Book Review: Dreams of Joy

Dreams of Joy
Author: Lisa See
Published: Random House, May 2011
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5/5

This is my first book review on this blog since May. It's not because I stopped reading the last five months. Actually, I have been reading more this year than I did last year. Sometimes, I see abandoned blogs and I can now understand why this happens. In my case, my hiatus is over and I am back in the saddle.

Dreams of Joy is the sequel to See's Shanghai Girls and continues the story of Pearl and May and their daughter, Joy. After learning Aunt May is really her birth mother, Pearl embarks on a journey to China to discover herself. After all, her whole life has been a lie so why shouldn't she look for her father and join the Communist Cause? Pearl follows her daughter to the mother country she never thought she would return to. They each discover a past neither of them could fully make peace with in the United States. As Pearl tries to show her mother-love is as strong as a natural mother, she watches her daughter throw herself into the Communist Cause and all the repercussions it bring to their lives.

See is a natural historical fiction novelist. Through the voices of Pearl and Joy she conveys the opposing views of mother and daughter with equality rarely seen in most novels. She makes full use of her setting and characters to bring her readers into Communist China to see the fanaticism and horror it brought to China's citizens. Though the plot may seem a bit far-fetched at times, See was able to bring her novel to a natural and satisfying end. For readers who love historically accurate novels, I highly recommend  they read the story of Pearl, May and Joy as they struggle to find their true joys.

 (Book #10 for 2013)

Waiting

I have been home for 52 days now. There are readers of this blog who have probably wondered why I never blogged about my life in Japan (or stopped blogging the last three months). I am a private person and I choose not to blog about my personal life very often. So, why did I not even write a blog about culturally significant things in Japan?

I simply did not want to. I decided to journal about my experiences instead. Those journal entries are for myself to read, remember and reflect upon in my later years of life.

While I was there I tried to learn as much as I could about Japan's equine culture. There were many weekends I spent at the racetrack or researching horse-related shrines, grounds, and musuems. I wish I could have gone to all of them, but life had another plan for me.

After eight months, my priorities had drastically changed. Sometimes, someone comes into your life in an unexpected way. You grow to love them so much, you have to make a decision that seems right for the both of you. My situation is a bit different from many couples I know. However, for the two of us, we are comfortable with how we came to be together. If anything, it is natural for us while others may see it as unbelievable. Someday, I will write about my story after I read a certain book.

Do I miss Japan?

Sometimes, but I know in my heart I made the right decision to return to the USA. After all, I had a plucky horse named Skye waiting for me.

And, yes, book reviews will be returning very shortly!

Book Review: The Fallen Angel Series (Books 1 & 2)

The Fallen Angel Series: After Eden (#1), Beloved Purgatory (#2)
Author: Katherine Pine
Published: 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Christian Fantasy
Rating: (Overall) 4/5

As we moved into the age of the digital book readers have seen a surge in self-publishing. In the past, self-published books were looked down on as "lesser" works as they, perhaps, were not of publishable quality. With the invention of the kindle, nook, and iPad a plethora of published books are now available with the touch of the mouse or our finger. While some books should never see the eyes of any reader, I have had the pleasure to read The Fallen Angel Series.

After Eden

Devi's life has been anything but normal. Since her twin brother, Kai, was abducted when they were children she has felt like half of her is missing. Living a secluded life, except for the companionship of her best friend, Devi spends a lot of her time reading and vising the used bookstore. One day, she meets the new owner and Oz is anything but normal. He is a demon, a fallen angel, and his love for the girl born without a soul will destroy him.

Devi will give anything to have her brother back. Even if it means working with the angel who took him. She will do anything to protect Oz.  Even if it means, selling herself to another demon.

Beloved Purgatory

She loves a fallen angel, is guarded by an angel, protected by demons, and both heaven and hell want her. Devi cannot escape the fact she and her twin brother are the antithesis of each other. Nor can she forget her father who lingers in purgatory as punishment for his sin. The sin of killing himself.

Unable to accept the fate her father is suffering and the loss of her brother, Devi decides to makes a drastic decision. She will sell herself to the demon Forneus if it means she can bring her father's soul to rest, see her brother, and save her beloved Oz.

Pine's  plot is highly character driven and readers will feel the gripping emotions and hollow emptiness Devi struggles with. Oz is a three-dimensional character whose background, personality, and feelings have probably found him a circle of reader fan girls. Pine's use of Christian theology in her plot and characters is unique and effective for the story she is writing. This makes her novels stand apart from the plethora of angel/demon novels released by big publishing companies.

The first book left me wanting to read more. While  Beloved Purgatory was still enjoyable, I felt as if some of the writing had been rushed and I started to feel a bit distant from the main character. A couple of times I had to read ahead until I felt the the writing drawing me back into the story again. While this was slightly disappointing, I will be reading the third book in this series when it is released.

(Books # 8-9 for 2013)

Book Review: Dinky, The Nurse Mare's Foal

Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal
Author: Marta Moran Bishop
Published:  Katmoran Publications (January 13, 2013)
Genre: Pets/Fantasay
Rating: 5/5

I happened across this short novel during one of my late night amazon.com horse-crazed, book searches for my kindle.  I had read about the plight of the nurse mares and foals in the breeding industry but wasn't aware the practice is still common today. Bishop's novel is not only well written but educational as it reveals the horrors of the breeding industry for race horses and show horses.

Dinky is born on a spring night. His mother tells him he will only be with her a short while and to try and remember everything she tells him. She will be forced to raise another mare's foal. When he is less than a week old Dinky is taken from his mother and forced to learn to take milk from a bucket. Then he is sent to auction where meat buyers purchase the "bi-products" of the nurse mare industry: the foals. Dinky is lucky. He is saved by a horse rescue and eventually adopted by Marta and her husband, Ken. However, Dinky's lack of social skills leads him into trouble with both his new owners and herd-mates. Dinky struggles to learn "his place" as he grows and begins to notice his humans are not always happy with him. Will he ever learn to please them?

Bishop's greatest writing talent is her ability to craft the believable first person narration in a horse's voice. Dinky's perception of humans and his surroundings is conveyed with the realistic authority needed to make this narration believable. This book will make horse owner's stop and wonder how their horse(s) are perceiving them. This novel should be read by horse lover's of any age not only for the story, but for the issue it presents. 

Should the practice of nurse mares be outlawed? By all means, this story shall convince its readers, yes. 

(Book #7 for 2013)

Book Review: The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones
Author: Alice Sebold
Published: 2002, Little Brown
Genre: Fantasy/Afterlife/Thriller
Rating; 5/5

Three years ago I asked one of my friends to go see the movie The Lovely Bones with me. At the time, I did not know the movie that left me with tears on my cheeks was based on a book. For some reason, I never did pick up that book even after I found out there was a novel. I did not expect to see this novel for sale in Japan. The rate at which I consumed this novel is something I had not experienced from any other novel I have read this year.

Susie Salmon is 14 the day her physical existence ends. In a hole in the earth she loses first her innocence and then her life. From heaven, which is a collection of the shards of her reality and earthly desires, Susie watches her family and friends. She also watches the man who killed her. Unable to communicate what has become of her, Susie sees her family as they splinter as they try to heal. Over the bittersweet years she sees how her death creates new connections between all those she loved and was loved by.

Sebold is writer who makes full use of the senses in her writing. Through Susie's observations and memories she stitches together a physical and emotional world where the reader cannot help but feel the hope, lost, pain and healing of the characters. I also applaud this writer for the subject matter she chose to write about and allowing herself to create this story. It is from stories like this one readers are reminded the wide spectrum of humanity between goodness and evil. I would encourage anyone to read this novel at some point in their lives.

(Book #6 for 2013)

Book Review: The Wolf Gift

The Wolf Gift
Author: Anne Rice
Published: Knopf, February 2012
Genre: Fantasy/Horror/Thriller
Rating: 4/5

Last summer, I embarked on my second journey of reading vampire novels. As much as I hate to admit it, The Twilight Saga was my first taste of vampire fiction. While I knew about Anne Rice's famous Vampire Chronicles (who doesn't?) I had never once picked them up. Long story short, after reading the first few pages of Interview with a Vampire Rice had gained a new fan. One day, at the Kinokuniya bookstore in Shinjuku, I saw the eyes of a wolf staring back at me from the cover of a paperback. The Wolf Gift came home with me that day.

Rueban Golding is a reporter on a assignment to write about the Nideck mansion on the rugged coast of Northern California. As he makes his way through the great mansion and all its treasures he begins to see the house as his fate. Being in that mansion will change his fate. A chance encounter will alter his body, his understanding, his relationships, and the existence he has called reality. Rueban seeks salvation in his soul as he attempts to find a balance between man and wolf. He has been given The Wolf Gift.

Rice touches on the human instinct to survive and protect, even if it means murder. While Rueban is a werewolf when he kills Rice bridges the link between animal and human. Somewhere, in modern civilization, man has lost the instincts that once helped to govern our lives. Or, is it buried somewhere, deep in the the humanity we have developed with civilization?

Readers will taste the setting of Rueban's world with with the eloquent prose Rice has once more rendered with her detailed descriptions. Rueban is a character that you can imagine standing beside you as you read the pages of his story. For those who revel in the legend and lore of the werewolf this is a novel that you must read.

(Book #5 for 2013)

Book Reviews: Island of Icarus & Lone Star

Island of Icarus
Author: Christine Danse
Published: Carina Press, November 2010
Genre: Romance/Historical Fiction/Homosexual Erotica, Novella
Rating: 4//5

Sometimes I like to read a smutty romance novel. When I read this type of book I am simply looking for a fun, quick read that doesn't involve much of my brain power to understand the story.  I read this novella and enjoyed its steaminess. Or was it the body heart from all the other passengers I was feeling?

Johnathon has not been the same since his fiancee left him. At the suggestion of his colleague he decides to head to the Galapagos Islands for some scholarly research. After his ship wrecks he finds himself on a deserted island except for the man name Marcus who saves him. Marcus is a mechanical engineer who thrives in his solitary lifestyle but welcomes Johnathon with open arms. Both men are about to rediscover the flame that draws one person to another in a place that only they can call paradise.

The most pleasure I got from this book was getting to know the two main characters as their relationship developed. Both Johnathon and Marcus are incredibly well-developed characters who touched my heart in their own way as the story progressed. The sex scenes were written in a soft, tender manner that will have fans of this pairing going "aww" inside their head.

Though I will probably never reread this novella I know it is a story I shall remember for the rest of my life.

Lone Star
Author: Josh Lanyon
Published: Carina Press, December 2011
Genre: Romance/Historical Fiction/Homosexual Erotica, Novella
Rating: 4/5

Mitch Evans is at a crossroads in his life when he discovers his lover with someone else. Not sure what to do, he leaves New York and heads down to rural Texas to take care of his deceased father's estate. The last person he expects to meet is his former lover, Web, after he crashes his rental car. Though Mitch is a successful ballet dancer he has never filled the void that Web left in his heart. Now, will they be able to heal old wounds and come together again in the unlikeliest of circumstances?

Lanyon is an expressive writer who correlates scene and character very well together. Her setting and characters reflect each other and simultaneously change together in small moments as the story moves on. For all those looking for a sweet, Texan romance story this is just the novella for you.

 (Books #3-4 for 2013)

Book Review: Destined

Destined
Author: Jessie Harell
Published: Mae Day Publishing, May 2011
Genre: YA Fantasy/Mythology, Romance
Rating: 3/5

One of my friends is obsessed with Greek mythology. She cannot acquire enough books about the Gods and Goddesses and their stories. A year ago, she helped to rekindle my childhood interest in mythology and I decided to buy a novel retelling one of the myths. That is how I ended up reading Destined by Jessie Harell in two days during my train commutes.

Psyche is the most beautiful young woman in Greece. She is visited by Aphrodite and has suitors clamoring to get a view of her sitting by her window. Soon, she begins to learn she is much more than a beautiful princess. When Aphrodite proposes Psyche marry her arrogant son, Eros, both youths are shocked and disgusted. Psyche will suffer the wrath of Aphrodite and the loving deception of Eros. How will she survive this growing trepidation called love?

The most pleasant part about this novel was the way Harell portrayed some of the gods. While Hera is normally presented as a vengeful, jealous wife in his novel she is shown as a woman whose actions come from her hurt. Aphrodite while just as ruthless, cunning and jealous as legend has her shows a tender, maternal side for her son.

What I found most distracting and displeasing about this novel was the language usage. Harell littered her novel with modern day phrases that pulls her reader out of the book. Her choice of language makes the setting and time period of the novel less believable. She did a great disservice to herself as a writer and to her readers.

No one will catch me rereading this book but I would still recommend it to fans of Greek Mythology looking for a simple, pleasant, rainy afternoon read.

(Book #2 for 2013)

Book Review: Chalice

Chalice
Author: Robin McKinley
Published: September 2008, Penguin Publshing
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Rating: 4/5

The first novel I ever read by Robin Mckinley was Pegasus. This novel was about the sacred bond between a princess and a pegasus who were the antithesis of each other and, despite their love, were  bringing their world to ruin. Intrigued by her interpretation of the Pegasus and her rich, detailed descriptions I decided to read another one of McKinley's novels. I chose Chalice because I was attracted to the simple title.

The demesne of the Willowlands is in a state of unrest after the former Master, who was a selfish tyrant, dies without issue. His younger brother is recalled from the Priests of Fire to rule the realm. The new Master is barely human as his body and soul have been given to the element of fire. His people fear him and so do the members of the Circle, except Mirasol. Mirasol has been called to act as the Chalice who binds the land, Circle and the people together with sacred rituals. Unfortunately, Mirasol never received any training and does not know how she will save the demesne from ruin. Her only hope is in trusting herself and the new Master as she pushes forward.

McKinley has a natural talent when it comes to writing descriptions. I enjoyed reading every word as I saw the surroundings of the characters through Mirasol's eyes. McKinley successfully brings her readers into the temporary existence of the novel's land. The characters were also well-rounded and enjoyable to get to know as the novel progressed. However, the ending was a bit rushed and incomplete which was a bit off-putting. Regardless, though, the novel is still a delightful read and I would recommend it to those who enjoy fantasy novels.

(Book #1 for 2013)

Book Review: Isabeau

Isabeau: a Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Richard Mortimer
Author: N. Gemini Sasson
Published: August 2010, Cader Idris Press
Genre: Historical Fiction, 422 Pages
Rating: 5/5

Since I came to Japan I have found myself reading books at a faster rate than I was back in the USA. The reason why? Japan's extensive railroad system and the fact I do not have a car here means I get to sit and read on my commutes. After I had read a few Tudor/Elizabethan time era based novels I decided it was time to give another queen's story a try.

Isabella is Queen of England and married to Edward II. When she was young, she wanted her husband to love her and for them to rule together. However, Edward the II cares more for his favorite male courtiers over his and his country. The people begin to rebel against the king's as his favorite, Lord Hugh Despenser, rises to power. When Isabella dares to speak out against Despenser she finds her four young children, her lands, and income stolen from her. Unable to bear this violation she turns to the King of France and Sir Richard Mortimer for help. Mortimer is a traitor to Edward II whom Isabella helped to escape from the Tower. They will form a bond that will change the course of England's history.

Sasson is a very thorough writer both in character and description. It is evident she has put numerous hours into researching the history and personage of her characters. I found myself being able to envision the layouts of the castles and battlefields as I read her novel. The novel is told from the 1st POV of Isabella and Sir Richard through alternating chapters and I found both narrations captivating. This novel is a page turner and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Book Review: Shattered Souls

Shattered Souls
Author: Mary Lindsey
Published: Philomel/Penguin, December 2011
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance, 336 pages
Rating: 4/5

Even though the publishing industry is moving on from the paranormal romance craze I still enjoy reading a novel from this genre. I purchased Shattered Souls because reincarnation is part of the story and I am working on a novel that deals with several reincarnated characters. I was interested in seeing how another writer handled the character's psychological reaction and development after learning they have been reincarnated. I was not disappointed in Lindsey's approach in both character and plot.

Lenzi can hear voices. She is afraid of becoming a schizophrenic like her father, who has recently died. She attempts to hide the voices from her mother and her boyfriend but the volume only increases. The voices are not in her head. She is hearing the voices of the dead who cannot pass on.  Alden comes to her wih great understanding and friendship. He knows what is happening. They are bound as Speaker and Protector and have been for several lifetimes. Lenzi is not sure she wants to be a Speaker and help the dead move on. Even more, she does not want Alden to compare her to "Rose", the person she has been. Lenzi must come to terms with her forgotten past lives as a malevolent spirit comes to try and claim her current life.

Lindsey is a talented writer and I read this whole novel in one day while riding the trains to and from work. Lindsey's characters are three-dimensional and Lenzi is an engrossing character whose strong voice pulls the reader completely into her story. The only part I did not like about Lindsey's novel was the "showing" of Lenzi's past lives from other characters. I felt as if it ruined the plot element that Lenzi is a "blank slate". Perhaps, this novel might have been rendered differently had the character faced an even greater struggle by never being allowed to see parts of her past lives.

Book Review: Lady Macbeth's Daughter

Lady Macbeth's Daughter
Author: Lisa Klein
Published: September 2010, Bloomsbury USA Children
Genre: YA Historical Fiction/Retelling
Rating: 5/5

Often, a reader learns what motivates a character's thoughts and actions as they progress through the novel. At times we think we understand a character only to have our impressions of them change as the character develops and grows throughout the story. Other times we find our understanding and sympathy verified and deepened through their pains, tragedies, strengths, weaknesses and triumphs. When I first read a book by Lisa Klein, Ophelia, I was became intrigued by her ability to look into a classic story and reconstruct and interpret a character with a new motivation. Since then, she has been one of my favorite authors.

Albia is raised in the forest by her mother and two aunts. They are wise women who know the secrets of the earth, as well as Albia's true parentage. Scotland is in a turmoil of unrest as King Duncan is murdered and Macbeth mounts the throne. Albia discovers she has the second sight and can foretell the events of the future. She also learns she is the daughter of the tyrannical new king and his wife, Lady Macbeth. Did her mother ever love her or try to save her when Macbeth ordered his newborn daughter to be left for dead? Is Lady Macbeth haunted by the loss of her daughter? Or, is she just as emotionless as her murderous husband?

Klein brings forth in powerful scenes and alternating 1st POV  narration the emotional and psychological affects the loss of a child can have on a woman. In a society where a man can take his wife's child from her and leave the child to the elements how would she react? Does she become as cold as him? Or is it all a shield to protect herself from the pain and loss? Through her characterization of Lady Macbeth, Klein brings together the clashing emotions of a woman whose heart has been broken and stitched back together with bitterness. Personally, I think Klein's strongest craft element lies in the creation of her characters. So for those who love well-developed characters with deep psychological and emotional development they might want to read Klein's novel Lady Macbeth's Daughter.