Orphans of the Carnival - Carol Birch

Began reading: 13.6.2017
Completed reading: 21.6.2017
Overall rating: 3 stars

Julia Pastrana is the singing  and dancing marvel from Mexico, heralded on tours across nineteenth-century Europe as much for her talent as for her rather unusual appearance. Yet few can see past the thick hair that covers her: she is both the fascinating toast of a Governor’s ball and the shunned, revolting, unnatural beast, to be hidden from children and pregnant women.

But what is her wonderful and terrible link to Rose, collector of lost treasures in an attic room in present-day South London? In this haunting tale of identity, love and independence, these two lives connect in unforgettable ways.

Orphans of the Carnival by Carol Birch is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Julia Pastrana – a woman born with the appearance of an ape, but with the grace and charm of a proper lady. A follower of mine recommended this novel to me after I mentioned my interest in it. I thought that it would centre around a carnival as mentioned in the title, but it did not. Overall, I enjoyed it but there were some negatives, which I’ll discuss later.

Julia Pastrana was plucked from a life of servitude at a palace in Mexico to sing and dance around the world with a carnival of ‘freaks’. Because of her hairy appearance, Julia constantly faces curious and hostile stares from those around her, and sometimes abuse from those who fear her. Julia’s unexpected manners and talent see her earn a significant amount of money and the people she surrounds herself with grow increasingly greedy, despite her only wish to be happy. Fearing that she will never find true love, Julia consults a fortune-teller who provides her with a love potion, which she uses on someone close to her. Little does she know, this man is one of the greedy ones and will use her for money, even after she passes away. Julia’s story is entwined with Rose’s – a woman from present-day London, who enjoys collecting abandoned bits and pieces. On her way home one day, Rose stumbles across a doll that has an intense connection to Julia. Despite being told to throw it away, Rose forms an intimate bond with the doll. Through Julia’s and Rose’s stories, readers are reminded that issues surrounding love and identity are just as important now as they were then.

The book was well-written, especially in terms of structure and pace. The use of literary techniques was on-point, particularly the use of tone, setting and conflict to strengthen the writing. I really liked how Birch described specific settings to reflect how the character was feeling. For example, when Theo’s illness seemed to have disappeared, he went to a pub which he described as ‘glowing’. I interpreted it as a reflection of how he felt inside – he noted that he felt young, so I assumed that he was joyful and warm (the type of feelings associated with a nice glow). There were also some great quotes, including:

‘The world’s a cruel place, and there’s nothing fair about it’ (p. 23).

What do you want? – she asked herself. Just this, out in the world, free, unafraid. Don’t spoil it by being afraid, fool. Pretend. Shake inside but never let it show (p. 33).

‘Names are important,’ she said. ‘When a thing has a name, that’s when it really counts’ (p. 46).

‘Never forget,’ he said, ‘that words on a piece of paper are nothing more than paper. They have nothing to do with your own self’ (p. 135).

To my regular readers, I know that I’m beginning to sound like a parrot, but I love a good set of characters to complement an exciting plot. As I have mentioned in previous reviews, I believe that characters are just as important as the plot, and become instantly more likeable when they have an intriguing personality. In this book, I found almost every character to be interesting, but it was how their personalities changed as time went on that really fascinated me. It mirrors reality, where individuals encounter challenges or momentous occasions that enable us to mature and change who were are. Just as interesting was seeing how some characters stayed the same – especially in regards to their beliefs and morals. The way in which Birch makes her characters realistic made the narrative more enjoyable.

Something that arises from historical fiction novels is that authors don’t always get right is the accuracy of a particular time period. As this book explores life in the nineteenth century, I have a fair idea of how restrictive life was (due to my constant study of this time at university). With confidence, I can say that Birch has accurately portrayed the Victorian era, especially in terms of society and gender. In relation to society, we could see how it affected individuals’ appearances while out in public. Everything felt traditional, masculine and stratified, which leads us to the portrayal of gender in the text. Gender expectations were very strict during the Victorian era, so it was easy to see how Julia’s and Marie’s circumstances were influenced by the patriarchal system that surrounded them – both women could only find ‘freedom’ through marriage, which was sad; despite the sadness, the story was well-written to reflect the values of the time period, which emphasises just how proficient Birch’s writing style is.

                                                   

If you read the blurb, you would know that there was a link between Julia in the nineteenth century and Marie in the present-day. Maybe I expected too much from this connection, but it didn’t really relate to anything in the plot until you reach the conclusion. In my opinion, I still wasn’t able to connect Julia and Rose besides the object(?)/person(?) – not too sure how to describe it without giving it away – that they share. It really had no relevance to anything that happened in the book, and once I discovered what is was, I was kinda creeped out. I don’t know but it was just gross! It’s possible that I read too much into the connection between Julia and Rose, but I didn’t understand the point behind it.

Another that I had with the book was the dialogue, in particular how the conversations did not flow. A book is far more appealing when everything flows, and conversations are easy to follow. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the dialogue in this novel, as it came off disjointed and random at times. For example, there were times when the conversation was focused on something, then out of nowhere, there’s a topic change – right in the middle of an interaction. When this happened, I was left wondering what happened. I felt lost because the conversation was going one way, then totally changed without warning.

                     

The major concern that I had with this book was how the plot differed from the blurb and title. Looking at the title, you assume that the plot is about a group of ‘freaks’ that have been put together to perform in a carnival. For a time, the plot followed this idea (and it was an interesting part of the novel); however, it all changed when Julia was sold to someone and had to move away from her friends. After this, the plot was solely focused on Julia and her relationship with Theo. It was bland and uninteresting, which was why I gave this book a mediocre rating.

My favourite character was Julia because she was brave, resilient, respectable, charming, humble, and a dreamer. She never asked for much, and I believe that she was too pure for this world. Friederike is a notable character.

I never really liked Theo’s character, probably because he seemed too obsessed with his business. His behaviour towards Julia really broke my heart because that angel deserved better than him! I had a sneaky suspicion that he was greedy and never loved Julia, and his behaviour confirmed this. Julia only wanted to be loved – why is that so hard to give?! It’s not too much to ask!

                     

My favourite part of the novel was when Julia and Friederike had their final conversation over wine. It was a point in the plot where Julia knew that EVERYBODY is wary of her appearance, yet her friendship with Friederike seemed true. I also liked the way that Friederike confronted Theo about Julia’s body – it showed that she had morals and still cared for her friend.

Recommendation time! If you like The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Freeks by Amanda Hocking, and The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman, you will love  this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes Freaks, The Elephant Man, the American Horror Story: Freak Show tv series, and Howling VI: The Freaks.

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Black - Fleur Ferris

Began reading: 10.6.2017
Completed reading: 12.6.2017
Overall rating: 4 stars

Ebony Marshall is in her final year of high school. Five months, two weeks and four days... She can't wait to leave town where she's only known as 'Black'. Because of her name, of course. But for another reason, too.

Everyone says Black Marshall is cursed.

Three of her best friends have died in tragic accidents. After Oscar, the whispers started. Now she's used to being on her own. It's easier that way.

But when her date for the formal ends up in intensive care, something in quiet little Dainsfield starts to stir. Old secrets are revealed and terrifying new dangers emerge.

If only Black could put all the pieces together, she could work out who her real enemies are. Should she run for her life, or stay and fight?

Trigger warning: this book contains suicide.

Black by Fleur Ferris is a fictional young adult novel that contains mystery and thriller elements. I have already read Risk, so I was excited to read this book. Overall, it was a rollercoaster of suspense and action which I liked. It was a surprisingly quick read, but that was just one of the reasons why I enjoyed this novel.

Black Marshall grew up in Dainsfield and knows every ghost story about the abandoned house behind Rockland Forest. The kids at school avoid Black because they fear her – three of her close friends have died, and no one wants to become the fourth. This changes when the new guy at school asks Black to be his date to the formal. Aidan was completely unaware of the alleged curse that Black is under but that doesn’t stop him from collapsing with a brain haemorrhage. While he is in intensive care, Black faces danger at home as one of the community leaders abuses his power to ‘save’ her. Black will quickly learn who she can trust in order to fight, but when the danger is coming from someone that everyone looks up to, the line between trustworthy and untrustworthy will be blurred. Is Black cursed? More importantly, is the small town of Dainsfield as safe as people think it is?

The book was well-written, with its structure and pace being on-point. The use of literary techniques to heighten emotions and add detail to the narrative was perfect. I loved the use of imagery, metaphors and setting throughout the book and I’ll go into further detail a little later. I also found a few great quotes, including:

It’s funny how some secrets are known by everyone, yet everyone pretends not to know (p. 12).

When we left Dainsfield, cloud cover was thick and bleak and ominous. But here the sun is out, shining brightly, and the world looks calm. When you’re in the thick of it you forget that not far away the sun is shining. Maybe sometimes you need to step out of the storm to see things more clearly, more rationally, and maybe, when you look back in, you realise there was no storm other than the one in your mind (p. 131).

‘Somewhere along the way, big brothers stop trying to make their little sisters cry and start looking out for them’ (p. 258).

I’m a sucker for an interesting plot, but then again, we all are, right? I don’t particularly mind if the plot is unique, but it has to hold my interest – it’s a very important part of a narrative. Ferris effectively wrote the book in a way that had me intrigued from the very first page of the last. I’ll tell you just how immersed I was: the first night that I began reading this book, I stayed up late after everyone had gone to bed. I was so invested that I was startled when fireworks went off outside. I was so focused on the plot that I freaked out at the slightest sounds! Anyway, the plot was very interesting, especially the whole thing about a girl being isolated because of an alleged curse. Being able to read of how Black felt was sad but fascinating.

The setting of the plot is another significant aspect of a book, as it gives influences the atmosphere that the character is living. For example, Black lived in a small town where everyone knew everyone. This description alone would give you certain images, feelings and thoughts of what could happen. I’ve found that Ferris’ books are easy to relate to, as they are written by a fellow Aussie and the books are set in Australian locations. It’s also easy to understand some instances, such as school systems – I don’t have to stop and translate grades like I would if the story featured an American school system. I like that things are straight forward in Ferris’ books because I know exactly what she’s talking about.

Plot twists, as I’ve said in past reviews, are a great way for authors to keep their stories interesting for readers. There needs to be a balance of predictability and unpredictability to the twist, and it also needs to leave readers wanting more. In this book, I found the main plot twist to be predictable (even though I was hoping I’d be wrong), but which boy Black ended up with was unexpected. To be honest, I have mixed feelings about the twists. I think that maybe another twist would have made things a little more interesting, but I’m not complaining.

                                                 

Now, let’s discuss love triangles. Love triangles are used to heighten tension and allow to readers to compare personalities to determine who is more suitable for the main character. I’m unsure about the triangle in this book, mainly because there wasn’t much to go on – both guys were described briefly. Aidan as a love interest was definitely rushed – it felt really strange for Black to agree to go out with him when she only met him two minutes ago. There wasn’t much competition between the two because one was in hospital for most of the book, so I found it a little dull. Speaking of, Black spent a lot of her time thinking about one guy, only to do a complete 180 and choose the other guy out of nowhere – I was confused.

                                         

I tend to enjoy a book more when it looks at a range of themes, usually done with sub-plots. In this case, the novel was pretty much focused on the one plot line which made it feel somewhat compact and constricted. I would have preferred to have maybe another little plot in there somewhere, perhaps something lighter to contrast with the darker themes. I believe that the book would have been better if the plot had branched out a little more.

My favourite character was Ed because he was sweet, protective and considerate – he seemed like the perfect boyfriend. I loved the fact that he didn’t want to pursue Black because it would make things awkward at work. Also, he didn’t pressure Black into a fling or a relationship, even when they spent the night together at the hotel. Where can I find an Ed?!

                                   

Black’s mum really confused me because she knew the danger all along. I know that there were factors that prevented her from moving away, but why did she wait so long? It really frustrates me.

My favourite part of the book was the formal, as it was cute, nostalgic and full of suspense. I can remember my formal and reading about Black’s brought back so many memories. What happened after the formal was when the suspense really kicked in, and I couldn’t put the book down until Aidan had been transported to hospital.

Recommendation time! If you like Orphans of the Carnival by Carol Birch, Destroying Avalon by Kate McCaffrey, The Yearbook Committee by Sarah Ayoub, and The Special Ones by Em Bailey, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes the Stranger Things tv show, Under the Shadow, The Amityville Horror, and May.

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Hostage Queen - Freda Lightfoot

Began reading: 6.6.2017
Completed reading: 10.6.2017
Overall rating: 3 stars

France 1565. Marguerite de Valois is the most beautiful woman in the French Court, and the subject of great scandal and intrigue. Her own brothers, the mad Charles IX and the bisexual Henri III, will stop at nothing to control her. Margot loves Henri of Guise but is married off to the Huguenot Henry of Navarre. By this means her mother Catherine de Medici hopes to bring peace to the realm.

But within days of the wedding the streets are awash with blood in the Massacre of Saint Bartholomew. Not only is her new husband's life in danger, but her own too as her mother and brother hold them hostage in the Louvre. Can they ever hope to escape and keep their heads? In a court rife with murder, political intrigue, debauchery, jealousy and the hunger of power, it will not be an easy task.

Hostage Queen by Freda Lightfoot is a historical fiction novel, which explores the life of Catherine de Medici and her children following the death of Francis II. I happened upon this book while I was wandering around the library, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it until I borrowed it. I really enjoyed it but there were some things that I found a little disappointing. I’ll discuss them as we go along.

Growing up, Margot had fallen in love with Henri, Duke of Guise. They spent so much time together that Margot believed her mother Catherine de Medici would allow them to marry. Of course, things don’t run as smoothly as Margot had hoped, especially when her brother Charles and her mother demand that she marry Henry of Navarre – a country bumpkin, who she shares no common interests with. After their wedding, a prominent Admiral is found murdered and ignites an all-out religious war between Catholics and Protestants. While the body count rises, Margot’s husband is in danger and it is up to her to plead her mother and brother to spare him. For their safety, Margot and Henry are imprisoned in the Louvre where they are forced to spend time in a perverse and dangerous court. As Margot spends more time at court, she becomes the centre of many rumours which threatens her life. Margot must learn to improve her skills in manipulation and deception in order to survive the constant threats at court.

The book was well-written, especially in terms of structure and character-building. I enjoyed the use of literary techniques to add depth to the plot and dialogue. The use of tone, dialogue, suspense and setting are just some examples of how Lightfoot enhanced her writing style in this novel. There were also some great quotes, including:

[…]who would dare beard the she-wolf in her den, let alone when she was holidaying with her cubs? (p. 40).

Little Fleurette, whom he’d so casually abandoned to bear her child alone, had been found drowned in the river, her heart broken by his rejection. Poor girl, it was indeed a tragedy to love a Prince (p. 63).

‘A peace made of snow this winter will not last the summer’s heat’ (p. 76).

‘Your grace and charm will win the heart of any king, and his courtiers.’

‘What need I of kings when I have the love of my chevalier?’ (p. 80).

‘Do not anyone say that marriages are made in heaven; the gods would not commit so great an injustice’ (p. 101).

‘Crowns sometimes come with more problems attached than you bargain for’ (p. 159).

What had she done to deserve such treatment? And from the one man she had trusted, the one man she could truly love for life, and whom she had believed loved her. But he had lied, and betrayed her like all the rest (p. 175).

‘A marriage may be political, at least for such as ourselves, but a love affair is a choice, a pledge of love and honour between two people’ (p. 176).

‘Remember that I will still be here, waiting, when you are in better temper.’

‘You can wait till hell freezes over,’ she shouted. ‘I’ll have no more of you’ (p. 177).

‘When one is successful and admired in court, everyone wishes to be your friend. Adversity is solitary, while prosperity dwells in a crowd’ (p. 241).

I really loved the range of characters that appeared throughout the book. I initially thought that the story would revolve around Margot’s views on her relationship with her husband and family. As I read, however, I found that the story did not focus on Margot, but pretty much every member of her family. I was able to learn more about how each character thought and interacted with others, so I had an insight into each character’s personalities. Unlike most books, this novel did not centre around one main character, which I thought was interesting. Of course, I would have preferred to read about all of the events from Margot’s point of view, but I don’t mind too much. I thought that it was a different way of seeing things and gaining entrance to other opinions, so I’m happy.

                  

I only mentioned it briefly earlier, but the suspense in this book was amazing! I love suspenseful books because they have the power to keep me turning the page. This book oozed suspense from start to finish, and I knew that I had to finish reading it. There were so many plot turns that made the characters’ situations risky, especially Margot’s. Everywhere she went, around every corner, there was a chance that she could be imprisoned or tortured by her family, so I was hooked to what would happen next.

Maybe it was because of the suspense, but I thought that the plot was intriguing and immersive. I watched the tv show Reign, so I had a fair idea of the Medici/Valois family but I never saw Margot. I knew this when I stumbled across the book, so I thought that it would be nice to get to know her character a little. The blurb promised drama and scandals, so my inner drama queen NEEDED this book. I love a book that can keep me interested from start to finish, so I think that Lightfoot did an awesome job with this one.

As I’ve said in past reviews, a good conclusion should provide closure and answer all questions that have been brought up throughout the book. In this case, I thought that the text provided decent closure for its readers but not enough of it. The narrative ended with a quick flashback before returning to Margot. It was sweet but didn’t outline what happened next. I know that I could just Google it, but it would have been a nice way to end the story. Because it didn’t end this way, the story won’t really be as memorable or provide enough closure as it could have. I’m not saying that the conclusion was bad, but I will admit that it was a tad bit disappointing.

                                                         

Another kind of let-down was the focus of the book. I mentioned previously that the novel did not focus solely on Margot’s outlook on what was happening, but rather every member of her family. This isn’t the issue, but it did play a role in what I thought irritated me the most about this text. The issue I had was that the book felt more like a Wikipedia page, as it wasn’t so much story-telling but detailing major historic events during this period. I would have preferred a little more focus on the characters because anyone could Google the Massacre of Saint Bartholomew if they needed information. I wanted more focus on something fictitious, or based on personal opinions and actions, as opposed to re-telling what Catherine, Charles and Henri did.

My favourite character was Margot because she was loyal (especially to her husband), rebellious, clever, courageous and relatable (I know all about the whole mother-and-son duo). I loved how cold she could be towards the haters, but completely sweet and charming to those who deserve it. I felt for her when she was betrayed, and I understand her need to be loved.

Although Margot’s family (with the exception of Claude and Francois-Hercule) had an element of dislike-ability, I hated Charlotte de Sauves despite the fact that she was only obeying orders. She was cruel and cold towards Margot, and was pretty much the root of her unhappiness. I only wished that Margot got revenge on her. I also hated du Guast for being so ambitious and cunning, but I’m beyond glad that he got what he deserved.

                     

My favourite part of the book was Margot’s confrontation with Charlotte de Sauves because it was feisty and dramatic. Margot flaunted her authority in a subtle way, which reflects her humble personality. She behaved in a calm way, so calm it was almost scary. If only she took that opportunity to wipe de Sauves’ smile off her face – a nice, deep gash across her pretty face would have taught that b*tch a lesson. I know I sound crazy, but I just feel very protective of Margot.  

Recommendation time! If you like The Queen of Diamonds by Jean Plaidy, His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm, and The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes the tv show Reign, the tv show The White Princess, Queen Margot, Henry of Navarre, and The Princess of Montpensier. 

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Murder on the Orient Express - Agatha Christie

Began reading: 5.6.2017
Completed reading: 6.6.2017
Overall rating: 4 stars

The famous Orient Express, thundering along on its three days’ journey across Europe, came to a sudden stop in the night. Snowdrifts blocked the line at a desolate spot somewhere in the Balkans. Everything was deathly silent.

“Decidedly I suffer from the nerves,” murmured Hercule Poirot, and fell asleep again. He awoke to find himself very much wanted. For in the night murder had been committed. Mr. Ratchett, an American millionaire, was found lying dead in his berth – stabbed. The untrodden snow around the train proved that the murderer was still on board.

Poirot investigates. He lies back and thinks – with his little grey cells…

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie is a classic fictional mystery novel. I admit, I’m ashamed that I had never bothered to read an Agatha Christie novel before this one. The only reason why I decided to pick up this book was because I saw the trailer for the 2017 version of the movie. It made me so curious that I had to rush to my library and grab a copy so I could find out who the murderer is. I wasn’t disappointed by the story, and I’m so excited to see how this year’s adaptation will twist this classic.

A little after midnight, the Orient Express halts to a stop after being surrounded by snowdrifts. Poirot is awakened by a cry and a loud thump by his compartment door. He quickly learns that there has been a murder in the room next to his – the evil-looking Ratchett has been stabbed twelve times in his bed. After a thorough examination of the crime scene, Poirot deduces that the room had been locked and that it was impossible for the murderer to leave the train after committing the crime. This means that one of the passengers on the train is responsible for Ratchett’s death. Following interviews with each of the passengers, Poirot discovers more evidence and that nearly every person has an alibi, making things more difficult to solve. Poirot cannot rely on anything but his detective skills to solve this crime, but when too many things occur for it to be coincidence, Poirot’s skills are going to be put to the test – how can he solve a mystery when nothing seems to add up? Surely, someone saw something that helps identify the murderer!

The book was well-written, especially structured perfectly. I liked how each part of the novel was separated, based on what was happening in that particular part of the narrative. The use of literary techniques in the book was on-point, too. My favourite was the foreshadowing – Mr. Bouc’s statement about a group of strangers travelling together. Other literary techniques included tone, suspense and humour. There were also a couple of great quotes that I made a note of. There are:

‘[…]it lends itself to romance, my friend. All around us are people, of all classes, of all nationalities, of all ages. For three days these people, these strangers to one another, are brought together. They sleep and eat under one roof, they cannot get away from each other. At the end of three days they part, they go their several ways, never, perhaps, to see each other again’ (pp. 29-30).

‘Show me how the impossible can be possible!’

‘It is a good phrase that,’ said Poirot.  ‘The impossible cannot have happened, therefore impossible must be possible in spite of appearances’ (p. 155).

More quotes from the book can be found here.

I believe that the book had an interesting and unique plot. Keep in mind, I haven’t read any of Agatha Christie’s novels. There was something about having a group of people trapped on board of a train, unable to escape or leave, and they’re all suspects to the murder. There are similar plots out there, but this is a classic and I hadn’t come across anything like this one before. Maybe I should read more mystery novels…

                     

The range of characters is very important in a text because they are just as important as the plot. It’s important to have characters we love, as well as characters we love to hate. This book had a mixture of both. There was a great range of characters with diverse nationalities and personalities. Each character behaved in a unique way, and it was interesting to see their reactions to the murder and Poirot’s questions. They each acted in a mysterious way, making them just as suspicious as the others. I think that Christie did an awesome job of creating her characters because each of them had an element of likeability that I couldn’t ignore.

I only briefly mentioned suspense earlier, but let’s explore that a bit more now. Throughout the novel, we were trying to solve the mystery alongside Poirot, which was exciting. The suspense began when Ratchett’s body was found, but it was resolved in the end. While Poirot was conducting interviews with passengers, we considered what they said and how the behaved. When we reached the conclusion, the suspense built, as we wondered how the person responsible for the crime would react and how Poirot would deal with them. I was on my toes throughout the entire book, and I found it very difficult to put down. Any writer who can hold such power of the reader deserves a good book rating, which is why I gave the book four stars.

The conclusion of a book should leave a lasting impression on readers, and provide closure regarding the characters and the plot. This book definitely did this – it was unexpected but left me feeling satisfied. I thought that the conclusion was great for a standalone book, and made sense after everything that had gone down in the text. It is definitely a memorable scene, and I cannot wait to see how this how be portrayed in the film. Usually, I get bored when one character has a lengthy monologue; but in this case, Poirot kept me intrigued because he was not 100% sure of what had gone down, but the way he spoke captivated me. I was hooked until the final word!

                        

The only issue I had with the narrative was that it could be dull at times. I was hooked on every page of the novel, but I did find myself kind of tuning out when MacQueen or Hardman talked – not sure why. Also, I don’t speak French, so I skipped over those lines pretty quickly. When the scenes felt bland, the plot felt slow-paced. However, if I were to read the book over again, I would most likely find that the plot was decently-paced. I suppose that some things were difficult to understand or relate to, which could be why only a couple of things were boring. Overall, the book was enjoyable.

My favourite character was Mary Debenham, as she was the most mysterious, reserved, aloof, and imposing. She was introduced from the very beginning of the book, so I had more time to get to know her. Her back-story was also interesting, which is why I liked her the most. Poirot is a notable character.

Of course, each character acted suspicious at one time or another, but Count and Countess Adrenyi were the most suspicious. The Count was very aggressive and intimidating, but looking back, I understand why he behaved the way he did. While I was watching the trailer, I never suspected him but his revelation was surprising. Note: I’m not saying he’s responsible for the murder. I just found his character very interesting.

                    

My favourite part of the book was Poirot’s confrontation with Mary. It was full of tension and her refusal to answer his questions made her a serious suspect. I was dying to know what her statements at the beginning of the story meant, as Poirot did, but I knew that we weren’t going to find out in that scene. Her behaviour was cold and detached, which somehow made me like her even more.

Recommendation time! If you like In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, The Z Murders by J. Jefferson Farjeon, and Murder Underground by Mavis Doriel Hay and Stephan Booth, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes Nonstop, Murder on the Orient Express (1974 version), Death on the Nile, The Lady Vanishes, and Silver Streak.

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Blood of Wonderland - Colleen Oakes

Began reading: 21.5.2017
Completed reading: 26.5.2017
Overall rating: 5 stars

The queen will rise.

Dinah has been exiled from Wonderland.

Her vicious father has framed her for the brutal murder of her brother, and turned the kingdom against her.

Now hiding in the mysterious Twisted Wood with only her war steed at her side, Dinah is faced with a choice. She could leave Wonderland behind forever or return and fight for her throne.

A chance encounter with one of her father's enemies brings Dinah more allies than she ever could have imagined. But before she can lead her people into war she must confront certain truths about her heart and her destiny - no matter how dark those truths may be.

Revolution is rising in Wonderland.

Dinah's battle has begun.

Blood of Wonderland by Colleen Oakes is the second book in the Queen of Hearts saga. It is a fictional young adult retelling of Alice in Wonderland, containing fantasy themes. I was so excited to get my hands on this book because I fell in love with Dinah in the first novel. I loved this book so much, and I don’t have a single negative to say about it!

Dinah, framed by her father for the murder of her brother, has been forced to flee from her home in Wonderland Palace into the Twisted Woods. The King of Hearts has turned the kingdom against Dinah and placed her half-sister Vittiore on Dinah’s throne. While hiding alone in the woods, she chances upon her father’s best tracker who decides to help her escape the wrath of her father. Together, they meet Mundoo, the Yurkei chief and the King of Hearts’ sworn enemy. After learning of Dinah’s situation, Mundoo welcomes her into the mysterious Yurkei tribe and allows her to decide her fate – to return to Wonderland and fight for her crown, or live a quiet nomadic life in the mountains. With this decision, Dinah will have to look within herself to figure out who she really is and what she wants. Things become increasingly complicated when one of the king’s most trusted servants appears and hits Dinah with a secret that makes Dinah question everything she thought she knew. While Dinah is discovering herself, she will plot against the king – but if she chooses to return to Wonderland, will she be the same queen as the one that abandoned her royal lifestyle months ago? Will Wonderlanders accept her over her father’s tyrannical rule and her beautiful half-sister’s reign?

The book was well-written, which is what I expected after reading the first novel. It was structured well, and the pace was steady. I loved the use of literary techniques throughout the text; some examples will be in the list of notable quotes below. Oakes utilised a variety of literary techniques to assist readers with comprehending the story. Some examples include the setting, conflict and foreshadowing. Aside from literary techniques, there were also some great quotes, including:

Her life was like nightfire – a place that once burned with bright hope, now nothing more than a flickering blackness, her suffering invisible to the naked eye (p. 96).

Pain cemented things in the brain the way reading did not (p. 97).

Dinah’s hands were gripping the tablecloth, her nails tearing through the thin fabric. Her world was collapsing, inside and outside. Her watery eyes made the stars look like they were falling (p. 194).

‘We become who we must to overcome pain and to make things right again’ (p. 213).

If she could not quench the fire within her, she would set Wonderland ablaze (p. 319).

As I have mentioned in previous reviews, I’m a sucker for a good plot. It needs to be dramatic, innovative and unique. I absolutely loved how this book followed on directly from the previous one, and that it still felt like a new tale at the same time. The overall message about finding and staying true to yourself was inspiring and sweet. The plot held some adventure and tantalising drama woven throughout the book, which kept me hooked. I believe that Oakes has definitely improved upon her first novel, and the fact that I didn’t want to put the book down demonstrated that.

Plot twists are a great way for authors to keep their stories interesting for readers. There needs to be a balance of predictability and unpredictability to the twist, and it also needs to leave readers wanting more. The plot twists in this book were amazing because they were full of feeling and left me reeling. The revelations were unpredictable (especially the final one) and refreshing, as I did not expect anything like that to happen. A day after finishing the book and I’m still in shock! I am dying to get my hands on the next book, and this is how writers should make readers feel.

                     

Secondary characters are so important for a story because they keep the protagonist focused on the main objective, provide plot twists that keep us interested, and help with expanding the narrative by supplying sub-plots and their own reactions to events in the novel. In the first book, Oakes introduced us to various secondary characters to help build the story and this continued in this book. We saw some of the characters from the previous book, but we were also introduced to new supporting characters that provided diverse personalities and fascinating back stories. Because they were only briefly mentioned in the last book, we weren’t able to gain a decent amount of insight into how they behaved with other supporting characters (I’m referring to knowing how the King of Hearts hated Mundoo but we weren’t able to see them interact); but I now know that they definitely won’t get along. We will see how they will react to each other in the next book, which shows just how important secondary characters are to the story.

Another significant aspect of a good narrative is the use of emotion to manipulate readers’ reactions to events. By including a decent amount of emotion to a plot, the author is increasing the likelihood of their tale being memorable. I find narratives much easier to remember when a story has made me feel some type of way. Oakes is very good at doing this because it happened in the first book, and it happened again in this one. The conclusion was just so emotional that I became teary, and sobbed when I finished the book. I don’t know about you guys, but any book that can pull on my heartstrings like this deserves a high star rating!

                                                   

While we’re talking about the conclusion, I thought that I’d add my reason for why I loved it so much (aside from the emotion). When I’m reading a story, I want the conclusion to consistently portray the protagonist the way they were introduced in the beginning of novel. Of course, there should be some character development throughout the narrative, but if a character is portrayed as ‘fearsome’ or ‘badass’ in the beginning, then they should be shown in the same way in the conclusion. Dinah’s character was consistent throughout the book, and the conclusion demonstrated that. At the end, she was just as intimidating and passionate as she was at the start of the tale. The conclusion was dramatic, and provided a foundation for the next book. It didn’t end on a cliff-hanger, but it did use foreshadowing to get readers excited about what’s to come.

My favourite character by far is Dinah. She is ambitious, compassionate, courageous and a downright badass. I loved being able to learn more about her in this book, especially learning about her feelings for Wardley and her thoughts on Vittiore. Sir Gorran is a notable character.

Although Wardley came into the story half-way through, I was so happy for Dinah. As she says in the book, her thoughts of him and knowing that they’ll see each other again is what kept her going in the Twisted Woods. I’m just so angry at Wardley for what he did – I know that it technically isn’t his fault, but he broke my heart! All I have to say to Wardley is: what the hell is wrong with you? Also, I have mixed feelings about Cheshire. Like Dinah, I’m very wary of him and I don’t trust him. We’ll see if he was telling the truth when we read the next book.

My favourite part of the book was chapter sixteen onwards. It was an amazing way to conclude the narrative, as it was full of emotion and drama. It’s got me SO EXCITED for the final book in the series! I need to see Dinah tear down Wonderland!

               

Recommendation time! If you like The White Rabbit Chronicles by Gena Showalter, The Looking Glass Wars series by Frank Beddor, and the Beautiful Madness series by Kellie Sheridan, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes Disney’s version of Alice in Wonderland, Tim Burton’s versions of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Once Upon a Time and Once Upon a Time in Wonderland.

I will be reviewing the rest of the Queen of Hearts saga, including War of the Cards, when the book becomes available. Keep an eye out for that!

My review for Queen of Hearts can be found by clicking on the title.

Happy reading!

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The Hidden Twin - Adi Rule

Began reading: 18.5.2017
Completed reading: 21.5.2017
Overall rating: 4 stars

For eighteen years a girl with no name, a Redwing, has been hidden away in a small attic room within a city of hissing pipes and curving temples perched on the side of the great volcano, Mol, while her sister, Jey - identical except for her eyes - has lived her life in public as an only child. Their father had hoped the hidden girl would one day grow up to be a normal human girl and not the wicked creature mythology has promised, so he secretly spared her life as an infant.

But when she switches places with her sister, striking up a flirtation with the son of the Empress while working in the royal gardens, and is attacked by two suspicious priests on her journey home, she is forced to call forth fire to protect herself, unleashing her previously dormant powers and letting her secret out. She soon catches the attention of a cult with a one-thousand-year-old grudge, as well as a group of underground rebels, both seeking her for their own gain. When her sister goes missing and the Redwing uncovers a great plot to awaken Mol and bring fiery destruction upon them all, she is forced to embrace her powers.

The Hidden Twin by Adi Rule is a fictional young adult novel that contains elements of fantasy and the gothic (more steampunk than gothic). I spotted this book at the library and got so excited because it was a stand-alone. The blurb really cemented my interest in the novel, and I was dying to get into it! I was satisfied with it, but there were some things that I found to be disappointing.

An unnamed girl, known as a Redwing, and her twin sister Jey have lived together for eighteen years, but the twins’ appearance is the only thing they have in common – the mysterious sister has a secret power that could have her entire family placed in danger: she possesses the ability to start and control fires. She has been hidden for so long in the hope that she will not pose a threat to society once she has matured and learned to control her powers. One day, the Redwing is attacked by two priests and accidentally reveals her power. Her life begins to change when her sister Jey asks to visit the Empress’ palace and do her gardening for a day – the Redwing attracts the attention of the Empress’ son, and a rebel group that expects her to save everyone from the devastation that the nearby volcano brings. While the Redwing tries to find her place in society, she must also decide who she can trust – but that’s easier said than done when revealing her powers to the wrong person could mean death for her and her loved ones.

The book was well-written, especially in regard to detail. The novel was well-paced and well-structured, too. Rule’s use of literary techniques definitely assisted with adding detail to the plot, particularly through the utilisation of tone, similes and conflict. There were also some great quotes, including:

I don’t know which excites me more, being acknowledged as though I were a common person, or being ignored for the same reason (p. 39).

They see reality for what it is, not what they want it to be (p. 86).

It would be an interesting scientific exploration to study what it is people think about as they’re falling to their deaths. Some, I imagine, try a last-minute bargain with the gods. Some might spout expletives all the way down. And some might know relief for the first time in their miserable lives (p. 109).

The plot is obviously an extremely important aspect of any novel, and I believe that it should be unique and interesting. This was the case with the book, as I found that it stood out amongst the other texts that I have read. I hadn’t come across such creative world-building in a while, and I loved the steampunk elements (especially the artificial waterfall). Many fantasy novels that I have read recently seem very similar in relation to their plots and it was becoming repetitive. Another thing that I liked about the plot was how the priests were perceived to be omniscient (wise, all-knowing), when they were really just self-centred. This book did an awesome job with crafting an innovative and distinctive plot, which has contributed to its overall rating.

                              

Characters, just like the plot, are significant to the book, as they have the ability to challenge readers’ thinking and ignite curiosity, and create a relationship with the novel’s audience. When a novel has numerous characters, it makes it easier for readers to identify with them, and incorporates a sense of diversity. This book had a range of characters for me to learn more about, and I never grew bored of them. They were also unpredictable because the Redwing couldn’t trust anyone with her secret without risking her life. It added suspense, which was a good thing because it made everything all the more complex. I applaud Rule for her employment of various characters, allowing me to identify myself with some and having a love-to-hate relationship with others.

A good plot twist will leave a mark on readers, allowing them to reflect on the book and think, ‘Wow’. It should be memorable and satisfy readers. Sometimes, these twists aren’t done properly and they’ve left me feeling confused and frustrated. Of course, this was not an issue for this book, as I found the revelations to be unpredictable in a good way. I was left reeling by some of the characters because they revealed their true selves when the Redwing needed them the most. I love a good plot twist, which is another reason why I gave this book such a high rating.

Now, let’s discuss some elements of the book that left me disappointed. A well-planned climax is important, as it is what the plot has been leading up to. It needs to be surprising, suspenseful, and is inevitable. Unfortunately for this novel, the ‘final battle’ scene was confusing. I couldn’t really decipher if it had been thoroughly planned out or if it was a rush job – either way, I wasn’t a fan. I felt like it needed a bigger climax, like one massive shock for us readers. The one in the book was rather vague and predictable, so I was disappointed.

                     

Another disheartening point I need to make is lack of answered questions. A conclusion, or the led up to it, should provide readers with answers and closure – especially if the book is a stand-alone. I was left with so many unanswered questions, which was not a good thing. The questions revolved around romantic interests, the circumstances of characters, and relationships that weren’t fully explained. I wonder if Strange Sweet Song has a better developed conclusion… I hope so!

My favourite character is the Redwing, as she was loyal, protective, curious and sarcastic. There was something about her remaining unnamed – I think it kept her mysterious, but whatever it was I liked!

                     

On another note, I was incredibly disappointed with Jey. I thought she knew about the Redwing’s secret? Anyway, she was brainwashed by the priests but she knows that she shouldn’t fear her sister. I thought that her behaviour was un-sisterly and a sad betrayal. Jey shouldn’t have abandoned her sister, but I guess it made for a unique ending.

My favourite part of the book is when the Redwing covered/switched with Jey because she got to work at the Copper Palace. Readers were given insight into how things were on the other side of the jade bridge. I liked the idea of the Empress’ son disguising himself as a gardener because it was a cute way for him and the Redwing to meet. I also enjoyed the idea of the Empress being overprotective of her garden.

Recommendation time! If you like The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid, Daughters of Ruin by K.D. Castner, Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson, and Ruined by Amy Tintera, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes Frozen, Firestarter, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Beautiful Creatures, and I Am Number Four.

Happy reading!

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