Tag Archives: Romance

The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter

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OverviewThe Bloody Chamber

Title: The Bloody Chamber
Author: Angela Carter
In: The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Year: 1979
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Oh God,’ he said.

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Synopsis

“The Bloody Chamber” is based on the legend of Bluebeard. The nameless heroine tells the story many years after the events in it happened. She narrates in present tense, going back to the age of seventeen, when she is married off to a Marquis.

Thoughts

It took me a little while to become enthralled with The Bloody Chamber. It was recommended to me by a lecturer, and, although it didn’t fascinate me in the first words, I decided to give it a go. And, in a round-about way, I’m glad that I did. This isn’t a story that I would read again and again and again. But, it is one that I would recommend to anyone who likes to read and wants to broaden their horizons.

Even a month after reading The Bloody Chamber, the story and its power sticks with me. The technicality of the writing gives you a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach from the first, opening words (or it could have just been the title). The innocence of the main character shrieks from the pages, and the words. The way that the words and prose flows, gives the entire story a musical flow that has left phrases and words spinning through my head since the moment I read the story.

<- The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories Review The Courtship of Mr Lyon Review ->
Image source: Angela Carter

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

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Overview

Queen of Shadows

Title: Queen of Shadows
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: They’d been cleaned since the last time she’d worn them years ago, the black leather still supple and pliable, the special grooves and hidden blades as precise as ever.

Synopsis

NO MASTERS. NO LIMITS. NO REGRETS.

Celaena Sardothien is cloaked in her assassin’s hood once more. She is back in Rifthold, but this time she is no one’s slave. She must delve into her most painful memories and fight for her survival, while resisting a smouldering passion that might very well consume her heart. And she will face her former master, the King of Assassins, again – to wreak revenge for a decade of pain…

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting to read this since it came out in September last year. Waiting and dying, and constantly having other, more adult things that I should be doing… so when I finally got to read this… just unbelievable, uncontrolled excitement. I made sure that I had an entire weekend free, so I could spend my days enjoying Maas’ brilliant writing. And as usual, she didn’t disappoint.

Queen of Shadows was a heart-wrenching, breath holding journey of revenge, defying the odds, and finally coming home. I loved that even though Celaena was the character I first fell in love with, her change through Heir of Fire and final transformation in the Queen of Shadows bought us to the reincarnation of Aelin. It was such a seamless transition, that I barely realised that I no longer thought of Aelin as Celaena, but rather as Aelin. This was masterfully done and made me applaud Maas’ talent and storytelling.

The love stories that made me smile and laugh so much were expanded on, I think that Maas is a true romantic, and I just love how she builds these relationships. I was even surprised at some of the turns in these plot lines – which is quite difficult to do. Not only did these tales continue, but the cast of the story also expanded. There were many more people to love and worry for – to fear for and hope for. You know that it’s a good book when you are so emotionally invested in everything that the characters experience, not just the main heroine, but the others too.

Having read The Assassin’s Blade, I loved that I was able to recognise some of the key characters in Aelin / Celaena’s past. Every time that this happened I had a moment of pure joy – I love recognising other characters, it’s like meeting a school friend.

Yet again I am left yearning for the next release in The Throne of Glass series. Bring on Empire of Storms!

<- Heir of FireEmpire of Storms ->

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Isn’t Feminism About Choice?

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Feminism

Originally published by OnDit Issue 84.5 on Monday 9 May 2016.

I once told someone to shove it when I was ordered into the kitchen, and I’ve since been called a feminist by my friends and family. I was twelve at the time. I’m proud to claim the title; for me, being a feminist is about equal rights and opportunities. It’s about the fact that my gender (or yours, for that matter) shouldn’t impact how people treat me, what jobs I can pursue or what hobbies I can have. I feel genuinely sorry for some of my more unfortunate associates who have had to stand around listening to me while I’m on my soap box.

But that’s not the soapbox I’m going to get on today. Today I want to talk about choice. As I said, to me women’s rights and the feminist movement are about giving us women equal opportunities to choose our own pathways. The career women and single mothers are obviously strongly supported in this argument – they have chosen a difficult path and stuck to it, heads held high. But what about me? What about the girls who don’t want to follow the difficult paths?

ChoicesI’m very driven and want to get a good career for myself, I’ve never depended on a man to make me feel good, and I have never acted in a specific way because it is expected of me as a woman. But I have spent the last five years defending my relationship to a wide variety of people.

Tyson and I met at a friend’s BBQ and six months later we started dating (actually we just started sleeping together, and decided we’d say it was a relationship). That one night was probably the best decision of my life. I managed to find someone who takes me (with all of my idiosyncrasies and complications) and loves me. Just the way I am. Believe me, I know how rare and special that is… there’s just one issue… he’s “communicationally inept”. Or, as I often call him, he’s a grunt-grunt-scratch-scratch-man.

FeministI’ve been told that he is an asshole because it took him over two years to admit that he loved me. That I’m somehow weak and not at all a strong, independent woman because I’m in a relationship. Or because I’m in a relationship that is with a non-hipster man. Apparently because the guy that I chose fits all the gender stereotypes, I must be a submissive housewife and that it’s somehow a bad thing. If you asked my partner, he would set you straight on that… I’m not housewifey, I’m not submissive, and according to him, I’m just generally crap at remembering to run any errands.

What I want to know is – since when did my relationship choice affect anyone but myself? Since when did mere acquaintances have the right to tell me how they feel about something that makes me happy? If you want to date a man, woman, something in between, go ahead. It’s up to you who to keep in your life to make you happy, and choosing that person doesn’t make you any less, or more, of a feminist. We should all be arguing for our ability to choose what we want, not the ability of others to choose what’s ideal for you.

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Magic’s Price by Mercedes Lackey

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Overview

Magic's Price

Title: Magic’s Price
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: The Last Herald Mage #3, Valdemar #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: What if he thinks I’m just some kind of bedazzled child?

Synopsis

Valdemar – the once-peaceful kingdom protected by the magic of its Herald-Mages – is now beseiged on all fronts. The king lies near death, the neighboring land of Karse wages a relentless war against Valdemar, and the forces led by a master of dark forbidden magic are massing to strike the final devastating blow against the kingdom.

And Vanyel, the most powerful Herald-Mage Valdemar has ever known, has become the primary target of the evil which is reaching out to poison all the land. With all his fellow mages slain, Vanyel alone remains to defend his people against the dark master’s army. yet a dream vision has revealed to Vanyel the fate which awaits should he and his Companion Yfandes take up the dark master’s challenge. And if either Vanyel or Yfandes falters, the dream will become a horrifying reality in which both Valdemar and its last Herald-Mage must pay the ultimate price…

Thoughts

I loved the entire The Last Herald Mage trilogy, and the finale certainly didn’t disappoint. Even though I knew what the ending would be from mentions in other Valdemar books, but, I still wanted to watch the entire tragedy unfold.

This stunning conclusion not only restored your faith in the world and love, but it also took you on a journey to the creation of so many things within the Valdemar world. The woods were Talia and Kris fought, the vrondi from the Collegium chronicles, the fact that the Heralds became automatically connected – it all made sense because of this story. Not only did I have the pleasure of watching Vanyel’s last stand unfold, Lackey helped me to understand so many other aspects of the Valdemar-verse that I didn’t even realise I was misunderstanding.

And then there was the introduction of Stefan – Bard Stefan who we hear so much about in the other books finally bought to life in all of his beauty and vibrancy. The moment he entered the pages, I was in love. Actually, his purity, sweetness and talent reminded me so much of one of my best friends that I just wanted to hold him.

Although I knew how Vanyel’s last stand would end – I did not expect the ending to the book. Lackey takes a feeling of disappointment (after Vanyel finally finds Stefan and vice versa) and makes it into a beautiful ending that will definitely bring a tear to your eyes.

<- Magic’s PromiseFoundation ->

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Magic’s Promise by Mercedes Lackey

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Overview

Magic's Promise

Title: Magic’s Promise
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: The Last Herald Mage #2, Valdemar #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: The Inn had certainly marked his passage into a different world, though young Vanyel Ashkevron, more than half a prisoner of his escort, had not gotten the attention that Herald-Mage Vanyel got now.

Synopsis

The wild magic

Is taking its toll on the land. Many Heralds and Herald-Mages have died fighting to preserve peace. Even Vanyel, the most powerful of the Herald-Mages is almost at the end of his strength, in need of a respite from the dual threats of war and dark magic.

But for Vanyel, there can be no reast. Not when his Companion, Yfandes, receives a summons which can’t be ignored – a desperate cry for help which draws them both into the heart of a magical holocaust in the neighboring kingdom. Almost overwhelmed by the devastation they discover there, Herald-Mage and Companion must try to unravel this tragic mystery. Is the young Prince Tashir, a newly Chosen Herald who can’t control his own magic, responsible for the destruction? Or is Tashir a pawn in a deeper, more deadly game – and, if so, will Vanyel be able to find and defeat the true destroyer before this master of dark powers can strike again?

Thoughts

It took me a while to pick this one up after the first book in this series. Actually, I had to go and read an entirely different, but happier book to be able to face more of Vanyel’s tale. But, on the same token, I was just itching to find out what happened next in his journey. And, let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed!

The book starts years after Vanyel has learnt to deal with the pain of his loss. And I say deal with, not accept. And not move on. Sometimes there is only one true love in life, and I can’t fathom losing such a one so early in life. I found that very thought to be so incredibly gut-wrenching and heart-breaking. But, also in dealing with such loss in life to serve and protect others, a kind of light and inspiration. That we may feel pain, and we may lose loved ones, but there is always someone left behind who needs you. I think that this is a tie for many people to the living world, and it very much struck me that this was the case with Vanyel.

Not only has Vanyel found a purpose in a life without romantic love, but he also has managed to gain control of an unfathomable amount of power. I loved that this was a story about a man with power – who used it for the greater good.

Even though I still think that this is the darkest series I have so far read by Lackey, I also found it to be the most inspiring. It’s true that there is no light without the dark, and I think that this is just so beautifully highlighted in this book. Just make sure you have some chocolate next to you to light your way in the darkest moments…

<- Magic’s PawnMagic’s Price ->

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Magic’s Pawn by Mercedes Lackey

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Overview

Magic's Pawn

Title: Magic’s Pawn
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: The Last Herald Mage #1, Valdemar #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1989
5th sentence, 74th page: She watched the power-barrier he had built about himself with her Mage-Sight, and Saw the pale violet half-dome waver as he turned his attention to her question and lost a bit of control over the shield.

Synopsis

Mage-craft

Though Vanyel has been born with near-legendary abilities to work both herald and Mage magic, he wants no part of such things. Nor does he seek a warrior’s path, wishing instead to become a Bard. yet such talent as his if left untrained may prove a menace not only to Vanyel but to others as well. So he is sent to be fostered with his aunt, Savil, one of the famed herald-Mages of Valdemar.

But, strong-willed and self-centered, Vanyel is a challenge which even Savil can not master alone. For soon he will become the focus of frightening forces, lending his raw magic to a spell that unleashes terrifying wyr-hunters on the land. And by the time Savil seeks the assistance of a Shin’a’in Adept, Vanyel’s wild talent may have already grown beyond anyone’s ability to contain, placing Vanyel, Savil, and Valdemar itself in desperate peril…

Thoughts

This is one of the most hard-hitting books that I’ve read in a long time. Ever since I read The Pact by Jodi Piccoult, actually. I think that it probably impacted me so heavily because Lackey investigated ideas of depression and not really believing that you are worth the air you breath. Feelings that I experienced a long time ago. This reminded me of those moments, but it also reminded me that I got through it and the strength that it can take to overcome such a debilitating illness.

This book for me was about not only dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts, but also about coming to terms with who you are. Which, for me, is a large part of overcoming such mental illnesses (I am well aware that this is different for everybody). Vanyel does this through the acceptance of his sexuality – as I said, this is a pretty hard-hitting book, not only does it investigate mental health, but also the struggles of the LGBTQ community. I haven’t read many books about this aspect of life that I have enjoyed so thoroughly and that have made me think and connect with my LGBTQ friends.

At the beginning of the book, Vanyel appears to be a very selfish, and almost unlikable hero. But, as it develops, you understand this is a coping mechanism (we all have them, and it’s fascinating how different people cope in different ways). Following him on his journey you discover more about how systematic abuse can seriously damage and change people and how the understanding of self and sexuality can be so integral to a healthy outlook on life and self. Thus far in reading the Valdemar books, Vanyel is definitely the most flawed and damaged hero. But in the end, this unique vulnerability and incredible journey is what really pulls on the heartstrings.

I haven’t felt so emotionally distraught and vulnerable after reading a book in a long time, and for that I’m glad. This was a book that made me think about my own past experiences and sympathise with what others around me are going through in their quest to accept themselves.

<- The Silver GryphonMagic’s Promise ->

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The One by Kiera Cass

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Overview

The One

Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’d like that.”

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Synopsis

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

Thoughts

Ever get to that point in the series when you just know that it’s the book that you’ve been waiting for – the time when the hero (or heroine) is going to triumph, win their lover or finally make it home? THIS was that book for me. After reading (and falling in love with) The Selection and The Elite, I knew that The One was when all my dreams (and America’s) were going to come true. But, Cass managed to add in some great twists and turns so that you were still held in suspense.

Every single time I was sure that the story was going to end in a nice little bow, Cass threw a spanner in the works – someone was attacked, someone died, someone said something stupid. While I was reading this, it was REALLY frustrating – why couldn’t America and Maxon just end up together, happy ending, icing on the cake? There were even moments that I was like “what are you doing to me?!?!” Why can’t it just happen? But, don’t let that fool you. Every single twist and turn, every dramatic pause and spanner in the works just made the finale of this book so much more gut wrenching, deliriously joyful and tear jerking.

Those moments when Maxon’s inability to just decide, and America’s talent for putting her foot in it that I found inherently frustrating throughout just made that final chapter so breathtakingly beautiful that (I’m not ashamed to say) I wept like a baby. Yes, Maxon frustrated the hell out of me, but that final commitment, that final moment was just so gooey goodness. The very indecision that was so prevalent throughout the book made every good moment more special – which I’m sure was Cass’ goal all along. After all, why write an entire novel that has no conflict before reaching the happy ending? Boring!!!

The epic journey to find love not only had me devouring this book in less than a day – it is also one of the most realistic love stories that I’ve read in a long time. Alright, we don’t all find princes and we’re not living in some far out dystopian reality, but I don’t think that love (or a person’s love story) is ever really simple. Every couple has had battles to get to that moment of peace. And even after that commitment, I’d be surprised to find anyone who isn’t still plagued with moments of doubt and conflict – it’s human nature and life. And it’s what makes those stolen glances and moments all the more precious. At least in my case.

<- The Favorite Review The Heir Review ->
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The Elite by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

The Elite

Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I was left gasping for breath after the song, so I took a seat at one of the many tables sprinkled around the room.

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Synopsis

America Singer is one of THE ELITE and Prince Maxon only has eyes for her.

If she wins the competition for his heart, she will leave her pre-destined life for a world of luxury. But the outcome is less than certain; the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls is escalating into war and bitter rivals are ready to take her down.

And as America’s feelings for Maxon grow stronger, ex-lover Aspen waits for her in the shadows. Where do her loyalties truly lie?

Thoughts

The next step in The Selection series, The Elite follows the final six girls in the competition. Those that are left were the obvious choices, since they featured more predominately in the first novel. However, their journey is just amazing. Even though you’re sure that America has Maxon’s heart, that Celeste is positively evil and that Aspen is going to continue fighting for her, every single twist still pulls at your heart.

I loved both the characters of Aspen and Maxon from the beginning, and America’s inability to decide between them comes to a head in this novel. It is the classically difficult decision to make between the familiar, comfortable past and the exciting, dangerous present. As you watch Maxon and America’s relationship deepen, you feel her fear and reluctance to let Aspen go. I was curled into a tight ball the entire time I read this, I was so tense about her decision. But, no spoilers here – you need to read the book to find out who she chooses!

As with The Selection, Cass doesn’t just focus on the romantic storyline, the rebellion is alluded to and introduced in the first book, but it is in The Elite that we begin to understand more about its complexities. This subplot starts to really gain traction and adds another layer of excitement and suspense to an already brilliant storyline.

<- The Selection Review The Guard Review ->
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The Selection by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Selection

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Would you like to say something, dear?”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

In a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels THE SELECTION is the chance of a lifetime: to compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s heart. But for America Singer it means turning her back on her secret love, and leaving home for a prize she doesn’t want.

Then America meets Maxon and all her plans start to crumble. Can the life she’s always dreamed of compare to a future she never imagined?

Thoughts

I loved The Selection on two entirely different levels. The first was just the beautiful imagery and story of this dystopian Cinderella story. The idea that a strong-willed and tough girl somehow accidentally ends up in a bid for the Prince’s hand and heart is such a Cinderella-rags-to-riches story. Even though you’re sure that she is going to develop feelings for the prince (what kind of romance would it be otherwise?), every step of the journey from The Selection to The Elite is beautiful, intricate and makes you fall in love again and again and again. Not only with the characters, but the setting, the dystopian future and Kiera Cass herself.

The other aspect of this novel that I am entirely obsessed with is the comments that Cass makes on stereotypes of class systems with the use of the eight-tiered Caste system. This reminds us that our thoughts and judgements of others according to their position in life are not always correct. Nor should people be forced to fit a certain mould because they are born into it. I thought that Cass subtly and brilliantly commented on both the current socio-economic climate and our perceptions of it. This book not only reminded me to believe in true love, but also that everyone deserves a change – regardless of their socio-economic status.

I think that America Singer is one of my new favourite heroines. I fell in love with her in the first pages and the more I got to know her, flaws and all, the more I was able to relate to her. I loved the contrasts in her character, she’s so innocent in the pursuit of love (both of Aspen and Maxon), yet so stubborn and strong in her knowledge and experiences of the world and poverty. This characterised contrast was further emphasised in the storyline – the innocence of love between people was offset by the fear of royalty and the unknown that is so heavy and obvious within the text.

<- The Prince Review The Elite Review ->
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The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas

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Overview

The Assassin's Blade

Title: The Assassin’s Blade
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass Companion
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Collection
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Roalfe croaked as she held it up in her free hand, the garnet flashing in the light.

Synopsis

Contains all five novellas.

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan’s most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin’s Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas – together in one edition for the first time – Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn’s orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

Thoughts

I loved this prequel. Side stories that were mentioned in the main Throne of Glass series are told in full in The Assassin’s Blade. We also FINALLY get to find out more about Sam – how Celaena fell for him and what happened to him. I honestly love everything about Celaena, so of course I was going to love this book. But I’m not entirely biased… or maybe I am.

I loved the format of this book; it was a series of five short stories. I liked that you could read them as entirely separate novellas, or you could read the whole lot. There was a nice thread that followed through between each story. It provided good breaks to put the book down, but it also allowed for large periods of time to pass. Unlike the main books, there are months of inaction between each story. Even though one story is the catalyst for the actions in the next, there are periods that would quite honestly be a little boring to read about.

My absolute favourite thing about this series of short stories is meeting the man who created Celaena. The complexity that Maas lends to this character is tremendous. He is impossible to completely hate, but you kind of despise him at the same time. Just read the book, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

<- More Sarah J. MaasThe Assassin and the Pirate Lord Review ->

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