Sharing Saturday Sixty-Six

I promised weeks ago to start posting regularly and with the start of 2020, I am committed to this. For my first Sharing Saturday of the year, I have decided to share with you a paragraph from a short story I am currently working on. This is the beginning paragraph. I hope you enjoy!

I wish I had left a legacy.  Don’t we all wish that? To leave something to be remembered by.  I never did that and now I will never get the chance. When my death came I had hoped to have no regrets but alas that is not true.  We all have regrets but we hope maybe it was a lesson a part of life. Something to be remembered and think back on as an obstacle successfully overcome.  But all I see as the darkness closes in on me is my mistakes. I did what I had to do to survive but I could have done more and for that, I can never forgive myself.  Maybe. Maybe there will be something beyond this life. A second chance. Wishful thinking but none of us truly know what is beyond death. I glance up one last time as a hooded face appears briefly before me but all I see is darkness until it pulls away.  Looking up, I see the ancient moon which watches indifferently as inky blackness closes around me for the final time.

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Songs from the Deep by Kelly Powell

Moira Alexander is fascinated by the deadly sirens in the waters surrounding her home. She plays her violin for them dancing on the edge of thrilling danger for a single note from a siren can send her to a watery grave.

But when a boy is murdered and the sirens are blamed Moira sets out to find the true killer for she knows deep down a human was responsible for the death. Certain that sirens were framed for the death she enlists the help of an old friend rekindling a friendship that died in secrets years ago. As the townspeople decry the sirens and prepare to hunt them down Moira must race against time to find the true murderer and reveal that monsters lie in wait on land not just in the sea. 

Songs from the Deep was an interesting murder mystery novel that told the compelling story of a girl attempting to prove that monsters lurk beyond the sea. Its premise was fascinating but at times the story was boring and the author did not take a chance at compelling plot points. It was tough to get into the story and continue it and the characters were not well developed. They were more etchings of an idea with moments of growth and insight that shone through on occasion. Having said this I liked the idea of the book and it was good enough to finish but I would not prioritize this book before other novels.

The world-building was a good idea in theory with an island of tough people used to the dangers of sirens constantly lurking beneath the waves. However, it was not well written. I could not figure out what time period the author was trying to emulate. At first, the world seemed set in a time where they did not have well-developed technology and the people were just trying to live but as the story went on the time period changed with the introduction of telephones. It was just blatantly confusing. The author furthermore did not take chances to expand on the sirens and the constant balancing scale between the islanders and the sirens. The places within the story seemed to just be there though I did enjoy the few moments the author expanded on the history and the feeling of the inhospitable land. The world-building could have been ultimately better.

The world-building was mediocre and the characters were only slightly better. They had the opportunity to grow and sometimes they did but oftentimes they just remained the same. Moira, the main character was intriguing but her character growth was stunted throughout the book. Furthermore, I could not stand the predictable romance which seemed so last minute. The characters were just there but I did like Moria’s voice. It was one of the only redeeming factors in any of the cast.

And I could not stand the progression of the book. It was questions after questions with no answers or leads. It was boring because the suspects never made sense and the evidence Moira had to go off of was minimal. When the murderer was finally revealed it all seemed so mundane and somewhat predictable but then again we never even had any true suspects or well-thought-out characters to suspect. The villain of the tale seemed cobbled together which was not fun to read and it lessened my enjoyment of the tale even more.

This story is not worth reading in the end. It was hard to get through and boring filled with questions and unsatisfactory answers that did not develop the tale.  I would have to give this book 2.5 stars and I usually love everything I read so this is very disappointing.

The Red Labyrinth by Meredith Tate

The labyrinth was built to protect but living in its shadow Zadie Kalver feels anything but safe. The maze is enchanted and filled with deathtraps, illusions, and magic. A killer called Dex stalks its corridors and Zadie stays far from it.

But when Zadie’s best friend vanishes into the labyrinth-and everyone mysteriously forgets he exists- completing the maze becomes her only hope of saving him. She brides Dex, to guide her through the maze on a terrifying journey that will change everything she thought she knew about her world.

Navigating a deadly garden, a lethal blood-filled hourglass, and other traps-with an untrustworthy murderer for her guide-Zadie’s one wrong step from certain death. But with time running out before her friend (and secret crush) is lost forever, Zadie must reach the exit and find him. If Dex and the labyrinth don’t kill her first.  I recieved this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and all opinions are my own.  This book was published June 4, 2019. 

As soon as I read the synopsis for The Red labyrinth I knew I had to read it and this book went well above and beyond my expectations. I was intrigued by the short overview of the book and it sounded similar to the Maze Runner series so I decided to read it. And it was worth staying up late up for even if I had to force my eyes to stay open. The idea behind the tale was fascinating and the characters were gritty and real, while the author stunned me with her ability to grow her characters in such a heartfelt way.

The world-building was so unique. I loved the idea of a slightly advanced civilization with people whose skills ranged into the abnormal. Add to that a deadly maze with a killer loose in it and you have a stunning tale on your hands. I particularly adored the maze and the challenges the author placed within that maze. Some of them were heart-wrenching and most of the obstacles sounded like horrible ways to die. Not to mention they were individually unique and I have rarely read trials similar to the ones placed in this book. It added a remarkable background for the masterpiece of characters.

The characters were marvelous. At first, I honestly hated the main character, Zadie who was constantly complaining about being normal. She drove me up the wall with her inability to rescue or defend herself. However, as the book went on I fell for her character. She began to see that to be brave or strong she need only rely on herself. That she can conquer the past to find a future and that she doesn’t need special abilities for she is already special individually.

It was a stunning masterpiece of young adult literature and I would recommend it to all lovers of action-packed and unique stories.

Sharing Saturday Sixty-Four

It has been a while since I have posted and I apologize.  The last few weeks have been crazy.  Today, however, I have decided to share some spooky writing.  I know Halloween was a little bit ago but you don’t have to share spooky stories just around Halloween.  Anyways, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this excerpt from my story, The Confession.  I will post the story in multiple excepts in the following weeks so stay tuned.

The premise of the story is that a grandma is telling the story of her past to her grandchildren from a second-person perspective.  This was difficult to write in and I think it would be fascinating to do a discussion solely on perspectives.  Perhaps I will do that next week and put off continuing the short story.  Which would you prefer?  Let me know in the comments below.  I hope you enjoy the paragraphs below!

You may not believe the tale I have to tell you but I swear that it all happened.  It happened in my little hometown. What town you ask? Well, this town is long gone.  It was wiped off the map decades ago. This tale is unbelievable and even to this day I am questioned and harried by those who cannot accept that there is more to this world than the facts spelled out in textbooks.  You nod and tell me that you will believe. Only after you hear my story can you make that decision. Now let me begin.

Narrington was a little town where everybody knew everyone and what happened in one’s life was broadcast.  Secrets were never kept and nothing exciting ever happened except for the one bar fight instigated by a news reporter who was desperate for anything to happen.  Well, something happened but no one was expecting it least of all me.

Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven

Every year each town and village are required to send a girl to the Empire’s capital to be burned alive.  One small village has sent the same girl for five years.  Gilene protects all the village girls with only the magic she possesses.  But the costs to her may be less than worth it?

However, it all changes this year, the year, that Azarion, a gladiator sets out to blackmail the woman who keeps returning each year to burn.  He is set on escaping from slavery and unknown to Gilene returning to his clan in order to reclaim his birthright. 

To protect her family and village, she will risk everything to return to the Empire–and burn once more.  I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  Pheonix Unbound was published September 25, 2018. 

Phoenix Unbound was an intriguingly dark tale.  Its characters were filled with feeling, fervency, and bravery while the unique and tyrannical world they lived in attempted to force them into submission.  I adored this book due to the intricate characters, and the world the author created despite the dark subject matter discussed.

The characters created this tale with their unwillingness to bend to the evil that subjugates them and the bravery they demonstrate to move beyond their past into a better future.  Gilene is a fire witch willing to sacrifice herself for her village over and over again.  Her sense of duty constantly warred with the need to be something more than just a sacrifice, a girl forever scarred and used until she dies young.  The things she went through for her village were horrific but her spirit never died.  She bravely fought to build a better world for others and herself.  One could not help but love her character simply due to the very human emotions and struggles that she faced and conquered.

And her counterpart in Phoenix Unbound was just as stunning.  Azarion, a gladiator is intent upon regaining his place and his home after ten long years of killing and abuse suffered from the Empress.  At first he was a gruff and unbending character but as the story went on we began to see his true self as a caring and steadfast individual.  I loved his character for he perfectly offset Gilene and he continued living and fighting even during the most painful moments of his life.  In the end I adored all of the characters especially the main two.

However, these characters would not be complete without the world building which shaped them.  The world they lived in was cruel and brutal.  Under the thumb of two cruel and insatiable rulers everyone suffers and Gilene and Azarion suffered more than most.  I adored the idea of fire magic which was explored in this book along with spooks and haunts.  It was unique and definitely worth the read.

I would recommend reading it for the world building was absolutely fascinating and the characters were well written.  I cannot wait to read Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven which comes out in June of 2020 and is the second book in this series.

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

Maia dreams of more than just becoming a wife and mother. She wishes to become a tailor but as a girl that is impossible. However, her chance comes when her ill father is summoned to court and she takes his place dressed as a boy.  However, she must vie with twelve other tailors for a job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia’s task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.
And the final challenge is beyond imagining. She must sew three magic gowns for the emperor’s reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.  I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and all opinions are my own.  Spin the Dawn was published on July 9, 2019.

I cannot fully express how stunning this book was. It took me on a unique and wild adventure that left my heart in shreds and a desperate longing for the next book in the series. The world-building and especially the characters wrapped around one another to create a tale that one cannot soon forget.

The world-building was a stunning creation based on Chinese culture and the Silk road. However, the magical path that the author took created more than just a country unique in its culture. She created a world overflowing with magic, demons, and legends. I have heard of tales of the essence of the sun, moon, and stars being woven into dresses and the author’s take on this was phenomenal.

And yes the world-building was gorgeous but the characters were even better. The main character, Maia was a riot of emotions that were easy to connect to and I was immediately engaged. She wanted so much in a world that offered her so little and in the journey this book shows her exploration of her desires and needs. She finds that she can be so much more. And that ending… I loved it. It was poignant. Sad yet hopeful. Promising the beginning instead of the ending. She was willing to sacrifice so much for the happiness of the people she loves and as a reader, we know that this is only the beginning of her tale.

The other side characters were phenomenal and perfectly complemented Maia.  Edan the love interest was an intriguing man who was unwilling to let go of his secrets but would do anything for her. And the other minor side characters added their little personalities to the story assisting in creating this wonderful tale.

Spin the Dawn is a must-read with its gorgeous writing and cover. However, we must wait until 2020 before this story continues in the sequel. Read the book. You won’t regret it.

Sharing Saturday Sixty-Three

Another week has flown by and I can’t believe it is already mid-July.  Today I have decided to share with you the last book I read, the book I am currently reading, and the book I plan on reading after that.  The image fits with the book I recently finished and I love it.  Have a stunning Saturday!

Last book read: Roar by Cora Carmack

Current read: A Blade So Black by L.L McKinney

To be read next: Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly

Sharing Saturday Sixty-Two

Another Saturday is upon us and today I have decided to share a few of my recent writings with you.  In the past few Sharing Saturdays, I have shared images, videos, and book release dates and covers.  I feel that it is beyond time I showed you all a portion of a recent story that I have been working on.  It follows a girl who is trying to make her way in a cruel world where women are used as sacrifices in order to please a goddess of love.  I hope you enjoy and have a phenomenal Saturday!

I stride past the competitors next to enter the arena.  Their eyes dance around trying to absorb everything at once while skating over the blood that coats the sand staining it a permanent red color.  One of the girls, a petite black-haired angel holds her sword awkwardly and I look away knowing she is going to die today.  I walk into the dark confines of the rooms beneath the arena and inhale the musty earthy odor of the caves I stand in.  They are literal caves carved out of the rock by millions of slave laborers a thousand years ago. Sackcloths cover entrances to small indented rooms where competing girls can change and prepare themselves for the multitude of rituals that make up this horrible celebration.  The plinking of water can be heard in the near silence of the corridor until the screaming of the crowd makes it indiscernible. 

 

Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

In the aftermath of a great war, cities have become roving machines whose goal is to eat smaller cities and towns in order to gain much-needed supplies.  London has been skulking in the hills to avoid bigger cities but that is about to change as a man sets into motion a new danger. 

Thaddeus Valentine, London’s Head Historian and adored famous archaeologist, and his lovely daughter, Katherine, are down in The Gut when the young assassin with the black scarf strikes toward his heart, saved by the quick intervention of Tom, a lowly third-class apprentice.  In chasing the assassin Tom tumbles down a waste chute ending up in the Out-Country.  It is the Earth scored with dozens of tracks made by the steaming cities.

He sets out on a wild journey with the scarred assassin coming to realize the dangerous truth of people, cities, and the lengths everyone is willing to go to achieve their ends.  The only question is whether he will survive long enough to stop the destruction that is about to be unleashed upon his world. 

Mortal Engines is a book within a genre I don’t normally read.  However, my cousin encouraged me to read it. Let’s just say I am so glad I did.  This book was a stunningly heart-rending tale that has left me craving for the second book.  The characters were excellently rendered but what was even better was the unique world-building.

The author created a world of rolling cities in the aftermath of a war that destroyed the world as we knew it.  The cities must survive by eating and taking from other cities and towns in order to gain the resources they need to maintain the wheels and engines that run the town.  It was an interesting look at a futuristic society where every town must look out for themselves.  There are no countries just cities rolling over the Earth with inhabitants making a living in a world of metal.  I loved this unique take even if it was hard to figure out what was going on in the first few chapters.

The individuality of this tale was carried through by the characters.  A scarred girl, an orphan whose only life has been as an apprentice, the daughter of a famous historian/scavenger, and a variety of other characters added life and color to the story.  The author showed the good and the bad sides of each character.  They weren’t perfect and one even loved the villains.  They built upon one another to create a vivid cast bringing to life this futuristic world.

Soon, after reading this book I decided to watch the movie and I cannot say that I enjoyed the movie as much as the book.  The book is almost always better than the movie and this is the case for Mortal Engines.  The movie strayed from the book on major plot points and took away from the characters the things we loved most.  Minor details and plot points were not adhered to and Valentine became the main villain when in the book he was the morally gray character who is eventually reformed.  In this movie, the ending was not phenomenal while in the book we were left in a state of shock.  I would definitely say read the book and forgo the movie.

In the end, this book was stunning and I would definitely recommend it.  It will wrap up readers in a vivid futuristic world and drag them along until the final epic chapter.  One’s heart will be broken and remade a dozen times over and one will not emerge from this tale without the memorable scars made by a wonderfully written tale.

Sharing Saturday Sixty-One

Another week has passed meaning it is once again another Sharing Saturday.  Today I have decided to share with you a song based on Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.  I feel that this song excellently portrays the book and I absolutely love it.  I would definitely recommend listening to it even if you have not read the book.  Here it is and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!