Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

*Possible Spoilers*

Cruel Beauty
by Rosamund Hodge

Read: January 17-18, 2016
Published: April 17, 2015
Genre: Fantasy

The romance of Beauty and the Beast meets the adventure of Graceling in a dazzling fantasy novel about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

For fans of bestselling An Ember in the Ashes and A Court of Thorns and Roses, this gorgeously written debut infuses the classic fairy tale with glittering magic, a feisty heroine, and a romance sure to take your breath away.

Betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom, Nyx has always known that her fate was to marry him, kill him, and free her people from his tyranny. But on her seventeenth birthday when she moves into his castle high on the kingdom's mountaintop, nothing is what she expected—particularly her charming and beguiling new husband. Nyx knows she must save her homeland at all costs, yet she can't resist the pull of her sworn enemy—who's gotten in her way by stealing her heart. (Amazon.com)


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Why did you read this book?
My friend read it and said it was pretty good. Also, I've been in a fairy tale mood because I've been watching a lot of Once Upon a Time. So, when I went on a library run and saw this on the shelf, I picked it up. And I just really needed a new book.

What did you like about this book?
I really enjoyed the premise of it. Hodge combined the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale with Greek mythology. It was a retelling that I had never encountered before, so it was refreshing. The way that the Greek mythology was intertwined with the fairy tale worked very well, in my opinion. As far as characters go, I'd have to say Ignifex was my favorite. He was honest with who he was the whole time and he was so incredibly patient with Nyx (I couldn't have been that patient). I also loved the way that things were resolved in the end. It was close to what I guessed would happen, but not exactly. Which was good. I like surprises.

What didn't you like about this book?
Oh boy. I wanted to like this book. I really, really did. And yes, it did have some strong points...just not enough for me to want to add the book to my shelf. First off, I didn't like Nyx. She didn't make sense to me and she was angry all the time. Yes, she had the right to be angry. Her family was horrible. Especially her twin sister (who was supposed to be precious and lovable, but I hated her). And then there was the love story between Nyx, Ignifex, and Shade (which was sort of a love triangle, but not really...that's resolved at the end of the book). It wasn't believable to me. Perhaps once it started it felt right, but I'm not sure how Nyx got from hating Ignifex to loving him. There wasn't really an in between. There was also too much description of Nyx exploring the house. I understand that it was important to the plot, but the descriptions got too lengthy and it was difficult to stay interested in the number of doors were down the long hallway.

Food for Thought:
For those of you who have watched the ABC series, Once Upon a Time, you'll find that Ignifex is reminiscent of Rumplestiltskin (who is also the beast in the series). There are shady deals and unforeseen prices that are too steep for those that made the deals with him. Just in case you were interested.

Bottom-Line:
I kind of liked it. I don't know if I'd recommend it. Altogether, I'm left feeling torn about the book. It has its good points and plenty of bad ones. I might have to re-read it myself just to get a better hold on what I thought of it. I suppose if this has made you curious enough to read it, by all means go ahead. It wasn't a horrible book and maybe you'll like it more than I did. I just won't give it my highest recommendation.




"You fought and fought to keep all the cruelty locked up in your head, and for what? None of them ever loved you, because none of them ever knew you." --Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

*Possible Spoilers*

Snow Like Ashes
by Sara Raasch

Read: December 2015
Published: October 14, 2014
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Two currently published

A striking fantasy tale of dark magic, dangerous politics, and discovering your true self—perfect for fans of Game of Thrones, An Ember in the Ashes and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now the Winterians' only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter's magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter's defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, Winter's future king—she would do anything to help Winter rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter's magic, Meira decides to go after it herself—only to find herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics—and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own. (Amazon)

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Why did you read this book?
The cover is pretty. (I'm not even ashamed.)

What did you like about this book?
I was a big fan of the world building. I was sold from the beginning. Raasch does an excellent job including the history of the world without making the first chapters sound like a history book. I also really enjoyed Meira as a character. She was spunky, but not annoying (which unfortunately happens to so many 'strong, female characters' in YA). She was passionate and also smart. I can't quite say that I could relate to her, but I felt her character in me. It was in first person, like most of YA, so it was easy to become Meira. There was one plot twist that I didn't even see coming (although, in retrospect, I really should have). I love it when a book just leaves me in shock. You know, one of those 'mind blown' moments.

What didn't you like about this book?
While this book was very good and I enjoyed it and I'll more than likely be reading it again, it didn't have that much depth. I wouldn't quite call it a fluff read (you know the sort...usually in the romance genre), but it wasn't exactly one that didn't that much concentration. Also, there was a love triangle. I don't mind them, when they're done well. However, this one was just wasn't all that believable. I think, given more time, it could have worked. Unfortunately, it didn't...at least, not for me.

If you liked this book...
...I'd suggest Graceling or Fire, both by Kristin Cashore. They're both in the fantasy genre with female main characters learning to come into their own. Despite the similarities, they are very different. However, I think the reader that enjoys Snow Like Ashes would also like Kristin Cashore's books.

Bottom-Line:
I liked it and I'd recommend it to anyone that enjoys fantasy. A note of warning, this isn't a fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings. but it's still very good. I haven't read the second book, Ice Like Fire, yet. When I eventually read it, I'll let you know how it goes.



"Someday we will be more than words in the dark." -Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Something Small

    Today, I read a quote and I thought it was beautiful and simple and I wanted to share it with you lovely people. Unfortunately, I don't know who said it, so just know that these are someone else's words, not mine.

"Your small stories are important." 

         

Finally, some Ireland!

Day Thirteen:                                                                                                       May 29, 2015

Today was Aran Islands Day. First we took a bus (for about an hour) to the ferry and we were on the ferry for another forty minutes or so. But then we got there! The first thing I did was eat lunch with [Professor T], [Friend H], [Friend K], and [Friend J]. I just got soup and brown bread because it was the cheapest and I was hoping to find something for my sister to spend my money on. I was separated from  [Friends B, C, and M], but I found them as I was climbing up to the fort and the cliffs. [Friend B] was kind enough to go back up with me. The view was breathtaking! I can only imagine what the Cliffs of Moher will look like. After we got back down, [Friend B] had to eat.
The line was super long, so she told me to go ahead and look for something for my sister (again, no luck). I did, however, find myself a sweatshirt, which I wasn't planning on for this trip. Oh well, it's super warm and comfy. It's much thicker than all of my sweatshirts at home. I had just enough time to buy the sweatshirt and then it was time to get on the tour bus (it was more like a glorified van) to see the rest of the island. There are so many church ruins! We stopped at one and I was so tempted to pick up a rock (and keep it). They were all perfect oval skipping stones. WE also stopped at a place where you could step in the water. I didn't, unfortunately, because I was wearing hiking boots and it was very cold. Then we stopped at another place where you could see seals! Unfortunately, the tide was in, so we could only see their heads bobbing around in the water. When the tour was done, [Friend B], [Friend K], [Professor T], and I stopped in a café to warm up. I ordered a mint hot chocolate and it was the most disgusting thing I've ever had. It was like drinking straight liquid peppermint, which doesn't actually found that bad in concept, but it's really quite gross. We didn't have much time after that before we were on the ferry for another hour and then an hour on the bus after that. We made stuffed chicken and veggies for dinner. So good! And then we all worked on homework until bedtime.


Day Fourteen:                                                                                                     May 30, 2015

Today was our free day. I read a good chunk of The Return of the King. because I was up early and we weren't going to set out until 10:30. We went straight to the market area. That was so cool! (I've never actually been to an outdoor market like that before,) It reminded me of the free fair a little bit, with all the stands and such. Our group was separated somewhere in there. We started with eleven of us and ended up with six. We never found the others, so we went to find lunch. We went to an Italian restaurant and I had an open bread panini. Afterwards, we headed in the general direction of Butler's Chocolate Cafe (!!), making a few stops along the way, including one at a music store. That's where I bought my older brother's gift. I'd been having a hard time trying to find him something, because I just really don't know what he would want. Hopefully he likes the drum. We also stopped at a few jewelry stores and I tried, in vain, to find something for my sister. I just don't know what to get her. It's too much pressure! But anyway, we went to Butler's and I got another mint hot chocolate...and a box of chocolates to make chocolate at home. I'm so excited! Then we wandered up the street to TK Maxx (which is basically TJ Maxx). [Friend B] and I rode up and down the escalators while everyone else used the toilets. After that we found a huge mall. It was weird though. You walk into this alleyway thing and you're a bit scared for your life and bam! You're in this huge shopping centre! We stopped at Burger King because [Friend A] wanted some fries. While were there [Friend C] and I took some gorgeous pictures in a Frozen cut out thing. (I was Anna and [Friend C] was Elsa). And then we found the book store. I tried to resist, I really did. But Maskerade was really calling to me. I heard it! And I was, of course, drawn to the Irish copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as I have been in every book store I've been in. Each time, I pick it up, think about getting it, and then put it back down. I'm not sure who eventually convinced me to just get it ([Friend B] or [Friend C]?) but I'm glad I got it. I'm running rather low on euros at this point, so hopefully I can make it to the end of the trip. And hopefully I can find something for Zoie when we go to the Cliffs of Moher tomorrow!! (Fingers crossed...)

*I don't have any good Day 14 pictures, so you get extra for Day 13*

Book Challenge Day 9

Day 9: A Book You Wish More People Would Read

I discovered this book while watching The Today Show a few years ago. It was receiving pretty high praise and Samantha Shannon was being hailed 'the next J.K. Rowling'. Obviously, there is no comparison. J.K. Rowling published seven novels for children and young adults that became a worldwide phenomenon. That's not to say Shannon isn't an extraordinary writer, because she is. It's just that the books, the authors, the circumstances...they're all different. Not really a good comparison. Also, Shannon's books are not getting the attention they deserve. In my opinion, they should be a worldwide phenomenon. Unfortunately, they're not. So go! All of you! Read The Bone Season and then The Mime Order and then wait impatiently for the next book to come out with the rest of us.





"Perhaps I feel safest when I think of nothing." -The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

A Character Comparison

          Oh, hi there. I feel bad that I haven't posted anything all that great lately. Sure, lists are fun, but there's no depth. I also feel bad that I haven't continued my book photo challenge or my Ireland posts. I've got a good reason for the latter and a decent excuse for the first. You see, I left my Ireland notebook at home and I don't get to go home for another 9 days and 15 hours or so. To say I'm desperately homesick would be a touch of an understatement, but I've already written a post on that, so I won't do it again. As for the book photo challenge, I do have most of my books here, but the one I have in mind for the next day is currently not in my possession (I do have a habit of thrusting books I love into my friends' hands). So, unable to do either of those and with a desire to give you something more than a list, I'll give you a realization.
          Before I begin, I'd like to say that there are going to be book spoilers in this post for Graceling by Kristin Cashore, and probably for Fire as well (same author). And The Hunger Games (If, by some reason, you haven't already heard how it ends, I will spoil it.) Also, if you haven't read these books and you don't care about spoilers, you might not really care about what I have to write anyway. However, I came to a realization about a character, or even the comparison between to characters, and I want to write about it, savvy? (Also, I've been thinking about pirates).
          Ready? Last chance to turn back....Ok. Here we go:

          Both of the main characters in Graceling and Fire are female characters, Katsa, from Graceling, and Fire, from Fire. Katsa is a graceling with the grace of killing (or so she thinks). Naturally, with a grace like that, it's got to be difficult to lead a peaceful life (which she doesn't). Fire is a Monster (which means she is the most attractive thing in the world, pretty much, and she can enter and influence the minds of others). Generally, readers adore Katsa and like Fire pretty well. However, I have always liked Fire more and almost disliked Katsa. It finally hit me while I was rereading the books the past couple of weeks why I dislike her.
          See, there's this idea of the 'strong, female character' that they all seem to fit into. These characters are fiercely independent and reject the feminine aspects of being female (Being pretty? No. Getting married? I don't need no man. Children? Bah, who needs 'em?). These strong, female characters are sometimes more masculine than they are feminine. Just because she is strong, doesn't mean she has to emulate masculinity. Now, most 'strong, female characters' will take on a few of these traits. Katniss from The Hunger Games, for example, is very independent and rejects the idea of beauty, becoming a very masculine soldier against the capitol. However, in the end, she is with Peeta and they have children. She becomes a mother, even though it scares her, so she can have a family with him. Tris from the Divergent trilogy is also rather masculine. She chops off her hair and throughout the trilogy is mostly concerned with fighting. And yet, there is a softness to her. She loves Tobias and Christina, and even Caleb. That strong love is pretty feminine.
          And then there is Katsa. She is the most masculine, uber-feminist character that I've encountered so far in my readings. As mentioned before, she has a killing grace, which is understandably difficult to live with, but it turns her into such a cold, unfeeling person it's hard to like her. Even when Po softens her, she still is pretty manly. She doesn't care about beauty, which, let's be honest, neither do I. But Katsa takes it to a whole other level. Not once in the course of the book does she ever want to look pretty. Her feminine form is a burden to her. She chops of her hair and wears men's clothing. She also abhors the idea of having children. The biggest issue I have with her, though, is her selfishness in regards to Po. He is willing to do anything for her, because he loves her. Love is supposed to be like that, a give and take. But all Katsa does is take everything Po gives. She refuses to marry him because she doesn't want to be owned by him. She is too selfish to give herself to him in an equal relationship based on mutual trust.
          Fire, on the other hand, I adore. She is what I envision a strong, female character to be. Her being a Monster, and the last of her kind, has always set her apart. She's had very few friends in her lifetime and she's always been afraid of her ability to take another person's mind. Despite all this, the people she has in her life, she cares very deeply about. We get to see her heart stretch and fill with more people. She isn't afraid to love. And Fire is very brave. She does what she has to do to protect people she loves and even those that she doesn't even know. She desperately wants children, but she knows that the Monster bloodline must end with her. The scenes involving her decision to sterilize herself are gut wrenching and you can feel her pain at having made the decision. One thing I love about Fire, and Brigan agrees with me, is her pain. It humanizes her and makes her stronger for overcoming it. Katsa is always impervious to pain, even her emotional pain isn't all that bad. But Fire feels whatever she feels very deeply. She also overcomes her fear of herself. She learns how to become who she is supposed to be and she does it selflessly. Which brings me to her relationship with Brigan. While they had a rocky start, as did Katsa and Po, once they began their relationship was built on trust. The scene discussing the need of a guard, for both of them, is a great example of the trust that they have built with each other. They are equals.

          And that, folks, is why I like Fire better than Katsa. I apologize for the rambling nature of the paragraphs regarding my character comparison. Someday, maybe, I'll turn this into an actual character analysis essay. But today is not that day. Instead, I shall leave with a quote. Good day!



"It made Fire so angry, the thought of such a medicine, a violence done to herself to stop her from creating anything like herself. And what was the purpose of these eyes, this impossible face, the softness and the curves of this body, the strength of this mind; what was the point, if none of the men who desired her were to give her any babies, and all it ever brought her was grief? What was the purpose of a woman monster?" -Fire by Kristin Cashore

The Book List

          I meant to post this last weekend, because it was my birthday. Of course, time got away from me and I've had midterms this week (I've actually got one in a couple of hours...but I just can't study anymore). Anyway, I turned 20 last Saturday and I thought I should at least post something for my birthday. I couldn't really think of anything to write about because currently my life is all about school, which isn't that interesting. So, in lieu of something touching or thoughtful, here is a list of 20 books that I have read that were published in the last 20 years (all of which I would recommend). Enjoy!

1. Maskerade by Terry Pratchett (1995)
2. Calvin and Hobbes: It's a Magical World by Bill Watterson (1996)
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997)
4. Holes by Louis Sachar (1998)
5. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (1999)
6. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen (2000)
7. Pay it Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde (2001)
8. Tithe by Holly Black (2002)
9. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003)
10. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen (2004)
11. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2005)
12. It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini (2006)
13. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher (2007)
14. The Host by Stephanie Meyer (2008)
15. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare (2009)
16. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (2010)
17. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011)
18. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (2012)
19. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey (2013)
20. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare (2014)
21. The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon (2015)

"I guess it's hard for people who are so used to things the way they are - even if they're bad - to change. 'Cause they kind of give up. And when they do, everybody kind of loses." -Pay it Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde