Book Review: Changeling

Changeling (Order of Darkness)
Author: Philippa Gregory
Published: May 2012, Simon Pulse
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction Fantasy
Rating: 2.5/5

Many of my blog readers know I am a huge fan of Philippa Gregory's novels. My fascination began back when I was in high school with the release of The Other Boleyn Girl in 2004. I was drawn to Gregory's ability to weave together amazing stories based on the idea of "what if?". I continued to read her novels during my years at  university and even wrote my MFA third semester critical essay about her work. When I saw she had expanded into the YA market I was a bit surprised and pleased. Regrettably, the story and writing was not the quality I expected from Gregory.

Luca Vero is a novice priest who is uprooted from his monastery and recruited into a secret sect called The Order of the Dragon. He will investigate evil across Europe and determine if it the work of Satan or of man.  His first investigation is at nunnery where a 17-year-old girls has recently been named Head Abbess. Isolde never wanted the life of a religious woman. She was to be an heiress with her own lands until her father dies and her brother claims differently. As their paths cross the embark on a journey that will take them and their companions across Europe.

While I feel Gregory has a very good premise for this book series she did not bring this novel to quality it should have been. The pacing at times was awful with some scenes too short in which the reader should have been allowed to linger with the character. I felt as if the characters were cliche and two-dimensional with a promise of depth that never came. Plot-wise the novel felt a bit too predictable at times and the characters seemed to get out of danger almost a little too easily. There was ample opportunities to bring the both plot and characters to a higher plane the author never took.

I would only recommend this book to true Gregory fans. I struggled to make it through this 272 page novel but continued in hope Gregory would change my disappointed thoughts. Unfortunately, I had to start reading her newest release The Kingmaker's Daughter to heal my aching muse. I will read the next book in the Order of Darkness series and hope it proves much better than the first.

(#20 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Interview with the Vampire

Interview with the Vampire
Author: Anne Rice
Published: 1976
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 5/5

Several years ago I remember somebody recommending Anne Rice's novels to me when they learned I was a Twilight fan. Yes, I admit it, Stephanie Meyer's books are on my list of guilty pleasure reading. Since then, I have moved on from being a Twilight fan but I never lost my fascination with vampires. After watching the movie I knew it was time to plunge into the greater literary works of vampire novels.

Louis de Pointe du Lac is a young plantation owner is New Orleans, Louisiana. After his pious younger brother tragically dies Louis wishes for nothing except death himself. The vampire Lestat offers him a different option and he accepts. Even though he knows what he has become Louis is unable to let go of his mortal values and passions. He wants to know the meaning, the source, and the purpose for his immortal existence. With his vampire child, Claudia, they embark on the journey to find vampires in the old world of Europe. Are they evil, spawn of the devil, or do they merely exist?

What I simply loved most about Rice's writing was her ability to create such a strong narration through Louis.  From the first opening paragraphs I fell in love with this character and my ability to trust him. While Rice's writing is filled with a powerful place of setting, rich descriptions and a highly risky plot none of these compare to her strong talent for narration. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the novels in The Vampire Chronicles series.

The first three books in this series can be purchased in a lovely hardbound edition from Barnes and Noble. I purchased my copy while visiting a friend in Buffalo, NY earlier this year.

(#19 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Lolita

Lolita
Author: Vladimir Nabokov
Published: 1955
Genre: Tragic Comedy
Rating: 5/5


For several years I have been familiar with the name Lolita and references to the novel by Nabokov. Japanese anime and comics that sexualize young girls is termed Lolita. The dress fashion inspired by the Victorian era is also referred to as Lolita fashion in which frills and bows are plentiful giving woman a girlish appearance. My favorite song by The Police Don't Stand So Close to me lyrics contain a reference to the novel: He starts to shake and cough/Just like the old man in/That book by Nabakov. Another band I like, The Vernoicas, released a new song entitled "Lolita" recently as well. For all the cultural references I had come across I knew it was time to read the novel.


Humbert is a scholar who never quite recovered from the loss of his childhood love and becomes obsessed with "nymphets" as an adult. When he begins to board with a widow and her twelve-year-old daughter he becomes infatuated with Dolores, whom he calls Lolita. He will do anything to have her, even marry her mother to gain access to his Lolita. When his new wife dies Humbert finds himself in the perfect situation as being the stepfather of the orphaned Dolores. Not only will he be her father, he will also be her lover.


What I loved most about this novel was the highly involved psychological plot as the reader is driven into Humbert's mentality. While desiring a twelve-year-old in modern society is considered pedophilia, a few short centuries ago Lolita would have been considered of marriageable age. What is right and wrong? Is Humbert a villain or does society's changed values only label him as one? 


(#18 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Cleopatra Confesses

Cleopatra Confesses
Author: Carolyn Meyer
Published: Simon & Schuster, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Rating: 3/5

As a child I became obsessed with royal women. While my passion has mainly stayed with British Royalty I still find the mystery and life of Cleopatra VII alluring. Since I have been reading Carolyn Meyer's Young Royals novels since I was twelve, I was happy when I heard she had taken on Cleopatra.

Cleopatra is the third of her father's children and his favorite. When  her father is forced into exile Cleopatra is left without her protector in a palace where two elder sisters despise her. In a world where family is disposable in the struggle for power Cleopatra must find a way to survive. She will survive to become the queen her father intends her to be.

While I am huge advocate for Meyer's other novels, I was sadly not satisfied with this novel. The first-person perspective seemed distant and the characterization of Cleopatra does not seem as realistic as history has recorded her. Meyer missed many great opportunities to extend the plot and deepen Cleopatra's character while she watched her sister's take control of the kingdom. At times, I felt Cleopatra was a mere observer to her surroundings and not active enough to influence her own destiny. While this book was a semi-enjoyable read I would only recommend it to die-hard Cleopatra fans or fans of Meyer's past works.

(Book #17 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I
Author: Margaret George
Published: Viking Press, 2011
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5/5

A year ago I had a squealing attack when I saw Margaret George had come out with a new novel. I first encountered her work when I was 16 and purchased The Memoirs of Cleopatra. I was in love with George's work from the moment I read the first pages. Since then I have read all her novels and was excited beyond normal human understanding when I learned her latest release was about my historical idol: Elizabeth I.

Personal and political conflict plague Elizabeth in 1588 as the Spanish Armada approaches England's shores. Elizabeth will do anything to keep her kingdom safe. As Elizabeth and her closest advisors continue the never ending quest of keeping England secure others calculate how the will benefit through her reign and beyond.

Margaret George has written one of the best novels about Elizabeth I have ever read. Instead of characterizing Elizabeth as the formidable heroine she gives us what the real Elizabeth was: a human with flaws. Over the span of this 688 page novel readers will experience the triumphs and losses of Elizabeth as she struggles between her political and private life. George's knack for fine details, setting and characterization will leave readers breathless as they see Elizabeth in the last years of her reign.

(#16 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Kira-kira

Kira-kira
Author: Cynthia Kadohata
Published: Atheneum Books, 2004
Genre: Middle-Grade, Historical Fiction
Rating: 5/5

Continuing the saga of my reading escapades on Star Island I now come to this review. After reading both novels by Lisa See I found myself facing two more days of being bookless. Another trip to the bookstore resulted in the purchase of two middle grade novels. Kira-kira caught my eye as it is a historical fiction novel about two Japanese-American sisters which won the Newbery Medal. If one wants to write for this age group one must read what is considered the best.

Katie Takeshima's whole world glitters as long as she is with her older sister, Lynne. Even as the young girls recieve stares from children and adults after they move from Iowa to Georgia Lynne reminds Katie the world glitters in some way. When Lynne falls deathly ill Katie must learn to live life as her sister wanted her to. As her family begins to break from pain and sorrow Katie finds herself looking for the kira-kira her sister always found in life.

Kodahata's novel is an excellent example of a middle-grade novel. She gives young readers a very in-depth read in which they feel the pain, happiness, fear and hope of the narrator. As an adult I found myself reflecting on the theme of this novel days after I read it. I can only imagine the impact the story would have had on me had I been able to read it as a child.

(Book #15 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Shanghai Girls

Shanghai Girls
Author: Lisa See
Published: Random House, 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5/5

I purchased this novel at the same time of Peony in Love. After reading one of See's historical fiction novels I was hoping she delivered just as well in this novel. I was not disappointed.

Pearl and May Chin are known as "beautiful girls" in Shangai during 1937. They come from a wealthy family and spend their time going to bars with friends and posing for painters. When their father decides to sell them in arranged marriage to settle his gambling debts thier lives are rocketed as Japanese bombs besiege their city. The sisters set out on a journey in which both will make sorrowful sacrifices for each other and the secret they must keep.

What I loved best about this novel was the characterization of the sisters. While the novel is told from Peal's POV she gives readers trusted insight into May's personality. The choices the girls make through the course of the novel reflects the changes they went through earlier in their lives. See has done a wonderful job through many craft elements to show the vivid, enduring, and yet changing relationship of the Chin sisters.

(#14 of the 100 Book Challenge)