sorcery of myth: 2016

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

Charlotte Holmes, book 1

Published March 1, 2016 by Katherine Tegen Books

The last thing Jamie Watson wants is a rugby scholarship to Sherringford, a Connecticut prep school just an hour away from his estranged father. But that’s not the only complication: Sherringford is also home to Charlotte Holmes, the famous detective’s great-great-great-granddaughter, who has inherited not only Sherlock’s genius but also his volatile temperament. From everything Jamie has heard about Charlotte, it seems safer to admire her from afar.

From the moment they meet, there’s a tense energy between them, and they seem more destined to be rivals than anything else. But when a Sherringford student dies under suspicious circumstances, ripped straight from the most terrifying of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Jamie can no longer afford to keep his distance. Jamie and Charlotte are being framed for murder, and only Charlotte can clear their names. But danger is mounting and nowhere is safe—and the only people they can trust are each other.

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My Review

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I'm so glad I spontaneously picked this book up! It was a nice mystery and featured a great cast of characters that I can't wait to see more of.

James Watsom is sent to Sherringford on a rugby scholarship. There, he meets Charlotte Holmes—a girl he's admired for most of his life. Both of them are the descendents ofof the famous detective duo. Despite their ancestor's history, though, the two seem content to hate each other. But when one of the boys they've both have had bad history with ends up dead, their innocence is at question by their peers and the police. To make matters worse, the murder is eerily similar to one of the Sherlock and Watson stories, and to clear their names, the two have to work together before someone else ends up dead.

A Study in Charlotte has its moments. I found James—I downright refuse to call him Jamie—to be a good narrator some of the time, and Charlotte to be a brilliant, if sometimes rude and funny, Holmes. I loved the camaraderie between the two!

I found the whole aspect of being a descendent super cool! Most of the other Sherlock & Watson retellings I read only featured characters who shared the name and the mannerisms of the famous duo rather than being related. With Charlotte's family, it was important for her to uphold her Sherlock-like aspects and while that sounds unfortunate for her, I liked that Cavallaro made her characters unique like this. Both James and Charlotte shared characteristics with their ancestors as well as differences and the more I read, the more intriguing it got to find those out.

I found the mystery to be unique. It was fast-paced and I couldn't find out that quickly who the culprit was so I consider it a success and a fascinating one at that. Never a dull moment. I especially liked who the guilty person was because I suspect it'll connect some crucial pieces together. At least, I hope it does in the second book. There were some connections in this one, but I'm hoping there's a bigger part later.

While there is a small crush, in regards to the romance department, there really wasn't much to talk about. But it's clear that James and Charlotte harbour feelings for each other—I mean, obvious from James' point of view, but I suspected Charlotte had some too. I understand why Cavallaro didn't rush anything—I mean, it is a first novel, plus angst and all that. But beyond those reasons, there was something else in Charlotte's history and it broke my heart. Repeatedly. I know Charlotte is strong and I know she won't show her pain, which I wholeheartedly believe she's hiding, but I also know she's going to overcome and I know James is going to help in whatever way he can.

What I can say about that history... I'm glad the person who died was the one that died. That person fucking deserved it and is a scum.

One thing I did not like was how much backstory James put into before getting to a point. At times, I was like, Okay, I get it. I don't care, though, so move on and that happened several times.

I also hated James' father. I can't say why because spoilers, but god. I hated, hated him. I thought James' feelings for his father was justified and glad it lasted as long as it did.

Also. Some of the chapters were long! A few were over 40 minutes on my kindle! This isn't a complaint but wow. I mean, there were some breaks, but still. Some were short but then those long ones came in and I was like bruh.

Like I said, there were some funny parts, all due to Charlotte. Her phone calls? Especially priceless. "Did you call me a cow, you whale?", "How am I awful? Give me an itemized list." I loved it.

Overall, this was a super fun mystery and I'm glad I read it! I really enjoyed this retelling and the characters and I cannot wait for The Last of August this upcoming February!

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Dark Tempest by Annette Marie

Red Winter Trilogy, book 2

Published January 6, 2017 by Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
e-ARC provided by the author

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In the mesmerizing sequel to Red Winter, Emi can no longer hide within the safety of the shrines. The goddess has charged her with a new task, one that will take her deep into the perilous realm of yokai. Shiro is her guide and protector, yet his confusing, captivating allure is a danger of its own. With the fate of the world in her mortal hands, she cannot falter, but is she strong enough to sacrifice everything—including him?

Dark Tempest is the second installment in the Red Winter Trilogy.

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My Review

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I love this book. I love this series. The characters, the plot, the action, the romance, and the mythology—it's all amazing. Dark Tempest is an amazing sequel to Red Winter.

Following the events of Red Winter, Emi, Shiro, and Yumei are at a loss. Emi has less than five weeks to complete her task of finding the other kunitsukami—the four leaders of the yokai. Not to mention, Shiro still has his onenju beads on, still blocking his memories and magic, both of which are needed for their journey. Still, Emi is determined to complete what's set out for her, even with all the danger surrounding her.

Annette Marie has done it again. She's mixed rich Japanese mythology with her signature of action and romance and I loved every single page of it. She kept me on the egde of my seat, breathless, and always wanting more. It was amazing and I wouldn't mind right back into the world she's created.

I really like Emi as a main character! She knows what she has to do, even though the task is dangerous. Even when she doubts herself and her abilities, she doesn't let herself stick to the sidelines; she'll throw herself into the fray to help her friends. She's both selfless and strong and so caring of the people she loves. Her sense of duty is remarkable! As strange as this may seem, it was nice to see her questioning her skills at times because she knows she's just a human. She accepts her vulnerability and doesn't let it stop her either. Watching her overcome that insecurity by proving her worth was amazing development and I loved it! Emi is just wonderful!

The plot, as always, is full of action! Things are constantly in motion, and it's a thrilling ride through and through. Annette Marie writes breath taking action scenes and it always kept me on the edge of my seat, needing to know how everything ends out. Her romance is the same! And speaking of, it is my absolute favourite! I love Ash and Piper but gooooosh, I die over Shiro and Emi EVERY SINGLE TIME. They are SO cute. The scenes with them are either adorable or super swoony.

Shiro is going through a lot! And I felt for him throughout the novel. He's struggling to remember his memories, himself, and because he doesn't have all of his magic, he feels he isn't as useful as he could be and seeing him like that breaks my heart! Despite his naturally flirty manner and constant smirk—which, by all means, I love—he's vulnerable and scared sometimes and that sound? Yes, it's my heart breaking. I am so glad he has Emi, and Emi him, because they are each other's strengths and have each other's backs. I love the way they work together! (I LOVE THEM.)

Guys! This book is wild. I'm not even kidding because oh my gosh. SO many things happen; SO many revelations, and I'm breathless all over thinking about it! With Marie's amazing characterization and her action, you will not be able to put this book down.

I'm so excited for Immortal Fire. I need it now! I can't wait to see what direction Marie takes the story and what becomes of Shiro and Emi and Yumei (whom I also dearly adore!) Dark Tempest is the perfect sequel and it deserves all 5 stars!

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Frozen Tides by Morgan Rhodes
Fallen Kingdoms series, book 4

Published December 15, 2015 by Razorbill

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Rebels, royals, and monsters wage war over the Mytican throne in the shocking fourth book of the Falling Kingdoms series, from New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes.

CLEO: Reeling after a bloody showdown in Limeros ending with Amara’s abduction of the water crystal, and a vacancy in the Mytican throne, Princess Cleo must cast aside her feelings and look toward her kingdom with the eyes of a Queen.

MAGNUS: With the kingdom in chaos, Princess Lucia still missing and quite possibly in danger, and a shocking realization about Cleo, the steely prince is once again torn between love and duty, leaving him wondering whether he’s strong enough to rule his people.

LUCIA: The young sorcercess has had her vengeance after the cruel death of her first and only love. Heartbroken and unable to trust anyone, she allies with the awoken Fire god, who also seeks revenge.

JONAS: After escaping death by the skin of his teeth, the defeated rebel—along with a mysterious stranger–leader reunites with Princess Cleo, only to find himself a mere pawn in a dangerous hunt for the elusive Kindred.

KING GAIUS: Abandoned by Melenia and betrayed by his own children, Gaius flees Mytica and sails to Kraeshia, where he attempts to ally with the famously brutal emperor across the Silver Sea.

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My Review

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* * W A R N I N G * *
this review may contain spoilers for books 1-3!

Ugh. Ugh, ugh, ugh. Is it me or are these books slowly getting more annoying? I don't know, I just find myself rolling my eyes than actually feeling invested with the story. It's the same thing, over and over! It's so irritating!

Following the events of Gathering Darkness—which, I admit, I do not remember—Magnus and Cleo are back at the Limeros palace. Magnus takes back rule of his country, which is a task harder than it may seem because this one irrelevant guy, Kurtis (I hated him) and because of his sudden feelings for Cleo.

Cleo, on the other hand, is at a loss. She doesn't know how to get word to Jonas and his pathetic "rebellion" and she has to take care of her Kindred. Not only that, she also has ~feelings~ and that's annoying.

And then there is Jonas and Lucia. The former is being absolutely useless while the latter is being absolutely irritating, all while making things unpleasant for everyone.

And then there is King Gaius, who is also making things unpleasant for everyone, only he has the decency to do that overseas.

Ughhhhhhhh. That's the only word—sound? noise?—I have for this fourth volume in the Falling Kingdoms series. There is so much irrelevant drama and I care about none of it. Basically every point of view is useless and/or annoying, save for Magnus and Cleo's. Even then, that's too high a praise because they weren't enough to save this book. When you continue a series just because of one pair, and they seem to be disappointing you, then you know there's a problem.

But speaking of ships, even Magnus and Cleo are annoying me. (Why is everything with book annoying?) I'm so tired of their back and forth, their hot and cold attitudes. They have these slightly sweet moments and then it's absolutely ruined. And the progress of their feelings are questionable too, but I don't want to get into that because I'm afraid overthinking it will make me lose the one last thing that's keeping me going for this series.

Frankly, I don't remember much about the plot. I'm sure there was one, but nothing stood out. Absolutely nothing was interesting.

There was Jonas, being useless with his failed rebellion—again. He kept making the dumbest decisions—including one with Magnus. (For real, Jonas?? You had the perfect chance and you fucking RUINED IT AGAIN.)

There was Lucia, with her fire Kindred. I expected some big, bad, fire elemental, all scary and fearsome, and we were gifted with an overgrown immortal toddler. All he did was throw tantrums and scream "VENGEANCE! REVENGE!" or something stupid along those lines. Me? I wasn't impressed. At all.

The new points of views—because there is never enough with this forsaken series—did not capture my interest. Felix was whatever; I didn't expect too much from him, except maybe comedic relief but he didn't provide that, unfortunately. (I think he was just dumb.) Then there was Amara and I could have appreciated her, maybe, but I just could not like her. Also, I'm pretty sure she's beyond redeeming. She'll probably make a good villain, unless Rhodes fucks that up as well. But she won't be getting on my good graces.

The writing. God, it felt so childish. The dialogue was melodramatic and made me cringe most of the time; the other times, I just rolled my eyes, time and time again. There was no urgency with the action scenes and more than once, I felt the sudden need to stop reading for good.

Overall, 2 stars. I'm going to wait to read the 5th novel because I honestly just can't manage the patience for these characters any time soon.

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Infinity by Jus Accardo

The Infinity Division, book 1

Published November 1, 2016 by Entangled: Teen

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Nobody said being the daughter of an army general was easy. But when her dad sends a teenage subordinate to babysit her while he’s away… That’s taking it a step too far.

Cade, as beautiful as he is deadly, watches Kori with more than just interest. He looks at her like he knows her very soul. And when he saves her from a seemingly random attack, well, that’s when things get weird.

Turns out, Kori’s dad isn’t just an army general—he’s the head of a secret government project that has invented a way to travel between parallel dimensions. Dimensions where there are infinite Koris, infinite Cades…and apparently, on every other Earth, they’re madly in love.

Falling for a soldier is the last thing on Kori’s mind. Especially when she finds herself in a deadly crossfire, and someone from another Earth is hell-bent on revenge…

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My Review

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Infinity was a spontaneous read for me, which isn't unheard of for me. But, what is unheard of is that I stayed up until 6 AM trying to finish this. And finish it I did! Surprisingly, I found this enjoyable!

Since Kori's mother died, she's taken a new way to express her grief: drawing murals on the shoddier parts of military town she's resided in. But when an incident gets her caught, Kori is stuck at home with two soldiers: Cade and Noah.

When Kori sneaks off to take a picture, she's attacked. While her soldier-sitters come to her rescue, it opens up a whole new world of strange. Because Cade and Noah aren't from Kori's Earth, but a different one. One where their Kori is dead. And, apparently, on every other Earth, she and Cade are always in love. If that isn't strange enough, well. That's exactly the reason she's in danger.

This book was similar to Claudia Gray's Firebird series. But where that book focused more on the romance than anything else, this was based on revenge. It's pretty much a crazy ride from beginning to finish. Kori, Cade, and Noah are on a race to protect innocent people from a deranged guy from their Earth who is hell bent on revenge.

While I found some of the methods they used slightly sketchy, the author was ready good at creating a sense of urgency in her scenes. I kept wanting to put the book down so I could sleep, but I just had to continue and find out what happens next for the trio, or what was in store for them.

I also really liked Kori! She was a funny and determined girl, full of sass. She didn't let a hot guy keep her from wanting to know what she had to know, or from stranding her ground. Often times, she was quite sensible. She wasn't a damsel or a love struck girl. I admired her spunk and honesty! She was quite brutal when it comes to honesty; I loved it.

I thought the romance was a bit... strange. I don't want to give too much away, but I found it extremely weird that Cade would keep doing what Kori would sometimes initiate despite her being a doppelgänger of the girl he was in love with. Supposedly, on every Earth they both exist in are in love, but not every Kori is the same as his Kori. What's more is that he never seemed to be over his Kori, either.

Not to mention, I thought Kori was a bit hypocritical sometimes. But then again, it was the same hot-and-cold attitude that's in so many romances lately; they'll have the urge to make-out but then push each other away. It was really annoying.

I wish Noah had more page time. While his character annoyed me just like he did Kori, I really wanted to see more depth and development to him. There was too much convenient time focused solely on Cade and Kori—which, if you ask me, is pretty dumb on Noah's part because please. It's obvious things would happen.

The whole concept of different, alternate dimensions is one that has intrigued me since it was mentioned in The Flash. During the story, they didn't jump from different Earths, it was explained. But it felt kind of half-assed to me. I wanted more to be explained, but I hope it happens in book 2. I don't want to be cheated of the whole aspect of how they appear on different Earths.

Overall, 3.5 stars. I liked this story and while it had some flaws, I'm looking forward to the sequel!