How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You - Tara Eglington

Began reading: 7.7.2015
Completed reading: 14.7.2015
Overall rating: 4.7 stars

Aurora Skye is a sixteen-year-old girl who attends a local high school with her closest friends and annoying next-door neighbour, Hayden Paris. Following the holidays, she has returned to school and found two ‘Potential Princes’ for her two best friends. Aurora must learn to juggle her social life, family life and dull love life with school and the unexpected strains of everyday life. One secret fact about Aurora: she has never been kissed, and she wants to keep it that way. Saving her first kiss for a ‘Prince’ who is worth it will be increasingly difficult, especially when Aurora is pushed into locking lips with Hayden as part of the school play.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for many reasons, which will be explored presently. How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You by Tara Eglington is a young adult fiction that deals with realistic struggles that occur in high school, as well as concepts including romance and humour.

Firstly, I’d like to point out that the novel was incredibly realistic. I found the characters, environments and situations easy to relate to, and it also brought back many memories of my experiences in high school. The characters attend Jefferson High, which is fictional, but is located in Sydney, as Aurora mentions going to Taronga Zoo with Hayden. This is easy to imagine, as I have been there a couple of times.

In relation to realistic settings, the novel also explores contemporary issues, such as high school relationships and friendships, detentions and the loss of a parent. Aurora explains that her mother walked out on her and her dad one day, and emphasised the pain she felt. For example,

The camera lay in a drawer, unused, because Dad and I didn’t want any reminders of how we felt then — like zombies, going through the motions of living with dead eyes and locked hearts (p. 361).

                                           

The novel was light and flirty, but also dealt with deeper issues. This kept me interested, as it wasn’t just a typical high school story.

There was a lot of humour throughout the novel, especially from the class clown, Jeffrey. For example,

The room had had a makeover. The walls were now purple, and gold drapes fell from the ceiling and covered the windows. God knows how she’d got permission from the school board to turn the classroom into an oil sheik’s retreat.

‘Look at this place!’ Jeffrey ran into the centre of the room with Travis and Jesse following.

‘Feel the vibe, man!’ Travis twirled one of the drapes around himself.

‘Let’s get exotic!’ Jesse said.

Travis waggled his eyebrows. ‘Like those dancers we saw when we snuck into the club last week?’

‘Come join us, my beautiful woman!’ Jeffrey shimmied my way.

Obviously he was still under the impression that he and I were a possibility (p. 251).

                                    

Another example,

The rehearsal, in front of the whole school, was a nightmare. During the opening scene Byron, who was playing the messenger, forgot his lines and spent the rest of the scene hiding behind a tree (p. 277).

I really loved that Eglington incorporated Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in the plot. Aurora decided to sign herself and her friends up as a form of distraction, which was a great idea. This play explores themes such as opposite genders, infidelity, deception and mistaken identity, which features in the novel’s overall plot.

                         

Obviously, my favourite character was Aurora. I really loved that she was so creative, compassionate, emotional and intelligent. She was relatable, especially as she was portrayed as a typical teenage girl with best friends and an annoying guy friend. One of my favourite quotes of hers:

I generally try not to think too much about my appearance — okay, that’s a bit of a lie. I’m a teenage girl… so a fair amount of my time is spent grooming and choosing outfits. But I like to focus on my inner self and improve what really — mind, heart and soul. What’s the point  of a fifty-dollar haircut on a fifty-cent head, right? (p. 8)

She has a Facebook page! Check it out!

Hayden and Jeffrey come in as my second and third favourite characters. Hayden is just like Aurora: sweet, passionate and smart. Jeffrey is just hilarious, so he takes the third spot.

My least favourite characters, in no particular order, are Alex, Jelena, Aurora’s mum and Ms DeForest. Alex was just a douche, Jelena was willing to trust rumours over her best friend, Aurora’s mum was negligent and cold, while Ms DeForest was just nasty. Here’s the proof:

Aurora: ‘…Shakespeare’s work is hardly fluff.’

Ms DeForest: ‘Well, you’re entitled to your opinion.’ Ms DeForest sniffed. ‘Not that I expected anything revolutionary from an overindulged teenager’ (p. 307).

        

I want to know why Aurora’s dad didn’t say anything. She was clearly criticising his ability to be a father. If I were him, I’d have kicked her to the curb then and there!

My favourite parts were whenever Aurora and Hayden interacted. They were just so adorable, especially when Hayden got on Aurora’s nerves and they would argue. It was just so funny and adorable. I also enjoyed reading about the characters in the play.

I will also be reviewing the next book, How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You. Keep an eye out for that!

Recommendation time! If you like “Eleanor and Park” and “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell, you will love this book. Also I recommend this book to anyone who likes “The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend” by Kody Keplinger, and “A Match Made in High School” by Kristin Walker.

Happy reading!

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Henry's Sisters - Cathy Lamb

Began reading: 16.6.2015
Completed reading: 5.7.2015
Overall rating: 3.8 stars

Isabelle Bommarito is part of an ‘insane’ family that has had its ups and downs since their father walked out on them. Her mother, River Bommarito, has summoned Isabelle and her sisters, Cecilia and Janie, home to care for their brother, Henry, and their grandmother, Stella, who thinks she’s Amelia Earhart. While River is recovering from open-heart surgery, the girls are forced to deal with their personal hardships, attacks and dangers, as well as run the family bakery. Things will take a downward spiral when an unexpected visitor from their past turns up at the bakery, and someone is admitted to hospital with fatal outcomes. The three girls must learn to get along and help each other in order to bring the family closer together.

Henry’s Sisters by Cathy Lamb is a contemporary, realistic women’s fiction novel that deals with family, strength and forgiveness. I loved this book! It was just so emotional — I cried so many times! I suggest you have tissues at the ready if you plan to read this novel.

                   

The novel was well-written, as I was able to picture Henry and Grandma running around on the lawn, sunshine filtering through the small and colourful bottles on the kitchen windowsill, and Isabelle riding her motorbike alongside the Columbia River.

I had so many favourite quotes from the novel. Some of them included:

The tears kept coming and I could feel the darkness, darkness so familiar to me, edging its way back in like a liquid nightmare (p. 22).

Trying to pull through the mass of your own emotions is like trying to pull a piece of yarn through a ball that’s all tangled up. It gets stuck, knotted, frayed, and the harder you pull it the harder the knot sticks (p. 216).

Sometimes, I think, we have to praise ourselves for simply functioning. Simply getting up to try out another day (p. 312).

I knew I had to be strong, but inside I felt like I was folding in on myself. I was devastated beyond devastated (p. 404).

                   

There was no romance in the plot AT ALL. I was a bit disappointed. I’m not a massive fan of romance, but a little bit is good. It would have been nice to know what happened to the sisters, in terms of relationships. Although there was no romance, there were other aspects of the plot that kept the story interesting. For example, humour. There was a lot of humour, especially during family dinners, but also from Grandma. Her belief that she was Amelia Earhart and that her prayers to God were doing nothing made me laugh so much. *WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER* Here is my favourite one:

‘Dear God, this is Amelia. I told you to heal my co-pilot. What are you, dumb? He’s still sick. What are you, deaf?’ She shouted that last part. ‘Get it right, God. Don’t screw up. What are you, blind? Amen’ (pp. 457-458).

There were some aspects of the plot that were relatable. These included Isabelle’s and River’s depression, Janie’s introversion and OCD tendencies, and Cecilia’s difficulties with her weight and anger. However, many of the hardships that occurred in the novel just seemed too unrealistic. This made it difficult for me to stay interested.

                                       

Isabelle Bommarito was the character that I related to most, as she came across as cold, cruel and irresponsible, but she was protective and caring. Henry was my second favourite because he was so innocent and brave:

He was completely unprepared for the shittiness of our childhood, for what had happened specifically to him, but unlike his sisters, he had learned to trust again. To hope. To reach out to others with innocence (p. 60).

Cecilia, on the other hand, was my least favourite character. She was just too aggressive, controlling and rude, as well as a hypocrite. I just didn’t like her at all.

                 

I loved reading about Henry and Grandma together; it was heart-warming. Towards the ending, this relationship becomes so emotional. I loved how Cathy Lamb created this relationship. It was just so beautiful!

Recommendation time! If you like “My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult, or “Before I Fall” by Lauren Oliver, you will love this book. I also recommend this book to anyone who liked “If I Stay” and “Where She Went” by Gayle Foreman.

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Henrys-Sisters-Cathy-Lamb/9780749007874

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The Sin Eater's Daughter - Melinda Salisbury

Began reading: 30.5.2015
Completed reading: 13.6.2015
Overall rating 4.2 stars

Twylla is special: she has poison flowing through her veins, and a single touch will kill. Chosen by the Gods to marry Prince Merek of Lormere, Twylla must obey her future mother-in-law, the queen, by playing the executioner of anyone who attempts to commit treason. Twylla’s guard, Lief, is the only person who does not see her as a monster. In the court of Lormere, no one is safe, and secrets have the power to kill. Will Twylla’s secret put the lives of everyone she loves in danger?

I recently purchased this book, and have been dying to read it. The cover is absolutely gorgeous! The Sin Eater’s Daughter is a combination of fantasy, supernatural and romance in young adult fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but there are a lot of ‘love it or hate it’ reviews on Goodreads. I have to warn you, there are references to incest in the novel.

As I mentioned earlier, I was drawn to this book by the cover. It was just so pretty! I was not disappointed. I was also intrigued from the very first sentence: “Even when there are no prisoners, I can still hear the screams” (p. 1).

                                                     

The novel was really well-written. I especially loved the quote:

I’ve learned that being alone and being lonely are not the same thing. Once I was surrounded by people and lonely for it, but now I’m alone and I’ve never been so content (p. 333).

Similarly, I loved the plot. I don’t usually read fantasy novels, but the plot of this novel wasn’t overly unrealistic. It could have done with a few improvements, but the plot kept me turning the page.

                                       

The appearances of characters and places were described in depth. I especially liked how the queen’s hounds were described:

Their mouths grin and leer and there’s nothing behind their eyes — looking into them feels the same as looking into the eyes of the men I executed this morning. They are blank, without conscience, without soul (p. 20).

I would have liked to see more of Twylla’s interactions with other characters, especially the queen. It all happened towards the end of the novel, but I really would have loved to see more between these two in the beginning. Similarly, Twylla’s interactions with her mother was pretty much non-existent. I wanted to see how they interacted. Maybe there will be more in the upcoming novels.

There was no mention or description of the context, so I imagined it to be occurring in the medieval period, especially with the presence of guards and castles. It would have been less confusing if the context had been indicated somewhere in the beginning of the novel or in the blurb.

                 

I found the numerous plot twists to be interesting, but somewhat confusing. *WARNING: SPOILER* For example, the central belief that Twylla is poisonous was ruined. SHE WASN’T EVEN POISONOUS TO BEGIN WITH! *sobs*

                    

Despite all of that, Twylla was the most relatable. She was obedient but considerate, devoted and virtuous. I especially loved when she feels jealous:

She’s very pretty. I don’t like her…

She dips her head before looking at Lief and smiling shyly. He returns her smile, gifting me with another sharp jab beneath my ribs before he closes the door (p. 146).

My favourite part of the book was definitely the beginning. It was so mysterious, and I really enjoyed seeing Twylla perceived as a monster. It made everything far more interesting. Would she use her power to poison those she doesn’t like?

Again, I would have loved to see the queen play a bigger role in the novel. She was cold in the beginning, and I loved it. I didn’t really enjoy the love triangle, but it did make things more interesting. Finally, I enjoyed the ending. It was not 100% happy endings, especially for Twylla.

If you like the Matched series by Ally Condie and “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard, you will love this book. I also recommend this book to anyone who likes “When My Heart Was Wicked” by Tricia Sterling and the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. 

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Sin-Eaters-Daughter-Melinda-Salisbury/9781407147635

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Sorceress - Claudia Gray

Began reading: 22.5.2015
Completed reading: 30.5.2015
Overall rating: 3.5 stars

The One Beneath finally has Nadia in His grasp, with Elizabeth as Nadia’s teacher. Elizabeth’s plans to bring the One Beneath to the mortal world have begun to take effect — with heavy downpours causing dangerous floods. In order to save the locals of Captive’s Sound, Nadia must feign loyalty to Elizabeth and the One Beneath; but she can feel the dark magic beginning to overwhelm her. Abandoning everyone she loves, Nadia is faced with temptations regarding the powers she could gain from becoming a Sorceress. Conflicting emotions torment Verlaine whenever she is with Asa; does he truly care for her, or is it just a ruse? It is up to Nadia and her friends to struggle against temptations; will Team Not Evil triumph over evil, or will the darkness overshadow the goodness in Nadia and her friends forever?

Sorceress by Claudia Gray is the third and final book in the Spellcaster series. Just like the first two novels, it is a young adult novel that contains fantasy and paranormal themes, with a hint of romance. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this novel as much as Spellcaster and Steadfast; however, there were still some aspects of this book that I liked.

Firstly, there was good use of humour and sarcasm, which made the story a lot more entertaining. For example, in a serious moment: “Verlaine jotted in her notebook, The meeting came to a standstill for a romantic interlude” (p. 271). I would have liked the series a lot more if there was further use of humour and sarcasm.

                                          

The ending of the book was bitter-sweet, which I loved. I was so glad when Verlaine got her happy ending — she really deserved it. On the downside, the ending seemed rushed, which was obvious in the various spelling mistakes. I was really disappointed with how the series ended. It was just a letdown, especially after the heightened interest from Steadfast.

 

The final battle in the book was something I was looking forward to. Throughout the series, the final battle with Elizabeth and the One Beneath was something I really anticipated. Unfortunately, it was confusing, anticlimactic and utterly boring. It was rushed, and nothing really happened. *WARNING: SPOILER* Basically, Nadia goes into hell and stabs the One Beneath. It was just so simple. If it was that simple all along, why didn’t it happen sooner? It was just really disappointing.

                   

The entire plot lacked enthusiasm and I found it difficult to stay interested. The fact that this was the final book of the series is the main reason that kept me reading. Sorceress would have to be the book that I enjoyed least out of the entire series. I wasn’t even able to take many notes because I was just so confused and lost.

                   

The relationship between Verlaine and Asa was the best part of the book. I just couldn’t stop reading about them! They are so adorable and they became my favourite couple in the series. They were so dedicated to each other! “Asa had gone to hell for her; she would do the same for him” (p. 269).

                                                       

I was also happy that Verlaine made a more prominent role in this novel. As I said before, I just really loved reading about her and Asa! Their relationship was an emotional rollercoaster: they had to try to kill each other, but couldn’t. It can’t get any more emotionally conflicting than that.

                                       

I didn’t enjoy reading about Nadia’s relationship with Mateo in this novel. It felt all over the place and confusing. *WARNING: SPOILER* However, I did enjoy reading about the oaths that Nadia and Mateo made to the One Beneath. That was interesting, and quite the plot twist!

                 

Time for recommendations! If you like “Beautiful Creatures” by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, then you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes “Witches of East End” by Melissa de la Cruz.

I suggest reading the first novella before this novel, The First Midnight. It will provide more background information about how Elizabeth turned into the villain. I also recommend reading the first and second books, Spellcaster and Steadfast, in the Spellcaster series. You can see my reviews for these novels by clicking on the titles.

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Sorceress-Claudia-Gray/9780732296216

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Steadfast - Claudia Gray

Began reading: 11.5.2015

Completed reading: 18.5.2015

Overall rating: 4.2 stars

Following the catastrophic events on Halloween night, Nadia and her friends had thought the dark one that is Elizabeth was defeated and destroyed. This was not the case — if anything, Elizabeth’s power had worsened. Now, ‘illness’ has spread and demons roam around Captive’s Sound. The curse on Nadia’s boyfriend, Mateo, has intensified, no longer restricted to when he’s asleep. The One Beneath has summoned Nadia to join Elizabeth on the dark side, and Nadia is finding more difficult to resist. Along with Mateo and Verlaine, Nadia must figure out what is causing the mysterious ‘illness’ striking innocent locals one by one, as well as what Elizabeth really has planned for the One Beneath.   

Steadfast by Claudia Gray is the second novel in the Spellcaster series. It is a young adult novel that contains fantasy and paranormal themes, with a hint of romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book — maybe more than the first novel.

                     

The novel was well-written, which I expected after reading Spellcaster. From the first sentence: “Nearly every gravestone in the cemetery of Captive’s Sound made a promise about forever” (p. 1), I was hooked. There were just so many good quotes.

                        

This novel was definitely an emotional rollercoaster, especially with Verlaine’s experiences. I loved it!

No one would ever, ever care about her… She was going to spend the rest of her life on the outside looking in. This horrible, clawing loneliness inside her, the thing she battled every single day…

The loneliness was going to win (p. 118).

One moment, I was on the verge of tears, and the next, I was longing for her to kiss her significant other. Unfortunately, the first novel was not like this. I just love when books are emotional roller coasters.

                      

The characters were far more interesting than in the first novel. There were appearances by new characters, which made the plot so much more interesting. An anti hero was also introduced, and I couldn’t help falling for him.

                      

*WARNING: SPOILER* Speaking of characters, I don’t understand how the witch/hairdresser in Spellcaster, Ginger, didn’t even get a mention in the second novel. Apparently, it was a big deal when Nadia found out about Ginger’s powers. Yet, when everything gets serious in this novel, no one bothers to mention her.

                     

Diversity was applied in this story, just like it did in Spellcaster. This time, prejudice against different religions was the focal point. It is always the same character that holds these prejudices, and I can’t help but think, can she please be killed off already?

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Like Spellcaster, there were too many perspectives, and many just seemed unnecessary. For example, Kendall Bender’s experience of applying makeup to her comatose sister. I mean, really?

                        

Nadia remains to be my favourite character. In this novel, she is braver and willing to sacrifice for her friends. Similarly, Verlaine remains to be my second favourite character. Their friendship has seriously improved in this novel, which makes the story more interesting. Verlaine is also classier, sassier, and played a more central role.

                        

My favourite part of the book would be the Verlaine’s section of the epilogue. I was so glad that Verlaine was able to get some happiness and romance in her life. *WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER* I think it was great that the guy was someone that she had been attracted to all along, but also wasn’t (you’ll understand when you read the book).

                       

Recommendation time! If you like “Beautiful Creatures” by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, then you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes “Witches of East End” by Melissa de la Cruz.

I suggest reading the first novella before this novel, The First Midnight. It will provide more background information about how a witch turned into the villain. I will also be reviewing the next two book, Sorceress. Keep an eye out for that!

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Steadfast-Claudia-Gray/9780061961236

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Spellcaster - Claudia Gray

Began reading: 4.5.2015

Completed reading: 10.5.2015

Overall rating: 4 stars

Too many painful memories have forced Nadia’s family to move from Chicago to Captive’s Sound, a gloomy and dull town that contains powerful magic — slowly destroying everyone and everything. As a descendant of witches, Nadia fears that the magic affecting Captive’s Sound is significantly darker and potent than her own. Following a car accident, Nadia realises that her rescuer and friend is the individual that is affected most by the strange magic. Mateo and his ancestors have been cursed, causing visions and ultimately, death. After a series of unexplainable events, Nadia and Mateo must work together to overcome forces that keep them apart, and whatever is set to destroy Captive’s Sound.

I really enjoyed this novel! I’m not much of a fan when it comes to supernatural stories, especially after Twilight, but Spellcaster challenged my prejudice. This novel is a young adult paranormal fiction, with a hint of romance.

The book had an interesting plot. I haven’t read any novels that focus around witches and witchcraft, so this book was refreshing. The novel also explained the differences between the Craft and Wicca. In addition, there is a section where a character rejects racism, and one character has two dads. This use of diversity in a novel is great! These contemporary distinctions are not commonly found in novels, so it was great to see.

                  

Furthermore, when I think about witches and witchcraft, I imagine strange spells and really weird ingredients. That was not the case in this book. There were some gruesome ingredients in a couple of spells, but they were required for evil spells so I guess they don’t really count. An example of a spell is:

The love of a child.

A living thing rising from the earth.

Hope through grief (p. 218).

These ingredients are accompanied by memories, which I thought was a great way to change perceptions of witchcraft.

                   

Plot twists played a big role in this novel, which was awesome! I especially loved how the villain was viewed as sweet and innocent, then became the subject of hatred. I was definitely not expecting that one!

                   

Unfortunately, the story seemed to be a bit disjointed. The ending was sudden, and the epilogue quickly followed. The epilogue did not explain anything about the ending. I don’t understand how everyone in Captive’s Sound could just move on after the town was almost destroyed. With this in mind, I suppose the story will continue in the second novel, Steadfast, so I will get into that book asap.

                   

 The book was also a bit repetitive. *WARNING: SPOILER* Nadia kept saying how having a guy as a steadfast was impossible. I mean, yes, I get it. You don’t need to keep reiterating it! Also, she kept going on about how the villain was totally unexpected. Yes, we get it. We didn’t expect it either, but can we please move on?

Another thing that let the book down was that there were far too many perspectives. We had Nadia’s, Mateo’s, Verlaine’s, Elizabeth’s, and a few others, including a bird’s. Um… ok? For example:

They saw two girls walking together along the street, one’s hair was black and one’s nearly white, one short and one tall… (p. 75).

I understand that it made the novel better-rounded, but some perspectives just seemed unnecessary. 

                 

I loved Nadia’s character the most, because she’s the witch. Obviously, she would be the coolest. She is caring, law-abiding, curious and brave, but she was also full of sarcasm. I felt for her when she explored her memories of her mother. 

He was worrying about the monsters less and less now. Maybe he was finally back to being a normal little kid. She hoped so. He deserved it. Mom had taken enough away from her and Dad — it wasn’t right if she took away Cole’s ability to feel safe ever again (p. 158).

She was a bit clueless when it came to her feelings with Mateo though, haha!

Nadia turned to him then. “You have… friends now. You have us. You know that, right?”

What she really wanted to say was, You have me (p. 181).

Verlaine was my second favourite. She is the cool loner, as she wears awesome thrift store clothes and has silver hair. She is an average teenager: sarcastic, smart, humorous and loyal. I loved her character so much that I created her on the Sims!

                    

They even have their own Twitter accounts! Check them out!

Nadia Caldani: @nadia_caldani

Verlaine Laughton: @verlaine_riffic

Mateo Perez: @CabotMateo

In my opinion, the friendship between Nadia and Verlaine was probably the best thing out of the entire book. I can’t wait to see how that progresses in the next book!

                   

I suggest reading the first novella before this novel, The First Midnight. It will provide more background information about how a witch turned into the villain. I will also be reviewing the next two books, Steadfast and Sorceress. Keep an eye out for those!

Recommendation time! If you like “Beautiful Creatures” by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes “Witches of East End” by Melissa de la Cruz. 

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Spellcaster-Claudia-Gray/9780062264381

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The Last Concubine - Lesley Downer

Began reading: 25.4.2015

Completed reading: 3.5.2015

Overall rating: 3.9 stars

At the age of fifteen, Sachi — an adopted daughter of the village’s headman — is chosen by the princess to accompany her in the women’s palace in Edo. The palace is home to three thousand women and one man — the shogun. It is there where Sachi finds herself surrounded by deception and jealous rivalries. These issues are heightened when the princess chooses Sachi to become the shogun’s concubine. After a series of disasters, including an outburst of civil war, Sachi and her friends are forced to leave the palace. An encounter with a rebel warrior brings forth many feelings that Sachi had no idea she could feel; but this is a time where passion and love are inexcusable. Before Sachi can imagine a life with him, she must discover her origins — a secret that includes mistakes that have the potential to destroy her.

The Last Concubine is another historical fiction novel that encompasses Japanese culture and romance. I purchased this book shortly after reading Downer’s other novel, The Courtesan and the Samurai, and I was not disappointed. However, I must warn you, there is a lot of gory material. Overall, I really enjoyed the novel.

The novel was well-written, with good use of descriptive language and philosophical thoughts. I think that this is what kept me intrigued, as it seemed reminiscent of ancient Japanese culture. Here are some examples:

…the pine trees so tall and dark, soaring upwards, the bowl of the sky so blue that it seemed close enough to touch, far closer than the pale mountains that shimmered on the horizon (p. 16).

She was on the edge of an abyss, hanging on for all she was worth. She dared not look down or she would fall for ever (p. 140).

Truly, life was nothing but a series of goodbyes, of meeting people and growing close to them, only to be torn apart again (p. 313).

Life was but the flutter of a sparrow’s wings, a momentary flicker. Everything changed; all things passed away (p. 521).

The plot was simple, as it focused on a girl who rose from a low social class, only to fall in love with someone who was forbidden to her. The idea of not really knowing who Sachi’s biological parents are is what prevents the plot from becoming predictable. It was also great to find out about Sachi’s parents through various plot twists, which kept me glued to the book.

                   

I had realised halfway through the book that Downer had intertwined characters from this book into her other novel, The Courtesan and the Samurai, which was great. I was able to learn the history of some characters, as well as their outcome after the civil war. For example, in this novel, we learn that Admiral Enomoto became some sort of government official for the imperial army. I also enjoyed learning about Fuyu’s history, and how she became the pawnbroker’s mistress and how her character came across Hana in the other novel.

                       

The epilogue was very helpful. I found out what happened to all the characters in the novel, including the princess and Yuki. Unlike Downer’s other novel, I wasn’t left with unanswered questions or wondering about what happened to particular characters.

The only issue that I had was that the novel seemed slow-paced. It really focused a lot on Sachi’s travelling experiences, which bored me a little bit. It would have been great if Downer had extended Sachi’s experiences in the women’s palace, or her experiences with the shogun. The book is 611 pages long, but Sachi’s time in the women’s palace seemed to only take up about 20%.

                      

My favourite character was Sachi, as she was fierce, down-to-earth, curious, adventurous and confident throughout the novel. I really related to her, as she had been described as having a child-like personality. My second favourite would have to be Taki, Sachi’s maid and best friend.

It was a comfort to know that in this vast palace full of women whispering and plotting behind her back, there was one person she could trust completely (p. 118-119).

My favourite part of the novel was learning about Sachi’s life as a concubine, however brief it was. As I mentioned before, it would have been great if the novel had focused more on that part of Sachi’s story.

                       

I highly recommend Downer’s other novel, The Courtesan and the Samurai. My review can be found here. If you enjoyed “Memoires of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes “The Valley of Amazement” by Amy Tan, and “The Pagoda Tree” by Claire Scobie.

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Last-Concubine-Lesley-Downer/9780552155205

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