective worked for the book. Recommended!

Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep (Mythos Academy Series, Book 2)

Completion Date: January 30, 2012
Reason for Reading: Carry on with the Series.

Logan Quinn was try­ing to kill me. My Spar­tan class­mate relent­lessly pur­sued me, swing­ing his sword at me over and over again, the shin­ing sil­ver blade inch­ing closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes prac­ti­cally glowed with the thrill of battle...

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword...

Then we fast-forward to January of 2012. I was browsing the library e-book catalogue looking for something else and stumbled across Kiss of Frost. I decided that I was engaged enough in the overall story to read on with the series right now instead of waiting forever which is my norm. I also decided that this way I could review the two books I had read in the series at the same time and that works for me. I am always a bit worried about the second book in trilogies because they can tend to drag, but this one continues on with the action. I think it is because there is an overarching story to the series, but at the same time there are separate events that are necessary in order to reach a conclusion. This gives the author different things to focus on with each book. So, once again I enjoyed visiting with Gwen Frost and Mythos Academy.

As to the book itself, Gwen learns that she has more powers that she originally thought. She uses these powers for impressive pursuits and continues to be a readable character. I am still a bit annoyed with the screwed up romance, but at least we can begin to understand it a bit more with this book. This book also gives us more insight into Gwen, the Reapers (bad guys), and the evil God Loki and what he is up to. I believe there will be a lot going on in book 3, so I am looking forward to that. I also have been thinking this is probably a series and not a trilogy because there is way too much to work on. (And, it is. I checked.) What I do know is that I say too much more I will give away book 1 to those that haven't read it, so I will just be cryptic and say that this book, and the series, are recommended.

Mythos Academy Series
Touch of Frost
Kiss of Frost
Dark Frost (June, 2012)
Crimson Frost (January, 2013)

Twilight of Avalon (Twilight of Avalon Trilogy, Book 1) by Anna Elliott

Book One in the Twilight of Avalon Trilogy

She is a healer, a storyteller, a warrior, and a queen without a throne. In the shadow of King Arthur's Britain, one woman knows the truth that could save a kingdom from the hands of a tyrant...

Ancient grudges, old wounds, and the quest for power rule in the newly widowed Queen Isolde's court. Hardly a generation after the downfall of Camelot, Isolde grieves for her slain husband, King Constantine, a man she secretly knows to have been murdered by the scheming Lord Marche -- the man who has just assumed his title as High King. Though her skills as a healer are renowned throughout the kingdom, in the wake of Con's death, accusations of witchcraft and sorcery threaten her freedom and her ability to bring Marche to justice. Burdened by their suspicion and her own grief, Isolde must conquer the court's distrust and superstition to protect her throne and the future of Britain.

One of her few allies is Trystan, a prisoner with a lonely and troubled past. Neither Saxon nor Briton, he is unmoved by the political scheming, rumors, and accusations swirling around the fair queen. Together they escape, and as their companionship turns from friendship to love, they must find a way to prove what they know to be true -- that Marche's deceptions threaten not only their lives but the sovereignty of the British kingdom.

In Twilight of Avalon, Anna Elliott returns to the roots of the legend of Trystan and Isolde to shape a very different story -- one based in the earliest written versions of the Arthurian tales -- a captivating epic brimming with historic authenticity, sweeping romance, and the powerful magic of legend.

From Amazon.ca

My very first buddy review with Melissa from Book Nut.

Melissa's Questions:

1. Did you know the Tristan and Isolde story before reading this? Do you think it worked well her melding of that myth and the Arthurian legends?
- The only thing I really knew about Tristan and Isolde was from watching the movie that came out sometime in the last few years. This is the first time I have read a book where the legend showcases so heavily. One of these days I will have to give Rosalind Miles trilogy a try, but in the meantime I thought this was really well-done. For someone who loves Arthurian legends, I love how Elliott combined the two! It was done very plausibly, so I appreciated that. I can't wait to see where the second book goes.

2. Do you have a favorite character?
- My favourite character would probably be Isolde. I thought she was written really well and I felt that you got to know her quite well during the course of the book. There were other secondary characters that were really good, too, but she was my favourite. I was a bit worried about her in the beginning because you never know what an author is going to do with a female character. She could be very strong, independant character or the author could play the helpless role. Isolde fit her time period, but she also went a bit above and beyond. I look forward to her more in the future.

3. I liked Isolde's role as a healer; it was feminine but not subservient.... what did you think?
- I suppose this is sort of addressed above. I think this was a very good addition. The world needs to remember once in a while that the first doctors were women. I don't think it was subservient at all. Isolde did what had to be done and she did it well. I don't think women should be looked down on as healers because we don't look down on doctors of today. If anything, she should be admired because she worked under some very extreme circumstances and medicine was not like it is today.

4. What did you think of the "romance"?
- Obviously, anyone that knows the legend of Tristan and Isolde knows there is going to be romance. As soon as I determined which character was Tristan, it was all just a matter of time. Obviously Elliott could have left the romance out, because this is a retelling, but I didn't think she would. Everything is just starting out in this book, so not much happened. I imagine it will be developed further throughout the trilogy, but you cannot really say for sure what will happen. It depends on how closely she follows the legend.

My Questions:

5. What lead you to pick up this book? Will you be reading the rest of the trilogy?
- I had been seeing a lot of good reviews of this book around and it sounded right up my alley. I had planned to buy it, but then the author offered to send me a copy! I read it almost immediately because I love Arthurian legends and thought that combined with Tristan and Isolde would make for a good read. I plan to read book two when it comes out next year.

6. What was your favourite scene?
- The problem for me is that I read this book a while ago, so it is not as fresh in my head as it could be. I liked a lot of scenes. I liked when Tristan and Isolde met for the first time (even if the circumstances were not very good), I liked the scene in the church where Isolde is saying good bye to her husband, I enjoyed learning about Isolde's healing work and how she accomplishes it, and I liked the scenes where Tristan and Isolde are on the run together. They have a good repetoire and chemistry. I look forward to seeing where all the scenes in this book go in the next book in terms of development.

7. What do you think of the mixing of fantasy and historical fiction? Was it believable?
- I thought the book was very believable. The fantasy is more mythology than anything, but I think Elliott wove the historical fiction in very well. Nothing seemed impossible while I was reading it. The characters may not have been entirely perfect for their times, but Elliott didn't push things too far. The Arthurian legends have always pushed the norm a little bit, but not so much that you don't believe in them. I think this book could be marketed as both very easily. I have never checked the shelves at the store, though, so I am not sure what section it is normally found in.

8. What are your thoughts on the cover and the title?
- It's the title that caught my attention. If I see the word 'Avalon' I have to know what the book is about. Sometimes it has really no connection to Arthurian legends at all, but this time it turned out to be exactly what I wanted to read! I also really like the cover. I think the trilogy will look really good lined up together on my shelves provided there are not drastic changes in the future releases.

Overall, this book was really well-done! As it stands right now, it will likely make my best of list for the end of the year. I really loved it and cannot wait to read more! I also look forward to another buddy review with Melissa in the future!

Fruits Basket Volume 1, 2, 3, and 4 by Natsuki Takaya

Reason for Reading: New Author Challenge, Rhinoa's Manga Challenge

Tohru Honda was an orphan when one day fate kicked her out of the house and on to land belonging to the mysterious Sohma family. After stumbling upon the teenage squatter, the Sohmas invite Tohru to stay in their house in exchange for cooking and cleaning. Everything goes well until she discovers the Sohma family's secret, when hugged by members of the opposite sex, they turn into their Chinese Zodiac animal!

Title and author of book: Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya - Volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Graphic Novel. Fantasy or Mythology.

What led you to pick up this book? I had heard of it before and it sounded like as good a series as any to try out!

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? I like a lot of things about this series. First off, I really enjoy how the Chinese Zodiac is used in the book. What a great idea! That whole idea has always interested me! I was born in the Year of the Rat. It's kind of funny how when Tohru hugs without thinking, they turn into animals. It's a strange idea, but it works! The characters take after their animals, too. There is competition, arguments, and all other sorts of adventure in the Sohmas family. Tohru finds herself mixed into it. You can tell these stories are written for a teenage crowd, though, because in the midst of the humour they deal with serious issues. It's a good series!

What did you like least? I get confused with the characters sometimes. I am still rusty with this pictures idea. I am used to reading the words and getting the whole story, so remembering to look closely at the pictures is a problem! In some of the other manga series I have tried to read, I can pull it off, but this one I find that I have to keep back-tracking because I missed something!

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? This is the first series I have read. I am going to be at it for a while if I plan to read everything! I was looking at her other series online, though, and it looks interesting. I have to finish a manga series before I can start another one, though.

What did you think of the main character? I like all of the characters in this book. They each bring something to the story. The Tohru annoys me sometimes, but that's a teenage girl problem. She has been through a lot and is trying to cope with all the changes in her life. The Sohma family is delightfully dysfuntional. It really works!

What about the ending? I have only read four volumes... The ending is a long way into the future!

This is another series that I really liked the art for. The covers are also great. Very simplistic, but it works. I actually read the collected versions of these four, so it included notes from the author. I thought that was an awesome idea!

Other Reviews:

Books & Other Thoughts (Volume 2): "I am looking forward to reading more about Tohru's further adventures in this delightful, lighthearted series."

Words by Annie (Volume 2): "I enjoyed this book a great deal, but not as much as the first one. It was a bit more confusing, but other than that it was a wonderful story!"

T.V. And Book Addict: "This manga is my all time favorite. Has wonderful characters, beautiful art, very funny, and a great plot. You will definitely love it till the end. It truly teaches you about how important it is to be strong and live your life by just being yourself."

Books & Other Thoughts (Volume 3): "This third volume in the Fruits Basket manga series seems to be a transitional book, with the relationships between the characters gaining more definition and depth, and events being set up for things to come in future volumes."

Words by Annie (Volume 1): "This story was spiced up with the perfect amount of romance and magic. I like the idea of the Zodiac spirits, and I'm eager to read the next book to find out more about the Sohmas!"

Books & Other Thoughts (Volume 1): "This is a lighthearted, humorous series, but it also covers more serious issues, such as Tohru's sense of loss in the wake of her mother's death, and while she is perky beyond belief, her enormous optimism is countered by her occasional moments of grief, and that, to me, makes her a more believable, sympathetic character. I look forward to reading about her further adventures!"

Mixtures: Books... (Volume 1): " I love this manga because its super CUTE. Its my FAVORITE of all time and i think you should all read it!!!! Its impossible not to love Shigure's antics and Yuki's personality. Tohru brings them much needed help and friendship. The cover is really cute too. :D"

Did I miss yours? Comment and let me know!