Dragons and Their Lords

So continuing with my young adult literary kick, I've finished reading Eon, Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman. It is, I believe, the first of two books. It was originally published in 2008 by Viking. I have rather mixed feelings about this one, though.

The story is fresh. It's riveting. There are very complex relationships between characters, a fully imagined world, and it's very vividly descriptive. The plot has several interesting twists and turns, following a sixteen year old girl who is posing as a twelve year old boy in order to present herself as a candidate for apprenticeship to a Dragon Lord. It has a very Oriental feel, from the twelve year calendar, represented by the ox, snake, rat, rooster, etc., to the Imperial Court full of eunuchs and concubines. I loved that part of the book. The whole concept appealed to me. Especially since the dragon that the girl is presented to rejects her, but another chooses her, totally unexpectedly.

However, I do have some serious issues with Ms. Goodman's novel. First things first, although the overall feel of the novel is Oriental, some of the names sort of, well, clash. It's rather jarring to be reading along, fully immersed in a feudal Oriental sort of environment and suddenly coming upon completely modern, Westernized names. The majority of the character names are what you'd expect to find in a Far Eastern culture...Ryko, Kygo, Ido. Most place names fall along the order of Daikiko and Ryoka. But then there are the names like Dillon, and Baret, and Brannon. In my opinion, immersion in a story is a wonderful thing. But when there's unexpected names, or a sudden departure from the "feel" of the story, it's hard to keep the flow going in your mind.

Another thing about this young adult book...I would NOT recommend this book to anyone under the age of about sixteen. There are several references to rape. One of the Dragon Lords (the bad one) finds out that the "boy" is not a boy, but rather a sixteen year old girl. So he tries to force her to do his bidding...by forcing himself into her mind. Another reference to yet another kind of rape, in my opinion. There's also a near-rape scene toward the end of the book, complete with mental dialogue allusions. And, there's one of the eunuchs (which in itself is difficult to explain to anyone under the mid-teen range) who falls in love with one of the emperor's concubines (again, explanations) who happens to be a transvestite. I have teenagers, one young teen, and one in the mid-teens. My older one, I think, could process all that. My younger one however, no way.

I am inclined to read the next book, Eona, the Last Dragoneye by Ms. Goodman, simply because I want to see what she makes of her world. But I am in no hurry to find out. There are other books that don't have such a culture clash and that make for a more relaxing read.

Starcrossed: Perigee

I've just finished reading Tracey Lee Campbell's novel Starcrossed: Perigee. It's the first in a series of three, and I must say, I can't wait until the second and third are released. Now, I'm really not a huge fan of romance novels, but I found myself caught up in this one. This young adult paranormal romance novel comes highly recommended from yours truly.

The characters are all multi-dimensional. Not one falls flat...in fact, most of them intrigued me so much, I found myself wondering if maybe Ms. Campbell would write more about each one. They're like friends you've known forever, but who still have surprising little tidbits you don't know. The main character, Lucy Doyle, is super likable and is very much a teenage girl. The story line is just freaky enough to be interesting, but not so out there as to make me just shrug off this book. The aliens are little gray men, but they have splendid powers of the mind, and twisted logics to their actions, which, all in all, makes them not-your-typical aliens.

I was hesitant about reading and reviewing Starcrossed: Perigee simply because I was afraid I wouldn't get into it, and would not be able to provide an adequate review of it. But, once I started reading, I couldn't stop. The story drew me in, quickly. There's no stopping and starting to the storyline, no sluggish chapters, no dragging lull in the action. Well written, with a great premise, Ms. Campbell's novel is a heart-racing, heart-warming adventure. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Fabulous Fablehaven

So, I know they've been out for a while, but I just finished reading Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series. I originally got the first book, Fablehaven, for my son for Easter. He's a little beyond the suggested age for the series...actually, a LOT beyond, but he enjoys reading, and I thought it would be just the thing for light reading before bed. I kind of hoped that his sister, who hates reading, would find some interest in it, too. So far, still hoping on that one!

My son picked up his book when I presented it to him, along with several dozen mini chocolate bars, and proceeded to read the description on the back cover. He seemed to be quite interested, but, since he was already in the middle of another book, I asserted my "parental right" to read his new book first. Just a side note, I usually do that! Anyway, I sat down to read, and when I next looked up, it was dinner time...with no dinner. So, I cooked dinner, all the while reading this wonderful little book I'd found. I just could NOT put it down. The characters are all very well rounded. They exploded off the page at me, shouting "look at me!" the whole time. I became very invested in the world, the action, and became enamored of the myriad mythical creatures inhabiting Mull's world.

I finished off Fablehaven in a matter of a few hours. But sadly, by that time, the library was closed. I could hardly sleep that Sunday night because the anticipation of visiting the library to get the next book was nearly overwhelming. Unfortunately, Monday morning had other surprises for me. Actually, very good surprises, but enough that I had to put off going to the library. Kendra and Seth Sorenson, Hugo, Grandma and Grandpa Sorenson all kept whispering to me during the four days I put off going to the library. Around here, when it rains, it pours. Literally. We were flooded in on Tuesday, Wednesday, and most of Thursday. But we did manage the library on Thursday afternoon. I was so excited about jumping back into Mull's world, that I made my husband drive home just so I could read.

It's now Monday, and I've finished all five books. The action keeps rolling along. The characters develop more and more. Old friends fall, new friends emerge. Allies turn to the dark side, new alliances are made with old enemies. More detail emerges about the fairy realm, about the delicate balance between the fairy, mortal, and demon worlds. Brandon Mull has packed his series with amazing people, creatures, powers, and emotions. By far, it's one of the best series I've ever read. I'm sure my kids, all four of them, will love it. I know I do. Which reminds me...gotta run to town. Hope they have the second through fifth books at the bookstore.

Excuse me, but you are??

Well, hi there! Have we met? You look familiar...no? Oh, no matter. Let me tell you about myself.

I am thirty-something and living in middle Tennessee. I'm married to an aspiring writer, who doesn't quite believe me when I tell him he's a great writer. He assumes that since I'm his editor AND his wife, that I'll tell him whatever gets him writing. He's right. I will. But, it also happens to be true. He is a wonderful storyteller, and you'll all be able to see when his first novel is published later this summer.

I have two children of my own - teenagers! And they don't quite believe me when I tell them that housework, homework, and yard work will make them adults of substance. They think I just say that so they'll stop arguing, start working, and leave me in peace. It isn't JUST that, honestly! I really do think hard work, in everything they do, will make them responsible adults.

I also have two fantastic stepchildren. They DO believe me when I tell them they're adorable and so helpful. Because it's totally true. It helps that they are both still under the double digit age when all the really frightful stuff starts to happen.

Now that I've introduced myself, let me tell you why I started this blog. I read. A LOT. My husband teases me, and my kids make fun of me...not because I read, necessarily...but because of what I read. EVERYTHING! I read magazines, sales papers, cereal boxes, books (including encyclopedias!) and everything else I find that has words. For a long time, I've told family and friends about novels I've read. Recommending, discussing, and even warnings away. My husband wants me to find a "hobby". Mostly to keep me from reading over his shoulder as he's typing. And, since I love reading and then expressing my opinions, he pushed me at the computer, and said "Blog!" So, that's what I plan to do. If you read my blog, good, and thanks tons! But if you find it's not for you, that's okay, too.