Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Hardcover, 432 pages

Released: September 20, 2011

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Other places to find the book:
Amazon.com
Bookdepository.com
Chapters.ca
Goodreads.com

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

My Rating:  4.5 / 5

My Thoughts:


I've noticed myself enjoying more and more fantasy this year where you are pretty much guaranteed strong characters, secrets and battles over power. The Girl of Fire and Thorns was fantastic!

From the first line I was drawn into the world Rae Carson created, you would never guess this is a debut. Her strong prose thoughout the story stand outs as impressive, I was captivated, eager to know what the Godstone meant and Elisa's chosen role. As pieces of her past are woven into the story, Elisa discovers more about who she is and the sheltered life she had lead.

On her sixteenth birthday. Elisa is married off to King Alejandro of Orovalle, unsure why it's not her beautiful sister that he chose.When they arrive at her new home though, there is no announcement, in fact it is a secret. Soon enough, she  realizes there is more to this marriage then meets the eye. Kidnapped while asleep in the castle, this is where her true journey begins. This wasn't just another 'chosen one' story,  it is about self-discovery as well. Elisa's journey changes her, making her a powerful force to be reckoned with. I enjoyed her more when she was with her captors (they were not out to harm her) and this is when we learn the Godstone's history. It is also where we meet Humberto ;) I have to say I was surprised at the lack of action on the part of some characters, but then again this is told from Elisa's perspective, limiting us to what we know. There was only one thing that bothered me a little during the story, which I should have known considering she is the carrier of a Godstone. Although I believe in a higher power, I am not religious so I found the repetitive use of 'God's will' a little tiring.

Knowing this was book one of a trilogy when I started, I anticipated being left with a cliffhanger. I am happy to report that, although the journey has just begun, the ending was satisfying, leaving you curious to know what comes next for Elisa. One of the strongest debuts I've read, if you love a story rich with lore, I think you'll love Girl of Fire and Thorns too.

Buy the book:

Amazon.com  ~  Bookdepository.com  ~  Chapters.ca

In My Mailbox - October 2, 2011

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren where we show what books have found a new home with us!

This week I squeed a few times :D

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor - I've seen numerous people rave about this one, plus I enjoyed her previous book Lips Touch: Three Times, so I HAD to get this!

Clockwork Prince by Cassie Clare - Cassie is one of my all time favorite writers, I love her world building.

The Demon's Surrender by Sarah Rees Brennan - This is one series I have yet to start and know I will love. When I was at Word on the Street Toronto, I saw this one the Simon & Schuster table...and it was only $6!!! Now that I own the complete trilogy, I really should have a reading marathon...that is the one benefit to starting it late :D

What goodies did you get this week?

Waiting On Wednesday - September 28, 2011

This weekly event is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected publication: October 4th 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Add it to Goodreads

from Goodreads:
The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

Hush, Hush was a one of my favourite reads in 2009 but, to be honest, I was not thrilled with Crescendo....it left me with many questions from Hush, Hush unanswered. I guess, technically then, I've been waiting two years for Silence! What I'm really dying to see if the yummy Patch I loved in Hush, Hush return so I can <3 him all over again :D

Are you Canadian and a hugh Hush, Hush fan? Want to win books and a chance to meet Becca? Click here to enter!

Do you <3 Patch? Check out the Patch and You Facebook app

What are you waiting on?

Review: Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

Hardcover, 336 pages

Released: today (September 20, 2011)

Publisher: HarperTeen

Other places to find the book:
Amazon.ca
Bookdepository.com
Chapters.ca
Goodreads.com

Taken from Goodreads.com:
“It seemed so right. Danny was mine, I was his, and that wasn’t going to work if he was dead. So I would make him not dead, not anymore. I didn’t think any further than what it would feel like to kiss him again, to wrap my arms around him and bury my head against his shoulder.
That was my first mistake. It also turned out to be the biggest.”

When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart.

Amy Garvey’s transcendent teen debut is perfect for fans of Shiver and Beautiful Creatures. Wren’s unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

My Rating: 3.5 / 5

My Thoughts:

Wren has seen her mother do some magical things and has noticed that she has unique powers herself, but they don't talk about it. Danny was the perfect boyfriend, he was so sweet and Wren and Danny did everything together. When Wren gets a call to say that Danny died in a car crash, she is heart broken. Faced with losing the love her life forever, she decided to try out her powers and brings Danny back to life, she can't lose him. Keeping him hidden and a secret is hard, even harder when Gabriel comes on scene and 'knows' what Wren has done.

I think everyone can relate to the premise of this book... if one could keep the one you love with you forever, I'm sure many would try and find a way. The problem is, that the person you love may not be the same as the one you have now and this is the dilemma Wren faces. This was a cute story about love, loss and regrets...oh and zombies! Well sort of, the zombie aspect is quite different here. We are not talking the brain eating kind, rather an empty person version. I just wish there was more substance to the story, it felt like there was so much more to tell and we were only given a glimpse. Wren has powers! Where did both Wren and Gabriel's dad go and why? Who is Gabriel? I was left curious but not super eager and in my search I can't see any mention of there being a book two.

Buy the book: 

Amazon.ca  ~  Bookdepository.com  ~  Chapters.ca

In My Mailbox - September 18, 2011

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren where we show what books have found a new home with us!

Outside the Ordinary World by Dori Ostermiller - I won this from booktrib.com. It's a story about love and betrayal and regrets!

A Million Suns by Beth Revis - the second book in the Across the Universe series. I wouldn't call myself a huge sci-fi fan but I loved Across the Universe so can't wait for the story to continue.

The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothernberg - I'm always up for love stories and this title plus Lauren Olivers blurb sold me :D

..and see that card, it's an invitation to TD Canadian Children's Literature Awards! Thank you so much The Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC), it is an honor to be invited.

Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink - the final book of this trilogy :(
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - I think this was my most anticipated book for 2011.
Sweetly by Jackson Pearce - a companion to Sisters Red which was a fun read last year

Random House Canada organized a fun party for the launch day of The Night Circus. In the middle on downtown Toronto (and Vancouver) they had a uni-cyclist juggling, lady on stilts, popcorn...and free books! Dressed up in black and white with red scarves (if you've read the book you will know why) are the RH crew, literally handing out books to passer-bys, likely on their way to school or work. I met up with Nicole from All I Ever Read plus I finally had the chance to mee Jess and Lindsey from RH in person. What a way to start off the work day :D