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.