The Naming by Alison Croggon

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Maerad is a slave in a desperate and unforgiving settlement, taken there as a child after her family is destroyed in war. She is unaware that she possesses a powerful gift, one that marks her as a member of the School of Pellinor. It is only when she is discovered by Cadvan, one of the great Bards of Lirigon, that her true heritage and extraordinary destiny unfold. Now she and her new teacher must survive a journey through a time and place where the forces they battle stem from the deepest recesses of otherworldly terror.

Alison Croggon’s epic fantasy, the first in the Books of Pellinor quartet, is a glittering saga steeped in the rich and complex landscape of Annar, a legendary world ripe for discovery.

Jillian’s Review:

I was really impressed with this well-written novel. The story was great, the characters were true to life, especially the main girl, Maerad. She’d been through a lot and had a fear of men  as a result, as would anyone who had been in her situation. Unfortunately, this fear remained with her the entire novel (all 492 pages) which meant there was next to no romance. But it worked because it meant Maerad stayed true to her character... I just would have really liked to have read a little bit of loven'.

I really enjoyed this read until Maerad and her instructor, Cadvan, set out on yet another journey (the story begins with a long journey) which took nearly half the book with painfully tedious detail to scenery and characters. I ended up skimming a lot just to get to the meat of the story.

When Maerad and Cadvan finally reached their destination, so many incredible things happen that it almost made the journey there bearable, almost. Though, I must say, I’m tired of reading books without endings. This was another one of those series novels that had zero resolution and probably won’t have until the last book, which I’m not sure I’ll read since this one was sooooo loooooong.

Still, The Naming is a really great read, if a bit long-winded.

 

The Singer of All Songs by Kate Constable

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Kate Constable's lyrical, acclaimed fantasy debut--now in paperback Calwyn has never been beyond the high ice-wall that guards the sisters of Antaris from the world of Tremaris. She knows only the rounds of her life as a novice ice priestess, tending her bees, singing her ice chantments, and dreaming.

But then Calwyn befriends Darrow, a mysterious Outlander who appears inside the Wall and warns of an approaching danger. To help Darrow, to see the world, and perhaps to save it, Calwyn will leave the safety of the Wall for a journey with a man she barely knows--and an adventure as beautiful and dangerous as the music of chantment itself.

Jillian’s Review:

This book kind of felt longer to read than is should have. It’s one of those travel adventure fantasies where a lot of things happen and you get a handful of heroes (like Lord of the Rings minus all the Elves and Dwarves). I did like Calwyn, though I wish she discovered her special abilities sooner so we could watch her develop more throughout the story. Darrow is a nice guy, but there isn’t nearly the chemistry that I like to see between love interests, which I guess makes this a better read for the older Middle Grade reader. Don't expect any romance, it barely has any and it's only at the very end.

I have books two and three on my nightstand just waiting for me to read. Hopefully they won’t take me as long to get through and I’m really hoping for more romance.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Jillian’s Review:

As action (and violence) packed as the first book, Divergent. There’s also a good bit of romance without too much detail. I’m annoyed that Tris thinks she has to keep everything inside and secret when every readers knows as soon as the truth comes out it will destroy the relationships of those around her. It’s one of those books that a lot of problems could be solved or eliminated all together if the characters would just talk. Thankfully the truth does come out and not at the very end, so things are resolved throughout the rest of the read. I do like though, that Tris is kind of weak in this second book just because she feels more realistic. We finally find out what this weird society is all for but have to wait until book three, title unknown to be release in 2013, for an ending (hopefully!). I'm looking forward to it, thought I'm glad I get a break from the blood and guts for a while. Best for the older Young Adult reader as there is A LOT of violence…like Hunger Games.

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

A deathbed promise to their father sends a daring girl and her brother off to war. Filled with intrigue, romance, and magic, this spellbinding novel is a dramatic coming-of-age story about a girl who rises from impoverished beginnings to take command of her own fate. “Smith tells a fast-moving tale of adventure, intrigue, and honor, with Mel a likable heroine and a lively narrator.”—Booklist

Jillian’s Review:

A well written, interesting read. The main character has plenty of room for growth but she wasn’t annoying before her growth. I love that the main girl (can’t remember her name) realizes that she’s so ignorant and wants to do something about it.

There’s some action, but not so detailed that I wanted to skip through it to get to the good stuff. Most of the characters we realistic, yet several of the minor characters probably could have been cut because we never really get to know them well enough.

 I hope to see a romance bloom where it was just barely hinted at in this first book, but I can’t find the second on, Court Duel anywhere! Anyone have a copy I can borrow?

This is a good book for older Middle Grade or the younger Young Adult reader.

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck's reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle--disguised and alone--to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past.

Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn't yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

Jillian’s Review:

I loved this story, but I had to deduct a star because of all the immorality (though not detailed, you still know what's going on), darkness, and brief swearing.

This was a great story  and the characters are true enough to life that I wish they were my friends! I loved Bitterblue in Gracelin and was disappointed that she wasn't what I remembered from the first book. I guess she needed room to grow into a strong character and I did enjoy seeing her bloom, I just think Cashore should have made her as strong, or stronger at eighteen as she was at ten.

Though this is categorized as Young Adult novel, it’s NOT for younger readers... I don't even think this should be considered YA because of its mature content.