Review Wednesday: The Black Key by Amy Ewing

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE JEWEL. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Jewel by clicking on the link: Review: The Jewel by Amy Ewing

Title: The Black Key (The Lone City #3)

Author: Amy Ewing

1st Date of Publication: October 4, 2016

ISBN: 9780062235848

# of Pages: 295

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian

Age Rating: 15+ (Language, Violence)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description: 
For too long, Violet and the people of the outer circles of the Lone City have lived in service to the royalty of the Jewel. But now the secret society known as the Black Key is preparing to seize power.

And while Violet knows she is at the center of this rebellion, she has a more personal stake in it—her sister, Hazel, has been taken by the Duchess of the Lake. Now, after fighting so hard to escape the Jewel, Violet must do everything in her power to return to save not only Hazel, but the future of the Lone City.

Setting: Various Locations in Lone City (Fictional)

Point of View: 1st Person- Violet Lasting

Goodreads Rating: 4.11

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The cover looks really cool. It looks like the girl is surrounded by broken glass, and there's a person in each little shard of glass.

View on the Title: In the second novel, you find out that the Black Key is a rebel society fighting for equality, but they have not physically fought yet.

Pros:

• The book seemed like it went so quickly that I didn't realize that I was near to the end. The action was very balanced and continued at a very quick and easy path.
• I really liked Violet's character in this book. She has more purpose and drive to get the Auction to stop and for everyone to be free. Her character becomes more mature
• The Paladin are better exlained and their powers are truly seen by the end of the series. It makes me want to be a Paladin.
• The Duchess of the Lake, the villanous, becomes a more redeemable character. Her actions to her entire situation make her seem more human.

Cons:

• The only real issue I had was Ash. I wish Ash's character had more development. I felt that he has always lacked in character after the firs book. He's the boy who is taken advantage of and is willing to do anything for Violet. I just feel like his character is very flat.

Critics' Reviews:

“Excellent world building… skillful descriptions.” -Booklist
“Ewing writes a fast-paced story that takes readers into the inner workings of a society that is obsessed with power and perfection.” -School Library Journal
“The story’s setting is interesting. A decadent matriarchal society is thought provoking. This is a quick read. Good storytelling.” -VOYA
“Ewing bravely blends several genres. This solidly sets fans up for the next volume.” -Kirkus

Amy Ewing's Website:

www.amyewingbooks.com

Other Recommendations:

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Eve by Anna Carey

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Review Wednesday: Spindle by Shonna Slayton

Title: Spindle

Author: Shonna Slayton
1st Date of Publication: October 4, 2016

ISBN: 9781633754935
# of Pages: 400

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
In a world where fairies lurk and curses linger, love can bleed like the prick of a finger.

Briar Rose knows her life will never be a fairy tale. She’s raising her siblings on her own, her wages at the spinning mill have been cut, and the boy she thought she had a future with has eyes for someone else. Most days it feels like her best friend, Henry Prince, is the only one in her corner…though with his endless flirty jokes, how can she ever take him seriously?

When a mysterious peddler offers her a “magic” spindle that could make her more money, sneaking it into the mill seems worth the risk. But then one by one, her fellow spinner girls come down with the mysterious sleeping sickness—and Briar’s not immune.

If Briar wants to save the girls—and herself—she’ll have to start believing in fairy tales…and in the power of a prince’s kiss.

Setting: Late 1800s (Industrial Revolution) in Northeastern United States
Point of View: 3rd person- "Briar" (Briarly Rose Jenny)

Goodreads Rating: 3.72

My Rating: 4.00

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: This looks like it is magically through the shining lights, which really shows off the rose. I find it interesting how the main character is named after a specific kind of rose and this is the cover.
View on Title: Why a spindle? I know Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger with a spindle. Is the idea the same?

Pros:

• Similar to Cinderella's Dress by Slayton, this is less a retelling of Sleeping Beauty but a continuation of the story.
• This book kept me on my toes because I was constantly wondering who the evil fairy, Isodora, is. There was also the fact that no one is who they seem.
• Briar as a character is well rounded. She knows what she wants in life, which is to grow, but she can't abandon her family and must take care of them.
• I really enjoyed the good fairies. I thought that they were really fun but full of duty at the same time.

Cons:

• I felt that the Prince family name was a dead give away that they were related to Sleeping Beauty's prince. Even though the name was boring, I liked Henry's character for the most part.
• The only problem I had with Henry's character was that he seemed too perfect and head-over-heels for Briar Rose.
• I also had a problem with Briar Rose because she doesn't listen to what she is told and knows she shouldn't use the spindle but uses it anyway.

Shonna Slayton's Website:
http://shonnaslayton.com/

Other Recommendations:

Cinderella's Dress by Shonna Slayton
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine

Review Wednesday: Curtsies and Conspiracies by Gail Carriger

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ ETIQUETTE AND ESPIONAGE. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Etiquette and Espionage by clicking on the link: Review: Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger

Title: Curtsies and Conspiracies (Finishing School #2)

Author: Gail Carriger
1st Date of Publication: November 5, 2014

ISBN: 9780316190114
# of Pages: 310

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
Does one need four fully grown foxgloves for decorating a dinner table for six guests? Or is it six foxgloves to kill four fully grown guests?

Sophronia's first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing! For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy--won't Mumsy be surprised? Furthermore, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners.

Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers' quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship's boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a field trip to London than is apparent at first. A conspiracy is afoot--one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot-and survive the London Season with a full dance card.

Setting: 1850s in fantasy world

Point of View: 3rd person- Sophronia Temminnick

Goodreads Rating: 4.12

My Rating: 4.00

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Again this girl (probably Sophronia) is not someone you would want to mess with. Her expression shows that she is watching her back and scissors are now replaced with a dagger, which probably symbolizes her growth in the program.
View on Title: I love how the author continues will the alliteration with this book. It makes me wonder what conspiracies that these girls are learning whether they are true or false. It adds to the mystery.

Pros:

• I thought this book was so much better than the first book (Etiquette and Espionage). I think this is because the characters are already known and have some characterization to them.
• I really liked how boys were involved in this. They were also students but they learn for evil so there are werewolves and vampires. The testosterone in the book made it seem a bit more whole.
• I enjoyed that the characters got to move to a new location, which is London. It allowed the mystery to continue and get brought out into a new light.
• I like how the friendship between Soap and Sophronia progresses from the first book into this book.

Cons:

• I still didn't enjoy the third person point of view. It makes the whole book and series seem more dull.
• I also have a problem with the characterization. Many, if not most, are very flat which makes the story drag.

Critics' Reviews:
"Teenage and adult fans alike will rejoice that Carriger retains her flair for musical prose, over-the-top names, clever wit, and strange yet helpful mechanical devices of all kinds. Carriger's blend of comically exaggerated characters and madcap action will easily win over readers once again."―Publishers Weekly
"Carriger's second steampunk adventure exceeds the first... the fun, again, is in watching ever-practical Sophronia sneak and scheme her way into sometimes dangerous, sometimes riotously funny, situations.... We repeat: This witty, light-hearted series is not to be missed."―Booklist

"[A] world of manners, steampunk, and the supernatural. [Carriger] again manages to blend the rules of etiquette with inventions and creatures effortlessly, creating a diverse world of wonder."―VOYA

"The language is every bit as delightful as in Sophronia's first adventure... even in this weightier tale."―Kirkus Reviews
"[Carriger] jumps right into the thick of the action, developing a fast-paced plot that is sure to keep readers' attention...this is a must-have purchase."―School Library Journal

Gail Carriger's Website:
http://gailcarriger.com/

Other Recommendations:

The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

Author Spotlight: Gail Carriger

Birthday: May 4, 1976 (40)
From: Bolinas, California
Currently Living: Bolinas, California
Education: B.S. in Archaeologist Materials at Oberlin College, M.A. in Anthropology at University of California Santa Cruz


Books:
Young Adult
Etiquette and Espionage (Buy on Amazon)
Curtsies and Conspiracies (Buy on Amazon)
Waistcoats and Weaponry (Buy on Amazon)
Manners and Mutiny (Buy on Amazon)

Adult
Soulless (Buy on Amazon)
Changeless (Buy on Amazon)
Blameless (Buy on Amazon)
Heartless (Buy on Amazon)
Timeless (Buy on Amazon)
Prudence (Buy on Amazon)
Imprudence (Buy on Amazon)


Other Information and Interests:
Gail Carriger is a pen name for Tofa Borregaard
Archeaologist
Shoes
Octopuses

Personal Website- http://gailcarriger.com/

Anticipation Friday: The Black Key by Amy Ewing

Goodreads Description
For too long, Violet and the people of the outer circles of the Lone City have lived in service to the royalty of the Jewel. But now the secret society known as the Black Key is preparing to seize power.

And while Violet knows she is at the center of this rebellion, she has a more personal stake in it—her sister, Hazel, has been taken by the Duchess of the Lake. Now, after fighting so hard to escape the Jewel, Violet must do everything in her power to return to save not only Hazel, but the future of the Lone City.

Preorder on Amazon

Other info
Expected Date of Publication: October 4, 2016
Stand-Alone or Series//Companion: Series- Lone City #3
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society, Young Adult Fantasy

Why Am I Anticipating This Book?

•  The cover of this is very interesting to me. It's very abstract looking. The girl is wearing the same dress as in the first two books. If you look close enough, there are faces of different people.
• This is the final book to the Lone City series and it left at such a cliff hanger that it has been bothering me for a year of what will happen.
• When I found out that Violet's beloved sister, Hazel, was taken from Violet's old evil master, Duchess of the Lake, I got really upset. Stay innocent, Hazel! Stay innocent!

Review Wednesday: Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

*This is a book meant for adults due to some inappropriate content for people younger than 18.*

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Fifty Shades of Grey by clicking on the link: Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Title: Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3)
Author: E.L. James
1st Date of Publication: January 19, 2012
ISBN: 978161130606
# of Pages: 551
Genre: New Adult, Adult Romance, Erotica Romance
Age Rating: 17+ (Language, Violence, Sexual content)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:

When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.

Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.

Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

Setting: Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington

Point of View: 1st Person- Anastasia "Ana" Steele

Goodreads Rating: 3.89

My Rating: 3.95


Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Title
View on the Cover: Who is actually the one in handcuffs?
View on the Title: How is there freedom? And if so who?

Pros:

• This book was a quick read like the other two previous books. It was full of action and mystery more so than the previous books.
• The conflict in this novel is really intense, which represents how intense the relationship between Christian and Ana.
• Christian's character really grows in this novel and you really get to know why he is who has become. He also learns how to get out of his comfort zone.

Cons:

• The book very predictable in my opinion. I knew exactly what was going to happen even to the end. I felt that some of the fun in reading it was taken away.
• Ana seems to become extremely pathetic and incapable of anything throughout the novel.

Critics' Reviews:

"In a class by itself."  —Entertainment Weekly

 E.L. James's Website:

http://www.eljamesauthor.com/

Other Recommendations:

Beautiful Burn by Jamie McGuire
Easy by Tammara Webber

Review Wednesday: The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson

Title: The Tyrant's Daughter

Author: J.C. Carleson
1st Date of Publication: February 11, 2014

ISBN: 9780449809976
# of Pages: 304

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon 

Book Description:

From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs.

When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations?

J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.

Setting: Washington, D.C. in the 21st century
Point of View: 1st person- Laila 

Goodreads Rating: 3.73

My Rating: 3.90

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Who is the girl hidden by the veil? Is it worn because of her culture?
View on Title: Why is she the tyrant's daughter? Is she royalty?

Pros:

• It was interesting to see a character from the Middle East get used to America culture. Laila gets used to the ideas of school, freedom, and dating.
• I liked how the chapter's were short. It made the book go at a quicker pace.
• Laila seems to be very smart as she tries not to betray her family and does what she thinks is right.
• Laila's relationship with her 6/7 year old brother is interesting as she tries to keep his innocence, but not lie him since he is the rightful ruler of their country but is in hiding from their dictator uncle.

Cons:

• I felt that there was a lack of character development in some of the characters.
• Laila's character was a bit frustrating because she would make the complete opposite decision in the end. It was a constant annoyance.

Critics' Reviews:
"Carleson, a former undercover CIA officer, infuses her story with compelling details and gripping authenticity." -The Boston Globe
"This is more than just Laila’s story; rather, it is a story of context, beautifully written (by a former undercover CIA agent), and stirring in its questions and eloquent observations about our society and that of the Middle East." -Booklist
“Laila is a complex and layered character whose nuanced observations will help readers better understand the divide between American and Middle Eastern cultures. Smart, relevant, required reading.” -Kirkus
"Filled with political intrigue and emotional tension, Carleson’s riveting novel features a teenage refugee caught in a web of deceit and conspiracy." -Publishers Weekly

J.C. Carelson's Website:

http://www.jccarleson.com/

Other Recommendations:

The Milk of Birds by Sylvia Whitman
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman