Friday, February 17, 2017

Of Fire and Stars

By Audrey Coulthurst

Hardback
Fantasy
January Owlcrate

Double point of view first person. Usually this is a turn off for me in books, but I honestly didn't even really notice until just now.

Both princesses are likeable, and the Prince isn't the worst thing ever. In all, the characters felt very round and real. No clear good and evil, just people making choices that they think are right (or know are wrong...) and dealing with the consequences.

The magic in this world is interesting and there are a lot of things that aren't fully explained. The worldbuilding is rich.

The plot comes to a satisfying conclusion. As I got closer and closer to the end of the book I was really worried that the author was setting up for a sequel, because I couldn't see the way out of the mess! But it was wrapped up well.

Stealing Snow

By Danielle Paige

This one is a retelling of The Snow Queen. Our protagonist starts in a mental institution. Sometimes I wonder if she ever got out or if the whole thing was her psychotic breakdown. Still, interesting world and magical system.

Vassa in the Night

By Sarah Porter
Hardback - Owlcrate

Fantasy/retelling - Baba Yaga.

Super neat book. Replete with the most amazing and lush personification. Great story. The protagonist, assisted by a small magical doll, has to survive three days and nights working in an enchanted supermarket in chicken legs. For a witch.