Showing posts with label Maps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maps. Show all posts

Sunday, 4 June 2017

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (2016)

Title: Glass Sword
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series: Red Queen #2
Pages: 444
Published: Feb 9th 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen, Orion


This is one of the best sequels I have ever read. I'm sometimes critical towards sequels because there can be such a big change in the plot and narrative between the first and second book, naturally. Sometimes I prefer how a series started out than how it ended up and the first book is usually my favourite. Glass Sword however, does not disappoint in the slightest. It is easily one of the best sequels I have ever read and only adds to the story of the first book.

So many new characters were introduced and I think all of them contributed to the direction this story was taking. I took immense interest in all of them. As for Mare, her character started to scare me towards the end. I didn't truly recognise her and I almost built up a dislike for her behaviour, similar to Cal. Although I am a massive Cal and Mare fan I almost took his side at moments. Not that I didn't understand Mare, and there were good reasons for her behaviour, but naturally I almost stood back in disgust - even though I didn't want too. This is however a positive point. Not all protagonists should be liked, it would be incredibly unrealistic.

The plot has taken an incredibly interesting turn of events and this has truly turned into an action filled adventurous sic-fi. I loved how organised they were in finding new bloods and how they spent time housing them and training them. There were clearly mistakes made on the way and dangers but you'd be surprised how extremely well it was handled by such young people. Praise!

As mentioned above I am the most pleased with the fact that this is such a successful sequel. Red Queen was also extremely good but I'm just very pleasantly surprised by this satisfying sequel.

And on a side note: I totally ship Farley and Shade. No matter the ending.

Plot Summary:

I was born to kill a king, to end a reign of terror before it can truly begin.
Mare Barrow's blood is red, the colour of common folk, but her Silver ability - the power to control lightning - has turned her into a weapon that the Silver court will do anything to destroy.
With no one left to trust, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join the uprising. But Mare is treading a deadly path. Will she shatter under the weight of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?
-back of Book

Favourtie Quote:

"We seem weak because we want to" - Shade from Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books by Victoria Aveyard:

Red Queen (Red Queen #1)
Glass Sword (Red Queen #2)
King's Cage (Red Queen #3)
Queen Song (Red Queen novella)
Steel Scars (Red Queen novella)

Thursday, 1 June 2017

The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (2016)

Title: The Girl of Ink and Stars
Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Pages: 228
Published: May 5th 2016
Publisher: Chicken House


This lovely book was given to me by my mum when I wasn't feeling too well. I was lacking enthusiasm in reading any of my books at home and this book really got me back on track.

Although this is a middle grade book I personally think it is a book for all ages. It is full of magic, friendship and love and full of imagination. It is a cozy read and reminds you of how magical it is to read books for younger readers. There is a serious under tone but it does not limit the magical setting or plot.

If you haven't read the book and are planning to read it I suggest that you do not read this paragraph as I suggest that everyone reads this book without any expectations or foreknowledge. I didn't and it helped me picture this world completely with my own imagination. When I read it I had at first a hard time to picture the time period and setting. I later decided that the Island is Spanish inspired, due to the names of people and the how the setting was built up. In the beginning I believed that it was set in the middle 1800's but I later go the impression that it was mid 1900's.

I would strongly recommend this book. Especially, if you're low, want an easy read, want something magical or just want to be reminded of what it's like to be young again. Beautifully written.

If you need more convincing this book includes: maps, waterfalls, inks, stars, huge beasts, underground tunnels, myths and legends, and of course an adventure. 

Plot Summary:

Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella Riosse dreams of the faraway lands her father once mapped. 
When her closest friends disappears into the island's Forgotten Territories, she volunteers to guide the search. As a cartographer's daughter, she's equipped with elaborate ink maps and knowledge of the stars, and is eager to navigate the island's forgotten heart.
But the world beyond the walls is a monster-filled waste land - and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a legendary fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.
-Goodreads

Favourite Quote:

"India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues that you could drown in."

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books by this Kiran Millwood Hargrave:

The Island at the End of Everything