The Cruel Prince

The Cruel Prince

By Holly Black
Published: Little Brown Books, 2018
Pages: 381
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Amazon, Goodreads

What they don't realize is this: Yes, they frighten me, but I have always been scared, since the day I got here. I was raised by the man who murdered my parents, reared in a land of monsters. I live with that fear, let it settle into my bones, and ignore it.

About the book: Jude's parents are murdered when she is young, leaving her and her sisters to be brought up in a magical fairy world by the man who killed her parents. Ten years later, Jude and her twin sister are despised by the fairy folk for being humans, made worse by Jude being targeted by Cardan, a fairy prince. Jude is given a chance to find her place in this magical world, but as she becomes embroiled in palace politics and deceptions, she discovers her capacity for bloodshed and trickery. The Court of Faerie threatens to collapse and Jude must choose between doing what is right and deceiving those she loves.

OK, so I wasn't sure I'd like The Cruel Prince; I'm usually one for fairytales. This book still managed to draw me into Faerie, a place of imagination full of magic, imaginative creatures, and impossible scenery. The writing, plot and characters were so gripping and addicting that I would have liked the book with or without the fairytale theme.

I absolutely loveeeedddd the characters. Jude is great as a protagonist; she is both courageous, intelligent while also full of darkness and deception. The interaction between Jude and Madoc is interesting... They have (something of) a father-daughter relationship but they are also sort of enemies. Honestly, I don't think The Cruel Prince would be as entertaining without this weird and disturbing dynamic.

After the first few chapters, I instantly recognized the strange chemistry between Jude and Cardan, and I was pretty worried that the relationship would turn into the typical YA romance. I was pleasantly surprised to see how the relationship transforms into something else entirely.

I immensely enjoyed the plot and writing style in The Cruel Prince; I believe I read one other book by Holly Black and I remember enjoying it, especially the ending. I also enjoyed the ending in this novel as well. I won't say I hate, but I will say I strongly dislike stories I can easily guess the ending of... I like to be surprised and shocked. The Cruel Prince is definitely a book I recommend to those who enjoy the YA genre!

RATING (out of five puppies):

Haunted Ground

Haunted Ground

By Erin Hart
Published: Scribner, 2003
Pages: 328
Genre: Mystery
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Their beliefs, their ideals, their intentions are all present with these sodden old logs ... and these, ladies and gentlemen, are some of the only concrete clues we have as to what their whole society and way of life was like. I invite you to become the discoverers of what lies in this hallowed ground.

About this novel: When Irish farmers make a gruesome discovery - the preserved head of a young woman with bright red hair - Cormac Maguire, Irish archeologist, and Nora Gavin, American pathologist, team up in the case. The woman's head could have been buried at any time - even decades ago - due to how peat bog prevents decay. While Cormac and Nora investigate the young woman's remains, they find themselves in the middle of another mystery: the disappearance of Mina Osborne and her young son. As time starts to run out, Cormac and Nora must traverse through the mysteries surrounding them while also battling old wounds.

Haunted Ground is a decent debut novel that's an OK but not great read. The background and setting of this book - Ireland's bog lands - is captivating but the writing is a little dull at times. The plot is solid in generally but I felt like this book was almost about two different stories: the woman's head and Mina's disappearance. They aren't really connected, except towards the end (I don't reveal spoilers!) and even then I was a little disappointed. I also was able to guess who the "killer" was not that far into the novel, but I was never actually sure who it was until the end.

I did like the characters, though, and generally enjoyed reading the novel. I'd recommend it to those who love a decent mystery story.

RATING (out of five puppies):

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

By Kiersten White
Published: Delacorte Press, 2018
Pages: 292
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
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All my work, all my sacrifice, has been for a single purpose: I'm going to defy death. I am going to steal the spark of creation from it, to make life eternal, untouchable by corruption.

About the book: Elizabeth Lavenza is being starved and abused by her "caregiver" until she is brought to the home of Victor Frankenstein, who has everything one could need - except a friend. She and Victor become inseparable, but as years pass, Elizabeth's position in the Frankenstein home grows increasingly uncertain and she must manage Victor's temper and indulge his every whim, no matter how dangerous. How far will Elizabeth go to survive? 

I wasn't sure I'd even like this book because retellings also make me anxious; I never think retellings will hold up against the original stories. The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein definitely does! It's a dark, engrossing novel beautifully crafted in a way that reminds me of Mary Shelley's original monster. 

I loved Elizabeth's character, she is conniving and whip smart. I'm impressed by how White characterized Victor; readers get a clear view into the twisted mind of a psychopath. The tone of the novel is so very creepy and compelling; if anyone is looking for the perfect Halloween read, this is it!

Ultimately, Frankenstein - both the original and White's retelling - tells us who the real monsters are and what creates monsters. It's been several years since I read Shelley's novel, but I feel like the Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is the perfect complement.

RATING (out of five puppies):

Awakening

Awakening

By S.J. Bolton (or Sharon Bolton)
Published: Minotaur Books, 2009
Pages: 393
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Amazon, Goodreads

All around the room, the creatures watched me with their round, black pupiles, their slender bodies swaying to and fro, tracking my movements, their tiny tongues working overtime, flickering in and out, tasting the air, tasting me. Foe or food? They weren't sure.

About the book: Veterinary surgeon Clara Denning is young and intelligent, but an almost recluse because of a horrid scar that leaves her disfigured. Her expertise is needed when a local man dies of a snake bite, but she's alarmed to learn that the victim's body has an unusually high concentration of snake venom, meaning the victim's killer is human. Clara unravels sinister links to an ritual, an abandoned house, and a fifty-year tragedy that's left survivors secretive. Someone still wants the truth buried, though, even if they have to kill for it.

Awakening is an intriguing, cozy-up-by-the-fire mystery read. Throughout the story, you can't guess who the killer will be until the climax. This book stands out in the mystery genre because SNAKES are used to kill people, and it takes place in rural England. Bolton gives the backdrop a very gothic-literature-like-vibe that I immensely enjoyed. I can tell Bolton conducted thorough research before writing this gem - it feels so believable to me. Not only does Awakening contain snakes, but the story also deals with religious fervor. I was surprised that the Church of Latter Rain and the Church of God with Signs Following really did exist, and mostly followed doctrines discussed in Bolton's novel.

OK, so Awakening speaks to me in another way as well - Clara, who was horribly disfigured following a childhood accident when her mother was neglecting her. I, like Clara, am very introverted and oftentimes a near recluse because I tire of being around people easily. As the story progresses, Clara learns that others don't see the way she often sees herself: as a monster. Awakening makes a statement about beauty being in the eyes of the beholder; Sean and Matt viewed her as attractive, despite her very unattractive scars. I always enjoy books like Awakening, that are more than just another mystery novel. Clara is also a headstrong, intelligent, strong woman, which is ALWAYS my favorite kind of protagonist.

The one complaint I do have is the novel was slow at times. About halfway through, I almost DNF'ed but I figured I was more than 50% done with it and it wasn't like it was bad so I just continued to read it. I still really enjoyed it, though, and I plan to check out the author's other works, too!

RATING (out of five puppies):

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly

By Stephanie Oakes
Published: Speak, 2015
Pages: 396
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
Amazon, Goodreads

Fear floated around like a constant pollen, but none of us were allergic. But there's a moment when it all becomes too much. And it was coming like a wildfire bent on burning the whole place to the ground.

About the book: Minnow Bly spent twelve years in a cult that took away her family, her ability to trust and her hands. The Prophet is murdered and his community burned down, and Minnow may be the only one who truly knows what happened that night. While incarcerated in juvie, Minnow meets an FBI agent who offers her a deal: she can walk free if she gives up all she has left - her secrets.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly is a novel that should be more popular than it is. The writing is great; Oakes establishes a dark, poetic ambience that is both addicting and horrid. I've been low key obsessed with cults for a while now. There's something so fascinating and outrageous about cults' ability to brainwash and control innocent people. I really felt this when Minnow's sister, Constance, stands by the Prophet even after seeing Minnow's horrid punishment. Minnow herself notices this brainwashing effect when she realizes that she never asked the Prophet about the sun, or questioned the Prophet's conflicting explanations about stars.

The flaws of the justice system and right versus wrong were epitomized in this novel. Angel is serving a decades-long sentence for murder because she was abused; it blows my mind how she could receive such a harsh sentence when she was basically defending herself. Some would say that murder is a capital sin, but there's so many gray lines, such as with Angel's situation. This book made me sit down and think about this stuff. It's the marker of a great novel when the story is not only intriguing and gripping but also makes readers question the big religious and philosophical questions.

So WOW. I think anyone who enjoys YA should read this book!

RATING (out of five puppies):

These Shallow Graves

These Shallow Graves

By Jennifer Donnelly
Published: Delacorte Press, 2015
Pages: 487
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Historical Fiction
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"If you're going to bury the past, bury it deep, girl. Shallow graves always give up their dead."

About the novel: In 1890s New York City, Jo Montfort has everything: money, popularity, a good family and an expected engagement to the most sought-after bachelor. There's something inside Jo, though, that yearns for journalism, to write the stories of those facing adversity. Jo's sheltered life comes to a halt when her father dies and she discovers that he was murdered. With the help of reporter Eddie, Jo becomes lost in a world of secrets and must decide who the real villain is and who she wants to become.

I lovedddd Jo Montfort... she's everything I want in a main female character: brave and intelligent while also kind and good-natured. Strong female characters really speak to me - they're what I wish I was in real life. I didn't pay much attention to the book's description so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that Jo was interested in reporting (I work in the newsroom of a newspaper myself). Jo's character is my favorite part of These Shallow Graves. The other characters were just as well-written and gripping as Jo.

I also liked how the book turned a corner in its plot: Donnelly highlighted an unexpected friendship as Jo grows into herself as a person and learns what real friendships are all about. Women, both in real life and in media, are constantly pitted against each other when in reality us ladies need to stick together. The book also shows how our past can never be buried or forgotten; we need to deal with our demons and embrace our past or we will be forever haunted (trust me, that's something I'm currently working on).

These Shallow Graves felt too long sometimes, and I could guess the true bad guy almost halfway into the novel. I liked the book but it wasn't quite as spellbinding as other reviews say it is. I enjoyed it overall (especially the characters), but I felt like the writing fell a bit short.

RATING (out of five puppies):

A Case of Need

A Case of Need

By Michael Crichton
Published: Open Road Media Mystery and Thriller, 2013
Pages: 434
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Amazon, Goodreads

"Is fire always right?"

"No," he said. "But it is always hot and compelling."

About the book: In 1960s Boston, the Randall family is a highly esteemed family of doctors. The medial community goes into a frenzy when surgeon JD Randall's daughter dies from a botched, illegal abortion. Is it malpractice or something more sinister?

A Case of Need is a solid medical drama thriller for those who enjoy the genre and subject. It was written by Michael Crichton after he finished medical school in 1968. As a debut, it's an alright book. A Case of Need is certainly not Jurassic Park or Congo, but it's not bad for a free ebook on Amazon.

This novel is not something I'd be dying to read, nor did it keep me up at night. The characters were well-written, and, honestly, every time I read a Michael Crichton book I learn something new. Some say his books are dated but I imagine they were cutting edge when first published. I don't mind reading "outdated" books because it reminds me how far technology has come these days.

I wouldn't say A Case of Need is very suspenseful, but I would recommend it to those who like medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy. I thought it was OK and something I enjoyed reading while searching for the right book to read.

RATING (out of five puppies):

Verity

Verity

By Colleen Hoover
Published: Hoover, Inc., 2018
Pages: 333
Genre: Thriller
Amazon, Goodreads

"Find what you love and let it kill you" - Charles Bukowski

My only thought after reading this novel: What. The. Fuck. Verity is a disturbing, bone-chilling, steamy psychological thriller that will keep you up at night.

Lowen Ashleigh is a down-on-her-luck writer presented with a one in a life deal: to finish an immensely popular book series written by Verity Crawford, who was left as an invalid following a terrible car accident. Lowen travels to the family's home to sort through Verity's office to find documents to help her in her work. However, Lowen stumbles across an autobiography of Verity's in which the author uncovers dark, horrible truths about her life. Once Lowen starts developing feelings for Verity's husband Jeremy, she must decide whether to give the manuscript to Jeremy even if it will change his life forever.

OK, so Verity is really, really fucked up. And I really, really like that. Trigger warning: This book contains graphic scenes and has moments of child abuse.

Hoover writes gripping characters set in a dark, creepy atmosphere, and her writing is so addicting and compelling. This is actually the first novel of hers that I've read, so I'm unable to compare it to her other work, which by what I read online is vastly different from Verity.

Everything and everyone is shady in this novel. Also, am I the only one who thinks Jeremy is a little too perfect?! I don't reveal spoilers in my reviews, but I'll just let leave that last sentence there for those who have read it.

I feel like this review is lacking, but I honestly cannot even wrap my head around Verity. Like, just go read it if you like fucked up stories about fucked up characters doing fucked up things. (I know I do!)

RATING (out of five puppies):

A Very Large Expanse of Sea

A Very Large Expanse of Sea

By Tahereh Mafi
Published: Harper, 2018
Pages: 310
Genre: Young Adult
Amazon, Goodreads

The more I got to know people, the more I realized we were all just a bunch of frightened idiots walking around in the dark, bumping into each other and panicking for no reason at all.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea is an emotional rollercoaster that everyone should read.

Shirin is a Muslim teenager starting over in a new high school a year after 9/11. Constantly faced with a never-ending tirade of racist comments and questions, she's learned to put up a wall around her and block out everyone else, waiting for the day that she can finally leave the small-mindedness of high school. That all changes when she meets Ocean James, who truly seems to want to get to know her. Shirin knows their worlds can't mesh together, but she finds herself wanting, for the first time, to take down her barricades and let someone in.

This novel is a gripping story about identity, loneliness and truth. I live in a small town in the midwest; there's little to no diversity here and there are many Trump supporters who proudly wave the confederate flag. Though set in 2002, A Very Large Expanse of Sea is relevant in 2019. I feel like all the horrible things Shirin faced could happen here, in my town. In a way, I connect with Shirin; I'm also a loner who prefers to get lost in books rather than face people (I'm definitely not a people person). I remember spending lunch time alone and dragging myself through each day with as little contact with others as possible because people can be real assholes.

The characters are wonderfully written, especially Shirin and Ocean. Shirin is a blunt, funny character that I would have loved to be friends with and Ocean is kind, sweet and innocent. They have a real connection, a spark that makes their romance seem very real. Shirin's relationship with her family is also touching; you can tell how much they love each other.

Shirin's story is similar to so many other YA themes: a loner girl falls for the popular jock. A Very Large Expanse of Sea is so much more than those stereotypical books, like how Shirin is so much more than what meets the eye. She's also creative, she makes and alters clothes, and passionate, she loves music and breakdancing. It's through her relationship with Ocean that she learns to open up and give others a chance. That's what I love much about this book: how Shirin and Ocean's romance is a major factor in the story but it's not the ENTIRE story. This story is actually about Shirin learning not to let others define her.

I loved A Very Large Expanse of Sea and encourage you all to read it, too!

RATING (out of five puppies):

Renegades

Renegades

By Marissa Meyer
Published: Feiwel and Friends, 2017
Pages: 552
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Amazon, Goodreads

All revolutions come with death. Some must die so that others might have life. It is a tragedy, but it is also a truth.

Renegades fell short of my expectations. Truthfully, I almost didn't pick up this novel but I saw the author is Marissa Meyer (I really enjoyed the Lunar Chronicles) so I decided to give it a shot.

In Renegades, some humans - called prodigies - have superpowers, and a strong number of these prodigies form a group called Renegades, who established order and peace following the destruction of society. Not everyone is grateful for the Renegades' work, such as Nova, whose family was murdered by a rival gang and the Renegades failed to help. Nova, who aligns with the group the Anarchists, infiltrates the Renegades to avenge her family. Yet, she discovers the world as she knows it may not be all that she thought it was and she must choose between her "anarchy" family or the ones she always believed to be her enemies but may be the true good guys.

OK, so the plot and world of Renegades are very original. I liked the superhero concept and the characters are enjoyable. However, the writing is very so-so and kind of boring. At times the dialogue felt too comic-bookish and lame. The introduction was sooo long, I kept wondering when the actual story was going to begin. There was no climax or resolution, and it was too long.

I also rolled my eyes at the romance between Adrian and Nova. I could tell from the first time they bumped into each other at the parade that there was going to be some kind of forced, Romeo and Juliet situation going on (minus the deaths). I didn't feel any spark between them. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy YA and fantasy but it seems like the romance aspect tends to overshadow the novels at times.

Renegades might be just the book for those who enjoy superheroes; however, it wasn't meant for me.

RATING (out of five puppies):

The Butterfly Garden

The Butterfly Garden

By Dot Hutchison
Published: Thomas and Mercer, 2016
Pages: 288
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Amazon, Goodreads

"Why do you mark us?"
"Because a garden must have its butterflies."

Wow, talk about taking me by surprise! The Butterfly Garden is an engaging, wonderfully written novel about a man who kidnaps teenagers and holds them against their will in a beautiful garden that holds gruesome secrets.

I absolutely loved the characters. They're all so well-written and eloquent, even the antagonist of the story - the Gardener and his cruel son Avery. I felt deeply for all of the girls stuck in the Gardner's sick fantasy... Maya, Lyonette, Bliss are all characters that I could FEEL them, feel what they were feeling and feel their heartbreak when one of the other girls went "away."

The Butterfly Garden is filled with horrors, a place constructed by a mentally unstable man who creates a garden within a garden to keep young girls and rapes them and then preserves them. The novel truly exhibits how something utterly beautiful can also be horrendous.

I loved this novel. It's truly a gem that I would not have bothered taking a second glance at until I saw a Goodreads review from someone I follow. I hope that my readers that enjoy thrillers give The Butterfly Garden a chance.

RATING (out of five puppies):