My Reading Frenzy

Goliath - Scott Westerfeld

I loved Scott Westerfeld's trilogy that began with Leviathan, continued with Behemoth, and just ended with Goliath.  The steam punk combination of World War I, Darwinists and Clankers with teen protagonists is brilliant.  The artwork by Keith Thompson adds to the charm.  As much as I love description, I also appreciate an artist's rendering.  The illustrations were illustrative (ha ha) without being obtrusive.  All the better if the author approves the vision of his story presented by the artwork.  And as much as I dislike when movie studios get ahold of great books and ruin them, I think this trilogy would make fantastic, special effects laden films.  Just as the books are multi-generational, so too would be the movies.

So enough blathering.  The trilogy ended satisfyingly, for me anyway.  With the war heating up, this book was bound to be exciting as the Leviathan travels the world on what are essentially diplomatic missions that somehow always involve excitement for Dylan and Alek.

The creatures Westerfeld has created are fascinating in their talents and uses.  I find the Darwinists much more interesting than the Clankers.  When the ship gets to the US, the separation of the Clanker North and the Darwinist South is an interesting commentary.  It is certainly believeable the North would be Clanker with its industry being a key reason they won the Civil War.  However, the Darwinist South is based on the agrarian tradition of the South, but I am not so sure the religious traditions of the South would realistically allow for the genetic manipulation of creatures by humans.  This is a tiny little part of the story, but one I find intriguing.

Dylan/Deryn continues to be an admirable character.  Alek grows into a man in this novel.  Despite the time arc of the three books being only a few months, both of these young people change quite a bit.  Their sense of honor and the behaviors it inspires are realistic and I believe relevent to current generations of young people who cannot understand the patriotism of World Wars I and II, not the glory of these wars, but the way that nations came together to support what they believed was right.  Alek's struggles as a monarch in that world are significant and mold him right before the reader's eyes. 

This really is a wonderful series that does not drag on, but knows when to exit gracefully after a barking good adventure.

Flavorwire » A Brief History of Time Travel Literature

I LOVE time travel literature.  I just do, no explanation, no deep meaningful analysis, I just love people mucking about in other times than their own and wish I could do it myself.  

Read all about it!

via flavorwire.com

Breadcrumbs - Anne Ursu

I liked this book, though I am finding it difficult to put in to words why.  It has a female heroine, she is a girl of color, she was adopted, though none of these is what the book is about.  Instead it is about friendship and growing up and dealing with the hard stuff in life when you are a kid. The whole tone of the second half of the book is lulling like the snow can be if you are out in it too long, unfortunately this feeling in snow can be one's doom, but the smooth feeling of the prose just leads the reader through the story.  Hazel is confronted with many soothing moments when she can choose the comfortable, soothing, warm path, instead of moving toward the cold to save her friend.  The question is not whether she saves him or not, but if the world to which they must return is better than the one they leave behind?

The Aviary - Kathleen O'Dell

This is a middle grade fantasy novel I have read as part of my role as a panelist for the Cybils.  I liked it for a few reasons:

1.  Non-traditional female heroine.  She is a home-schooled 12 year old at the turn of the century.

2.  The plot involves birds, a magician, a mesmerist, and a 50 year old mystery.

3.  All the main characters and most of the secondary characters are smart females, yet I do not think boys would dislike the book. 

4.  It feels ever so slightly Nancy Drewish, without all the ridiculous plot contrivances. 

5.  If the reader accepts the fantasy elements without question, there is only one plot element that challenges credulity and middle grade readers would not probably notice it. 

6.  Overall, fun and quick read. 

Crossed - Ally Condie

I was so anxious after I read Matched for Crossed to be released, luckily I calmed down because I had to wait almost a year.  Crossed did not disappoint.  It does feel like the middle book in a series, but it was a really good middle.  A few new characters were introduced who we know are going to be important before the story can be resolved.  Just as the first novel took place almost entriely in the Society, this one is almost entirely outside it.  This book has the same rhythm as the first.  A bit suspenseful, some action, but really a story of mixed perspectives (told by Ky and Cassia) on the Society and their mysteries activities, as well as the Rising and those who live between: neither a part of the Society nor part of the groups trying to rebel.  These are people who simply want to be left alone to live as normally as they are able.  Ky and Cassia must decide where they will fit if they want to be together and stay true to their beliefs. 

Cassia tends to be a character I like, but I do find her a bit selfish sometimes.  Ky is brave and strong, but vulnerable and kind just as we want in a romantic hero in a horrific situation.   I look forward to the third book with great hopes for Cassia and Ky.