REVIEW: A Map of Days by Ransom Riggs

A Map of Days by Ransom Riggs

Publisher: Dutton Books
Page Count: 480
Release Date: October 2, 2018
Format: HardCover

How got: personal buy via Amazon

First attention getter: already loved series

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

Having defeated the monstrous threat that nearly destroyed the peculiar world, Jacob Portman is back where his story began, in Florida. Except now Miss Peregrine, Emma, and their peculiar friends are with him, and doing their best to blend in. But carefree days of beach visits and normalling lessons are soon interrupted by a discovery—a subterranean bunker that belonged to Jacob’s grandfather, Abe.

Clues to Abe’s double-life as a peculiar operative start to emerge, secrets long hidden in plain sight. And Jacob begins to learn about the dangerous legacy he has inherited—truths that were part of him long before he walked into Miss Peregrine’s time loop.

Now, the stakes are higher than ever as Jacob and his friends are thrust into the untamed landscape of American peculiardom—a world with few ymbrynes, or rules—that none of them understand. New wonders, and dangers, await in this brilliant next chapter for Miss Peregrine’s peculiar children. Their story is again illustrated throughout by haunting vintage photographs, but with a striking addition for this all-new, multi-era American adventure—full color.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 4

When I heard that Riggs was writing a new Peregrine trilogy, my anticipation was through the roof. I was ready and willing to dive back into the world of Peculiar-dom with vigor. So as soon as the new book hit Amazon, I put that pre-order in ASAP and got reading as soon as I got it. For the most part, Riggs has hit a home run again. There are a few blips that bugged me, but at the prospect of more Peculiar works, I’m still game.

I adored seeing Peculiar-dom explored in America. In ways it’s a far darker place than Wight/Hollow haunted Europe as it’s Peculiar on Peculiar cruelty. The way history developed in America was FAR different than Europe due to the continuing absence of certain people and the history of racism in 19th century and early 20th America. I was kept enthralled by this history and world building, a specialty that Riggs seems to excel in.

Exploring Abe’s background and getting more details and what he really did in Peculiar America made for fascinating background and plot elements. Rigg’s suspenseful storytelling never lets up as Abe and his cohorts travel north from Florida on new missions and discoveries into Abe’s past. I couldn’t help but be pulled forward chapter by chapter as the story was masterfully told.

I also enjoyed exploring Jacob’s continuing development. Riggs does a great job in showing how Jacob starts to chafe at his status in the European Peculiar world and the continuing restrictions placed by the Ymbryne overseers of that world. He’s finding his footing in his powers and his identity as a Peculiar all while still showing traits true to his true age, that of a teenager. He’s still head strong, impulsive, and at times, childish. However, I can start to see the man he’s going to become.

The one aspect I didn’t get as much enjoyment out of was Jacob’s traveling companions. Not that I didn’t enjoy more of his cadre of Peculiar friends from across the pond but it almost felt kinda random, their inclusion into the story. While elements of the story did hinge on the peculiarities of the specific individuals, I feel like the story could have been told with less individuals to put in an opinion. It almost felt like the author was just trying to keep this new book tied to the first trilogy rather than incorporating those characters into a new story arc.

I felt like the story would have been served better if he’d shed his travel companions faster. By the end, we do have Jacob firmly on his new journey; yet I felt he could have started on that new journey sooner with more exploration given to his new situation and companions. The whole thing with him and Emma just really drove me up a tree. While a part of his growing up and shedding his old identity, it felt like an add on detail that I could have done without.

Despite this little quibble, I felt this was a great new addition to the Peculiar series. With Jacob firmly on his new journey and with more maturity under his belt, I feel like his continuing adventures will keep me entertained for far into the future. I look forward to exploring Peculiar-dom in American in far greater details and can’t wait for book two!

REVIEW: The DarkAngel series by Meredith Ann Pierce

The DarkAngel, A Gathering of Gargoyles, and The Pearl of the Soul of the World

by Meredith Ann Pierce

Publisher: Harcourt Brace & Co
Page Count: 936 all together
Release Date: 1982-1990 originally
Format: Mass Paperbacks, most recent publications

How got: personal buy from B & N

First attention getter: already fan of series

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

DarkAngel:

Aeriel is kidnapped by the darkangel, a black-winged vampyre of astounding beauty and youth. In his castle keep, she serves his 13 wives, wraiths whose souls he stole. She must kill him before his next marriage and comes into full power, but is captivated by his magnificent beauty and inner spark of goodness. Will she choose to save humanity or his soul?

Gathering:

Aeriel's love has broken the curse on the darkangel Irrylath, making him human again and freeing him from the control of his mother, the dreaded White Witch. But the Witch is far from defeated. Her wicked plans require all seven of her vampyre sons, and she will not give one up so easily. There is but a single hope for the Witch's defeat--solving an ancient, mysterious riddle. So Aeriel sets off to solve the riddle, sailing across a sea of dust and straight into the worst of the Witch's terrors. But if Aeriel is to save Irrylath and her world, she will have to overcome his bloodthirsty darkangel brothers--and ultimately confront his terrifying mother face-to-face.

Pearl:

All the world’s wisdom and magic resides within the iridescent depths of a small white pearl. “All my sorcery,” the Ancient Ravenna had said of the pearl. “It is left to you to save the world.” But is the pearl powerful enough to enable Aeriel to defeat the White Witch? Aeriel’s people have assembled an army--led by the redeemed darkangel Irrylath--and are soon to attack the Witch and her darkangel sons. But their cause is hopeless unless Aeriel can unlock the mysteries of the pearl . . . and of her own destiny.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 4

I've been hit by a wave of nostalgia lately which has triggered re-watches and re-reads all around. I initially read the series when I was in high school, late 90’s. I remember being so completely enthralled by Aerial and her struggles to save her loved ones and face down evil. I admired her courage and occasional bursts of vulnerability. Now, 20 years later, I can see where this trilogy has some flaws but my initial love still stands strong.

The plotline/setting still holds as unique now as back then. While holding some elements of your typical fantasy series (young person saving the world, unique creatures, some aspects of magic, etc.), the world and its history stand out. Set in some distant vision of the future, post colonization of the Moon, this vision of a dying world who’s creators have abandoned makes for a bleak and awe-inspiring setting for Aerial’s struggles.

The overarcing story also stands out. Elements like saving the world and fighting an evil witch may seem like they’re common place. Yet, it’s the small details that set this series apart. For most of the story, Aerial has allies, but they’re never with her for the full way. Most of the strength needed for this journey comes from her. Very unique creatures, minions of our villain, and atmosphere of the world give the trilogy a gothic, dark tone not often seen in young adult fantasy, either. This small detail makes Aerial’s struggle all the harsher as at times, she's facing her foes alone, unaided.

I loved Aerial as a character. Her courage knows no bounds, and her strength of will leaves me breathless. Ultimately, she doesn't let anything the White Witch throws at her stop her from saving her friends and world. Yet, she's also refreshingly vulnerable and lacks faith in herself at times. With so much responsibility placed on her shoulders, at times she feels lost and alone. This mix of strength and vulnerability make her a relevant character anyone can relate to.

I feel what really sets the series apart from the rest, though, is the ending. Without giving too much away (don't want to spoil anything for anyone), I will say that it's completely unexpected and so different than the usual, run-of-the-mill young adult fantasy trilogy. In a trilogy series written nowadays, it might not stand out as so different. However, the series was written between 1982 and 1990. For a trilogy from back then, it's a real departure.

While doing this re-read, though, I did notice myself having a hard time with time telling. The author uses an odd format of “fortnights” and “daymonths”. Nowhere in the book trilogy does it give any pointers on how these relate to normal methods of time telling. The reader’s left trying to suss things out for themselves given context.

As a young reader just flowing with the fantasy, this feature probably doesn't weigh that heavy against the book. Yet, as a mature reader, 20 years down the road, I found myself getting hung up on this. I kept trying to get a picture in my head of how the story was flowing and kept getting thrown out by the bizarre way of telling time. This may not be a problem with other readers, though, since it is such a small part of the book. Take that into account while we whether to read this trilogy or not.

Personally, I found this a pleasant revisitation of my early reading history. Aerial still stands as a wonderful character with hidden depths. The plot flows seamlessly in all its unique and vibrant glory. All my sweet and nostalgic youthful memories of this trilogy stand strong; even despite the issue with the time telling aspect, I would still recommend the series to readers today. People of all ages would find enjoyment out of Aerial’s tale of ultimate hope and arrival.

REVIEW: Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs

Library of Souls
by Ransom Riggs

Publisher: Quirk Books
Page Count: 458
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Format: Hardcover

How got: personal library; pre-ordered from Amazon

First attention getter: I'm an avid follower of the series already

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

The adventures that began with Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and continued with Hollow City comes to a thrilling conclusion with Library of Souls.

As the story opens, sixteen-year-old Jacob discovers a powerful new ability, and soon he’s diving through history to rescue his peculiar companions from a heavily guarded fortress. Accompanying Jacob on his journey are Emma Bloom, a girl with fire at her fingertips, and Addison MacHenry, a dog with a nose for sniffing out lost children.

They’ll travel from modern-day London to the labyrinthine alleys of Devil’s Acre, the most wretched slum in all of Victorian England. It’s a place where the fate of peculiar children everywhere will be decided once and for all.

Like its predecessors, Library of Souls blends thrilling fantasy with never-before-published vintage photography.

My Thoughts:
Star Rating - 5

Well this volume was a truly satisfying conclusion to the Peculiar trilogy, if a sad send off. I want more of this world, dang it! LOL It ties up all plot threads, adds more to the mythology of the Peculiar world, gives explanations where needed, and gives us a rousing, nail-biting conclusion that had me on the edge of my seat.

My particular favorite of this book was how much it built of the Peculiar world and its various “peculiarities”. The bit with the souls, how they’re stolen, and their ultimate uses especially made me shiver. They actually physically disturbed me. Seeing how this aspect of Peculiar life impacts everything else was eye opening. It determines how Peculiars live and survive now, what their various ultimate fates could be, and how they eventually die.

I also loved all the depth we get to Peculiar history and folklore. We learn all the answers for how Hollows came about and get to see into the stronghold of them and the Wights. The actual body that is the title of the book, the Library of Souls, was a very intriguing idea. What could really be called a religion for Peculiars gave the overall story such body and depth. It adds a mystical element to the story and world that I loved.

The characters were just as vibrant and real to me as in previous volumes. I loved exploring all our established characters. Getting an eye into Jacob’s powers as they grew and expanded was especially interesting. His powers play a pivotal role in the book’s ending but not in a way that one would expect. I was very pleasantly surprised. I also loved getting to explore Emma’s and Alma’s pasts more as well.

I also enjoyed meeting some new faces who would play big roles in the overall story. Bentham and his gray view of the world kept me intrigued; I loved exploring the Peculiar conflict through his eyes, siding with whomever could give him the better deal. Sharon was also a fun addition. I loved his special blend of humor and guts.

The whole book was filled with intense action, constant chases, frantic escapes, and a final showdown that blew my mind. Even when things slowed down to give some exposition or background, the tension level was still ratcheted up by overlying danger or from action sequences that bracketed those wordy sections. The finale to the book was mind-blowing. The reader never expects the alliances that are struck, the friends that betray, and the format in which everything is won.

This is truly a gem of a book, definitely being added to my best of 2015 shelf. It wraps up a world truly unique in fiction, not something that can be said every day. We say goodbye to characters both old and new, seeing them resolve all plot threads and predicaments by book’s end. The story overall is incredibly tense and suspenseful, keeping the reader flipping page and page in rapid succession. I’m sad to see the world end but satisfied as well. That’s a strange cocktail to feel and not one I feel after every read. Highly, highly recommended, not just this book but the whole series.

REVIEW: Spirit Legacy by E E Holmes

Spirit Legacy
by E. E. Holmes

Publisher: Smashwords
Page Count: 297
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Format: Kindle

How got: free copy from author for review

First attention getter: that author's email and that gorgeous cover

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

“The Gateway is open...”

These cryptic words wake college student Jess Ballard from a terrifying dream into an even more terrifying reality.

Jess' life has never been what anyone would call easy; doing damage control in the wake of your nomadic, alcoholic mother doesn't exactly make for a storybook childhood. But now her world has fallen apart just when it should be coming together: her mother gone—dead under mysterious circumstances; her life uprooted to stay with estranged relatives she’s never met; and there’s something odd about some of the people she’s been meeting at school:

They’re dead.

Aided by Tia, her neurotic roommate, and Dr. David Pierce, a ghost-hunting professor, Jess must unravel the mystery behind her hauntings. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more danger shadows her every move. An ancient secret, long-buried, is about to claw its way to the surface, and nothing can prepare Jess for one terrifying truth …

… her encounters with the world of the dead are only just beginning.

Spirit Legacy is the first of three thrilling novels in The Gateway Trilogy by E.E. Holmes.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 5

This book pleasantly surprised me. I got a great story with characters I like, not something that happens all the time with indie works. I’ve had some bad experiences in the past with them so it’s always a joy to find an excellent work among them. I enjoyed it so much, I already have book 2 on my Kindle ready to go.

First off, the main character is just a peach! She’s practical and no frills, handling life as it throws the many obstacles and danger at her. I liked how she approached these events with calm and rational thought, not letting the danger or excitement get to her. Her occasional vulnerable streak just added depth to her overall emotional state. I loved Jess and can’t wait to explore more of her and her world.

Her immediate supporting staffs are also great. I loved Tia! The obsessive-compulsive, research-obsessed roommate was a nice foil for Jess as she deals with all the supernatural crap coming her way. She seems to connect with Jess on a deep level and makes for a fantastic ally. I also found enjoyment in David, Evan, and others. I did find some fell into stereotypical college roles, like Gabby and her blonde, slutty, popular girl type. But those were only occasional and not glaring.

I adored the story and how the author pulled in the supernatural elements. The story unfolds in a very organic and flowing way, not being weighted down with too busy action sequences or over-wordy supposition portions. She has a great mix of coming of age, mystery, eerie ghost sightings, with a side of college life for levity. I loved her blend and how she was able to balance everything.

And then there are the supernatural elements, the cream of the book in my opinion. They’re unique and engaging, aspects not always present in a supernatural thriller. I loved the idea of Jess’ role with her family member and how that played into all that was happening with Jess and her mother’s death. It sets some great groundwork for future works in the series that I look forward to seeing. The ghosts are spine-tingling and yet sad at the same time. Your emotions are pulled into their fates and their release, or not as the case may be, with great strength.

A great balance of storytelling, supernatural, and characters, this is a great start to a promising series. I think this author has a great future and I look forward to following her in future.

Note: Book received for free from author in exchange for an honest review.